NOTE: I don't own anything warriors other than two of the characters. All credit is given in the Allegiances section.

Back to Nightfur, Silversoul, and Aspenfall. Today they get to meet four friends determined to help their mission.

This is a two-part deal. The next part will be from Lightningfur's POV when I eventually get it written.

Review and Enjoy!


Reviving Blood

Chapter 19: Reunited

Dawn light's spread across the sky. It danced on the black eyelids of Nightfur. The she-cat groaned softly. The wooden platform she was sleeping on suddenly jerk. Amber eyes flew open as she twisted in the air so she could land on her paws. An angry, pain-filled curse reached her ears. Breathing deep, the warrior turned to barrels set further in the wagon. She had sleeping on top of one of the many boxes. Two medium-sized dogs were snoring peacefully. Aspenfall stepped around the gray and white female. The silver she-cat with dark gray stripes ruefully rubbed the new bump on the top of her head.

Her ice blue eyes met Nightfur's gaze, "Why did we agree to do this again? Sleeping in this wagon has been next to impossible."

"The Twolegs are going in the direction we want," a calm voice replied. Silversoul lightly jumped over the light tan male with dark brown paws. "Being farmers, they are going to be selling food at the festival. I am sure Lightningfur will be there. He used to be Trenton's final test for all potential recruits."

The black she-cat bristled at that. Silversoul had overheard several kittypets talking to each other about the upcoming festival. Realizing that the nice Twoleg family they had rescued from foxes were heading in that direction, she encouraged her Clanmates to hide in the wagon. The Twolegs realized they were there the next day. Not that any of them cared. The cats were friendly and capable of taking care of themselves. Even the dogs liked them; though mostly because they saved their owners and dogs were stupidly loyal sometimes. During the long ride, the other silver tabby had been telling them what she knew about the festival.

Nightfur hissed softly, "If my mate is hurt when I find him…then Trenton better hope he doesn't find us."

"We cannot risk a confrontation," Silversoul meowed, her deep blue eyes telling Nightfur that she understood where the she-cat was coming from.

Amber eyes turned to look at the dirt road behind them, "I know. I'm just afraid of how we'll find him. We don't know what Trenton has done to him."

Aspenfall stepped to her friend's left side and pressed close, "We don't but we'll deal with it together."

"Together we are stronger. Together we will free Lightningfur," Silversoul purred, pressing into Nightfur's right side.

With that, the three Forestclan warriors watched the world go by from the open back of the wagon. Deep ruts in the ground told them that lots of Twolegs had been traveling here recently. Birds sang songs from the trees lining the road. Dawn was painting the sky in red, orange, and yellow. Dew sparkled on the leaves and blades of grass. There eyes constantly scanned the land. Here it seemed so peaceful. None could believe it belong to a Twoleg such as Trenton.

They reached the festival about sunhigh. The Twoleg family they been traveling with parked their wagon and started getting unpacked. The dogs instantly began circling the area, checking for anything dangerous. Nightfur slowly slunk forward. Aspenfall was crouching at the back of the wagon. Her silver nose was barely poking around the raised sides as she scanned the world. A soft hiss warned Nightfur and Silversoul to dive for cover. She had just joined them when a Twoleg bearing Trenton's emblem stepped into sight. His brown eyes eyed the barrels and crates that the Twoleg family had brought. His lips moved as he counted them. Then he looked down at a smooth piece of bark. A feather moved, which Silversoul explained was a quill, as he wrote down the number.

Turning to the father Twoleg, he spoke gruffly, "The festival starts tomorrow, an hour after dawn breaks the horizon. Have your stall set up before we begin. I'll inform the coordinators that this is where you'll be staying." The two shook hands and the man headed for the next group.

The father Twoleg spotted them stepping from hiding. He smiled tightly at them, "Not very trusting, are you."

Nightfur flicked her ears, wishing she could understand what they had been saying. Her amber eyes glanced to Silversoul as the father Twoleg headed over to his mate. The she-cat shrugged, deep blue eyes sharing Nightfur's sentiment. Aspenfall darted to the back of the wagon, jumped to the soft grass, and ducked under the wagon. Nightfur quickly followed with Silversoul on her heels. Together the three cats scanned the bustling world. Twolegs, cats, and dogs were everywhere. Based on the wagons and barrels or crates, Nightfur guessed most of the groups were farmers. That was good. If any spotted them, they wouldn't recognize them. Silversoul apparently had the same idea. The silver tabby calmly padded into the open, bustling road. Breathing deep, Aspenfall followed her Clanmate. Nightfur bristled at the thought of walking among Twolegs, the Twolegs who took her mate. Then she breathed deep, flattening her fur and calming her heart. The Twolegs around her didn't know. They were innocent. Only Trenton was to blame. No one else deserved her wrath. With those thoughts running through her head, the black warrior sprinted after her friends. The festival was huge…

And they were trying to find one cat.


Sundown, after a day-long search

Nightfur pushed her way through the bushes. Aspenfall and Silversoul were on her heels. All of them could hear Twoleg voices up ahead. Barking dogs and meowing cats could also be heard. Together they crouched. The breeze was blowing towards them. None of the animals in front of them would be able to smell the Forestclan cats. Shadows hid them from sight. That was good. That was necessary. For who else would be situated away from the bustling festival ground, all alone with only guards. Only one: Trenton. Three pairs of eyes studied the field. Several flags waved in the breeze. The largest flags bore the emblem of Lightningfur's master. Nightfur exchanged a smile with Silversoul. There hunch had been correct. Then Aspenfall hissed. One paw pointed towards the middle of camp.

Trenton was standing there. Several men were talking to him quietly. Dominic was sprawled out in the grass. His scarred side rose and fell easily as he napped. Trenton's voice would wake him up in a heartbeat if the Twoleg needed him. Behind the Twoleg was a large tent. Nightfur felt her stomach twist at the sight of it. Memories flooded her vision. Quickly she shook her head. She had to focus on her mission. They had to succeed or else Forestclan would be destroyed. The tent opening moved slightly. One of the men talking to Trenton spotted it as well. He quickly pointed it out to Trenton. The Twoleg turned, hands clenching into fists.

His angry voice easily reached the ears of the hidden she-cats, "Stay in there, Poppy! There is no reason for you to be out. I want that scratch on your shoulder to heal properly. That means rest!"

Dominic's head snapped up at his master's loud voice. The cats watched as it dropped back to the grass. Nightfur turned to leave. Silversoul was already moving. Aspenfall and the black she-cat quickly raced after her. Aspenfall's skills and befriending a Twoleg family managed to get them this far. Now it was time to follow the cat who was raised among Twolegs, who knew how this particular Twoleg worked. Silversoul would be able to get them close enough. At least, that's what Nightfur hoped. Her amber eyes darted back to the small camp. So many Twolegs, dogs, and cats meant certain disaster if they were caught. She doubted Trenton would take kindly to their intrusion. Especially since they were here for Lightningfur. Especially since they needed him to fight a war.

Silversoul froze, her tail warning the others to stop. Nightfur didn't hesitate. The sundown shadows were lengthening. Night was coming. In the shadows of the bushes and trees, her black pelt was all but invisible. Aspenfall quietly stepped behind a large rock. That left Silversoul in the open. She would be the only one spotted. Three massive dogs padded past. The silver she-cat started licking her fur, appearing calm and happy. Not one dog gave her a second glance. A threat would be slinking around, not bathing in plain sight. Also, this she-cat smelled of Twolegs, a trick Silversoul had been working on since befriending the Twoleg family. The dogs and cats would be looking for a forest scent, a scent that didn't belong. With the dogs continuing their patrol, the three Forestclan cats raced onward. Nightfur realized Silversoul was circling the camp while giving it a wide berth. Grimly she smiled. That was smart. The distance during the night might give them the chance to get into position. Not only that, but it meant they could see how many guards Trenton had behind his tent. Claws digging into the dirt, Nightfur reminded herself that patience was key to victory. Instinct and love, however, was commanding her to race for her mate. Trenton said he was hurt. Why? Who had hurt him? Would they meet so she could claw them to shreds?

The she-cats were so focused on their task that they barely heard the soft voice, "I wouldn't if I were you."

Instantly the three spun, claws unsheathed and teeth bared, to face the speaker. Light blue eyes glowed from the bushes. A silver she-cat stepped into the open. She smiled sadly at the three. Her ears pricked, alerting the Clan cats to footsteps. Those light blue eyes narrowed determinedly. Her long-furred, silver tail signaled for the she-cats to follow her. Nightfur would have hissed at that thought. However, a genuine light was shining in those eyes. Black paws moved without her command. Silversoul and Aspenfall followed quietly. The four crouched in the shadows as a patrol walked past. This patrol consisted of five Twolegs, covered in armor, four huge dogs, and six cats. All were on the alert. All were ready to attack a threat to their king and master. The silver she-cat waited until they were out of ear-shot before leading the Clan cats to a pile of rocks – leftovers from a building project many years before. Into a small she led them.

Once everyone was in, she turned to them and dipped her head to each in turn, "Greetings Nightfur, Silversoul, and Aspenfall." Ignoring the stunned expressions, she continued softly, "My name is Chloe. Starclan told me you were coming and why. I'm here to help in any way I can." She shuffled her feet uncomfortably, "I owe Lightningfur my life as he saved me from Trenton. But I must warn you: Trenton won't let him go. You'll have to break him out."

Aspenfall lashed her tail, "Easy enough. We sneak in and sneak out."

Chloe shook her head, making Nightfur's heart twist, "It's not that simple. A group of rogues led by a traitor named Flash have been constantly attacking Trenton. His cats have already injured both Lightningfur and Dominic. Trenton isn't taking any chances, especially after a rogue sacrifice her life just to scratch Lightningfur on his shoulder."

"I'm assuming you have a plan," Silversoul meowed, her head tilted right and deep blue eyes shining.

"No, we have a plan," a raspy, male voice meowed.

Nightfur felt her fur fluff out. Then hope made her heart soar. Three other cats stepped into the small den. It made the space tight, but these cats didn't seem to mind. Amber eyes slowly studied them. One, the tom who had spoken, had a red-orange pelt with black stripes, white paws and tail tip, and shining green eyes filled with humor. The second tom was a light tan with dark brown ears and amber eyes. His tail was split in half: dark brown on the top and light tan on the bottom. The final cat was a white she-cat with black and brown patches along her back and sides and caring green eyes. Both hind paws were black, hiding perfectly in the shadows.

The white she-cat spoke up at that moment, "My name is Hymn. The red-orange tom is Red, and the light tan tom is Jackal. Jackal is mute but he can talk with his expressions, paws, and tail."

"Chloe told us about the message from Starclan," Red meowed calmly. "Lightningfur only commanded us once, in a futile attempt to capture Flash, but he has earned our respect and loyalty. We'll do anything we can to help you."

Jackal lashed his tail across the ground. Amber eyes were filled with determination and courage. These emotions made Nightfur smile. She glanced at Silversoul and Aspenfall. Both silver tabbies nodded. They were willing to accept the offer of help. She dipped her head to the brave warriors, "We accept your help. What's the plan you have in mind?"


An hour before dawn:

Nightfur dashed silently after the silver she-cat named Chloe. Hymn and Silversoul were to their right. Red was leading Aspenfall on the left. Jackal's shadow briefly passed in front of her as he jumped to another tree. He was their eyes in the sky. Hymn, Silversoul, Red, and Aspenfall were the distractions. They had to get the guards away from Trenton's tent. They had to attract the leader's attention. Most likely Dominic would follow. With Lightningfur being injured, he would stay behind until the all-clear signal was given. That was the moment Chloe and Nightfur would race in and rescue him.

With a ferocious yowl, Aspenfall dashed past one of the guard dogs. Blood flew as she scratched its golden cheek. Nightfur heard Chloe mutter that the dog's name was Reaper. Barking a warning, the golden dog with striking blue eyes dashed after the fleeing silver tabby. Another howled in pain as Red pounced on its head. He quickly disappeared into the trees before anyone could recognize him. Now Silversoul and Hymn were dashing around the three Twolegs. Neither slowed down enough to be recognized. Blood flew as they weakly scratched. It wouldn't matter how bad the damage was. Only a threat would draw blood. That's what they wanted:

They wanted Trenton to think Flash's cats were here.

Nightfur smiled proudly as Trenton and Dominic came racing around the tent. Silversoul and Hymn, having heard their approach, were already diving back into the bushes. Shouting for his men to find the attackers, Trenton gave chase to Hymn, whose tail he had managed to spot. Dominic easily raced at his master's side. All Twolegs, cats, and dogs in the area scattered. Jackal shook several branches off to the right, drawing the attention of some Twolegs who were aiming for Chloe and Nightfur's hiding spot. A soft hiss told Nightfur to go. Instantly she bolted for the tent. Ducking under the ropes, she made for the entrance. Pawsteps told her Chloe was following. Reaching the entrance, both she-cat's ducked inside. Nightfur paused as her amber eyes adjusted to the dim lighting. What she saw made her heart soar with love and joy.

"Lightningfur!"

"Nightfur!"


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.