Post by phantomstar57 on Jul 8, 2019 12:12:16 GMT -5
I started this story, in the future of the NEW BLOOD AU, but floundered for literally years BUT thanks to the new arc, A STARLESS CLAN, I have resumed work!
New events and such are falling into place as I read, and with luck, the 5th book will be out soon after the 4th so I can complete this tale in a timely manner.
As it is, it will change with new information from the books if need be. Many things are guesses like Frostpaw's warrior name, and RiverClan's new Leader, and I am curious to see if my guesses are right or way off! But in this AU, as anyone who has read NEW BLOOD-Born of Smoke & Fire knows, Squirrelflight never becomes Leader, but in this piece, her Deputy does. Thanks for your patience as I work this tale out and keep rewriting parts of it!.
WIP
This one is from Phantomstrike's pov!
This may be my last NEW BLOOD story, with the way life is going, but one never knows what may stir the muse at any given time.
This tale takes place many, many seasons after A STARLESS CLAN, and even though the Maine Coons of the Clans changed many events, storylines, and even some characters, there may be spoilers for those who have not read all the books yet, so beware!
NEW BLOOD - RISING STARS
Part One
“He’s a fine warrior,” Phantomstrike recognized Berryfrost’s voice, and turned to face the cream she-cat. Her long fur ruffled in the breeze. Her vivid blue eyes met his. He stopped a scowl before it crossed his face, recalling the dire injuries she suffered at the teeth of the coyotes in the Great Battle. The annoyance he always felt in her presence faded at the disappointment lurking in her eyes, and her pronounced limp.
“Yes, he sure is,” Phantomstrike agreed. “How are you doing?”
“I’m well enough now,” Berryfrost answered, flicking her long bushy tail, her voice uncharacteristically soft. “But I may have to stay with nursery duties if I can’t get my skills back. I wish my grandmother didn't go off to join the Sisters. She was so distraught after my father and aunt died in the battle.”
"We all miss Berrynose and Rosepetal." Phantomstrike said softly, remembering his first encounter with the Sisters when he accompanied Bramblestar, Kyemama, and a few other warriors to rescue Squirrelflight who insisted on trying to help SkyClan in the territory issues then. “But, your grandmother did return.”
"To my delight. I still miss Berrynose and Rosepetal," Berryfrost mewed. "Blackhawk has been so great. I couldn't ask for a better cousin."
"Yes, he is. We all miss them," Phantomstrike murmured. "Through Blackhawk, we are family."
"I still wish my grandmother never left," Berryfrost mewed.
"She healed her heart there. The Sisters are distant kin. I'll never forget the astonished recognition on Kyemama' face when she saw Moonlight."
"I heard the Sisters were of Maine Coon blood." Berryfrost met Phantomstrike's gaze. "Did Kyestorm know for sure?"
"Yes. The Sisters' ancestors came from near where Kyemama and Demonpoppa once lived. She met Moonlight and others in their Garden many times, and learned they shared ancestry," Phantomstrike scowled. "Demonpoppa was miffed, since they treated him as they do all toms. Even though Kyemama generously allowed Demonpoppa to sire a litter of kits, they didn't appreciate that gift."
"Really? That explains his aloofness toward them." Berryfrost brightened. "But explains Gentleoak's special gifts, too."
"Yes, agreed. It was because we are very distant kin that smoothed over a lot of hostility. Gentleoak refused to wait for StarClan's word, claiming he knew already, and healed Sunrise." Phantomstrike uttered a growling sigh. "I just wish ShadowClan, WindClan, and RiverClan listened to reason and waited for the Sisters to move. Even Tree could not negotiate them out of it."
"So do I," Berryfrost mewed. "But I am glad ThunderClan did not participate except to assist Leafpool and Squirrelflight."
"My sisters sure acted the part of wild warriors but actually impeded their own Clan's attacks. They, like me, are their mama's kits and tried to protect kits even at their own cost." Phantomstrike blinked a brief smile, then sobered. "I only wish ThunderClan would have gone further to defend Moonlight. Then maybe she and Leafpool would still be alive. Even Gentleoak could not save Moonlight. Kyemama was furious for moons after that."
"I know," Berryfrost meowed. "She was scary. Bramblestar apologized to her many times, saying he should have listened to her, even at the risk of Clan wars."
"I am just glad things settled for a while after the Sisters moved away." Phantomstrike uttered a growl. "But, then Ashfur happened."
"Weird unsettling times those were. Evil, evil cats," Berryfrost murmured.
"I just wish cats listened to my brother when he said no to putting our Leader in the snow." Phantomstrike grumbled.
"Me, too," Berryfrost concurred. "Everyone was so busy and distracted, especially with the discovery of the poison plant that made our prey toxic. Then Juniperclaw poisoned our prey."
"That was horrible. He was a complete mousebrain." Phantomstrike shuddered with the memory. "Even after we got rid of it all, Tigerstar was just so unreasonable about the Sisters. My sister though, as cantankerous as she is, sure helped him keep a level head. But it nearly came to war between ShadowClan and RiverClan, but my sisters refused to fight each other."
"I heard the tales," Berryfrost flashed him a brief smile. "They sat between the two Clans and slapped anyone that crossed to start fighting."
"Their mates joined them," Phantomstrike added. "and before long, Tigerstar and Mistystar had to agree to a truce. Then in the attack on the Sisters, my sisters and their mates, were like blundering monsters."
“Your kin have good sense,” Berryfrost commented.
"Even my flighty sister Gabbiflight saw Bramblestar was not himself early on." Phantomstrike growled. "And Lionblaze was so wrong about Shadowsight. He and I had many spats over it. Even Gentleoak could not smack sense into our deputy’s head about that."
"Mistystar sure was a grouch then," Berryfrost sobered. "I never imagined she'd ever agree to attack a kitting queen. "
"I don't understand why, but she was very old," Phantomstrike said, remembering a more cheerful friendly Mistystar from his youth.
“We had peace for a while, then the catmint scarcity, and the uproar with RiverClan. So sad about Mistystar and Reedwhisker." Berryfrost snorted. “Tigerstar meant well, but really all the Leaders should have been brought in to help.”
“My sisters once again created a united front, and stopped the fighting before anyone got hurt.” Phantomstrike added.
“You sure do." Berryfrost tilted her head. “I hate to pry but, I thought Nightheart acted like a mouse brain early on.”
“He always hated that, even though his father is my brother Demonstreak, that he doesn’t look like a Maine Coon. Finchlight, at least, had long hair on her tail and britches. He has no traits except the long tall body, and proper head shape. He is of our blood. But that wasn’t enough.” Phantomstrike answered. “But he let it eat at him so much he failed his assessment twice.”
“True he did, but, I think he was right to change his name. It suited him better. Flame never did.” Berryfrost said. “But I don’t understand why being Firestar’s greatgrandson bugged him so much.”
“I don’t really know, but it sure hurt his mother, and my brother found it disrespectful and selfish.” Phantomstrike allowed a growl to color his voice, then swiftly, uttered a mrrow of mirth. “Indiclaw sure slapped sense into him, not allowing him to disrespect any of us, especially his father, Kyemama, or the rest of us. But he came to his senses and returned, a better warrior for it.”
“He failed his last test,” Berryfrost muttered. “Or he may have stayed in ShadowClan.”
“Maybe, but he is a superb warrior, and he and Sunbeam are where they belong.” Phantomstrike said, refraining from telling her the truth. His nephew failed on purpose, when he realized where his loyalties and heart truly rested.
“Poor Frostlight. She had to handle so much pressure. But she stood with Nightheart, but, its so sad how many backed Splashtail. Big liar, fraud.” Berryfrost shifted her voice upward, reminding Phantomstrike of his blabbermouth sister, Gabbiflight. His eyes squinted in a smile despite himself.
“Most of that time, my sisters once again created a united front, and stopped the fighting before anyone got hurt.” Phantomstrike uttered a smug snort. “We know how to make fake fighting look very real.”
“You sure do." Berryfrost scowled. "Gentleoak knew he lied. So did most of the Medicine cats but that murdering piece of mouse dung got followers."”
“That Gathering sure was full of surprises when Frostlight and Nightheart showed up with the truth. That whole time was so chaotic, but, leave it to my brother Gentleoak to firmly support Frostlight, and the decisions made. He can be so intimidating, so different from the mild-mannered kit playing in the Medicine Cat den, irritating Jayfeather. But it helped cats see what Puddleshine showed them. All the Medicine cats conspired to show that flaw in the new code, and it is better now.”
"Yes. It should not be so easy to replace a leader.” Berryfrost agreed.
“I still can’t believe Splashtail tried to kill Frostlight and her own mother betrayed her! Then Splashtail killed her mother to save his own secret. Such treachery!” Phantomstrike growled deep in his chest. “I can’t imagine any of our kin or Clanmates doing that.”
“Your sisters came close to conflict,” Berryfrost said, glancing backward toward RiverClan’s territory. “Bluefrost and Troutleap almost broke up! He believed Splashtail. While Bluefrost always remained loyal to Mistystar, and what she stood for. Indiclaw is so loyal to Tigerstar and Cloverfoot, and it is a good thing too.”
“Bluefrost became so upset with her mate, she took it out on ShadowClan, unknowingly helping Splashtail. But Indiclaw showed remarkable restraint and understanding, and refused to raise a claw to her sister.” Berryfrost turned wide eyes to him. “I often wonder what might have occurred without the rest of our kin there at the next Gathering and the times that followed.”
“It averted a lot of possible strife. Troutleap realized his error in judgment and turned on Splashtail the moment the truth echoed under StarClan that night.” Phantomstrike growled again. “Splashtail, Berryheart, and all that followed them deserved what they got.”
“Gentleoak knew Frostlight spoke the truth. Your brother is a special Medicine cat,” Berryfrost said. “Icewing, Bluefrost and Troutleap believed Frostlight, and that averted a real mess. So many believed Splashtail, but Whistletail’s story swayed many. Gentleoak knew she spoke the truth as well.”
“Splashtail almost got his way but made the mistake of angering my sister at the next Gathering.” Phantomstrike bared the tips of his fangs. “He was so pompous, and slapped her. She lost it and beat him senseless until he wailed his treachery to the world. Indiclaw pulled her off, but glared at him in silent dare.”
“StarClan showed no anger, even after Spalshtail lied about getting his nine lives.After that, he vanished. I heard he attacked Bluefrost and she drowned him during the fight.” Berryfrost sobered. “I almost felt very sorry for Berryheart. She left, got ill and returned. The medicine cats helped her in spite of her allegiance to Splashtail.”
“Yes, that happened. Reminds me of my disposal of Darktail, though it is harder when the traitor is Clan.” Phantomstrike shifted subjects. “Berryheart has been subdued, and Indiclaw watches her like a hawk on the hunt.”
“But the big shock was Bramblestar retiring to the Elder's den and StarClan gave nine lives to Ivypool.” Phantomstrike sighed. “It was all so chaotic, after dealing with the coyotes. It was all seasons ago now. Ivystar is a fair and strong Leader. So is Icestar.”
"True. I'm glad I didn't pester anyone about my injury." Berryfrost mewed, then stumbled. She hopped, then regained her odd gait.
“Ridiculous! You suffered serious injury that day. More than just a twisted useless leg.” Phantomstrike felt sudden sympathy for the normally obnoxious chatty she-cat, steadying her with his massive body. Even as a kit, her constant blathering irritated him and he avoided her, and to his chagrin, even the day of the battle he deferred quickly to another who offered to carry her back to camp. He and Berrynose found her, and he helped her climb aboard her father’s back, before racing off to help Thornclaw. Now, he found he actually enjoyed talking to her.
“I never did get a chance to thank you for helping me and my father. I might have never gotten on his back without your help.”
“I didn’t do that much,” Phantomstrike muttered, flattening his ears briefly in guilt. He watched her limp. He thought of Fierceheart, who lost that very front limb, but hunted, patrolled and fought like any other warrior.
“Still, I appreciate it,” Berryfrost mewed.
“Are you retraining?”
“No,” Berryfrost lowered her head with a sigh. “Alderheart thought I will never use the leg again. Jayfeather even said I’d have been better off if the coyote bit it off.”
“That’s horrible. What does my brother think?” Phantomstrike asked, “Or my father and sister? Your grandmother?”
“I never asked them,” Berryfrost admitted. “Gentleoak and Angelglow had so many patients to worry about. And Demonstone is always so busy. So is Grandmother with all the kits in camp."
“They would’ve helped,” Phantomstrike meowed. "Even after all that has gone on seasons ago with Ashfur and that battle rescuing cats from his clutches, or the Catmint RiverClan calamity that caused our peace to shatter, they never turn anyone away."
"I hated not to help," Berryfrost lowered her head. "But I shudder to think what might have been if not for your kin."
"True," Phantomstrike agreed. "Gentleoak knew StarClan was there thanks to his extraordinary connection to Yellowfang, and his help to Shadowsight prevented major bloodshed. He, Shadowsight with the other Clan warriors strong enough to fight Ashfur’s minions, brought down that nasty barrier Ashfur created. Bristlefrost and Rootspring are heros, too, part of the Lights in the Mist.”
“Poor Rootspring. He loved Bristlefrost,” Berryfrost murmured.
“She is legend,” Phantomstrike mewed, then snarled. “That Darktail! I can’t believe he was there! It felt great to kill him a second time.”
“He shouldn’t have been there at all,” Berryfrost growled. “He wasn’t Clan.”
“Yet there he was, with Ashfur,” Phantomstrike hissed with anger, then calmed. “We Maine Coons fulfilled another part of our destiny, and Firestar fought in the battle as well. The new connection between Star Clan and The Dark Forest is guarded by Juniperclaw. He did atone for his crime." Phantomstrike purred with mirth. “In the end, Ashfur was no match for us in even in the spirit realms.”
"True. “ Berryfrost smiled, “Once Demonstone, you, and other master builders joined the fray, that thing Ashfur made was history. Your kin sure stuck together across clan lines to bring sense to cats." Berryfrost gazed at him, admiration in her eyes. "But even they could not prevent the battles that did occur."
“No,” Phantomstrike agreed with a flick of his tail. “We aren’t gods. But we sure can kick butt, and my siblings and I know how to make fake fighting look real."
"It's a shame that anyone had to die," Berryfrost mewed. "I could only guard the nursery with grandmother during the chaos."
"It is sad cats died, and never earned reward for their help. But we are now at peace, and have a stronger warrior code." Phantomstrike reminded her.
“Ashfur was a fool,” Berryfrost muttered. “He used out own code against us, but never knew of the good changes our leaders already made, thanks to your kin. ”
“I hate to think what might have occurred if we didn’t already allow cats from other Clans to mate and choose. Ashfur seemed to have no clue about that. I guess he was so busy plotting his revenge he never noticed the changes.”
“But he used old opposition to your family, that lurked in some hearts even after all this time,” Berryfrost said, her eyes round and sad.
“True, but not enough to stop us from being victorious.” Phantomstrike tilted his head. “You've been avoiding getting treatment," Phantomstrike changed the subject. "It's time you tried to heal."
Phantomstrike turned to his father. “Demonpoppa?”
“Yes, son?”
“Berryfrost suffered such crippling injury. Can you help even after so much time?”
“Well, “ Demonpoppa pondered, and gazed over at the cream she-cat, studying her limp. The three slowed, moving off the ice and onto the slope into ThunderClan land, allowing most of the clan to hurry ahead. “Anything broken?”
“Mangled,” Berryfrost answered. “After the medicine cats said what they thought I didn’t bother anyone. Thought I could heal on my own.”
“Did you exercise and use the leg?” Demonpoppa asked, as they moved up the hill toward camp.
“No, it hurt so much,” she answered. "So I thought it needed more rest."
The three trotted up the rise leading into camp. Berryfrost hop-skipped to keep up on the steep hill, favoring her foreleg. Her tail dragged, showing her inner dejection. Phantomstrike noticed the atrophied muscles on the entire leg.
“It's been seasons. But, come, we’ll see my son” Demonpoppa insisted.
“Don’t fuss, Demonstone,” Berryfrost protested, showing a vulnerable side Phantomstrike never before witnessed. “I get by fine.”
“Do wish to be a warrior again?” Demonpoppa asked, a stern tone rumbling his voice. The giant black smoke Maine Coon's eyes softened, taking the sting from his words.
“Yes,” Berryfrost answered, a glitter of hope flashing across her face. “But I can’t put much weight on the leg. It burns and hurts.”
“Something inside is not right,” Demonpoppa said. “Gentleoak will look at it”
“I don’t want to be a burden,” she protested, but did not fight at all when Demonpoppa lifted her onto Phantomstrike’s broad back.
"Can you hold on with that paw?" Phantomstrike asked Berryfrost.
"No but go. I can grip with my other legs," she answered.
Phantomstrike darted into camp, heading straight for the medicine cat den, carrying her with ease. He moved with care, waving his tail at Daisy, who promptly hurried over to them.
“Berryfrost?” she asked.
“I’m alright,” she murmured.
"Go. Before everyone settles in to sleep." Demonstone rumbled, then glanced at Daisy. “Go with them.”
Daisy nodded, curiosity and concern in her eyes. Phantomstrike glanced at his mother, red tabby Maine Coon, Kyestorm, who watched from the Warrior's den, and saw concern in her eyes. He nodded briefly and she blinked, lashing her ample tail. He thanked StarClan for bringing his parents into ThunderClan that long ago, fateful night, when fire drove them out into the wilderness, scared, alone, and with Kyemama carrying him and his siblings.
Born in the nursery shortly after, he knew no other life, and preferred it that way. Though Kyemama and Demonpoppa spoke of their twolegs with fondness, they showed no desire to return to that pampered life. The result of their decision to stay populated the Clans with many giant fuzzhead warriors of Maine Coon breeding, with the size, strength and stamina to help the Clans fight off the invading Coyote menace two suncycles ago. He growled, thinking what he would do if they ever dare return. He shook himself out of his thoughts, and called his brother.
“Gentleoak!”
“What is it?” Gentleoak met them at the door of the medicine cat den, his golden brown tabby pelt rippling down his back.
“Please look at her leg. See if you can help?” Phantomstrike pleaded, lying n his belly, allowing Berryfrost to dismount. She slid from his back, and stood up, stepping toward Gentleoak. She stumbled, but regained her footing. Phantomstrike watched, then lifted his eyes to his brother’s. Gentleoak's amber eyes blazed.
“Why haven’t I seen this before? How long has this been going on?”
“Good question,” Jayfeather’s gruff voice echoed Gentleoak’s, rising with annoyance. “I said you’d be better off if the coyote bit it clean off, but that did not mean it should never be treated!”
“Why didn’t you come to me for help?” Daisy asked.
“I thought,” Berryfrost faltered. “I thought it was hopeless.”
“It is never hopeless,” Alderheart added, padding over from sorting herbs. Phantomstrike glanced around the medicine cat den with a spike of grief. Leafpool's memory still haunted this place, even after the passage of so many seasons. Angelglow pushed past both of them, her golden-silver shaded pelt bristling. Phantomstrike met his younger sister’s sky blue gaze, forgetting the momentary melancholy emotions.
“I told you,” Angelglow insisted. “To come back and let Demonpoppa work with you.”
“”I, I,. . “ Berryfrost faltered, for once speechless. She flatted her ears to her skull and her eyes widened into a woebegone expression that touched Phantomstrike’s heart.
“Berryfrost!” a high-pitched, but strident voice echoed into the den. Phantomstrike turned to see his youngest sister from his parent’s 3rd litter, born just after the Ashfur atrocity, trot imperiously up to them. Her diminutive size for a Maine Coon never bothered her, and she fearlessly pushed into anything which interested her.
“Gabbiflight,” Phantomstrike warned, but affection filled his heart. Why did his sister’s chatty ways not bother him like Berryfrost’s did? Black smoke Gabbiflight pranced up to him, but as she eyed Berryfrostt, her tail drooped.
“Oh no! Berryfrost! What happened? Does it hurt so bad again? Can Gentleoak help? I told you he could.” Gabbiflight babbled, and Phantomstrike understood for the hundredth time why Kyemama named her Gabbikit.
“Why are you up?” Phantomstrike asked, thinking of his temperamental niece who still looked after Gabbiflight. “ Sunflight will skin your tail if you’re too tired to patrol or hunt at sunrise.”
“I heard you all returning from the Gathering. Sunflight won’t care. I can get up any time I want. I was worried about Berryfrost,” Gabbiflight retorted. “I know you don’t like her but I do!”
“Gabbiflight!” Daisy yowled.
"Why would yous say that?" Phantomstrike cried. Berryfrost’s eyes widened further, and she sagged visibly. Phantomstrike’s heart hammered in his chest, as he realized his disdain of her talkative nature did not involve her, but the fact she liked to gossip. He moved to her side, and glared at his little sister.
“That is so not true,” he growled at her. Gabbiflight pulled back, her eyes dilated with surprise and embarrassment. “I just don’t like frivolous gossip or complaining.”
“I, I, never knew, you felt this way,” Berryfrost mewed, her voice shaking. “I’m sorry I bothered you. I’ve always liked you, but should’ve known. I’m a foolish mouse-brain.”
“Gabbiflight doesn’t know what her blabber mouth utters,” Phantomstrike snapped, then boldly pressed against the distraught she-cat. “I am sorry. I don’t dislike you. You’re a beautiful cat.”
“But, I like to talk, like your sister,” Berryfrost mumbled, looking at the floor.
“And I love her despite her chattering,” Phantomstrike mewed. “But she babbles about everything, not just who slighted who, who cheated who, and other frivolous things that are not my business.”
“I was just trying to get your attention,” Berryfrost replied, her voice soft and quivering. “I don’t care about most of the mouse dug stuff I talk about. I’m sorry I complain too much, but. . . ”
“But what?”
“Its how I cope with the pain of my useless leg and disappointing future,” Berryfrost admitted. Phantomstrike eyed her mangled skeletal leg and thought about how he would act if such happened to him. Sympathy welled up from the depths of his being.
“Come on,” Phantomstrike impulsively licked her ear. “Let your grnadmom, my brother, sister and father work with you. I’ll help too.”
“Really?” Berryfrost lifted her ears.
“Of course!” Daisy exclaimed and rubbed her face on Berryfrost’s.
“Yes,” Phantomstrike answered, and nodded at his brother. Gentleoak took over.
“Lay on your belly and extend that leg as far as you can,” the medicine cat ordered. Berryfrost obeyed, and did not flinch when Gentleoak took her paw in his jaws and pulled the leg out further. She flattened her ears again. Gentleoak ran his huge paws up and down her leg and shoulder, the looked up at Phantomstrike.
“Hold her down,” he commanded, then met her gaze. “Brace yourself.”
Phantomstrike barely draped his considerable bulk on the cream she-cat before his brother yanked back on her limb, his movements precise and swift. Static sparks raced up and down her leg as the medicine cat stretched it out full length. The joints snapped and crackled, and she screamed, but moved not another muscle. Phantomstrike admired her fortitude.
"Who is up for a hunt?" ThunderClan’s deputy’s yowl rang out and Phantomstrike quivered, but decided to stay with Berryfrost, even when his younger brother cried out his affirmative.
"I do!" Ravenclaw answered. His thick black pelt lifted with anticipation.
"What are we hunting?" Hollytuft asked, hurrying over.
"Those little deer are active on nights like this," his cousin Blackhawk said, trotting over, followed by his feisty niece Sunflight. Phantomstrike lashed his tail, longing to join that hunt, recalling the long-ago day his and Kyemama's patrol caught their first little Roe deer, a skill which kept the Clans well-fed during most Leaf Bares now.
"Excellent. Some venison will be a great end to a fine Gathering!" Fernsong meowed. "Let's move."
Phantomsrike watched the patrol exit the camp, his legs trembling with the desire to join them, but he stayed put on top of Berryfrost.
"At least give her a poppyseed," Jayfeather admonished, but Berryfrost shook her head.
"No, I'm okay," she mewed. "It felt like something went back where it belongs"
"Stand up on it." Phantomstrike recognized his father's voice, and he jumped off Berryfrost's back. Slowly she rose, pulling the leg in. Gentleoak put a paw on hers.
"Uncurl that paw."
"Put weight on it," Demonstone said.
"But. . ." Berryfrost protested but obeyed. She swayed, then hissed as that emaciated paw supported weight for the first time in two seasoncycles. She hissed again. "It hurts. I can't do this."
"Yes, you can," Fierceheart's voice rang in the den, and Phantomstrike turned to face the small black warrior. "Just do it."
“You can!” Daisy urged.
"I can't!" Berryfrost wailed, yanking up her leg. Before she pulled it up into its old position, Gentleoak's paw flashed out, hooking her leg in his dagger claws. They curled around her wrist without breaking skin, and pulled the limb straight down.
"No more excuses," he growled. "You will work and get use of your leg back. It is no longer misaligned, nor is it swollen from original injury. You'll work with us to regain your strength."
"It hurts," she whimpered, then glanced at Phantomstrike.
"You want to be a warrior again, right?" he asked her.
"Yes, I really do," she murmured.
"Then follow my brother's instructions and work that leg," he insisted. "I'll help you."
"You will?" her blue eyes shimmered with hope.
"Of course," Phantomstrike answered, determined to change her life. He backed up. "Can you walk to me?"
"I will try," she meowed, and slowly stepped forward on the weak limb. She hissed, but put the leg through normal walking motion, The leg trembled, and almost buckled, but she stumbled into Phantomstrike, placing the shriveled paw flat on the floor.
“Excellent!” Daisy approved. “You can do this.”
"Great job!" Phantomstrike praised her. "Try walking back and forth. I'll walk with you."
"Okay," Berryfrost agreed, and paced across the den and back. Phantomstrike walked with her, offering support. On the fifth pass, he stopped, allowing her to go alone. She glanced back, fear in her eyes, and he nodded,
"Go. You're doing well."
Berryfrost reached the back wall, and turned, her eyes widening with joy and her gait steadied. She huffed with effort, but she bared her teeth in a big grin of joy.
"I can do this."
"You can," Gentleoak said. "Work every day and you'll build up those muscles."
"See? I knew they could help," Phantomstrike mewed and moved to her side. "I will help you, too."
"When he can't come to me," Daisy insisted. "I'll work with you, too."
"I promise to work at this," Berryfrost gazed at him, hope and delight shining in her eyes. Phantomstrike opened his mouth to give her more encouragement, when screeching and barking broke out down on the lakeshore. Phantomstrike recognized Fernsong and his patrol, but the barking which echoed up to camp sounded unfamiliar.
"Dogs! A big pack of them!" Lionblaze snarled, and uttered the warning screeching cry for help the Clans perfected since the first coyote attack many seasons ago. It reverberated across the frozen water, and answering screeching cries echoed from all around the lake. Ivystar leaped down from Highledge.
"Warriors attack!" she commanded.
Phantomstrike whirled away from the medicine cat den and repeated the cry, his strident voice carrying over the lake, knowing his sisters, cousins, half-siblings, brothers, and his son, in the other Clans, would respond immediately. He joined his brother Demonstreak as ThunderClan warriors plunged through the entrance of camp and hurtled down the slope. Lionblaze led the way, racing recklessly into the fray.
Fernsong’s bloodcurdling shriek shattered the night, and Phantomstrike plunged down the hill, abreast of Demonstreak. He exchanged a horrified glance with his brother, whose long black pelt puffed out as they reached the shore to see a huge pack of dogs mauling ThunderClan's deputy and his hunting patrol. Their venison fresh kill lay on the ice as they fought for their lives. Phantomstrike screeched his warcry, launching his huge body at the nearest dog who held Fernsong to the rocks. Another shook its massive brown head, shaking Lionblaze by his hindquarters. He shrieked and clawed hunks of the dog's fur and flesh into the air. Blood stained his golden pelt.
Phantomstrike forgot everything but saving his deputy and clanmates, and landed on a huge black and tan dog with drooling jowly jaws. His massive claws sank onto the dog's face, and ripped deep furrows across the eyes and snout. His weight rocked the canine's head, knocking the dog off Fernsong and to its knees. He snarled, his white paws blurs as he struck in rapid succession, dimly aware of his brother, father, younger sisters, brothers, cousins, half-siblings, mother, and the rest of the Clan attacking the other dogs.
Down the hill rushing in from WindClan, his sister Smokewind raced ahead of Crowstar, Harespring, and the rest of WindClan's warriors. His sister Indiclaw's scream of rage echoed across the lake and she lead Tigerstar , Cloverfoot, and ShadowClan across the ice to the fight. Just behind them Leafstar, Hawkwing, and Nightstrike raced to their aid ahead of SkyClan's best warriors. From RiverClan, Icestar, Troutleap and Bluefrost, with a group of RiverClan warriors ran across the ice. The warriors slowly converged on the rocky shore, taking more time than Phantomstrike hoped, but they attacked the dogs in fury upon arrival.
Phantomstrike redoubled his efforts, holding back nothing as he tore into the dog's head and neck, avoiding the snapping jaws of his enemy. He lost track of all other warriors, focusing on his own abilities and skills. He heard the rage in so many voices, and a few screams of agony. Lionblaze's screech burned in his ears. Phantomstrike intensified his attack, unleashing all of his strength and power. screeching his Warrior's rage as he renewed his assault. He flung himself onto the dog's shoulders and pounced onto the canine's head. His wicked dagger claws ripped the dog's ears, raked across the eyes and sunk into the dog's nose. The canine howled, bucked him off, and raced up the shore toward the Horseplace, where the resident dogs barked and howled in a frenzy.
Phantomstrike attacked the next dog, a tall white canine with brown spots. His claws ripped into the canine's long muzzle, as he latched onto the enemy's head. The canine kiyi'd in pain, and rolled on the ground, shaking his head, snapping at Phantomstrike. The creature jumped to its paws and raced away. Phantomstrike jumped clear, and attacked a third canine, a black and white muscular monster.
Phantomstrike darted at the slavering dog, ignoring the huge fangs and jaws. He launched himself at the dog's face, landing claws first, tearing deep gashes into the canine's head, down across the eyes and into the nose. The dog howled, tossing back his head, knocking Phantomstrike aside. He rolled over, leaped to his paws, in time to see the dozen dogs scatter and flee the scene, all wearing their own blood and gaping wounds. Phantomstrike stood, heaving for air, staring out across the ice, afraid to turn around and view the carnage, as memories of the great coyote battle flashed through his mind.
Wails of grief echoed across the lake, and Phantomstrike shivered, then turned around.
“Fernsong!” Sunflight's keen cut through Phantomstrike's very soul, as his niece flung herself on his body. She loved her former mentor as much as she loved her kin. Shimmersong and Willowleaf, her sisters, joined her, while their brother, Firestrike, stared, trying to hold in his emotions.
"No, no!" Sparkfire yowled. “Fernsong!”
"No, please, no," Sunflight keened.
“No!” Ivystar cried, skidding to a halt beside her deputy. Fernsong’seyes flickered open, and Phantomstrike held his breath, but ThunderClan's depurty’s's lifeblood stained the snows, flowing from grievous throat and flank wounds.
“They, they surprised us,” her murmured then closed his eyes, and ceased moving. Fear shot through Phantomstrike, and he raised a paw to touch his Deputy.
Time stood still as Phantomstrike watched Fernsong go to StarClan. Lionblaze lay beside him, eyes wide, golden pelt bristling, blood dripping from many wounds.
“I tried to help,” Lionblaze gasped. “They attacked us so fast.”
The entire Clan stood motionless. The warriors of the Five Clans gathered around, and stayed silent for many long moments. Ivystar shook herself, moving to Lionblaze.
“What happened?”
. "They surprised us, coming over the stream from WindClan land." Lionblaze sat up, “By time we heard anything they were upon us.”
Angelglow and Alderheart immediately took the gravely injured Lionblaze to camp. Gentleoak carried Fernsong’s body into camp. Ivystar raised her eyes to Phantomstrike, and opened her mouth to speak.
"Crowstar!" Harespring's yowl interrupted. Phantomstrike whirled, and saw Haresspring at the lake's edge. The WindClan deputy slowly shook his head, testing the ice with a shaky paw. Crowstar battled for his life in the jaws of a big black dog, shrieking his terror and rage to the moonlit skies. The dog ran, slipping on the ice, struggling to hold onto the spitting furious Clan Leader.
Phantomstrike leaped onto the ice, Smokewind at his side, when pressure under his paws stopped him cold. He glanced at Smokewind, who froze in place, and in her gold eyes, he saw his sudden alarm mirrored in her gaze. She whirled and hissed at Harespring, who poised to dart across the ice. WindClan's deputy stopped, his forefeet dancing on the ice edge. A sharp thump, and loud crack echoed over the lake, as ice broke, and the startled dog sank into the icy water with incredible swiftness, taking Crowstar with him.
"Crowstar!" Harespring wailed. The ice thunked ominously, and the dog and cat vanished in the freezing water. Phantomstrike danced in place, then Bluefrost’s cry electrified him. He spotted another body on the ice, recognizing the RiverClan deputy. He ran onto the frozen lake, placing his feet with care, attuned to the instincts which kept his big paws on safe ice. He grasped Troutleap by the nape, then dragged him onto the shore. Bluefrost hurried to his side, her eyes wide with horror.
"Troutleap," she mewed and touched her muzzle to his head. His eyes remained closed. Icestar hurried over.
“No!” she cried.
"Let me see him," Gentleoak meowed, and hurried forward. He pushed on Troutleap's chest, sparks zapping from his claws, his thick pelt bristling. Troyleap coughed, cold lake water trickling from his mouth. He inhaled sharply and his eyes fluttered, but never opened fully. The horrific wound over his shoulder bled. Gentleoak looked into his sister’s's eyes.
"He's alive, but will need warmth and care for a while."
"Anything!" Icestar pushed her muzzle against Gentleoak's.
"I'm sure he'll get good care, and will live," Gentleoak said softly.
Phantomstrike's blue smoke sister hurried to her leader's side. She lay on the ground while her Clanmates placed onto her broad back. Troutleap's stirred.
“Bluefrost,” he murmured. Phantomstrike watched, hoping Troutleap recovered quickly, for his sister’s sake more than Icestar’s. RiverClan moved away, following their distraught leader and injured deputy. Bluefrost looked back once, her blue eyes round and sad.
"Will he live?" Phantomstrike asked his brother.
"Yes, if given good care." Gentleoak nodded. "I know Mothwing will do her best.”
"Good." Phantomstrike returned his attention to ThunderClan's leader, who stood patiently.
“Phantomstrike,” she began.
"Where is Cloverfoot?" Tigerstar called out. Phantomstrike turned, and met the gaze of his sister Indiclaw, who immediately scanned the lake and area. She combed the shoreline, then appeared from behind a large rock, carrying the ShadowClan deputy. She hung limp and lifeless, eyes wide in a permanent glare of defiance. A fatal wound cut her throat and neck. Tigerstar met Indiclaw as she lowered Cloverfoot's body. Indiclaw nuzzled her friend's head. Tigerstar keened.
“A more layal deputy I could not have asked for.”
"I'll avenge you," Indiclaw muttered. "I'll not forget your murder's scent."
Phantomstrike watched, wild emotions bristling his coat. He padded to Indiclaw, sniffed Cloverfoot, and gently touched his muzzle to Indiclaw's.
"I won't forget either," he hissed. "None of them will escape our wrath."
"It's my turn," Tigerstar mewed, then raised his voice. Phantomstrike faced the ShadowClan leader. "With the threat out there, I cannot wait to choose my new deputy. I say these words before StarClan, before all Clan Leaders, that they may hear and approve my choice! For her steadfast loyalty, and warrior’s prowess, Indiclaw will be the new deputy of ShadowClan."
"Congratulations," Phantomstrike purred in his sister's ear, as she faced Tigerstar, incredulous. Indiclaw gave Phantomstrike a quick face rub before moving to Tigerstar's side.
"I'm honored," she mewed, as her clan meowed her name. Phantomstrike caught motion in his peripheral vision, and turned. Harespring faced Smokewind, and gazed at her.
"You know what I am going to say," he mewed, glancing back across the lake. The ice slowly froze, closing the open water, claiming its victims. Phantomstrike shuddered, wondering if Crowstar suffered, losing all his lives stuck under the ice. He turned his attention to his sister.
"Yes," Smokewind answered. He raised his voice, and it quavered once.
"We prepare for another big fight. I say these words before StarClan, before all Clan Leaders, that they may hear and approve my choice! Smokewind will be the new deputy of WindClan. I'll go to the Moonpool tonight to receive my nine lives."
Cheers for the promotion echoed briefly over the lake, before silence fell. Ivystar stepped up to Phantomstrike, who dropped his jaw in disbelief. He glanced at his mother, who nodded her head, a knowing gleam in her copper-gold eyes.
"With Fernsong gone, I know who my next deputy will be," Ivystar meowed, her tone strong. "We have a menace as deadly as the coyotes to deal with and we must be ready. I say these words before StarClan, before all Clan Leaders, that they may hear and approve my choice! Phantomstrike will be the new deputy of ThunderClan."
Harespring nodded, glancing back over the ice. Phantomstrike bowed his head, hearing his kin cheer, Silence fell over the gathered, and with nothing more than a tail flick to indicate intent, WindClan, ShadowClan and SkyClan moved off, carrying dead and wounded warriors home.
Phantomstrike stood by Ivystar's side, and glanced at Demonstreak. "Go get the fresh kill. We shouldn't lose that."
Demonstreak nodded, and darted onto the ice. Kyemama joined him, and they secured the venison. Keening and wailing went up from all the warriors, and to his dismay, Phantomstrike saw his father carrying Thornclaw. He and Brackenfur moved as one, heads down with grief.
"This is so horrible," Gabbiflight's voice interrupted his thoughts. He moved up toward camp. He glanced at his diminutive sister.
"It is," he agreed. "Where did those mutts come from? If they aren't under twoleg control, we have a huge problem. Maybe worse than the coyotes."
"Reminds me of the horrible dogs that killed Bluestar so many seasoncycles ago," Gabbiflight mewed. "Greystripe told us kits those tales. Always scared me."
"It should," Phantomstrike replied. "This was supposed to be a great night, celebrating the long peace we have enjoyed for seasons now."
"True," Gabbiflight agreed, then fell silent.
"We'll be on guard now. This won't happen again," Phantomstrike growled.
To his relief, such an attack never repeated, but as Bare Leaf turned to New Leaf, cats from ShadowClan and River Clan vanished. The Clans gathered that first New Leaf moon, and Leaders perched nervously in the Great tree. The moon shone over the water, which shimmered from the light breezes blowing in from the south. The mingling and greetings lasted but moments as all cats sat, expecting the Leaders to speak. Phantomstrike took his place below Ivystar, exchanging glances with his sisters.
"I would like to start this meeting as I have some news," Tigerstar spoke up. He looked down at Indiclaw. "This morning three of our missing Clan members returned."
"What?" Phantomstar yowled, echoed by many.
"We, too, had our missing cats return," Icestar said. "It is most unsettling."
"Indiclaw, will you please tell us what you learned?"
"Of course," Phantomstrike's sister stood up. As she spoke, her eyes grew baleful. "They came home, and said two legs trapped them, took them somewhere, then brought them back."
"Why would they do that?" Leafstar asked in a wail.
"They do not know, nor do we," Indiclaw answered. "But they were changed. Eartips cut off on one ear, and their scent is altered, yet they are who they say."
"Changed how?" Kyemama asked, standing up. "Are any of them here?"
"Only Berryheart," Indiclaw answered. "The others felt uncomfortable."
“Berryheart!” Sunbeam cried.
"Please, let me see her," Kyemama said. Silence fell over the Gathering as Berryheart moved forward, ears low, eyes wide, tail down. She halted several foxlengths from Kyemama. Her cut ear flicked.
"I feel so stupid," she mewed. "We let the twolegs trap us. The stuff in the trap smelled like food."
"It was kittypet food," someone growled.
"I know, but unlike most times, it actually smelled really good."
"Go, let Kyemama see," Phantomstrike mewed. "She knows many things."
Berryheart blinked, took a breath, and minced forward until she touched noses with Kyemama.
"Show her," Indiclaw encouraged her Clanmate with uncharacteristic gentle tones.
"I woke up after they took me to a strange place with cages and horrible smells, and," Berryheart paused with a quavering breath. "They had cut my belly. I healed, and then, they took us out and, to our surprise. Brought us home. What did they do to us?"
Berryheart flopped on her side and exposed her stomach, to show shaved skin and a scar. Sunbeam gasped. Kyemama growled deep in her chest.
“You’re scarred, like me!” Frostlight exclaimed, horror in her voice. Kyemamma glanced at her, and beckoned her over with a tail wave. The RiverClan cat trotted to Kyemama and revealed an old scar. “I never understood what they did to me.”
"They spayed you!" Kyemama meowed in alarm. "Berryheart, your cut ear marks you so the twolegs don't catch you again. We are all in danger!"
Yowling and wailing broke out, and Ivystar stood up, signaling for silence.
"Kyestorm, please explain."
"They spayed Berryheart! The dogs vanished because the two legs came and caught them all! Now they come for us!" Kyestorm yowled, and Phantomstrike felt her distress. "They'll try and trap us all so we can never have kits again!"
"How horrible! They can't do this!" Phamtonstrike's younger sister, Whitefoot, wailed. His heart filled with sorrow. As hard as she tried, Whitefoot failed to carry kits. She mated with any tom every time she came into season, but, to her utter dismay, no kits ever came of those trysts. He met her gaze, and the sadness and agony flickering in her eyes squeezed his heart with anguish. Her tortoiseshell pelt rose in response to her emotions, and she tore at the ground with her oversized white paws. Her huge dagger claws sent soil flying. She stopped and glanced at Kyemama, horror in her eyes. “Did they do this to me without my knowing? Is this why I am never blessed with kits? Why I can’t I fulfill my destiny?”
“No,” Kyemama answered in a ragged purr. “They haven’t changed you, my sweet daughter. But we are all in danger of two legs doing this to all of us.”
"How do you know this?" Harestar asked in alarm, stopping Whitefoot’s wail of anguish..
“Are you sure?" Icestar cried, her blue eyes wide. “Did a Twoleg do this to Frostlight?”
"Yes. It's why she can't have kits. I once lived with twolegs many sun seasons ago," Kyemama explained. "When we would get too old for breeding, twolegs would do this so we could no longer mate. With wild or as they call us, feral cats, they do this to control us."
"But why?" Tigerstar asked. "They haven't done this before."
"The dogs probably," Kyemama growled. "Out of control dogs, made the two legs decide to control us, too. They think they are helping us."
“For many ferals and strays, in big two leg cities, maybe they do,” Demonstone spoke up. “But for Clan cats, it is disaster. Our future lies in our kits.”
"What can we do?" Ivystar asked. "Surely they won't hunt us all over the territories, will they?"
"They might," Kyemama answered. "They will entice us with traps of all kinds, try to lure us with food."
"So we must avoid anything tainted with twoleg scent," Phantomstrike said, his fur bristling. He met his dam's gaze.
"They may not stop at that if they realize how many of us live out here." Kyemama answered.
“What else would they do?” Leafstar asked.
“Come with snares and big nets and try to catch us,” Kyemama answered, with a growl. “And if they discover there are purebred cats here. . . .”
"Will we have to find a new home for the Clans?" Ivystar asked.
"I don't know," Kyemama answered. "It depends on how hard the twolegs try and catch us all."
Yowls, meows and wails of dismay echoed under the Great tree. Phantomstrike glanced at all his siblings, parents, and Clan. At that moment Clan affiliation meant little, and the grievances many held in their hearts to air this meeting evaporated. In SkyClan’s group, Tree sat, a troubled look on his face. The mediator said nothing, and Phantomstrike eyed him for many moments. The tom
"We have to make a plan, we have to spy on the twolegs and see what they do," he suggested. "And we have to work as one Clan."
"One Clan to protect the Five," Icestar responded. “This I won’t forget, and honor Mistystar in this. RiverClan pledges to work with all of you.”
"Under Star Clan," Ivystar added.
"Let Star Clan hear us," Harestar cried.
"One Clan to protect the Five!" all the Leaders yowled to the moon. Phantomstrike and the other deputies added their voices. The wind gusted through the spring leaves, and nobody spoke or even purred, not even Gabbiflight. Fear and uncertainty flashed through Phantomstrike and he saw it in every pair of eyes, including his parents. Kyemama walked up to him.
"StarClan blessed you with intelligence, my son," she mewed. "Use it, to help us all avoid the end of the Clans."
"I, I will," Phantomstrike stammered, his long fur standing on end, as he thought, how under StarClan can I outwit twolegs?
To be continued. . .