Chapter Three
-In SandClan-
Stuck in his thoughts, Spatterpaw didn't notice a light grey-pelted tom stop in front of him.
"Spatterpaw!" the tom barked, making the apprentice freeze immediately. He leaned in close to the younger tom. "I saw you hang back with those other apprentices. Friends of yours?"
Spatterpaw squirmed under Skulldust's accusing glare.
Skulldust knocked him down and pinned him. "Get your act together, Spatterpaw. You make us both look like traitors."
Skulldust was Spatterpaw's mentor, but also…
"Dad…" the apprentice breathed.
A flash of white and Skulldust was off him. Sitting up, the spatter-coated cat knew why.
"Whatcha doin', Skulldust?" Lostwhiskers snarled, green eyes slitted.
Off to the side, Spatterpaw saw the white warrior's daughter, Whitepaw. "You okay?" she whispered, blue eyes filled with concern.
Too embarrassed to speak, Spatterpaw nodded.
Later, after Skulldust had gone on a solo-hunt to cool off, Whitepaw met with her friend. "Whisperstar's told us what happened at the Gathering. What's your opinion?"
The dark tom shrugged, still ashamed from being saved by a she-cat.
"Spaaatterpaw?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
Turning away, Spatterpaw murmured, "Just…Just leave me alone, okay?"
Behind him, he heard Whitepaw gasp. "You…FLEABAG!" she yowled, swiping at his flank with her claws.
He yelped, instinctively slashing back.
Whitepaw easily side-stepped him, eyes livid with hate. She lunged at him, letting out a furious hiss…and…was stopped. By Callingbird and her mentor, Fierceheart.
"What's wrong with everyone these days!" the black deputy cried, laying her tail over Whitepaw's eyes.
The apprentice seemed in a slight state of shock by her actions. "Oh, Spatterpaw! I'm so sorry! I just-!"
"No," the tom spat. "I get it, Whitepaw. I'm…going to find my father."
All three others emitted a sound of surprise.
Fierceheart tentatively stepped forward. "Um…Spatterpaw? Do you really think that's a good idea?"
"Why should anyone care?"
Hissing, Callingbird snarled, "I'm sick of your venom tongue! And your father's!"
Spatterpaw scoffed and walked away, though he was a little worried himself about his decision.
In the distance, the light grey body steadily came into focus.
But along with Skulldust was…a ragged-looking cat, probably rogue.
It took the apprentice a while forit to dawn on him that they were near their border with IceClan.
"He's already killed around ten of our ranks. Even the dogs are worried! Skulldust, we have to get rid of him!"
Spatterpaw's father cackled. "Bone, you worry too much."
"And you too little!" hissed Bone, his lips curling up to show pointed canines.
"Calm down… You know Saliva won't hurt anyone important."
"Skulldust, he-! Wait…We have company…"