February Gathering!

[sisaleeann]

(Everyone, SunsetClan has split. There's cats loyal to Lilly {formerly Lillystar, until she got sick}, and thus, I'm role playing Lilly as a leader of that part of the clan, though she goes by Lilly, rather than Lillystar. I'll tell you all about it in character. Remember, no one line posts, and please try to be as literate as you can, it makes the Gathering more fun for everyone!)

---

It felt good to lead her clan, once again, to a Gathering. Of course, it wasn't all her clan. The cats that were still loyal to Willowstar weren't following her, they were following Willowstar. but they would do as they would, soon enough, Lilly would once again be Lillystar, the true leader of SunsetClan. She wasn't going down without a fight, and, at this point, she didn't want to, Anarchy or no Anarchy.

The gray she-cat's former apprentice was very reliable. She'd proven so much to Lilly that she deserved to be part of SunsetClan, even though Lilly always hated the idea of kittypets joining a clan. Nonetheless, Anarchy was meant to be here, and she knew it.

As Lilly finally reached the Pond of Truce, she hesitantly padded toward the rock, and jumped, just barely making it. Being so pregnant really took a toll on one's athletic ability. Lilly realized the other clan cats would probably be surprised to see her, acting as a leader, especially with Willowstar standing beside her.

Though she was interested in seeing what was going on with the other clans, after missing the Gatherings for so long, Lilly had a horrible gut feeling that this gathering may, or may not end well. She wasn't sure how the other clans would react to her rebellion, not that she really cared. It was just that she didn't want to cause a huge fuss, and break the truce. 'Even though StarClan won't care what we do ..'

---

Anarchy followed close behind Lilly. Until the End was the first clan there, and that put the young calico she-cat at rest for awhile. She'd always hated Gatherings. She'd never been given the respect she deserved, as a warrior, from the other clans, and even her own clan thought it was alright to be rude because their friends in the other clans were. It irritated her. When Lilly wasn't a leader, the gray she-cat would lead her apprentice around, mingling with the other cats, and demanding respect from all of them. Those were the days. but now Lilly sat with the other clan leaders. That was were she belonged. And, hopefully by the next Gathering, there would be a serious lack of Willowstar. Anywhere.

Anarchy secretly hoped that Lilly, when she regained leadership, would banish Willowstar. Or, at the very least, return her to apprentice duties. As there was a rustle in the surrounding bushes, the Until the End cats were alerted of another clan's appearance. Let the games begin.

[Midnight]

"Greetings, Lilly... Pool?" The black-furred MidnightClan leader meowed as she padded forward. She'd heard that SunsetClan had received a new leader but was confused as the assumption in Midnightstar's mind was that Lillstar had died. Seeing that she was alive, however, brought to Midnightstar a new assumption; that she was to be called Lillypool once again. Questions whirled throughout Midnightstar's mind, but she simply nodded and leaped over the water encircling the large boulder, turned toward every cat, and sat down, tail curling comfortably around her paws.

Midnightstar was always the cat the kept to herself and the hater of drama. Being Clan leader ruined that, however, as her Clanmates' problems often ended up her own and she had no choice but to deal with such things. Despite her curiosity, Midnightstar kept her mouth shut for whatever Lilly's name truly was at that point, what her position in the Clan was, and everything else that came to mind was not her business and Lilly would state it if she pleased.

[some1likeyou]

Willowstar led the loyal part of her clan to the gathering. She went straight to the rock and jumped onto it. This was the first time she had done this, so she was shocked at how she could see every cat in the clearing. "Lillypool, you shouldn't be up here." she said firmly to her former leader.

[Foxpaw]

Ravenstar stopped at the edge of the clearing, chin held eye, cold green eyes flashing from side to side. His short, black fur was ruffled softly by the chilled almost leaf-fall air as he scanned the clans that had arrived so far. His cats eagerly mingled with the other clans, although a few stayed away from MidnightClan, it seemed. He let out a sigh as he padded quietly and confidently to join the other leaders. This was not a gathering he was looking forward to.

He started to greet them by name, but he wasn't sure what to call the previous SunsetClan leader. Instead, he dipped his head politely, though his eyes shone questioningly at Lilly. He was a cat of few words, and if he could get away with it, he didn't want to speak very much tonight.

Silverstorm padded around uneasily, looking awkward and out of place. The other clans were sure to be curious about SunsetClan's separation, and the usually friendly, comical tom was wary. He was loyal to Lilly, but nothing about being split felt... Well, right. He didn't quite want to deal with the judgmental and surprised looks from the other cats when he explained.

Wolfsong stalked forward, shooting a glare at Silverstorm as he did. His pretty off-white and gray pelt was slightly ruffled, and his tail lashed. He sat about a tail-length away from his leader and mate, silently watching over her with icey blue eyes.

Honeydrop sat beside Wolfsong, bright eyes gazing around uncertainly. Unbeknownst to the two cats, she shared Ravenstar's thoughts. She glanced between the two bristling former clanmates beside her to the two SunsetClan leaders. This wasn't going to be a good night.

Brightpatch trotted forward eagerly, pelt brushing her brother, Hailsky, and aunt's, Gustleap's, own pelts. She could feel Gustleap's tabby flank twitching with excitement, and it only added to her own. It was her and Hailsky's first gathering as MidnightClan warriors, and she couldn't be prouder. She darted from her kin's sides, intent on finding a new friend to chat with.

Hailsky merely snorted at his sister's over-eagerness, blue eyes calm and mellow as he took in the scent's of the other clans. Well, SunsetClan had arrived first, but they seemed... Divided. And Lillystar was there, which he found odd. After all, he had heard that they had a new leader. Eyes narrowing, the white tom slipped forward. Something weird was going on here, and he was going to find out what.

Gustleap watched her niece and nephew pad off in different directions, pride shining in her almond-brown eyes. "Ah, they grow up so fast..." she murmured cheerfully to herself before turning and looking for a source of entertainment.

Flashfire shook his fiery orange pelt, trying to get his fur to take on some semblance of "neat". Not that he was looking to impress anyone, no, not at all. He had a beautiful mate that he loved, but he also wasn't a mouse anymore. He had gone back to the stunning, confident tom that he was before, and he wanted the other clans to see it, to know that Flashfire was back and a force to be reckoned with.

Rowanwhisker rolled his eyes, giving his brother a good-natured shove. "You're such a she-cat," he taunted, earning a cuff around the head and a half-hearted hiss. He let out a mreow before dashing off cheerfully.

Silverpaw shyly and warily made her way into the clearing for the first time. Her ears seemed to be permanently pinned to her head, and her dark blue eyes darted around warily. The young she-cat stayed close to the other StormClan cats, pelt bristling slightly.

[sisaleeann]

Though she was very upset by Willowstar's words, Lilly refused to lose it with her. She would not lose her temper tonight, and would show the other clans that she was a decent leader. She'd lead all of SunsetClan, once upon a time, but now she lead UTL, and would do so the same way. The gray she-cat looked at Willowstar with a stern, mother-like glare. She was Willowstar's elder, and, even if she wasn't her leader, Lilly would demand absolute respect from Willowstar, especially in front of the other clans' leaders.
"And you, Willowstar, shouldn't talk to me like that. Even if I'm not your leader, I am still older, and more experienced then you, I've been around longer, and I've served my clan for all of my moons. That is something that demands respect." Lilly could see the other leaders were curious about what both leaders were doing on the rock, even the ever-quiet Midnightstar. Oh well, she would get to that in a moment. And what a moment that would be.

---

Nightflower couldn't make out what her daughter was saying to Willowstar, but, nonetheless, she was proud that Lilly was keeping her temper in line. It was very mature, and leader-like of her, especially considering her previous performances. It was clear, probably to all cats, that the gray she-cat absolutely hated fighting for her leadership, which she rightfully had. Nightflower couldn't wait for this gathering to get underway. The ginger she-cat glanced around for other UTL members, catching the eye of Whitefeather. The white tom padded over to her, and started making pointless, irritating conversation. Nightflower ignored him, and allowed her focus to stay on her daughter. Lilly's pelt was obviously bristling.

---

"Let's just get this gathering going, WhisperClan, and StormClan will get here when they get here." Lilly's voice was snappy; she wanted everyone to know the truth. She wanted to expose Willowstar.

[some1likeyou]

"Lillypool, I still respect you. It's true that you're older, and more experienced in being leader, but you're not leader anymore." Willowstar tried to explain. Why is Lillypool being this unreasonable? She thinks going against me is necessary, and I have to respect that decision. but making this a clan-wide problem is unnecessary. she thought.

[frozenblood]

woofmoon walked to the pond of truce, he had not been to a gathering for at least three seasons. it had been a long time. I might have even been before his face was mangled by foxes. he thought to him self,wow its been awhile. he wondered how the other cats would react to his missing eye and ear. he had not thought about that until now.

next to him was his friend frozenfire. frozenfire had just became a warrior. last time he was here was when he was frozenpaw. the black tom also wanted to know if cats from the other clans would care. he looked around to see how late they where. "wolf, you made us late!" he murmured to his friend.

wolfmoon looked over. the warrior was interested in what the young cat had to say. "and how is it that I made you late. I told you I did not need help. just because I lost an eye does not mean I'm blind and you have to babysit me. you chose to walk with me."

frozenfire shrugged, he guessed the older warrior was right. but he just wanted to help.

[sisaleeann]

"Fox-dung," Anarchy snarled from behind Willowstar. The calico she-cat had jumped onto the rock, seeing Lilly's pelt start bristling. "You don't respect her. You don't respect anyone. And she isn't only better, and more experienced at being a leader, she's better and more experienced at everything. You're the one being unreasonable. Why don't you just stop, step down? You know it'd be easier, and better for the clan. Lilly is our rightful leader, and you have no right to be calling yourself Willowstar. Why, you're hardly a warrior with the way you act."

---

Lilly nodded at Anarchy's words. She agreed with the young she-cat, though, in an effort to avoid problems, she didn't lose herself, say yes. Rather, she padded the short distance to her, and whispered quietly in Anarchy's ear,

"Say nothing of StarClan. To anyone, outside of UTE. I don't want to sound insane, though that's probably what I am." And, in a much louder voice, so every cat could hear, she turned to Willowstar, and said,
"No, you're being unreasonable. I am the leader of SunsetClan. I have 9 lives. I have decided to have no suffix, but, if I did, it would be 'star.' I am the leader of SunsetClan. Somewhere deep down, in their heart of hearts, their loyalty lies with me. And I will make them realize it. Now, the gathering? StormClan and WhisperClan aren't coming. Would you like to start, oh great, wise leader?" It was a mockery, obviously, but a legit question. Lilly nodded for Anarchy to get off the rock, and stepped back, sitting with her tail curled over her paws, right beside Midnightstar.

[some1likeyou]

Willowstar cleared her throat softly. "Lillypool, you are not the leader of Sunsetclan. You have chosen to lead a smaller clan in the Sunsetclan camp. You have chosen to only let your followers into your 'den'. And you have chosen to come to the gathering as the leader of that clan. So are you the rightful leader of Sunsetclan?" she said so others could hear, but not addressing the clans. She was singling out Lillypool so she would have to give the clans an explanation. She'll have to tell us why she wants to rule a clan. Now is the perfect time, she thought.

[Splash]

[Tell me if the gathering cats were posted/PMed. I figured we'd just post here with whatever cats we wanted to come.]

Rosepetal was as silent as everyone of her littermates as they watched the leaders. She'd tried to separate herself from her litter mates, but, their voices still penetrated her ears with sharp clarity. "They're really taking it this far? the other clans shouldn't know SunsetClan will seem weak. A clan divided cannot stand." Glodenbreeze whispered. Leapingheart nodded. "It's both the leaders fault now. If they truly cared for this clan, one of them would step down. If greed is driving their paw-steps, what kind of clan are we?" A silence cast down over the three(Irispetal was still at camp), and even Ripplestone seemed a bit worried. Leapingheart was speaking logicly, and even Rosepetal wanted to run over their and rejoin her siblings, say she agreed with them. No! She told herself violently. My loyalty is not with them! Even so, a voice in her head whispered, Then where is it? Leopardshadow had drifted over to the other young SunsetClan warriors and was nodding in agreement. "That's true. but, what can we do about it? We'll just have to stick with Willowstar. Lilypool's no better."

--------------------------

Sliding after Ravenstar into the clearing, Gladepool padded over to the other deputies. Her ears were perked with interest to the conversation of the two SunsetClan leaders. They'll hardly need to worry about other clans attacking. They won't make it through Leaf-Bare if they aren't working together. Idiots, but, it's no concern of mine. She thought, almost a bit cruel.

--------------------------

Flamepaw slid in toward the back of the MidnightClan group. She felt the guilt tug at her, reminding her of the absence of Mintpaw. but, she couldn't refuse the offer of a gathering. And Mintpaw would go to a gathering without her sooner or later. Narrowing her eyes from the edges of the gathering, she looked up to the leaders. Two SunsetClan leaders? What in StarClan's name?

[sisaleeann]

"Oh," laughed the gray she-cat "you give me permission to speak, do you, oh wise leader? Well thank you, I shall do that." And, without further ado, Lilly turned, and cleared her throat loudly, officially calling the gathering together.

---

Anarchy wiggled her butt on the ground, beside Rosepetal, and cleared her own throat, ready to yowl to support Lilly, if need be.

---

"Cats of all clans. SunsetClan has split. I'm sure you're curious as to why." Lilly jumped from the boulder, and started toward a group of MidnightClan warriors. "Well, my fine, uninformed felines, I'd be more then happy to tell you. As I'm sure you've noticed, I am expecting kits any day now. but I became very ill, about a moon ago. I was unable to move, eat, even rising my head became harmful. Our medicine cats tried everything, said it's amazing I'm alive to tell the tale. but while I was down, Willowstar declared a vote. She asked my clan if they should just take away my leadership, and give it to herself, or if she should simply take my place, while I was down, yet alive."

Lilly wove her way around all the cats as she spoke, until the last sentence. Upon saying this, she stopped beside Rowanwhisker, and gave Willowstar a dirty, disgusted glare. There could have possibly been more hate in the gray she-cat's eyes.

"When I was well enough to be on my feet, I found out about all of this, from my mate, Duskpelt," Lilly shot a loving look at the gray tom, before weaving her way toward the back of the clearing, and past Flamepaw, a MidnightClan apprentice. "It's obvious now, the cats that are loyal to the true leader of SunsetClan. I was down, yes, but has any clan, ever, in all of the Clans' history, replaced their leader when they weren't dead or evil? No. Never. I may be insane, I may be expecting, I may be in love, I may be just a tad bit questionable, but I do not deserve my position taken from me. I am the rightful leader of SunsetClan. StarClan told me that, they gave me my lives. They did not give them to Willowstar. Did they, you piece of fox-dung?" And with that, she jumped back on the rock, got in Willowstar's face, and waited for a reply. That was, by no means, a rhetorical question.