Warriors: War of the Clans - Darkness

Chapter 18

Lion led Cheetah, Lizard- he had become a full member of Rising Dawn-, and Snow through the trees, leaping over branches, all on the lookout for any intruders or promises of new recruits. It had been a half-moon after the most recent full moon, and the sun was shining, melting the ice and snow. Lion was thankful for that, because every cat was getting sick of trudging through the snow.

She recalled her conversation with Tree right after Lizard and Dusty had arrived.

"So what happened in the desert? And what is the desert anyway?"

Tree had sighed. "It's hard to explain. The desert is a large expanse of dry land, that barely gets any water."

"Sounds hard to live in."

"It is. But cats have survived there for centuries. It has even been said that cats started in the desert. A faraway desert, of course."

"So then what happened that made you leave?"

Tree looked away. "I was happy there. Lizard was too. But Dusty wasn't. He didn't stay with the family. He explored the world, but he always came back. We were a happy family.

"Then they came. The fur-less. You call them twolegs. They dug up our home and captured our family." He flattened his large ears, as if he could blot out the yowls of his family and friends. "I barely escaped. I thought I was the only one. Dusty happened to be there when they attacked. I thought for sure they were all taken. I was heartbroken. I changed my name from Joshua to Tree, to try to escape my past. But here it is again. Bringing back the memories."

"I'm sorry, Tree."

"They're never going to accept that Tree is my name. They're going to keep calling me Joshua."

"Do you want to change your name back?"

Tree shook his head. "No. They can call me what they want. You can call me Tree or Joshua."

Lion watched as he leaped off the barn roof, back into the barn, assumedly to join his family.

Oh, what am I going to do, Lion thought. The patrol circled back around, heading back to the barn, where Brak and Frost were carefully watching out for other animals. They dipped their heads to Lion as the group returned to the barn. Lion sighed and padded up to the barn, climbing up the well worn path. She stared across the fields, watching as the chickens squawked at each other, and the sheep grazed. She flicked her ear as she scented her sister climb up next to her.

"We should attack." She murmured. Lion blinked and glanced at Cheetah.

"What?"

"I mean we should attack Dreaded Night. Think of all the cats that have no hope, that are living in fear of Dark and the higher Dreaded Night cats. We need to give them hope."

Lion let out a deep breath. "Cheetah, attacking Dreaded Night is hopeless. They have way too many cats!"

"Who says those cats are loyal." Cheetah followed Lion's gaze to the cats below. "Lion, we have enough cats to attack, and all of them would give their lives up for you."

"How do you know?"

"They're in awe of you, Lion. While you've been up on the roof, I've been down with the other cats. They want to get to know you, but all you do is stay away and think."

Guilt flooded Lion. "I-"

"Don't say you're sorry. I've known you your entire life, and you've always thought you weren't good with cats. But you are. You might just not be as good at these heart-to-heart conversations." She chuckled. Lion smiled.

"So you think we should attack?"

Cheetah's smile faded. "Not a full-out battle. Dreaded Night will beat us at that. But, if we do little assults, saving cats and such, then maybe one day we will be."

Lion glanced down at the kits, playing grass-ball among the tall farm grass. "So, will we do it?" Cheetah ventured.

Lion turned to Cheetah, and she could see her usual thoughtful expression was replaced by determination and confidence. "Yes."

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

Acorn let out a huge yawn. He had just finished the large rabbit Jay had sent to him, and he was comfortably satisified. He sat up and started to groom his sleek fur, when he heard a rustle. He leaped to his paws, narrowing his eyes, but relaxed when he saw it was Jay. "'Ey, Jay."

"Hello Acorn."

"What ya want me to do now, ey?"

"Time for stage two," Jay meowed.

"That quick, huh? Well, I ain't complanin'."

Jay smiled. "Get ready." She turned around and stalked through the bushes. When Acorn was sure she was gone, he sighed.

"An' I was sure that conversatin' was gonna take longa'." He murmured to himself. He shrugged and got to his paws, ready to begin the second stage of the plan.

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

Cage stalked through the trees, stepping over roots and through undergrowth. He flicked his ears, eyes open for any sign of prey. A tan streak edged his vision, and he whipped around to see a tan pelt through the undergrowth. It's that stupid Acorn cat! He snarled to himself. Now's my chance. He crouched down, stalking the cat through the forest. The tom didn't seem to notice him, and Cage was so happy with himself he didn't notice the way the wind was blowing.

Acorn couldn't hold it in any longer. He burst out laughing. "Ya know, you're facin' upwind, righ'? That means I can smell ya."

Cage hissed with frustration. He leaped, momentarily forgetting Acorn's incredible speed. Acorn dashed out of the way, slicing his already chewed up ears again. He darted out of Cage's every move, and Cage couldn't even keep up with the tom. Finally, he just lunged forward, missing Acorn yet again. Acorn dashed up a nearby tree and looked down at Cage.

He laughed at Cage's frustration. "Tiny brain can't keep up wit' me, eh?" He snickered.

"You little," Cage snarled, starting up the tree. Acorn laughed, and as Cage reached the branch Acorn was at, the tan tom leaped to the ground.

"I'm leavin' Dreaded Nigh'. Bye bye, mouse-brain." Acorn whipped around and dashed through the trees. Cage hissed with frustration.

"Fox dung!" He snarled. He whipped his tail from side to side, and stalked back to the main camp to report the tom, fuming.

From her perch in the trees, Jay watched as Cage passed under her, and Acorn disappeared into the trees.

She smiled, silently following Acorn through the trees. Stage three, she thought to herself.