Lost Stars

Chapter twenty-three

Moonfur stood over Cloudheart, blood dripping from her muzzle. "This is what happens...when you don't listen to me." The tom had shot past Hailstar before she could stop him and Moonfur made an example of him.

Brownwing and Graystrike cried out as their father went down and Foxtail restrained them. "This is what she wants! To have us in anger when we attack!" Foxtail mewed. Hailstar watched Moonfur carefully, eyes thoughtful.

Moonfur grabbed Cloudheart's scruff and dragged him to the river and a plop sounded as his body hit the water. Several gasps could be heard from WillowClan and Thornheart raised his voice to calm them down.

The black sky was breaking to form light. Dawn was here but nothing could be heard as if everything was waiting for the battle to start. Adderfrost gave Blizzardclaw a nod and the two slinked away, leading Redclaw, Applefang, Antshade, Lionmask and his Clanmates.

They moved silently and soon was looking at Moonfur ahead. Stormstar, Thunderheart, Nightwing, Sunstorm, Lilystream, Dawnpool and Gingerfoot sat near WillowClan, not too close. Milo and Rockpaw waited with Reedheart, Fishpaw and Gladeheart by the streams the kits' were playing at a moon prior. LeafClan waited in the trees, ears listening for anything that they could use against the other Clans'.

"Where's TreeClan?? They said they would be here." Lionmask asked.

"They're waiting. They've only a few warriors to spare us with." Antshade answered. A head nod from Lionmask.

Moonfur had walked back from the river and sat still once more. Blizzardclaw sniffed once, catching wind of smoke. Other cats' began to do the same and Hailstar rose her voice. "That's not dawn-light, but a fire on the other side of CloudClan's territory," her eyes snapped to Stormstar with delight. "Moonfur is smart. The prophecy is playing in her favor."

"We underestimated her by alot." Stormstar shouted over to her. Moonfur rose her tail and soon many pawsteps could be heard, racing across the moor.

Every cat braced themselves, not knowing what was coming. Soon, everyone could see FireClan, waiting across the river. Bumblestar behind Pike, Badgertooth and Arnie. You could see who was running FireClan. Then they moved into the water silently, swimming across, the smoke of the fire reaching them quickly. Moonfur stood and walked forward, FireClan behind her, the mud sticking to their pelts and paws.

Stormstar flicked his tail and he rose with his Clanmates behind him. Hailstar padded over, her warriors following silently. Adderfrost gave Blizzardclaw a nod and he slipped away, heading to where LeafClan was. Blizzardclaw rose from his paws and walked over to Stormstar. "I don't see the moon..." He heard Gingerfoot mew to Nightwing. The tom glanced up seeing that he was right and he unsheathed his claws.

Bumblestar was heard mewing loudly then his white pelt was seen coming straight towards Hailstar. He stopped then shoved past her and looked over her warriors, eyes looking for someone. They lit up and he yowled. Stormpelt, Amberlight and Spottedpelt came with Frostgaze, who looked with a worried look.
Adderfrost padded up to Blizzardclaw and watched with wide eyes. No cat knowing what was about to come. Bumblestar eyes flicked to Brownwing who stood his ground. "What's the meaning of this??" Hailstar asked.

"It-" Frostgaze began but Bumblestar spoke over her.

"These two have been meeting in secrecy like other's all around us."

"Traitor!" Barkface shouted from over near Blackfoot. The tom looking at Brownwing with an unreasonable expression plastered on his face.

"And a half-breed has been born in my Clan! My own daughter..." The FireClan leader spoke lowly. "Aspenpaw is another half-breed but I don't know what Clan her father is from. If any of you are, speak up!" He challenged.