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The first part of ShineClan's plan had been a success, surrounding the enemy's camp in the night as they slept and waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Frostclaw flexed his claws in the dirt as he surveyed their opponents. There weren't too many of them but Frostclaw knew magic could tip the scales in a heartbeat. It didn't have to be a powerful type of magic, a skilled cat could be much more dangerous no matter what kind of magic they possessed.
The gray tabby assumed the large ginger cat might be the one in charge. They held themselves proudly, chest puffed out and almost looking bored, as if they believed the outcome of the battle was already decided. Two cats flanked the ginger, one white with black patches and the other also ginger, though this one had tabby markings. A brown tabby and the cream-furred cat that had attacked Thymefur were standing close together, growling low in their throat.
From the corner of his eye, Frostclaw noticed that Spidereye's gaze was fixed on one particular spot, this must be where the invisible cat was. Spidereye would handle that one, Frostclaw knew, confident in his Clanmate's abilities.
The deputy looked up sharply as the long-haired ginger cat stepped forwards.
"Greetings, my name is Tangle, he/him. I believe you are here for a certain calico?" His voice was kept carefully neutral but Frostclaw could see the displeasure in his eyes. This was clearly not what he had expected.
He lashed his tail from side to side, nodding towards the cats that flanked him. "This is Wolf, my son." The other ginger cat gave a curt nod. "And my daughter, Dawn." The she-cat bared her teeth.
"My name is Bluebell, she/her." The cream-furred she-cat piped up before Tangle could say anymore and he gave her a disapproving look. This did not seem to bother her in the slightest.
"The cat beside her is Nettle, they/them." Curiously, nothing was said about the invisible cat nor the scrappy looking one standing beside Mosspaw. Was that cat supposed to be guarding the apprentice? Though Mosspaw aerself did not seem scared at all.
Now that Frostclaw looked closer, the calico did not appear to be hurt and it send a bolt of relief through him.
The tabby turned his face towards Tangle, "return Mosspaw and there will be no need to fight." The Clan wasn't expecting such a demand to work but they still had to try.
As predicted, Tangle was not keen on the idea. "I have a better idea, how about you show us if you really want aer back!"
He launched himself at Frostclaw, grunting when the deputy side-stepped at the last moment and causing the ginger tom to fall face first in the dirt. A few cats snickered, including Bluebell, who was supposed to be on Tangle's side. They didn't have time for laughter though as Tangle immediately called for his cats to attack and they didn't waste a single moment.
Frostclaw only had a split second to watch as Spidereye raced after what must be the invisible cat before Tangle was upon him again.
Ice spread out over the deputy's body, protecting the most vulnerable areas from the other's claws as he was pushed to the ground. Tangle growled, scraping at the ice in vain. He didn't notice Frostclaw's movements before it was too late, the tabby kicking his hindlegs straight into the ginger tom's stomach.
He staggered away from Frostclaw, giving the warrior enough time to slip away and charge at Bluebell instead, who was standing over Minnowfin with her claw raised high into the air, poised to strike.
The gray she-cat did not move to defend herself, staying unnaturally still. But even from this distance Frostclaw could see the panic in her eyes and he forced himself to run faster. Knocking into the cream-furred she-cat and slamming them both to the ground. Furious dark blue eyes turned to him and he felt his muscles locking up.
Minnowfin, who had regained her ability to move, yelled out a warning: "Watch out Frostclaw, if she looks at you she can stop you from moving!"
Yeah, unfortunately he's already figured that one out for himself.
Luckily, it seems that Bluebell's magic only works on one target, as Minnowfin shoulders herself in between her and the deputy, shielding him from the she-cat's gaze.
Realizing that this isn't ideal, the feline tries to turn and run, Minnowfin racing after her and shouting the same warning from earlier to any cat that crosses her path.
Frostclaw's eyes flick around the battlefield, assessing who needs his help the most.
Sunspark seems to be fighting Dawn alone, electricity sparking over both cats' pelts. It might not be a good idea to get inbetween those two...
Several warriors are attempting to fight back against Wolf, though the ginger tabby doesn't look very strong, attacks seem to just, bounce off of him. Frostclaw winces as Robinheart takes a swipe, only to yowl in pain when Wolf quickly turns to bite at the warrior's leg, teeth digging in deep.
He might not have to worry though as the pained sounds of their Clanmate causes the other warriors to renew their efforts.
He snaps his head up at another yowl, this time from Cloverpetal. The Tortoiseshell is backed up against the trees, growling at Nettle. She's bleeding steadily from a gash on her shoulder.
With a snarl, Frostclaw leaps at the brown tabby, intending to shove them away from Cloverpetal. He's so focused on Nettle that he doesn't notice Tangle having caught up with him, feeling dizzy as the large tom smacks him against a nearby tree. He doesn't have time to create another protective layer of ice, sharp claws digging into his back.
He hears Cloverpetal shout his name and tries to twist in Tangle's grip as the she-cat's voice cuts off, also having been slammed against a tree by Nettle.
His ears prick up as Tangle chuckles above him, forcing him to look at the fighting cats again. Wolf is surrounded by injured cats, still barely hurt himself, though Frostclaw notes with satisfaction that someone definitely got him good across the nose.
Despite Minnowfin's warning, Bluebell looks to be mostly fine, though still being chased by the gray she-cat. The cream-furred feline attacking anyone in her way.
Dread begins to snake its way into his heart as he realizes ShineClan seems to be losing.
A spot of hope flares up among the fear when he sees Hollystar approaching, the leader's head is held high, red eyes staring at Tangle.
"Step away from my deputy or you'll be the one smacked against a tree next."
Tangle laughs but actually complies, though Frostclaw thinks it's more because he just wants to fight Hollystar, he seems to like fighting.
Every cat in the camp holds their breath, staring at the two opposing leaders.
The battle is not over yet.