The Raging Storm/Chapter 9

"I overestimated the other Clans. They're so used to fighting, they've forgotten how to talk. Tigerstar clearly wants a battle. When we first came to the lake, I thought that the other Clans just gossiped about ShadowClan out of spite. . . . But I see now that ShadowClan cats are fox-hearts. I can see why Rowanclaw gave up on them. And why some of their warriors chose to follow Darktail. They are natural troublemakers. Well, if they want war, they'll get one."

— Leafstar to Tree about ShadowClan in The Raging Storm, page 115

The Raging Storm
Chapter number:	9 (of 25)
Page numbers:	108-124
Point of View:	Violetshine
Chronology

Below contains in-depth information for chapter nine of The Raging Storm. If you are looking for a shorter summary of the entire book, please check the main article.

Chapter Number: 9 (of 25)

Page Numbers: 108-124

Chapter description

Violetshine, along with Tree, Leafstar, Bellaleaf, Sandynose, Harrybrook, and Sagenose, are gathered in a location that is neither SkyClan nor ShadowClan territory as they wait for Tigerstar to arrive for a meeting mediated by Tree. As it seems more and more like ShadowClan will not show up, Juniperclaw shows up alone. Leafstar is enraged that Tigerstar did not bother coming to the meeting, sending his deputy instead. Tree does his best to calm nerves so that the discussion can happen, but the ShadowClan deputy and SkyClan leader continue to argue.

Juniperclaw emphasizes ShadowClan's weakness when they gave the territory away and their growing need for it, but Leafstar reminds him that it was Tigerstar who advocated for the territory to be given to SkyClan in the first place and also of SkyClan's growth. Tree takes the opportunity to suggest redrawing the borders so that both Clans have enough land, but Juniperclaw refuses to lose more ShadowClan land and Leafstar refuses to be forced out of their home. Before they can argue further, a dog appears, being chased by Twoleg kits. Leafstar makes the decision to lead her warriors back to camp, and Juniperclaw returns to ShadowClan, the meeting over with no progress made to a solution.

Tree is disappointed that his peacemaking efforts failed, and Violetshine tries to comfort him. When they catch up to the other warriors with Leafstar, the leader is already planning for future conflict with ShadowClan and how to best defend themselves. Tree attempts one last time to mediate, but Leafstar shuts him down, saying that ShadowClan cannot be trusted and they may need to fight to keep their home. Violetshine suggests the idea that Tigerstar mentioned at the Gathering where each Clan gives up a small portion of territory, but Leafstar brings up that none of the other Clans supported that plan. Frustrated at all of his ideas being rejected, Tree leaves the group of warriors to be on his own for a bit, and Leafstar tells Violetshine to give him space.

As the patrol arrives back in camp that night, Violetshine notices a ThunderClan scent. Leafstar tells her deputy about the disastrous meeting with Juniperclaw, and then asks him about the ThunderClan cat in camp. Hawkwing tells them that Finleap is here visiting his sister Reedclaw, who he heard was sick. Finleap is surprised that Leafstar is not happy to see him, especially when she finds out that he came to SkyClan without Bramblestar's permission. Violetshine jumps to Finleap's defense, voicing his desire to see his kin, but both Leafstar and Hawkwing say that he must be loyal to his new Clan. Downcast, Finleap states that he will return, but Leafstar says that he will stay until morning when a patrol can escort him back and explain the situation to ThunderClan. Not wanting her former Clanmate to get into trouble, Violetshine volunteers to take him back herself, but Leafstar does not want one of her warriors getting into trouble with ThunderClan as well. She does make Violetshine responsible for watching after Finleap during his stay in SkyClan, however.

Hawkwing tells Finleap that he just visited Leafstar at a bad time, and tells the young tom to ask Bramblestar for permission next time. Violetshine tries to cheer her former denmate up, but he is worried about Twigbranch. The apprentices pause from their playing and ask Finleap what it is like being a warrior of ThunderClan, and he responds that it is not that different from SkyClan. They then ask him if they will have to fight ThunderClan in the future, but Violetshine tells them that Tree will prevent future battles. Privately, she wonders if this is actually true and starts worrying about him possibly leaving the Clan for good.

Violetshine shows Finleap their dens for the night. She asks him how Twigbranch is doing, and Finleap reveals some of his relationship problems. Violetshine reassures him that Twigbranch still loves him. He ends up asking Violetshine what Hawkwing had meant by a "bad time" to visit Leafstar, but Violetshine is hesitant to reveal any problems with her Clan to a cat from another Clan, just telling him that everything is fine and hoping she is telling the truth.

Characters

Major

• Violetshine
• Leafstar

Minor

• Tree
• Bellaleaf
• Sandynose
• Harrybrook
• Sagenose
• Juniperclaw
• Hawkwing
• Finleap
• Gravelpaw
• Fringepaw
• Palepaw
• Pigeonpaw
• Sunnypaw
• Blossomheart
• Mintfur

Mentioned

• Tigerstar
• Rowanclaw
• Darktail
• Twigbranch
• Reedclaw
• Bramblestar
• Flypaw (Unnamed)
• Snappaw (Unnamed)

Important events

• Leafstar meets with Juniperclaw and Tree to try to come to a peaceful solution between SkyClan and ShadowClan.
• Finleap visits SkyClan's camp and has to stay the night.