Chapter Text
Chapter Text
》 SCENE 1. DARK FOREST.
Pick up after where the last episode left off. The group walks through the Dark Forest. Loyalstar cringes after stepping in a puddle.
DEADHEART
It's so empty.
GOURDSTAR
It didn't used to be.
DEADHEART
What was it like?
GOURDSTAR
Cold. Foggy. Loud. There was always a fight going on. None of us liked each other, but we were all we had.
He glances at Loyalstar. Loyalstar looks away.
GOURDSTAR
We were codebreakers, so all we could talk about was what we'd do to the cats that put us here. They stayed away from me most of the time, but I could still hear them. Sound carries far here.
A stick cracks somewhere in the distance. Gourdstar jumps.
LOYALSTAR
We aren't about to be caught in the claws of a dark warrior, are we?
GOURDSTAR
There shouldn't be anyone here but us.
DEADHEART
What about the other cats you mentioned?
GOURDSTAR
They died in the Spirit War. There hasn't been anyone here except me for decades.
LOYALSTAR
Decades? That explains a lot.
GOURDSTAR
Keep your mindless mouth shut. There's someone here. They must've followed us.
A stick cracks again. Gourdstar places himself in front of Deadheart. The bushes rustle.
Palefur emerges.
Loyalstar takes a step forward.
LOYALSTAR
(quietly)
Palefur?
She runs up to him. The two nuzzle.
LOYALSTAR
I missed you...
She nuzzles him again. Then, she motions toward something.
GOURDSTAR
This is not happening again.
LOYALSTAR
It's not. I trust her.
GOURDSTAR
How long has she been dead?
LOYALSTAR
You should know.
Gourdstar looks at Deadheart. Then, he turns back to Loyalstar.
GOURDSTAR
We can follow her.
Palefur touches her nose to Loyalstar's forehead before walking ahead of the group. They pass through empty forest and fight their way through thorny bushes before Palefur stops in front of a hole in the ground. She turns toward them, tilts her head, and then enters the hole.
The group hesitates before entering. It's a tunnel.
DARK-STAR PASSAGE.
Loyalstar ends up at the head of the group. Deadheart lingers beside Gourdstar.
DEADHEART
What was the Spirit War?
GOURDSTAR
They finally made a plan instead of just talking. It didn't work. I told them it wouldn't.
Deadheart stares at him. He keeps walking.
GOURDSTAR
They were stupid, but so are most other cats. All anyone wants to do is fight.
DEADHEART
What about me?
GOURDSTAR
You're different. You don't care.
DEADHEART
I care about a lot of things.
GOURDSTAR
But not my past. Not where a cat's allegiances lie and why you should hate them for it.
DEADHEART
If you're doing the right thing, it doesn't matter who you are or who you belong to.
Gourdstar pauses, pensive.
GOURDSTAR
How do you know everything and yet nothing at all?
DEADHEART
I'm good at guessing.
They walk a bit further. Then, they pause at a fork in the tunnels. Palefur takes the left one. They group follows.
GOURDSTAR
We'll probably have to confront him.
DEADHEART
Confront who? Coalstar?
GOURDSTAR
Him too, but no. There's a force beyond StarClan that delivers prophecies.
DEADHEART
You've spoken with it.
GOURDSTAR
He's spoken with me.
DEADHEART
He sent you.
GOURDSTAR
(bitterly)
Yes.
Suddenly, Palefur stops in front of them. She looks back at them, pitting a paw between herself and them, then takes the next corner. The group stays behind the corner, though Deadheart sticks her head around it.
Palefur stands in front of Lambpaw and Blankspots. They tilt their heads at her. She shakes hers, her tail lashing. They turn away and head down the tunnel.
Palefur comes back to the group. She pushes Deadheart backward and takes her place. The group sits in silence for a moment, only their breaths and the dripping of water off the ceiling of the tunnels audible.
Then, Palefur takes them in the opposite direction. Her ears are pinned and her tail flicks irritably.
LOYALSTAR
Where are you taking us?
She turns back toward him and touches her nose to his forehead. Then, she puts a paw on his chest.
LOYALSTAR
Heart... you know where Breadheart is?
She nods. When she starts walking again, Gourdstar walks beside Loyalstar.
GOURDSTAR
He'll be in the center. She's taking us there.
LOYALSTAR
The center?
GOURDSTAR
It's exactly what it sounds like. The center of StarClan.
LOYALSTAR
Is it different from anywhere else?
GOURDSTAR
Only in what cats are allowed to enter.
The conversation is interrupted when Loyalstar steps in a puddle. He makes a noise of disgust and shakes his paw off. The group walks a bit further before they start speaking again.
LOYALSTAR
Why did you do what you did?
GOURDSTAR
You'll have to be more specific.
LOYALSTAR
Kill your brother's mentor and blame it on him. Start wars between the Clans. Lie about being the subject of the prophecy.
GOURDSTAR
I never blamed it on him. He told our clanmates that he did it before I could say anything. I never knew the shining cat wasn't me until he returned. The Clans tore themselves apart.
LOYALSTAR
But you facilitated it.
GOURDSTAR
Perhaps. But if they let go of their prejudices, I wouldn't have been able to.
LOYALSTAR
You're just trying to avoid accountability.
GOURDSTAR
Believe what you want, but I didn't kill all of those warriors by myself. Even now, there are cats with irrational hatred in their hearts. Their distaste for NastyClan is what led me to discover that Breadheart and Deadheart returned.
LOYALSTAR
Pass blame all day. You didn't have to do any of this.
Gourdstar turns away.
》 SCENE 2. STARCLAN CENTER TUNNEL.
Palefur stops in front of the group. Light shines from the exit in front of them. She turns back toward them and tilts her head in the direction of the exit.
LOYALSTAR
Are you not coming with us?
Palefur walks toward him and touches her nose to his forehead.
LOYALSTAR
Goodbye...
Palefur walks back into the tunnel. The group watches her disappear into the darkness.
Gourdstar sighs.
GOURDSTAR
Alright, let's go.
He's about to climb through the entrance when Loyalstar interrupts him.
LOYALSTAR
Shouldn't we make a plan?
GOURDSTAR
He already knows we're here. There's no point.
Gourdstar hoists himself the rest of the way up. Deadheart pushes past Loyalstar to do the same.
STARCLAN CENTER.
Star lounges in the center of the clearing, flat on his back with his legs up in the air. As the group reaches the surface, he blinks. Then, he rises to his feet with a grin. Behind him, the sun frames his face.
STAR
Hello, kits. I see you made it after all.
GOURDSTAR
Leave the dirt where it belongs. You know what we're here for.
Star tilts his head at an unnatural angle, his grin growing wider.
STAR
Why wouldn't I? He's right here.
Star steps aside. Behind him, Breadheart is encased in a cage of branches.
DEADHEART
Let him go!
STAR
I don't see why I should. He was trespassing, and he refused to join my Clan. You know how it is, don't you? Territories are so important to keep defended. Which, speaking of...
StarClan cats emerge from the bushes, including Lambpaw, Coalstar, and Blankspots. They creep toward the group.
GOURDSTAR
Wait! If we win a duel against you, will you let him go?
Star flicks his tail. The StarClan cats stop advancing.
STAR
As long as I get to pick my opponent.
Gourdstar nods and steps forward, taking a fighting stance. Star walks toward him and weaves around him as he speaks.
STAR
Great. Now, as much as I'd like to fight you, pumpkin, I have someone else in mind.
Star stops in front of Loyalstar.
STAR
Cougar cub. Come here.
Loyalstar hesitates before following him to the center of the clearing. Gourdstar watches them ready for the duel with bristling fur.
DEADHEART
Pumpkin?
GOURDSTAR
He likes to choose his own names.
Loyalstar lunges at Star. Gourdstar looks away and makes a frustrated noise.
DEADHEART
What's wrong?
GOURDSTAR
He didn't pick me—
Star dodges Loyalstar's attack effortlessly, materializing behind him. Then, he kicks Loyalstar and brings both his paws down on his head. He smiles as Loyalstar struggles beneath him.
STAR
Looks like I get to keep the kittypet.
He releases Loyalstar, who scrambles to his feet.
STAR
You and your friends can run home, now.
DEADHEART
No.
Star turns toward her with unnatural speed.
STAR
Oh, you. It doesn't matter what you think, cursed kit. Get out of my sight.
DEADHEART
I'm not leaving until you give me my dad.
STAR
You'll find you have no choice.
Star flicks his tail. The StarClan cats move forward.
Deadheart, Gourdstar, and Loyalstar exchange glances. Then, Deadheart runs and leaps past Star.
Gourdstar and Loyalstar assume fighting stances as the StarClan cats pick up the pace. Gourdstar strikes at the closest one and it backs off. Then, he strikes at another. Loyalstar does the same. But as they strike one, the others recover. It's endless.
Deadheart is about to reach Breadheart when Star appears in front of her, forming from liquid light.
STAR
As much as I've dreaded this confrontation, I suppose it must occur. How did you get past the ward?
Deadheart doesn't respond.
Star makes an irritated noise.
STAR
It doesn't matter. You're here, no matter how hard I strove to keep you away. I won't let my hard work be ruined.
DEADHEART
Why are you keeping him like this?
STAR
He resisted.
Star launches himself at Deadheart. Deadheart barely manages to dodge. She takes the moment he's gathering his liquid light to reach Breadheart.
DEADHEART
Dad!
BREADHEART
Deadheart! He's done something to the spirits! You can't let him—
Star lands on Deadheart.
STAR
Got you!
He examines his claws while using his other paw to pin Deadheart by the shoulder.
STAR
How would you rather die? Suffocation or blood loss? I can't let you leave now that you've made it clear this won't end peacefully.
Breadheart pushes against the branches enclosing him. They barely give. He pushes harder, but they still don't move enough for him to slip out. He leaps, aiming for the top. Rather than falling out, the branch snaps and falls in.
Breadheart tries to squeeze through, but it still isn't wide enough. Now having to dodge the broken branch, he leaps up to grab another one. It falls with a crack and lands on his chest, knocking the wind out of him.
Deadheart attempts to kick Star in the belly, but it's too far. She tries to bite him, but she can't reach his arm.
Breadheart finally catches his breath. He shakes himself off and pulls himself out from underneath the broken branches. Then, he flings himself at Star.
CUT TO GOURDSTAR AND LOYALSTAR.
Gourdstar and Loyalstar pant as they continue to fight off the StarClan cats in the fashion they were before. Loyalstar strikes one last StarClan cat before they back up in unison.
LOYALSTAR
(out of breath)
What?
Blankspots, Lambpaw, and Coalstar step past the crowd.
GOURDSTAR
Not again.
Coalstar launches himself at Gourdstar. Gourdstar leaps to meet him. The two strike at each other on their hind legs, but quickly sink to all fours. Gourdstar runs past Coalstar and they circle each other.
GOURDSTAR
There's no point in talking to you.
Gourdstar attempts to strike Coalstar's face, but Coalstar dodges and retaliates with a strike of his own. Gourdstar backs away.
GOURDSTAR
Are you going to kill me again, brother? Is that what this is?
Coalstar steps toward Gourdstar. Gourdstar backs away, but he doesn't have anywhere further to go. He runs into one of the StarClan cats in the crowd.
CUT TO LOYALSTAR.
Loyalstar faces off against Blankspots and Lambpaw. They quickly back him into a corner as he strikes at one, then the other. Neither Lambpaw nor Blankspots relent.
From the corner, Loyalstar sees Coalstar and Gourdstar. He bares his teeth, knowing he has to help. Then, his eyes widen as he reaches a realization.
LOYALSTAR
Palefur helped me. You can too.
Lambpaw doesn't react, but Blankspots hesitates. Loyalstar dodges Lambpaw's attack and tries again.
LOYALSTAR
Do you remember me, Blankspots? You taught me how to climb trees without getting stuck.
Blankspots takes a step forward, but doesn't attack. Lambpaw glares at him before attacking Loyalstar again.
LOYALSTAR
You suggested my warrior name to Haystar. I told you I loved it.
Lambpaw glares at Blankspots again and leaps on Loyalstar. Loyalstar puts up a struggle, but he's more focused on Blankspots.
LOYALSTAR
You were there when I was appointed deputy, and when Lambpaw died. I looked for you when Gourdstar took over my body, but I couldn't make it to StarClan.
Lambpaw puts his claws on Loyalstar's neck and digs them in. Loyalstar makes a pained noise, but it's too late to struggle now.
Then, Lambpaw is gone. Loyalstar rolls onto his feet. Before him, Blankspots and Lambpaw are exchanging blows. Blankspots looks at Loyalstar, allowing Lambpaw to land one on his face. Loyalstar gets the message.
He runs to the other side of the fight and launches himself onto Coalstar's back.
CUT TO STAR, DEADHEART, AND BREADHEART.
Breadheart pins Star to the ground. Star melts beneath him and reforms on the other side of Deadheart.
STAR
So, the kittypet got free. That makes this more difficult than it needs to be.
Deadheart jumps out of the way just before Star can slam his paws against her back. She stops beside Breadheart.
DEADHEART
We should go.
BREADHEART
Go?
DEADHEART
We're bringing you back. Dead cats can return to their bodies.
Star tilts his head.
STAR
You wasted your chance. None of us are leaving StarClan, cursed kit.
DEADHEART
Why?
STAR
Breadheart knows. I'll let you two speak if he doesn't waste time.
Deadheart turns to Breadheart.
BREADHEART
When you were a kit, I was given a vision. In it, you destroyed StarClan.
Breadheart pauses.
BREADHEART
I know why now. Star has done something to them. We need to save them—
Star appears beside him and puts a paw on his mouth from behind.
STAR
That's enough, kittypet.
Star melts away and appears before them. Deadheart launches herself at him.
DEADHEART
What did you do to them?
STAR
My name is Star. We're in StarClan territory. Put those two together.
Deadheart dodges an attack. Breadheart tries to take Star by surprise, but Star turns to liquid when he pounces. He reforms a short distance away from Deadheart.
STAR
What I want to know is why you're the cursed one. What makes you so different?
DEADHEART
Cursed one? What does that mean?
Star dodges an attack from Breadheart and sinks into the ground. He reappears with his muzzle next to Deadheart's ears.
STAR
Two of us are destined to die today. I need to make sure I'm not one of them.
Deadheart whips around and lands a blow on his face. He backs away.
DEADHEART
Give me a real answer. What have you done to the StarClan cats?
STAR
Nothing direct.
Deadheart bares her teeth and takes a step closer, about to speak. Gourdstar slams into Star and Loyalstar leaps in behind him. Star growls and turns into liquid light, then reappears a short distance away.
Breadheart and Loyalstar attack him, leaving Gourdstar and Deadheart watching.
DEADHEART
(to Gourdstar)
Breadheart said Star did something to the StarClan cats, but Star won't say what it was. Do you have any idea?
GOURDSTAR
StarClan and the Dark Forest corrupt spirits in different ways. It's a long process, but what remains by the end of it can barely be considered the same cat.
DEADHEART
What about you?
GOURDSTAR
I never said it didn't affect me.
Star disappears from beneath Loyalstar and Breadheart and emerges in front of Deadheart and Gourdstar.
STAR
Now that you're done with your chat, we can truly get on with this. Step aside, pumpkin.
Gourdstar stares at him.
STAR
Fine, then. We'll do this the hard way.
Star melts away and materializes behind Gourdstar. He grabs Gourdstar by the scruff and tosses him into Loyalstar and Breadheart. Then, the StarClan cats swarm them like earlier.
STAR
That should keep them busy for long enough, now that the traitors are gone.
Deadheart's eyes widen. She leaps at Star, who dodges easily.
STAR
What is it about you—
Deadheart strikes Star across the face. He turns away, and she strikes him across the side.
STAR
(satisfied)
That's it.
CUT TO LOYALSTAR, BREADHEART, AND GOURDSTAR.
Loyalstar, Breadheart, and Gourdstar are surrounded, but the StarClan cats aren't fighting them. Breadheart attempts to push through them, but the sheer number of spirits makes it impossible.
LOYALSTAR
I have something important to tell you before all of this is over.
Breadheart turns to him.
LOYALSTAR
I wasn't the one who rejected Deadheart, or exiled you, or killed you. My body was being controlled.
Breadheart smiles, though it's strained.
BREADHEART
I'm glad to hear that.
LOYALSTAR
The entire time I was disconnected from my body, all I could think about was how much you were being hurt. I should've been there.
Breadheart shakes his head.
BREADHEART
I should've known. I thought something was off. Deadheart kept saying she saw you, but I dismissed it.
GOURDSTAR
You couldn't have realized it was possible. It isn't your fault.
Breadheart stares at Gourdstar, confused, before a realization passes over him.
BREADHEART
It was you.
Gourdstar tilts his head downward.
GOURDSTAR
Yes. I'm here to correct my mistakes.
BREADHEART
Star talked about you while he was holding me prisoner.
Gourdstar raises his head, eyes wide.
BREADHEART
He thought he had you fully under control. He... mentioned that you spent decades alone in the Dark Forest. I can't imagine what that would've been like.
GOURDSTAR
I did everything I could to get out. When that didn't work, I hoped I'd just fade away. And then he asked me...
BREADHEART
I forgive you.
GOURDSTAR
You shouldn't. I killed you.
BREADHEART
I know what it's like to feel trapped and isolated. You're working to correct your mistakes. That's all anyone can ask.
Gourdstar looks downward somberly before suddenly smiling.
GOURDSTAR
You're where she gets it from.
Breadheart smiles warmly.
CUT TO DEADHEART AND STAR.
Deadheart moves to pin Star, then pivots and strikes him. He melts into liquid before she can get another hit in and reappears a short distance away.
DEADHEART
How real is your body?
STAR
As real as yours is right now, cursed kit.
Deadheart lunges at him, aiming for his throat. Just before she can hit it, he melts. Blood from a wound on her leg drips into the puddle and sizzles. The puddle moves away.
Star tsks. The sound echoes through the area, traveling without a body to contain it.
STAR
I won't die easily.
Star forms behind her and leaps onto her, pushing her face into the ground. She struggles underneath him for a moment, then gets an idea. She rolls to the side, slipping out of his paws, then brings the back of her head up to his jaw. Star bites his tongue from the force.
He snarls at her and starts melting away, but she strikes his neck. The blood on her paw seeps into his neck. He staggers backward, his form still dripping with liquid light. His eyes widen.
Deadheart strikes him again. Liquid drips from his mouth and neck. He lowers his head to protect himself.
Deadheart shakes her head, then bites into her wound, deepening it. Then, she launches herself at Star and pins him. Her blood drips onto his body, burning him.
STAR
(panicked)
You can't kill me! I'm the only thing keeping the spirits here. If I die, all of StarClan and the Dark Forest will fall apart.
Deadheart takes a moment to process. Then, she turns around and runs toward the StarClan crowd that surrounds Breadheart, Gourdstar, and Loyalstar. She leaps over the closest cat, landing on the next closest cat's back before hopping into the center.
BREADHEART
Deadheart!
DEADHEART
We need to leave now.
BREADHEART
What about freeing the StarClan cats?
Deadheart shakes her head.
DEADHEART
If they go, you go too.
Breadheart prepares to respond when Star appears behind Deadheart. He slams her to the ground, pushing on the back of her neck. With a yell, Breadheart launches himself at him. Star rolls to the ground and melts.
BREADHEART
I'm okay with that.
Deadheart looks up at him, shocked.
BREADHEART
These cats deserve to be free. If that means I don't go home, it's okay. I'm happy with the time I've had.
Deadheart's claws sink into the ground. From behind Breadheart, Loyalstar takes a step closer.
BREADHEART
You can leave me behind.
LOYALSTAR
No.
Gourdstar stands, watching them. Star appears behind him.
LOYALSTAR
We came here to save you.
BREADHEART
I don't need saving. These cats do. Let me go.
Gourdstar notices Star behind him. He prepares to warn the others, but Star grabs him.
LOYALSTAR
I can't—
Breadheart nuzzles Loyalstar.
BREADHEART
You're saving Palefur and Deadheart, too. I love you, Loyalstar. I always will. Listen to me.
Loyalstar backs away.
STAR
So sweet and heartfelt.
He makes eye contact with Deadheart. Beneath him, Gourdstar is limp.
STAR
That's one of the two, cursed kit. Now which of us is the second?
DEADHEART
There doesn't have to be a second. Set the spirits free.
Star releases Gourdstar and walks toward her with a snarl.
STAR
I've been building this Clan for centuries. I won't let it go.
DEADHEART
Then you'll die.
They leap at each other. This section should be short and storyboard-driven with callbacks to previous fights, particularly the dog one. Involve the other characters if possible, but it's not necessary—this needs to be fast-paced and brief.
At the end of it, Deadheart pins Star and bites his neck. His blood singes her mouth. Surprised, she accidentally lets go.
STAR
(out of breath)
They're going to hate you.
Deadheart pauses.
STAR
When you come home and tell everyone that you destroyed StarClan, they'll call you a villain. They'll kill you.
Deadheart bares her teeth and leans toward his face.
DEADHEART
I don't care what they think.
She sinks her teeth into his neck, this time biting harder even as it burns. The others watch.
Deadheart rises, blood covering her mouth.
DEADHEART
(quietly)
I did it. They're all free.
She steps over the puddle that used to be Star as it begins seeping into the ground. She approaches Breadheart.
DEADHEART
This is goodbye, then.
BREADHEART
Goodbye, Deadheart.
He nuzzles her.
BREADHEART
I'm proud to have raised a kit like you. I love you.
The StarClan cats around them dissipate. Then, Breadheart does the same, still nuzzling Deadheart. Deadheart closes her eyes.
StarClan falls apart around them. Chunks of land crumble into nothingness. Trees shrink into non-existence.
STARPOOL.
Deadheart opens her eyes in front of the Starpool in Tailfur's body.