This is the first time I've been hesitant to return to JetraClan. But in the end I do.

Just a little later than other times.

When I spawn, I'm not in the Spawnplace, but rather next to it. Maybe I moved?

It doesn't matter. The moon is beginning to come up.

There's a Gathering on tonight. I can't be late.

I sprint the whole way to camp, mind focused on what will happen once I get there. It's not my fault I had to go after Sweetheart was...mauled. It's beyond my control.

But it will make people think I ran away from responsibility.

I enter the camp.

Stormlight is the first to greet me. I almost don't see her, the inky darkness of her fur blends in with the temporarily moonless night. It's when I see the white tip on her tail that I know it's her.

"'Sup, Redstar?" She asks enthusiastically,

"..." I'm speechless. I don't think anyone should be happy to see me.

"Sweetheart's fine, I heard what happened, she's totally gonna recover. I think she's awake. Did Hazelspark and Shadowmist give her prey? That was hours ago. She must be hungry. Hey, do you wanna give her something?" Stormlight asks, head tilted to the side.

I made one of those weird sounds you make when you don't know what to say. Stormlight chuckles and flicks her tail at a lonely mouse on the fresh-kill pile.

I walk over to get it, spotting Willowstorm and Dustshine giving me looks. They're not accusing, but more like curious.

Willowstorm waves her tail at me in a friendly way, inviting me to chat with them.

I nod my head at the mouse, then at the medicine cat's den. They understand.

I pick up the mouse, ignoring its mouthwatering scent, and begin to make my way to the medicine cat's den.

Snaketalon and Treepelt are chatting outside, Treepelt tapping the flower woven around Snaketalon's ear.

As I approach, Snaketalon gives me a friendly smile.

"Can I go inside?" My voice is muffled, but Treepelt seems to understand.

"Sweetheart's awake. But I wouldn't bother with the mouse," Treepelt eyes my mouse, "she hasn't been eating. She nibbled at the prey that Hazelspark and Shadowmist gave her. Frostfire talked to her for a bit, but after an unsuccessful, one-sided talk she left for MagnugaardClan. She'll be there for the Gathering, I think."

Snaketalon gives the mouse a thoughtful look, then whispers to Treepelt. The expression on the medicine cat's face changes.

"Thanks for that fact, Snaketalon, " Treepelt gives Snaketalon a friendly lick on the cheek, "yeah, actually, the mouse might work with you, Redstar. You know, authority and stuff."

I nod slowly, ears pricking, the equivalent of eyebrows raising, at Treepelt's sudden change of mind.

Then I enter the medicine cat's den.

As it's in a hollow tree, it's quite small, but there's still room for a few nests. I realise that they must have sent that PexelClan warrior home.

Sweetheart's eyes open and she raises her head to look at me, eyes brightening. Her body is covered in cobwebs but she looks better than she was...before.

"Redstar! Hi!" She chirps, "you brought prey for me?"

She eyes the mouse. I drop it at her paws.

"Stormlight thought it would be a good idea." I explain.

"Oh," For a moment Sweetheart's expression gets gloomy, but it brightens up again, "huh, well, thanks."

She starts eating it and soon it is gone. She was hungry.

Her grey fur looks ruffled. Normally I'd do what a normal cat would do, smooth her fur down a bit, but I'm scared of touching her wounds and hurting her.

"So," I sit down next to her, "how are you feeling?"

"Good enough to go to a Gathering." Sweetheart mumbles through a piece of the mouse.

"Uh, that isn't such-" I think this through, "actually...coming would be a great idea. As long as you can walk."

"Are you kidding me? I can totally walk! Treepelt just won't let me." Sweetheart pouts.

"She only wants what's best for you." I remind her. "And you coming will show the other Clans that LuktraClan will hurt newbies as well as Warriors...badly."

Sweetheart nods. Then she finishes the mouse.

"I'll go gather up everyone who's going to the Gathering, then, just stay here until I get some cats to watch you." I exit the den.

As I cross the clearing, I see Wolfshine talking to Duskspirit and Firesong about 'no waving sticks in another person's face'.

Then I climb onto the lowest branch of our tree.

"All Warriors of JetraClan able to draw fanart, gather beneath the meeting tree to gather the cats going to the Gathering!" I yowl.

Instantly cats begin to crowd around the tree.

I can see Sweetheart poking her head out of the medicine cat den to watch.

"Alright. The cats coming  are Wolfshine, Stormlight, Treepelt, Ashbreeze, Shadowmist, Firesong, Hazelspark, Snaketalon, Duskspirit, Flashbreeze..." I pause, glancing at Sweetheart, "and Sweetheart."

Cats gasp.

"Are you kidding me?!" Hazelspark yowls, "she can barely walk!"

"Exactly!" I call back, "she will show all Clans that the LuktraClan is going to hurt newbies as well! You and Shadowmist will help her and keep her close."

Shadowmist looks determined. 

Sweetheart gives me a relieved look.

I jump off the tree.

Let them come, I think, let the LuktraClan come.

---------

WOOOOOP YEAH I updated 

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TELL ME WHAT YA THINK

HOW DO YOU THINK THE GATHERING WILL GO?

For those who don't know, Leaders, Deputies and Medicine cat's plus some Warriors go to a selected meeting place to talk about stuff.

So...

What do you think will happen?

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