Chapter 35

Harsh light greeted her when she managed to open her eyes. At first she wasn't sure where she had been taken. She remembered hearing the terrified yowls of her Clanmates. She remembered feeling strong paws clamp around her scruff, picking her up and dragging her away. After that. . .she felt darkness engulf her.

Where am I? Ravenflight blinked as she tried to understand the situation. She was in a den, but nothing like she was used to. Unnatural warmth radiated from within the den. Walls stretched out over her, and she could see a dark ceiling hanging above. Her heart was pounding with fear. This place was unfamiliar, and she didn't like any bit of it. She was used to the open air of the forest, and the welcoming scent of grass and prey.

Panic threatened to overwhelm Ravenflight. She looked around until she saw a small opening in her den. Without a second thought she surged forward, paws skidding on a slippery surface. She yowled in shock at the sudden momentum of slamming into an invisible barrier.

"You forest cats really are useless in here." A purr made Ravenflight looked around warily. Her eyes widened when she saw an elegant looking white-furred cat sitting atop a strange perch that made random clicking noises. "I'm sitting on the top of a machine, as my Twolegs call it," the kittypet added when she noticed the fear in Ravenflight's eyes. "And you won't be getting out of her any time soon. That wall was built to keep new cats in."

"Okay. . .how do I get out of here than?" she demanded. She was shocked to find her voice hoarse and scratchy, as if it had not been used for days.

"Try to relax," the kittypet answered. "You've been asleep for two days. My Twolegs really knocked you out." She tilted her head to one side before continuing, "Besides, you have it made here. No need to worry about getting sick or fighting with other forest cats. I don't know why you try to make a living out there."

"I was looking for catmint," Ravenflight explained. Her voice was thick with anger as she pushed back the fear that threatened to overwhelm her. "My Clanmates are probably waiting for me."

"Those two cats were your friends?" The kittypet blinked. "I don't think they're back yet. They fled the moment you were captured."

Of course they would have fled, she thought bitterly. I suppose I'm not important enough to be saved, unlike their Clanmates.

"What's your name?" Ravenflight asked. She was so caught up in what was happening that she had forgotten to ask. Knowing some cat around this place might make things a bit easier for her.

"I go by the name of Angel," the kittypet replied. Her green eyes blinked as she looked down at Ravenflight warmly. "Do you feel better now?" When Ravenflight could only nod, Angel let out a sigh of relief. "My Twolegs will check on you soon. I'd be careful around them. They don't like it when you scratch them. . .they might let you outside if you are gentle and kind towards them though."

Ravenflight's ears flattened at the thought of acting. . .friendly towards the ones who had captured her. She knew that Angel was probably right. The kittypet knew more about Twolegs than she would. She shook her head in frustration. She had not other choice but to comply with Angel's words. If the kittypet was right, she would be out of this place in a day or two. If she wasn't, there was no telling what would happen to her or ThunderClan.

She forced back a sigh as she allowed the time to pass. Angel left her in the comfort of knowing that eventually the Twolegs would let her out of their nest. But she was wary of the collar that was strapped around Angel's neck. If she stayed long enough the Twolegs might claim her as their own.

The days seemed to flow together as Ravenflight waited for signs of life. She kept staring at the barrier, hoping a Twoleg would accidentally open it. She knew her chances of escape were slim. The walls that surrounded her were thick and slippery. No matter how hard she tried to climb them, her claws would always fail. At this the Twolegs had done well with frustrating her. Each time she failed a wail of dismay would sweep through her. Each time she failed was another death on her claws.

You should not blame yourself for the death of others. Ravenflight stiffened when she heard a familiar voice. She blinked in shock when she saw the pale outline of Ravenfeather standing on the other side of the barrier. Amusement gleamed within Ravenfeather's green eyes when Ravenflight sprang to her paws and snarled.

You abandoned me! she cried. When I needed you the most you left me. . .why would you do such a thing?

Ravenfeather bared her fangs through the mist that shielded her from the Twoleg nest. For a moment Ravenflight was afraid she would attack her.

I have watched from the background to see what decisions you have made, Ravenfeather spat. Of all the idiocy mousebrained schemes, this is your worse! Letting yourself get captured was not part of my plan.

What exactly is your plan, Ravenfeather? A bit of fear wormed it's way through Ravenflight's belly. She had never felt the same ambitions Ravenfeather must. She wondered what it was like to watch the cat you guided throughout your life fail at everything.

I want to rule the Clans, Ravenfeather simply stated. But to do that I must. . .acquire the ability to walk through the Clans once more. You were so weak when you were a kit. That night you were born you would have died had I not helped save you. You are in my debt.

Ravenflight gaped at Ravenfeather in alarm. Her pelt began to prickle with unease when she realized just how dangerous Ravenfeather was. She backed away, hackles raising until she saw a claw swipe across the mist. Ravenflight stared at Angel in shock.

"I don't like it when ghosts haunt my place," Angel spat venomously. "You can leave now."

"How did you. . .how did you see it?" Ravenflight stammered.

Amusement glittered within Angel's green eyes. "I have always seen. . .strange things in this nest," she explained with a shrug. "It started the moment my Twolegs brought me here. At first I thought I was going insane, until one of the ghosts told me about StarClan."

StarClan! The thought soared within Ravenflight. This cat has spoken with my ancestors. Maybe they can help me get out of this mess.

"You never did tell me your name," Angel said as she sat by the barrier. Her tail wrapped neatly around her paws—Ravenflight was surprised at how plumy it was. She wondered if Angel was the one who had killed the pigeon the time Ravenflight was with Dustpelt, Lionblaze and Sorreltail as an apprentice.

"My name is Ravenflight," she replied. Angel didn't look surprised by her name. Instead she shook her head and looked frustrated with herself. "Is there any way out of this barrier?" Ravenflight took a step forward and pressed a paw against the barrier as if to prove her point.

"The door, you mean, can only be opened when I am wearing my special collar," Angel replied. "Perhaps tomorrow I will steal it from my Twolegs. I often take things when they are not looking. . .like the supply of catmint they have in my yard."

"Catmint! Do you think we could. . .I could take some?" Ravenflight corrected herself when she realized Lionblaze and Ashpaw were probably long-gone by now.

"Of course. A Clan in need should not be left unhelped," Angel said with a nod. "Come tomorrow you will be free once more, and viewed as a hero to all of your Clan." Without another word she left Ravenflight to think for herself.

A hero. . .Ravenflight took a step back at the thought. Would the Clan ever view me as a true hero? I hope one day they will.

Those thoughts continued coursing through her as she felt sleep take over. One day she would escape this nest, and become the hero she dreamed of. She would no longer need Ravenfeather's help. The dark cat would fade from her memory.