Post by wavefur on May 28, 2009 16:39:17 GMT -5
Couldn’t she see? How could she possibly like a grumpy cat like Crowfeather? As a medicine cat she was forbidden to fall in love anyway, and she would never break the warrior code! But as she watched Sorreltail and Brackenfur curl up together she couldn’t help feeling a sense of jealousy. Trying to shake the feeling off she decided to go and hunt for the Clan.
By the WindClan border a familiar scent hit her scent glands, Crowfeather! In desperate attempt to get away from the meddlesome warrior she ran towards the lake. But let out of yowl as she felt the ground give way beneath her. Dangling from the top of the cleft, front paws dug into the ground.
“Crowfeather HELP!” she yowled desperately as his scent wafted nearer.
She heard rushing pawsteps and Crowfeather appeared.
“HELP!” she repeated with a gush of relief that a warrior was here to help.
But her relief turned to horror as Crowfeather’s eyes clouded.
“Oh Feathertail,” he muttered, “I’m sorry!”
“Crowfeather please help! I’m going to fall!” she yowled desperately.
Suddenly realisation flickered in his eyes and he lunged forward, grabbing her by the scruff and pulling her up to safety.
“Thanks,” she mewed gratefully. He didn’t reply.
“Feathertail would be proud,” she mewed softly, “She was my friend too.” Crowfeather flinched, then straightened up.
“I suppose I better get off your territory,” he mewed. She wriggled uncomfortably.
“Yes,” she mewed quietly, “Thanks for saving me Crowfeather.” He nodded, accepting her thanks.
“Thanks to you to,” he mewed, “Thanks for jogging my out of that, I don’t know what came over me!”
“Well, I better get back to camp,” she mewed, feeling her fur go hot at the warriors praise, “May StarClan light your path!”
Dipping his head to her he padded of back towards WindClan camp.
As she padded beside Cinderpelt towards the Gathering she felt a sense of foreboding soar through her. She hadn’t told anyone about her meeting with Crowfeather, and although she couldn’t explain why, she was looking forward to seeing him again.
“Is something bothering you?” Cinderpelt mewed, “You seem distant.”
“No everything’s fine,” she lied, “I was just wondering whats happened to Rivertail.”
“Rivertail’s a wise cat, he knows how to survive on his own. You won’t remember this but Rivertail was exiled from ThunderClan before by Bluestar,” she mewed comfortingly.
“Really, why?” she asked in shock.
“Bluestar raged her own private war with StarClan,” Cinderpelt mewed glancing into her apprentices horror struck face, “And because of Rivertail’s connection with StarClan, she refused to trust him, so she sent him away.”
“How did he come back?” she asked.
“Firestar asked him to,” she mewed, “He had made his own territory on an island in the river, hunting and living there. Firestar asked him to come back to battle with BloodClan. If it proves anything, it proves Rivertail is a capable cat. He can survive alone easily. Not to mention the fact he travelled along way by himself to get to us from OceanClan’s territory, were ever it may be.”
As they padded over the tree to get to the island Leafpool caught some of Rivertail’s scent. Must be from another Gathering, she decided and she soon forgot about Rivertail when she scented a familiar cat, Crowfeather. As she padded into the clearing she looked desperately around for him. But it was not Crowfeather that caught her eye, it was Rivertail, with a RiverClan cat!
A gasp sounded from the group of ThunderClan cats. Rivertail spun round, but his expression was impossible to read. Firestar padded towards him.
“Whats going on? Where have you been?” he mewed angrily.
“Don’t raise your voice to me Firestar, you know perfectly well why I left!” he spat.
“No I don’t. You left without a word to any cat!” he mewed and Rivertail’s eyes stretched wide with shock.
“So Brambleclaw,” Rivertail mewed and the whole clearing turned to face him, “Haven’t the guts to tell your leader why I left?” Firestar spun round to face his deputy.
“Brambleclaw, what do you know about this?” he hissed. Rivertail’s eyes narrowed to a sneer. Brambleclaw hissed with exasperation.
“We quarrelled, so what?” he mewed.
“Liar!” Rivertail spat, “You practically drove me off!”
The ThunderClan cats gasped again. Leafpool couldn’t decide who was telling the truth. Brambleclaw was a trustworthy warrior, respected more than most. But Rivertail never lied, even of he had left.
“Is this true?” Firestar asked Brambleclaw.
“We quarrelled,” Brambleclaw sighed closing his eyes, “And I told him I didn’t want him in the Clan, not the Clan didn’t want him here.” Rivertail snorted.
“Either way Firestar,” Rivertail mewed, “I’m not coming back to ThunderClan. I want to be loyal to my new Clan now.” Firestar spun round to face him, eyes full of grief.
“I’ll miss you Rivertail,” he mewed, “But I won’t stop you. I hope we can still be friends.”
“Whoever told you we weren’t, is a mouse-brained fool!” he mewed resting his tail on Firestar shoulder, “I’ll always be your friend”
She heard her father purr before leaping up with the other leaders. Now the problem of Rivertail was out of the way she could look round for Crowfeather. She spotted him at the edge of the clearing in the shadows. He was looking desperately at her. Once he’d realised she’d seen him, he signalled with his tail for her to follow him. Creeping away from her mentor she joined him at the edge of the clearing. As he ducked behind the bushes, she followed keeping an eye out for watching cats, but all their attention seemed to be on Rivertail. Leafpool respected the way he stood tall, ignoring the glares of suspicion from the other cats. As she emerged on the other side of the bushes she heard Crowfeather mew. Padding over to him raised, he purred.
“I wasn’t sure you’d spot me,” he mewed.
“What did you want to see me for Crowfeather,” she mewed gently.
“I wanted to say…” he faltered, the burst out, “I can’t get you out of my head. I’ve tried and tried but I can’t forget you. I love you Leafpool.” His voice was so soft it melted her heart. She loved him. She felt like letting out a yowl of joy.
“I love you too,” she mewed and relief seemed to flash in the warriors eyes. He purred and licked her behind the ears. A purr rumbled in her throat. She twined her tail with his and wrapped her body around his, allowing her senses to fade in a wash of his beautiful scent.
She was careful to wash all of Crowfeather’s scent from her pelt. She still couldn’t believe she had broken the warrior code. Everything about her and Crowfeather felt so right, but she knew deep down what they were doing was very wrong. Not only were they from different Clans but she was a medicine cat! She shivered at the thought of the Clan finding out. By as the day passed with nothing extrodinary happening she found herself looking forward to her next meeting with her beloved Crowfeather. Cinderpelt seemed completely unawares, treating her as she normally would. As the sun began to dip she mewed to her mentor.
“I fancy going hunting,” she mewed, “Would you like me to bring you back anything?”
“No thanks,” she mewed, “Make sure you bring back some fresh-kill for the Clan though before you fo stuffing your face!”
Purring with affection for her mentor she padded out of camp. She hated lying to her, but she had no choice. She padded happily through the forest, catching a sparrow on her way. As soon as she reached the border with WindClan she padded upwards towards the Moonpool, stopping in a small bush. She peered out the other side, and she saw Crowfeather waiting for her. Calmly she padded out to greet him. His eyes sparkled with delight at the sight of her.
“Hi,” he mewed, “Was it easy to get away?”
“Pretty much,” she mewed, “But I had to lie to Cinderpelt, and I hate that.” She felt Crowfeather’s tongue rasp affectionately around her ear.
“I understand,” he mewed, “I hate lying to my Clan, but there’s no way I’m going to give you up.”
“I could never leave you either,” she mewed gently. Crowfeather’s purring was so loud Leafpool felt overwhelmed with joy, until it abruptly stopped.
“ThunderClan!” he hissed. She spun round and saw the angry shape of Cinderpelt thrust her way through the bush. She gulped. Crowfeather’s hackles raised threateningly.
“No!” she mewed, “Crowfeather please don’t attack her. You’d better go.”
“Yes,” Cinderpelt mewed tartly, “Get back on your own territory.”
“And leave Leafpool here to get her ears clawed off,” he spat, “Never!” Standing infront of him desperately defending her mentor.
“Crowfeather please,” she mewed and something must have given away her desperation because he let his hackles fall, “Cinderpelt’s not like that, I trust her.” Crowfeather gave her a curt nod before spinning round and padding back to his own territory. She turned to face her mentor.
“What do you think your doing?” she mewed angrily, “Don’t you have any idea how much your breaking the warrior code?”
“Of course I do Cinderpelt!” she mewed desperately, “But I love him, I can’t give him up. I want to be a great medicine cat like you or Yellowfang, but I just can’t give him up!”
“Do you think you can get round me with a bit of flattery do you?” she hissed, “You can explain what you’ve done to Firestar!” Suddenly she felt anger course through her.
“I thought you’d understand! But you obviously don’t, you were never in love!” she spat and she whipped around and charged into the forest.
If Cinderpelt followed she gave no sign of it. As she raced blindly through the forest she realised her paws had token her to the Moonpool. She looked down from the top of the hill to where she had been with Crowfeather. Cinderpelt had gone, probably to tell Firestar and the others that she was a traitor. Suddenly a sweet scent washed over her, an achingly familiar one, Spottedleaf! She turned her head to see the medicine cat that had walked her dreams so many times.
“Spottedleaf!” she mewed, “Oh Spottedleaf, what should I do? Does StarClan think I’m a traitor? Do you think I’m a traitor?”
“Peace dear one,” she mewed resting her tail on her shoulder, “StarClan thinks not of you as a traitor, and nor do I.” Reassured Leafpool relaxed.
“Spottedleaf, what do I do? If I go back to camp Firestar will exile me. And Cinderpelt hates me, I didn’t mean to betray her, I really didn’t.”
“Hush,” Spottedleaf mewed, “Look.” She pointed her tail at the WindClan border. At was looking over it, a small black cat, Crowfeather!
“You must go were your heart leads,” Spottedleaf mewed and she disappeared.
“No don’t go!” she mewed. But all she could find of her was a faint trace of her sweet scent. She recalled her parting words, You must go where your heart leads, but what did she mean? Padding down the hill she decided she wanted to talk to Crowfeather, perhaps he we know the answer.
“Crowfeather,” she mewed. His ears pricked and he spun around, his tail rose with joy.
“I was hoping to catch you,” he mewed, “Are you OK? What did Cinderpelt do?”
“We quarrelled,” she admitted, “And I ran away. Why did you want to find me?”
“Leafpool, what happened today showed me something, we can’t be together,” Leafpool felt the world sway beneath her but Crowfeather carried on, “If we stay here. We should leave. Find another territory far away and leave their together, just you and me!” Leafpool’s eyes stretched wide with shock. But when she thought about it, it made sense.
“Will you come?” he asked.
“I could never leave Cinderpelt,” she mewed thoughtfully, noticing with delight at Crowfeather’s crestfallen face. She wanted to get him back for tricking her, “But she hates me. She’ll find a new apprentice, of course I’ll go with you.”
Crowfeather’s look of devastation disappeared instantly, to be replaced by a yowl of delight.
“Hush,” she mewed gently, “You’ll bring every cat from both our Clans.” He purred happily and leaned over to lick her ear.
“I’ll make sure you never regret this,” he mewed, “I’ll take care of you Leafpool, I promise.” Purring, she twined her tail with his as they walked away from their Clans and into the sunset.
Back at the ThunderClan camp Cinderpelt was pacing her den, desperately waiting for Leafpool’s return. The more she thought about their quarrel the guiltier she felt. Leafpool had trusted her to help her and had defended her fearlessly against Crowfeather, refusing to allow him to wound her. I’ve betrayed her she thought Oh Leafpool I’m sorry! Please come home!
But dawn came and went and Leafpool still hadn’t come back to camp. What will I say to Firestar? She wondered with dread. Suddenly Squirrelflight came in.
“Cinderpelt,” she mewed dipping her head in greeting, “Were’s Leafpool, I had strange dreams about her last night, I’m worried.” Cinderpelt gulped.
“Leafpool is missing,” she mewed and Squirrelflight’s face fell, “I haven’t seen her since yesterday. Listen, I caught her with Crowfeather.”
“Crowfeather!” she mewed in disgust, “Could she have choosen worse?”
“Anyway, we quarrelled. I betrayed her Squirrelflight and I think she’s run away because of it,” she mewed hopelessly.
“How did you betray her?” she asked.
“She defended me, and trusted me to treat her fairly,” she mewed miserably, “But I didn’t listen and now she’s gone.”
“We must tell Firestar, he’ll know what to do,” Squirrelflight mewed firmly, her voice was filled with worry. They padded out of her den. Cinderpelt had her head down and her tail trailed limply behind her.
“Squirrelflight, Cinderpelt, whats wrong?” Cinderpelt recognised the voice of Leafpool’s mother Sandstorm.
“Where’s Firestar?” she asked.
“On patrol with Brambleclaw, he should be back soon,” she mewed, “Why?”
“Leafpool is missing,” she mewed unhappily and Sandstorm’s eyes filled with grief and her tail drooped.
“This is bad,” Sandstorm mewed, “Firestar will be devastated.” Suddenly Firestar emerged from the camp entrance with Brambleclaw. It was clear neither cat had been patrol, more likely Brambleclaw was being told off for what he did to Rivertail.
“Firestar,” Sandstorm yowled and the flame coloured tom padded over to them.
“Yes,” he mewed glancing at Cinderpelt, “Whats happened?”
“Leafpool is missing,” Squirrelflight wailed. Firestar took a step back.
“What? No, how?” he stammered in shock.
“Its my fault,” Cinderpelt mewed, “I caught her with the WindClan warrior Crowfeather…” She was interrupted by the Clans mewed of shock and disbelief.
“Did you chase her off?” Firestar growled. Cinderpelt shock her head.
“We quarrelled and she ran off,” Cinderpelt mewed hopelessly, “I haven’t seen her since. No cat has.” There was a heartbeat of silence.
“Cloudtail, Sandstorm and Brackenfur,” Firestar yowled, “Come with me. We must follow her scent trail.”
“Firestar,” Cinderpelt mewed, “Please, let me come too. I have to find her.” Firestar narrowed his eyes.
“OK,” he mewed after what felt like nine lives of silence, “Squirrelflight you come too. Brambleclaw your in charge of the camp until I get back.”
Brambleclaw nodded and Firestar lead his patrol out of camp. He motioned for Cloudtail to take the lead, after all he was the best tracker in the Clan. Cloudtail lead them straight to the WindClan border and up to where Cinderpelt had caught her earlier. Then he took them upwards towards the Moonpool. Cinderpelt’s ears pricked. Hopefully Leafpool had just gone to share tongues with StarClan. But her scent stopped well before they reached the Moonpool. Cinderpelt noticed Firestar’s ear prick with shock. He called Sandstorm over with a swish of his tail. They shared a look of wonder.
“Fancy sharing?” Cloudtail mewed.
“I can scent Spottedleaf, the medicine cat before Yellowfang,” Firestar mewed, “Its faint but there.” Cinderpelt stared at him amazed.
“Well the scent seems to show she doubled back,” Brackenfur mewed, “Should we carry on following it.”
“Of course!” Firestar mewed. They followed her scent back to the place where she had found Leafpool with Crowfeather.
“They turned and went into WindClan territory,” Cloudtail mewed, “Together.” Firestar’s tail drooped.
“What if she went to join WindClan?” Squirrelflight piped up, “She’s a valuable cat to any Clan.” Cinderpelt nodded in agreement.
“Should we follow it?” Brackenfur asked again. Firestar paused for a heartbeat.
“Yes,” he mewed, “If she’s there I must speak sense into her.” They had barely gone a few pawsteps when Cloudtail mewed.
“There’s WindClan cat scent here, they must have met a patrol!” That confirmed Cinderpelt’s worst fears. Leafpool had gone to WindClan to be with Crowfeather, and she had driven her to it.
They hadn’t got far before they were detected. The patrol consisted of Tornear, Owlpaw and Ashfoot. A formidable line of warriors.
“What are you doing here?” Tornear spat.
“No Tornear,” Ashfoot mewed, “These cats have a lot to answer for, Onestar will want to question them personally.”
With the WindClan warriors flanking them they had no choice but to follow. Ashfoot seemed shocked when the ThunderClan cats didn’t fight. As they emerged into the camp Owlpaw went to fetch Onestar while the two warriors guarded their prisoners. Onestar didn’t keep them waiting.
“So oh great Firestar,” Onestar spat, “Care to explain why you stole one of our warriors!”
“What?” Firestar mewed, “But you took Leafpool!”
“We did no such thing!” Onestar hissed, “You stole Crowfeather!”
“But we haven’t seen Crowfeather!” Squirrelflight snapped, “Weren’t you listening, we lost Leafpool to!”
“What makes you think we took him?” Firestar asked.
“We followed his scent to your border, where his scent joined with a ThunderClan cat,” Onestar mewed.
“Yes,” Cinderpelt mewed, “Crowfeather and Leafpool have been seeing each other. I caught them at the border.” The WindClan cats gasped in horror.
“But that’s against everything in the warrior code!” Onestar mewed in shock.
“Yes we know,” Firestar mewed, “We were following her scent, we thought you had tooken her.”
“Well we haven’t,” Onestar spat.
“But then were did they go?” Squirrelflight wailed. Onestar flicked his ears.
“Tornear and Ashfoot, go with these cats and follow their scent,” Onestar mewed. The chosen cats nodded and lead the ThunderClan cats out of their camp. Cloudtail automatically took the lead, following the scent with ease. For many pawsteps he lead them round the moor until it lead of off WindClan territory and into the forests beyond.
“That’s it,” Ashfoot mewed, “We can’t do anymore.” Tornear nodded in agreement.
“Their gone,” Tornear mewed solemnly. Squirrelflight let out a wail.
“Can’t we follow it a bit further?” Cinderpelt protested.
“No,” Ashfoot snapped, “Just face it, they left!” Cinderpelt flinched. No cat moved to comfort her. No cat even spoke as they travelled back through WindClan territory. Once they were back at camp Firestar leapt on to the High Ledge and yowl his familiar calls.
“We followed Leafpool’s scent through WindClan territory,” he reported with his head and tail down, “It lead past there territory, she’s gone.” The Clan let out a wail of grief that Firestar didn’t acknowledge as he slunk into his den without a backwards glance.
As the sky turned dark Leafpool licked her mates shoulder. They had done a full days travelling without saying a word, only needing each others presence.
“Its late,” Crowfeather mewed, “We should stop for the night.” Leafpool purred in agreement. Although she missed her sister and her father and her mother desperately, Crowfeather was all she wanted right now.
“Oh Crowfeather,” she mewed happily, “I love you. Never leave me.” He glanced back at her and they touched noses.
“I’ll never leave your side,” he mewed, “I want you beside me always.” She purred and wrapped her body around his.
Leafpool slept badly that night. She dreamed of dark bodies swarming together like a tide, attacking her Clan. Everytime she tried to get to them she was always pushed back until she felt pain like an explosion hit and her and she woke with a yowl. She looked up and saw Crowfeather watching her as she slept.
“Did I wake you?” she asked.
“No,” he mewed, “Did you have a nightmare?”
“Yes,” she mewed and she explained the dream. Crowfeather shrugged.
“Are you worried for your Clan?” he asked anxiously.
“Yes but not enough to go back, don’t worry,” she mewed and he visibly relaxed. Just then a new scent washed over her.
“Badger!” she hissed. Crowfeather stood in front of here hackles raised. She saw the looming shape of a badger approach and Crowfeather yowl with shock.
“Midnight!” he mewed. He lowered his hackles and stepped aside of Leafpool could meet her.
“Leafpool this is Midnight,” he mewed and she dipped her head in greeting,
“Midnight what are you doing here?”
“Greetings small warrior,” Midnight said, “And friend. I’m coming to rescue the Clan cats. My kind is angry because the cats drive them from their territory so they attack them and kill all cats. They attack a Clan in a forest first then they killed the river cats!” Leafpool gasped.
“Crowfeather we have to warn the Clans!” Leafpool mewed.
“But, they won’t let us leave if we go back,” he mewed in distress.
“No they won’t,” Leafpool mewed, “I’ll leave no matter what they say, and Firestar won’t stop me. Please Crowfeather.”
“OK,” he mewed, “I trust you Leafpool.” Leafpool wondered if she should mention she was carry his kits, but decided against it. Later on she would, but right now she had to worry about ThunderClan.
Racing back the way they came they followed their own scent trail until they reach a familiar moor. Not stopping to check for WindClan warriors they raced straight through their territory. Suddenly Leafpool scented a strong reek of badger. Leafpool hissed to warn her mate. They stopped and crept forward, tabby fur mixing with black. What they saw nearly made Leafpool yowl with shock. There was more badgers then she’d ever seen and they looked like the tide of bodies she’d seen in her dream!
“What now?” Crowfeather mewed eyes wide.
“I’ll distract them, you go warn ThunderClan,” she mewed bravely.
“How do you plan to do that?” he asked, sounding worried.
“If I insult them enough their all so thick they’ll chase me, that should give you enough time to be ready,” she mewed.
“I don’t like it, but I know I won’t be able to change your mind,” he mewed worriedly, “Just please stay safe” She licked his ears and he charged off towards the ThunderClan camp. Breakng cover she charged into the mass of badgers.
“Hey mouse-brains! Want some cat blood you pieces of fox-dung!” she yowled, “Bet you slow slugs can’t catch me!” Just then the badgers bellowed and the heaving mass charged towards her. As quick as a fish she darted away into the forest, the badgers hot on her tail.
Meanwhile Crowfeather crashed through the forest. Suddenly he recognised Squirrelflight’s pelt.
“Squirrelflight!” he yowled not stopping.
“Crowfeather!” she mewed in shock dashing after him, “Where’s Leafpool?”
“Quick, which ways your camp,” he asked, “Theres trouble on its way!” He watched her take the lead.
“Follow me!” she mewed. Together they raced past trees and pushes until they pushed there way into ThunderClan camp panting.
“Firestar!” Crowfeather yowled, “ThunderClan come quick!” The whole clan emerged from their dens eyeing him with suspicion. He spotted Cinderpelt emerge from her den and gasp, limping towards him as fast as she could.
“Crowfeather!” she wailed, “Where’s Leafpool? She isn’t hurt is she?”
“No,” he mewed, “Where’s Firestar?”
“Here,” the ginger tom mewed, “What are you doing here? Where’s Leafpool.”
“Distracting the badgers!” Crowfeather mewed, “Firestar, Me and Leafpool met Midnight. She told us Badgers were coming to attack ThunderClan. Leafpool insisted we came back to help. We saw the badgers in WindClan territory, I came to warn you while Leafpool distracted the badgers!”
“Distracting badgers, you fool you left her to die!” Firestar growled.
“No Firestar,” he mewed, “Listen, you must prepare your warriors the badgers are coming!” As if in response he heard the distant roar of the badgers. Firestar gathered his warriors with a flick of his tail.
“Elders, queens and kits into my den! Now!” he yowled, “The rest of you with me! Cinderpelt stay here with the queens!” Outside the camp warriors and apprentices formed a protective line. Just then he heard the rush of pawsteps and Leafpool burst out of the brush. Behind her came the badgers. Firestar let out his battle cry and threw himself into battle with the badgers. Leafpool joined him spinning round and disappearing into the mass of badgers. That the last he saw of his beloved mate before he to joined the fray.
Leafpool only felt exhilaration as she thought the badgers, it was good to fight beside he friends again, probably for the last time. Suddenly she heard Firestar yowl. He was cornered by badgers. Whilst she was battling her way to him he managed to slip between their ranks. As she breathed a sigh of relief she felt agony course through her. Her kits, her kits were coming! Oh not now! She thought desperately as she searched for a safe spot. But everywhere was heaving with badgers. Suddenly pain lanced through her again, but it wasn’t here kits. She looked down. A badger had sliced her side open. Thinking fast she sprinted into the brush. No badgers followed so she lay on the gentle forest floor. Oh StarClan help me! She begged desperately, and a familiar scent washed over her. Spottedleaf!
“Its OK young one,” she mewed seriously, “I’ve come to help.” And she was drowned in a pool of blood and pain.
Crowfeather yowled with triumph! ThunderClan had won! As he watched the last stinking badger run away he couldn’t resist letting out a yowl of joy. He was battered and bruised but Leafpool would soon patch him up. Suddenly fear spread from, where was Leafpool? He desperately scanned the scene. All the ThunderClan warriors were there, no one had been killed, but where was Leafpool? He felt a cat nudge him.
“Nice fight Crowfeather,” Squirrelflight mewed, “And thanks. Have you seen Leafpool?”
“No,” Crowfeather mewed worriedly, “I thought she might be with you!”
“Perhaps she’s with Cinderpelt,” Squirrelflight mewed hopefully. But her hopes where dashed as Cinderpelt rapidly limped towards them.
“Where’s Leafpool?” she mewed.
“We thought she was with you!” Squirrelflight wailed, “Oh Leafpool where are you?”
Cinderpelt shuddered. Leafpool was missing again.
“If she’s been hurt I’ll never forgive myself!” Crowfeather wailed. She shock her head.
“Quick,” she mewed, “Search for her.” Both cats nodded and went separate way, sniffing desperately for any sign of Leafpool’s scent. Oh Leafpool, please don’t be hurt! Tell me where you are! She thought desperately. As if she had heard her she caught Leafpool’s scent on the breeze. As she followed it she realised she could smell blood. StarClan don’t let her be injured! She prayed. As she pushed her way through some brush she realised the scent was stronger.
“Leafpool,” she mewed, “Can you hear me?”
Leafpool rose her head at Cinderpelt’s call.
“Cinderpelt!” she croaked. She heard a yowl of joy and the scramble of pawsteps. Leafpool lay her head down again.
“Oh Leafpool,” Spottedleaf mewed, “I’m sorry.”
“Atleast I know Cinderpelt will look after my kit,” she mewed weakly. Spottedleaf nodded and disappeared as Cinderpelt emerged from the brush.
“Leafpool!” she yowled at the sight of her wounded apprentice, “Hold on Leafpool, you’ll be OK.”
“Hush,” she mewed her voice barely more than a whisper, “Don’t waste your time Cinderpelt, I will join StarClan.”
“No,” Cinderpelt wailed, “Oh Leafpool please no. I’m sorry!”
“You’re the best mentor ever,” she croaked, “I trust you to look after Sparrowkit.” Cinderpelt gave her a confused look, so Leafpool laid her tail on a small black kit. Cinderpelt gasped.
“I will look after him,” Cinderpelt promised sadly.
“I knew you would,” she mewed happily, “Please tell Crowfeather I love him and Squirrelflight. And Cinderpelt I…” But Leafpool mewed no more, as the darkness rushed over her like a tide.
By the WindClan border a familiar scent hit her scent glands, Crowfeather! In desperate attempt to get away from the meddlesome warrior she ran towards the lake. But let out of yowl as she felt the ground give way beneath her. Dangling from the top of the cleft, front paws dug into the ground.
“Crowfeather HELP!” she yowled desperately as his scent wafted nearer.
She heard rushing pawsteps and Crowfeather appeared.
“HELP!” she repeated with a gush of relief that a warrior was here to help.
But her relief turned to horror as Crowfeather’s eyes clouded.
“Oh Feathertail,” he muttered, “I’m sorry!”
“Crowfeather please help! I’m going to fall!” she yowled desperately.
Suddenly realisation flickered in his eyes and he lunged forward, grabbing her by the scruff and pulling her up to safety.
“Thanks,” she mewed gratefully. He didn’t reply.
“Feathertail would be proud,” she mewed softly, “She was my friend too.” Crowfeather flinched, then straightened up.
“I suppose I better get off your territory,” he mewed. She wriggled uncomfortably.
“Yes,” she mewed quietly, “Thanks for saving me Crowfeather.” He nodded, accepting her thanks.
“Thanks to you to,” he mewed, “Thanks for jogging my out of that, I don’t know what came over me!”
“Well, I better get back to camp,” she mewed, feeling her fur go hot at the warriors praise, “May StarClan light your path!”
Dipping his head to her he padded of back towards WindClan camp.
As she padded beside Cinderpelt towards the Gathering she felt a sense of foreboding soar through her. She hadn’t told anyone about her meeting with Crowfeather, and although she couldn’t explain why, she was looking forward to seeing him again.
“Is something bothering you?” Cinderpelt mewed, “You seem distant.”
“No everything’s fine,” she lied, “I was just wondering whats happened to Rivertail.”
“Rivertail’s a wise cat, he knows how to survive on his own. You won’t remember this but Rivertail was exiled from ThunderClan before by Bluestar,” she mewed comfortingly.
“Really, why?” she asked in shock.
“Bluestar raged her own private war with StarClan,” Cinderpelt mewed glancing into her apprentices horror struck face, “And because of Rivertail’s connection with StarClan, she refused to trust him, so she sent him away.”
“How did he come back?” she asked.
“Firestar asked him to,” she mewed, “He had made his own territory on an island in the river, hunting and living there. Firestar asked him to come back to battle with BloodClan. If it proves anything, it proves Rivertail is a capable cat. He can survive alone easily. Not to mention the fact he travelled along way by himself to get to us from OceanClan’s territory, were ever it may be.”
As they padded over the tree to get to the island Leafpool caught some of Rivertail’s scent. Must be from another Gathering, she decided and she soon forgot about Rivertail when she scented a familiar cat, Crowfeather. As she padded into the clearing she looked desperately around for him. But it was not Crowfeather that caught her eye, it was Rivertail, with a RiverClan cat!
A gasp sounded from the group of ThunderClan cats. Rivertail spun round, but his expression was impossible to read. Firestar padded towards him.
“Whats going on? Where have you been?” he mewed angrily.
“Don’t raise your voice to me Firestar, you know perfectly well why I left!” he spat.
“No I don’t. You left without a word to any cat!” he mewed and Rivertail’s eyes stretched wide with shock.
“So Brambleclaw,” Rivertail mewed and the whole clearing turned to face him, “Haven’t the guts to tell your leader why I left?” Firestar spun round to face his deputy.
“Brambleclaw, what do you know about this?” he hissed. Rivertail’s eyes narrowed to a sneer. Brambleclaw hissed with exasperation.
“We quarrelled, so what?” he mewed.
“Liar!” Rivertail spat, “You practically drove me off!”
The ThunderClan cats gasped again. Leafpool couldn’t decide who was telling the truth. Brambleclaw was a trustworthy warrior, respected more than most. But Rivertail never lied, even of he had left.
“Is this true?” Firestar asked Brambleclaw.
“We quarrelled,” Brambleclaw sighed closing his eyes, “And I told him I didn’t want him in the Clan, not the Clan didn’t want him here.” Rivertail snorted.
“Either way Firestar,” Rivertail mewed, “I’m not coming back to ThunderClan. I want to be loyal to my new Clan now.” Firestar spun round to face him, eyes full of grief.
“I’ll miss you Rivertail,” he mewed, “But I won’t stop you. I hope we can still be friends.”
“Whoever told you we weren’t, is a mouse-brained fool!” he mewed resting his tail on Firestar shoulder, “I’ll always be your friend”
She heard her father purr before leaping up with the other leaders. Now the problem of Rivertail was out of the way she could look round for Crowfeather. She spotted him at the edge of the clearing in the shadows. He was looking desperately at her. Once he’d realised she’d seen him, he signalled with his tail for her to follow him. Creeping away from her mentor she joined him at the edge of the clearing. As he ducked behind the bushes, she followed keeping an eye out for watching cats, but all their attention seemed to be on Rivertail. Leafpool respected the way he stood tall, ignoring the glares of suspicion from the other cats. As she emerged on the other side of the bushes she heard Crowfeather mew. Padding over to him raised, he purred.
“I wasn’t sure you’d spot me,” he mewed.
“What did you want to see me for Crowfeather,” she mewed gently.
“I wanted to say…” he faltered, the burst out, “I can’t get you out of my head. I’ve tried and tried but I can’t forget you. I love you Leafpool.” His voice was so soft it melted her heart. She loved him. She felt like letting out a yowl of joy.
“I love you too,” she mewed and relief seemed to flash in the warriors eyes. He purred and licked her behind the ears. A purr rumbled in her throat. She twined her tail with his and wrapped her body around his, allowing her senses to fade in a wash of his beautiful scent.
She was careful to wash all of Crowfeather’s scent from her pelt. She still couldn’t believe she had broken the warrior code. Everything about her and Crowfeather felt so right, but she knew deep down what they were doing was very wrong. Not only were they from different Clans but she was a medicine cat! She shivered at the thought of the Clan finding out. By as the day passed with nothing extrodinary happening she found herself looking forward to her next meeting with her beloved Crowfeather. Cinderpelt seemed completely unawares, treating her as she normally would. As the sun began to dip she mewed to her mentor.
“I fancy going hunting,” she mewed, “Would you like me to bring you back anything?”
“No thanks,” she mewed, “Make sure you bring back some fresh-kill for the Clan though before you fo stuffing your face!”
Purring with affection for her mentor she padded out of camp. She hated lying to her, but she had no choice. She padded happily through the forest, catching a sparrow on her way. As soon as she reached the border with WindClan she padded upwards towards the Moonpool, stopping in a small bush. She peered out the other side, and she saw Crowfeather waiting for her. Calmly she padded out to greet him. His eyes sparkled with delight at the sight of her.
“Hi,” he mewed, “Was it easy to get away?”
“Pretty much,” she mewed, “But I had to lie to Cinderpelt, and I hate that.” She felt Crowfeather’s tongue rasp affectionately around her ear.
“I understand,” he mewed, “I hate lying to my Clan, but there’s no way I’m going to give you up.”
“I could never leave you either,” she mewed gently. Crowfeather’s purring was so loud Leafpool felt overwhelmed with joy, until it abruptly stopped.
“ThunderClan!” he hissed. She spun round and saw the angry shape of Cinderpelt thrust her way through the bush. She gulped. Crowfeather’s hackles raised threateningly.
“No!” she mewed, “Crowfeather please don’t attack her. You’d better go.”
“Yes,” Cinderpelt mewed tartly, “Get back on your own territory.”
“And leave Leafpool here to get her ears clawed off,” he spat, “Never!” Standing infront of him desperately defending her mentor.
“Crowfeather please,” she mewed and something must have given away her desperation because he let his hackles fall, “Cinderpelt’s not like that, I trust her.” Crowfeather gave her a curt nod before spinning round and padding back to his own territory. She turned to face her mentor.
“What do you think your doing?” she mewed angrily, “Don’t you have any idea how much your breaking the warrior code?”
“Of course I do Cinderpelt!” she mewed desperately, “But I love him, I can’t give him up. I want to be a great medicine cat like you or Yellowfang, but I just can’t give him up!”
“Do you think you can get round me with a bit of flattery do you?” she hissed, “You can explain what you’ve done to Firestar!” Suddenly she felt anger course through her.
“I thought you’d understand! But you obviously don’t, you were never in love!” she spat and she whipped around and charged into the forest.
If Cinderpelt followed she gave no sign of it. As she raced blindly through the forest she realised her paws had token her to the Moonpool. She looked down from the top of the hill to where she had been with Crowfeather. Cinderpelt had gone, probably to tell Firestar and the others that she was a traitor. Suddenly a sweet scent washed over her, an achingly familiar one, Spottedleaf! She turned her head to see the medicine cat that had walked her dreams so many times.
“Spottedleaf!” she mewed, “Oh Spottedleaf, what should I do? Does StarClan think I’m a traitor? Do you think I’m a traitor?”
“Peace dear one,” she mewed resting her tail on her shoulder, “StarClan thinks not of you as a traitor, and nor do I.” Reassured Leafpool relaxed.
“Spottedleaf, what do I do? If I go back to camp Firestar will exile me. And Cinderpelt hates me, I didn’t mean to betray her, I really didn’t.”
“Hush,” Spottedleaf mewed, “Look.” She pointed her tail at the WindClan border. At was looking over it, a small black cat, Crowfeather!
“You must go were your heart leads,” Spottedleaf mewed and she disappeared.
“No don’t go!” she mewed. But all she could find of her was a faint trace of her sweet scent. She recalled her parting words, You must go where your heart leads, but what did she mean? Padding down the hill she decided she wanted to talk to Crowfeather, perhaps he we know the answer.
“Crowfeather,” she mewed. His ears pricked and he spun around, his tail rose with joy.
“I was hoping to catch you,” he mewed, “Are you OK? What did Cinderpelt do?”
“We quarrelled,” she admitted, “And I ran away. Why did you want to find me?”
“Leafpool, what happened today showed me something, we can’t be together,” Leafpool felt the world sway beneath her but Crowfeather carried on, “If we stay here. We should leave. Find another territory far away and leave their together, just you and me!” Leafpool’s eyes stretched wide with shock. But when she thought about it, it made sense.
“Will you come?” he asked.
“I could never leave Cinderpelt,” she mewed thoughtfully, noticing with delight at Crowfeather’s crestfallen face. She wanted to get him back for tricking her, “But she hates me. She’ll find a new apprentice, of course I’ll go with you.”
Crowfeather’s look of devastation disappeared instantly, to be replaced by a yowl of delight.
“Hush,” she mewed gently, “You’ll bring every cat from both our Clans.” He purred happily and leaned over to lick her ear.
“I’ll make sure you never regret this,” he mewed, “I’ll take care of you Leafpool, I promise.” Purring, she twined her tail with his as they walked away from their Clans and into the sunset.
Back at the ThunderClan camp Cinderpelt was pacing her den, desperately waiting for Leafpool’s return. The more she thought about their quarrel the guiltier she felt. Leafpool had trusted her to help her and had defended her fearlessly against Crowfeather, refusing to allow him to wound her. I’ve betrayed her she thought Oh Leafpool I’m sorry! Please come home!
But dawn came and went and Leafpool still hadn’t come back to camp. What will I say to Firestar? She wondered with dread. Suddenly Squirrelflight came in.
“Cinderpelt,” she mewed dipping her head in greeting, “Were’s Leafpool, I had strange dreams about her last night, I’m worried.” Cinderpelt gulped.
“Leafpool is missing,” she mewed and Squirrelflight’s face fell, “I haven’t seen her since yesterday. Listen, I caught her with Crowfeather.”
“Crowfeather!” she mewed in disgust, “Could she have choosen worse?”
“Anyway, we quarrelled. I betrayed her Squirrelflight and I think she’s run away because of it,” she mewed hopelessly.
“How did you betray her?” she asked.
“She defended me, and trusted me to treat her fairly,” she mewed miserably, “But I didn’t listen and now she’s gone.”
“We must tell Firestar, he’ll know what to do,” Squirrelflight mewed firmly, her voice was filled with worry. They padded out of her den. Cinderpelt had her head down and her tail trailed limply behind her.
“Squirrelflight, Cinderpelt, whats wrong?” Cinderpelt recognised the voice of Leafpool’s mother Sandstorm.
“Where’s Firestar?” she asked.
“On patrol with Brambleclaw, he should be back soon,” she mewed, “Why?”
“Leafpool is missing,” she mewed unhappily and Sandstorm’s eyes filled with grief and her tail drooped.
“This is bad,” Sandstorm mewed, “Firestar will be devastated.” Suddenly Firestar emerged from the camp entrance with Brambleclaw. It was clear neither cat had been patrol, more likely Brambleclaw was being told off for what he did to Rivertail.
“Firestar,” Sandstorm yowled and the flame coloured tom padded over to them.
“Yes,” he mewed glancing at Cinderpelt, “Whats happened?”
“Leafpool is missing,” Squirrelflight wailed. Firestar took a step back.
“What? No, how?” he stammered in shock.
“Its my fault,” Cinderpelt mewed, “I caught her with the WindClan warrior Crowfeather…” She was interrupted by the Clans mewed of shock and disbelief.
“Did you chase her off?” Firestar growled. Cinderpelt shock her head.
“We quarrelled and she ran off,” Cinderpelt mewed hopelessly, “I haven’t seen her since. No cat has.” There was a heartbeat of silence.
“Cloudtail, Sandstorm and Brackenfur,” Firestar yowled, “Come with me. We must follow her scent trail.”
“Firestar,” Cinderpelt mewed, “Please, let me come too. I have to find her.” Firestar narrowed his eyes.
“OK,” he mewed after what felt like nine lives of silence, “Squirrelflight you come too. Brambleclaw your in charge of the camp until I get back.”
Brambleclaw nodded and Firestar lead his patrol out of camp. He motioned for Cloudtail to take the lead, after all he was the best tracker in the Clan. Cloudtail lead them straight to the WindClan border and up to where Cinderpelt had caught her earlier. Then he took them upwards towards the Moonpool. Cinderpelt’s ears pricked. Hopefully Leafpool had just gone to share tongues with StarClan. But her scent stopped well before they reached the Moonpool. Cinderpelt noticed Firestar’s ear prick with shock. He called Sandstorm over with a swish of his tail. They shared a look of wonder.
“Fancy sharing?” Cloudtail mewed.
“I can scent Spottedleaf, the medicine cat before Yellowfang,” Firestar mewed, “Its faint but there.” Cinderpelt stared at him amazed.
“Well the scent seems to show she doubled back,” Brackenfur mewed, “Should we carry on following it.”
“Of course!” Firestar mewed. They followed her scent back to the place where she had found Leafpool with Crowfeather.
“They turned and went into WindClan territory,” Cloudtail mewed, “Together.” Firestar’s tail drooped.
“What if she went to join WindClan?” Squirrelflight piped up, “She’s a valuable cat to any Clan.” Cinderpelt nodded in agreement.
“Should we follow it?” Brackenfur asked again. Firestar paused for a heartbeat.
“Yes,” he mewed, “If she’s there I must speak sense into her.” They had barely gone a few pawsteps when Cloudtail mewed.
“There’s WindClan cat scent here, they must have met a patrol!” That confirmed Cinderpelt’s worst fears. Leafpool had gone to WindClan to be with Crowfeather, and she had driven her to it.
They hadn’t got far before they were detected. The patrol consisted of Tornear, Owlpaw and Ashfoot. A formidable line of warriors.
“What are you doing here?” Tornear spat.
“No Tornear,” Ashfoot mewed, “These cats have a lot to answer for, Onestar will want to question them personally.”
With the WindClan warriors flanking them they had no choice but to follow. Ashfoot seemed shocked when the ThunderClan cats didn’t fight. As they emerged into the camp Owlpaw went to fetch Onestar while the two warriors guarded their prisoners. Onestar didn’t keep them waiting.
“So oh great Firestar,” Onestar spat, “Care to explain why you stole one of our warriors!”
“What?” Firestar mewed, “But you took Leafpool!”
“We did no such thing!” Onestar hissed, “You stole Crowfeather!”
“But we haven’t seen Crowfeather!” Squirrelflight snapped, “Weren’t you listening, we lost Leafpool to!”
“What makes you think we took him?” Firestar asked.
“We followed his scent to your border, where his scent joined with a ThunderClan cat,” Onestar mewed.
“Yes,” Cinderpelt mewed, “Crowfeather and Leafpool have been seeing each other. I caught them at the border.” The WindClan cats gasped in horror.
“But that’s against everything in the warrior code!” Onestar mewed in shock.
“Yes we know,” Firestar mewed, “We were following her scent, we thought you had tooken her.”
“Well we haven’t,” Onestar spat.
“But then were did they go?” Squirrelflight wailed. Onestar flicked his ears.
“Tornear and Ashfoot, go with these cats and follow their scent,” Onestar mewed. The chosen cats nodded and lead the ThunderClan cats out of their camp. Cloudtail automatically took the lead, following the scent with ease. For many pawsteps he lead them round the moor until it lead of off WindClan territory and into the forests beyond.
“That’s it,” Ashfoot mewed, “We can’t do anymore.” Tornear nodded in agreement.
“Their gone,” Tornear mewed solemnly. Squirrelflight let out a wail.
“Can’t we follow it a bit further?” Cinderpelt protested.
“No,” Ashfoot snapped, “Just face it, they left!” Cinderpelt flinched. No cat moved to comfort her. No cat even spoke as they travelled back through WindClan territory. Once they were back at camp Firestar leapt on to the High Ledge and yowl his familiar calls.
“We followed Leafpool’s scent through WindClan territory,” he reported with his head and tail down, “It lead past there territory, she’s gone.” The Clan let out a wail of grief that Firestar didn’t acknowledge as he slunk into his den without a backwards glance.
As the sky turned dark Leafpool licked her mates shoulder. They had done a full days travelling without saying a word, only needing each others presence.
“Its late,” Crowfeather mewed, “We should stop for the night.” Leafpool purred in agreement. Although she missed her sister and her father and her mother desperately, Crowfeather was all she wanted right now.
“Oh Crowfeather,” she mewed happily, “I love you. Never leave me.” He glanced back at her and they touched noses.
“I’ll never leave your side,” he mewed, “I want you beside me always.” She purred and wrapped her body around his.
Leafpool slept badly that night. She dreamed of dark bodies swarming together like a tide, attacking her Clan. Everytime she tried to get to them she was always pushed back until she felt pain like an explosion hit and her and she woke with a yowl. She looked up and saw Crowfeather watching her as she slept.
“Did I wake you?” she asked.
“No,” he mewed, “Did you have a nightmare?”
“Yes,” she mewed and she explained the dream. Crowfeather shrugged.
“Are you worried for your Clan?” he asked anxiously.
“Yes but not enough to go back, don’t worry,” she mewed and he visibly relaxed. Just then a new scent washed over her.
“Badger!” she hissed. Crowfeather stood in front of here hackles raised. She saw the looming shape of a badger approach and Crowfeather yowl with shock.
“Midnight!” he mewed. He lowered his hackles and stepped aside of Leafpool could meet her.
“Leafpool this is Midnight,” he mewed and she dipped her head in greeting,
“Midnight what are you doing here?”
“Greetings small warrior,” Midnight said, “And friend. I’m coming to rescue the Clan cats. My kind is angry because the cats drive them from their territory so they attack them and kill all cats. They attack a Clan in a forest first then they killed the river cats!” Leafpool gasped.
“Crowfeather we have to warn the Clans!” Leafpool mewed.
“But, they won’t let us leave if we go back,” he mewed in distress.
“No they won’t,” Leafpool mewed, “I’ll leave no matter what they say, and Firestar won’t stop me. Please Crowfeather.”
“OK,” he mewed, “I trust you Leafpool.” Leafpool wondered if she should mention she was carry his kits, but decided against it. Later on she would, but right now she had to worry about ThunderClan.
Racing back the way they came they followed their own scent trail until they reach a familiar moor. Not stopping to check for WindClan warriors they raced straight through their territory. Suddenly Leafpool scented a strong reek of badger. Leafpool hissed to warn her mate. They stopped and crept forward, tabby fur mixing with black. What they saw nearly made Leafpool yowl with shock. There was more badgers then she’d ever seen and they looked like the tide of bodies she’d seen in her dream!
“What now?” Crowfeather mewed eyes wide.
“I’ll distract them, you go warn ThunderClan,” she mewed bravely.
“How do you plan to do that?” he asked, sounding worried.
“If I insult them enough their all so thick they’ll chase me, that should give you enough time to be ready,” she mewed.
“I don’t like it, but I know I won’t be able to change your mind,” he mewed worriedly, “Just please stay safe” She licked his ears and he charged off towards the ThunderClan camp. Breakng cover she charged into the mass of badgers.
“Hey mouse-brains! Want some cat blood you pieces of fox-dung!” she yowled, “Bet you slow slugs can’t catch me!” Just then the badgers bellowed and the heaving mass charged towards her. As quick as a fish she darted away into the forest, the badgers hot on her tail.
Meanwhile Crowfeather crashed through the forest. Suddenly he recognised Squirrelflight’s pelt.
“Squirrelflight!” he yowled not stopping.
“Crowfeather!” she mewed in shock dashing after him, “Where’s Leafpool?”
“Quick, which ways your camp,” he asked, “Theres trouble on its way!” He watched her take the lead.
“Follow me!” she mewed. Together they raced past trees and pushes until they pushed there way into ThunderClan camp panting.
“Firestar!” Crowfeather yowled, “ThunderClan come quick!” The whole clan emerged from their dens eyeing him with suspicion. He spotted Cinderpelt emerge from her den and gasp, limping towards him as fast as she could.
“Crowfeather!” she wailed, “Where’s Leafpool? She isn’t hurt is she?”
“No,” he mewed, “Where’s Firestar?”
“Here,” the ginger tom mewed, “What are you doing here? Where’s Leafpool.”
“Distracting the badgers!” Crowfeather mewed, “Firestar, Me and Leafpool met Midnight. She told us Badgers were coming to attack ThunderClan. Leafpool insisted we came back to help. We saw the badgers in WindClan territory, I came to warn you while Leafpool distracted the badgers!”
“Distracting badgers, you fool you left her to die!” Firestar growled.
“No Firestar,” he mewed, “Listen, you must prepare your warriors the badgers are coming!” As if in response he heard the distant roar of the badgers. Firestar gathered his warriors with a flick of his tail.
“Elders, queens and kits into my den! Now!” he yowled, “The rest of you with me! Cinderpelt stay here with the queens!” Outside the camp warriors and apprentices formed a protective line. Just then he heard the rush of pawsteps and Leafpool burst out of the brush. Behind her came the badgers. Firestar let out his battle cry and threw himself into battle with the badgers. Leafpool joined him spinning round and disappearing into the mass of badgers. That the last he saw of his beloved mate before he to joined the fray.
Leafpool only felt exhilaration as she thought the badgers, it was good to fight beside he friends again, probably for the last time. Suddenly she heard Firestar yowl. He was cornered by badgers. Whilst she was battling her way to him he managed to slip between their ranks. As she breathed a sigh of relief she felt agony course through her. Her kits, her kits were coming! Oh not now! She thought desperately as she searched for a safe spot. But everywhere was heaving with badgers. Suddenly pain lanced through her again, but it wasn’t here kits. She looked down. A badger had sliced her side open. Thinking fast she sprinted into the brush. No badgers followed so she lay on the gentle forest floor. Oh StarClan help me! She begged desperately, and a familiar scent washed over her. Spottedleaf!
“Its OK young one,” she mewed seriously, “I’ve come to help.” And she was drowned in a pool of blood and pain.
Crowfeather yowled with triumph! ThunderClan had won! As he watched the last stinking badger run away he couldn’t resist letting out a yowl of joy. He was battered and bruised but Leafpool would soon patch him up. Suddenly fear spread from, where was Leafpool? He desperately scanned the scene. All the ThunderClan warriors were there, no one had been killed, but where was Leafpool? He felt a cat nudge him.
“Nice fight Crowfeather,” Squirrelflight mewed, “And thanks. Have you seen Leafpool?”
“No,” Crowfeather mewed worriedly, “I thought she might be with you!”
“Perhaps she’s with Cinderpelt,” Squirrelflight mewed hopefully. But her hopes where dashed as Cinderpelt rapidly limped towards them.
“Where’s Leafpool?” she mewed.
“We thought she was with you!” Squirrelflight wailed, “Oh Leafpool where are you?”
Cinderpelt shuddered. Leafpool was missing again.
“If she’s been hurt I’ll never forgive myself!” Crowfeather wailed. She shock her head.
“Quick,” she mewed, “Search for her.” Both cats nodded and went separate way, sniffing desperately for any sign of Leafpool’s scent. Oh Leafpool, please don’t be hurt! Tell me where you are! She thought desperately. As if she had heard her she caught Leafpool’s scent on the breeze. As she followed it she realised she could smell blood. StarClan don’t let her be injured! She prayed. As she pushed her way through some brush she realised the scent was stronger.
“Leafpool,” she mewed, “Can you hear me?”
Leafpool rose her head at Cinderpelt’s call.
“Cinderpelt!” she croaked. She heard a yowl of joy and the scramble of pawsteps. Leafpool lay her head down again.
“Oh Leafpool,” Spottedleaf mewed, “I’m sorry.”
“Atleast I know Cinderpelt will look after my kit,” she mewed weakly. Spottedleaf nodded and disappeared as Cinderpelt emerged from the brush.
“Leafpool!” she yowled at the sight of her wounded apprentice, “Hold on Leafpool, you’ll be OK.”
“Hush,” she mewed her voice barely more than a whisper, “Don’t waste your time Cinderpelt, I will join StarClan.”
“No,” Cinderpelt wailed, “Oh Leafpool please no. I’m sorry!”
“You’re the best mentor ever,” she croaked, “I trust you to look after Sparrowkit.” Cinderpelt gave her a confused look, so Leafpool laid her tail on a small black kit. Cinderpelt gasped.
“I will look after him,” Cinderpelt promised sadly.
“I knew you would,” she mewed happily, “Please tell Crowfeather I love him and Squirrelflight. And Cinderpelt I…” But Leafpool mewed no more, as the darkness rushed over her like a tide.