The tensions in the Clan have finally come to a head. First, the lack of herbs claimed another life. Although Bumble (102) was able to recover from his broken bone, he was unable to save Tanglechirp (72), who died of yellowcough. Bluestripe (100) mourns the loss of her mate, but takes comfort in her kits. Dapplemuzzle (22) does her best to support her mother, but isn’t truly grieving herself. It’s not like Tanglechirp did much to help raise her. Aphidwhisker (22) is a bit annoyed by Bluestripe’s attention. She would much rather be spending time plotting against Dawnstar (109) and Boulderflood (41) with Pebbletuft (58). But the drama in the Clan is not yet done. Badgers seem to have a grudge against ElementClan, and yet another gang of badgers attack the camp. Minnownudge (17) and Flailvalley (17) are on guard duty and are enjoying a moment of peace after the war. Which is interrupted when a badger bursts out of the bushes and kills Minnownudge with a single bite. Flailvalley freezes and doesn’t do anything as the badgers stream into the grotto. Nettlestripe (94) sounds the alarm with a burst of flame, but is trampled to death as the badgers stream in. However, his sacrifice and alarm gives Dawnstar a moment to rally his cats. He assigns Burdockbeam (41) and Boulderflood to one half of the camp while he and Dapplemuzzle are on the other. He doesn’t trust Aphidwhisker enough to tell her to do more than guard the healer’s den, and the injured Pebbletuft. Meanwhile, Hollowminnow (26) and Mitemask (26) end up fighting next to each other. Mitemask has a sudden sense of dread and tries to warn Hollowminnow about a surprise attack that was coming. He ignores her and is severely injured. Mitemask fights over her brother as best she can, but they both perish. Meanwhile, Scorchhawk (17) and Mistytooth (17) go out to find their brother. The camp needs his power. However, a badger blocks their path and kills both of them. Petalfrost (37) insists on fighting on his own, despite Peatfeather (37) urging him to work with his Clanmates. But why would he, when they had never truly welcomed him? He glares at ElementClan as a badger shakes him from its back, breaking his neck. With so many cats injured or dead, Copperheart (41) takes it upon herself to do something responsible for a change and protect the elder’s den. However, her lack of practice from her many days goofing off mean that she can’t defend it and both she and Cherviljumble (130) die. On the other side of camp, Boulderflood and Burdockbeam are being pushed towards the Healer’s den. Burdockbeam sees her sister and partner in crime fall from across the camp and is momentarily distracted. It’s enough for a badger to kill her. Boulderflood is left to mourn both her sisters and try to fend off two badgers at once. Aphidwhisker watches from the Healer’s den. She could kill both of the badgers with a touch. But. . .she glances at Pebbletuft, who shakes her head. She chooses to do nothing and watches as Boulderflood is slaughtered. However, a badger surprises her and tosses her aside, killing Pebbletuft. In the clearing, fighting alongside Bluestripe and Dawnstar, Dapplemuzzle gets tired of watching her clanmates fall. And of watching her sister do nothing to help. When a badger pins Peatfeather, she snaps. She lashes out with her magic and fells three badgers, giving her clanmates a chance to gain the upper hand and officially proving herself. The day is won, but at the cost of twelve lives. And both of the Clan’s star-blessed cats. Graysong’s omen about lights being extinguished has come true.
Hatchswipe (70) is distraught at the loss of all three of her sister’s kits. Her last ties to her littermates are gone. She tries to hold onto their scents for as long as she can, but even those fade. Kestrelcreek (114) is shaken by yet another mass death in her Clan. She, Bluestripe, and Dawnstar are the only cats left of their generation. She feels so old. Aries notices that her Clan is hurting, but isn’t sure how to help. She goes on a long walk to try and make sense of her thoughts. Hatchswipe also spends some time with Hopcurl’s (43) surviving kit. Flailvalley has just lost all of his littermates. She’s glad to have a clanmate as kind and considerate as him. While no living cat knows the extent of Aphidwhisker’s actions (well, inactions), the death of her former apprentice is not a good sign. Bumble feels like Dawnstar should be doing more to build up the Clan.
