the sight: part two

Lionkit wakes up missing Jaykit. He wants to go outside for some fresh air but Ferncloud and Daisy are asleep. He decides to sneak out and check on Jaykit. When some warriors come by he hides so they don't see him. But they stay there and talk and he winds up stuck. Dustpelt and Spiderleg meet the returning patrol of Stormfur and Brackenfur. They discuss Firestar's recent decision to give some barren land to ShadowClan that they had been fighting over. The cats feel divided on whether or not it was a good decision. Talk turns to Hawkfrost and none of the warriors know what happened. All everyone was told was that his body was found while Firestar, Brambleclaw, and Ashfur were out on patrol. Mousepaw catches Lionkit hiding. Dustpelt hears Mousepaw and asks him what he is doing. Mousepaw lies to cover for Lionkit but warns him to get back to the nursery. When Lionpaw tells him that a comment was made about Stormfur not being a real ThunderClan warrior Mousepaw is upset.

Hollykit wakes up to find out that Lionkit snuck out and now has thorns all over him. She is worried they might get into more trouble but Lionkit assures her no one knows. She goes to Leafpool's den and asks Jaykit for help. He tells her what herbs she needs to make sure Lionkit's scratches don't get infected. Leafpool shows up before Hollykit leaves. She asks Hollykit what she is doing. Hollykit tells her that Lionkit has a thorn. When Leafpool is surprised that Hollykit knew what herbs to use Jaykit tells her that Holkykit remembered what he was treated with. Leafpool is impressed and tells her how to use the herbs. After helping Lionkit Ferncloud lets them go out and play. Mothwing and Willowpaw arrive. Willowpaw needs Leafpool's help understanding her dream. Hollykit decides she wants to be a medicine cat too and tells Lionkit this.

Lionkit is confused as to why Hollykit would want to be a medicine cat.  When Willowpaw leaves Leafpool's den she goes to talk to her. Willowpaw tells her about her dream and how Leafpool helped her to figure out what it meant. Hollykit goes to Leafpool's den to talk to her. Sensing that Hollykit wishes to speak to her in private, Leafpool tells Jaykit he can return to the nursery. Once they are alone Hollykit asks to be Leafpool's apprentice. Leafpool is surprised. Hollykit notices Leapool looks sad as she tries to warn Hollykit just what being a medicine cat means but all Hollykit can think of is healing her clan and speaking to StarClan. Leafpool tells her she must first speak to Firestar. Hollykit heads back to the nursery and excitedly tells her brothers the news. Jaykit is surprised that Hollykit wants to do this. He still feels being a warrior is the most important thing and Hollykit thinks Firestar has to make him a warrior. Later, Hollykit leaves the nursery for the last time. Her naming ceremony is that day. Brambleclaw is talking to Cloudtail, who has returned from a patrol. ShadowClan and WindClan have been extra diligent in marking their territory and Cloudtail is worried. As they talk Ashfur comes over. Brambleclaw says they will do nothing for now and Ashfur asks isn't that for Firestar to decide. Brambleclaw looks closely at Ashfur but sees no hostility. Brambleclaw says of course he will report this to Firestar but unless Firestar gives an order they are to do nothing. Lionkit joins her and soon it is time for the ceremony. Firestar gives the three kits their mentors. He names Ashfur for Lionpaw and Leafpool for Hollypaw. Hollypaw is excited but doesn't understand why both her mother and Leafpool look so sad. It is Jaykit's turn and the cats start whispering about how he can't be a warrior and Firestar can't possibly be about to give him a mentor. Jaykit demands a mentor too and Firestar tells him of course he is recieving one and names Brightheart as Jawpaw's mentor.

Jaypaw is upset to receive the only disabled warrior as his mentor. He is even more upset when Brightheart tells him she has asked Longtail to help with his training. He feels like no one is taking his desire to be a warrior seriously. Lionpaw and Ashfur go to see the territory. Hollypaw wishes to go too but Leafpool tells her that she needs to stay in camp and learn the herbs. Brightheart starts talking to Jaypaw about his training, but he lets his mind wander. He listens to every one in the camp and senses Brambleclaw - he feels that Brambleclaw is suspicious of someone and Jaypaw is shocked. Brightheart brings him back to the present and has Jaypaw take care of the elders, making him even more upset that his first duty as an apprentice is just chores. Jaypaw has an attitude with the elders as he helps them, but they seem amused by his spirit. Brightheart takes him to explore the land and Jaypaw's attitude does not change. They scent a fox and Brightheart tells him to go find Thornclaw's patrol but he refuses to leave her. As they attack the fox Jaypaw gets his tail caught in a bramble bush and cannot get free, leaving a scared Brightheart to face the fox alone. Thornclaw and his patrol arrive and chase off the fox. Back at camo Jaypaw is upset with how his first day went. When Hollypaw and Lionpaw try to talk to him and comfort him by pointing out any cat can have a rough day he gloomily walks away to go to sleep.

Jaypaw dreams of mountains and a stream, and when he wakes up the next day all the apprentices excitedly go about their duties of patrols and hunting while Jawpaw is left behind. He knows he cannot do those things and figures he will probably be stuck caring for the elders again, feeling like that is all the clan thinks he is good for. Jaypaw cannot scent Brightheart in the camp and decides to sneak out and explore the land on his own. He decides to go to the lake, but the wind is not in his favor and he gets lost. He finds himself on WindClan land and tries to back away but accidentally falls off of a cliff into the water below. He struggles in the water and a cat saves him. He finds out they are WindClan warriors and they find out he is blind. Crowfeather is one of the cats and he takes Jaypaw back to his camp. Jaypaw tries to go on his own but Crowfeather refuses to let him. The land changes to land he recognizes and he realizes they are almost home. He knows he is going to be in huge trouble. They meet a patrol with Squirrelflight, Stormfur, and Brook. The cats bring him back to camp and Crowfeather walks with him to Leafpool's den. Jaypaw does not understand why and when they reach her den he listens as Leafpool and Crowfeather have a tense conversation. Leafpool has Hollypaw treat Jaypaw but first she brings the wrong herbs, and then when she brings the correct ones she does not know what they are for. Jaypaw eats the herbs and falls asleep.

Firstly, Jaypaw is a bit of a jerk. But, I do understand part of his attitude problem. He does not like being treated differently and no one can seem to stop themselves from doing it. I did think that maybe he could be a warrior, but as his story goes on it is quite clear that is not the duty for him. And while I do understand a large part of his attitude problem he doesn't seem to be willing to meet anyone part way. I actually do think Brightheart being his mentor makes perfect sense. Training with a cat who is also disabled will help to show him how to overcome his ow  shortcomings - but he isn't willing to acknowledge any bonus to working with her.

As for Hollypaw, I do not think being a medicine cat is really what she wants - especially since Jaypaw seems more suited for it. I have a feeling we will see a lot more blunders in her future.

Lionpaw overhearing the cats talking was interesting, but I really do not see Dustpelt being unloyal to Firestar. Yes, they fought all the time when they were apprentices - and even at first as warriors - but Dustpelt is very loyal to Firestar and his clan. But I am glad to see that Brambleclaw knowing there is a traitor in their midst is not going to be ignored. As for Ashfur, maybe I was wrong about him. I really thought he could be the cat that helped Hawkfrost. I know it was all circumstantial evidence but he was really the only cat with motive. Now, however, he seems to be loyal and have no issues with taking orders from Brambleclaw.

the sight: part one

Firestar awakes from a dream in which he was remembering something from long ago, when he met an ancient cat who gave him a prophecy about three descendants of his. He feels afraid and and realizes the three have come and the prophecy is about to reveal itself.

Jaykit dreams of walking through the snow, unable to find his mother but able to hear her. He wakes up to find Hollykit and Lionkit (his sister and brother) playing in the nursery. He joins his siblings and they play, tossing a mouse around. He accidentally lands on Ferncloud's two kits and worries he has hurt them. Ferncloud tells him he is too small to do that and sends the kits to go play in the clearing. Jaykit is upset over Ferncloud's comment about his size. He is even more upset when Ferncloud says that Firestar needs to make them apprentices and he knows she is looking at him with pity. They leave the den and continue playing with the mouse. Stormfur catches them and tells them to show more respect for their food, but his words are not harsh. Lionkit points out that they are practicing their hunting skills and Jaykit points out that soon they will be apprentices. Stormfur pauses for a moment then licks Jaykit telling him he forgot. Jaykit feels even more frustrated that no one will treat him his age. Lionkit gives the mouse to Hollykit and Jaykit and goes to the fresh kill pile but Jaykit stops him before he can take anything. Jaykit smells something wrong and pulls out a wren full of maggots. Leafpool comes by and congratulates Jaykit for spotting it. Jaykit asks Leafpool if she needs help gathering herbs. He is eager to leave the camp and explore. Leafpool understands his wants but tells him he must wait until he is old enough. Jaykit is frustrated. Being Firestar's grandson and Brambleclaw's son means every cat is careful not to give him special treatment. As they eat Spiderleg anx Thornclaw come rushing in. There is a dead fox.

Brambleclaw and Firestar start giving out orders. The fox had kits and they need to find them and deal with them. The kits decide they want to find the fox cubs to prove they are ready to be apprentices. Sneaking out of the camp they follow the scent trails and find the den, but Thirnclaw and his patrol are close. Lionkit goes ahead to check it out and Jaykit is worried they will attack without him. Hollykit assures him they won't. Lionkit comes back and they decide to go through the back entrance. They go in but Jaykit realizes the fox cubs are much bigger then they thought. The terrified kits run back out they way they came in. Jaykit calls for Thornclaw and gets separated from his siblings. As he races away with a fox on his tail he falls over the cliff at the edge of camp.

Jaykit feels pain everywhere. A ThunderClan medicine cat he has never seen before cleans him up and gives him water to drink. Tired, he falls back asleep. When he wakes up he asks Leafpool where the other cat went. He talks about how she checked his wounds and give him water to drink. He describes her to Leafpool and she finally tells him it was Spottedleaf. As they talk she tells him he will be fine and he should have never left the camp. Jaykit gets angry and insists he should be allowed to do things like other cats. He asks Leafpool if Firestar will delay him becoming an apprentice because of this. Leafpool tells him she thought he understood he can never become an ordinary apprentice like Hollykit or Lionkit. She tries to tell him there are other ways to serve his clan but this just makes Jaykit more angry. She asks him more about his dreams and asks him what herbs she used to treat him. Happy with his answers she suggests he could become a medicine cat. Jaykit becomes furious, saying he doesn't want a half life like she has. He wants to be a warrior and hates being blind.

Hollykit and Lionkit sit in the clearing waiting for their parents and Firestar - and to find out just how much trouble they are in. Overhearing Sorreltail and Brackenfur talking about Jaykit, Hollykit gets upset. She and Lionkit have to wait for punishment while Jaykit gets to stay in Leafpool's den. Lionkit asks her what is wrong and she voices her frustrations. He counters with they never should have taken him with them and she argues that Jaykit would have been furious if he was left behind. But then she thinks about how he kept up with them and how she would have felt if he had died and she acknowledges that none of them should have gone. Firestar, Brambleclaw, and Squirrelflight approach the kits, upset with them. Hollykit insists they were just trying to help the clan but Firestar tells her Jaykit's death would not have helped them and they almost led the foxes straight to the camp. Firestar says for now they must stay with Ferncloud or Daisy at all times and get their permission to leave the nursery. He will discuss their apprenticeships later. After Firestar leaves, Lionkit asks if Jaykit is returning to the nursery too. His parents tell him that for now he must stay with Leafpool. Hollykit asks if Jaykit will recover in time for the naming ceremony. Squirrelflight tries to tell her kits that Jaykit can never become a warrior. Hollykit angrily insists her brother can become one. Lionkit is sent back to the nursery and Holkykit gets to visit Jaykit. While there she starts thinking maybe she isn't meant to be a warrior but a medicine cat instead. When she asks Leafpool about taking an apprentice Leafpool refers to her potential one as a he. Hollykit worries that Leafpool already had someone in mind but Leafpool assures her that she has made no choices yet. Ferncloud calls for Hollykit. Frustrated she can't stay, Hollykit returns to the nursery.

So, first of all, very good writing. I did not see Jaykit being blind coming at all. I went back and reread some areas but the only place where it was actually stated that he could see was in his dreams. The rest of the time the writing just gave the illusion that he could - plus, his siblings acting like he is no different then them helped. As everyone else fussed over him I thought it was just because he was so small.

I think, very clearly, StarClan intends Jaykit to be a medicine cat. Just as clearly, Jaykit intends to be a warrior. And Hollykit clearly has her sights on being a medicine cat while Leafpool clearly expects her apprentice to be Jaykit. And I completely understand Jaykit wanting to be a warrior - it is everyone's destiny so of course he wants it - any yes he can "see" very well, but it would be very hard to learn every single patch of land and even harder to race though the trees. I was always sad Longtail went blind and had to retire - especially since his other senses were heightened - but looking at Jaykit I think I understand why it had to happen. And Longtail knew the land... At least Lionkit seems to have a clear future ahead of him, unlike his siblings. Still, stories thrive on conflict.

So I just realized now that there are three stars in Leafpool's dream and there are three kits. I feel a bit silly for not noticing that before. Also, what is up with Brambleclaw knowing (okay, suspecting) there is a traitor in their midst. Am I just supposed to forget that story line? Because I can't. And still nothing about Graystripe... I was hoping that would finally be resolved. I am glad that Stormfur and Brook are officially ThunderClan cats now but, again, is that too going to be explained or ignored?

sunset: part five

Brambleclaw goes about his duties as deputy. He tries to talk to Ashfur about Birchpaw, but Ashfur coldly blows him off saying his apprentice is his responsibility and that he is going to do an assessment with him today. As Ashfur leaves Brambleclaw thinks he probably could have done that better but Ashfur's attitude isn't helping. He suddenly remembers his meeting with Hawkfrost. As he goes to leave camp Squirrelflight offers to go with him. As he tries to think of a way to leave without her Daisy's kits start to make a mess and she goes off to deal with that. Brambleclaw heads to the lake where he finds Hawkfrost. Hawkfrost smells of ShadowClan, which Brambleclaw thinks is odd, but Hawkfrost said he did it purposely since he was traveling through their territory. Brambleclaw tries to tell Hawkfrost how he thinks making two clans is the wrong thing to do but Hawkfrost keeps insisting things are different now and what matters is strong leadership. As they talk Brambleclaw hears someone crying out. Hawkfrost tries to tell him to ignore it but Brambleclaw won't. He finds Firestar trapped in a fox trap, badly wounded. Firestar manages to gasp out that Birchpaw told him Blackstar was here waiting for him. Brambleclaw realizes that Hawkfrost did this and that is why he smells of ShadowClan. Hawkfrost admits his guilt and tells Brambleclaw to finish Firestar off so he can become leader of ThunderClan instead. Brambleclaw hears Tigerstar whispering in his ear that no cat will ever know his guilt.

Leafpool is in the nursery checking in in Sorreltail and her kits when she suddenly knows that something is terribly wrong. She stumbles out and races blindly across the clearing, startling everyone. Squirrelflight asks her what is wrong and Leafpool asks her for her help. As they go to leave Ashfur comes across them, upset. He says that Firestar is trapped in a fox trap but he couldn't save him because Brambleclaw and Hawkfrost are there and he couldn't take on both cats at once.

Looking down at Firestar, Brambleclaw realizes that there are only six lives between him and becoming clan leader. He wonders if this is actually what Hawkfrost and Tigerstar want him to become. Hawkfrost speaks of Brambleclaw taking revenge for their fathers death and Brambleclaw thinks how Tigerstar chose his own destiny and his own fate. He suddenly realizes that loyalty to the clan isn't just loyalty to the clan - it is loyalty to the leader as well because the leader is the clan. Brambleclaw refuses to kill Firestar and starts to dig out the fox trap so he can free him. Angry, Hawkfrost attacks him. Brambleclaw shoves Hawkfrost off and goes back to the trap but Hawkfrost won't leave him alone. He tells Brambleclaw this was just a test of Tigerstar's and he failed it. That if he truly wanted power he would do anything to obtain it. Hawkfrost tells him that he and Tigerstar knew all along that Brambleclaw would not be able to go through with it and now he is no longer needed. Brambleclaw realizes that Hawkfrost is going to kill him. He tries go stop Hawkfrost, telling him he doesn't want to fight since they are brothers. Hawkfrost doesn't care, saying power is more important then kin. He attacks and Brambleclaw tries to defend himself, killing Hawkfrost in the process. As he dies, Hawkfrost tells Brambleclaw this isn't over, that he had help from within Brambleclaw's own clan. Brambleclaw desperately asks him for more information but Hawkfrost dies. Brambleclaw turns to Firestar, expecting to be banished, but instead Firestar tells Brambleclaw that he did well. Firestar tells Brambleclaw that he always had a hard path before him, but he made the right choice in the end, and ThunderClan is lucky to have him for deputy.

Squirrelflight tells Ashfur to get some help and Leafpool races off after Firestar, worried that Tigerstar's dark influence is too much for Brambleclaw. Leafpool and Squirrelflight arrive and the smell of blood is overpowering. Seeing Brambleclaw covered in blood, Leafpool thinks at first that he killed Firestar. But then Firestar speaks. He tells Leafpool that Hawkfrost set a trap for him but Brambleclaw saved him. Leafpool realizes that Brambleclaw is also covered in mud from digging up the fox trap. Squirrelflight thanks Brambleclaw for saving their father but Brambleclaw doesn't look happy, just horrified. Leafpool finds Hawkfrost's body and sees the lake is red with his blood. She realizes the blood spilling blood meant that the brothers would fight. Peace has finally come, and Brambleclaw brought it.

I thought that since this was only twenty pages it would be a short post but holy cow there was a lot packed into these twenty pages!

So, first of all, Brambleclaw's foolishness is over with. He now sees his father and brother for what they really are. He also made the right choice just like I knew he would. I was shocked that it took him so long to make it, though. Tigerstar really did a number on him. And Hawkfrost too with all that talk of them being brothers - when clearly it meant nothing to him.

It is a little sad that Hawkfrost turned out just like Tigerstar. I feel like Sasha failed him a bit here. She only focused on the good of Tigerstar. She should have warned her children about the bad as well. Instead she left him open to Tigerstar's evil influence - which allowed Hawkfrost to think his father was unfairly painted as the villain.

Lastly, Hawkfrost's help had to have come from Ashfur and/or Birchpaw. No other cat was mentioned - and I would assume it is Ashfur. Ashfur and Birchpaw were supposed to be out training together. Birchpaw's actions led Firestar to the trap but he is just an apprentice and would just be following Ashfur's - or anothers - orders. It could very well be that Hawkfrost gave him the order but either way I don't think he is in on the plot. Like I said, he and Ashfur were supposed to be training but Birchpaw raced to deliver a message to Firestar, Firestar gets trapped, and then Ashfur goes looking for help because he was outmatched? That timeline does not add up. The moment Birchpaw was neatly disposed of Ashfur would not question why Hawkfrost was there? And then Firestar would have arrived and been attacked by Hawkfrost but Ashfur does nothing to help Firestar when it is just Hawkfrost there? And then even more illogically somehow in all of this Ashfur does not actually see what goes down - but assumes Brambleclaw is a part of it? When Brambleclaw arrives long after Firestar is injured? Why would Ashfur not help from the start.

Hawkfrost said a cat from ThunderClan helped him. I am convinced that Hawkfrost was meeting Tigerstar behind Brambleclaw's back all along. And as far as I am concerned Brambleclaw was expendable from the start. Brambleclaw rejected Tigerstar when he was a kit and Tigerstar told him that he would die then. Brambleclaw constantly picked Firestar over Tigerstar but now suddenly Tigerstar wants a relationship with his estranged son? Tigerstar does not believe in sharing power. He believes in one cat ruling all. I think the plan from the beginning was to use Brambleclaw and then kill him too so Hawkfrost could rule - and Hawkfrost trying to kill Brambleclaw really kind of proves it. He even said to Brambleclaw that he and Tigerstar felt that Brambleclaw was too weak. Brambleclaw was given a test and failed it. In the end Tigerstar might very well have favored Brambleclaw over Hawkfrost - especially since Hawkfrost's mother was a kittypet - but only if Brambleclaw would become more like him, which clearly Brambleclaw would never do. I think the end result was for one cat to rule all, and I think that cat was Hawkfrost.

And I think Ashfur was offered something in exchange for helping Hawkfrost. Something like being Hawkfrost's deputy, perhaps? Ashfur was furious that Squirrelflight chose Brambleclaw over him. He was furious that Brambleclaw was made deputy. Brambleclaw got everything he wanted and here was a way to help pave the way for Ashfur to get his revenge. If Firestar died then Ashfur was there to accuse Brambleclaw of murder. And if that didn't work, well eventually Hawkfrost would take over - and Ashfur would be there to sow the seeds of discontent in ThunderClan just like Hawkfrost had been doing in RiverClan. And Hawkfrost already lied about his involvement in the WindClan take over. If Brambleclaw did kill Firestar there was nothing to stop Hawkfrost from turning on him there. And when Ashfur arrived with reinforcements Hawkfrost could talk about how he tried to save Firestar from his evil brother but was too late.

Of course, I could be completely wrong. Maybe Hawkfrost had no help. Maybe Ashfur and Birchpaw hadn't started training yet so they weren't together. Maybe Hawkfrost sent Birchpaw on to camp alone. Maybe Ashfur really did stumble upon the scene like he said. Maybe seeing Firestar dying with Hawkfrost and Brambleclaw standing over him, Ashfur really was unsure what was going on.

But then again maybe not. Maybe Ashfur was in on it.

All I know is since Tigerstar has the power to reach out from beyond the grave I believe Hawkfrost's promise that this isn't over yet.

sunset: part four

Firestar tells Brambleclaw that Dustpelt has reported Twolegs sleeping in woods. He wants Brambleclaw to scout out ShadowClan and RiverClan territory to make sure everything is quiet and Blackstar isn't going to use this as an excuse to expand his lands. Bramblelaw is proud to be picked for such an important mission and sets off. He makes it through ShadowClan territory no problem but as he approaches RiverClan he sees Brook accidentally chase prey into ShadowClan territory and kill it. Hawkfrost witnessed it and refuses to give Brook or Stormfur a chance to explain. Stormfur tries to tell Hawkfrost that next time Brook will be more careful but Hawkfrost implies there might not be a next time. Brambleclaw is shocked to see how much his brother sounds and acts like Tigerstar. Hawkfrost demands the cats go to see Leopardstar at once. Brambleclaw follows and climbs a tree to watch what happens next. He watches as Hawkfrost works the clan up against Stormfur and Brook, goading Stormfur into attacking him, leading to their banishment. Brambleclaw feels a mixture of upset on his friends behalf and admiration for Hawkfrost's cunning - but he does question as to whether or not this actually follows the warrior code. He follows Stormfur and Brook, who tell him they cannot return to the tribe, and convinces them to return to ThunderClan. As they walk Brambleclaw tells Stormfur that Hawkfrost was right - he should not have attacked. Stormfur admits that this is true, but Hawkfrost should not have goaded him. He then warns Brambleclaw to be careful with the path he is walking. Brambleclaw tries to sort out if Hawkfrost's actions were right or not.

Brambleclaw returns to camp but when Firestar realizes he brought Stormfur and Brook with him he says Brambleclaw's report can wait. Dustpelt is unhappy that the tribe cats are back and the next day he and Mousefur call a clan meeting, Between Daisy and her kits and now Stormfur and Brook the cats are worried about what their clan is turning into. After much back and forth Firestar says that what matters is not blood, but loyalty to the clan and ends the discussion. The cats are upset with Firestar's abrupt ending of the meeting and Brambleclaw follows him to talk to him. He tells Firestar that what the cats are really upset about is looking weak in front of the other clans. Even though he can hear Tigerstar howling no at him, Brambleclaw puts the clan first and tells Firestar that he must appoint a new deputy.

Upset over the clan meeting Leafpool returns to her den but Firestar seeks her out. He asks what he should do about Graystripe. Between Leafpool and Stormfur's words Fireheart reaches a decision. He calls a clan meeting to let the cats know that Graystripe will be mourned that night and a new deputy appointed at moon high. The clan speaks of their remembrances of Graystripe, finally able to put him to rest. As they sit for Graystripe, Leafpool asks StarClan for a sign. She sees their camp, but instead of cliffs it is surrounded by brambles. As she looks closer she realizes the brambles are claws, and they are extended outward. She realizes StarClan is trying to tell her that Brambleclaw will keep the clan safe. When she wakes up she realizes that even though he carries Tigerstar's blood, even though he never had an apprentice, even though he is visiting with his father - and StarClan must know this - he is the cat they want to be deputy. She seeks out her father who is trying to decide on a cat. He was leaning towards Brackenfur but wasn't full happy with his choice. Leafpool tells him of her dream and they go to announce his choice. Firestar's announcement of Brambleclaw shocks everyone - including Brambleclaw who blurts out that he has never had an apprentice. The cats are upset since this goes against the warrior code - with Dustpelt and Mousefur voicing this - but when Leafpool speaks of her dream they accept StarClan's will. Ashfur, however, does not. He implies that Leafpool fakes the dream because Squirrelflight and Brambleclaw are in love. Squirrelflight is so angry she actually attack Ashfu. Brambleclaw breaks them up and Firestar asks if anyone else objects. Spiderleg looks like he wants to but keeps quiet. As the cats congratulate Brambleclaw, Leafpool can see Tigerstar is also there.

Brambleclaw races through the forest, bursting with his news. Hawkfrost is already with Tigerstar, and before Brambleclaw can tell his father what happened Tigerstar says he knows and congratulates him. Tigerstar is upset that Brambleclaw almost spoiled his chances by pointing out he had never had an apprentice but since he became deputy anyway he acknowledges it was probably for the best so no one could accuse Brambleclaw of becoming deputy unfairly. Hawkfrost is upset that he still isn't deputy but Tigerstar reminds him that his time will come once again. Tigerstar begins to talk of his sons ruling the forest and Brambleclaw is shocked. Tigerstar lays out his plan for Hawkfrost to take over ShadowClan and RiverClan and Brambleclaw to take over WindClan and ThunderClan.  He briefly gets caught up in Tigerstar's vision. Hawkfrost talks of making friends in the other clans so they will support his bid for power. Brambleclaw thinks of how he already has friends in WindClan, and how they would feel betrayed if he took over. Brambleclaw tries to pretend he agrees without actually agreeing so he can think, but when Hawkfrost talks of killing the leaders at the Gathering so they can rule he cannot believe his ears. Hawkfrost tells Brambleclaw to calm down, that these are just suggestions. He says maybe they should meet in two days to discuss what they want to do. He makes sure Brambleclaw promises to meet him. Brambleclaw wakes up to the life of a deputy. As he tries to figure it out he worries what will happen if anyone finds out he has been meeting with Hawkfrost and Tigerclaw. He tries to assure himself that he is not going to actually kill anyone, he just wants to make his clan strong.

Leafpool sets off for the Moonpool feeling uneasy. She is worried about Brambleclaw being deputy. Willowpaw is introduced to StarClan and then the cats dream. Spottedleaf comes to Leafpool, and seeing the three stars again Leafpool asks after them. But Spottedleaf will not answer her questions now. She asks after Cinderpelt again and Spottedleaf takes her to the nursery where Cinderkit is sleeping with her mother, Sorreltail. Leafpool is shocked to realize Cinderkit is Cinderpelt. They then go to Willowpaw, who receives a vision of storm clouds. When Leafpool wakes up she finds Mothwing upset, wrestling with how she can train an apprentice when she doesn't believe in StarClan. She confesses to Leafpool the truth of the moth wing and Leafpool tells her she already knew, that Spottedleaf told her. Mothwing wishes to believe but cannot. As the other cats wake up Leafpool realizes that only she and Willowpaw had the storm cloud dream, meaning the danger is just for their clans. She knows that the danger is Hawkfrost.

Okay, so Brambleclaw is an idiot who has been deluding himself and Hawkfrost is totally going to try and kill him. I mean, really. You are accepting training from a cat who thought it was okay to kill anyone who stood in his way and then you are shocked that that is the advice he offers you? I get wanting to see the best in some people, but some people have no best. And where Hawkfrost once just wanted to do what was best for his clan he has now become Tigerstar's mini me. I thought this book was going to end with a huge fight to defeat Hawkfrost but I really don't see how that is going to happen in the next twenty pages. But now I am 100% convinced he has been meeting with Tigerstar behind Brambleclaw's back all along.

As always, I feel so bad for Mothwing. She so wants to believe and can't.

Wat is up with Stormfur and Brook? Why can't they go home? I hope they stay for good. Also, where the hell is Graystripe?

But Ashfur! I cannot believe he implied Leafpool was lying for her sister! I am actually worried about him and the path he could find himself following... However, this is the last book so maybe my fears are unjustified...?

sunset: part three

Brambleclaw is getting ready for a morning patrol when he overhears Birchpaw asking Ashfur if they can train. Ashfur tells him no, that Leafpool says his injuries need more time. Brambleclaw offers to take Birchpaw with him. Ashfur looks about to refuse when Firestar says it is a good idea. Brambleclaw has Birchpaw run ahead, but he soon comes racing back telling him that ShadowClan is trying to steal some of their territory. Birchpaw is sent back to camp for help while Brambleclaw and the other warriors confront ShadowClan. Russetfur insists they need the territory and mocks the clan for their recent troubles, implying they can't defend the land so they dont deserve it. A fight breaks out and Firestar arrives with reinforcements. ShadowClan is chased off but Russetfur vows this isn't over. Back at camp Firestar is having a meeting about what happened. Brambleclaw accuses Leafpool of passing the information on to ShadowClan. She is upset and Brambleclaw realizes he went too far. Firestar assures the cats that even if news of the badger attack came from Littlecloud it is Blackstar who was in the wrong.

At the Gathering Brambleclaw speaks to Mistyfoot about Stormfur. She implies that Stormfur is not staying and Brambleclaw is shocked since Brook told him she was going to train to be a warrior. He then speaks to Tawnypelt and tells her how upset he is with Leafpool for telling Littlecloud about the badger attack, but Tawnypelt shocks him when she says the news came from Hawkfrost. Brambleclaw realizes this means Hawkfrost got the news from him and passed it on to ShadowClan. Brambleclaw is upset, especially since he can't understand why Hawkfrost would pass on that information to Blackstar when he knows how Blackstar would react. He goes to talk to Hawkfrost but Firestar starts the meeting. Leopardstar speaks first and tells the clans how an elder died and Mothwing now has an apprentice in Willowpaw. She is done speaking when Hawkfrost interrupts, saying his sister has something to add about a dream she had. Mothwing clearly does not want to speak but tells of a dream where two stones disrupt a river until they are swept away. She insists she does not know what the dream means but Hawkfrost implies it means Stormfur and Brook should leave. Mistyfoot insists that cannot be true and Mothwing is upset. Leopardstar is not pleased and tells Mothwing that from now on she is to come to her first and not announce her dreams at a Gathering. The meeting continues on. When Firestar speaks arguing breaks out over Blackstar's recent actions. Worse too RiverClan is saying they need more territory. Hawkfrost is very vocal in his demands and Mistyfoot has to remind him that he does not speak for their clan. Tawnypelt implies to Brambleclaw that Hawkfrost deliberately told Blackstar of ThunderClan's problems knowing Blackstar would attack. Brambleclaw is shocked and insists Hawkfrost is not like that but Tawnypelt doesn't believe him. As the cats argue an actual fight breaks out.

Leafpool is horrified as a fight breaks out. She is reminded again of the prophecy. The moon covers and Barkface calls out that StarClan is angry. Firestar and Onewhisker are quick to back him up and the boundaries stay in place. Both Blackstar and Hawkfrost vow that this is not over and Leafpool thinks to herself that it isn't Hawkfrost's place to say such a thing. The Gathering breaks up and feeling guilty about Heavystep's death Leafpool searches out her friend. Before she can approach Mothwing Hawkfrost does, furious with her for not following his plan to lie about the dream from StarClan. He wants Stormfur gone because he fears he is next in line for deputy and Hawkfrost wants that position for himself. Leafpool listens on as Hawkfrost threatens Mothwing with a truth about how he helped her become a medicine cat. Mothwing tells him her loyalty is to her clan, not him. After Hawkfrost leaves Leafpool apologizes to Mothwing for Heavystep's death. She tries to tell Mothwing where the herbs are but Mothwing is called away before she has a chance. She sees Crowfeather but he won't talk to her, telling her that they must be loyal to their clans now. Upset, Leafpool leaves. The next day Berrykit is better but Daisy is upset still. Brightheart asks to be realised to her warrior duties now that only Ashfur needs looking after and Leafpool lets her. Leafpool watches as Hazelkit and Mousekit chase a butterfly. She follows them and they stand over it's broken body. She asks them what they are doing and they tell her a ThunderClan cat who they have never seen before told them to chase it. After questioning them Leafpool realizes they mean Spottedleaf. After the kits leave Leafpool sees what Spottedleaf wanted to show her - a butterfly wing separated from the body. Suddenly Leafpool realizes what Hawkfrost is holding over Mothwing. She also realizes this is why her friend no longer believes in StarClan.

When Brambleclaw enters the world of Tigerstar he hears Tawnypelt arguing. She is telling Tigerstar she wants nothing to do with his plans and ambitions - and that she has told him this before. When she leaves she and Brambleclaw speak, and she warns her brother to be careful. When Brambleclaw wakes up Ferncloud is panicking. Daisy and her kits are missing. Firestar allows Cloudtail and Brambleclaw to go after her, but warn them to respect her wishes. When they reach the horse place, after some discussion, Daisy agrees to leave with them since that is what the kits want.

Leafpool dreams of Feathertail. Together they visit Willowpaw's dreams and speak to her of knowledge that Mothwing needs. After they leave her they speak of the butterfly wing. Leafpool is terrified that Mothwing can no longer be a medicine cat but Feathertail assures her that StarClan wishes her to remain one, but they want Leafpool to help train Willowpaw so she can learn about StarClan. Daisy's kits wake her up with their return and Leafpool overhears Daisy telling Brightheart that Cloudtail is in love with her, not Daisy. Leafpool has Cloudtail take Brightheart with him on a hunting patrol and the cats start to heal their relationship.

So I just want to say that Brambleclaw is acting like an idiot. Clearly Hawkfrost told Blackstar knowing fully well how he would react. Brambleclaw even is confused, knowing that Hawkfrost should know this but when Tawnypelt points this out he immediately leaps to their brother's defense. It is like there is this part of Brambleclaw that knows the truth but he doesn't want to acknowledge it because then he might have to admit he is in the wrong to spend so much time with Hawkfrost and Tigerstar.

Also, I am glad it was Hawkfrost who planted that sign and not Mothwing. It also explains why Mothwing believed in StarClan at first and now no longer does. It was cruel of Hawkfrost to do - and to tell Mothwing to manipulate her into lying about her dreams is even worse. I am beginning to think there is no redeeming him - he is Tigerstar through and through. I feel bad for Brambleclaw when he finds out, though, like I said, I think deep down be suspects it.

I am glad that Mothwing gets to remain a medicine cat. She does love her duty to her clan, even if Hawkfrost did taint it for her. I hope in the end she finds her faith - even if it is in death.

buffy the vampire slayer: part twelve

I know! it has been so long since there has been a Buffy post! I've been so busy with the Warriors books it seems like my blog hasn't had time for anything else. Well I decided it was past time to finish season 3.

Lets start with Faith. Here we see Faith fully embrace a dark path. In "Consequences" as Buffy struggles with what happened Faith blows it off. As far as she is concerned she is a slayer, and she doesn't have to answer to the laws of men. Accidents happen, but they don't matter. Buffy, meanwhile, struggles with not only a manslaughter she didn't commit but also with Faith's lack of concern. Buffy's struggle prompts Faith to throw her under the bus and turn her in for the deputy mayor's death. Things go from bad to worse as Faith tries to kill Xander and is stopped by Angel, and then is abducted by Wesley and the Watchers Council. In the end Buffy is able to get through to Faith and Faith saves Buffy's life instead of running. But she then turns to the Mayor for a job. For a few episodes she works for the Mayor, doubling as one of the good guys. She is even privy to the Mayor ordering a hit on Willow and while the news upsets her she doesn't try to stop it. She murders a demon to steal the Books of Ascension for the Mayor and also tries to seduce Angel in the hopes of releasing Angelus. This is what finally reveals Faith as the enemy to Buffy and her friends. I have to say, though, as Faith was running around playing everyone there was a hint of truth to her cries for help. Even though she did nothing to stop the hit on Willow and tried to seduce Buffy's boyfriend she still clearly cares for Buffy. She saved her from Mr Trick when she didn't have to - no one would have known the truth. And when she and Buffy got into a fight at the end of "Enemies," Faith couldn't bring herself to kill Buffy. I feel that as much as she has accepted her path there is a part of her that wishes she could go back - but an ever larger part of herself is determined to stay the course, no matter the price.

Angel's deception with Faith put a bit of a damper in his and Buffy's relationship for a bit with Buffy questioning how much Angel enjoyed his time with Faith - especially since the two of them have so much in common. However, after some awkwardness that lasted a couple of episodes they resolved their problems and Angel assured Buffy that she is the only woman he has ever loved.

Cordelia and Wesley continue their awkward and cringe-worthy non-romance. If Cordelia had her way age would just be a number. Thankfully Wesley at least realizes he can't have a relationship with Cordelia no matter how much he wants one. And her interest in helping the group once again seems largely to be motivated by a desire to be near Wesley - but she does help.

Xander struggles with the loss of Cordelia by both moping over her and pretending her doesn't care about her. He seems to both want to be with her and want to be over her. However, as much as I like Xander he is a bit of jerk and Cordelia deserves better then him.

Hopefully I didn't leave anything out! It has been so long between episodes. I did go back and read a few of my posts, but really that will only remind me of so much.

My favorite episode was definitely "Doppelgangland." Watching Willow pretend to be evil was so cute. And watching evil Willow interact with good Willow was interesting. You almost feel bad for evil Willow when she returns to her world just to be staked. And while Anya is not my most favorite character watching her struggle to be human is always fun.

So, the four episodes:

Consequences - Season 3, Episode 15

Synopsis - Buffy and Faith deal with the aftermath of Faith killing the deputy mayor. Things get worse when Faith turns Buffy in to Giles for the crime and Wesley has Faith arrested.

Doppelgangland - Season 3, Episode 16

Synopsis - Anya tries to get Willow to help her get her necklace back, only instead of the necklace Willow's vampire doppelganger shows up. Meanwhile the Mayor calls a hit on Willow.

Enemies - Season 3, Episode 17

Synopsis - Faith tries to seduce Angel so she and the Mayor can bring back Angelus. When that doesn't work the Mayor calls someone in to do the job. Meanwhile there is a demon with the Books of Ascension and the Mayor puts Faith on the job while Wesley puts Buffy and Faith on it.

Earshot - Season 3, Episode 18

Synopsis -  After killing a demon Buffy gets the ability to hear everyone's thoughts, leading her to find a killer in her school.

sunset: part two

Firestar calls a meeting so Brambleclaw and Squirrelflight can report what they found. With the cats getting better Firestar is eager for life to return to normal and orders more hunting groups. Leafpool watches as Brambleclaw offers to go and Ashfur angrily offers as well, not wanting to be outdone by Brambleclaw. She insists she has to approve cats to return to their duties and Firestar agrees. As Firestar has his turn with her he tries to talk to her about Brambleclaw, Squirrelflight, and Ashfur. He admits that he once was worried about having Tigerstar's son in the clan but he judges Brambleclaw by his own actions and he trusts Squirrelflight. Leafpool wonders if she should tell Firestar about her dreams of Brambleclaw and Tigerstar but feels she cannot because it might come across as jealousy that she had to leave Crowfeather. Later Squirrelflight brings some fresh kill to Leafpool and Leafpool sees her misery. Squirrelflight admits that Adhfur is still upset with her. Leafpool decides to tell Squirrelflight about her vision of her with Brambleclaw. Squirrelflight leaves happy but Leafpool.is still worried.

Brambleclaw dreams of Tigerstar and Hawkfrost. He tells them of the badger attack and Tigerstar praises him for his courage. He tells Brambleclaw that it won't be much longer before Firestar makes him deputy. When Brambleclaw points out that he hasn't had an apprentice yet Tigerstar tells him that he must delay Firestar's choice. Between Hawkfrost and Tigerstar the advice of manipulating Firestar into believing Graystripe is still alive and ensuring Brambleclaw gets to mentor one of Daisy's kits is offered. Brambleclaw feels uneasy over the advice but he admits it is sound. As they talk Tigerstar reveals Stormfur's return. Hawkfrost's reaction makes Brambleclaw feel like he should warn his friend, but he can't figure out why. They practice fighting techniques until Tigerstar dismisses them. When Brambleclaw wakes up he reasons to himself that Tigerstar did offer good advice and following it was not being disloyal to his clan. He is shocked to realize the wound on his shoulder opened up again in the middle of the night and he feels exhausted, as if he didn't sleep at all. Brambleclaw had his shoulder checked out by Leafpool, who comments that anyone would think he had been fighting. He is worried and doesn't understand what is happening. As he goes about his day thinking over Tigerstar's advice and his own ambitions he finds himself wondering what it is he really wants.

All day Leafpool worried about Brambleclaw, his injuries, and whether or not he is still visiting Tigerstar in his dreams. Leafpool tries to dream of Tigerstar's world to see if she can find out more but instead she finds herself being greeted by StarClan. Three bright stars shining above her draw her eye and Bluestar tells her that her path will twist and turn. Yellowfang tells her that the path she will walk few medicine cats have taken and Bluestar tells her that there are cats she has yet to meet. A few nights later Leafpool sees Brambleclaw leaving the camp. Even though he is not sneaking out she cannot imagine what he is doing so late at night and suspecting he is meeting Hawkfrost resolves to follow him. She follows Brambleclaw to a part of the lake near the WindClan border. As she watches him she falls asleep, dreaming of the lake filled with blood. Shocked, she wakes up and startles Brambleclaw who demands to know if she was spying on him. She denies it but is left shaken as she hears the prophecy echoing in her head.

Brambleclaw looks out over the lake, convinced that Leafpool not only was spying on him but also knows he visits Tigerstar. He worries what will happen when she tells her sister. He goes to the lake at night for peace since his sleep when he visits Tigerstar disturb the other cats. He also tries to convince himself that visiting Tigerstar is not a bad thing. He hears crying back at the camp and returns. Daisy is panicking because Berrykit is missing. Brambleclaw and some others go out to find him. They find him stuck in a fox trap with some ShadowClan warriors watching his struggles. ShadowClan mock the warriors for their kit getting hurt and for Stormfur and Brook's presence. They release Berrykit and bring him back to camp but he is badly injured and Leafpool is unsure he will survive. Brambleclaw is upset because if Berrykit dies he Daisy will probably take her kits away and he probably won't get an apprentice. He is also upset with himself for thinking this way. Stormfur tells Brambleclaw that he and Brook need to leave. Brambleclaw thinks they are returning to the mountains but Stormfur tells him the ShadowClan warriors were right and if they are going to be there they must be with his clan. Brook speaks of training to become a warrior and Brambleclaw is upset that Stormfur won't confide the truth in him.

Leafpool dreams of Mudfur, who asks her to pass on a message to Mothwing. Mothwing has a sick cat and Mudfur knows where the herbs are she needs to cure her. But Leafpool feels torn and feels that she cannot leave Berrykit or her clan right now. The time comes for the medicine cats to gather at the Moonpool. She debates going but Brightheart convinces her to go. She decides to pass Mudfur's message on to Mothwing there but she never shows. When Leafpool dreams it is of StarClan welcoming her as ThunderClan's medicine cat. Cinderpelt is not there.

So, that was pretty lousy of ShadowClan to watch Berrykit's struggles and not help. The one thing that amuses me about these books is how everyone sees their own clan as the correct one and the others as being in the wrong. But, I have to say, Thunderclan does seem to be the best of them. The other clans really only care for themselves and view the others with suspicion. Only ThunderClan time and again seem to care about the wellbeing of all four clans.

I am glad that both Firestar and Squirrelflight are judging Brambleclaw by his own actions, but Leafpool is right to worry. Brambleclaw is walking a dark path, justifying his actions by claiming loyalty to his clan. I dont think he realizes the true extent of Tigerstar's desires. I worry what will happen when Brambleclaw finally falls short of Tigerstar's standards. I think that Hawkfrost is the only cat Tigerstar really cares for. I also wonder about Brambleclaw walking with injuries he received in his dreams.

As for Daisy, I imagine she is definitely going to take away her kits now...