Shadowpaw: The Lonely

by EruditeRavenclawRiverClan

Shadowpaw. He wouldn't have this name for long. He was loyal, sure. He was skilled, definitely. But what about the other end of the spectrum. His control. His conformity. That's something Shadowpaw never had, and no one knows about...until now. Follow the story of a legend who built his fame off of something more than just good, or fair. Something dark, twisted, and bloodstained.

5. Chapter IV

(A/N: Instead of the Highrock, the BrookClan leader's area is called the Reedstone.)

The following day, Tawnystar called together a Clan meeting.

Shadowpaw resignedly padded out of his corner of the apprentice den last, and skirted the edge of the gathering cats.

Tawnystar leaped up onto the Reedstone, and began to speak. "I have two things to announce this morning. The first, we need to make some well-trained apprentices, warriors. If Briarpaw, Duskpaw and Lilypaw will come up to the Reedstone, please. Tawnystar first turned to Briarpaw, and began to recite,

"I, Tawnystar, leader of RiverClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. She has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend her to you as a warrior in turn. Briarpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?"

Briarpaw smiled softly. "I do."

Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Briarpaw, from this moment on you will be known as Briarpetal. StarClan honors your logic and diligence, and we welcome you as a full warrior of RiverClan.

Tawnystar rested her muzzle on Briarpetal's head, and in turn she licked her shoulder.

Tawnystar then did the same to the other two apprentices, christening them Lilydawn and Duskflame.

The Clan began to chant, "Briarpetal, Duskflame, Lilydawn!" Shadowpaw didn't participate. What did he care for more warriors? At least they would free up space in the apprentice den, though he doubted he'd be sleeping there anymore, after this meeting.

The three new warriors stepped down from the Reedstone.

Tawnystar's face turned less enthusiastic. "Now I have some more serious news. I'm sure most of you haven't heard of the events that have taken place last night. Shadowpaw has attacked two of his fellow Clanmates, Fawnpaw and Fernpaw." She paused for a moment. "Shadowpaw, please step forwards."

Shadowpaw slunk up to the Reedstone.

A few outraged yowls were heard, but no gasps of surprise. Meadowpaw had come to the front, face shocked. Shadowpaw avoided her gaze.

Tawnystar let his eyes linger on them for a moment before saying, "Attacking a fellow Clanmate is against the warrior code. Shadowpaw, you are hereby exiled from RiverClan. Should you ever set paw here again, we will treat you like any other rogue. You have until sunset to leave our territory."

Shadowpaw carefully stepped down the Reedstone. He padded slowly and precisely across the clearing, face indifferent.

At the entrance to the camp he turned and said in an voice low, yet loud enough to be heard throughout the camp. "You'll regret this. You have not seen the last of me." Then he turned and pelted away into the dark.