Warriors Fan Fiction: Heart of Darkness ~ By Swift

Chapter One: The Liar

Leopardstar looked very old as she sat on her branch on the Great Oak. ThunderClan's new leader, Brackenstar, trotted carefully to the tip of his branch, his gaze fixing down at the gathering cats from different Clans below.

"Prey is running well in ThunderClan," he reported. "We have recovered from the effects of the storm but we have lost Rainwhisker, who saved Honeypaw from being crushed by a falling tree. We still mourn for Firestar and for some reason, Leopardstar, Hawkfrost was on our territory." Leopardstar blinked as she stared at Brackenstar.

Hawkfrost casted a glare to Leafpool, ThunderClan's medicine cat, who was sitting next to his sister, Mothwing. If you've told Brackenstar a word about my business. . . he trailed off in his thoughts.

"Why would Hawkfrost bother with ThunderClan?" Leopardstar questioned. "Are you accusing my loyal warriors of trespassing? RiverClan knows Clan boundaries, Brackenstar."

"No, of course not," Brackenstar replied. "RiverClan are loyal warriors. It's just that I've been told by Ashfur he saw Hawkfrost in my Clan's territory by the lake." Hawkfrost's gaze switched to Ashfur, who seemed to be looking back at him with fear. The fear disappeared as Ashfur sat up.

"He has a good reason to have crossed into ThunderClan's territory, Brackenstar," he told the golden-brown tabby. Brackenstar's eyes looked down at Hawkfrost as he waited for the dark tabby to reply.

"I am very sorry for crossing into your Clan's border, Brackenstar," Hawkfrost apologised, dipping his head slightly. "I was out hunting and I heard Firestar's yowl full of pain. I had to race to where he was because he sounded like he was in danger."

"Go on," Brackenstar meowed, sounding curious to hear the full story.

"I found him by the lake, his neck caught in a fox trap. Brambleclaw was standing by him, staring down at him with a look he was going to kill Firestar," Hawkfrost continued. He began to hear murmurs around him. "I said he shouldn't kill Firestar but Brambleclaw just attacked me, stating I am nothing like Tigerstar when I should be. I--"

"Hold on," Mothwing interrupted her brother. "Brambleclaw is a good cat just like Tawnypelt. He would never kill Firestar, surely."

"But he did," Hawkfrost replied. "I had no choice but to dig part of a fox trap into his heart, thus killing him. I am truly sorry for killing ThunderClan's deputy, Brackenstar, but Brambleclaw was going to kill Firestar and lead the Clans to their deaths." Brackenstar gave a nod.

"I see. Well, thank you for saving ThunderClan from their doom, Hawkfrost," he mewed. Hawkfrost once again dipped his head slightly.

"It is my pleasure to save from the evil-pawed," Hawkfrost meowed. Mothwing was staring at him with unease.

"See, Brackenstar? My warriors do not cross boundaries without a good enough reason," Leopardstar mewed to the ThunderClan leader. "I told you Hawkfrost is a good cat. You should know better than to choose an evil cat like Brambleclaw as deputy."

"Firestar chose Brambleclaw as deputy," Brackenstar pointed out calmly. "Other than that, Squirrelflight has three new kits; Jaykit, Hollykit and Lionkit." Cats began to cheer for Squirrelflight's new kits. They might make good warriors, Hawkfrost thought. "That is all ThunderClan has to share."

Leopardstar walked to the edge of her branch, pushing past a cluster of leaves that had hidden her. "The fish in RiverClan's well," she began. "We, too, have recovered from the effects of the storm. RiverClan has nothing to share." Blackstar stood.

"Wait!" Hawkfrost called and Leopardstar turned. "I wish to share something with the Clans."

"What is it, Hawkfrost?" the spotted leader questioned. "You know warriors do not have the right to speak at a Gathering."