Me: I am going to update every weekend!
Me a couple months later: It's been a really long time since i updated... oops
I am not going to bother with review replies, because it takes to long, and IDK about the reviews anyway!
There are only going to be 2-3 chapters left after this, so be prepared for the end!
And, because of that, i will be starting my next story soon!
PLEASE VOTE IN MY POLL, TO DECIDE WHICH OF MY TWO STORY OPTIONS I SHOULD WRITE!
ALSO, PLEASE R&R MY ONE-SHOT THAT I WROTE A LONG LONG LONG TIME AGO! IT WOULD MEAN ALOT!
I'm sorry i haven't been updating, but hey, life is busy. Since the last update, I had all my midterms at school, and my family moved! So, busy.
Anyway, here is the chapter, and the next one will be up after i get two reviews!
Chapter 23: Mintleaf
"No, Slatepaw! If you lose your balance, you could drown!" Mintleaf sighed.
"Why do we have to practice water fighting? StreamClan, the only other clan that fights in water, is our ally!" Slatepaw groaned, wading toward the shallower water in the lake.
"Everything depends on this battle. Everything!" Mintleaf nudged him back to the deep water.
"But I can't stand!" the apprentice sputtered, breathing heavily. "Can we at least train with Snowpaw and Frostpaw?" The two white she-cats were practicing water battle farther down the shore.
"No," Mintleaf replied. "They already started water battle, because Leafstar and Smokesplash are the best in the clan. You're not good enough to practice with them."
"Can we go and practice on land?"
"No! Let's keep practicing. We need to be ready before the sun sets!"
…
"Great job, Slatepaw," Mintleaf meowed to her apprentice as they entered the LakeClan camp.
"Thanks," the apprentice purred, before scampering off to join the apprentices by their den.
Leafstar stood in the middle of a group of warriors, looking overwhelmed. I still can't believe Flamestar didn't come here to find her the moment she was stolen. Well, maybe he just wants to win the war, and he doesn't really care.
"We will divide into three groups," Leafstar announced. "I will lead one, Thunderstrike will lead one, and Sootsong will lead one." Sootsong bounded to the front of the group and stood beside her mother and Thunderstrike while they started to sort the cats.
"Finchpaw, Rowanstem, Wrenpaw, Featherbreeze, Stormpaw, and Stonestripe will be on my patrol!" Thunderstrike called.
"I will take Snowpaw, Smokesplash, Leafpaw, Hollyfire, Silverriver, and Willowwind!" Leafstar announced. "If you are a warrior or an apprentice and I did not call your name, go with Sootsong." Stormshade, Oakpaw, Robinpaw, Mintleaf, and Slatepaw trotted over to Sootsong.
The dappled she-cat frowned. "My patrol is smaller," she pointed out. "And if every cat is going, who will guard the camp?"
Leafstar's eyes gleamed. "No cat will remain in camp. Not even the elders."
Embertail and Softfur, who had been sunning themselves on a rock, sat up and blinked at Leafstar. "What if the camp is attacked? We could lose everything!" Embertail gasped.
The leader's green eyes flashed, as if she was uneasy. "It's a risk we have to take." She shook her head. "Here's the plan. My patrol will attack first. We will come straight onto the island using the tree-bridge. Thunderstrike, your patrol will wait on our territory, and you will choose a cat who can climb trees to spy. When the cat sees that we need help, they will come back and get you."
"Wait," Ivybreeze interrupted. "Isn't it supposed to be a fair battle, with every cat already there?"
Leafstar hissed softly. "This is war, Ivybreeze. No cat will pay attention to rules."
"I just think—" Ivybreeze stammered, only to be cut off by a piercing glare from Leafstar.
"Sootsong," Leafstar meowed. "Your patrol will be waiting in the lake on the edge of the island. Try to find somewhere where no cat will see you from the shore. I will signal you when it's time to join the battle."
"Is there even going to be water fighting?" Slatepaw sighed.
Mintleaf chuckled. "Don't worry, you might need those skills when we're in the water, waiting for Leafstar's signal!"
"What about us?" Ivybreeze meowed, nodding to Tanglepaw.
"Hide your herbs. Bring something to help injured cats and leave anything you won't need here," Leafstar meowed quickly, then turned and started talking to her patrol.
Sootsong began to explain her plan. "We will be on the shore of the island, hiding in the tall grass. If any cat spots us, we join the fight immediately. Otherwise, we wait until Leafstar sends a cat to get us."
"LakeClan!" Leafstar yowled, standing at the camp entrance with her patrol. "The time has come to win! Let's go!" And she ran out of camp, her cheering warriors behind her.
…
Mintleaf struggled to stay still, hunched in the tall grass on the island shore. "Why can't we just join the fight now?" she whispered, shaking her pelt.
Sootsong hissed softly. "Quiet!" she murmured. "I'm sure we'll start fighting soon." Mintleaf rolled her eyes. It felt like they'd been waiting ages. Suddenly Snowpaw bounded out onto the shore.
"Leafstar sent me!" she gasped. Blood seeped from several wounds on her sides, and she was limping as if she'd torn a claw.
Sootsong stood up quickly. "You should go see Ivybreeze. She's on the island somewhere, I'm sure."
Snowpaw shook her head, and her white fur bristled. "I'm fine!" Then she ran back into the trees. Sootsong rolled her eyes and bounded after her.
Beyond the thick ring of trees, the sounds of battle were loud and angry. Mintleaf found herself in front of Lightmist.
"You," the gray she-cat snarled, her eyes lit with rage.
"W-what?" Mintleaf stammered, taking a step back.
"You're Smokesplash's sister." She unsheathed her claws.
"So?" Mintleaf had never taken any notice of Lightmist before and had no idea how she was involved with anything Smokesplash had done.
"Smokesplash was going to be my mate. But then, Silverriver snatched him away from me! Silverriver, my best friend!" Growling, the warrior slammed down on top of Mintleaf and placed a paw against her neck.
This is it, Mintleaf thought dizzily. This is how I die. Suddenly, she saw a familiar white and gray pelt flash near her. Lightmist's weight vanished, and Mintleaf stumbled to her paws.
Smokesplash had pinned Lightmist down and was snarling at her. "Is that how it is now? You're angry I chose your best friend over you, so you're going to kill my sister? That's low, Lightmist, even for you."
The she-cat hissed softly. "You're right. I shouldn't kill her! Silverriver is the one who stole you!"
"Oh, no," Smokesplash chuckled. He placed his claws on her neck. "You won't have time to get to her." He sliced his claws across her throat, and she started to scream, blood bubbling out of her mouth.
"Are you okay?" Smokesplash meowed. Mintleaf nodded. Smokesplash called, "See you later!" and trotted away. Wow, Mintleaf thought. He killed her. The gray she-cat was limp on the ground, her eyes staring into space.
I have another chapter ready to post and it will be out in a few minutes!
QOTC
Who would be a better leader: Featherbreeze or Mintleaf?
I ACTUALLY REALLY WANT YOUR OPINIONS SO TELL ME PLZZZZZZZZZ!
And if you're not super mad that i never update, leave a review telling me what you thought of the chapter! Thx so much to anyone who reviews! Reviews really mean a lot to me!