CHAPTER 10

"I name you, Snowfeather, Darkstorm and Graypelt!" Stormstar announced. Dawnrose cheered as loud as possible, Moonheart by her side. As the meeting finished, Stormstar went hunting, Burningfur a few fox-lengths away from him. Dawnrose followed a few rabbit hops behind him, claws unsheathed.

"Where is the-" Stormstar started mewing but Burningfur had jumped on him, claws unsheathed. Filled with fury, Dawnrose gave a battle shriek and launched herself at Burningfur. Burningfur, surprised, let go of Stormstar and turned on at Dawnrose, lashing his long claws.

Dawnrose barely ducked Burningfur's claws. She clawed his underside, trying to race away for help. Why hasn't Moonheart's patrol come yet? I need immediate help!Dawnrose thought as she battled Burningfur. Stormstar helped but Burningfur only sent him unconscious, sinking into the forest floor.

Dawnrose screamed as Burningfur gripped her throat, preparing for the killing blow.

"Leave her alone!" A shriek of anger raged through the clearing. Moonheart's patrol had arrived! The cats went for Burningfur as Snakestrike and Hedgeclaw appeared, along with another whole patrol!

"Go, Nightpaw! Fetch reinforcements! Now!" Riversun shrieked. The apprentice sprinted away. Dawnrose leapt at an enemy warrior, sinking her teeth into its throat.

"Whitetail! Lead Stormstar to safety!" Dawnrose screeched at the white warrior, unaware that Burningfur was right behind her.

"Look out!" Whitetail screamed back before dragging Stormstar. Dawnrose ducked just in time, snarling.

She swiped her claws at Burningfur, trying very hard not to think of the blood pouring out of her undersides and back.

"Leave MistClan alone, you fox dung!" Dawnrose screeched at Burningfur. Moonheart grasped his teeth around Burningfur's throat, only to be yanked off by Snakestrike and to sent skidding away.

Dawnrose was alone.

The other warriors were battling with the others. Burningfur, Snakestrike and Hedgeclaw were closing in. Come quickly! She thought to the patrol as she sprang at Hedgeclaw, aiming for his throat. She was clawed off by Burningfur.

A battle cry rang through the forest. The second patrol had come!

"Help!" Dawnrose screamed as Snakestrike gripped her throat. Summerleaf jumped at Snakestrike, teeth sinking into his throat. Dawnrose shook some of the dried blood off as she faced Burningfur.

Flamefur aimed a blow at Burningfur before he could strike at Dawnrose.

"I am ashamed to think you are my son!" Flamefur snarled and hissed into Burningfur's ear as he held him down.

"Help me!" A yowl screeched through the air. Dawnrose leapt to see Cindershade, almost dying of no air. Filled with fury, Dawnrose sank her teeth into Cindershade's attacker.

"Leave my sister alone!" She screeched into the surprised warrior's ear, before releasing her grip and jumping at Hedgeclaw.

"Stay away from my Clan!" She yowled. Her voice was so loud, some of the TreeClan warriors stopped, giving MistClan an advantage. Dawnrose swiped her claws at Hedgeclaw's throat, hissing with anger. Moonheart leapt to her side and together, they finished off Hedgeclaw.

Dawnrose and Moonheart fought together bravely, even challenging Burningfur. With a last blow, Dawnrose killed the bloodthirsty warrior.

Dawnrose could barely lift a paw after killing so many warriors. She could feel blood pouring out of her pelt, staining the sandy floor. She breathed deeply, trying to shake off her drowsiness.

Stormstar gave a yowl. "How dare you lead my Clan into a battle!" He yowled at Smokestar. A look of true surprise entered the Clan leader's eyes.

"What? Snakestrike sent Brightpaw to tell us that you started a border fight!" Smokestar flashed a glare at his warrior.

"We never intended to start a border fight. If it wasn't for my daughter, Dawnrose, I would've been killed." Stormstar mewed, hatred coming into his eyes.

"Snakestrike! Speak! Tell us everything." Smokestar ordered.

"I won't ever." Snakestrike hissed.

"I know what has happened, father." Dawnrose mewed, collapsing into the ground. "Burningfur wanted to become leader. He wanted to kill you so Darkshadow will become leader. Then Burningfur will murder him, in chances of becoming deputy."

Dawnrose gulped in a sharp breath and closed her eyes unwillingly, sinking into darkness...

END OF CHAPTER 10! Cliff-hanger! Does Dawnrose live or die? Read the next chapter! Thanks to everyone who reviewed this story! Happy Reading! New chapters posted daily! ~Bluefeather