Darkness Calling - Warriors And Multi-Fandom Fanfiction

Chapter 2: A Chance

Leaves crunching under heavy paws of ambivalence, Comet padded through the sparse woods. Following cautiously yet boldly behind was Dean, his muscles tensed with vigilance. His eyes were sharply narrowed as he stared at the rather torpid cat in front of him. Comet's bristled fur was blood-stained and slightly torn. His ribs were beaming through his ragged pelt, like he hadn't eaten in moons. Frowning at his state, Dean started to have doubts.

Can I even trust him?

Abruptly, he shook his head to clear away his crowding thoughts. He needed to get back to his brother fast, and even if that meant going against his instincts, let it be so. As both toms proceeded through the woods, the thin trees began to open into a wide spread clearing. The fronds were flattened as the flowing breeze kissed them lightly and the elegant flowers swayed beneath the refulgent morning sun. A glowing light streamed down across the dancing grass, shining brightly around the area. Oblivious to the beauty of the scenery, Comet hissed with irritation. As Comet's paws crushed the vulnerable plants, Dean frowned with scepticism. With a bold tone, he spoke.

"Look, I didn't even come from this way. I've never even seen this place. We're going the wrong-"

"We're getting help. I'm not the one taking you thousands of paw steps just for a worthless cat." His tone was bitter, cold as a leaf-bare's night. Frustration picked at Dean as Comet's words hit him, though he tried to push away most of his pointless anger.

"Sammy's not worthless. You know, for such a ragged cat you've got a big mouth on you. Whoever you're taking me to, they better not bicker like a mid-moon-" A rattled hiss came from the tall fronds. A split second later,  a swift pawed cat leaped aggressively out of the bushes, flexing her claws as she pounced strongly at Dean. Pinning him down with a strong grip, she snarled threateningly.

"Who are you? And why are you intruding on WindClan territory?!" She rose a claw passionately, though the fierce flames burning in her emerald gaze seemed forced upon. With a low growl forming in his throat, Dean gave no reply as he kicked powerfully at her stomach. Acting quickly, he lashed once at her cheek, his claws sharp against her face. The stranger gave a vigorous hiss before retaliating with a light scratch on his shoulder, a bold look of hesitation flashing in her eyes before hiding away again. She paused awkwardly for one second before opening her mouth to spit something, only to instantly close it at the sight of Comet. The bitter fire in her eyes died at the sight of her companion, her claws sheathing as she let a welcoming and joyful look in her eyes.

"Comet! I'm so happy to see you!" Approaching him with no hesitation, she softly licked his right ear, as if he were her own brother. Comet only swung his head the other way, letting out a hiss of agitation. He didn't see her as she saw him.

"Can you not, Sparrowmask? I only came here to drop off bozo here." He flicked his tail irritably to Dean. Growling once again, Dean gave him a hardened look, though he said nothing. As she tilted her head, Sparrowmask spoke with curiosity, though a hint of defence lay in her tone - in her eyes was still an intruder.

"Drop him off? Why?"

"Because he's going some place I'm not taking him to! What, do you need to know everything?!" Rolling his blazing blue eyes with discontent, Comet whipped around to face the bushes he came from, taking a step forward to leave. As Comet bristled and impatiently padded towards the bracken, Dean gritted his teeth in agitation and impatience. Would it really take hours of kit-playing to find some help?

Maybe I should just go myself...

"Comet, w-wait!" Just as Dean was starting to become sceptical of the two strangers, Sparrowmask bounded in front of Comet, blocking his path ahead. Hissing with acrimony, he opened his bitter mouth to spit something back. But Sparrowmask objected just before he could.

"How can I do it? I-I mean.. I belong to WindClan.  I can't just tell my leader that I'm going to help a loner and travel away from here. And Alp-"

"Well news flash: I can't do it either. I'm not wasting my time on this mouse-brained fool. I've got more important things to do." Comet spat back, his tone bold with animosity.

"Like waste away in the same old barn?" A smart comment came from Dean as he raised an eyebrow slightly. As though lighting had crashed, Comet sprang right to Dean, nose to nose with him challengingly. His eyes showed a detesting, fiery look - something was burning between them, and it wasn't good.

"Oh, you're just asking for your pelt torn, Kittypet." Unsheathing his claws, Comet got ready to lash at his face. The urge was huge as he glared defiantly into Dean's daring green gaze. As he got ready to raise a sharp claw, Sparrowmask put a firm paw forward.

"Don't Comet! What's he ever done to you? Look, I know he interrupted your day and I know he intruded on WindClan territory, but just give him a chance. He's a loner. He barely knows this area. Give him a chance." She frowned a little, as if she were disappointed by Comet's unreasonable hostility. For a short moment, Comet was beginning to believe her words, only to push away his acceptance and object. But as soon as he opened his mouth, Sparrowmask hushed him.

"Just hear him out. You can moan later, just be quiet for one second." A hint of amusement lay in her voice. Flicking her tail dismissively to Comet, she turned her more inviting gaze to Dean, beckoning him to speak. As she nodded, Dean first tilted his head slightly. After a short moment, he cleared his throat a little, then dipped his head.

"Okay... Look, I don't know this place. Hell, I don't recognise anything. All I know is I was taken on this big grey thing to here by this huge black monster. An Upwalker stole me while I was hunting. My brother's out there alone in a dangerous position. I can't leave him there for long or he'll be gutted by someone around there. He's the only kin I have left on this damn world. I know you don't give two shakes of a rat's tail about me, but can you just show me the way outta this place? You only have to lead me to the border of this area. I think I can find him from wherever you leave me. But please.. I can't let him down again." Sparrowmask and Comet exchanged wary looks. Half flattening her ears, Sparrowmask showed a sense of sympathy in her eyes. She'd let her own brother down - how could she let someone else's die? Comet frowned doubtfully, but he couldn't object as Sparrowmask nodded to Dean.

".. I guess we can. We'll help you find him." Half smiling, Dean dipped his head gratefully.

"Thank you." But from the corner of his eye, he could see the familiar blue anger of Comet.

"We'll? Sparrowmask, I'm not-"

"It'll be sun-down if we don't leave soon. C'mon, follow me." Parting a clear way through the dense bushes, she padded casually through the bracken, her tail waving in signal for them to follow. Instantly, Dean followed, the uncertainty of trusting them almost gone completely. Widening his eyes in disbelief, Comet hissed with annoyance, reluctantly padding after them with bristled haunches.

This wasn't happening. He wasn't helping a stranger.