I'm back my lovelies! I have time for a ninth chapter so here you go. Make sure you tell me what you think!
Radiantmask trudged through the undergrowth, twigs snapping underneath her paws. A sheet of gray covered the forest, and mist drifted down onto Radiantmask, making her pelt shine with water.
"So what are we doing here again?" a voice asked behind her.
"Showing you our territory," replied Radiantmask, as she continued along the grass.
Tigerspirit didn't reply. She just followed Radiantmask through the dense pine.
The tabby she-cat became Radiantmask's responsibility the day before. She knew she should feel honored, perhaps her Clan was warming up to her once again, but the way Smokestar seemed to force Tigerspirit onto her shoulders made her attitude grow hard. He almost threatened her to watch over the new warrior, like he expected it to be torture for Radiantmask. He seemed to eager for Radiantmask to begin.
He must not be entirely sure that he can trust her, Radiantmask thought, Which is why he thought I would be the best cat to teach the ways of a warrior. If she turns against us, I would be the cat she attacks first.
Radiantmask recognized the familiar Twoleg path, she stopped, and waited for Tigerspirit to catch up.
"This marks the end of our territory," said Radiantmask. "There are four Clans in all. We are ShadowClan. Across this path, is ThunderClan. The other side of our territory, marks the beginning of RiverClan territory. The last Clan lies across the lake; they are WindClan. We are not allowed to cross into another Clan's territory without that Clan's permission. The border must be marked every day. I would ask you to do it, but you have not been in ShadowClan enough for them to recognize your scent."
Tigerspirit nodded. "Why don't you just all share the territory around the lake?" she asked. "Aren't you all warriors?"
"We've always been rivals," Radiantmask shrugged. "It's just how it works."
"I see," Tigerspirit growled, "But it seems rather foolish to me for the Clans to spend life shedding blood than making peace. If you joined territories, food wouldn't run out, there wouldn't be any worry on cats dying from wounds..."
Radiantmask gritted her teeth. "Look, cat. I didn't ask to be your overseer. You can air your complaints, as long as it's not me. I've kinda got a lot on my mind."
"There's no need to be hostile," Tigerspirit hissed. "I am your Clanmate."
"You don't understand," snarled Radiantmask, "You don't have to kill your brother."
The moment she said it, she regretted it. She didn't want to have to explain it to to a cat she barely knew. She couldn't even talk to Pouncefoot about it, and he could tell something was wrong, he pressed but she wouldn't spill. Now she knew she had to.
Tigerspirit's amber eyes sparkled. "What do you mean?"
Radiantmask sighed. There was no way to get out of it now. "ShadowClan's enemy, the cat that was one of our own, is my brother. The Clan doesn't trust me anymore. The only way to prove myself loyal, is to kill my brother."
"But it must be hard for you," Tigerspirit said, "He is dear to you..."
"Dear to me?" laughed Radiantmask, throwing her head back. "That fox-heart stole my honor. He killed our mother. Not even StarClan looks upon me as a warrior. I worry about killing him because," her voice lowered to a sorrowful whisper, "Because, he is strong. He has an army, one that your brother has now become a part of. They grow more and more powerful by each passing day, while we grow weaker. There is no telling where he may strike next. Also..."
Tigerspirit blinked.
"He is hunting me."
"I hurt for you," said Tigerspirit. Her fur rose on end. "May your brother suffer the pain of a thousand wounds of a badger's claws for stealing what is yours and what is mine. May he feel as cold as a furless rat in trapped in a blizzard storm. May he feel our claws like the teeth of furious lions and tigers. We will have our revenge."
The darkness in Tigerspirit's voice made Radiantmask's heart beat as fast as leopard runs, but she shared the ambition. She will kill her brother, but not for the pleasure or revenge, but for the justice that she must bring."
As she rose to her paws to head back to camp, a shadow rose over the two cats and pinned Tigerspirit to the ground.
Ooh cliffie! And guess what! You guys will have to wait for a few days before you get the next chapter! So I hope you review! Let's get twenty before the next chapter! See you later.