Will the Evil ever be vanquished?

Chapter 34 Part II

Swiftstar sharpened his claws on a small stone, relaxed and ready. He had arranged a private meeting with his senior warriors, and he was just waiting for Pebblefall. He had done his best to care for Stoneclaw; now that Buzzardfeather was gone the tom only had Swiftstar, Darkpaw, and Brindlepaw. Pebblefall yawned as she squeezed out of the warriors' den, and took her seat beside Snowleaf. Swiftstar leapt up onto the Meetingstone, and began, "My friends, Claystar must be stopped. Starclan have shown that I alone must defeat him, but I need your help to vanquish his followers. Are you with me?"

For a moment, no cat moved. It was obvious that this would be a fight to the death. Finally, Rockshadow rose to his paws, and growled, "I will stand beside you."

"I too will fight against that evil group." Stoneclaw yowled triumphantly.

Soon every warrior raised his or her voices, screeching defiantly. Swiftstar had to signal to with his tail for silence. The clan began to simmer down, and Swiftstar decided, "I will lead a party to the mountain border, Stoneclaw, I want you to lead a patrol to the moors. Tomorrow."

Stoneclaw asked, "Who shall I take?"

"Hmm, take Firesong, Ryeleaf, Spottedcloud, Ashpaw, Willowbranch, Hailstorm, and Flamefall. I will take Pebblefall, Mudpaw, Rainheart, Ivymask, Birchpelt, Eaglewing, Yellowstripe, and Ebonystep." Swiftstar replied.

The warriors nodded in agreement, and slipped into their nests. Swiftstar waited a long time before he returned to his den. He knew this final confrontation with Claystar would be far from normal, and he anticipated a dream in Starclan. The moment he closed his eyes however, he heard Acornleap warn, "Do not sleep now, your clanmates are in danger!"

Swiftstar snapped open his eyes, beginning to creep outside. Leopard was holding Ashpaw by his throat, easily holding him down. Swiftstar realized, thankfully, that the rouge hadn't seen him. Without warning, Flightfur strolled into the clearing from his den. He had no idea he was heading straight for Leopard. Swiftstar could restrain himself no longer. He hurled himself upon the rouge, furiously clawing her back. Leopard let out a yowl of surprise, and released Ashpaw in shock. Flightfur shrieked, "Invasion!"

Instantly, warriors streaked from their dens, some rushing out of the camp to search for other cats. Swiftstar easily pinned Leopard, baring his teeth in her face in a wicked grin. Leopard snarled defiantly, refusing to back down. Stoneclaw reached Swiftstar's side, and panted, "We've checked everywhere, she came alone."

"You want to be a prisoner eh?" Swiftstar asked the rouge calmly.

Leopard gulped, "Er…if you'll leave me alive!"

Swiftstar nodded at her and let her stand. Leopard betrayed no contempt, and Swiftstar knew what to do. He purred, "Rockshadow is in charge of you! He can treat you how he likes. I don't care if you die."

Leopard curled her lip and leapt for the leader, only to be hauled back by Rockshadow. Leopard herself had trained the tom, and he easily dragged her away. Pinning her to the ground, Rockshadow grinned wickedly and hissed, "Come now mother, you must remember these scars you gave me."

He puffed out his chest, revealing terrible scars Swiftstar had never seen. Without another word he hauled Leopard out of the camp. Spottedcloud padded beside Swiftstar, and murmured, "He's going to kill her."

Swiftstar flattened his ears, and managed, "Its probably for the best."

-The next day-

Snow fell thickly, under the thundering sky. Swiftstar signaled with his tail, and the patrol paused. He squinted, and realized he could see Stoneclaw and his patrol locked in combat with several warriors. Swiftstar flicked his ears at Ebonystep, and the she-cat slipped silently down the mountain trail. The patrol waited tensely, until they heard a screech of surprise from the bottom of the bottom of the mountain, quickly replaced by Leap's caterwaul. Swiftstar let out a screeching battle cry, and flew down the mountain. Warriors at his side, the leader of Moonclan leapt upon the nearest enemy. It was Snakefang. The brown tom whipped around, and howled in pain as Swiftstar sunk his teeth into the warrior's tail. Snakefang's eyes watered, and he raced away screaming. Swiftstar was about to search for Claystar, when he felt teeth grab his leg. He turned to see Horizon holding him down. She spat, "You! We found Leopard's body on you're territory!"

She swung a claw at him, but Swiftstar ducked just in time. While the rouge was recovering, Swiftstar was about to slice her again, when he realized she was a queen. He kicked her back, and ordered, "Get out of here, this isn't your fight, or your kits'!"

Horizon looked ready to ignore him, but she weakly stumbled away instead. Swiftstar turned wildly, trying his best to find Badgerstripe. Suddenly, he caught sight of a pair of gleaming yellow eyes. Claystar was running furiously towards the camp. Instantly, Swiftstar fell into pace behind him, preparing for a fight. His muscles rippled as he gathered speed, and hurled himself upon the leader. Claystar rolled into the camp, dragging Swiftstar with him. The two grappled on the ground, scratching and biting each other with brute force. Finally, Swiftstar batted Claystar with an unsheathed, paw, causing the leader to shudder hideously. Suddenly, Luna's spirit leapt out from the ground underneath Claystar. She fixed her fierce eyes on Swiftstar, and yowled gloriously, "I'm free!"

Swiftstar's courage returned, and continued to attack the corrupt leader with skillful blows. Soon more spirits joined Luna; Blossomstar, Breezepelt, Fishclaw, and several others. Claystar stumbled, and collapsed. Swiftstar padded over to him, and struck the dying cat across the face. Claystar gurgled slightly, his yellow eyes burning with unmasked hatred. He slumped onto his side, and spat, "Scourge…I…I've failed you…"

The tom's eyes glazed, and a final black she-cat leapt free. She fixed Swiftstar with bright blue eyes, and meowed, "It is done. Starclan honor your sacrifice."

Swiftstar tilted his head, "Sacrifice?"

At that moment, Skystar appeared before him. The former leader rumbled, "You have lost your first life Swiftstar, but do not despair. You have eight more. I pray to see you live them out peacefully."

Blossomstar stepped forward, her eyes shining, "Its good to see you Swiftstar, I'm going to tell Amberleaf it is her time to lead Sunclan. I hope you two will agree on things!"

"I promise we shall." Swiftstar dipped his head.

Swiftstar watched Skystar purr, and all began to fade.

"Swiftstar! Swiftstar wake up! Its alright now, you killed Claystar!"

Swiftstar snapped his eyes open at the sound of Shadowflight. He looked around, expecting to see more battling cats, but all he saw were his clanmates being treated by Bluefeather and Webtail. He blinked slowly in relief and delight. The clouds had vanished, revealing the clearest blue sky.