Gathering 2025 Closed why did love put a gun in my hand ↠ disturbance

[Adderfang]

{$title} Pikestar has wandered from the main group and is spotted talking to Coalstrike.

This will take place shortly before Hawkstar's arrival as not to draw too much from that event. Adderfang is being relatively quiet, but those closest may overhear their discussion.

Closed for now, but will open after a few posts! Those guarding Pikestar or looking for Adderfang will be allowed to post before things really kick off!

His amber eyes simmered from the sidelines, half-shadowed beneath the trees sweeping roots. The noise buzzing in his ears—laughter—chatter—too many—too much. They were knats to rotten fruit, drunk on fermented sweetness.

His ears swiveled, catching bits and pieces of conversation, most blending indecipherably. His tail flicked sharply, stirring old leaf litter, while the low hum of voices and laughter raked at his nerves. ShadowClan had arrived some time ago. He watched as their tuxedoed leader sauntered over, snuggling up to Juniperstar shamelessly. So, the rumors he heard were true. ShadowClan really did have ties to the forest clan.

What a pitiful position they were in, for their enemies to have so many connections. Pikestar was a fool for believing them—for believing anything ThunderClan had fed them. Adderfang knew he was naive, but why couldn't he see the danger curled up on their doorstep? Why couldn't he understand that they were being tricked?

They were all pretending like those cats hadn't turned their claws on them not even two moons ago. Not to mention ransacking their medicine den and injuring Jinglemoon. Who was to bear the consequence for that? It wasn't ShadowClan, far as he'd seen. Not even Pikestar.

No, it was his family. His kits, who were feeling the ripples of their actions. Now, his son and daughter were suffering without the herbs that could've helped them. Wavesong almost died giving birth to them for fucks sake!

His tail switched, slapping against the dirt with renewed force. His gaze lifted and for just for just a breath, he froze.

Pikestar.

Right then, he knew he should've stayed home. But he'd come anyway—to project strength where there seemed to be a lack, and to see his warning into fruition. He'd always stubborn like that, from the day he was born.

A sharp burst of breath hissed through his teeth. His muzzle wrinkled, narrowed eyes shifting to the large black tom Pikestar was talking to. Adderfang recognized him immediately. One of the thieves from that night. Honestly, it would've served him right if that ShadowClanner chose to kill him now, but the two looked anything but tense. He watched in disbelief as they chattered, Pikestar's weasely laughter ringing in his ears.

What… was he doing?

Were they old friends now? Had he and Pineheart and Littlebrook not bled because of those fox-hearted bastards? His jaws clenched, the edges of his vision tilting.

With a grunt, he rose to his paws and started down the slope, roughly pushing past those in his path. His hackles prickled with tension, the fire in his chest singing the roof of his mouth. Familiar voices spoke in his direction, but he brushed them off. Sharp eyes flick between Pikestar and then to ShadowClanner only briefly before he gets between them, drving Pikestar back with a light bump to his shoulder. "What do you think you're doing?" He hisses sharply under his breath, head craned close, heated breath blowing against the leaders ear.

Adderfang ignores the other tom completely, back turned to him, tail lashing out to cut more space between the two. "What's next? Sharin' prey with the bastards? Maybe offer them a spot in your nest while you're at it?" A snarl gargles up in his throat, like the crackle of branches in a violent storm.

If Pikestar wanted to walk into that honey-glazed trap alone, that was fine by him. But the silverfish didn't get to drag the rest of his family with him, not anymore. "Need I remind you my kits are sick right now, and we don't have the herbs to treat them? But I'd bet you forgot all about that, didn't you?" His jaw is stiff with restraint, teeth flashing with every other word.

@PIKESTAR (@Iciclepaw and @Coyoteclaw also have permission to post)

___________________ There wasn't a wrong or a right he could choose 𓆟 He did what he had to do ________________

• "speech" - thoughts
  
  

• 

• Adderfang he/him & riverclan
  𓆟 Chocolate ticked tabby w/ amber eyes. Peppered with scars. Deep gash across the right side of his face exposing one canine slightly. Missing left ear.
  𓆟 Deep gravelly voice that might unsettle others.
  𓆟 Would and will kill a man.
  𓆟 Peaceful and healing powerplay permitted. For other powerplays, DM.
  𓆟 Fur smells faintly of river reeds and damp earth.
  
  
  penned by Scarlet​

 

[PIKESTAR PIKESTAR]

Coalstrike was an interesting cat to say the least. As much as Pikestar wanted to keep Shadowclan interactions to a minimum out of spite, he decided against it. This gathering was a prime opportunity to gather intel on Shadowclan. If any of Sabelstar's warriors attacked all hell would break loose, but after meeting with the Shadowclan leader and observing him... It was safe to say he wasn't worried about the chance of a Shadowclan warrior attacking any cat at the gathering. After all, Sablestar despised cats who went out of line. Not to mention this was an event held by Juniperstar. He wasn't sure about the true nature of their relationship and didn't want to make an assumption that they were romantically involved... But if Sablestar liked Juniperstar, then he wouldn't want any of his warriors to cause issues or at least ones that were manageable.

In any case, when Coalstrike approached he did not turn the warrior away. The heist was not brought up. Pikestar saw little point in bringing it up considering their clans have come up with an arrangement. Besides, he didn't want the other warrior to grow quickly frustrated when there was much to ask. Such as learning about what prey and predators were common. A little about the territory, which was understandable. He didn't expect Coalstrike to share so readily, but whatever information Pikestar could grasp was useful. Useful in piecing together the enigma that is Shadowclan. To make understand it a little better. Of course, he could ask Sablestar himself but he was occupied with Dustystar. It's also just more of a hassle trying to figure out speaking with him.

Surprisingly, Coalstrike is able to make him laugh. The funniest thing is that the Shadowclan warrior didn't even say anything remotely funny, so what made Pikestar laugh? Why it was how Coalstrike's manner of speech changed when they were less guarded. The black warrior may have had a confused expression, but Pikestar would never know. The apology he has prepared along with a jest will never leave his maw.

Grunting as he's bumped into, taking a pawstep back only to hear a familiar hiss... Oh. Great. It's you.

"Talking,"

he answers while creating distance between them so Adderfang is not so close to his ear. It quickly becomes apparent that Adderfang is pissed at him for speaking to a Shadowclanner. The snarls following his next set of words only proving it further, though Pikestar says nothing in response to his outburst. Interrupting now would frustrate Adderfang more. There is something more important than the notion of him inviting Shadowclan to their territory on Adderfang's mind. And so, Pikestar waits. Green eyes never leaving amber.


Its with a heavy sigh and shake of his head that he finally answers,

"Need I remind you this is a gathering. Fighting isn't allowed here. This whole event was arranged so we can all coexist with one another. To understand each other better, hold each other accountable, and inform each other of dangers in the forest. All our clans desire the same thing. Survival."

Yes, that is why Shadowclan stole from them. While it is true that they committed a crime, they needed herbs to tend to their sick and wounded. Was Shadowclan supposed to sit idly by and accept a herb shortage? To watch their clanmates perish with only a sorry we don't have enough herbs as a reason? Of course, if one cared for their clan they would do anything in their power to ensure its survival. Didn't mean he agreed with the way they went about it. However, what was done was done. All they could do now was move forward.

"That's why we should be civil with the other clans. We don't have to tolerate them."

On the matter of kits, it is rather cruel that Adderfang would bring them up.

"I haven't forgotten about your kits. They've been on my mind before they were even born."

All Pikestar has ever shown was concern and care for the kits. He tried to be there for Wavesong during her kitting, but it was because of Adderfang himself that he was unable to support a friend. Everyone else was allowed to be there for her, but him? He was excluded. Did he understand? Yes, but Wavesong was the one delivering the kits. She had more of a say than he did about who should and shouldn't be there? I've been visiting them with Peachy. How are you say I forgot about them!

"The best I can do now is ask the other clans if they're willing to spare some herbs for your kits. I doubt any medicine cat brought herbs so the gathering, so you'll have to wait. Everyone is working as best as they can, but we can't make herbs appear immediately."

What do you want? Do you want us to drop everything and leave before Skyclan even gets here to find herbs? We've searched our territory relentlessly! Herbs take time to grow! Besides! Its far more dangerous in the dark! Do you want us to waste more herbs on warriors who get hurt trying to look for herbs in the darkness?

This was going to turn into a big scene if he didn't put a stop to it. Sablestar was already more than aware of how divided his clan was, but he didn't need the other clans to witness how dysfunctional they were with one another. It was bad enough that Coalstrike was going to be a prime witness to this as well as a few nearby cats.

"Is there anything else you have to say? I'd rather not have you shove me every time I try to have a civil conversation with a cat you don't like. This isn't Riverclan, we have other clans watching us. If you have problems with me, you can scowl all you want here, but we can talk about it when we are back home. In Riverclan's camp."

A reminder is given. Either Adderfang takes it and says his piece and then they can quickly discuss it here, or the tom shuts up and waits for Riverclan to return home before grilling Pikestar for every interaction he's had during the gathering.

𝐨𝐨𝐜 𓆩♱𓆪 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭

• PIKESTAR

  — leader of riverclan, former shipyard cat
  ♱ 39 moons — he/him — ages realistically on the 1st — mentoring iciclepaw
  ♱ speech is

  "#00caa2"

  — thoughts are italics — attacks are underlined
  ♱ short haired silver mackerel tabby with green eyes
  ♱ peaceful & healing powerplay permitted — underline & tag when attacking
  ♱ penned by velou — kasaven on discord — open to plots & dms
  

 

[Iciclepaw Iciclepaw]

ICICLEPAW

Just close your eyes, the sun is going down... You'll be alright, no one can hurt you now

Iciclepaw had remained close to Pikestar's side, paws silent but heart pounding as the gathering swelled with voices and shifting tensions. The comfort of earlier warmth was quickly dissolving into a crackling storm, and he could feel it building in the air, tight, suffocating, heavy with something unspoken. He knew his mentor wanted him to make friends, talk to other apprentices... But not yet, not yet... Maybe next time. For now he felt the most safe close to Pikestar or Russetfall.

Then came Adderfang. The tone shifted instantly. Iciclepaw startled at the intrusion stepped back a bit, eyes wide. Adderfang wedged himself between them all like a thorn-studded wall. The warrior's voice was sharp and venom-laced, his words rasping with bitter heat. Iciclepaw's ears flattened instinctively at the venom in his tone, he wanted to look away, to back off, to not be standing so close to this... But he didn't move. Not far, at least.

He watched, wide-eyed, gaze flicking between Pikestar and Adderfang. The anger was palpable, like lightning flashing behind clouded eyes and Iciclepaw felt a wave of helplessness crash into him. The words stung even though they weren't directed at him, and he felt small, like a kit stuck in a storm far bigger than he could comprehend. But then came that line about Adderfang's kits. The desperation under the fury. And that, more than anything, struck something deep in him.

He swallowed hard, then softly, so softly it almost disappeared beneath the hiss of anger he dared to speak. " W-we're… we're working on it… L-Littlebrook... A-and Jinglemoon... A lot of us are working on it... " His voice wavered, but it was there, clear and real and trembling with sincerity. His eyes shifted from Pikestar to Adderfang, then van to Pikestar again in the hope that he had done right with the words spoken. Pikestar's words were also very true... They shouldn't fight here, they had to remain civil!

He didn't know if his words would be enough to calm the storm. But he wanted to try. He had to try. Even if his voice was small, it still mattered… didn't it? So he stood his ground, just beside Pikestar, shoulders tense, ears pinned, but present. Because he didn't want to disappear into the shadows this time.

═════════════⊹⊱ ⟡ ⊰⊹═════════════

 

[Adderfang]

What Pikestar flung back at him sounded more like the whining of an angsty kit talkin' than a leader. Again, he went off talking about things he didn't understand. "You even know what that word means?" He spat, fury boiling behind his teeth. "I can tell by lookin' at you that you've never really had to fight for nothin'. You've never struggled. That's why you're so trustin'. Why you can't see it like I do." From the time he was born, he'd fought for every scrap he's had. He'd starved and freezed and bled, sometimes all at once.

Pikestar shows greenness. He's more wet around the ears tha a newborn kit, and If he could see it, so could every other cat with a struggle or two under their pelt. ShadowClan, especially, being the ragged bunch of snakes they were. Sooner or later, they'd take him for everything he had.

"You wanna know what this is, really?" He swept his gaze over the gathered cats briefly. "It's not a social call. It's a trap. A chance for them to bleed information out of us so they can better take advantage of that soft heart of yours. Look around you. These aren't our friends. They don't want peace. They're more acquainted with each other than us." He shook his head.

"Yeah, they're friendly now, but what about when snow starts falling and there's no prey to share? They stole herbs from us already, so what do you think is next? You think they won't slit our throats in the night if it means keepin' their own kits fed?" Adderfang knew the hard truth. Because if it were him? If his kits were starving? He'd do the same.

But that wasn't the problem wasn't it? Pike couldn't understand. He didn't have any kits or a mate or any family he'd be willin' to bleed for. He didn't have to struggle like Adderfang did. He wasn't even willing to do the bare minimum and heed even a shred of the advice they'd offered him.

The silver tom had sure been happy to lean on him when they were scared and needed guidance after the shed collapse, but now that they were out of imminent danger, his advice meant nothing?

What was he on the council for? Why did he even have a council when he wasn't willing to consider the warnings they shoved into his ears time and time again? No, instead he wanted to play with his friends and make sandcastles.

"The best you can do?" He scoffs bitterly, "That and all your 'best' I've seen up til now is right pathetic, Pike. No... my kits won't wait and neither will I, not anymore."

Iciclepaw gets no more than a twitch of his ear. Far as he's concerned there's no one else but him and the silver tom standing there. He was past the point of caring who heard him. ThunderClan, ShadowClan, SkyClan—it didn't matter.

Blades of grass are shed as he presses into the tom's space once again. Adderfang wasn't done. Not by a long shot. Pikestar would hear him this time, whether he liked it or not. "No." He took another step forward, teeth clenched tight. "We're gonna talk about this now. Not back at camp. Not later. Right. Now." He hissed, drawing up above the silver tom. "You will listen to what I have to say." He lurches forward, claws unsheathing, ready to block Pikestar's path should he decide to move away again.

"Wavesong almost died giving birth." He snarled. "My kits ARE dying. You've had plenty of time to do something. To make ShadowClan answer for what they did, but you haven't. You went and talked to them, but for what? I don't see them returning what they stole or holding their own accountable. You really think they don't have the means to replace it? Bullshit. They're predators and they took advantage of our perceived weakness, of you." His voices frays, just for a second. He's scared. Terrified. He should've convinced Wavesong to leave with him moons ago, but she can't loose another home, and he can't lose her. Now he has to do something. He can't let things continue on their current path.

Something had to give, right now, right here, one way or another.

Adderfang quickly gathers himself, voice stilling, growing colder with every passing heartbeat. "You're a fucking coward and you'd rather suck up and lick their chops like a mutt than ruffle any pelts." He leans forward, drawn up over the silver tom, eyes glinting dangerously. "You wanna play leader but you don't want none of the responsibility that comes with it." The tom narrows his eyes. "So now I'm telling you. That if you don't have spine for this, then step down. Make room for someone who does." His chest heaved, fire burning through his ribs. Every word out of Pikestar's mouth, every excuse and 'wait and see'—it was wearing his patience thin. He should've nipped it in the bud a long time ago, but he'd waited. A mistake.

Pikestar could talk about peace all he wanted, but what about war? Was he ready for that? What would he do when some cats worse than ShadowClan came barreling into their camp? Cause last he checked Pikestar hadn't lifted a claw when the fighting broke out. That wasn't any kind of leader he wanted to follow, nor one fit to protect his family.

___________________ There wasn't a wrong or a right he could choose 𓆟 He did what he had to do ________________

• "speech" - thoughts
  
  

• 

• Adderfang he/him & riverclan
  𓆟 Chocolate ticked tabby w/ amber eyes. Peppered with scars. Deep gash across the right side of his face exposing one canine slightly. Missing left ear.
  𓆟 Deep gravelly voice that might unsettle others.
  𓆟 Would and will kill a man.
  𓆟 Peaceful and healing powerplay permitted. For other powerplays, DM.
  𓆟 Fur smells faintly of river reeds and damp earth.
  
  
  penned by Scarlet​

 

[Coalstrike Coalstrike]

Small talk had never suited him. Droll. Tedious. Grating. But still, curiosity gnawed at him like a rat at carrion. He wondered, just faintly, how RiverClan had fared after the heist. Not that he brought it up, of course not. Sablestar had made himself clear: civility was expected. So Coalstrike would be so civil, he might well vomit after this wretched Gathering. He spoke with Pikestar, exchanging shallow words. A casual mention of coyotes. A quiet nod toward shared wounds. Just enough to wedge in a sliver of empathy, subtle. Truth be told, he cared little. Marbleshine had no place among them to begin with. The fox should've finished the job, but fate had proven uncooperative once again.

And then, without warning... Him. The wiry little firebrand wedging himself between Coalstrike and Pikestar, sparking like dry twigs in a flame. Ah yes, Adderfang. The one who burned too bright, too fast. Coalstrike had known he'd combust on his own, given time. As the moment spiraled and even a frail apprentice tried to intervene, Coalstrike slowly lifted a paw, amused by the display. He turned his gaze toward Pikestar, and spoke, calm and silken with a look that spoke only of worry, almost seeming geniune. " Oh dear… A touch of discord within your Clan, young leader? "

His voice was laced not with malice, but a mock-worried softness that was all the more cutting. He blinked slowly, feigning innocence. " Perhaps I should step aside, leave you to sort things out. I was under the impression this was a time for peace. For unity. But it seems your own don't quite share that vision. " He paused just long enough for the tension to tighten. Then he dipped his head, closing his eyes for a moment.

" I do apologize… for the state of one of your warriors. I hope she recovers soon. "

___________________ I DON'T FORGIVE, I DON'T FORGET ☆ A wound's a warning, a debt is a debt. ___________________

• "speech"
  

• 

• COALSTRIKE he/him, shadowclanner, sixty-six moons.
  ☆ a lh black cat dangerous amber eyes. has a mane around his head, is huge [ grandiose ]
  ☆ mentoring vanillapaw
  ☆ loyal to sable, despises thunderclan
  ☆ peaceful and healing powerplay permitted / / underline and tag when attacking
  ☆ penned by lion ↛ lionharted on discord, feel free to dm for plots.

 

[Coyoteclaw Coyoteclaw]

———————————— 'Cause everything moves, everything pulses. ✦

Coyoteclaw had been distracted a little between trying to keep an eye out for Scalepaw and observing as other clans approached, it took the huge freak of a cat seeming to take interest in something that she finally tuned in.

To her sheer horror, Adderfang seemed not only to be starting shit at a peaceful get-together but was basically taunting Pikestar. She groaned with a growl, side-eying the giant tom before getting to her paws and weaselling her way into the frankly pathetic argument that she was sure Adderfang had instigated, since that's all he seemed to be able to do these days.

"Fuck me, read the room, you fish for brains." She snarled, a low quiet huff as she stared down Adderfang, having shoved him back from looming over Pikestar. "Are you trying to start shit? What, do you want Pikestar to get pissed back at you just so you can point and jeer to the rest of us that he's some unstable moron?"

There was one thing Coyote got exhausted about fast: it was cats who acted out just to try to get a reaction out of someone. She tried not to get too heated; it would do nothing but lead to more issues, especially with more cats huddling into the opening. Her amber eyes trained on the life guard, a sorry excuse for one if he was so determined to start shit with his own clan.

"What have you done for your kits? Have you gone to help with gathering herbs? I hear that you did nothing but make it worse, shoving cats out of the medicine den, you can't go about blaming cats who have been trying to fix the actions of bastards who deserve your ire." Her whispered snarl was punctuated with a glance at the giant tom, he had no right listening in, but she wasn't going to be the one to start shit either, it seemed like Adderfang had that in control since he can't listen to a single thing anyone tells him to do.

"What? Like anyone would want you as a leader. You can't keep the peace with your own clan in a peaceful gathering, Starclan forbid how emotional you'd act the moment you've got to decide what a whole clan does in a pinch." She sneered. "And I know Pike ain't perfect, no one is. But between the two of you, only one got chosen to lead us, and I would rue the day I have to see Riverclan be led by a sorry excuse of a tom like you."

She stepped back, and there was a fury she didn't realise had been building. Coyote didn't think she had much of a stake in Riverclan, let alone how much of her heart had been caught by these cats she slowly saw as friends, but seeing an asshole of a tom that Pikestar had trusted to lead alongside him treat him like some immature kitten trying to join in a warriors conversation when he was instead the chosen leader for the clan. It was infuriating. She felt sorry for Wavesong and those poor kittens, if he couldn't keep his shit together talking to his higher up, Starclan forbid how shit of a father he would end up.

Ah. Maybe that's why she found such rage towards Adderfang. She had seen this before in her own father; she didn't like to bring her own personal life into all of this, but if Adderfang acted like a cat, she swore to take down the next one she saw him, then he was already in an unavoidable downward spiral. She scoffed. He was a lost cause in her eyes, no use in arguing with someone who seemed to think he never did anything wrong.

She side-eyed the tom again, letting out a huff as she tried to keep her voice cool, speaking up a little as if they weren't in the midst of an argument. "Oh, we believe this is a time for peace, but excuse Adderfang since it seems he's forgotten that fact." The warrior glared at the life guard, she would probably get a good argument of her own when they returned to camp, but then again, she had settled in her mind that Adder was a lost cause; she could tune him out.

— So many angles, so many lines,

So many ways to see the sunrise. —

• 
  Coyoteclaw
  ✦—Riverclan Warrior | 20 Moons
  ✦—She/Her
  ✦—"SPEECH", 'THOUGHTS', ATTACK
  ✦—A chocolate/cinnamon chimaera with low white, and amber eyes.
  #8E4C1A

 

[PIKESTAR PIKESTAR]

Coalstrike was trying to rattle him, he knew it. There was no genuine care behind those words. Not like he expected much from the older Shadowclan warrior. Still, the words cut deep as intended. Pikestar was indeed young. Younger than most of the leaders, save for Dustystar. However, none would look at Dustystar and assume she was the youngest due to the manner she carried herself with. It was always him, lacking in one way. Whether it was being too young, too inexperienced, too naive, too spineless, and too cowardly. And yet, the stars chose him in spite of his failings. What they saw in him remained to be a mystery, one he shoved aside. Pondering the reason why while everything was actively going to shit did nothing for Riverclan.

It takes everything in him not to hiss at Coalstrike.

"I apologize for having to cut our enlightening conversation short, and thank you... For your kind words. I hope we can carry on where we left off in the future."

Nothing else is shared between him and the hulking Shadowclan warrior. There was no need to. Both understood there was no genuinity behind their words.

Back to the matter at hand. Adderfang is furious. It was no secret that Pikestar himself didn't have similar struggles like the life guard in question. There was even a point in time where Pikestar had to be trained not only by Adder but other warriors in how to fight and defend himself. Did he excel in either? No, but he learned enough to at least put up a decent fight. It was almost amusing how the scar across his nose didn't indicate some sort of hardshipn he faced, but he could only guess that his own personality deterred many from that line of thought. As a matter of fact no one asked him how even got this scar in the first place. He could only imagine they'd come up with a reason for it. Perhaps, one where he slipped and fell awkwardly. In any case, he ignores Adderfang's comment about him entirely. Only opting to focus on the other warrior's thoughts in regards to the gathering.

"If what you say is true... That this all just a social trap, then I would've brought Riverclan regardless. After all, we can bleed out information from the other clans as well. Lets face it. Riverclan is already on its hindlegs compared to the other clans. Like you said Thunder, Wind, and Shadow already know each other. Isolating Riverclan from the other clans does have its benefits, but we will give the other clans the opportunity to catch us by surprise. How would we know if Shadowclan and Windclan or any clan for that matter is planning to strike us? We'd only know when its already too late."

As much as he wants to bring up herbs and how some can only be found in other clans, he decides to forgo it. What Adder is more concerned about in this moment are the other clans clearly. Namely, the harm they can bring to his family.

As for the topic of slitting throats.

"They won't. First of all, Hawkstar has honor. She will never do something as low as slitting our throats open. If anything she would arrange a battle in the morning. She's stubborn and prideful as they come and will only ask for prey to share when the situation is extremely dire. Juniperstar on the other paw has no desire to make enemies. The river is dangerous enough for those who don't know how to swim, but in the darkness? Its more than likely she would hunt elsewhere, a place that is not claimed by any of the other clans. She, very much like Hawkstar will hold off on asking any favors. Dustystar is allied with Sablestar and they are neighboring clans. Why would she go through the effort of marching to Riverclan when Shadowclan is there? They've already planned on hunting together, so I doubt Sablestar would deny her clan at the very least scraps of food."

He sees where Adderfang is coming from. Its still very much a possibility for the other clans to slit their throats while they slumber. After all, nothing is certain in life. Even if there was a high unlikelihood it was still possible. However, what Adderfang is failing to consider is the big picture. The long term consequences.

If Adderfang tried to retort about the lack of Shadowclan in his reasoning, Pikestar would cut him off himself.

"While it's true that Shadowclan stole from us, they wouldn't slit our throats at night. Sablestar... Loves to have things in order and for it to be done efficiently. I very much doubt he would order a patrol to come to Riverclan due to how far our clans are. His warriors would be wasting more energy that should be preserved. If anything he would order his warriors to simply hunt in our territory at night, not slit our throats. Slitting our throats would only cause more trouble for him in the long run. Juniperstar is already more than unhappy with him. The last thing he wants is for her to march to his clan. It is simply more beneficial to him to look to Windclan for aid than mess with Riverclan again."

The answer is not taken well. Is there even anything he'll take well at this point? All Pikestar can do is watch as Adderfang huffs and tells him how pathetic he is. How his kits will not wait. How Adderfang himself can't wait anymore. Pikestar's eyes narrow at the unsheathed claws, before he's forced to look up at an ever looming Adderfang. For the first time what he feels instead of fear is exhaustion. He is tired of trying to reason with a tom who refuses to listen or even consider. Fine. It's not like you're giving me much of a choice.

Coyoteclaw shoving Adderfang aside startles him, but its only because of this does he remember that they are in a gathering. There are others nearby either listening and pretending not to look, or those who are actively avoiding the commotion. He is grateful for the breathing room that Coyoteclaw graces him with. The notion that Adderfang wanted to rile him up only to point a paw at him and show how much of a unstable moron he is, hadn't occurred to him. If anything, most cats already believe that. In the end, it didn't matter. He needed to try and diffuse the situation as best as he could. That is why he refused to lash out at Adderfang, no matter how much he wanted to.

"Put your claws away, Adderfang. We'll talk about it now."

Apparently, things could become a dumpster fire in under five seconds with Coyoteclaw's comment. Did she have some good points? Yes, but this was Adderfang. The tom who cared his family more than anything. To throw his kits and how he failed them? Knowing that they were currently ill? If she wanted to say this, then she should've done it at the very beginning when he wasn't one spark away from combusting. He isn't even given a chance to find his next set of words as Adderfang continues to hiss at him, while Coyoteclaw is hissing Adderfang. CAN YOU BOTH JUST STOP?! THERE'S TOO MUCH GOING FOR ME TO EVEN KEEP UP WITH! Am I happy to hear she'd rather have me than Adder, sure, but NOT AFTER INSULTING HIM THE WORST WAY POSSIBLE! He was already mad enough, so WHY ARE YOU RILING HIM UP MORE?

Heavy silence passed between all three of them.

"I never asked to be leader. I was chosen. If you consider my kindness as weakness, then I'm sorry to tell you its because of my weakness we are here in the first place."

His gaze remains focused on Adderfang as he continues,

"When Starclan visited me the first time not only did they tell me I was destined to become Riverclan's first leader, but they told me where to find our new home. I could've left everyone behind at the shipyard and saved only myself. You've seen how abundant our new home is. I wouldn't struggle much finding food or shelter, but... How could I? We spent moons surviving together. Most adults went hungry for a couple of days just trying to make sure the younger ones get fed, and we all slept under one roof. I refuse to abandon you all. To leave you all to suffer while I alone get all the spoils. You all mean so much to me."

This was something Adderfang could never understand or maybe he simply refused to see. Perhaps, that is why Starclan hadn't chosen him to lead. What they saw a cat who could hold no room for love in his heart besides his mate and kits. That alone was no crime, but it would cloud Adderfang's decisions. He would only be acting in the best interests for his own family, not the collective. Even now, Riverclan was suffering due to Adderfang's actions. Maybe I should make this clear enough for him to understand.

"I want all of us to rise together."

"Adderfang? I won't step down as leader."

Not until I make this right, and if this is what everyone wants. Though, I'm not really sure how I'd pass along the rest of my lives to Frostmoth? I'm really not looking forward to having to die a lot quickly if that's the case. There's gotta be another way, right?

"I am going to speak with Sablestar more firmly tonight to resolve our herb issue. If he refuses to listen, then I'll pester him each and every day until he's grown exhausted of me lingering by his borders. And if he continues to refuse, then I'll bring along Juniperstar with me. He would have no choice in refusing anymore with her present. However, you're still going to have to wait."

No matter how much Adderfang wanted those herbs, it wasn't possible right now. If he was desperate, he should look for them himself like Coyoteclaw suggested. It was evident that this gathering wasn't for him, so why stay? He could take Pineheart and Jinglemoon with him as they searched the forest to try and find something.

Speaking of Coyoteclaw... She's addressing Coalstrike while riling up Adderfang again. Breathe Pike. Just breathe. We can speak with Coyoteclaw about this later. I know she means well, but there's a point where you're just asking for trouble.

Once again he does nothing in regards to Coyoteclaw, which may only serve to aggravate the life guard further. Hey, at the very least he wasn't joining in with her. Now comes a difficult decision. He's been considering it for awhile now, but tonight has only solidified it. The only reason why he held off for so long was that there were more pressing matters.

"I know you love your family Adderfang. No one here is ever going to deny that, but your responsibilities as a life guard is keeping you away from them. I think more than anything, you need rest and to spend as much time with your family. They need you. That is why tonight will be your final night as a member of my council."

𝐨𝐨𝐜 𓆩♱𓆪 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭

• PIKESTAR

  — leader of riverclan, former shipyard cat
  ♱ 39 moons — he/him — ages realistically on the 1st — mentoring iciclepaw
  ♱ speech is

  "#00caa2"

  — thoughts are italics — attacks are underlined
  ♱ short haired silver mackerel tabby with green eyes
  ♱ peaceful & healing powerplay permitted — underline & tag when attacking
  ♱ penned by velou — kasaven on discord — open to plots & dms