Warrior Cats: Darkness Rising. (2/3)

Prologue

Hollyleaf pushed through the tall grass, pollen showering over her black pelt. Ambermoon followed her. Their faces were grim as they padded further into Starclan's territory. Finally, they reached the meeting place. Firestar, Bluestar, Leafpool, Lionheart, Whitestorm, Tallstar, Blackstar, Oakheart, Silverstream, Sandstorm, Sorreltail, Ferncloud and more Starclan cats anyone could count sat there, faces grim and serious. When Hollyleaf and Ambermoon sat down, Firestar slowly rose to his paws. He took a deep breath before mewing. "The Renegades and Strikes are massing up, and their forces are growing in both strength and number." He began, his tail lashing. "But we must rely on Fernpaw to lead our clans into this battle and-." His mew was cut off by Blackstar. "Firestar, Fernpaw hasn't even learned to control herself yet, and you want her to lead the clans into battle?" He snapped. "I will not allow Rowanstar to follow her." He added. "But you are not clan leader anymore, are you, Blackstar?" Ambermoon murmured, her amber eyes glaring at him Blackstar bristled and opened his mouth to say something, but before he could, Crookedstar rose to his paws. "Fernpaw is also just an apprentice, who would listen to her?" He asked. There was no challenge in his voice, only concern. The clearing fell silent. "She is almost a warrior." Whitestorm then pointed out. "True, but still an inexperienced one." Yellowfang, the former Thunderclan medicine cat, mewed. "But she is our only hope!" Runningnose mewed desperately. "There are many other cats who are able to lead the clans to this battle, the clan leaders for example!" Tawnypelt yowled, springing to her paws. And with that, almost every cat bristled and began hissing and spitting at each other until four cats strode into the clearing. "Silence!" Wind's booming voice echoed through the trees. "Your opinions doesn't matter, if Fernpaw cannot lead the clans into this battle, then the clans are doomed." Thunder yowled, his yellow eyes blazing. Then River Ripple spoke, his voice as smooth as silk. "But the battle will not happen yet, and we still have a few seasons to prepare Fernpaw for this." He mewed. Tall Shadow, the creator of Shadowclan nodded. "She will get all the help she can from us as well as her clanmates." She mewed, her green eyes flashing. The clearing fell still once again. "Will this be as bad as the Great Battle?" Foxleap carefully asked. He had been slain in the battle against the dark forest, among so many other brave warriors. The creators of the clans exchanged glances that sent ripples of unease through the gathering cats. Then Wind spoke. "No. They will not wipe out the clans, but if they chase them out, then they will mostly likely shatter than find a new home." Ambermoon then stood up. "I really do believe that Fernpaw will be able to rise up against the Renegades and Strikes. I think she is strong enough." She mewed proudly. Firestar dipped his head. "We all hope so too." He murmured.