Chapter 8

The Great Tree's leaves were sprawled out on the ground as Moorheart entered the ravine. Tumbling Wind padded ahead, pushing away leaves with her paw. "It's going to snow tonight." She reminded her. "We should be quick."

Mumbling in agreement, Moorheart laid down on the leaves, satisfied by the crunching sound they made. As she was stretching her nose to touch the frosty bark, Tumbling Wind put a paw on her back.

Turning her head around, Moorheart saw hope in her eyes. "I hope you're right."

I know I am. Moorheart turned back to the tree. I just need proof.

She let the darkness take her. She awoke in the grasslands, a gentle breeze ruffling her fur. Moorheart spun around, where a single cat was sitting on the cliff's edge. It turned, looking at Moorheart with the same amber gaze as when she looked at her reflection.

"You wanted to see me?" The she-cat mewed.

"Yes." Moorheart slowly walked closer. "Are you my mother?"

The she-cat flicked her light brown tail. "Yes." She whispered. "Yes I am."

Moorheart started to feel hollow inside. "So I have rogue blood."

The she-cat nodded. "StarClan sent you those visions so you could help your Clan. You never were supposed to stay in your life as a medicine cat. You've felt it before. The warrior urges screeching in your veins. You were meant to save SunClan. You are where you belong, my kit."

Moorheart took a moment to soak it all in.

"And you need to help this Clan." The she-cat growled. "They need you."

"But I don't know who I am anymore." Moorheart felt claws rake across her back. A black tom was behind her, his lips drawn back in a snarl.

"Even if you have rogue blood." Mistystone urged. "You are a SunClan warrior." He touched his nose to her forehead. "Don't let anyone tell you otherwise."

"Thank you, Lake Frost." Moorheart turned to her mother. "I'll make you proud. I'll make you both proud."

"Moorheart!" Tumbling Wind was shaking her awake. "Something's happening!"

As the gray she-cat struggled back into consciousness, yowls were heard from the direction of SunClan's camp.

"Wake up!" Tumbling Wind's cries grew louder, and at last Moorheart's eyes flickered open.

"What's going on?" Moorheart followed Tumbling Wind as they raced into the trees.

"While you were sharing tongues with StarClan," the medicine cat began, "I started hearing yowls and screeches from the camp."

"We need to help!" Moorheart ran faster, pushing past Tumbling Wind. As the camp came into view, she noticed a large striped head. Badgers!

Eventually Tumbling Wind caught up. "Great StarClan!"

"Come on!" Moorheart dashed into the camp, unsheathing her claws. Three badgers were lumbering through the clearing, swatting cats away with their giant paws.

"Leave my Clan alone!" Stormstar was on a jutting rock on the back wall of the cave.

"My purpose in life is to get rid of SunClan." Moorheart was surprised to hear the lead badger's voice. "I ended your last camp and your sister's life." He bared his teeth. "Don't make me end another."

Moorheart noticed that SunClan was retreating, scurrying up the walls of the camp. Stormstar's stalling!

"Your pathetic Clan is no match for me." The badger growled. "Surrender."

Moorheart took a deep breath, padding up to stand next to Stormstar.

"What are you doing?" Moorheart's uncle asked. "This is suicide!"

Moorheart ignored him. "If Clan cats are no match for you," she closed her eyes, then opened them again, "maybe a Mountain Hawk will be."

"What are you talking about?" Stormstar's gaze was full of confusion. "Mistystone killed all the Mountain Hawks."

"Yes." Moorheart turned to her leader. "But then he created one."

"I will fight you, cat." The badger smirked. "Be prepared for pain."

Moorheart let out a battle cry and launched at its face. The badger's paws flailed wildly, and it fell over on its back. Moorheart dug her claws into its belly fur, feeling flesh tear.

She looked back at Stormstar, who realized what she was doing. He ran past the badgers, calling to any cats left in the camp.

Moorheart turned back to her fight. The badger reached for her, but her claws were deep in its belly fur.

"What are you doing?" The badger turned to its companions. "Destroy the camp!"

No! Moorheart knew she had to finish this fight before they had destroyed the whole camp. She watched in horror as one limped to her nest, where Cracked Bark laid.

"Cracked Bark!" Moorheart let go of the badger and raced towards the nest. Great StarClan. If they kill him, I'll never forgive myself.