Warriors: The New Era

Chapter Forty Eight: Taking The Mountain

Here it is...the moment where my crew takes the battle to Rock.

Enjoy.

Jaywhisker fastened the gauntlet on his arm, sitting beside Dusty in the van.

"So...we are going up against a literal God. How do you reckon this will end?"

Dusty shrugged, "Hopefully well. Your suit is done right?"

Jaywhisker sighed, looking at his gauntlets, "More or less. Foxleap still is running some tests, and I had to SWEAR I wouldn't fool around with it. He's not letting that thing leave the Foxcave until he knows for sure that the whole thing is safe. So, the gauntlets will have to do for now."

In the front of the van, Poppyfrost spoke into her walkie talkie, and sighed, "How goes the defenses?"

"We are ready for everything," Brightheart's voice responded.

Poppyfrost nodded, "Okay...how are my kids?"

"I'm looking at them right now, wanna say Hi?"

Poppyfrost smiled genuinley, "Yeah, yeah I do."

Jayfeather and Lionblaze sat next to each other, looking at the other in respect and pride.

"All comes down to this," Jayfeather nodded.

Lionblaze smiled, "Try to keep up."

"You know I will."

Sparkpelt loaded her repeater, and cocked it into place, closing her eyes and whispering, "I'm ready."

Ivypool flipped a knife across her hand, eyes glowing a tint of silver.

"You doing okay?" Foxleap said through her earpiece.

"As okay as I can be," Ivypool responded. It was a slight lie. She was going up against a madman with powers unheard of. And out of the three, she was the only one with out any proper training.

Jack loaded his berretta, letting his anger boil up. He was goin to kill every ARS soldier he found. Call it payback.

Coalstrike drank half a flask of rum, and wiped the liquid from his mouth. His eyes were crusty, and his hair was messy.

Ashtooth looked more military ready then his counterpart. His H.C.A.R was sitting loyally in his lap, safety on, and magazine full.

Hawkfrost was driving the van, and reached a stop sign, taking the moment to turn to his friends, "Okay...everyone. We're coming up on the rendezvous point. Let me do the talking with Firestar and my brother."

They all nodded in unison.

Behind the van, Fang drove on his motorcycle, with Sunfield smirking behind him.

"So...who's got dibs on taking out Bone? Because, you guys can go fight Rock for all you care. Me? I value my life, thank you!" Sunfield said over the radio.

Dusty smirked, and touched the earpiece, "You coward!"

"Let him, Bone was Scourge's second-in-command," Fang grinned, "I want to see Sunfield try and take him on, and get his ass whooped!"

"HAHAHA, SO FUNNY!" Sunfield screeched.

"Why is sunshine and rainbows here at all?" Jaywhisker asked.

"Live bait."

"WHAT?!"

"We're coming up to the meeting point. Ready up!"

Ivypool sheathed her knife as everyone finished their weapons up.

"Hey...Ivypool?" Foxleap said over the radio.

Ivypool sighed, "What?"

"I...Don't die."

Ivypool smiled, her heart feeling warm.

"Poppyfrost, radio?" Hawkfrost asked.

Poppyfrost nodded and leaned her mouth to the walkie talkie, "Stay safe, kids."

The van pulled to a stop, just as Poppyfrost returned the radio to Hawkfrost.

Firestar, and several soldiers in military get-up were waiting. Firestar smirked at Hawkfrost, "My boy! I knew you could make them agree to this plan!"

Hawkfrost nodded in confidence.

"So, our leader is a rich politician?" Poppyfrost hissed.

Firestar grinned, "Problem with politicians, miss?"

"Yeah, because you don't get shit done."

Firestar nodded, his smile still standing, "In this instance, I concur. But I'm here now, aren't I? I'm getting shit done?"

Poppyfrost had no remark, as Jayfeather nodded, "Is the Triumvirate here?"

"Not yet, they are on the way though," Firestar responded, looking at the match of fighters Hawkfrost brought. "So...Jayfeather and Lionblaze...good to see you two again. Where is your sister?"

"You know us?" Lionblaze asked.

Firestar nodded, "I'd like to think I do. Last time I saw you three, you were infants."

"What, you knew my parents?" Lionblaze asked, as Jayfeather widened his eyes in shock.

Because Jayfeather found it out.

Firestar smirked, "Well...I knew one of them."

"Explain."

Firestar ignored him and turned to Poppyfrost, "And...am I correct in assuming you are the so called...Queen of Beggars?"

Poppyfrost nodded.

"Terrible shame about what Riven has become. I lived there as a kid."

Poppyfrost smirked, unsuprised at catching the politician in a lie, "I thought you were American?"

"I am," Firestar nodded, responding smoothly and warmly, "I was born in Alaska, just a boat ride away from here. When my father divorced my mother on the account of her cheating, I moved to Riven with my father. That's how I have dual citizenship, not because of my work with the American Government."

"Do you honestly expect me to believe someone as pampered and rich as you ever lived in that shithole?" Poppyfrost scowled, getting in Firestar's face.

Firestar didn't scowl or snarl, but smiled kindly, "It was a good city growing up. There used to be a family-run deli market down near the mall, run by an old Chinese Family. It was still there when I returned to America, is it still there today?"

Poppyfrost's eyes lit up in remembrance, "The Jho family?! Yeah, they are still there...so are you really are from Riven?"

"I said so now didn't I?" Firestar nodded politely as he moved on, "Now...Jack Graves?"

Jack stood at attention, "Sir!"

"You're reputation precedes you, young man," Firestar bowed his head, putting the younger agent at ease, "After Scourge's takeover, I was told the CIA sent their best and brightest. You, however, exceed those titles."

Jack beamed with pride as Firestar continued, "How young are you in the agency?"

"Two years."

"Ah, beat ya," Firestar chuckled, "Thirty, and was a Security Director when I departed."

"Shut up!" Jack gawked, "I'm just an Intel Specialist!"

"Wait, how old are you?" Sparkpelt asked.

Firestar pushed his locks behind his ear, and grinned, "Fifty-four."

"YOU LOOK TWENTY!" Dusty yelled.

"Perks of being in shape," Firestar laughed.

Jack grabbed Firestar's hand and shook it fast, "It's an honor to meet you sir!"

"I see a bright future ahead of you, young man," Firestar shook his hand, moving on to the two Resistance members.

"Ah...so YOU are what the fuss is about."

Coalstrike glared daggers, while Dusty and Jaywhisker stood behind Ashtooth, who politely stepped forward, "Apologies sir. We brought our enemies with us."

Firestar nodded, letting a hint of anger escape his voice, "I trust you can take care of them?"

"We try to, sir," Ashtooth responded.

Firestar let a soft smile out, "Well you won't have to do it alone anymore. I'm reactivating Forrestlake's Counter Terrorists Department. Bloodclan going underground made the whole department shut down, but now I feel more then free to reactivate it in your cause."

Coalstrike widened his eyes as Ashtooth gasped, "That's...thank you, sir."

Firestar nodded respectfully, and turned to Ivypool, "Miss Ivypool? I knew your father, Thistleclaw, before he disappeared. I'd say he'd be proud of you and your sister."

Ivypool smiled at him, as he began to notice Fernsong, "You...look like Lionblaze here."

Fernsong nodded, "I'm from the future."

Instead of laughing or gasping in shock like they all expected him too, Firestar nodded in understanding, "So...we lost then?"

"You don't doubt me?"

"I knew about Jay's Wing, son," Firestar explained, "So the future isn't as farfetched as you think it would be to me."

Fernsong shrugged, "I... I guess that's true."

Firestar raised a brow, "So, I can only assume we lose here?"

Fernsong shrugged, "I...I don't know anymore. Things have changed so much just in my being here. Maybe?"

"Then that's all we need."

His courage and charisma were charming and yet a sense of unease from the many members in this fight. He sighed ashamed of himself, "Apologies, I don't believe I have been told of you."

"Let's keep it that way," Fang gruffed, as Sparkpelt glared at the politician.

The second Firestar noticed Jaywhisker, Dusty, and Sunfield, he immediately shook his head, "No, hell no! Damn it Hawkfrost!"

Dusty looked at his friends confused, "Something wrong sir?"

"Your age, young man," Firestar rubbed his eyes, "Damn it, I said no kids!"

Jaywhisker showed Firestar his blue iron clad gauntlet that hummed with power and energy, "Sir, we can fight just as well as any of them. Maybe a little better."

Firestar shook his head, "I do not feel comfortable sending children to face certain destruction."

Dusty was about to comment when Sunfield grabbed his shoulder and pulled him away, allowing the golden boy the center stage.

"Well sir, In any other circumstance, you'd be right to not send children in. But I see no children here, do you? I see young adults, with PLENTY of combat experience to know the difference between a death match and a battle for our future freedom. Can you trust us when we say, we know the stakes sir. And are willing to die just like any of you would."

Firestar stood in silence for several seconds, and sighed, "I don't want any of you fighting Rock. Instead, pick apart Bone. Miss Poppyfrost?"

"What?" Poppyfrost snapped.

"Care to watch over them and keep them safe?" Firestar asked politely.

Her response was anything but polite, "Oh, so I got babysitting duty? All of y'all get to take a shot at a crazy tyrannical god, yet I have to guard children?"

Firestar grinned, and pulled her close to him, whispering in her ear, "Need I remind you that Bone is the Current Leader of Bloodclan? When Scourge was alive, he was his second-in-command. And...I know how much you HATE Bloodclan."

Poppyfrost grunted, ceasing her aggressiveness, "Valid points."

"Great, we get the asshole," Jaywhisker rolled his eyes.

Poppyfrost glared at him, "Excuse me?"

Instantly Jaywhisker held his hands up in surrender. "Uh...I'm sorry!"

"Fuck you," Poppyfrost hissed.

Meanwhile, Sunfield was still happy and nice, being kind to Firestar, "I like your smile sir!"

"Well...I love yours," Firestar beamed, "Makes me feel safer."

Sunfield inwardly squealed with pride.

Just then, a flash of light blinded them. They looked to the sky in order to find the source of light to see Ravenheart, levitating down to them, carrying her brothers with Telekinesis.

As they landed, Tigerjaw punched his fists together, "Are we late?"

"No," Firestar nodded, "Right on time."

Ravenheart grinned, "Pleasure to meet you Mr...?"

"Firestar," The ginger reached his hand out to shake hers.

Crowflight sauntered over to Jayfeather and grunted, "THIS is the guy who's leading the assualt?"

Jayfeather smirked, "Give him a chance...he's charming."

"Charm doesn't win battles," Crowflight scoffed.

Jayfeather nodded, "No it doesn't. But I have faith. And...the man just inspires confidence, you know?"

Crowlfight sighed, "I wouldn't know, no."

"I heard about your father," Firestar stated, as he turned to Ravenheart.

Ravenheart sighed, "Then you know who we are."

"What I know, is your scared and tired of running," Firestar nodded warmly, "And help me, you'll never have to run from Rock again."

Ravenheart sighed and nodded, "Then we are with you."

"To the end," Tigerjaw grinned.

"ALRIGHT! Now, Hawkfrost! Once we are inside, take Poppyfrost and the young ones to Bone's command center. I will take the rest of us to fight off Rock, while Jayfeather and I go free Jay's Wing," Firestar grinned before turning to the team of renegade soldiers, "SUIT UP! WE MOVE OUT IN TEN!"

Jayfeather powered up, glowing blue and cackling with electricity, putting his hair in a ponytail.

Lionblaze grunted and started to breathe heavier, boosting his strength and his eyes glowing golden.

Ivypool sheathed her knives and began muttering some incantations, with her hair waved as if she was underwater, glowing silver like a banshee.

Ravenheart floated into the air, glowing purple and pulsing power.

Crowflight began twirling his arms around, warming up and taking some practice punches and kicks.

Tigerjaw punched his fists together twice, before chuckling madly with power.

Fernsong began to pray, and when he opened his eyes, his muscles tensed, and his eyes glowed golden.

Poppyfrost drew her revolvers, checking to see if they were fully loaded, and then holstered them, resting her hand on her sword.

Sparkpelt cocked her repeater, and aimed down it's sights, preparing to fire.

Fang chuckled, drinking a beer and tossing it away, the liquid still dripping from his mouth. He wiped it off and prepared for a fight.

Jack Graves flicked the safety off of his Berretta, and looked up at the mountain in fury and rage.

Coalstrike caught the bottle that Fang tossed away, finishing it's contents in one gulp.

Ashtooth grabbed his H.C.A.R and nodded at Firestar.

Dusty cracked his knuckles and started to jump around, pumping adrenaline.

Jaywhisker tapped some buttons on his gauntlet and moved his fingers around.

Sunfield hummed a happy tune as he brushed his long hair.

Hawkfrost pulled a long slender knife, channeling his buried psychopathic tendencies and laughing madly.

Firestar looked to the mountain.

This was it.

Rock rubbed his chin, as Bone and Garrison argued away.

Ever since the olive branch, Sky had to come clean that they never had Jack Graves, to which Rock reacted pretty immaturely. However, with Sky being Sky, she still had some trick up her sleeve and bartered with her other cards.

But Garrison and Bone clearly didn't care well enough to stop arguing.

"You gave us a loose cannon! Inferno will betray us all!" Garrison argued.

Bone grinned, "So find out what makes him tick, and exploit it like you did with us!"

"HE HAS NO TICK!" Garrison roared.

Said subject of conversation was leaning against the cavern wall, flicking his lighter on and off again, staring madly at the flame sparking up and dying down.

Sky was standing close to Rock, watching as he did while Bone and Garrison tore each other up.

Bone hissed, "He is the best at what he does. He has a personal stake in your mission. I find it hard to believe he wouldn't swallow his pride and work with you asshats just to kill his target!"

"He's a PSYCHOPATH!" Garrison roared.

Inferno coughed and got their attention, as his one good eye glowed orange.

"You should probably think about being nicer to me."

The fire on the lighter grew an absurd length, taking the shape of Garrison's head, and quickly, Inferno shut the lighter and the flame snuffed out.

Rock groaned and rubbed his head.

"What is it?" Sky asked.

Before Rock could reply, the cavern glowed red and the lights flashed.

"ALERT! ALERT! SOUTH ENTRANCE HAS BEEN BREECHED! HOSTILES HAVE ENTERRED THE MOUNTAIN!"

Rock growled, answering Sky's previous question, "We are under attack..."

And I HAVE to stop now because I have to finish other important matters. Hope you understand.

The team finally met Firestar, and he seems to be quite the charmer. Let's see if he can fight as well as he can talk.

Remember to Review! It keeps me going!

Adios.