Stars Unite

Chapter 8

" PickleStem! Come and join the camp painting! " BellaLeaf called over to PickleStem, who was laying herbs to dry. " Maybe later BellaLeaf, I want to get my chores done " PickleStem mumbled. The festival of the forest started earlier today, and PickleStem had been busy with work. " Come on SharpClaw! Let's go catch the biggest Bird for the contest! " HazeStorm called to SharpClaw, who looked up from his Talk with CherryTail. " Alright, let's get going " SharpClaw nodded. PickleStem watched SharpClaw walk out first, and HazeStorm smirked, and followed behind him. PickleStem widened her eyes, and shocked her head " He wouldn't, would he..? " PickleStem asked herself. " I'm fast enough....no one would even see me leave " PickleStem mumbled to herself, and ran out. She quickly found HazeStorm, and jumped onto a branch, sitting quietly. " SharpClaw, I have to ask, how is it being Deputy? I mean your pretty much second I'm command of a whole clan " HazeStorm asked. " It is great, but it can be hard. You need to know every cats weakness and strengths so you can assign them to the right patrols " SharpClaw spoke, until he was tackled to the ground. " HazeStorm! Get off! " SharpClaw growled, but it was too late, HazeStorm but down on his neck, leaving him gasping for air. " I'll go through as many cats as I need...to get that deputy position...and then...I'll kill LeafStar as many times as I need to be leader...Long Live DarkForest... " HazeStorm snarled, before delivering the final blow. PickleStem gasped, and ran back to camp. She sat in the Medicine den, and soon enough, heard the gasps, the cries, as HazeStorm entered the camp with SharpClaws body. " I should of stopped him...and I know he will kill countless...I know what I have to do " PickleStem mumbled, small tears forming at her eyes. LeafStar walked into the den, HazeStorm at her side " There has been a Accident. HazeStorm says a Fox killed SharpClaw...Will you check him for wounds...? " LeafStar softly asked. " Yes..go tend to SharpClaws body...I'll let's you know..." PickleStem mumbled. HazeStorm laid in the nest at the back of the den " Hurry up, I have a Virgil to be at " HazeStorm groaned. PickleStem cut a mouse open, putting Poppyseeds, and small, red berries inside " Eat this, it will help " PickleStem said softly, and sat in front of him. " I'm a big cat, I don't need to eat my herbs from a mouse " HazeStorm rolled his eyes. " Fine.." PickleStem pulled the berries out of the mouse, and shoved them into his mouth, and help it shut, tears rolling down her cheeks. " I heard what you said to SharpClaw...I saw what you did to him and Mom...I never hated you, but I'm a Star...I have to protect the clans...and I can't let you hurt mine any more... " PickleStem whispered to him, and his eyes widened. He coughed loudly, before going limp. PickleStem moved her paw, wiping the blood he cough up on the ground. " May DarkForest take you..." PickleStem mumbled, and remained still, she had to do it. She had to protect her clan. " I'm a star..." PickleStem mumbled, and one long tear rolled down her face.