BloodClan: To love a killer

Chapter 9

Briarrose worked her paws in the soft grass of fourtrees. They were at the gathering and RiverClan had yet to show. Scourge's tail was twitching with frustration. They were waiting to tell the clans what Briarrose had seen on patrol. If the cats attacked, many lives would be lost as those cats were loners and rogues and did not fight according to the warrior code. After what seemed like seasons (but were probably heartbeats), Leopardstar emerged on the other side of the clearing, with Mistyfoot behind her. As the spotted she-cat leaped onto the rock, Scourge started the gathering. He began by telling the forest clans about the four new apprentices.

The four newest Warriors in training were enjoying their apprenticeship and were learning hunting and fighting in leaps and bounds. The only boy, Leafpaw, was showing particular promise at walking unseen. His sister, Mothpaw, was adept at catching birds, and could leap through the air as if propelled by magic. Shellpaw was very good at climbing trees, and had long claws. Bramblepaw, the littlest kitten, was an expert at fitting into small spaces, such as a bramble bush, or a rosebush grove, or under a tree's roots. They were doing well with hunting and could fight well as a team.

"Leafpaw, Shellpaw, Mothpaw and Bramblepaw are doing well" he continued. "But, a matter has come to my attention. When my mate (she noticed Firestar's tail tip twitching in annoyance) and I were on a small...hunt a few sunrises ago, a Loner by the name of Para came and threatened us. Briarrose also told me of something she saw whilst on patrol..." Then he told the Clans about the meeting and murder Briarrose had witnessed in all its grim detail. Then he started speculating with the leaders about what would happen.

"Well obviously they're going to attack tonight!" Yelled Leopardstar. "Louise said in three sunrises, that's now!" She bared her teeth at the other leaders to intimidate them. She was the tallest leader, and towered over the four toms.

"I agree with Leopardstar," meowed Tallstar, he sat to the Riverclan leader's left. "We should send the elders back with a warrior to get reinforcements! We are literally sitting ducks!" Leopardstar murmured in approval, while Firestar and Blackstar looked defiant. Scourge looked thoughtfull.

"What if they want to state their terms?" Reasoned Firestar. "Then we might spook them and cause violence, maybe even death of our clanmates!" The severity of his words stirred uneasiness in the clans, and cats began to grow restless.

"The kittypet's right." Mocked Blackstar. "We should take the cowards option." The tom sneered and Firestar bristled. He looked at the ShadowClan leader with hatred in his eyes.

"What did you call me, you mange-pelted, fox-dirt-brained badgerface ?!" Roared the ginger tom "Come on the other side of Leopardstar and say that!" The toms seemed ready to leap at eachother.

"Both of you! Stop it!" Scourges authoritative voice cut through the tension like a sword through water. "Ripping eachother to pieces won't solve anything!" He turned to Leopardstar. "It is a good idea, send the elders back and have reinforcements within earshot. That way they'll never know we have more cats and we'll ambush them." Cats from the Crowd sorted the elders into groups send set off to the different camps.

"We'll be ready to meet them. They won't stand a chance." Leopardstar realised. "Ok, RiverClan will do it! Ripplefur, Pondclaw, take back the elders and bring more Warriors, as well as herbs for Spidersilk." Two toms leaped up and raced off into the trees.

"Frostfur, Mousefur, you have the same orders." Meowed Firestar. The she cats went in the direction of the ThunderClan camp.

Similar orders were given by Blackstar, Tallstar and Scourge. Briarrose could almost burst with anticipation. Her mate leaped down from the Rock and nuzzled her cheek.

"Oh, dear Briarrose, what am I going to do?" He murmured into her fur. She was frightened for a second before he continued. "With that look Firestar, Reedclaw and Webfang were giving you, I think I have to start fighting off other toms." He mused.

"You know you are the only one for me." The brindle warrior replied, placing a kiss on his forehead.

"Well, isn't this touching." Said a Voice. The couple turned to see an army of cats come out of the bushes. Briarrose recognized Montgomery and Louise, both with red eyes and tear-stained cheeks. Para and her posse were at the head.

"Town Cats Attack!" Cried Para. The Clan leaders had no time to react. They only called, one after the other, their Clans to battle.