NOTE: I don't own anything warriors other than two of the characters. All credit is given in the Allegiances section.
BoneMeal: Trenton lives in a castle as he is the king and you will see several villages. Sorry if I miscommunicated this. And plot changes (plot twists as they are often referred to) can come in whenever as long as they flow with the rest of the story. If you just throw one in then it looks jumbled and out of place.
NOTICE: I will be changing up the order a bit. That way we keep up with the three groups. Don't worry, it only lasts for a few chapters. Once Lightningfur joins with Nightfur, Aspenfall, and Silversoul then we will return to the usual every-other chapter POV switch. Then, when they return to Forestclan, it will focus solely on the Clan. So if you don't like the jumping around, that's the good news: POV jumps are almost over! I will, however, continue to change the storytelling POV each chapter (I'm trying to practice explaining scenes through different character's eyes).
And sorry this took so long. School had me really stressed. There was no time for relaxing or writing of any kind. But I'm back and I plan to catch up.
And yes, I know isn't exactly from Lightningfur's POV.
Review and Enjoy!
Reviving Blood
Chapter 14: Time Running Out
Trumpets sounded in the distance. Workers were sawing and cutting down trees. Men from across the country were coming to this area. It was almost time. In another month the festival would begin. The festival of warriors. A time of friendly competition between the human knights. Many would bring their greatest fighting and hunting dogs and cats. All of them wanted to impress the greatest trainer in the land. His army of dogs, cats, and men made him completely unstoppable. It was the highest honor to train at his side. Those who weren't knights could still participate in the dog and cat competitions by training their own. The bar had been set. Many aspired to reach it. Some wanted to beat it.
Deep inside the bustling castle were two cats. White paws silently moved over the marble squares. The white tom froze as a group of knights walked out of another hall. His deep blue eyes looked around for anybody the cat recognized. Seeing none, he darted farther down the hall. The silver she-cat raced behind him. Her light blue eyes were wide with terror. This was a risky plan. This plan could end in complete disaster. She trusted the tom. She knew he would protect her should the plan fail.
The tom stopped, ears pricked, front right paw lifted. His long tail flicked calmly behind him. Gingerly it brushed against the she-cat's shoulder. She smiled at him. After everything that had happened, she still loved him. Those light blue eyes dropped to the floor as a frown of pain pulled at her lips. He belonged somewhere else. He belonged in a land far to the north. The desires of another had ripped him away. Those eyes narrowed. Quietly the two moved onward. The tom deserved to go home. Every night he trembled and shook as dreams filled his sleep. Something deadly was approaching his family. Something wanted to drown his home in the blood of his Clanmates. The she-cat knew he had to be there for them.
But Trenton would never let him go.
Chloe stepped up to his side as they reached the main hall, "What now? Someone will surely see us!"
"Patience, Chloe," Lightningfur replied. He nodded back the way they had come, "Find a place to hide. Let me move ahead and studied the layout. That way we lower the risk of being spotted."
The she-cat turned and raced into the shadows. Finding a big statue of a past leader, she hid behind it. Her eyes watched as Lightningfur stepped into the open. Calmly he started towards the door. No part of his body gave away his intentions. He looked like he was on a walk. That was good. That meant someone was less likely to stop him. Chloe started counting time in her head. She knew that the main doors was five minutes from where the tom had started. The castle walls were another six minutes. True freedom, a freedom without the risk of being recaptured, was a day's journey beyond that. Chloe knew Lightningfur would probably check out the whole way to the wall. That way they didn't have to pause a second time.
Voices suddenly reached her ears. Panic flared in her chest. That was Trenton's voice. Wherever the Twoleg leader went, Dominic was right behind. Sure enough, the leader rounded the bend with his dog right behind. Another Twoleg was walking beside Trenton. Chloe recognized him as Anthony, the leader's rule advisor. The Twoleg word was something like "legal" but Chloe wasn't certain how to pronounce it. Swallowing, she crouched lower and watched. Instinct told her to stay still. Her heart pounded a mile a minute. She was certain that they would hear it. At the very least, Dominic would hear it. The dog would give her away. Trenton wouldn't take kindly to her being so close to running away.
The trio passed by without incident. Anthony and Trenton turned the opposite direction that Lightningfur had gone. Dominic began to turn when he stopped. Chloe felt her heart stop as he leaned down to sniff the ground. Dark brown eyes rose to look straight at her. Panic flooded her senses. He was going to tell Trenton! He was going to give her up! Trenton would lock her up or kill her! This was the end of all her hopes. The massive dog dipped his head to her. Then he walked away. Racing to the hall, Chloe looked around the corner. Trenton was scratching Dominic's ears. The dog let lose a low rumble. Pawsteps made Chloe look the other way. It was Lightningfur. The tom's fur was rising in fear.
SCREECH
Not paying attention to his paws, Lightningfur's partially unsheathed claws scratched the marble. The stone and marble hall allowed the sound to echo loudly. Trenton's head snapped up. Dominic froze, ears pricked. Chloe and Lightningfur were in the open. There was no way they could hide fast enough. Then Dominic let out a powerful bark. He shot forward, racing for the far end. The single bark then charge was a trained signal: Intruder! Trenton unsheathed his sword and raced after his dog. Anthony darted down another hallway, sounding the alarm. A gust of wind made Chloe turn back to Lightningfur. The white tom was racing for the exit. She knew why. Once an alarm had been raised, all gates, doors, and windows would be shut and locked. That's why so few enemies had ever escaped with their lives. Quickly she charged after the tom. There only escape path was about to close.
Soon the huge doors came within sight. Chloe was panting hard. Lightningfur was breathing deep and even but panic shone in his eyes. Guards were already starting to close the doors. With a growl, he shot forward. Maybe he could distract them long enough to allow Chloe to escape. Cries rang out as the white blur raced past. They thought he was the intruder escaping. All twelve instantly abandoned the door. The silver she-cat quickly raced down the marble steps. Her eyes spotted several barrels. Legs pumped harder. Soon the shadows swallowed her whole. Then she appeared racing up the stone steps to the top of a wall. The main gate had already slam shut. She had to find another way out.
Panting, she raced along the top. No one bothered to stop her. In the confusion, they simply recognized her as an ally. Not one stopped long enough to realize that who she was and that she wasn't allowed out here. A flash of white raced over the grass below her. It vanished into the castle. Chloe snarled. Lightningfur had a chance to escape with her. Now he had to play the fool. Now he had to stay behind. That's when her eyes spotted a hole in the wall. Racing down another flight of stairs, she raced for it. A gasp escaped her mouth. This was how Flash and his cats were getting in! She yowled loudly to call attention to it. It might help to prove that an intruder got in. Twolegs, cats, and dogs raced in her direction. Before any were close enough to recognize her, Chloe vanished through the hole. Several other cats would follow her. It was standard practice for a breach to be well examined.
Nobody saw the silver she-cat vanish into a group of wagons destined for the village.
Trenton growled in frustration had the last report came in. Nothing. The intruder had escaped! Dominic whimpered at his feet. The Twoleg glanced down, noticing he was still breathing hard. Gently he scratched the dog's folded ears. He had done well. Trenton was not mad at him. A rumble of pleasure echoed in the dog's chest. He hated letting his master down. Both ears suddenly pricked as pawsteps could be heard. Trenton looked up, eyes narrowing. Poppy appeared around the corner. His fur was ruffled and eyes were wide. The others could see he was breathing hard, an abnormality. Deep blue eyes spotted them. Quickly he bounded over.
"Chloe…I can't…find Chloe!" he gasped to Trenton.
Anger sparked in the leader's eyes. The she-cat must have used the intruder as a distraction to escape. Quietly he cursed. His hands pressed into Poppy's sides. His voice came out soft and gentle. The Twoleg leader needed to calm Poppy down before his lungs gave out. That was the drawback of immense speed. When it ended, it left the animal completely wiped out. Poppy slowly calmed down. White eyelids drooped with exhaustion. Trenton felt a snarl touch his lips. The white tom, his friend, had actually started developing feelings for Chloe. The she-cat had actually said she was pregnant, ending the deadline with two moons still left to go. Poppy, being the loyal soul he was, wouldn't turn away from the she-cat and kits. Hearing the intruder alert, he had evidently panicked. Now Trenton wondered if Chloe had spoken the truth about the kits.
He picked up the tom and whispered gently, "Rest, Poppy. Everything will be alright. We'll find Chloe and bring her back safely. She still has your kits. I won't see anything happen to them."
Up in his apartment, Trenton ordered Poppy to rest before heading to his office. There was a lot of work to do. Crystal came in to check on Dominic and the exhausted cat. Her swollen belly declared her pregnancy loud and clear. Dominic was grateful for her worry but ordered back to bed. Trenton wouldn't take kindly to her moving around when the puppies were about to arrive.
Dominic approached the tom as Crystal vanished into the little den Trenton had made for her. He lowered his snout and tapped the white side, "Good acting, Lightningfur. Did Chloe make it out?"
"Yes, though I'm surprised you helped us," the cat replied, eyes still closed.
The dog chuckled, "If I hadn't, you would have been caught red-handed. Not to mention Chloe had to escape before Trenton learned she lied about her pregnancy."
"You know about that?" one blue eyes opened and looked at him. "Why didn't you say anything?"
Dominic sighed, sitting down by the bed, "Because I remember what you went through with Sophia. I remember your promise to Nightfur. Trenton's commands betrayed all of that. Crystal and I have accepted our fate. Yours…yours twists and turns in ways none can keep up with. It wasn't fair to you or Chloe." He looked down at his friend, "Let's hope she stays lost. If Trenton captures her and realizes she lied then he will kill her. He'll lock you up first to make sure you don't interfere."
"I know, Dominic. But it's now out of our paws. Only Chloe controls her future," Lightningfur meowed, raising his head.
Footsteps came to their ears. Trenton stepped into the room with some papers. He looked at them and growled, "Dominic, leave Poppy alone. He needs to rest."
The dog dipped his head before padding to his bed. Lightningfur lowered his head to his pillow. Trenton opened his door and handed the papers through. Then he stepped over to the cat. Fingers scratched the tom's cheek. A soft purr escaped the tom's throat. He was happy. Chloe was free and safe. Those blue eyes started to close. A smile touched his lips. Standing beyond Trenton, a warm smile on her face, was Sophia.
She dipped her head to him before fading away.
Chloe curled up amidst some supply barrels. Night stretched out above her. She suppressed a purr. She was safe for now but one wrong move could ruin everything. One wrong step could end up with Trenton's sword tearing through her. After everything Lightningfur had done for her, she had to survive. Another snarl touched her lips. The white tom owed her nothing yet he risked his freedom for her. Those light blue eyes opened, glowing in the black shadows. High above her was the full moon. The stars glittered faintly all around it. Her ears flattened, her eyes looked down to her paws. Lightningfur could have gone home…
If he hadn't saved her.
She whispered into the silent night, "I owe you everything, Lightningfur. I just wish I knew how to help you."
"You can help him, young one," a warm voice whispered to her.
Chloe looked up with shock. Sitting before her was a white she-cat with large orange patches. Deep blue eyes shined like the moonlight. A warm smile touched her lips. Calmly she stepped forward. A pink nose touched Chloe's forehead. The silver she-cat gasped a cold wave raced through her fur. Those light blue eyes closed as her head dropped her paws. When they opened, the she-cat gasped. A warm plain stretched out before her. Stars danced through the grass. Moonlight made everything look beautiful. Rising to her feet, Chloe tried to memorize every detail. Turning northward she spotted an ancient forest. Her eyes narrowed. Three shapes were padding towards her. Soon they were close enough for Chloe to see their coats:
A pure black she-cat with amber eyes,
A silver tabby with deep blue eyes,
Another silver tabby (this a lighter shade) with ice blue eyes.
The three were walking straight towards her. Looking southward, Chloe saw Trenton's castle. Sitting on the wall was a pure white cat. Lightningfur. Then the ginger and white she-cat appeared at her side. She nodded to the three she-cats.
"Nightfur, Silversoul, and Aspenfall are all warriors of Forestclan. The Clan needs Lightningfur to return home. They are coming to fetch him. You and I both know that Trenton won't release him willingly. They will need all the help they can get. Are you up to the task?" the she-cat meowed.
Chloe felt her heart twist as she heard Nightfur's name. Then she looked at the black she-cat. A sigh escaped her mouth. The she-cat was really lucky to have Lightningfur as a mate. Taking a deep breath, she looked at the she-cat. She nodded confidently. A smile was the silent response. Chloe was no warrior but she would help the three she-cats. Light blue eyes studied the three as they continued to approach. One day she would have to find them. Then her eyes rose to the forest beyond them. Was that Forestclan's territory? Was that where Lightningfur belonged? Her claws dug into the starry grass. Whatever danger Forestclan faced, Lightningfur would be there to help them fight it.
And Chloe would be right behind him.
Cats (in order of experience/training):
Lightningfur: pure white tom with deep blue eyes, long legs that make him tall, and a long, flexible tail. Nightfur's mate. Father of Blizzardsky, Forestclaw, Leafshine, Jayflight, Cloudpaw, Ravenpaw, Dapplepaw, and Snowpaw.
Adder: tan tom with dark brown paws and green eyes. Long scar left shoulder to right haunch (going over his back).
Tom: long-furred black tom with a white muzzle and hazel eyes. Three scratches crossing his face.
Bridget: white she-cat with black rings on her tail and amber eyes. Right ear is missing.
Dagger: storm gray tom with blue eyes and a black muzzle. Half of his tail is missing and front left paw is badly burned.
Silver: a silver she-cat with white ears and green eyes. Scars striping her back from a whip.
Range: orange tom with pale yellow stripes, white paws, and amber eyes. Blind in left eye and a torn right ear.
Misty: dark gray she-cat with a silver muzzle, white paws, and green eyes. Scratch scars on her shoulders.
Chloe: silver she-cat with light blue eyes.
Red: red-orange tabby tom with black stripes, white paws, white tail tip, and green eyes.
Hymn: white she-cat with black and brown patches along her back and sides, hind paws are black, and green eyes.
Jackal: light tan tom with dark brown ears, dark brown top of tail, and amber eyes.
Many more.
Dogs (in order of experience/training):
Dominic: massive dark brown male with large folded ears and brown eyes. Faint pale scars cover his entire body. Black collar around his neck.
Reaper: golden male dog with brown pointed ears and striking blue eyes. Scar crossing his chest.
Scarlet: dark ginger female with brown eyes and a black right front paw. Both ears have been bitten to small stubs.
Collie: mottled black, gray, brown, and white female with brown eyes flecked with green. Three scratches on muzzle crisscrossing each other.
Crystal: fluffy pure white female with icy blue eyes and floppy ears. (Mistleaf)
Many more.
