Dawnstar's Downfall

Dawnstar hissed at Thornpetal.

“I’ll never return! I’m loyal to Suntail and the Dark Forest! StarClan and you all have failed me!” Dawnstar yowled, her amber eyes burning with hatred.

Thornpetal stepped away from the enraged deputy and flicked her tail to Nightshade, who was standing beside Fallenpaw.

“You failed us Dawnstar! You and your selfish ways have failed FireClan!” Thornpetal accused, her bright emerald green eyes flashing with anger.

Thornpetal whipped around and glanced at Fallenpaw sadly.

“She’s too far gone, it’s no use. Go back to StarClan and I’ll meet you tonight.”

Fallenpaw nodded sorrowfully and faded from sight. Thornpetal sighed and turned back to Dawnstar.

“Get out of my territory! You have broken the trust between you and your clanmates and you’re no longer welcome here!” Thornpetal screamed.

Dawnstar bared her teeth, her fangs glimmering before leaping into the shadows. Thornpetal sighed again and allowed her tail to droop. Without meeting Nightshade’s gaze, she slowly padded back to camp. She had failed him and Snowstorm. Dawnstar was too far intertwined with the darkness and there was no coming back. Nightshade finally broke the silence as they returned to camp.

“I don’t blame you or anyone for what just happened. It’s Dawnstar’s fault that she wasn’t strong enough to withstand the temptation. Let’s figure out how we can end this. Fallenpaw already knows the plan so all we need is for you to gather warriors,” Nightshade whispered, his eyes filled with regret.

“Good. I’ll retrieve some warriors and meet you at the border. I’m sure Dawnstar will be planning something similar,” Thornpetal replied.

Nightshade nodded and padded off toward the Gathering Stones. Thornpetal raised her head and walked faster. She swiftly trotted into the FireClan camp and leaped onto High Rock.

“Cats of FireClan, I need willing warriors to help me and Nightshade fight Dawnstar! She has forsaken StarClan and has joined with the Dark Forest and must be stopped, alive or dead. Who is willing to help us fight?”

Honeydew let out a cry of grief and left the gathered cats. Thornpetal watched sadly as Dawnstar’s mother mournfully walked into the medicine den. Foxtail and Copperfang raised their heads and yowled approval of Thornpetal’s plan. Fiercefang lowered his head, a single tear dripping off his muzzle. He then raised his head and yowled his approval. Thornpetal nodded at the toms and pointed her tail toward the sky.

“The four of us will meet Nightshade and the members of StarClan that will fight with us tonight at moonhigh. Rest up and prepare yourself for battle!” Thornpetal yowled.

Dawnstar, I don’t know how tonight will turn out, but I hope that everything resolves after tonight.

* * * * *

Dawnstar watched the FireClan border boredly.

“I don’t think Thornpetal would be so mousebrained as to bring a patrol of cats here to find me and kill me Suntail!” she snapped.

Suntail smirked and shrugged. “I beg to differ. I believe she’s coming now. What does it matter, we have all of your followers behind us and ready for battle!” Suntail replied slyly.

Dawnstar glanced back behind her and smiled. Behind her, Ambermoon was waiting in front of her followers. Behind Ambermoon was Darkshade, Icegaze, Whitefang, Fawndrop, and five other cats. Dawnstar knew that there were more cats who followed her, but only wanted a dozen cats to follow her into battle. Her attention snapped forward and she crouched low as the soft sound of pawsteps reached her ears. The new moon overhead allowed Dawnstar’s fur to blend in perfectly with the shrubbery.