A/N:
No, you're not seeing things; I have finally posted a new chapter! :)
As always, thank you to all those who have reviewed/faved/alerted this fanfic so far. Appreciate all the support you guys continue to show.
Yeah, sorry its been like forever since I last updated this fanfic; life caught up to me, including my job, life in general and other fanfics. So yeah, sorry you all had to wait forever for this chapter.
Finally finished the entire "Warrior" book series (Not including "Dawn Of The Clans", "Manga" stories or the "Super Editions"). Probably one of my favourite book series, next to the likes of Harry Potter. I love Jayfeather and Breezepelt! :D
Anywho, here's the chapter you've all been waiting patiently for.
Read and enjoy! :)
Sorry for bad spelling and grammar.
Disclaimer: Otherwise stated, the characters in this fanfiction belong to the author of "The Warrior Cats" book series Erin Hunter. The Character of John Mew, and any other OCs of my creation, belongs to me, mpkio2.
Warrior Cats:
The TwoLeg Priosner
Chapter 4
Claws And Destiny
Five nights had passed since Shadow last saw the grey-white pelt of his friend, Fritz. The younger kitten had been notoriously persistent in his nagging of making Shadow join he and the gang of cats lead by Jingo, mewling and yowling argument and reason after another, his visits to Shadow's garden consistent, not long in between. And so the fact that his friend hadn't visited him in a few nights, a lengthy duration, the longest Shadow had known so far, had left a nagging and worrying feeling in the pit of his stomach.
Feeling the worry rustle over his black fur, Shadow looked out to the tall forest tress that grew on the opposite side of the garden fence he sat perched upon, ears pricked forward, listening to the subtle noises of forest life.
Why hadn't he come? Why isn't he here now?, the black kitten thought. I thought he would at least come and play…
But perhaps he shouldn't feel so concerned; perhaps he shouldn't be worrying at all; Shadow replayed the last conversation he and Frotz had five nights ago where Shadow had once again declined Fritz's offer to join Jingo's group of stray cats that inhabited a local abandoned house, Fritz leaving deflated, Shadow remembering the hurt he heard in his friend's mew.
Guilt now replaced worry as Shadow felt the emotion grip at his fur, head hanging and eyes half closing, focusing now on the forest floor below. Yes, Fritz had had enough, and now, due to Shadow's constant declinations, Fritz had left Shadow, not even bothering to see him any more, not even bothering to come and play and see him…
No longer friends?
Maybe.
Shadow sighed heavily, inclining to once answer, on he hoped he was wrong in choosing. But he had no choice. He had no choice but to decline…
John needed him and even Fritz didn't understand that, Shadow didn't care. But despite thinking this, Shadow still felt the ache in his stomach.
I'm sorry, Fritz, he thought dejectedly, head rising, looking up to the moon with yellow gleaming eyes. I have to stay…right here. I need to be strong…
And I can help you with that…
Startled, Shadow jumped, causing him to lose his balance and fall down unto the ground beneath the fence, falling into ta grassy, strong fragranced bush. Fumbling around attempting to escape the bush which had him in its clutches, Shadow yelped and yowled to be free.
Use your claws, young one…
With claws unsheathed, he raked at the branches which held him in place. At the immediate contact of claw and branches, Shadow felt himself loosen from the bushes grip, wriggled himself out and dropped neatly on the grass below.
Your stronger than you think…
There it was again; that deep voice. It was low and sounded somewhat menacing to Shadow, bust strong and fierce too. And it almost sounded as if…But no, he had to be hearing things! Yeah, his imagination was just going wild, that's all.
Looking left and right, Shadow yewned to see the owner of the voice, too afraid to voice his wish for the newcomer to make their appearance. But as Shadow looked around, assuming to see the familiar surroundings of his garden, he realized, blood freezing, eyes widening, fur prickling with fear, that he had stumbled on to the other side of the fence…right into the border of the forest.
No, oh no! What do I do now?, the kitten thought, panicking, terrified of the predators out in the wild and dangerous forest, afraid of what was out there waiting to attacking him and eat him like a piece of prey, his paws shaking at the very thought of being lost out in that place where John wouldn't be able to find him in. How was he to get back now?
A thought hit him like lightning. He willed his trembling paws to move, and with much force, they did, the kitten backing up slowly, his tail hitting the wooden fence behind him. With a shaking head, Shadow looked up the fence, turned his body and crouched to the forest floor, readying himself to climb.
You want to help your…housefolk, don't you?
Shadow froze upon hearing the voice, almost echoing through the trees behind him. He shook his head, knowing he was only hearing things, that the voice only existed in his imagination…
S-stop it, he thought, shaking. Y-you're not real…
I can make you stronger, young one…
What? H-how?
You need to train…you need me to help you…
You're just a voice in my h-head! W-why should I trust you, anyway?! What are you, anyway?!
A friend…that's what I am.
I-I don't c-care! John needs me. I'm going home!
He doesn't need you…not how you are now. Why do you think he ignores you? Because he doesn't care, that's why.
Shadow flinched, hearing the harshness in the voice's tone. And though it hurt and startled Shadow, he knew the words it were speaking we not far from the truth. John had been ignoring him for weeks, not even acknowledging his existence, like he wasn't even there at all…as if he meant nothing to him.
But, he doesn't care, does he?
Another shake of the head. But that's not the point! I promised I would look after John, to be there for him, no matter how many times he slammed that door in my face, no matter how many times he ignore me, no matter-
Listen to yourself, Shadow heard the voice growling. Sounding like a helpless kit! If you want to help someone, if you want to be there for them, if you want them to care for you, you must give them a reason to! Weightless and unguarded promises won't accomplish that!
A pause. Shadow sat perched, his body crouched to the forest floor for warmth, not saying a word in reply. The wind blew between the trees behind, brushing Shadow's fur.
But what I have to teach you, the voice continued in a calmer and quieter tone. I guarantee that you will gain your housefolks affection. All you have to do is do one little thing…
"Wh-whats that?" Shadow whispered.
Another pause and Shadow was sure he heard a low rumbling purr from with the trees behind him…
Don't climb that fence…
Shadow looked up at the wooden fence in front of him, realizing now how tall it was, how it loomed over him, how it looked uninviting…
No! He needed John! Had to stay with him! He can't cope without-!
Pawout your own destiny, young one, the voice growled, almost as if it was whispering into Shadow's ear. Become stronger…
Destiny? Shadow had no destiny! He had no grand adventure in mind; he was content in being a housecat, staying by John's side…
Let me help you, kit, the voice said in a low voice. Let me help you gain your housefolk's love…
Shadow remained crouched on the forest floor, staring up at the wooden fence in front of him, his eyes gleaming and wide, his brain, though panicking still, absorbed what the voice was telling him, the promises he ,made, the things he could make come true. And although part of Shadow knew that whatever he was listening to, whoever this voice was (Shadow believing the voice belonged to another cat, though wasn't completely sure,), had to be part of his imagination, couldn't be real, and even if it was, sounded…menacing and fierce, making the young kit shiver, Shadow wanted to believe the voice, wanted to believe everything it promised and told him.
It knew things, ways to gain John's affection, something Shadow had yewned for since meeting the aloft teenage twoleg. Maybe, just maybe, he should listen to it…maybe he can learn so much from it and in doing, help John in the end.
A low growl cut in between Shadow's wondering thoughts. Panic struck the young kit, when he realized that the growl was not coming from the voice as he first thought, but sounded as if it was nearby…right behind him. He turned to face his enemy, fear coursing him to do so, pelt shaking, brain now whirling with panicking thoughts.
There in front of him stood a large tabby tom cat, its face contorted into a nasty scowl, teeth bared, pelt bristling, green eyes gleaming fiercely, hind legs arched, forepaws kneading the forest floor, tail swishing from side to side, as if readying to pounce onto prey.
Oh no…
"What is a tiny little kittypet kit, like yourself, doing outside of its territory?" The tom growled, teeth showing all the while.
Shadow froze on the spot, mouth hanging open, wanting to reply, but found no words tumbling out of his mouth, fear, yet again, Shadow discovered frustrated, was keeping him at bay.
Over come it, a different growl spoke to him in his head. You're strong…
"I-I-I…didn't mean-" Shadow spoke, voice trembling, the large tom slowly approached him.
"You should be careful," The tom spoke in a deep voice, eyes staring into the young frightened ones. "Rogues and loners wonder around the outskirts of twolegplace, prey upon any young unsuspecting kittypet kit…"
Shadow could practically feel the ton's foul breath on the tip of his nose, the tom glaring down at him with sparkling eyes. The young kit felt himself press closer to the undergrowth, backup up slowly, pelt trembling all the while.
This is it, he thought desperately, I'm going to die by the claws of this cat! Please, help me….John! But as much as he wished for the mew to escape, as much as he tried to force out a panicked yowl, nothing came; only fear and nothing else.
He felt utterly helpless upon reflecting on that he had done so far, felt like an utter failure. He had done nothing to help anyone, done nothing worthwhile, done nothing to help himself…
And the words spoken but only a minute ago, rang loud and clear in his head:
Pawout your own destiny, young one. Become stronger…
A fierce yowl erupted from the tom's mouth and before Shadow knew what was happening, the large tom pounced towards him, claws outstretched unsheathed, teeth bared, eyes glowing with hunger.
His gonna eat me! A panicked shriek erupted from Shadow's mouth as his enemy struck towards him, with death intended. "Help!"
Rollover to the side! Avoid his attack!
And without thinking, letting his body take over, letting the adrenaline take over, Shadow was surprised when he rolled his body over to the right. The surprise lit up in the attacking tom's eyes and before he could counter, before he could stop his initial attack, his head hit struck the wooden fence in front of him. He yowled in pain, dazed on his paws from the contact, eyes unfocused.
Shadow slowly stood, trembling, surprised at what he had done. He had never in his entire life been in a fight with any cat, let alone a wild cat, but here he was, fighting and defending himself. Pride and strength coursed through his black pelt, feeling confident in his strength. He looked up at the wooden fence, thinking it was best to escape while he still could.
But fate didn't allow the young kit that chance, for as the idea hit him, the tom was already running towards him on unbalanced paws in another attack.
Run!, The voice yowled. Not having any other choice in the matter, Shadow opted with the command, avoided the tom's strike once again, as he head straight first into the gloomy trees, a territory that was dangerous and unwelcoming. Pelt bristling with fear and anxiety, Shadow streamed through the forest wild-life, running as fast as his small paws could carry him. Scents and armours he had never smelled in his entire life hit his nose all at once, accompanied by curious and questioning thoughts as to what they belonged to, where'd they all come from…
But Shadow had no time to answer any of these questions; he had to escape, had to keep on running, had to find safety…
But was there a thing such as safety in this dangerous environment? Danger lurked at every corner, he had been told by some of the older cats around twolegplace, how wild cats streaked through the trees, lurking in finding any cat to eat. And the proof to all that was the tom who was still chasing him through the trees, pelt brushing bushes, tree trunks, paws hitting the soil on the forest floor.
You can stop now, young one, The voice spoke in a firm voice. You have beat your enemy…
With ears pricked, Shadow realized that he no longer heard the thundering paw steps of the tom that had been chasing him, no longer smelt that, almost crowfood like scent, no longer heard the scattering of leaves and branches. Shadow slowed his pace and dared to take a peek over his shoulder; the voice was right. The tom was no longer chasing him.
Relief coursed through the young kit as he halted at the edge of a road that twolegs drove their cars on, but looked as if it hadn't been used by twolegs for many, many seasons, undergrowth and grass growing in between the cracks on the once solid surface. Felling somewhat comforted by a familiar twoleg surrounding, Shadow tentatively placed a paw on the surface.
Moonlight seemed to guide him forward as he stepped on and slowly walked along the side. He had no idea where he was going, and as this thought entered his mind, fear replaced relief all too quickly when he realized he was lost, far away from home and away from John in an environment where danger stalked you like prey.
Continue down the thunderpath, The voice commanded. You need somewhere to stay, somewhere where you will be safe…
Shadow sighed deflatedly, eyes still darting all over around him, his heart lurching at every hoot an owl made, ever crunch of paw step on forest floor, every rustle of leaves blowing in the wind. I just want to go home…
You can't, The voice replied firmly. You may have defeated your enemy, but you're still a kit and no-one can protect you…
What about you? Why can't I see you? Why can't you protect me?
A slight pause. Shadow continued his trek down the thunderpath as leaves rustled in the wind, moonlight shining down, comforting the young kit.
I am…protecting you, The voice finally replied. I'm somewhere far away, but close enough to help you.
Shadow didn't feel all too comforted or convinced by that ambiguous reply for it didn't really answer the young kits question. Fear bristling his pelt, wanting nothing but to turn round and run back home, Shadow followed the voice, the road turning somewhat inward, the forest life covering him from side to side, a dark reminder that safety was still but a fragment, an idea that was not possible here.
As the road turned inward, Shadow could just make out the structure of a rickety twoleg building. A place to sleep?, Shadow thought, hope flaring inside of him. As he neared the building, Shadow's hopes were not dashed, upon realizing by the amount of forest life that covered the building in vines and leaves, that the building was in fact abandoned, no scent of twoleg reaching his nostrils.
Yes, The voice said with but a slight hint of amusement in its tone. A place to stay the night. You must be tired…
As Shadow took a tentative paw step forward, he felt the ache in his paws hitting the solid surface, tired and weak. He walked forward, cautious, scenting constantly, his eyes darting left and right as he walked through a cracking archway and into the darkness of the twoleg building. Gloom met him at once and fear hit him all too suddenly, disliking the lack of other beings with him.
Yours eyes will adjust,
And as the voice declared, after a few moments, Shadow's eyes adjusted in the darkness, making out the outlines of broken surfaces and walls. Noticing a small patch of growing moss in the corner of a room, Shadow slowly walked towards it, kneaded, and slowly settled down, his head resting on his forepaws as his tail covered his body.
Instantly, Shadow knew he was not going to get much sleep tonight; worry filled and panicking thoughts still raced through his mind, no matter how much a voice in his head could comfort him. He only knew of the voices existence only not too long ago and thus doubt and caution ebbed at his heart. He wanted to trust the voice…no, had to….had no choice, for if he wanted to survive in this environment, he needed guide, anyone to help him.
But could this…ominous voice really help him? Could it really help gain John's love and affection for him? And even if it could, how? What secrets did know that Shadow was missing?
And as Shadow's thoughts focussed more on the twoleg teenager, his loneliness and worry only increased. He didn't like the forest, didn't like how every noise made him jump, how every movement in the shadow made his heart race faster, how all the unfamiliar scents raced towards his nostrils, making it had to concentrate, it all just too much for him to take at once.
Just sleep, kit,
But it was easier said than done. Shadow tossed and turned, rolling over into different sleeping positions. But no matter how he lay, what position he was in, sleep did not greet him.
All he could was lay there in the darkness, he's eyes shut tight, holding back tears…
- TO BE CONTINUED-
A/N:
Another chapter done and dusted!
OK, so I thought it was appropriate to focus more on Shadow in this chapter, rather than having an extended chapter from Shadow, John and Leafpool, for both the lngth and consistency of the chapter. I think things really got moving in this chapter! All aboard the plot-moving express!
Shadow has finally entered the forest where the clans lay waiting. It was rather difficult to write this chapter, seeing how I had no idea how I would get a kit devoted to his twoleg (A kit like Shadow,) out into the tought and dangerous forest of clan-cats. Why? What would be his motive? And then it hit me; John, something that has been his motive all along.
And a voice in his head, a voice declaring to help him? What's that all about? Some of you have already guessed who it is….but I'll reveal that in due time.
OK, so what will happen next? Will Shadow remain lost in the forest? Will Leafpool be able to save her clan? And will John ever discover what his message from Flower means?
I would be very grateful if you could leave a review, telling me everything you like and disliked. It will be a major confidence boost and motivate me to write more! :)
Thank you, and see ya all next update!
~mpkio2~