Warriors: Exploration

Prologue

The exploration of the eastward forest was particularly intriguing. None of the cats were entirely sure when the trouble started, maybe the cracking of leaves of the ground or the snickers in the distance.

"Report," Rainstar said sternly.

"Still out of visual range. We should be there in around twenty minutes," Wrenbee replied.

"I am not sure your statement was accurate," Rainstar said spotting a tail of a cat in the distance. The tail was thicker than any he ever has seen.

"I have visual," Flamesky said.

"Repeat, identification of clan origin," MistSmoke said.

"Negative, unable to tell," Pearrat said.

"Rainstar, are you seeing this?" Wrenbee asked.

"My god," Rainstar replied counting the larger cats on the horizon beyond them. In the trees, on the ground, surrounding them.

"I have no origin of a clan. Therefore they must be outlaws to the Warrior Clans," Wrenbee stated.

"They are preparing for an attack," Rocksand said in a hushed voice.

"Prepare for battle," Rainstar said. The large cats were getting closer in a quiet stalk as if they were still lurking.

"We are no match, they are coming in faster. We are surrounded," said LightStrike, providing insight as deputy.

"Evasive patterns then," Rainstar added.

"Incoming attackers," LightStike added.

"Fighters attack," Rainstar ordered, having the cats training in combat defend while planning an escape. Bloodshed had already started, cats dying but no progress toward the goal.

"We're stuck here," Fawndust said. Moments passed, Rainstar looked over to his deputy for advice, but he was as worried as he. Maybe even more so, his pregnant mate Cherryfly was with the patrol.

"Casualties report 38," Fawndust said.

"They are continuing an attack," Rocksand said.

"Strengthen our defenses," Rainstar said.

"Confirmed casualties," some cat yelled out. Blood splattered.

"They want a cease attack agreement," LightStrike told Rainstar. A large dark cat padded up to Rainstar.

"My commander requests a conversation with your leader. He wants to negotiate a cease attack. Come with me when you are ready to surrender," he said.

"Come with me," Rainstar gestured to Lightstrike. Lightstrike padded in step with Rainstar, awaiting instruction.

"If I don't come back in fifteen minutes, evacuate everyone and run," Rainstar said.

"But we could..." Lightstrike started.

"There is no help for us out here, the clans are a far distance from here," Rainstar said.

"Of course, Rainstar," Lightstrike said.

"Your leader now, Lightstar," Rainstar said. Rainstar ran toward the black cat from before and followed him closely. Lightstar was left in charge. No time to elect a deputy.

"Lightstrike!" Rocksand said, "They are attacking again." Lightstar took a deep breath and yelled out.

"RUN! ANYWHERE JUST LEAVE NOW!" Lightstar yelled. Lightstar searched around until he found the medicine cats serving his mate.

"Light-" Cherryfly started.

"Everything is going to be okay, do exactly what I say," Lightstar said.

"Light, our baby, it's coming now," Cherryfly cried.

"Sweetheart listens to me, I'm not going to be there with you," Lightstar said.

"No," Cherryfly said.

"It's the only way you and the baby will survive. I have combat cats assigned to you," Lightstar said.

"Please don't, stay, you have to be here," Cherryfly said.

"You'll never make it if I don't help fight them off," Lightstar said.

"Light I can't do this without you," Cherryfly cried.

"Okay I need you to push now," the medicine cat said. A scream came from her.

"AGHHH!" she yelled. Lightstar couldn't look, as he was fighting off cats. He heard the cries of a small kitten.

"What is it?" Lightstar asked.

"Its a boy, one boy kitten," Cherryfly said.

"Tell me about him," Lightstar said.

"He is beautiful. You should be here, in his life," Cherryfly pleaded.

"What are we gonna call him?" Lightstar asked.

"We can name him after your father," Cherryfly said.

"Acorn? What no! Are you kidding me that's the worst? Let's name him after your dad. Let's call him Wild," Lightstar said.

"Wild, okay Wild it is," Cherryfly said. Lightstar took a cut to the chest and crippled in pain.

"Sweetheart? Can you hear me?" Lightstar asked.

"I can hear."

"Get out of here now. I love you so much. I love you..." he said as he passed upon the ground.

"NOOOOO!!!" Cherryfly yelled and cried. The medicine cats and the combat cats safely escorted the kitten and her to the clan territories.