Rising Mist || 1 || Warrior Cat's Fan Fiction ✔️

Chapter Thirteen

Peaceclan, in the next gathering, had secured some territory between Windclan and Skyclan, our only two potential allies. Tropicpalm had led me to the Moonpool and I'd received my nine lives. Fallenleaf, who had received Crowpaw as his apprentice, sat beside me, his whole body tense. 

I twitched my whiskers, "What is it?"

The experienced warrior explained hesitantly, "This morning we ran into a Windclan patrol at the border. They told us that Shadowclan was offering to help them drive us out!"

He added enthusiastically, "Those mange-pelts!"

I rested my tail on his spine assuringly, "Don't fret. They haven't attacked have they? It's likely that they were just bluffing." 

Suddenly, an idea came to mind, "However, I shall settle this rivalry with Shadowclan at once. Fallenleaf, Tropicpalm, come with me. Let's pay Duskstar a visit."

Lilypad lifted her head from a piece of prey that she was sharing with Tropicpalm, "Wait! Is it safe to confront Duskstar with so little cats?"

Fallenleaf agreed, "We should have cats waiting outside if Duskstar decides to attack."

I stared, "But then he would never be able to trust us again!"

Fallenleaf looked at me desperately, "Listen to me, Mistystar! I'm your deputy and I don't want you to lose a life."

I glared at him for a moment longer before relenting, "Fine. Treeclimber, Amberpaw, Stormcloud, Crowpaw, Spiderfur, Morningpaw, and Liontail, you shall come with us. Hide outside and disguise your scent. If you hear yowling or smell the scent of fresh blood, you may attack."

Fallenleaf added, "Swanpaw and her mentor, Lilypad should come too."

I flicked my tail, letting out a purr of agreement. Swanpaw had grown on me. The apprentice was positive and sympathetic. She was also abnormally wise for someone her age. 

As we set off, the 'paw bounded up to me, her usual cheerfulness dampened, "Do I really have to fight?"

I responded warmly, "Hopefully not. If Duskstar isn't a mouse-brain, he'll accept our offer of peace."

Fallenleaf appeared beside me, our pelts brushing, "Calling him a mouse-brain won't help."

I hissed, "I was kidding!"

He grinned, "I know."

We had long crossed the Windclan and Shadowclan borders, Lilypad leading the back-up patrol into their hiding spots after dampening their scent with mushrooms and mud. I led Fallenleaf and Tropicpalm through the dip in land and into the camp. Heads look up and pelts immediately bristled. 

The Shadowclan medicine cat, Smallear, pushed his way in front of Darkclaw, who had unsheathed his claws menacingly, "Tropicpalm! What a lovely surprise!"

Tropicpalm meowed apologetically, "I needed borage for Beestripe. She's expecting Stormcloud's kits. Besides, Violetmew told me you needed marigold."

The warriors seemed to relax as they saw the bundle of herbs Tropicpalm was holding in her jaw. Silverbreeze purred, "Tell Beestripe, congratulations!"

Darkclaw dipped his head in a weary greeting to me as the two medicine cats discussed kits and herbs. 

He had sheathed his claws but his posture was rigid, "I suppose you are not only here for herbs?"

I inclined my head in return, agreeing swiftly, "No, you are right. Tell Duskstar I have come to discuss peace."

Surprise flashed on his face and his whiskers twitched, or was that the wind? But it was gone before I could think about it as he turned and slipped into the leader's den. 

A moment later, Duskstar led him out, head tilted in a challenging way as he approached me. His tail was high and slightly fluffed up, from the cold or fear, I could only guess. The older leader didn't bother to dip his head to me and so I didn't duck my head for him either.

Fallenleaf spoke first, "Duskstar, we have come to discuss peace." 

He went on, "Shadowclan has always been against Peaceclan, we know that. We do not ask you to deny it. But, if you will accept Peaceclan, this will finally unite the clans and we will be able to stop the larger conflicts."

Duskstar barked out a laugh, "What makes you think the other clans have accepted you?"

I bristled, "We are offering you an alliance here! A potentially useful one, at that!"

Darkclaw spoke tentatively, "She's right, Duskstar. If it comes to a time when the other clans are attacking us, Peaceclan will try to stop them. Besides, they're really good at turning cats from their clans."

Duskstar snarled, "NEVER!"

With that, he pounced at my neck with his claws outstretched. 

I tumbled to the ground, yowling, "Peaceclan! Attack!!"

Fallenleaf turned to me with an indignant yowl but Darkclaw stood in his way. A moment later, cats spilled into the Shadowclan camp clearing, screeching caterwauls and obscene threats. 

I rolled fully onto my back, unbalancing Duskstar. As he shifted to adjust, I kicked up with my hind legs, jolting him off so I could scramble up. 

The tom came at me again, claws digging into my shoulders, ripping my fur off. I slashed his chest with a yowl of pain. Ducking low I clawed at his hind legs before jumping back as he collapsed. 

A claw pierced my flesh from behind and I whirled around to face Darkclaw. The older warrior went for my neck, claws digging in as blood poured from the wound. I scratched his underbelly and he hissed as he let go, panting. 

Fallenleaf appeared behind him, cuffing his ears and sinking his teeth into Darkclaw's tail. The black-furred warrior curled into himself and we let Smallear drag him away. 

Fallenleaf padded towards me, giving my cheek a worried lick, "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine." I said, even though my vision was blurring from pain.

Pressing my cheek against his, I saw Tropicpalm rush towards me with marigold and cobwebs, "You are NOT fine!"

I chuckled softly, "So comforting, Tropicpalm, so comforting."

A/N

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Warriorcats1andWof

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- quill