Warriors: 9 Lives of TERROR

Twenty-five- Thunder, Shadow, Wind, River, Sky. All but one will have to die.

After a good night's rest, plenty of prey, and extra training, two days later ThunderClan was ready for battle. Tomorrow is the Gathering. I wonder what ShadowClan and WindClan will say?

 I wonder, too. But I don't care. I know everything will go my way.

"Why can't we go to the battle?" Bloodpaw complained. "I could beat two of those hare-brained warriors single-pawed!"

"Yeah. We should go," Marshpaw insisted.

"I know you want to go and I know you can. But what would the Clan think of me if I brought two new apprentices into battle? I've already pushed their loyalty to the very limits. I need you to stay here. I promise next battle you can go," Froststar said. The two apprentices exchanged looks, then finally nodded.

"Fine. You better keep your promise. I didn't come to this Clan just for your sake," Bloodpaw said.

"I know," Froststar said, then turned away. He had already discussed which warriors to bring in battle with Coldrose. It was time. Froststar didn't need to summon his Clan. The moment he stepped onto high ledge, the Clan was alert. They knew what he was going to say. "Clan, it's time to attack! I know all of you want to go, but some must stay here and guard camp. Coldrose, Shadeblossom, Mossypelt, Thrushfeather, Larktalon, Fernclaw, Firelily, Cherrynose, Flowerbreeze, Pebbleleap, Pigeonwing, Poppyfeather, Quickpaw, and Silverpaw will come to the battle," he announced, then leaped off of high ledge. He beckoned his battle patrol over to him.

"Listen. WindClan's most recent kit announcement was awhile ago, Maplekit and Dovekit. They should almost be six moons. Take them. If there are any more kits, take them too," Froststar said.

"Won't we need more territory soon?" Cherrynose questioned. He liked her, she was smart. "I mean, it's still green-leaf, but with extra mouths to feed we will need more prey," she said. Froststar smiled.

"Leave that to me. Now, do whatever you need to do. We will leave when I return," he said, then padded over to the nursery where he knew Mistfeather would be waiting. Mossypelt and Thrushfeather followed: they must have had the same idea, to say goodbye to their mates and kits. 

You know what's going to happen after this battle, don't you? 

Yes. I know exactly. Froststar slipped into the nursery, blinking his eyes against the dimness. He carefully made his way to the back of the nursery where Mistfeather's nest was. She was sitting up, green eyes glowing.

"Good luck," she whispered, brushing her muzzle against his. Froststar gave her ear a lick.

"I don't need luck. My warriors are well trained and are fighting for their Clan. We will win," he purred, pressing his nose to her muzzle.

"Ew, mommy and daddy are being all lovey-dovey." Froststar and Mistfeather looked down to see Tigerkit, her nose wrinkled in disgust.

"That's what you're going to be like when you get a mate," Darkkit teased.

"Am not," Tigerkit whined.

"Are too," Darkkit retorted, sticking out his tongue. Tigerkit growled and pounced on her brother. It seemed as if those two were constantly fighting. Dawnkit and Sprucekit's heads appeared.

"Why did you call a Clan meeting?" Dawnkit squeaked.

"Because I'm going to attack WindClan," Froststar told her.

"Revenge!" Sprucekit growled, hopping into the air and spinning around excitedly. Froststar purred.

"I must go now." He touched his nose to each of their heads. Tigerkit and Darkkit broke apart to stare up at him.

"Will you tell us about it when you come back?" Tigerkit asked. Froststar exchanged a glance with Mistfeather, then nodded.

"I'm going to be an awesome warrior and leader like daddy," Darkkit said.

"No, I am," Tigerkit shot back, and they started wrestling once more. Froststar purred in amusement and gave Mistfeather another lick on the ear before heading out of the nursery, passing Mossypelt and Thrushfeather.

"You kits be good," Thrushfeather purred, as Nightkit and Stormkit climbed all other him.

"They love you. I wish you visited them more," Roseheart said.

"I try, honey, once a day. I'm really busy," Thrushfeather said, touching his nose to hers before disappearing through the nursery entrance. Froststar glanced at Fiercekit as he passed. I think I'll make Nightkit, Stormkit, and Fiercekit apprentices when we get back. Depending on how many WindClan kits we bring back. The nursery will be crowded: we'll have to expand it soon. I'm also planning on making Quickpaw and Silverpaw warriors in a moon or so. I think they're ready. What do you think, Sageweed? 

What? Huh? Oh, them. Yes, I think so. I'll keep a closer eye on them if that's the case.

"Creekwater, you're in charge while I'm gone. Ivyclaw, make sure you guard the camp entrance the entire time. Have Honeyflower relieve you of your position when you start to get tired," he said. Ivyclaw nodded briskly but didn't look him in the eye. I can't figure her out. Is she for me or against me? Froststar didn't have time to think about it as he beckoned his patrol to him. "It's time we go," he said. He looked around at their faces: their eyes were shining with excitement. "Remember all the moves I taught you," he said, then raised his voice so they rest if his Clan could hear. "I leave for WindClan now! Guard the camp and wish us luck!"

~~~~~~~

Breezestar sat outside the camp, wind whipping her fur. Her wounds still ached from the battle, and losing a life was still a fresh memory. What hurt her most of all was that she failed her Clan. She knew that Froststar would attack again. The air in front of her shimmered, and a pale white she-cat with tortoiseshell patches appeared. "Petalstar," she breathed. That was the leader she served as a deputy Breezewillow to. Petalstar's large yellow eyes shined with grief as she blinked them at Breezestar. 

"I'm so sorry, Breezestar," Petalstar murmured. Breezestar felt her throat tighten, but she didn't want Petalstar to see her upset. The starry she-cat sat down next to Breezestar and wrapped her tail around her shoulder. "Just know that whatever happens next, StarClan will be with you."

Some questions: (you don't have to answer, but I'm curious as to what all of you think)

1- Do you think Ivyclaw, Froststar's older sister, is for him or against him?

2- Do you think Froststar's kits will be loyal to him as they grow? Some? All? None?

3- Lastly, what do you think will happen to WindClan? (Besides losing this battle)