[Deleted]

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[atrb=width,390,true][bg=003333]Careful, concise, reserved. The three words were the best way to describe the way the she-cat moved. Every step was carefully calculated, every motion silent and smooth, and the she-cat's eyes were the only thing in opposition. Darting back and forth, along with her ears, Fallingstar used all of her senses to detect the things in her surroundings. She hadn't set out with the intention to hunt, but rather to have a bit of time to herself and reflect on the words of her leader ceremony. Boulderstar, how she missed the wise presence of her mentor guiding her all the time. Fallingstar stopped at the pools, her green eyes sweeping over the reflection of the sky. The sight was nothing less than magnificent; had Fallingstar been a romantic cat, it could have taken her breath away. Though it wasn't quite as dramatic of a feeling, the she-cat appreciated that such a beauty lay within StoneClan territory, and gazed at the pools, marveling them. A sudden sound broke Falllingstar's dreamy-like mind, taking her attention back to her surroundings. It was acute, a noise only a keen cat would be able to pick up, but that was exactly what the leader was. Swinging around to face the noise, ears drawn back and eyes narrowed, the leader hissed, "Who goes there?"

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[Phoenix]

Thirst tore at her dry throat, a dull sensation that she had been able to ignore until now. But the long legs not longer carried her toward oblivious prey; instead, they brought her to StoneClan's main source of water. Sky Springs. When the blue pools appeared before her, she slowed from her brisk pace to a more relaxed walk, though not nearly enough to be called leisurely. Dipping her head, she quickly lapped up the water, enjoying the feeling of the moisture soothing her throat and quenching her thirst. After drinking her fill, the warrior raised her head, licking the last of the water droplets from her maw.

Turning, Hailstrike intended to return to her hunting, mind already retracing the route back to her previous spot. But a voice interrupted her, barely recognizable through the hiss. However, it was a hiss that she knew well, having spent some her apprentice years sharing a den with the other. Had it been any other cat, Hailstrike would have considered ignoring the question in favor of returning to her hunt. Given the other cat's status, however, the warrior knew she had to respond. Scanning the area with ice blue eyes, the warrior looked around for its owner, already picturing the tall feline in her mind. A little ways away, she spotted her companion.

"Hello, Fallingstar," Hailstrike greeted, tail flicking lightly. "It's just me, Hailstrike." She dipped her head respectfully. "How are you today?"

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[atrb=width,390,true][bg=003333]The familiar form of Hailstrike appeared before the leader, who quickly regained her composure. As warriors, the two hadn't gotten along very well, but Fallingstar had gained much respect for the other she-cat over the moons. In contrast to the leader, who had grown up with such low expectations for herself, Hailstrike always set her goals higher than what any normal cat could achieve. It was admirable, to say the least. A vague warmth appeared in Fallingstar's eyes, relieved to see a Clanmate she could trust. At least it wasn't Eagletalon, who's presence usually gave the she-cat mixed feelings of guilt and mistrust. Her brother, though he had a good heart, was too reckless to be trusted. Sure, he would give his everything for the Clan, but he was too blind to be able to step back and see the world for what it was. "Greetings, Hailstrike," Fallingstar meowed, giving a nod of acknowledgement to her current companion. "I'm doing all right, I suppose. I simply have a lot on my mind lately. And sorry for snapping at you." Her words came out slowly and precisely, save for the apology which slipped out quickly. She did not often like to apologize, but it was important to keep relationships friendly within StoneClan. "And tell me, how are you today? Anything curious?"

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[Fawn]

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[STYLE= float: left; border: 5px solid #bd3131; width: 183px; height: 382px; margin-top: 20px; margin-left: -50px; -webkit-border-top-left-radius: 50 ;-moz-border-radius-topleft: 50; -webkit-border-bottom-left-radius: 50 ;-moz-border-radius-bottomleft: 50; background-image: url(http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k258/nuttybuddy5/Warriors/Eagletalon-TableImage_zps8507355b.jpg);][/style][STYLE=font-family: impact; font-size: 32px; text-align: center; margin-center: 0px; color: #bd3131; margin-top: -10px; text-shadow: 2px 0px 2px #000000; text-transform: uppercase;]EAGLETALON![/style][STYLE=width: 266px; height: 352px; overflow: auto; font-size: 10px; font-family: verdana; background-color: #FFFFCC; color: #000000; padding: 15px; text-align: justify; border: 5px solid #CC6600; float:right; margin-top: -9px; margin-left: -90px;] "Mind if I join you two?" A warm, masculine tone interrupted the conversation between Fallingstar and Hailstrike, the sandy fur of one of StoneClan's bravest (and most reckless) warriors appearing before the pair, Eagletalon padding his way leisurely to one of the pools for a drink. It had been to much of his surprise that he'd stumbled upon the both of them - Hailstrike in particular was a surprise, she was usually out hunting or dragging that sullen little gray apprentice of hers off somewhere. Somehow, news had managed to travel that Granitepaw had head-butted a fox and gave it a bloody nose. Eagletalon wasn't sure how the apprentice had managed it, but Eagletalon was looking at him in a slightly different light than before. Who knows, maybe that'd be a new thing? Head-butt your enemies! Though if anyone tried head-butting a badger, they'd probably die... Eh, never mind. Eagletalon dipped his head in pleasant greeting to both she-cats, taking in the sight of his thin sister with her dull coat and tall stature, the striking blue eyes of Hailstrike clashing with the precise green eyes of Fallingstar. Eagletalon's own golden ones shifted from face to face, his tail up high in a sign of his good mood. He'd undoubtedly had the chance to fight something, be it a loner, an enemy cat or something else entirely. Rolling thick shoulders and stretching out his front paws, he felt the warmth of the sun shining on this clear, crisp day sink into his ticked fur, drawing a pleasant purr up out of his throat as a result. He seemed completely oblivious to the mistrust and guilt Fallingstar was feeling because of him. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - words: ### outfit: url link or description tags: whoever // whoever notes: blah blah blah credit: PANDIE of BTN [/style]

[Phoenix]

"I'm glad to hear that you're well." Hailstrike's voice was calm and steady as usual, and while she didn't sound particularly thrilled about her leader's well-being, she made sure that she did not sound indifferent either. She and the other she-cat had never really been on good terms, but Fallingstar had managed to gain her respect due to her rise in status. It wasn't easy to become leader, or even deputy, the warrior knew; one had to have a certain character, and the position was not based solely off of talent. Though she had never been jealous of her former denmate's highly sought after position, the rank in itself demanded respect from the others, and Hailstrike would give it. "Think nothing of it. We all get lost in thought every now and then, and I have snapped at another more than once because of it." But the hint of a smile that graced the she-cat's lips as she hastily dipped her head, acknowledging Fallingstar's short apology, seemed almost friendly.

Hailstrike took another breath to answer the questions about her own well-being, but the sound of approaching pawsteps interrupted her. A lightly colored head turned and piercing blue eyes latched onto the newcomer. The distinctive, purposeful stride coupled with a broad, muscled silhouette gave the she-cat a very good hunch as to who the warrior was, and the solid sand colored fur only confirmed it. Eagletalon, Fallingstar's brother and one of the more decent warriors in StoneClan. She could tolerate him longer than she could others, at least. "You're welcome to join us, I think," Hailstrike answered his question evenly, casting a sideways glance at Fallingstar for confirmation. She didn't want to speak for the leader, but the warrior was not quite sure how to turn down the other she-cat's brother should Fallingstar not desire his company. Either way, she was indifferent. It just meant another cat to entertain with small talk for the time being.

Turning back to the she-cat beside her, Hailstrike finally answered the questions. "I'm fine, thanks," She meowed, tone bordering on pleasant. "Nothing particularly noteworthy has happened today. I decided to give Granitepaw the rest of the day off. He worked hard yesterday and this morning and has earned it." An ear flicked, and she turned to Eagletalon. "What about you? How has training been going with Adderpaw?"

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[atrb=width,390,true][bg=003333]The she-cat's gaze reluctantly traveled to Eagletalon's form, and she greeted him with a curt nod. Now that the tom had arrived, she was feeling self-conscious, and Fallingstar shifted uncomfortably in the tom's presence. Whenever he was around, she always felt as if she paled in comparison to her brother's likable and energetic attitude; somehow, she was always reminded how she felt the first time she had been named deputy. At the time, it seemed as though Eagletalon should have been the obvious choice. But Boulderstar and Fallingstar had been close, and the leaves had fallen where StarClan willed. The leader knew she could never change that, but those thoughts still plagued her every once in awhile. Of course, her brother had seemed dense to it all, no hint of jealousy whatsoever. But it was in Fallingstar's nature to be paranoid, and she couldn't help but wonder if it was all a ruse. When Hailstrike welcomed him into the conversation, Fallingstar simply curled her tail around her paws and sat up straighter, meowing, "I don't mind." But oh, how she did mind. Listening politely as the two discussed their apprentices, the she-cat hung back. It was hard to her to participate in a conversation about apprentices, seeing as she hadn't taken one since Rabbitleg, and Eagletalon was training his second.

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[Fawn]

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[STYLE= float: left; border: 5px solid #bd3131; width: 183px; height: 382px; margin-top: 20px; margin-left: -50px; -webkit-border-top-left-radius: 50 ;-moz-border-radius-topleft: 50; -webkit-border-bottom-left-radius: 50 ;-moz-border-radius-bottomleft: 50; background-image: url(http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k258/nuttybuddy5/Warriors/Eagletalon-TableImage_zps8507355b.jpg);][/style][STYLE=font-family: impact; font-size: 32px; text-align: center; margin-center: 0px; color: #bd3131; margin-top: -10px; text-shadow: 2px 0px 2px #000000; text-transform: uppercase;]EAGLETALON![/style][STYLE=width: 266px; height: 352px; overflow: auto; font-size: 10px; font-family: verdana; background-color: #FFFFCC; color: #000000; padding: 15px; text-align: justify; border: 5px solid #CC6600; float:right; margin-top: -9px; margin-left: -90px;] "Glad to hear he's getting back on his paws," replied Eagletalon, sitting down before both she-cats, his eyes on the sharp blue gaze of Hailstrike, the brusque warrior a bit more his style when it came to conversations. It could just be him, but Fallingstar seemed...edgy whenever he showed up. Is there something on my fur? Do I smell bad? No, that couldn't have been it. Everyone else would've commented on it if he smelled bad or looked ridiculous, Eagletalon was confident that his Clan wouldn't purposefully let him carry on looking like a fool. Pulling his thoughts back to the conversation at hand, Eagletalon, after a pleasant, respectful nod to his sister, drew his eyes back to Hailstrike. "Adderpaw's inquisitive, and a quick learner. She's going to become a fine warrior." Mewed the sandy tom. Of course he was likely to say that about every apprentice he mentored, but not because he was so shamelessly confident in his mentoring abilities, but rather he was shamelessly optimistic about each and every warrior-to-be that was placed in his care. "If Granitepaw's up for it, taking them out hunting together might be a nice opportunity for them." Eagletalon scratched at his dune-colored ruff, tail swaying pleasantly behind him, about two inches of the end kept tilting up and falling down, tilting up and falling down, conveying his easygoing nature. It was funny to think that such a laid back tom could turn into a ferocious warrior at a single word from their leader. Easing into a lying position, Eagletalon's eyes flickered readily to his sister's face, the warrior purring pleasantly. "How are you, Fallingstar?" friendly words directed at his kin, Eagletalon watched her with patient, warm eyes. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - words: ### outfit: url link or description tags: whoever // whoever notes: blah blah blah credit: PANDIE of BTN [/style]

[Phoenix]

Hailstrike nodded at Eagletalon's comment about Granitepaw, accepting it quietly. It pleased her, too, to see the young tom slowly digging himself out of the hole that the traitor had left him in. Already, she could see the potential he had for becoming a successful warrior, if not the most trusting of them. But that suited her just fine; Hailstrike considered those who trusted in an instant mousebrained felines who did nothing but set themselves up for a fall. Young and naive, Granitepaw had no doubt done the same, but he had learned from his experiences. Now it was Hailstrike's job to slowly convince him that there were cats worth trusting in StoneClan. Not every one of them was a traitor. But it was a task for another day, farther down the line.

Adderpaw sounded like she acted much more her age and much less taciturn than her own apprentice. Inquisitive was not a word that Hailstrike would use to describe Granitepaw, for it implied that he asked questions. It was improving slightly, but the young tom was a feline of few words. "It sounds like you're enjoying mentoring Adderpaw," The warrior observed. "She sounds like a fine apprentice, and I fully support taking them out on a hunting patrol in the near future. I think it would be a good experience for both of them." Just watch out for the foxes, Hailstrike continued in her head, amusement trickling through her. That was one hunting patrol she would never forget.

As Eagletalon turned to address his sister, she stepped back slightly to give them some more space and privacy should they wish to discuss something that was none of her business. She took the time to glance around the pools of water, whose smooth surfaces perfectly resembled the sky, making it appear as though pieces had fallen from StarClan. They were beautiful, for sure, and StoneClan was lucky to be able to claim them.

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[atrb=width,390,true][bg=003333]Eagletalon finally broke his conversation with Hailstrike and addressed his sister, much to her discomfort. Still, the leader would never allow such personal emotions to affect her on the surface, and after a long moment of thought, the she-cat replied to her brother. "I've been doing well, thank you," Fallingstar meowed. Hearing her altered name coming from the mouth of Eagletalon was strange. As a warrior, she had always assumed she would be called Fallingleaf until the day she entered StoneClan. So much had happened so quickly, and it seemed like only a moon ago when Boulderstar had gotten his name. Her bright green eyes studied her brother; carefree in comparison to most warriors, loyal, strong, brave and a cat that she had admired since kithood. Fallingstar had always seen a rift between them, but somehow it was as if Eagletalon had never noticed such a thing. "And how are things going with you?" the leader pronounced carefully, her gaze never leaving Eagletalon. The stare, to some, might be a cause of discomfort, but she didn't expect her brother to be affected by it. "I'm happy to see your training going well." She bit her tongue back, trying not to ramble on. There were so many words flowing through Fallingstar's mind, and so few she actually wanted to pronounce.

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[Fawn]

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[STYLE= float: left; border: 5px solid #bd3131; width: 183px; height: 382px; margin-top: 20px; margin-left: -50px; -webkit-border-top-left-radius: 50 ;-moz-border-radius-topleft: 50; -webkit-border-bottom-left-radius: 50 ;-moz-border-radius-bottomleft: 50; background-image: url(http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k258/nuttybuddy5/Warriors/Eagletalon-TableImage_zps8507355b.jpg);][/style][STYLE=font-family: impact; font-size: 32px; text-align: center; margin-center: 0px; color: #bd3131; margin-top: -10px; text-shadow: 2px 0px 2px #000000; text-transform: uppercase;]EAGLETALON![/style][STYLE=width: 266px; height: 352px; overflow: auto; font-size: 10px; font-family: verdana; background-color: #FFFFCC; color: #000000; padding: 15px; text-align: justify; border: 5px solid #CC6600; float:right; margin-top: -9px; margin-left: -90px;] Eagletalon let out a satisfied purr, pleased that his sister was doing well, as evident by the gleam in his eyes. "Doing well. Adderpaw's been keeping me busy. Once you get an apprentice of your own, Sis, you, me and Hailstrike should round 'em all up and go hunting together." Honestly he couldn't imagine a better way to spend the afternoon, chatting with two of StoneClan's most necessary warriors, one being his sister and leader, the other being the brave warrior who had been selected to pick up the pieces of a broken apprentice. Eagletalon wasn't sure how he would've handled Granitepaw, had he been the one selected in place of Hailstrike, and frankly, he didn't earnestly think he and the anti-social gray apprentice would've been able to get very close. Blinking gratefully at Fallingstar, he made a mental note to thank her later, when Hailstrike wasn't around - he didn't want to offend her by making it sound like she got the short end of the stick by getting Granitepaw. He was a perfectly decent apprentice, sure, he just wasn't a suitable match with everyone. "Has anyone caught wind of Shadeclaw?" This question was proposed along with a low, throaty growl from Eagletalon, his previously relaxed posture stiffening into one of aggression and malcontent. They had every intention to be weary of that spineless traitor - all the information he'd harbored against their knowledge, and had carried with him to NightClan was enough of a reason to be worried. Still, all had been quiet with NightClan lately. It was LightningClan that was giving them trouble this time... Yet Eagletalon couldn't help but acknowledge Shadeclaw as a potential threat, and certainly wouldn't say not to a chance to eliminate him. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - words: ### outfit: url link or description tags: whoever // whoever notes: blah blah blah credit: PANDIE of BTN [/style]

[Phoenix]

Hailstrike, who had been nodding along in agreement to Eagletalon's suggestion about training, froze at the mention of the traitor. While Shadeclaw's betrayal had hit them all hard, the open wound was just beginning to scab over. And now, with his former apprentice as her own, it felt so much more personal. Like the rest of the clan, she had been out for his blood just for the betrayal itself; she had not been very close to the tom before. But she had seen the damage the traitor's selfish actions had caused to Granitepaw's psyche, and it only enraged her further. And made her step back from the rest of the clan, all of whom would no doubt love to get his blood on their claws. Of course, that very same feeling still lingered in her, but it had begun to be suppressed by her desire to see Granitepaw be the one to take down the traitor and strike back. She was content with the thought of working behind the scenes, slowly molding the young tom into a warrior capable of fighting and defeating his former mentor. She wanted Granitepaw to show Shadeclaw all that the tom had left behind, to represent the strength and resilience of StoneClan: how they could climb back up after a fall, even better than before. And now her decent mood was ruined. I appreciate it, Eagletalon, She thought dryly, despite the sense the warrior showed.

She was very conscious of the threat that the traitor posed to StoneClan. How much had he gathered for NightClan? How much did their potential enemy know about them? How they ran their clan? The layout of their territory? The number of apprentices and the number of warriors? It was all critical information, and it could all very well be, and probably was, in the paws of another clan. To say the least, it was a very discomforting thought. Cold icy eyes pinned Eagletalon as she spoke, shaking her head slightly, "I haven't heard anything about that disgusting excuse for a cat. I've made a point to avoid the NightClan border with Granitepaw until later, as he does not need any more reminders of what that traitor did. But on my own, I haven't scented hide nor hair of him." She glanced at Fallingstar. "It's LightningClan that's been pushing the border, not NightClan. I think it a little strange that NightClan has not immediately launched an attack; surely Shadeclaw has already told them everything he knows."

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[atrb=width,390,true][bg=003333]The mere mention of the dark tom caused the StoneClan leader's pelt to prickle with a contained rage. Shadeclaw, while not a tom she had been close to, left the Clan with more information that Fallingstar would have cared to be given away. By now, NightClan probably knew a great many of their secrets, not to mention a layout of the repetitive rocky territory that was usually so hard to navigate. Well, to the untrained cat. In the sunlight, the she-cat's dull fur looked a bit more golden, but it only made her anger more apparent. It took a moment, but the she-cat managed to force her curled jaw back into a relaxed position, a forced passive look crossing her face. "We have seen little of him, but I expect all out warriors would be prepared to assault him without hesitation." Fallingstar's words were cold, not unlike the tone she used when she tried to appear more durable and leader-like. Hailstrike seemed to have more rage that she could contain; the tom looked as if he might slice through the next offending cat at the drop of a feather. Of course Eagletalon had always been a bit dense, but he certainly hit on a touchy subject. Nodding to acknowledge Hailstrike's words, the leader responded; I trust that Falconleap will be keeping that it mind when she arranges patrols. I know we need to extra support along NightClan's border." Closing her eyes for a moment of thought, Fallingstar took a long pause. It wasn't unusual for her to do so, taking a moment of silence often helped her piece her words together. "As for LightningClan, it is mostly the movements of that ambitious tom, Blazehawk, that we need to watch out for." In Fallingstar's opinion, he was one of the most dangerous cats she had to deal with. He was smart, quick-witted, strong, and young. There was never a deadlier combination of traits - and, he had the charisma to be a threat. With LightningClan's leader teetering over the edge of death, Fallingstar could only rely on StarClan if she wanted Blazehawk's position as leader to be put off for as long as possible.

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[Fawn]

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[Phoenix]

While she focused on soothing the irritation that the topic had sparked, Hailstrike wondered idly whether Eagletalon realized that he had just called himself and the rest of StoneClan wicked. She did not think herself particularly wicked, but the term of endearment - as she decided that that was what it was - did not bother her enough to warrant a response. Instead, she nodded grimly in agreement, her mind on the danger that both clans posed to their safety. "No rest indeed," she murmured, and told herself that she would patrol the borders more frequently, whether on an organized patrol or one by herself. Eagletalon, it appeared, had the same idea as she did, and Hailstrike cast a glance in his direction, nodding slightly in appreciation of his words. Someone else, it appeared, took the initiative as well.

As the topic switched over to medicine cats, more specifically Crowfang, the warrior found it easier to calm her ire, as worry became the domininant emotion. Though her attention was directed toward the leader's brother while he spoke, she flicked them over to Fallingstar, trying to read the effect that Eagletalon's words had on the other she-cat. The medicine cat had been gone for a while, and it was only lucky that no serious injuries had occured in his absense. Crowfang had not even had an apprentice. Without any cat who had any knowledge of herbs, it set StoneClan at a disadvantage to the rest and gave them a weakness that NightClan or LightningClan would love to exploit. "Even if he has not abandoned us," Hailstrike meowed slowly, thoughtfully, "Crowfang has been gone for some time. Our luck cannot continue, and whether it is him or some other cat, I think it imperative that StoneClan gain a cat who has a knowledge of herbs and medicinal practices beyond the use of cobwebs and poppy seeds."

For the most part, she agreed with the tom, but she thought it more important to focus on a different aspect of the medicine cat's absense. The lack of a medicine cat worried her more than the fate of the tom. "I am not averse to searching for Crowfang or finding out his fate, but I believe that that should not have our complete focus. If it turns out that he is dead or has abandoned us, we still need to find a replacement. We need a back up, so nothing like this happens again." With his long absense, her faith in the tom had started to waver.

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[atrb=width,390,true][bg=003333]Listening to the words of Eagletalon and Hailstrike, Fallingstar knew they were right. But she remained quiet, as she often did, waiting for the two to finish what they had to say before she gave her input. Her brother mentioned the grim prospect of a war with two Clans at once. It seemed that StoneClan would have a hard time if that were the case; when Boulderstar had been leader, no cat would have dared challenge his authority. And though Fallingstar tried to appear strong, her mind was often filled with doubt. She could imagine warriors, many moons her seniors, discussing behind her back what a failure she was. Pushing the thoughts out of her mind, the golden-she cat gathered her words and began to respond. "At this point, I don't believe we shall be seeing Crowfeather again." The words were somewhat cold, but Fallingstar was often wary of the cats around her, and the former medicine cat had done nothing to earn her faith. Just as StarClan did not have her's now. "Hailstrike, I agree that a successor must be found immediately, but there is no place to begin searching." Fallingstar was tempted to say that they must put their trust in StarClan over the issue, but she knew she would not due so. Eventually, the StoneClan leader would take up the matter of a medicine cat into her own paws. But word must not spread. If word got out that StoneClan was without a medicine cat, they would be viewed as even weaker. An inexperienced leader and no medicine cat; what could be worse for a Clan? Closing her eyes, Fallingstar's thoughts became more and more pessimistic. Everything seemed to be going wrong. She wondered if StarClan had abandoned them once again, as they had done to the Ancient SkyClan generations before her time.

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