AtlierSky- Star Flower will be Star Flower...
Gray Wing was gazing up at the night sky as he crouched near his friends' grave at the edge of the moor. A day had passed so far since they had come up with the final plan.
Suddenly, he heard a growl
Fox? Seriously? I just wanted to enjoy a peaceful night!
Panicking, Gray Wing whipped around, scanning the moor wildly. Suddenly, a dark shape lunged and he dodged. But he was too slow. He cried out in pain, feeling the fox's sharp teeth clamp down on his ankle, dragging him to the ground.
Maybe I should have let Slate come with me when she offered company!
Gray Wing yowled in pain and tried to pull away, but the fox only tightened its grip and started to drag him nearer to it. Fierce eyes gleamed at Gray Wing when he glanced back. He concerned himself with dislodging the fox and the creature yet out a pained yelp when one of his back claws snagged its ear, ripping off a chunk.
The fox growled, pawing at the wound as Gray Wing staggered to his paws.
The fox immediately jumped for him again as the dark gray tom tried limping away.
Suddenly, he heard an angry yowl. The fox paused for a moment and Gray Wing raised his head.
It was Slate!
"Run!" Gray Wing shouted and hurled towards her, limping a bit.
The fox chased them. Gray Wing outpaced Slate, so the fox turned for her.
Gray Wing skidded to a halt and slashed at its muzzle while Slate nipped at its legs before they both raced for a tree nearby.
The fox looked frustrated, scraping at the trunk of the tree, angry it couldn't get to the two gray cats.
"Ha! Take that, mange-pelt!" Gray Wing exclaimed triumphantly after getting his breath back. His hindleg stung as he shifted it.
Soon the fox gave up with a frustrated bark and left. The two cats waited until they were sure it was gone before getting down.
"Thank you!" Gray Wing exclaimed. "That was amazing!"
"We make a good team." Slate smiled before noticing his bloody leg. "Let's get back to River Ripple's camp."
"Dad!" Sparrow Fur bundled into him when he returned. "What happened to your leg?"
"Aren't you supposed to be asleep?"
"Night had news and I had to know," the tortoiseshell mewed.
Gray Wing looked up. "What news?"
"Remember how we didn't get the chance to spy the other day? Well, I managed it tonight."
Gray Wing perked up. "How are Cloud Tail and Owl Eyes?" After so long of not seeing his kits, it had been a relief to see Pebble Heart again, who had been unaccounted for the longest.
"They're okay and keep training, I guess, but things are snappy. Even between the two groups supposedly working together."
"Fire Heart will watch the Clan," Skystar meowed calmly. "We had a conversation."
"And thank you for not telling me," Gray Wing muttered as Reed treated his leg wound.
"Well, nighttime everyone," River Ripple murmured. "We need to all be at our best for the future battle."
Faint dawn light creeped through the entrance into Jagged Peak's face. He sat up and yawned. When he spotted his mate curled up next to him he purred.
But…he was worried about their kits. Being raised and born under One Eye's rule. Mouse Ear had warned them, but they hadn't done anything about it until it was too late.
After a few minutes of stretching and yawning, Jagged Peak felt awake enough and pushed out of the den. He immediately spotted his best friend, Fire Heart on the Flat Boulder, watching over the Clan and headed over. Once again, the fact that Jackdaw's Cry wouldn't be by their side, hit hard. Now he and Fire Heart relied on each other.
When he reached the flame-colored tom, Fire Heart turned to him, eyes bright and jumped off the rock. "Jagged Peak, I need you, Thunder and Lightning Tail to find Skystar and them."
"What? Why?" The gray tabby asked, not really reluctant, just nervous.
"Because this is the perfect chance with One Eye and Fury out of camp. Deliver them a message or something." He lowered his voice. "Tell them to bring help so we can fight them!"
Jagged Peak knew no one of his clanmates had an ounce of loyalty to either rogue group, which was a relief.
"Okay," he mewed, straightening up. Fire Heart was depending on him. And he could see his brothers again! Had he not had Holly or Fire Heart, he would have felt completely alone.
Lightning Tail happened to be crossing towards them at that moment and Fire Heart beckoned him over. "You and Thunder are going on a little mission with Jagged Peak."
Thunder, who happened to be playing with Dust Muzzle and Morning Whisker nearby at the moment, scoffed. Jagged Peak glanced from Lightning Tail's frowning face to Thunder's glaring one. He'd never seen the two best friends–practically brothers–angry at one another before.
"Okay," Thunder said.
"You'd best get going," Fire Heart ordered.
Jagged Peak led the two younger toms out into the forest. "So Fire Heart said they might be with Riv–"
"So are you going to apologize?"
"For what?"
Jagged Peak paused as the two toms ignored him and addressed each other instead.
"You know what," Lightning Tail retorted. "For running off with that rogue."
Thunder narrowed her eyes. "Her name is Star Flower. And at least she doesn't act like a bitter, jealous cat like you."
"Okay, guys, we should go find River Ripple! They're most likely with him. And keep a lookout–"
"I'm just calling her what she is!" Lightning Tail interrupted.
Jagged Peak had never heard of this Star Flower and wondered what Lightning Tail had against her.
As long as she isn't like One Eye then she can't be bad.
"You know my mother was a rogue, right? My sisters and I are part rogue!"
"That's different!"
"How? Because my dad is a tribe and Clanborn cat? Still!"
"No, you were born in the Clan!"
"Ah, okay," Thunder began sarcastically. "Well, there's Gorse Fur and Wind Runner, Leaf, Petal, River Ripple, who is a friend–"
"Enough!" Jagged Peak snapped and both of the toms shut up. Jagged Peak glared sternly at his cousin. "Stop fighting. We have a mission and we have to go through with it. Quiet from now on, understand?"
Thunder and Lightning Tail nodded sheepishly.
Jagged Peak snorted and they continued on. If this is what caring for kits is like, then I better be ready. But he couldn't help the tinge of fondness that lit him up. No matter what, he'd be the best father he could be.
Skystar looked up when three toms casually strode into their clearing. Reed followed, looking wary.
He jumped to his paws. "...Jagged Peak?" He rushed forward and bonked his head against his brother's.
Gray Wing let out a shout of joy and bundled towards them, knocking them to the ground. Lightning Tail and Sparrow Fur, who had been talking, laughed.
Thunder had stayed behind to catch up with his father and uncle for a bit before he found himself walking along the riverside.
"Hey, Thunder!"
He turned with a smile to see Star Flower. "Hey," he mewed glad Lightning Tail wasn't here to berate him.
Maybe if he actually met Star Flower he would understand.
"So what's up? I never knew you'd hang around this place."
"We're figuring out how to take down One Eye. Do you know him?"
Star Flower nodded and Thunder wondered if he imagined the flash in her green eyes and the way her smile looked stilted.
"Great, then maybe you could help us."
Yep. Someone is suspicious.