A Twisted Fate (Warrior Cats)

Chapter 22

WOW SURPRISE SURPRISE GUYSSSS <3 LOOK IT'S WHAT EVERYONE'S BEEN BUGGING ME FOR :') CHAPTER 22 :'D

I'll ramble at the end. c:

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There was no time to waste.

Birdpaw was getting ready to dive into the action to help Goldpaw and Brackentail -- before she felt the slight pressure of Nightpelt's tail-tip on her shoulder. But why? They're your clanmates and my friends! She threw him a puzzled glance, but the black warrior just shook his head gravely. Birdpaw reluctantly sat back down, feeling both confused that Nightpelt wanted them to just stand by and guilty for not being able to do anything to help.

Just then, Birdpaw scented something in the air. Iceclan! She swiveled around to see three lithe shapes a small distance away, their silhouettes pale against the moonlight. They must've been another night border patrol. The shapes grew steadily larger, and Birdpaw recognized the cream she-cat who was at the head of the trio as Iceclan's deputy.

"What are you doing here, spying on us?" she spat accusingly.

At Birdpaw.

"Wait, I'm not-"

"Daisyfur, it's us," Nightpelt, who had now turned to face the patrol, interrupted before the she-cat could launch herself at Birdpaw. His green eyes were flooded with warmth and relief as he added, "It's me."

The cream she-cat took a step back in surprise. "What? But Nightpelt-"

"We'll explain the situation later, " the black tom lowered his voice, "Goldpaw and Brackentail need help right now." he gestured towards the pair who were still grappling with the Rogues in the dust. Goldpaw's ear was bleeding, but fortunately she and Brackentail seemed free of serious injuries. However, both Iceclan cats seemed worn out from being outnumbered.

Daisyfur gave a brisk nod, understanding the situation, before she and her patrol rushed down the hill to help their clanmates with a shrill battle cry. The Rogues seemed taken aback at the sudden appearance of reinforcements, and Birdpaw heard the silver tabby curse loudly.

Since it was now five against three, it was clear that Iceclan was going to overpower the Rogues. "You may be victorious now, but this battle isn't over yet!" Clawface spat as he broke free from Brackentail's grasp. He and the other two Rogues then quickly turned tail and fled, disappearing into the shadowed trees. The Iceclan cats made no move to follow, instead crowded around their two clanmates to check if they were seriously injured.

Sensing that it was now safe to come out of her hiding place, Birdpaw sprang to her paws and rushed over to Goldpaw, eyes shining. "Wow, Goldpaw! You fought amazingly well!"

"Birdpaw? Is it really you?" the ginger she-cat stared at Birdpaw incredulously. "Where did you come from?"

Birdpaw nodded sheepishly, unsure of what to say. There was so much that had happened, but somehow it didn't feel right to open up at the moment. She wasn't ready.

Goldpaw must have sensed Birdpaw's reluctance, because she did not ask any further questions. Instead, the two apprentices turned their attention towards Nightpelt, who was now conversing with the rest of the Iceclan patrol.