A/N: Hello everybody! Like I said last week, updates for this story are now every FRIDAY until my newest story starts in a few months. There is still a lot of planning I have to do for it, but I am very excited for it. Anyways, back to this story (and Sootpaw's perspective).

Thanks to HunterHD, Slytherin Buttercat, Shadowdapple of Thunderclan, StormTheGreat, SkyStorm99, Flamespirits, and Hazel Feathers Raining Down for following and/or adding this story as a favorite.

Reviews

XxSilverMist105xX- Don't you fret, Sootpaw will continue (maybe) to be in every chapter. And that ship is currently being built, would you like to help? XD Thank you!

Featherfrost of Stormclan- She is bold! Kind of, sort of. Just not on certain occasions.

Slytherin Buttercat- I won't respond to all of your reviews (thanks so much though for reviewing on every chapter) but what are you suspicious about? Redstar is innocent (maybe). Thank you and I'll make sure to make every character (even some of the major side ones) as important and impactful to the story as possible.

Silverwing (Guest)- Your wish shall be granted.

Sanders1800- Thank you and I'll see what I can do.

ColouredKittens- Thanks and that's not a bad idea. I'll see how I can show the other two in the running.

Shadowdapple of Thunderclan- Thank you so much for reading this story (in an hour, that's impressive) Welcome aboard our train and I hope you stay for this long ride.

StormTheGreat- I'm taken back and feel so blessed that someone from one of my old stories is here. Thank you so much. And hey, you're not alone (I feel old too). I hope I make you proud as to what this story has to offer. Thank you and lots of hugs.

Guest- Thank you! And I will keep my mouth shut and not answer that question. Don't want to give out any information that could be considered a spoiler.

Flamespirits- Thank you so much! I will try to update as often as possible, but, you know, school and stuff. I will see if I can make that happen sometime in the future. Thanks for joining this adventure!

I just want to say thank you to everybody who reviewed, followed, and/or added this story as a favorite. I can't begin to explain how much it makes my day to hear from you guys. (All of you are awesome!) Anyways...

Let's get started!

"Hold still, Sootpaw."

"Ouch! That hurts you know!"

"And it will hurt more if you don't stop moving. Now, stay still!"

The grey furred Commoner grumbled under his breath as he turned his head away from Hollypaw. The Medicine Cat was currently trying to apply a small amount of poultice onto the Commoner's torn ear, but he was making it next to impossible to do so. Every time she came so much as a hairbreadth away, he would flinch away and make a big deal about it. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Darkpaw's masked expression of silent amusement as he watched the ordeal. She had treated him first since Sootpaw stubbornly refused her help every time she turned to him. The tom only allowed himself to be treated after the servant was. Or, maybe he was just scared of this part.

"Sootpaw!"

"I'm sorry! It stings every time-"

"I'm not even touching you and your flinching away already!"

Sootpaw let out a huff, a pout appearing on his face, one that soon turned to a smile when he heard Darkpaw's reserved chuckling off to his side. Glancing over at the black furred tom, the Commoner put on the most charming he could muster in his pain-stricken state.

"So, you aren't mute after all."

The servant's expression went from carefree to nervous in less than a second, his gaze flicking down to his paws almost shyly. Sootpaw only now realized how isolated the servants were from everyone else. From the moment they are forced into the rank, all servants- no matter how old or how young- are restricted from speaking to anyone but their master or their master's family. This was probably the first time Darkpaw was talking to an apprentice other than Flarepaw.

"No, I'm afraid not."

"Well, I think you should talk more- Ow!"

Sootpaw shot the Medicine Cat a glare as she- in his moment of distraction- applied the poultice to his torn ear. She had barely tapped it, but already Sootpaw could feel it stinging more painfully than any wound he had before. He clenched his teeth and narrowed his eyes as a pleased smile appeared on her face. The Commoner stubbornly glared at her for a few seconds before blowing out a sigh, deciding to just get it over with. He turned his head towards her, signaling her with a single nod of his head. Hollypaw's mildly concerned expression disappeared as she stepped closer to him, sitting beside him as she tended to his injury.

"So, Darkpaw… you're Wildfire's servant, right?"

"That is correct, Commoner Sootpaw."

"Please, no need for the formalities. Just call me Sootpaw."

Darkpaw blinked at him, mostly out of shock more than anything else. It was a requirement for all servants to call everybody by their rank before saying their name. Be it a simple Commoner or a High Ranking Royal. The nervous servant opened his mouth, ready to refuse the offer, but ended up closing his mouth again and nodding instead. Sootpaw hissed under his breath whenever Hollypaw touched his wounds, her paws moving down his body as she finished with his torn ear seconds later.

"What's it like being a servant?"

"I… uh. Um, what's it like being a Commoner?"

Sootpaw, seeing that Darkpaw was uncomfortable with their conversation, decided to answer his question first. His gaze flicked down to his paws, allowing his claws to sheathe and unsheathe just to keep his mind busy. He closed his eyes before opening his mouth to speak.

"Well… I can't say it's an easy one. The truth is… I hate it most days. I hate waking up knowing that someone is going to decide to hurt us. Someone is going to decide that… I'm not worth the ground I walk on or the prey I eat. They're going to decide that it's 'okay' to attack us or discriminate us… make us feel like we're nothing. That we're all better off dead. And it hurts the most knowing that nobody is going to stand up for us… that nobody is going to make it stop or make it go away. Everyone is too scared to think differently about us. And… I don't blame them."

Hollypaw had stopped moving, her body stiffening beside him. The Commoner guessed that she was remembering their meaningful conversation they had not so long ago. How he came to her and asked if he was better off dead. Sootpaw blinked opened his eyes, not even knowing what his own emotions told him. Should I be angry? Sad? Understanding? The dark furred servant in front of him gave him a somber expression, but it was one full of understanding. It must be worse for him as a servant. The grey Commoner felt a small smile appear on his face as he continued speaking.

"But… there are days where I am reminded why I choose to stay here. Me and all the other Commoners could just leave whenever we want to, it's happened before. These days are few and far in between, but it makes me realize that even though I'm small, that I'm nothing but a Commoner, I am a part of something bigger. I'm a Blazeclan apprentice, training to be a warrior. I'm a clan cat, and I'm not going to let a few harsh words and actions stand in the way of what I'm becoming. This may sound strange coming from someone who isn't a High Rank, but I am proud to be what I am."

Hollypaw and Darkpaw remained silent, both of them staring at the Commoner, pondering his words. The Medicine Cat felt a small smile appear on her face as she touched her nose gently against the tom's shoulders, signaling that she was finished before stepping away from him. Sootpaw glanced at her, returning the smile he knew was on her face.

"I have to admit, I never thought about it that way. You truly are a wordsmith, Sootpaw."

The grey furred Commoner beamed at the servant's words, his smile growing wider on his face. Darkpaw sent him a thin-lipped smile before settling down more comfortably in his nest, licking his leg almost absentmindedly. As soon as Hollypaw was finished putting the extra herbs back in their place, she turned back to the two toms with a stern expression.

"Alright, I'm going to go update the Grand Royal on your conditions. Sootpaw, you leave me no choice but to confine you in here until all of your wounds are relatively healed. Darkpaw, as soon as you're free of pain, I assume that Roseberry would send you back to your master. I'll be right back."

"What about Grand Royal Flarepaw's condition?"

Hollypaw stopped mid-step and glanced down at her paws, blowing out a short breath. She turned back around to meet the servants gaze. The she-cat only stopped herself from speaking when she abruptly remembered that nobody else was supposed to know about the apprentice's condition. Closing her mouth, she glanced away from the worried and innocent expression on Darkpaw's face.

"I must apologize, but I don't have permission to speak about it. You would need to ask your master."

Sootpaw could only frown as Hollypaw turned back around, walking out of the den swiftly before either of them could ask anymore questions. That's normally not like her… I guess there are some rules that even a Medicine Cat has to follow. Still, the Commoner couldn't help but feel curiosity burning at his chest. A heavy yawn escaped his lips as he positioned himself into a comfortable position on his nest, moving his gaze over to Darkpaw.

The servant wore a frown on his face, the undeniable look of uneasiness making his dark green eyes take on an almost ominous glow. The Commoner casually began licking his paws, not taking his eyes away from the other tom as he mumbled.

"Are you worried about her?"

Darkpaw jumped and snapped his gaze up, his eyes widening as he saw Sootpaw, almost as if he had entirely forgotten that he was there. His mouth opened and closed repeatedly, at a lost for words as he tried thinking of a way to get out of this conversation. He had slipped up talking about Flarepaw. Sootpaw frowned, stopping in his half-hearted grooming. The servant stared at the Commoner for a few more seconds before tucking his chin into his chest, squeezing his eyes shut and wishing that he could disappear then and there. The grey furred tom was convinced that Darkpaw was shaking out of fear. Darkpaw looks so scared, did he mess up? Even if he did, what has Wildfire done to him to make him look so scared for his life?

"Hey, it's okay Darkpaw. I already know about her condition. Sagepaw told me."

"S-Sagepaw did?"

"Mhm, now you can safely tell me the truth."

"B-But Sagepaw… Sagepaw shouldn't have told you in the first place."

The Commoner moved one of his shoulders in a shrug, laying his head down on his paws and keeping his eyes on the servant. Darkpaw sat up, shuffling the weight on his paws and glancing around before he began whispering under his breath.

"To be completely honest, I am utterly baffled that it took this long for her lungs to act up again. I was expecting her to give up on her dream of becoming a Grand Royal entirely, but something in her changed. I can see it as clear as day."

"A change in her? What do you mean?"

"Have you forgotten already? How she used to act those couple of moons after the fire? Forget about her dream, I thought she had given up on life itself. But… here she is. Still in the top three, still as stubborn as ever, and still pushing forward. I'm proud of her and of the warrior she is slowly but surely blossoming into. If I have to be a servant to anyone, I would be honored to be her's when the situation calls for it."

"But, didn't her and her brother attack you when you were kits? I remember seeing you and them one time, and I thought you were all playing, but you were rushed to the Medicine Cat's den afterwards."

Darkpaw blew out a short breath, a wistful expression entering his eyes. Behind his most obvious of emotions, Sootpaw could see an almost sorrowful expression on his face. One of gloomy longing and woeful regret.

"Despite all that, her and her brother were the most kind hearted kits I have ever met. It was all Wildfire's doing, I could tell that they didn't want to do it. Every time after that, Flarepaw and Flamepaw would always come to visit me in the Medicine Cat's den- bringing me food and making sure I was well taken care of. They would apologize profusely, and for once in my life, I felt wanted. Like I had a purpose. From that day forward, I vowed on protecting those kits innocence. Wildfire… he has always wanted to corrupt their minds with his twisted thoughts and beliefs. He still tries to to this day, but not as much as before. I do everything in my power to make sure Flarepaw stays true to her heart."

"So, seeing her in here makes you worried?"

"It was too late to save Flamepaw when he…" Darkpaw paused for a few seconds, swallowing thickly and closing his eyes- as if the memory itself tore his heart apart. "When Flarepaw is in here because of her lungs, it is just another painful reminder of what I failed to do. And it hurts even more knowing that I can't do anything to ease her pain now."

Sootpaw blinked at the servant, his eyes trailing down to the ground once more. Flarepaw has so many cats watching over her… does she know how lucky she is? To be this loved by so many? Once more, the memory of her whimpering while she was having a nightmare returned to the Commoner's mind. Maybe she deserves to be loved.

The tom was brought out of his thoughts when something stepped into his line of sight, causing him to let out a yowl of surprise as he fell back onto his side. Even Darkpaw flinched backward, practically stumbling over his paws as he tried to move. Sootpaw's eyes widened slightly when the she-cat that had taken over his thoughts appeared in front of him.

The Grand Royal apprentice paused momentarily, sending a sideways glance to the Commoner before lifting her head higher and continuing forward. Sootpaw kept his gaze on her before looking over at Darkpaw. The servant cleared his throat quickly before stuttering out words.

"G-Grand Royal Flarepaw!"

Neither of them expected her to stop moving, but a simple flick of her ear indicated to them that she was listening and waiting for the servant to continue.

"W-Where… um, where are you going?"

Sootpaw expected her to ignore the servant, expected her to snap at him for even talking to her, even expected her to lash out at him for no apparent reason. He definitely didn't expect her to answer his question in a calm manner.

"My throat is parched after eating my herbs. I'm going to the lake. I'll return shortly, so don't worry about me and get the rest you need, Darkpaw."

"Grand Royal Flarepaw…"

"I'll be back soon."

With that, the amber furred she-cat continued walking until she was completely out of the den. Sootpaw felt his jaw drop at their interaction. Never before had he heard her voice so soft, so caring or quiet. There was no trace of scorn, and despite the professional way she spoke, her tone was even. Did she know I was here? Of course she did, she looked directly at me! Well, sort of.

Even Darkpaw looked astonished, but his mask of concern drowned out any confusion he had. A frown settled on his face once more as he glanced over at Sootpaw.

"She is always by herself more often now. I'm half-convinced she didn't even ask Roseberry if she could leave."

"Would you like me to go check on her?"

"What? But it's already night out. I thought… Commoners aren't supposed to leave at night."

"Do you want me to go check on her or not?"

Sootpaw was already getting up from his spot, his teeth clenching as he stretched out his sore muscles. The Commoner felt slightly unsteady on his paws, but he caught himself quickly enough and took in a deep breath of the bitter-scented air. Darkpaw chewed the inside of his cheek, shuffling the weight on his paws as he curled his tail around his paws. The grey furred tom flicked his ear as he waited patiently, glancing towards the entrance to the den. Even if he says no, I'm still going.

"Yes, please. I-If it's not too much trouble."

"Please, me? In trouble? You got the wrong tom, I never get in trouble."

Darkpaw let out a soft chuckle, sending a grateful smile to the Commoner- both for his attempt to lighten the mood, and for volunteering to go after the Grand Royal apprentice. The servant knew he wasn't brave enough to break the rules and go after her himself.

With a single nod of his head, the Commoner slowly stepped out of the Medicine Cat's den, his eyes sweeping over the camp and stopping at the entrance. The two Artisans on guard tonight were Silverlight and Smoketail, while the two Nobles were Cloudeye and Ashtail. The two Artisans were pressed against each other for warmth as the cold breeze was relentlessly blowing through the camp. The Nobles were chatting away in soft voices, occasionally breaking out in loud laughter, only to silence themselves right away.

After taking in a deep breath, Sootpaw decided to avoid conflict tonight and instead, began heading towards the Commoner's den to sneak out of the tunnel. As quietly as he could, the grey furred tom entered the den, blowing out a breath as the warmth of the confined space greeted him with open arms. As much as he wanted to stay and relish in the warmth, the tom walked silently past the others until he was standing in front of the covered tunnel entrance.

What am I getting myself into? I am the last cat Flarepaw would want to see.

He remembered the bitter words he had said to her before taking Mousepaw's place in the ring. Surely, if I can remember them, Flarepaw can as well. Stepping out into the night forest, the Commoner couldn't help but feel confused. Why am I even out here in the first place? A moon ago, I wouldn't care if she was upset or in danger.

Is it… because I realize that even the strongest have their weak moments? Flarepaw is just like us… someone that has suffered greatly and lost so many loved ones.

Flarepaw is just like us…

"You know, you're not very quiet. So I recommend you come out of hiding before I drag you out."

Sootpaw let out a startled squeal as the Grand Royal apprentice spoke up. She was sitting by the water's edge, her back turned in his direction as he hid just at the edge of the clearing. His fur was bristled against the howling wind, his teeth chattering permanently. Flarepaw seemed undisturbed by the chilling breeze, in fact, she seemed to enjoy it more than anything. With shaking paws, the Commoner hesitantly padded out from his spot and went to join her by the lake.

He stopped about a tail-length away from her before sitting down, curling his tail around his paws to retain some warmth. Sootpaw shuffled the weight on his paws almost awkwardly, his tongue suddenly feeling too heavy and his mind unable to form any words. Oh yeah, I'm quite the wordsmith, aren't I?

"Why are you out here, Commoner?"

"Oh yeah… um. Darkpaw wanted me… t-to check on you."

Sootpaw didn't know if he stuttered because of his chattering teeth, or because he felt uneasy around the intimidating she-cat. Her expression was difficult to read with her face turned away from him, all he was able to see was the corner of her eye and her cheek. Her head was tilted at an angle as she viewed her reflection, the water staring back at her in an expressionless stare. The tom leaned forward slightly as he tried to look her in the eye.

"Go back to camp, Commoner. You aren't supposed to be out at night. Tell Darkpaw he doesn't have to worry about me."

"Yeah, well, I promised I would check on you. I don't break my promises."

"You checked up on me already. I'm here, you're here. I'm talking, you're talking. I'm not dying or getting attacked by anything. I'm fine. Now, you can leave, Commoner."

"Why do you keep calling me that?"

"What? Commoner?"

"Yeah-"

"What else do you expect me to call you?"

"Well, you can try calling me by- I don't know- my actual name," Sootpaw felt his teeth clenching when she let out a soft chuckle of amusement. His eyes narrowed slightly at her next words.

"And why should I do that?"

"Because it's common courtesy. It's rude not to call someone by their name."

"You don't deserve it."

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me, Commoner," the she-cat turned her silver gaze upon the tom. Sootpaw could feel a chill rolling down his spine and his body stiffening when he saw those eyes. Still, his ears flattened against his head at her words. He scoffed before growling out.

"I don't deserve the name I was given?"

"No. Quite frankly, you don't."

"How would you feel if I just called you Grand Royal?"

"I would quite like that," an amused and almost mischievous expression glimmered in her silver eyes, the start of a smirk pulling at her lips as she returned her gaze to the water. Sootpaw scowled at her, his lips pulling back to reveal his teeth.

"Well, can you please just call me by my name."

"And I have to because?"

"Because it's just… wrong. It makes me feel like I'm just something someone uses before tossing it aside. A name is powerful. Once something or someone is given a name, it gives them an identity… a purpose. It makes them seem worthy of something."

"And you think you're worthy?"

Sootpaw couldn't help but snarl at her, standing up quickly in his spot and taking a threatening step closer to the Grand Royal apprentice. Even in her calm and seemingly carefree voice, he could still feel the full impact of her condescending words. He couldn't remember why he was worried about her at one point.

"Am I not?"

"No, to me, you aren't. Until you've made an impact, you don't deserve a name. And let me tell you that it's not going to be easy earning that, Commoner."

"You call Darkpaw by his name!"

"Because Darkpaw deserves it," the she-cat narrowed her eyes slightly as the fur on her shoulders bristled, "you're walking on thin ice. I recommend you take a step back, Commoner."

Sootpaw grumbled under his breath as he sat down heavily, looking away from her and glaring down at the ground. The small waves of the lake pushed the water farther and farther up the shore, almost as if it would spill over the edge and into the clearing. He calmed himself down by exhaling heavily, remaining quiet for a few seconds before a frown crossed his features. Flarepaw had gone quiet as well, continuing to look down at her reflection.

"You know," the Commoner started off softly before lifting his head to look over at her, "I think you constantly flaunt your rank and make everyone else feel inferior because… you are trying to deny the truth."

"Oh? And what is that?" Flarepaw let out a humorless chuckle, meeting the tom's gaze once more. Her head was held higher, her body taking on the professional posture she always had. Sootpaw blinked at her before clenching his teeth.

"The truth is… you and I are the same."

"Don't make me laugh Commoner. You and I are nothing alike."

"We aren't?" Sootpaw stood up from his spot, standing up taller until he was nearly towering over her. Flarepaw looked over him before moving her eyes up to his. The Commoner took in a deep breath before continuing. "I think we're more alike than you want to admit."

"And what makes you say something as outrageous as that?"

"We've both suffered."

The silence that settled over the clearing was suffocating, the tension in the air rising in a split second. Sootpaw nervously bit his lip as Flarepaw's posture broke, her shoulders dropping and eyes widening ever-so-slightly before narrowing dangerously. She spoke through clenched teeth, her eyes closing, as if to hold herself back.

"Don't even think about it, Commoner."

"We've both lost those that were important to us. We've suffered alone all this time, refusing the help from others. Admit it, Flarepaw. You and I aren't so different after all."

"Shut up."

"No. I want you to say it. I lost my mother and my father at an early age-"

"Shut. Up."

"-and you lost your mother and brother-"

Sootpaw didn't know what was happening until he was suddenly on his back, letting out a growl of pain and his eyes widening. Flarepaw stood over him, her face hovering above his as she growled down at him. She wasn't pinning him down, but Sootpaw didn't dare try and move out of the way.

"You and I are nothing alike. Get that foolish thought out of your head. I'm warning you, Commoner, stay out of my way. Don't ever mention my family to me ever again. You and I are walking on entirely different paths," Flarepaw slammed one of his shoulders down with her paw, her claws threatening to pierce his skin, "so stop trying to walk on mine!"

With that, the she-cat moved her paw away and glared down at him. Sootpaw did nothing more but tilt his head back to look at her, not daring to utter a word or make a sound as he held his breath.

"Do you understand me?"

The Commoner could only nod numbly. He could see her body shaking, most likely due to suppressed anger more than the cold wind. The Grand Royal apprentice took a step back, just enough for him to sit up. Sootpaw shakily sat up, looking at her cautiously and with his ears flattened nervously against his head. Even with all her anger and obvious rage, being this close to her, he could clearly see sadness beginning to swirl in her eyes.

"Now, get out of here and leave me alone."

The grey furred tom swiftly stood up, beginning to run on shaky paws out of the clearing. He only glanced behind his shoulder once, only enough to see her tilt her head skywards and close her eyes. Never before had he felt this much fear course through his body.

She moved so fast, I couldn't even see her. Was it because I was still talking?

And how did she flip me so easily? Not even Rowanpaw can do that!

Is this fear directed at her? Because, the truth is…

This fear was valid.

A/N: Finally finished with this! What do you guys think of me updating on Friday? Do you prefer it over Monday? Or do you just want me to go back to updating every Monday? Let me know! Also, what did you think of this chapter?

Question of the Day

What do you think about Darkpaw? (Wildfire's servant)

Please review, favorite, and/or follow!

Let me know what you think of this story and please give constructive criticism to where you see fit.

Thank you and peace out!

~Wolfcreations17