"Featherpaw and Stormpaw are half-clan. They'll be a weakness to TigerClan and will never be loyal warriors!" Tigerstar spat. "Our strength will be destroyed!"
Leopardstar observed the large army of cats with glittering eyes of anticipation and bloodlust. However, not all were listening to Tigerstar. Medicine cats had orbs glued to silverpelt looking for signs from StarClan.
.
Though strictly organized the RiverClan leader saw chaos underneath the ranks. Aggressive yowls thunderously echoed in the clearing. Tigerstar was an admired cat. Strong, smart, and obviously had tons of experience. But somehow, a lot of TigerClan cats still went hungry. A good leader would never waste fresh-kill. Even Leopardstar knew it was essential for the Clans survival. 'I would never let any of my cats go hungry.' Warriors even got sick eating rotting crow-food because they killed more prey than they could eat.
'Was Tigerstar a good leader or had he manipulated us in our weakest moments?'
.
None of them disagreed with Tigerstar's hate for half-clan cats either. Golden eyes widened with terror. 'Featherpaw and Stormpaw aren't even rogues or enemies! Why does Tigerstar want to kill them?!'
Medicine cats' eyes glowed with horror but afraid to fight against the thousands of Clan cats, they disappeared into the crowd.
'Tigerstar could be right,' Leopardstar thought. 'Greystripe only caused trouble for RiverClan. Besides, it's against the warrior code to have a mate from another Clan.' Doubt stabbed like an icicle through Leopardstar's certainty. 'But all the warriors are joining TigerClan so doesn't that make us somewhat half-clan too? As long as the apprentices follow Tigerstar's rules they should be able to stay.'
Darkstripe pushed the other generals out of the way and shouted, "For TigerClan! We can't let anything stop us! Enemies of TigerClan must be destroyed!"
"It's a sacrifice that must be made," Blackfoot mewed. "For our survival. Otherwise all our cats will be in danger."
.
"I refuse to listen to your fox hearted lies Tigerstar!" A grey tom shouted. Shocked silence swept through the gathering of warriors. It was Stonefur the tough former RiverClan deputy. Confidently he stood defying the evil cat's gruesome rules. Glaring at Leopardstar her pelt burned from his fiery gaze. The warrior's voice rang clear and heroic. "I'm half-clan and I would die defending my Clanmates! As long as you follow the warrior code your Clan and leader,"
Leopardstar looked at her paws sadly.
"Should respect you."
"Nonsense!" Darkstripe protested. "Only non-half-clan cats can be trusted! Tigerstar, Blackfoot, Brokenstar, and Leopardstar, are our leaders! They are the only cats that know the true path to strength and power!"
"You're wrong!"
"Leopardstar he's your warrior. Deal with him." Tigerstar mewed.
"What? Me? But I thought you were leading TigerClan-"
"Well?! Do you want to waste everyone's time?!" Tigerstar hissed.
Leopardstar flinched. 'I never saw him act like this before. Tigerstar has always been so calm and encouraging to other strong cats.'
"You're the only other leader here," Blackfoot mewed softly. "So as Tigerstar's deputy you-"
"I've been deputy before! I know what to do!"
"Then why are you so hesitant to make a decision?!" Tigerstar asked.
"Maybe because she's a bad leader." Darkstripe laughed.
"I'm not a bad leader!" Leopardstar responded with fangs bared.
The warrior hissed but didn't make a move knowing that his mentor would send him on guard duty as punishment.
.
In the midst of a noisy frantic atmosphere chaos consumed Leopardstar's thoughts. There wouldn't be a long time to make a choice. Gold eyes flickered from Stonefur to Tigerstar. 'What do I do? Fight an uphill battle and go to war with TigerClan? It'll be impossible! Is TigerClan the only way to survive?'
A voice on the wind hit Leopardstar's ears. It washed away the confusion and brought a sense of tranquility to the spotted she-cat. "Stonefur has been your most trusted warrior for moons and at the moment he is the only one fighting for RiverClan."
Crookedstar!
"In the warrior code the Clans must defend kits and apprentices. Why aren't you leading your Clan, Leopardstar?"
'But Tigerstar is a respected-'
"He is evil! StarClan gave you nine lives. Our ancestors and I believe that you can restore RiverClan if it falls. We gave you power to chase away the darkness of uncertainty! Don't let Tigerstar think for you Leopardstar. Only you know how to lead RiverClan." Crookedstar's star glowed brightly on his forehead. The light quickly tangled into the surrounding shadows and made them fade. "Find clarity. Find courage Leopardstar."
'How can I fight an army that big?!'
Seriousness instantly painted his face. "You can. Be RiverClan's light!" Crookedstar mewed. "Don't sacrifice good warriors and cats for Tigerstar's selfish ambitions!"
.
"I won't let you hurt these apprentices!" Stonefur declared. His leader saw him shine with bravery.
'This is the true RiverClan,' Leopardstar thought. 'Stonefur is a great warrior.'
Tigerstar snorted. "Enough. Darkstripe. Kill the half-clan cats."
Everybody watched the battle in amazement. Darkstripe was one of the most predictable warriors ever but his aggressive battle tactics were unmatched. The scarred grey tom circled his enemy and would dodge the attacks. Stonefur was waiting for the TigerClan warrior to get tired. Pacing back and forth the RiverClan deputy never let Darkstripe past him. Claws swiped painfully across Stonefur's face and sides but the grey tom just shoved Darkstripe away with a powerful kick.
"How…are you…" Darkstripe wheezed. "Still standing?" Getting up the TigerClan warrior jumped on Stonefur trying to sink his teeth in the deputy's throat. The RiverClan warrior snapped his teeth by the other tom's head making Darkstripe flinch. Stunned, he yowled in agony as teeth stabbed his haunches. Stonefur tossed him and the tom rolled violently. Summoning the last of his strength the TigerClan warrior leapt at Stonefur. The deputy spun and clawed Darkstripe's side. Stonefur had managed to protect the apprentices by trapping the evil cat into a corner.
"Seriously?" Tigerstar asked. "This is the best you could do?"
"I-I tried! H-He must know better moves!" The TigerClan tom replied.
"Why are all my apprentices terrible? All you did was give Stonefur a few scratches! Blackfoot! Kill the enemies of TigerClan!"
.
The ShadowClan warrior jumped four tail-lengths and landed on Stonefur. Claws shredded pelts and faces leaving patches of scars. Blood rained upon the earth as they rolled. Trying to gain some distance Stonefur limped a few pawsteps away but collapsed from the large collection of wounds. Tense, Leopardstar stared at the battle in surprise. Springing down from the pile of bones the RiverClan leader attacked Blackfoot. Diving under his feet the she-cat kicked the TigerClan tom. Slashing at the warrior's face Leopardstar gave the RiverClan deputy time to recover.
.
"I won't let you hurt any RiverClan cats Tigerstar!"
Tail twitching in shock Tigerstar glared at the leader. "Are you questioning the power of TigerClan?"
"No," the golden warrior spat. Crouching, the she-cat bared her fangs viciously. "I'm questioning your ambitions. You don't care about the warrior code which keeps all the Clans alive and at peace. You manipulate any leader who is desperate to save their cats from destruction and recruit bloodthirsty power-hungry rogues to slowly tear us apart! I will no longer fight for you!"
Stonefur stared at his leader in disbelief.
"RiverClan is strong on our own."
Tigerstar chuckled. "You're going to risk your life for a few cats? Pathetic. It's foolish to be an enemy of TigerClan. We show no mercy." The crowd was completely silent and no cat moved. "Looks like none of your loyal warriors will fight for your cause Leopardstar." Darkstripe added. Tail lashing angrily the spotted RiverClan leader crouched, ready for a tough battle. Power flashed through her muscles.
"That's right Leopardstar," Crookedstar's voice ran by like wind through the reeds. "Show them what a true warrior is! I shall guide you to victory!"
"Get closer fox hearted cats and face my sharp claws!"
Stonefur, though tired, stood proudly by his leader.
.
A familiar red pelt weaved through the army of cats. "Fireheart. Finally came to save the prisoners huh? Stonefur," Leopardstar whispered. "When Greystripe, Fireheart, and Mistyfoot get closer, take the apprentices and run."
"What about you?! I won't leave you behind!"
"Don't be mouse-brained. I'm not losing a good deputy. Besides," the she-cat flashed a fearless smile. "I have more lives."
Stonefur was about to protest when he studied the TigerClan warriors surrounding them. 'I must save the apprentices and escape with the others.'
"Okay."
Blackfoot clashed into Leopardstar and tried to sink his claws into her neck. Fangs latching onto her shoulder he clawed her sides, searching for an opening to strike. When the TigerClan deputy turned to find a better hold Leopardstar started spinning. Flinging him off the RiverClan leader swiped her claws across his chest and face. Stonefur jumped on Blackfoot's back and bit the tom's neck. Screaming in pain Blackfoot kicked the grey cat off and sent the warrior flying. Shaking from impact Stonefur's strength drained away. Just as he tried to escape Darkstripe blocked his path.
.
Leaping, Leopardstar took the hit. Her body rolled and landed on a small pile of bones. A deep scar opened on her neck as blood poured from the wound. Spitting out blood the leader called out to the RiverClan warrior. "Run Stonefur! Follow Fireheart to safety! Make sure Tigerstar doesn't stop you!" As a life peeled away and floated from the she-cat's body Leopardstar saw Darkstripe and Blackfoot sneaking up on her. Tiny stars gathered on her coat like dust as the injury healed. Energy restored, the tough RiverClan leader ran back into battle.
.
Various cats broke apart from the others to assist Leopardstar. Feuled with pride and passion the RiverClan leader summoned all her strength to her muscular legs. A wave of RiverClan warriors fought the two TigerClan toms while others helped Stormpaw, Stonefur, and Featherpaw to escape. A large scar bled on the leader's chest and sides but Leopardstar hardly noticed.
The she-cat met Darkstripe mid-jump and bit his throat. Blood splattered on her face. The hot sticky substance was suffocating. Landing on the ground the RiverClan cat turned to her loyal warriors. "Run! We shall join ThunderClan and heal!" Leopardstar glared at Tigerstar as she left. Guarding the injured the leader howled, "RiverClan will return to battle you! Be prepared for a quick defeat Tigerstar," Leopardstar grinned. "For I show no mercy to those who hurt my warriors!"