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[Wolfstar]

"I..." He paused. "Never thought of that before. I saw the clan as my family, but not as my kits."

Cedarstar shook his head, "I don't. You might expect something that may surprise you. Tatteredstar's going to be skeptical of your return, but he'll welcome you back." A memory came to him, and he chuckled dryly at it. "He's been a good cat, he's lived his lives long and well. Soon he can rest."

"Alright.. What do you think of your leader and deputy? Mottlestar and Bluefire?" She asked, tilting her head.

"Apparently, he was an ancient cat that lived long ago. And some cats do get by," He glanced at the apprentice. "Is there any more questions you have for me? Because I believe I have one for you."

"It depends, really." Ripplestar started. "For Willowstar, she wasn't expecting a life filled with nine lives would happen. But from my experience, we have to care for everyone and risk everything for them. From tough decisions to losing a life, it's all for your clan. Your life is your leadership. Sometimes you have to leave others behind just to lead. It's a fulfilling role, but there's a lot to think about."
"I had to leave you behind, and you didn't expect to be leader. You brought Starclan to us."
"I don't regret it, but there was so much to do that I needed your help."
"You were fine," Willowstar laid her head on her paws. Ripplestar gave up, sighing and laying down with damp fur.

[Shadow Sharpfang]

Icepetal tilted her head. "Well, it's a nice idea, right? Or does it come off as a little weird?" She laughed. "Anyway, that's just what I think."

Dawnscar sighed. "A good cat, he is. I hope his journey here isn't too painful. He deserves an peaceful end, but in times like these, it's hard to say, isn't it?"

Burningsky shrugged. "I dunno, they're cats, that's for sure," she answered. "They're good cats. I like 'em. Why, am I not supposed to? They conspiring with our enemies or something? Tell me all the juicy gossip you've got!" Her eyes glittered with lazy amusement.

Hollowpaw's ears pricked at the final comment. "You have a question for me? Please, I'm all ears. I can't fathom what you might wish to ask."

Mintpaw's excitement dimmed a little. "Ah, wow. It sounds like it really isn't all that great, huh? It must be scary, taking care of so many cats, but not bad either, right? Because in the happy times, you must be so proud for taking care of all the other cats and seeing them happy."

[Wolfstar]

"It's a nice idea, thank you. I'll be sure to remember my clan that way." Birchstar smiled, looking up.

"It is hard to say. It's rare to see warriors become elders, or die of old age for that matter." He looked at the nearby bracken, flicking his tail. "I've only had one life, not nine. Infection is a cruel way to go, even when you're wondering how your own clan will do when you're gone."

"There's no gossip about Mottlestar. Bluefire on the other paw, does have some. Some of the warriors wonder if he has bees in his brain for it too. You might think so too." Ashstar sat down, wrapping her tail around her paws.

"Forgive me if I startle you, but what do you think about becoming a leader?" Oakstar asked, prepared to grab him if he started to fall.

They nodded. "Again, it depends on when you become leader and what happens during your time. Being a leader isn't for everyone and it's hard work. But it's worth it," Willowstar ended it with a smile.
Ripplestar shrugged, "Two of your group are possible leader material. Not to be rude, but we're not sure what role you'll have in the future. You'll always be a part of the five though, don't forget that."

[Shadow Sharpfang]

Icepetal's expression was warm and content. "Hehe, that's good. Don't thank me, I'm just happy to see that smile."

Dawnscar sighed and hummed his agreement. "Yes, sadly, it is pretty rare. I can't imagine what you had to go through." He shook his head once and gazed at the sky. "But us clan cats are pretty good at roaring back up even in bad times, so don't worry about us too much."

"Ooh, really?" Burningsky asked, head tilted. "Do tell, I'm listening," she purred rolling onto her back.

Hollowpaw blinked at him with vacant eyes, then recovered from his surprise and looked away. "What a sudden question. I'm not sure how to answer. The job of a leader is a difficult, straining one, and to be honest, I'm not sure if I have the strength to keep my head high with a responsibility that grand. I have the smarts to solve small disputes and resolve other minor issues, but leading a clan into battle? That takes a certain prowess that I feel I lack." He whispered the last few words, gazing down at his paws.

"That's okay, it's not rude," Mintpaw said with a shake of her head. "Who do you think out us us would be a good leader? I'm curious now! I just hope it's not Dawnscar, he'd be way too scary." She cowered and his her face under her paws, giggling.

[Wolfstar]

Birchstar nodded, standing, deciding to bury the fish that was barely eaten. "I don't want to hold you up here for the rest of the night. Would you like to go back?"

"I won't. I trust my clan, and seeing a new life or a death. Happiness or sadness. I watch closely, and wish I did more instead of leave with very little done." Cedarstar found himself sighing, then growling slightly. "I guess Hawk did something good for once while I was gone."

"You'll have to ask him yourself. It'll be tough, but he'll open up eventually." She was starting to feel guilty, but she wanted to help Burningsky. Even if it meant revealing something that wasn't her problem.

"Do you want to know what I think?" Oakstar asked. "I see you as a leader. Yes the weight of the clan will weight you done, but that's what a deputy is there for. Your second command, the one you view to be your friend or someone you'd look up to. Maybe you need someone else beside you during that time as well." He looked back across the landscape. "But, you are young. You have time until then. Who knows? You might be the next leader after Flamestar."

"Well sorry to say, but Dawnscar would be a good leader for Cedarclan. His clan needs a strong leader after Tatteredstar, who everyone has looked up to. Hollowpaw would be a good leader for Oakclan, one who can think before acting. He will need a bit of help though."
"Who knows, maybe the rivalry between Oakclan and Cedarclan will end. I doubt it though." Willowstar cuffed his ear at that remark.

[Shadow Sharpfang]

Icepetal nodded. "Perhaps that's a good idea. Thanks for having me, though, this has been a lovely conversation." She dipped her head to the once-leader and waved her tail in farewell.

Dawnscar quirked a brow, interest caught by the remark. "Hm, and what might that be?"

Burningsky huffed and rolled onto her side, paws hitting the ground with a gentle thud. "Aw, but that's weird. Hey, Mr. Deputy, tell me all about your personal problems even though the only time we've spoken is when you order me around. Awkward, right? Eh, I'll keep it in mind, though."

Hollowpaw listened closely, absorbing the starry tom's every word with attentive ears. "Yes, I tend to forget I don't have to carry my burdens alone, even outside of clan duties," he confessed, lowering his head. "But maybe, just maybe, with a good friend at my side, I might be able to manage something like that."

Mintpaw squealed in fear. "If Dawnscar... Becomes Dawnstar... We're all doomed! He'll come right to Willowclan to eat me if I don't train good, I know it!" Then she stood up straight. "Oh, but Hollowpaw, he would be a good leader, wouldn't he? He's so smart! I have no idea what he's saying half the time, hah!"

[Wolfstar]

"It's been lovely talking with you Icepetal. I hope your future is everything you wanted," He waved his tail farewell, walking away to find his mother and father.

"Hawk took over leadership, well actually, he helped lead after I was gone. He never assumed full leadership, he was more like the deputy. That cat helped grow the clan." His whiskers twitched. "He died moons later when there was a flood."

"Hey, Bluefire is just doing his roll. Nothing more," Ashstar sighed, shaking her head. "Just talk to him."

"Your friend may be closer than you think, but they think of you as something else really." Oakstar shook his head. "The end of the night is nigh. I'll have to tell you a story some other time. Maybe when this is all over we can talk more."

"He won't eat you, that wouldn't be right." Willowstar and Ripplestar stood.
"I think it's time for us to depart. It was wonderful talking with you Mintpaw," Willowstar smiled, sad that they'd have to depart.

[Shadow Sharpfang]

Icepetal laid down and simply enjoyed the starry scenery.

Dawnscar nodded slowly. "Hm, I see. Forgive me for pointing it out, but talking about him makes you seem a bit agitated," he noticed. "Something about him that sets you off?"

"Jeez, alright. I'll talk to him, Ashy, just to avoid invoking the stars' wrath or something." She snickered to herself. "That all?"

Hollowpaw looked around. "Ah, is it that time already? I enjoyed this a lot, Oakstar. Thank you for chatting with me, it's been an enjoyable experience. And I'd like to hear that story you mentioned sometime."

Mintpaw sighed and lowered her head. "Aw, gotta go already? Pff, I don't wanna, it's so nice here!" She bounced forward and rolled into the flowers, then stood up again. "But okay. I'm kinda excited to see everyone else again, anyway. Oh, and it was awesome talking to you, too!"

[Wolfstar]

"Besides having him kill Darkened Sky over something pointless, then deciding to live another life. He's running away from his first life. He wasn't suppose to be granted another life either, he's been in the Place of No Stars." His tail was lashing, and he had to dig his claws into the dirt.

"It is. I'll... I think it's time for me to," Ashstar said as she stood. "It was wonderful talking to you, and I'm sorry for my behavior."

"Of course. I'm sure we'll meet again. Good luck Hollowpaw, I look forward to seeing you grow." He leapt down to the branch below, then to the ground in another bound. Oakstar waved his tail goodbye before walking off.

The two said their goodbyes, the two running off to enjoy the breeze for one more time tonight.

[Shadow Sharpfang]

Dawnscar's eyes dulled and he turned away. "Hm... I see. He really is something, that tom. I wonder about him sometimes. Do you trust him to accompany us like this?"

"Don't worry. I had fun, all in all," Burningsky replied with a shrug and a smile. "See ya, Ashy."

"Thank you, Oakstar!" Hollowpaw called after him, hiding a small, proud smile that appeared on his muzzle.

[Wolfstar]

"He's had a change of heart ever since Soul came, as well as that half-blooded kit. In the end, he'll be sent to the Place of No Stars. That's where he was sent, and that's where he belongs. However, I trust him enough to accompany you. He's strong, and he's killed traitors for countless moons. A killing instinct is what you'll need to win." He shuffled his paws uncomfortably. "Even if I don't agree with it."

[Shadow Sharpfang]

"Well," Dawnscar began, "If you trust him, I trust him, even if his fate is a dark one thanks to what he's done. Might learn a thing or two from him in the process. Gotta do what you gotta do to survive."

[Wolfstar]

"Exactly. Now I think it's time for me to depart." He stood, burying the remains of the crow. "It was nice talking to you Dawnscar. I hope we can see one another again, probably with different circumstances."

[Shadow Sharpfang]

Dawnscar sniffed and grinned. "Yes, that would be nice. Well, see you another time, then, Cedarstar." He bobbed his head and flicked his ears in farewell.

[Wolfstar]

Cedarstar dipped his head in farewell, walking away and disappearing through a bramble thicket.

(Timeskip to morning then? Or to the day they have to fight?)

[Shadow Sharpfang]

(Let's skip right to the action~)

[Wolfstar]

(Alright. Funny think, the main enemy's design changed than what I said before. I think the only thing that stayed the same was the eye color.)

Hawk padded out of the abandoned den, Soul and Oddkit following shortly.
"Will you two wait? You don't even know where you're going!" Sun yelled, being ignored completely. Dew shook her head, Storm was unfazed at the action. Scarlet rose to her paws, her joints stiff as she sighed.
"Follow me, and don't be as flea-brained as Hawk. When is he actually smart?" She muttered the last part to herself, following shortly behind.

[Shadow Sharpfang]

The five slowly followed them out, treading on wary paws. The exchanged glances with one another. They had discussed a lot this morning, exchanging thoughts about the previous nights events with both excitement and fear, but never delved too deep into it. Now, the action was picking up, and they were all on edge, wondering where fate was leading them.

[Wolfstar]

Scarlet took the lead, Hawk and Soul shortly behind. Oddkit wasn't bouncing around or smiling like usual, the tension making her stiff too. The other three walked stiffly too, keeping close to the group. Eventually the twoleg dens thinned out, until there was only a large, ruined building ahead.

"That's the sawmill, they should be there." Scarlet raised her head. "Hope you're all ready for this." She glanced over her shoulder as she said this.

[Shadow Sharpfang]

Dawnscar walked further ahead to get a look at the sawmill, then he looked back at the other four clan cats. "Don't worry, Scarlet. "We're ready," he said, head high.
Even Mintpaw was calm, and had a look of determination in her eyes. They were indeed ready, and they'd give it their all.