Warriors: Poisoned Loyalty {COMPLETED}

Chapter 31

Night drew near and Poppypool felt her anxiety and fear rise. Sitting outside her den whilst the other medicine cats prepared herbs, she watched the DawnClan and GlacierClan warriors mingling. She recognized a few– Tornface, Stoneblaze, and Mistflight– but there were also young cats amongst them. A gaggle of bright-eyed apprentices ready to fight for peace. So young, so innocent, so oblivious to the weight of the battle that waited for them once night fell.

How many of them would return to their nests? The thought startled her as she let out a sigh, her shoulders slumping. Some of these cats have been around since Nightstar's reign. Would they survive this battle to tell to younger generations? Her gaze slid to where Hickorytree and his remaining kits sat outside the nursery, entertaining some of the other cats with their antics. A gaping hole seemed missing from the family with Magpiekit gone. Poppypool didn't like it. She'd never admit it to any cat, but Magpiekit was her favorite from the litter.

"Lost in thought again?" Hawkflight's scent gave him away before he spoke, sitting down beside his sister and watching the Clans.

Poppypool didn't look at him, fearful that she'd burst into tears at the thought of not seeing him again. "Are we going to see half of these cats at the next Gathering?" she whispered, eyeing the apprentices as they were chased by the kits. "Will those apprentices live to become warriors? Have families of their own? Grow into elders?"

Hawkflight blinked, his eyes flashing with confusion. "Did you think about that when this all started?" The words seemed to tumble out of his mouth before he could stop them, and he looked shocked at himself.

The anger she'd usually have felt at something like that didn't come. Instead, it was replaced with the familiar guilt and despair she'd grown accustomed to. "I don't think I'll be allowed into StarClan," she rasped, her voice hoarse with sudden emotion. She turned to her brother, her eyes brimming with tears as he watched her. "I– I've tried so hard to redeem myself. I brought Dusk here, I've been helping Hickorytree with the kits, I'm helping in the battle as a warrior instead of as a healer... But it doesn't feel like enough." She wrapped her tail around herself, feeling as though the world was caving in on her. "What if I don't make it into StarClan?"

Hawkflight didn't seem to know how to respond, staying quiet for a long moment. He wrapped a paw around her shoulders and pulled her into his chest, resting his chin on her head. Poppypool breathed in his familiar scent, possibly for the last time. Her breathing was shallow and ragged, tears spilling over as everything she'd been feeling for the last moons exploded.

Poppypool clung to her brother, wrapped her forepaws around him and burying her face into his feather-soft fur. Her body shuddered as sobs wracked her, so intense that she nearly fell over.

The quiet murmur of cats faded as Poppypool sobbed, her emotions spilling over with a force she hadn't known she'd been holding back. Hawkflight said nothing, his warm paw steady on her shoulders, offering a silent strength she desperate needed. He pressed his cheek against her head, his breath soft and steady, grounding her even as her heart felt like it was unraveling.

"Shh... Poppypool, it's alright," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "You've done more for the Clan than any of us. You've spent every waking moment trying to make things right."

She lifted her head, her tear-streaked face turning up to meet his gaze, her words shaky. "But what if it's not enough? What if... what if StarClan judges me for my mistakes, no matter how much I try?"

Hawkflight's yellow eyes softened. "Poppypool, StarClan knows the heart behind your actions. They'll see everything you've done to protect GlacierClan, to protect the cats you love." He paused, searching her face. "I'm... sorry I pushed you away and left you to deal with this alone."

Poppypool took a shaky breath, still clinging to his words. "I just... I want to be forgiven, Hawkflight. I want to believe that I've earned my place beside those I've lost."

Hawkflight's gaze was unflinching, his voice firm. "You will. And if anyone deserves peace, it's you." He hesitated, then added softly, "Besides, you're not going anywhere tonight, alright? We're going to fight, and we're going to win. GlacierClan still needs you– I still need you."

His conviction melted something within her, and she managed a faint smile, even as fresh tears blurred her vision. She leaned against him, feeling a weight lift, however slightly. Hawkflight's presence was like a balm, steadying her, reminding her of the bonds she'd built and the love that rooted her to GlacierClan.

After a moment, he spoke again, more determined. "Come on, you should get some rest before we head out. You've prepared for this as best you can, and you'll have me right by your side."

Poppypool nodded, wiping her tears and taking a deep breath. She looked around, eyes lingering on the young warriors and apprentices gathered in eager clusters, sharing last words and stolen moments. Her gaze settled on Hickorytree and his kits, the ache of Magpiekit's absence palpable even from a distance.

She pulled herself together, her voice steadier. "You're right. For the Clan, for Magpiekit... for every cat that deserves a safer life." She met her brother's gaze. "We'll see this through."

Just then, Sparrowstar approached them, her yellow eyes shining with quiet resolve. "Poppypool, Hawkflight, I wanted to speak to both of you before the patrols gather," she said, her tone soft yet commanding. "Poppypool, you've done everything you can to prepare us. And if anything happens, know that your dedication to the Clan has been seen and deeply appreciated."

Poppypool's throat tightened, but she managed to nod. "Thank you, Sparrowstar. I... I only want what's best for GlacierClan. And tonight, that means making sure Magpiekit and every cat can finally sleep without fear."

Sparrowstar held her gaze. "Then let's end this. GlacierClan won't stand alone tonight. DawnClan's warriors are with us, and StarClan's strength flows through every one of us." Her eyes flicked to Hawkflight. "We fight will all we have, and we bring our Clan back together."

As Sparrowstar padded off to organize the groups, Hawkflight nudged Poppypool's shoulder. "Come on, let's make sure we're ready. Together, like always."

With one last look at the Clan they'd sworn to protect, Poppypool took a deep breath and steadied herself. She and Hawkflight stepped forward to join their Clanmates, the weight of the coming battle heavy on her heart, but tempered by a fierce resolve and the comfort of her brother at her side. Whatever lay ahead, they would face it as one.