Shadowstripe's Treachery

Chapter 15

((Cat above is Duskheart))

Shadowstripe shuddered from the terrible dream he just had. Was that really going to be his death?! His breath started to quicken as he pondered more on the subject. How soon will it be until it happens? What if it happens during the upcoming battle?! He gasped at the last thought. It makes sense, because there are bodies scattered around... but I can't die! Oh StarClan, how do I stop this from happening?!

He remembered Littlestep saying something like, "This will happen if you don't turn yourself around..." and he growled angrily.

"Well what does he know anyways? He's dead after all! He's probably just trying to scare me... I hope..." he tried to reassure himself in a whisper. He still didn't feel ready for the upcoming battle, and he took in a shaky breath.

"Shadowstripe?" Came a voice from across the room.

He pricked his ears, "Huh?"

"Are you okay?" It was Snowfall, and she slowly got up with a stretch and padded over to him.

"Yeah..." he said, "it was just a dream."

Snowfall looked sympathetic and guilty at the same time, "Oh, I'm so sorry!" She whispered, nuzzling him. "I'll lay with you some if you want."

Normally he would refuse, but her warmth actually felt good against his cold and trembling fur. I guess if I'm going to die, I might as well spend as much time with her as possible. They curled up together and he sighed happily, falling into a peaceful sleep.

***

A loud screech tore him out of his slumber. He gasped when more and more cries and yowls broke out around camp. His blood went cold, "Oh no..." he whispered getting up.

When he got up, he woke Snowfall and the rest of the warriors who were asleep. Duststrike looked around wildy, "What? Huh? What's happening?"

Everyone started to rouse and they sleepily got up, looking just as confused as the cats who were already awake. "What in StarClan is happening?" Yawned Cinderstorm.

Before anyone could answer him, a loud yowl echoed all around them, "MountainClan attack!" Yelled a thunderous voice.

Everyone's facial expressions turned from utter cunfusion to pure dread. "Eaglestar.... oh no...." Duskheart closed his eyes and took in a deep breath, as if he was sending a silent prayer to StarClan.

"They've attacked us first!" Ravenfeather gasped.

"Come on! We have to defend our clan!" Cried Meadowleap.

Everyone followed after her, Shadowstripe being the last one out. He looked back with a sense of apprehension, knowing that this might be the last time he ever left his den. It felt like a rock had formed in his stomach when he saw angry MountainClan cats streaming through the camp entrance, breaking down the thorn barrier.

Birchstar was on top of the highrock, and he cried out, "IceClan attack!" He then leaped off the safety of the rock and took part in the battle below, fiercely clawing at a cat twice his size.

Snowfall and Oakleaf were fighting together against two tom cats, who seemed to be highly experienced warriors based on their fierce battle tactics. Shadowstripe watched in horror, and he tried to blend in so that no one would see him.

You coward! Yowled a voice in his head, get out there and fight like a real warrior! Remember your training... Shadowstripe shook his head, "What am I doing? This is my first battle!" I could prove that I'm the raging fire... and with that thought, he threw himself into the crowd of fighting cats.