"I'm sorry." Brambleclaw whispered. Despondency cracks his shaking voice. Waves crash upon sandy coast, flooding the shore of ThunderClan territory. Paws remain in crimson water –no longer crystal clear. Leafpool, Squirrelflight, and Firestar went back to camp a while ago. Brambleclaw is left to mourn. Scruff in jaw, he drags Hawkfrost out from the current and begins to dig a grave.
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Posture slumped and tail curled around his front paws, Brambleclaw stares at the vast lake. A red blurry cat appears. Blue eyes gaze at his physical body. A deep hole in his throat is infuriatingly itchy.
Hawkfrost should be mad. He had lost an important victory. His and Tigerstar's plans to conquer the Clans have turned to shambles.
Yet his bitterness fades to astonishment and despair.
'If Brambleclaw has won does that mean Tigerstar is wrong?'
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Opening his jaw Hawkfrost tries to speak but finds his voice strangely silent now.
His outline flickers in and out of existence.
Briefly Hawkfrost feels impending dismay.
The vicious bloody battle forgotten, the spectral RiverClan warrior tries to call for help.
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Brambleclaw turned his head, ears flickering. He gazes straight through Hawkfrost and his eyes narrow as if he heard faint sound.
Had it been the wind? Or maybe prey scurrying in green undergrowth?
Hawkfrost could only stare despairingly before being swept into another world.
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There's no shelter from the unpleasant damp cold of Dark Forest. This woodland is forever dreary and desolate. No warm sunlight ever stabs the gloomy starless night. Hakwfrost's nose wrinkles in disgust as his fur is weighed down by heavy mud. He wades through a murky river, like a depthless tar rather than clear water.
Eventually he makes it to land. A shadowy figure arrives like mist from the trees. Hawkfrost recognizes him instantly. "Father…"
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Tigerstar walked up to him, unimpressed. "You failed, Hawkfrost."
His son bowed and dejectedly glued his eyes to marshy earth. "I'm sorry."
"Though dead you still have a chance for redemption." He drops food at the warrior's feet.
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It's a mouse, mostly bones and rotting. Hawkfrost hesitated and stared at it incredulously.
"What?" Tigerstar snorted. "You thought you'd get a delicious meal here? In Dark Forest this is all we get. Thin decaying fauna." His tail lashes in frustration. "If we had fresh-kill as good as StarClan this place would be a little more tolerable."
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"Well? Eat it. It won't make you sick."
While chewing, Hawkfrost studied his father's fatal wound. A single strike had taken all his nine lives. "How'd you get that injury?"
Golden orange eyes stab icy blue sharper than the stake that impaled Hawkfrost's throat. "Our enemy, Firestar." He answered. "He –a mere kittypet, took what I had for so long tried to gain. Bluestar was nothing but a pathetic leader, being swayed by StarClan and her own delusions that Firestar was a hero of a prophecy. I have experience, wisdom, and focus. Everything Firestar lacks."
"How did he kill you in one hit?"
"He got lucky, blessed by StarClan with daunting strength."
'Liar.' That's not how Brambleclaw explained the event. 'If he trusts me, why would Tigerstar lie?'
After a tour and introduction to other Dark Forest residents, Tigerstar clarified his new plan.
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Sitting in a clearing he instructed, "For now we wait. Let them think they've won."
"And have the Clans let their guard down?"
Tigerstar held a calm imposing frown unlike the other restless cats surrounding him. Wild grins decorated the countless cats' faces. "Over time the Clans will fall into conflict with each other. Bad weather, foxes and badgers and dwindling food will bring down their morale. Learn to use these disasters to your advantage."
"Understood, Father. I'll cause chaos within the Clans.
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"Second, we'll wander their dreams. Scare them of approaching turmoil."
"But why do that when we can just attack them?" Darkstripe asked.
"We want them to think it's them, not us causing this mistrust. If that happens, they won't notice us taking over control."
"They won't have anyone to trust," Hawkfrost added. "If they think their own Clanmates will turn on them."
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"Do what you must," Tigerstar ordered. "Our strategy must succeed."
"Ashfur has assisted me before. I'll go see him."
"Remember Hawkfrost, you must kill Brambleclaw."
"What?"
Tigerstar glared at his son. "I'd rather have him allied to the Dark Forest. But he's made his decision. He is the most dangerous because he's loyal to Firestar."
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Teeth flash eerily in the foggy glow of Dark Forest. "Why do I sense uncertainty from you? This task shouldn't be hard, Hawkfrost. You made your choice at the lake." Tigerstar stood an intimidating force to behold by any cat. "Didn't you say you don't care if Bramblelclaw sided with you or not? Nothing was going to get in your way."
"Right. I…I won't fail again!"
Tigerstar's eyes narrowed in doubt. "We'll see…"
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Ashfur is distracted. He ignores Hawkfrost's calls to secluded places within ThunderClan. He sticks to Squirrelflight, adoring the obnoxious she-cat. Disgusted, Hawkfrost abandons camp. Brambleclaw is probably on a patrol.
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Strolling around the vast lake, Hawkfrost feels lighter than wind. He's curious about what Mothwing's doing in his absence. Deserting stealth he walks right into RiverClan clearing. Hawkfrost observes everything with mild disinterest.
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Apprentices practice battle moves with mentors. The cats excitedly babble like fizzy waves. The mentors glow happily as the 'paws display courage, strength, and agility. Warriors exchange words of encouragement.
'I suppose it would've been fun to have an apprentice.'
After all, who can deny feeling a surge of joy for being noticed for accomplishing tough challenges?
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'Tigerstar only sees me as a failure. Worse than Brambleclaw, even.' It's difficult to admit that his half-brother accomplished more than he ever had. This realization stings. Clawing the ground in frustration, Hawkfrost vowed to defeat Firestar and his newly appointed deputy.
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"Wonderful, Willowshine! These herbs will protect kits and elders from green cough during leafbare."
"Thanks! I…"
Mothwing. Though distraught by Hawkfrost's sinister plans, she still kept a gallant smile and buoyant mood. The Dark Forest warrior wonders if it's because he was gone and that a crisis hasn't affected the Clans. Or was it because her Clanmates were all happy?
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A strange pang hit Hawkfrost. Suddenly he feels very alone. The glade is clamorous, alive with playful smiles. Warmth. Something that had faded from the warrior's soul long ago. Usually calm, indifferent, and distantly cold, Hawkfrost instantly felt panic spin like a windstorm.
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Hawkfrost is conflicted. His mind commanded to follow Tigerstar's path. His heart hums faintly of something else. A memory reappears. One before he met Tigerstar for the first time. He was a kit, only a few moons old. Sasha had given them to RiverClan. Hawkfrost had felt terrible, weak, and alone. Mothwing tried to cheer him up.
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"We don't need Sasha," she had said. "You and I can do anything! Leopardstar and Mistyfoot accepted us into RiverClan. Things may seem scary now but I bet we'll be the strongest warriors ever!"
Mothwing had given him courage.
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Hawkfrost approached but stopped. A crestfallen apology perished on his jaws. 'Mothwing probably can't see me. Probably doesn't want to speak to me either.' Pivoting around, the warrior feels an icy wind dash through. 'Am…am I turning against Tigerstar?'
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"Huh? Hawkfrost?"
Surprised, he spins to face Willowshine. She stares at him unblinking.
Mothwing jolted and withered dreadfully. Her golden eyes whip side to side searching for danger.
Her brother frowned. "I'm sorry, Mothwing. If I can change, I'll try to. I know you'll never forgive me but I'll try my best to mend things." Turning, he left RiverClan territory.
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"Is that what you want me to tell her?" Willowshine asked. The news had spread fast about Hawkfrost's betrayal during a gathering. 'I should ask the other medicine cats at moonpool what to do, and if this is an omen or not.'
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"So, how are the Clans?"
"Peaceful as you guessed. All the leaders are in good shape too."
"Keep observing. Tell me if anything changes."
Wary blue eyes latch onto yellow.
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Nonchalantly his father added, "Your failure weighs heavily on you. If you can't win this time, expect a punishment from the Dark Forest."
He nodded. Hawkfrost sprinted into the living world. Every time he leaves it feels like a painful tug on his flesh, like swimming through mud.
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Scouting the forest he tries to find Brambleclaw. A patrol should pass by shortly. Concealed in shrubbery the warrior waited. A familiar musty scent prodded Hawkfrost's nose. Three cats. One apprentice, two warriors.
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"Search over there. Foxes might make dens so close to leafbare."
"Will it snow tomorrow?"
"Possibly. The sky looks worrying."
"Where's Brambleclaw?" The apprentice asked. "I want to spar with the ThunderClan deputy!"
"He's been at the lake lately."
There's the info Hawkfrost needed.
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Before meeting his half-brother, Hawkfrost wandered into ShadowClan. Some of Tigerstar's old allies might still be loyal to him. Blending into night he carefully talked to some warriors, including Tawnypelt and Blackstar.
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"Are you certain?!"
Hawkfrost flinched. "They rejected the offer to join your side."
"Even Blackstar?"
"Yes. Everyone curtly refused."
Tigerstar paced back and forth. Full of rage he swiped a paw through soil. Chunks on earth and pebbles cracked and popped like fire.
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"Pathetic! Blackstar used to be my most trusted warrior in TigerClan. Tawnypelt had potential to be invincible too. Why would they stay loyal to the worthless warrior code? To StarClan? They're all cowards!"
Doubt develops. Surely Tigerstar's kin and reliable followers wouldn't deny him for a lost cause?
"Tawnypelt, Blackstar, and Brambleclaw not being with us makes our mission much more difficult!"
Withering, Hawkfrost tries to keep his casual mask on. He doesn't want to be in the path of Tigerstar's unrelenting vehemence.
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"Why not recruit more members?" Darkstripe asked. "I'm sure our Dark Forest warriors will join us."
"Some of them refuse to cooperate." Hawkfrost scoffed.
"Why not try a basic strategy?" Brokenstar mewed. "None of the Clans know about the Dark Forest. Bring their apprentices and warriors here. We'll train them to be in our army."
"Creating dissent from within." Hawkfrost nodded. "It could work."
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"Alright. Shouldn't be too hard as long as you don't alert the Clans." Tigerstar agreed. "I'll send Maskfur, Darkstripe, Mudwing, Reedleap, and Fishpool. You too, Hawkfrost."
Bowing, the warriors turned to exit the Dark Forest.
"And don't fail me."
The subtle warning rang unnervingly in Hawkfrost's ears.
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In ThunderClan territory Hawkfrost stealthily strolled. Over the few moons since his death they've really let their guard down. A night patrol just returned. Nobody stayed up to scout for potential intruders. However, Hawkfrost is in the in-between of reality and dreams so maybe things are perceived differently.
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Walking through the clearing he inspects dens warily. Bundles of fur rise and fall calmly. Not even the grumpy medicine cat stirs or mutters about gloomy prophecies. Hawkfrost enters the apprentice dens. All he has to do is convince them of obtaining incredible powers by willingly entering the Dark Forest army.
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Hovering above them, he starts to tremble. His mind orders him to move yet his legs refuse to.
Should he sabotage Tigerstar's commands? Denying a mission is unquestionable. Right?
'Tigerstar will claw me alive If I-'
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A cat collides into him. They roll. Claws scar Hawkfrost's face. "Brambleclaw?!"
"I knew you'd return. I didn't know how but I sensed it." He hissed. "A foreboding presence."
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Hurt flashes in somber gold eyes. "Must I defeat you again?"
"Stop!" Hawkfrost struggled to break free from sharp claws. He wheezed when they dug into his neck. "I don't-"
Obnoxious laughter interrupts the fight.
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"So you're already failing Tigerstar?" Darkstripe asked.
Hawkfrost glared, wanting to smack that smug look off of his face.
Amused, Darkstripe's tail waved. "I guess I'll have to tell Tigerstar what a letdown his son is."
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Brambleclaw abandons his half-brother to leap on Darkstripe. Dazed, Hawkfrost stood up. Fishpool and Mudwing emerge from the shadows. "You're outnumbered."
"I'm no coward! I'll fight you until my last breath!"
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Shouts ring in shimmering landscape. Clumps of fur shed as fangs and claws flash across flesh. Blood spills onto earth. It's not long until Brambleclaw is pinned down by Dark Forest warriors.
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Heart pounding, he watches this battle unfold before him. Fishpool's questions are muffled and faint. Walking past he prepares to convince apprentices to join the Dark Forest army.
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Hawkfrost's' everlasting resentment melts away.
'I've believed Tigerstar's lies too long. I was blind to his manipulation. Why stay among other cats who'd never value you?'
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The warrior pounces. Latching fangs onto neck he tosses Darkstripe off of Brambleclaw.
Alarmed, Mudwing bristles. "What? You are fighting against Tigerstar? After all of this?"
"Yes." Blue eyes gleam fearlessly.
Mudwing scratches Hawkfrost and bites his front leg, trapping him in a flurry of claws. "Foolish! The Dark Forest won't accept such traitorous cats! If you survive we'll shred you apart!"
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Recovering from his shock, Brambleclaw gratefully helps his brother. The two are fearsome in battle. Their muscles and agile moves quickly win the brawl. Fishpool doesn't retreat like Mudwing. The silver tom and Darkstripe bite their enemies. Sharp teeth ruthlessly slice shoulders, sides, and legs.
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Darkstripe swoops in and tackles Brambleclaw. Distracted, he swipes at him. Brambleclaw is pinned and can't move.
Fishpool lunges at him.
Hawkfrost guards Brambleclaw.
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Decaying teeth sink into his neck. Hawkfrost scratches wildly at Fishpool. Scars appear on his face and chest. Fishpool lets go and stumbles. Blood splashes on both warriors. Fishpool's red outline slowly fades. Brambleclaw shakes off Darkstripe who retreats.
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"Hawkfrost! No!" Brambleclaw rushes towards his brother. Concern shines in his eyes.
"I'm sorry for what I did." He faintly smiled. "Only when I entered the Dark Forest did I realize the friends and potential life I lost…"
Ears and figure droop sadly. Brambleclaw's nose rests on Hawkfrost's head.
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"At least I saved you. I can be proud of that." Hawkfrost chuckled.
Brambleclaw is distraught. How do you save a spirit-cat? Should he go get Leafpool or Jayfeather?
Bewildered, he sees Hawkfrost transforming!
Faint crimson peels away like weathered leaves. A pale gray outline replaces it, no scars left behind.
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Brilliant grin mirrors brilliant grin. "Has this ever happened before?"
"I don't think so. Either way," Brambleclaw bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Hawkfrost."
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He supposes he's not fully accepted by StarClan. Instead, maybe in a between area? Hawkfrost knows he still has a lot to fix to be redeemed. But he's willing to go through any test to show his dedication to friends and family. "I'll watch over ThunderClan. I must tell you future plans that Tigerstar has. And Ashfur-"
"I'll inform Firestar. Though he trusts me, we might not be able to act right away."
"I understand."
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Clear forgiveness is portrayed in Brambleclaw's eyes. He knows now that Hawkfrost will guide him –he has incredible strength and wits. Brambleclaw is happy to have another to rely on when there's a war about to breakout.
"If I must stop Tigerstar from destroying the Clans this time," Hawkfrost mewed. "It is what I will do."