A/N
Look at how much I love my readers; I have writers' block and I still made a chapter.
Morningfeather shivered as the first winds of Leaf-fall blew threw her den. She prayed her fur would be long enough for the coming snows.
"Morningfeather," Oakstar's voice didn't startle her. She had seen him coming, despite her back facing him.
"I feel darkness as well, my leader." Morningfeather replied before he even asked the question. She could sense his puzzlement, even though he had experienced her strange abilities times before.
"You sound worried." Oakstar stated, his eyes dark as she turned around to face him. Morningfeather stammered slightly, sighing as she couldn't find the words.
"Is there something you're not telling me, Morningfeather?" Oakstar asked, looking slightly irritated. The golden she cat scuffed a forepaw on the ground, drawing several lines.
"I see several possibilities for the Gathering tonight." She paused. "All are grim. I do not wish to go down any of them." Morningfeather traced a claw down one of the lines. "This is the one we suffer the most hardship."
Oakstar studied her, looking mildly confused. "I see, well, what if we don't show up to the Gathering? Will that guarantee my clan's safety?"
Morningfeather was quiet for a moment, drawing a new line branching from the first one. It staggered off, leading Morningfeather's paw to a bundle of deathberries. She gasped in terror, jumping back.
"No, we must go. If we don't, it is worse than the I one I previously stated. If RiverClan does not show up to the Gathering, there won't be a RiverClan." Morningfeather looked up at her leader with hollow eyes, her tail trembling as he turned to leave.
"Choose your words carefully, Oakstar," Morningfeather advised, cold fear running in her veins. "And whatever you do, don't bring Hazelpaw or Snowfall."
Oakstar looked over his shoulder. "What will happen if I do bring them?"
Morningfeather narrowed her eyes darkly. "They die."
…
(POV Change: Thymetail)
"Thymetail," Fallenstar's voice suddenly spoke, scaring the shaky she cat out of her pelt.
"ACK!" Thymetail yelped, jumping up in the air. Fallenstar winced as she dropped the poultice she was making for a gash on Flintfire's shoulder.
"Sorry," Fallenstar chuckled, but her smile disappeared as Thymetail glared at her with cold eyes.
"Wh-what did you need?" Thymetail asked, picking up the ruined herbs.
"I need to know if StarClan's said anything about the Gathering. Particularly with RiverClan." Fallenstar ordered, sitting down in a nest. Thymetail sighed heavily.
"You me-mean because o-of what happened l-last time." Thymetail said pointedly. Fallenstar looked at her paws, then back Thymetail with confidence.
"Yes. Eelscar claims the apprentice made a move on him, cornering him. I need to know if she, or Eelscar, are going to cause any more trouble for us." Fallenstar huffed, clearing her throat roughly.
"That s-sounds painful." Thymetail commented, rounding back to her herb stores and making a new poultice.
"Just answer my question, please." Fallenstar growled. "I am aware of my diminishing health. It's called being old."
"Aw, don't s-say that; you're y-younger th-than me, k-keep in mind. It's probably just wh-whitecough. Let m-me get some ch-chickweed." Thymetail purred, still trying to avoid the subject.
"Thymetail!" Fallenstar hissed, exasperated. Thymetail flattened her ears shamefully.
"I don't know what's go-going to happen, d-do I look like Morningfeather t-to you?" Thymetail snapped. "I just know i-it's n-not going to b-be pretty. M-my dreams are plagued with d-darkness."
Fallenstar sunk in the nest she was laying in. "Is there going to be battle?"
Thymetail's eyes were clouded with fear. "That seems to be what StarClan is telling me."
Fallenstar stood, her legs shaking slightly. "Prepare herbs in case there is one. Anything you need; wraps, poultices, just prepare. We have just regained our strength! I've finally come back from my…. Previous mistake. I can't risk us crumbling again."
"Firepaw!" Thymetail called out, the grey-ginger she cat by her side in an instant. "I need you to gather marigold, cobwebs, comfrey, and goldenrod. Go!"
Firepaw saltued with her paw, dashing off quickly out of camp. Marigold, cobwebs, comfrey, goldenrod. Marigold, cobwebs, comfrey, goldenrod. Marigold, cobwebs, comfr- Firepaw's thought were shattered as two distinct voices came from beyond the Soft Sands.
At first she thought it was a training session, but she quickly recognized Spiderheart's voice, pricking her ears to see if the second was Lunarpaw.
"I'm unsure of this plan, you have, Eelscar. Are you sure WindClan and ThunderClan will side with us?" She heard Spiderheart's voice growl.
"Of course they will." Eelscar sounded strangely calm. "I have my ways. And RiverClan will have no choice but hand over the kits. They will be half ShadowClan after all. Half of me."
Firepaw had to bit her tongue to stop herself gasping out in surprise. Is that what happened with him and Hazelpaw? Did she jump him? Or did he jump her? Eelscar is always skulky, but it would be wrong of me to not have faith in a clanmate, wouldn't it?
"What did you say happened again? The apprentice forced herself on you? That seems a bit unlikely. You're a huge warrior and she's a lanky little kit." Spiderheart sounded doubtful. Firepaw heard Eelscar hiss in frustration.
"Believe me, Spiderheart, those kits will be ours. Don't you want ShadowClan to be strong again?" Eelscar taunted. "Plus, I did tell you what really happened. And you'll stay by me. After all, it's the same way sweet Daisystripe has come to bear your kits, isn't it?"
Firepaw heard Spiderheart snarl. "It's not the same. Daisystripe likes me. You raped that apprentice!"
Eelscar remained calm. "Oh, same difference. She was a little brat anyways. Hopefully I taught her a lesson."
Firepaw bristled with rage. Blood from biting her tongue seeped her tastebuds. She winced softly. Raped Hazelpaw? Oh my, StarClan, he's going to lie and launch a war! Does Fallenstar know? Who's going to believe me?!
"Very well, Eelscar. I'll inform Fallenstar that we should fight for the kits if they refuse to give them up." Spiderheart sounded reluctant, but he obeyed. Firepaw heard them stand up.
"What if we lose?" Spiderheart asked. Firepaw could imagine Eelscar rolling his eyes.
"Hazelpaw was a snivelling, filthy coward. I bet she'll hand them over without a word against me." Firepaw felt sick as she could practically see Eelscar's filmy eyes glinting with pleasure and his yellowing teeth bore in a sick grin.
"And if she doesn't, I'll kill her." Eelscar declared, a disgusting laugh following Firepaw felt weak, unable to prevent a gasp from escaping her mouth. She heard Eelscar's laugh cut short and paws scramble to her location.
Firepaw struggled to flee, but the warrior pinned her down. Eelscar rotten, hot breath burned Firepaw's nostrils.
"You little runt! Good she cats don't eavesdrop, do they?" His question was rhetorical, Firepaw grunting as his claws dug into her neck.
"Let. Me. Go." Firepaw growled, but she was terrified. Eelscar may have been younger than her, but he was certainly more powerful.
"Do you want me to teach you a lesson? Hm, like Hazelpaw?!" Eelscar howled, drawing his warm tongue across her ear. Firepaw shivered in repulsion. She was crying by now.
"Bad little she cat, aren't you, Firepaw?" Eelscar chuckled, his grisly laugh bouncing around in her ears.
"Eelscar, get off her." Spiderheart meowed softly. His voice was low, clearly revolted by the warrior's actions as well. "She's a medicine cat. StarClan will have your head for hurting her."
Eelscar tightened his grip on Firepaw's throat, his sharp claws drawing blood and causing her unable to breath and scratching at his forepaws desperately. With a distasteful scoff, Eelscar released her.
"You aren't going to tell anyone, are you?" Eelscar challenged. Firepaw was still gasping for air. "ARE YOU?!" Eelscar yowled, pressing his face into hers. He licked his lips obscenely.
Firepaw shook her head frantically. "N-no!" She spat out, her faded dark blue eyes round in panic and her legs trembled in fright. Her voice was high pitched and frail.
"Go, run along now." Eelscar waved his tail dismissively, looking away from her. Firepaw took this chance, tearing her frozen paws from the ground and darting away from him and the deputy, her eyes still wide in fear.
RiverClan, you're doomed! Oh, only StarClan can help us now!
(POV change: Hazelpaw)
"Breezepaw," Hazelpaw said softly as she entered the medicine den. "Is there anything I can have for the pain? My joints really ache…"
The grey and black she cat nodded quickly, her nose drifting over several herbs before landing some dried out leaves. Breezepaw frowned. "It seems we're out of tansy. Oh, there's some by the Sunning Rocks- wait! Ugh, no! No tansy! It could cause a miscarriage!"
Hazelpaw's eyes flashed. Miscarriage…? "Uh, on second thought, I can endure…" Hazelpaw smiled quickly, bolting out of the den. She distantly caught Snowfall's eye, her heart yearning, but he trotted away, for some reason going into Oakstar's den.
Hazelpaw's shoulder's slumped. Oakstar already knows; I bet Mom told him. I wish they weren't mine! I wish they weren't Eelscar's! If I had to have kits, why couldn't I have had Snowfall's?! At least he wouldn't have forced himself on me!
"Uh, Hazelpaw? You okay?" The sound of Petalwish's voice broke her thoughts.
"What? Yes, fine." Hazelpaw replied sourly. Petalwish raised an eyebrow, but she shook her head, disregarding the apprentice's harsh attitude.
"Thanks for offering to watch Nightkit, Brightkit and Mistkit. They really are a pawful!" Petalwish chuckled. "Why did you offer?"
Hazelpaw flinched as she felt drool from Mistkit on her hind paw. She pulled her paw back. "Er, I'm confined to camp. Breezepaw thought it'd be best for me."
Hazelpaw remembered her friend's words instantly. "Aw, just watch her kits! You'll be having some of your own soon!" Breezepaw had then chuckled. "Their squealing and incoherent blabbering, oh, it's so loveable!" Hazelpaw cringed just thinking about the kits growing and squirming inside of her belly.
"One day you'll make a wonderful mother, Hazelpaw!" Petalwish cooed. Hazelpaw knew she meant it as a compliment, but she couldn't help but jerking away.
"Why'd you flinch like that?" Petalwish looked concerned now. Her gaze was locked on Hazelpaw's bloated stomach. The apprentice shifted so her belly rested under her, the pain suddenly increasing but she pretended she didn't feel it.
"I never want kits." Hazelpaw growled softly, staring at feather-lined nest. Petalwish tipped her head.
"What if you meet a nice tom? Like Snowfall?" Petalwish teased, snickering as Hazelpaw flushed.
"Probably not." Hazelpaw whispered, drawing her tail along her lower side of her belly. She tried to imagine kits shuffling inside of her. It made her head spin, especially their sticky paws and shrill shrieks she remembered when Petalwish and Sandfern's kits were born.
"I'm, uh, going to go." Hazelpaw huffed, gritting as a cramp rattled through her lanky figure, the pain lingering in her ribs in every step she took towards the camp exit.
(POV change: Snowfall)
"Breezepaw, what was Hazelpaw doing in here?" Snowfall wondered, staring at the blind apprentice. Breezepaw flattened her ears.
"Complaining of aches." She suddenly whipped around, staring sightlessly and directly into Snowfall's eyes. "If she comes to you in pain, don't give her tansy. Whatever you do, don't let her have tansy. No matter how much she complains of bellyaches, it could kill her and the kits."
Snowfall backed away in shock, his jaws parted in surprise. He nodded quickly, unnerved by the young cat as he stood outside Oakstar's den. "May I come in?" He asked, and slowly entered as he heard a faint 'yes.'
"Hazelpaw's pregnant and I'm father." He blurted as he entered the leader's den. Sandfern's eyes widened and she spat out the chewed fish she was eating in surprise. Reedpaw, Birchpaw and Whitepaw were all in the den as well, looking angry and shocked.
Oakstar looked briefly alarmed, then sighed evenly. "No, you're not. If she's pregnant, it's from Eelscar, isn't it?"
"Eelscar?" Whitepaw growled, his amber-red eyes glowing hatefully. "Isn't that the tom that Hazelpaw was-" Birchpaw slapped Whitepaw's ear harshly.
"SHouldn't you apologize to her? You were being a flea-bag, mocking her for gaining weight." Birchpaw sniffed. Whitepaw stared at his dark paws in shame.
Reedpaw just looked on, his jaw dropped wide. "WHAT." he said blatantly. "Seriously, WHAT?!"
Snowfall shuffled his paws. "I think we should tell ShadowClan their mine! Then we don't have to fight!"
Oakstar, however, shook his head. "Battle is inevitable, Snowfall. Morningfeather has said so."
Snowfall opened his mouth to protest, about to say that Morningfeather can't see the future, but he shut his mouth closed.
"Look, I get you're trying to protect RiverClan. I respect that. But I need you here to protect Hazelpaw. For now, relax. I'm relieving you of duties for the rest of today." Oakstar stood up, stretching. "I have to announce the cats attending the Gathering. You are dismissed."
Snowfall narrowed his eyes in disappointment, but he dipped his head and left the den, staring up at the Greatledge as Oakstar called a meeting.
"The cats attending this moon's Gathering are Reedflight, Hawkpool, Runningclaw, Jayheart, Acornheart, Weaselclaw, Gorseheart, Badgerfoot, Antclaw, Flowerpelt, Doestripe, Trouttail, Pebbletail, Splashspirit, Reedpaw, Birchpaw, Batpaw and Honeysnow." Oakstar announced, ignoring the worried whispers that now plagued his clan. "Please rest up and regain your strength."
"Why so many warriors?" Bramblewhisker cried out, his narrow, droopy face dark with worry.
"Is something going to happen?" Spidertail yowled, wrapping his tail around Puddlewhisker and their kits protectively. Splashspirit curled into her father's fur.
"Quiet!" Oakstar hissed, looking uncomfortable. "Morningfeather has told me that we might be in danger. That is why I have brought many warriors and ask you are at your fullest when we arrive. Be alert. We leave at sunset."
"If something happens," Hawkpool was saying to Reedpaw and Birchpaw, "I want you both to get back to camp. I know you can fight now, but there's going to be a lot more cats who are a lot more experienced than you."
Reedpaw lashed his tail. "I want to fight! I want to protect my clan!" He stared at Snailpaw from across the clearing. "I-I want to make sure a certain fox-heart doesn't get herself hurt!"
Birchpaw only shrugged nonchalantly. "If me staying safe helps you fight better, mom, I will."
Reedpaw scoffed at his brother. "Lame!" He teased, butting Birchpaw's shoulder. The mottled brown tabby stuck out his tongue.
Snowfall slumped his shoulders in frustration that he wasn't chosen for the Gathering. "Maybe you should just walk around for a bit." Snowfall heard Treeshadow say behind him. "You seem really uptight."
Snowfall sighed, cracking his neck. "Ugh, I just can't believe Oakstar chose my brother over me, again!" He stared up at the grey, hefty clouds. A brisk wind billowed his medium white fur. "Yeah, I guess I'll go relax…"
Maybe Treeshadow is right. I keep stressing over Runningclaw being favored over me, especially now since Willowleap has her new kits. Some time in the forest will do me good. At least I can hunt, right? Snowfall's thoughts were interrupted as a speck of something cold touched his nose, the warrior flinching in surprise.
Snowfall stared up at the sky, his paws feeling light and his heart thumping in excitement as he saw flecks of snowflakes fall from the heavy clouds. Ha, an early snowfall! I can finally blend in while hunting again!
Snowfall walked aimlessly, not bothering to scent for prey. They all would have retreated to their dens by now. He slowed, realizing he'd subconsciously been following a scent; Hazelpaw's scent.
What's Hazelpaw doing out here in the cold alone? She could get sick! Snowfall became quickly worried, all his senses alert.
Another scent reached his nose and panic flooded him, recalling Breezepaw's words to him. "Whatever you do, don't let her have tansy. No matter how much she complains of bellyaches, it could kill her and the kits."
Snowfall's heightened adrenaline enabled him to run faster, his eyes widening as realized what Hazelpaw was after. "NO!" SNowfall screamed, his paws pounding threw the snow and kicking up behind him, the tom zigzagging desperately even though he knew was to be too late.
Hazelpaw's scent now mingled with the fresh smell of tansy, threatening to overwhelm him. Hazelpaw's figure could just be barely made out through the increasing fall of snow and wind.
"Hazelpaw!" Snowfall cried, his legs sinking in the snow. "Don't!" He was getting slowed down! He wouldn't make it to her in time.
Alarm shimmered in her different shaded eyes as she turned back to the tansy plant and chowed down another mouthful. Snowfall tore his paws from the sinking of the snow and tackled her, ripping her away from the bush.
Hazelpaw fought him weakly, until she ran out of energy and collapsed under his strength. Her breath was ragged and reeked of tansy. Snowfall's eyes traveled to bush. It was half eaten. Hazelpaw's eyes fluttered, shivering as the tansy began to do its work.
"No! Hazelpaw! Don't you close your eyes!" Snowfall hissed, his anger mixing with his sorrow and fear, his vision blurred with tears and his throat dried up.
"I'm sorry, Snowfall…" Hazelpaw voice was meek and trembled with pain. He shook her to keep her awake.
Her body rippled, the apprentice yowling in agony. "I'll find yew! You'll throw it up and you'll be okay!" Snowfall said in a panic, spinning around, remembering how Honeysnow had gave him yew when he was kit and ate a funny mouse. He felt her paw on his tail, holding him back.
"I hate these kits, Snowfall." She choked on tears and pain. "I can't live with this. With them. I hate them growing inside of me! I hate what he did to me! I hate this! I thought he was going to kill me… Oh, I wish he did! I wish I had died!"
Snowfall held onto Hazelpaw desperately. He was no medicine cat. He knew the tansy was already in her system. But maybe, just maybe, if he held onto her tight enough he could save her through sheer force of will.
Hazelpaw let out a low moan of pain, her teeth grinding together in distress. Snowfall buried his muzzle into her fur, his tears wet on her warm pelt.
"Stay with me, please. I love you, Hazelpaw! I care about you! H-how funny is that?" Snowfall sobbed, laughing sadly. Hazelpaw chuckled, but her laugh held traces of aching.
Hazelpaw's breath came in short pants, her sides heaving as her body convulsed and prepared to birth the kits. "I-I'm sorry…" She whispered, pressing her forehead to his.
"No! I won't let StarClan take you from me! You're the only one who cares about me!" Snowfall wailed, his voice stuffy and choked back. He felt her sides ripple. The tansy mixed with the stress made this whole ordeal worse on her.
"Please, let this happen." Hazelpaw whimpered. Snowfall hung his head, drinking in her scent. The metallic scent of blood invading his nostrils.
Snowfall closed his eyes, the beginnings of a blizzard stirring his pelt. He felt her spasm beneath him, shaking in agony. Blood once again bathed his senses and when he looked up at Hazelpaw, the crimson stained the perfect white snow around her and her beautiful pelt.
The first kit slid out, but Snowfall made no move to lick it alive. He only cared about Hazelpaw. She let out another gasp of pain as her body shook, and the second kit's head could be seen.
The blood pooled endlessly, Hazelpaw tossing and turning in her suffering, Snowfall mewling in despair as she seemed to die down, even the ripples ceased their hold on her.
Snowfall stared at Hazelpaw's limp body in horror, and lifted his head in anguish, letting out a sorrowful caterwaul, choked back by his sobs and drowned out by the roars of the wind.
Snowfall coughed, recoiling at the smell of blood. Three kits were still, lying motionlessly by Hazelpaw's tail. Snowfall turned to leave them, his heart burning with rage and misery, but something caught his eye. Movement.
He stopped, turning towards the smallest kit and licking it frantically. He broke down in tears again, but this time in joy. It was alive! He moved to the other two, stimulating their breathing. The faintest traces of their flanks moving up and down could be seen.
The first kit, the one Snowfall saved first, was a beautiful snow white, minus night black paws and ears. The second was a smokey grey-brown with dark stripes, and the third was a yellowy grey like Eelscar, with more hints of light ginger.
Snowfall scooped the kits up in his jaws and tossed Hazelpaw onto his back, he padded back to camp, his eyes squinted against the wind and vision still blurred with tears. You three are the kits of a monster…. But you're also the kits of the most beautiful she cat in all the forest.
Hazelpaw's blood was splattered on one side of his face and neck, his icy blue eyes frozen wide in horrific terror and sorrow. Snowfall was so absorbed in the most recent moments, playing them over and over in his head, he barely noticed when he got to camp.
"Snowfall?! You're covered in blood!" He heard a voice shriek, but his ears were ringing and his thoughts were elsewhere. He suddenly saw Ivysky jump in front of him, followed by Whitepaw and Willowleap.
"Move you of the way!" He heard Morningfeather hiss, just barely able to pick out her voice from the drumming in his ears. The golden she cat shoved the other three cats out of the way, standing almost nose to nose in front of Snowfall.
"What happened, Snowfall?!" She demanded, but he only collapsed to the ground, his paws clawing at his head and tears streaming down his face.
"S-so much blood, oh StarClan, there was so much blood…" He sobbed, panting heavily. Hazelpaw slid lifelessly off his shoulders and down onto the snow coated ground, her blood soaked fur turning it a pale pink.
"It wouldn't end, the blood, the blood, it kept coming! She's dead, the kits killed her… They killed her and the blood, oh StarClan so, so, much blood!" Snowfall screamed hysterically, his sobs now combined with panicked laughter.
Ivyky, Whitepaw and Willowleap all backed away, looking frightened towards him in this state, but Morningfeather remained undisturbed. "Hush, now, Snowfall. You're okay. Breezepaw, fetch some goatweed, juniper berries and honey. Ivysky, Willowleap, get Hazelpaw off of him. Whitepaw, take the kits to Petalwish. She still has milk. Be quick!"
Whitepaw cast a dread filled look at the debilitated body of his sister being carried to Morningfeather's den, then shook his head and grasped the runt sized trio of kits in his jaws and sprinted off. Breezepaw returned within seconds, dropping the herbs at Morningfeather's paws.
The medicine cat drizzled honey from the comb onto the herbs, leaning down she saw was at eye level with Snowfall, who was still in his state of panic.
"Snowfall, you're at camp. This is Morningfeather; I need you to open and chew. Can you do that for me?" Morningfeather asked calmly. Snowfall quieted down, staring up at Morningfeather. He still looked horror struck and was still gripping his head, but he lowered his paws slowly, and parted his jaws obediently.
He chewed, gulping down the herbs. Almost instantly did it seem to take its effect. "H-H-Hazelpaw…" He whispered, his eyes drooping.
"There's no time for that, Snowfall. You have to get the the Gathering and tell Oakstar! Please, the whole of RiverClan depends on you! I see many possibilities, but all lead to a tragic conclusion, unless you bring them back!" Morningfeather yowled, shaking Snowfall urgently.
Snowfall staggered to his feet, looking exhausted, but he nodded briskly and took off in a run, his paws flinging snow behind him and silent against the soft ground.
Snowfall didn't hesitate as he crossed the WindClan border, praying silently up at the full moon. Please let me get there in time! I may have failed Hazelpaw, but I can't fail my clan too!
Urgency prickled in his fur, the warrior expertly crossing the stepping stones to the Marsh Island. "Oakstar!" Snowfall yowled, interrupting the meeting. The four clans turned in shock to see blood-soaked Snowfall.
"Morningfeather demands you back!" He wheezed. "She says we depend on it!"
Oakstar peered at Snowfall, looking up him up and down. Hawkpool curled around Reedpaw and Birchpaw protectively. Runningclaw distantly caught his brother's eyes, the tom's green eyes looking fretful.
Snowfall opened his mouth the continue, but a flash of yellow-grey fur caught in the corner of his eye. Rage poured into him, flowing through his whole being. His paws tingled with fury, and before he knew it, he was leaping at cat with unsheathed claws and sharp teeth.
"You, filthy, disgusting scum!" Snowfall screeched, tearing at Eelscar's open flesh with claws and fangs. "You mangy, skunky excuse for cat!" He howled, ripping into Eelscar's underbelly and flank. The warrior squirmed under his grip, but Snowfall had a firm hold and refused to let him up.
Fresh blood coated Snowfall, splattering his perfect white fur. "You killed her!" Snowfall hissed viciously, swooping in to tear out Eelscar's throat. Sounds of battle echoed around them. Out of his peripheral vision, he saw WindClan and ThunderClan avoiding the battle, but ShadowClan and RiverClan seemed to have no mercy for each other.
Runningclaw, surprisingly, stood a few pawsteps behind Snowfall, protecting his brother. Pebbletail and Hawkpool furiously fought Ashenclaw, the ShadowClan attmepting to aid Eelscar, but the two RiverClan cats protected Snowfall from the other side.
Spiderheart was brawling with Reedflight, the two deputies almost matching each other's moves, but as Creeksplash cried out in terror and Reedflight lost his concentration, Spiderheart conquered Reedflight and with two sickening tearing sounds, the deputy and Ashenclaw fall dead. The two clans stopped thier fighting, too drawn towards their fallen clanmate with sorrow. All, except Snowfall.
"I should kill you!" Snowfall roared. "But a disgusting, obscene, pervert like you does not deserve StarClan! Only cats like you should go to the Dark Forest!" The clan cats gasped at his mention of the Dark Forest, their eyes wide in surprise he had the audacity to speak its name and fear of even its mention.
"Snowfall! Release him!" Oakstar commanded. His voice was sorrow. "The battle is over. They killed Reedflight... And we took Ashenclaw."
Snowfall pulled back, his lips still peeled back in a terrifying snarl. "Why? He killed Hazelpaw! I should be the one to kill him!"
"Let him go, Snowfall." Oakstar said coolly, looking Snowfall in the eyes with a fierce commanding.
Snowfall snorted in outrage, placing an unsheathed paw to Eelscar's throat and bent his head to an ear. "Know that I have held your life in my two paws. Net time, I won't let you off so easy." He barked, digging his other paw into the soft flesh of Eelscar's cheek and clawing it across and drawing blood. It would make to an ugly scar.
Eelscar stood, hissed at Snowfall and limped away to his clan, a dotted blood trail following him.
"What about killing Hazelpaw?" Oakstar asked. He was standing in front of Snowfall now. Snowfall's memory flashed, feeling dreadfulness inside him again.
"Sh-she miscarried the kits…" Snowfall meowed, his voice trembling with misery. Oakstar's eyes went wide, then stern.
"RiverClan, we run! We already lost our deputy, and I don't fancy losing my granddaughter." He ordered, sprinting across the rocks and dashing over the snow. Hawkpool struggled to carry Reedpaw in her jaws, managing just barely to get him over the boulders.
The sight of camp gave Snowfall some peace, catching a glimpse of Oakstar speeding into the medicine den. Snowfall followed more slowly.
"Is she dead, Morningfeather?" Oakstar asked. He clearly wanted a no. The golden she cat was silent for a moment, then looked up at the two toms.
"Snowfall saved her life." She closed her eyes. "He brought the clan back in time."
Snowfall felt his heart stop. Glee overwhelmed him. She wasn't dead? Snowfall crept forward, pressing his bloody muzzle to her chest. It rumbled with life. He howled with joy, drinking her precious scent.
"Oh StarClan, thank you!" He sobbed, licking her cheek. "I thought you took her from me…" He whispered, sighing softly. He lifted his head. "What about the kits?"
Morningfeather looked at her paws and fidgeted awkwardly. "I can't say the same for them. They were too early… They are alive, for now."
Snowfall cast a final look at Hazelpaw, then found his paws taking him to the nursery, the shadows of night making it near impossible to see in, but he could make out the faint outline of Petalwish and the three pathetic kittens.
"The small two are boys, and larger one is a girl." Petalwish spoke. She sounded sleepy. "Just thought you would want to know."
Snowfall stared the little tom-runts. "Yellowkit, and um, Smokekit." He decided. His drooping eyes drifted to the she kit, the whitish one he'd seen move amongst the snow. "Cloudkit." He whispered. He felt a new feeling stir in his chest.
It felt strange, and warm. The hate he'd felt for the kits had mostly thawed out, and despite him being able to see Eelscar in these kits, he could also see Hazelpaw.
A/N
Okay so I wrote this because I love my readers. But what inspires me (and guarantees) a new chapter, is reviews. Yeah, I need a lot. Well, at least three per chapter. So make sure to review. And please not just 'wow great update soon.' because that's hardly motivating. I like ideas and speculations. People's theories and thoughts on the content of that chapter. The emotions you went through while reading it. That's what guarantees a new chapter.