Mapleshade's face was drawn back in a savage snarl, fangs bared, eyes full of fury. "You have everything that I wanted, Sandstorm!" she growled. "A mate that loved me, kits that I could watch grow up and have kits of their own, the respect of my Clanmates! I should have had all that!"
The huge tortoiseshell lept forward, claws extended, jaws open, ready to strike, before clamping down on the pale ginger she-cat.
Until something pulled her away.
"Don't think that I can't fight just because I'm a medicine cat," the soft voice mewed.
Mapleshade's eyes widened with shock- although she couldn't see her attacker, she knew it instantly as the voice of that scared apprentice who'd stumbled into the Dark Forest all those moons ago.
"I may not be a warrior, but Sandstorm is my kin. And I am not going to let you hurt her."
Mapleshade turned to face Spottedleaf; although the medicine cat was quite small, there was a fierce determination in the way she carried herself before pouncing and latching herself onto Mapleshade's back.
"Your vengeance ends here."
Sandstorm watched in awe, mouth agape, refusing to believe what took place.
Spottedleaf's fangs grasped onto the back of Mapleshade's neck, struggling to find a place to grasp amid her thick fur, before finally catching onto solid flesh.
Mapleshade's jaw dropped; for a brief moment she seemed to realize what had happened, and then she fell to the ground, motionless, before disappearing completely.
A look of horror appeared on Spottedleaf's face. "That's the first time I've ever killed another cat," she said quietly. "And hopefully the last time I'll ever have to."
Sandstorm inched closer to Spottedleaf, still bewildered by what had happened. "Why did you save me?" she asked.
Spottedleaf stared back at her. "You brought Firestar so much joy. You two deserve each other, and you're a much better match for him than I could have ever hoped to be." She paused, and stared up at the sky. "And you are Redtail's daughter, and therefore my kin. I felt it was my duty to protect you." With that she turned back to face Sandstorm. "And it isn't your time to join StarClan yet."
"But I thought you loved Firestar?"
Spottedleaf smiled. "I have had my chance with him, Sandstorm. But even in StarClan, I know that it could never be. I do still love him...but he was never mine to lose."