Warriors: War of the Clans - Darkness

Chapter 14

Lion woke up, mind filled with the questions she planned to ask the toms. She blinked her eyes open, to find the two young kits hovering over her, their curious sky blue eyes wide. The one that had been identified as Crystal was a light gray and white she, while Creek was a light brown tabby. Lion felt a purr rumble in her throat. "Okay, okay, I'm getting up."

The kits mewed with amusement, and leaped off the hay, scrambling out of the barn. Lion followed a bit more slowly, putting on her scarf then padding out of the barn, stretching on her way out. Outside, the Rising Dawn cats had surrounded Tree and Thicket. Lion searched the group for Magpie and Cheetah. Cheetah was in the group, but Magpie was still in the barn. Lion approached the group.

"Everyone settle down!" Lion yowled. She leaped onto the nearest roof, the top of the henhouse. "I call a meeting of Rising Dawn. Strangers to our group, step forward."

All the cats backed away from the strangers and settled in a half circle around Thicket, Tree, and the two kits. They turned their attention to Lion. The golden-furred leader surveyed the area. "Someone get Magpie."

Cheetah stood up and dashed into the barn to wake the young medic. Lion looked at the newcomers. Now that they were in daylight, she could see that Tree was a large light brown and cream tom with unnaturally long legs and tail, and large bat like ears, while Thicket was a brown tom with light brown legs and white paws and chest. "What are your names?"

Thicket stepped forward. "I'm Thicket. This is Crystal and Creek," He gestured to the kits, then his companion. "And this is..."

"Tree?!" Magpie gasped, breaking through the crowd. Cheetah followed more slowly, her golden eyes widening. "Tree, I thought you were in Dreaded Night!" Magpie exclaimed, rushing up to the tall tom.

Tree stared at Magpie. "Magpie?" the tom caught his breath.

Lion looked between the two. "You two know each other?"

Magpie nodded, turning to Lion. "He was guardian to Strawberry, Scarlet, and me."

<|..........|>

(FLASHBACK)

The small kit and his two siblings hid under the bush. The red-furred she-kit poked her head out first. "I think it's clear."

The other she-kit, a light red she, looked out as well. "Okay, we head for that bush."

The red kit nodded. "Agreed." Both of them looked back at the tom kit.

"C'mon, Magpie, lets go!" The light red kit exclaimed. Magpie shook uncertainly.

"I dunno, Strawberry. It seems dangerous." The red kit let out a sigh.

"You can't hide under bushes your entire life, Magpie!"

"I'll hide until I'm big, Scarlet!" Magpie exclaimed.

"Well we're going." Magpie's sisters leaped out of the bush. After a moment, Magpie followed them. They raced across the small clearing to the bush on the other side. There, Scarlet whipped her tail over their mouthes.

"There's a big cat on the outside," she whispered. Magpie stiffened with alarm. A big cat?! We aren't ready for that!Magpie unsheathed his small claws anxiously as Strawberry poked her head out of the bush. She squeaked, and disappeared. Magpie held his breath. A cat's face poked in. It was light brown and cream colored. It grunted. "Thought I scented some more," He meowed. The tom pushed one leg in, scooping out Magpie and Scarlet. They squealed as he dumped them on the ground next to their sister. "Now, come on." He picked up Magpie, the smallest. His sisters yowled at the tom.