The Heart of a Lion

Chapter 5: Harder to Breathe

It all happened in a split second. There was no time to think, only act.

One second me and the rest of my patrol were hunting, and the next the yowls of battle split the air and I was thrown to the ground by someone who knocked me over. Alarmed, I instantly used my swift strength to wriggle back to my feet and whirl around to face my attacker.

ThunderClan was attacking!

More cats came streaking across the moor, screeching as they threw themselves in the fray. Harepaw was already cornered by two ThunderClan warriors, and he was too small and inexperienced to handle both of them. All he could do was dodge and weave to stay unscathed. We had a rather large fighting force, but this was more than a skirmish. ThunderClan seemed to be bringing their whole camp over for the jamboree.

I saw that she was facing Honeypaw, an experienced apprentice with superb strength. I had to defend myself, and quickly thought of the moves Crowfeather taught me. I had no idea it would be so hard remembering all this when the moment came I would actually have to use them.

I lashed out with my forepaw and caught her on the side of the head, but Honeypaw twisted around with a pounce, prepared to lad on my shoulders.

I have seen this move before from ThunderClan warriors, and knew exactly how to evade the attack. I leaped back, and she landed practically in my paws. I then pounced and scored my claws down her back successfully.

I could have finished her, but something happened. A paw cuffed me hard in the side of the head, and I stumbled back, momentarily dizzy. I bared my fangs with fury and prepared to retaliate when I realized it was Lionpaw.

"Lionpaw!"

His expression was enough of an apology. But then he grabbed my scruff and dragged me in the bushes, me trying to claw him the whole way. When he let go of me, I was like a whirlwind of anger.

"Who do you think you are messing with? You didn't have to do that. I thought you were trying to hurt me," I spat.

"I'm sorry. Honeypaw was watching. I had to do something," he replied apologetically.

I twisted my face in a contortion of aggression, but really I couldn't stay mad at him. I was just glad to see him. Why did it have to be here right now with the sounds of battle going on behind us?

"Why are you attacking WindClan?" I demanded.

"Me? I don't have anything to do with this!" he protested. "I tried to stop them, I really did. They insist your Clan has been stealing prey without permission. They are angry, and this battle is to teach WindClan a lesson."

"What lies!" I sputtered. "WindClan is innocent!" Stupid ThunderClan thinks they are better than everyone else…And yet you are in love with a ThunderClan apprentice.

"Lionpaw, I have something to tell you." How could I forget?

"You can tell me anything." Lionpaw rested his head on my back, and I pressed my nose in his warm, golden fur.

"I can't tell you this."

"But you will."

I sighed. I didn't know how to say this. I shuddered and took a deep breath. "I…am pregnant."

"What? You…" His eyes went down to my stomach.

"Not now, mouse-brain," I hissed. "Soon. Barkface told me I was expecting them. Oh Lionpaw, what are we going to do? I had to tell you this."

"Everything will be all right. I promise you that," he meowed. "We will figure things out. We must defend our Clanmates now." He bounded away back into the battle, leaving me breathless.