~A Mother's Love~

~Hi everyone! This is a one-shot for Cloudclan challenges. I hope you all enjoy!~

I stared, horror struck, at my son. All the other cats in Skyclan were doing the same.

Darkspirit slowly backed away, shellshocked, from the body of the deputy, paws leaving bloody pawprints. His mate, Icestorm, stared at him with utter heartbreak. "Darkspirit what...what have you done?" She whispered, the only sound echoing in the silent camp.

Darkspirit turned, sparing me one last anguished glance before racing off into the trees. Unfreezing and unhesitating, I bolted after him.

I flashed through the woods, only to slide to a stop as I came across him sitting in a small glade, his back toward me, his shoulders hunched, ears down, staring at his paws.

I hesitantly stepped towards him, about to call his name, when I stopped, my blood freezing. Out of the shadows stepped a dark, almost transparent cat, smelling of rotted trees and a place with no light. He stepped up tom my son, winding around him, whispering into his ear.

Staring in terror, I watched as his claws slid out. "No!" I screeched, knocking him away from the sad cat in front of us.

My son did not respond, but stayed sitting, hunched down. I turned on the mysterious tom. "What do you think your doing?!" I hissed at him, furious.

He sat down, tail flicking through the bush, the picture of relaxation. "Whatever could you mean?" He asked. "We are only claiming what is ours." I flinched back. "Wha-what do you mean?" I whimpered, trying to steel myself for his answer. "Do you really think he did this on his own?" The dark cat sneered. "We were the minds behind this plot."

My eyes widened, filled with memories of my son as a hyper, adorable kit, eager apprentice, proud young Warrior, loyal father. I also remembered the dark shadows, restless nights, demented thoughts. These cats turned him into….this?!

Before I could gather my thoughts, He shrugged. "We still need our cat, so if you will excuse me…" "Wait!" I cried, stepping forward. "Take me instead!"

He looked me over and nodded. "Fine." And with that, he lunged. I froze as the blood pooled around my throat and I collapsed. But it was worth it.

May Starclan have mercy on my son.

Later, as my soul was being twisted in the Place of No Stars, I would be asked, "Why?"

I closed my eyes, content.

I suppose a Mothers Love is just that strong.