A/N I'M SO SORRY FOR NOTZ UPDATING!! I've been busy reading Eclipse (which is amazing) and Brisinger (also amazing) and guess what? I GOT BRACES! AAAHHH!! Also, I'm thrilled to say that the Hunters made the ship, Birch/Wing, reality. WOOOOOOOOOOO!! Oh yeah, I lied, there is some Birchfall POV. ENJOY!
Chapter 7 Influence
Birchfall
"Wow", I oofed, "You're really good."
It's been nearly a half-moon since I started training Shadepaw, and he can already beat me! The expression on his face was almost smug. "I think that's enough training for one day, don't you agree?"
I nodded my head, still winded. "Yeah, let's head back to camp."
We padded along the forest floor for some time before I spoke again. "Maybe I'll visit Whitewing today, what do you think?" I've headed to Leafpool's den as often as I could, but Whitewing always kicks me out-literally(I have the bruise to prove it).
Shadepaw looked at me in disbelief. "You've got to be kidding me! She's turned you down every single time! Face it Birchfall, she's over you. Every sensible cat knows it, well except you."
His rebuke stunned me. "I have to try.: I mewed in a small voice, and got louder as my pride rushed back. "Shadepaw, I've noticed that it has been like you were the mentor, and I the apprentice. I'm sorry for this chastisement, but you need to learn respect. Two days of elder duty."
It's a normal punishment, but Shadepaw looked like he was ready to kill me, but calmed down. "You're right, I'm sorry. I just don't want to see you hurt anymore."
I smiled. "You don't have to worry about me." My smile turned into a sad frown. "You really think I should move on?"
Shadepaw looked at him honestly. "I really think that. Hey, why don't you try to go hunting with Honeypa-I mean Honeyfern".
He almost forgot her warriors ceremony. "I hear she's over Berrynose."
"Ok, whatever you say." I meowed sarcastically.
As I turned toward the direction of the camp, Shadepaw stopped me. "It's quicker to go this way."
"Ok" I shrugged, following him.
Sorry Starclan, I thought, I guess Whitewing and I were never meant to be.
The sun, which had set, was replaced by night. No stars lighted the sky.
Darkstripe
Ha, now that I've got that mouse-brained idiot under my control, I can carry on with stage 3. Oh, will Tigerstar be pleased…
Whitewing
I sighed again as I trudged out of Leafpool's den, going on another herb hunt. Honestly, I'm ready to drag Jaypaw back from the mountains to do this! I wanted to sulk, brood, plan. But of course, Leafpool would have none of that. "Plenty of fresh air and sun" she always tells me. You know what really bugs me? I'm older than her by a moon! I'm also older than Squirrelflight, and she got her warrior name moons before I got mine! But hey, what do I know? I'm just a psycho patient.
It's really weird. I was supposed to return to the warriors den 5 days ago, but I'm still stuck here. I swear Leafpool's just keeping me here for company. Leafpool snapped me out of my trance-like state. "Whitewing, is anything bothering you?"
I sighed. "Yes, yes there is. Birchfall practically stalks me every day, while Thornclaw looks at me like I'm a piece of meat. Did I mention Shadepaw leers at me? Leers! And on top of that, everyone thinks I'm crazy, but I'm not! And why are you keeping me here? I thought I could leave 5 days ago!"
Leafpool was surprised at my sudden outburst, but regained composure. "So, tom trouble, eh? Maybe-never mind." She dismissed her thought with a flick of her head. "Sweetheart, no one thinks you're crazy. We all just think you need a break. A lot has happened."
She was ignoring my last problem, and I was curious about her thought. "What were you thinking? I promise I won't tell, warriors honor!"
She sighed and gave me a small smile. "You'll think it's crazy, but here it is." She paused for a moment. "Maybe-maybe you should become a medicine cat."
WHAT!? Did I hear her correctly? I could not do this. Why is she even considering it? "Why?" I asked furious and stunned. "Is that why you're keeping me here? And what about Jaypaw?"
Leafpool looked at me. "It's just-well, it wouldn't work-but we have to try. I mean, what if Jaypaw died? It would be terrible-since he's so important-but I need someone like you! I need to get you away from any kind of tom!"
She gasped, realizing she had said too much. "What?" I whispered, stunned.
I regained myself. "No. Explain. I already know about the prophecy."
Leafpool sighed, and muttered something about should've given Birchfall more poppy seeds that night. "About 5 nights ago, Starclan sent me a vision. A vision about you dying. In that vision, you died for someone you loved. I'm sorry, but I can't let that happen. Don't you see? You have to stay here for your life.
I gasped. I couldn't die! She was right! I did have to stay with her. I can't fail, and that most certainly means dying. Starclan's fate rests with my life. I can't lose either one. "You're right. Thank you for telling me, but I wouldn't-no, couldn't-be a medicine cat."
Leafpool's shoulders sagged with relief. "Thank you so much Whitewing. Let's get back to camp, it's nearly moonhigh!"
Tigerstar
Darkstripe was looking at me expectantly. I sighed loudly and asked. "Did you send the dream to Leafpool?"
The dream about the future if my plan failed. Whitewing would succeed in sacrificing herself and all my plans would be ruined. Grr. Just thinking about it made me angry. Grrrrr. "Yes."
Darkstripe's mew sounded confident. "Good. That is all for now. Keep feeding thoughts of power into Thornclaw's head, and recruit more followers. We can never have too many followers. And keep that oaf under you influence, just long enough that when the attack comes, he'll be too late."
Darkstripe nodded sharply and dived into the murky pool. Oh Firestar, I thought sadistically, I'm coming for you…
A?N OOH… some twists and horrors! I need a warrior name for Shadepaw. I was thinking about Shadeslayer, but then I realized that's an Eragon name. Silly me. Review and I'll give you a cookie. Don't review and I'll put your cookie in the garbage of shame… Twistey out.