Chapter 15: The New Task

Claws, Claws would be the doom of the good group someday was Star’s thoughts as Erine’s voice woke her from her dreams. “Claws,” he cried, “Claws is attacking us.”

The black and white foxhound shook herself awake and turned around watching the other animals also waking up to join Erine. It was still very early in the morning, probably the reason Claws had chosen this moment to try and harm the group he hated. Claws always called the group weak and Star although did not think of them as weak thought that they needed a strong leader, someone like Erine. With Slecker as their leader they would always be weak. He brought the group down because he thought everyone would think like he would and never doubt his actions. Some animals wanted peace, something Slecker did not care about.

“Star,” Erine called to her, “You’re coming with us.”

The foxhound dashed over to Erine and turned to watch Sparkle walk towards them. Sparkle had been her hero from the very beginning because she had decided to teach her to be a strong and powerful fighter. Star nodded her head in greeting and Sparkle did the same. Slecker now appeared from his den and walked over to Erine. “Come on,” he snapped, “Kill them all this time will you.”

Erine nodded then together he and Slecker lead the way towards where Claws was already fighting a few of the animals. Suddenly a thought hit the foxhound. What if Redtail was out their? Every time she thought of it Star hated the fact that the groups hated each other so much.

Claws was in the middle of the battle field and Erine headed straight towards the powerful lion. Star took off after him because she was worried about what would happen if Erine died. As she ran dirt flied in her face half blinding her. Then she saw Claws amber eyes staring straight at her. “You’re back dog,” he snapped.

“I’m back,” Star hissed, “But do not call me dog, I have a name for a reason and it’s Star.”

The lion’s eyes flashed in anger. “You will never equal me, whatever you know I want to tell you that I can kill you whenever I want.”

“Then why haven’t you done it?” Star asked, “If you believe killing is that easy, why haven’t you done it?”

“I’ll prove it,” Claws hissed, “I’ll prove that I can kill.”

Star saw the blow coming before Erine did and she leaped in front of him her teeth bared as she prepared to die as long as Erine got to live. Claws however had a different idea. He pushed Star out of the way with one paw and then snapped at Erine catching him across the black. Still the grayish colored cat stood tall facing the leader with a cool even stare. Before Star could reach them Claws’ giant paw came down across the cat’s back. Star saw him wince in pain as his back snapped in half. Claws whipped around and left Star next to the dying cat. “Erine,” Star whispered, “I’m sorry your death is my fault. If I had been faster Claws would not have gotten you.”

Erine laughed slightly. “No Star, only Claws can choose who lives and who dies. He had me down from the moment we first met. Goodbye dear Star, may you live longer then I have.”

Star watched the cat die, and she heard Slecker step up behind her. “Star,” he snapped, “You will take over if I die so that the leadership will remain in the family.”

Star spun around and stared at Slecker, trying to understand what her father had done.