Everyone stared at Deepstar's body. She let out a choked sob, and a voice yowled "This battle is not over!" She felt a heavy body slam into her flank, leaving her winded.
The brown she cat leaped up at her again, and her reflexes seemed to speed up. She noticed a tiny bit of reluctance in the jump on her left shoulder. Fight well, the clan needs you. Whispered Deepstar's voice in her head. Change is coming, and you will lead the clan through this troubled time. You will find the murderer and rid the clan of their nuisance. You will be remembered for moons to come.
Using the weakness in her shoulder, Lurkingsnake struck a hard blow on Greenstar's shoulder, making her yelp and lose balance. She landed on her pained shoulder, growling.
When Greenstar got up, she glared at her and the two started circling each other. Spidertail tried to step forward, but Dustclaw blocked him. "This is a leaders battle." He said.
She noticed Greenstar's gaze flicker to the side. With a small paw flick, she kicked the rock into her rival's path. She tripped, and Lurkingsnake rushed forward, scratching with all she knew.
But Greenstar was strong.
She pushed Lurkingsnake over and crushing her with her weight. She started to suffocate, but then she saw Spidertail's face. It brought back a memory from long ago.
You kind of go limp, and wriggle out.
She felt her body lie slack, and Greenstar relaxed her grip. She shook Greenstar off of her. The brown she cat landed on her back, where Lurkingsnake put her claws on the she cat's throat.
"Mountainclan!" She called, the strength in her voice surprising even her. "Let us leave in peace, and I will let Greenstar live. But beware. If I am attacked on my journey to the moonhill, there will be no second chances." She said, and stepped away from her.
"Gorgeclan, retreat, but with heads held high in our victory. We shall feast tonight. But we will mourn Deepstar. All of us."
