Echowind here again! Back with Chapter 3! Please review!
Radiantmask pushed through the brambles scratching at her flank as she ran. Her paws were numb but she kept running. She knew she was deprived of Dustpaw because of her brother, not because he needed a new mentor. She never did anything to the harm them and they treated her like a rogue!
The ground softened underneath her paws as she neared the lake. Dust sprayed up behind her as she skidded to halt at the shore. The sun danced off of the rippling water, spreading golden sparkle across the entire lake. The icy water lapped at her paws as she sat.
Radiantmask stared out across the lake to nothingness. She didn't know what she was looking at but she saw more than she had hoped for. WindClan scent drifted over with the help of the wind, splashes dotted the water as fish leapt, clouds swam in the blue sky. It was all to much for her to handle. So much was already going through her mind. Should she leave her Clan? Should she live as a loner? She was not untrustworthy, she was misunderstood.
What could I do to prove my loyalty? she thought to herself scourging her claws deep in to the sandy ground. They won't give me a chance to be a good warrior. They don't even let me keep my apprentice. What am I supposed to do, Breezecatcher?
There was not a reply from her warrior ancestors for a second time that day. Have they given up on her too? But they knew she was innocent! She had never done anything dishonorable!
A strong gust of wind ruffled her fur and sent twigs crashing to the ground. There must be a storm coming, she thought but she did not make a move to head back to camp. There was no point in it if her Clan didn't trust her any longer. So is it decided? Am I a loner now?
Radiantmask thought that it must be the right decision to make. She could be her own cat. She wouldn't have to be judged by anyone or anything. She could come and go as she pleased and her Clan wouldn't have her in their fur anymore.
Are you crazy, she suddenly thought, You're just going to throw everything away? You're not even going to try proving yourself? What are you, a coward?
No. I am a warrior.
Radiantmask smiled. She was a warrior. A ShadowClan warrior. She deserved to treated the same as any other warrior would and she would go all out to show it. But not now, now she was free, with the wind buffeting her fur, the crisp scents of newleaf swirling about her and no cat to tell her to change.
Suddenly a massive force slammed into her, knocking her to the water. Sputtering, she tried to leap up but a paw was holding her down.
She struggled but the more she squirmed, the deeper claws sank into her shoulder. She yowled in agony and kicked her legs. She struck something and the thing holding her down spat in frustration, taking its paw away. Radiantmask jumped up, shaking the water from her pelt. She looked the her attacker and gaped in shock.
"Redscar?"
A large russet tom sneered, "Not anymore, warrior. I am Slice. You are the cat I was sent for to kill, so now I will fulfill my task."
He lunged at her and swiped his claws along her flank while sinking his yellow stained teeth into her scruff. He pinned her to the floor, pulling his lips back.
Radiantmask's knowledge of battle moves she was taught suddenly vanished from memory as she felt pure fear flood her veins. She struggled under the rogue's grip scraping her paws along the ground. She wriggled free of his teeth and started racing away. Fiery pain coursed through her foreleg but she didn't care. She had to get back to camp. Radiantmask heard Slice's thumping pawsteps as he followed, teeth snapping. She ran even faster. He ran faster and she felt his jaws close around her tail.
She screeched in terror and shoved her head at his chest, unhooking his grip. Slice didn't hesitate to strike her back, claws digging into her pelt. Radiantmask tried to defend herself but her blows were blocked by his powerful forepaws.
"Give up, Radiantmask," he spoke her name like it was eating crow food. Slice gave her several gashes before another cat knocked into him and sent him reeling. It was another tom, a gray tabby and he looked angry.
"Emberclaw?" Radiantmask said weakly.
The tabby ignored her and stared at Slice, waiting for him to speak.
"What in the name of the Dark Forest was that for?" demanded Slice, standing up. "I almost had her."
"Yeah, almost," Emberclaw hissed. "Blackstorm has been waiting forever. He sent me here to make sure you weren't dominated."
Blackstorm!
"I don't need your help," Slice growled, baring his teeth. "I could've killed her if it weren't for you."
"Exactly, you mousebrain," snarled Emberclaw. "Blackstorm wants her alive. You know his plan. What good would it do if she was killed?"
Slice looked away, grumbling. "Very well. But how will we manage to bring her to him if she awake?"
What does Blackstorm want with me? Radiantmask thought, narrowing her eyes.
"That is not for me to decide," hissed Emberclaw. "This is your mission. You know my part of the operation doesn't come in until later. How are we-"
"Silence, Jaws!" Slice yowled. "You cannot let the she-cat here. It could ruin the entire plan! He looked at Radinatmask. "I will find a way. But since this is known of your concern, I suggest you start heading back."
Emberclaw, or Jaws, dipped his head and turned away, padding off into the dense forest.
Radiantmask looked at Slice. She was scared.
Dun, Dun, Dun! You excited? Me too. Make sure you review!
