All That Glitters is Not Gold
"E-Eagletalon… my deputy…." a weak voice rasped. "I'm on the brink of death."
Eagletalon eyes grew wide with sorrow.
"N-No!" he stammered. " Leopardstar, you can't die!"
Leopardstar took in shallow breaths. Eagletalon blinked. He was not going to leave his leader's side, even if it meant that he would die himself. Flowerclan was raiding Snakeclan's camp. Eagletalon was not ready to lead Snakeclan. A yowl raised from the middle of the clearing.
"Flowerclan, retreat!" It was the voice of Rosestar, Flowerclan's leader. The battling cats retreated from the camp, leaving as fast as they came.
Eagletalon turned to look around at his clanmates around him. They were all incredibly injured, but none as hurt as Leopardstar.
"Oh my Starclan… Eagletalon, help me move him to the medicine den!" a brisk and worrisome voice said from behind him. The tabby deputy turned around to find the pretty face of Berrywhisker, Snakeclan's medicine cat. Together they hoisted the dying leader across their backs and were ready to transport him to the medicine den.
As they entered the den, a crowd of cats gathered around the entrance, as they were all extremely worried for the rather young leader. Yes, Leopardstar was rather young, but he was on his last life, as he was a risky and adventurous leader. And now, he was almost gone. As Berrywhisker ran frantically around the medicine den, Eagletalon's anticipation grew.
Finally, Berrywhisker came to a stop beside Leopardstar.
"D-Don't waste your herbs on me. It's my time." Leopardstar said weakly. Berrywhisker shook her head.
"No. I refuse to let my own brother die like this." she said firmly. Leopardstar coughed. The blood poured from his shoulder, making a small pool of blood around him.
"Forgive me, Berrywhisker. Forgive me, Eagletalon." Leopardstar mumbled. And then he was gone.
"No… I don't believe it…" Berrywhisker stammered. "No! No! Noooooo!" she howled. The cats that were gathered outside yowled back in reply. The grieving had started already. Berrywhisker was broken down beside Leopardstar.
"You did all you could." Eagletalon tried to confort the medicine cat. She shook her head.
"I let him die. I'm not worthy of being a medicine cat anymore. I'm sorry." she said sadly. "My last task as a medicine cat is to bring you to the Moonpool, so you can receive your nine lives."
Three moons later, Flowerclan was in Snakeclan's camp once more. Eagletalon, now Eaglestar, was in battle again. He was watching in horror as Snakeclan- his clan- fell apart. Berrywhisker, the only chance they had of survival, had been the first to go. There was nothing he could do. He didn't know what to do.
"I'm sorry, Leopardstar." he cried. "I'm sorry, father."
