Warriors - The Leopard's Apprentice

-Chapter 12 - The Leopard's Apprentice-

"If we bring all our warriors we risk a raid on our camp though." Timberstar pointed out, "well what did you want to do? We risk losing more cats if we only bring the amount necessary for the gathering." Leopardwillow interjected with a groan. "If we had Ivyspirit here to watch the elders and the nursery we could have a few apprentices stay and protect camp..." Dovesong said. "We could have Ivyspirit stay here in case necessary but we can't leave just apprentices here especially if Lakeclan does plan on raiding the camp they would be close to defenseless." Timberstar groaned putting his paw to his forehead. They had been at this all morning; finishing the battle plans for Lakeclan. "But Timber, we need all our warriors to fight Lakeclan you know that." Leopardwillow said, "guys what happens if Lakeclan doesn't even end up coming to the gathering? I mean they did raid our camp not to mention killed our leader." Dovesong pointed out. "If we risk not going to the gathering we risk another raid and we don't want any queens or elders getting injured during that." Leopardwillow said with a growl.

"Then it's settled we're going to the gathering with double the warriors than usual but I want some staying at camp. Dovesong can you also do us a favor and see if Starclan will try and get Lakeclan to come?" Timberstar asked, Dovesong shuffled her paws awkwardly "well the thing is Lakeclan usually doesn't visit Starclan often- in fact The Place of No Stars gives them their nine lives." she said pinning her ears. "Well that explains why cats like Poisonstar and Flamestar are the leaders of Lakeclan..." Leopardwillow mumbled. "We'll discuss this later then but so far the plans are set in stone unless we find out some new information." Timberstar said with a flick of his tail signaling that their meeting was adjourned. Leopardwillow and Dovesong nodded and exited the leader's hollow. "So what did Timber say?" Foxbristle asked after Leopardwillow picked up a plump sparrow from the fresh kill pile, "he said we're still going to be attacking at the full moon gathering nothing has changed." Leopardwillow answered her sister before taking a bite of the bird.

"Okay... when are your kits due?" Foxbristle said changing the subject, "Uhm we don't know yet Dovesong said a moon or two and Meadowlark said 'after the battle of Lakclan' which I don't quite understand that but" she answered her sister with a shrug. "All I know is that their going to be apprenticed with yours, since their going to be born in Leaf-fall too." "that's great! Then they'll get to know each other well!" Foxbristle said with a smile, "So how are yours doing?" Leopardwillow asked. "Their pretty rowdy- I left Fallenbranch to deal with them for a little bit." her sister whispered her tone mischievous. Leopardwillow couldn't help but laugh at the thought of Fallenbranch taking care of kits. "Only a week left until the full moon gathering we better train, huh?" Foxbristle said suddenly steering the conversation on a more serious tone.

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"All cats old enough to catch their own prey please gather beneath the Oaktree!" Timberstar screeched "It's time for the Full Moon Gathering, to answer questions some might have yes we are going and yes we are planning to attack Lakeclan at Double Boulders." Timberstar yowled as soon as the cats had gathered underneath the Oaktree. There were many complaints and excited meows rising up from the crowd but Timberstar looked towards the crowd and they immediately calmed down. "Cats coming to the gathering are: Me, Leopardwillow, Dovesong, Fallenbranch, Thunderpaw, Sil-" Timberstar stopped himself remembering that Silverlake was still Smokedusk's adopted mother. He shook his head and continued "-Thunderpaw, Dandelioncloud, Wolfhowl, Rivershadow and Lynxdawn." he finished with a nod to all the cats, "those who are not chosen will guard Skystorm, the nursery and Ivyspirit will be your medicine cat until we get back." Leopardwillow yowled.

"I'm leaving Darkhollow and Suntail to guard the camp." Timberstar said with a nod, "Wait!" Burntboulder yowled with Shadowlark running behind him, "we want to avenge our mother." Shadowlark said with a huff. Burntboulder nodded furiously, Timberstar sighed but nodded anyway "I can't stop grieving cats from coming so let's go." the two young warriors got in line with the rest of the cats before they were off through the forest. Once they got to the lake they saw black silhouettes crossing the lake on the Lakeclan side and knew that Lakeclan was coming to the gathering. "Our plan is simple when I give the signal I want all our warriors to attack." All the Forestclan cats gave a nod, "I'll take care of Flamestar, Leopardwillow your job is-" Leopardwillow cut him off "I know exactly what I'm doing Timber." she said with a low growl. He looked at her with worry but didn't say anything. "I don't-" Timberstar paused only to see Foxbristle quietly walking towards the group, "What are you doing here?!" Wolfhowl growled, "Wolfhowl enough! She came to avenge OUR mother." Leopardwillow hissed batting the black tom's ear. Foxbristle nodded furiously "Timber said he couldn't stop grieving cats from coming so I'm coming too."