The Clan let out gasps of shock at Falconwing's statement before breaking out in loud talking "The same rogues we fought against?" Sparrowflight recognized the voice to belong to Hareleap. "The one's that killed Antfoot and Gingerpaw?" Sparrowflight didn't even have to think to know that the voice belonged to Icesplash, the mother of Tigerlily, Gingerpaw, and Falconwing, and the mate of Antfoot. Sparrowflight felt a chill run down his spine when he realized Icesplash and Falconwing were all that was left of that family, along with Tigerlily's kits. No wonder Icesplash was so motherly towards them. They must remind her of Tigerlily. Who Blazestar killed, Sparrowflight thought, angrily digging his claws into the ground. Sparrowflight was so wrapped up in his thoughts that he didn't realize that everyone was staring at him, as if they were waiting for something. He flattened his ears in embarrassment "Sorry, what?" He asked. Batfeather stepped forward "We need a plan, Sparrowflight." Sparrowflight swallowed and nodded, opening his mouth to speak before he was interrupted "Why should Sparrowflight be the one to decide the plans? I'm the Clan deputy, after all." Sparrowflight curled his lip, wanting to claw Badgerstep's ears before another cat spoke up "You may be deputy, Badgerstep, but Sparrowflight is a strong warrior, and was on board with this all along. You can't expect to just walk in and be put in charge. We all trust Sparrowflight." Sparrowflight turned his head to meet Falconwing's gaze, the young warrior nodding to him in respect. Falconwing had forgiven him for Tigerlily's death! And he defied his former mentor! Sparrowflight couldn't help but feel proud of the young warrior, and judging by the looks of his Clanmates, they all felt the same. Batfeather spoke up next "I think Falconwing said it better than any of us could." She praised, nodding to the ginger tom, before looking to Sparrowflight "You should be the cat to lead us, brother. You're the best cat for the job." She said with a warm smile. Sparrowflight returned the smile and dipped his head respectively to his Clanmates. He straightened his posture and cleared his throat to speak to the group "When Blazestar comes back, and he will come back, we all need to be ready. We have the element of surprise, but we need to wait until the right time. If we drive him away, he'll just come back again with the rogues." He then turned his gaze to Falconwing "He knows that you know his secrets, which means he'll assume you told us." He then looked to the whole Clan "When he returns to camp, we must be prepared for the worst. He could bring as many mangy rouges that he can find. For Blazestar, coming alone would be suicide, and he's not that stupid. He will bring backup with him, and these rogues will fight dirty and not hesitate to kill you." He then took a deep breath, glancing down at his paws before looking back at his Clanmates "If the rogues outnumber us and it's a battle we cannot win, then we do what Windclan cats are best at. We run. But we can't worry about that now. Our focus should be on protecting the camp. We will fight valiantly, and if we lose then I will have lost with the best Clanmates I could ask for." The Clan cheered at Sparrowflight's speech, while Sparrowflight breathed a sigh of relief. That actually wasn't as bad as I thought it'd be! Sparrowflight waited for the cheering to die down before he began to assign positions "Icesplash and Sunpelt, I want you two to protect the nursery. Make sure the kits stay in and the rogues stay out." Icesplash nodded "We will protect the kits." She told him, before a loud kit interrupted her "I bet I could fight! I know some fighting moves." Sparrowflight chuckled, realizing it was Snakekit, although he felt a pang in his heart, knowing he could never reveal that he was the kit's father, although they looked almost identical, except Snakekit was a bit of a darker brown than Sparrowflight. Sunpelt smiled at Snakekit "I'm sure you could, but you have to stay in the nursery." Snakekit scowled at her and muttered something under his breath before reluctantly going back into the nursery.
Sparrowflight then looked back to the group "As I was saying, Hareleap you are going to help Sparkstorm. Anything she needs, you get it. I'm sure there will be many wounds today." He purposely didn't say that he wanted Hareleap to protect Sparkstorm, only because he thought Sparkstorm would refuse protection despite possibly needing it. Hareleap smiled as he nodded, jogging lightly across camp to the medicine den "Looks like you get to spend some more time with your old dad." He chuckled. Sparkstorm rolled her eyes with a small smile "C'mon, I need your help wrapping poultices." She said and the two disappeared into the back of the den. Sparrowflight then turned to look to the rest of the group "Everyone else, you're with me. Prepare to be outnumbered and prepare to fight. These rogues are viscous, but if we work together I think we can beat them." Everyone seemed to be behind Sparrowflight, believing in his every word. The only one with doubts was Sparrowflight himself. Am I leading my Clanmates to their deaths?
Sparrowflight looked around at his Clan. Everyone was prepared, excited even, but Sparrowflight couldn't push away the dark thoughts in the back of his mind. What if we lose? What if we lose because of me? Sparrowflight shook his head, trying not to show the uncertainty that he felt.
        Sparrowflight had no more time to dwell on his thoughts though, as a rustling noise by the camp entrance caused everyone's head to turn. The air was filled with a suspenseful silence until a familiar ginger tom padded into camp. Blazestar. The leader looked around at the Clan, not one cat looked happy to see him. "What did Falconwing tell you?" He asked, glaring at every individual cat as he slowly turned his head. Sparrowflight stepped forward "He told us enough. How you're a traitor and a murderer." He growled. A crooked grin formed on Blazestar's face "So, that's how it's going to be? Fine." The leader flicked his tail and Sparrowflight pricked his ears at a growling noise and the sound of footsteps. Then dozens of rogues suddenly appeared, flanking Blazestar and standing behind him. He realized the rogues were carrying something, and tossed it into the center of camp. It was a body. The body of Bristlepaw. The apprentice lay, fur torn up and stained with blood. He looked like he'd been torn apart! "I told you, Sparrowflight." Blazestar grinned "I have eyes and ears everywhere." Sparrowflight bared his teeth, getting into a battle crouch "You're really going to fight me, Sparrowflight?" Blazestar asked, almost mockingly "You're outnumbered." He then turned to address everyone "You all are blind! Blind to see that this Clan is the only way of life! The battle with the rogues showed me the truth! Our Clan stood no chance against them! If we don't join them they'll overrun us all! With these cats on our side, we could rule all the Clans!" Blazestar yowled before softening his voice into an intimidating growl "Join us now, or face the wrath of our claws." Sparrowflight shook his head "We'll never join you." He hissed. "Fine then." Blazestar huffed "You leave me no choice. Rogues, attack!"