Chapter Twenty Four - Attacked

It took a heartbeat for Hazelpaw for her to register what was happening; leaving her barely enough time to throw herself to the side, and doge Ashstar's attack.

The leader's unsheathed claws slammed down where the apprentice had previously been; barely a whisker away from where she was now. A low growl rumbled from the dark grey she cat's throat, a murderous glint apparent in her dark blue eyes.

Hazelpaw's brown eyes widened in horror.

This is for real! This is really happening! Ashstar is trying to kill us!

Upon meeting Hazelpaw's horrified gaze, the grey tabby snarled before pouncing once more, aiming a blow at her head.

The grey she cat's battle training came back to her with a jolt as she managed to duck to the side, avoiding the menaced leader's attack, before countering with a move of her own; leaping up to slash Ashstar's face. It seemed to go against every fibre in her body to attack her clan leader, but Hazelpaw knew she had no choice.

After all, she's the one trying to kill me!

The blow connected as Hazelpaw felt her claws scrap Ashstar's cheek. Unfortunately, there was no real power behind the attack, leaving only a superficial wound in its place and hardly impeding her dark grey opponent. Hazelpaw meet Ashstar's dark blue gaze and only saw something akin to annoyance before a surprise blow to the side sent her reeling.

Already unbalanced due to her prior attack, Hazelpaw hit the ground hard, the course sand of the training hollow digging into her pelt. Winded, the grey she cat didn't have enough time to dodge Ashstar's second blow as she felt the sting of claws at the side of her head. Eyes shut tight, and jaw clenched, Hazelpaw quickly rolled, trying to get as much distance between her and her attacker as possible.

"Really? Is that all you've got?" Asked the scoffing voice of Ashstar. Hazelpaw opened her eyes to see the dark grey she cat a few cat lengths away, tail twitching almost in annoyance. "Really. I expected more from one of my apprentices of PineClan."

Gasping for breath and trying to ignore her smarting ear and side, Hazelpaw managed to scramble back to her paws. She could feel the way her legs trembled but her horror and fear soon gave way to indignation at Ashstar's comment. The grey she cat glared furiously at her attacker.

I am NOT one of your apprentices! You can longer call yourself a PineClan cat after what you did, let alone its leader!

With a growl, Hazelpaw made a move to leap at Ashstar again, but with the speed of lightning, the dark grey she cat was already in front of her, dodging the attack with ease. Hazelpaw felt teeth grab her scruff and before the young detective could register what was happening, she found herself flipped over and flat on her back, the wind knocked out of her once more.

Hazelpaw squinted her eyes against the late afternoon sunlight to see the form of Ashstar looming menacingly over her; the dark grey tabby's unsheathed claws pressed on top of the grey apprentice's exposed belly.

"Pathetic." Sneered the leader. "Way too easy." Hazelpaw's eyes widened with horror and her heart thumped in terror as she watched Ashstar's paw move up slowly until it rested dangerously on top of her throat.

"Frankly I am disappointed." Spoke the leader once more, her dark blue eyes cold and unreadable. "I expected more from you. You had the potential to be a fine PineClan warrior, unfortunately that is never going to happen now."

Hazelpaw tensed as she felt the sharp tips of Ashstar's claws dig into her neck. "You squandered any second chances and now you'll learn the hard way why it is sometimes best to keep quiet. And why it's never a good idea to cross your leader."

Hazelpaw's heart skipped a beat as Ashstar raised her other paw, preparing to bring it down in a fatal blow. The grey she cat tried desperately to wriggle out from under her captor's strong grip but to no avail. Squeezing her eyes she tight, Hazelpaw silently begged for it to be quick and painless.

Great StarClan is this really the end? This is it! I'm sorry father and mother.

One heartbeat. Goodbye Lilypaw and Beanpaw and Liliacpaw.

Two heartbeats. I'm sorry Oakbranch and Whistlesong and Mousestripe and Cinderpaw. And I'm so sorry Daisypaw! I hope you can finish the case without me.

A loud familiar yowl of outrage, fury and panic made Hazelpaw's ears prick and she opened her eyes - just in time to see Ashstar's claws a whisker away from slicing her throat.

Three heartbeats.

The claws suddenly froze in their lethal course just as Ashstar let out an ear splitting yowl of pain and surprise. It was then the grey she cat noticed a cream form on Ashstar's back, her fangs biting into the leader's shoulder and her unsheathed claws digging into her pelt.

Daisypaw!

Relief and gratitude coursed through Hazelpaw as the weight of Ashstar's paw on her throat lifted and air flooded back into her lungs. Daisypaw had saved her life! The grey she cat could feel her trembling muscles and for a few heartbeats she lay there astonished as Ashstar tried to shake Daisypaw off, a flaming anger apparent in her blue eyes for the first time.

"Hazelpaw! Don't just lie there! Run! Get help!" Called out Daisypaw as she tried to keep her balance on Ashstar's back. A muffled squeak of panic told Hazelpaw she wasn't succeeding and she was abruptly jolted out of her daze.

I'm sorry Daisypaw, even though you're the Detective Society I can't listen to you this time. You just saved my life and I'm not going to abandon my best friend now!

Summoning up all her speed and taking advantage of a distracted Ashstar, Hazelpaw flipped back on to all four paws before darting between the dark grey tabby's legs and under her belly. Slipping onto her side, the grey apprentice quickly raked the leader's exposed belly with unsheathed claws, before darting back out on all four paws. Hazelpaw heard a hiss of pain and surprise from the leader and turned just in time to see her throw Daisypaw off her back with enormous strength, before quickly ducking and rolling into a defensive position.

The cream she cat hit the ground hard and Hazelpaw quickly ran over to check on her, brown eyes wide with worry. Out of the corner of her eye, the grey she cat spotted Ashstar, striding towards them. Her fur was ruffled and there was an angry looking wound on her shoulder from where Daisypaw had bitten her, but she still remained as calm and poised as ever; barely out of breath.

The dark tabby she cat let out a purr, a strange, almost humorous glint in her eye. "Not bad apprentices." Ashstar said, her voice light and teasing. Hazelpaw gulped as the tabby she cat abruptly unsheathed her claws, her muscles tensed in a pouncing position. "But I think you can do better."

Gritting her teeth, Hazelpaw frantically nudged Daisypaw to her paws. "Are you okay?!"

"Hazelpaw!" Responded, Daisypaw, blue eyes shimmering with relief. She licked her friend's cheek affectionately. "Fleabrain! You were supposed to run when you had a chance."

"I couldn't leave you!" Exclaimed Hazelpaw, horrified at the thought. Daisypaw opened her jaws to protest but the grey she cat cut her off. "We're in this together. We need each other."

Daisypaw gave a conceding nod as she stood on wobbly paws. "You're right we- Hazelpaw look out!"

The grey apprentice quickly scrambled out of the way at the same time Daisypaw ducked and rolled. The two she cats just managed to dodge Ashstar as she made another attempt to pounce on them.

"Well, well. I'm terribly sorry for interrupting this touchingly, heartfelt moment, but I do believe we have some unfinished business to attend to." Spoke the dark grey tabby, tail swishing idly as she strode between them.

"Honestly apprentices. Even kits know the one thing you should never do in battle is get distracted and take your eyes off your opponent." As quick as a striking adder, Ashstar whorled around and struck out at Daisypaw with unsheathed claws, nicking her ear. The cream she cat let out a hiss of pain through gritted teeth, eyes narrowing with ire, before darting back away from the leader.

Hazelpaw's heart slammed in her chest as, without thinking she ran and attempted to slam her paws into Ashstar's side. The dark grey tabby she cat froze, before twitching an ear and quickly leaping out of Hazelpaw's path, obviously pre-empting the attack. Hazelpaw felt a burst of satisfaction, however, when she still managed to leave a red score in Ashstar's foreleg, before doing a quick tuck 'n' roll and landing neatly beside Daisypaw.

However, Hazelpaw's brief feeling of satisfaction soon evaporated when she finally took in her surroundings. They were back where they had started - cornered, trapped. Right in front of High Cliff.

Hazelpaw felt her unsheathed claws dig into the ground in frustration as she scolded herself for being so oblivious to her surroundings. The grey she cat felt Daisypaw press comfortingly against her best friend's side as the two she cats moved into their defensive positions.

Terror twisted in Hazelpaw's stomach as she prepared for another attack from Ashstar. The dark grey she cat, half hidden in the long shadow of the cliff, loomed over the two she cats menacingly, cutting off any escape. Her dark eyes glittered in the shadows - cold and calculating - before she suddenly darted forward with outstretched claws.

Hazelpaw flinched and jerked backwards abruptly, at the same time Daisypaw ducked and leapt to the side. Pain blossomed at the top of Hazelpaw's back as her shoulder blade collided hard with the cliff side. It seemed to inflame her injured ear and side of her face and the grey she cat couldn't help letting out a strangled yowl. Glancing up, Hazelpaw noticed Ashstar standing in the exact same place, her lips in a cruel smirk. It had only been a feint.

Foxdung!

Ignoring her throbbing side and now sore shoulder, Hazelpaw met the wide, worried gaze of Daisypaw, nodding slightly to show she was okay - if barely.

But what are we going to do? Thought Hazelpaw, her own eyes now widening in despair. The grey apprentice tried to send a telepathic message to her friend.

To have any chance of getting out of her alive we really need a plan! And fast!

Hazelpaw noticed Daisypaw blink at her before narrowing her eyes as if thinking. Tthe grey she cat's heart began to pound (even harder if that was possible) when Daisypaw suddenly let out a loud hiss and arched her back in a threatening manner, the fur along her spine bristling wildly.

Careful Daisypaw!

A snort of amusement in front of her jerked Hazelpaw's attention back to Ashstar. "Isn't this a familiar position, apprentices." Remarked the dark grey tabby, a gleeful gleam in her eye. "All warriors know to never let themselves get backed into a corner. It can be the very difference between life...or death."

Still keeping her eyes on Ashstar, Hazelpaw heard Daisypaw give an indignant snarl. The grey she cat's heart the leaped into her throat when, from the corner of her eye, she saw Daisypaw suddenly strike out wildly at the leader.

What are you doing?!

The attack missed completely, and only resulted in an amused huff from Ashstar, before the dark tabby lunged towards Daisypaw with unsheathed, reaching claws, preparing to slam her against the cliff wall.

DAISYPAW!

Hazelpaw could only watch, frozen in horror, but Ashstar never met her target because in that same instance, Daisypaw jumped backwards towards the cliff wall before pushing off it in a mighty leap. Hazelpaw watched astonished, feeling weak with relief, as the cream she cat flew over Ashstar's head and landed square on her back.

"Hazelpaw! Over and under!" Daisypaw yowled, snapping Hazelpaw back to reality.

Of course! Just like we practiced before the StormClan battle at the beginning of this season!

Knowing exactly what her friend was getting at, Hazelpaw summoned her strength before darting forward between Ashstar's front legs and under her belly. Once again, the grey apprentices turned on her side before raking the leader's belly as hard as she could and darting back out from underneath. Hazelpaw then leapt and before Ashstar could react, clamped her jaws around the leader's tail and bit down as hard as she could. Above her, Hazelpaw noticed Daisypaw do the same and bite down on Ashstar's already injured shoulder.

Satisfaction flowed through Hazelpaw as she heard a sharp cry from the dark tabby abruptly cut off by a hiss of pain. The grey she cat released her leader's tail, trying to ignore the metallic taste of blood in her mouth, and quickly jumped and twisted to face her opponent. Ashstar, meanwhile, was now trying a rolling counter move to dislodge Daisypaw from her back and was a whisker away from pinning Daisypaw, but the cream she cat managed to jump out of the way just in time, landing neatly beside Hazelpaw.

This is just like how we fought together at the battle against StormClan; side by side - together we were unstoppable!

Adrenaline coursed through Hazelpaw's blood as she aimed a swipe at her leader's head, missing by less than a whisker but still managing to claw the scruff near her injured shoulder. The grey she cat heard the sound of snapping jaws as she saw Daisypaw out the corner of her eye try to sink her teeth into Ashstar's foreleg, missing by a kit tail length. Upon seeing that same foreleg aiming a blow at her, Hazelpaw let go of Ashstar's scruff before swiftly ducking down and pressing her belly against the ground. The grey she cat could feel the swoosh of air next to her head as Ashstar's paw missed her by mere whiskers.

Hazelpaw then rolled and darted back quickly, trying to keep light and agile on her paws and her attention on her formidable opponent. Meanwhile, obviously undeterred by her previous missed attack, Daisypaw jumped on her back legs before attempting to bring her paws down hard onto Ashstar's side. However, the dark grey she cat turned and managed to side step the cream she cat's attack before striking out with a counter swipe of her own. Despite landing heavily on all four paws, Daisypaw managed to dodge the blow fairly easily, copping only a light scratch on her check, before slashing the leader's flank in reply.

"You know, I think you're right Ashstar." Remarked Daisypaw as she ducked away from another swipe, her blue eyes glimmering with her typical mischievousness.

"This situation does feel familiar because, as I recall, you failed to get us before as well when we escaped from the corner. And it looks like we've done it again!" Declared the cream she cat with a snigger.

Despite the dire situation, Hazelpaw couldn't help rolling her eyes, a small grin also apparent on her face as she slashed her forepaw at Ashstar's muzzle before landing neatly in a defensive position beside her best friend.

Typical Daisypaw.

Without waiting for a reply, the two apprentices leapt at Ashstar once more, using coordinating attacks aiming down low and up high. Soon Hazelpaw and Daisypaw fell into an easy almost hypnotic pattern of swipes, ducks, blows, rolls and dodges, with each she cat alternating each attack and protecting each other's backs. They even began to push Ashstar back towards the cliff face themselves.

Hazelpaw's small grin remained as she fought, feeling proud of how well she and Daisypaw were working together.

We can do this! We can beat her! We will survive!

In spite of the tirade of attacks, however, the powerfully skilled Ashstar still appeared very much confident and in control. They may have been pushing her back, but apart from her upper shoulder, the leader was barely injured and managed to dodge all the apprentices' attacks, only ever receiving superficial damage; if any at all.

"Much better apprentices." Commented Ashstar, a teasing glint in her eyes as she dodged an attack from Daisypaw with ease. Hazelpaw gasped as she saw her counter with a vicious swipe of her own towards Daisypaw's throat.

"Very good. Your in sync combat skills are actually starting to impress me. And that's no easy feat I can assure you." Said Ashstar just as Hazelpaw found herself leaping towards the dark tabby and blocking the brutal attack, before sinking her fangs into the leader's fore leg.

"But the question remains, will it be good enough?" Taunted the dark grey she cat through a hiss.

With a jerk, Hazelpaw found herself thrown to the ground. With a blink, Hazelpaw managed to quickly roll and dodge the grey blur that was Ashstar's paw of unsheathed claws aiming for her already sore side, before springing up and quickly striking out at the dark tabby's side herself. But to the grey apprentice's dismay, the leader managed to dodge slightly herself at the last moment, only resulting in light scorings which barely pierced the skin.

I don't understand. Thought Hazelpaw with a frown. We're holding up incredibly well against Ashstar, managing to dodge all of her attacks - even if barely - but apart from her shoulder, we don't ever manage to get a proper blow in either.

As Hazelpaw fell back, biding her time for another assault while Daisypaw attacked, it was then she realised what was wrong.

The cream she cat was dancing around Ashstar, ducking and leaping with amazing agility and swiping with accurate aim. Unfortunately, the few blows that Daisypaw landed didn't do much to deter the dark grey tabby. However, Hazelpaw did oddly notice a few opportunities which Ashstar could have taken to get some significant blows in herself and possibly overpower the cream she cat if she chose.

But that's the weird thing. She didn't choose to - it's almost like she's playing with us!

"I know our skills are good enough!" Hazelpaw heard Daisypaw declare, referring to Ashstar's earlier taunt. "Especially if they're even half as good as our detective skills, which you know all about Ashstar." The cream she added cheekily.

Hazelpaw could tell the cream she cat was enjoying herself, living her detecting dreams of vanquishing the villain after exposing them, but Hazelpaw willed her best friend to stay focused.

Be careful Daisypaw!

The cream she cat then suddenly leapt at Ashstar from behind only to be caught off guard by a sudden back kick by the dark tabby. Daisypaw landed hard on the hollow ground with an oof, her belly completely exposed. Hazelpaw saw Ashstar glance behind her at the cream apprentice and tensed, preparing to defend her friend, however, the dark tabby seemed to stand purposefully motionless for a heartbeat, giving Daisypaw enough time to scramble back to her paws and dodge the counter swipe to her ear.

Hazelpaw blinked, trying to process it all.

All the near misses - she's doing it on purpose! Thought the grey she cat in dismay. If Ashstar was fighting at her full strength we would have been utter crowfood ages ago!

But why….? She must be trying to tire us out.

Hazelpaw's stomach twisted with dread as she realised it was working. The grey she cat was panting heavily from the exertion and she could feel her quivering muscles becoming sore. Her stinging ear and throbbing side didn't help things either, and Hazelpaw knew it was only a matter of time before the adrenaline wore off, sapping her energy completely.

"Tsk, tsk. Be careful not to overestimate your own abilities, young Daisypaw." Ashstar was now saying to Daisypaw, a smirk on her face as she aimed a blow at Daisypaw's left side. "A warrior knows to never be too over confident. Foolhardiness can be a danger."

The blow turned out to be a feint, however, and as Daisypaw dodged to the right, she was met with a brutal swipe which hit just below her right ear. A large trickle of blood ran down the side of the cream she cat's face and neck and Hazelpaw heard the apprentice give a low hiss, her blue eyes clouding in pain.

Scolding herself for not watching her friend's back properly, Hazelpaw launched herself at Ashstar with an angry snarl, throwing all her weight forward in an attempt to push the dark tabby over. Hazelpaw collided hard with the Ashstar just as the dark tabby was aiming another blow at Daisypaw. She noticed the dark grey she cat's eyes widen slightly with surprise as she stumbled, before regaining her balance and attempting to counter with a rolling move. Adrenaline coursed through her veins as Hazelpaw latched on to the Ashstar's thick furred scruff and hung on as the leader rolled, kicking out at her belly as well to stop herself getting pinned.

"Oh yes. A warrior knows its absolutely mouse brained, pure and simple, to be foolhardy." Daisypaw spoke up again just as Hazelpaw landed in a defensive position beside her, trying to ignore the throbbing of her side which had stirred up again after a parting blow from Ashstar. "But a warrior also knows to never underestimate their opponent." Grinned the cream she cat with a mischievous tail flick. "It can be your downfall."

"Ah; but who says I'munderestimating you?" Retorted Ashstar. Her blue eyes seemed to twinkle with mock amusement. "Isn't that right Hazelpaw?"

A chill ran through Hazelpaw as she met the dark tabby's gaze, a knowing, malicious glimmer in their dark, chilled depths.

Does she know I've figured out her ploy?

Clenching her teeth, the grey apprentice chose to ignore her, and aimed another swipe at her flank.

"Oh, nothing to share?" Asked Ashstar, mockingly when Hazelpaw didn't reply. She sidestepped the blow easily. "I know that you're typically not much for chatting, Hazelpaw, but after the bold and rather passionate speech earlier, I thought you would have something more to say."

Alarm shot through the grey she cat when she suddenly felt teeth grab her scruff, and the world became a blur as she was roughly shaken around before being tossed widely across the sandy clearing. Hazelpaw fell hard onto her back, the wind knocked out of her, and vaguely noticed that she was right next to the climbing ledges of High Ciff.

Her heart skipped a beat when she felt the familiar presence of a weight on her chest - again.

"Speak up, I can't quite hear you." Sneered Ashstar, her paw firmly pinning Hazelpaw to the ground once more. "I know you've just figured out my little game, and I'm impressed. A warrior never hesitates to point out her opponents - or take advantage of them."

Heart pounding, Hazelpaw made a desperate slash at Ashstar's muzzle. The dark grey she cat instinctively jerked back, giving Hazelpaw the few precious heartbeats needed to wriggle from her grasp and scramble quickly to her feet, aiming another blow to the leader's head as she did so.

"I thought..warriors also knew not..to waste their breath on..trivial remarks." Panted the grey she cat as she ducked and twisted, barely dodging Ashstar's counter attack.

Daisypaw joined in the fray once more, but the dark grey leader managed to dodge her effortlessly, her eyes now fixed squarely on Hazelpaw. The grey she barely dodged another vicious, possibly fatal, blow from the leader, and as she attempted to duck under another one, Hazelpaw felt her tail touch the side of the cliff.

Trapped….again! The grey she cat thought in dismay.

With nowhere else to go, Hazelpaw had no choice but to head up the side of High Cliff, attempting to put as much space between her and the maniacal leader as possible.

But it wasn't until she had reached the top, when the force of what she'd done and where she was finally hit her. Hazelpaw felt absolutely sick to her stomach as she realised now what a truly bad idea it was to come up here.

No…..

Struggling to stay calm and ignore her quivering legs, throbbing side and pounding head, Hazelpaw watched as a cream blur also bounded up the climbing ledges of High Cliff before skidding to a stop beside her, snarling defiantly at the assailant behind them. However, a quick glance at Daisypaw showed Hazelpaw how terrified she really was, with her fur bushed out, back arched and blue eyes wide.

She knows as well! That we're doomed with nowhere to run! I wonder if this is how the others felt!

"Well, I must say I expected you two to be smarter than that, apprentices." Remarked Ashstar as she, too, climbed slowly up the cliff. She curled her lip in disgust as she slowly began to pad forward towards the apprentices. "Really, I'm rather disappointed with how easy that was."

"Easy!" Hazelpaw heard Daisypaw exclaim as they both slowly backed away from Ashstar. Soon they found themselves in the centre of the cliff top, opposite the protruding ledge. "If it were really that easy, as you saythen why are we still here? And why do you have such as nasty, deep gash on your shoulder?"

Before the leader could reply Daisypaw darted forward and leapt onto Ashstar's back. Hazelpaw, summoning all her strength and trying to steady her rapid breathing and pounding heart, also advanced forward to try and create a coordinated assault.

Oh, Great StarClan! We really need to end this once and for all - and quickly! This is our last chance!

And then, as if StarClan themselves had truly heard Hazelpaw's pleas, the grey she cat was struck with an idea. Knowing that Ashstar wouldn't be fooled by another belly rake, Hazelpaw decided to fake one instead. Narrowing her eyes in concentration, the grey she cat suddenly darted forward towards the dark tabby's side, feinting a swipe at her underbelly, and making sure her tail brushed her pelt.

Hazelpaw felt the leader flinch at the touch and automatically dodge to the side sharply, her tail whipping behind her. Taking the opportunity, Hazelpaw then swerved toward Ashstar's flying tail, jumping and latching on to it with her jaws before leaping backwards and pulling it with a hard yank.

The effect was almost instantaneous, with Ashstar losing her balance and falling, rather inelegantly, on the side of her haunches with an irritated hiss.

But then, Hazelpaw was flying.

With a sudden jerk, Ashstar had whirled around roughly and managed to dislodge the grey she cat from her tail.

Hazelpaw's tired and battered body couldn't react in time as the dusty, brown cliff face zoomed up to meet her.

Hazelpaw let out a faint gasp as a scorching pain blossomed at her already injured side of her head, before blackness soon took over.

…

Colours danced across Hazelpaw's vision among the darkness to the beat of the pounding in her head and ringing in her ears. With a groan, Hazelpaw opened her eyes, flinching at the bright sunlight. Images swarm before her, and through blurry eyes, Hazelpaw could just make out a cream form on top of a dark dark grey one. The grey she cat's ears twitched as a familiar, sharp cry of pain cut through the continuous ringing in her ears. Despite her hazed state, Hazelpaw could tell it wasn't Daisypaw.

Ashstar…

At the sound of the leader's sharp cry of pain, Hazelpaw couldn't help giving a sigh of relief knowing the plan had worked (Daisypaw must have used the unbalanced opportunity to go precisely for her shoulder) while at the same time, trying to suppress a twinge of pity.

That's gotta hurt. It's not serious enough to be permanent though. And besides..….she's the one trying to kill us. Anything we do is all in self defence. Hazelpaw chided herself, shaking her head to clear her thoughts but immediately regretting it as a wave of nausea took over her.

When she counters with a roll, Daisypaw will jump off and we'll run for the hills and this can finally be over! If...if I can even run…

Hazelpaws ears twitched as a sudden muffled roar broke through the ringing in her ears. Squinting her eyes, the grey she cat tried to focus her vision back on the two battling forms of Ashstar and Daisypaw. Hazelpaw's heart skipped a beat and her relief soon turned to horror when, with amazing strength, Ashstar managed to throw Daisypaw off her back.

Caught by surprise, the cream she cat landed clumsily and skidded across the sandy stone cliff - right onto the outstretched ledge. Scrambling quickly to her paws, Daisypaw took a step back and then, to Hazelpaw's horror...the cream she cat's back leg slipped off the ledge.

Daisypaw! Thought Hazelpaw with a gasp.

Eyes narrowed in anger, and teeth bared in a vicious snarl, Ashstar began to stride purposely towards Daisypaw. Hazelpaw knew she had run out of patience with whatever little game she was playing. She intended to finish this right now.

Once.

And.

For. All.

It took Hazelpaw a moment to register, but she was now up and and frantically running across the cliff top towards her best friend, a desperate yowl escaping her lips.

"Daisypaw!"

Heart in her throat, Hazelpaw gathered what was left of her strength before bunching her muscles - and leaping. A desperate cry, which Hazelpaw vaguely recognised as her own, echoed through her ears as she reached out towards a pouncing Ashstar.

"Noooooooooooooooooooo!"

Time seemed to slow as the grey she cat soared through the air, brown eyes wide and unsheathed claws outstretched. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Daisypaw hopelessly scrambling at the edge of the ledge, trying to pull her back leg back up.

Ashstar was now a whisker away, front paw raising to strike, a gleam of malicious satisfaction in her dark blue eyes.

You know you can do this Hazelpaw, with the strength, endurance and determination of a tribe cat, and the skill, courage and bravery of a PineClan warrior.

Impact.

Hazelpaw felt, rather than saw, when she collided with Ashstar. Unsheathed claws gripped dark grey pelt as Hazelpaw threw all her weight forward onto the leader to make the most of the impact. Ashstar's eyes widened in surprise upon meeting the brown gaze of her attacker as she fell hard on her injured shoulder. The leader's infuriated snarl was abruptly cut off by a resounding thud as her head hit the hard stone cliff.

A heartbeat of silence followed. Ashstar did not move.

All Hazelpaw could hear were her own rapid breaths as she gazed down at the motionless leader. The grey apprentice's muscles quivered more than ever, and she took an uneasy step backwards, feeling bile rising at the back of her throat. Her mind unwilling flashed back to finding Whistlesong's unmoving, lifeless body beneath High Cliff.

I..I didn't…...I haven't….have I?.

"Hazelpaw!"

Daisypaw's call, high pitch with panic, snapped the grey she cat from her alarmed thoughts. Hazelpaw turned to face her just in time to see her slip dangerously off the ledge as her other back leg suddenly gave way.

One heartbeat.

Hazelpaw's eyes widened in horror as she darted towards her friend, another second terrified yowl from Daisypaw ringing in her ears.

Two heartbeats.

Daisypaw's grip suddenly gives way - she's falling. Hazelpaw barely has time to think as she lunges forward to catch her friend. Her jaws snap around empty air.

Three heartbeats.

And then she feels scruff in her jaws as she clamps them fully shut.

Using the absolute last of her strength, Hazelpaw painfully pulled her friend back onto the ledge. Daisypaw let out an indignant huff as she landed clumsily on her belly. Hazelpaw ignored her as she collapsed on the ledge herself, eyes shut.

The only sound that can be heard is that of the two she cats' quick panting breaths.

Daisypaw was the first to break the quiet with a sudden burst of laughter.

"Hazelpaw! I'm….We're alive! We did it we survived!" The cream she cat exclaimed through a bout of chuckles as she shakily rose from her lying position.

"Oh, Hazelpaw! Are you okay?" Hazelpaw heard Daisypaw ask as she felt a tongue give her check a few gentle licks. Hazelpaw slowly opened her eyes to see Daisypaw standing over her, nose wrinkled with worry. Her face brightened when she met her best friend's gaze.

"StarClan, I thought I was squashed crowfood for sure! How poetic I thought it would be. Like in those elder stories when the hero destined to save the day becomes one of the many victims done away with in exactly the same method as the others." Said Daisypaw with a shake of her head. "But then the loyal sidekick came in. You saved me, Hazelpaw. You saved my life!"

The cream she cat then sat back on her haunches with an annoyed huff. "And figures it would be you. I'm the leader of the Detective Society but of course it is the deputy who ends up doing the heroic saving."

Hazelpaw let out a small grunt as she sat up slightly, her lips managing to form a small grin.

"It wasn't just me though who did any sort of heroics. You saved my life first when I had barely fought Ashstar for longer than a few heartbeats." Hazelpaw pointed out. "I really thought I was crowfood then."

Despite her shaky legs and bruised and battered body, the grey she cat actually found she was feeling quite alright, despite the close ordeal. Daisypaw acting like typical Daisypaw was certainly helping.

"True, I guess." Said the cream she cat. "But I almost fell off a cliff. To. My. Death." Daisypaw added for emphasis as if it was a competition to see who had the more terrifying near death experience.

"Well try not to do it again, alright." Suggest Hazelpaw as she stood fully on all four paws.

"And you try not to get butchered by Ashstar again." Retorted Daisypaw. "Speaking of which. Where in Silver Pelt is she now?"

Hazelpaw's stomach twisted and all the previous happenings came rushing back to her with a jolt as she remembered the leader's unmoving body. So much so, that it took her a moment to register what Daisypaw had just said.

What….? Thought Hazelpaw in disbelief as she looked across the cliff.

The leader had vanished - again.

The grey she cat glanced at Daisypaw. The cream she cat respond with one word.

"Run!"

Ignoring her now stiffening and sore muscles, Hazelpaw ran like never before, hoping beyond hope that this was their chance to get away and they weren't running straight into another trap. The two she cats darted down the cliff side, straight towards the beech tree and then veered off to the side where another path lay leading out of the training hollows.

And there she was. Ashstar.

Leaping out of a passing violet bush with a mighty roar like the warriors from LionClan of old. The rancorous leader landed right in front of them, attempting to block their path, but the two she cats kept going. Blue and brown eyes narrowed in determination, Hazelpaw managed a quick dodge to the side, meanwhile Daisypaw did another magnificent leap of her own, straight over Ashstar's head.

They ran.

Over and under wins again! Thought Hazelpaw, not breaking her stride. And we're getting closer to the busier part of the territory. We're heading to Great Oak!"

Undeterred, Ashstar began to chase them once more, but the two she cats powered on, driven by the closeness of safety.

Almost there!

But upon risking a quick glance over her shoulder, Hazelpaw saw that Ashstar was too. The dark grey she cat was gaining, her own dark, stormy eyes narrowed in determination and fangs bared maliciously.

Oh, no. Help!

Scrambling round a corner, desperate to maintain her speed, Hazelpaw gasped as she saw an amazing sight. Pacing just in front of the Great Oak was the one cat she was hoping to see.

Gorsestep!

"Hazelpaw, Daisypaw! What are you doing here?" Asked the brown tabby Guard as the two sprinting she cats came to an abrupt stop, almost crashing into him. His brow wrinkled in worry as he looked over them. "What in Silver Pelt? What hap-"

"It's Ashstar! She's coming right behind us! She's been chasing us. She's trying to kill us!" Exclaimed Hazelpaw in a rush, cutting the dark brown tabby off.

To Hazelpaw's relief, after a quick glance over the she cat's shoulders, he wasted no time.

"Okay, quick. Over here." Gorsestep ordered, guiding the two she cats with his tail behind Great Oak. The brown tabby tom nodded to a dense fern bush which flanked a large grassy clearing just behind. "Inside. You can watch the proceedings from there but don't move and stay out of sight. Do I make myself clear?" Asked the Clan Guard sternly.

Hazelpaw nodded fervently and Daisypaw gave an excited squeak before disappearing inside. Blinking her thanks at Gorsestep, Hazelpaw followed suit, and it wasn't a heartbeat too soon, because at that moment, Ashstar burst around the corner.

The dark grey tabby paused for a heartbeat, surveying the area, before striding purposefully towards the Clan Guard, tail held high in a confident manner. Gorsestep met her gaze and held it steadily and neutrally enough, but Hazelpaw didn't miss the curious way he looked the clan leader up and down.

The dark grey she cat's fur wasn't quite as ruffled as before as if she had managed a quick groom at some point, however her shoulder wound was still as prominent and angry looking as ever. Taking into account the two apprentices' appearances, Hazelpaw could practically hear him putting together the pieces of what had just happened.

He isn't a Clan Guard detective for nothing, after all.

"Ah, Ashstar. Just the cat I wanted to see." Spoke Gorsetstep, as if it was the most natural thing in Silver Pelt to be bumping into each other. "You're just in time for the meeting."

Ashstar narrowed her eyes at the Guard. "What meeting?" Asked the dark grey tabby, tail tip flicking in annoyance.

"Did my guardmates not tell you? Well I'm terribly sorry. I arranged a meeting between all the warrior mentors just in the clearing. We've made some extraordinary advances in the case so far and I thought it would be best to share our progress with you. Your timing couldn't be better, you're just the last to arrive."

"Well I'm terribly busy Clan Guard and I'm afraid I don't have time for this meeting." Spoke Ashstar dismissively. "I'm looking for two of my apprentices who have been running about missing training. They just went past here a few heartbeats ago. Have you seen them?"

The two she cats in the fern bush froze.

"Ah, yes. They went past here in a terrible hurry a short time ago heading out towards the shoreline." Replied Gorsestep with a twitch of his ear. "I'm afraid you've lost them. But at least you'll have the meeting to console you." The dark tabby nodded pointedly in the direction of the clearing.

"Ah, very well." Said Ashstar grudgingly with a roll of her eyes.

Hazelpaw let out a breath she didn't know she'd been holding as Ashstar began to be ushered into the clearing.

We've done it! Our part is over and we're finally safe now!

But the drama wasn't over yet. It was time for Gorsestep's part and as Hazelpaw shot a quick glance at Daisypaw, the grey she cat knew the real drama was only just about to begin…

Hello lovely people! Good news, I have not fallen off the face of the planet! Rather I had not actually written this chapter yet, so I had to go do that which predictably took waaaaay longer than expected. Plus I heard that there had been some technical difficulties on the sight anyway so decided to wait. Anyway, thank you for your patience and I hope you enjoyed this long, dramatic, action packed chapter! I wasn't originally going to do this chapter but I thought, what was a warriors fanfic without some sorta dramatic fight scene! There's plenty more drama coming though, so tune in next Mon/Sun to see plenty of secrets revealed!

-Fastbreeze37

QOTD: Who's your fav protag? This is too hard for me, I love them both! And I think they make the best team and wouldn't be able to solve mysteries without each other!

Russetmoth – Yeah that kinda gave it away, it's hard to make more books without the protags lol! I'll see what I can do about Tulippaw :.)

Guest – Don't want to give too much away but there may be more Dovepool coming up…

WhistleMistle – Lol I googled it and it fits so well!