The Final Showdown (Closed for those on the battle roster)

OCC: https://docs.google.com/document/d/16B2YR0e1ZGRdUIVNriNw8FGmq1VD-d-Q04ZU-9eR8cw/edit
I will do my best to keep up with this. Keep in mind no one knows Wolffang joined Bear. And remember kids: Bear is off limits. Otherwise, have at it once this starts :D

The sun hadn't quite risen yet. The horizon was streaked with mild tones of orange and a slowly dying, navy blue. It would probably still be morning when everything went down. Flamestrike had been eager to make it to Fourtrees with Venompaw at his heels. The apprentice had been eager for battle. After everything that happened with her fighting in camp, he assumed she needed it. Unsurprisingly, they were the first. However, the flame orange tom expected others would arrive yet. His claws kneaded the ground eagerly. It would be his first official battle. While he was not particularly keen on fighting, Flamestrike was filled with anger at the prospect of the horrendous rogue. That was reason enough to fight. Soon, the monster would be gone and the clan cats would be freed. Life in the forest could return to normal.

"Greetings," The Shadowclan warrior was broken out of his thoughts as Rippedsky padded up with another Skyclan cat. The two dipped their heads in a respectful greeting, acknowledging the moment of peace. Sadly, it was nothing good that brought them together tonight. There was silence as they waited for the rest to arrive. Despite the common goals, the fact they would be fighting side-by-side did not make them friends.

The Skyclan deputy's fur bristled against the chill of the morning. More than likely, it would heat up as the sun rose. However, the cold brought along a sense of foreboding that matched the tone of the morning. It was very possible that today would bring death. Lives would be lost for the sake of saving others. Rippedsky had barely been deputy for more than what felt like a few moments. Now, he and the Thunderclan deputy would help to lead cats in what would likely be a bloody battle against rogues. What a way to start... He sighed out loud, looking up into the painted sky. No matter what darkness the rising sun may bring, there was a hope that Rippedsky would be bringing back his family alive. He waited in silence for the rest of the patrol to arrive. Soon, they would set off to what would be a long morning.

His face set with a look of grim determination, Leopardpaw padded up to join the three other waiting cats, nodding respectfully to them as he sat down nearby. From whispers at Gatherings, he could recognize the two ShadowClan cats as Flamestrike and Venompaw, and the SkyClan tom as Rippedsky. The patched tom he felt the most sympathy for; Bear had both captured cats that they deeply cared for. Meeting his gaze, the spotted golden tom meowed in a tense voice; "The rest of the ThunderClan representatives should be here shortly." Taking a deep breath, he sent a silent prayer up to StarClan; Grasswhisker, give me strength and guidance; I'm gonna need it.

Oceanlight padded in. She had a bunch of herbs in her mouth wrapped in beech leaves, cobwebs, poppy seeds, and other healing herbs. She carried multiple bundles. "These are for serious wounds, only serious wounds." she murmured to herself. She looked up into the blue-orange sky. "Acornheather, past medicine cats of SkyClan, give me the strength and will to heal the badly injured in this fight. Me, and all cats coming are fighting for the safety of the clans. Please. Give them the strength to fight." she  whispered.


Snowstorm walked in, the sunlight turning her paws amber. She looked at the others, waiting for the other cats to come.

Moonlight padded in right behind Rippedsky, clearly nervous and disappointed to see that not everyone was there already. If it wasn’t because she had been strictly forbidden to do so, she would’ve gone to the Abandoned Barn on her own several sunrises ago and fought all the rogues until she either rescued her daughter or died in her attempt to do so. She couldn’t stop thinking on what they could had been doing to her and her kits during the time they had been held hostage, and after what happened to the ThuderClan apprentice not long ago her already somewhat pessimistic thoughts had only taken a turn for the worst.

Taking a deep breath in an attempt to keep herself somewhat calm, she sat near the newly named deputy and gave a polite greeting to the ShadowClan cats that were already there. Even if they were in this together, the meeting was far from feeling comforting or even friendly at all. Tension reigned over them, and she was just grateful that it wasn’t directed to each other this time. The last thing they needed was a fight between those supposed to rescue their missing clanmates.

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Walking rather quickly, Blizzardshine padded towards the accorded meeting place, the unusual serious expression that had been seen on her face since the gathering still there. Her gaze almost immediately landed on Leopardpaw, who had gone ahead of the rest of the group. She was aware that bringing an apprentice instead of a warrior to this fight would be risky, but she could understand that nothing in this world would stop Leopardpaw to come with them, with or without her and Darkstar’s approval, and she considered that I would be better to bring him over and protect him during the battle than having him appear out of nowhere and risk him to get killed.

She sat at Leopardpaw’s side, but instead of the expected scolding she could give him for not waiting for her, she just looked at him silently with an understanding gaze before focusing on the cats from ShadowClan and SkyClan “Greetings” Her usually optimistic mind turning dark as one question rushed through it How many of us will return home once the battle’s over?

She quickly tried to shake off the feeling of dread that came with it. If she could do something about it, all the cats that would leave that day would return home with nothing more than a couple of scratches, even if that meant putting her own life on the line and regardless of the clan. She wasn’t a stranger to the feeling of grief that came by losing those you love, not after losing both parents, all of her siblings and more friends she would like to admit, and she didn’t want anyone else to have to go through this, especially if it was because a fox hearted rogue killed their loved ones.

The sky had been painted with many various navy and gold tones, colors that made her fur prickle with a rather childish sense of delight- perhaps if the morning sky had been stained with the foreboding hues of reds and oranges, Brindlewhisker would of been more unsettled. But as she raced out across the slowly-greening moor that morning, gazing up at the rapidly paling sky, she couldn't be more reassured in Starclan's approval of the impending battle- the rather beautiful sky alone was proof enough in her opinion. 'That flea-bitten, runaway kittypet doesn't stand a chance! He barely held his own against me, so we'll see how much he enjoys dealing with warriors from all the Clans!' The thought that ricocheted within Brindlewhisker's mind put extra speed in her paws as she easily leaped a shallow gully before continuing to plunge through the heather and towards the imposing trees that rimmed the sacred meeting place. The soft, cool early morning breeze that whipped the still dew-crested moorland filled the she-cat a sense of satisfaction as she plunged down the steep shelf that encased the Fourtrees hollow towards the small crowd.

"Greetings," The heavily-scarred she-cat meowed as she skidded to a halt, dipping her head politely to the assembled cats, "The rest of Windclan sends their regards." Brindlewhisker continued, voice civil as she continued with the formalities. Gustpuddle and Hollowfang hadn't been far behind, last time she checked, but she had gone ahead nonetheless- she was the eldest of the Windclan representatives and tardiness wasn't appreciated on her behalf. Despite Gustpuddle and Hollowfang's inexperience on the battle front and their dillydallying behavior, Brindlewhisker was still glad to be fighting alongside both her kin and former apprentice. 'We're definitely not the largest patrol here, but I wouldn't have anyone else alongside me.' The Windclan warrior reflected, twisting her head around to snatch a brief glance at the ridge that Windclan always used to enter Fourtrees, her pale blue eyes scanning the ridge for any signs of her Clanmates.

Brindlewhisker continued to stare out towards the still relatively shadowy moorland, her still rather sore claws escaping their sheathes as she did so. Between her battle with dogs and her previous swaray with Bear, it seemed as if her poor claws were always being wrenched in someway or another. Soon warriors from all five Clans would begin their journey to hunt down the over-zealous rogue Bear and they would finally free all of the various Clan cats and rogues who were suffering under his incompetent, mock 'leadership'. 'I'll also make sure that the mousebrained Rogue can do nothing else but crawl off to die after I'm done with him. For Rockthorn and Sprucethorn.' She promised herself, the freshly-healed scars that slunk across the left side of her face itching as she did so. "It's a good day for a battle." She mewed, tone a bit more somber as she finally managed to pry her gaze away from the territory she resided in and back towards the assembled group of cats, her tail swaying confidently as she observed the other Clan cats.

Snowstorm blinked at Brindlewhisker. The WindClan warrior was right, it was a good day for a battle. Her eyes looked down at her paws colored amber by the morning sky. The color and warm feeling reminded her of when she was walking away from a battle. She looked back up. "If StarClan approves, any day is a good day for a battle." she agreed.

Ooc sorry for just an ooc post but for those inside the barn do we wait?

Cherrymist sat curled in her nest, breathing softly, her white belly raising and falling in rythm. The white blind queen slept with both of her kits snuggled at her side, occasionaly swishing her fluffy tail over their heads. Ratkit was still dizzy and unwell after her fight with Blurrykit, whereas the tomkit's wounds were close to healing well. They were lucky with Pepper and Bat to patch everybody up. A slight nightmare shook her out of her sleep, so she lay awake, her eyes closed but her senses keen. She could hear soft murmurs from outside, but she passed them as other rogues. Ratkit agitated besides her, and her mother pressed her wet nose against her rebellious gray pelt. She was already getting larger, but Cherrymist held her close every night, fearing for her and Blurrykit.

Hollowfang padded just a little bit behind Brindlewhisker, alongside his new mate, Gustpuddle. Honestly, he hadn't wanted her to come after he heard news of her pregnancy. But he couldn't force her to stay. The tom was most certainly worried about her and the unborn kits.

He sheathed and unsheathed his claws as he walked, soon catching up to his former mentor. He nodded as she spoke. He was quiet today, sending protective glanced over to Gustpuddle, probably very noticibly.

As silent as snowfall, Tawnystorm padded into the barn, a stern and grim expression on her face. The final showdown, she supposed. To put an end to this madness, that was her job today. She'd been chosen by Fishstar for a reason, after all, the clan's most senior, experienced warrior and one of the strongest. If there was anyone who could take down Bear, it was her. She'd do her duty for RiverClan, and for StarClan. "How many are we waiting on?" she said, her authoritive voice demanding an answer. "You all know why you're here, and that's to get rid of a certain menace once and for all. We're putting aside our differences to get rid of the common evil that threatens us all - and I expect teamwork. You were chosen to do this for a reason, after all, and I'm not taking excuses."

OCC: even though not everyone is posted, all the clans are represented, so we will move on and people can jump in. Sombra: is Tawny a senior or experienced warrior? ALSO, to whoever added the final countdown- i'm crying XD

Thankfully, all of the groups had assembled very quickly. The Shadowclan and Skyclan patrols had not been there for long before they were joined by the rest of the clans. Rippedsky dipped his head to each one as they arrived. He was grateful for their willingness to come. Every clan had been affected by Bear, and now they would stand together to eradicate him. Thoughts of his mate hiding in the corner of the abandoned barn with their kits plagued his mind, as it had for the past few moons. Adrenaline began to course through his veins. The deputy had settled down briefly to wit for the others, but now he was up on all four paws, ready to go.

"Tawnystorm is right," Rippedsky agreed, thanking Starclan he had remembered the Riverclan warrior's name. He echoed her authoritative tone, feeling his position fully for the first time since the ceremony. Even if these were his cats, this was his mission, "Today, we work as one, take down this rogue, and get our cats back!" There did not seem to be much animosity among their patrol, but with the clans constantly at each other's throats, it was a good reminder. The black and white tom turned in the direction of the abandoned barn. His tail flicked as a silent command for the others to follow. With a silent snarl, his claws scored the soft ground as he walked. No more time would be wasted standing around while this menace had his family.

***

Flamestrike followed along silently. With the deputies and older warriors leading the patrol, he felt like any input was unnecessary. Beside, he was typically a quiet cat anyways. Thank Starclan... He thought with a sigh of relief as he noticed that none of his friends from the other clans were there. Battling would be easier since he didn't have to worry about keeping his clanmates safe. However, he vowed to keep an eye on Venompaw. While she had spirit, the she-cat was still young. But together, with the help of the other clans, they would accomplish their mission. The main cat Flamestike was fighting for tonight was Honeydrop. He would bring back the sweet medicine cat from Bear's clutches. After everything with Wolffang, and now this, she did not deserve the stress.

As they padded towards the barn his heart raced. Everything seemed more real once the somewhat decaying old structure came into view. It was then his heart stopped. Inside were cats that had been stolen for moons. This had been their prison. A shudder ran through the orange tom and set his fur on end. The cruelty of this rogue constantly shocked him. Before he had simply known of it, but now it seemed more real. His green eyes flickered with hints of worry, but he trudged on alongside the rest of the group. The battle was about to begin.

***

"They're coming!" Wolffang had rushed into the barn as soon as she smelled clan. Normally, she would not have been worried; Bear could handle most things. However, the scent of all five clans had hit her nose and fear crept in. Once she was on the ledge, her yowl broke through the silence. Quickly, she nudged Barkkit and Redkit into a high and sheltered corner. They'll never take my children, She decided silently with a hiss. She cast a glance over the assembled cats. Despite all of her flaws with clan life, the former warrior still firmly believed in Starclan. A silent prayer went up to the warrior ancestors as she unsheathed her claws and prepared for the impending battle.

Bear's ear pricked with interest at his mates yowl. There was a brief moment of anxiety that hit him. The rogue leader had not expected them so soon. But he did not let that hold him back. Instantly the battle-scarred tom was shouting out orders. All of the youngest kits would be sheltered in the loft of the barn. Older kits would be allowed to fight. That pretty much only excluded his kits. The rest already had some battle experience. His claws left deep scuffs in the floor and he rushed around through the barn, attempting to prepare his cats.

"Everyone! This is a battle we will not lose! We fight as one! This will be the first victory of many!" He yowled gruffly. As soon as he finished, the tom slipped out of the entrance to meet their guests. He couldn't quite seen them yet, but his nose wrinkled up at their clan stench. As he waited, Bear clawed at the ground anxiously.

"Have you come to surrender?" He snarled to the unseen threat. Behind him, Bear could feel the presence of his own cat. If it came to it, battle could explode almost instantly.

Pepper laid in the grass, letting her son practice his moves on her. No claws of course. She smiled as Diesel got a move right. "See? I told you you'd get it, you just needed some balance." The she-cat watched him run circles and chuckled. Pepper glanced at the squirrel she had brought, knowing that he'd get hungry but would hide it if it meant not playing anymore.

Diesel rolled in the growing grass, the moor had the best view, sweeping hills and bright blue skies. When he was leader, this was the first place he wanted to get for the rouges. He jumped up and trotted to his mother, nuzzling her soft neck fur. He smiled, "I can't wait until I'm old enough to hunt rabbits, Dad said they're the best kind of prey. They're bigger than most prey and only the fastest and smartest catch them." He said with a purr, glancing into the barn where his father was dozing off. Bat was always working on something, hunting, gathering herbs, nest supply. His mother was busy with all the kits and their training wounds and sorting out herbs everyday for ineffective ones. He was sure he'd learn plenty from them, all the more for him to teach when he was leader, Bear's group would thrive even more when he was leader. The kit was in no hurry for the need to take his place.

Pepper's eyes flashed with fear suddenly when Wolffang yowled in warning. "Diesel, hurry and get inside okay?" She said in a hushed voice.

"But why? What's going on!" The kit shot up, fur spiking, he heard Bear and then looked at his mother with a conflicted look. "I have to help! It's my job." With that, he raced over to Bear.

"Diesel, you can't fight! You're too young, too small.." He was already gone, beside his idol.She smelled familiar scents, Blizardshine, the apprentice that congratulated her when she had kits, she was kind later on as well, was this a mission to drive them out or just get their cats back? Pepper knew the answer already. "Not again, not again, not again!" She rambled on, "we'll starve, we'll die. We'll starve, we'll die." The last time this happened, she was a kit, betrayed by the cats she called family. The she-cat peered down at the moor before quickly dragging herself into the barn.

Bat stood,cutting his rest short. Seeing his levelheaded mate rambling made him growl. "Just stay by the herbs, I wish you could shelter in the loft but, you can't climb.. I won't let them kill us, I promise. Just.. just stay near the walls." He nuzzled her and passed her to stand with Bear. "I hope you're ready.." he said grimly before glancing at his son by Bear's paws.

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Cherrymist jolted up, fur raised as soon as the rogue leadet called out to his prisoners. The white queen wasn't going to fight for him, so instead, as soon as other cats filled towards the entrance to defend themselves, Cherrymist hid in one of the dark corners of the barn. She couldn't make out the scents of Ratkit and Blurrykit, but didn't call out for them. The blind cat was confident that under the training of Bear, her kits woukd at least know how to defend themselves. "StarClan guard us..." she murmured, wondering whether Pansyface had went to check with the other rogues who was coming for them.

~~

Ratkit had almost fallen asleep when Bear called, but excitement for her first fight gave her energy to leave her mother's side annd follow the brown tomcat. She saw Cherrymist retreating in the shadows, and her stomach turned upside down with worry. Why was she hiding? The gray she-cat pushed forward by the entrance, where new scents met her nose. She rush of new made her even more excited about any upcoming battle. Maybe, if she fought hard enough, Bear would promote her! She tried to forget the dizzyness in her head as she focused on the enemy.

Stillpaw blinked her eyes looking up. The lame pawed she cat caught the scent before she heard bear. Though with her having to always avoid Bear and not knowing how to fight the she cat pinned her ginger ears back and carefully got up. She had only been sheer amusement for bear with her stumbling and not only that but the actualdefinitioj of a hostage. Quietly and to the best of her ability she stumbled through the darkest part of the barn and came to settle in a corner.