Chapter 23: ThistleClan

Chapter 23:  ThistleClan

     Sharpfang led ThisteClan through FireClan territory.  "What were you thinking?!"  Bluefur stared at him.  "Why would you leave Flamestar like that?  He's your bestie!"  Sharpfang shrugged.  "He was being ridiculous!  It was time for a change anyway,"
"But still!"
"I gave him a warning,"
"He's your FRIEND.  Imagine how he feels right now,"  Sharpfang felt a pang of guilt.  How did Flamestar feel?  Sharpfang had never thought that over.  "It's not too late to go back,"  Bluefur said softly.  "No,"  Sharpfang said with a shake of his head,  "We can't give in."  As he and Bluefur led the group, they soon found a sheltered place near a low branch, perfect for meetings.  There was a huge sheltered bush, perfect for the warriors to sleep in.  "Oh mouse dung!"  Bluefur hissed,  "The gathering's tonight!"  Sharpfang felt a lump forming in his throat.  "StarClan no!  We can't announce that FireClan is weak!" 
"What should we do?  Flamestar will think we're weak if we don't go!" 
"Let's take a vote.  All in favor of going to the gathering, say 'mouse',"  The whole group yelled mouse.  "If you object, yell 'mouse'."  Silence.  "Well... I guess we're going,"  Sharpfang said,  "We'll all go since there's only 7 of us." 
"Can I sleep in the warrior's den when we're done?"  Mosspaw asked quietly.  "I mean... I'm the only apprentice and..." 
"Of course, Mosspaw!"  Sharpfang exclaimed.  He chuckled.  "I'm going to sleep there myself!  There's no way I'll sleep alone!"  Mosspaw laughed.  "Well,"  Bluefur began,  "I guess we better go." 
"Agreed,"  Fastclaw muttered, "Uh, which way is the gathering?" 
"That way,"  Thornclaw and Pebblestep said at the same time, each pointing in different directions.  "I believe,"  Mosspaw began, "We came from that direction,"  Mosspaw pointed behind the warrior's den,  "And the gathering's that way from FireClan camp,"  Mosspaw pointed east, then north.  "So, we must go east."  Everyone stared at Mosspaw.  Since when did she ever become so observant?"  Sharpfang thought.  "Well, Mosspaw,"  Sharpfang said,  "Why don't you lead the way?  If you get us there safely, I'll make you co-deputy.  I believe you were due for your warrior ceremony a few days from now?  We can all give you an assessment."  Mosspaw's eyes widened bigger than a porcupine's.  "Really!?  Wow!  Come on!  We can't be late!!!!!!!"  Mosspaw padded away in a hurry.  "I thought we had to go that way,"  Nightpelt pointed out.  "Oh yeah!"  Mosspaw turned around and headed toward the correct direction.  "You never should've said that,"  Bluefur muttered out of Mosspaw's earshot.  "With that ball of energy leading us, our only hope is for StarClan to light our path."