Warriors: What Is There To Do?

Chapter 45- They Are Not Done With Her Just Yet

"May all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the rock slope for a clan meeting!" Splitstar howled. The sky was just turning dark; clouds making the suns light leave faster than normal. A cool breeze was blowing, and with a sigh she realized that rain would most definitely fall during the night.

Out of the corners of the clearing came the cats of Shadowclan. Black and grey fur predominated the clearing, faces shadowed and eyes glowing in the growing darkness as she awaited the last few cats to join them. Sometimes Splitstar forgot that this clan — her clan, was the most feared. The most hated. Never had she felt more comfortable, more proud of this fact.

As the last cat settled down, she raised her tail to silence the murmurs.

"Cats of Shadowclan, Riverclan's evildoings have gone on for long enough. Because of them, our leader was killed. Because of them, we were made to look weak! Should we let them off without punishment?"

There was no disagreement in the howls that her clan emitted.

"Good. We shall ambush them tonight."

Shock, then anger and excitement took over. Eager younger warriors jostled each other and scraped their claws against the rocks littering the ground. The older, senior warriors grinned, shouldering each other and showing feral fangs. The three apprentices looked overwhelmed. Coldpaw and Pinepaw, both with their brother Seedkit, stood around Mintbreeze.

Now, for the hardest part.

"Every warrior — and apprentice - who can fight is asked to come, but Driftswipe, you must stay behind for your kits, along with you, Moongaze, to protect the camp and elders."

The crowd did not object, and neither did Driftswipe. She knew this was coming and was resigned to her fate. But there was one distinct yowl of frustration.

"What do you mean, 'stay behind'? I'm your mate!" Moongaze was furious, yes, but you could tell he was hurt as well.

"I—"

"No," he interrupted, growling, getting close enough to where their noses were almost touching. "I cannot lose you," he murmured with a gasp. "It's already bad enough you will have no Partner, but no one to protect you? Are you insane?"

"Moongaze, I love you. Can you please trust me?" Splitstar could barely speak, her throat was so tight.

"But why?" he pleaded.

"Because this is bigger than just us now. It's bigger than some family feud. This is about revenge and proving once and for all that this clan is not one that Riverclan can push around."

Moongaze took a shaky breath, pressing his face into her shoulder as time began to tear them apart.

"But if I say goodbye to you know, can you promise that I'll see you again?"

Splitstar pulled away. "Yes," she vowed with a breaking voice. "I promise."

With one last final glance at his mate, Moongaze leapt down to talk with the elders and Darkpelt came up to discuss battle strategies.

"Can you bring Mintbreeze and Seedpaw up here, please?" she asked her dark-furred deputy, who bowed his head and brought the white medicine cat, his tan 'paw at his side, jumpy and nervous.

"What do you need, Splitstar? Seedpaw and I were preparing herbs for after the battle."

"That'll have to be put on hold," she muttered, dragging out from her den one of the leaves that Sharpstar had marked on.

"This plan will not work without you."

.

.

.