I watched as Felidae gave off her last breath and then lay still. Her eyes where closed but I knew they were lifeless and milky. Her pelt was stained crimson red from all of her blood and the dog teeth shined in the dim light.
I leaned down and licked the top of her head and said "Farewell Sarah…" Then, with tears sliding down my face, I turned back to Tigerstar and raised my head. The dark tabby was smirking at me and Nightmare. Nightmare also was crying and had her metal claws out and ready.
I felt my fur bristle and half way through the air; I wondered who had control of my body as I slammed down on Tigerstar with a screech of rage. I clawed at his shoulders tearing clumps of tabby brown fur out and leaving light scratches. Tigerstar hissed and kicked me off of him.
I knew I was no match for him, but I wanted revenge for my fallen friend. Then, Tigerstar darted to the side and kicked up dirt into my eyes. I hissed and then felt the cat pin me to the ground with ease. I opened my eyes and saw Tigerstar raising his claws to deal the final blow. So…I would be joining Felidae here soon…
But instead a yowl made Tigerstar flinch and look over his shoulders. My own eyes widen in disbelief as Scourge walked out of the shadows. His cold eyes showed no emotion other than hatred to the tabby. Tigerstar turned away from me to face Scourge and he asked "Why are you here kittypet?" Scourge, undaunted by Tigerstar's words growled and said "You kill many before, you kill me, but killing Felidae…that will be the last thing you will see fall in front of you besides yourself."
Tigerstar sneered and asked "Is that so? I killed you once before and I can easily do it again!" Tigerstar's fur fluffed up and he hissed. But Scourge smirked and said "Who in the name of Starclan said I was going to fight you? No, I'll leave that fun to them."
Tigerstar flicked up his ears in confusion and Nightmare and I was just as confused as the Dark tabby. Then Scourge raised one paw and said "Time after time Tigerstar, You will fall just like the first time." Then some bushes trembled with movement and eyes gleamed in the darkness. Then another pair, then more, and more.
I backed up as the first line of cats walked slowly out into the clearing. I did not recognize any of them, but I recognized something about them. Collars. Collars with dog teeth…
"Dead Bloodclan Warriors!" I said in astonishment. I backed up and so did Tigerstar. But then Scourge's eyes flashed and he slightly smiled and said "No, I think I will fight you…Bloodclan! Help the Four clans against this worthless crowfood of cats! Win and I promise you this!" Scourge then turned his dark gaze on Tigerstar and said "I promise you The Dark Forest my loyal Bloodclan Warriors!"
Cats yowled in response and then headed right towards the nearest Dark Warriors. I couldn't help smile at this and then Scourge leaped forward till he was in fighting range of Tigerstar. Both Toms looked like they could tear the moon out from the sky. Scourge though, kept shaking. Not with fear, but with excitement like he knew something was going to happen.
Then Tigerstar leaped into the air and Scourge darted to the side and then scratched Tigerstar's side and then nipped at his back leg. Tigerstar hissed and turned and scratched Scourge's ear and a few drops of blood dripped from it. Scourge leaped back and I think I imagined this, but I thought I saw him trip on his own! Like he wanted it to happen!
Tigerstar quickly pinned the black cat and raised a blood soaked paw. His claws glowed and he growled showing his fangs. "Any last words before I send you to nothing Kittypet?"
Scourge smirked and opened his mouth to speak, but a different voice screamed "TIGERSTAR!" Heads snapped around and Tigerstar looked up. I turned around and gasped.
Felidae was struggling to her feet. Blood was still pouring out of her making a deep pool of blood but she still stood up. Then she screeched and jerked her whole body to the side, breaking the branch off the tree. She was breathing ragged and her eyes were full of pain. But I felt my throat tighten as I saw something. The branch…it may have broken from the tree, but it was still in her side.
I looked over my shoulder to see both Scourge and Tigerstar's eyes wide at this. And then I turned back to Felidae who staggered up a few feet, then she huffed and did the unthinkable.
She leaned over and clamped her jaw around the end of the branch. Then she latterly ripped it out of her side! I could hear it scraping against her flesh and bone and I nearly threw up on the spot. Blood rippled out of her side and then Felidae, with a lot of effort, swung her head and tossed that branch.
It went over my head and struck Tigerstar on the shoulder making it bleed. The Tabby yowled and then jumped back letting Scourge free who quickly bounded over to Felidae. He rubbed cheeks with her despite the condition she was in. Then I heard him whisper "I told you. You are a true leader."
Even though I knew nothing about the true meaning behind those words, I knew it meant so much more than one could understand. But they do.
