Colorful Doom

Chapter 14

Nightfeather's eyes widened as she took in the scene in front of her. The foxes were snarling, but they didn't make a move. Their gazes were glazed over and misty. She bunched her muscles and unsheated her claws, ready to pounce. Her Clanmates all mirrored her. A russet she-cat suddenly padded out from behind the creatures, her cold blue eyes smug as she scanned the cats in front of her.

The cats of ShadowClan all seemed to freeze at once at the sight of her.

"Rosestar," breathed Nightfeather, claws digging into the ground.

She chuckled, chin high. "Hello, ShadowClan. Enjoying my little... present?"

Nightfeather felt her heart begin to race as she stared into her eyes. They looked so, so much like hers. Lilyheart was right. They shared the same cold look, the same frosty intelligence.

Shadestar's growl sounded through the air. "Rosestar! Why are you here!?"

Rosestar smirked and unsheated her claws. She raised a paw to study them, gaze lazy. "That is for me to know," she turned around with a flick of her tail. "And for you to find out."

Nightfeather narrowed her eyes and let out a snarl. She wouldn't get away this time. The black she-cat leaped forward, eyes wild as she landed behind Rosestar.

In a flash of russet fur, a sharp pain filled her face. She drew back with a gasp. Rosestar's claws dripped with something dark. Nightfeather winced as blood from her cheek clouded her vision.

"Nightfeather!" Came Sparrowwing's scream.

Rosestar grinned. "You fool." She whispered before lifting her paw again. Nightfeather could barely react as another set of claws was slashed against her shoulder, scoring deep wounds. She crumpled to the floor.

"No! Nightfeather! "
Nightfeather glanced backwards. Sparrowwing was being held back by Echowing, Mistflower, and Addertooth. His eyes flared with rage and desperation as she writhed in his Clanmates' grasp.

Rosestar grinned at the struggling tom. "Foxes, looks like I found you some prey."

The four foxes all began to growl, sinking into battle stances. Shadestar gave a battle cry and launched himself at them, followed by his warriors. Nightfeather's eyes widened as she turned back around, just to find Rosestar gone.

Pain filled her cheek as blood blinded her. Nightfeather felt a paw prodding her and looked up. Fawnfur was gazing at her, eyes round with worry.

"Nightfeather-" Was all the white-speckled she-cat could say before she wad thrown across the clearing by a large red paw.

Nightfeather felt her heart stop as she gazed at her mother's unmoving body. A wail was ripped from her as she struggled to get up. "Fawnfur! Fawnfur! Don't worry! I'm coming!"

She watched as the clearing exploded with battle. Shadestar was meeting one of the foxes blow for blow. Sparrowwing, Rainheart, and Echowing were all grappling with one of the creatures. Nightfeather desperately began to stumble across the clearing, eyes wide and pleading. "I'm coming! Hold on!"

Fawnfur's body gave a last shudder, than laid still.

"NO! FAWNFUR!" Nightfeather screeched, leaping forward. Pain seared through her shoulder as she sat over her mother's dead body, eyes flashing with horror.

Fawnfur's usually bright eyes were glazed over, reflecting the stars above. Nightfeather felt tears begin to drip down her muzzle. She prodded her mother's body, hoping, praying that her flanks would move again. But they remained lifeless. She brushed her tail agaisnt her flank. "Fawnfur," she murmured, a sob at the edge of her throat. "Please wake up. Please. I need you." Her voice cracked. "I love you. I can't go on without you."