Warriors: Poisoned Loyalty {COMPLETED}

Chapter 29

The GlacierClan entered Emberstar's den, the thick scent of herbs blending with DawnClan's earthy, pine-rich scent. Poppypool dipped her head in greeting to the powerful tortoiseshell leader, who sat in the center of the room, his purple eyes solemn yet fiercely determined. Around him sat Gingerheart, his broad-shouldered deputy, and his medicine cats– Splashnose, Sunnyshine, and Orchidfern– all of whom watched the GlacierClan cats with a mixture of sympathy and steely resolved.

Emberstar rose to his paws, nodding respectfully to Poppypool and her patrol. "You're welcome here, and we share your grief," he began, his voice low yet carrying a quiet strength. "When I heard the rogues had attacked your camp, I knew we couldn't wait until the Gathering. DawnClan will stand with you, Poppypool. We won't let those rogues threaten the Clans any longer."

Relief flooded through Poppypool, but her heart was still heavy as she met Emberstar's gaze. "Thank you, Emberstar. GlacierClan has suffered at their claws for moons, but last night was a new low. They tore apart our camp, killed some of our best warriors, and... they took Magpiekit." Her voice faltered, and she took a steadying breath. "We need your strength to drive them out for good."

Emberstar's expression hardened, his claws kneading the ground. "No kit should be taken from their family. We'll make sure the rogues pay for every life and every ounce of grief they've caused."

Poppypool lowered her head, barely able to keep her composure. "Thank you," she murmured. "This has to end. GlacierClan has lost too many."

The den fell silent as Emberstar glanced at his medicine cats, who nodded their agreement. Splashnose spoke up, her eyes blazing with determination. "We've already gathered herbs and poultices, knowing there may be more injuries. GlacierClan's wounds are ours to tend."

Beside her, Sunnyshine dipped her head, adding, "Our duty is to protect all of the Clans, even if it means fighting alongside them."

Orchidfern stepped forward, her gaze steady on Poppypool. "Let your Clanmates know they'll be well cared for. DawnClan has the strength and resources to stand with you."

Emberstar placed his tail on Gingerheart's shoulder. "We'll send a group of our strongest warriors with you to raid the rogue camp. They won't see it coming– and they won't leave unscathed." His voice dropped to a determined growl. "GlacierClan deserves peace. We all do."

Poppypool's heart ached with gratitude. "Thank you, Emberstar. This means more to us than I can say."

Gingerheart nodded firmly, meeting her gaze. "When it comes time to fight, we'll be by your side. I'll be there too. The rogues won't know what hit them."

Emberstar's eyes narrowed with resolve. "Tell Sparrowstar we'll be ready at sundown. Together, DawnClan and GlacierClan will drive the rogues out once and for all."

Poppypool bowed her head deeply. "I'll deliver your message, and I know Sparrowstar will be relieved to hear it."

As they turned to leave, Emberstar's voice called out once more. "And Poppypool?"

She turned back, meeting his solemn gaze.

"If there's one thing I know, it's that rogues don't last long when the Clans unite." He gaze her a curt nod, his jaw set with determination. "We won't stop until they're gone."

With a final glance back at the DawnClan cats, Poppypool and her patrol left the den, hearts filled with a renewed sense of hope and strength. Emberstar's words echoed in her mind– together, they would end this once and for all.

*****

The GlacierClan patrol trekked through the quiet, shadow-draped moorland, the devastation of the camp raid weighing on each of them. Even the stars seemed to sense their urgency, twinkling coldly overhead as the cats walked silently beneath them.

Poppypool's thoughts raced, replaying the chaotic images of their ruined camp and the broken forms of her Clanmates lying still under the stars. Ahead, Pikedive moved with tense steps, his head down as if he wanted to disappear into the shadows. Swallowing her nerves, she picked up her pace to walk beside him.

"Pikedive," she murmured, keeping her voice low enough that the other cats wouldn't hear. His ears twitched, but he didn't turn to face her, so she continued. "Tell me the truth. Did you tell the rogues to come in the night and attack us?"

At that, he finally looked up, his green eyes wide with alarm. "No! StarClan, no, Poppypool!" His voice cracked. "I wouldn't– how could you even think–" He took a shaky breath, looking away. "I never would have suggested that, let alone... told them to take Magpiekit. I swear on every one of our Clanmates' lives."

Poppypool held his gaze, searching for even a hint of doubt, but all she found was desperation and fear. "You may not have suggested it, but you've still fed them information," she replied softly. "You thought you were protecting us by working with them, but you've put us all in more danger. Look at what they've done to us. You can't tell me this is the Clan you hoped to protect."

Pikedive's tail lashed with frustration, his head lowering. "I thought I was keeping the rogues off our backs, trying to keep us safe by giving them just enough so they wouldn't take more." He paused, voice barely more than a whisper. "But I never thought they'd kill our own, or take one of our kits... they didn't tell me that was the plan." He shook his head, shoulders tensing. "It's my fault. I should have known they'd go this far. I was a fool to trust them."

Poppypool narrowed her eyes. "You're right. You were a fool. But now, if you truly regret it, you have one chance to make things right." Her voice grew hard, each word a sharp reminder of his actions. "If you have any love left for GlacierClan, you'll fight with us. You'll put every ounce of strength you have into defending what's left of our Clan."

He looked up, his gaze filled with something akin to defiance, but it faded quickly to grim determination. "I will. I swear I'll fight like a lion. I'll make sure they never touch GlacierClan again."

"And if you betray us again..." Her voice trailed off, and she held his gaze, letting the weight of her unspoken warning settle heavily between them.

Pikedive swallowed, his eyes shadowed but unwavering. "I won't. You have my word, Poppypool. I'll fight until there's nothing left in me. And if StarClan wants to take me down for what I've done... then so be it."

She watched him, considering his words. She saw the guilt in his eyes, the fear in his voice. It was the first time he'd seemed truly aware of the cost of his actions, and though it didn't erase his betrayal, it stirred a flicker of hope. GlacierClan couldn't afford to turn away any cat who was willing to stand and fight for them now.

With a sigh, she nodded, keeping her tone measured. "Then prove it to me, Pikedive. When we face them, I expect you to stand by our side with everything you have." Her voice softened, just slightly. "Not just for the Clan, but for yourself. If you want to make things right, this is your chance."

Pikedive blinked, his gaze locking onto hers with a fierce intensity. "I'll do it, Poppypool. I'll fight with everything I have, and I'll take down any rogue who dares touch our home again."

She inclined her head, accepting his promise. "Good. Because I'll be watching." She paused, her gaze flicking up to the night sky as she sent a silent prayer to StarClan. Please, let him mean it. Let him be willing to fight to protect us. Let him help us end this.

With that, she fell back into her place, letting Pikedive move ahead. She could only hope at his newfound resolve would hold strong when the battle came, for GlacierClan's survival depended on it.