[ the best part of believe is the LIE ]

[frosty]

Fallowfoot sat towards the edge of the crowd. Her pale golden brown pelt was groomed to a shining sleekness and her eyes, the color of the night sky, glittered with intense interest. Her ears were erect, pulled to the very top of her head. They were swiveled towards the booming voices of Volepelt, Owlstar, and Mistpelt. She was as still as stone, save for her thin tail weaving through the frigid air, creating a delicate pattern. She shuffled her forepaws closer together, fluffing out her smooth pelt against the cold air that wrapped the Fogclan camp in its icy fingers. Dimly aware of her clouds of breath, she split her jaws and let out a yowl of agreement.

She was well aware she was going against the will of Starclan by agreeing with Volepelt's words. Starclan had lain down laws many, many seasons ago stating the Clan leader's word in law. But Fallowfoot believed this was an exception to Starclan's legendary word. She blinked slowly, fixing her gaze on Volepelt. In this case, Fallowfoot strongly believed Owlstar was a fair leader. She had her good qualities, but also her bad. But that was no excuse for neglecting the training of apprentices. And besides, Mistpelt's dream seemed to make a lot of sense. It must be Starclan's word that Mistpelt was destined to lead Fogclan.

Fallowfoot rose to her paws, raising her tail straight in the air. She wanted to speak.

With a clear, strong voice Fallowfoot rose her voice. "Why are we bringing Pineclan into this?" she screeched, her voice shrill. "Fogclan are capable of dealing with their own matters, no matter the season." She cast her glare on Otterclaw, recalling the warrior bringing up bickering if leaf-bare. "Owlstar, Mistpelt's dream makes sense. Maybe you truly are dragging the life out of Fogclan." She paused, her eyes as hard as the ice that lay over the river. "I go against the warrior code by saying this, but I believe it is Starclan's will that Mistpelt lead Fogclan. Never would I have ever contradicted you before, but the evidence is laying right under our claws. I mean you no disrespect, but I believe in what is right."

Her shoulders relaxed as she sat down once more, lashing her tail furiously. But the anger that bubbled within her wasn't directed toward Owlstar herself, it was toward the frustration she felt. Her clan was becoming a whirlwind of chaos. Fallowfoot blinked her eyes slowly, inhaling the freezing air sharply. It stung her throat, but not as much as the words she had uttered just heartbeats before. Never in nine lifetimes would Fallowfoot would've imagined herself going against her leader. But this was a dark time, indeed, for Fogclan and it had to be resolved one way or another. But the dark cloud of thought that loomed in Fallowfoot's mind was bloodcurdling; perhaps Fogclan would not see peace until Owlstar's leadership was over.

[Crowzerplorodon]

OOC;

Don't worry, nothing bad happened. In fact, the last few posts have been absolutely perfect, especially Frosty's. We wonder if she's psychic, that's how great it was.

We're finally on the last leg of the thread, though! Before you know it, this will end and Owlstar will be kicked out of her clan. So, last call for posting your application on the plot board. There's not much time left.

Anyway, right now we would like for Mistpelt to be posted, so that her reaction to Fallowfoot can be seen right away. Spec, please remember that Mistpelt should be highly pleased with this course of events. After Mistpelt, Owlstar will speak, so that we can see her outrage. And yes, she will be outraged.

When those two have been posted, some neutral cat should post. Either Frostpaw or Otterclaw, because those two are really proving themselves to be neutral. Then we'd like a Mistpelt sided cat (Rowanheart or Volepelt, perhaps) followed by an Owlstar one (Hailstorm or Blackpaw are options.) This is just so we can have a general idea about how everyone is feeling. Once they've gone, other cats can post as well. And when the staff feels both sides have been represented well, Mistpelt will post again with her threat to Owlstar. Namely, she'll be kicking Owlstar out then and there. Right now the cats eligible to go with Owlstar are Hailstorm, Blackpaw, and Willowpaw. For Shrewpaw and Warblerstep to go, they need to post in this thread once. For Sootpaw to go, he needs to be accepted by Rolo.

That is all. Thank you ~

[Spec]

It was all evident to where everyone sided on this urgent matter. It had never been ignored, only delayed of the outcome that would surely point her into the direction Starclan destined for herself and Fogclan. The path was hard – yes, she had seen that herself, lying in every single eye that tilted towards her own today. Rebellion was but a distant echo upon muted lips, droned out by her subtle, yet stern realizations and truths exchanged throughout the crowd. Voice by voice, beliefs were shared, words were thrown, some in blame, others more wisely like her experienced chosen. She could have beamed at Volepelt, even Rowanheart had done better than she had expected. The ginger tom was finally gaining some confidence. If only he could see the pride in her eyes at this distance, if only he recognized that her icy stare hardening upon her clan was not one of blame, but one of love, of forgiveness; but first Owlstar needed to pay, and soon. It was only a matter of time, and what more could she ask for? Like always, Starclan provided even in these dark times. She baited her breath inside of her chest, heart pumping with a steady beat of victory close at paw. Her gaze rested almost angelically between those for Starclan's undeniable will, a moment's peace enough to withstand through the entire day, despite the discord that struck cords against her.

The holy feeling only lifted, however, when another cat whom she recognized as Fallowfoot stole the stand, speaking her peace towards their clanmates. Mentally, she nodded, her vocals woven I truth, although as were they all, were only mortal, and mortals often made mistakes. Calmly, with the bearings of a saint, took a tiny step forward, her tail fanning out behind her as she addressed her clan once more, the final conclusion heavy on her tongue, but still silent, even as she spoke. “Starclan's will is written very plainly in our Warrior Codes, which are ordaned by our starry ancestors themselves. It is their right and privilegde to see to fate themselves, if not allow the choice of bending them accordingly, to lift obstacles form our paths and pave the way for a better way of life.” Her voice washed over them, bathing them all in verbal light. Her whiskers twitched delicately, eyes upturned towards the heavens for a moment more, lingering upon Their faces as They watched her from above. “No one ever said doing the right thing was to be easy, nor did They expect it to be earned without hardship. I too am a firm believer to what is right, even by doing so contradicts the Warrior Codes.” Straight and proud, she held her bearings, almost regally...yet within her eyes held a modesty, a blinding devotion to the single thing which she loved more than anything else in the world. What was Right, what was Truth, what was Starclan.

[Kelly]

Perhaps she had let her tongue slip too far when she brought up the apprentice issue. Not that she would admit it out loud, of course. Cats were already picking at her mistakes with a fine comb, she didn't need any more errs in her behavior for them to snip at, even if to err was normal, and completely acceptable. She may have been leader but she was still a cat and mistakes should be expected, anticipated even, not mocked and scorned at. Owlstar did not believe a single one of her cats were stupid, but if they were too blinded with the thought of an almighty leader to see that leaders were supposed to make mistakes too, then perhaps they needed a lesson.

But not now. Now Fallowfoot was speaking and demanding attention, and, for the first time since this pathetic quarrel began, Owlstar was sure that all ears were on one cat. Thinking back, it would have been smarter to pay attention to this deceivingly fragile she-cat, because something about her now made the twitch behind Owlstar's ear return. Like how she brought up Mistpelt's dream making sense. The dream, in fact, made no sense and Owlstar wondered how one could even see it making sense. FogClan was not falling apart and the only issue that seriously affected them was the weather. And that affected everybody in every clan, so why the focus on their clan and her leadership? If she had missed something, she'd rather someone point this out, rather than group against her and stir mousedung in the most foul way. If a second more had ticked by, Owlstar would have confronted Fallowfoot about this 'evidence' and this 'sense', because she could not see it. But alas, Mistpelt beat her to the proverbial podium, and she could only sit and listen in cold, forced respect for her depu- she shivered. Mistpelt was... not a deputy. Not after this, never after this, and if there hadn't been lingering respect for the pale, strong she-cat, Owlstar would have kicked her out there and then.

“Their word is law, you say,” Owlstar muttered- mostly to herself- as Mistpelt finished speaking. “And the Warrior Code, that is their word.” A nod. “You are going against their word for something you only believe needs to happen. I would think that, if they really wanted to speak against how this clan was run, they would make themselves clearer. Besides, Mistpelt, you yourself aren't being clear. If you have something to say, say it.” She grinned, a last ditch attempt at looking confident as the wind pick up around them, sucking out the slight heat that had formed between bodies. And to Owlstar's greatest pleasure, the grin worked. “Trust me, I can take it. I'd just like to know exactly what you're trying to say. I mean, at least Fallowfoot was clear about things.” The leader lifted her head a tad, gazing off at some nonexistent focal point. Her eyes clouded over as the chill from the wind brought water to her eyes, but she wouldn't break contact with the distance. And when the wind's screaming began, Owlstar ignored it. She ignored the lashing tendrils of air and blurry of snow that began to haze out her view, not returning to look at Mistpelt until the trees above them lost against the wind, raining down twigs on the crowd. And thought she'd never say it, the water in her eyes wasn't just from staring against the wind.

[Pyro]

Otterclaw didn't like the way the conversation was going. Especially now that Mistpelt's intentions were becoming clear. He winced mentally as Owlstar challenged Mistpelt to say what she really meant. He had a feeling the leader might not like what her deputy had to say. As he opened his mouth to keep the clan from brooding too much over Mistpelt's mentioning of obstacles being removed and Owlstar's clever provocation, a sharp wind picked up, tossing snow about the camp. Now he winced physically from the added cold and the rain of twigs that the wind knocked from their high perches on the trees.

He started as he took in the full picture of the weather's wintry slap. The snow that had lifted...Was it just a trick of the eyes or had it appeared as though a mist had settled over the camp as the snowy cloud kicked up from the wind returned to the ground. Yes...it had to be just a trick of the eyes. But would others see it like that? He had to speak now. He wished he could bring it back tot he seemingly tame conversation that had started the trouble...but it as too late now. What Fallowfoot had said...what Mistpelt was implying...

But what if she's right? As much as the tom wished to push away the sudden menacing thought as soon as it came into his head, it still hung there like a dark cloud. Owlstar had made mistakes. A bit of tact could have remedied this entire situation...but why had it not been used? Why had Owlstar let the conversation drift this far?

"Fallowfoot. Mistpelt...all of you." he sighed. Owlstar has made mistakes. And because she is our leader perhaps those mistakes are seen as magnified...But what you all must understand is that everyone makes mistakes." The tom sighed.

”Do we banish apprentices who can‘t perform a battle move with perfection? Do we cast out proven warriors who miss a bird though they have caught many before? Do we replace leaders who are guilty of being what we all are: Cats? Everyone makes mistakes. The important thing is that we learn from them.”

Otterclaw looked around and after a moment, sighed.

”But perhaps…in this case…there is reason to worry. While it is natural to make mistakes, again, the important thing is that one learns from the mistakes one makes…Owlstar, you have my respect. But…” The warrior shifted uneasily, kneading the hard ground with his claws. ”Perhaps you have not been learning from your mistakes…at least in this case. You let this conversation stray into dangerous woods once already…And now, not only are you letting it, but you‘re encouraging it…by provoking Mistpelt and those of her thinking into saying words that probably should not be said. Words that can‘t be taken back…words you might regret hearing.”

He turned to Mistpelt. "But let us not forget, Mistpelt, that you too are guilty of worrisome mistakes. Even as we speak you are speaking of going against the warrior code...And only moments ago, and perhaps even still, took a mere dream way out of proportion."

[prowler.]

hailstorm.

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Hailstorm's countenance remained unfaltering as he silently watched as more cats had the impertinence to step forward and disgrace the Warrior Code by condemning the very cat they had sworn allegiance to upon taking their current names. Sure, a mistake excusable perhaps to some young apprentices whom did not yet have moral values, but to the elder, battle-hardened warriors of the clan? They had no founding in which that they could logically sentence Owlstar to - well, to whatever it was they exactly had in mind. Hailstorm didn't care what that was, it wasn't an option anyway. But his thoughts didn't apply to all the felines present - some kept their heads, spoke reasonably and, even if they disagreed with Hailstorm's own point of view, managed to be consistent and honest. Otterclaw, Frostpaw and heck, even some of Mistpelt's "supporters" managed to speak sensibly.

The large tom glanced to his side in uncertainty as the conversation took a turn for the worse, toward the other two felines that had proven themselves unfalteringly loyal to the Warrior Code also - Blackpaw and Willowpaw. Unusual, it was, that they were two born not so long ago, whereas cats that should know better fell for sly-wording. Hailstorm decided to hold his tongue and keep out of it for a while, even if other cats that should have done just that had the impertinence to speak out. He found himself stunned by their claims - Hailstorm, for one, could not apply to what they said, he taught Sootpaw as frequently as any warrior should do and therefore no logical quarrel could be pitted against him. But the cats around him, why, were they nitpicking at Owlstar's faults in order to joust her from her position? Honestly, what had FogClan become.

When Owlstar challenged Mistpelt's word, Hailstorm's thoughts on such a move mirrored that which Otterclaw voiced. It was never a good idea to face up to an evident foe with "what would you do with me then?" never. Quietly, but with a voice deep enough to be noted, Hailstorm spoke after Otterclaw, slowly. 'I think that the reasoning in this discussion has been unjust - Owlstar is a cat of flesh and blood like any of us and of course has faults, but one can only be nitpicking to disrupt the clan life in such a way over such minor details. One would think you're almost enjoying the thought of rebelling against the Warrior Code, all of you. But remember, it is easy to point the blame at one cat when times get tough, but what do you do when you realize that the problem is not the leader, but in fact much deeper? Just food for thought, of course. Owlstar's judgement has never faltered us before, I believe it still does not today.'

Hailstorm nodded respectfully toward his leader, his view summarized. Leafbare was always bad, yes, this year was worse than ever, but could cats honestly say, with full confidence, that it was Owlstar's fault? That they were one hundred percent willing to disobey the Warrior Code - a code inwhich they had sworn their lives to - in this blind faith that everything would become right with Mistpelt as the new leader of FogClan? Hailstorm hoped that he was being ridiculous, he hoped that cats would suddenly laugh this off, but somehow, he knew his hopes were in vain.[/blockquote][/blockquote]

[Whiskers]

Fallowfoot's words were glorious to Rowanheart's ears, and they washed his soul clean after hearing so many sinful things falling from the mouths of his own clanmates. Finally, the righteous were beginning to align themselves together, creating a strong barricade against the corrupt. Soon all the cats in Fogclan would raise their heads to the light. They would realize the truth, no matter how shocking the truth was.

And this whole clan meeting was shocking. Rowanheart could imagine what his clanmates, ignorant of Mistpelt's divine right to the leadership, were feeling right now. He could understand some of their retaliation. No one liked change, no one would be automatically comfortable with the idea of new leadership. But as the followers of Starclan began to reveal Owlstar for all that she was (lazy, irresponsible and sinful) and all that she wasn't (Mistpelt), the rest of the clan would begrudgingly acknowledge that the removal of the wretched she-cat was necessary if Fogclan was to reach its full potential. And yes, Fogclan would. It just needed a little nurturing first and Mistpelt would give it that nurturing.

But that revolting Owlstar stepped up and began to speak in a Starclan-awful tone, taunting Mistpelt and Starclan, saying blasphemies that stirred the bile in Rowanheart's stomach. Starclan had spoken! Did Owlstar know nothing? Starclan had clearly expressed Their desires in that dream They sent Mistpelt. To even question Their motives or accuse them of being unclear!

Starclan could not stand for this!

And they did not.

Right after Owlstar stopped speaking, a ripping wind roared into camp, stirring up the snow and sending it into Rowanheart's face. He shut his eyes tight, blinded by the white, his eyes stinging from the harshness of the snow and the wind. Then, just as quick as it had come, the wind was gone and Rowanheart could open his eyes again. When he did, his breath caught in his throat at the sight before him. All around him-- all around the camp-- a soft mist had settled. It drifted as soft and beautiful as if it were sunlight, and it touched each cat lightly. A blessing on every head, every shoulder. This was Starclan. This was Zoe. Rowanheart closed his eyes again, for the briefest moment, and he breathed her in.

When he opened his eyes, a new determination was set on his face.

If Owlstar had had any doubts about Starclan and their desires, it should be blatantly clear who their ancestors favored now.

"My clanmates! Are you blind? Did you just see what happened?" Rowanheart cried out-- he sounded shocked and shaken up. "That angry gust of wind-- this faint mist that drifts around us now! Starclan has spoken and this is no dream, this is something for all of our eyes, not just our deputy's...Look," Rowanheart breathed and he looked again around camp, with the eyes of a kit.

"How can we ignore Starclan, Fogclan? I can't...Owlstar, I'm sorry. You have done us plenty good in some of the moons of your leadership, but I can't disregard your faults and...I have to hold you to a higher standard than any apprentice or warrior," Rowanheart dipped his head as his sincerity nearly dripped off of every word he said. "And above all, I can't disregard Starclan. I just...can't support you as a leader anymore."

[/size]

[frosty]

Fallowfoot could feel her hackles rising, her pale fur standing on end. She narrowed her eyes to blazing slits of night-colored flame. She fought the urge to leap forward and tear the nine lives out of the cat who delivered her meaningless praise. For the first time in her life, Fallowfoot managed control. With silent authority, she had spoken her mind with words she had carefully planned. Never before had she overcome her impulsive nature until now.

Only now she had realized her verbal actions had sent a ripple effect through the clan she loved so much. Fallowfoot felt a burning rage at Owlstar's retort to Mistpelt, and the reference to her own speech earlier. "Owlstar, you say you can take what Mistpelt has to say, but are you too deaf to realize she and all else have already said it?" Her tail lashed fiercely as it fanned out. "Yes, she has made mistakes but they have affected the whole Clan. If an apprentice doesn't perfect a battle move, his clan does not crumble around him." She shot a burning gaze at Otterclaw.

After her second outburst, Fallowfoot rest her gaze on Rowanheart. At that very second, a frigid wind whipped through the camp, buffeting her fragile body. She dropped into a crouch, angling her head away from the sudden gust of icy air. She felt a lack of oxygen as the wind blew throughout her camp, threatening to sweep her off her paws. Squeezing her eyes shut, she waited for what seemed like nine lifetimes for it to calm. And when the breeze finally subsided, she drew herself up to full length to the words that spilled from Rowanheart's jaws.

This time, Fallowfoot could not resist her impulse. She leaped to her paws in a flurry of battered fur, splitting her jaws immediately. Just as the wind lashed angrily through her camp, her earsplitting caterwaul of agreement at Rowanheart's words washed the secluded space in a shrill voice.

[Rolo]

Volepelt, having been content to simply watch the argument around him and safe in the knowledge that the sinful leader was already fighting a losing battle, had remained silent for much of the later conversation. However, at the sign of a mist-like snow settling with a blast of wind over the clearing was enough to excite him so entirely that he almost yowled in joy. When the righteous were struggling, he knew, Starclan was amazing at stepping in at just the right moment to help their cause. He swifly whispered a thanks to the clan above, delight setting his heart aflame.

He was so distracted by his overwhelming happiness, he almost forgot what line of thought he had been intending to speak of. Cats chattered around him as he tried to tune back into the conversation, knowing any missed word could be a missed piece of evidence to present to the clan. It was only when Hailstorm spoke, speaking yet again of the 'warrior code' and how cats were being morally wrong for going against their leader that he was swiftly reminded of his distaste.

"Owlstar, you keep telling those who are currently arguing against you and debating with only concern for the clan at heart that they are breaking the warrior code. Since when has the warrior code reigned over Starclan's will? Did Forestclan not break away from Brownstar against his will, all because he was corrupt? Did the clans not take in loners and rogues, a thing against the code entirely, when they were starting back up? The warrior code is laid down by Starclan and is efficient in most clan matters, but it is by no means foolproof. Sometimes a cat must go against the code for the good of the clan."

His fur bristled against his will; "Besides, Owlstar..." He glared at her, "you are still standing there, having had your own flaws pointed out to you, smiling and with a guise of pride, telling us all we are all totally in the wrong while blatantly ignoring your own mistakes. You even jibe at your own clan, claiming they have been talking riddles and that you cannot understand these problems they have pointed out to you, as if you were a kit with it's paws over it's ears with a stuck-out tongue. You have done nothing to reassure me, Owlstar. Nothing to reassure me that you are listening... or that you even care. Besides, I believe Mistpelt's words are clear: You are using the warrior code as an excuse not to deal with your blatant flaws, ignoring everything your clan is telling you."

He turned to Rowanheart. "Besides, Rowanheart is right. Starclan has asserted their will for all to see now. If you deny that... well... my faith in you has already left me anyway. Starclan has told us what it wants, now our task is simply to comply."

[Cloud of Diamonds]

Falconpaw didn't fully understand what the warrior said, but he knew it was right. It had to be right, after all. Volepelt was a supporter of Mistpelt's and a strong believer in StarClan.

"Yeah! What Volepelt said! It's all true!" The young brown tabby tom yowled. His tail lashed in excitement. Mistpelt would assert her natural authority over FogClan soon, he just knew it.

Birchtail listened with both anxiety and hope. Oh dear, oh dear...she'd had no idea that there were so many misguided warriors in her own Clan! Well, Mistpelt, - no, Miststar - would set them straight. StarClan's chosen and her followers - how grateful Birchtail was to be one of them! - would gently show these poor, lost warriors their sins and nudge them back into the path of righteousness.

She felt a glow of pride as her son showed his support for Volepelt. The warrior was certainly a smart and logical tom.

Brightnose watched in disgust as so much petty argument was had over something that was practically pointless. Who cared? Well, a lot of cats...but really, this whole thing was just mouse-brained and should have been confined to Owlstar and Mistpelt in the first place, whoever was right. Brightnose didn't know, though she was inclined to side with Owlstar.

After all, the calico herself had had no dreams concerning this, and it was ridiculous to believe that StarClan scorned her. That was impossible, when she had done nothing to aggravate them. If a new rule under Mistpelt had truly been coming, and had been right, she surely would have been told. However, she knew she had to tread carefully - it was uncertain exactly how many supporters both cats had, and Mistpelt could well take over. In which case Brightnose would need to show that she was loyal to Mistpelt. The medicine cat's mind worked furiously as the debate raged around her.