Hope you enjoyed the last chapter, and enjoy this one as well!
Chapter two
"But, Dad!" Spottedpaw protested, her eyes filling with tears.
"No buts." Eaglestar walked away, "I have things to do. I have no time, space, or patients for dyeing cats."
"They're not dyeing, and I'll take care of them by myself if I have to. Please dad. Just-"
Eaglestar cut her off, "No, Spottedpaw!"
"Dad!" Eaglestar silenced his daughter with a flick of his tail.
Spottedpaw stood there in tears; crying, "It's not fair." She muttered, quietly. She wiped a paw over nose. She yelped in pain. "Ow!" For a little while the fight with CloudClan had slipped her mind. Now all the details came flooding back. She watched Blackpaw and Quietpaw working together, and felt her tender nose being sliced open with one swift movement. Spottedpaw closed her eyes. She didn't want to repeat that incident. She made a mistake, and didn't intend on it again. Her friends could have been hurt. She had endangered the cats she was trying to help. Spottedpaw laid down right where she was. She fell asleep almost instantly, but even in her sleep, bad things came. She dreamt of the same gray tom.
"Be prepared, and watch out for the blood." A starry warrior warned. LightningClan scent wafted up into Spottedpaw's nose.
"No! Don't go!" She shouted as the mysterious gray tom slowly seemed to dissolve into nothing.
Spottedpaw woke up, drenched in sweat that made her fur stick up in clumps all over the place. Her father was lying next to her. About a foot away was the entrance to the leaders den. Blackpaw was peering in, along with an unfamiliar muzzle. Spottedpaw walked to the fern-covered entrance. Blackpaw and the other cat moved out of the way. That's when Spottedpaw recognized the other cat as one of the rouges.
"Hi," Spottedpaw meowed, sleepily.
"She wanted to thank you." Blackpaw took a step back, and the rouge bowed her head.
"Thank you for all you have done." She looked up into the surprised face of Spottedpaw.
"Um, you're welcome." Spottedpaw said, sounding unsure.
"My name is Crimsonsun," the other three rouges came out of the shadows, "and this is Scarletstreak, Blotchy, and Silvertail." She pointed with her tail to each cat as she said their names. Each cat's name, made perfect sense. They fit them well; their names describing their appearance.
Spottedpaw skimmed the small crowd forming around her. She couldn't find Quietpaw. She shrugged. That's when her eyes fell on Blackpaw and she started studying his fur. It was black and glossy. Spottedpaw turned her head so that now she was looking at the rogues. They had dull, un-kept fur, while her own was clean and regularly washed. Their breath also stunk of something rank and dead. She narrowed her eyes at each individual cat. One by one, they expressed their gratitude. She smiled slightly. After a while the smile grew to be false, and she was tired. She slowly made her way past everyone. The rogues seemed a little disappointed that she had run off, but it amused Blackpaw. When Spottedpaw finally caught up with Quietpaw, she was asleep in the apprentice's den. Spottedpaw joined her.
The next morning was chaos. There were warriors running around, and rogues in the way. A few times, fights almost broke out. A rogue had wandered into the kit's and queen's den.
Grassheart was heard over everyone and everything in the camp. "Get out!" She spat. "You're gonna give my poor kit a disease!" Grassheart sheltered Shiverkit. Crimsonsun backed out of the den quickly.
"I'm sorry." She coughed. Blotchy came over to Crimsonsun, curious of what was going on. He sounded worse than ever.
"What's going on?" He wheezed, stumbling a little. Crimsonsun looked bemused. Hearing all the racket, Eaglestar stalked over. As soon as he saw the rogues, he knew what was wrong and what had caused the disgusted look on Grassheart's face. Right away he apologized for the mishap and roughly pushed the rogues away from Grassheart and her kit.
"Stay away from that den!" Eaglestar said sternly. Spottedpaw came over just then.
"Hello, Crimsonsun." She said happily. Eaglestar bumped into his daughter, knocking her sideways. He didn't as much as glance over at her. She rolled her eyes, and sarcastically said, "Yeah, I love you too." This time Eaglestar shot her a glare over his shoulder. Spottedpaw smiled at Crimsonsun, and then made her way to the kit's den. "Hi, Shiverkit." She greeted him. "How are you doing?" Spottedpaw asked Grassheart, who was standing right behind her. Grassheart came over next to Spottedpaw and gave her a weak smile.
"Good," She replied. "I'm uneasy with the rogues around, that's all." Grassheart reassured Spottedpaw.
Spottedpaw nodded. "I know." She frowned. Shiverkit came bounding over and rolled into Spottedpaw. The kit looked up at Spottedpaw and smiled. Spottedpaw crossed her eyes, making Shiverkit giggle and bounce away. Seeing how happy her kit was, Grassheart laughed. She playfully shoved Spottedpaw.
"You're so good with the little ones." She watched Spottedpaw's face. Spottedpaw licked Grassheart's ear in politeness, and sidled up beside her. Ever since Starfur, Spottedpaw's mother, died, Grassheart, Eaglestar's younger sister from a different litter, had been watching over Spottedpaw. Eaglestar just didn't have the time for her anymore. Spottedpaw always wished he had, but he's clan leader and his first loyalty is to his clan. Clan leader is a major job and it has to be taken seriously. Luckily, because of how dedicated he is, Eaglestar has yet to make a royally big mistake. Spottedpaw always doubted he would ever mess up. A light breeze blew in, ruffling the cats' fur. Spottedpaw shivered, but not because of the cold, on-coming winter breeze, but because of the dreams she'd been having. The quote filled her mind. A day will come when all is lost and only blood will replace the ones you love. When the question is asked make the right decision. Spottedpaw shook those thoughts away. She stood up, forgetting Grassheart was right beside her. Grassheart must have fallen into a deep sleep because she barely stirred when Spottedpaw jumped up. She walked out of Grassheart's den and went in search of Blackpaw and Quietpaw. She still hadn't decided whether or not she was going to tell her friends about the dreams. When she finally found Blackpaw, he was on his way out with a couple of warriors for a border patrol.
"Blackpaw!" Spottedpaw yowled as Quietpaw skidded into the side of her. Blackpaw looked behind him. Seeing the terrified and distraught expression on Quietpaw's face, he turned around and quickly walked over.
"What is it?" he asked, staring, worried, at Quietpaw. Quietpaw started talking, words spilling out of her mouth, so fast Spottedpaw and Blackpaw had a hard time grasping what she was saying. By the time she was done, she was out of breath.
"Whoa." That was a long and unplanned speech," was all Blackpaw could say, with his mouth hanging open.
Spottedpaw gave him a dirty look, "Can you repeat that, but slower this time?" Spottedpaw asked, pronouncing each syllable perfectly.
Quietpaw sighed. She was shaking and her fur stood up all along her spine. "Blotchy's dead!" she shrieked. "Greyclaw did everything he could for him." Quietpaw took a deep breath and quietly let it out. "Greyclaw was helping the sick cats, even though Eaglestar was against it. He pleaded with Eaglestar, until he agreed they could make a compromise. The rouges could stay here, and be treated, as long as they were out of the way, and left once Greyclaw was done doing what he could for them. Obviously Eaglestar is backing out of his previous agreement. Your dad," she pointed her tail accusingly at Eaglestar who was out of earshot, across the clearing in the center of camp, "Is gonna make the other three rouges leave tonight. He said he couldn't risk any other cats of the clan getting sick." At this last comment, Spottedpaw looked confused.
"Huh?" Spottedpaw's face scrunched up.
"Oh, yeah…" Quietpaw remembered, "Bramblestripe is extremely sick, and you're father is extremely furious! He blames the rouges."
Spottedpaw sat up straight, with not one ridge in her back. "What!" she hissed. Bramblestripe was Spottedpaw's mentor, and clan deputy. What would she do without him? But, something else Quietpaw said, jumped back to into her mind, "How could Eaglestar do that?! Who does he think he is!?" Her eyes were wide. She was searching the clearing for her father.
When Quietpaw realized what Spottedpaw was going to do, she meowed, "He's clan leader, Spottedpaw," She paused, "He only does what he thinks is best for us." For a second, Spottedpaw looked wild and beside herself.
"Calm down. You look rabid and ready to attack." Quietpaw mewed in a small voice. Blackpaw's tense body relaxed a little as he watched Spottedpaw cool off.
"I'm sorry," Spottedpaw apologized, "I guess I just get so mad at him, sometimes." She sighed, and looked down, guiltily, at her paws.
"We forgive you." Quietpaw smiled. Quietpaw exchanged glances with Blackpaw, but Spottedpaw didn't notice. She was preoccupied. From there, the day moved on pretty slowly. They caught prey for the fresh kill pile, and dragged new moss into the dens. None of the warriors complained; not even Thornvine, one of the pickiest elders. At sundown, Eaglestar sent out Patcheart, a warrior, and two other apprentices, Hawkpaw and Smallpaw. Hawkpaw and Smallpaw were nearly warriors. They've nearly gone to all the gatherings since they were apprenticed, except for a few. The last one being one of those few, when Eaglestar was convinced Spottedpaw should go instead. Hawkpaw and Smallpaw both looked up to their father, Patchheart. Patchheart was in his prime, as a senior warrior.
"Greyclaw, please. Allow the three rogues that are left, to stay in your den." Spottedpaw pleaded in a hushed tone. She looked toward the entrance of the medicine cat's den, worried someone would overhear. Greyclaw laughed.
"No one will intrude." He assured her with a wide-toothed grin. Spottedpaw's shoulders drooped with the weight of so much responsibility. She was supposed to be the star apprentice. She was kin of the clan leader. Everyone, even her father, expected so much from her. Even when she was a very young kit, Eaglestar secretly coaxed her into skipping the small steps. As soon as she was born, Eaglestar pushed her harder than any other cat. Starfur never approved of rushing into things. She was never happy if she caught Eaglestar bribing Spottedpaw into doing better. Sadly, Spottedpaw's memory of her mother was little. "I'll treat any wounds and give them healing herbs." Greyclaw spoke, waking Spottedpaw from her reverie. Greyclaw seemed as if he was still thinking.
"You have to promise me one thing though," He didn't look happy. Spottedpaw nodded, urging him to finish. "No more helping rogues after this." He stopped to see if he had her attention. "Or else…" His voice trailed off warningly. Spottedpaw didn't want to agree, but she knew she had to. Greyclaw nodded his muzzle at the entrance. "Go on. Go get them." He turned away from Spottedpaw.
Spottedpaw sprinted to the apprentices den, where she knew she saw Quietpaw and Blackpaw heading into. She stopped when she was no more than a tail length inside. She gasped, holding her breath. Quietpaw and Blackpaw were nuzzled up close together.
When did they get so close? Spottedpaw thought. She backed out of the den and went to find the rogues. Spottedpaw had a lot on her mind. She rounded up the rogues and brought them to Greyclaw.
"Crimsonsun," Greyclaw dipped his head in a bow as he said each cat's name, "Silvertail, Scarletstreak." He flicked his tail and the cats slowly made their way over to a clearing designated for curing cats that were ill.
"Spottedpaw, come here." Greyclaw instructed. "Listen." He ordered his eyes kind and twinkling. "Your mom would have been proud." Greyclaw sat Spottedpaw down beside him. "How's old Muddy?" Spottedpaw looked taken aback by this question.
"How did-"
"You're forgetting StarClan, young one." Greyclaw's eyes glistened clear and bright. "He taught your mom well, and she taught you. From generations of loners and rogues, came you and your mother. No matter what you decide, you'll always be guided by StarClan and protected by LightningClan, and you'll always have my blessing." Greyclaw smiled knowingly at Spottedpaw. Spottedpaw was speechless. It felt like all the breath had been sucked out of her. Greyclaw touched the tip of her nose with his tail. "You're a very lucky cat," He paused, drawing her in, "and your mom was a very special cat. I advise you to spend as much time with Muddy as StarClan will allow. How far and how much will you being willing to sacrifice?"
"I-"Spottedpaw wasn't sure what to say, but it didn't matter because Greyclaw stopped her anyway.
"Do not decide now, but when you do make sure you make the right decision." That was the last thing Greyclaw said to her before he walked over to the rogues and Spottedpaw was left alone. Now she had time to ponder everything she had just heard. That's when the stone-cold words of the unknown grey tom came back to her. When the question is asked, make the right decision. Greyclaw had said almost the exact same thing only moments ago! The words the tom said in her latest dream also came back to her. Be prepared and watch out for the blood! That night was restless for Spottedpaw. She tossed and turned the ground beneath her cold and hard. All her fears pushed themselves to the surface.
"Spottedkit!"
"Mommy!" Spottedpaw had cried. Starfur was no match against him. He drove her further and further away. He blamed her for Mistkit being blind. Now, either she would leave and never come back, or he would help her join Mistkit.
As Spottedpaw woke with a jolt, she heard the high pitched screech of a cat in the distance. It echoed in her head. At first, she thought it was a cat far off, then she realized she just woken up from a terrible dream, but it was more than that. This dream, unlike the others, had actually happened. It had taken place, when she was merely a newborn kit. At the very last second before Quietpaw strolled over, Spottedpaw figured out the last piece of the puzzle, called her nightmare. The nightmare was her past, not another prophecy. Eaglestar! He was a… Spottedpaw couldn't even bring herself to think the word.
"Hi, Spottedpaw." Quietpaw said, cheerfully.
"Quietpaw, I have something really important to tell you." Spottedpaw rushed, slightly tripping on her words. Quietpaw was suddenly scared. Spottedpaw's face gave away her horror, just by looking at it.
"My mother is still out there!" Spottedpaw whispered, urgently.
"What!?" Quietpaw mewed, loudly.
Spottedpaw hushed her, "Keep your voice down."
"Why? We have to tell Eaglestar! He'll be so pleased!"
Spottedpaw's eyes bulged, "No!" She shouted a bit too loudly. Smallpaw walked in, followed by Hawkpaw, eyeing them suspiciously. They went to the far corner of the den, away from the other two apprentices.
"Why not?" Quietpaw finally mewed.
Spottedpaw almost choked on what she was about to say. "Because he…he…killed my brother…" her voice trailed off. When she looked up, her eyes were glossy. Tears were on their way. Quietpaw was speechless. No words would come out.
"Spottedpaw…" Quietpaw said finally, not knowing what to do or say. That's when Blackpaw walked into the den.
"Hey." He said, "What's the matter?"
"Nothing." Spottedpaw answered. Quietpaw thought it wasn't fair to be untruthful to Blackpaw, even though she semi-despised him, but she didn't say anything.
"Okay, Well, I'm going to go battle train with Leaftail." Blackpaw looked longingly at Quietpaw as he left, but she didn't return the stare, afraid of Spottedpaw seeing. "And you better groom yourself; you look like a badger in leaf-bare." He grumbled, aggravated. Quietpaw rolled her eyes at Blackpaw's last statement and turned back to Spottedpaw.
"So, what should we do?" Quietpaw wondered out-loud, getting back on topic.
"I have to tell Greyclaw." Spottedpaw looked away from Quietpaw.
"No, we have to." Quietpaw said matter-of-factly. Spottedpaw shook her head.
"You can't."
"We're in this together, Spottedpaw. Blackpaw, too." At the mention of Blackpaw, Spottedpaw winced. She hadn't wanted to lie to him either, but she didn't want any more cats involved.
Quietpaw noticed Spottedpaw's skeptical look, "Trust us." She pleaded.
"Quietpaw, would you please allow us to talk privately?" Greyclaw requested. The three of them were in the medicine cat's den. They had both just talked briefly with Greyclaw.
Quietpaw nodded and left the den.
"Spottedpaw, I'm sorry. By the time Eaglestar had driven away your mother and killed Mistkit, I was beginning my medicine cat training. I was afraid that if the clan knew what your father had done, everything wouldn't go down well. There would be fighting and members of the clan would have died in terrible ways. It is easier to let him go on and pass on normally when the time comes, than causing too much commotion. We just have to keep an eye on him." He said gently, "Better yet, both our eyes." He winked, lightening the mood a little.
"But he's clan leader." Spottedpaw looked doubtful, "all the cats trust him."
Greyclaw sighed. "He wasn't always so highly respected." He stared deeply into Spottedpaw's questioning eyes. "As an apprentice, he was an out-cast. When he first became a warrior he was mocked. But one day, everything changed. Your father proved himself."
"How?" Spottedpaw questioned.
"He led LightningClan to victory. It was the greatest, most bloody battle any cat can remember. But that's a different story altogether. After you were born, Thunderstar made him deputy. Little did he know your father was a blood-thirsty fiend." He shook his head in disgust. Spottedpaw felt ashamed that she was born of such a thing.
"I remember a moon or so after you were born, Mistkit, the poor blind scrap of fur, mysteriously disappeared. Then, soon after, Starfur was falsely accused of killing her own kit and was driven away. Eaglestar told you she was killed in an accident to protect you from the truth."
Spottedpaw gulped. Now she was forcing back tears. Still, Greyclaw continued.
"I would be honored if you would be my apprentice, my brother's kin." Greyclaw bowed his head. It seemed like an eternity before someone spoke.
"Thank you for the offer, Greyclaw, but, I've noticed Smallpaw's great interest in your job." She winked. "I think she'd make a wonderful medicine cat." Spottedpaw replied, gratefully, taking his offer as a huge compliment.
"As you wish." Greyclaw's reply only showed a hint of disappointment. Spottedpaw nodded and backed out of the den.
"What happened?" Quietpaw exclaimed as soon as Spottedpaw entered the apprentices den.
"Not much." Spottedpaw just wanted to get some rest. Sadly, it was still very early in the day, and she had many duties that needed to be fulfilled. She sighed. "I think I'll go to the training hollow. Maybe I can practice with Blackpaw and Leaftail, since Bramblestripe still isn't well. I really hope he gets better." She sighed, and walked away.
"Wait!" Quietpaw looked hurt that Spottedpaw wasn't sharing the information she found out during her meeting with Greyclaw. Does she not trust me? She thought sadly to herself.
"What!?" Spottedpaw spun around, not meaning to come across so strong. The anger building up inside her was exploding unintentionally. Quietpaw searched Spottedpaw's eyes for something almost hidden. Spottedpaw felt guilty. She began to walk away, and Quietpaw was letting her.
What has she become?? Quietpaw thought, miserably. She felt sorry for Spottedpaw, but if her so called friend didn't let her help, then there was nothing she could do.
When Spottedpaw couldn't see Quietpaw anymore she raced out into the waiting sun-high. At first, she just paced back and forth. Then she went and found Blackpaw and Leaftail, like she said she was going to do. Leaftail welcomed her, and had both apprentices ran laps around the whole clearing, to work on their stamina. Bramblestripe usually brought Spottedpaw to a spot in the heart of LightningClan territory and had her weave through trees, for hours on end. She built speed and endurance this way. Now that she found out what her father was capable of she wanted to keep up with her apprentice training. She was going to need to be a skilled fighter by the time she got her warrior name. She could tell these fighting skills would come in handy in the near future. By sun-down, Spottedpaw and Blackpaw were panting, parched, and ridiculously thirsty. The three of them went back to camp. Spottedpaw dove for a field mouse in the fresh kill pile. From across the clearing, Eaglestar was watching her. She felt uneasy as he was stalking over to her. He had taken six easy strides with his muscular legs, strong and powerful.
"Where have you been?" Eaglestar demanded, his voice like thunder.
"Out." Spottedpaw answered, bravely meeting his gaze.
"Doing what?" He forced her to answer, his eyes burning into hers.
"Just training." She couldn't meet his gaze any longer and looked away. Eaglestar didn't say anything else, so Spottedpaw walked away from him, with a sigh of relief. She could feel his eyes boring into the back of her head.
Review but not flames, please!