The Last Hope

“Where do you think the Dark Forest will attack first?” Mistystar asked.

Lionblaze shrugged. “It could be anywhere or everywhere at once.”

“Patrols must move through all the territories night and day,” Onestar suggested. “There must be no borders to block their way.”

Blackstar’s eyes glittered. “Enemy patrols moving freely through my territory?”

“We’re not enemies now,” Firestar reminded him. “I suggest there be one patrol in each territory made up of warriors from all four Clans. I’ll send three warriors to each of your camps at dusk.”

Mistystar stiffened. “So soon?”

“We must be prepared,” Firestar insisted. “Will you each send three warriors to ThunderClan?”

Dovewing watched the leaders nod, their gaze shadowed. She felt cold to the bone.

“How do we know which cats we can trust?” Onestar narrowed his eyes. “Harespring keeps coming home with unexplained injuries.”

“Troutstream has been bad-tempered lately,” Mistystar admitted.

Onestar glared at her. “I don’t want your traitors on my territory!”

“And I don’t want your traitors on RiverClan land,” Mistystar spat.

“We don’t know that they are traitors!” Dovewing exclaimed. “We should be concentrating on the battle, not trying to guess who our enemies are.”

Blackstar frowned. “But what if they tell our plans to their Dark Forest allies?”

“It’s a risk we have to take,” Firestar growled. “We must trust that enough Clan cats remain loyal to make our plans work.” He began to pace. “Battle patrols must focus on protecting the camps of each Clan. Each camp must be defended by warriors from all four Clans. We must keep our kits and elders safe.”

Onestar flexed his claws. “Once the camps are secure, then the patrol must draw the attackers away.”

“We’ll need messengers,” Blackstar added. “To share news or offer reinforcement.”

“The swiftest two cats from each Clan will be messengers,” Firestar decided.

Onestar circled the ThunderClan leader. “They must swear not to be drawn into battle. They must only carry news. I don’t want a camp lost because help doesn’t arrive in time.”

Blackstar nodded. “Agreed.”

“Good.” Firestar turned and stared through the trees, across the water. “Go home,” he growled. “Prepare for battle. It will strike everywhere at once, but remember that we are fighting together. Not alone.”

As he spoke, Dovewing saw the ferns at the far side of the clearing move. She froze as she spotted a pair of green eyes flash. Tigerheart? As Blackstar, Mistystar, and Onestar headed into the long grass, she glanced nervously at Firestar.

“Come on.” The ThunderClan leader began to pad after Onestar. Lionblaze fell in beside him and Jayfeather followed, his eyes glazed with tiredness.

“I’ll catch up!” Dovewing called.

As her Clanmates disappeared into the grass, she hared across the clearing and dived into the ferns. Tigerheart backed away, his eyes wide.

“What are you doing here?” Dovewing demanded.

“Did you really hear all the way to the Dark Forest?” Tigerheart’s mew was barely a whisper.

“You know I did!” There wasn’t time to explain. “I’ve told you about this before.” Anger surged through her. He wasn’t supposed to be here. Didn’t he ever follow rules? Or take anything seriously?

“But I’ve never actually seen you use your powers.” Tigerheart blinked. “It was great!” He moved closer, thrusting his muzzle toward her cheek.

Dovewing jerked away. “What are you doing?”

“What I always do!” Tigerheart protested. “What’s the matter? Nothing’s changed between us, has it?”

Doesn’t he realize the Clans are on the verge of being destroyed? Or is he here to spy for the Dark Forest?

“I don’t know.” Dovewing’s paws pricked.

“We can have one more night together, can’t we?” Tigerheart pleaded.

“No, we can’t.” Pain stabbed at Dovewing’s chest. “I have to concentrate on the prophecy! There’s a battle coming.” A lump rose in her throat. “I don’t know who to trust anymore!”

Tigerheart shot to her side, pressing close. “You can always trust me.” The warm scent of him made her shake. “I love you!” he breathed.

Dovewing wrenched herself away. “This isn’t the time.” She shook her head. “I have a battle to fight.” She met his gaze. “So do you.”

“What about afterward?” he murmured.

“There will be four Clans again.” Dovewing shut her eyes tight. “You’ll belong to ShadowClan and I’ll belong to ThunderClan, and… and maybe that’s how it should be.”

Tigerheart stabbed the earth with his claws. “You can give me up so easily?”

Dovewing shook her head. “There’s nothing easy about this,” she hissed. “How can you be more worried about us, with everything that’s going on? You know what’s happening better than most cats!” It was as if she was looking at him for the first time: a ShadowClan cat, and a Dark Forest warrior. A cat who thought her powers were cool, but had no idea how important the prophecy was. What am I doing?