Here's Chapter Three! This is a bit longer.
Willow's POV
I had that dreadful feeling in the back of my throat, of dread and angst. I felt horrible about what I had done to Cinderpaw. But was it the right choice? To rant right in her face? So I had fetched enough courage to somehow apologize. I closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Opening them, I walked to Cinderpaw who was busy chatting with Olivepaw.
"Cinderpaw, may I speak with-"
"I don't feel like listening to your rants!" hissed Cinder. I was shot back by Cinderpaw's sudden fire.
"It's not a rant, Cinder!" I hissed, "I've come to-"
Suddenly, the leader's yowl echoed through camp. I was so frustrated, but I did still go sit down. I watched their leader Pinestar announce to the clan.
"It is time for a warrior ceremony. Cinderpaw, Olivepaw, and Claypaw step forward," announced Pinestar. And so, the cats gracefully stepped up. Except for Claypaw, who was anti-graceful. I purred as Claypaw tripped on his way up.
"These cats have trained and are ready to become warriors. Cinderpaw, from this day on, your name will be Cinderdapple. We honor you for your bravery and courage to stand up to darkness. Your mother would be proud," Pinestar firmly mewed. My sight wandered to her father Fallenstrike, who seemed disturbed of his former mate's mention.
"Olivepaw, from this moment on, your name will be Oliveleaf. You have shown great elegance and skill in hunting," purred the leader. I knew the leader was Oliveleaf and Claypaw's father, so I wasn't surprised. Finally, it was Claypaw's turn.
"Claypaw, my son, from this moment on, you will be known as Claysight," the leader purred pridefully, his voice booming through camp. Gosh, doesn't he know how much Frostleap has complained? I purred at the thought, and the meeting closed. Nervously, I walked to Cinderdapple. Cinderdapple tried her best to block out me, but I didn't stop. I'd do anything to apologize.
"From one sister to another… I'm so sorry. I was a foxheart," I mewed.
"You say that every time," groaned Cinderdapple. I looked down at my smaller sibling.
"Well for once I mean it," I replied, "my father wouldn't have wanted me to be mad at you. I bet right now he is angry at me for being angry at you." At this, Cinderdapple purred in amusement. I, confusedly, hissed, "What are you purring at?"
"The fact you think that foxheart is a good cat," replied Cinderdapple. I was appalled at the new warrior's arrogant response. I looked Cinderdapple deep in the eyes. Fallenstrike couldn't have done anything violent to anyone! He was such a good cat!
"What- what do you mean?" I stumbled. Cinderdapple closed her eyes.
"I didn't think anyone would ever know. Mother wasn't killed by badgers. What happened was," Cinderdapple appeared as if she couldn't get the words out.
"What happened Cinder?" I mewed to break the silence.
"I found Fallenstrike murdering my brothers. And when my mother tried to hide me, he killed her too. Willowie, your father is more of a threat than that legendary cat Tigerstar was," Cinderdapple admitted. I was speechless. That couldn't be true! But I had seen hatred in Fallenstrike's eyes when Cinderpaw had become an apprentice. Had what Cinderdapple confessed perhaps been true?
"Thanks," I managed to blurt out.
"What?" Cinderdapple was confused.
"Thanks Cinder. For telling me the truth," I finished. I could hardly believe it. Suddenly, I recalled when Fallenstrike had came home.
"Willowpaw! Quick!" he had screeched. I ran to his aid. The smell of badgers filled the air as I hustled to my father. He was limping, his claws and formerly ginger pelt covered in blood. He had a bunch of scratches on his pelt and legs. Blood oozed out. It was a horrocious sight for me, and I was cringing.
"Where's Ma and the kits?" I mewed, horrified. Fallenstrike looked low, hics gaze filled with guilt. I barely managed out an, "oh." I assisted Fallenstrike on our way to find my mother's body. We neared the tree, and the rank of death filled the air.
"Oh my god! Speckledheart!" I gasped, and ran to the dead she-cat's corpse. She had a large gash in her stomach. Her eyes were barely open, and I could hear a faint heartbeat. There was hope.
"Language, Willowpaw," Speckledheart managed to purr, "tell Cinderkit she'll be great someday." I, in fear, collapsed against Speckledheart's pelt.
"Don't leave Ma!" I hissed, emotions running wild.
"I will never be gone, not really," soothed the queen, "I will always be in here." She managed to fraily touch where my heart lie.
"It's not time for death, Ma! You should run wild and hunt again!" I squeaked out.
"Willowpaw," gasped Speckledheart, "remember this… you must never give into darkness, always stray into the light. You will find a way." As the life faded from Speckledheart, I had tears running down her face. She couldn't be gone! I wouldn't allow it! She will not die in vain! I saw a small kit in the corner of her eye.
"This is all your fault!" I hissed at the kit, Cinderkit. The kit squealed and ran into the bushes. I spat, "I wish you were never born!"
I looked back on her dark memory in regret. Why had I been so rude? I was in pain, but shouldn't have been so cruel. Cinderdapple's head leaned against my pelt. I looked down at my sister, before mumbling, "I'm so, so sorry."