A/N: Hey guys! Sorry I haven't updated this story in a while! I have been super busy with school. But, I wanted to say that I have begun to write the prologue for the final book. I am currently writing up the alliances, but I am still in need of some warriors. If you want to place some in the alliances, go to my forum! The link is on my profile go and place them there! I need warriors for every Clan, not so much queens. Go check it out! :) Anyway, here are the answers to the reviews:
Reminiscent Lullaby: Well, the answer to your confusion may or may not be answered in this chapter! If you still are confused, PM me and I will clear it up! I don't want to say it in an Authors Note and reveal too much! But, thank you! I'm glad you liked it!
Willowdream of ForestClan: You will now!
AxelK4: You'll see!
Talon of soaring Eagle: I'd join the dark side for cookies, but then I'd just kick their butts, literally, and then leave. haha!
StormXRaven: Thanks! More will be revealed soon!
Falling out the stars: Haha, I'm glad!
Ivystrike: I'm updating now!
Brackenflame: Pantherkit is in the dark forest! Boo!
Best Friend of Green: Yes, she is dead, sadly.
10TailDemon: Thank you! I try to update at least once a weekend.
*IMPORTANT* In case you haven't, I have started a new book based off Nightspirit called The Messenger. I think it may become one of my most well-written books ever! As well as the longest! It involves scenes from the original series and my own personal books! Go check it out! :) It'll be worth it! And also, review so I know you read! :)
Anyway, please enjoy chapter three!
Chapter Three
The air was thick with the stench of death and decay. The midnight black sky was clear of stars. The only light that washed into the clearing was from a slither of the moon, which was almost blood-red. Pantherkit's nose wrinkled as the smell wafted toward him. The large ginger tom's bright amber eyes glistened in the harsh moon light as he padded forward. "Wh-who are you?" Pantherkit growled defiantly as he fluffed up his fur in defense.
The large tabby tom stepped forward threateningly. "They call me Flamehawk," the tom meowed as he sat just a tail-length away from him.
Pantherkit's amber eyes widened in fear. "I-I've heard of you before, but I-I can't remember from where," he gasped as he cowered lower to the ground.
Soon, Flamehawk loomed over him with a menacing grimace on his muzzle. "Why, I was a hero in PineClan, perhaps your elders have spoken of me?" he meowed with his amber eyes glittering.
Pantherkit felt fear prickle his pelt as Flamehawk leaned back on his haunches. "I've been watching you, Pantherkit. Your mother is dead and your brother is a heartless mouse. He teases your for being small and weak," Flamehawk laughed with his sharp, ivory teeth glistening with saliva.
"I am not weak!" Pantherkit spat as his claws extended with determination as he stepped toward the large tabby tom.
Flamehawk's jaws shut at Pantherkit stepped forward. His eyes grew wide as he snarled, "I figured this much, that's why I have come to offer you help."
Pantherkit's golden fur laid flat as his eyes narrowed, "How are you going to help me?"
Flamehawk stood and allowed his long, sharp claws to extend from his paws. He began to circle Pantherkit as his long tail swayed across the sun-baked grass. "I will show you what it takes to be a warrior you Clan will worship. PineClan will regret thinking you were weak and small. After I am done training you, you will be the strongest and most feared warrior in all the Southern Clans," Flamehawk meowed as he whisked his tail across Pantherkit's back,
Pantherkit thought briefly for a moment. The most feared warrior is all the clans? The strongest warrior? His mind whirled as fantasies whirled in his mind. Before he could speak, Flamehawk meowed, "Panther's are ruthless and fearless. They are strong, but clever. Do you want to live up to your name?"
Pantherkit nodded vigorously to the large ginger tom. Flamehawk nodded briefly, "Then accept my offer."
Pantherkit's tail rose as his claws extended from his paws. "I accept your offer, Flamehawk," Pantherkit growled as his fur fluffed up.
The large ginger tom's muzzle lifted as a large grin appeared. His amber eyes grew wild as he laughed. "Very good. Our training will begin soon, but for now, you must return to your Clan," he spat the word Clan as he began to fade.
Along with him, the tall dead trees and moon-light vanished, sending Pantherkit into complete darkness. "Pantherkit? Pantherkit!" came a faint voice.
Pantherkit snapped his eyes open to see the worried amber eyes of his father looking down at him. Tigertooth's chest heaved with a sigh of relief as his eyes rolled. "I told you not to ever end up in the medicine-den!" his father scolded.
Pantherkit sat up as strong pain welled in his head. "Where's Quietheart?" Pantherkit asked his father as fear crept over him.
Tigertooth's amber eyes clouded with grief at the mention of his mates name. "Pantherkit, sh-she's with StarClan now," his father murmured as he bent down as nuzzled his sons chin.
Pantherkit pulled away as his eyes widened. His chest burst with sorrow as he croaked, "Will I ever see her again? Why did they take her away?"
Tigertooth's ginger and black stripped fur quivered as his amber eyes grew glossy. "You'll see her again, but that won't be for several seasons, StarClan willing. And sometimes, things just happen, Pantherkit, but we still have to remain strong for our Clan," his father meowed with sorrow filling his voice, causing in to crack with grief.
Pantherkit nodded as his amber eyes ventured out into the clearing where his mother's body lay. He stood on shaky paws and padded toward the nursery. He managed to look at his mother's matted fur once more. Deep claw wounds were exposed as a gust of wind blew her fur. Pain pierced his heart as he flicked his gaze away from his mother's mutilated body. He turned his attention to the large tree branch that circled the nursery. With a mighty leap, he launched himself up the side, digging his claws into the bark. He carefully leaped his way up and turned one last time to see Quietheart. I wish this was just a terrible dream, he thought as the pain pierced him again.
He leaped off the tree and landed in the dust. Small clouds billowed up from under his large paws as he landed. He soon shook out his fur, free of dust and padded into the crowded nursery. Sapwing had kitted just two sunrised before Quietheart's death. She had two kits and had named the tortishell she-cat Dawnkit and the black tom Darkkit. Their tiny mews sounded off the walls as Pantherkit caught the glimpse of his black-furred brother. The large black tom laid in their nest. His chest rose and fell rhythmically signifying he was asleep. Pantherkit leaped into the nest and jabbed his brother with sharp claws, all fear vanishing for the large black tom. "Ouch! What's wrong with you?" Blackkit growled as he rubbed his side where Pantherkit had jabbed him.
Pantherkit stabbed his claws into Blackkit's shoulders, causing the tom to snarl in pain. "Why would you say that about Quietheart?" Pantherkit yowled.
"Stop it!" Redwillow demanded, but Pantherkit ignored her.
"Why?" he repeated as he snarled in his brother's face.
Blackkit's amber eyes were wide with confusion. "What are you talking about? Where is Quietheart?" he asked as his eyes flicked around the den.
Pantherkit released his grip as he narrowed his eyes at his brother. "You don't remember?" he asked with a cock of his head.
"Remember what?" Blackkit meowed as his eyes grew wide with fear.
"Quietheart was brought back to the Clan dead. A patrol found her. You were there! You said she deserved it!" Pantherkit snarled as anger boiled in his chest.
Blackkit leaped to his paws as grief revealed itself in his amber eyes. "She's dead?" he echoed as his fur lifted along his spine.
Pantherkit nodded suspiciously, but soon, Blackkit was crouched with his fur quivering in sorrow. The black tom's chest convulsed in pain. Suddenly, Blackkit looked up with hatred burning in his amber eyes. "All I ever wanted was for Quietheart to love me as much as she loved you! Now that will never happen, it's all your fault!" Blackkit snarled as he launched forward with his claws extended.
Pantherkit rolled onto his back evading Blackkit's attack. The black tom slammed into the side of the nest with his face. Blackkit whimpered quietly to himself as he stood again. He flashed his sorrowful amber eyes at Pantherkit and growled, "I hate you! I wish I was the only kit! Then maybe Quietheart would still be alive!"
A/N: Obviously Blackkit had bees in his brain! What happened to him? What will happen to the once quite, soft, and gentle Pantherkit after he starts training with Flamehawk? Who will look out for him now? Only one way to find out! REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW! :)
Let's get me to 52-55 reviews before I post the next chapter! Thanks!
-Nightspirit
