BreezeClan

the sun was setting, casting a shade of deep orange across the sky.  A cool breeze blew through my fur, a warning for the up coming nightfall.  It my mouth I carried a small bird as an offering of fresh kill for the clan and my excuse for being out of camp so late in the day.  I needed time alone to think and I had made up my mind.  I have to confront Rabbitfoot. He's my brother, I have to keep him safe.

I walked into camp and placed my prey in the pile and lifted my head. I rotated my ears, listening for my clan mates. It seemed like most were either asleep or about to. The only exception being the night guard who would pay me no mind.

I made my way to the medicine cat den and peered in.  At the back was my brother, slaving away with his herbs as always.  The two of us were so simular in appearance.  We both had the soft and pure white long fur we inherited from our father.  The only distinguishable feature between us was his black paw and blue eyes. As I stepped into his den his ears swiveled to face me. He lifted and turned his head, his expression was cheerful as always.

"Whiteheart, what brings you here?" He asks as he turns his body to face me. He opens his eyes and I am faced with those familiar deep blue vacant eyes. The were misty and unseeing.

"Where is Thistlepaw?" I ask. He appears confused by my question and tilts his head slightly.

"I needed more herbs and he insisted on going even though its getting dark.  He will be okay though. Ever since Mosstail's," Rabbitfoot paused. The pain in his expression hit me hard and I couldn't help but feel guilt for his mentor's passing. "Mosstail's accident Blacktooth has been insistent on training Thistlepaw to defend himself.  He didn't bother with me," Rabbitfoot paused once again. He turned his head away from me and shifted his paws a little in discomfort. "For obvious reasons." He turned his head back to face me. "Why do you ask?"

"I need time to speak with you alone," I say. Rabbitfoot's expression changes to concern and wariness. "I am sure you are aware that times are changing in the clan.  It is Runningfox's doing and I support it." Although I know he cannot see it, I stand firmly as I speak of my own traitorous ways, fire burning in my eyes.  Rabbitfoot's expression was nothing of the sort.  He backed away from me, his eyes full of fear and confusion.

"Why would you do such a thing? Its against Stripestar, the warrior code and StarClan!" He would have gone on of I hadn't cut him off.

"Screw StarClan!" I bursted out, my claws digging into the soft dirt below me.  My brother flinched and cowered before me, his eyes wide and ears back.  As a medicine cat StarClan was always important to Rabbitfoot even more so compared to warriors.

"StarClan has guided us for centuries!"

"And look where its gotten us!  Corruption is bleeding into our lives.  Cats that don't conform or fit into their perfect image of a cat are pushed to the side.  We are fed propaganda to brainwash us and our kits. Surely even you can see that."

"StarClan can lead us out of it, we cannot live without the knowledge that StarClan brings us."

"You have too much faith in a bunch of dead cats Rabbitfoot."

I start to pace, trying to get rid of my angry energy. I didn't want to blow up on my poor brother, he was nothing but a bystander.  I sigh deeply and speak in a lower, calmer tone.

"How many hours have you spent growing, harvesting and preparing herbs? How many hours have you spent healing the cats of this clan and how many nights have you risked your own health by sleeping beside a sickly cat?" He starts to open his mouth to reply but I cut him off.

"Too many!" I stop my pacing and dig my claws into the ground once again. "These cats don't care about you. You've given so much to this clan and all they can give back are blatent glares and mocking because they know you can't see it and won't respond to it.  Out of every cat pushed to the side you are the most obviously hated but yet you are the most deserving of praise. You keep them alive, you are their link with StarClan but yet the see you as no such thing for the petty reason of your blindness." I stare at him, panting as if I had just run across the whole moor. He just stares back, his eyes for once hitting their mark and looking directly into my own. He exhaled, it sounded unsteady as if he were about to break down.

"I am aware of my clan's dislike for me, but there is nothing I can do to change it." He finally said.

"You've spent your whole life standing in the background, taking whatever comes to you, settling and going with the flow of things. Its time you stood up for yourself, if you don't you'll be on Runningfox's hit list and I don't want to see you dead."

"As you said, I always have gone with the flow of things, what makes you think I'll change now? If Runningfox's plans succeed I will not go against it but I cannot stand with you."

My gaze softened. I smiled softly and nodded.

"I understand."

Rabbitfoot's eyes narrowed somewhat and he appeared thoughtful but he didn't speak for what seemed like ages.

"What about Thistlepaw? He has strong faith in Stripestar and StarClan. He will not concede to new leadership. Surely Crosseyes doesn't have the stomach to kill his own son?  I know it's him killing those cats, Runningfox doesn't have the strength to do it himself." I knew Rabbitfoot my whole life. He was familiar and predictable, he never strayed from his careful but pleasant temperament. However now he stood before me with a firm, stern and serious expression I had never seen from him.  I was taken aback and hesitated to respond.

"Thistlepaw does not have any real say in running the clan like you do as long as he stays an apprentice.  Keep him that way and he will be safe. If he will not accept new leadership he will be deranked.  It will be his decision then if he wishes to stay in the clan or leave. That is the best I can do for you."

Rabbitfoot dropped his head somewhat and closed his eyes before exhaling deeply.  Before he responded he lifted his head suddenly and his ears turn forward. I heard paw steps as another cat entered the den.

"Rabbitfoot, Stripestar has requested your presence." It was the deep and serious voice of Blacktooth.

"Of course I'll be on my way." Rabbitfoot said. He smiled but it looked fake and forced.

"Whiteheart, shouldn't you be in your nest?" He questioned.

"Oh yes, I lost track of time! I'll be on my way." I say with my fake happy tone and I smile widely at the deputy before heading out.