Lionblaze paced around the camp. It was a day after Gingerstep had left and he couldn't stand waiting here for a signal. Skyclan was growing used to Shadowclan's old camp, the nursery had been patched up and the elders were gossiping under the Tall Pine. Leafstar was checking in on all the cats in the dens, making sure everyone was comfortable. No one could leave the camp, except for at night to hunt. Echosong had found Flametail's herbs and was settling in nicely.
Lionblaze hissed quietly. How could any cat relax at a time like this? He wanted to be back helping the clans, fighting beside his clanmates.
"I know how it feels," Heathertail was suddenly next to him,"I feel like I could just run back to the clans and fight them. But what good would that do? We would get killed. We have to wait for Gingerstep's signal." the two cats had grown closer over their journey, even with their troubled past.
"What if she didn't make it," Lionblaze gulped,"What if she was...killed?"
"Than Starclan would send us a sign." Heathertail mewed.
"Starclan has nothing to do with this. We hold our destiny in our own paws." Lionblaze spat. Heathertail didn't flinch.
"No, Starclan are always with us. If we don't believe they can help us, we will all die," her gaze ripped through his pelt,"They haven't deserted us before, and they won't now." Heathertail stood up and padded away.
"Don't forget that Lionblaze," She mewed so only he could hear. Lionblaze watched her go, still unsure that their warrior ancestors truly cared about he clans around the lake. Would they be there to fight with them when Gingerstep gave them her signal?
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Lionblaze tossed in his bedding. Sleep would not come to him tonight with his mind full of memories of the first battle. He remembered seeing Graystripe being torn apart by a whole group of cats. He recognized one as Darkstripe. Lionblaze had tried to help him, but he was attacked by another Dark Forest warrior. By the time he got to Graystripe, he was dead.
the next memory flashed in his mind, the vision of Breezepelt racing across the battle field, and plowing down Crowfeather. Breezepelt had learned Tigerstar's battle moves, and had pinned down his father, ready to strike his throat with an unsheathed paw. Lionblaze had been close enough to attack Breezepelt this time, so he tackled the black tom.
"This is not your battle!" Breezepelt spat to his half brother. Lionblaze bit his ear, making Breezepelt screech in fury.
"That is your father, how could you betray your family, your clan, the Warrior Code?" Lionblaze hissed in his ear.
"I'm protecting it from half clan cats like you!" Breezepelt used his hind legs to flip Lionblaze off him, and jumped on his shoulders. Lionblaze reared back and sent the dark tom to the ground. Lionblaze pinned him down again.
"Good-bye Breezepelt," He murmured. For a moment fear flashed through Breezepelt's amber eyes. Lionblaze thrust his teeth into his half brother's throat until he could taste the salty liquid. That's when Dovepelt had called an alarm that Firestar was being attacked.
Lionblaze shook his head, he didn't want to relive that again. Another memory appeared, a happier one. After Firestar had appeared fighting as a Starclan warrior, Lionblaze had gone to check on Cinderheart who was with Jayfeather and the other medicine cats behind a boulder. He saw Cinderheart laying slumped over a tussock of grass, with Jayfeather and Kestrelflight over her.
"Jayfeather! I need to talk to you!" Lionblaze limped to his brother. Jayfeather didn't look up.
"She's going to be okay Lionblaze. Are you hurt?" Jayfeather mewed, wrapping cobwebs around Cinderpelt's wounds.
"No, I'm fine. It's just well, Firestar's dead." Jayfeather finally looked up.
"How?" he murmured.
"Tigerstar attacked him. They fought, than I fought with them, and Firestar killed Tigerstar. Firestar was bleeding so much, and he died. But h-he told me something." Lionblaze guided his brother away from the other medicine cats.
"What are you doing? It's dangerous to be out here!" Jayfeather hissed at his littermate.
"I needed to talk to you alone," Lionblaze had to yell over the sound of fighting cats,"We have to forgive Leafpool and Squirrelflight. Now. or everything will fall apart. Family is the only thing we have,"
"I don't know Lionblaze. So much has happened,"Jayfeather murmured,"I'll try." Lionblaze nodded, the two cats walked back to the medicine cats.
"Should we tell them now?" Lionblaze murmured into his brother's gray tabby ear.
"We can tell Leafpool for now, she's helping us," Jayfeather answered. Lionblaze could see his mother's white and brown tabby fur mingling among to wounded warriors and apprentices. Jayfeather approached her and said something Lionblaze couldn't catch. Leafpool's tail curled up in joy.
"Do you really mean it?" Leafpool's amber eyes blazed with happiness even though it was in the middle in the battle.
"Yes, we forgive you," Lionblaze mewed. Jayfeather added his apology. Leafpool rushed up to the both of them, covering Lionblaze in licks.
"I'll tell Squirrelflight as soon as I see her," Leafpool added quietly,"You do forgive her? Right?" Jayfeather and Lionblaze nodded simultaneously and Lionblaze explained he had to go fighting.
Lionblaze trotted away, giving one last look at his mother. She was watching him go, her eyes filled with love and concern.
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"Lionblaze," A brown paw poked at his ribs,"Wake up you lazy fur ball. Leafstar has called a clan meeting. Come on. Wake up." Lionblaze opened his eyes, Woody was standing over him.
"Hurry up!" Woody poked him harder this time.
"Alright, I'm getting up," Lionblaze threw his paws underneath him and hauled himself out into the camp. The dim sunlight of leafbare barely warmed his cold fur. Leafstar was standing on a low branch on the tall pine. She was talking as Lionblaze exited the warriors' den.
"...Signal will come any time now. I believe we should be ready for it. Sharpclaw, Sparrowpelt, Rockfur, and Lionblaze will help sort out our battle plan. Cherrytail, you organize battle practice sessions, I want to make sure that every clan member can defend his or herself," Lionblaze searched for the tortoiseshell fur of Cherrytail, but he could not see her past the hoard of cats in front of the camp.
"Sharpclaw will organize hunting patrols for tonight, no less than three cats though. If any dark forest cats are roaming around I don't want them caught without proper defenses." Leafstar dismissed the clan with a flick of her tail. Lionblaze padded across the camp, grabbing a piece of fresh kill, a frog, and quickly made his way to the leader's den. He pushed into a den made of thickly intertwined branches and low lying bramble thickets. The den was big enough for all the cats that had been summoned. As in all the dens, there was no moss, it was too difficult to gather while going out to hunt at night- not to mention dangerous.
Leafstar entered the den behind them, clearing the way as she padded through and stood in front of Lionblaze.
"This is going to be a very important battle. I think we can pull it off, if we have the correct strategy. Does anyone have any ideas?" Leafstar mewed. Lionblaze began to munch on his frog as he thought. The only thing that came to his mind was, How could Shadowclan eat these vile things? They have the taste of mud and slide down my throat!
"I think we should have different patrols of cats go in at a time. You could have wave one of the attack, and when you give the signal, wave two would come in," Sparrowpelt suggested. Leafstar nodded thoughtfully.
"When would we attack? Right when Gingerstep sends her signal, or would we wait?" Rockfur questioned.
"A night attack would be harder, but we would have the advantage of the night," Sharpclaw added.
"But the Dark Forest cats live in a Dark Forest, I think they would see a little better than us. They wouldn't suspect an attack during the day," Sparrowpelt argued.
"But how could we travel through the whole of Thunderclan territory without being spotted in daylight?" Sharpclaw hissed.
"I haven't worked that out yet," Sparrowpelt admitted.
"Lionblaze," Leafstar looked down at the golden tabby,"You haven't said anything yet. What do you think we should do?"
Lionblaze chewed his frog thoughtfully for a moment before answering.
"I think we should do it like this..."
Monday, August 30, 2010
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010
Chapt 42
Jayfeather yawned. He had just fallen asleep when a paw prodded his side.
"What? I was just chasing this huge mouse and-" He stopped when he realized he could see.
"It's time for a telling!" A she-cat he didn't recognise stood over him. Her words were strange, but they reminded him of the tribe.
"Come on Jay's Wing! We're going to be late!" She poked him again. Jay's Wing! I must be back with the tribes around the lake! Jayfeather pushed himself to his paws, and followed the white she-cat to a clearing. Brambles hung around the sides, and Jayfeather realized that this must be the center of the camp.
"I wonder if it's about Fringed Eagle," Jayfeather remembered the white she-cat as Half Moon, and that she loved Jay's Wing. Her pelt brushed his, and had to control himself so he wouldn't back away from her.
"One of our Sharpclaw's has seen Fringed Eagle lurking around the lake again. I call upon the sky, wind, earth, and fire to tell us what to do!" The leader, Furled Bracken was his name, shouted to the tribe. The tribe in turn yowled their agreement. A puddle in the middle of the clearing rippled with wind, and Furled Bracken's eyes were round.
"I have seen what must be done. I must kill Fringed Eagle, he does not deserve to rest with our deceased tribemates, or us." Jayfeather looked at Half Moon, she had the same confused expression on her face.
"Haven't you tried to kill him before?" Jayfeather whispered. She nodded, still mystified.
"Then how is this going to work?" Jayfeather rasped. Half Moon turned to him, her eyes wide.
"Are you okay? You seem kind of off today? I mean, you were in the attack to kill Fringed Eagle," Half Moon mewed quietly into his ear. Jayfeather shrugged.
"Come on, let's go see Swimming Duck for something, if he's not at her den than we'll see Flapping Wings." She herded Jayfeather toward a bushel of wild flowers. A young, pretty brown she-cat poked her head out of the flowers.
"Hello Flowing River. Is Swimming Duck in there?" Half Moon gestured to where the she-cat has just exited.
"Yes, he is sorting herbs right now. Nothing wrong, I hope?" She mewed cheerfully. Half Moon explained how she thought Jay's Wing was acting a bit strange. Flowing River nodded and let them pass.
"Swimming Duck?" Half Moon called in. A few heart beats later an old wiry white tom poked his head out, and looked from Half moon to Jay's Wing with squinted eyes. His eyes were clouded with confusion, then cleared a moment later.
"Yes, what's the matter?" His voice cracked.
"Jay's Wing seems to be a little confused lately. I was wondering of there was anything you could give him?" Half Moon explained. Swimming duck nodded thoughtfully.
"The only thing I can say to do is sleep. You can sleep here tonight, so those lively softpaws don't wake you." Jayfeather nodded.
"I guess I'll leave you here than," Half Moon murmured. Her pelt brushed against his, as she walked out of the flowers. Jayfeather settled down, wrapping his gray tail around his nose. His eyes closed for a moment, than opened them as the leader, Furled Bracken walked back in.
"Jay's Wing, I want you, Stone Song, and Shy Fawn to help attack Fringed Eagle. We will leave tomorrow at dusk." Furled Bracken mewed. The ginger tom turned to talk quietly with Swimming Duck. Jayfeather was excited to be chosen to go on such an important mission! Then he grew worried, he had only ever had battle training when he was a young apprentice! How would he remember any of what Brightheart had taught him?
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"Hi, Half Moon. Would you like to practice some battle moves with me?" Jayfeather walked up to his tribemates who were eating around the fresh kill pile. The white she-cat looked up, her eyes shining.
"Of course!" She exclaimed. It was almost sunhigh in the camp, Jayfeather felt refreshed after his long sleep. The two cats padded to the other side of the camp, which was empty.
"Are you ready?" Half Moon mewed, padding across from him. Jayfeather nodded. Half Moon ran in front of him, and swiped her sheathed claws down his nose. These moves were similar to Windclan's fighting style, but strangely different. Jayfeather ran toward her,head butted her, and knocked her off her paws. Half Moon grunted, as she got up, and snarled. She raced back towards him, and Jayfeather extended a paw to trip her, but she dodged to the other side and nipped at his hind leg. Jayfeather whipped around and leaped at her. She dodged to her side, leaving Jayfeather to land awkwardly on one side. Jayfeather heaved himself upward just as Half Moon landed on his shoulders. Jayfeather reared back on his hind legs, sending Half Moon to slide off him. She landed on her back, Jayfeather pounced on her, holding her down with both paws.
"That was great!" Half Moon purred. Jayfeather let her up as Furled Bracken padded up to both of them.
"I was watching your scuffle there. I think you could use a little more practice before we go out tonight. Go with Stone Song and Fallen Leaves to the training area." The dark ginger tom mewed. Jayfeather nodded.
"What about me?" Half Moon mewed.
"You can go with them, Half Moon." Furled Bracken instructed. The two cats nodded. Jayfeather remembered that Stone Song was Fallen Leave's father. Fallen Leaves must still be a softpaw, and Jayfeather knew he must say nothing about his death in the tunnels.
"Come, they are about to leave." Half Moon rushed past him to the two cats exiting the camp. Half Moon called to them and explained Furled Bracken's instructions.
"Sounds good to me." Stone Song mewed warmly. Fallen Leaves nodded.
"He's about to become a Sharpclaw," Half Moon whispered into his ear,"I bet he's nervous about the tunnels." Jayfeather nodded. Two she-cats entered the camp, almost running into Jayfeather. One cat was Jay's Wing's sister, Dove's Wing. She had a mouth full of fresh kill. The other cat was a tortoiseshell with amber eyes. She had a rabbit in her jaws, trailing between her legs. Dove's Wing nodded to the group of cats, before walking off to set her fresh kill down.
"How's the prey running Dawn River?" Fallen Leave's mewed politely. The older she-cat mewed something that sounded like,"Betty rood," before trotting off to put her fresh kill down. The group of four cats set off for the training area, and began to practice.
"Fallen Leave's, I want you to try and get to the bush over there," Stone Song pointed to a large elder bush,"While Half Moon and Jay's Wing try and stop you. Remember the move I taught you the other day where you fake out your opponent." Fallen Leaves nodded as he positioned himself in the clearing. Jayfeather did the same on the other side, standing next to Half Moon. Stone Song yowled for it to start. Fallen Leaves raced between the pair, then turned swiftly to Jayfeather. Fallen Leaves' white paw shot out and tripped Jayfeather over himself. Half Moon leaped over Jayfeather, and landed on Fallen Leaves' back, just as she had done earlier to Jayfeather. Jayfeather scrambled to his paws and began batting at Fallen Leaves' ears with sheathed claws. Fallen Leaves twisted around, bit Half Moon, and scrambled out from under her. Jayfeather raced after him before her could tackle the bush. Grabbing him by the scruff, Jayfeather hauled him back. Fallen Leaves suddenly over powered him, flipped him onto his back and began to swipe at his face. Jayfeather used his powerful hind legs to kick at his stomach and throw him off. Half Moon appeared out of no where, pinned Fallen Leaves down. Jayfeather put a paw on his shoulder, helping to keep him down.
"Good work you two. You would be hard to beat in a battle." Stone Song mewed,"Fallen Leaves you did well too. Let's practice that move you did in the beginning when you split them up and turned on to one. Now when you run between them, be careful that you don't run into claws and teeth. You want to surprise them, so if they know what your going to do, try and change it up. Run into just one, like you did before. Jay's Wing and Half Moon, stand where you stood before so Fallen Leave's ca practice it again." Stone Song instructed. Jayfeather positioned himself in the middle of the clearing, as Half Moon padded up to his side.
"This time, we should try and block him way through, maybe we could press closer together?" Half Moon whispered as Stone Song explained the plan to Fallen Leaves once more.
"Maybe," Jayfeather mewed despondently. He was focused on the clans right now. He could be helping them, not these long dead group of cats. He should be back in the medicine den.
"Okay, now attack!" Stone Song's command forced him back to the training area. Fallen Leaves was racing toward them at full speed. Half Moon pressed closer against Jayfeather's side, so close that Jayfeather could feel her heart pounding in her chest. A split second before Fallen Leaves rammed into them, he jumped over the pair, landing behind them. Whirling around, Jayfeather saw Fallen Leaves jump straight in the air, landing on both Jayfeather and Half Moon. Jayfeather twisted himself onto his back, kicked Fallen Leaves off, and stood up. Half Moon did the same. Fallen Leaves yowled in fury as he launched himself at Jayfeather. Jayfeather jumped in the air, meeting Fallen Leaves midair, and pushed him down with his front paws. Half Moon met him on the ground, pounding him with her front paws. Jayfeather landed on Fallen Leaves' shoulders, nipping at his ears. Fallen Leaves clawed at Half Moon, making her leap back. The white and orange tabby rolled onto his back, crushing Jayfeather under his weight. The gray tom released his grip, letting Fallen Leaves get away and reach the elder bush.
"Great job Fallen Leaves!" Stone Song purred proudly.
"Thanks," Fallen Leaves gasped. Jayfeather was exhausted, he hadn't had a training session in moons.
"I'll tell Furled Bracken, and we'll see when you can have your Sharpclaw ceremony," Stone Song promised,"Now let's go have some fresh kill."
"Can we hunt on the way back?" Half Moon called up.
"Sure, we could always go for some more fresh kill for the elders. I don't think Leaping Frog is ever full!" Stone Song joked. Fallen Leaves and Half Moon let out a mrrrow of amusement and trotted after the kind Sharpclaw. Jayfeather trotted after them, yawning as he went.
"What? I was just chasing this huge mouse and-" He stopped when he realized he could see.
"It's time for a telling!" A she-cat he didn't recognise stood over him. Her words were strange, but they reminded him of the tribe.
"Come on Jay's Wing! We're going to be late!" She poked him again. Jay's Wing! I must be back with the tribes around the lake! Jayfeather pushed himself to his paws, and followed the white she-cat to a clearing. Brambles hung around the sides, and Jayfeather realized that this must be the center of the camp.
"I wonder if it's about Fringed Eagle," Jayfeather remembered the white she-cat as Half Moon, and that she loved Jay's Wing. Her pelt brushed his, and had to control himself so he wouldn't back away from her.
"One of our Sharpclaw's has seen Fringed Eagle lurking around the lake again. I call upon the sky, wind, earth, and fire to tell us what to do!" The leader, Furled Bracken was his name, shouted to the tribe. The tribe in turn yowled their agreement. A puddle in the middle of the clearing rippled with wind, and Furled Bracken's eyes were round.
"I have seen what must be done. I must kill Fringed Eagle, he does not deserve to rest with our deceased tribemates, or us." Jayfeather looked at Half Moon, she had the same confused expression on her face.
"Haven't you tried to kill him before?" Jayfeather whispered. She nodded, still mystified.
"Then how is this going to work?" Jayfeather rasped. Half Moon turned to him, her eyes wide.
"Are you okay? You seem kind of off today? I mean, you were in the attack to kill Fringed Eagle," Half Moon mewed quietly into his ear. Jayfeather shrugged.
"Come on, let's go see Swimming Duck for something, if he's not at her den than we'll see Flapping Wings." She herded Jayfeather toward a bushel of wild flowers. A young, pretty brown she-cat poked her head out of the flowers.
"Hello Flowing River. Is Swimming Duck in there?" Half Moon gestured to where the she-cat has just exited.
"Yes, he is sorting herbs right now. Nothing wrong, I hope?" She mewed cheerfully. Half Moon explained how she thought Jay's Wing was acting a bit strange. Flowing River nodded and let them pass.
"Swimming Duck?" Half Moon called in. A few heart beats later an old wiry white tom poked his head out, and looked from Half moon to Jay's Wing with squinted eyes. His eyes were clouded with confusion, then cleared a moment later.
"Yes, what's the matter?" His voice cracked.
"Jay's Wing seems to be a little confused lately. I was wondering of there was anything you could give him?" Half Moon explained. Swimming duck nodded thoughtfully.
"The only thing I can say to do is sleep. You can sleep here tonight, so those lively softpaws don't wake you." Jayfeather nodded.
"I guess I'll leave you here than," Half Moon murmured. Her pelt brushed against his, as she walked out of the flowers. Jayfeather settled down, wrapping his gray tail around his nose. His eyes closed for a moment, than opened them as the leader, Furled Bracken walked back in.
"Jay's Wing, I want you, Stone Song, and Shy Fawn to help attack Fringed Eagle. We will leave tomorrow at dusk." Furled Bracken mewed. The ginger tom turned to talk quietly with Swimming Duck. Jayfeather was excited to be chosen to go on such an important mission! Then he grew worried, he had only ever had battle training when he was a young apprentice! How would he remember any of what Brightheart had taught him?
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"Hi, Half Moon. Would you like to practice some battle moves with me?" Jayfeather walked up to his tribemates who were eating around the fresh kill pile. The white she-cat looked up, her eyes shining.
"Of course!" She exclaimed. It was almost sunhigh in the camp, Jayfeather felt refreshed after his long sleep. The two cats padded to the other side of the camp, which was empty.
"Are you ready?" Half Moon mewed, padding across from him. Jayfeather nodded. Half Moon ran in front of him, and swiped her sheathed claws down his nose. These moves were similar to Windclan's fighting style, but strangely different. Jayfeather ran toward her,head butted her, and knocked her off her paws. Half Moon grunted, as she got up, and snarled. She raced back towards him, and Jayfeather extended a paw to trip her, but she dodged to the other side and nipped at his hind leg. Jayfeather whipped around and leaped at her. She dodged to her side, leaving Jayfeather to land awkwardly on one side. Jayfeather heaved himself upward just as Half Moon landed on his shoulders. Jayfeather reared back on his hind legs, sending Half Moon to slide off him. She landed on her back, Jayfeather pounced on her, holding her down with both paws.
"That was great!" Half Moon purred. Jayfeather let her up as Furled Bracken padded up to both of them.
"I was watching your scuffle there. I think you could use a little more practice before we go out tonight. Go with Stone Song and Fallen Leaves to the training area." The dark ginger tom mewed. Jayfeather nodded.
"What about me?" Half Moon mewed.
"You can go with them, Half Moon." Furled Bracken instructed. The two cats nodded. Jayfeather remembered that Stone Song was Fallen Leave's father. Fallen Leaves must still be a softpaw, and Jayfeather knew he must say nothing about his death in the tunnels.
"Come, they are about to leave." Half Moon rushed past him to the two cats exiting the camp. Half Moon called to them and explained Furled Bracken's instructions.
"Sounds good to me." Stone Song mewed warmly. Fallen Leaves nodded.
"He's about to become a Sharpclaw," Half Moon whispered into his ear,"I bet he's nervous about the tunnels." Jayfeather nodded. Two she-cats entered the camp, almost running into Jayfeather. One cat was Jay's Wing's sister, Dove's Wing. She had a mouth full of fresh kill. The other cat was a tortoiseshell with amber eyes. She had a rabbit in her jaws, trailing between her legs. Dove's Wing nodded to the group of cats, before walking off to set her fresh kill down.
"How's the prey running Dawn River?" Fallen Leave's mewed politely. The older she-cat mewed something that sounded like,"Betty rood," before trotting off to put her fresh kill down. The group of four cats set off for the training area, and began to practice.
"Fallen Leave's, I want you to try and get to the bush over there," Stone Song pointed to a large elder bush,"While Half Moon and Jay's Wing try and stop you. Remember the move I taught you the other day where you fake out your opponent." Fallen Leaves nodded as he positioned himself in the clearing. Jayfeather did the same on the other side, standing next to Half Moon. Stone Song yowled for it to start. Fallen Leaves raced between the pair, then turned swiftly to Jayfeather. Fallen Leaves' white paw shot out and tripped Jayfeather over himself. Half Moon leaped over Jayfeather, and landed on Fallen Leaves' back, just as she had done earlier to Jayfeather. Jayfeather scrambled to his paws and began batting at Fallen Leaves' ears with sheathed claws. Fallen Leaves twisted around, bit Half Moon, and scrambled out from under her. Jayfeather raced after him before her could tackle the bush. Grabbing him by the scruff, Jayfeather hauled him back. Fallen Leaves suddenly over powered him, flipped him onto his back and began to swipe at his face. Jayfeather used his powerful hind legs to kick at his stomach and throw him off. Half Moon appeared out of no where, pinned Fallen Leaves down. Jayfeather put a paw on his shoulder, helping to keep him down.
"Good work you two. You would be hard to beat in a battle." Stone Song mewed,"Fallen Leaves you did well too. Let's practice that move you did in the beginning when you split them up and turned on to one. Now when you run between them, be careful that you don't run into claws and teeth. You want to surprise them, so if they know what your going to do, try and change it up. Run into just one, like you did before. Jay's Wing and Half Moon, stand where you stood before so Fallen Leave's ca practice it again." Stone Song instructed. Jayfeather positioned himself in the middle of the clearing, as Half Moon padded up to his side.
"This time, we should try and block him way through, maybe we could press closer together?" Half Moon whispered as Stone Song explained the plan to Fallen Leaves once more.
"Maybe," Jayfeather mewed despondently. He was focused on the clans right now. He could be helping them, not these long dead group of cats. He should be back in the medicine den.
"Okay, now attack!" Stone Song's command forced him back to the training area. Fallen Leaves was racing toward them at full speed. Half Moon pressed closer against Jayfeather's side, so close that Jayfeather could feel her heart pounding in her chest. A split second before Fallen Leaves rammed into them, he jumped over the pair, landing behind them. Whirling around, Jayfeather saw Fallen Leaves jump straight in the air, landing on both Jayfeather and Half Moon. Jayfeather twisted himself onto his back, kicked Fallen Leaves off, and stood up. Half Moon did the same. Fallen Leaves yowled in fury as he launched himself at Jayfeather. Jayfeather jumped in the air, meeting Fallen Leaves midair, and pushed him down with his front paws. Half Moon met him on the ground, pounding him with her front paws. Jayfeather landed on Fallen Leaves' shoulders, nipping at his ears. Fallen Leaves clawed at Half Moon, making her leap back. The white and orange tabby rolled onto his back, crushing Jayfeather under his weight. The gray tom released his grip, letting Fallen Leaves get away and reach the elder bush.
"Great job Fallen Leaves!" Stone Song purred proudly.
"Thanks," Fallen Leaves gasped. Jayfeather was exhausted, he hadn't had a training session in moons.
"I'll tell Furled Bracken, and we'll see when you can have your Sharpclaw ceremony," Stone Song promised,"Now let's go have some fresh kill."
"Can we hunt on the way back?" Half Moon called up.
"Sure, we could always go for some more fresh kill for the elders. I don't think Leaping Frog is ever full!" Stone Song joked. Fallen Leaves and Half Moon let out a mrrrow of amusement and trotted after the kind Sharpclaw. Jayfeather trotted after them, yawning as he went.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Chapt 41
Dovepelt felt like running out into the clearing and attacking any that came to close. Her kit was out there, her smallest kit. Stonekit. But she couldn't, she had other kits to take care of. None of them knew of the danger their littermate was in; they were still sleeping. Beside her was the young warrior, Cherrynose, and Jayfeather.
"I'm going." Cherrynose's mew was barely audible, as she crept out of the medicine den. Dovepelt focused her hearing on the camp, listening for any dark cats lurking in the shadows. There was no guard tonight, something that rarely happened. Cherrynose slowly padded across the clearing, barely making any noise. Stonekit was poking his head into the abandoned elders' den. Cherrynose crept up behind him, and pulled him out. Stonekit let out a squeak of surprise, and the whole camp seemed to go dead quiet, listening for an alarm call from a disturbed dark forest warrior. But none came, and Cherrynose slowly made her way back to the medicine den. She was about two-tail lengths away from the entrance when a high pitched caterwaul sounded from the front of the camp.
"Stop right there! What are you doing out of the medicine den?" Cherrynose stopped, but did not turn to the voice. She placed Stonekit down, and slid him into the den.
"Turn around and show me who you are," The voice comanded. Cherrynose slowly turned around, her eyes huge with grief. Dovepelt slowly crept up and grabbed her son who was quivering in front of a large bush.
"What were you thinking? Walking through camp!" She hissed sternly. But her eyes were full of love and grief at the thought of losing her son.
"I-I thought I could find out something to help us win," Stonekit mewed quietly, studying his paws. Dovepelt licked his head roughly, and picked him up to carry him back to the others.
"No, I want to see whats happening to Cherrynose, its my fault that she's out there," Stonekit's comment was surprisingly mature.
"No, you have to sleep," Dovepelt lied. She didn't know what would happen to Cherrynose, but she didn't want her young kit to see it. She placed her small gray kit next to her others, where Squirrelflight was waiting with Sandkit and Firekit. Squirrelflight didn't look up, she studied all eight kits, as though if she took her eyes off them for a moment they would disappear.
"Stay here," Dovepelt whispered to her young son. His blue-gray eyes searched hers for comfort, but she had none to give. Dovepelt turned back to the front of the crowd in the medicine den watching Cherrynose.
"Your trying to escape aren't you? Hollyleaf's going to hear about this!" The dark forest warrior turned away and vanished into the leader's den. A few moments later Hollyleaf and the mysterious cat came out talking in hushed voices. Hollyleaf turned her head towards Cherrynose, her eyes like cold blades that ripped through Cherrynose's pelt.
"Mapleshade has told me that you were trying to escape?" Hollyleaf mewed, tilting her head side ways.
"N-no, I was coming back from dirt place," Cherrynose stammered.
"I don't see a guard around to watch you, so it doesn't seemed you've asked," Hollyleaf looked around to make a point. Dovepelt gulped, something bad was going to happen.
"I didn't want to wake them, and I really had to go," Cherrynose looked Hollyleaf straight in the eye.
"Fine, you may go back to your den," Cherrynose turned around at Hollyleaf's dismissal,"Wait, turn around for a moment," Cherrynose looked back slowly, and turned her body toward the black she-cat. Hollyleaf's eyes were full of hate and anger as she unsheathed her claws and swiped them across Cherrynose's throat. Dovepelt gasped. Cherrynose was lying on the ground, spasms rippling through her blood soaked body. Blood gurgled out of her neck wound, and her mouth was open in a silent yowl of help. Her body rippled once more, than lay still. Hollyleaf looked up from watching, with a smirk on her face.
"This is what happens to cats who don't obey rules. From now on, none of you will be allowed to use dirt place, and one of you will die everyday. Also, less fresh kill will be provided. Sleep well." Hollyleaf's green eyes scanned the group, before she turned around and went back into her den. The big tortoiseshell she-cat named Mapleshade narrowed her eyes, before returning to her post at the front of the camp.
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"We have lost a valuable warrior tonight, one that will be welcomed into Starclan. Cherrynose's last act was a noble one indeed, saving young Stonekit." Bramblestar announced when all the cats had become silent.
"She will be remembered for as long as the clans are alive," Onestar put in.
"And the Tribe," Stoneteller added. All the cats nodded, their grief apparent on their sullen faces.
"What are we to do about dirt place?" Snakerock's called up.
"The warriors and apprentices that go on hunting patrol shall go then, but others may fall and be in danger on the tricky path up. We may need to escort weaker clanmates and tribemates." Rowanstar mewed back. The other leader's nodded.
"What about what Hollyleaf said about killing cats?" Toadclaw mewed, his eyes round with sorrow.
"We have a plan for this. All senior warriors, prey hunters, and cave guards follow us. Also the medicine cats, Dovepelt, and Gingerstep. Dovepelt nodded and followed the leaders through the tunnel that lead out of the medicine den to the forest. She hadn't been on a hunting patrol yet because of her kits, so she stumbled a few times. Finally it opened up into the forest. She felt the wind on her fur and smelled the trees and she felt like she could run forever through the forest and far away from here.
"Feels good to stretch your legs, doesn't it?" Squirrelflight padded up next to her. Dovepelt nodded. In the dank light of the medicine den, she couldn't see how thin everyone seemed. But now, with the moonlight shining down on them, Dovepelt could clearly make out the ribs of Squirrelflight. Looking down to herself, she was no better. Her pelt was pale and ungroomed, and she felt like there were ticks all over her. Squirrelflight seemed to think the same thing because she started to groom her once bright ginger fur, which now looked like her mother's, a pale, pale ginger.
"There is something that needs to be explained, something that you cannot tell anyone. Does everyone understand?" Mistystar mewed carefully. When every cat nodded, she continued,"Skyclan is not dead. Lionblaze and his patrol are not dead," She waited again while mostly every cat gasped, including Dovepelt,"They are hiding in Shadowclan's old camp, waiting for a sign from us to attack. We believe the time is now. We are going to send two cats, Dovepelt and Gingerstep, tomorrow night to give them the message. When Hollyleaf does role call at dawn, Skyclan will appear with Dovepelt and Gingerstep, and attack!" Mistystar seemed to be especially happy with this plan; she probably came up with it herself.
"Lionblaze is alive? Why didn't anyone tell me!" Cinderheart wailed.
"Be quiet! Do you want to wake every Dark Forest warrior down there?" A cat hissed.
"We couldn't let anyone know until the right time, it was better if only a few cats knew." Willowshine added gently. Cinderheart's eyes burned with fear, then cooled into understanding.
"Dovepelt and Gingerstep do you understand what you are to do?" Onestar mewed. Both she-cats nodded, Dovepelt felt her heart thud loudly with anticipation. The cats were dismissed, and all of them went back down the tunnel, it was nearly dawn. Dovepelt settled herself down to sleep when a loud call woke her up. Now what? Dovepelt woke her kits.
"What are we doing?" Honeykit yawned.
"I think Hollyleaf is doing role call earlier today." She mewed back. The seven cats walked over to the group of cats waiting in front of the entrance to the medicine den. There was barely enough room to stand and all her kits were standing under her. More cats pressed around her, the air was hot with breathing even though it was leaf bare.
"As I said before, a cat will die everyday because of what," Hollyleaf glanced at Cherrynose's dead body which was still in the clearing,"She did. Tigerstar, choose your victim." A large tabby with amber eyes, almost identical to Bramblestar stalked up to group. Cats shrank away, avoiding his evil gaze. Her purred when her spotted a white she-cat with orange stripes. Firefoot! Dovepelt felt as though she would wail to Starclan, how could they do this!
"Her," Tigerstar extended one long claw and pointed to Firefoot. She whimpered and shrank away more. Tigerstar growled and walked into the crowd, grabbing Firefoot by the scruff.
"I wouldn't fight back," Tigerstar mumbled with her fur in his mouth,"It'll only be worse." Firefoot's eyes were pleading to the cats in the medicine den for someone to help her, but none came. Dovepelt could only watch as Tigerclaw bit down onto her throat, holding it for what seemed like days, then finally dropping the deceased she-cat on the floor. Her body seemed to go in slow motion as it hit the ground with a thud. Her blood puddled around her, mixing with Cherrynose's dried blood. No one spoke, just watched the scene with an eerie silence. Her eyes glazed over, but she looked as if she was still staring at the clans, Dovepelt was sure she was looking at her. The blood flowed around Tigerstar's paws, and his eyes were gleaming with triumph. His gaze hardened as he turned to the prisoners, all eyes round with fear. Dovepelt felt bile rise in her throat at the stench of fear scent the at seemed to come from everywhere. Her kits were shaking, though they couldn't see over the taller cats, they understood what was happening.
"This will happen tomorrow at the same time, and the day after that until everyone of you are dead." Tigerstar spat as he padded back to warriors' den. When his tail disappeared from sight, the cats began to mourn their lost friend.
"She was a brave warrior," Slatepelt mewed.
"Yes, as an apprentice, she always brought me the biggest fish," Heavystep murmured. Dovepelt turned her and her kits away.
"Cherrynose is dead?" Stonekit mewed loudly. His eyes were full of sorrow.
"Yes, Hollyleaf killed her last night." Dovepelt whispered.
"It's all my fault! If I hadn't went out into the camp, she would still be alive!" Stonekit wailed. Dovepelt didn't even mention that because Cherrynose was caught in the camp last night that there would be less fresh kill and that they wouldn't have killed cats everyday as well. Instead she wrapped her kits with her tail protectively. Her other five kits sat a ways away from Stonekit, there eyes shown their fear.
"It's going to be alright little ones," She murmured, settling closer to her beautiful litter.
"I'm going." Cherrynose's mew was barely audible, as she crept out of the medicine den. Dovepelt focused her hearing on the camp, listening for any dark cats lurking in the shadows. There was no guard tonight, something that rarely happened. Cherrynose slowly padded across the clearing, barely making any noise. Stonekit was poking his head into the abandoned elders' den. Cherrynose crept up behind him, and pulled him out. Stonekit let out a squeak of surprise, and the whole camp seemed to go dead quiet, listening for an alarm call from a disturbed dark forest warrior. But none came, and Cherrynose slowly made her way back to the medicine den. She was about two-tail lengths away from the entrance when a high pitched caterwaul sounded from the front of the camp.
"Stop right there! What are you doing out of the medicine den?" Cherrynose stopped, but did not turn to the voice. She placed Stonekit down, and slid him into the den.
"Turn around and show me who you are," The voice comanded. Cherrynose slowly turned around, her eyes huge with grief. Dovepelt slowly crept up and grabbed her son who was quivering in front of a large bush.
"What were you thinking? Walking through camp!" She hissed sternly. But her eyes were full of love and grief at the thought of losing her son.
"I-I thought I could find out something to help us win," Stonekit mewed quietly, studying his paws. Dovepelt licked his head roughly, and picked him up to carry him back to the others.
"No, I want to see whats happening to Cherrynose, its my fault that she's out there," Stonekit's comment was surprisingly mature.
"No, you have to sleep," Dovepelt lied. She didn't know what would happen to Cherrynose, but she didn't want her young kit to see it. She placed her small gray kit next to her others, where Squirrelflight was waiting with Sandkit and Firekit. Squirrelflight didn't look up, she studied all eight kits, as though if she took her eyes off them for a moment they would disappear.
"Stay here," Dovepelt whispered to her young son. His blue-gray eyes searched hers for comfort, but she had none to give. Dovepelt turned back to the front of the crowd in the medicine den watching Cherrynose.
"Your trying to escape aren't you? Hollyleaf's going to hear about this!" The dark forest warrior turned away and vanished into the leader's den. A few moments later Hollyleaf and the mysterious cat came out talking in hushed voices. Hollyleaf turned her head towards Cherrynose, her eyes like cold blades that ripped through Cherrynose's pelt.
"Mapleshade has told me that you were trying to escape?" Hollyleaf mewed, tilting her head side ways.
"N-no, I was coming back from dirt place," Cherrynose stammered.
"I don't see a guard around to watch you, so it doesn't seemed you've asked," Hollyleaf looked around to make a point. Dovepelt gulped, something bad was going to happen.
"I didn't want to wake them, and I really had to go," Cherrynose looked Hollyleaf straight in the eye.
"Fine, you may go back to your den," Cherrynose turned around at Hollyleaf's dismissal,"Wait, turn around for a moment," Cherrynose looked back slowly, and turned her body toward the black she-cat. Hollyleaf's eyes were full of hate and anger as she unsheathed her claws and swiped them across Cherrynose's throat. Dovepelt gasped. Cherrynose was lying on the ground, spasms rippling through her blood soaked body. Blood gurgled out of her neck wound, and her mouth was open in a silent yowl of help. Her body rippled once more, than lay still. Hollyleaf looked up from watching, with a smirk on her face.
"This is what happens to cats who don't obey rules. From now on, none of you will be allowed to use dirt place, and one of you will die everyday. Also, less fresh kill will be provided. Sleep well." Hollyleaf's green eyes scanned the group, before she turned around and went back into her den. The big tortoiseshell she-cat named Mapleshade narrowed her eyes, before returning to her post at the front of the camp.
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"We have lost a valuable warrior tonight, one that will be welcomed into Starclan. Cherrynose's last act was a noble one indeed, saving young Stonekit." Bramblestar announced when all the cats had become silent.
"She will be remembered for as long as the clans are alive," Onestar put in.
"And the Tribe," Stoneteller added. All the cats nodded, their grief apparent on their sullen faces.
"What are we to do about dirt place?" Snakerock's called up.
"The warriors and apprentices that go on hunting patrol shall go then, but others may fall and be in danger on the tricky path up. We may need to escort weaker clanmates and tribemates." Rowanstar mewed back. The other leader's nodded.
"What about what Hollyleaf said about killing cats?" Toadclaw mewed, his eyes round with sorrow.
"We have a plan for this. All senior warriors, prey hunters, and cave guards follow us. Also the medicine cats, Dovepelt, and Gingerstep. Dovepelt nodded and followed the leaders through the tunnel that lead out of the medicine den to the forest. She hadn't been on a hunting patrol yet because of her kits, so she stumbled a few times. Finally it opened up into the forest. She felt the wind on her fur and smelled the trees and she felt like she could run forever through the forest and far away from here.
"Feels good to stretch your legs, doesn't it?" Squirrelflight padded up next to her. Dovepelt nodded. In the dank light of the medicine den, she couldn't see how thin everyone seemed. But now, with the moonlight shining down on them, Dovepelt could clearly make out the ribs of Squirrelflight. Looking down to herself, she was no better. Her pelt was pale and ungroomed, and she felt like there were ticks all over her. Squirrelflight seemed to think the same thing because she started to groom her once bright ginger fur, which now looked like her mother's, a pale, pale ginger.
"There is something that needs to be explained, something that you cannot tell anyone. Does everyone understand?" Mistystar mewed carefully. When every cat nodded, she continued,"Skyclan is not dead. Lionblaze and his patrol are not dead," She waited again while mostly every cat gasped, including Dovepelt,"They are hiding in Shadowclan's old camp, waiting for a sign from us to attack. We believe the time is now. We are going to send two cats, Dovepelt and Gingerstep, tomorrow night to give them the message. When Hollyleaf does role call at dawn, Skyclan will appear with Dovepelt and Gingerstep, and attack!" Mistystar seemed to be especially happy with this plan; she probably came up with it herself.
"Lionblaze is alive? Why didn't anyone tell me!" Cinderheart wailed.
"Be quiet! Do you want to wake every Dark Forest warrior down there?" A cat hissed.
"We couldn't let anyone know until the right time, it was better if only a few cats knew." Willowshine added gently. Cinderheart's eyes burned with fear, then cooled into understanding.
"Dovepelt and Gingerstep do you understand what you are to do?" Onestar mewed. Both she-cats nodded, Dovepelt felt her heart thud loudly with anticipation. The cats were dismissed, and all of them went back down the tunnel, it was nearly dawn. Dovepelt settled herself down to sleep when a loud call woke her up. Now what? Dovepelt woke her kits.
"What are we doing?" Honeykit yawned.
"I think Hollyleaf is doing role call earlier today." She mewed back. The seven cats walked over to the group of cats waiting in front of the entrance to the medicine den. There was barely enough room to stand and all her kits were standing under her. More cats pressed around her, the air was hot with breathing even though it was leaf bare.
"As I said before, a cat will die everyday because of what," Hollyleaf glanced at Cherrynose's dead body which was still in the clearing,"She did. Tigerstar, choose your victim." A large tabby with amber eyes, almost identical to Bramblestar stalked up to group. Cats shrank away, avoiding his evil gaze. Her purred when her spotted a white she-cat with orange stripes. Firefoot! Dovepelt felt as though she would wail to Starclan, how could they do this!
"Her," Tigerstar extended one long claw and pointed to Firefoot. She whimpered and shrank away more. Tigerstar growled and walked into the crowd, grabbing Firefoot by the scruff.
"I wouldn't fight back," Tigerstar mumbled with her fur in his mouth,"It'll only be worse." Firefoot's eyes were pleading to the cats in the medicine den for someone to help her, but none came. Dovepelt could only watch as Tigerclaw bit down onto her throat, holding it for what seemed like days, then finally dropping the deceased she-cat on the floor. Her body seemed to go in slow motion as it hit the ground with a thud. Her blood puddled around her, mixing with Cherrynose's dried blood. No one spoke, just watched the scene with an eerie silence. Her eyes glazed over, but she looked as if she was still staring at the clans, Dovepelt was sure she was looking at her. The blood flowed around Tigerstar's paws, and his eyes were gleaming with triumph. His gaze hardened as he turned to the prisoners, all eyes round with fear. Dovepelt felt bile rise in her throat at the stench of fear scent the at seemed to come from everywhere. Her kits were shaking, though they couldn't see over the taller cats, they understood what was happening.
"This will happen tomorrow at the same time, and the day after that until everyone of you are dead." Tigerstar spat as he padded back to warriors' den. When his tail disappeared from sight, the cats began to mourn their lost friend.
"She was a brave warrior," Slatepelt mewed.
"Yes, as an apprentice, she always brought me the biggest fish," Heavystep murmured. Dovepelt turned her and her kits away.
"Cherrynose is dead?" Stonekit mewed loudly. His eyes were full of sorrow.
"Yes, Hollyleaf killed her last night." Dovepelt whispered.
"It's all my fault! If I hadn't went out into the camp, she would still be alive!" Stonekit wailed. Dovepelt didn't even mention that because Cherrynose was caught in the camp last night that there would be less fresh kill and that they wouldn't have killed cats everyday as well. Instead she wrapped her kits with her tail protectively. Her other five kits sat a ways away from Stonekit, there eyes shown their fear.
"It's going to be alright little ones," She murmured, settling closer to her beautiful litter.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Chapt 40
Jayfeather paced again. The hunting patrol hadn't come back yet. It was almost passed moonhigh, and they still hadn't come back. It seemed like days had passed since they had left.
"Jayfeather, they're back. But they haven't brought any thing back." Willowshine interupted his thoughts.
"No prey! What are we going to do now?" He hissed. He followed the she-cat back to the tunnel entrance, he noted that the cats in the medicine den smelled sour with sickness. He remimded himself to check them for whitecough.
"Jayfeather, come on," Willowshine urged. Jayfeather padded onward and soon he was in front of the patrol that had left.
"Why have you come so late?" Jayfeather mewed.
"Come, there is much news to share," The leader of the patrol, Brook, meowed. Jayfeather and Willowshine nodded, following the she-cat. They sat in a circle around her.
"What happened?" Jayfeather noted that Onestar was with them.
"We have met with Gingerstep. She has said that the patrol has returned with Skyclan, and they are in Shadowclan territory," Brook mewed quietly.
"Why hasn't she come back with you?" Willowshine pressed.
"I was getting to that," Brook mewed dryly,"They have come up with a plan. She is going to burst into the clan, claiming that everyone has died. When the time is right, she will send out a sign, and Lionblaze and Skyclan will come to attack." A loud yowl in the clearing silenced the cats in the medicine den. Jayfeather pushed passed the cats, to the front. He whispered to the closest cat.
"What's happening?"
"Gingerstep is out there, she's covered in mud and thorns." The voice was Mountainpaw's,"Where is the rest of the patrol? Where is Skyclan? Where is Lionblaze?" Jayfeather knew Mountainpaw must be extremely worried for his father.
"What are you doing here?" Hollyleaf's voice raged through the camp.
"What happened to the camp?" Gingerstep's voice shook, Jayfeather knew she was just acting this out.
Hollyleaf ignored Gingerstep's question,"Tigerstar, escort her back to the others," The whole clearing was eerily silent, none of the clan cats knew that Gingerstep's terrified questions were all an act, and he hoped that Brook and the others in the patrol had enough sense to keep their mouths shut. The more scared the cats acted, the more likely they could keep Lionblaze and Skyclan a secret.
"Get in there," Tigerstar's growl interupted Jayfeather's thoughts. Suddenly a force pushed him back, he realized that Gingerstep must have been pushed back to the cats waiting in the medicine den. Everyone was still very quiet. anxious to hear about Gingerstep's journey. Tigerstar's paw steps receded, and the cats started talking in hushsed voices.
"Where is Skyclan?" A cat whimpered.
"Where is Lionblaze?" Cinderheart's voice shook with grief, and she pushed passed Jayfeather.
"Come with me," Jayfeather mewed quietly, ushering Mountainpaw, Cinderheart, and Gingerstep away. Gingerstep was shaking, her fur was coated with mud and she was probably freezing in the cold.
"What happened to Lionblaze?" Cinderheart whispered to Gingerstep.
"I'm so sorry," She murmured. Cinderheart gasped, and began to quietly whimper.
"No, no, no!" Mountainpaw yelled," They can't do this! I'll rip the fur off the fox heart that did this!" Jayfeather could tell that Mountainpaw was as scared as his mother, his fear scent was strong.
"Gingerstep, come with me," Oakfur pushed passed the group,"You have to report everything to the leaders," Jayfeather moved back to the she-cat could get passed and turned to Cinderheart.
"Where is Leopardkit?" He mewed quietly.
"Leafpool is watching her and Lakekit," She whispered.
"Go to her, she'll need her mother," He soothed.
"Be strong my son," Cinderheart mewed quietly to Mountainpaw, running her tongue over her son's head. She walked away, leaving the pair alone.
"Why did this happen? Didn't Starclan show you this?" Mountainpaw whirled around to Jayfeather, knew anger boiling over.
"Why did they send them to get Skyclan when they knew they would all die? Why did they kill him, he was the strongest of us all!" The large tom hissed.
"Settle down Mountainpaw, it'll all be made clear after this war." Jayfeather spat. Mountainpaw's nose came to his.
"How do you know? How do you know that Starclan isn't lying to us, maybe they want us all to die!" Mountainpaw whisked himself around, hitting Jayfeather with his tail. Jayfeather sighed, he knew he couldn't tell anyone about Skyclan or Lionblaze's patrol. Maybe not even Dovepelt, it would be safer to keep this all a secret.
Jayfeather turned to the noise of dreadful yowls. Another higher pitched caterwaul made Jayfeather's fur stand on end. He pushed his way through the crowd of terrified cats.
"What happened?" Jayfeather mewed to the cat in front of him, Hail, a Tribe elder.
"Stonekit, h-he ran out into the clearing!" Another voice interupted Hail's explanation. It was Dovepelt.
"Has anyone seen him?" Jayfeather mewed.
"No, not yet," Dovepelt was eerily calm. Jayfeather knew there was nothing anyone could do without risking their life.
"Stonekit, come back here right now!" Bramblestar hissed. Jayfeather didn't even know the leaders had appeared next to him. The kit either didn't hear, or didn't care, because Jayfeather could hear him scampering through the camp.
"Why was he awake? It's the middle of the night!" Jayfeather whispered to Dovepelt.
"I thought they were all asleep, so I went to sleep to. When I woke up, Stonekit was gone!" Dovepelt mewed, her voice filled with grief.
"Someone needs to go out there," A voice whispered.
"I'll do it," Cherrytail's scent wafted over Jayfeather as she pushed her way up front. "I used to creep out of camp as a kit, I know all the places to hide." She added sheepishly,"Please, I can do it, I promise."
"I don't know Cherrytail. Your a valuable warrior..." Onestar mewed.
"But Stonekit is only a kit! If he gets caught he'll be killed for sure. The warrior code says to protect all kits. I'm going."
"Jayfeather, they're back. But they haven't brought any thing back." Willowshine interupted his thoughts.
"No prey! What are we going to do now?" He hissed. He followed the she-cat back to the tunnel entrance, he noted that the cats in the medicine den smelled sour with sickness. He remimded himself to check them for whitecough.
"Jayfeather, come on," Willowshine urged. Jayfeather padded onward and soon he was in front of the patrol that had left.
"Why have you come so late?" Jayfeather mewed.
"Come, there is much news to share," The leader of the patrol, Brook, meowed. Jayfeather and Willowshine nodded, following the she-cat. They sat in a circle around her.
"What happened?" Jayfeather noted that Onestar was with them.
"We have met with Gingerstep. She has said that the patrol has returned with Skyclan, and they are in Shadowclan territory," Brook mewed quietly.
"Why hasn't she come back with you?" Willowshine pressed.
"I was getting to that," Brook mewed dryly,"They have come up with a plan. She is going to burst into the clan, claiming that everyone has died. When the time is right, she will send out a sign, and Lionblaze and Skyclan will come to attack." A loud yowl in the clearing silenced the cats in the medicine den. Jayfeather pushed passed the cats, to the front. He whispered to the closest cat.
"What's happening?"
"Gingerstep is out there, she's covered in mud and thorns." The voice was Mountainpaw's,"Where is the rest of the patrol? Where is Skyclan? Where is Lionblaze?" Jayfeather knew Mountainpaw must be extremely worried for his father.
"What are you doing here?" Hollyleaf's voice raged through the camp.
"What happened to the camp?" Gingerstep's voice shook, Jayfeather knew she was just acting this out.
Hollyleaf ignored Gingerstep's question,"Tigerstar, escort her back to the others," The whole clearing was eerily silent, none of the clan cats knew that Gingerstep's terrified questions were all an act, and he hoped that Brook and the others in the patrol had enough sense to keep their mouths shut. The more scared the cats acted, the more likely they could keep Lionblaze and Skyclan a secret.
"Get in there," Tigerstar's growl interupted Jayfeather's thoughts. Suddenly a force pushed him back, he realized that Gingerstep must have been pushed back to the cats waiting in the medicine den. Everyone was still very quiet. anxious to hear about Gingerstep's journey. Tigerstar's paw steps receded, and the cats started talking in hushsed voices.
"Where is Skyclan?" A cat whimpered.
"Where is Lionblaze?" Cinderheart's voice shook with grief, and she pushed passed Jayfeather.
"Come with me," Jayfeather mewed quietly, ushering Mountainpaw, Cinderheart, and Gingerstep away. Gingerstep was shaking, her fur was coated with mud and she was probably freezing in the cold.
"What happened to Lionblaze?" Cinderheart whispered to Gingerstep.
"I'm so sorry," She murmured. Cinderheart gasped, and began to quietly whimper.
"No, no, no!" Mountainpaw yelled," They can't do this! I'll rip the fur off the fox heart that did this!" Jayfeather could tell that Mountainpaw was as scared as his mother, his fear scent was strong.
"Gingerstep, come with me," Oakfur pushed passed the group,"You have to report everything to the leaders," Jayfeather moved back to the she-cat could get passed and turned to Cinderheart.
"Where is Leopardkit?" He mewed quietly.
"Leafpool is watching her and Lakekit," She whispered.
"Go to her, she'll need her mother," He soothed.
"Be strong my son," Cinderheart mewed quietly to Mountainpaw, running her tongue over her son's head. She walked away, leaving the pair alone.
"Why did this happen? Didn't Starclan show you this?" Mountainpaw whirled around to Jayfeather, knew anger boiling over.
"Why did they send them to get Skyclan when they knew they would all die? Why did they kill him, he was the strongest of us all!" The large tom hissed.
"Settle down Mountainpaw, it'll all be made clear after this war." Jayfeather spat. Mountainpaw's nose came to his.
"How do you know? How do you know that Starclan isn't lying to us, maybe they want us all to die!" Mountainpaw whisked himself around, hitting Jayfeather with his tail. Jayfeather sighed, he knew he couldn't tell anyone about Skyclan or Lionblaze's patrol. Maybe not even Dovepelt, it would be safer to keep this all a secret.
Jayfeather turned to the noise of dreadful yowls. Another higher pitched caterwaul made Jayfeather's fur stand on end. He pushed his way through the crowd of terrified cats.
"What happened?" Jayfeather mewed to the cat in front of him, Hail, a Tribe elder.
"Stonekit, h-he ran out into the clearing!" Another voice interupted Hail's explanation. It was Dovepelt.
"Has anyone seen him?" Jayfeather mewed.
"No, not yet," Dovepelt was eerily calm. Jayfeather knew there was nothing anyone could do without risking their life.
"Stonekit, come back here right now!" Bramblestar hissed. Jayfeather didn't even know the leaders had appeared next to him. The kit either didn't hear, or didn't care, because Jayfeather could hear him scampering through the camp.
"Why was he awake? It's the middle of the night!" Jayfeather whispered to Dovepelt.
"I thought they were all asleep, so I went to sleep to. When I woke up, Stonekit was gone!" Dovepelt mewed, her voice filled with grief.
"Someone needs to go out there," A voice whispered.
"I'll do it," Cherrytail's scent wafted over Jayfeather as she pushed her way up front. "I used to creep out of camp as a kit, I know all the places to hide." She added sheepishly,"Please, I can do it, I promise."
"I don't know Cherrytail. Your a valuable warrior..." Onestar mewed.
"But Stonekit is only a kit! If he gets caught he'll be killed for sure. The warrior code says to protect all kits. I'm going."
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Chapt 39
Lionblaze stood up. His dreams were disturbed last night. At first he was walking through Thunderclan territory, but something else took over him. He walked up to a holly bush and plucked his own fur. He began to drown the fur in holly berry juices. He was sure Starclan was trying to tell him something. That he should not go back to Thunderclan, that Hollyleaf would kill him. Something bad must have happened between the Dark Forest and the clans.
"Lionblaze, come on, we need to start moving." Sharpclaw startled him.
"Wait I need to go see Echosong, I think I have a thorn stuck in my pad," He lied. He didn't want Skyclan to worry about him. Sharpclaw narrowed his eyes, and nodded his head. Lionblaze turned to look for the small she-cat. She was in the middle of the group, still sleeping. He casually walked over to her and nudged her awake.
"Echosong, Echosong. Wake up, I need to talk to you," He hissed. She lifted her head.
"Lionblaze? What happened?" Her eyes grew wide in alarm.
"Nothing, nothing important. But I just need to talk to you, alone please?" He pleaded that Echosong wouldn't question him here. She searched his eyes, then nodded.
"Okay," Echosong dipped her head. They headed behind the sleeping clan.
"Echosong, I had a dream last night. I don't know what it means exactly or how I should deal with it." Echosong peered deeply into his amber eyes.
"What happened?"
"I was paddind towards a holly bush, and I began to pick fur from my pelt. I covered the fur with holly berry juices. I think it means Hollyleaf is going to kill me," He whispered.
"Who is Hollyleaf?"
"The Dark Forest leader and," He gulped.
"And?" She whispered.
"My sister," He whispered. Suddenly emotions began to swirl in his head. How could his own sister betray him like this? He was raised with her, and how did she turn out like this?
"Lionblaze? Are you all right?" Echosong whispered.
"Yes, I'm just thinking. I think it means Hollyleaf is going to kill me, as I said before. But I think that means something must have happened between the Dark Forest and the clans." He mewed.
"Yes, I think so too, we must talk about this to Leafstar and Sharpclaw," The small gray she-cat mewed. Lionblaze nodded. Leafstar padded up behind them, alflanked by Woody and Sharpclaw.
"Thorn stuck in your pad Lionblaze?" Sharpclaw snorted.
"Yes, what are you doing? We have to keep moving," Leafstar narrowed her eyes.
"Lionblaze has had a dream. If we go back to the clans by the lake, he will be killed." Echosong stood up.
"Woody leave please. Go organize a hunting patrol," Leafstar whispered. Woody backed away slowly, eyes wide.
"Is this true?" Leafstar mewed. Lionblaze nodded.
"Then we must do something," Sharpclaw murmured.
"It is clear that something bad has happened by the lake," Echosong added. The other cats nodded. They began to work out plans, but none seemed to work. Suddenly Sharpclaw sat up.
"I've got it! Lionblaze, how long will it take to get back to the lake?" Lionblaze was confused.
"We could get there today if we went fast enough," He mewed. Sharpclaw began to explain his plan.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lionblaze and Skyclan were nearly at the lake. The plan was to send Gingerstep to the camp, covered in mud and thorns to make it look like she was in very bad condition. Lionblaze, his patrol, and Skyclan would stay in the old twoleg nest. Gingerstep would some how send a signal to them, and they would attack! Lionblaze was excited to get the plan started, but they had to skirt around Thunderclan territory first.
"Are we almost there Lionblaze? I don't want to be caught by a patrol of the Dark Forest." Leafstar hissed. They were almost at the Shadowclan border with Thunderclan. They would have to walk through the whole territory.
"We'll have to head back up to cross, then go all the way around the clan territory. If we go fast enough, we'll be at the Twoleg house before sunrise." The snow had made the journey much harder and slower.
"I think we need to break now, is there any place we can go?" Leafstar looked back at the clan. Manyof the cats were limping or leaning on one another.
"Let me ask Gingerstep, this was her terrirtory before the war. Gingerstep, could you come up here!" The ginger she-cat trotted up to him.
"What can I do, am I leaving now?" She mewed.
"No, not yet. But we need to rest, is there any place in Shadowclan territory where we can go?" Lionblaze meowed.
"Yes, let me take the lead," Lionblaze nodded and Gingerstep steered them toward the pine trees. The soggy needles where replaced with a thin layer of snow. Lionblaze trotted behind Thistlefur and Crowheart. Thistlefur was limping, while Crowheart was leaning on his shoulder.
"Here, you can lean on me Crowheart," Lionblaze caught Thistlefur's eye, he was exhausted and blinked gratefully. Crowheart leaned on him, he slowed to keep pace. Soon he recognised where they were going; the old Shadowclan camp. Heathertail came up next to him.
"We need to keep watch for foxes, we don't know what happened to the one who was in the camp before," She murmured. Lionblaze nodded. A fox was the last thing they needed. Food had become harder to find, and many of the warriors were thin already. Lionblaze scented, he couldn't smell any thing other than the marshy mud and show. The pine trees disappeared, and a clearing opened up. They were in the camp. It was barely recognizable, the nests were strewn through out the camp, and the stale scent of fox hung in the air.
"Where are we?" A small kit mewed. Lionblaze stepped in to answer.
"We're in Shadowclan's old camp. Here, I'll show you where the nursery is," The queen nodded, and the golden warrior padded to the nursery. No more cat scent was left in the den, not even a faint scent of milk. The walls were badly damaged, and some snow had fallen in.
"Here, I clear this for you, then I'll ask Sharpclaw if he could organise someone to fix this," He mewed, clearing out the snow. Not much moss was left, and what moss was left was soaking wet. He would ask an apprentice to go fetch some later.
"You're not the leader of this clan you know," The queen murmured, "Leafstar is. You can't tell anyone to do anything, you ask." The queen was looking in his eyes defiently.
"Of course," Was all he could mutter. The golden tabby had to admit he did tend to do things, he wouldn't really ask. He wandered to the warriors' den and Leafstar was talking to Echosong, Sharpclaw, and Gingerstep.
"Hello Lionblaze. We were just saying how we should stay here, theres more space and its farther away from Thunderclan's camp," Leafstar mewed warmly. Lionblaze nodded, unsure if other cats saw him as a bossy furball.
"We're going to send Gingerstep out now, you can help cover her in mud and leaves. If you need any help, just ask one of the apprentices," Sharpclaw mewed.
"I just want to mention that the nursery is full of holes, and if it shows, the kits will be covered in snow," Lionblaze mewed. Sharpclaw nodded, and set off toward the nursery, possibly going to inspect it himself.
"Well, where do you think we should get the mud, the ground is frozen now," Gingerstep mewed.
"How about the river, you can roll in the mud and leaves." Lionblaze suggested. Gingerstep wrinkled her nose.
"Fine. I'll do it, but I don't have to like it," The two cats padded back to the river, even though both their paws were aching.
"Are you sure you want to do this?" Lionblaze murmured. The younger warrior stopped and looked deep in his amber eyes.
"More than I've ever wanted to do anything. I see how you look at Cinderheart, but haven't you seen me and Oakfur. I love him, I need to be back with him, to show him I'm alright," Lionblaze nodded, he missed Cinderheart and his kits so much. He didn't realize there was something between Gingerstep and Oakfur. They padded on in silence, only the crunch of snow under their paws would tell anything they were there. The flowing of the river could be hear now, and soon they were at the bank.
"I'll keep watch, you can roll in the mud," Lionblaze chuckled. Gingerstep snorted and found a particularly muddy area.
Turning away, Lionblaze scented for any cats. He couldn't smell anything or hear anything, other than Gingerstep rolling around.
"Lionblaze, I'm done, know help put some thorns in my fur," Gingerstep mewed. Lionblaze turned and started to giggle. He once ginger pelt was now brown, and her whiskers were covered in mud.
"Oh come on, we need to hurry," She scowled, her eyes full of amusement. Lionblaze trotted over and began to gently place thorns on the mud that coated her fur, careful not to actually stab her with one. He stepped away when he finished, she really did look like she had been on a long journey.
"Try and spike out your fur, then you would really look like a crazy animal!" He joked. Gingerstep narrowed her eyes, and began to fluff out tufts of fur.
"I think your ready. Do you know what to do?" He was very nervous, what if they were found out, or she couldn't send a signal to them?
"Yes. I'm going to burst into the camp, looking scared and tired. Then I'll send you a signal to you guys, and you guys come and attack!" She mewed. Lionblaze nodded. This was not the same young warrior that had started off in the journey, she was now a confident warrior on an important mission. He padded up to her and licked her head.
"Be careful," She searched his amber eyes, and nodded. She ran towards Thunderclan territory, never looking back. Lionblaze watched her go before turning back to the Shadowclan camp.
Sorry for such a long delay, but I have had the worst writer's block! Hope you liked it, and I have come up with an ending and I think this story will end at chapt 56. I don't know If I'll do another FanFic, maybe shorter ones, but never a long one like this! Haha sorry for my rambling.
-Firefoot
"Lionblaze, come on, we need to start moving." Sharpclaw startled him.
"Wait I need to go see Echosong, I think I have a thorn stuck in my pad," He lied. He didn't want Skyclan to worry about him. Sharpclaw narrowed his eyes, and nodded his head. Lionblaze turned to look for the small she-cat. She was in the middle of the group, still sleeping. He casually walked over to her and nudged her awake.
"Echosong, Echosong. Wake up, I need to talk to you," He hissed. She lifted her head.
"Lionblaze? What happened?" Her eyes grew wide in alarm.
"Nothing, nothing important. But I just need to talk to you, alone please?" He pleaded that Echosong wouldn't question him here. She searched his eyes, then nodded.
"Okay," Echosong dipped her head. They headed behind the sleeping clan.
"Echosong, I had a dream last night. I don't know what it means exactly or how I should deal with it." Echosong peered deeply into his amber eyes.
"What happened?"
"I was paddind towards a holly bush, and I began to pick fur from my pelt. I covered the fur with holly berry juices. I think it means Hollyleaf is going to kill me," He whispered.
"Who is Hollyleaf?"
"The Dark Forest leader and," He gulped.
"And?" She whispered.
"My sister," He whispered. Suddenly emotions began to swirl in his head. How could his own sister betray him like this? He was raised with her, and how did she turn out like this?
"Lionblaze? Are you all right?" Echosong whispered.
"Yes, I'm just thinking. I think it means Hollyleaf is going to kill me, as I said before. But I think that means something must have happened between the Dark Forest and the clans." He mewed.
"Yes, I think so too, we must talk about this to Leafstar and Sharpclaw," The small gray she-cat mewed. Lionblaze nodded. Leafstar padded up behind them, alflanked by Woody and Sharpclaw.
"Thorn stuck in your pad Lionblaze?" Sharpclaw snorted.
"Yes, what are you doing? We have to keep moving," Leafstar narrowed her eyes.
"Lionblaze has had a dream. If we go back to the clans by the lake, he will be killed." Echosong stood up.
"Woody leave please. Go organize a hunting patrol," Leafstar whispered. Woody backed away slowly, eyes wide.
"Is this true?" Leafstar mewed. Lionblaze nodded.
"Then we must do something," Sharpclaw murmured.
"It is clear that something bad has happened by the lake," Echosong added. The other cats nodded. They began to work out plans, but none seemed to work. Suddenly Sharpclaw sat up.
"I've got it! Lionblaze, how long will it take to get back to the lake?" Lionblaze was confused.
"We could get there today if we went fast enough," He mewed. Sharpclaw began to explain his plan.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lionblaze and Skyclan were nearly at the lake. The plan was to send Gingerstep to the camp, covered in mud and thorns to make it look like she was in very bad condition. Lionblaze, his patrol, and Skyclan would stay in the old twoleg nest. Gingerstep would some how send a signal to them, and they would attack! Lionblaze was excited to get the plan started, but they had to skirt around Thunderclan territory first.
"Are we almost there Lionblaze? I don't want to be caught by a patrol of the Dark Forest." Leafstar hissed. They were almost at the Shadowclan border with Thunderclan. They would have to walk through the whole territory.
"We'll have to head back up to cross, then go all the way around the clan territory. If we go fast enough, we'll be at the Twoleg house before sunrise." The snow had made the journey much harder and slower.
"I think we need to break now, is there any place we can go?" Leafstar looked back at the clan. Manyof the cats were limping or leaning on one another.
"Let me ask Gingerstep, this was her terrirtory before the war. Gingerstep, could you come up here!" The ginger she-cat trotted up to him.
"What can I do, am I leaving now?" She mewed.
"No, not yet. But we need to rest, is there any place in Shadowclan territory where we can go?" Lionblaze meowed.
"Yes, let me take the lead," Lionblaze nodded and Gingerstep steered them toward the pine trees. The soggy needles where replaced with a thin layer of snow. Lionblaze trotted behind Thistlefur and Crowheart. Thistlefur was limping, while Crowheart was leaning on his shoulder.
"Here, you can lean on me Crowheart," Lionblaze caught Thistlefur's eye, he was exhausted and blinked gratefully. Crowheart leaned on him, he slowed to keep pace. Soon he recognised where they were going; the old Shadowclan camp. Heathertail came up next to him.
"We need to keep watch for foxes, we don't know what happened to the one who was in the camp before," She murmured. Lionblaze nodded. A fox was the last thing they needed. Food had become harder to find, and many of the warriors were thin already. Lionblaze scented, he couldn't smell any thing other than the marshy mud and show. The pine trees disappeared, and a clearing opened up. They were in the camp. It was barely recognizable, the nests were strewn through out the camp, and the stale scent of fox hung in the air.
"Where are we?" A small kit mewed. Lionblaze stepped in to answer.
"We're in Shadowclan's old camp. Here, I'll show you where the nursery is," The queen nodded, and the golden warrior padded to the nursery. No more cat scent was left in the den, not even a faint scent of milk. The walls were badly damaged, and some snow had fallen in.
"Here, I clear this for you, then I'll ask Sharpclaw if he could organise someone to fix this," He mewed, clearing out the snow. Not much moss was left, and what moss was left was soaking wet. He would ask an apprentice to go fetch some later.
"You're not the leader of this clan you know," The queen murmured, "Leafstar is. You can't tell anyone to do anything, you ask." The queen was looking in his eyes defiently.
"Of course," Was all he could mutter. The golden tabby had to admit he did tend to do things, he wouldn't really ask. He wandered to the warriors' den and Leafstar was talking to Echosong, Sharpclaw, and Gingerstep.
"Hello Lionblaze. We were just saying how we should stay here, theres more space and its farther away from Thunderclan's camp," Leafstar mewed warmly. Lionblaze nodded, unsure if other cats saw him as a bossy furball.
"We're going to send Gingerstep out now, you can help cover her in mud and leaves. If you need any help, just ask one of the apprentices," Sharpclaw mewed.
"I just want to mention that the nursery is full of holes, and if it shows, the kits will be covered in snow," Lionblaze mewed. Sharpclaw nodded, and set off toward the nursery, possibly going to inspect it himself.
"Well, where do you think we should get the mud, the ground is frozen now," Gingerstep mewed.
"How about the river, you can roll in the mud and leaves." Lionblaze suggested. Gingerstep wrinkled her nose.
"Fine. I'll do it, but I don't have to like it," The two cats padded back to the river, even though both their paws were aching.
"Are you sure you want to do this?" Lionblaze murmured. The younger warrior stopped and looked deep in his amber eyes.
"More than I've ever wanted to do anything. I see how you look at Cinderheart, but haven't you seen me and Oakfur. I love him, I need to be back with him, to show him I'm alright," Lionblaze nodded, he missed Cinderheart and his kits so much. He didn't realize there was something between Gingerstep and Oakfur. They padded on in silence, only the crunch of snow under their paws would tell anything they were there. The flowing of the river could be hear now, and soon they were at the bank.
"I'll keep watch, you can roll in the mud," Lionblaze chuckled. Gingerstep snorted and found a particularly muddy area.
Turning away, Lionblaze scented for any cats. He couldn't smell anything or hear anything, other than Gingerstep rolling around.
"Lionblaze, I'm done, know help put some thorns in my fur," Gingerstep mewed. Lionblaze turned and started to giggle. He once ginger pelt was now brown, and her whiskers were covered in mud.
"Oh come on, we need to hurry," She scowled, her eyes full of amusement. Lionblaze trotted over and began to gently place thorns on the mud that coated her fur, careful not to actually stab her with one. He stepped away when he finished, she really did look like she had been on a long journey.
"Try and spike out your fur, then you would really look like a crazy animal!" He joked. Gingerstep narrowed her eyes, and began to fluff out tufts of fur.
"I think your ready. Do you know what to do?" He was very nervous, what if they were found out, or she couldn't send a signal to them?
"Yes. I'm going to burst into the camp, looking scared and tired. Then I'll send you a signal to you guys, and you guys come and attack!" She mewed. Lionblaze nodded. This was not the same young warrior that had started off in the journey, she was now a confident warrior on an important mission. He padded up to her and licked her head.
"Be careful," She searched his amber eyes, and nodded. She ran towards Thunderclan territory, never looking back. Lionblaze watched her go before turning back to the Shadowclan camp.
Sorry for such a long delay, but I have had the worst writer's block! Hope you liked it, and I have come up with an ending and I think this story will end at chapt 56. I don't know If I'll do another FanFic, maybe shorter ones, but never a long one like this! Haha sorry for my rambling.
-Firefoot
Monday, August 2, 2010
New Makeover
Hello Everyone!
Iam Stargaze, a proud reader of this awesum fan fict!! The new make over is because this blog was too plain! Firefoot made me an admin and I worked for hours on the header! I'd like you to tell me what you think in the comments!!!!! Thank you and look for more work completed by me!!!!
Iam Stargaze, a proud reader of this awesum fan fict!! The new make over is because this blog was too plain! Firefoot made me an admin and I worked for hours on the header! I'd like you to tell me what you think in the comments!!!!! Thank you and look for more work completed by me!!!!
Sunday, August 1, 2010
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