In a few hours, it was time for the ceremony, but Berrykit was too sad to attend. The reality of Hazelkit’s loss had really gotten to him. He overheard the ceremony, all the time staring at the corner. Daisy was still there, with such an emotionless look that the might as well be asleep.

Just then, he heard something interesting.

Leafpool, Brackenfur, and Cloudstar were arguing.

“Who would do such a thing? Who could be so idiotic as to put an innocent kit in danger of this horrible magnitude? Is there anyone in ThunderClan who mis really that evil?”

Berrykit hesitantly stepped towards them. “It…It was Birchpaw!”, he stammered, immediately withdrawing back. The look of shock that it gave them was great. He felt too intimidated to hear the reply, but somehow he overheard anyway. “We will need to take action.”In a few moments, a familiar voice rang out across the clearing.

“All cats gather beneath the Highledge for a Clan meeting!”

He decided to see what it was about.

Sandstorm, Thornclaw, and Whitewing were at the front. Stormfur was sitting some distance behind. Spiderleg and Brackenfur were joining the group. The rest of the cats gradually joined over the space of the next thirty or so seconds. Birchpaw was extremely nervous as he sat right at the base of the Highledge. Ferncloud watched, horrified, from the edge of the group.

“This cat has done a great, unforgivable wrong”, began Cloudstar, “And we are all shocked. This atrocity will not be meaningless. The punishment will be exile!”

“Err…”, questioned Brackenfur, “Isn’t that a bit…”

“I know it’s harsh, but it’s justified.”, replied Cloudstar, interrupting, “And besides, I’m the leader. I can do whatever I want as long as it’s within the Warrior Code. Drive him away! If you see him on ThunderClan territory anytime after sunrise tomorrow, you have full permission to attack him.”

There was a short pause, punctuated by gasps of disbelief.

Cloudstar’s voice rang out, louder than before, one final time. “He is no longer one of us! This Clan meeting is over!”

Berrykit was thrilled. He didn’t even need to seek revenge.