Colorful Doom

Chapter 8

Shadestar paced atop of the Dark Rock, his claws clicking against the stone. It was late, but ShadowClan was more awake than ever. Mistflower raised her tail before she spoke.

"What if they're lying just to get under our fur? They weren't exactly specific." She meowed. Nightfeather detected the hope in her voice.

Pebblepelt shook his head. "If all the Clans are in on this, that can't be possible. Besides, they were really worked up over it."

Addertooth unsheated his claws. "I say we take out Rosefeather."

Birdsong rolled her eyes at the tom and flicked her tail. "That's unreasonable. How do we get onto RiverClan territory?"

Rainheart let out a gasp. "We don't all need to get onto RiverClan territory. We could send a spy!"

Shadestar nodded, his eyes narrowed in concentration. "That could work. But who can we send?"

No cat stepped forward. They all glanced at each other. Nightfeather could almost taste the unease in the air. After what seemed like an eternity, a small voice came from the back of the throng of cats. "I could go. They don't know I'm here."

Nightfeather turned around, shock rushing through her as she spotted Thistle. "You can't!" She gasped, "You're going to have kits!"

Thistle shook his head. "This is for my kits. If I do this, I'll be able to secure a future for them here."

Nightfeather dipped her head in respect. "Alright then." Deep down, she thought he was being foolish, though she'd never admit it out loud.

Shadestar frowned at the loner. "Are you sure? I won't lie, this will be very dangerous. I can't guarantee your safety. However, if you were to survive, your family will be welcomed into ShadowClan."

Fawnfur narrowed her eyes. "This isn't fair," she argued. "We weren't all asked to risk our lives to prove our loyalty."

Leaftail nodded in agreement. "This feels wrong. It feels like...like we would be using a cat."

Thistle, who had made his way to the front of the crowd, laid a tail on Fawnfur's shoulder, eyes flashing. "It's alright. I want to do this. Rosefeather has hurt my mate in more ways than one. This wouldn't only be for ShadowClan. This will be for her as well."

Mistflower stepped forward. "You are the most noble cat I have ever met." She said seriously.

Thistle gave her a small smile. "Thank you."

Shadestar leaped down from the Dark Rock. "Thistle, I must warn you again. As you already know, Rosefeather is a horrible cat. She will not hesitate to kill you. Is it still your wish?"

Thistle nodded, his gaze steady. "Yes."

Snowstripe murmured something in his ear, but Nightfeather was close enough to hear.

"If you find a cream she-cat there, tell her I miss her."

Nightfeather's eyes shone with sympathy for the black she-cat, but she kept it to herself. Snowstripe needed to heal on her own.

Thistle dissapeared into the medicine den, presumably to tell Lily the news. Nightfeather shivered. She wouldn't be happy to hear it.

Sparrowwing trailed behind the dispersing crowd, and turned to Nightfeather. "Remember what you said about looking for them?"

Nightfeather nodded cautiously, unsure of where this was going. "Yeah?"

"I think we should go." He sounded completely serious.