Omg, it feels like forever since I posted a new chapter. To all those people who reviewed, thanks so much and heres a cookie. I luv you guys! I will try to post more often now that its summer. ALSO SMALLSPARROW HAPPY REALLY EARLY BIRTHDAY. HOPE YOU GET LOTS OF DONUTS BC DONUTS ARE BETTER THAN CAKES. HERES YOU'RE CHAPTER!

Chapter 10

"Look at meeeeeee!" Thornkit squealed as he plummeted head first into the snowy white ground. His body stuck out like a thorn sticking out a bush. Night watched quietly as Apple purred in amusement and signed. Ever since they had found him and rescued him, those two was getting closer and closer, sometimes even leaving Night out.

Why do I feel betrayed? Night asked herself as she watched Thornkit wiggle out and spatter snow everywhere. Probably because nobody likes me. Signing again, she shook the snow from her black fur. Shivers racked through her because of the cold. "I'm going out to hunt," Night announced as she slipped out the little shelter they had built for fun, though it still leaked snow. At least, I'm doing something useful.

"Can I go? Can I go?" A squeak asked from behind. Annoyed, Night turned around and snapped.

"This is not your job!" she growled, meeting the brown eyes and a chill ran through her. It reminded her way too much of her past life and Ryepelt. Maybe that was why she didn't like him even though Night knew it was wrong. Thornkit eyes widened and he whimpered, while scampering over to Apple. The mottled red she-cat glared at her.

"You go wait here and play," Apple purred him then snapped at Night," We need to go outside and talk." Night rolled her eyes, but didn't argue. She followed her friend outside. "Explain to me why you hate him," Apple mewed after they got outside. She wrapped her plumy tail around her paws.

"I don't hate him!" Night flashed back.

"Well, you sure act like you do."

Night blinked. Did she? When she failed to reply, Apple's eyes softened and she leaned forward to touch noses with her. "I know you got a tough past, but please…"

"I can't," Night argued, shaking her head," You don't get it."

Apple's eyes hardened again. "Yes, I do! You are hating Thornkit because Ryepelt is his father! You're acting like him!"

Night felt fury flash through her. How dare she say that! I'm nothing like Ryepelt! "Well, I guess we're not good friends, if you don't understand me," she hissed, resisting the urge to claw Apple. Then she stalked off to join Diana and Zen to hunt, ignoring the hurt and shocked look on the she-cat's face.

…...

Night woke up feeling guilty. Maybe she shouldn't have said that to Apple. Maybe it was too harsh.

But she was making fun of you, a voice nagged inside her. Signing, she groomed her back. It felt like everywhere she went, there was new troubles. And she still haven't forgotten what Ryepelt said.

Don't think you can escape me by walking away, Plypaw.

His smirk face would be forever burned into her mind.

"Thornkit's gone!" Apple's shriek torn her out of her thoughts. Night jolted up in surprise while Zen and Diana looked around in surprise, too. "He was right there and I felt him the whole night, but now he's gone and I don't know what to do! OH, what if he's injured? What if he's cold? This is all my fault!" Apple moaned as she buried her nose into her fur.

Sympathy flowed through Night. Apple really loves Thornkit.

Zen blinked his copper eyes and then licked Apple's ears. "Let's calm down first. I think we need to split up and try to find him first. How about this? Night, you go with Apple to find Thornkit. Diana and I would stay here in case he comes back."

Surprise shot through her. Me? But… She met Zen's eyes and all words melted away. I guess I'll try… Apple shot up and raced out while yelling," Hurry up!" Diana glanced at her and nodded. Gulping, Night followed Apple outside.

"Let's split up too that we can cover up more ground," Night suggested gently. Without arguing, Apple darted off. Reluctantly, she lifted her nose and sniffed the air. Catching a faint scent, she lowered her head to see tiny sets of paws heading the way she was going. Heart lurching, she followed the tiny footsteps until it was joined by bigger ones. She sniffed the bigger paw steps. A familiar smell hit her, but she couldn't identify what it was. She continued on until the smell dawned on her. Fox! Oh, StarClan. This is bad! Dread filled her as she raced on until she hit a clearing. Blood scent hit her hard and she almost gagged.

In the clearing was a small body.

No…

Horror filled her as she raced over. She nudged the small body, but only blood and death greeted her. Thornkit was dead.

The fact hit her so hard that all her defense and ice melted. This tiny kit, who would've grown up to be a handsome young tom, was dead. Because of her. It had to be why!

I'm so sorry, Thornkit. Maybe if you had stayed in the clans, then you would be alive. I hope that you'll forgive me for what I've done.

StarClan, please welcome him. Even though he left the clans, he died a noble and brave warrior life. Please grant him a place in the stars.

A heartbroken wail sounded from behind her as a cat flung her aside. Shock startled her as she skidded away.

"Stay away from him," Apple spat, her body curling around Thornkit. "You hated him. You don't deserve to be sad! You liar, you traitor. I thought forget the past and make a better future, but look at what you've done. Leave! Leave for Thornkit!"

Surprise raged through her, "But…"

"Leave!" Apple growled. "I thought you were different!"

"I am different!" Night protested, trying to convince her friend.

"I was wrong," Apple snarled and turned away. "Go before you regret it." And turned her back to Night. She picked up Thornkit's cold body and walked away.

I was wrong…

That sentence ringed in her head.

I was wrong…

Ice filled her. Why? Why is it always me? Did I do anything wrong? I thought Apple was my friend.

Friend… Does that even mean anything? Maybe it's only a word for an empty love.

Strength seeped in as she through about it.

I have no friends…

I have no friends…

I have no friend!

And I'll keep it that way.

…...

Morning light filtered in as Apple woke up from her sleep. Birds chirped now and then, making the air seem cheerful, but Apple didn't feel that way. Her heart seemed to have an empty spot. Actually, two.

Night and Thornkit…

Why did I send Night off? Apple closed her eye and she lifted her head toward the cave's roof. She was the closest thing I had left…

Apple had buried Thornkit next to the small den they had built so Apple made sure he would always remember his happy times. She opened her eyes and stared at the drawing. Everything felt dumb and meaningless right now. "Apple?" a soft voice called her. She turned her head around to see Diana making her way forward. She waited patiently as Diana slipped inside and settled down next to her.

"Do you miss Night?" Apple softly asked. Diana blinked in surprise and, but she nodded. "Why did I sent her away then?"

"You followed your heart," Diana assured, touching noses with Apple's ear. But Apple knew that wasn't true. She hadn't followed her heart, instead out of rage. When she found out Thornkit was dead, she blamed it on the first cat she saw. And that had been Night. Regret tugged her down.

Oh, Night, I wish you were here. You were always such a gentle and kind-hearted cat while I acted out of rage. I'm so sorry. I wish I could take my words back…

I get you past… I really do… It's just that you've never heard mines.

Remember to R&R! I was thinking about writing about Apple's and Ryepelt's past. Should I?