Chapter Twenty-Two
DISCLAIMER
If I owned warriors, Feathertail would've survived the fall, the three would belong to Squirrelflight and Brambleclaw, and Spottedleaf and Firestar would never have loved each other
Here's an extra chapter for the delay!
Lighteningclaw was lying on the hard, cold ground of the Dark Forest. He longed for his mossy nest, the comfort of a different cat's fur and scent… A certain cat… But most of all, he was angry. Angry at himself for ever trusting that stinking ball of bile. How could I be so stupid?
"Wait!" He said aloud to himself. If I focus hard enough, I might be able to take my body over again… Is that what Tigerstar did to possess my body?
Lighteningclaw focused very hard. "I need to see from inside my body!" He yowled in pure desperation.
Lighteningclaw was aware of his body. It was dark, but there was definitely a moon shining overhead. He heard voices, some excited, and some hushed. Then, he could see.
Tigerstar was walking along the lake to the Gathering Island. Something dark was plotting in Tigerstar's mind, though he kept a normal face as he talked to Blossomfall. A certain cat… Lighteningclaw thought silently. He dared not make a noise in case Tigerstar realised his presence and shoved him out.
This plan is foolproof! Lighteningclaw heard Tigerstar's thoughts as loudly as if he had said them. I will rule the forest once more!
No, you won't, Lighteningclaw argued silently.
What? Who said that?
"Mouse-dung!" Lighteningclaw said aloud. Tigerstar knew he was there.
Lighteningclaw! I will make you pay!
How? You can't even reach me!
Oh, maybe I can't, but I am the most powerful cat in the world! I'll just have to force you out!
Suddenly, Lighteningclaw felt strong teeth grip his scruff and long claws slash his shoulder. He felt himself being pushed out of Tigerstar's thoughts, and when he blinked he saw only the dark trees of the Dark Forest.
"Fox-dung! I can't believe he pushed me out!" Lighteningclaw exclaimed. His heart was sinking. "It's all my fault!" He mewled like a lost kit. "Now everybody is going to be forced under his leadership! Silverdapple, Clearmist, Squirrelflight… Even Blossomfall!" He started to wail, "StarClan! Help me!"
He fell into a broken heap on the floor. "If I ever get my claws on him…" he started to mutter viciously.
"Feeling sorry for yourself?" A new voice startled Lighteningclaw.
"What? Who are you? Show yourself!"
"Ok," a dark gray cat emerged. "I am Darkstripe," he said.
"Why should I trust you?" Lighteningclaw hissed. "You betrayed your clan for Tigerstar, and then betrayed Tigerstar because you did not want to be led by a kittypet! I should shred you right now!"
"But what good would that do? Without me, you will be utterly alone, with no way out. I'm not like Tigerstar. I sincerely wish to return to StarClan. I long for the feeling of warmth on my fur, and the warm taste of fresh-kill…I know a way out, Lighteningclaw, believe me, please."
"I don't see why I should. That's almost exactly what Tigerstar said." Lighteningclaw raised his voice in harsh mockery, "I want to make it up to the clan, blah, blah, blah!"
"Listen to me, Lighteningclaw! I can set you free. I just have to get rid of these bars of fire…"
So, anyway, that probably took you less than 5 minutes to read… Oh well :)