Winter Gathering: Teams + Official Art!

Here’s my story for the contest:

“Let this gathering begin!” Beetlestar loud voice rang from the boulder the leaders sat on. “Prey in CloudClan has been running well,and we welcome two new apprentices tonight. Maplepaw and Owlpaw!” The clans cheered the cats names,many different voices filling the air. Beetlestar nodded to the WillowClan leader,encouraging him to go next. Foxstar stood up,his gaze calm as he looked around the clearing. “New-leaf has brought plenty of food to WillowClan,and we are grateful. Unfortunately,our elder Twistedleaf had died. He went peacefully,and is now residing in StarClan.” Many murmured their condolences,but quieted as Lilystar,the MeadowClan leader,started speaking. “Prey is plentiful,and our cats are well fed-” She was cut off by the FrostClan leader.

“Of course they’re well fed,you’ve been taking our prey!” Thornstar’s icy growl shocked the others. FrostClan wasn’t very friendly,but they had never been like this.

“My warriors wouldn’t steal prey. We make sure that no borders are crossed.” The she-cat tried to continue but Thornstar stopped her again. “Don’t lie! MeadowClan scent has been found on our territory. If you think you can keep stealing prey,you’re wrong.” Oakstar of BreezeClan stepped up,looking uneasy. “I’m sure no food has been taken,Thornstar. Why would MeadwoClan steal food if they already have enough on their land?” Thornstar whipped around and glared at him. “You’re all fox-hearts! If you can’t control your own cats,you don’t deserve to be leaders!” The tom’s claws slid out and Beetlestar gasped. “Have you forgotten it’s a gathering? There’s a truce!” But Thornstar didn’t listen. Pouncing on Lilystar,his claws raked her flesh as she desperately tried to free herself. Yowls of outrage came from around them,and many cats jumped up to stop the fight,but FrostClan warriors kept them back.

Darkfire,the deputy,clawed a warrior’s face as they ran to the boulder. “MeadowClan was always the weakest,now it’s time we push them out.” The other three leaders were pulling Thornstar away from Lilystar,but it was to late. Her body lay limp,the wounds gushing blood”That was her last life.” Iceglow,the MeadowClan medicine cat,whispered. Thornstar smiled,his paws stained red.

“FrostClan will be claiming the land and forcing their cats out of clan territory.” He bared his teeth,staring at the shocked and horrified cats under him. “And I’ll kill any cat who objects.” With that,he jumped down and started walking away. Mudfeather,the BreezeClan medic,collapsed. He raised his head to the sky,looking at the moon now covered is clouds.

“StarClan is angry,and we may never be redeemed.”