Descent to Hell
Underlined and italic words: Part from book
Bold words: Tigerstar speaking
Italic words: Thoughts
Prologue
"This plan of Tigerstar's I'm not sure it will work." Brambleclaw started. "Starclan has decreed that there should be four clans." His half brother flicked the tip of his tail.
"Like Tigerstar said that was back in the old forest. Listen, Brambleclaw. Shadowclan have always been a nuisance. Don't you think life would be better for all of us if they settled down under a leader who could make sure they stuck to the warrior code? Don't you think you could make a better job of leading Windclan than Onestar? Between us we could ensure that every cat in the forest was strong and happy. No more battles, no more quarrelling over territory..."
"Well...maybe" Brambleclaw couldn't argue with the facts Hawkfrost set in front of him. It was true that strong leaders could rule the forest for the good of every cat. He remembered how the Shadowclan warriors had ignored Berrykit's cries for help when he was caught in the fox trap. If I were in charge, he thought no cat would ever watch a kit in pain without trying to help, no matter where the kit came from. He wanted every cat in the forest to be cared for, but more than anything he wanted what was best for Thunderclan. "But-"A faint cry interrupted him. "What was that?" Hawkfrost shrugged.
"Some unlucky bit of prey." The cry came again.
"No!" Brambleclaw exclaimed. "That's a cat in trouble. Come on!"
He divided out of the ferns and pelted along the shore in the direction of the cry. It came again. Closer but fainter, a horrible choking sound. Brambleclaw leaped across the roots of a tree and found himself face-to-face with Firestar. The Thunderclan leader lay on his side on a narrow path between close growing ferns. His limbs jerked feebly and his eyes gazed at nothing. Foam flecked his muzzle. Around his neck half buried in his flame-colored fur, was a thin, shiny tendril, leading to a stick driving into the earth. Firestar was caught in a fox trap!
Brambleclaw leaped forward to help him only to be thrust aside by Hawkfrost's powerful shoulder. "Mousebrain!" the Riverclan warrior hissed. "This is your chance, Brambleclaw. Your deputy now. If Firestar dies you'll be clan leader."
Brambleclaw stepped back. No…he couldn't be leader like this. How would Starclan accept him?
"Kill him, you fool! Now!" his father yowled in his ear. No, he thought with determination as unsheathed his claws and leapt at his brother instead. He swiped a claw at Hawkfrost managing to barely scrape him as Hawkfrost dodged smoothly and countered with a slash at Brambleclaws ear. He felt blood dripping down the battered ear and pain rushed through him. He caught a whisper of "Foolish son." before he felt a dark consciousness sweep into him and seize control of him. No…father please no…he begged as his paws started moving towards his precious leader of their own accord. Suddenly his body lunged at Firestar sinking his teeth into his leader's neck. Brambleclaw internally recoiled at what his father was making him do. He could not stop him.
Authors Note: Im almost done with the first chapter. Will be done in a few days.