A/N: Hello again everybody! This is technically the second to last chapter, since the next chapter is the final one. So it this chapter is the start of the battle, next chapter is the final one, and the chapter after that will be an epilogue. Anyways, like last chapter, this chapter won't be too long, but the next chapter should be longer (hopefully).
Thanks to Caelyx for adding this story as a favorite.
ON WITH THE CHAPTER
…
Fang's POV
"Are you sure you are prepared to fight? After all, you have been doing nothing but try to chase me away for so long," I grumbled and sent a glare to the two leaders. Toadstar and Icestar let out small sighs and I shuffled my paws restlessly. I wanted to go back to the nursery and see my kits. "This is the cat who destroyed one of the clans before and threatened to destroy you as well, this isn't any other battle," I reminded them and Toadstar's eyes narrowed slightly. His ears were flattened and his lips pulled back slightly in a snarl.
"We are aware of that, but I am willing to take that risk. If we don't, then who knows what'll happen to the clan. And I don't want to risk the lives of my kits or mate," he spat and stood up, his fur bristling and tail lashing. I flicked my ear and raised my head slightly higher. "After all," Toadstar said almost mockingly, "we already killed him once before, this time will be no different." It was my turn to get angry.
I stood up like him and growled. "Do not talk about him like that," I surprised myself for defending Shard. I blinked placidly and cleared my throat before sitting down, my fur bristling as I curled my tail around my paws. "Tell your clan to rest up, if it's at Sunhigh, then it will be soon," it was already dawn the next day when they called me over to them. Icestar stood up and walked pass me, her fur bristling as it brushed past mine. I glanced behind my shoulder at the den entrance and then looked back at Toadstar.
"I'd like to thank you, for taking care of Duskcloud. She's lucky to have you," I murmured awkwardly, earning a surprised expression. His posture returned to normal, his fur flattening and his ears perking up. He gave a small snort and smiled good-naturedly. "She is more than capable of taking care of herself; she didn't need me at any point. I'm the lucky one," he chuckled and shook out his pelt before standing up again. "You should go get your rest," he said before padding pass me, most likely going to see Duskcloud and his kits.
I sat in the leaders den for a moment longer before raising my head slightly and closing my eyes, letting out a heavy sigh. Today, I would show Shard that he would no longer have control over me. And with this kill, I would not feel guilty.
…
I arrived back at the nursery once everyone had retreated to their dens, hearing the news from Icestar. The two new apprentices weren't participating in this battle, along with the previous queens; Silversnow, Flowerpool, Iceflower, and Palestone. Duskcloud, Whiteheart, Snow, and all the kits were told to remain at camp at all times, no matter what happened. The two medicine cats were also told to remain at camp, getting ready for any warriors who were severely injured after the battle.
As I passed the warriors den, the newly made warriors casted weary glances in my direction. Stonestrike perked his ears up, as if waiting for me to speak with the warriors. I just simply walked by them, entering the nursery. Bluestorm was curled around Whiteheart, speaking with her quietly since his kits were sleeping. Fogkit and Swampkit weren't asleep, but they also stayed quiet as Toadstar spoke with Duskcloud.
I padded to the back of the nursery where Snow and my kits were. Snow lifted her head when she saw me, a worried look in her eyes. My kits were sleeping, curled up close against each other and against Snow's belly. "I'm worried," she whispered to me once I was close enough, meeting my gaze. I gave her a reassuring smile and curled around her, entwining my tail with hers.
"Don't worry, I can handle myself," I said, not believing my own words, but it was a lie I had to tell Snow. She let out a sigh and nuzzled me gently. "I wish I can fight alongside you," I heard her murmur and I smiled, licking her cheek. "I'll be fine, and once it is over, I will come back here," I said and she simply stayed quiet, probably thinking about what I didn't want to say. There was a chance that I could never come back to her. I tried not to think about that, it would only frighten me more.
I licked Snow's neck before resting my head behind hers, wrapping one of my paws around her side. "I love you," she murmured softly and I lifted my head slightly. She turned her head to the side and her eyes searched mine for a few seconds. "I love you too," I said back, touching my nose to hers. She scooted slightly closer to me, taking in a deep breath before closing her eyes.
I flicked my ear and turned my head towards the den entrance. Bluestorm was padding outside, but he looked behind his shoulder and met my gaze. Instead of his usual anger, a somber look was in his eyes. He was probably thinking about the chance of not returning as well. I gave an uneasy smile and he returned it before padding outside. I sighed and looked down at Snow and my kits. This may be the last time I see them. I didn't fall asleep; I just continued staring at their sleeping figures, trying to paint a picture in my mind so they would be the last thing I think about if I do die.
…
Sunhigh came way too soon for my liking. Bluestorm stepped into the nursery and flicked his ear. I looked towards him and frowned slightly. Toadstar was already outside. "Come on," the blue-grey cat said in a defeated sigh and looked longingly at Whiteheart and his kits. I carefully stood up and nodded to him. "I'll be there soon," I said and he nodded before reluctantly backing out of the den. I walked around the nest and stood in the middle of the nursery, looking back at Snow.
"Goodbye Snow," I whispered into the air and looked down at my kits. I quickly padded outside before I changed my mind on going. I ushered some tears away and sniffed, clearing my throat soon after and raising my head. The warriors were already outside, all of them eating some sort of prey. I walked over and met up with the new warriors. Surprisingly, Stonestrike was the one to offer to share his prey. Everyone ate in silence, sharing knowing looks. It amazed me how brave everyone was.
Even after everything that I was forced to do, they were willing to risk their lives to fight a battle that I put them in unintentionally. Even with the thought of not returning, nobody looked like backing down. I purred quietly as I took one more bite from the thrush that Stonestrike and I were sharing. Toadstar and Icestar were already walking towards the camp entrance casually, as if they were just going to go on a walk.
On a silent signal, all the warriors stood up and began following their leaders. "Come on Fang, you're one of us… a warrior," Echoheart said, standing beside me with Midnightglimmer and all the others at his side. I gave them a smile before joining the sea of bodies, blending in with all the others as I walked near the center.
With my throat tightening, I refused to look back at the camp. Goodbye Snow, Badger, Frost, Cloud, and Shade. Goodbye Duskcloud, Paleflower, and Flowerpool. I cleared my throat and closed my ears, letting my sense of hearing guide me to the battlefield.
…
The sound of the river made me open my eyes. I looked at the other warriors and then padded closer to the two leaders, their fur already bristling. I let out a shaky breath and stood beside Toadstar, giving him a sideways glance. Icestar was the first of the three of us to step out of the forest. Toadstar and I padded out at the same time, and I could hear the clan behind me follow us. I saw the river in front of us, the water flowing calmly over the stones at the bottom. At least it wasn't rushing, so nobody would die if they fell in.
We stood close to the river's edge, some of the water sprayed at our legs. I kept my ears perked and opened my mouth slightly, scenting the air. For a moment, everything was silent. The warm rays of the sun above shone on our backs, and I was about to go back into the shade of the trees before I heard the rustling. I quickly look across the river, but I didn't see anything. I heard the sound of mocking yowls and I finally saw a paw step out of the bushes. I flattened my ears when Spottedstar padded out, swiftly slipping into the river and swimming across with a blank expression.
I met his yellow gaze and froze when he smirk. I looked down at his reflection below him, seeing the pitch black fur and dark amber eyes of my father. It disappeared when he made it to dry land, the water rolling off his sleek pelt in droplets. My eyes narrowed and I resisted the urge of running up to him and raking my claws through his pelt. Once the rest of Streamclan was across the river as well, my father smirked, looking specifically at me.
"Greetings Stormclan," he mocked coldly and stood up taller, swaying his tail, "so nice of you to accept my invitation." I held in a snarl and looked at the leaders instead. Icestar and Toadstar were glaring at him through narrowed eyes
"Did you come here to fight or just to mock us?" Toadstar challenged and lashed his tail, his claws already unsheathed. Shard let out a bitter chuckle and his gaze returned to me. "So good of you to come, Fang," he said and I instantly sat up straighter, my body freezing. I sat how I used to whenever he scolded me. I growled at myself and forced myself to relax, my shoulders hunching slightly and my head tilting back casually. By the annoyance that flashed in his eyes, I could tell it enraged him.
"We will fight at the Owl Tree, do not keep me waiting son," he said, his voice dripping with the venom that wanted to poison me. My body felt stiff once more as I watched him pad away into the forest. His clan members simply glared at me, their bodies already tensed to lunge whenever given the order to. I shared a look with Icestar and Toadstar and then looked at the warriors. I padded over to Bluestorm and he frowned at me.
"If I don't come back, tell Snow that I'm sorry, and I want you to look after all of them," I said hastily and his eyes widened slightly before he nodded. "I'll make sure to tell her," he said and his jaw clenched. I nodded at him before walking off into the jungle and towards the Owl Tree.
…
Toadstar's POV
"Your clan has betrayed us all by letting him stay with you," Stormrain said through narrowed eyes, being the leader at the moment. The Streamclan warriors hissed and growled at us, and my ears flattened. "You have betrayed us by letting our worst enemy order you around," I hissed back and lashed my tail. Icestar remained quiet, but I could tell that she was just as angry as I was.
"He promised to get rid of Fang, the one thing we have been trying to do for moons and moons now," it was Bluespark's turn to speak, the obnoxious tom stepping forward and taking Stormrain's place. The deputy gave him a withering glare but remained quiet, focusing on us now. "We searched for days on Hailclan and Fogclan territory, only for you to show him to us now," Bluespark hissed and took another step forward.
"You don't understand, he is not who you were forced to believe he is," I said and frowned inwardly. I was speaking to everyone. We were all forced to believe that Fang was a danger to us all. No explanation. No logical reason. We were told just to avoid him. We never gave him a chance.
"No, you don't understand, that he… he's nothing but a monster, a killer. Countless lives were lost because of his claws; he has the blood of many on his paws; and now, he has brainwashed you all to believe that he is the good one," Bluespark spat and shook his head in disappointment.
"You're wrong!" I turned my head at Bluestorm's remark, "you just need to give him a chance to prove who he is. Why is it so wrong to give him that chance? He's not a monster, because in the end, he is just like you, me, and everyone else." I nodded at his words and looked at the Streamclan cats. Some of them seem convinced, but they remained quiet.
"Enough! We came here for a fight, and if you're going to defend that monster, then you will be our first targets," Bluespark said and raised his head to the sky, "attack!" The Streamclan cats let out battle cries and began charging at us. "Attack!" Icestar yowled beside me and ran ahead of me. I lashed my tail and sprinted forward, my eyes on Bluespark.
With one leap from each of us, we collided in mid-air and the battle had begun.
…
Fang's POV
I hesitated by the edge of the Owl Tree Clearing and stared out at the single figure there. Shard was showing his true self; pitch black fur blending in with the shadows, a nicked ear from a previous battle, and dark amber eyes that were glaring at me tauntingly. I cleared my throat and raised my head, taking in a deep breath. I stepped out into the clearing and lashed my tail.
"You've kept me waiting long enough," he taunted and casually lifted his head, looking up the tree. With one, strong gust of wind, a multitude of leaves floated off their branch and began swirling down. "You're the one who has been keeping me waiting, waiting for the day where I finally could get rid of you," I snapped and he chuckled, standing up and stepping out of the shadows of the tree.
"That's what you don't understand son-"
"Stop calling me son! I am nothing like you, filth," I snapped out each word, my claws unsheathing and my fur bristling. "You're no father of mine, and I am no longer your son."
A smirk crossed his features and he raised his head higher. "Defiant now are we? That tends to happen when we are afraid. We feign our bravery when we are most frightened. Isn't that what you said to that little kit?" I growled loudly and took a step forward, my claws digging into the hard ground below me.
"Why would I have to be afraid of you?" I snarled, my tail lashing wildly behind me to show my anger. His smirk grew to a grin and he laughed bitterly. "I could see right through that little act of yours," Shard said in a booming voice, his claws unsheathing.
"True or false? Your worst fear," he stopped walking forward until he was a fox-length away from me, "is becoming like me." I froze in place and remained quiet. The seconds ticked by and I stared at his grin. My eyes narrowed and I bared my teeth, pulling my lips back in a snarl. My anger was melting away my fear, and within seconds, I was able to respond with a lunge.
He certainly didn't expect that, since I managed to sink my claws into his shoulder on impact. My surprise attack was short-lived, since he twisted us around and threw me aside. I skidded to a stop and hissed at him, charging at him once more. He stood on his hind legs slightly and slashed at my head. I ducked down quickly and met his other paw with a blow of my own. I leapt at him again, but he managed to fall on his side so I jumped over him. I landed behind him and whirled around quickly, but not quick enough. He managed to stand up and it was his turn to lunge at me.
I felt his claws connect with my side and I held in a yelp of pain. The impact caused me to be thrown backwards, and I landed on my side with a thud. Shard leapt at me again, but I managed to kick him away with my back paws. He hissed in annoyance and bit down roughly on one of my back paws. At this, I yowled out in pain. I leaned forward and slashed my claws at his face, clawing at his right eye and nose.
He let go of my paw and backed up slightly, closing his wounded eye. Blood dribbled down from where his eye was closed and from the cut on his nose. He spat in frustration before leaping at me again. I stood up swiftly and leapt backwards. He landed where I was and I stumbled slightly when I put pressure on my bitten paw. I gritted my teeth at the pain and he took the small moment to lunge at me again. We collided in a mass of claws, teeth, and hisses. I felt his claws slash across my chest while I bit his nicked ear. I felt his teeth clamp down on my leg and draw blood as I clawed at his side.
We rolled around for a few minutes, both of us not caring anymore to dodge any attacks. We just cared on issuing as much wounds as possible, to see who falls first. Our scuffle was stopped when he suddenly threw me aside, my back hitting against the Owl Tree roughly. The wind was knocked out of me and I hissed in response to the little amount of air I did have. I didn't have time to stop and catch my breath. With this distraction, Shard pinned me against the tree, one of his paws pressing against my throat, choking me more.
I coughed and tried kicking him away, my claws scraping at his stomach, but not enough to inflict any sort of damage. A wild look was in his amber eyes, and I could tell he wanted to end it now. Despite my best efforts, I couldn't push him away. I stared into his amber eyes, memories of when I was a kit rushing into my mind as I felt his claws pierce the thin skin on my throat. Even as I felt the blood beginning to bubble, I didn't flinch.
I saw black dots beginning to swarm my vision and my lungs were fighting desperately for air. My vision blurred and I was barely able to hold onto consciousness. Suddenly, Shard's claws were pulled away from me as he was tackled aside, and I landed roughly on my side at the base of the tree. It felt as if I was drowning, but I know no matter how hard I tried, I wouldn't resurface.
I saw something fighting with Shard. Three figures to be precise. I felt that strange pull that was tugging at my eyes, trying to close them. I felt something beside me, and heard a familiar voice.
"Close your eyes, everything will work out just fine," it said in an almost teasing way. I couldn't quite pinpoint who it was. With Shard still fighting off whoever it was, I allowed my eyes to close.
Before I entered darkness, the image of Snow and my kits entered my mind, and my heart ached even more.
…
~Final Allegiances~
…
Stormclan
Leaders:
Icestar- pure white furred she-cat with a grey tail tip, icy blue eyes
Toadstar- dark brown furred tom with a black splash on chest, teal eyes
Deputies:
Specklefrost- dark grey furred she-cat with black speckles on back, icy blue eyes
Shadestone- black furred tom with dark grey paws, green eyes
Medicine Cats:
Leafstone- dark grey furred she-cat, leafy green eyes
Redflower- red brown tabby she-cat, orange eyes
Warriors:
Goldenhawk- golden brown furred tom with white flanks, yellow eyes
Glacierstone- big, white furred tom with dark grey paws and underbelly, green eyes
Cloudshadow- fluffy, black furred tom with a white muzzle, blue eyes
Bluestorm- blue-grey furred tom, stormy blue eyes
Mudstorm- dark brown furred tom, stormy blue eyes
Sootear- dark grey (almost black) furred tom with black ear tips, green eyes
Stripesky- dark grey furred she-cat with a black stripe from nose to lower back, sky blue eyes
Silversnow- silver furred she-cat with white paws and underbelly, green eyes
Iceflower- white furred she-cat with a grey underbelly, dark blue eyes
Flowerpool- dark grey furred she-cat with a white patch on lower back, blue eyes
Palestone- pale grey furred she-cat, green eyes
Cloverwing- light brown, tabby she-cat, bright green eyes
Mossfire- brown furred she-cat with a plumy tail, bright green eyes
Midnightglimmer- black furred she-cat with white speckles, purple eyes
Stonestrike- grey tabby tom with dark stripes, yellow eyes
Raindew- blue-grey furred tom, pale yellow eyes
Dovefeather- light silver furred she-cat with white paws, green eyes
Echoheart- grey furred tom, yellow eyes
Leopardclaw- golden furred she-cat, green eyes
Fang- black furred tom with white stripes on sides and white dots between ears, fiery amber eyes (eyes turn red when blinded)
Apprentices:
Ashpaw- ashy grey furred tom with black ear tips and underbelly, dark green eyes (Mentor: Silversnow)
Brightpaw- light grey furred she-cat with lighter grey paws and underbelly, bright green eyes (Mentor: Shadestone)
Queens and kits:
Duskcloud- black furred she-cat with white paws, yellow eyes(kits with Toadstar:
Fogkit- dark brown furred she-kit with a white tail tip, yellow eyes
Swampkit- black furred tom-kit with brown ear tips and a white patch on front paw, light blue eyes)
Whiteheart- white furred she-cat with a dark grey chest, blue eyes(kits with Bluestorm:
Wolfkit- dark grey furred tom-kit with a white chest, stormy blue eyes
Mistkit- blue-grey furred she-kit with a white underbelly, dark blue eyes
Snowkit- white furred she-kit with a dark grey chest and tail tip, light blue eyes)
Snow(strike)- white furred she-cat with a grey stripe along spine, blue-green eyes(kits with Fang:
Badger- black furred she-kit with a white stripe down back, white paws, muzzle, and tail tip, grey-blue eyes
Frost- pure white furred she-kit, icy blue eyes
Shade- light grey tom-kit with white stripes on face and tail, light amber eyes
Cloud- white furred tom-kit with a darker underbelly and paws, light blue-green eyes)
…
Streamclan
Leader:
Spottedstar- light brown furred tom with black spots all over, yellow eyes(controlled by Shard:
Shard- pitch black furred tom with a nicked left ear, dark amber eyes)
Deputy:
Stormrain- dark grey furred tom, rainy blue eyes
Medicine Cat:
Rosestep- red brown furred she-cat with darker red-brown paws, green eyes
Warriors:
Redwing- red brown furred she-cat with white flanks, bright yellow eyes
Bluespark- blue-grey furred tom, yellow eyes
Pebblewing- light grey furred tom with darker grey spots and white flanks, blue eyes
Silverspot- silver grey furred she-cat with a darker silver spot on right flank, green eyes
Willowcreek- dark brown furred she-cat with white dots on lower back, blue eyes
Rosethorn- cream furred she-cat, blue eyes
Goldenlight- golden brown furred she-cat, yellow eyes
Otterflash- light brown furred tom, yellow eyes
Mashmud- blue-grey furred tom, blackish-green eyes
Silverwave- silver furred she-cat, pale blue eyes
Emberlily- amber brown furred she-cat, dark yellow eyes
…
A/N: WHAAAAT?! Welp, that happened to Fang. Anyways, next chapter is technically the last one, but there is an epilogue after so no need to worry. I don't really know what to say except… hope you guys enjoyed. Just don't kill me in the reviews XD Ay, that voice told him it'll be okay, trust the voice XD
QOTD: Gosh, I'm gonna miss doing these; If you were on the battlefield as a Streamclan warrior, after hearing what Bluestorm said, would you have had second thoughts about Fang?
My Answer: It honestly depends on how they saw it, for example, those like Bluespark still strongly believe that Fang is nothing but a monster, but there were a few that seemed hesitant after what Bluestorm said.
*Countdown to final chapter; 2 more chapters to go (one regular chapter and one epilogue)
If you have time: it would mean a lot to me if you can check out my other stories as well. They are temporarily stopped to finish this one quicker, but still.
Stolen: s/10699119/1/Stolen
A Silver curse: s/11181428/1/A-Silver-Curse
Please review, favorite and/or follow.
Thank you and peace out.
~Wolfcreations16
#TheAlpha