Chapter 20

Darkfire sat at the edge of the lake, staring into his reflection. He wondered whether or not it was his to begin with, the darkened yellow eyes no longer were as bright as the sun. Not like they used to be. But Darkfire felt almost content with the new look, the extra scarring that sliced along his fur from Tawnypelt's attacks. Her death no longer haunted his dreams. In fact, the idea of someone else's death no longer bothered him like it should have.

Hollyleaf has taught me well, Darkfire thought for the moment as his tail flicked along the partially uneven rocks. The rest of the beaches of the lake were sandier, but he found that Shadowclan's beach was not. The rocks hurt his paws, although Darkfire liked it that way.

In the water, his reflection didn't seem to look back at him, the cold eyes seeming to look past him.

Behind you… a small voice whispered in Darkfire's mind, he turning around and seeing the familiar cream-colored pelt that was Dawnpelt. Her gaze watched his own for a moment, as if she was trying to find some hint of passion or some hint of emotion. You'll find no real passion… no real emotion… Darkfire thought, a part of him wondering if that was true or not. I want it to be true, just until I complete this mission for Hollyleaf.

"Are you okay?" Darkfire broke the tension, unable to take any more with this she-cats stubborn silence.

Dawnpelt hadn't responded, her dull eyes looking down as she padded forward and sat down beside him. The soft pelt she had brushed against his own, Darkfire breathing in her scent and finding it warmer than the late green-leaf sun. It shined down on them, it had seemed, as if to show Darkfire the lighter side of the clans.

There is no lighter side to the clans, Darkfire argued with himself. Yet, he found himself thinking about how Dewstep said the clans had changed the warrior code. If he is right, how much was changed? Darkfire's ears flicked. Not enough to save Tigerheart, I will drive him from all the clans or he will perish to my claws. He has a choice.

You also have a choice, another voice whispered inside Darkfire's mind. It was unfamiliar, kindness edging the tone and trying to pull Darkfire from the darkness. We all have choices to make, Darkfire. Many cats think like you do, that you aren't allowed to make these decisions yourself. Your mother doesn't control you, you understand that… don't you?

Why would I? I've only ever known family, I can't betray my family unless they betray me.

Like Dewstep…?

Yes, like Dewstep… He has betrayed me… Betrayed the mission…

There was a long pause before there was any reply to follow. It is only because you believe he has betrayed you that you think that, Darkfire. If she knew how you planned to do these… terrible things, would she really be proud of you?

A stillness hit the air, as if the voice had left now, and Darkfire looked at Dawnpelt. She had her eyes closed and he slowly whispered into her ear. "You can tell me anything, Dawnpelt…" He had tried to keep his voice soft for her.

"I know…" she whispered back and nuzzled her head under his chin. "I just miss my mother and my brother… Flametail was once a medicine cat and I… I did some terrible things afterwards, I tried anything I could to get Jayfeather hurt, killed, even…" Dawnpelt lowered her head. "I was a recruit for the Dark Forest once before the battle, the one that practically destroyed all the clans. I felt terrible that I turned my back as fast as I could and I… I wasn't here… I didn't come to the battle until near the end, I watched Blackstar even lose a life…"

He is probably on his last, Darkfire thought to himself. "You broke the warrior code, you know," Darkfire whispered.

"I do know!" Dawnpelt shivered beneath him, as if cowering before him. "I regret everything I have done, Darkfire! Watching my own mother attack you out of anger was just… it was like a wake up call… Anger would get me nowhere but where it got her, death. Grief will get me nowhere but death, Darkfire. Ever since that day, I've watched you with caution. You've shown no sign that you deserved such a fate as death? I blamed you, Darkfire, but I cannot say for certain now that I can blame you! You've been more than a strong and capable warrior for Shadowclan!"

Darkfire expected her to be mad at him, but when his gaze fell upon hers, he could see the regret lining her tears.

"You go on more hunting patrols than anyone else and you've always been the first to defend our borders!" Dawnpelt continued, her voice quick as a darting mouse. "You always voice your opinion on how we can keep our clan safe and I can deny it no longer! Darkfire, you're perfect for the clan, they deserve to have you!" Dawnpelt took a deep breath. "I care a lot about you, even though I shouldn't!"

"What do you mean, you shouldn't?" Darkfire tilted his head slowly, not trying to show that he was practically starting to feel his heart burst within his chest. The pumping had burned at his chest and blocked most of the sound from his ears.

Dawnpelt's ears pinned back, her head lowering as if ashamed. "To the clan, you're still an outsider… they might think less of me if we were to be mates…"

"I don't see why they would," Darkfire's ears perked slowly and he lifted his tail, brushing her chin to lift her gaze. "You said it yourself, I've protected this clan with all my heart. They don't have any reason to hate me, and they no longer have reason to hate you."

Pressing his nose to her, he could feel her tremble but she quickly pressed her nose back, more against him with force that Darkfire didn't expect. "I'm sorry…" Dawnpelt whispered, eyes closing and tears soaking the fur around her eyes.

"No need to be…" Darkfire gave a small smile, not knowing if it was a real smile or not. "I'm here for you, Dawnpelt, I promise… I will protect and defend both this clan and you…"

"Even at the cost of your life?" Dawnpelt whispered, Darkfire not replying to her. All he did was press his nose between her ears, as if to agree with her. No, he thought to himself. I would never protect you at the cost of my life… You broke the code, I have not. "Darkfire… can we… can we go hunting so I can keep my mind off recent events?"

"Of course, Dawnpelt," Darkfire whispered before standing up, somewhat glad that he could take his paws away from the rough ground filled with nothing but rocks. His paw pads were slightly scraped, but the skin wasn't broken nor did it hurt. "Where shall we hunt, then? The Riverclan border? Thunderclan border?" A part of Darkfire hoped for the Thunderclan border, maybe he could catch Tigerheart in the act of meeting a Thunderclan she-cat. Such a mouse-brain, they should have known they would be caught eventually, Darkfire thought to himself. No secret stays hidden within the clans forever…

"I don't care where we go…" Dawnpelt mumbled, her pelt brushing a bit more against his side. "Just as long as we can do something…"

Darkfire thought for a moment then nodded, starting to head towards the Thunderclan border. His heart pumped, anxiety crawling beneath his skin like spiders and ticks. "Then let us go to the Thunderclan border, Dawnpelt," Darkfire mumbled softly, trying to coax her away from her own darkness that threatened to consume her. Even though Darkfire knew he had let the darkness in, he was using it to his own ends, not someone else's. He would never let somebody else control him, he would make his own decisions.

The she-cat followed closely, slowly starting to walk with her head a bit higher and her ears more perked to follow the sounds of the wind amongst the trees. Darkfire couldn't help but watch her cream colored ears perk more as the sounds grew more frequent. It was rare that the Shadowclan patrols hunted along the Thunderclan border anymore, so the prey would be plentiful.

Most of what Darkfire could detect - a mouse, vole, and amongst the trees was a blackbird - would scurry or fly off as soon as a Thunderclan patrol appeared near the border. The patrol, from what Darkfire could see, consisted of Ivypool, Thornclaw, Shadepaw, and Bumblestripe. They were remarking the scent lines, which was something a typical patrol would do on a day like this.

Looking towards the sky, Darkstripe noticed the clouds in the distance, and a small part of him couldn't help but smile.

A storm is coming, Tigerheart… better run.

Linebreak

The Thunderclan camp was heavy and damp with the midday air, the clouds in the distance rolling much closer as the winds began to pick up. Dewstep had no idea what to expect but his fur began to stand on end. Something was wrong, not only did he feel the wind change from the center of the clearing, it wasn't a good change.

Blood will make the pool of the moon run red…

Follow the falling star…

The words echoed slowly, Dewstep turning his gaze towards Dovewing, who sat not too far away and her gaze was towards the clouds. The clouds would appear over Riverclan territory first, but not long after, Dewstep could tell that they would be caught in the center.

Standing, Dewstep quietly padded into the warriors den and sat in his next, slowly beginning to groom the dust that was caught in his pelt because of the fresh wind. Each speck bothered his pelt and he continued grooming until he felt satisfied that he was clean enough. All he hoped for was for Ivypool to come home so he could just relax until his sun-down patrol along the Windclan border.

The luck could have been no better, as Ivypool soon appeared from the entrance to the Thunderclan camp. She was carrying a mouse, and was already starting to head over towards the warriors den. Her dark blue eyes were unusually happy and bright, which made Dewstep smile as well, enjoying the she-cat's happiness.

"I see the patrol went well if you came back with some prey?" Dewstep inquired, finding her tail curling gently around his. "I'll take that as a yes." He let out a small laugh before feeling her paw nick his ear and he looked up. At that moment, she moved her head under his chin and nuzzled him.

"Nice to see you too!" Ivypool purred. "Now eat up, don't think I don't notice how you barely eat lately! You can't just eat so little!"

Dewstep shook his head. "You know I prefer everyone else eat first."

"How about I take a bite and then you take a bite, and we each take turns?" Ivypool suggested, her eyes now looking up at him as a purr rose in her throat. The purr made Dewstep roll his eyes slowly and nod in agreement. "Good! Remember, the she-cat is always right!" Ivypool laughed a bit more before leaning down and taking a bite of the mouse, then moved away and let Dewstep take the next bite. Once he did, Dewstep realized how hungry he was and his stomach growled a bit. "Go for it," Ivypool smiled and rested her head on his shoulder.

Giving her a soft smile, Dewstep began to eat, thinking quietly to himself. As he finished, he looked at Ivypool and nudged her. "You can have the rest," he meowed before giving a playful smirk. "I know you brought the mouse just so I would eat, but I don't mind. Just know that I will get you back, maybe a little more dust in your fur?"

Ivypool gasped playfully and gently shoved Dewstep, he laughing before nicking her ear with a paw. The she-cat rolled her eyes and stuck her tongue back out. "Lay down, you mouse-brain! Or you'll be tired for the patrol!"

"No, I won't!" Dewstep slowly laid down as Ivypool picked up little chunks of the prey and ate them. Her tail brushed slowly along his own and curled back around it. There wasn't too much longer before the sun-down patrol anyways, the outside was getting darker and not just because of the clouds. "It seems I have to go," Dewstep meowed with a soft smile and the twitch of a whisker.

"Remain careful then, would you?" Ivypool tilted her head and pressed her nose against his.

"Love birds…" Bumblestripe mumbled with a laugh. "No one can get peace in this den with you two around anymore. Ivypool, explain to me why you like the outsider."

Ivypool's fur fluffed up and she hissed playfully at the warrior. "Because he is actually nice!"

"Alright, alright!" Bumblestripe curled up with a yawn. "Go have fun somewhere else then…"

"We will!" Ivypool purred and looked up at Dewstep. "After you're done with your patrol, of course!"

Dewstep nodded and slowly stood, arching his back and stretching his tail out before exiting the den. His border patrol for the Shadowclan border was already getting prepared and the sun was slowly setting in the distance. Darkness beset the clan, and Dewstep took a deep breath before walking over to the clan cats.

Redstrike, Bramblestar and Graystripe stood near the entrance, Graystripe looking far older than he had when Dewstep first met the warrior. Hollyleaf told me that he was one of the many cats who made the Great Journey through the mountains and to the lake… And many cats have spoken of a battle that had taken place not very long ago. Eight moons, maybe. Graystripe has been through much of the clan's most important events, even Bramblestar changing the code…

Dewstep's vision slowly shifted, the trees were pine and panic flooded through his entire body as he ran. But the vision lasted mere moments, Dewstep opening his eyes to see his patrol was ready to leave. Clearing his head of the panic, he stood up and followed Bramblestar out.

"I don't want any trouble with Shadowclan, is that clear?" Bramblestar meowed, specifically looking at Redstrike. The tom laughed awkwardly as Bramblestar led the patrol out of the camp and towards the forest where Shadowclan resided.

Dewstep's gaze stayed on the Shadowclan territory by the time they arrived, his heart thumping against his chest with anxiety.

"Don't look so worried," Redstrike nudged Dewstep gently, giving a bright smile as the wind began to pick up again. "You'll be back with Ivypool soon, I'm sure you two will keep the den up all night like you normally do anyways!"

Giving a nod, Dewstep lagged behind a bit and let the patrol carry on ahead.

As he did, he stopped and heard the sound of pawsteps coming closer and closer to the border. The sound was faint at first, it hadn't made Dewstep pause up until the sound became closer, much closer than before. His breathing quickened as he looked towards Shadowclan territory and heard a cat cry out, panic behind his voice.

"Don't attack me!"

The voice felt somewhat familiar, but it wasn't one that Dewstep could put a name to. The patrol stopped several fox-lengths ahead and turned towards the sound as well. Dewstep found himself watching the trees, time slowing down for what felt like days.

A tom with a dark tabby pelt and amber eyes jumped out, his voice filled with terror as a the smell of blood followed. The tabby crossed the border and Dewstep shouted at him. "Hey! Stop!" The tom did and looked at the Thunderclan patrol before shaking and looking towards the bushes.

Out stalked a black pelt and yellow eyes.

"Tigerheart… That's a no-no," Darkfire's voice reached across the border with blood on his breath. Dewstep noticed a deep bite on the dark tabby's shoulder who had cross the border, along with several scratches that were deep. The scent of blood had thickened in Dewstep's nose as the other's slowly began to pad closer.

"Darkfire… the newest addition to Shadowclan… I'm assuming there is a reason you're attacking your own clanmate?" Bramblestar asked calmly, but his tense muscles proved that he wasn't calm.

"He is a traitor to the code," Darkfire growled. "A traitor to Shadowclan, he deserves to perish!" Darkfire's voice was filled with hate, the wind flowing towards the patrol and the moon peeked around the clouds. Dewstep now watched as the warrior he had known as his brother became bathed in the new light, his teeth red, his claws wet with blood. Nothing could whet the bloodlust behind his eyes however, and Dewstep shivered as he looked at his brother.

Bramblestar spoke once more, breaking Dewstep of his thoughts. "We can't let you cross the border," he growled, standing between Darkfire and Tigerheart. Tigerheart was shivering in what Dewstep could only imagine was pure terror. Pelts brushed against his as they guided Dewstep to look back towards the Thunderclan leader and the Shadowclan warrior. Both had been equal in size and their claws were unsheathed.

"You let Tigerheart cross the border," Darkfire growled, tail thrashing against the leaves on the ground, which had quickly become dragged away by the wind. "His punishment was already decided, Bramblestar, this is not Thunderclan business."

"Wrong," Bramblestar slowly placed his paws into an attack position against the dirt. "Tigerheart is on my territory, which now makes him my responsibility. Leave, Darkfire."

"You should go," Redstrike whispered into Dewstep's ear. "This is your brother, we know you can't attack him… Brothers just don't attack each other…"

Dewstep shook his head and watched as Darkfire burst forward, Bramblestar not making any movement for a moment before his side leaked with blood. The cuts were deep, Darkfire's claws had cut into the Thunderclan leader with efficiency.

Having taken all he could have seen, Dewstep turned to his brother. "Stop it!" There was a loud thump as Bramblestar gasped, trying to breathe through the pain. "Darkfire, stop it!" Dewstep shivered and ran, stopping between Tigerheart and Darkfire. "Leave him alone! This is none of your business!"

A paw batted Dewstep into the dirt, making his head spin with pain as blood leaked down his ear.

"You, my brother, betrayed me for Thunderclan, for a life without the code, when we were supposed to fix it!" Darkfire growled and started walking towards Tigerheart, who was backing away slowly. Both Graystripe and Redstrike blocked his path, their pelts bristling as growls rose in their throats.

"No!" Dewstep coughed and stood up, looking at Darkfire. The large tom didn't turn around to look at Dewstep and he growled slowly. "Leave Tigerheart and Thunderclan alone!" Dewstep darted forward and tried to slice Darkfire's side, but Darkfire's speed matched Dewstep's and he felt claws tear down his side before getting tossed aside like discarded prey. "Darkfire…"

"You betrayed me," Darkfire growled and kept his gaze on Tigerheart. "Now for Tigerheart to pay the price of betraying his clan." Bramblestar tried to get to his paws, but collapsed again out of pain. Dewstep slowly stood, pain flaring down his side as he heard two more thumping sounds and brought his green eyes up. Darkfire had knocked Graystripe into the dirt and Redstrike was thrown into a tree.

Darkfire edged closer and closer to Tigerheart, whose eyes were wide and his mouth partially open, as if he wanted to beg for his own life. Dewstep started slowly going towards them, knowing that he didn't have much time. It wouldn't be long now, and he watched Darkfire's paw raise up with claws unsheathed.

"No!"

Dewstep darted forward as Darkfire's claws sliced down. Pain flared like lightning as Dewstep pushed Tigerheart into the grass and felt the claws slice down. He tried to breathe but all he could find was his lungs filling with liquid.

Blinking, he looked up at Darkfire and tried to speak, but nothing came out but a thick and warm liquid. The wind was gone now, and Darkfire's expression was that of shock. Tears streamed down the black cat's face, and Dewstep stumbled a bit.

Eyes closing, Dewstep hit the ground.

Everything was black.

Everything was painless.