Crippling Ice: Waiting to Die

Such lovely suspense.

Chapter 1- Ambush- Nightsong
“Over here. Thistletail! Right here!” Nightsong sighed. Thistletail wasn’t that great at listening. The rest of the cats were squeezing into the bush, but Thistletail just stood in the clearing, stumbling around muttering.

“Guys? Where’d you go?” Thistletail looked around.

Nightsong stuck her head out of the bush. “We’re right here, mouse-brain! You’re wasting time!” Thistletail turned towards her and squeezed in. “See that tree, that’s where they’re holding the cats. We have to go now.” They other four looked at her and nodded. “On my signal, we attack. Spread to bushes around the tree, and when I jump out, wait until Iceleaf- the white one- sees me, then attack.” The cats dispersed.

Nightsong jumped out and ran to the tree, where, sure enough, she found an opening with four cats inside. Iceleaf, Leopardspot, Fireclaw, and... Where’s Skypaw? Nightsong looked closer. It was hard to see in the darkness. Leopardspot had an injured leg, Fireclaw was standing protectively over her, but he was staring in horror at Iceleaf. Nightsong followed his gaze and saw Iceleaf, poised to strike at Skypaw’s throat. She saw Leopardspot look up, then croak: “Nightsong…” Fireclaw looked up, as did Iceleaf, and stared at her. Nightsong bared her teeth and hissed at Iceleaf.

“Don’t attack her, or she’ll kill Skypaw!” Fireclaw warned.

“And if she doesn’t move, I’ll kill her.” A voice echoed from behind them. Nightsong spun around and faced Longclaw.