If I Had Survived

by Reedwhisker of RiverClan

What if Swi hadn't been killed by dogs? Would Bluestar make him a warrior? Would he become Brightheart's mate instead of Cloudtail, or fall in love with a different cat, maybe even from another Clan? Would he live to be an elder? Would he have a life-changing scar? Read on to see how Swi life would be if he lived.

Prologue-

I still remember that day. . . the day that I almost died.

Two apprentices, a black-and-white tom and a white she-cat with ginger patches, were walking into the forest. They had to find what was killing the prey in their territory. A rustle sounded in the bushes. "What was that, Swiftpaw? Did we find it? Or did it find us?" asked the ginger and white she-cat nervously.

"I think. . . it found us, Brightpaw." meowed Swiftpaw.

At that moment, one large brown dog hurtled out from the brambles. "RUN!" screamed Swiftpaw.

Swiftpaw took off, hoping Brightpaw was behind him. He turned his head around to see, and saw her slowing down and out of breath as the dog got closer. It leaped forward and grabbed her face in its cruel jaws.

"Brightpaw! No!" exclaimed Swiftpaw as he turned-tail and leaped onto the dog grasping his companion. The dog howled in surprise and dropped Brightpaw. Swiftpaw's blood turned to ice as he saw the she-cat's face was torn off, and she was lying ominously still.

The blood was roaring in the tom's ears as he ripped at the dogs eyes. It flung Swiftpaw off and starting gouging its claws and fangs into him. He screeched in pain and horror.

After what seemed like eternity, the dog left leaving Swiftpaw lying in the grass, blood pumping from his throat.

Darkness was edging along the tom's vision. Is StarClan calling me?

One last thought crossed his mind before he gave into the calming darkness. I'm sorry Brightpaw. . . I tried to save you. But I've failed. This is all my fault.