Mellowfrost Shadowclan Warrior
Standing at the entrance of the cave, his green eyes were staring into the abyss with an unreadable expression. This was it, judgment day. Looking behind at the rest of the patrol, his gaze turned towards Airheart and nodded slightly. It was determined that the cream tabby would be his second in command, she knew the territory well. Airheart would also have competition if Desertrain showed up, but she knew that Airheart would be able to handle whatever the bengal threw at her. Letting out a soft hum, the Shadowclan tom looked back. Hawkstar would be luring Renly into the tunnels soon, it was only a matter of time.
“We don’t have enough time.” Mellowfrost said, starting to make his way into the tunnels. What did he have to lose? Everything. If Renly didn’t get taken down, his mates and kits might as well be thrown to the killer because he knew that Renly didn’t care who he killed.. It brought him satisfaction. “Everyone sticks together when he arrives, we don’t know if Desertrain is with him or he’s on his own.” He muttered, wanting to cringe at his orders. He hated this, commanding others. Soon as Mercuryrose had come back into camp, he gave his deputy title back to the molly.. He knew the Shadowclan deputy wasn’t ready after what she faced, but he knew that Mercuryrose had the love and support from her loved ones.
He also owed a debt.
Twilightstrike died from Renly the Ripper, but Twilightstrike saved his life. He owed the spirit that much. His green eyes looked back at the others before feeling a tension in the air, his breathing was relaxed for the most part. This was a matter of life and death. He knew where the hole that contained the pointed stones were at, so long as everyone worked together to lead him there.. Mellowfrost could try and push him in. It was almost time for Hawkstar to arrive with Renly, they needed to hide for the ambush. “Find somewhere to hide, it’s almost showtime.” Mellowfrost mumbled, before leaping on the rocks that were nearby and finding the highest one to crouch on.
It wasn’t until he heard a loud growl, followed by a snarl from the entrance.
A I R H E A R T
Her vision stained red, the tabby warrior gritted her teeth. She fought to keep herself on her paws and focus on the chaos erupting ahead of her. While Mellowfrost tussled with Renly, she could have sworn she caught a glimpse of someone else joining in on the brawl, but her eyes were so hazy from a combination of the blow and blood that she couldn't be sure. Frustration at her own helplessness boiled in her veins. Come on, Airheart! Pull yourself together!
She was about to force herself forward, even if it meant risking the worst of her own safety, until she felt a brush of fur against her own and a familiar scent wafted around her. The feel of Appleblossom's tongue gently rasping over her wound to ease her pain and suffering stopped her in her paws. Airheart found herself speechless for a moment, trapped in the sensation that pulled her close to the ThunderClanner's side. If it weren't for Appleblossom, Airheart was sure that she would have mindlessly charged ahead to her death.
She parted her jaws to say something, but before anything could come out of her mouth, the earth beneath their feet shook. Startled, the WindClan warrior's eyes sought safety as the walls of the tunnel began to enclose around them. "Move!" She shouted, her blue eyes desperately meeting Appleblossom's for but a heartbeat before she shoved the other warrior's side to move her towards the mouth of the tunnel. "It's not safe here, run!"
Airheart risked a glance behind her as she ran for the exit, hoping to StarClan that everyone else got out alive as well.
Desertrain
As soon as she saw that Renly was in danger, Desertrain sprang forward, the mist curling around her as she slammed into Mellowfrost, pinning him to the ground. “Renly! It’s a trap! Get out of here,”her voice urged him to go, her blue eyes reflecting her distress when she turned back to look at him. There weren’t many things that Desertrain feared, but she did fear losing Renly, and so did he fear losing her. A soft, reassuring smile appeared on her face when she caught a look of rare concern in his. “I’ll be right behind you,” she softly promised him, and once she knew he was no longer in danger, she turned her attention back to Mellowfrost, locking him in a withering glare. Admittedly, the former Windclan warrior’s lethal gaze and ferocity were at odds with her small appearance. Desertrain was around the size of an apprentice, and her lean build and delicate features made her appear more frailthan formidable. However, her unsheathed claws pressed down against his neck with exceptional force, and her whole body shook with rage.
It took all of her willpower to keep from plunging her claws into the warrior’s neck and watching his blood flow for trying to kill her mate, but that would have to wait. If she were to kill Mellowfrost, she’d want it to be a slow and painful death, and she couldn’t do that as she’d promised Renly that she would be right behind him. Leaning forward, she bared her fangs in Mellowfrost’s face, staring deeply into his eyes as she swore, “I vow to you, if you manage to see the sun again, you will never feel safe under its warmth.” Her icy gaze swirled with cold fire, and the promise that she would remember Mellowfrost and the day the clans attempted to kill her beloved hung heavily in the air. She wanted all of them to know that this was not something she’d ever forget or let go off.
With that, she turned away and fled, stopping momentarily to pull at an exposed root with her teeth. “May these tunnels be your grave!” she called out, and as she raced into the darkness, the ground trembled, causing loose dirt and pebbles to dance at their feet. Enormous rocks and chunks or earth began to fall from the ceiling, causing the ground to shake and the tunnels to roar deafeningly.
Appleblossom
Appleblossom silently prayed their wait would be over soon, being so close to the Windclan warrior became overbearing, frightened that if she was in close proximity to her any longer her heart would explode. Appleblossom needed to push the thoughts of Airheart from her mind, she needed to focus on their mission, it wasn’t just Airhearts life on the line, but her leaders and all of their friends and families. Flexing her claws, she dug into the ground beneath her paws, trying to quail the restlessness that was taking over her body.
Seeing Hawkstar round the bend, a wave of relief engulfed Appleblossom, her leader was safe. Now it was their turn on stage, Mellowfrost was their main front liner, the Shadowclan warrior had the experience to take the tom on. Just as planned the tom cats were soon fighting with tooth and claw, but what she wasnt expecting was for the large killer to turn his focus towards Airheart. Before Appleblossoms paws could even move the molly had thrown herself full force at the mountain cat. Move Appleblossom Move! Seeing the Windclan warrior fighting with Renly she froze, wanting to help her but her paws were not allowing her too.
Just as quickly as the battle with Airheart started, it was over Mellowfrost clinging to the mountain cat, ripping him away from the Windclanner. The rest of the battle field had faded from the mollys vision, the injured Airheart all she could see. Seeing the blood trickle down her sandy fur, it felt like the world had stopped. There it was again, the feeling that she always felt was pulling her to Windclan. For the first time the unexplainable urge has a meaning, giving in Appleblossom allowed the wind to drag her to Airhearts side. Her sandpaper tongue gently rasping over the Windclanners forehead, trying to clean up her red stained fur. Moving to allow the molly to lean against her, trying to help her relieve any pressure.
“I’m here now Airheart.”
Mellowfrost
Shadowclan Warrior
The cream and brown tabby was being dragged across the floor as Renly slapped his paw into Airheart’s face, his claws connecting into her cheek and ear. Renly turned his gaze towards Wisteriapaw and snarled loudly, charging at her. Mellowfrost grabbed onto the back of the mountain cat’s leg and the former deputy dug his claws from the back of his leg into the soft dirt in order to slow down the killer’s movements but failed. Mellowfrost was cursing while his belly was hitting the soft dirt and small pebbles that were underneath him. The plan wasn’t exactly going to plan as they thought. The tom needed to think quickly about his next actions before everyone would become Renly the Ripper’s new victims.
Grunting as he pulled himself into Renly’s back leg and his fangs connected into the back of the older tom’s leg. A howl of pain escaped Renly before he turned around to swipe at Mellowfrost but the warrior quickly rolled out of the way and onto his feet. Mellowfrost was breathing deeply before a smirk escaped him “Come on Renly, no turning back now eh?” He questioned before watching the gray murder’s expression. It was almost chilling to see a murder’s face so calm, yet peaceful.
Mellowfrost leaped forward and charged himself at the other tom, his shoulder connecting into Renly’s chest. It wasn’t until Mellowfrost looked back “Now!” Mellowfrost said, before head butting Renly in the chest once more. The mountain cat stumbled back before watching the group with his eyes narrowed. The mountain cat was thinking off a moment before turning around and taking off. Renly had to think carefully, he couldn’t let a group take him down. He needed to find the leader , Mellowfrost and rip him to shreds, to cause the others to flee. The cave was deep, Desertrain explained to him about this cave. The more deeper they went into, the darker it would be. Renly would be able to take them out one by one.
Allowing Mellowfrost to chase him, Renly was rubbing into the tunnels. However, he wasn’t aware of the hole that was nearby. No, it caught him off guard. Stopping to look at the hole, it wasn’t until Mellowfrost had charged into him once more and pushed him in, causing the Mountain cat to let out a grunt of surprise. Turning quickly to his front paws latching onto the cliff, his large claws digging into them. Mellowfrost dig his own claws into Renly’s paws, about to throw them out. However, suddenly a force collided into Mellowfrost that caught him off guard and caused Renly to start scrambling until he was just at the edge. A loud growl escaped him as his ember eyes connected to Desertrain and Mellowfrost fighting, his teeth bared. He needed to protect his mate.
🥀
The small gray feline hadn't anticipated in being picked to go help aide the others from the different clans to bring down the feline and his partner down that spent several moons tormenting the clan cats. Those who were unfortunate lost their lives to their paws, for what reason? Wisteriapaw couldn't tell you. At first she was honored to be picked out of the many skilled cats her clan had to offer, and the fact that Firestar had chosen her out of them meant a lot despite what was riding on the line for this.
Her life. Just shy from her warrior name ceremony the feline was just filled with utter excitement, the countless moons she had spent filling as if she had to prove herself in some way all came to this very moment. She was determined to do her absolute best, for her clan and for the one feline she was wanting to go home too. Falling short behind the former shadowclan deputy she listened silently as he gave his rather awkward order nodding slowly before she found an area to hide away until the time was near.
The moment the murderer showed his face in suit of the thunderclan leader and the mighty fall from Mellowfrost the small molly watched as she waited for the right time to come out and do her attack. Watching the tom strike Airheart in the face she couldn't help but let out a soft gasp, her tail twitching as she slowly trekked around the outskirts of the clearing not yet ready to attack just yet in case someone else was next.
A I R H E A R T
Her hackles rose the moment the monster came into view. Seeing him in the flesh really was entirely different from hearing the stories about him. In the stories, he seemed like some kind of phantom myth of a beast that you'd never actually come across, but face-to-face... He was terrifying. His sheer size was probably easily two or three of her, not to mention his bulk and the bloodthirsty terror he exuded. He wouldn't hesitate to kill them and she knew it. This mission was a matter of life and death and she needed to be on her A-game.
The moment Mellowfrost landed on the mountain cat, her mind cleared of its previous haze. Her eyes honed in on Renly with an intent focus like when she was hunting prey and her body poised in preparation to fight. Now wasn't the time for doubts or fears. Her moons of rigorous training flowed through her veins. Airheart wasn't going to be dead weight.
Mellowfrost's hiss of pain spurred her into action- no one was going to die tonight, not if she could help it. The WindClan warrior darted forward, using her smaller size and speed to her advantage to slip between Renly's range of attack. His snarls and growls of rage didn't seem to phase her, as adrenaline rushed through her veins and blurred the fear she felt previously. She came at him with furious swipes of her claws, snagging flesh wherever she could to weaken him and dissuade his assault on the ShadowClan tom.
A sudden blow to her head stopped her, the force of it winding her and nearly knocking her completely unconscious. Her vision blurred and her paws wobbled as they fought to sturdy her weight and keep her upright against the blow. Airheart gritted her teeth, defying her body's desire to completely collapse, staying on her feet by sheer will. Her vision started to turn red as blood spilled from her head but she refused to fall. She grimaced, fully aware that this blow alone could be detrimental to herself and the mission at front and that she was at the mercy of the monster ahead of her. Despite her current state, Airheart wasn't about to show The Ripper that she was vulnerable and easy picking. If she fronted readiness and willingness to fight, perhaps he would think twice about pursuing her further.
Fortunately, the finishing blow never came. She barely caught a glimpse of Mellowfrost clinging to the mountain cat, his weight and his claws dragging him back enough that Renly was unable to finish her off.
Renly The Ripper
The mountain cat was getting frustrated with Hawkstar’s movements as he was trying towards the Thunderclan leader, the smaller tom was too fast. However, Renly knew he needed to keep himself cool. One wrong move would ruin everything, his future with Desertrain had depended on it.. His love and dedication to her was more than anything. It wasn’t until multiple scents had entered his nose as the tom entered the cave, blinking to adjust to the darkness. There it was, his sacrifices.. Just as the leaders promised him.
Desertrain was nearby, but he wasn’t going to let it be known.
A loud growl came out of the dark gray mountain cat, his claws coming out and digging into the ground. At first, he couldn’t see anyone. His eyebrows were furrowed for a moment, where did the felines go? Letting out a small snort, Renly began moving more into the cave. However his ears perked up to hear some paws scrambling off a ledge and Mellowfrost suddenly crashed into the large mountain cat. The cream and brown tabby tom sinked his teeth into the tom’s ear and pulled back to which Renly let out a howl of pain before suddenly falling to the ground and rolled over, causing Mellowfrost to become crushed between the serial killer and the ground.
Mellowfrost hissed in pain before releasing the mountain cat. The mountain cat’s gaze turned to see Airheart, his teeth baring into a loud snarl before lunging forward towards the Windclan warrior. However Mellowfrost had sunk his claws into the mountain cat’s hindleg and was being dragged along with the other tom.
Goosethroat
Riverclan Senior Warrior
The older tom was fine with not being the one to lead the patrol, he was fully capable of stepping back and letting the youngsters take control, but he couldn't help wondering what the other leaders were thinking sending such new warriors and even an apprentice to trap such a violent and cruel cat. Goosethroat knew he needed to keep an eye on them all, even if they didn't want to admit it.
He would much rather he die protecting Riverclan instead of a warrior or apprentice with their entire life ahead of them.
Glancing around his compaions' hiding spots, he waited anxiously for the signal. What if this all went horribly, horribly wrong?
Lungs burning, legs pumping away long beyond their pain limits, the forest passed him in a wall of green.
Hawkstar had been running for what felt like forever. He knew, of course, that it had only been a few minutes. But the sting of his wounds and the painful expulsion of breath slowed time to a crawl in his mind. It did not help, either, that his pursuant was unflagging in his chase. One of Renly’s bounds equaled two of his own. Small size was a boon in close combat, but not in outright pursuit. Hawkstar compensated by zig-sagging, forcing Renly to change course several times and at a delayed rate compared to Hawkstar’s. This is why I’d be a piss-poor WindClan cat, he thought desperately as he vaulted high over a moss-eaten log.
He skirted the edge of a course thicket, nearly spinning out of control but managing just barely to stay on his paws as the destination came into view. Not long now. Though he could not see them, Hawkstar knew the patrol of skilled, hand-selected warriors lay in wait for Renly. A smirk crawled up his jaw at the thought of surprise on the ugly bastard’s face.
Darkness swallowed them both as Hawkstar bid the sun a last farewell, briefly wondering if it was truly for the last time. Just as they rounded the bend into the tunnel itself, he threw himself sideways to lay in a shallow scoop of earth behind some roots. Here he could catch his breath while the patrol took over.
“StarClan guide them.” He gasped between heaving breaths.
Appleblossom
Being chosen by Hawkstar was an honor, the leader knew Appleblossom would be able to handle her own in a fight but was sensible enough to not engage in a losing battle unlike some other warriors. Gathering with the others, their roster of warriors was sure to handle anything thrown their way, the only thing she couldn't agree with was using her leader as bait, granted Hawkstars big mouth was part of the reason he was the best pick for the job.
Approaching their intended location, she found herself unable to look away from the Windclan warrior, trying to figure out why out of all the power houses in Windclan they choose Airheart. Appleblossom spent so much time seeing the windclanner at the border but now being able to openly walk side by side with Airheart, it felt suffocating. Focus Apple. Now wasn’t the time to be focused on Airheart, all her focus had to be on Renly.
It was time, Hawkstar would be bringing their target towards them any second now, she needed to be on the lookout for him he was her leader. Her eyes glared at the tall Windclan feline, “What was Windclan thinking, sending you was a mistake…stupid.” Her words becoming a low growl meant just for Airheart. Leaving the molly, Appleblossom retreated to her spot.
A I R H E A R T
She kept pace with Mellowfrost's flank as she led the patrol through the moors and towards the cave where they planned to trap The Ripper. Admittedly, when she began her day, she didn't expect to be fulfilling such an important role for her Clan. When her father came up to her and requested that she assist in taking down the tom who was terrorizing the Clans, it added to the weight of pressure she constantly felt on her shoulders- the pressure to succeed. Airheart regularly felt the expectations of others and today was no different. Today, she was expected to perform.
When Mellowfrost spoke, she nodded in agreement. The brown tom was her elder, a respected warrior in his Clan who had once been his leader's right-hand man and he was in charge of today's mission. He laid down the rules and she was here to help ensure that his orders were fulfilled. Everyone sticks together, huh? She had half the mind to risk a glance over her shoulder, where Appleblossom's ever present occupancy burned into the back of her mind. However, being distracted right now was not an option. Airheart needed to focus on Renly and whatever threats he brought with him, not worry about Appleblossom.
Once they reached the tunnels, it was like the cloud that hung on her cleared and her focus was entirely honed in on the task at hand. Her eyes narrowed as they adjusted to the darkness and she readied herself for the worst. The stink of death crept upon them and the growl of the beast echoed. Airheart crouched behind the stones of the cave, prepared for what was to come.