Sparrowflight had followed Batfeather back into the Windclan camp and was surprised to not see anyone. Sparrowflight then turned his head and noticed a crowd of cats by the nursery. Confused as to why they were there, Sparrowflight and Batfeather both padded over to the group, who were all talking in hushed voices. He recognized Sparkstorm, Icesplash, and others. "What's going on?" Sparrowflight asked, causing all the cats to turn their heads and look at Sparrowflight. He realized it was nearly the whole Clan except for a couple cats. "Blazestar, Badgerstep, and Falconpaw are all out hunting." Mudpool told him. Sunpelt then spoke up "We want to discuss Blazestar and his decisions." She meowed, glancing at Hareleap. The two mates were clearly still upset about their daughter's exile. Sparkstorm cleared her throat loudly to get everyone's attention "I...I feel like this is partly my fault." She meowed, flattening her ears in embarrassment. Hareleap frowned "How could it be your fault?" He asked softly. Sparkstorm shot her father a quick glare "If you let me speak you'd find out." She retorted before sitting up straight to address all the gathered cats. "Before Antfoot died, Hawkstar received an omen from Starclan." She announced "The omen stated that a fire of great power will blaze through the moor. Hawkstar believed this was a good thing, so he selected Blazestar as his deputy." Sparrowflight narrowed his eyes. So Blazestar was never a better warrior than him, it was only the omen that got him chosen, he thought. Sparkstorm went on, "Hawkstar misinterpreted the omen and Blazestar was rejected by Starclan." Gasps of surprise and shock came from the Clan, including from Sparrowflight himself. Was it even possible for Starclan to reject a leader? "Blazestar was given his name, but he was not given nine lives." Sparkstorm told them "Why didn't you tell us this earlier?" Icesplash asked. Sparkstorm turned her head to look at Icesplash "What do you think Blazestar would've done then?" She asked sharply "He wouldn't give up his leadership for anything. He has the name and that's all he cares about because it fools all of you into thinking he has Starclan's approval." Sparrowflight nodded, realizing Sparkstorm was right. "Well what are we going to do?" Sparrowflight asked "He can't lead a Clan without approval from Starclan." Batfeather spoke up from next to Sparrowflight "There's only one thing we can do." She said, loud enough so everyone could hear "We revolt against Blazestar!" Cats meowed in agreement until they were silenced by Sparkstorm "Can't there be another resolution to this?" She asked. Sparrowflight narrowed his eyes "What else to you have in mind? I doubt he'd just hand over the leadership of Windclan." Sparkstorm turned to look at Sparrowflight "I know, but we need to think first. We can't just run into a battle with an experienced killer." Sparrowflight tilted his head "Experienced killer?" Sparkstorm nodded "I was examining Tigerlily's body.." Sparrowflight took in a breath. He had a bad feeling he knew where this was going "I found a piece of ginger fur on her flank." Sparrowflight flattened his ears "Blazestar was the cat who brought her out of camp the day she died." He murmured, glancing over at Icesplash, who's eyes were welling up with tears, as Tigerlily was her daughter. Sparkstorm nodded "Blazestar must have killed Tigerlily." Sparrowflight nodded in agreement "He's one cat. Surely we can beat him if we work together?" Batfeather nodded "So is it decided?" She asked. Everyone nodded, including Sparrowflight. "We can do more planning tomorrow." Sparrowflight meowed "I'll get someone to keep Blazestar busy." The cats all agreed with him and went their separate ways. Sparkstorm went to the medicine den, while Icesplash and Sunpelt went into the nursery to watch the kits, giving Sparkstorm some time to rest. Others mingled around camp while Sparrowflight and Batfeather went to the warriors den to catch some sleep. Once they both settled down in their nests, Batfeather smiled "Goodnight Sparrowflight. Maybe you can be leader again." Sparrowflight flattened his ears and turned his head to stare away from Batfeather at the den wall, acting like he was asleep. Am I good enough to lead again? Sparkstorm seemed to lead the group today, and Batfeather seemed to be more deserving than he did. Sparrowflight shook his head, shutting his eyes and eventually drifting off into sleep.
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It was the next day and the Clan was beginning to go on with its regular activities. Blazestar had just dismissed a Clan meeting where Lilystem's kits were all apprenticed and Falconpaw had received his warrior name of Falconwing. Stonepaw was given to Batfeather, Goldenpaw was given to Icesplash, and Bristlepaw was given to Blazestar himself. If only Lilystem was still here to see her kits become apprentices. It was actually perfect that Blazestar had given himself an apprentice because it would keep him busy while the Clan secretly planned an uprising against him. However, just to be sure that the leader wasn't going to cause trouble, he needed a cat to watch him. "Falconwing!" Sparrowflight called. The new warrior looked up at hearing his name and turned his head to find the owner of the voice calling out to him. "Over here!" Sparrowflight called again, waving his tail. Falconwing saw Sparrowflight and nodded, making his way over. "What is it, Sparrowflight?" Falconwing asked once he made it over. Sparrowflight leaned in close to whisper "I want you to keep an eye on Blazestar today. Keep him out of camp as long as you can." Falconwing narrowed his eyes "So you want me to go behind my leader's back for what purpose exactly?" He asked. Sparrowflight then remembered that Falconwing hadn't been there when they discussed the uprising, as he had been on patrol with Blazestar and Badgerstep. Sparrowflight had later found out that the patrol was actually his warrior assessment, which was why they were gone for so long. "Don't you think the things Blazestar has done as leader are a bit cruel?" Sparrowflight asked him. Falconwing looked hesitant to answer as he glanced down at his paws "Well, he is our leader, and we're supposed to do what he says." He replied. Sparrowflight flattened his ears, letting out a huff of annoyance. This cat is young and doesn't understand. "Blazestar killed your sister, Tigerlily. He also encouraged the battle that got Gingerpaw and Antfoot killed." Sparrowflight whispered. Falconwing's gaze snapped up at Sparrowflight and his eyes blazed with fury "Don't you bring my family into this!" Falconwing hissed "And how do you know he killed Tigerlily? You brought the body back, so as far as I know, you're the suspect!" Sparrowflight's eyes widened as he took a step back "Falconwing, I would never harm a hair on Tigerlily's pelt. You know that! I loved her!" The anger faded from Falconwing's eyes as he realized what he said. "I know you loved her." He murmured softly "I hated my own mentor because of the way he treated my sister. Maybe you could've been a better mate." The dark ginger tom's eyes then narrowed "But you did bring the body back. Maybe if you couldn't have her, no one could." Sparrowflight tilted his head. Sure, Falconwing was wrong about Tigerlily's death, but he couldn't blame him for accusing Sparrowflight, as it wasn't a dumb accusation, and Sparrowflight knew what it was like to grieve. He remembered how he nearly killed that rogue to avenge Gingerpaw. He couldn't let Falconwing go down that path as well. The new warrior was so young, yet he'd already lost his father and two older sisters. Sparrowflight sighed "It's not a bad idea for a motive, but I swear to Starclan that I didn't lay a single paw on Tigerlily." Sparrowflight meowed "Maybe by following Blazestar and Bristlepaw, you'll learn the real truth." Falconwing still looked suspicious, but finally nodded in agreement. "Alright." He meowed "I don't like this, but I'll do it." Sparrowflight nodded, breathing a sigh of relief "You're a big help Falconwing." Falconwing flicked his tail in acknowledgment, as he quickly trotted over to Blazestar before the leader could leave camp. The two exchanged words that Sparrowflight couldn't hear before he saw Blazestar nod and the three cats leave camp. Once Sparrowflight was sure they were gone he decided to gather everyone to continue planning. "Everyone! Gather over here to discuss plans!" He called loudly "Plans for what?" Sparrowflight's eyes widened as he located the voice. I'd completely forgotten about Badgerstep! "Well, uh.." Sparrowflight trailed off. Badgerstep was Blazestar's deputy and seemed like he was still loyal to the Clan leader. "What are your thoughts on Blazestar?" Sparrowflight asked. Badgerstep tilted his head "He's Clan leader. What else is there to think about him?" Sparrowflight glanced away "Well, he did banish Lilystem." He murmured. Badgerstep narrowed his eyes "You're planning something against Blazestar, aren't you?" He asked "You're upset he appointed a real deputy." Badgerstep sneered. Sparrowflight glared at him. "This is for the Clan, not for me." He growled. Badgerstep snorted and looked like he was going to run off and tell Blazestar, but he stayed put "Say, if you're plotting against Blazestar, and the Clan is on your side, he wouldn't stand a chance." He murmured thoughtfully "And if I side with you, I will become leader once he's gone.." Sparrowflight bared his teeth "You can't only be in this for yourself!" He hissed. Badgerstep smirked "Well if you don't want me in your little militia, then I guess you wouldn't mind if I went and told Blazestar, would you?" Sparrowflight huffed in annoyance, flattening his ears "Fine, you can help." He muttered. "Good." Badgerstep chuckled "Now tell me this plan of yours." Sparrowflight opened his mouth to speak but was interrupted by a loud thumping of paws. He pricked his ears as a cat skidded to a halt in the center of camp, flanks heaving. He looked like he'd just sprinted to high stones and back. "Falconwing?" Sparrowflight asked "I thought you were watching Blazestar?" Falconwing snapped his head over to Sparrowflight and nodded, still panting tiredly "I was! You were right Sparrowflight!" Falconwing paused to catch his breath "Blazestar, he.... he's out there with Bristlepaw and he said he was gonna teach his apprentice how he got so strong and tried to teach me too. He-he.." Sparrowflight leaned forward "He what?" Falconwing took a deep breath before speaking "Blazestar is working with the rogues!"