Hey all!

I failed at writing a weekly challenge for LightClan. Even though I'm already overdue, I've decided to write this anyway. It's fun, and I'll feel horrible otherwise.

This short story is not technically for that anymore. This is now something I really wanted to write and did.

This one-shot focuses on Swampstar - who you may know from my AgonyAmong the Reeds - and the true fall of MarshClan. This is a sequel to that short story. Enjoy!

The prompt for this was rage.

Disclaimer: I am not a cat. Neither am I Erin Hunter.

She Was Your Mate!

Swampstar trotted back into camp after a border patrol. The sun was slowly setting, and there was something he was supposed to remember. His tail twitched slightly. Whiskertail would tell him. She was always better at remembering stuff than he was.

He passed by the old leaders' den. He insisted on constructing a new one after his rule had commenced. There was something bad about the old one... But that had been a while ago.

He nodded to various members of the Clan. The deputy, Storm-something, was already organizing the patrols for tomorrow. The grey cat dipped his head in his leader's direction. Swampstar gave a small nod in return.

He's getting far too good. I'll have to end him soon.

Deciding not to let that decision bother him right away, Swampstar stopped for a moment and made a small nick on his front right paw. The symbol to murder the deputy. That was something he never had Whiskertail remember for him.

He continued on and gazed around the MarshClan camp one more time before ducking into the newest MarshClan den.

Whiskertail was waiting. She looked up at his entrance and purred.

Swampstar sat down beside her. "What am I forgetting?"

"To say that you love me." Whiskertail leaned against him and the leader closed his eyes.

He purred back. "I love you."

They were quiet for a moment, enjoying their comfort. Finally Whiskertail spoke.

"Warrior ceremony tomorrow," she said. "Their names are Stormpaw, Ashpaw, and Bloodpaw."

Swampstar opened his eyes. "Stormpaw? I thought the deputy's name was Storm... um... something."

Whiskertail rolled her eyes. "Two deputies ago, it was Stormwhisker. Stormpaw was named after him. Your deputy right now is Oakclaw."

Swampstar nodded. "Oakclaw. Did I name him?"

"Yes." Whiskertail rubbed her cheek against his fur. "Are you trying to remember this stuff?"

Her mate shrugged. "Mostly." His whiskers twitched in concealed laughter. "What would I do without you?"

"Pick warrior names?"

Swampstar nodded slowly. "You already have them picked out, don't you?"

Whiskertail laughed. "Yes, of course! Did you think that I'd actually let you do it for once?"

"Well?"

Whiskertail looked straight into his eyes. "You need to remember these. Stormclaw, Ashfall, and Bloodflower."

"Two toms and a she-cat?"

"Yes."

Swampstar decided Ashfall would be the next deputy. He liked the name. "And how long has Stormwhisker been deputy?"

Whiskertail sighed. "Are you even listening?" She paused. "Stormwhisker was deputy for three moons, Vinestream for five, and Oakclaw for one."

One moon. Swampstar held back a grimace. He's already too good.

Whiskertail yawned and curled up against him. He stretched around her, already remembering Oakclaw's fighting style.

"Stormclaw, Ashfall, and Bloodfur?"

"Bloodflower."

Swampstar dozed off, the name stuck in his mind.

He had no idea that, in time, all three of the to-be warriors would die, two murdered by him.

SEVENTEEN MOONS LATER

Swampstar hated when cats tried to kill him. It really irked him.

And then the Clan was confused when he insisted on leaving the bodies to rot.

"I told you," he said to the gathered cats once again, "no one really liked her anyway."

MarshClan stared up at him on his rocky perch. He liked that; forcing them to always gaze up at him. And he, their leader, being able to stare down at them.

"Everyone liked her!" a grey warrior said loudly. What was his name again? "She was your mate!"

Swampstar blinked slowly, coldly, keeping his anger contained.

You don't want your warriors to fear you, Whiskertail had said. You want them to follow you.

The leader shook his head, clearing his thoughts. Why was he listening to Whiskertail's advice? Look where it had led her.

Swampstar took a step forward, leaning off the edge of Highrock. "That's not what I said." He stared at the warrior until he looked away. "Listen to what I say. It's in the warrior code." He hoped it was.

The warrior still wouldn't meet his eyes. Swampstar narrowed his eyes. He didn't like this weakness.

"What's your name?"

The grey warrior finally looked up again. "Pardon?"

"Your name!" Swampstar let his tail lash.

"S-Stormclaw, sir. You gave me my name." The warrior appeared confused.

So Swampstar had given him his name. And Whiskertail had probably chosen it. He leaped down from highrock. "Do you often stutter?"

Stormclaw swallowed. "No. Sorry."

Swampstar cocked his head, studying the warrior's frame. He wasn't in a battle position. Big mistake.

The leader lunged for his throat. Whiskertail was dead. He had no one to impress.

Stormclaw just watched him, his eyes wide. He didn't even try to defend himself. Swampstar's teeth sunk into his throat and blood gushed out. He watched the stutter-y warrior die.

The Clan didn't move, seemingly shocked. A red-furred queen pushed her way forwards, but didn't say anything, watching the blood flow.

Swampstar pointed a wet claw at a ginger she-cat. "Who are you?"

The queen's eyes were narrowed with hatred at the limp body and she didn't look up from her glaring. "Sharpthorn. I'm your deputy."

Swampstar sat back. "Oh." She's already deputy? I guess she can keep it for now. "Well? What are you waiting for? Do stuff!"

The Clan slowly dispersed around him, muttering and whispering. No one met his eyes.

Swampstar watched them go. This was the Clan he had. And he was their leader.

He had just become what Whiskertail would have hated.

A tyrant.

Well? What do you think?

I was trying out a different style here, so please let me know if it was confusing or poorly done. I'd really like some ideas on how to improve!

I actually wrote both parts at once, switching between the two frequently. I actually didn't originally know who the grey tom was until I wrote more of the first part. I started with the second.

Thank you so much for reading and reviewing, and I hope you enjoyed this!