Chapter 20: Separation

Chapter 20:  Separation

     Sharpfang watched helplessly as Flamestar continued to order around every cat in FireClan.  "It's for respect,"  was all he ever said about it.  His orders were becoming ridiculous.  Once he told Sharpfang to quit complaining and go change the elder's moss.  He was the deputy!  That night Sharpfang decided to ask Mapleleaf what to do.  She was his new mentor, after all.  "Well," Mapleleaf said.  "Maybe it's time to take a break from Flamestar,"
"What?"  Sharpfang stared at her.
"Gather anyone that wants to come and move to the western part of the territory,"
"That's crazy!"
"It's only until Flamestar realizes how important you are and begs to come back,"
"But,"
"You want more respect, don't you?"
"Yes."
"Then do it!"
Sharpfang awoke in the morning time.  Mapleleaf had never failed him before, right?  He would try it out.  If it didn't work, he'd just come back.  Sharpfang jumped onto the highrock.  Cats gathered around him.  "Get down from there!  It's not time for patrols!"  Flamestar hissed.  Sharpfang ignored him.  "I am offended with Flamestar's bossy directions,"  Sharpfang began.  "I have decided to take any cats that agree with me to the western part of the territory for awhile.  We'll come back later,"  Sharpfang said.  Gasps rippled through the crowd.  "Anyone else tired of the new Flamestar?"  As Sharpfang talked, he became more and more confident.  Bluefur stepped up.  "Yes, I am,"  She said.  "I would be happy to be your deputy,"  Sharpfang nodded.  "Anyone else?"  he asked the crowd.  "I'd like to come,"  Fastclaw said.  Nightpelt nodded too.  Thornclaw and Pebblestep stepped up as well.  "Snowfur?"  Sharpfang looked at his mate.  "I would but..."  she began.  Sharpfang's heart sank.  "I need to be here in case my kits come home,"
"And I need to be here with her,"  Grayfur said sadly.  "You need a medicine cat, so I'll go,"  Ashfeather said.  "I want to come too,"  Mosspaw said.  "Anyone coming follow me,"  Sharpfang began walking out of camp.  Mapleleaf nodded to him from high in the tree.  He just looked at her.  Sharpfang continued to lead his new clan out of FireClan camp.  Bluefur padded up next to him.  "What should we call our group, Sharpfang?"  She asked.  Sharpfang thought for a second.  He thought of the pain in his heart when he realized he had to leave Flamestar behind, grabbing him and peircing him like thorns.  "ThistleClan,"  he muttered.  "We'll be ThistleClan,"