Characters:
BloodClan:
Reaper: Leader of BloodClan; tom; a black cat with white paws and tipped tail, he also has a white muzzle, his eyes are a dark brown; large and lean
Fallen: Deputy of BloodClan; tom; an orange cat with black ears, tail and brown tabby stripes, he has a single white paw and green eyes; lanky but muscular
Leader's Advisors: (They give out advise to the leader and help with the trainers on assessing and placing a new cat)
Lost: shecat; blue/gray pelt with silver eyes, has only half her tail; small
Diesel: tom; tortoishell of brown, hazel, and white with brown eyes
The Guards of BloodClan:
Cathair: Captain of the guard; tom; dark brown pelt with gray paws and spots along his back and tail, his chest and underbelly are white and he has bright green eyes; massive, but hunched over
Baylor: Second in Command and son of Cathair; tom; white pelt with a gray spot on his neck, back, and flank, he has brown paws and ears. He also has one black spot overlapped by the gray one on his shoulder, his eyes are a bright green; massive and muscular
Hail: trainer; tom; Brown with black spots and silver flecks
Sleet: trainer; shecat; silver tabby with one black paw and gray eyes; petite
Fang: trainer; tom; a brick red with a white chest and brown eyes; lanky
Titan: trainer; tom; calico, has ice colored eyes; massive
Jasper: tom; Black and white tabby with turquoise eyes; bulky and decently sized
Jagged: tom; brother of Jasper; Gray and black tabby cat with a white streak that goes down his muzzle, has sky blue eyes; also bulky and decently sized
Owl: shecat; dark and light brown tabby, has a black line that stretches down her back; small
Broken: tom; pale yellow and white tabby with a broken tail tip from a battle long ago, has blue eyes; large
Rose: shecat; a yellow shecat with a red hue and a white chest and paws, she has green eyes; petite
Fox: shecat; sister of Rose; orange pelt with a red hue, has white paws and a black tipped tail, also has deep green eyes; petite
Willow: shecat; light gray shecat with a dark gray face and back, fades out into a silver under belly and she has hazel eyes; large
Quake: tom; all black with yellow eyes; massive
Stitch: tom; gray with one black paw and crimson eyes, got his name after he was caught by the cutter and released neutered; large
Frostbite (Frost): tom; brother to Ghost and Smoke; silver body with white tipped paws and nose, has ice blue eyes; lanky
Smoke: shecat; sister to Frostbite and Ghost; smoke brindled with a pale gray, has a white chest and tipped ears, also has gray eyes; small
Ghost: tom; brother to Smoke and Frostbite; pure white with a silver tipped tail and ears, gray eyes with flecks of ice blue; large but lanky
Wander: tom; brown and black tabby with a white chest and has orange eyes; massive with lean build
Vic: tom; ginger and brown marbled, has a white muzzle and rings under his eyes; small
Wolf: shecat; Persian cat with a silver and brown pelt, has blue eyes; built but short
Shade: tom; red with a darker red belly and brown eyes; average
Nettle: shecat; sister to Havoc; Siamese, has blue eyes; petite but tall
Havoc: tom; Siamese, has blue eyes; massive
Rambo: tom; brick red tom with hazel eyes; lanky
Rouges:
Blue: tom; silver gray cat with dark gray rings around his eyes and a black patch on his face, has stunning blue eyes; large and lean
Thatcher: tom; dark brown pelt with a sandy brown chest and paws, has white stripes on his face with brown eyes; large and built
There are other cats, they make up the queens, kits, and cats that are not in any official role but participate in battle when called upon if needed.
The Rise of Snake; Where It All Began: (I know this is long but some important history and insight is written in this so suck it up and love it! Love ya'll!)
A massive figure appeared from the shadows, stepping into the light of a streetlamp. He bore his fangs at a petite she cat, fear stricken in her eyes. He lurched at her, trapping the cat beneath his heavy paws "Run," he urgently whispered in her ear. She gave his muzzle a quick lick and dashed off into the alley, the one that lead out to the forest. He felt his pelt grow warm. Shaking it off, he scratched his muzzle with his claws, knowing that Rambo wasn't far behind and could probably see him.
"Baylor, where did she go?" A lanky red tom padded up beside him, out of breath. "You're one of the fastest guards, she couldn't have outrun you." The tom looked into his eyes, trusting… thank bones.
"She had a head start, and when I almost had her, the bastard clawed my muzzle. I'm not sure where she went." He puffed out his fur, looking Rambo dead in the eyes, almost daring him to say otherwise.
"I'll report back to Reaper, he won't be pleased. I suggest you hunt something now instead of waiting… he won't be likely to let you eat something tonight." The tom turned around quickly and dashed off, the shadows swallowing him.
Baylor padded off the opposite direction, down the alley towards the woods. And hunt I shall. He smirked. "Maple, you still here?" The tom ducked and climbed over fallen branches, debris from the housefolk's monsters when they tore up the clan's territory many moons ago. He was barely a moon old then, but he remembered Reaper's rage very clearly. His leader was not pleased to see so much territory go to waste, especially the bit that Scourge and Bone had died for.
"Baylor?" a hushed whisper sounded from above in a looming oak. The petite cat crawled down the tree and padded over to him. "Oh good, it is you. I was so worried I thought th-" her eyes grew wide when she saw his muzzle, three claw marks that ripped deep almost reaching the bone stretched over his nose. "Did they do this?" she mewed in horror.
Baylor shook his head, chuckling. "I've survived worse, I'll be fine." He licked his paw and ran it over his muzzle, cleaning off the blood. "How about you, will you be ok? You know, without your brother." He cleared his throat, recalling the gruesome scene. Her brother had kept her secrete, and in turn he had paid his life.
Maple's eyes grew watery, but she blinked it away quickly. "I don't know what to do now, I've never been on my own before… and I don't know how to fight." Her tail drooped, and her gaze bore into his, swimming with fear and shame.
"Well…I could teach you some, not tonight of course but maybe tomorrow." His gaze wavered, her eyes held such intensity. They were deep blue, with a little bit of silver woven in with it. They reminded him of a deep pool of water. Mesmerized, he felt his head swimming.
"Really? That'd be great!" She perked up, and he could've sworn he saw a spark in her eyes.
"Uh… yeah! Meet me here at the oak, tomorrow at moonhigh. Got it?" He twitched his whiskers, the ends of his lips turning up in a small smile.
"I'll be here." The shecat sat down onto her haunches, staring up at him since he was almost twice her size. He held her gaze, he knew he had to leave now but his paws felt heavy and they held him in place. With a small trill she hopped up and touched her nose to his. A deep purr rumbled in his chest and throat. "You better go."
"I know. I'll be back." Baylor forced himself to turn away and lumber into the forest back towards the city. Upon arriving, he could hear some nearby cats. He scented the air, Nettle and Harley. They were new recruits, two housefolk cats that had wanted more than the pampered life that the housefolk could offer them. They were inexperienced and wouldn't be likely to catch his or Maple's scent. He silently slid away and padded in the direction Rambo did, towards Reaper's den.
As he walked along the streets, cats did their best to avoid his gaze and keep their head low. He wasn't lead guard, yet… But with his captain, Cathair, sick it wasn't out of the question that he would be chosen. Baylor was known for his size and strength, and knowledge on battle tactics. He learned from the best after all, Cathair was the best warrior to ever enter Reaper's forces, and he was his son.
Baylor turned into the alley that leads to Reaper's den. "We found this rogue trying to steal out of one of our bins sir. He says he wants to join." Steel's voiced bounced off the walls and reached his ears. Baylor padded up behind her, and sat down waiting for his turn.
"Really? Speak rogue! What is your name and why do you wish to join my glorious clan?" Reaper unsheathed his claws hooking them onto the trash bin that was Scourge's long ago.
"Blue, and I wish to seek sanctuary here from all the other rogues. I also wish to be part of something." The tom spoke clearly and loudly to Reaper. He has guts that's for sure.
"Very well, Steel escort him to Flint and have her assess and rename this rogue. Lost will place him." His pelt spiked up, from obvious annoyance that Blue didn't seem too frightened of him, the bold tom looked uninterestedly off to the side. Steel nodded and directed Blue out of the den. Reaper's attention was now on him. "Report." Baylor knew Rambo already gave the report, Reaper was testing him.
"Sir, I pursued the she cat to our border. I managed to pin her down, but she got lose and scratched my muzzle. In the moment, I couldn't focus and she slipped out of my grip and I lost sight of her. I tried to follow her scent trail but I lost it in some puddles. I failed to bring her to you, I am ready for judgment." He stood tall, looking at his leader respectively in the eye. The tom harbored a malicious gleam in his eyes, his tail flicked from side to side.
Reaper jumped off his bin and walked over to him, "and judgment you shall receive." The tom, though large still was smaller than Baylor, walked around his guard. "I can't have you severely injured so," Reaper dug his claws into his pelt and ripped them down his shoulder making Baylor groan from the sharp sensation that pulsated through him, "this will have to do. No food tonight and I want you on an extra patrol at sunhigh tomorrow." He crawled back onto his bin, "Snipe betrayed us, by hiding his sister from me. We must find her; she is a flaw in my perfect system." Reaper bore into his gaze, searching for anything, a flicker or waver of doubt, in Baylor's eyes. After a moment, the tom narrowed his eyes before turning back to his throne.
Baylor limped out of the den, heading towards Cathair's den. It was located a few blocks down near the training camp. This was all for Maple, Snipe wasn't going to die for nothing, his closest and most trusted friend. This system is full of flaws Reaper, and hell worthy sins. He thought back to when he was five moons, when he first met Snipe. Snipe's mother was 'welcomed' into the clan, but she was useless and couldn't give anything back. Once her two kits were old enough his mother was mauled by dogs in an accident, yeah right, and it was thought Maple had been killed also. Snipe had kept her secrete in an old housefolk's den just outside of BloodClan territory. He let Baylor in on the secrete when they both made it as a guard, he needed his help. It wasn't long after when Maple began to grow on him.
"Cathair, Baylor; Second in Command, permission to enter." Baylor mewed at the entrance of an old dog house. It was customary for a member of the guard to list their name and position to a rank that was above their own before entering a den.
"Permission granted," an old and forced mew came from inside. Baylor stepped inside, his pupils dilated to the darkness of the den.
"Father, how are you feeling?" He laid down beside Cathair, paws tucked under his body. Cathair was one of the few cats larger than Baylor.
"I've been better. What happened to your muzzle and shoulder? My son should be able to dodge and prevent any blow." His father wasn't pleased and he could tell. He knew he had high expectations, but Cathair was never one for gentle words either. While he was disappointed in Baylor he was also furious with whoever hurt his son, but that was life in BloodClan.
"I was in charge of the pursuit and capture of Snipe's sister and I failed, Reaper made sure that next time I would put forth more effort." Baylor looked at the floor, avoiding his father's eyes.
"I see. You'll get her next time, I trained you well enough." The trainees were sent to the training camp to be trained by Hail, Sleet, Fang, and Titan, but since Cathair was his father Reaper had made an exception to allow Baylor to be trained by him.
"Yes sir, I'm on both the Dawn and Sunhigh Patrol so I must rest up. You should get some rest too, I have Intel that Reaper might be wanting a battle party organized for an attack on the group of rogues that have settled nearby. They did attack Diesel so I don't doubt it." He yawned deeply before resting his head on the grass below. He was soon pulled into a deep sleep.
"Baylor, get up. You're on the Dawn Patrol, were waiting for you." He pried his eyes open and stretched out his front paws. Standing up he also arched his back and padded out to join Fang, Jagged, and Jasper.
"I'm up, so what's the run today?" He blinked the sleep out of his eyes, and sat down to groom his face, being careful not to apply pressure on his sore muzzle.
"Fallen wanted us to scan our border on the west side and then move along to check the east border." Jagged replied, Fallen is Reaper's deputy.
"So check up on the group of rogues" he pointed out.
"Exactly" Fang smirked. Baylor wasn't a fan of Fang, the cat was good at what he did and a valued member of the guard, but something about him was off. Now that he thought about it, the tom reminded him of his leader. Reaper was good at what he did, but he had a lose wire somewhere.
"Let's get a move on then, I need to be back by sunhigh." Jasper took lead, and set the pace at a fast trot. The patrol cut through the cutter's pass, staying in the shadows to avoid being seen. Jasper lifted his tail up signaling them to stay, and he padded cautiously ahead. A minute or two he returned.
"There's a dog up ahead. What should we do?" A gleam shone in Fang's eye, and Baylor could tell that he wanted to attack and maybe get a few teeth out of it.
"I could use a few teeth in my collar, and Reaper would be pleased if we brought him the canines." Fang stood, tail twitching in anticipation. Baylor was right.
He shook his head, "we should continue to the west and east border, if I'm not back by Sunhigh then Reaper will have my pelt. And you all know I can't return alone without a good excuse." Jasper sympathized with him and nodded in agreement.
"We can always come back after the patrol" Jagged mentioned, siding with his brother. Fang looked displeased, and sent a small glare towards him, but it went away as quickly as it came. Smart of you to wipe it off your face before I did, Baylor smirked to himself.
Jasper led the patrol along a fence, as far from the dog as they could manage in order to avoid conflict. The dog was a mangy creature, with big droopy eyes and large jowls, it was sleeping. They managed to get past it. Soon after they reached the west border, and found no recent trace of the rogues. Baylor and Jagged were sent by Jasper to further inspect the border he went with Fang to check out the east border. They were to regroup in the middle of the east and west border.
Baylor was scanning some brush when he came across a tuft of orange fur, it didn't smell of BloodClan. "Hey Jagged, come with me. Let's check out this area." He stepped over the border line and walked into the ruins of a building so old it had forest growth in and around it. He felt Jagged's hefty presence flanking him and boldly walked into the area. "Keep you senses alert, I think they nearby."
A yowl pierced the air and a large brown tom, charged at them flanked by an orange and white shecat, and a small white tom with a horrendous scar down his face.
"Brace yourself Jagged; I'll have your back if you have mine." Baylor tensed up his muscles, preparing for their attack.
"Yes sir" the tom crouched down and his muscles rippled, he was going for power instead of strategy. The shecat was the first to arrive, and as she went to pounce on Baylor Jagged leapt up and caught her by the throat before she could land bringing her to the ground. The brown tom moved quickly to attack Jagged, fury in his eyes.
Baylor charged after him and hooked his claws into the gruff tom's shoulder prying him off of his guard and threw him onto the ground. The small white tom leapt up onto Baylor using his size to his advantage and crawled up onto Baylor's shoulder raking his claws across his wound. Baylor yowled in pain and rolled onto his back in attempt to crush his attacker.
The tom crawled up onto his belly clawing at it and Baylor swatted his large paw at the tom's head knocking him off. Baylor then got to his feet and sunk his teeth into the white tom's tail feeling it snap. He wasn't looking to take a life today. The tom withered around yowling in pain clawing at Baylor's face in attempt to get him to let him loose. Baylor let his opponent go and the tom dashed away up the hill he came from.
Jasper was fighting the remaining tom blow for blow; this rogue has been trained. Baylor ran over to help and the tom caught him off guard by swiveling in his direction, swiping his massive claws catching him just above his eye tearing through some flesh causing Baylor to slip. Jagged took advantage of the distraction and bit down on the tom's back forepaw snapping the tendon. The tom screeched and snatched his leg away hissing while backing up.
He assessed his situation, looking at both Baylor and Jagged. With a mournful glance at the shecat who lay in a small pool of blood that oozed from her throat and shoulders, he charged at Jagged once more, his leg dragging behind him uselessly.
Jagged met him head on and Baylor crouched down waiting patiently. The brown tom, balancing on one leg now left his back exposed. He advanced and bit down on the back of the tom's neck and bore down in one of the grooves of his spine, snapping it. The cat fell limp, and Jagged dealt the killing blow across his neck. They sat in silence for a minute, catching their breath.
"Good work Jagged, how injured are you?" Baylor could see the tom's shoulder, flank, and ear were oozing blood.
"I nearly had my pelt clawed off, and a chunk taken out of my shoulder but otherwise fine, how about you sir?" He was hunched over from exhaustion but his eyes were filled with pride.
"I'll be fine, I believe this is a good enough of an excuse to return don't you?" Some humor was laced in his voice, trying to lighten up the situation. Jagged nodded his head letting out a breathy laugh.
Their wounds slowed them down, and it was past Sunhigh when the two returned. Fallen was waiting for Baylor, with Jasper and Fang at his side. "About time you showed up, what did you get into?" Fallen was a more serious cat, but he wasn't as harsh as Reaper was.
"We found the rogues over the border some, and they attacked us. We won the battle with two casualties on their side." Baylor dipped his head signaling he had finished reporting.
"You two are relieved from your duties for the rest of the day. I'll report back to Reaper, dismissed." The deputy flicked his tail and turned away, leaving the patrol to themselves.
"Jasper and Fang, can you report to Cathair for me? I need to rest." Baylor knew his father would ask him about the battle later, but for now he needed some sleep.
"Will do, come on Fang." Jasper nodded his head in the direction of Cathair's den.
"Wait, what about the dog?" Fang swayed his tail along the ground, his claws flexing in and out eagerly.
"Don't you think there's been enough bloodshed Fang? The dog can wait for another day." Fang pinned his ears back, but complied and set off in a run to Cathair.
Baylor walked over to an empty box and crawled inside, curling into a tight ball, he heard Jagged limp away to his den, then everything was gone. He was in the forest, looking for Maple. He found her, lying in a pool of blood like the shecat from the battle. Instead of the gruff tom, it was him mourning the loss of his love.
Baylor jolted awake, and noticed it was near moonhigh. He shook his aching head, and licked his shoulder a bit before pulling himself up. His whole body ached with pain, but he promised Maple he'd show up and he'll keep it.
He drug his body over logs and under fallen branches until he reached the oak tree. She was waiting for him at the roots of it, and ran up as soon as she saw his state. "Are you going to make a habit of this? Showing up every time we meet battered?" She started grooming his shoulder, the worst of the wounds on his body. He rumbled a purr, and began grooming her shoulder also. He heard her trill rise up.
She groomed off all the caked blood and gently licked his muzzle and above his eye. He pressed his body up against hers, entwining her tail with his. She leaned into his muscular body and pressed her nose into his neck. "Lets wait a bit before you teach me how to fight." She rubbed her head up under his chin and he pushed her down onto the ground gently.
"Why wait, why not now?" He rumbled gently. She pawed at his belly, careful to avoid the claw marks there. "Come on, see if you beat me" he looked into her eyes challengingly. Maple shrugged.
"You asked for it." She suddenly jabbed her hind paws in his abdomen knocking the breath out of him. She slipped out of his grip and pounced onto Baylor knocking him over. Maple stood over him, smirking. "That's what you get for getting hurt again."
"So wait, you hurt me for getting hurt? How does that make any sense?" He huffed out.
"I hurt you for scaring me again, what happened anyways? Reaper didn't do this did he?" She laid down beside him, snuggled up against his belly. He spooned her with his head and tail.
"No, I was checking the west border where some rogues have been causing trouble and a few confronted Jagged and I. It's not anything serious yet, but I can imagine Cathair will want me to help him organize a battle party before too long." He saw the worry in her eyes and he licked between her ears in attempt to soothe her. "I'll be fine" he assured her. "I always am aren't I?"
"Yes, but there's a first for everything and in BloodClan there's only ever a first…" her voice trailed off. "I don't want to think about this now. Oh! I found this abandoned barn. I thought it might be a safer place for me to stay… and you maybe… for us to stay."
Baylor pulled back and sighed. "There's no where I would rather be, but if I leave now it will only put you in danger. As soon as it is safe, I will leave with you." She sat up as her trill rose again. "For now you should move there, I won't be able to travel back here for a few days. I will visit you at the barn, ok?"
"Yes sir" she mocked, with a glimmer of playfulness in her eye. He grinned and pushed her back down, nuzzling her. She entwined her tail around his and nipped his nose. Baylor's pelt grew warm, and he moved to nip her ear in return. Maple flushed, and by the first sign of dawn he left her still asleep to visit Cathair. Though his body was worn and slow, his spirit made him spritely.
"Cathair, Baylor: Second in Command, permission to enter." He stood outside of his father's dog house.
"Permissions granted. I wondered when you were going to stop by." Baylor laid down beside his father. "Report, those two foxbrains you sent yesterday weren't helpful."
"Sorry Sir, Jagged and I were left at the west border to scope out some more to see what we could find. I discovered a tuft of orange fur near the collapsed house. Jagged and I went to investigate and three rogues charged from over the hill, a white tom with a scar down his face, a brown tom with ragged fur, and an orange and white shecat. The only survivor was the white tom." Baylor recalled the events on the day before.
"How did they fight? What did they aim for? How fast were they? Tell me all of it." He and Cathair discussed the rogues for almost the whole day, and fell asleep near moonhigh.
"Wake up son! Fallen just gave direct orders from Reaper. We are to have a battle patrol ready by Sunhigh tomorrow. Get moving now, we have a lot of work to do and I'm not getting any younger." Cathair shook Baylor awake, "don't let your old man out do you now." He prodded. Baylor pulled himself up slowly, his shoulder aching, most everything else had healed up nicely. Looking up at the sky he saw it was past sunrise.
"I'm up, who do you suggest we put where?" Cathair walked out of the doghouse, leaving his son hanging. "Ok…" Baylor followed after him, knowing he was in one of his power modes.
"Everyone gather before me, it's time we prepared for battle!" Cathair caterwauled. The guards, one by one, gathered before him, eyes bright and eager. "The rogues have provoked us and they threaten our way of life. They must be eliminated. I need Titan with your three best recruits, this is their chance to prove themselves as true guards, Ghost, Sleet, Jasper, Stitch, Fox, Wander, Nettle, and Willow on the first wave. Broken, Frostbite, and Owl, you three will be located in some underbrush where you can leap in and out attack the cats the first wave move towards you." Cathair stood tall, his sickness and age seemingly gone. He looked young and strong once more.
"Be quick too, you need to appear as more than just three cats." Baylor added, Cathair nodded at the three.
"Baylor you will lead the second wave up from behind. On your force will be Quake, Havoc, Smoke, Fox, Fang, Hail, Wolf, Jagged, and Vic. I need all cats to sharpen their claws and teeth, and if you wear dog teeth sharpen those too. Gather at Sunhigh tomorrow, outside of Reaper's den. If you don't show, you'll answer to Baylor." Baylor unsheathed his claws and narrowed his eyes warningly. "I will have some of the other BloodClan cats on hand for reinforcements. Dismissed!" Baylor sheathed his claws and turned to go visit Maple, I need to let her know. "Wait, where do you think you're going? I need you here to help with the guards. Age has finally caught up with me… I can't watch over and instruct them anymore. Let this battle be your final test, the minute its over I'm announcing my retirement."
Baylor froze, retirement? "Father-, uh I mean Cathair, you can't retire! Reaper throws out cats he no longer has a use for."
"Son, look at me. I can't even groom myself properly, my heart doesn't function correctly, and I'm nearly blind in my left eye. I've held onto my position longer than I should have. And frankly, if you weren't my son and my second in command some ambitious cat would've replaced me with themselves long before now. You know it's true." Baylor hung his head, he did indeed know. He had almost killed a cat who challenged his father seasons ago; he had chased him out of the clan actually. Reaper wasn't pleased.
"I know I can't convince you otherwise but please reconsider… Fallen wants to create a small sanctuary for our elders who had served the clan well and if you wait for him to take control…" He trailed off into his own thoughts.
"Reaper is younger than me by a lot, he will outlive me. Its time you grew up, and accept my fate as I have." Cathair padded to his den to rest, as he always did these days. He didn't mean to sound harsh, but Baylor wasn't making this easier for him.
The next morning Baylor gathered the battle patrols, and with a final goodbye to his father, he left for Reaper's den. The guards followed their soon to be Captain quietly and devotionally. Most of the guard's loyalty lied with their captain and not their leader and they strived for his approval, but Reaper was blind to it thank bones.
"Baylor: Second in Command, and battle patrol reporting and ready to attack on your word sir." He stood outside of Reaper's den, waiting for his leader's response. There was none, instead the tom stepped out with sharpened dog teeth attached to his color and claws. "Sir, are you fighting with us?"
"Yes fool, what kind of leader would I be if I didn't fight with my clan?" He smirked. "I'm eager to get my paws dirty; it's been a while since I've fought." Baylor dipped his head and he stepped back into his forces, letting Reaper take control. "Go to the West border, staying near cutter's pass. I'll arrive shortly; I must speak with my advisors." The tom caterwauled, sending his cats to the border, Baylor amongst them. However, when they passed by the alley that leads off into the forest he slowed down, letting everyone pass him and he slipped into the shadows.
Baylor sped up his pace; passing the oak tree and heading off into the direction maple had told him the barn was. He arrived before too long, and saw that out into a Moore sat the old rickety barn she spoke of. It is perfect, not too far but far enough. He shot down from the forest out into the grassy hills, reaching the barn panting.
"Baylor?" Maple leapt off the loft, and padded over touching her muzzle to his. "Hey, I didn't expect you for a few days. "Something wrong?" She pulled back and looked at him with a concerned expression.
"No, were just heading into battle against the rogues. I wanted to let you know, stay inside. I don't think they'll try to flee here but you never know with rogues." He flicked his ear, his paws itching to head back before his battle patrol went looking for him.
"Oh, you better come back with your fur intact, and those handsome ears unscathed," she huffed, faking a stern glare. Baylor let out a small chuckle and licked her between the ears.
"I need to go now… I've already stayed too long." Maple nodded understandingly, and rubbed her pelt against his before she turned back and climbed back onto the loft. Baylor gave her a quick smile before he dashed back through the Moore and into the woods. He ran hard, his eyes watery from the twigs whipping at his face. Cats watched as he raced by, and he could hear his steps echo throughout cutter's pass. Finally, he skidded to a stop nearly running into Reaper.
"Where have you been" Reaper snarled down at him. "We've been waiting on you, the guards said you knew the strategy and that you needed to be here to instruct them. If you want to be Captain, show it."
"I was replacing one of my dog teeth, it had broken off. I apologize sir, it won't happen again." Reaper leaned down, suspicion in his eyes. Something flashed across them, but it had faded out before Baylor could pinpoint what it was.
"It better not. Attention, Baylor will now instruct you." Reaper stood up and turned to face his cats. Baylor picked himself up and shook out his pelt, raising his tail commanding his guard's attention and respect.
"Wave one, scouts came back to report to Cathair that the rogue's camp was past the ruins over the hill, and located by a large boulder. You will drive the cats from there to the hill. Broken, Frost, and Owl, you three will be located in the brush. You know what to do. Wave two, charge up the hill and trap them between our forces. Reinforcements will arrive soon and if you are seriously injured you will switch places with a cat. Into your positions." The cats heeded his word, and wave one grouped together and set off to the rogue's camp, Frostbite, Broken, and Owl head headed out disappearing into the ruins. Baylor the led his patrol and Reaper past the border and they settled behind logs, pieces of the building, and underbrush.
Moons seemed to past, and Baylor struggled to avoid the gaze of Reaper. The tom kept staring at him, eyes narrowed and ears slightly folded back. What's his problem. Baylor could hear the reinforcements arrive and settle at the border behind them, ready to jump in when needed.
Finally, he picked up distant screeches and caterwauls. "Remember, you are not fighting just to please Cathair today, but your leader also. Keep in my mind too, that the rogues have settled here for a reason. If we defeat them, we can claim their land." Baylor nodded to Reaper, who bore a wicked grin on his face.
The cries grew louder, and he could make out the silhouettes of cats on the top of the hill. Some of his guards let out low growls from deep within their throat, and he could hear their tails lashing over the ground. The cats drew closer, and Baylor saw Frostbite, Owl, and Broken leap in and out of the brush, clawing and biting at whoever was closest. "Wait for it." He muttered, "wait…" Baylor bunched up his muscles, ready to spring. A few of the rogues looked around them, searching for an escape."Now!" He lurched forward with his guards pelting after him, caterwauling their own battle cries.
Baylor surged up the hill, and rammed into a massive black and white tom that had Jasper pinned beneath him. The tom staggered off but maintained his balance, and hissed at Baylor. "Mangy BloodClan!" He yowled and leapt at Baylor, who sidestepped him and turned around, hooking his reinforced claws into the tom's flank and raked back, tearing through muscle and scraping bone. The tom screeched in pain as he fell backwards, revealing his stomach. Baylor took the opportunity to rip his claws through the cats belly leaving him gasping in agony. Baylor powered through the withering masses and saw the white tom looming over Rambo who laid motionless on the forest floor.
Baylor charged at the tom, but he dove under him clawing his abdomen. He hissed in surprise and swiftly turned around swiping his claws at the tiny cat. With ease the white tom dodged him, and once again dove under Baylor this time ramming up knocking the breath out of him. The tom then bit into his forepaw, reaching the bone. Baylor yowled and threw the tom off. He tried to dive under him once more but he reared up on his hind paws, swiveling around, and brought them down as hard as he could onto the tom, crushing him beneath his weight. He felt bones crunch, and the tom withered in pain and shock. Baylor grabbed him by the throat and yanked back tearing his jugular, the tom went limp soon after. Another cat latched onto his back and bit down on the nape of his neck, he fell backwards landing on her. Her brother or he assumed it was her brother, bit into his freshly wounded forepaw. Baylor kicked him with his hind legs, feeling his claws tear through his pelt, and stood up. The shecat went to leap at him again but he caught her by her shoulder and he threw her at the tom. They both tumbled onto the ground and three of his guards tackled and mauled them.
He looked around him, and saw some of the reinforcements come in, trading places with Jasper, Fox, and Quake. All three cats were limping, and soaked in blood. Most of the rogues had fallen, and the ones left were growing slower with each attack. He moved to help out Smoke, who was battling off two younger cats. He ran over and slammed his paw down onto the bigger one's shoulder, causing her to slip and crash onto the ground. "BloodClan filth, Felicity will have her revenge." The shecat spat in his face, and clawed his muzzle over the older wound. Blinded by pain Baylor stepped back, and heard a crunch. Once he regained his composure he saw that Smoke had killed both of the cats.
"BloodClan, retreat!" Reaper yowled out, his pelt dripping with blood. Baylor knew none of it was his. The cats fell back, leaving the few remaining battered rogues to themselves. He began to pad down the hill but Reaper stopped him, "not you Baylor, stay with me." Baylor cautiously walked over to his leader.
"Sir?" He stood in front of him, to wary to sit down. He knew Reaper was up to something, and he had to be careful. Moons seemed to pass, and the fire in the leader's eyes burned brighter with every passing moment threatening to consume the trees around him.
"Where is she?" He growled, his claws dug into the sodden earth, grinding it.
"Who?" Baylor struggled to keep his composition. Reaper was eyeing him menacingly; if looks could kill he would've keeled over right then.
"Don't lie to me, Maple! I could smell her on your pelt, I still can!" Reaper lashed out his forepaw, slashing Baylor's shoulder wound open once more. He buckled slightly, groaning. It's always the shoulder!
"It's not what you think Reaper," he said in a husky voice. He stood tall once more, raising his tail high in the air.
"Traitor!" Reaper leaped at him and Baylor dodged the tom easily, he clawed at his back, leaving gages. Reaper hissed in fury and spun around, this time being more careful. He tackled Baylor into the ground, focused on causing injury more than avoiding it. Baylor slashed at his face with his forepaws, and flanks with his back forelegs trying to escape the tight ball Reaper had trapped him in. Finally, he got his hind legs underneath the tom and threw him off. Baylor leapt up and rammed his head into Reaper's shoulder, throwing him onto the ground.
"Reaper please," he mewed breathily, "reconsider, she could be valuable to the clan." Reaper wasn't having it though; he sprung up and continued the onslaught. Baylor felt needle like teeth clamp around his neck just below his color, any higher and he would've suffered dearly. Baylor twisted his neck down catching Reaper's head between his chin and chest. He let himself fall, taking Reaper down with him. He let go of his neck and reared up, aiming for Baylor's throat. He managed to roll over before his claws crashed down. Baylor half threw himself at Reaper knocking him off balance, he then kicked his hind legs into Reaper's side making him fall. Baylor lurched up and raked his claws over Reaper's eye, gorging it. Reaper pushed himself away, still on the ground, howling in pain.
Baylor advanced, slashing at the tom's body. He pushed past Baylor and dove underneath him in attempt to escape his relentless claws. Standing up he slashed at Baylor's face, making him back up against a boulder. Baylor felt his back scraping against the hard surface, and he ducked his head down and rammed it into Reaper's body. He then dug his hind claws into the ground and pushed off, turning Reaper towards the boulder. He hooked his forepaw onto his face and bashed his head up against the boulder and a sickening crack rang out. Reaper fell limp, lifeless at Baylor's paws.
He stood there for a moment, staring down at his leader in disbelief. He was panting heavily, his breath ragged. What did I just do? I just put Maple in more danger. No. It'll be ok… they'll think it was a rogue. We'll both be fine. He shook his pelt and winced, I just killed my leader… Baylor stood over the once proud and seemingly untouchable tom, who laid crumpled at his paws. He took a deep breath, gathered himself and then he limped across the border to regroup with the others by the training camp.
"Baylor! Come celebrate with us." Smoke padded up to him purring, she let her pelt brush against his. "Were harassing the housefolk's dogs down by the creek."
"No… I think I'll go hunt." Baylor paused and licked his shoulder, slowing the trickle of blood. Smoke flattened her ears disappointedly, but shook it off and trotted over to Quake throwing him a flashy grin. Baylor trotted off towards the barn, and he picked up his own scent trail. I'll need to take a different path next time.
Baylor bit back a yowl when some thorns caught onto his torn fur, he needed to stay quiet. He shoved past the thorns, letting them pull out tufts of fur. He finally reached the field, and let out a sigh of relief. The moon eliminated a soft glow, lighting up the field and barn. He stepped into it, letting the Moore swallow him up. He felt his paws grow light, and he sped up into a lope. "Maple!" Baylor skid into the barn, ignoring the sharp pain that shot up his haunches.
"Baylor!" She tackled him, her trill breaking piercing the silence. He grunted but went with it, and rolled with her on the wooden floor. She jumped off and settled beside a rusted wheel barrow. "Are you alright? Did you win?" She kneaded an old bale of hay. Baylor rolled onto his side and held her gaze, "nothing I won't come back from and of course we won" he snickered.
"I knew you would." Maple rolled onto her back, revealing her abdomen. She watched him expectantly and when he didn't say anything she sighed. "I have something to tell you," she stood up and walked over to lie down beside him. He perked up his ears in interest.
"Yes, dear?" He cooed playfully. Baylor stretched out his forepaw swatting at her gently. He then set it down on her right side, so that he was half over her and winked. She let out a small laugh. Baylor flashed her a charming grin, and nipped her ear. "So, what is it you wanted to tell me?" He whispered huskily into her ear.
"You know, it can wait until the morning," she sent him a sly smile. Baylor's eyes lit up, and he curled his tail around her.
"If you say so," he purred. They began to groom each other, and fell asleep entwined together.
The sun's rays shone through the open door, hitting Baylor's eyes waking him up. He sat up, and winced from his aching body. Wait, where's Maple? He stood up frantically, and looked around. "Maple?" he called out, listening for a response.
"Up here, come see what I've been working on." Her sweet voice came down from the loft. He gave his chest a few licks and pulled himself slowly up the ladder and onto the loft. He spotted Maple dragging a ragged quilt to a bed of hay and moss.
"What's this?" Baylor walked over to her and gave her a lick on the shoulder in greeting, and looked down at the small nest.
"It's a bed for me; I'll need it in a moon or two." Maple flattened out the quilt, covering up the padding beneath it. Baylor looked at her puzzled.
"Why?" Maple laughed to herself, this tom can't take a hint. She curled up in her nest, and she knew that she would tweak it later.
"Baylor… I'm carrying your kits." His pelt fluffed up, eyes filled with shock.
"Wait, my kits?!" He sat down, feeling dizzy. How will I protect them? Baylor stared at Maple, noticing that her belly was slightly swollen. "How do you know? It's only been a few nights an-" realization struck him. He fell back on his haunches, numb to the pain that protested against the movement. He thought back to a little over a half moon ago, when he had become mates with her. It wasn't completely official, couldn't have been given the circumstances, but Snipe was thrilled for them. Snipe! He had known, that's why, that's why he tried to move her away from BloodClan. It all seemed clear now.
Why didn't he notice before? Maple looked up at him, it was clear that she wanted the litter. It's not that he didn't, it just wasn't the best timing. Baylor sat there staring at the floor. He looked up at Maple after a minute, and saw a hint of sadness and doubt in her steady gaze. Baylor immediately felt a stab of guilt and he walked over to her, and laid down in front of her. He leaned down towards her abdomen and pressed his muzzle to it and closed his eyes, purring. He opened them back up and watched his mate, and he saw all the doubt and sadness wash away. I'll be the best father and mate there is.
Thank you for reading the first chapter! Hoped you liked it! I edited it slightly from the original one, adding details to make the story flow more clearly, the plot didn't change so it wouldn't be that big of a difference. So those who get notifications or read back, you know what's up . Feel free to leave your opinions in the reviews, or PM me!