Here's Chapter 16! I had a lot of fun writing it, so I hope that it's at least okay...
"You know what you're doing during the battle?" Cedareyes asked them, panic in his eyes.
Mistshade sighed. "Fighting, obviously. We're not going to draw attention to ourselves, and hopefully no cat recognizes us, and if they do, we get the heck out of there."
Cedareyes nodded. "Good job. If the plan works, not as many lives might be lost tonight."
"What about in the battle?" Rockstorm mewed nervously. "Streamclan lost many that night that they were attacked. How do we know that we won't end up the same way?"
"Because we know about the battle already." Cedareyes let out a grateful sigh. "Thanks to Frostlight."
The young medicine cat had proved to be one of the most helpful cats in the entire mission, as he was in Poppyclan and had tipped Cedareyes off about the battle in the first place. Goldenstar didn't take much convincing, the golden leader had been suspicious of Applestar for a while now, and was prepared to fight her.
If she had heard of what had happened to Stormstar, she didn't seem to care.
One thing that Mistshade was still worried about, however, was the spy. That Starclan-cursed spy, as everyone has been saying. I mean, they're not wrong. That spy is probably working for the Dark Forest. Mistshade had watched carefully, trying to catch some hint of who it could be, but whoever cat it was was surprisingly good at acting and hiding. And almost murdering too.
"What about Curlflight?" Mistshade. "She can't fight now, with her kits on the way."
Cedareyes shrugged. "The decision is actually up to her. Her kits won't be for at least two moons, so I would say that she'd be fine fighting."
Mistshade blinked in surprise. "You're really not going to protect the kits?"
Cedareyes's brown eyes hardened. "No one is safe right now. If she wants to fight, I'm not going to stop her."
What a great medicine cat you are. I wish that I could put my faith in anyone else, but we have to rely on the medicine cats for this time. Frostlight is slightly better than him, I suppose.
Mistshade had met the medicine cat not that long ago, she was quite grateful for what he was risking for her. She knew things were bad in Poppyclan, but Frostlight had looked terrible.
Why would he even risk this much? Wouldn't it be better for him to not help? I mean, I'm grateful for him, I suppose, but I just don't understand what his reasoning is. He must want something from Cavernclan. "I guess I'll go prepare, then."
The day dragged slowly by, Mistshade found it nearly impossible to focus on her duties, with the looming threat of the battle in her mind. She knew that many of her clanmates were feeling the same, even Goldenstar had looked quite apprehensive when she had told them the news of the battle, and many cats were remembering what had happened to Streamclan when they had been attacked.
We have to survive. What does Poppyclan even want from us?
The sun began to set, and Mistshade sat by the entrance of the camp, watching the sun go down. I've put myself in more danger than I ever knew. She flashed back to that conversation with Rockstorm.
"You're playing a dangerous game, Mistpaw, and I don't want you to end up dead in the end."
She sighed. Sorry, Rockstorm. I'll try my best not to die.
Usually, at this time, cats would be heading to their nests, complaining about tomorrow's patrols and gossiping. But not today. Rockstorm came and sat beside her.
"Are you okay?"
Mistshade gave a small nod. "Assuming that Applestar doesn't recognize us right away, we might live through the night."
He touched his muzzle to her cheek gently. "We'll be okay. We both know how to fight. We'll stick together, won't we?"
"Sure." Mistshade replied. She elbowed him playfully. "If it makes you feel any better about your inferior fighting skills."
"Shut up." Rockstorm shoved her gently back. "You were the best one as an apprentice, at least skill-wise, maybe other than Breezestrike."
Mistshade was taken aback by that. She scoffed. "No I wasn't. Everyone else was just as good as me, except for maybe Swiftpuddle."
"You were." Rockstorm mewed. "You just don't want to admit it."
Mistshade blinked. "Maybe you're right. Maybe I don't."
They sat in silence for a little bit, but it was harshly broken by Ebonyfrost's mew.
"Come back in here, you two."
"Fine." Mistshade got up, too tired with everyone to even care. I wish that things weren't so complicated now. I got myself into something that I had never expected to happen.
Darkness fell over the cave, but everyone was deathly silent still. Cavernclan was known for their skill to hide, coming from Cavernstar himself, and there wasn't a better time to use their skill than this. Feathersoar stood up and padded over to Ebonyfrost, murmuring something about the dirtplace. Ebonyfrost sighed, but she grudgingly let the younger cat go. The moon rose, and Mistshade felt herself getting less nervous and more increasingly impatient.
If we have to fight this dumb battle, I'd rather do it sooner than later.
"This reminds me of the Streamclan attack." A voice whispered. "I ripped one of their throats out, I did. I forgot who it was. It was the cat who was on watch that night."
"Wow, look at your incredible memory, Oakcreek. His name was Rockwind, and the sooner that Applestar gives the signal, the better. I don't want to be with you any longer than I have to."
Oakcreek, whoever he was, just snorted with amusement. "Alright. Personally, I think this is kind of fun."
Mistshade could hear the other cat roll their eyes. Can you just get on with it?
Suddenly, a cat landed gently in front of her, their eyes widening in surprise when Mistshade leapt out of the shadows, digging her claws into their pelt.
"I was wondering when you fox-hearts would show up."
The camp around her exploded into battle. Mistshade flipped the cat onto her back, scratching bloody red lines into her underbelly. She shrieked and squirmed out from underneath her, darting away. Mistshade looked around wildly, and caught a glance of Cedareyes whispering urgently to Sandspark, the latter nodded and led a small patrol out of the camp.
Good. So that's going according to plan.
She dove back into the battle, searching vainly for Rockstorm, for Curlflight or Breezestrike, heck, even for Skyblaze, but she couldn't see them. Please. Starclan, keep them alive. They've risked so much as well, they don't deserve to die.
She suddenly caught the flash of Skyblaze's brown pelt, and saw him be pinned to the wall of the camp by a cream she-cat. "I knew you were up to something. Pretty Cavernclan toms don't just stumble onto our territory, do they?"
Mistshade raced towards her, biting into her leg hard and dragging her off of Skyblaze, who leapt to his paws. "Thanks."
Mistshade shrugged. "Save yourself next time."
The moon had risen all the way, and was high in the sky, illuminating the battling cats. Suddenly more cats appeared in the entrance, and Mistshade let out a small breath of relief when she realized that Gullstar was at the head of the patrol. "Sorry we're late."
The battle slowed as cats turned to stare at Springclan in confusion. Goldenstar gave a small smile at her friend. "Well, it's about time."
Gullstar flicked her tail and his cats attacked, and the battle resumed, Cavernclan fighting more ferociously then ever. Thank Starclan for Springclan. And it also seems like we haven't been noticed yet. One thing that does concern me is that I haven't seen Applestar in the battle.
She ducked under another blow and found herself right next to Rockstorm. Blood trickled from a scratch on his muzzle, but he looked relatively unscathed.
"Hi." Mistshade panted. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine." Rockstorm replied. Mistshade readied herself, ready to jump back into the battle, but Feathersoar's panicked voice distracted her.
"Mistshade! Rockstorm! There you guys are! Please, can you come with me? The patrol at the camp needs a few more cats, so I said I'd go get help."
"Sure."
Rockstorm raced towards her, Mistshade at his heels. The three of them burst out of the cave and raced towards the Poppyclan border, Feathersoar in the lead. The silver she-cat looked frightened, but not really injured at all. We have to help the patrol in Poppyclan's camp. That's the only way for this to work. If Frostlight is heading over to Streamclan to tip them off about Blackpaw, he shouldn't be at camp. But instead of turning to head to Poppyclan's camp, Feathersoar led them up, towards a part of the territory that Frostlight didn't tell them about.
"Feathersoar." Mistshade interrupted. "The camp is farther that way."
"Back route." Feathersoar explained breathlessly. "We have to take a slightly different route, sorry. We'll be there soon."
Mistshade exchanged a glance with Rockstorm, who shrugged, but they continued to follow Feathersoar through the dark woods of Poppyclan territory. Suddenly Feathersoar halted, and Mistshade nearly crashed into her.
"What are you stopping for? We have to help the patrol-"
Feathersoar began to laugh, a high, insane, kind of laugh, and she turned to face them.
"I've done it." She hissed. "You two are so stupid."
Suddenly a Poppyclan scent hit Mistshade's nose, one that was sickeningly familiar. "Applestar." Rockstorm whispered. He padded towards Feathersoar, unsheathing his claws. "You're the spy, Feathersoar, aren't you?"
Feathersoar gave a small smile in response.
"Well done, Feathersoar." Applestar stalked out of the bushes, Honeyhawk behind her. "You finally did something right for once."
Feathersoar winced but didn't reply, dipping her head respectfully.
"You're the cat who ruined everything, Mistshade." Applestar snarled.
Mistshade nodded. "I'm glad you know who I am."
Honeyhawk gave a sickening smirk. "Can we kill them yet?"
"Soon." Applestar whispered. She turned her attention back to Mistshade. "Your plan is useless. Feathersoar here told me about the Cavernclan portion, and well, the Streamclan, he'll do his job well enough."
"Frostlight's so dead." Honeyhawk grinned, showing sharp white teeth. "I would've killed him myself, but seeing how the Streamclan spy dealt with Goosepaw, I'll be surprised to see what Frostlight looks like when the spy's done with him."
"It's three to two." Rockstorm whispered to her. "If one of us could get to camp, we might be able to alert the patrol. I'll stay, you go. Your life is more important than mine."
"No, it's not." Mistshade hissed back, not turning to face him.
She directed her attention back to Applestar. "Well, you might have caught us, but Blackpaw's long gone."
Applestar's face didn't change. "I don't care. You might've gotten Springclan on your side, but they're just another Clan to crush."
"Really?" Mistshade smirked. "Do you really think you can beat them? You guys, one Clan, against Springclan and Cavernclan for sure, and possibly Streamclan as well? You lost as soon as you started this. At this point, Frostlight's probably right. You, along with your supporters, would benefit better from just getting the heck out of Poppyclan forever."
Applestar gave a small smile, her reddish brown fur glowing like blood in the moonlight.
"And what are you going to do to make me?"
In response, Mistshade slashed her claws across Applestar's face, and the two began to fight. As Mistshade ducked and feinted and slashed, she knew that she was outmatched, but barely. She heard the distant sounds of Honeyhawk and Rockstorm fighting, and wondered what kind of hole Feathersoar crawled off to. Hopefully one where she might die in the most ungrateful, terrible way. She doesn't deserve anything better, the snake.
Mistshade bit down hard on Applestar's leg, dragging her down. Applestar, however, didn't lose her balance, and rolled, throwing Mistshade against a rock. Mistshade staggered to her paws, knowing that if she let her guard down for a second she would be dead. All I need is a second. Then I can get Rockstorm, and we might be able to get out of here alive. She heard another rustle in the bushes.
No. Not more Poppyclan cats. We're never going to make it out.
But the cat who stepped out wasn't a Poppyclan cat. It was Streamclan. Frostlight stood at the front of the group, anger and triumph blazing in his eyes. Behind him was Stormstar with a Streamclan patrol.
"So you didn't die." Honeyhawk growled.
"Sorry to disappoint you." Frostlight smirked. "I luckily went the long way, believe it or not. I knew that the spy was somewhere around Cavernclan border, and Gullstar was quite kind to let me pass."
"Gullstar." Applestar spat. "That weak-hearted coward."
Stormstar padded into the moonlight, fury in his usually calm blue-green gaze. "So you tried to kill my son."
Applestar nodded. "If only it had worked."
Stormstar gave a furious smile, one that made him look even crazier. "Oh, it worked well enough. And I'm going to make you pay for it. Mistshade, MOVE."
Mistshade hurriedly backed away, not wanting to get in the way of the Streamclan leader. Applestar lunged at Stormstar, and the clearing exploded into battle. Mistshade, however, found herself being ushered by Frostlight along with Rockstorm.
"Streamclan has it covered from here. You have to leave, get back to your camp. Blackpaw's on her way home, and you should be helping your Clan as well."
Mistshade nodded and began to follow him, Rockstorm leaning heavily on her shoulder. She glanced at him nervously and noticed that the fur around his throat was red, and he was wheezing slightly.
"Hang in there, please." She pleaded. "We'll be home soon, and Cedareyes and Leopardleaf will be able to help you. Just hang in there."
Rockstorm gave a shaky nod, and the three of them began to head back to camp, Mistshade trying to not panic. Please, Rockstorm, don't die. We didn't make it out there alive for nothing. She glanced up at the stars, which were shining down coldly on them. I know that you're watching us. Keep him alive.
They finally reached the Cavernclan border, and Frostlight halted, letting the two of them pass.
"I'm not going any farther." He mewed. "I have to get back to my own camp, treat injuries and such. I know that I helped you guys, but I'm still loyal to my Clan."
Mistshade dipped her head respectfully to him. "Thank you for all your help."
Frostlight shrugged. "Anytime."
He began to head back the way they had come.
Mistshade and Rockstorm continued into Cavernclan territory, Rockstorm growing weaker with every step. "We're so close." Mistshade whispered to him. "Don't you dare die on me."
Rockstorm grinned. "I'm not trying to die."
Mistshade snorted, but it came out as more of a sob. "Good."
As they hobbled up to the entrance, they were greeted by Cedareyes immediately, who took one look at Rockstorm's wound and paled.
"Into the medicine den, now, both of you." He ordered. "The battle ended, we won."
Mistshade let out a small sigh of relief. "Thank Starclan."
Rockstorm collapsed into the makeshift nest in the medicine den, and Cedareyes began to apply cobwebs to his wounds. "Leopardleaf, wet moss, please!"
The leopard patterned she-cat nodded and grabbed a clump of clean moss, soaking it in water. Mistshade padded slowly out of the den, surveying her Clan's camp. Blood and fur lay on the ground, and the warriors den was a mess, nests torn up and scattered all over the floor. Cats lay around the camp, chatting or sharing stories from the battle, many had already been treated. Breezestrike sprinted over to her.
"Mistshade, where were you?" She exclaimed. "I thought you were dead!"
Mistshade gave a small smile. "Not dead, as you can see. But who did die?"
Breezestrike's face fell. "More cats than you would've expected. Aspenbelly, Stormpelt, Ashfeather, and…" her voice trailed off. She let out a grief-stricken sob.
"I'm sorry, Mistshade. But… Ebonyfrost. She died."
Mistshade sank to the ground. "No. Breezestrike, don't lie to me. Ebonyfrost couldn't have died. She's too good at fighting, she's too…"
She was my mentor. She taught me everything. How did she die and I didn't? This isn't fair.
"I'm sorry, Mistshade." Breezestrike wrapped her tail around Mistshade comfortingly. " But I'm not lying. I wouldn't lie about that."
Mistshade didn't move, just sat there hunched on the ground, staring blankly ahead.
Even though we won the battle, I feel that we lost more.
Alright! Fun battle scenes, you know who the Cavernclan spy is now, but you still don't know who the Streamclan one is... He's not dead yet, he still has fun things to do... Again, I brought poor Blackpaw home, and so we get her perspective next chapter! Fun! Review, please, your opinion matters, and I love reviews too lol, they give me energy to write further... I wouldn't expect another update today because of homework, but you never know...
Anyways, have a good day (or night) and keep writing!
-Mintflight