To Safety [P6]

Sprinting for safety, the defeated SkyClan cats head towards ThunderClan. Perhaps they would be kind. Maybe Lionstar would give them shelter. But even so, all hope was lost. Those rogues were not ordinary; they were trained murderers. SkyClan would only be the beginning of their conquests. The only things that survived were the cats themselves and all the herbs they could carry. And as the days grew shorter and colder, it's difficult enough to support one Clan. But two? The aromatic smell of the thick ThunderClan woods filled the noses and penetrated the coats of all the SkyClan cats as they crossed the border.

Kestrelflight panted as they reached the border. She had no scratches, and a few mere leaves of herbs she had hurriedly collected from the store. She couldn't smell much of anything with the herbs in her mouth, so she dropped them, and looked around.

Mosspelt had been on a border patrol when he saw the SkyClan medicine cat "Why are you in ThunderClan territory Kestrelflight?" he asked running over to the panting cat.

Silentfeather appeared quickly after Kestrelflight and mewed, breathing heavily "We were attacked by rogues."

” Yes, and erm, well, all but me are injured.” she said softly to the ground.

Flamestar ran up behind them. "Silentfeather! Kestrelflight!" He breathed in relief.

He stepped in front of them to face Mosspelt. "This may seem sudden, but we'd appreciate it if you let us stay in Thunderclan for just a while. Our camp was raided by these rogues, and I promise you they weren't normal. They chased us out, though I hate to admit it." He explained quickly. "We aren't exactly friendly with Shadowclan, so this was the only place we could go. Is Lionstar around?"

"Right here."

The large tom looked a bit bigger close up, what with all his long fur. Another reason why he never looked cold. "So rogues attacked Skyclan camp, and you expect us to look after you during a harsh leaf-bare when it's hard enough for all the clans to look after themselves let alone a whole second clan?" He remarked calmly. He didn't look angry, despite his stinging words.

Then he chuckled suddenly. "Now what happened to proud old Flamestar who always seemed to have abundant prey and plentiful warriors?" Lionstar huffed in amusement, ignoring any sparks of anger that might have come from the opposite clan. "Nonetheless, you may stay with us, as long as your warriors hunt their own prey."

The leader didn't say why he let them stay, just flicked his gaze at Mosspelt, the deputy. "Mosspelt, look around in case there are other Skyclan cats strolling on the territory. If you see any, show them to camp. I'll lead these three to safety. Oh and Flamestar," He added quickly, looking at the Skyclan leader. "You're leader of Skyclan, yes, but remember you're on our territory, and we're letting you stay in our camp. I'm not saying you have to obey Thunderclan's every command, and I will always look to your opinion on bigger things involving Skyclan, but watch what you say is all I'm saying." He warned, beginning to pad away. "For example, I'm telling you to follow me now, since I know the way to camp."

It was a little funny. Lionstar was purposely shaming them by acting like they were apprentices, though still giving them shelter. He still didn't say why he was helping them, but it would become obvious later when they were in camp.

Mosspelt nodded and dipped his head to the SkyClan cats and disappeared through the bushes

Silentfeather nodded, and followed Lionstar to ThunderClan's camp.

Flamestar growled slightly, but it was probably deserved. He shouldn't have let his clan fall to those fox-hearted rogues.

But he kept silent afterwards and followed Lionstar, head high as if to show he was still able to lead his clan to victory. He wasn't going to show weakness now.

Icestream watched in the shadows as he'd been missing for the whole time. He didn't dare to get spotted by anyone. Icestream was "missing" for all that time he should have spilled blood with the rest.

” Icestream?” called Kestrelflight, smelling his scent. ” Come on, let's join our clan!” Kestrelflight called soothingly into the bushes.

Icestream growled. "How can I?" He asked, going on. "How can I join them when I've done nothing for them?" The words were strong, and heavy

Kestrelflight followed the voice until she was right over him. "Icestream, I stood there, right in the middle of camp, watching Flamestar fight and lose a life. Watching my mentor, with an injured leg, almost get killed. Right in front of me and I did nothing. You can't change the past, Icestream, but you can change the future. Even though I did not fight then I can fight now by going and healing them. You can help them now by hunting. But first, you have to come to camp with me. Come Icestream." Kestrelflight looked around until she was right in his ear. It would be impossible for any other cat to hear her that was not Icestream. "And, you have to come with me, because I love you."

Icestream looked at her and smiled, "Okay. I will go." He said stepping out of the bushes.