warriors: dawn of the clans

This was a nice series and it really brought things full circle. Jayfeather had already discovered the ancient cats left the lake and moved to the mountains to become The Tribe of Rushing Water. Now, here, we discover some tribe cats left and joined with some rogues to create something different - the five clans surrounding fourtrees. Ultimately, the clans will leave fourtrees and return to the lake. Of course, SkyClan is still missing, off on their own. But, it is not like the clans returned to the Tribe so I suppose it is what it is.

It was both sad and exciting to see the birth of the clans. I wish there was more on the moonstone and the birth of the medicine cats, but the focus was more on the birth of the clans themselves (including StarClan). I am hopeful that Moth Flight's Vision will solve this problem, but we will have to see. It was nice seeing where the clan names came from.

Like The Power of Three this series also had no villain. It is easy to paint Clear Sky as the villain, but in actuality he was just misguided and afraid. Instead, if we were to point at a villain, the villain was really themselves. Their inability to realize that different things made different cats happy. Some preferred the moor, others the open forest. Some preferred the river, others the dark forest. The inability to accept this, the desperation of holding everyone together when they just wanted to be free, this is what the villain was. In that light one could even argue Gray Wing was just as guilty as Clear Sky. Where Clear Sky was very totalitarian Gray Wing wanted everyone to stay together.

My only complaint with this story is RiverClan was shoved into the background. Clear Sky had his story and Gray Wing had his (with Shadow Star and Thunder). River Ripple was off doing his own thing for most of the series. Eventually Shadow Star and Thunder would leave Gray Wing but River Ripple was separate from the start and we saw very little of him and the birth of his clan.

While this series was definitely more of a prequel to give background to the main story line it was solid enough to stand on its own and was very good.  

Warriors: Dawn of the Clans

1. The Sun Trail
2. Thunder Rising
3. The First Battle
4. The Blazing Star
5. A Forest Divided
6. Path of Stars

200 books: december

Final month! Well, final half month. And, my final post for the year. This year I am ending a little bit early as my boys are going away for Christmas to visit their father. And next year's book goals will be slightly different. I figure to resume blogging around January 5th or 6th, so I will talk about our goals then. Until then, here are the last books for this year!

(Note: there are no chapter books listed for me and Little Legs because we read story books all month)

December books:

1. Dog Man and Cat Kid - Vampire Kitten
2. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Wrecking Ball - Vampire Kitten
3. The Adventure Zone: Murder on the Rockport Limited - Vampire Kitten
4. The Nameless City - Vampire Kitten
5. Star Wars: A New Hope Graphic Novel - Vampire Kitten
6. Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back Graphic Novel - Vampire Kitten
7. Star Wars: Return of the Jedi Graphic Novel - Vampire Kitten
8. Estranged: The Changeling King - Lone Wolf
9. The Wormworld Saga: The Journey Begins - Lone Wolf
10. Wings of Fire: The Hidden Kingdom Graphic Novel - Lone Wolf
11. Norse Myths Adventures of Thor - Lone Wolf
12. Estranged: The Changeling King - Wandering Falcon
13. Extraordinary: A Story of an Ordinary Princess - Wandering Falcon
14. Far Out Fairy Tales - Wandering Falcon
15. Magic Tree House: Hurry Up, Houdini! - Family

The Breakdown:

Vampire Kitten: 7
Lone Wolf: 4
Little Legs: 0
Wandering Falcon: 3
Family: 1

Total:

Vampire Kitten: 107/50
Lone Wolf: 50/25
Little Legs: 49/13
Wandering Falcon: 118/100
Family: 16/12

sailor moon: part ten

Kunzite turns a final human into a youma. Sailor Moon comes up with a plan to convince the Dark Kingdom that she is breaking away from the Sailor Scouts so she can join the Dark Kingdom with Endymion. So Kunzite turns a tabloid photographer, Nana Asahina, into a youma to gather information. Their plan backfires in the end and Kunzite gets way. After this, however. the portal to the Dark Kingdom secret hideout is discovered and the Sailor Soldiers go there to bring the fight to Queen Beryl. Kunzite catches them and sends them to the Chaotic World of Multiple Dimensions. While trapped there Usagi finds her mother, Queen Serenity, who tells her the rest of her past and of the war with the Dark Kingdom. The Sailor Soldiers escape and Sailor Moon finally defeats Kunzite.

From here the Sailor Soldiers use the Sailor Teleport to reach the Dark Kingdom base. They go up against the DD Girls, of which there are five. The DD Girls use an illusion of Tuxedo Mask to trick Sailor Moon. When her friends keep preventing her from falling for it they use one of Motoki to trick Sailor Jupiter. Sailor Jupiter attacks and takes out two of the DD Girls, dying in the process. Everyone is stunned by her death but they move forward. Ami takes on the DD Girls next, when they try to use an illusion of Urawa. She destroys their ability to make illusions and dies. Venus then falls when she takes out one DD Girl. Mars is left to fight two of them and dies taking them out. Sailor Moon is devastated by the loss of her friends but their spirits come to her and give her the courage to move forward. She finds Queen Beryl, who reveals a fully brainwashed Mamoru. Usagi and Mamoru fight, but then Usagi shows him the music box. Mamoru comes to his senses and he and Queen Beryl fight, killing each other. Sailor Moon is left all alone. As Queen Beryl dies she calls out to Queen Metalia, asking to be infused with her power so she can destroy Sailor Moon. Queen Metalia complies and transforms Queen Beryl. The new Queen Beryl faces off against Sailor Moon, who transforms into Princess Serenity and, alongside the souls of her friends, unleashes the full power of the Silver Crystal. Princess Serenity defeats Queen Beryl completely and as she dies she makes a wish that she and her friends will wake up tomorrow to a normal day. Usagi's wish is granted. She and her friends return to their normal life with no memories of anything that has transpired. This makes Luna sad, but Artemis points out that all that needs to happen is the Sailor Soldiers need to meet again.

My favorite episode is a tie between "The Sailor Warriors Die! The Tragic Final Battle" and "Usagi's Everlasting Wish! A New Reincarnation". Watching the Sailor Scouts sacrifice themselves for Usagi, Mamoru killing Queen Beryl, Usagi unleashing the Silver Crystal's power, and everyone's reincarnation.

The Episodes:

Is Usagi Going it Alone? The Sailor Warriors get into a Big Fight - Season 1, Episode 43

Synopsis - Usagi comes up with a plan to infiltrate the Dark Kingdom by pretending to break with the Sailor Scouts.

Youma: Oniwa Bandana (bandana)

Usagi's Awakening! A Message from the Distant Past - Season 1, Episode 44

Synopsis - The Sailor Soldiers find the secret hideout. Usagi learns about her past.

The Sailor Warriors Die! The Tragic Final Battle - Season 1, Episode 45

Synopsis - The Sailor Warriors face off against the DD Girls as they try to reach Queen Beryl.

First Time: Sailor Teleport, the DD Girls

Usagi's Everlasting Wish! A New Reincarnation - Season 1, Episode 46

Synopsis - Usagi faces off against Queen Beryl and a completely brainwashed Mamoru.

sailor moon: part nine

Things move along very quickly as we reach the end. The Sailor Soldiers go up against a youma created by Kunzite. He turns figure skaters Janelyn and Misha into monsters in the hopes of finding Sailor Moon, who was a great figure skater in her previous life. However, Usagi is a klutz in this life so this plan doesn't really work out. Kunzite does trap the Sailor Soldiers, but Endymion gets caught in the trap so he helps them escape. Sailor Moon heals the figure skaters and life returns to normal. Usagi and her family go away for a small trip to some hot springs. Endymion is drawn to the lake as there is an ancient monster trapped in it. He releases the monster but is unable to control it. Sailor Moon helps him to heal the monster and send her on to the after life.

Endymion's next plan involves the seven Great Youma. Urawa reaches out to Ami, who stands up to Endymion and is able to release the human hosts that Endymion has already trapped. Sailor Moon is finally able to heal Endymion but Queen Beryl whisks Mamoru away so she can brainwash him again. After this an old friend from Mina's past, Katarina, who knows that Mina is Sailor Venus, shows up. Kunzite has turned her into a youma in the hopes that she can find out the identity of Sailor Moon. Sailor Moon heals Katarina, and Mina finds closure from her past.

Favorite episode? "The Legendary Lake Monster! Usagi's Family Ties". The plot involving the monster is a bit difficult to follow and doesn't make much sense, but the episode does reinforce the point that Mamoru isn't completely corrupted.

The episodes:

Paired with a Monster?! Ice Queen Mako - Season 1, Episode 39

Synopsis - Kunzite's new plan involves figure skaters. Only he traps Endymion, who is forced to help the Sailor Soldiers in order to survive.

Youma: Zoyrin (Janelyn) Geller (Misha) (figure skaters)

The Legendary Lake Monster! Usagi's Family Ties - Season 1, Episode 40

Synopsis - Usagi's family takes a trip to a lake with a legend of a monster. Endymion wakes the monster but when things don't go as planned he has to team up with Sailor Moon to defeat the monster.

I Won't Run From Love Anymore! Ami and Mamoru's Showdown - Season 1, Episode 41

Synopsis - Endymion decides to reawaken the seven Great Youma's and Ami stands up to him.

Sailor Venus' Past, Minako's Tragic Love - Season 1, Episode 42

Synopsis - A woman from Mina's past, Katarina, arrives in the hopes of finding out Sailor Moon's identity so she can tell Kunzite.

sailor moon: part eight

The trilogy I mentioned in the previous Sailor Moon post wraps up. Usagi's memories of the Silver Millennium begin to return. Queen Beryl takes Tuxedo Mask away so she can begin the brainwashing process on him. She also kills Zoisite for directly disobeying her orders and attacking Tuxedo Mask when she explicitly stated she wanted him alive.

Usagi is devastated that Mamoru has been taken away. Mina takes it upon herself to cheer up her new friend. She starts by taking Usagi to get her hair done. Only problem is the hairstylist, Kariko, and her assistants have been turned into a monster by Kunzite. He has given them a sample of Sailor Moon's hair so they can find the sailor soldier in her human identity. Kariko mistakes Mina for Sailor Moon after she accidentally gets some of Usagi's hair on herself. This leads to a fight between Sailor Moon and a transformed Kariko. Usagi is losing the fight when a red rose is thrown. The rose turns to black and Usagi looks up to see Mamoru. However he has no memory of being Mamoru or Tuxedo Mask - he is Endymion of the Dark Kingdom. While he does help Sailor Moon, he makes it very clear they are enemies and his only interest in the getting the silver crystal.

Usagi and her friends have more run-ins with Kunzite and Endymion, who refuse to work together and go out of their way to thwart each other, as Kunzite tries to defeat Sailor Moon and Endymion tries to take the silver crystal. First is a "princess seminar" run by Countess Rose (who has also been turned into a monster by Kunzite) then a Moon Princess skiing contest run by Saeko (again, who has also been turned into a monster by Kunzite). When Usgai goes up against Saeko, Endymion's rose does briefly turn red but it immediately goes back to black again.

Favorite episode is, of course, "Memories Return! Usagi and Mamoru's Past" but if we ignore that little trilogy of episodes I would pick "Usagi is Confused! Is Tuxedo Mask Evil?" because it shows Usagi's heartbreak, Mina's attempts at being friends with her fellow sailor scouts and assimilating into their group, and an evil Tuxedo Mask.

The episodes:

Memories Return! Usagi and Mamoru's Past - Season 1, Episode 35

Synopsis - Usagi's memories begin to come back and Queen Beryl takes control of Mamoru.

Usagi is Confused! Is Tuxedo Mask Evil? - Season 1, Episode 36

Synopsis - Usagi mourns the loss of Tuxedo Mask just for him to return as Endymion of the Dark Kingdom.

Youma: Mitsaumi (hair styling tools)

Mina's Transformation Introduced: Venus Power Makeup

Aim to be a Princess? Usagi's Weird Training - Season 1, Episode 37

Synopsis - Usagi learns of a princess seminar and seeks to join, only for it to be a Dark Kingdom plot.

Youma: Shakoukai (wax & seashells)

The Snow! The Mountains! Our Friendship! And of Course, a Monster, Too - Season 1,Episode 38

Synopsis - The girls learn of a skiing competition, that also turns out to be a Dark Kingdom plot.

Youma: Blizzar (blizzard)

sailor moon: part seven

Okay, big reveals here.

Zoisite continues his hunt for the final rainbow crystal. A young girl is his target and the Sailor Scouts work to stop him - only for all of them to realize that the girl's cat, Rhett Butler, is the carrier of the rainbow crystal. Meanwhile Rhett Butler is in love with Luna and off having an adventure with her. After this adventure is over with Zoisite changes the black crystal so it will turn any human into a monster. He resolves to use it on Naru. Meanwhile Usagi is trying to convince Naru to date Umino, who is imitating Tuxedo Mask (as Tuxedo Umino Mask) in an attempt to be cool. Usagi makes Naru take Umino to a Red Man show. While there Zoisite tries to use the crystal on Naru but instead uses its powers on Red Man, transforming him into a monster. Zoisite tells Sailor Moon in exchange for the yellow crystal he will cease his attack. Tuxedo Mask shows up and in the confusion that follows Zoisite takes the crystal and escapes while Sailor Moon heals Red Man.

After this a plot is hatched by Zoisite and Kunzite to get the remaining crystals. They have Zoisite dress up as Sailor Moon in an attempt to lure out Tuxedo Mask and Sailor Moon. It works and the four Sailor Scouts become trapped by Kunzite while Tuxedo Mask faces off against Zoisite. When Tuxedo Mask's mask gets knocked off in the fight Queen Beryl recognizes him. Sailor Venus shows up to save Tuxedo Mask and the Sailor Soldiers. Queen Beryl calls a retreat. The next day, Queen Beryl decrees that Tuxedo Mask must be taken alive. Zoisite contacts Tuxedo Mask and asks him to meet him at the Starlight Tower. Usagi runs into Mamoru and follows him. Because of this both of them fall into Zoisite's trap, ending up in the elevator at Starlight Tower with a massive fireball coming at them right after Kunzite steals all seven rainbow crystals. Meanwhile the other Sailor Soldiers meet Minako for the first time as everyone tries to figure out where Usagi is. They all head for the Starlight Tower. Back to Usagi and Mamoru, Usagi transforms into Sailor Moon, saving them. Zoisite is displeased and Mamoru transforms into Tuxedo Mask. When Zoisite tries to kill Sailor Moon, Tuxedo Mask sacrifices himself for her. The other Sailor Soldiers arrive too late. Sailor Moon starts to cry and the rainbow crystals disappear in front of Kunzite and reappear with Sailor Moon, turning into the Silver Crystal as she turns into the Moon Princess.

It is hard to pick a favorite episode. For the record, "Loved and Chased! Luna's Worst Day Ever" is absolutely hilarious. However, I'm going to have to go with the appearance of Sailor Venus in "The Last Sailor Warrior, Sailor Venus Appears" and the major plot reveals in "The Sparkling Silver Crystal? The Moon Princess Appears". I know that this is actually two episodes, but they, along with the next episode ("Memories Return! Usagi and Mamoru's Past") really kind of form a trilogy that is hard to beat. But if it wasn't for these three episodes it would have definitely been Luna's episode. There is nothing more hilarious than Zoisite and the rats. Well, there is Rei asking Mamoru on a date... and An getting peed on... and Usagi's dining room fight scene...

The episodes:

Loved and Chased! Luna's Worst Day Ever - Season 1, Episode 31

Synopsis - Rhett Butler, carrier of the final rainbow crystal, falls in love with Luna.

The Great Youma: Bakene (monster cat)

Rainbow Crystal: Purple (Tuxedo Mask's possession)

Umino's Resolve! I'll Protect Naru - Season 1, Episode 32

Synopsis - Usagi convinces Naru to give Umino a chance. They head to a Red Man show for their first date only for Zoisite to show up, wishing to turn Naru into a monster while Unimo is imitating Tuxedo Mask.

Youma: Akan (Super Red Man)

Rainbow Crystal: Yellow (now in Zoisite's possession)

The Last Sailor Warrior, Sailor Venus Appears - Season 1, Episode 33

Synopsis - Kunsite and Zoisite concoct a plan to steal ththe remaining rainbow crystals by pretending to be Sailor Moon. Sailor V/Venus appears.

Sailor Soldier Introduced: Sailor V/Venus/Minako Aino (though her name isn't revealed until the next episode), Artemis

Mina's Attack Introduced: Crescent Beam

The Sparkling Silver Crystal? The Moon Princess Appears - Season 1, Episode 34

Synopsis - Zoisite asks Mamoru to meet. Usagi follows and after Zoisite tries to kill them she transforms into Sailor Moon and Mamoru transforms into Tuxedo Mask.

First Time: The Silver Crystal

sailor moon: part six

The sailor soldiers try to come to terms with Nephrite's death, Usagi tries to comfort Naru (and she enlists Umino to help her) even though she knows there is nothing she can do, and Zoisite continues his search for the rainbow crystals.

First Zoisite goes after a priest while Usagi and Umino are trying to distract Naru. As Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask fight the monster they grow closer. Then Zoisite goes after Urawa, a boy who can see the future and who is also in love with Ami. After that he targets Yumeni, an artist who wishes to paint Mamoru and Usagi as lovers. This draws Mamoru and Usagi closer, despite Mamoru's relationship with Rei. Umino also starts to discover feelings for Naru, which confuses him since he thought he was in love with Usagi. Then Zoisite targets Reika, who is Motoki's girlfriend. Reika is considering going to Africa to study but she worries about Motoki. This causes a bit of a love triangle - or, more aptly, square - as Usagi and Makoto both have feelings for Motoki and feel conflicted about his potential heartbreak. Then Yuichiro arrives right as Zoisite targets (Rei's) Grandpa.

My favorite episode is "Grandpa Goes Crazy, Rei's in Jeopardy". Grandpa always cracks me up and Yuichiro is probably my most favorite supporting character. I enjoy watching his relationship with Rei unfold - and I love Grandpa's horror at being unable to stop it! Plus Usagi makes a fool of herself trying to get Rei to hook up with Yuichiro, which is also hilarious.

The episodes:

Bring a Smile to Naru's Face! Usagi's Friendship - Season 1, Episode 26

Synopsis - Usagi enlists Umino's help and they try to help Naru recover from her heartbreak. Meanwhile Zoisitem, in search of the next rainbow crystal, attacks a priest.

The Great Youma: Boxy (winged boxer)

Rainbow Crystal: Orange (Tuxedo Mask's possession) 

Love for Ami?! A Boy Who Can Predict the Future - Season 1, Episode 27

Synopsis - Urawa is a boy who can predict the future - and he is in love with Ami. Zoisite realizes he carries a rainbow crystal.

The Great Youma: Bunbo (Swiss army knife)

Rainbow Crystal: Yellow (Ami's possession)

Illustrations of Love, are Usagi and Mamoru Getting Closer? - Season 1, Episode 28

The Great Youma: Vena (winged artist)

Rainbow Crystal: Green (Zoisite's possession)

Total Chaos! The Messy Square Relationship - Season 1, Episode 29

The Great Youma: Rikokayder (scientist)

Rainbow Crystal: Blue/Green (Zoisite's possession)

Grandpa Goes Crazy, Rei's in Jeopardy - Season 1, Episode 30

The Great Youma: Jijii (demon)

Rainbow Crystal: Blue (Zoisite's possession)

Supporting Cast Introduced: Yuichiro

a closer character look: adam

Adam is a human-demon-robot hybrid that professor Walsh secretly creates in a secret room in the Initiative. Walsh collects demons both to study them and to use them to create the perfect super soldier. Adam is the accumulation of her research, only he turns on her and kills her. He takes over Walsh's secret operation and expands it beyond her vision. He unites the demons of Sunnydale and convinces them to join him in his attack against the Initiative - he even convinces them to get themselves captured so they can take over the Initiative from the inside. Adam kills anyone who gets in his way. Some - like professor Walsh - he turns into mindless zombies to serve him. Others - like Forrest - he turns into obedient cyborgs to help him achieve his aims.

In the end Adam is taken down rather unconventionally by Buffy. As he is an assembly of multiple different creatures Buffy herself becomes an assembly to stop him. Willow, Xander, and Giles work a spell to give Buffy their powers so she can overcome and defeat Adam. Adam unleashes his demon army upon the Initiative. He knows it will be a blood bath on both sides, but he is okay with this as it will give him all the body parts he needs to begin the creation of his new army. Buffy and her friends infiltrate the Initiative and stop him with their combined powers, along with the soldiers fighting to help.

Adam carries heavy themes of Doctor Frankenstein and his monster. The parallels between Walsh and Frankenstein as well as Adam and the monster are clear to see. But there are also glaring differences. Adam carries sentimentality for Walsh - his "mother" - and Riley - his "brother" - but those feelings do not stop him from killing Walsh and polluting her vision or trying to turn Riley against his wishes. Adam does not need Walsh. He forges ahead into the future he wishes to create. Sure, he saves Walsh, but only as a mindless zombie. Walsh at least loves her creation, unlike Frankenstein.

There are also, of course, parallels to the Garden of Eden and the creation of the first man. This brings us to playing god and Doctor Malcolm's quote - your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could they didn't stop to think if they should. Adam embodies this perfectly. Just because you can create a demon/human/robot hybrid doesn't mean you should. Walsh had an obsession with control. She wished to control Buffy, but couldn't, so she decided to eliminate her so she didn't lose control of Riley (which she was). But this action only caused her to lose control over both. Walsh saw Adam as being the first superior being and an incredible scientific triumph - which, of course, she would control. Only she did not and in the end Adam controlled her.

As far as villains in the adulthood arc go, Adam is my least favorite. His whole story line is a bit sloppy and unbelievable (I mean, no one has ever noticed these soldiers wandering around town?!? No one wonders where Walsh disappears off to after Adam kills her?!? No one questions why there are demon body parts lying around waiting to be assembled into something new?!?) but that doesn't mean it isn't a solid season when you focus on the actual story line - which is Buffy and her friends growing up, growing apart, discovering just what adulthood on their own is, and then realizing they don't want to grow apart, that they do want to remain a family. This is really driven home in the next two seasons as they are forced to face just what adulthood means and the sacrifices it entails - and just how difficult it is at times to be an adult or pick up the pieces when things go horribly wrong. Don't get me wrong, seasons 1-3 are good (well - 1 and 2 are), but, in my opinion, 4-6 are where the story is really at.

a character exits: professor walsh

I debated combining Professor Walsh's post with Adam's post. It made sense to me since Walsh was the big bad up until Adam killed her and turned her into a zombie. And, when it came down to Angel's big bad post I did combine him with Darla, Drusilla, and Spike. However, like I said, Adam did kill her and turn her into a zombie so...

Professor Maggie Walsh is a psychology professor at UC Sunnydale. She is also a scientist for the Initiative. She leads Riley and his friends (including Forrest and Graham) and works on the secret project of 314, which is an attempt at making a human/demon/cyborg super solider. Walsh is closest with Riley and clearly views him as a surrogate son. Riley, initially, returns these feelings.

Buffy is a student of hers and initially Walsh is fine with Buffy being in Riley's life. But the revelation of Buffy being the slayer, Buffy's chosen one mentality, Buffy's determination to discover what is really going on at the Initiative, and Buffy's sway over Riley quickly sours Walsh's relationship with her. Ultimately Walsh tries to have her killed. Her plan backfires, but she loses Riley because of it. She escapes to her secret project, only for Adam to kill her. Adam, who does view Walsh as his mother, revives her - but only as a zombie. The professor Walsh that can think and scheme for herself is dead.

Professor Walsh is a bit of a counterpoint to Giles. Giles is Buffy's father figure and represents Buffy's past, her ties to high school/teenagehood, and her ties to the council and the belief that she only has the future of a slayer before her. She goes off to college and all of that gets thrown out. Where Giles is an old, stuffy librarian with no direction in his life, professor Walsh is a modern, feminist scientist with a very clear goal. She comes to surpass Giles and represent a different sort of parental figure to Buffy along with representing Buffy's future, her ties to college/adulthood, and her ties to a real life outside of being the chosen one. However instead of embracing this and guiding Buffy, Walsh lets her jealousies consume her. Her single-mindedness loses her Riley and gets her killed by her own creation. In the end she is left as a mindless zombie. Adam won't kill her, as he does view her as his mother, and he appreciates her goals and vision for him. But he won't make her into something more like he does with Forrest. He leaves her an empty shell of the brilliant scientist that she once was.

buffy the vampire slayer: part eighteen

Here we are. The end of season 4! (I'm excited. Season 5 is my favorite.)

First, we get some Oz closure. He returns to Sunnydale, able to control the wolf inside of him, and looking to return to Willow. Only problem is Willow has begun to move on with Tara and the Initiative captures him when he discovers this and turns into a wolf. Actually, that is two problems. This also leads to some Riley growth as he turns his back on the Initiative for good as with Oz's capture. Riley begins to realize that some demons and monsters are actually human. Oz realizes he has to leave Willow, which upsets the two of them, but Willow is able to return to Tara free from Oz.

Spike has some serious screen time working for Adam. He is able to play upon all the fears that everyone has been subtly expressing, and turn everyone against each other. He plays upon Giles's fears of Buffy no loner needing him, Xander's fears of being left behind, and Willow and Buffy's fears of their best friend choosing their significant other over each other.

However despite the basic story plot there is a lot of symbolism going on and a lot of wrapping up of those aforementioned subtle plots. After Adam is defeated the main group shares a dream where the spirit of the first slayer tries to kill them. This dream emphasizes the very fears everyone has been focusing on all season. Willow struggles with people not accepting the changes in her life. Everyone refers to her as being "in costume" and when that costume is finally ripped off she is no longer the confidant witch and woman she is growing into but a scared little high schooler who can't speak up for herself - with her two love interests (Oz and Tara) flirting with each other. Xander's dream focuses on everyone moving ahead with their lives and leaving him behind. It also shows him accepting that Buffy only loves him as a brother. While everyone else flirts with him Buffy does not and he is okay with that. Giles's dream shows him torn between Buffy and Olivia. Torn between being a Watcher and having his own life. He ultimately chooses Buffy, walking away from (and ignoring) a sobbing Olivia. Buffy's dream focuses on being alone, as slayers are supposed to be, and the fear of her future with Riley as he plots world domination after rejoining the army with a human Adam. This is a bit of foreshadowing as Riley will ultimately leave Buffy and return to fighting demons with the military. There is also a bit of foreshadowing of Dawn's coming and of Tara's supposed demonic heritage. However, there is also some Spike foreshadowing and explaining. Giles refers to Spike being like a son to him. There will be an episode where everyone loses their memories and Giles and Spike believe they are father and son. Spike also admits to being the way he is for the drama. His character will go through a lot of changes over the next few seasons as he will start to make the shift towards being a good guy in season 5, but even despite this shift Spike does enjoy creating drama and watching it unfold - like he willingly did for Adam.

My favorite episode probably is "Restless." I never really liked it much before but now, years later, I can appreciate just how deep - and different - this episode is.

The episodes:

New Moon Rising - Season 4, Episode 19

Synopsis - Oz returns to Sunnydale and Willow, only to discover that she has moved on.

The Yoko Factor - Season 4, Episode 20

Synopsis - Spike tears the group apart by playing on their fears.

Primeval - Season 4, Episode 21

Synopsis - The core group take on Adam with a spell that combines all their best attributes in Buffy. 

Restless - Season 4, Episode 22

Synopsis - The first slayer returns to kill Buffy and her friends out of anger for how they defeated Adam.

path of stars: part five

Thunder and his cats head to Fourtrees to meet with everyone else. They are going ro do a special ceremony for the rogues officially making them members of their groups. The cats are allowed to take on new names if they wish, as well. Everything goes fine but Ember becomes hostile. Slash arrives, mocking the cats, calling them his weakest cats, and Ember asks to join him. Slash allows him and Thunder worries that other cats might switch their loyalties too - but the rest of the rogues choose to stay with their new homes. Thunder tells Slash that they didn't take his weakest cats, but his strongest. Slash makes a comment about how they pay for defying him.

Gray Wing immediately thinks of Star Flower and her kits. He looks to Clear Sky and realizes he is thinking the same thing. But Slash tells them it isn't Clear Sky he wants revenge against, but Gray Wing. Wind Runner realizes this means Gray Wing's kits. Everyone races to their own territory to make sure everything is okay, but Thunder, Owl Eyes, Pebble Heart, and Sparrow Fur join the moor cats. At the moor camp they find Spotted Fur and Slate badly wounded. Two of the kits are safe but Black Ear is missing. Gray Wing's breathing problems start up again and he is forced to stay behind as everyone races to find the kit. 

Thunder, Owl Eyes, and Sparrow Fur race off while Pebble Heart stays behind with Gray Wing. They follow a trail to a den where Bee must have stayed with the kit during the meeting. A fox is there now and they have to fight it. Clear Sky arrives and helps them. After checking on Star Flower he came to help. They follow the path and reach the Thunderpath where they see the rogues with Black Ear. Swallow is carrying the kit, and as the rogues race across the Thunderpath she drops him.

The rogues race away leaving the kit in danger. Clear Sky runs across, grabbing the kit and bringing him to safety, wounding his tail in the process. It is decided they should all head to Tall Shadow's camp so the kit can be warmed up and Clear Sky's tail can be looked at. Sparrow Fur leaves to fetch Gray Wing while everyone else heads to the pines. Clear Sky sleeps and wakes to find everyone has gone home but Thunder, who is watching over him. The two cats talk and make peace finally. A frantic Slate arrives looking for Black Ear. She insists she has to take him home to say goodbye to Gray Wing. 

Though he can barely breathe Gray Wing waits outside for Slate to return with Black Ear. She arrives with Black Ear and Gray Wing gets to be reunited with his kits. He returns to his den with them, then Thunder arrives with Clear Sky, Jagged Peak, and Pebble Heart. Though his kits don't understand what is going on he gets to say goodbye to his family. He names the groups clans and when his kits ask him what their clan is named he says WindClan. He and his kits give all of the clans their names. Bright Stream, her kits with Clear Sky, and Turtle Tail arrive to take him away. He says goodbye and finds he no longer has any problems breathing. 

I am glad their family could heal in the end. Everyone made peace with each other and Gray Wing got to leave knowing that everything was okay and everyone would be just fine.

path of stars: part four

Clear Sky and his cats head to a meeting at Fourtrees. Clear Sky assumes the meeting is about the rogues that everyone took in. Clear Sky did not take in any if the rogues but he did take in a stray, Red, who had been chased by dogs. At the meeting some cats complain about the rogues struggle or refusal to adapt to group life. Others comment that some of the rogues are doing a great job adapting. Despite some tensions it is decided that they have to continue to trust the rogues and welcome them in the hopes that they will eventually fit in. When everyone finds out that Clear Sky took in a stray named Red, Thunder tells him who exactly Red is and how he led the dogs into Slash's camp. Clear Sky feels uneasy as he had previously trusted Red completely. He takes this moment to apologize to Thunder for not being a better father. At first it seems Thunder might open up to him but he changes his mind. Clear Sky is sad but respects that Thunder needs time.

Gray Wing dreams of racing off through the dark, chasing after his dead friends. He wakes up to Slate going into labor. Reed and Wind Runner kick him out of his den so they can help her. Fern is thrilled his kits are coming and keeps Gray Wing company. She does ask him if she has done anything wrong since she sees the way Wind Runner watches her. Gray Wing assures his friend that their leader just needs time. When Slate is done they have three kits and Gray Wingis both shocked and pleased to realize that while he loves them as deeply as he can imagine, he doesn't love them any more then the kits he has already raised. Gray Wing is resting with Slate and their kits when Jagged Peak and Tall Shadow visit him to see the kits. He and Jagged Peak talk about how Gray Wing already raised so many hits and about leaving the mountains. Jagged Peak admits to always feeling guilty that Gray Wing had to leave the mountains to follow him. Gray Wing assures him that while he didn't want to leave he couldn't imagine his life any other way. As they talk he suddenly struggles to breathe, which catches him off guard since he wasn't exerting himself. He assures Jagged Peak he is fine but his brother looks worried. Another camp mate arrives with news that Fern has been badly wounded. 

Everyone races to Fern, who tells them that another one of the rogues who joined them, Bee, attacked her. Everyone is upset and Wind Runner becomes even more convinced that she cannot trust any of the rogues. Moth Flight helps care for the injured Fern. Later on Wind Runner posts guards to watch the camp. Gray Wing is upset that she wouldn't let him guard and used his new kits as an excuse. As he lies next to Slate he struggles to breathe and fears what this could mean.

Clear Sky is watching his kits and his camp when Gorse Fur arrives with the news of Bee's betrayal. This causes Clear Sky to worry about Red and he hatches a plan to find out if Red is loyal or not. He has Nettle and Red hunt for the group, giving Nettle instructions to goad Red into behaving disloyal. However, no matter what Nettle says or does Red will not betray Clear Sky. When Red starts to attack Nettle for his behavior Clear Sky steps in and explains everything. Red accepts that Clear Sky needed to know the truth and Clear Sky accepts Red's loyalty. 

In Thunder's camp Violet is fitting in but Ember isn't. Thunder decides to check on things with River Ripple. Violet comes with him and they confess their feelings to each other. Thunder also tells Violet that if anything were to happen to him, Lightning Tail would be the next leader. River Ripple says his rogues are doing fine and suggests that maybe Ember should leave the group, an idea that Thunder has considered. Violet, however, is opposed and feels that Ember just needs more time. 

I am glad Gray Wing doesn't love his own kits more. I think that would have taken away from him and from his relationships with those he has raised. As much as Gray Wing focuses on raising Turtle Tail's kits and Thunder he never comments on raising Jagged Peak - but he kind of did. Jagged Peak was still a young kit when he left the mountains - not a baby anymore but certainly not grown. Probably the equivalent of an apprentice. He raised him and cared for him before Jagged Peak left ro live with Clear Sky, and when a lame Jagged Peak returned. All his life Gray Wing has raised other cats kits. It seems wrong that he won't get to live to raise his own... Because I am betting he dies before the book is done...

On another (less sad) note, I wonder if Thunder will formally name Lightning Tail as his deputy? At least he and Clear Sky starting to heal their rift. And it looks like Moth Flight is a future medicine cat. Things are wrapping up in the next couple of chapters so I guess we aren't seeing the Moonstone this series, despite Pebble Heart's dreams of it. 

The Lost Rainforest: Mez's Magic

Hi I'm a guest blogger. Its bean about a month so sorry if details are incorrect.

It all starts when Mez talks about how she on the wrong side of the veil, the thing that keeps Daywalkers and Nightwalkers apart. When shes awake she sees a boa constrictor  and follows it. After she catches up to it and it talks, witch freaks out, she runs away and sees an eagle with her sister but the constrictor killed it.

The constrictor, Auriel, told Mez shes a Shadowwalker and that she should come with him to stop The Ant Queen and save Caldera. They go to meet Lima a tiny bat, also a Shadowwalker, who was at first worried they would eat her. One they reassure her they won't eat her they go to meet Rumi. 

Once they get there they see Rumi is getting chased by another frog, named Rumi. Once they get Big Rumi to leave they finally headed off on their journey. After that theirs a lot stuff I can't remember, sorry.

They got attacked by a lot of things like monkeys and owls who call them unnatural.

When they make it the bridge that leads to the this mole says she can help them across, so they start to cross the bridge they get attacked by hornets which sting Mez so much she passes out. After she wakes up this monkey who can shoot fire, Gomi, explains that after she passed out Lima liked her wounds to heal them.

A couple days later Rumi asked Mez to study some signals with him. Once they can't find the right signal they start, looking under ground with Lima and Gomi. They get separated Mez found the right signal. They all got to each other and saw the Ant queen.

After they escaped that night Auriel wanted to talk to Mez, he said that there was a traitor in the group.

200 books: november 2019

This month is pretty light. As the year winds down there is so much going on. Back to school, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years. It is a busy time. So while our numbers are low I'm not upset about it - especially since we have surpassed our total so much! Also of note is Vampire Kitten doubling his goal!

November books:

1. Amulet: The Stonekeeper - Vampire Kitten
2. Dog Man Unleashed - Vampire Kitten
3. Dog Man a Tale of Two Kitties - Vampire Kitten
4. Amulet: The Stonekeeper - Lone Wolf
5. Estranged - Lone Wolf
6. Ghosts - Little Legs
7. Guts - Little Legs
8. Legends of the Rhine - Wandering Falcon
9. Warriors Dawn of the Clans: A Forest Divided - Wandering Falcon
10. Warriors Dawn of the Clans: Path of Stars - Wandering Falcon
11. Halloween - Wandering Falcon
12. Magic Tree House: Stallion by Starlight - Family

The breakdown:

Vampire Kitten: 3

Lone Wolf: 2

Little Legs: 2

Wandering Falcon: 4

Family: 1

Total:

Vampire Kitten: 100/50

Lone Wolf: 46/25

Little Legs: 49/13

Wandering Falcon: 115/100

Family: 15/12

path of stars: part three

Clear Sky has called another meeting so Thunder brings his cats. Everyone talks about how the rogues keep stealing their prey. They share their battle moves with each other so they can become better fighters. Star Flower even shows some of the rogues moves and how to counteract them. Everyone leave the meeting and heads home but Thunder wants to see the rogue camp for himself. He takes Lightning Tail and they hunt, so if they are caught they can claim they are bringing prey. But they get to the camp undetected and are able to spy undetected as well. They see Slash treat his cats horribly, making them starve while he and his friends gorge themselves and fresh prey rots. They see that most of his followers hate him. Thunder also watches as he picks on a cat named Violet, trying to force her to be his mate. Eventually the rogues fall asleep allowing Thunder and Lightning Tail to slip away, but before they do so they hear that Slash intends to attack Wind Runner's camp. They take their prey and leave.

Gray Wing is out hunting with his friends. The past three days he has spent in his nest, struggling to breathe. He feels better now but everyone goes out of their way to make sure he doesn't over exert himself. Everyone is extra vigilant now that they have been warned by Thunder that the rogues intend to attack. As they hunt the rogues do attack. They are badly outnumbered and Gray Wing begins to struggle to breathe. But Reed arrives with the rest of their camp mates and helps drive the rogues off. As Gray Wing tries to get his breath back Slate tells him she is pregnant. 

Thunder wants to go spy on the rogues again, but Lightning Tail sees through him and knows it is because of Violet. However he agrees and they leave. When they reach the rogue's camp they see Violet leading away a hunting patrol. Inside the camp they see Slash training his cats to fight, only he is letting his friends seriously beat them up. As they watch one of the cats who went with Violet, Red, races through the camp with dogs on his trail. Red escapes in the chaos and Lighting Tail plunges in to save the kits who live there. Thunder joins in the fight and they start to beat back the dogs. But when Thunder goes to help a cat cornered by the dogs Slash stops him, saying that the cat needs to prove she is not a burden. Thunder watches as the cat is killed. In the end there are two dead cats and one seriously wounded. Slash demands to know what Thunder and Lightning Tail are doing there and one of his cats accuses them of being spies.

Thunder and Slash get into an argument with Slash mocking his cats and Thunder defending them. In the end his cats turn against him, saying they don't need them and would be better off with the group cats. This shocks Thunder, who never intended to take any cats in. Slash leaves with his followers. Lighting Tail fetches Pebble Heart, Violet and her group return, and Thunder is left trying to figure out what to do with all of these cats.

Lighting Tail fetches Gray Wing and tells him everything that has happened. Gray Wing doubts this will be the end of Slash. He follows Lighting Tail to the rogues camp and helps Thunder figure out what to do with everyone. In the end it is decided that they should spend the night at Wind Runner's camp. They bury their dead and take a badly wounded Frog with them. But Frog dies on the journey and Wind Runner is upset with Gray Wing's decision. In the end she respects it, telling them they can bury Frog then go to her camp for the night.

I feel like this is it. The clans are growing, all the rogues have been absorbed, borders are being established. I'm impatiently waiting for the Moonstone but I'm beginning to doubt it is going to happen. And I'm sure this isn't the last of Slash. When will they become clans? When will they take their names? 

path of stars: part two

Gray Wing, Lightning Tail, Leaf, and Reed meet with Fern, who tells them where Star Flower is being kept. While Lighting Tail and Leaf distract the guards Gray Wing and Reed recuse a half-starved Star Flower. The rogues quickly realize what is happening and attack. One of the knocks Star Flower down roughly. Gray Wing tells Reed to get Star Flower out of there. During the fight Gray Wing has a hard time breathing but manages to get away. He hears a cry and realizes it is Star Flower. He races to her and Reed, where Reed tells him the kits are coming - far too soon.

Even though Gray Wing can barely breathe he races to Tall Shadow's camp for help. Mouse Ear, Sun Shadow, Holly, and Pebble Heart help. They reach Star Flower and bring her back to camp while Gray Wing searches for Clear Sky. He finds him with the other leaders. Wind Runner returns with the cats so she can help Star Flower. The kits are born safely and it is agreed that Star Flower should stay for a few days until it is safe to move the kits. 

Thunder goes to visit the kits and finds Clear Sky's camp under guard to make sure Slash doesn't attack again. Clear Sky won't let him see the kits as they are still too young, but he is happy to see Thunder. Despite this Thunder feels a bit sad over how protective of these kits Clear Sky is. He worries that Clear Sky will retaliate against Slash but Clear Sky assures him he won't. However, Thunder feels they haven't seen the last of Slash. Back at his camp Thunder finds his cats arguing - Slash and his rogues stole prey from the hunting patrol. Lighting Tail suggests they train to fight and everyone is happy with this decision. 

Gray Wing heads towards the meeting that Thunder has called with his group. Wind Runner is upset that Slash has been stealing their prey and Gray Wing believes it is probably happening to all of the groups. At the meeting it is revealed that everyone but River Ripple's group has been stolen from. It is also decided that everyone is going to practice fighting moves and that Gray Wing will spy on the rogues. Gray Wing reaches Slash's territory and talks with Fern who tells him that Slash won't stop and while he is full most of the cats in their group go hungry. She also tells him that if it comes down to a fight some of the rogues will fight on the side of the mountain cats. Gray Wing returnshome, struggling to breathe, and reports to Wind Runner.

Clear Sky and some camp mates are out hunting when they run into Slash, who takes their prey. Clear Sky won't let his cats fight him and his rogues. Slash mockingly let's Clear Sky keep a rabbit and leaves. Clear Sky brings it to Star Flower but she refuses to eat it until everyone else has eaten. Another patrol comes back with a little more food so Star Flower trades the rabbit for something smaller so there is enough food for everyone. 

I'm glad Star Flower's kits seem to be doing fine - and that she is turning into a real warrior cat. Refusing the prey so the group can eat was very good of her.

I'm also glad to see so many things falling into place. The full moon meetings, warrior training, patrols, etc. When will they become clans? When will they discover the Moonstone that Pebble Heart has dreamed of?

path of stars: part one

Gray Wing dreams of Turtle Tail, who tells him she is happy he found Slate. She tells Gray Wing of how loved he is, and how he will be loved even after- but here she breaks off. Gray Wing asks her what she means but instead of getting an answer he wakes up to find himself happy and beside Slate.

Clear Sky returns to his camp to find that Quick Water has already broken the news of Star Flower - only she has made it sound like Star Flower left willingly. Clear Sky tells them that she was kidnapped and won't be returned unless they share their prey. Everyone has differing feelings on whether or not Star Flower should be rescued but some cats agree to go with Clear Sky and speak with the other leaders.

Thunder and his cats are going about their lives. He is worrying about what would happen if he were to die. Would the group stay together? Would they join other groups? Would they become rogues? Clear Sky's arrival interrupts his thoughts. He comes with the news of Star Flower's abduction and the demand for prey. At first Thunder wants to help his father get Star Flower back - without sacrificing prey - but his camp mates are dead set against helping. And Thunder is forced to privately admit that Clear Sky has never helped him. In the end he turn Clear Sky down. Clear Sky is angry that Thunder won't help him and claims it is because Star Flower chose him over Thunder. Clear Sky and his cats go to speak with the other leaders. 

Gray Wing is out with a hunting patrol that includes Moth Flight. Everyone is frustrated by how oblivious Moth Flight is, especially when Gray Wing chases a rabbit right past her. Then, to make things worse, Moth Flight is more worried about Gray Wing's breathing then the rabbit that just got away. Slate convinces Gray Wing to go back to the camp and rest. When they reach there they find Clear Sky with Tall Shadow. Slate fetches Wind Runner while Clear Sky tells Gray Wing of Star Flower's abduction. However, when Wind Runner gets back to camp she has no interest in helping Clear Sky. Gray Wing convinces her to attend the meeting. Clear Sky and Tall Shadow leave to speak with River Ripple. They do tell Gray Wing that Thunder has refused to help. Gray Wing tells Clear Sky he will speak with Thunder. The visiting cats leave and Gray Wing tells Wind Runner he has a plan.

The time of the meeting comes and Clear Sky is worried how it will go - and whether or not Thunder will arrive. He gets there and is happy to find his son, but also feels resentful that Gray Wing was able to convince him where he was not. But he does admit to himself that Gray Wing is Thunder's father. The meeting happens but Slash didn't bring Star Flower and everyone refuses to share their prey. Clear Sky panics, begging Slash for his mates return and promising all the prey he can catch. But Slash is uninterested and leaves. Clear Sky is devastated that his friends wouldn't save Star Flower, but they tell him he is overreacting and tell him to come with them.

So, Gray Wing is going to die. This is so devastating. Probably right after he has kits with Slash because that would be so typical. 

While I do feel for Clear Sky, and I do believe Star Flower is loyal to him, I am glad to see that she is still working on gaining everyone's trust - even cats in her own group. I'm sure she will get there one day and I do feel bad for Clear Sky that not everyone believes Star Flower was taken against her wishes but really after the way she behaved...

a forest divided: part seven

Slate and her brother, Cricket, are out hunting when they run into a fox. Slate realizes the fox is starving, just like them, and just might actually kill them. Slate gets badly wounded and Cricket freezes. As she creams his name he snaps out of it and attacks the fox. But Slate doesn't see anything else as she passes out from her injuries.

Slate wakes to find a strange cat checking on her. He is relieved to find her alive but when he breaks the news of her brother's death she wishes for death. He tells her he will get his mate and kits to watch over her while he gets help. The mate and kits arrive, but the mate is clearly hostile. She introduces herself as Wind Runner and as she and Slate talk Slate comes to realize Wind Runner is just worried for her kits. Gorse Fur returns with Cloud Spots. Cloud Spots tends to her wounds and then informs the moor cats that Slate has to go with them to their den to rest and recover. Wind Runner is clearly unhappy and wants Cloud Spots to take her to stay with his group. But Cloud Spots says she is too wounded and Wind Runner's camp is closer. Slate insists she is going off on her own but quickly realizes that isn't happening as she is too injured. Wind Runner allows her to stay - with the understanding it is only temporary.

Time has passed and Slate is healing well. She knows she will have to leave soon. Wind Runner and Gorse Fur's kits are sad about this but Slate says she will visit. She asks where their parents are and they tell her they are out looking for the fox. Gorse Fur and Wind Runner come back and ask Slate if she will watch their kits while they try to kill the fox. Slate feels this is an awful idea as the fox is exceptionally vicious - and if Wind Runner and Gorse Fur die they will be leaving behind their kits. Slate insists she go after the fox. It is decided that Slate and Wind Runner will go after the fox. Slate wants to avenge her brother's death and she figures she will die in the process and get to join her brother. The next day they go after the fox and defeat it. Slate's wound opens during the fight and she realizes she doesn't want to die after all. She wakes up back in Wind Runner's home with everyone - including Cloud Spots - watching over her. Wind Runner invites her into their group and Slate happily accepts.

Poor Slate. Losing her brother like that. At least she realized she didn't want to die and found a group who (eventually) welcomed her. And now she has Gray Wing. Though, Gray Wing wasn't in "Thunderstar's Echo"... He was spoken of in the past tense...

a forest divided: part six

Thunder wakes Clear Sky so he can go to his mother. Clear Sky is leery of entering the den but Star Flower encourages him. He enters and Quiet Rain starts talking to Shaded Moss - who no one else can see. She is happy her sons are here and Shaded Moss explains to her why she needs to forgive Clear Sky, that nothing could avert the battle. Quiet Rain tells Clear Sky to forgive himself - though he is unsure for what - and she dies.

Thunder sits vigil with his kin and Sun Shadow. When it is time they decide to bury Quiet Rain's body at Fourtrees. They decide River Ripple should be present so Star Flower volunteers to go get him. They also decide to continue to give Wind Runner her space. They bring Quiet Rain's body to Fourtrees and bury it. The spirit cats arrive to greet her. Bright Stream greets Clear Sky and Thunder looks to Star Flower to see if she sees what is going on, but the she is absorbed with being there for Sun Shadow and doesn't notice. S

Bright Stream tells Clear Sky that they must forget their past, no matter how much they love it, and choose their paths. When the spirit cats leave Clear Sky feels this means they must unite, but everyone disagrees with him. Thunder feels awful, but he tells him that he cannot return, that he must go be with his own cats, but that Clear Sky will always be his father. When he looks to Clear Sky he is surprised to realize that his father is making peace with his decision. Thunder heads home, where he finds Lightning Tail has made a nest for him and that Leaf and Milkweed are inseparable. 

Clear Sky and Star Flower leave. Gray Wing starts to go with his group but stops and tells Tall Shadow he must leave her. He says his goodbyes to Pebble Heart, who tells him be must follow his heart, and seeks out Wind Runner's camp. He asks her if he can stay and she welcomes him - as does Slate, who is happy he has returned for good.

Clear Sky lays next to Star Flower in their nest. He thinks back on his return to camp. Everyone was happy to see him return - not so much Star Flower, who everyone had assumed ran away. He wonders if there was gossip about Star Flower while he was gone. He wishes everyone could see how loyal she is and reflects that even Tall Shadow, Gray Wing, and Thunder saw her loyalty. He sleeps and dreams of Storm. Storm tells him he must forgive himself and look to the future, not the past. He wakes when he thinks he hears his name. Star Flower isn't in their nest but he hears her cry and so he seeks her out. He finds her with three other cats, one of whom is Slate. He realizes quickly that something is wrong when Star Flower is too scared to leave them. Slate says he was a friend of One Eye, and that he and Star Flower were to marry. Slate also tells Clear Sky that once the rogues hunted for them but now all the rogues have been recruited by the groups. Slate wants a new system where the groups hunt for him and his cats. He wants a meeting with all the leaders to discuss this or he will kill Star Flower. He and his cats leave - and drag Star Flower away with them. Clear Sky finds Quick Water, who heard everything. She feels Star Flower is back with her own people and was in on it with Slash. Clear Sky refuses to believe this but Quick Water tells him none of the other leaders will fight Slash and bid cats for Star Flower. Clear Sky leaves her, feeling the other leaders must help him no matter what.

I am inclined to believe Star Flower wants to stay with Clear Sky and not Slash, however Quick Water has a valid point. But, she swayed Thunder so for now I will believe in Star Flower. But Quick Water is right - the other leaders might turn their backs on Star Flower. 

I am glad Gray Wing has returned to the moor. Now we need the full moon meetings at Fourtrees and the new moon meetings at the moonstone and I will be happy. (Also, Wind Runner has to return to the fold.) 

a character exits: forrest

Forrest is a bit of a sad character. He is close friends with, and a member of the Initiative with, both Riley and Graham. He encourages Riley to pursue Buffy, feeling that Riley should have a happy life with someone he cares about outside of work. But Forrest and Riley live in a very black and white world, while Buffy's is filled with shades of gray, and Forrest quickly comes to resent and hate Buffy and her influence on his closest friend. Forrest represents what the Initiative is looking for - someone who will blindly follow orders. If Buffy had just been an average college girl that could make Riley happy for a bit that would have been one thing. But instead Buffy is the Slayer and she has her own way of doing things. This quickly causes the situation to turn into a turf war with both the military mindset of the Initiative and the council mindset that Buffy has - with both of them insisting that they are in the right and the other are in the wrong. Even worse, Buffy's influence on Riley has him questioning his life and his orders - and even breaking them, like when he tries to help Oz escape. This goes against everything Forrest believes in.

Ultimately Forrest is taken by Adam and turned into a cyborg. This does not upset Forrest. Instead he sees this as a continuation of what is necessary. His upgrades make him a better warrior and makes his world even more black and white (if that is even possible) as he is freed from his human feelings so he can better carry out Adam's orders. He even comments that he is freed from his weaknesses and doubts because of his transformation, and hopes that his friends will join him. In the end, though, it is Forrest and Adam who fall.

a character exits: oz

Oh Oz... How your exit breaks my heart...

Oz shows up, randomly, in season 2. Why randomly? A year ahead of Buffy and her friends (well, until he is stuck repeating his senior year) and the lead guitarist of the local band, Oz seems to just be there, constantly in the peripheral of Willow's storyline, falling in love with her from afar. Eventually he gets lucky and actually meets her, helps her to move beyond Xander, and find happiness.

This happiness is overshadowed by two things. The first is Willow's affair with Xander. They break up briefly while Oz figures out if he even wants a relationship anymore. The second is Oz being a werewolf. He feels he is a danger to Willow since he cannot control himself when he transforms. This is especially shown during the Halloween episode, when Oz runs from Willow when he believes he is transforming. While Willow and Oz make it work by locking him up at night, eventually Veruca changes things.

When Veruca enters the scene Oz's werewolf half is attracted to her. Even worse, Veruca has no interest in taming her werewolf side and works to persuade Oz to let his run free. Ultimately Oz and Veruca have an affair. Willow briefly considers using dark magic to get revenge but stops herself. Veruca, however, isn't interested in playing nice and tries to kill Willow. Oz stops Veruca, killing her while they are transformed. He then leaves Willow without any real explanation. While gone, Willow starts to fall for Tara. Oz comes back, in command of his powers, eager to resume their relationship. But Willow feels torn between Oz and Tara, and when Oz realizes Willow has feelings for someone else he loses control and tries to attack Tara. In the end he leaves, realizing that while he loves Willow he will never be able to control himself around her.

Oz and Willow's relationship has shades of Buffy and Angel to it. Two people from very different worlds, deeply in love, who constantly try to make it work. But it doesn't. Oz fears his supernatural half - and even fears Willow's supernatural half a bit. He seeks to contain himself, unlike Willow who rushes head first into magic (which is foreshadowed but comes to a head in season 6). Even when Oz does gain control, it is Willow who undoes that control. His jealousy for her causes him to transform against his wishes.

However, despite all of this their love is strong and Oz's departure is devastating. We see him and Willow grow together and overcome things that no ordinary couple should be forced to overcome. They make Oz being a werewolf work, even if it does mean he has to live in a cage a few nights a month. And even though Oz worries about Willow's magic he embraces it as a part of her and supports her for it. They survive two affairs alongside everything that the forces of darkness throw at them. As you watch them grow up together you can see them growing old together. Until suddenly it is all gone and you can't. And perhaps Oz's departure hurts even more because there was never hope for Buffy and Angel. After all, Angel will never grow old, never have a family with Buffy, never be able to go outside during the day. Oz could have had a real life with Willow whereas Angel never could have one with Buffy. And Oz's love for Willow would never have turned him into the enemy, again unlike Angel. But his exit also hurts because he is the first main character to go. Angel, Cordelia, and Wesley have left but they are in LA together having their own story. And yes, Doyle does die during Oz's absence, but as the story continues you cling to the hope that Oz will return while secretly knowing it is over.

a forest divided: part five

It all comes out about the division of territories, the battle, and the deaths. Quiet Rain is furious. She sends away Gray Wing and Jagged Peak. Alone with Clear Sky she disowns him. Clear Sky leaves and Star Flower comforts him.

Thunder wakes up in Tall Shadow's camp. He has sent Lightning Tail on home. He watches Jagged Peak's kits for a bit but Jagged Peak gets upset, feeling that they are playing dangerously and Thunder isn't stopping them. He debates asking Tall Shadow if he can hunt but then Pebble Heart needs him to help get some herbs down Quiet Rain. Thunder is able to get the prickly elder to take them by eating one himself. Thunder finds himself talking to Quiet Rain about his father, even defending him. Quiet Rain observes that he must love his father very much, which catches Thunder off guard. Thunder and Quiet Rain hear Clear Sky and Star Flower arguing outside Pebble Heart's den. Star Flower is telling him to go in there and be with his mother before it is too late; Clear Sky is arguing she doesn't want him. The two cats come in and as Thunder watches Quiet Rain with her son he realizes just where Clear Sky got his bad traits from. When Quiet Rain finds out that Star Flower is pregnant she remarks to Thunder that he will have siblings. This shocks him and he is sad to realize he will never really know them now that he lives in a different camp. Jagged Peak and Gray Wing also come in and the three brothers quickly start fighting. Star Flower breaks them up and Thunder realizes that he would never have been happy with her, but she might be exactly what Clear Sky needs. Outside the den Holly starts to panic as she cannot find her kits.

Everyone quickly splits up and offers to take different areas - even Fern helps. Gray Wing is left in the camp to watch over Pebble Heart and Quiet Rain. Clear Sky is shocked to see Thunder and Star Flower go off together to search. He himself searches an area of the pine trees and finds the kits up in a tree trapped by a crow. He saves them from the crow and gets them down.

As Gray Wing sits with Quiet Rain she wakes up. When she asks where everyone is he tells her everyone is out looking for Jagged Peak's kits. She is annoyed that Jagged Peak let them wander from the camp, but she also admits that he has done good for himself since he has a mate and kits. She asks Gray Wing why he does not have a mate and Gray Wing admits that Turtle Tail was his mate and he helped her raise her kits, but she died. Quiet Rain is happy to hear that he finally noticed Turtle Tail but she wishes for him to stop mourning her death. Clear Sky returns with the kits who are freezing. They cuddle with Quiet Rain to warm up, as she has a fever. 

Everyone seems to be waiting for Quiet Rain to die. As for Sun Shadow, he seems to be finding a place in Tall Shadow's group. Same with Fern. Gray Wing, however, needs to move on already.

I was surprised to see Thunder work with Star Flower so willingly. I am glad he realizes she is not the cat for him. Looks like Star Flower might not be playing any games. This is a good thing as I think everyone needs to heal and move forward. Her and Clear Sky being together still feels wrong to me, but if Thunder can find happiness and peace in the situation that is all that matters. 

a forest divided: part four

Thunder is worried about Quiet Rain and tries to bring her back to his camp to see Cloud Spots but she refuses. He tells them be will be back, he just needs to let his cats know where he is going. He finds Milkweed hunting near the camp and tells her what is going on. He goes back to the mountain cats and takes them by way of River Ripple's land so he can avoid Clear Sky, using the argument that the moor is easier to cross. They meet River Ripple who tells Sun Shadow that his father was a fine cat. Sun Shadow realizes his father is dead and Thunder is forced to tell him what happened. River Ripple realizes Thunder is deliberately leaving out certain information and keeps silent. He helps Thunder lead them on. It comes out that Thunder is Clear Sky's son and Quiet Rain asks after Bright Stream, assuming she must be Thunder's mother. But Thunder is forced to tell her that Bright Stream died long ago and that Storm is his mother - and then that even Storm is dead. The four cats cross the Thunderpath and search out Tall Shadow's camp. Thunder wonders how Tall Shadow will break the news of the rift between Quiet Rain's sons.

They reach Tall Shadow's camp and at first the reunion is happy but then Tall Shadow admits that Gray Wing is missing and bad been for days. Pebble Heart quickly intervenes by treating Quiet Rain. River Ripple leaves and Thunder tries to follow but Tall Shadow asks him to stay. Jagged Peak arrives but that doesn't help things since Quiet Rain feels that his kits are rude and she is devastated to find him lame. Tall Shadow asks Thunder to find his uncle. 

Gray Wing is happy with Wind Runner's group. He feels he should return home but finds excuses to keep delaying. Thunder arrives looking for Gray Wing and finds him. He tells him how he found Quiet Rain and Sun Shadow and brought them to Tall Shadow. Gray Wing leaves with him. On the privacy of the moor Gray Wing asks why not take them to Clear Sky. Thunder admits to the falling out between him and his father. On the way to Tall Shadow's camp Gray Wing gets caught in a Twoleg trap and becomes injured. They realizethe smell of blood will draw other animals but they cannot figure out how to free him. Fern arrives and is able to help. Thunder is suspicious of her but Gray Wing is welcoming. She tells him that Slash has been redirected but it won't last for forever. They reach the camp but instead of finding comfort in Gray Wing, Quiet Rain only becomes more upset as he is freshly injured. 

Thunder sits with Gray Wing and Fern, wondering if he should leave. Fern too wonders if she should go but Gray Wing convinces her to stay. Tall Shadow is not happy that Gray Wing had invited an outsider to their camp but when Fern offers to leave Tall Shadow insists she can stay. Thunder wonders if he should mention Slash but decides that is Fern and Gray Wing's business. Jagged Peak is hostile towards Fern, but Holly is welcoming. When Jagged Peak makes a comment about strays Thunder finds himself speaking up in Fern's defense. Quiet Rain wishes to see Clear Sky so Gray Wing asks Thunder to go get his father. Thunder doesn't want to as he hasn't spoken to his father since their fight. He and Gray Wing argue over this but Thunder agrees to go. He leaves the camp and stops by his own to check in and give everyone an update. He finds Leaf and Milkweed getting along great. Lighting Tail goes with him to Clear Sky's camp. Everyone wakes up when he arrives and he discovers Clear Sky and Star Flower are expecting kits. He tells Clear Sky about Quiet Rain. Star Flower wishes to go with him but he insists she stay behind because of her condition. Thunder rudely tells her she isn't family. Acorn Fur calls him out on his rudeness but Thunder doesn't care because he is hurt that Clear Sky clearly cares more for these kits then he ever did for him. They reach Tall Shadow's camp. Clear Sky speaks to his mother while Gray Wing apologizes to Thunder for his earlier harshness. Star Flower arrives, much to everyone's shock. Clear Sky leaves Pebble Heart's den to collect his brothers as Quiet Rain wishes to speak with them all at once.

I don't remember Quiet Rain being this difficult of a cat. I get she arrived and found nothing like she expected but still. She is awfully sharp. A bit like MouseFur but lacking something that MouseFur had.

a forest divided: part three

Thunder over sleeps, which causes he and his father to get into a fight when he finally wakes up. Clear Sky refuses to let him go on any of the hunting patrols - or even to leave the camp. Thunder repeatedly tries to convince but only succeeds in irritating himself and his father. Clear Sky insists Thunder has to stay in the camp so he can go patrol the borders alone. Suspicious, Thunder agrees. He asks Lightning Tail to watch the camp so he can follow his father but his friend insists on going with him. They leave Leaf in charge and follow Clear Sky. They discover he is meeting with Star Flower in secret. Thunder feels a mixture of emotions ranging from betrayal to shock. Lightning Tail assures him that Clear Sky cannot possibly be falling for a trick of Star Flower's and they leave.

Thunder angrily waits for his father to return to camp. When he does he confronts Clear Sky about his rules for the cats hunting. They get into an argument because Thunder wants to send out more patrols over the whole of their territory but Clear Sky feels he needs no cats advice -and that he rules absolutely. This leads to an even bigger argument when Thunder admits to spying on his father. He tells him he is just worried that Star Flower will manipulate Clear Sky too and begs him not to see her anymore. Clear Sky says he will think on Thunder's advice and tells him to go hunt, since that will make him happy. Thunder runs into Star Flower who confronts him about following her. Thunder tells her he was following Clear Sky and warns Star Flower to stay away from him. Star Flower responds she didn't realize Thunder still had feelings for her and tells him they can never be together. Thunder insults her then gathers Owl Eyes to go hunting. Leaf asks to go as well and Thunder let's him. As they hunt Leaf starts to talk about how unhappy he is with Clear Sky. Ever since the battle he feels Clear Sky is being soft. He is especially upset that Milkweed and her kits were taken in since he feels they are dead weight. After they hunt Thunder happily returns to camp with prey only for Lightning Tail to tell him Clear Sky left with Star Flower. Thunder realizes this is the real his father sent him hunting. Furious, he settles down to wait for Clear Sky's return. 

Clear Sky races through the forest with Star Flower. They go to snakerocks and talk. Star Flower wishes to be with him and feels that Thunder will get over it. Clear Sky wishes this is true and justifies being with Star Flower by telling himself his son wouldn't wish him to be lonely. They return to camp to find everyone fighting. Leaf is furious that Milkweed and her kits ate his catch. Blossom defends them saying they are starving while Leaf is not and that everyone is sharing the prey they caught. This leads to a new argument over how everyone should be hunting and contributing to the camp (like Milkweed, who Clear Sky will not allow to hunt). Clear Sky tries to put his foot down by pointing out he is the leader, he decides who hunts, who leaves camp when, and how much hunting should be done. He tells Leaf if he is so unhappy he should leave, because only cats who wish to be there belong there. Thunder speaks up, saying he agrees with Clear Sky so he is going. Clear Sky is shocked, as this is not what he meant. He asks Thunder why and Thunder responds that he cannot stay and watch cats starve. This leads to an argument between father and son with Thunder accusing Clear Sky of being so determined to be right that he would refuse to admit it if he were wrong. Leaf speaks up, saying he is leaving with Thunder. Lightning Tail, Owl Eyes, Cloud Spots, and Pink Eyes also announce they are leaving. Clear Sky cannot believe this is happening and asks Thunder to speak with him in private. As they talk Thunder explains that he cannot live with a cat who has no respect for his ideas and he cannot watch his father be with Star Flower. Clear Sky accuses him of acting like a spoiled kit but Thunder counters that Clear Sky refuses to listen to anyone but himself. Clear Sky retorts that if Star Flower had picked Thunder he wouldn't leave. Thunder responds that Star Flower would never have chosen him because he is not enough like One Eye. Thunder and his cats leave while Clear Sky is reeling from Thunder's accusation. Star Flower comforts him, telling him it is best that Thunder goes so only loyal cats are left behind. 

Thunder leaves camp with the cats he is now responsible for. Lightning Tail asks why he didn't tell him he was planning on leaving. Thunder responds it was a quick decision. Owl Eyes says he hears someone following them but Thunder brushes him off. Leaf goes to check it out when everyone else hears it too. Pink Eyes strains and becomes panicked, sending Thunder after Leaf. Thunder finds Leaf and Milkweed arguing. He allows Milkweed and her kits to join them, much to Leaf's annoyance. They find a sheltered ravine to sleep in and settle down for the night.Day later Thunder is out hunting for his group when he runs into a strange cat. The cat comes from the mountains and has a companionwho is sick. Thunder goes with the cat and meets Quiet Rain. He gives her his prey. As they talk he discovers the other cat is Sun Shadow and they are looking for Gray Wing, Clear Sky, Jagged Peak, and Moon Shadow. The thinks on Clear Sky and decides not to go there. Instead he tells them he knows Tall Shadow, Gray Wing, and Jagged Peak. He tells them that they live in the pines and he will take them there.

I knew this would happen. I mean, there is the obvious ThunderClan/SkyClan situation, but Thunder and Clear Sky just clash to much. Clear Sky is a control freak whereas Thunder is willing to lead with others. The forest needed to divide and there needed to be five groups. And now it is that way.

I just hope Clear Sky isn't being a fool over Star Flower since it just cost him his son.

I also bet Thunder will not find Gray Wing in the pines since his heart (in more way then one) lies on the moor.

sailor moon: part five

After another failed attempt to gather energy from Hiromi (an anime artist), Nephrite decides that whoever finds the Silver Crystal wins. Zoisite is furious, as finding the Silver Crystal is his job. Nephrite creates the Black Crystal to find the Silver Crystal and tries to use Naru to help him, as she is in love with him. However, Nephrite begins to realize he might have feelings for Naru as well. Zoisite also notices this and uses it against Nephrite. He has Naru kidnapped in an attempt to bribe the Black Crystal away from Nephrite. His plan fails, but later his youma target Naru and Nephrite dies saving her.

After this attempts to gather energy are abandoned and instead the focus moves to finding the Silver Crystal. Everyone discovers that to obtain the Silver Crystal first the seven Rainbow Crystals must be gathered. They are trapped inside of innocent humans on Earth. By removing the Rainbow Crystal the human is turned into a monster. The first human Zoisite does this to, Crane Game Joe, is being followed by a young girl named Makoto. Makoto is in love with Crane Game Joe and is determined to protect him. As events unfold it is revealed that Makoto is Sailor Jupiter, the fourth sailor solider.

Favorite episode? "Naru's Cry! Nephrite Dies for Love". (Sorry Sailor Jupiter). I know Nephrite is a total jerk who uses Naru unabashedly - plus he is way too old for her - but I am a total sucker for a redemption story. #sorrynotsorry

The episodes:

Protect the Children's Dreams! Friendship Linked by Anime - Season 1, Episode 21

Synopsis - Nephrite targets Hiromi, an anime artist who fears her friend Kazuko is surpassing her.

Nephrite's Youma: Castor and Pollux (twins)

Nephrite's Constellation: Gemini

Nephrite's Stars: Castor and Pollux

Romance Under the Moon! Usagi's First Kiss - Season 1, Episode 22

Synopsis - The famed Princess of the Diamond Kingdom is coming to town and everyone wonders if she is the missing princess and if she has the silver crystal

Nephrite's Youma: Nephrite

Dark Kingdom Introduced: Kunzite

Wish Upon a Shooting Star! Naru's Pure Love - Season 1, Episode 23

Synopsis - Naru is in love with Mr Sanjoin, Nephrite's human alias. Nephrite seeks to use Naru because of this but finds himself saving her from Zoisite's Youma.

Zoisite's Youma: Yasha (crone)

Item Introduced: The Black Crystal

Naru's Cry! Nephrite Dies for Love - Season 1, Episode 24

Synopsis - Zoisite tries to use Naru to manipulate Nephrite into giving him the Black Crystal. After a run in with Zoisite's youmas, Nephrite dies protecting Naru.

Zoisite's Youmas: Grape, Housenka, Suzuran (plants)

Jupiter, the Brawny Girl in Love- Season 1, Episode 25

Synopsis - After the fall of Nephrite the Dark Kingdom focuses on finding the Silver Crystal by looking for the seven Rainbow Crystals which are hidden inside of innocent humans. A new girl, Makoto, moves to town and falls in love with Zoisite's first victim.

The Great Youma: Geisein (arcade)

Rainbow Crystal: Red (Zoisite's possession)

Sailor Solider Introduced: Makoto Kino/Sailor Jupiter

Mako's Transformation Introduced: Jupiter Power Makeup

Mako's Attacks Introduced: Supreme Thunder

New Weapon Introduced: Crescent Moon Wand

Crescent Moon Wand Attack: Moon Healing Escalation (Refresh)

sailor moon: part four

Nephrite continues possessing objects with his Youma. He selects a teacher of Usagi, Ami, and Naru's - Miss Akiyama. Miss Akiyama is getting married and has designed her own dress. In her hunt for the perfect fabric Nephrite finds her and implants his Youma in her fabric. Meanwhile there is a wedding dress competition going on, which the possessed Miss Akiyama crashes. The sailor scouts have to show up and stop her.

Then, Nephrite goes after an up and coming photographer, Shinokawa, planting his Youma in Shinokawa's camera. Usagi ends up stopping this monster on her own as Rei, Ami, and Luna have been captured by it. Shingo's best friend, Mika, is Nephrite's next target. She is a doll maker, and Nephrite uses the new doll she is making to gather her energy.

After this Nephrite decides to change his game by going after Sailor Moon alone, under the guise of Tuxedo Mask. However, Naru figures out that Nephrite is Tuxedo Mask and he attacks her, thinking she is Sailor Moon. Sailor Moon shows up and saves her friend, Tuxedo Mask shows up and saves Sailor Moon, then Sailor Mars and Sailor Mercury show up and save Tuxedo Mask and Sailor Moon. However, while Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask are alone he starts to confess part of why he is always trying to save her.

After this the sailor soldiers take a break by going on vacation at a haunted hotel. Only at the hotel is a young girl whose father is able to hypnotize her into creating a psychic manifestation that attacks people. When the girl and her father lose control the sailor soldiers destroy the psychic manifestation and have a fun vacation.

Favorite episode? Probably "Shingo's Innocent Love! A Sorrowful French Doll". First of all, possessed dolls are creepy. Second of all, possessed dolls are creepy. Third of all, it's a pretty good story line.

The episodes:

Dream of a White Dress! Usagi Becomes a Bride - Season 1, Episode 16

Synopsis - Usagi and Ami's teacher, Miss Akiyama, is getting married. She wishes to design her own wedding dress. At the same a wedding dress competition is going on. Nephrite takes advantage of both of these situations.

Nephrite's Youma: Widow (spider)

Nephrite's Star: Vega

Nephrite's Constellation: Lyra

Is Usagi a Model? The Focus of the Monster Camera - Season 1, Episode 17

Synopsis - Usagi and some of her friends are chosen to model for a famous photographer, but Nephrite has turned his camera into a monster.

Nephrite's Youma: Cameran (photographer/camera)

Nephrite's Star: Sirius

(Nephrite's Constellation: Canis Major)

Shingo's Innocent Love! A Sorrowful French Doll - Season 1, Episode 18

Synopsis - Shingo has a falling out with his best friend Mika that Usagi tries to help him solve. Meanwhile, Nephrite has targeted Mika.

Nephrite's Youma: Jumo (marionette doll)

Nephrite's Star: Orpheus

Constellation: Lyre

Usagi is Thrilled! Tuxedo Mask's Love Letter - Season 1, Episode 19

Synopsis - Determined to defeat Sailor Moon, Nephrite sends everyone love letters from Tuxedo Mask to lure her out.

Monster: The constellation Leo come to life

Nephrite's Star: Regulus

Nephrite's Constellation: Leo

Tuxedo Mask's Transformation Introduced

The Summer! The Ocean! Our Youth! And a Ghost, Too - Season 1, Episode 20

Synopsis - The girls take a break from things by going to the ocean. Only the hotel they picked is haunted.

Monster: Sakiko's ghost

a forest divided: part two

Thunder sits with Clear Sky, watching as Acorn Fur trains Owl Eyes and Sparrow Fur how to hunt. Clear Sky butts in to her training session and overrules her. Thunder notices Acorn Fur is upset but she says nothing. She and the kits leave and Lightning Tail arrives, looking for his sister. Clear Sky tells him she just left. Lighting Tail can't smell her trail which annoys Clear Sky. Thunder assures him that with time he will be able to differentiate between the forest smells. He asks Clear Sky if he wants to go for a walk, but Clear Sky becomes offended, accusing Thunder of trying to show him around his own territory. Thunder assures him that is not the case but Clear Sky won't listen. Instead he says he will patrol his boarders and asks Thunder if he wants to come along. Thunder is frustrated by how Clear Sky turned everything into a battle, but agrees. Lighting Tail whispers a comment to Thunder about Clear Sky's attitude. Father and son take off and Thunder feels that Clear Sky is deliberately picking the most difficult trial for Thunder to follow. Since Thunder keeps tripping over roots he follows a trail parallel to Clear Sky, but that only makes Clear Sky angry. When Clear Sky freezes Thunder thinks there is danger ahead, but it is only kittypets. Clear Sky contemplates asking kittypets to join them when they run into Star Flower. She and Thunder clash over her father - and what both of them perceive as the others betrayal. Clear Sky intervenes, saying the blame for One Eye should go to him, not his son. Star Flower plays on Thunder by hinting she might starve to death. Clear Sky doesn't want anything to do with her but Thunder convinces him to take her in. Clear Sky agrees with the understanding that Thunder explains her presence.

Gray Wing is out hunting. He catches a lizard when Pebble Heart finds him. Pebble Heart insists he come back to camp and get treated for his breathing. Pebble Heart, Holly, and Gray Wing get talking about making better nests. Pebble Heart leaves to get some herbs and when Gray Wing looks anxious (because he is thinking of Slash and Fern) Mud Paws offers to go with him. He starts to help Holly with building her den but Jagged Peak pushes him away, saying it is his kits and he will help build it. Gray Wing diplomatically leaves and notices Tall Shadow looking uneasy. Slate arrives for a visit and asks Gray Wing to visit, but he feels he cannot when he doesn't know what is going on with Slash and Fern. Mouse Ear talks about hunting so Gray Wing starts to organize a hunting patrol. This angers Tall Shadow and Jagged Peak, who accuse him of bossing the cats around and trying to take leadership back. Gray Wing tries to defend himself but Tall Shadow won't listen - and tells him that he isn't as healthy as he used to be. Mid-argument Gray Wing takes off because he smells Fern. Tall Shadow calls after him, telling him she was only thinking of his health, but he is determined to prove her wrong.

Gray Wing finds Fern and confronts her. He realizes that although she has been spying on them she really knows nothing. He tries to convince her to tell Slash to leave them alone. She tells him she will lie to Slash and say they found a rich hunting ground beyond the pines, but that it is only a temporary solution and Slash will come eventually. After that he goes hunting a catches a rabbit. He realizes another cat and her kits were tracking the rabbit too. As they are half starved he gives them the rabbit and tells them to seek out Clear Sky's camp. Exhausted, he sleeps on the moor. 

He finds himself in Stoneteller's cave. She tells him that he cannot change the past, just the future. He wakes up to Slate screeching. He finds her under attack from a fox. After he helps her fight the fox off she brings him back to Wind Runner's camp so Reed, a cat who lives with them, can treat his wounds. Gray Wing finds Wind Runner happy in her new home, though overprotective of her kits. He keeps trying to leave, worried that his friends might be worried about him, but everyone convinces him to stay and rest. He falls asleep, deciding he will return home after a nap.

Clear Sky watchesover his camp in satisfaction. He also watches Star Flower, feeling she is a bit arrogant since she doesn't contribute much. He thinks back to when Star Flower joined their camp, and how upset Leaf and Lightning Tail were. However, he has to admit, she is trying to fit in. As Clear Sky watches Star Flower he realizes Thunder still has feelings for her - and that Star Flower knows this. He decides he has to talk to Thunder, but he feels he needs to wait for the right moment so his son will listen to him. Clear Sky decides to patrol the borders on his own. Star Flower follows him. The two cats talk and Clear Sky begins to wonder if he has finally found a cat who will be loyal to him. He orders her to obey and gain his trust. She agrees to do that.

First of all, I hope Clear Sky isn't going to be an idiot and fall for his son's ex - especially when that ex betrayed everyone. And, more importantly, that would be a massive betrayal of his son. Second of all, Clear Sky wants to unite the cats but he is acting like an arrogant jerk and is only succeeding in driving them away. Now I'm even more convinced that this title is about Clear Sky and Thunder splitting into two groups with the way Clear Sky is treating his son.

Meanwhile Gray Wing, Tall Shadow, and Jagged Peak clearly need to have a talk. And Gray Wing really needs to tell everyone about Slate and Fern. But instead he runs off mid argument to confront Fern - which is good but instead of returning home he escapes to the moor. He needs to settle things with Tall Shadow before finally realizing he is in love with Slate. More importantly, I'm sure everyone is freaking out over his disappearance. 

a forest divided: part one

Clear Sky finds himself with the spirit cats. He sees the other leaders there too. Storm approaches him and tells him that they grow tired of waiting. Clear Sky is confused by what she means. She reminds him that they are to grow and spread like the blazing star. Storm leaves to talk with Thunder and Fluttering Bird comes over, furious with him for not obeying them. She tells him he just follow his heart and find his home. When he wakes up he decides that Fluttering Bird meant the cats should all live together so they can grow and spread.

Clear Sky heads to his brother's camp so he can share Fluttering Bird's news. He catches a rabbit along the way and enters the camp. He finds Thunder and Gray Wing discussing hunting and the weather. Thunder is upset to discover Clear Sky hunted on their land. Clear Sky is confused since he thought the cats were growing closer and he brought it for Jagged Peak and Holly. Clear Sky is eager to talk to them and Tall Shadow. When Tall Shadow arrives he talks about their dream with the spirit cats and how the spirit cats want all of them to band together. However, Thunder, Gray Wing, and Tall Shadow disagree with him. Tall Shadow wishes to move to the pine trees, Thunder tells him he can't kill cats over the borders that he created then reject them, and Gray Wing tells him that other cats have feelings about where they want to live too. Clear Sky is devastated that they are rejecting his plan outright. Thunder flat out tells him to leave. Tall Shadow suggests waiting until the storm passes. Upset, Clear Sky goes.

Thunder feels guilty, feeling maybe he was too hard on his father. Tall Shadow sends him after to make sure Clear Sky gets home okay. He meets up with Clear Sky but then they run into a badger. Clear Sky gets wounded so Thunder takes him back home. Everyone is upset with him for bringing Clear Sky back but Thunder felt he had no choice. Thunder and Jagged Peak get talking and Jagged Peak decides that too much time has passed. He jumps up on the rock next to Tall Shadow and tells her they need to settle this. Thunder feels that they should wait until Clear Sky is gone but Dappled Pelt tells him they have already waited too long. Everyone gets swept up in the excitement of leaving the moor and it is decided that stones will be used to make their decision. 

Everyone gets a stone and it is decided that four circles will be made: one for Clear Sky's camp, one for the pine trees, one for the moor, and one for River Ripple's camp. Wind Runner is not included as she wants space from all the cats for now. Everyone is excited that they get to pick where they want to live. Gray Wing tells everyone that Turtle Tail said they should follow their hearts. Thunder is shocked, since that is what Storm told him, but he is unsure of what to pick. Sparrow Fur and Owl Eyes pick Clear Sky's camp. Gray Wing is sad, but tells them they must follow their hearts. Pebble Heart chooses to go with Tall Shadow so Cloud Spots chooses to go with Clear Sky. Pebble Heart is worried to lose his mentor, but Cloud Spots assures him he will do fine and points out that the healers should split up. As everyone picks their group Thunder is shocked - and a little upset - by Jagged Peak's boldness. He tries to tell himself that Jagged Peak's confidence is a good thing. Unsure, Thunder picks Clear Sky's group. It is what Lightning Tail has picked and he sees the desperate look in Clear Sky's eyes. He feels his father needs him and some support for right now. He says his goodbyes to Gray Wing, who is sad to be losing two of Turtle Tail's kits. But Gray Wing feels he must stay with Pebble Heart and Tall Shadow for a bit longer. 

Gray Wing says goodbye to his kits. He watches as Pebble Heart and Cloud Spots say goodbye to each other. They agree to meet at every new moon at Fourtrees. Gray Wing falls behind the group. He overhears two cats - Slash and Fern. Slash is cruel and is forcing Fern to spy on them in their new home. Slash mentions Star Flower betraying him. Gray Wing catches up to everyone and because of his breathing Jagged Peak has to help him cross the road. Gray Wing doesn't want to spoil Tall Shadow's happiness so he decides to keep quiet for now about what he overheard. Jagged Peak makes a comment about Gray Wing's state that upsets him. He snaps at his younger brother and Tall Shadow diplomatically intervenes. Gray Wing feels becoming a father hasn't made Jagged Peak confident, just arrogant. 

Three things.

One, Clear Sky is clearly misinterpreting what the spirit cats want, however for once I don't think it is because he feels he knows best and everyone else knows wrong. He genuinely seems to want to bring everyone together. I don't know how he would really feel about having too many leaders in one camp, though. I just hope Thunder and I are right about his motives. Clear Sky can be an arrogant, know-it-all jerk.

Two, speaking of arrogant jerks... What is up with Jagged Peak? Both Thunder and Gray Wing feel put off by the way he is acting. Will he become Tall Shadow's new second-in-command? Will someone tell him to knock it off? I'm glad he has found a new level of confidence, but that doesn't give him the right to treat others the way he is treating them. Once he would have been beyond mortified if someone told him he was acting like Clear Sky - now I think he would just be furious.

Three, Gray Wing really should have told Tall Shadow about Slash and Fern... I have a bad feeling about this...

Actually, four things. Does the title - "A Forest Divided" - refer to Clear Sky and Thunder? Thunder will never be happy in his father's camp. And we know he eventually goes on to form his own. With only one book left that has to happen soon. At least they have finally broken into four camps. But they need five - Thunder and Clear Sky still need to split.

No, five things. I was so excited to see the birth of the new moon medicine cat meetings - even if they are taking place at fourtrees. When will they discover the moonstone? Especially since Pebble Heart has been dreaming of it since he was a kit?