Lurking Shadows - Specklepaw/ Pigeonfeather POV

Prologue

Pigeonfeather re-marked the dead tree that symbolised the ShadowClan border. Further down, his clanmates Sandpelt, Ivystep and Skypelt sniffed for ShadowClan scent outside of the border. He trotted over.
"What are you doing that for? ShadowClan have always been our greatest ally, there is no reason for them to stop now," he mewed.
"Well, you can never be too careful. I heard that Brokentooth almost died because of a ShadowClan warrior," Ivystep meowed.
"We all know how over-exaggerating Brokentooth can be in his stories. Besides, ShadowClan has a different leader- Oakstar. Oakstar is fair and would never let his warriors break the warrior code." Sandpelt argued.
Suddenly, Pigeonfeather became aware of fresh ShadowClan scent washing over him.
"It must be a border patrol," Sandpelt mewed "I'll go and say hello."
Pigeonfeather continued marking the border as Sandpelt's sandy pelt merged into the shadows of the trees.

Without warning, a screech sounded from the bushes. Pigeonfeather, Skypelt and Ivystep streaked through the trees towards the horrible wailing noise. They skidded to a halt and saw the most horrific scene. Blacktooth, Darkfur and Sooteye (ShadowClan warriors) were attacking Sandpelt viciously! They had arrived just in time to see Sooteye sink his teeth into Sandpelt's neck and to see the sand-coloured warrior go limp. "No," Ivystep gasped. Pigeonfeather was frozen is shock.
"What did you just do?" Skypelt snarled.
"Oh, we just killed your friend over here," Blacktooth replied with a devilish grin.
Fluffing his pelt in anger, Pigeonfeather unsheathed his claws with Ivystep and Skypelt following suit.
"Now!" Pigeonfeather yowled. He leaped towards Sooteye, ripping his dark grey pelt. Sooteye shook him off and flipped Pigeonfeather over, pinning him down.
"Now I will finish you off like I finished off Sandpelt," he meowed, putting his paw over Pigeonfeather's throat. Choking, Pigeonfeather tried to push him away but the bigger cat was a lot stronger and more experienced.
"Help!" He choked out.
Skypelt thrust Darkfur away and came to help her kit.
"Coming!" She yowled, shredding Sooteye's ears and flinging him away.
"Are you ok?" Skypelt asked, licking his ears as if he was a kit.
"I'm fine," Pigeonfeather replied, taking huge gulps of air. Silently, the pair crept up on the three ShadowClan warriors as they cornered Ivystep. Flicking his tail for a signal, they both leaped on to the warriors, Ivystep joining in too. Pain seared through his hind leg as Blacktooth bit it, but Pigeonfeather flung him away, all his anger and rage coming out in one blow.

Soon, the battle was over. With yowls of hatred, the ShadowClan warriors fled into the trees. Pigeonfeather dipped his head towards Sandpelt's body in respect.
"Maybe it was my fault he died. He was my best friend, I told him that ShadowClan was our ally. If it wasn't for me, he wouldn't have found this patrol that lead to his death."
"No. Pigeonfeather, you're a loyal warrior. It was Sandpelt who decided to go over to the border patrol, you didn't tell him to," Ivystep mewed comfortingly. Pigeonfeather mumbled in agreement, despite still feeling guilty.

Back at camp, the clearing was in chaos. Maplekit and Nightclaw were both repeatedly gasping 'No, no' over and over again. Sparrowflight, his mate, was licking his ears reassuringly, whilst Thistledawn tended to his wounds. While the camp was busy collecting rosemary to smear Sandpelt's body in, Pigeonfeather limped over. Pressing his silver muzzle against Sandpelt's ginger one, he meowed,
"Sorry, friend. I let you down. One day we will meet again in StarClan."