"I'm just saying that they will attack us if we tell them." An exhausted mew sounded as Nightpaw slowly woke up.
He growls as the voices became louder, opening one eye at the response.
"Despite them being our rivals and enemy, I think we should warn them due to the warrior code and the kits that would be in danger!" Another mew hisses.
Guess Brightflower and Russetfur is at it again. He stretch as he let out a yawn. It been two days since Scraps warn them about Bloodclan plan to set Thunderclan against them. The clan is split on warning Thunderclan. One side said that they will take it as a threat and attack them while making them look weak, while the other side say it's the right thing to do according to the warrior code. That they must help their neighbors against Bloodclan, even if their reputation takes a hit. Brokenstar didn't make a decision yet which is why most of the senior warriors and elders been arguing. Every sunhigh, he can hear Yellowfang and Swampcloud talking in hush tones. See the glares the elders send to Tangleburr, Russetfur and Boulder who don't want to warn them.
"Nightpaw." Littlepaw pad into the den, looking back as if worry if anyone saw him.
"I'm up. Did Badgerfang ask for me?" He begin to groom himself as Littlepaw shook his head.
"Brokenstar made a decision. You and Runningnose are going to Thunderclan camp He believe by sending you two, Thunderclan will understand that we want to help them. But he isn't telling the clan as this is a secret mission. Told me to tell you. Just act normal." Littlepaw walk out before he can respond.
Of course he can guess why Brokenstar gave him the mission. He is the kittypet turned clan cat so other clans probably don't see him as a threat. But not to tell the clan? He always include the clan into his plans. Is the split that bad? He padded out and bump into Volewhisper, who glare at him.
"Watch where you are going." He hissed before joining Blossomsky for a patrol.
Volewhisper was usually an easygoing cat but now he is angry and tense. As they left, Brokenstar call a clan meeting. Before he can join the others, he saw Runningnose motion to him from the corner of his eyes. He saw Brokenstar meet his eyes, gave a little nod before he begin talking. All he caught was to strengthen the thorn barriers around their camp before leaving through the tunnel, heading straight to the Thunderpath.
"I'm sure Littlepaw fill you in. He's the one watching Snow right now. She is steady and just need to rest. Brokenstar know that most of the clan won't approve of this so he telling them the plan now." Runningnose said as they stop at the Thunderpath. Nightpaw look back and forth as the monsters race by. He knead the ground as they wait.
"Do you think the clan will be back to normal soon?" He asks after a few minutes. "It just that everyone is so tense and bad tempered. Why is it so bad to help others?"
"Shadowclan isn't known for being nice. Our reputation leaves much to be desire yet it keeps us safe. It's why we seem to only attract attention from rogues and loners. We are seen as the toughest and battle hungry clan. Riverclan is known as lazy and slow, Windclan is known as swift and skinny, and Thunderclan is known as friendly and loyal to the code." Runningnose pad across the Thunderpath and cross the boundary. Nightpaw wait a few heartbeats before following.
"Remember that medicine cats can cross the boundaries when we need to. Stay close since we don't know when it is happening." Nightpaw gave a nod as they continue.
Looking around, he saw how bright the forest was compared to theirs. The trees are mostly birch or oak while theirs are pine. Leaves littered the ground as birds sung and Nightpaw shook a paw that had a leaf stuck to it. Soon they heard paws stomping towards them, like a chase. Runningnose shove him into a bush and hid with him. The cats ran towards the Thunderpath despite no one chasing them. His eyes widen as he thought he heard kits mewing, look at Runningnose face and saw that they were too late.
They wait a few minutes before leaving and running back to their camp. No words spoken as they rush back. They burst through the tunnel, out of breath.
"Too late." Was all Runningnose could get out. The camp was a flurry of activity, stopping when they burst through.
"They got the kits. Didn't want to confront them so we don't put the kits in danger." He continued as Brokenstar pad towards them, issuing orders to continue strengthening the thorn barriers around the camp. He asks Ashfoot and Morningflower if they want to be revealed but they shook their heads.
"They would see us as prisoners instead of guests." Morningflower said as she pad out of the nursery. Ashfoot had Eaglekit in her mouth as Tangleburr led the way to the other camp. Brightflower follow, having Morningflower lean on her as they climb the hill to leave without being seen. With them gone, Nightpaw saw how fortified the walls of the camp seem to be. Yellowfang and Rowanberry closed the gap that the others went through, dragging a bramble vine with thorns across it.
Was this what the others been doing while he and Runningnose went to Thunderclan? Looking around, he saw the signs and that everyone seem to be working well together. The tension in the camp is gone now. Or maybe it is the oncoming threat that made everyone pull together. Runningnose quickly went to grab herbs to heal the many scratches while Brokenstar told him to go hunt and keep a lookout for Thunderclan.
Nightpaw went back out and hunt along the Thunderclan border. After catching two birds and a mouse, he heard the sounds he been waiting all day. Sounds of heavy pawsteps padding into his territory. Shadowclan knows how to walk without a sound so he knew this must be the Thunderclan patrol. They took their sweet time, he thought as he look up at the sky. It is close to sunset so he knew they probably figured out the kits are missing. They appeared in front of him as he stood up. It is a small patrol lead by Whitestorm, with Darkstripe and Runningwind, Longtail, Firepaw, Sandpaw and Dustpaw. They stop as he put down his prey.
"You are trespassing on Shadowclan territory." He mew confidently. "I will fight if I have to."
"Calm down, Nightpaw. We want to talk to Brokenstar." Whitestorm said with a glare.
"That a big patrol for just a talk." A voice mew as Nightpaw smirk. Boulder, Fernshade, Cinderfur, Stumpytail and Wetpaw surrounded the Thunderclan patrol, making them jump.
"Where did you put our kits?!" Darkstripe hiss as he glare at them. "Our kits were kidnapped and we smelt Shadowclan scent on our territory. We know you have them." He crouch down, his tail lashing as he prepared to lunge. Before he can, Longtail step in front of him, blocking him.
"Enough Darkstripe." He growl as he look at Nightpaw. He straighten up as he match Darkstripe actions. Boulder gave him a disapproving look before he lead the way. He grab his prey as they lead the patrol to the camp.
Walking in, he saw how the clan look like nothing is wrong and Brokenstar is lying on top of the clan rock. As they walk, he did notice Firepaw trying to get his attention but he ignored it in front of the others. This isn't a gathering and he didn't want others thinking he would be friendly with the other clans. After dropping the fresh kill, he walk to the other side of the clearing where Littlepaw and Mousepaw were. Their faces is perfect masks as they watch Fernshade jump up to whisper into Brokenstar ear, acting like they didn't know why Thunderclan is here.
"Kits missing? You think we will kidnap kits? Enough of the accusations! Look around, I'm sure you would have heard your kits by now. We don't have them." Brokenstar stood up as Fernshade jump down, his fur bristling and tail twitching.
"Sorry Brokenstar. It just we smelt Shadowclan on our territory so we..." Runningwind start to explain, his ears down.
"So just by scent you think we want your kits? What reason do you think we want them for?" Yellowfang asks as she step forward with a lash of her tail.
Nightpaw watch as they glance at each other. Guess they didn't think of it. Just smelt Shadowclan and went to attack if they found their kits here. After all, Shadowclan is known as the dark heart of the forest and they are evil. He roll his eyes as he sat down, seeing the guilt flash on the Thunderclan cats faces.
"Lucky for your clan, we been dealing with troublesome rogues so maybe they took your kits. As a way to make trouble between our clans." Blackfoot spoke up with a respectful tone as he glance at Brokenstar.
Nightpaw smile as he saw exactly what happened. Blackfoot gave them an out without seeming weak in front of them. This way, they can manipulate Thunderclan against the rogues, killing two birds with one move. They couldn't face the rogues by themselves due to the unknown number, but with the strength added with Thunderclan, they can finally get rid of them. All without being seen as weak by them.
"We have a plan to get rid of these rogues but now with the kits, it is dangerous. Why don't you fill us in on what happened." Brokenstar said as he sat down with his tail calmly by his paws.
The Thunderclan cats sat down as well, looking at Whitestorm. "We was attacked. We fought them off but it clearly was a distraction. After making sure everyone is okay, we noticed that Frostfur kits was missing. Bluestar had Lionheart stay behind due to his injuries. Spottedleaf and Ravenpaw is working while she sent us to investigate. So we found faint Shadowclan scent near the nursery and follow it here. We are fools I must admit. The scent smelt like they rubbed it on their pelt, now that I think about it." Whitestorm explain as they listen with grim faces.
"These rogues aren't normal. They call themselves Bloodclan and they been framing us. Apparently they know how the other clans sees us so they been causing issues. We been fighting them off though. Shadowclan need no help with rogues." Brokenstar's voice is clipped, as he stare down at them.
"They are behind the Carrionplace." A soft voice mew as everyone heads turn towards the medicine den. Snow step out slowly, her injuries clear for everyone to see.
"The strong smell cover our presence....their presence. You should go quickly. Bloodclan don't treat kits kindly." Runningnose went to her side to look her over.
"Boulder, you should lead this patrol. Nightpaw, Wetpaw, Littlepaw, Ratscar, Yellowfang, Russetfur and Wolfstep. The rest should protect this camp. Work together with Thunderclan. Getting the kits out safely should be the first priority. Show them that messing with the clans is the wrong thing to do!" Brokenstar growl as the patrol gather with Thunderclan.
"This is clearly a first. Thunderclan working with Shadowclan." Dustpaw mutter as Nightpaw pass by him.
He ignore him as he look at Firepaw. He look different than when they met at the gathering. He had scars on his pelt, making him see that he been in some battles before this. Yet his eyes shone in welcome as he stood next to him.
"Hi Nightpaw. That was very intense. Can't wait to fight these rogues. Every battle is a lesson. That is what Tigerclaw taught me. Been training with him, Longtail and Darkstripe." He mew as they begin to run towards the Carrionplace.
"Surprise they allow you to come." Nightpaw didn't want to appear too friendly. He can hear the soft kittypet taunts if he did. The sun shone down on them, lighting up Firepaw's pelt like a brand of fire. Nightpaw's eyes widen at how good he looks.
"I ask to come. Tigerclaw was actually on my side and told Bluestar that it will be good experience." His voice drop low as he glance to make sure he wasn't overheard. "I befriended these kits. Told them stories. The queens were the first to accept me. Didn't care where I came from. I liked watching them."
"We will get them back. Shadowclan will make sure of it." He hiss softly. Flashes of memories went through his mind. Remembering how he catch a glimpse of Eaglekit whenever Ashfoot leaves to stretch her legs. Eaglekit is bright and curious when he peeks out from the nursery. He may not be good around kits but he will do his best to protect them. He noticed that both Wolfstep and Russetfur had split from the patrol. They sign to Yellowfang that they was going ahead. Thunderclan hadn't noticed due to them having trouble with running through their territory.
"I don't know why Shadowclan cares about kits. I heard that you guys trained your kits before six moons." Nightpaw roll his eyes as he heard a condescending meow behind them, taking him out of his thoughts.
Sandpaw caught up to them as they stop to catch their breath. He ignore her as he look up to see the sun dip low and the forest begin to turn dark. This is perfect since the rogues wouldn't expect them to come at night. Only problem is showing their special skills with their companions.
"We should rest here for now. The carrionplace is nearby and we need a plan of attack." Yellowfang said as she look at Thunderclan. They was breathing more heavily and Nightpaw purr a bit, enjoying both Longtail and Darkstripe struggles. They made sure to take the driest routes so they won't get their paws wet, but seem they struggle even with that.
"Hey where did the others go?" Darkstripe ask as he noticed that Russetfur and Wolfstep wasn't with them.
Took them a while to notice. How many cats disappear on their patrols? Nightpaw wonder as Darkstripe glare at them.
"They gone ahead. With the sun down, we are in our element. So might want to follow our lead Thunder cats." Ratscar said with a snort.
"Don't think we going to listen to you, Shadow cat. How do we know you aren't just going to turn on us? We aren't stupid." Darkstripe growls.
"Like how you thought we had your kits despite no reason for us to do so?" Yellowfang pointed out, seeing both Whitestorm and Runningwind flinch.
They begin to argue amongst themselves, going over how Shadowclan is often seen as evil despite only doing anything that other clans have done. Nightpaw ignore this and walk towards the other apprentices. His eyes widen as he watch Sandpaw decide to sit besides Firepaw instead of Dustpaw. Dustpaw eyes narrow as he saw this. Wetpaw and Littlepaw sat opposite of them, moving aside for him. They look at the warriors arguing and shook their heads.
"Let's at least work together for the kits. We don't have to like each other." Dustpaw sneer as he look at both Firepaw and Nightpaw.
"What do you got against kittypets? We both been in the clans for moons, and yet I feel your disgust. You just look at both me and Firepaw, leaving out my friends despite us all being from Shadowclan." Nightpaw glare at Dustpaw, his fur bristling and tail tip twitching as he dug his claws into the ground, controlling his anger.
"He just saying that maybe your hesitation will be a problem. Kittypets are known for being soft. In his own way, he is trying to make sure you are ready to kill if we need to." Sandpaw said while glancing at Dustpaw.
Do you really think we would believe that? Like I said, we both been in the clans far longer than being kittypets. So any softness wouldn't be there." Nightpaw spat.
"They have five kits. How many are yours?" Wolfstep said, interrupting any response that Sandpaw might have. The Thunderclan cats all jump as they walk towards them, not making any sound.
"We seem to outnumber them as well. Claw is a big brown tom with long claws. He's the leader. We take him out, the others might scatter. We got inside help. Overheard some cats not agreeing with his methods. Seem by kidnapping kits, he gone too far." Russetfur added.
"We are only missing four. Frostfur's kits like I said before. We are saving all of them. Maybe we can find the mother after getting them out of danger. Here what we do. We wait for them to fall asleep and sneak in." Whitestorm said as everyone gather around.
"And of course Thunder wants to boss us around. Didn't you hear me when I said we got inside help? There are two cats guarding the kits and they are on our side. They are both patchy white and black tortoiseshells. A molly and a tom. Here is the real plan. Whitestorm, you and your cats create a distraction while we get the kits. They are going to be expecting you but they aren't expecting us to work together. So just head right in while we do what Shadowclan do best." Russetfur said while drawing a map on the ground to show everyone what the rogues' camp look like. It is much smaller than a clan camp, only having places to sleep and eat fresh kill. They are far enough away from the carrionplace so no rats will attack them yet close enough for the stink to cover them.
As the Thunderclan cats got closer to the map, Nightpaw, and the other Shadowclan cats padded back a bit. In one smooth motion, they left and disappear in the shadows of the forest as Whitestorm begin to speak.
"We agree with this plan. Darkstripe, keep your temper. Firepaw, Sandpaw and Dustpaw, follow our lead. Longtail and Runningwid, stay hidden. You will be our backup in case things go wrong. Whitestorm said.
Looking over, they saw that Shadowclan has disappear. Nightpaw watch from the shadows as they look around before heading to the rogue's camp.
"Have to admit, that is very cool." He overheard Firepaw said to Sandpaw.
"I find it more creepy than anything. They made no noise as they left. Didn't sense them at all. Plus this forest is so creepy and bare." She mew.
"You see now why we practice fighting. They are going to use those cool skills against us. Focus and pay attention, Firepaw." Dustpaw hiss.
They quietly padded to the rogue's camp, making sure they wasn't seen or heard. Yellowfang let out a small hoot to signal to Scraps that they are nearby. Nightpaw look down, seeing Whitestorm leading the attack. They was on a small hill, and from their position, they can see everything. Scraps flick an ear before joining in the attack, leaving the kits unprotected. The molly already attack her friend, taking him by surprise. All five kits is scared stiff, letting out mewls as they approach.
"Relax. We are here to rescue you." Yellowfang mew took on a motherly tone which calm them down a lot. She order Boulder, Russetfur and Ratscar to grab a kit. Nightpaw, Littlepaw and Wetpaw is keeping a lookout, watching the fight between rogues and Thunderclan. They was order to stomp their paws if the battle was coming close to where they are. He notice how they don't use their back legs as much as Shadowclan does. Watching Firepaw closely, he saw how he wasn't the only overthinker in a fight. A thump took his attention away from the fighting and he saw they was ready to go.
As he turn to go, he saw Claw sneaking up behind Firepaw while his back is turn to deal with a large molly, his clanmates each in their own fights. His eyes widen as a sudden realization struck him. Beware the claw that hunts the sun. He remember how the sun shone on Firepaw while the sun was setting. He let out a yowl as he run as fast as he could to help Firepaw. Littlepaw saw this and join him without a word, flicking his tail for the others to go. Boulder narrow his eyes in respect before Yellowfang nudge him to move with a kit in her mouth.
Launching himself at Claw, he tumble him over, getting claw on his forehead for his efforts. Blood begin to drip down his left eye as he jump off of him.
"Shadowclan?! Now I understand. Didn't think Thunderclan would ever lower themselves to getting help from you. Guess we are found out." Claw hiss as he back away from them.
Nightpaw shook his head to clear the blood away as he let out a growl. Firepaw glance behind him as he bit the tail of the molly he was fighting, forcing her to run away. Littlepaw stood by his side, and Firepaw join soon after on his other side. It didn't matter what clan they were from, they are together on this.
"You think you can beat me, the leader of Bloodclan?!" Claw look back and saw a tabby molly with one eye coming towards them. "Fury! Let's kill these apprentices together. Let us show them the power of Bloodclan!"
Claw eyes shone with a hint of madness as he crouch, about to attack. Before he could, Fury grab him by the scruff, biting down hard until he died, shock in his eyes. Nightpaw glance at the others, seeing the same confusion on their faces that is clearly on his own.
"He was always too arrogant for his own good. We will leave for now. By the way, that brown kit is Oak, his son. Keep him for we have no need for weaklings in our ranks. Bloodclan! Retreat!" She let out a yowl, stopping the fighting that was still going on. They ran away towards the Twolegplace.
Whitestorm and the others walk up, all having various injuries on their pelts. Shadowclan patrol join them, putting down the kits. Whitestorm kneel and nuzzle the kits before nodding at Shadowclan.
"Thank you for your help. What should we do for the brown kit? He looks old enough to be an apprentice." He asks as his patrol picks up their kits, leaving Oak alone.
"We should take him. Think of it as payment for our help." Boulder said as Yellowfang pick him up.
Darkstripe was about to say something but Longtail slap his tail across his mouth.
"Guess this is goodbye for now. I also want to apologize for the way we think of you. Next time we will look at all possibilities." Runningwind said as they took their leave.
"Thanks for saving my life. See you at the next gathering." Firepaw purr as he ran to catch up to the others.
Wetpaw watch the disappearing Thunderclan, looking at Nightpaw with a question in his eyes. Nightpaw gave a small nod before telling the others the kit name. As they walk to camp, oakkit as he was being called, seem to be deep in thought as he is carried.
"They abandoned me." Was all he said as they travel back.
"Hey. That is one thing we in Shadowclan don't do. We never abandon our clanmates. Stick with us and you will see. I was a newcomer like you." Nightpaw mew as he walk besides Yellowfang. He heard a small purr coming from him, being glad he can do something to help.