So, it's been a long while since i updated here, but honestly, i was soooooo out of ideas. What exactly made me write today, i don't know, but i'm not gonna complain about it. It took long enough after all. Hopefully that will work for my other stories.
Warriors doesn't belong to me.
R&R please.
Bramblestar frowned at the thought of another gathering. They'd lost so many warriors the past moon and the moon before. ThunderClan and WindClan were starving and around new-moon Bramblestar had to tell Crowstar about their lack of prey, since he couldn't provide help for WindClan anymore. He had to supress an amused purr at the response Crowstar had given. "That has been going since you offered me that prey, hasn't it? You ThunderClan cats are too good-hearted for your own health."
Right he is, thought the tabby while he led his patrol over the border and into WindClan territory. He wouldn't dare going through ShadowClan territory. Crossing this border meant coming close to Tigerstar's camp. Not that they would get punished for it, but Bramblestar rather kept distance to his father. Now that he thought of it, Tigerstar was ruthless enough to promise safety, just to have cats fall into a trap. It wouldn't be beyond the evil tabby's thoughts. The trip through WindClan territory was silent.
Dead silent.
Bramblestar heard nothing but the soft sounds of paws on the feathery ground, his clan-mates breathing and the splashing of water from the lake.
"Where is the WindClan patrol?", whispered Cloudtail to him.
"I don't know", muttered Bramblestar back and took a deep breath. He smelle dnothing that could indicate that the patrol was on the island already. "And it worries me. I have the feeling something is about to happen tonight."
"You too?", asked Cloudtail. "I have that feeling too and I heard Sandstorm, Greystripe and Dustpelt talk about the same."
Worry rushed through the leader and he asked: "Anyone else as well?"
"Well, Hailstorm has been jumpier today and the apprentices are unusually quiet. But other than that, no, not really."
"That Hailstorm feels it too gives me enough to worry", answered Brambleclaw to his deputy.
"But whatever happens tonight", argued Cloudtail strongly. "ThunderClan will stand closed behind you Bramblestar. Shall Tigerstar have order over all four clans! You are our leader and we follow your order, not his."
"Right!", agreed Dovewing.
Cloudtail has spoken loud enough to have the three cats behind the two of them hear him. Ivypool and Lionblaze nodded in agreement and the golden tabby continued: "As much as you will dislike it Bramblestar, we all will protect you with our lives. We failed Firestar on this. We won't fail you."
The mention of his former mentor's name made Bramblestar's fur bristle, but he blinked at the warrior gratefully, answering: "I can't get you off of this idea I guess?" The three warriors and Cloudtail shook their heads and Bramblestar purred amused. While being deputy, he'd never truly understood what kept Firestar going in seemingly hopeless situations. But now he knew. It was the complete trust of his warriors and the knowledge they would just as much die for him as he would for them.
They slowly crossed the border to RiverClan territory, but the eerie silence continued. "Okay, something is obviously wrong here", hissed Ivypool. Bramblestar only flicked his tail in agreement, his senses being occupied with trying to find the slightest sound that didn't come from his clan-mates. The feeling that something big would happen tonight intensified and a shudder ran through the tabby-tom. "Cold", teased Cloudtail. Bramblestar gave his deputy an annoyed glance, only to see Cloudtail smiling back warmly. He calmed down, reminding himself that Cloudtail just tried to lighten the mood.
They reached the log and crossed it swiftly. On the other side, the strange silence finally disappeared and Bramblestar caught the scents of RiverClan and WindClan. Composing himself, he straightened up and walked on. Coming out on the clearing, he relaxed a bit. At least here seemed everything like always. He twitched his tail to his cats and stalked up to the other leaders.
Quickly he climbed up the tree and settled down. Much to his surprise, Tigerstar wasn't there yet. He shared nervous glances with Crowstar and Reedstar. The two glanced back, nervousness in their eyes as well. "Did you realise this strange silence too?", asked Reedstar silently.
Bramblestar admired his bravery to speak, yet whispered back: "My cats and I did."
"As did we", agreed Crowstar. "Something will happen tonight."
The other two leaders nodded, then the bushes rustled and Tigerstar, followed by his cats and ShadowClan stepped out. He and Blackstar immediately raced to the tree and climbed up, while the tabby's cats and ShadowClan scattered under the cats of Thunder-, Wind- and RiverClan. The moment Tigerstar had taken his spot, the conversations stopped and the tabby nodded to Bramblestar.
Bramblestar looked at his father and reported: "As much as I hate to admit it, we are running low on prey lately. But, luckily, through the long preparations Jayfeather made before his death, Hailstorm has enough herbs to last for a while. Also, Squirrelflight kitted five sunrises ago. She…" Bramblestar's voice gave out when he found Tigerstar's eyes gleaming in excitement, but managed to continue after a few deep breaths. "She bore four kits."
"Their names?", asked Tigerstar.
At this all leaders frowned and Bramblestar stammered: "I-Is this r-r-rea-really nec-necessary?" Never before had he asked for such a clarification.
"It is, now answer", hissed Tigerstar.
Bramblestar frowned and had to fight back tears while he told Tigerstar the names of his kits. "That would be Blazekit, Flarekit, Sparkkit and-and…" Bramblestar glanced down and closed his eyes. Please, please, please don't have him killing him, thought the leader before he whispered: "Firekit."
A collective gasp echoed over the clearing and Tigerstar exclaimed: "WHAT?!"
"I-It was Squirrelflight's choice. She is the mother and…she wished for something to remember her father by. Can you blame her for that?", asked the younger tabby and locked eyes with his father. Tigerstar glared at Bramblestar, before regaining his composure and straightening up. "Of course not", purred the tabby silkily. "I would not dare to doubt the judgement of a mother."
Bramblestar took a step back, dread rushing through him. I warned her, thought the tabby with despair. I told her what Tigerstar could do when he finds out. Oh no, no, no! Tigerstar suddenly glared and hissed: "Hawkfrost! Bring our congratulation to ThunderClan." Bramblestar gasped in shock and a few ThunderClan cats cried out. They all understood the hidden meaning in Tigerstar's words. Hawkfrost grinned evilly and prepared to speed off, when Bramblestar cried: "NO!"
Everyone turned to look at him. The tabby's shocked gaze stayed on his half-brother, who stared back in shock as well. No one had expected him to actually dare and speak up. "Is there a problem son?", asked Tigerstar.
Out of habit Bramblestar almost crouched down and shook his head, but his love for Squirrelflight was stronger and he growled: "Actually, there is." The clans gasped. Tigerstar stared at his son in utter shock. No one had expected Bramblestar to actually answer this. "There has been a problem for moons", continued the ThunderClan leader. He didn't care anymore. He would die for talking back to Tigerstar already. Now he could as well speak up. "That problem is you!"
The other three leaders gaped in utter shock at what Bramblestar dared to do, but the tabby ignored them, keeping his glare on Tigerstar. He seemed completely furious and lunged at the tabby. Bramblestar cried out when his father rammed into him and both fell to the ground. A sickening crack rung in his ears when he hit the ground and he cried out in pain. The formerly silent clearing now was filled with the scared cries of Bramblestar's clan-mates and the enraged growls of Tigerstar's followers. Tigerstar leaped at his son once again. Bramblestar rolled to the side and managed to dodge, but cried out when he put weight on his right foreleg. Pain spread through his whole body, gathering at his shoulder. Is it broken?, wondered the tabby. It appeared so.
Then he was pinned down. He cried out once again. The pain in his shoulder was agonizing. "I haven't even scratched you", hissed Tigerstar. Bramblestar blinked his eyes open and looked at his father, who in turn tilted his head, before grinning and putting weight on Bramblestar's injured shoulder. An agonised cry tore itself from his throat. "I knew your foreleg was not supposed to bend that way", laughed the older tabby.
Swallowing the pain, Bramblestar growled: "Do to me what you want! But leave Squirrelflight and her kits alone!"
"Or what?", asked Tigerstar.
His son had no answer, when a familiar voice suddenly cried: "Or this!"
Then Tigerstar's weight was gone and he heard how the tabby crashed against the tree.
Bramblestar struggled to his legs, to gasp in shock.
On top of the evil tom, who struggled to get up, crouched a familiar black tom with white tail-tip.
"Ravenpaw!", exclaimed the cats who knew him.
Tigerstar froze at the name of his former apprentice and looked up. Bramblestar saw how Ravenpaw grinned down at his old mentor and sneered: "Surprised to see me here?" At this the ThunderClan leader frowned. He hadn't ever heard Ravenpaw like this. It seemed…too dark for the warm-hearted loner.
"How can you pin me down", growled Tigerstar enraged. "I'm far more powerful than you!"
"Are you?", asked Ravenpaw calmly and sheathed his claws. "Then try to get up." Tigerstar glared at the black tom and did try, but Ravenpaw didn't move an inch. Everywhere on the clearing the cats watched with awe how Ravenpaw kept Tigerstar pinned with ease.
"What is this?!", cried Tigerstar out finally.
"This?", asked Ravenpaw darkly. Somehow his voice reminded Bramblestar of Firestar. "This is a curse Tigerstar. But though placed on us, it will haunt you!" Bramblestar frowned at the word 'curse'. Could it really be? Suddenly Ravenpaw was gone, slithering to a stop at the edge of the clearing. Tigerstar leaped up and was about to lunge forward, when he froze and stared with wide-eyes.
"That is impossible!"
Bramblestar, wondering what could shock Tigerstar like this, followed his gaze and gasped. On Ravenpaw's left and right side, Mistystar and Onestar kept Darkstripe, Thistleclaw, Mapleleaf and Hawkfrost pinned to the ground. "That can't be", cried Reedstar out from his post on the tree. Mistystar flashed him a short grin, before she returned her attention to Tigerstar.
"Oh it can be and it is", argued a new voice and Lionblaze gasped: "No!" Jayfeather stepped onto the clearing, followed by Tawnypelt and Barley.
"How", breathed Tigerheart in shock.
"Through a curse, just like Ravenpaw said", answered another familiar voice and Stormfur and Brook appeared as well.
Bramblestar could do nothing more than watch the happenings, when he suddenly heard a cheerful cry. His attention snapped to Strawberrypaw, who stared upwards with a smile. She truly beamed. The cats followed her gaze and Bramblestar heard gasps. On a thin branch, covered in moonlight, towered a fire-ginger tom, his green eyes ablaze and narrowed when they locked with Tigerstar's ember ones. The Dark-Forest leader backed off against the tree and yowled: "That is impossible. Even if StarClan would be behind this, you never joined them!"
This gained gasps from everyone but the leaders and healers on the clearing.
"True", answered the tom calmly. "I never joined them, neither did any of the others, though their lives would have allowed it."
"The loners not", yowled Darkstripe, to get Onestar's paw pressed onto his throat, effectively cutting him off. "Oh yes they would have", snarled the former WindClan leader. "Ravenpaw, Barley, Stormfur and Brook might not have been clan-cats by body, but by soul!"
"Yet we all accepted this", continued Jayfeather and stepped forward.
"To finally put an end to your doings", ended Tawnypelt with a hiss.
Though everyone was still shocked at seeing those cats, their attention soon returned to the tom that still stood atop the branch and gazed down onto the clearing. Suddenly his eyes focused on Strawberrypaw and he ordered: "Gather your siblings and go Strawberrypaw. You shouldn't see this fight." But the apprentice shook her head. "No way I'm leaving now!" A sigh came from the tom and he stated: "Just as stubborn as your mother. Very well." With that he leaped down and landed on the clearing, absolutely soundless. "That just means we have to hold back even more."
Slowly he stalked up to Tigerstar, who'd finally gathered himself and stalked forward as well.
"How you can be here kittypet, I don't know. But I killed you once and I killed you again."
The ginger tom laughed coldly, sending shivers down the spines of those who knew him as a warm-hearted leader, and hissed: "You can kill creatures that are alive Tigerstar. You can kill souls. But you can only destroy creatures like me. I'm dead, my soul is gone. Try and kill me, go on. It won't work." Tigerstar backed off in bewilderment and then Cloudtail exclaimed: "Firestar what are you talking about?"
Firestar glanced at him, then sunk his head. "This." With that his back arched and a horrifying hiss came from the former leader. The younger cats cried out in fear and hid behind the older ones. The only ones that seemed unaffected by Firestar's doings were the cats he came with. Suddenly the ginger tom raised his head and gave a threatening growl. Bramblestar took a step back in shock and now more cats backed off. Tigerstar's eyes widened and he staggered backwards as well. A cruel laugh came from the red-eyed tom and he sneered: "Scared now Tigerstar? I told you, you can't kill me, since I'm not alive, nor do I bear a soul. Once I would let lose, I could kill everyone here in mere heartbeats. But, to your misfortune, I'm only after you." He bared his fangs at Tigerstar, showing off that two were longer than the rest.
"Wait a minute", exclaimed Lionblaze. "The prey we found. The bloodless one. That…"
"...was me", agreed Firestar, suddenly deadly calm again. His eyes still glowed red, but he seemed like the tom they knew again. "I, at times, forgot to bury it. Too bad. Luckily the you only found two pieces of what I caught outside of the territory." He gave Bramblestar and apologetic glance. "I'm sorry about the fox you tripped over." Bramblestar simply shrugged, causing pain to flare up in his shoulder once again. Firestar gave it a pitiful glance and asked: "Jayfeather can you do something for his shoulder?"
The healer was with Bramblestar the next second, scaring him out of his fur. He checked the wound and stated: "Well, the poison could numb the pain, but except for you no one can bite and out yet." Firestar gave a deep sigh, before flicking his tail. Ravenpaw and Barely started advancing at Tigerstar, making sure he stayed where he was. He padded up to his former apprentice, who looked back nervously.
"Do you trust me?", asked Firestar.
Bramblestar smiled at that and stated: "No matter what you are right now Firestar, I would always trust my lives to you." Firestar smiled weakly, then bent forward. His head hovered by the tabby's shoulder for a few heartbeats, then fangs pierced through Bramblestar's flesh and he gasped. ThunderClan cried out, but Firestar had pulled back already and stepped away, licking blood from his fangs. Bramblestar breathed out when he almost lost feeling in his shoulder and the pain went down. "Thank you."
Firestar smiled slightly, before he gave a nod and turned his attention back to Tigerstar. "Now, why don't we continue our conversation. I'm going to kill you anyhow tonight, but I guess I should give you the chance to defend yourself", stated the ginger tom.
Tigerstar growled at Firestar and hissed: "I don't care what you are Firestar. You were and will always be a weak little kittypet."
Firestar chuckled amused and argued: "I haven't been a kittypet since the day I came into the forest and followed Lionblaze and Whitestorm to ThunderClan's old camp Tigerstar. And I am surely not one now."
"Then what are you?!", spat the tabby.
Firestar was about to answer, when a female voice croaked: "The correct term, would be Vampire." Bramblestar watched surprised how Firestar's eyes widened in shock and he spun around. Everyone followed his gaze. A pale-grey she-cat stepped out of the bushes. He fur making her seem ghostly in the moonlight. Her fangs matched Firestar's, though her eyes were from such a bright red that it almost hurt to look at her. "Greetings Firestar", laughed the she-cat. Firestar took a step away from her, but to everyone's shock, he dipped his head.
Then he looked up, hatred making his eyes glow brighter. He hissed just one word.
"Fang!"