Chapter Nine: Shades of Doubt

Stormfur rose cautiously the next morning several hours before dawn. His eyes darted about his enclosure until he spotted Eyes. The white tom was also looking anxious. His eyes were far off. Stormfur realized that if the plan failed, then Eyes and Midnight would most likely face death. Better then the kits. he thought grimly.

He had a sudden desire to see the kits, and to see Brook. He wanted to bury his head into her soft fur, and then maybe his troubled mind would go away.

He took a quick glance at the guards, who were all sleeping, except for Eyes. He looked tense and ragged, like he had not slept in days. He nodded to Stormfur as the captive left his prison.

Brook was curled up, asleep. His two daughters were staring around mischeviously. He ran over to them with a smile on his face. It was Moon of Silver Light and Feather Blowing with Wind.

He licked his two daughters, who both squealed 'Daddy!' at the sight of him. His son, One who Walks with Clouds, was starring around glummly. Stormfur walked over to him and stood him onto his paws. The kit was growing quickly. He was the largest of the litter. The kits should all be apprenticed soon.

Brook soon woke up. She stared at him before sighing.

"Not happy to see me?" Stormfur laughed. Brook did not return it. He nudged her playfully.

"Stop it Stormfur!" Brook hissed.

Stormfur stepped back and frowned. "What's wrong with you?" he asked.

Brook sighed heavily. "I'm pregnant, Stormfur."

Stormfur felt like he had been hit with a Twoleg monster. "But, we didn't..." his voice trailed off. "I dont understand..." he said slowly.

"They aren't your's, Stormfur." Brook told him.

Two monsters.

"You.. you cheated!" Stormfur snarled.

"Stormfur-"

"Who's are they?" I asked.

Brook stared pointedly at her feet.

"Brook, I left my Clan, my family for you! You owe me the right to at least tell me which of my fellow Tribe-mates you cheated on me with!" Stormfur yelled.

"He's not from the tribe.." Brook replied quietly.

"Excuse me?" Stormfur gaped. "Did you just tell me that you cheated on me with one of the tyrants that took over the Tribe and killed Stoneteller!?" he snarled.

Brook was about to reply when Blood walked over. Stormfur instantly tensed, ready for being told off for leaving the prison.

But he did something even worse.

He walked over to Brook and pressed his side agaisnt hers, and licked her on the cheek.

""""""""""""""""

Graystripe rose with a groan and strecthed his stiff muscles. It had been a hard few days, but the snow had melted and the promise of new-leaf had been furfilled. The ground was soft and muddy from all the melting snow, and the lake had flooded dangerously close to their camp, but ThunderClan had made it through, just like they always did.

Ravenwing, for the most part, was still recovering. It had only been yesterday morning when he had finally woken up. Dawningsun had stayed with him for most of the two days in which he was in a coma, and now that he was awake she was hunting more prey then anyone.

He bristled slightly as he saw some apprentices go up to Brambleclaw and ask him what they should do today. That was his job. After all, I am the deputy.

But as he glanced back at Brambleclaw, and saw the way the respect for him twinkling in the kits eyes, he couldn't help but wonder...

Am I?

"""""

(One day earlier)

How could this be my destiny?

Thats what Ravenwing kept repeating to himself as he drifted through his subconscience. He had strange dreams filled with dark shadows and the cries of hungry kits. He heard Stormfur rallying an army. His head swirled with everything that was going on, and he felt as though ever second was as long as all the season-turns of the forest.

But he was not gone. Not without a fight.

Barely prophicised that coming to the Clan was my destiny. I cant die after a moon here!

Ahh.. said a different voice in his head. Barley said you destiny was to find Graystripe. He is found.

Ravenwing found himself pondering this thought for hours.

Does this mean, he thought suddently. That my destiny was wrong?

"""""

Stormfur felt ever muscle stiffen. Every fur on his pelt was prickling with hate.

Betrayal. He had been betrayed by his own mate. He had left his home, his beliefs, everything he had ever wanted, for her. And this was how she repayed him.

For the rest of his life, Stormfur would always wonder how the next few seconds happened. All he knew was that in a few seconds he had leaped at Blood, knocking the murderous tyrant to the ground and had only one thought; causing as much pain as possible.

He took no notice as Blood struck his shoulder and knocked it out of his socket. He paid no attention as blood began to trickle from a cut on his tongue. It was only when two guards dragged him to his prison and lay him in the dust that he realized the full extend of what had happened.

This isn't my home anymore.

Sorry for the wait! Then next chapter will be here by the end of the week!!

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