This chapter will probably contain moments of randomness, I'm listening to Three Days Grace while watching my mum play Resident Evil 4, and my surroundings have a habit of inspiring me. I have no idea why.

Anyway, Here is chapter two

A City of Warriors

Chapter Two

Words: 3,806

The Jack Russell's fur pricked as he followed the Border Terrier cross through the alleyway.

"Are you sure this is a good Idea Sammath?"

"Yes, Ollie,"

"I'm not doubting you but, this place seems... creepy, for Cats to live..."

"They live on the rooftop Ollie, down here the dogs rule this side of New York."

"I know that!" Ollie snapped. Both dogs continued down the alley towards the back of a building. "This is the place they stay?"

"Yes," Sam leapt onto the stairwell. "Keep guard,"

"Roger," Ollie sat and kept guard. Sam ran up the stairs, the night air cool against his pelt. The Bark of a chihuahua startled him and he stopped still; A habit he learned while hunting rats and rabbits. He rolled his eyes before continuing up. As he reached the top, he leaned on his back legs before abruptly leaping onto the rooftop. A small wheeze escaped him as he heaved onto the roof. At once, he was greeted by two young kits. They looked up at him, cocking their heads. He looked at the two calmly and noticed they were the same, besides the fur colour. One was a light shade of grey, the other was darker. Their real colours were unknown to the HunterPack Beta, after all, he couldn't see colour. The darker twin walked forward and sniffed the beta.

"You smell funny..." he mewed, looking up at the dog.

"That's because I am a dog," Sam replied. Both kits squealed and backed off. "Do not worry, I am part of your Clan," Sam winced at trying to stifle the growl threatening to explode out of his throat. "Where is your al- leader?"

"You mean Optimus," Spoke a low voice. Sam looked up to see a pure black cat walk forward. "Welcome, Sammath."

"Prowl," Sam bowed respectfully; Prowl was one of the few cats to accept his membership to the clan. "I wish to Speak to Optimus, it's urgent."

"What is the news?"

"Bad,"

"How bad?" Sam growled a little.

"like, your entire Clan could be destroyed in a matter of minutes,"

"Then come with me." Prowl picked up the two kits in his jaws. "I see you have met Sidekit and Sunkit."

"Ah, so that's their names,"

"They aren't very talkative when it comes to Canines I am afraid."

"I can see that," Sam puffed up his chest as Sunkit looked at him curiously. The unusual pair of animals walked in silence past the warriors and apprentices dens. Optimus's den consisted of a series of twigs and rocks; arranged by Sam's Alpha, as were the other dens.

"Optimus," Prowl meowed, his call muffled by the twins.

"Prowl," Spoke the leader as he limped out of the den. Sam grimaced at the leader's appearance; His fur was matted, his ears were pinned; a sign of foreboding, and his tail was limp. "Sam? I did not expect to see you here,"

"I didn't expect to be here, however, news from another Cat has disturbed me."

"What is this news?"

"DecepticonClan have allied with a pack of dogs known as ScourgePack." Prowl's fur puffed up at this news and Optimus's ears perked up.

"ScourgePack? The pack of dogs that whipped out BrackenClan, RiverClan, StoneClan and ThunderClan?"

"Correct, and AutobotClan is next to face destruction. However, HunterPack has agreed to aid you in drawing ScourgePack away."

"Thank you Sammath, but we do not need your help," With that, Optimus turned back into his den. Sam sighed.

"Optimus, as future Alpha to Leader, I ask you-"

"I will not reconsider, Sammath, now leave."

"Sam..."

"I know..." Sam turned around with a sigh, his heart lurching at the looks from the two kits.

"Does this mean your leaving?..." Sidekit mewled sadly.

"I am afraid so," the twins mewled. "I may see you again though," Sam nuzzled the two kits, who purred, lightly pawing his nose.

"I wish I could change Optimus's mind for you, Sam..."

"Don't worry, I will try to keep ScourgePack at bay as long as I am able,"

"And I will make sure to keep Jazz up-to-date," Sam walked to the stairwell, Prowl at his flank.

"May StarClan keep you safe," Sam nodded.

"And may WolfPack grant you a safe journey home," Prowl added. "And next time you see these two, you will see two young apprentices." With that, Sam leaped from the roof.

Jolt purred contently as he rolled onto his back, not hearing the meows of cats from outside. He rolled onto his other side and stretched as his body told him to wake up. A loud yawn tore from his throat as he opened his eyes. The den was almost empty, besides Leopardpaw curled up in a blue and brown ball. He rose to his feet and stretched again, clawing at the dirt under his paws. A loud yowl sounded from Ratchet's den, and Jolt quickly ran out.

"What is it, Ratchet?"

"Optimus has fallen ill, I need you to get some more herbs for me,"

"Oh no, which ones?"

"I need catnip and sticky-weed, hurry!" With that, Jolt ran out of the den and down the stairwell. He couldn't stifle the sense of fear as his scent glands picked up dog-scent. He ran to the garden he knew had the desired herbs and leapt onto the fence. He sniffed at the air, drawing back into an arch as the scent of dog grew more intense. Where was this dog? Who was this dog? Did he belong to Sammath's pack? Or was he something else? He shook the thoughts off as he leapt down from the fence into the cat-nip. Carefully obtaining the catnip, he continued to keep his guard up, hoping to StarClan he isn't detected. A pained wail sounded from the rooftop of camp, and the sound of barking rung through his ears. The camp was under attack! Jolt dropped the catnip and bolted back to camp only to find dogs of enormous size cornering the warriors. Ratchet, Ironhide, Chromia, Bumblebee and Leopardpaw stood at the front of the huddled cats, their hackles raised, ears back, and lips drawn back into snarls. The largest dog drew closer to the defending cats, his mouth drooling. Jolt panicked. What was he to do? Would he run? Would he fight? Or would he watch his clan drown in their blood. No, he would fight. An outraged yowl tore from the young apprentice's throat as he bolted towards the alpha.

"Get out of here!" Jolt yowled, leaping onto the enormous dog, who yelped in shock as the small cat latched it's claws into his back.

"Jolt! Get out of here!" Ratchet hissed. Jolt ignored him; ripping and tearing at the monster's fur. It howled in rage and stood on its hind legs, but the young warrior kept a firm grip on its back. A black dog from the attackers snapped at the warrior, but missed, snapping at the air. Another howl sounded and the three dogs snapped their attention to a smaller building. There, four dogs and a cat were standing; A Black border terrier, a white Jack Russell, a tanned Alsation, a pure white Whippet, and the cat, Jolt could tell, was only an apprentice.

"Mirage," Spoke the Alsation, his German accent clear. The small cat nodded and cleared the gap, unusually large claws unsheathing as he did. The white dog from the attackers yelped in pain as the red cat's claws dug deeply into its flesh. As quickly as the cat appeared, he disappeared! The white dog gurgled and collapsed, falling off the edge of the building. The red Cat suddenly re-emerged beside AutobotClan, back arched in a hiss.

"Now, Hougen," With that, the Alsation leaped over the gap, landing on the black dog and bit its throat. Blood splattered onto Jolt's fur as the black dog collapsed. The Alsation kicked the dog from the building before turning to face the dog Jolt was attached to. "Let Jolt finish the rodent!" Jolt blinked before sinking his fangs into the dogs throat. A sudden yelp of pain tore from the dog, as Jolt's fur sparked, firing electricity into the animal. All cats gasped at the sight; The young apprentice was electrocuting the dog! The dog opened his mouth to howl in pain, but all that sounded was a gurgled yelp. Jolt leaped off the dog as it collapsed, its body releasing several spasms. The clan relaxed as Jolt faced his victim, his fur still sparking, back arched.

"Well, you're the fighter!" Mirage purred in an Italian accent.

"You two," Jolt panted. He sat down and licked his chest, flattening his fur.

"How... How did you do that?" Ratchet demanded, slack-jawed. Jolt shrugged.

"It just... happened... I got real mad, and then, it felt like StarClan had joined me in battle."

"Sounds like StarClan did join you in battle!" Roadbuster purred. The other cats meowed in agreement.

"How did you know we were under attack?" Optimus suddenly asked, eyes narrowed at Sam.

"I was in the area when I spotted the dogs." Mirage answered.

"Mirage is not from any clan," The whippet answered in an almost identical tone. Optimus's eyes narrowed further.

"Optimus," Jazz spoke up. "I think we best accept the HunterPack's offer..." Optimus growled. "You just saw what happened! We could have been sent to StarClan!"

"We do not trust dogs! You know that, Jazz!"

"Optimus, with all due respect, that dog almost mauled you to death!" Jazz all but snarled.

"Jazz is right, Optimus," Ratchet backed up the Deputy. "You're ill... I don't believe you are fit to-"

"I am fine, Ratchet!" Optimus snapped. All eyes stared at him.

"Jolt, get some catnip," Jolt nodded and turned to leave.

"No need, I already got some," Mirage spoke, taking a bundle off leaves from his collar. "being a loner, I always carry herbs around with me." Ratchet nodded and took the catnip from the apprentice. Jazz and Ironhide prodded Optimus to follow as Ratchet headed to his den. With no response, Ironhide sighed and dragged the AutobotClan leader to the den. Jolt sighed as he turned to tend to the wounds he gained from the fight, only to find Leopardpaw standing beside him.

"are you okay Jolt?... Your shaking,"

"I'm fine, I just didn't expect to kill that dog..."

"Don't worry about it," Chromia purred, nuzzling him. "if it wasn't for you, we'd have all been dog-food." Jolt purred at the praise. He stiffened as Leopardpaw nuzzled his flank.

"Yu're b'c'ming quite th' 'ero!" Jazz purred, batting the young warrior-to-be on the shoulder. "You deserve to be a warrior!"

"But Jazz, I'm a medice-cat apprentice."

"So? You can be a warrior, too, Ratchet is," Leadfoot stated. "and he ain't the first,"

"Go t'ke s'me rest kid, I'll see abouh mak'n' ya a warrior tomorruh, yeuh?"

"What, without Optimus?"

"Yeuh, h's too ill righ' now,"

"Oh... then.. okay!" Jolt meowed. He limped to the apprentice's den, followed closely by Leopardpaw. He settled in his nest, resting his paws under his chest and wrapping his tail around him. He looked up as Leopardpaw purred. "Leopardpaw?"

"I thought I'd congratulate you now," With that, the she-cat nuzzled him again with a loud purr. "Rest well," Jolt watched as she left. A strange feeling washed over him as he watched, what was it? What did it mean? He shook his head and lay down. Within seconds, sleep consumed him.

Megatron paced outside his leaders den, his tail high, ears perked. Long haul had been in there for ages. Several other cats had gathered by this time, which angered the Deputy.

"Do you think Megatronus is going to survive?" mumbled Sidepaw.

"I don't know," Grindor admitted.

"you doubt Long-Haul too much," Hissed Barricade.

"oh don't you start!" Snapped Sidepaw and Grindor.

"Shut up, the lot of you!" Hissed Starscream, towering above the four cats. At once, they fell silent. A tall, silver cat stood beside Starscream. "Soundwave? I thought you, Ravage and Laserbeak were on patrol..."

"Affirmative. Borders; clear." Soundwave replied. Long Haul slumped out of the den, his head hung solemnly.

"Well?" Megatron snarled. Long Haul shook his head.

"Megatronus is with StarClan..." The cats fell silent, even Megatron's snarling ceased. "You must travel to the monument tonight, to meet StarClan." Megatron nodded once.

"Starscream, I will leave you in charge," Said cat nodded as Megatron left camp. He headed up the main road, his fur bristling as monsters shot past. The roars of monsters, barks of dogs and burbles of humans didn't phase the leader-to-be as he strode down the road. He darted across the road without waiting for any cars to stop and marched to the eagle-shaped monument. His ears pricked and his hackles rose as he saw a small silver tabby arrive.

Sam couldn't help but feel a sense of dread wash over his body as he watched warriors pace back and forth constantly. He kept a particular close eye on Jazz; he was back and forth in front of the medicine cats den over and over, his ears were constantly up and his tail was swaying like mad; he was clearly upset. Sam's ears rose as Ratchet emerged from the den, his expression unreadable. He strained his ears to listen in, but couldn't pick anything up. Jazz's shoulders slumped and he looked away from the medic. Said Medic shook his head and nuzzled the small cat. The silver cat faced the medic aggressively, and Sam read his lips snarl; "You're lying!". Ratchet stepped back and shook his head before motioning to the den. Jazz's hackles rose and Ratchet's ears dropped. The deputy lowered his head and Ratchet set a paw on his shoulder. Sam's heart lurched as Jazz's body began trembling and jolting. Ratchet nuzzled the deputy's shoulder and Sam gathered he said something; Jazz turned to him abruptly. Sam read him say; "What, now? I need to go there, now?" and Ratchet nodded. Jazz rose to his feet and darted for the stairwell. Sam's curiosity hit an all time high and he leapt over the building and darted for Ratchet. Ratchet jolted at the sudden appearance of the dog and unsheathed his claws.

"Primus! You scared the hell out of me!" the medic sighed and sheathed his claws. "What is it? Are you hurt, ill?"

"No," Sam admitted. "I hate to be a nosey dog, but, what were you saying to Jazz?"

"You are a nosey pup." was the medic's response.

"I'm sorry, it's my nature," Ratchet scoffed. "Are you going to tell me?"

"Optimus is not well,"

"I know that,"

"I mean, since Elita and Arcee died, he's been neglecting his own needs, Jazz has taken over his duties, as Optimus can barely leave his den." Ratchet sighed before continuing, "Optimus has Alzhiemer's disease..." Sam's fur pricked and his gut twisted into an awful knot. "He forgot who I am... I mentioned Jazz... and he doesn't know him, either,"

"Does he remember anyone?" Sam choked out. Ratchet shook his head.

"Only Elita..." Sam closed his eyes and sighed heavily. "This is only the start... he will eventually think everyone as his enemy and attack. When it comes to that -"

"He will have to be put down, I know... it happened to my owner's neighbour's cat..." the words came out as whines, which startled the medic.

"Sammath," Sam's body began trembling. "Come with me... your suffering from Fatigue, you need rest." a loud whine ripped from Sam's throat as he followed the medic into the den. Optimus was resting in a spare nest, he was asleep; his eyes were closed and his tail twitched now and then. "Don't disturb him, you may rest in the warriors den tonight," Sam nodded. Ratchet nuzzled a bundle of leaves to the dog, who picked the bundle up. "You will find poppy seeds and catnip, I'm not sure what it will do to your waste, but it will help you sleep."

"Thank you," With that Sam left. He headed for the warriors den as the sun began to set.

"Sam," Prowl spoke up. Sleeping by his forepaws were the twins Sam recognized. "You can rest beside me and Bumblebee, when he returns from patrol." Sam nodded and lay beside the cat, and began chewing the poppy seeds. "Strange, I didn't think dogs ate catnip,"

"Oh we can, it works wonders with rest, though, I will get strange waste," Sam admitted. Prowl grimaced and chuckled.

"rest well, Comrade," With that Prowl lowered his head and drifted to sleep. Sam sighed as he finished the catnip and yawned as he lay his head down. This was going to be a long night...

Jazz froze as he reached the monument. He spotted a dark figure beside the monument.

"Jazz," Spoke the voice. Jazz recognized it instantly; Megatron. "Fancy seeing you here," Megatron snarled as he stepped forward.

"Likewise," Jazz growled, greeting the Decepticat. Both cats walked side-by-side up the stairs.

"What are you doing here?" Megatron asked, generally curious.

"I'm taking role as leader," Megatron grinned. "However, we are still strong, we have many warriors." Jazz snorted, not intending to make the DecepticonClan leader thing the clan was weak, yet something told him not to mention the dogs.

"I thought as much,"

"and you?"

"Same story," Both cats fell silent as they reached the monument. Megatron is taking leader? This can't be good... we have dogs after us, Optimus is ill... I'm going to struggle... I best choose my new deputy wisely...

The night passed rather quickly for Jazz, which was surprising. He and Megatron darted down the stairs as the first humans wondered into the park.

"Safe journeys," Both cats echoed as they separated. Jazz bolted back to camp as fast as he could. He clambered up the stairwell and went straight for the air shaft.

"To all cats able to clear the gaps, gather below the air shaft for a clan meeting." By this time, it was mid-morning, and most cats were already awake. Every cat gathered below, including the twins. Jazz's heart lurched as he searched for the words Optimus would use. "As you may all be aware, Optimus is unable to attend this meeting,"

"Yeah! What's with that? And why have you dropped your accent?" Ironhide suddenly asked. Jazz sighed.

"My accent isn't important. As for Optimus, I have been informed by Ratchet; that he has Alziehmer's disease." An uproar of gasps erupted from the crowd of cats below. "Therefore, he is no longer able to preform Leader's duties,"

"What are we going to do with him? Does he remember anyone?" Chromia burst.

"He will be staying with Ratchet, and he only remembers Elita,"

"Then we should put him down!" Called out Jetfire. All cats faced him. "We all know what happens when a cat gets Alzeihmers! He will loose his mind and attack!"

"I already know that, Jetfire! If he tries to hurt anyone, I will send him to be put down," Ratchet snapped.

"What if he gets you?" Chromia asked, concern in her tone.

"I wont be in my den very often, as StarClan has promised warm weather,"

"Yet the have sent Optimus this wretched disease!" Ironhide snarled, rising to his feet. "StarClan has abandoned us!"

"Are you doubting Jazz's leadership?" Leopardpaw snarled. "Because it sounds like it, father!"

"Enough!" Jazz yowled. Attention returned to him. "Ironhide's statement is his own view, anyone else to believe him has their right, Right now, we have other problems. Megatron is the new leader of DecepticonClan." The crowd went silent. Until Leopardpaw yowled in anger.

"Megatron?" She demanded. "he is not a worthy leader!"

"That is true," Mirage spoke up. "I saw him and his apprentice murder a dog in cold blood." All Cats froze and faced the apprentice.
"What...What did ya say?..." Jazz breathed

"Megatron and Bonepaw, his apprentice, murdered a fully grown Rottwieler in cold blood. I saw it with my own eyes,"

"When was this?" Ratchet demanded, staring down the red cat.

"Two nights ago. I'm guessing it was to prove to Scourge his clan is 'Strong'"

"So he allied with dogs? Just as Sam said?" Jazz Surmised, eyes locked on Mirage.

"Yes,"

"That gives us more reason to allow HunterPack to join us!" Wheeljack announced, unintentionally.

"Just because we also have canine allies, doesn't mean we cant get killed!" Jetfire snarled, rising to his paws.

"I agree," Ironhide growled. "How do we know HunterPack will be able to defend us?" A loud growl rose from Sam's throat.

"We are strong enough to defend you!" He barked.

"This isn't even all of our soldiers," Ollie backed up the Beta. Ironhide turned and glared at the two dogs.

"You two look too small to hunt a rat," he retorted. Sam glared hard at the warrior. Jazz sighed.

"Enough!" He yowled. Sam, Ollie and Ironhide faced the leader. "Give them a chance, Ironhide," Ironhide grumbled. "Mirage," Said cat looked up at Jazz. "Would you like to join our clan? You have already aided us once," Mirage looked at all the cats. The two youngest twins, Bumblebee and Leopardpaw's eyes all lit up.

"I accept your offer," Mirage finally purred. His ears twitched as Jetfire scoffed.

"Then lets bring you in now," With that, Mirage stood before Jazz as he leaped from the shaft. "Mirage, as a loner joining a clan, Do you understand the warrior code?"

"Yes, I do,"

"Do you promise to uphold the code, and to protect the clan, even at the cost of your own life?" Mirage nodded once. "Then I call upon StarClan to bring you into our clan to train with us," Jazz grimaced a little, speaking these words was a first, and he was sure he would make a mistake. "While we're on the subject of apprenticeship, I wish to give Sunkit and Sidekit their apprenticeship." said kits jumped to their feet and stood side-by-side beside Mirage.

"Don't forget the code," Prowl purred. Jazz paused.

"Sidekit, Sunkit, do you promise to uphold the warrior code, and to protect the clan, even at the cost of your own life?"

"I do," Both kits replied.

"Then, I call upon StarClan to make your apprenticeship a success," Jazz paused rather dramatically as the two kits puffed up their chests. "From now until your training is complete, you will be known as, Sidepaw and Sunpaw. Mirage, you will be trained by Prowl," Said cats nuzzled one another and sat side-by-side. "Sidepaw, you will be trained by Ironhide," The warrior stepped forward and nuzzled Sidepaw. "and Sunpaw, you will be trained by Chromia," Said She-cat nuzzled Sunpaw. At once, all cats began cheering the apprentices' names. Jazz let out a loud sigh before leaping back onto the shaft. "Sam," Said hound looked up at Jazz. "HunterPack now has permission to aid us,"

"Thank you," Sam nodded.

Finally! Sorry this took so long, I kept getting writers block for this thing. Anyway, hope you enjoyed!