MoonClan's Return

Chapter 14

            Hazelstar awakened to hear cats calling her name. Her ear twitched, and she looked up, noticing Fire running towards her.

            "Hazelstar, your prisoners have awaken. They're causing a riot inside that den," Fire complained.

            Hazelstar quickly stood up. "Are the guards doing their job?"

            "Yes, they're controlling them, but they all wish to speak to you," Fire explained.

            "Very well," Hazelstar purred. "I'll confront them," she said, exiting her den. Already, she could hear the cries and mews coming from the prisoners. She could hear the queens telling their kits to hush, she could hear familiar voices calling her name.

            She headed towards the captive den, seeing guards holding cats back and growling. Blood was splattered across the ground, though the cats would not retreat.

            "Halt!" Hazelstar spat at the guards. They froze, still holding the captives back.

            "I understand my prisoners wish to speak with me."

            "They do," one of the guards said.

            "Very well. Keep close behind me," she growled, padding in the entrance of the den. Immediately, Chesnutfang raced at her. It only took her a second to leave a claw streak down his face.

            The cats stood at Hazelstar, their eyes widened in surprise.

            "Ah, my family, it's so nice to see you all," she purred.

            "Hazelnose!" Chesnuttail spat, standing up. He had a long clawmark down his pelt, and blood was dripping down from it.

            "Brother, it's good to see you," she laughed.

            Chesnuttail growled at this.

            Hazelstar looked around at the cats, waiting for silence. "I'm only hear to talk, but if any of you would like to battle me right now, consider yourself dead," she growled.

            "We'd rather be dead!" Rainwhisker spat.

            Hazelstar looked up at the gray tabby tom. "Oh, if it isn't the former MoonClan cat who left after battle. I heard you watched your sister get murdered right in front of you. Wouldn't it be a shame for these cats to witness your murder?"

            Rainwhisker let out a low growl, but he didn't move.

            "Last night you were taken from FoxClan to participate in this new plan. Moonstar graciously appointed me leader of the new MoonClan, and together, we'll take over this forest!"

            "We'll never fight for you!" Rosecloud spat, three kits hiding behind her.

            Hazelstar took a step forward and traced a claw over her throat. "Rosecloud," she purred. "You're Chesnuttail and Hollybreeze's daughter. I heard your brother has passed."

            "Yes," she growled.

            "Keep your mouth shut. I don't think you'd like your kits witnessing such violence at such a young age," she said, gazing down at them. One of the kits whimpered and hid behind her.

            "Enough!" Treestep spat.

            "Treestep," Hazelstar growled. "How good to see you, you traitor!"