Chapter 3

Nightmares plagued Swiftpaw's mind. He could remember only flashes: dogs chasing/gaping jowls/the ground blurring under his paws as he tried to run. Sometimes, in the darkness of his den he swore he could see a glint of a white tooth, a glimmer of a yellow eye. (add more)As confusing as his thoughts were, one thing was certain: he was no longer safe. Not even in his sleep, which used to be a safe haven for him when he was a young apprentice and needed a recharge after a long and tiring day.

Swiftpaw didn't know how many days had passed since he'd denied Longtail's help, but he did know that there was one thing he needed to do. That was to find out what was going on with Bluestar.

Cinderpelt may have tried to hide their leader's mental state, but Swiftpaw would find out what was truly happening. He had no idea why he was so set on finding out, but something about it kept him grounded in reality, like he still had a purpose; a role to fill in the clan.

His first idea to get information was to straight up demand it from either Cinderpelt or Bluestar, but then he realized how reckless, so he put it in the back of his mind as a last resort, in case nothing else worked. His second idea was to try and worm the topic into a conversation with Cinderpelt, but he knew she was too smart and alert around him. There was no way that would work either.

His third idea, and perhaps the most logical one, was to go with the flow. If he could ever had a chance to get information, he'd take it. He also decided that it was in his best interests to get closer to Cinderpelt so he could get on her good side. Maybe she wouldn't be so secretive and suspicious then.

For some reason Swiftpaw felt as if dealing with Bluestar was his own personal responsibility, as if every bad action she took against the clan was a claw mark on Swiftpaw's own dignity.

The only problem with all of these plans were that to put them into action he'd actually have to leave his den. Strangely, nobody had tried to bother him - with the exception of Ashpaw, of course, who enjoyed rubbing his misfortunes in his face at every turn. Frankly, he was getting tired of it.

Swiftpaw's eyes squinted at the bright, burning sun. His stomach growled but he ignored the temptation of grabbing a mouse from the fresh-kill pile. More important things lay ahead for him. He headed towards the medicine den, flickering gazes following him on his walk. Swiftpaw ignored them, but he couldn't help but feel like some sort of freak show.

"Cinderpelt!"

His voice bounced off the walls of the cave. Nothing came back. Swiftpaw was about to call for her one more time when he turned around and found himself face-to-face with Ashpaw.

"Starclan's sakes!" Swiftpaw flinched, taking a few steps back, "You scared me half to death!"

Ashpaw gave what seemed to be an attempt at a shrug. "I wasn't even that quiet, it's your problem if you can't hear straight." Ashpaw's attention was quickly diverted from Swiftpaw, and he scanned the walls of the cave, not making eye contact with Swiftpaw. Cloudtail had appeared from behind Ashpaw, his white fur in contrast with the dark walls of the medicine cat den. He offered nothing more than a quick gaze to acknowledge Swiftpaw's presence.

"What're you here for anyway?" Swiftpaw flicked an ear in annoyance, turning his attention back to Ashpaw. If the cat was going to talk to him he might as well make damn eye contact with him.

"It really should be none of your business, but if you must know I'm going to talk to Cinderpelt." Ashpaw's ears seemed to perk up at this comment.

"So, it is true then! You've been having strange crazy dreams about the Dark Forest!"

It was the most preposterous thing Swiftpaw had ever heard, and he had to make sure that Ashpaw wasn't correct in the assumption that he had bad hearing. Cloudtail still wasn't looking at either of the two cats, but his interest had certainly been piqued.

"What-" Swiftpaw was lost for words. What was he supposed to say?

"Hah! You don't deny it then!" Ashpaw had a smug look on his face, as if he had just proved something.

"That's ridiculous! Cloudtail, back me up here." But Cloudtail's blue eyes revealed nothing but a clear hatred for Swiftpaw. He didn't dare drop the white tom's gaze.

"I hear the things you say in your sleep when I pass by your den for patrols. I don't know how Bluestar lets you lazy around all day in your den." Cloudtail turned his angry gaze from Swiftpaw. "We're going to be fighting the dogs soon. And while the clan is out there risking their lives I can guess where you'll be."

The white tom briskly turned, making his way out of the den. "Come on, Ashpaw. Cinderpelt can check it later. It's just a tiny scratch anyways." Cloudtail's voice was one of annoyance, and Swiftpaw doubted that Ashpaw would even dare to try and throw any snide remarks Cloudtail's way.

"Fine. Sure. Whatever." The grey apprentice quickly followed suit.

Great. Another thing to add to the list of reasons to never speak to the rest of Thunderclan ever again. However, there was one thing Cloudtail had said that Swiftpaw had not been expecting. They're going to fight the dogs? He had expected at least either Longtail or Cinderpelt to mention something about an attack. Then again, it's not like Cinderpelt's been fairly open these past few days. But, surely, Bluestar would want as many cats in the battle as possible? Surely, they'd want to start training him for battle? Again, tying back to the whole "letting me off my duties" thing.

Swiftpaw sighed. Another thing to add to the ever-growing list of Thunderclan mysteries. He was determined to get to the bottom of this.