My mind's a kaleidoscope, it thinks too fast
Blurs all the colors 'til I can't see past
The last mistake, the choice I made
Icon For Hire "Hope of Morning"
Chapter 9
Dovepaw opened her eyes to see the starry fur of Dawnstar. The regal looking cat stood over her and look at Dovepaw through narrowed eyes. Dovepaw blinked tiredly and stretched a gray paw in front of her before clumsily sitting up.
Dawnstar's green eyes flashed with disapproval and she flicked her plumy tail over the apprentice's pink nose. "Dovepaw you must be alert and awake for my messages."
Embarrassment made the apprentice quickly groom her ruffled chest. "Sorry, I've been trying to stay up longer to prove I can join the night patrols." She sighed in disappointment. "I guess I fell asleep again."
The slender leader lay down. "You've been in ShadowClan for a while now."
"It's been about half a moon." Dovepaw meowed. "I think I'm getting use to it now. Actually, it's about time I face my first challenge." Her tail quivered in excitement. She wondered what she could possibly have to do to prove her worth to ShadowClan.
Dawnstar cocked her head. "You seem… different, more confidant. It's an improvement." A slight smile fell onto her lips.
Dovepaw purred and puffed out her chest. Ever since her confrontation with Tigerheart she'd decided that she would focus on being the best ShadowClan warrior she could be. After Blackstar finally decided she could go on patrols she was always the first to warn her new clanmates and spot prey. He still never let her near the ThunderClan border or on the night patrols but her mentor Rowanclaw was proud of her skills and often dropped hints about her upcoming challenge. Even the elders were impressed, well half of them anyways, both Snaketail and Whitewater still eyed her with disdain.
"Thank you." She dipped her head in respect. She had met Dawnstar four times already and each time the old leader would give her a small tidbit about when she was clan leader. She didn't understand how learning about Dawnstar's life would explain her destiny but the ShadowClan leader spoke about her leadership with such passion that Dovepaw couldn't help but listen. As of now she knew that Dawnstar was the former leader of ShadowClan and that her bloodline passed through Redwillow, Olivenose and Owlclaw. She also learned that ShadowClan use to be the largest clan in the Old Forest.
During Dovepaw's half moon Redwillow had done his best to be the worst pain the tail possible. He spoke out when she was praised and often tried to mess with her hunting. Owlclaw was less subtle in his attempts to undermine her, he only used his words to try and sting her. Olivenose thank StarClan was a blessing. The she-cat almost scratched her brothers whenever she caught them harassing Dovepaw. She was closet friend Dovepaw had at the moment excluding the kits especially considering Tigerheart was no longer speaking with her.
Dawnstar snorted. "You certainly have some skill Dovepaw but there are some things we need to discuss."
"Have I done something wrong?" She asked nervously. "Is the danger getting closer?"
"Firstly," Dawnstar booped the young cat's nose with her forepaw. "The danger is always moving nearer each and every moment."
"Then I need—
"Your powers are acting up, aren't they?"
Dovepaw froze, her powers did seem to be…fidgety. After she broke down in the medicine cat den, her senses had overwhelmed her, and she had felt sick but now a days it seemed her powers only worked if she stretched out her ears or sniffed extremely hard. Those things were embarrassing to do so she never did them.
"I…sometimes they feel off." She confessed feeling ashamed. "Usually I would ask Jayfeather what was going on but…"
Dawnstar sighed and closed her eyes in thought. "There is a gathering tonight, you could see the rest of the Three then."
Dovepaw almost laughed. "Blackstar would never let me go! I haven't even completed my first trial."
Dawnstar snickered. "He's the melodramatic type, he'll surely bring you to boast to the other clans. It's in his nature."
Dovepaw flicked her tail. "I guess he might." She wondered what her former clan mates would think of her? Would they hate her for leaving them? Part of her didn't want to know and for that reason alone she had avoided trying to see into the ThunderClan camp.
"Can we talk more about the danger I'm suppose to find?" Dovepaw tried to change the subject. Thinking about ThunderClan made her think about her sister and that made her feel lonely. "We've never spoken about it before."
"When the time comes little bird, for now I will give you a little more history about the clans." Dawnstar meowed.
"But—
"There use to be a fifth clan in the old forest." Dawnstar loudly declared ignoring Dovepaw's protest. "Until—
"Oh, shut up Dawnstar."
Dovepaw whipped around surprised. Who was brave enough to tell Dawnstar to stop talking? She saw a familiar flat faced grey she-cat with yellowing teeth. She took a step back confused, weren't StarClan cats suppose to look young and not…not so raggedy? And where have I seen her before?
"Yellowfang's the name, I was the first StarClan cat you ever saw Dovepaw." The intruder grinned at Dovepaw.
Yellowfang? Yellowfang was the ThunderClan medicine cat way before Jayfeather. She looked at the she-cat in awe. She knew that the old looking cat used to be a ShadowClan cat before she was chased into ThunderClan territory.
Before Dovepaw could question why Yellowfang was here Dawnstar turned on the grey furred she-cat snarling and loosing her regal composure. "Treacherous piece of dung! Have you come to steal ShadowClan's hope again?"
Yellowfang's eyes darkened but she did not respond.
Dawnstar continued. "Are you upset because I stopped the worthless battle before it could destroy my clan, your clan?"
Yellowfang curled her lip. "I'm a ThunderClan cat Dawnstar."
"Not by birth!" Dawnstar advanced on the medicine cat. "You left ShadowClan to join a clan that knows little sorrow."
Yellowfang snarled. "Have you forgotten that I was banished mousebrain? And ThunderClan suffers more than you think."
Dawnstar laughed. "Oh really? Well remind me to tell ShadowClan to stop complaining about having the smallest territory and the lowest survival rate. How many prophecies has ThunderClan received?"
Yellowfang glared at her and turned to Dovepaw. "Dawnstar's blinded by her own personal grievance with the rest of StarClan. I can't allow her to drag you down with her."
Dovepaw glanced at Yellowfang. "I appreciate that I really do but what do you think I'm going to do? I promised to bring help to ShadowClan."
Yellowfang's hackles raised. "The prophecy was only given to ThunderClan for a reason. Danger is coming young one and only…" She trailed off.
"Only one clan can survive?" Dovepaw guessed feeling annoyed. It felt just like speaking with Lionblaze all over again. "I'm sorry but that doesn't make any sense. If danger is coming all the clans need each other to survive. That's how we brought the water back." She argued.
Yellowfang shook her head. "We received a clear message, ThunderClan is the largest clan and they alone received the prophecy. Dawnstar overheard about the prophecy and decided to snatch you away to save ShadowClan. She sent you dreams to try and trick you."
Dawnstar hissed but didn't deny anything. Dovepaw threw her a concerned glance, she would question the leader later.
"As I was saying Dovepaw," Dawnstar addressed her but still glared at Yellowfang. "There use to be five clans in the forest until StarClan gave up on one of them. Their warriors, apprentices and kits were wiped from memory." She looked down in sorrow. "I did nothing to stop it then, I believed my ancestors would save all five clans without us intervening."
"But they failed." Yellowfang's head was bowed. "And SkyClan was ejected from the clans. The danger now is much worse than before." Her eyes grew wide and her voice took on the sound of mutiple cats speaking.
Only one clan will survive the coming danger
Dovepaw both heard and felt the strength in her words. It shook her to the core and she was filled with fear.
Dovepaw woke up suddenly, breathing heavily and eyes burning with fear. Only one? Only one clan could survive? No that can't be true! What if I have to choose between ThunderClan and ShadowClan?
"Dovepaw you've woken us all up again." She heard Starlingpaw groan tiredly. "We were hunting all day, give us a break for once."
"Pinepaw's still sleeping." Ferretpaw purred dreamily.
Dovepaw was glad that the black she-cat wasn't awake to see her look so frightened. She'd make fun of me for sure.
"Is something wrong?" Starlingpaw asked. "Have you developed an illness?" He pressed his nose to her flank.
She coughed and shook her head. "No, I just had a nightmare is all."
"Well we might as well all get up now." Starlingpaw told her. "Maybe we can convince our mentors to take us to the gathering."
"I already know I'm not going." Ferretpaw groaned. "Oakfur's upset with me because I didn't catch that sparrow."
Dovepaw chuckled. "You also fell out of a tree about two fox lengths high."
"I'm fine!"
Starlingpaw snorted and nudged Dovepaw towards the entrance. "Let's go find our mentors, Pinepaw's not coming because she's sprained her foot."
She nodded and followed him outside. Even though he was known as Serious Starling, Dovepaw found that the younger apprentice's stoic nature often broke when he was worried or anxious. In fact, he could get as chatty as Ferretpaw sometimes. She wasn't sure if they were friends but he did encourage her whenever they went hunting.
They spotted Rowanclaw and Tawnypelt sharing a squirrel near the warrior's den. Rowanclaw was grooming his mate's ear but his ears perked when he spotted the apprentices. Dovepaw bounded up to her mentor with Starlingpaw trailing behind.
"Are we going to the gathering?" Starlingpaw asked the couple.
Rowanclaw purred and glanced at his mate. "Of course! You've certainly earned it." Tawnypelt nodded in agreement.
Dovepaw felt a twinge in her stomach. "Is there…a way I should behave?"
Tawnypelt snorted. "Ignore the looks from your old clanmates, be proud and confidant!" She touched her nose to Dovepaw's muzzle. "You don't want to look nervous."
"Try to hide those tells." Rowanclaw advised. "ShadowClan is a clan of no regrets. Blackstar listed who was coming while you two were asleep. It's a good thing you two woke up on time otherwise we would have to leave without you." His joking tone did little to calm Dovepaw's nerves.
Before she could express her concerns Dovepaw heard ragged coughing coming from the medicine cat's den.
"Is Russetfur coming?" She asked.
Tawnypelt shook her head. "She's ill, so she's staying back in the den with Littlecloud."
"So, ShadowClan's not going to have their medicine cat or deputy at the gathering?" Starlingpaw exclaimed. "We'll look weak!"
Tawnypelt cuffed his ear lightly. "Flametail's still coming and we're bringing our strongest warriors."
Rowanclaw sighed. "It's only whitecough right now. She should be alright soon."
"What happens if it turns to greencough? Do we have herbs for it?" Starlingpaw pressed. "I mean I know it's almost leaf bare but we have enough herbs, right?"
Tawnypelt flashed Rowanclaw a look before clearing her throat. She touched her nose to Starlingpaw's head. "Don't worry about it Starlingpaw. We'll be fine."
Dovepaw walked beside Snowbird and Olivenose. She was happy they were chosen to go to the gathering. They protectively walked around her glaring at Redwillow whenever he got too close.
The mottled tom had loudly complained when he saw her walk up with Starlingpaw. Dawnpelt had scolded him for complaining so near to Blackstar but Redwillow only snorted in defiance.
Dovepaw peered ahead at Blackstar as he led them through the RiverClan border. She wondered if the leader was tired of having his authority challenged by Redwillow all the time. If he heard the tom complaining he took no notice.
"I'm going to claw out Redwillow's eyes if he looks here again." Snowbird growled as the tom glared at her.
"Please ignore my idiot brother." Olivenose pleaded with Dovepaw. "He's going through a phase."
"It's an extremely long phase." She heard Crowfrost mutter as he padded just in front of them. "Should've done a better job teaching him Snowbird."
Snowbird snorted. "As if you could've done better Crowfrost."
"I could've." The tom boasted.
"Could not." Snowbird retorted.
"Could've."
"Not—
"Please don't do this tonight." Dovepaw heard a warrior call over their shoulder. "You two have been doing this for seasons."
Crowfrost smirked. "Could have." He whispered quickly before rushing forward just in time to miss Snowbird stick out her tongue at him like a kit.
"Can you believe the nerve!" Snowbird hissed lowly.
Olivenose giggled. "Can you believe you and him use to be mates?"
Dovepaw cocked her head and looked at Snowbird who look flustered. "You and Crowfrost were mates?" She asked in surprise. The long-haired tom seemed so…so arrogant plus a different she-cat always surrounded him each day. Dovepaw could barely believe the tom had time to stay with a mate.
Snowbird groaned. "Four moons of pure chaos."
"How'd it happen?" Dovepaw was curious.
"He was…" The she-cat searched for the word. "convincing." Olivenose giggled again and snorted.
"Crowfrost acts different sometimes." Snowbird protested. "He's not always a stuck up, miserable, mangy foxhearted, dung eating—I mean he's sweet sometimes."
"I think you've lost your point." Tawnypelt purred from behind the three cats. "Don't worry about it Snowbird."
"But why—oomph!" She bumped into Smokefoot's behind. "Why did we stop?"
"RiverClan." Smokefoot replied calmly. "Did you not scent them?"
Dovepaw looked forward to see the RiverClan leader Mistystar flanked by her deputy Reedwhisker and the pretty dappled medicine cat Mothwing. Dovepaw felt embarrassed, it seemed that even the strongest scents were escaping her nose.
"Blackstar." Mistystar greeted curtly. "I hope StarClan has blessed your clan this moon." Her tone seemed forced and Dovepaw noticed the stare off between both leaders. StarClan it's like she hates him.
"Mistystar," Her leader greeted much in the same way. "I hope the same for your clan. Has hunting been well?" His voice lacked the same pride Dovepaw had recognized it having. What was that…strange tone coming from his throat?
"That will be announced at the gathering—I…" The forced tone turned into one of surprise. "Is that Dovepaw of ThunderClan among your ranks?"
"Dovepaw of ShadowClan." Blackstar corrected.
Dovepaw felt the shocked eyes of the RiverClan warriors fall onto her. Instead of stepping backwards she stepped forward confidently. She wasn't going to let them leer at her and know that she was afraid.
She felt Tawnypelt, Olivenose and Snowbird press up against her in support. Silently she thanked the she-cats.
"I…see." Mistystar meowed sounding interested. She motioned with her tail and her clan followed her to the log connecting to the island. They went over silently.
Blackstar beckoned for ShadowClan to wait for a few moments before signalling for them to cross to the island.
"He always makes us wait for those fish faces." She heard Scorchfur whisper to Redwillow who grunted and glared at Blackstar's tail.
"I do it out of courtesy, Scorchfur." Blackstar responded calmly without turning to face him. "If you truly have a problem with waiting a few moments, next time you can cross with RiverClan."
Scorchfur lowered his head in embarrassment and Dovepaw fought the urge to grin at him. Serves you right!
ShadowClan was the last clan to arrive and she guessed the news of her joining ShadowClan had spread to the other clans. She kept her head high as she walked, dozens of eyes watched her walk by. Whispers filled her ears and she flattened her ears trying to push them out.
Rowanclaw lowered his head to hers. "Relax," He whispered. "They're just going to have to get use to it."
How am I going to get use to it?
"Dovepaw!" Her ears perked, her mother came running towards her at full speed. She covered her in licks and purrs. Dovepaw couldn't help but push into her mother's embrace. I missed you!
Other cats came tumbling to her pushing the ShadowClan cats away. She heard Olivenose recoil back with a hiss as Lionblaze came close.
Her eyes met her former mentors, he looked pained and guilty. "Dovepaw, I'm so sorry."
She shook her head. "This was my choice." She told him. "I'm ShadowClan now."
With that her former clanmates including her mother stepped back and glared at the shadows behind her. Rowanclaw stepped forward looking oddly smug.
"But why?" Whitewing's voice shook. "Why did you leave us?" Her mother's eyes shimmered and Dovepaw swore it was with guilt, but what would her mother have to feel guilty for?
Dovepaw looked from her new to old clanmates. Redwillow had his ears perked, Dustpelt looked conflicted. Thornclaw was staring at her with disdain while Smokefoot looked calmly at her.
"I…can't explain it." Dovepaw meowed poorly. "This is just where I need to be and I want to be the best ShadowClan warrior I can be."
"The best ShadowClan warrior…" Lionblaze echoed. "I don't understand."
"She's ours now." Rowanclaw growled. Dustpelt glared at him with his lips curled.
"Doesn't any cat find it odd that ShadowClan is accepting others?" Thornclaw's tone was laced with suspicion. "Dovepaw has kittypet blood."
Whitewing flinched.
Dovepaw's fur bristled. "So what?" How dare Thornclaw point out her heritage. Why couldn't he just accept the change. Rowanclaw flicked an ear but said nothing. Dovepaw felt her face burn. Was her new mentor ashamed of her now?
Thornclaw looked down at her. "So? This is the worst kind of betrayal and it doesn't even make sense." Growling at the shadowed warriors he continued. "ShadowClan is known for their tricks and lies, I know for a fact that you're planning something."
"What's the matter." Smokefoot breathed. "Are you afraid of us?"
"In your dreams!" Thornclaw retorted. "I just—
"Let the gathering begin!" She heard Onestar call out. The lithe WindClan leader looked oblivious to the tensions between ShadowClan and ThunderClan.
"Dovepaw come sit with us." Lionblaze whispered. "Just for a moment, we need to talk."
"I'll come with you!" Olivenose meowed while glaring at Dovepaw.
Dovepaw squeaked as she was squeezed by the two warriors glaring weapons at each other. They settled on Dovepaw sitting between the two of them. She could tell that Lionblaze had wanted to tell her something by his disappointed glance. Don't worry I need to talk to you too.
She spotted Blackstar sitting tall almost hidden by the leaves of The Great Oak. Firestar sat on a branch just beside him, his bright green eyes scanning the cats below him. Mistystar was standing on the branch below them looking proud and confident.
"I will begin." Onestar declared from his branch, the other leaders didn't challenge him but Dovepaw spotted Blackstar scoff and turn his head to side while Firestar merely sighed.
"Despite the signs of frost prey is still running well on the moor." He meowed. "Our apprentices are learning fast and will soon be warriors their clan can be proud of." For a brief moment, he made eye contact with Firestar.
She felt Lionblaze stiffen beside her. "Onestar's trying to start trouble."
Olivenose stuck her tongue out. "He's such a frogbrain." She agreed.
"That is all." He sat down with a smug look on his face, his tail waved around satisfied.
"I will speak next." Mistystar meowed. The leader reported on the rivers beginning to freeze over but there still being prey left over to catch.
Dovepaw listened with only half an ear, her eyes were soon directed at her father. She blinked warmly at him but he turned away. She felt stung. Birchfall was never this cold with her before. She sighed and looked back to Mistystar. She could feel her chest begin to quicken. My own father hates me
She looked to her mother but Whitewing seemed lost in her own world simply staring blanking at her paws. Why is she acting so weird?
"Dovepaw you're shivering." Lionblaze glanced at her, concern washing over his face. "Are you cold?"
Relax. She practised breathing in and out until she calmed down. "Just a bit." In response, her men-uh former mentor wrapped his fluffy golden tail around her ears. Olivenose scowled in response. Is she jealous? She paid her friend no mind and reveled in the comfort of warmth.
"That is all."
She had missed most of the RiverClan report. How had it been finished so quickly?
"Blackstar do you have anything to report?" The RiverClan leader meowed innocently.
Dovepaw frowned, had the RiverClan leader rushed her report on purpose just to figure out what was going on in ShadowClan? The gray furred she-cat cocked her head curiously, Blackstar simply stood up nonchalantly.
"ShadowClan is faring well, our prey is plentiful, our herb supply full and our nursery is full of kits waiting to be warriors." He meowed evenly.
Dovepaw sniffed. She wasn't sure that was exactly true. Tawnypelt and Rowanclaw seemed worried about the lack of herbs.
"Russetfur has fallen ill but will soon recover, Littlecloud stayed behind to make sure of it." He finished with a flick of the ear. "That is all."
Dovepaw was puzzled. Wasn't he going to mention her?
"That can't be it!" Came a yowl from the crowd. Murmurs of agreement came with it.
"I see Dovepaw of ThunderClan among ShadowClan!" She recognized Mosspelt call out, she stood beside Petalfur who had a confused expression on her face.
"Oh." Blackstar simply meowed. He licked his paw uncaringly and examined it.
Oh? Is that all he's going to say.
She soon remembered what Dawnstar had told her. He's the melodramatic type, he'll surely bring you to boast to the other clans. It's in his nature."
Dovepaw couldn't help but narrow her eyes. She remembered how Blackstar had spoken to his clan when she had arrived. How he had spoken to Firestar, convincing him to banish her. The white tom had a way with using his words.
"Yes," His gaze travelled to Firestar. "Dovepaw is ShadowClan now." Firestar's lip almost curled.
Blackstar's whiskers seem to twitch in amusement and he turned to the surprised crowd. Whispers grew and eyes fell onto him. "Trust me I know, how can a ThunderClan cat join the darkest clan in the forest?"
"ShadowClan rejects impure blood and now it takes a soft-hearted apprentice." Dovepaw recognized Breezepelt of WindClan call out. Her fur bristled and she glared darkly at the tom. I'm no soft heart Breezepelt, tread too far and you'll find out! Surprised at her own thoughts she turned back to Blackstar who had a knowing look on his face.
"ShadowClan rejects weakness." Blackstar retorted. "This apprentice will be given six moons to be trained in our ways and loose whatever softness she possesses."
Firestar finally spoke up. "Six moons? What for? She's already half way trained."
Blackstar glared at him. "Maybe as a ThunderClan cat but as a ShadowClan cat she's barely begun."
"You can't just—
"Dovepaw's new mentor is Rowanclaw." Blackstar meowed cutting Firestar off rudely.
"This is odd indeed." Mistystar commented.
"Good luck with your new apprentice." Onestar sneered at Blackstar. "It seems like you're picking up the traits of your neighbours."
Blackstar and Firestar both glared at Onestar who turned around smugly.
Firestar began his report. "ThunderClan is strong and healthy even with the come of the cold. Our prey is plentiful…"
Dovepaw zoned out to look for her sister. She did not spot her among the multitude of pelts. "Where's Ivypaw?" She whispered into Lionblaze's ear.
He stiffened. "She opted to stay behind."
"Oh." Her ear's fell. "I guess she didn't want to see me."
"No no no." Lionblaze reassured. "She misses you, she just wanted extra sleep, Jayfeather says she was hurt a couple nights ago."
"Hurt?" She gasped. "How—
"Will both of you be quiet?" She heard Sandstorm hiss.
"ThunderClan wishes Dovepaw luck in her new clan." Firestar finished looking satisfied.
The leaders leapt down from the trees signalling that it was time to mingle with other cats. Before she could ask Lionblaze how her sister had been hurt she was flooded by a bunch of cats asking her questions mostly the younger ones.
"Why'd you leave?" She recognized the dark brown tabby tom from the first RiverClan patrol she saw in ShadowClan territory.
"She's an idiot Hollowpaw that's why!" Another apprentice declared. She recognized Beetlewhisker a brown and white tom agree with the apprentice. "Where's the loyalty in cats now a days."
She sniffed and pushed away from the cats losing Olivenose in the process. She pushed forward to the opposite end of the gathering hoping to find a quiet spot away from the noise. She missed her clan mates yes, but she didn't want to be asked the same questions over and over again especially when she couldn't answer.
"How are you Dovepaw?"
The foliage rustled and out came Jayfeather. She gulped, the medicine cat had been horrified when she had joined ShadowClan. How did he feel now?
"I'm fine, how's Ivypaw?" She asked.
"Still training in the Dark Forest." He meowed dryly. "She thinks she's training to help the clan."
"What?" Dovepaw meowed in shock. "I thought she would stop! She doesn't need to compete with me anymore I'm gone."
Jayfeather snorted. "Don't be mousebrained. Did you think running away would fix things?"
"You have to watch her for me." Dovepaw begged. "She could get hurt…is-is that what happened a couple days ago?"
"Not the only thing that happened but yes" Jayfeather muttered darkly.
"What else happened?"
"You've abandoned the prophecy." He growled. "For all we know you've ruined it."
Stubbornly she growled. "I haven't ruined anything. Dawnstar says I will bring peace to ShadowClan."
"Yellowfang told me. She also says that only one clan will survive." He quietly uttered. "And it seems to me like you've chosen ShadowClan."
"That's a load of dung Jayfeather!" She snapped. "Why can only one clan survive? It makes no sense."
"Ask StarClan." He retorted.
Silence
"What are we going to do?" Dovepaw asked after a while.
Jayfeather sighed. "I've been in this prophecy since I was a kit and I still don't know. I use to think StarClan had all the answers but I don't think they even really know what to do."
"I think they're scared." Dovepaw concluded. "How can you prepare for something you don't know anything about?"
Jayfeather sighed again and touched his muzzle to her head. "Be safe Dovepaw."
She had departed from the medicine cat with both of them feeling confused. She prayed that she would dream with StarClan tonight, perhaps gain a better understanding of what was coming.
She returned quietly and bumped into Birchfall. Her father visibly flinched before gaining a hard look on his face.
"What have you done?" His voice was breathy.
She blinked. "I'm sorry Birchfall I'm ShadowClan now."
"You realize you've abandoned your sister?" Birchfall growled. "She and the younger warriors think you're being tortured by those maggotpelts."
Her fur bristled. "They're not that bad."
And then faint battle yowls filled Dovepaw's ears and she was distracted from her father's disappointed glance. She looked past him staring blankly to where the ShadowClan patrol had come from. What was that?
"Dovepaw!" Birchfall snapped. "You can't be naïve forever. I'm ordering you to come home this instant and stop this foolish kit's game. This is just like when you spoke about those big brown animals."
She turned to her angry father, she blinked slowly feeling dazed by the scent of blood and the sound of claws meeting flesh. Did he really think he could make her come back to ShadowClan? "I was right about the brown animals, the beavers. That's why me and Lionblaze went to bring the lake back with the other clan cats."
"One journey doesn't make you wise." He retorted. "Dovepaw you can't stay in ShadowClan. It would ruin you mother."
She dipped her head. "I'm sorry but I have a duty to ShadowClan now." She padded past him ignoring his shocked gasp. Please forgive me
Where was the sound of battle coming from? She sat down and prayed to StarClan or whatever gave her the power to see beyond any other cat. Please don't let my powers fail now.
"You've disappointed me." Her father called behind her. "I'm not proud of you any longer." He told her harshly.
She pretended that she hadn't heard the words but her heart felt heavy. Her senses drifted towards the ShadowClan camp, into the tunnel and—
"No!" She whispered loudly suddenly unable to focus on the cats beside her. They all became a blur as her senses entered the ShadowClan camp.
It's being attacked!
Pinepaw had a scratch on her eye and was swiping at her attacker, her sprained paw held her down. Owlclaw struggled with a tom who she couldn't recognize. As hard as she tried to focus she couldn't make out the attackers, they were blurry and deformed.
Russetfur snarled and was chasing a cat out of the camp. The cat hissed at her and smugly taunted the ill deputy.
"I planned this whole thing out. I have warriors you could never imagine on my side." The attacker was boasting.
It can't be
"So either you give us Dovepaw or we'll tear this entire camp apart getting her."
You're reached the end!
Aaaand the ShadowClan camp is under attack while most of the warriors are at the gathering and Dovepaw finally gets to see some of her clanmates again most of whom are not happy to see her.
Her mother especially seems very guilty and Birchfall seemed to want Dovepaw back for Whitewing's sake…I wonder why?
It's almost leafbare and sickness has come to the clans and according to StarClan only one clan may survive the coming danger. Which clan will make it?
Dove's gonna have to think fast about how to save ShadowClan from her sister's ambush.
Double Bless-
XxSelfossObsidianxX
