Twilight/Chapter 8

"I'm a medicine cat, and I'm from another Clan. There isn't any future for us, Crowfeather."

— Leafpool to Crowfeather in Twilight, page 129

Twilight
Chapter number:	8 (of 24)
Page numbers:	117-131
Point of View:	Leafpool
Chronology

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

Chapter Number: 8 (of 24)

Page Numbers: 117-131

Chapter description

Leafpool and Cinderpelt wait near the lake, watching Littlecloud come from ShadowClan territory for their half-moon meeting at the Moonpool. Leafpool recounts her past couple days spent at RiverClan, helping Mothwing, and just how furious Cinderpelt had been when she returned to ThunderClan. She explains that both Cinderpelt and Firestar were worried about her, and that the gray she-cat reminded her that the Clans have to live separately again. Standing there, Cinderpelt asks her apprentice if there had been any other reason for her to visit RiverClan. The tabby is taken aback by the question, but tells the older she-cat there was no other reason. She wonders if her mentor had suspected she had been sneaking off with Crowfeather instead and feels hurt that Cinderpelt didn't believe her actual truth. The she-cat reasons that Cinderpelt doesn't know the full extent of her feelings for the WindClan tom but doubts she would be able deny them if pushed further about the topic.

Littlecloud meets the pair of she-cats, and they continue on their way, the small tabby making small talk along the way. Leafpool asks after Mothwing, but the ShadowClan tom tells her she must have traveled via WindClan. The young she-cat wonders if Mothwing decided to not share tongues with StarClan or if Feathertail's warning had come true. When they catch up to Barkface and there is no sign of the golden RiverClan cat, Leafpool worries. Cinderpelt tries to comfort her as they continue their trek. The young tabby looks over WindClan's moors for Mothwing's golden pelt, mentally scolding herself for looking for Crowfeather as well. Cinderpelt asks Barkface about WindClan, the older tom telling her about Onestar's seemingly strong leadership and how he had found goldenrod in their territory. He remarks it's good for healing wounds and Cinderpelt prays they won't have to use it right away. Leafpool overhears and wishes the Clans didn't have to return to their old rivalries so soon after coming together.

The four medicine cats reach the Moonpool by nighttime, with Cinderpelt taking the lead. Mothwing manages to catch up, and Leafpool greets her with slight worry in her tone. The golden she-cat reassures her she had just been busy, while Littlecloud notes that she hadn't missed the ceremony yet. Continuing down to the Moonpool, Leafpool asks her friend if Feathertail's prophecy had come true, but Mothwing states she hadn't found anything to suggest it had. She promises to continue the search though. The medicine cats reach the bottom of the hollow and promptly touch their noses to the icy water to share tongues with StarClan. Leafpool expects to see Feathertail, but instead finds herself surrounded by darkness and distant wails. She calls out to the voices, and only one returns her call in an eerie caterwaul. The tabby continues through the darkness, determined to find Starclan's message, but instead finds a white light that has her waking up back beside the Moonpool, shaking momentarily.

Leafpool wakes Mothwing, not wanting her friend to be caught for her secret. Shortly after, the other medicine cats wake up and begin discussing their visions of white claws and blood. This makes Leafpool panic as she hadn't had the same dream, and when Cinderpelt asks her about it, she hesitates to answer. Mothwing jumps in, stating that StarClan must be warning them of something. Cinderpelt tells the others that they will all have to think about. Littlecloud agrees, and suggests they talk about it at their next meeting, which has Barkface also agreeing. Cinderpelt reminds them that StarClan may also be settling into their new hunting grounds and that it may make it harder for them to reach out. This comforts Leafpool, hoping it would explain her vastly different vision. With this, the medicine cats leave, and Leafpool and Mothwing discuss the former's dream and if Mothwing had told Leopardstar about it. The golden she-cat states that she hadn't and that she doesn't feel comfortable lying about it to her leader. She adds that she will find her own path to be a medicine cat for RiverClan. Leafpool has her doubts but doesn't voice them as she thinks over her friend's lack of faith in StarClan. She asks Mothwing about her lack of belief, and if it meant that she didn't believe Feathertail's prophecy. Mothwing simply replies that she believes her friend had had a dream, which doesn't satisfy Leafpool.

Dropping the subject, the pair talk about their Clans as Mothwing assures Leafpool she is checking the surrounding water sources. Leafpool tells her about ThunderClan's new apprentice, Birchpaw, and his mentor, Ashfur. However, a hiss catches her off guard and from behind a rock, Crowfeather appears. He apologizes for interrupting but asks Mothwing if he could talk to Leafpool. Mothwing nods and departs as Leafpool feels herself grow embarrassed. Crowfeather explains he had followed Barkface's scent trail so they could talk, stating he can't forget the night they spent outside of ThunderClan's camp. The pair confess to each other how recently they have easy mistakes and annoyed their closest friends, which leads to them accepting that they both have feelings for one another. Crowfeather asks her if they can meet again to talk more about it, and Leafpool tells him she'll let him know somehow. Cinderpelt calls for her, and Leafpool goes to leave but the WindClan tom states he'll let her know where they can meet. She lets her gaze linger on him, before pelting down the slope towards her mentor.

Characters

Major

• Leafpool

Minor

• Cinderpelt
• Littlecloud
• Barkface
• Mothwing
• Crowfeather

Mentioned

• Firestar
• Feathertail
• Onestar
• Spottedleaf
• Leopardstar
• Birchpaw
• Ashfur

Important events

Other

• Cinderpelt, Barkface, and Littlecloud are given the omen: Sharp claws and teeth are glimpsed along with a voice whispering that death and danger are coming.