ShadowClan-SkyClan conflict

"ShadowClan was weak when Rowanclaw gave up territory to SkyClan. My father had many noble qualities, but not every leader would have made the decisions he made. When he surrendered our land to SkyClan, he was protecting the Clan that we were then. He wasn't thinking of the Clan we'd become. ShadowClan is strong now. We need more territory to feed a growing Clan. We will let SkyClan keep the territory Rowanclaw gave them if they agree to let our warriors hunt on it."

— Tigerstar demanding ShadowClan's territory back in The Raging Storm, pages 81-82

ShadowClan-SkyClan conflict
General information
Book:	Shattered Sky to The Raging Storm
Date:	Newleaf to newleaf; lasts a full year
Place:	ShadowClan and SkyClan territory
Outcome:	Every Clan shifts borders to accommodate SkyClan the Clans become a democracy SkyClan permanently settles by the lake
Combatants
ShadowClan
SkyClan
Leaders
Tigerstar
Leafstar
Strength
Rowanclaw Tawnypelt Juniperclaw Strikestone Stonewing Grassheart Snowbird Scorchfur Whorlpelt Snaketooth Flowerstem Sparrowtail Slatefur Cloverfoot Dovewing Antpaw Cinnamonpaw Blazepaw Puddleshine Frondpaw Conepaw Gullpaw Alderheart
Hawkwing Sparrowpelt Cherrytail Violetshine Macgyver Dewspring Plumwillow Sagenose Harrybrook Blossomheart Sandynose Rabbitleap Bellaleaf Reedclaw Mintfur Nettlesplash Tinycloud Frecklewish Fidgetflake Quailpaw Sunnypaw Pigeonpaw Nectarpaw Fringepaw Palepaw Gravelpaw Tree
Death and losses
Juniperclaw Rowanclaw
Chronology
Preceded by:	SkyClan's journey to find the Clans, Fall of ShadowClan, Journey from the city
Followed by:	Battle against the Sisters

The ShadowClan-SkyClan conflict was a period of time for when the two Clans, ShadowClan and SkyClan, fought against each other, due to control over territory and their hatred for one another.

As tempers surge between ShadowClan and SkyClan, the other Clans do not intervene, needing the time to heal and rebuild after recent conflicts. With the split of some cats feeling SkyClan should leave the lake and others wanting them to stay, Leafstar decides to take her Clan back to their original home. The remaining Clans send their own warriors on a patrol to retrieve SkyClan and bring them home, with the four other leaders splitting their territory equally to give SkyClan a home.

Summary

Premise

"Every cat will need strength today. Because today...this ends."

―Alderheart recalling Bramblestar's words ^{Shattered Sky, page 266}

Darktail takes over ShadowClan and forces Rowanstar, Tawnypelt and Tigerheart out, merging them into The Kin, and wages war against the other three Clans. SkyClan finds their way to the lake, and with the strength of SkyClan and the return of many ShadowClan cats who realized following Darktail was a mistake, the Clans are able to defeat the Kin and kill Darktail, although the reveal of a fifth Clan causes controversy among the other four.

Overview

"StarClan wants SkyClan here. They sent a prophecy that led them back to us. Why would any cat think that a piece of territory was more important than the wishes of StarClan?"

―Alderheart about SkyClan ^{Darkest Night, page 21}

Despite Rowanstar being leader of ShadowClan at the time, Tigerheart offers to give up ShadowClan land for SkyClan during a Gathering, to which Leafstar gratefully accepts. After the fall of ShadowClan, the remaining ShadowClan cats join SkyClan under Leafstar, until Tigerheart becomes leader and separates ShadowClan and SkyClan. Focusing on rebuilding his battered Clan, Tigerstar announces that he wants ShadowClan's territory back, though Leafstar refuses as her Clan needs a home. With the other Clans reluctant to take a stance, ShadowClan becomes more aggressive with their border markings, and SkyClan attacks in retaliation. Leafstar announces SkyClan's departure at the next Gathering, and the volunteers from the other Clans follow them, eventually saving them from floodwaters and returning them home. With the return of SkyClan to the lake, the leaders agree at the following Gathering to give up equal amounts of their territory for SkyClan, with SkyClan settling between ShadowClan and ThunderClan.

Description

SkyClan's return

"You did a huge thing by bringing SkyClan here. This is where they belong. StarClan wanted them to return, and you're the one who found them. I am so proud of you."

―Ivypool to Twigpaw upon SkyClan's arrival in the lake territories ^{Darkest Night, page 10}

SkyClan comes to lake, aiding the other Clans in driving away the Kin. With no territory to settle, SkyClan has no place to stay until Tigerheart offers them some of ShadowClan's territory. Leafstar gratefully accepts, however many cats are outraged at Tigerheart speaking in Rowanstar's place and undermining him. ShadowClan loses territory as the SkyClan cats move in and attempt to intergrate themselves by the lake.

Plumwillow accidentally crosses the border trying to catch a rabbit. This is witnessed by Tigerheart, Grassheart, Snakepaw, Juniperclaw and Strikestone. Juniperclaw and Grassheart tell Tigerheart that since the rabbit was killed on ShadowClan land, it makes it theirs. Plumwillow defends her catch, since it ran from the SkyClan border. Tigerheart ultimately chooses to let Plumwillow have the rabbit, angering Juniperclaw and Grassheart. Juniperclaw reports the incident to Rowanstar, leading Rowanstar to take a large patrol to SkyClan and demanding the prey back. The two Clans narrowly avoid a battle when Leafstar promises the next rabbit SkyClan catches will go to ShadowClan, though Rowanstar reprimands his son for undermining him.

Annexation of ShadowClan

"Maybe it's our fault. Maybe we didn't fight hard enough for ShadowClan while we were alive."

―Beenose consoling Dawnpelt over the fall of ShadowClan ^{River of Fire, page 1}

Main article: Fall of ShadowClan

ShadowClan is annexed into SkyClan after Rowanstar loses the respect of his Clanmates. The merge breeds anger and resentment between the now former ShadowClan cats and SkyClan. Tigerheart eventually returns to the Clans and takes over ShadowClan's leadership, reforming the fallen Clan and bringing it back into existence.

ShadowClan reformed

"It seems strange that StarClan would lead a Clan to the lake and yet ask only one of the Clans to sacrifice territory to keep them here."

―Tigerstar calling out the Clans' hypocrisy during the Gathering ^{The Raging Storm, page 83}

Once Tigerstar reforms ShadowClan, he appoints Tawnypelt as his deputy, and makes Whorlpelt, Flowerstem and Snaketooth warriors. He also apprentices many cats and makes many mentors, giving Blazepaw to Strikestone, Antpaw to Stonewing, Cinnamonpaw to Sparrowtail, Gullpaw to Grassheart, Conepaw to Tawnypelt, and Frondpaw to Slatefur. His reformation allows ShadowClan to quickly rebuild, and Tigerstar announces that the Clan is thriving at the next Gathering. Sandynose accuses ShadowClan of hunting on SkyClan land, and Leafstar defends her warriors when Tigerstar retaliates by saying SkyClan does not know their borders. Tigerstar demands that the territory ShadowClan gave SkyClan be returned, citing his Clan's regrowth and needs, but offers to allow SkyClan to retain ownership if his cats can hunt there. Leafstar refuses, prompting an argument between herself and Tigerstar over him having left the Clans. Tigerstar threatens Leafstar, telling SkyClan that if they do not give up the territory, ShadowClan will reclaim it by force.

Harestar says that Tigerstar's claim must be heard, since it was ShadowClan land originally. Leafstar asks him if he means to side with ShadowClan, and Harestar tells her that the dispute must be settled, though Bramblestar does not feel it can be easily resolved. Tigerstar points out that none of the other Clans gave up land, calling the other leaders out, to which Mistystar and Harestar explain that SkyClan may not thrive on their lands. Mistystar, Harestar, and Bramblestar refuse to involve themselves, and instead ask Tree to act as mediator between ShadowClan and SkyClan.

The meeting

"Why would they? The other Clans have made it clear they want nothing to do with this dispute."

―Leafstar expressing frustration towards the other Clans ^{The Raging Storm, page 109}

Tree attempted to mediate the tensions between Tigerstar and Leafstar, but to no avail

Leafstar organizes a patrol consisting of herself, Bellaleaf, Sandynose, Harrybrook, Sagenose, Tree and Violetshine to go and speak to Tigerstar, but find Juniperclaw instead. Leafstar insists upon speaking with Tigerstar, but Tree manages to convince the two groups to speak to each other. Juniperclaw begins to listen as Leafstar explains that crossing into another Clans' land is against The warrior code, however he is angered at her insults against his leader. The two cats continue to argue, and do not reach an agreement before a dog appears nearby. As SkyClan returns to their camp, Sagenose and Harrybrook are audibly irritated with Tigerstar for not attending the meeting himself. Leafstar tells her Clan that patrols will be doubled, and any ShadowClan cat crossing the border would be met with immediate retaliation. Tree tries to convince Leafstar to give him more time, and Violetshine points out Tigerstar's prior idea of each Clan giving up territory, but Leafstar refuses to keep negotiating. When the patrol gets back to camp, Hawkwing asks how it went, and Bellaleaf tells him that Tigerstar sent Juniperclaw instead and only repeated what Tigerstar said at the previous Gathering. Leafstar exclaims that it is disrespectful, since they let ShadowClan live with them.

Opposing powers

"I really thought I could help keep peace between the Clans. But they seem determined to fight, and there's nothing I can do. I can't stand by and watch ShadowClan destroy you. But I'm not sure I have the power to stop them."

―Tree venting to Violetshine over Leafstar and Tigerstar's continued conflict ^{The Raging Storm, pages 157-158}

Sparrowpelt was poisoned with deathberries after ShadowClan's night raid on their camp

A ShadowClan patrol led by Strikestone, and consisting of Snaketooth, Blazepaw and Grassheart, enter SkyClan territory, and are ambushed by Leafstar, Harrybrook, Macgyver, Hawkwing, Violetshine, and Bellaleaf, who were waiting in the trees, wanting to make a stand. The SkyClan cats dive down from the trees, outnumbering the ShadowClan cats. The two Clans exchange blows until Grassheart calls for a retreat, giving the SkyClan cats victory. After the skirmish, Juniperclaw, Snowbird and Scorchfur go to SkyClan's camp during the night. Hawkwing notices them and warns the camp, with Sparrowpelt, Bellaleaf, Plumwillow, Blossomheart and Nettlesplash dashing outside to witness the damage ShadowClan is causing. SkyClan drives the invaders away, though several cats are confused as to why ShadowClan attacked their dens. The next morning, SkyClan rebuilds, and Frecklewish reports that they didn't touch her herb stock. Worn down, Leafstar wonders what the point in rebuilding is, expressing her desire to return to the gorge now that Darktail is gone. Several cats are shocked, but before it can be discussed further, Sparrowpelt falls ill. Violetshine notices that the vole Sparrowpelt has just eaten was the same one Juniperclaw tried to steal, worried the ShadowClan tom tainted the prey.

During the half-moon meeting, the medicine cats recieve a shared vision of five saplings in a storm, with one being uprooted and all being blown away in the aftermath. The medicine cats interpret it as if one Clan falls, all of them will, though are uncertain as to which Clan until Frecklewish angrily points out ShadowClan's hatred of SkyClan. The other medicine cats attempt to brainstorm a solution, but Frecklewish reveals that Sparrowpelt ate deathberry seeds that had been stuffed in his vole. She accuses ShadowClan of poisoning him, as they have had access to the seeds since Puddleshine's illness. Kestrelflight, Leafpool, and Willowshine all mention that their leaders want SkyClan to stay, but Alderheart, who is acting as ShadowClan's medicine cat, is uncertain about Tigerstar. Together, the medicine cats eventually decide to hold an emergency Gathering so their leaders can decide on the ultimate fate of SkyClan.

SkyClan's departure

"We'll be at the gorge soon. We'll be safe then."

―Hawkwing trying to reassure his Clanmates ^{The Raging Storm, page 233}

Due to the other Clans unwillingness to help SkyClan, and sick of the fighting with ShadowClan, SkyClan leaves the lake and ShadowClan reclaims their territory. Twigbranch, feeling guilty, persuades Bramblestar to let her form a patrol and try to find them. Bramblestar agrees, also feeling bad since he was too focused on the accusations against Juniperclaw to deal with SkyClan. Twigbranch convinces Lionblaze, Cherryfall, Finleap and her own apprentice Flypaw from ThunderClan to join in bringing back SkyClan. She goes to WindClan and RiverClan as well, recruiting Nightcloud, Hootwhisker, Gorsetail, Willowshine, Lizardtail and Icewing to help find SkyClan. They find SkyClan trapped by floodwaters on their way back to the gorge, and rescue the Clan. While Leafstar is reluctant, she agrees to return to the lake.

The revelation

Alderheart: "But he has to face it. Juniperclaw tried to murder another cat. Tigerstar can't let him get away with that."

Bramblestar: "Tigerstar can do what he likes. I don't know whether he will admit his mistake or cover it up."

^{The Raging Storm, page 284}

Bramblestar and Alderheart travel to ShadowClan, wanting to speak to Tigerstar over SkyClan's leave and the accusations against Juniperclaw. Tigerstar dismisses their claims, arguing that his deputy is innocent, though Bramblestar and Dovewing convince him to hear them out. Tigerstar orders Scorchfur to retrieve Juniperclaw, and Bramblestar repeats the accusations against the black tom. While Strikestone immediately jumps to Juniperclaw's defense, Juniperclaw admits to poisoning SkyClan's prey, claiming that nobody got severely hurt. Bramblestar angrily reminds him that Sparrowpelt nearly died. Strikestone, enraged, turns on his brother, asking if he learned nothing from Darktail, to which Dovewing hisses that obviously he learned too much. Tigerstar is horrified and strips Juniperclaw of his role, making him ShadowClan's prisoner. He admits to Bramblestar that he thought Juniperclaw had changed, and rest of ShadowClan is horrified at Juniperclaw's actions. In a twist of events, Shadowkit and Juniperclaw disappear soon afterwards, and Tigerstar orders search parties to look for Shadowkit.

A democratic approach

"We still must settle on where they will live, but we know that their place is beside the lake with the other Clans."

―Bramblestar addressing the Gathering ^{The Raging Storm, page 318}

Shadowkit is retrieved by a large patrol of ThunderClan, WindClan, RiverClan, and the entirety of SkyClan, and report Juniperclaw's death to the Clans, as he died saving both Violetshine and Shadowkit. Tigerstar explains he has appointed Cloverfoot in Juniperclaw's place, and is willing to hear out SkyClan's claim to territory. Leafstar, still bitter about being brought back to Clan territory, reluctantly admits that she and SkyClan would like to stay. Harestar and Mistystar both apologize, agreeing to not abandon SkyClan again. The leaders come to an agreement on shifting their borders, allowing each Clan equal territory. After some discussion, SkyClan is placed by the ShadowClan-ThunderClan border, with the other borders shifting to accomodate. Leafstar mutters that SkyClan will have to rebuild yet another camp, but Bramblestar offers to send warriors to assist, and Tigerstar offers the same for RiverClan. With this conclusion, SkyClan finds a permanent home by the lake, ending the conflict between them and ShadowClan.

Characters

Tigerstar

"ShadowClan only ever wanted fairness. If I hadn't stood up for what belonged to ShadowClan, nothing would have changed. You would have kept half our land, and my Clanmates would have faced countless moons of hunger."

―Tigerstar's apology to Leafstar over the conflict between their Clans ^{River of Fire, page 319}

Tigerstar, the new leader of ShadowClan, sought to restore his Clan after it nearly fell into ruin

Despite being ShadowClan's deputy at the time, Tigerheart gives half of ShadowClan territory to SkyClan, which they gratefully accept. These actions (though unintentional) undermine Rowanstar, and Tigerheart eventually leaves his Clan to be with Dovewing. During his time away, Rowanstar steps down as leader and merges ShadowClan into SkyClan. Upon his return, Tigerheart is resurrected and made leader by StarClan. He reforms ShadowClan as Tigerstar, but realizes that he will need ShadowClan's previous territory back to support his Clan. Affirming his leadership position, he demands SkyClan give back the previously owned ShadowClan territory. Leafstar refuses, as her Clan would have nowhere to go, and Tigerstar promptly declares that ShadowClan will claim it by other means, sparking a rivalry between Tigerstar and Leafstar.

Tigerstar becomes much more headstrong during the conflict, refusing to step down, keeping the well-being of his cats in mind, and becomes distracted trying to be a father for his kits as well as rebuilding ShadowClan to be stronger. His second deputy, Juniperclaw, poisons SkyClan's prey in an attempt to get rid of them for good without a battle. Juniperclaw's plot is discovered by Alderheart, and rumors spread around the Clans. Tigerstar dismisses the claims, believing Juniperclaw to be innocent and incapable of the crime. When pressed by Bramblestar and Dovewing, however, Tigerstar reluctantly hears out Juniperclaw's side of the story, and when Juniperclaw admits that the accusations are true, Tigerstar is both shocked and enraged at his deputy's murderous actions. He punishes Juniperclaw by demoting him and imprisoning him. Regretful, Tigerstar appoints Cloverfoot as his next deputy. Later, he admits that he had been so focused on ShadowClan's needs that he forgot about the other Clans, apologizing to Leafstar and agreeing to change his borders to accommodate SkyClan.

Leafstar

"If the other leaders had taken responsibility in the first place, a lot of suffering could have been avoided."

―Leafstar's pointed remark to the other Clans ^{The Raging Storm, page 319}

Leafstar, leader of SkyClan, sought to protect her Clan's sovereignty from ShadowClan's attacks

Even with the stress of losing her home, her mate, her daughters, two of her closest friends and many Clanmates, Leafstar remains strong and helps drive out the Kin with the other four Clans. She is grateful for Tigerheart's offer of territory for the then-homeless SkyClan, although she comes at odds with the aggressive ShadowClan cats. When Rowanstar asks Leafstar to take in the ShadowClan cats due to himself "failing", Leafstar accepts, and merges ShadowClan with SkyClan. This is met with massive outbursts of rage from both Clans.

When Sleekwhisker and Yarrowleaf return to Clan territories, begging for forgiveness, Leafstar turns them away, angering many ShadowClan cats. In turn, Juniperclaw, Scorchfur, Snowbird, Whorlpaw and Strikestone go behind Leafstar's back and harbor the two she-cats in ShadowClan's old camp. The ploy is discovered by Violetshine and Tree, and Leafstar is angered that five cats went behind her back to harbor traitors. She is then convinced by Tree to give Sleekwhisker and Yarrowleaf a chance, and Leafstar reluctantly agrees. However, she is, on many occasions, unintentionally undermined by Tawnypelt, pushing Leafstar to the point of openly reprimanding Tawnypelt in public. Leafstar becomes increasingly frustrated with the disrespectful attitude of the former ShadowClan cats, who seem to be in favor of Rowanclaw still being a leader and even Tawnypelt. When Tigerheart comes back and reunites ShadowClan, Leafstar gladly sees the merged cats go back to their original Clan, but comes at odds with the newly named Tigerstar, who demands ShadowClan's old territory back. Leafstar refuses since SkyClan would have nowhere to go, and grows to the point of Leafstar ordering doubled patrols and guards.

When Juniperclaw, Snowbird and Scorchfur wreck havoc on SkyClan's camp in the middle of the night, Leafstar reaches her breaking point, making the decision to return to the gorge since Bramblestar, Mistystar and Harestar refused to help. Leafstar takes her Clan and leaves, but are brought back by a large patrol of cats who wish for SkyClan to stay at the lake. Leafstar reluctantly obliges, and concedes to the idea of the Clans being more equal and SkyClan receiving new territory between ThunderClan and ShadowClan.

Bramblestar

"I understand why you did it. You wanted to unite your Clan by including those who once betrayed you. It was a noble gesture."

―Bramblestar consoling Tigerstar over Juniperclaw ^{The Raging Storm, page 291}

Bramblestar, out of the other leaders, tried the hardest to make SkyClan stay at the lake, but when Tigerstar brings up the idea of adjusting borders, Bramblestar disagrees, and quickly becomes distracted with the accusations against Juniperclaw rather then helping SkyClan. Upon being informed that SkyClan left, Bramblestar feels regret and allows Twigbranch to form a patrol to go and get them back.

In the meantime, Bramblestar goes to ShadowClan with his son Alderheart to find the truth about the accusations against Juniperclaw. Bramblestar is present when Juniperclaw admits to poisoning SkyClan's prey, and is subsequently imprisoned. He helps console Tigerstar over his deputy's actions, and when SkyClan returns to the lake, Bramblestar is more then willing to make room and adjust territory for SkyClan, and is content when the Clans agree to give equal say and territory for all.

Harestar

"Next time, WindClan won't wait for others to decide before doing what is right."

―Harestar's promise to Leafstar ^{The Raging Storm, page 319}

Having risen to the leadership position with Onestar and Darktail killing each other, Harestar became leader at the beginning of the conflict. He supported both ShadowClan and SkyClan's claim to territory, but when asked to give up some of WindClan's territory, he refused, arguing that it would not be of any use to SkyClan. He does not side with either ShadowClan or SkyClan. When Twigbranch comes to him with the proposition of a patrol to and bring them back, he agrees, and sends three of his warriors who believed SkyClan should return. He also apologizes to Leafstar when SkyClan is brought back, and willingly adjusts WindClan's territory so each Clan can have equality.

Mistystar

"RiverClan will not turn our tails on you again."

―Mistystar's promise to Leafstar ^{The Raging Storm, page 319}

Bitter about being forced out of her territory and even going so far as to close RiverClan's borders, Mistystar refused to give up territory for SkyClan or intervene in their conflict with ShadowClan. She even felt it would be best if SkyClan returned to the gorge, though later has a change of heart, and allows three of her Clanmates to join a patrol to bring them back. When SkyClan returns, she willingly adjusts RiverClan's borders so each Clan can have equal say and territory.

Quotes

"Tigerstar only cares about what's best for Tigerstar. He abandoned his Clan and his kin when they needed him. Then he came back when it suited him. And his mate is no better. Dovewing broke the warrior code and had kits with a warrior from another Clan, then left her own Clan to be with him and took her kits with her. A leader is supposed to set an example for their Clan. What kind of example has Tigerstar set?"

―Sandynose to Violetshine and Frecklewish on Tigerstar's leadership ^{The Raging Storm, page 27}

"Can't you see that it is? Fighting is the way things are done around here, Tree. It's not just ShadowClan—none of the lake Clans think like us. They train their warriors to fight, not to talk. If we want to keep our territory, we have to be like them. If we don't fight for what we believe in, the other Clans won't ever respect us, and it won't just be ShadowClan pushing us around, don't you see?"

―Leafstar to Tree on mediation ^{The Raging Storm, page 115}

Tigerstar: "But you have no proof that Juniperclaw poisoned him! A cat becomes sick and you blame us? Grassheart is lying in our medicine den now, injured by a wound inflicted by SkyClan. She was attacked! She didn't just happen to get sick after one of your patrols passed by."

Leafstar: "Passed by? You invaded our camp!"

^{The Raging Storm, page 188}

"That doesn't mean you should die there! There was nothing for us at the lake. No land! No prey! No respect! We would have had to fight for every morsel. Is that really how you want to live? Treated like rogues? Have you forgotten who you are? You're SkyClan. The lake was never home. StarClan only wanted us there for some prophecy that was never to do with us. Why should we sacrifice ourselves for Clans who don't even respect us?"

―Leafstar's rant after reaching her breaking point ^{The Raging Storm, page 234}

"We are warriors. We fight. We don't murder. Did you never learn the warrior code?"

―Tigerstar to Juniperclaw after the incident with the deathberries ^{The Raging Storm, page 290}

See also

• Fall of ShadowClan
• Shattered Sky
• Shattered Sky/Cliffnotes
• Darkest Night
• Darkest Night/Cliffnotes
• Tigerheart's Shadow/Cliffnotes
• The Raging Storm
• The Raging Storm/Cliffnotes