Chapter 17
Everyone had gone their separate ways at the border. Meaning I just had everyone's favorite SunClan cats with me. I was getting tired of being carried. Walking meant I could at least try and make a break for it. However, with three cats to deal with, my chances were slim. I was stuck. Stuck dealing with this. Their's to do whatever they please with.
We eventually arrived at a hole with a large rock beside it. It was something's old den, but had long since been left empty. Grasstail stepped into it, dropping me inside. I looked around. It was decent sized and gave me plenty of room to move around in. That was all there was to it, however.
"Welcome home," Grasstail told me. "Hope you enjoy it here, it's going to be a while."
"I know where I am and how to get back," I responded. "Unless you all have some great plan on how you can guard me, I'm out of here."
"First of all, never tell your kidnappers you plan to escape. Secondly, you see this rock? It's for a door. I doubt you can move it, but give it your best shot," Grasstail told me. "Like I said, you'll be here a while. Until we take over the Clans."
"So you're just going to keep me here as your little play-thing until you need me?" I asked.
"You're finally catching on!" Grasstail exclaimed.
"So how am I supposed to drink?" I asked. "Like I hope you have a plan to keep me alive. If you don't, I guess I don't really care. It would be kinda funny."
"Relax, we'll just bring soaked moss to you ever few days, no problem," Grasstail answered.
"Every few days? Isn't water something you need every day?" I asked.
"Not necessary," Grasstail answered. "And enjoy that, you'll only get food once for every two times you get water."
"Yeah, and you're just going to tell me everything you're going to do?" I asked. "Like, I mean, you can, it's your fault I'm here anyway, but doesn't seem like typical kidnapper stuff. I dunno though, never been kidnapped."
Grasstail lashed out towards me. I ducked my head, allowing him to claw right above my eyes. Blood blurred my vision.
"I'll tell you what I want and do with you what I want," he told me. "It's gonna be fun."
"Yeah, just being around you isn't fun," I stated.
He jumped on me, digging his claws into my back and reopening my wound from Lightstar. As much as it wasn't a good idea, talking back was my bit of freedom in the situation. The one thing I had power over. I was mostly helpless, but I could still make them miserable with my words. It wasn't much, but it's what I've always had and all I have now.
He flipped me over, putting his claws to my throat. Was he going to get mad and end it now? "Oh, wouldn't you like me to," he laughed, sheathing his claws and getting off me.
I stood back up. Part of me was surprised he hadn't injured me worse, but he's probably holding back for later fun. He'll do it when he's ready.
"Well, we'll see you," he told me. "Have fun!" They pushed the rock until it was blocking the entrance and left me all alone.
I walked up to the rock. It was bigger than me. I put my uninjured shoulder against it and pushed. It didn't budge. I backed up before running towards it and slamming my shoulder into it.
"Fox-dung!" I cursed. "That hurts!"
There was no way for me to get out. I paced the floor. Perhaps next time they come I can sneak out? Or perhaps as they're leaving? No, they'll see me and I'll make things worse. Perhaps my friends are searching for me right now and they'll find me. Something told me they wouldn't though. I doubt Wingstar would let them search for me too long. I suppose I'm stuck here for now. I curled up on the ground in search of more sleep.
"Aw, how are you doing, Deathfire?" Lightstar asked.
"You planned this, didn't you? You planned to help them?" I asked.
"Correct," she answered.
"You're just going to let them do whatever they want with me?" I asked.
"Also correct," she answered. "Why should I reward bad behavior?"
I sat down, feeling hopeless. "I'm stuck, aren't I?"
"Oh, definitely," she told me. "I'd say don't worry, it'll all be fine, but you're in for a rough time."
I stared at the ground, beginning to tremble. I was holding on to hope. Now it all seemed to shatter before me, as broken as I was going to become. I was stuck. I was their prisoner. I was alone and afraid, stuck with only those who wished me harm.
"Come on, we've got training to do!" Lightstar exclaimed.
I woke up and lifted my head, confused to why I was alone for a moment before remembering where I was. Right, I was left at the paws of my enemies with no support or help. I was truly alone. The rock was being moved aside as I allowed myself to hope for just a moment. Then I saw Grasstail. My heart sank and fear gripped my body. Maybe there was at least water? I was thirsty. I didn't see any moss with him however. Coldclaw did peak in, however.
"Hello, Jinx!" Grasstail greeted. "Lovely day, isn't it?"
"No," I muttered.
"That's great to hear," he told me.
Both toms entered my prison. I got up and backed away until I reached the wall. I arched my back and hissed, both of which were met with laughter.
"How cute!" Grasstail sneered.
"I'm trembling!" Coldclaw laughed.
I was the one trembling and I hated myself for it. I was terrified. I had no hope of my friends finding me here. It was just me and whatever fate awaited me.
Coldclaw pushed me to the ground, claws holding me in place. Grasstail ran his claws across my back. I winced, keeping myself from making any noise. I held on to my little sliver of dignity like a lifeline. Grasstail bit down on my good ear and then pulled on it. I cried out. He let go, leaving it in tact.
Grasstail bent down, sticking his face in mine. I whimpered. "Aren't you just a terrified, cowardly kit? Scared of the big bad toms? Do we hurt you?" he asked mockingly. "Do you want us to leave you alone?" I nodded. I was already a pathetic mess, maybe this will get them to leave quicker.
"Are you really too scared to even say anything?" Coldclaw asked. "Go on. Tell us off. Tell us to leave you alone. Ask us why we're doing this. You always do it, so go ahead. Say it."
"Why're you even doing this? Leave me alone," I murmured, giving in.
The two of them laughed. It was funny to them. I was a whimpering, trembling, pathetic mess and it was hilarious. I was weak and hated it. I was falling apart like I never had before and it hadn't been a day. But every other time there was someone I knew would come for me. Now I didn't even have that. They'd never find me. I was stuck in this mess. I was going to do whatever it took.
"Why're you doing this?" Grasstail mocked. "Leave me alone!"
I looked down at my paws. "I— I mean it," I murmured.
Coldclaw got off me. "Then stand up," he told me. "Face us."
I stood up, still staring at the ground. I just wanted them to leave. I couldn't handle this.
"Oh, come on. Can you not even look up at us?" Grasstail asked. "Go on. Look us in the eye. Tell us off."
I looked up at them before cowering away. The amusement in their expressions scared me. Scared me more than any amount of rage. It was a game to them; a cruel game for my humiliation and their enjoyment. I hated them for this, I hated myself for going along with it, I hated Lightstar for putting me in this mess, I hated everything about this situation.
"Please just leave me alone," I begged. "I'll do anything."
"Then suffer," Grasstail responded.
My breathing quickened as images of all they could do to me played through my head. How was I going to suffer? How were they going to make me suffer?
"We must be going," Coldclaw said. "We'll be needed back at camp."
"We'll see you later though," Grasstail promised.
The two of them pushed the rock back in front of the door and left. I collapsed on the ground and allowed myself to fully break down. I was hopeless, helpless, and broken. It had been less than a day. How much longer will I be able to handle this? At least I'd be alone for a while because even solitude and the thoughts that come with it are better than those two.
Author's Note: Ah yes, torture. My favorite. Anyway, leave a comment if you'd like! I always appreciate them! See you next week!
-Rowan W.