Orangesky's Journey to the Moonpool

[Shadewing]

Orangesky trod along the Moonpool Stream, looking at the three cats who had him protected. There was no scent of danger, only of ThunderClan's overpowering smell. He knew that he couldn't just make a deputy without know what they were like. He didn't look at the cats, but kept on walking forward at his normal pace as he spoke to them.

"I brought you all along with me because I though that you were all great warriors, and that you could possibly become deputies. I just want to talk to you three a little bit so that I can decide who to pick easier. So feel free to talk to eachother or something.. this isn't a vigil, after all." Orangesky meowed to them, still not turning to face them. He personally didn't know what to say, and he hoped that somebody in the group had the courage to talk about something. Otherwise, he'd be right back where he left off, with less time to decide who to choose as deputy.

[Quick Fox]

Winterwind looked at his paws. He wouldn't deny Orangesky his company, but he wasn't feeling particularly talkitave. It wasn't Orangesky's fault, but he wasn't very fond of him right now. He didn't want to be deputy; surely Orangestar would outlive him, and the chance would just be snatched away from him again. It was bad enough once, and when he looked down from Starclan on the day that hedied, and saw Orangestar there, picking a new deputy, it would be awful.

"Well, it's, uh, pretty cold. Huh?" he asked, trying to make conversasion without making himself a better choice for deputy. It was lonely and quiet without anyone else talking, and it felt like he was in his own world. His own, lonely, cold world. And that wasn't just his world - it was the world of other clan cats, jut like him.

[Shadewing]

Orangesky flicked his ear back at Winterwind's attempt at conversation. The weather. Of course.

"Yeah, it is leaf-bare. I'm not going to lie, I'm nervous about becoming leader because of this leaf-bare. It's colder and longer than any I've been through.." Orangesky commented. The cats were all light enough to walk upon the hard, crusty snow, which was good for stealth, but it was too bad that wasn't what they were going for. Besides, it was cold and slippery. "I can't wait until new-leaf."

Orangesky's front paw slipped, but he quickly caught himself, and placed his paw down, digging his claws into the snow. "Slippery patch right here.. look out."

[sandfire]

Snowpatch's fur rippled against the wind as she shuttered, biting down on her teeth before they chattered. She was growing old, and the cold was nipping under her coat. "Of course it's cold," she said shortly, flicking her ears. Her voice was as sharp as ever as she agreed. "It's the middle of leafbare, what do you expect?" Her honey yellow gaze shifted back to Winterwind, her whiskers twitching.

She was glad to be out and going somewhere for once. The brisk path they set out on was almost... exciting. She hadn't gone anywhere so important in so long. She padded along shortly behind Orangesky. With Nightstar gone, perhaps Windclan would finally be set right again. They would need every scrap of Starclan's guidance to get along in these times... Her pelt prickled again, this time not just because of the wind.

((Nyaah, been cut off D: sad. Oh well.))

She paused when Orangesky slipped slightly and nodded, unsheathing her claws as they treaded forward over the slippery patch. "Newleaf will come. It always does... Nothing to be nervous about. Starclan is guiding us, they'll give you strength." Perhaps that icy spot was just a sign of that. He could have fallen, but yet he didn't. Maybe she was merely trying to convince herself things were going to get better.

[Quick Fox]

Winterwind made a quick connection. Either Orangesky was hinting something for Snowpatch, it was just a misfortunate pairing of words, or it was a sign from Starclan. A slippery Patch of Snow. Snowpatch. Whatever it was, should it be the first or the third, it meant something.

Which meant he should feel relieved that he didn't have to be deputy again.

But he didn't. He wouldn't lie, he didn't want to be deputy anymore, but... maybe something inside of him did. No matterwhat, he just decided to give up. That couldn't have been a coincidence. He'd just tag along, stand guard while Orangesky, not him, recieved nine lives, and then he'd head back and be happy for Snowpatch the deputy. He could already predict how the rest of his life would play out: no mate, just dying a refular warrior. And that really sucked.

Snowpatch snapped at him, and he wanted to retaliate, but no. Not at the next deputy, hmm? He just dropped his gaze and muttered 'yeah' under his breathe. This was worse than he thought it'd be. Maybe he was the only one who'd noticed Orangesky's little clue, or whatever it was. Whatever. He'd just tune out, maybe go back and just serve his clan right like he should. Without any grudges.

Somewhere in this he had an idea togo to Shadowclan, but pushed it away. He'd probably be killed there. So he'd just live out the rest of his life a lonely warrior who nabody thought was right to lead the clan, or anything. Damn.

[Twilight]

Goldface's soft long haired pelt walked behind Orangesky, but in front of Snowpatch. He had caught the Snowpatch hint, but it did not worry. Whether or not he would become deputy, he knew he would easily be outlived by Orangesky. His pawsteps were soft, and even when he jumped over the slippery patch, his lithe form landed softly with hardly any thud. He was older than Snowpatch, but he still had a good few moons in his WindClan body. He was glad for those moons though, which only meant more to add to his achievements. He had a small limp in his back leg from the previous battle and the cold only made it worse.

He had stayed silent for the journey so far, until he finally spoke up. "Newleaf has always and always will come, if StarClan has anything to say about it." his deep voice sounded strange compared to the light male voices and the female voice that had shone brightly before him. "hough I must say, normally I would have scented some signs of Newleaf by now, but there has been nothing. Of course, if you count in the warmer days, yeah there has been signs, but nothing else. It is still bitterly cold and the prey is still in their burrows. That is the sign of Leafbare. We are not through the worst of this leafbare yet, I fear. But, that is just the mutterings of an old tom. Don't mind myself."

[Shadewing]

"You're not that old, Goldface. Not as old as say, Sandfire. Is she still even alive?" Orangesky wondered, thinking about the flame red medicine cat for ShadowClan. She had ruined her back leg on the journey to the lakes, and she hadn't really been heard of since. He stopped thinking about ShadowClan, and dwelling his mind of such petty things.

Orangesky flicked his ear. Snowpatch might come across as rude to some cats, but he did need a strong cat to support him. "I'm not doubting new-leaf's arrival. Just, a late new-leaf means less kits, and less Clan cats for the rest of the leaf cycle."

[Twilight]

Goldface kept padding along at the same pace, never faltering through the new leader's curiosity. "Yes. She is. In fact, I spoke to her at the last gathering. She is doing quite well, besides for the fact that the cold is greatly hindering her movement. She seems quite well tempered for a cranky ShadowClan elder." he laughed at the last comment, his gutteral sound bringing warmth to the cold night. He had a habit of referring to old folk tales of other clans, and applying the to everyday life.

[Shadewing]

"Ah, that's good to hear. I heard she was fair. Except for when we were fighting over Blackpaw." He didn't want to talk about Blackpaw, since he didn't know much about the Black Butterfly, or whatever they called her. Orangesky was small when she was a huge issue in the Clans.

Orangesky padded along, and finally looked back at his cats. Goldface was keeping right up, actually nearly on Orangesky's tail, which made him uncomfortable, Snowpatch was just behind Goldface, keeping her distance a little or just not wanting to cut in front of him. And Winterwind was in a cloud of despair trailing behind. Orangesky looked back ahead of him.

"Goldface, if you were deputy, what would you try to do first? Like, should we deal with FireClan first? Or work on our warriors? When he's done, feel free to state your opinions too, the rest of you."

[Twilight]

Goldface carefully considered the situaton, before finally answering his leader. "Really, if you think about it, it's a no win situation either way. If we wait and take care of our warriors, so to does FireClan. If we fight them head on immediately, more of us will die. Yes, more FireClan cats will die as well, but I myself am not willing to risk the precious blood of our warriors on a silly rogue clan who thinks they can rule with just power. If I had the choice, and the information, I would easily tell them what would scatter them, and let them go. If they reformed, our warriors would be better fit to fight them. Or, as I see it, we can give them a good piece of information that will make them go away forever. Sort of something along the lines that they have the entire old forest. They should be happy with that. Though I do know they won't go away that easily." He paused, thinking more. "Though with either way you look at it, the two things that we have that they don't is the warrior Code and StarClan. Plus, our leaders have more than one life to lose, and theirs doesn't. He only has one. He was a clan cat once. I remember him as an apprentice from gatherings. He was quite nice, but he always thought that the Warrior Code and StarClan were to binding fr the clans' way of life. That in itself is a weakness we can somehow learn to manifest to our better advantage." He finished, swishing his tail, thinking, his eyes tracing around them, keeping an eye out.

[Shadewing]

"The Old Forest isn't occupied anymore, Goldface. They know where it is, they were the reason we live here today. It would be useless information to them. I think that FireClan's more interested in taking us over." Orangesky meowed, only shortly after noticing that he could have given Winterwind or Snowpatch the upper paw in the situation, from dispelling one possibility. He cringed, but luckily he wasn't facing the cats, so it was something only he knew he was ashamed of for saying.

Winterwind's out. He's just too sad. If we lost a battle, what would he do? Threaten to kill himself like Ravenpaw said Dustfeather did? Snowpatch and Goldface, however, still look good.

[Quick Fox]

Winterwind padded along, looking at the ground. He didn't want to be deputy, but, maybe he did... He should give it a try. Worst case scenario was that he was right, and Snowpatch ended up getting the job. Or Goldface. It didn't really matter, because unless he started trying he wasn't going to get the job anyway. Even if Orangesky - Orangestar - outlived him, which he probably would... he should try to serve his clan.

With a sudden burst of renewed energy, he bounded forward. He caught up quickly, digging his claws into the ice, and was soon with the group. Now he felt like talking. A positive thought entered his mind - he'd die without ever being leader, but he could still redeem himself by being deputy. Maybe then he wouldn't feel so sad anymore. And then when he went to Starclan, he could turn to Nightstar, without a grudge, and say 'hey, you made the right choice', and be done with it. Yeah!

"Well, Goldface is right. It is a tough situation, but... my thoughts would be to let our warriors wait. We don't want to weaken our clan with battle after battle. Think of it this way - once Cloudrunner gets back, first we would run things by him, see what Starclan is saying - whatever. Then, we would heve to send out large patrols, you know, in case of any attempts to attack. We'd have to wait until we're ready, and let the rest of the clans heal, so that we can all attack together and get rid of Fireclan once and for all. Besides, we know Shadestar, and he wants nothing more than to be in power. Sooner or later he'll realize that he's not in power of Fireclan, things will get out of hand for him - and then maybe, just maybe, we'd have Shadowclan on our side too.

"I don't know. It's just a thought. But, we can't risk losing warriors like that. Even if Fireclan end up healing up too, we need all the clans to drive them out. If we have three weak clans against two weak clans, if you count Shadowclan, we then the odds aren't great. But, if we all get time to heal up, and give Shadwoclan a little time, who knows? It could be four strong clans against one strong clan. And technically, Fireclan will never, ever have the upper hand. Because they don't have Starclan." he mewled.

He was done being all 'have pity on me' kitty. He would stand up for himself. Hopefully, to Orangesky, it would show. With the way Snowpatch had snapped at him - especially that - ticked him off. He wouldn't let he have the position so easily. They both knew what it was like, to be deputy. It would be between the three of them, each having a chance to be the next deputy of Windclan.

"Honestly, I would arrange things like this: first, we wait. We have to build up defenses, since it's obvious that Fireclan's not about to just go away. They're willing to attack anyone. That would be one of the logical things to do, especially since it doesn't require a whole lot of effort. Just a bit of time. Then, we prepare. We have a lot of partrols for border and hunting, that way cats are protected in numbers. Third, we would maybe have to make sure our fighting skills are tuned. You know, not just having apprentices train, but maybe having all cats go out once in a while. We all need to be in shape. Fourth, we make sure all warriors are ready to go. We would have to organize a fight between at least Thunderclan and Riverclan, once we're sure that it's a go. Finally, I think, no, I'm sure, that Starclan will be looking out for us. I'm just hoping that, maybe before we attack, we'll get a sign telling us that we're ready to attack. In sequence for extinguishing Fireclan, this is what makes sense to me."

He thought tohimself for a moment. That was what he would do, and likely the other warriors. Heck, yeah, even if he wasn't deputy he wouldn't let his clan fall by going into battle after battle after battle. Just like Orangesky stepped in to stop Dustpaw's ceremony, if he had to, he'd step in for Windclan's safety.

He shook the snow off of his pelt, though it barely made a difference. "We will need patrols to be well organized, playing to different strengths and weaknesses. We also need to get Dainty a mentor. Nightstar seemed to contridict herself at times, letting some cats in and taking others prisoners. To me, you really need someone who will be steady with that. Otherwise, you'll have your clan running amuck.

"Knowing what we're up against, with Fireclan, we'll need all of Starclan's guidance. That's why we need warriors who believe in Starclan, and who can serve the clan. Dustfeathr, I suppose I can understand, but then there is Dainty, and while she may have the courage and ability, who knows how it will turn out. We have to be careful with who we let into the clan." taking a moment, he realized he was right next to Orangesky, and not letting anyone else talk. Taking a couple steps back to be next to Snowpatch, he chuckled, "Sorry, Snowpatch. You're turn."

[Shadewing]

Winterwind had redeemed himself, and Snowpatch had reinforced some points that were already said. Either she was copying them, or truly agreed with the points. Goldface may have needed a little bit of brushing up on his strategy. He's a good warrior. But, then again, they all are..

Orangesky was almost at the Moonpool now, and excitement pulsed through him as he thought of becoming leader. He purred wordlessly, since he had been waiting for this moment for a while. The few hours had seemed like days, and he was finally at the Moonpool, ready to receive his new name, and nine lives.

Snowpatch shines out from them, though Winterwind and Goldface still are good warriors, and I know that whoever doesn't become deputy, will become a senior warrior of the Clan.

Orangesky put his paws on the ice of the pool, and looked at the cats around him. "Keep guard for me. Don't turn to ice while I'm out."

Orangesky nodded at the three warriors, and then put his head down, in a part of the pool where there was no ice. He closed his gray eyes, and prepared to dream of StarClan. Maybe they would give the leader advice as to who to choose, and maybe their wisdom would make his choice simpler.

[sandfire]

Snowpatch's whiskers twitched as she listened to the others. She said next to nothing as they went along, analyzing what the others said with (for once, unfeigned) interest. She frowned at the mention of Sandfire- the undoubted Blackpaw connection was coming shortly after. Her tail swished at the mention of the outside kit that Twilightstar had brought into camp. That they had fought over.

Orangesky pushed the prime subject- if they were deputy, what would they do. Her ears flicked as she took in what Goldface said, letting him go first. She had already decided to let the other two go first, not because she wanted to copy, or really hear what they wanted to say, but to point out what they said, agree, disagree, correct. And finally, to see what they thought on their own... that way, if either of them became deputies, she wouldn't feel bad about it... Not like she had with finding out Twilight's bastard daughter had become leader.

When Goldface answered, she nearly commented, but Orangesky got to it first. That was fine, she wanted to speak last. She dipped her head politely, pricking her ears to listen more. Winterwind, who was lagging behind, tore to catch up, tossing up snow. She gave him a glance of curiosity, seeing a unique sparkle in his eyes. When he stopped speaking, and gave her the go-ahead, she nodded. She had not meant to snap at him- she didn't even notice she was snapping- that was just how she was, how she spoke. Her ears flicked as she padded along side Winterwind. A good cat, he was. She wouldn't be all that upset if he managed to become deputy... Actually, she was happy with most of her clan right now. With Fireclan bristling at their boarders, the clans had shrunk back against their roots.

"There's no need to say sorry." Her ears pricked up and her whiskers twitched with amusement."I believe we all think the same thing: that we must wait," she began, flicking her ears. "Winterwind is correct." Her eyes sparkled brightly, her tail swishing. "They don't have Starclan, and we do. However, if it only took Starclan to make the difference, we would have them taken care of them by now. There was a reason why we fled.." She cringed slightly, her paw steps faltering before she regained herself. "And that is because Fireclan is strong. And they will be. On the other paw, I hate the idea of hiding away in our territory, waiting until we think we can handle treading out to help. They don't deserve to be on Clan land for a clawmark of a moon."

Her pelt prickled as she thought about it. She always got extremely passionate when it came to things doing with rogues, loners, any non-clans- even half clans. She had gotten better about it- not completely going off in rage whenever someone outside the clan came in... But maybe that was only because she too had been a loner at some point, a rogue, lost without her clan. "So let me play the badger's friend((meaning like..."devil's advocate", if you get my meaning)),"[/b] she meowed, knowing full well she was good at it. "But the longer we wait, the more they'll breed, the longer they'll learn Shadowclan's dirty fighting methods. I agree with what everyone is saying, and I think that's the best course of action- we can't do anything in the thick of leafbare- but let me say that I do believe... That their strength will only grow if we wait until newleaf. The territory, Shadowclan's territory, isn't enough for a clan and a bunch of crowfood rogues stuffed with queens and starving kits. By waiting, they will only suffer and die. That's the only reason why they're risking attacking the clans now, or the fact their crazy... or stronger than we thought." Her whiskers twitched. "Because we don't know when leafbare will end, the best chance we might have... It may be now. Because of all the cats who have left Shadowclan, surely the ones left can't be that content either. I remember when... When I thought our clan was turning on it's head and abandoning Starclan. Maybe I had bees for brains, but... I couldn't leave my clan. If we attack now, before they loose too much hope, maybe they would turn as well. They won't be expecting an attack so soon."[/b]

Snowpatch nodded slightly, ending her speech. "I do agree with the others, I'm just saying, Orangesky, that there are advantages in each side. A leader needs to look at both sides equally and fairly, judging without bias, and decide for himself."