Warriors #1 - The Phantom Menace (currently editing!)

Heatherstar makes a stand

In the rocky territory of the Trade Federation, Direstar continued his treacherous order in Mossflower.

"The invasion is on schedule, my lord." Direstar bowed his head at the smoky form of Lightningstrike.

"Good, good." the white tom hissed with satisfaction.

"They will have no choice but to accept your control of the system."

"Heatherstar has great faith that the Republic of Stars would side with her." Foxheart retorted.

"She is young and naive. You will find controlling her would not be so difficult." Lightningstrike growled.

"Yes, my lord." Direstar dipped his head.

The smoky form of the cat melted away into swirling mist, and Foxheart turned on his leader with an uneasy look on his face.

"You didn't tell him about the Dawnclan sorcerers."

"No need to report that to him until we have something to report." Direstar snapped.

"After all, the Mutts will do our job."

'"Ambush!" a warrior of Mossflower yowled but was cut short when a Mutt badger ripped the life out of her body.

Red eyes flashing with bloodlust, it gave a snarl and launched itself toward the warriors who desperately fought for their lives.

The cats backed away, their eyes wild with fear as one by one, they were overpowered by the brutal claws of the Mutts.

Kits screamed for their mothers, and the blood of warriors soaked the once-lush forest floor.

Up above the royal cave where the queen and her senators slept, Heatherstar lashed out with claw and fang toward the oncoming beasts. Senator Pebblepatch, a plump grey tabby, cowered in a corner, the white fur of his belly flashing in defeat.

The young leader had several gashes on one side, and her beautiful pelt, which she'd always kept so neatly groomed, was ragged and torn.

Despite her condition, the light of battle burned in her amber eyes as she hissed defiantly at the snarling Mutts.

"You'll pay for this." she spat at a weasel.

The weasel chittered in reply, an unnatural, lopsided grin etching its face as it lunged for her.

Dodging the sharp fangs, she twisted to one side and ripped its belly open. Blood spilled out, no, not blood, but thick tarry black stuff splattered her pelt.

Snarling, a fox raked the side of her face as she landed. The impact sent her crashing against the wall, and she slid down with a shower of debris.

The queen tried to scramble to her paws, spitting blood from her mouth. Yet heavy, reinforced talons held her down, and two red eyes stared down into her amber ones.

"Surrender." the falcon hissed, its claws pricking at her throat.

Heatherstar glared defiantly back but said nothing.

"Heatherstar!" Pebblepatch yowled at her, pure terror lighting up in his eyes.

"We'll get another chance to retake our home, but Mossflower will be lost if you don't surrender for now!"

"They will force us to agree that their act is legal!" Heatherstar hissed angrily at the senator.

"But-" Pebblepatch protested before being dragged away by two fox Mutts.