A/N:

Again, thank you to everyone who has reviewed/faved/alerted this fanfic story so far. It means a lot to me.

I'm sorry the duration of waiting between updates have been long. I've been very busy with work and have been constantly tired from it. My attention has also been distracted from this fanfic and I have been putting a bit more onto other fanfics, and for that I am sorry.

But, finally, after months of nothing, here's another update for you all to enjoy! :)

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 5
A Bright Future That Lies Ahead

"Any signs from StarClan?"

Leafpool jumped upon hearing the whispered voice, her spin fur rising in surprise. Spinning, she found her father, FireStar, leader of ThunderClan, staring at her with worry-filled eyes. Trying her best to keep her fur flat, she shook her head in answer, deflated.

"I have attempted to speak to StarClan many a time these past few nights, but none have answered my call,"

"I see…" It was answer, she excepted, that her father hoped he wouldn't hear. She too wished she had better news to report of, but alas; all was quiet on the frontline for the time being.

When she needed StarClan more than ever before, they had gone quiet, leaving her to a problem, a dark future which held much suffering. The HalfMoon had passed a few nights ago, and as tradition, Leafpool had ventured through WindClan territory towards the Moonpool where she and her fellow medicine cats shared tongues with StarClan.

On this particular night, she was certain StarClan would give her another a sign, whether a vision or a physical manifestation, Leafpool didn't know nor cared, just as long as she received one. Hoping the wisdom her father shared on the matter would come into play, she wanted for the sign, which would tell her how to further interrupt the previous vision she received. When speaking to her medicine cats, she believed it was wiser if she was more forthcoming than open, so she answered rather tactfully, not giving anything away, but also ears open for any information from either of the medicine cats, hoping at least one shared in the vision that was foretold.

But, unfortunately for her, no-one said anything of the matter, nor did anyone hint at any disturbances at all. Although no-one said anything, the body movement spoke volumes, maybe more than what words could ever express. Barkface, WindClan's medicine cat, who was usually friendly to all, spoke very little, and only answered in one-word answers when it was required of him. Littlecloud of ShadowClan, walked as if he was afraid one of the medicine cats was about to attack him, his eyes glazing with suspicious at all. And Mothwing, Leafpool's friend from RiverClan, who she was sure she could be open with, looked as though she was keeping her guard up, just as fiercefuly as Leafpool.

Leafpool revealed this information to her father with quick hast and upon hearing the news, FireStar concluded the same as she thought; whether they had received any signs or not, the medicine cats knew something was approaching them, and all felt anxious as to what may come. And so, for the past few days, Leafpool had all her senses on alert, for any sign that may crop up at any moment, whether it was in the wind, or the leaves or the taste of fresh-kill.

FireStar had also ordered more patrols, for both boarder and hunting. Many of her clanmates didn't know what was going on and some had just out spokenly asked FireStar, but he replied that "You must trust me. I know what I'm doing," Leafpool, however, could hear the worry in his eyes every time he muttered those words…

"I'm sure they'll send you another sign soon," Her father's voice spoke, gently, brushing his muzzle against her cheek. "They can't leave us in the dark like this. StarClan won't allow it…"

"I don't know," Leafpool replied, her eyes closing, her father's scent engulfing around her, warmly. "I feel like...they've…left me…"

"But their always with, Leafpool," FireStar murmured. "They don't your abilities for a second. And neither do I…"

"But I still don't know what to do!" Leafpool exclaimed, upset, pulling away from her father to stare him in the eyes. "I've tried everything I can possibly think of, and still-"

"What are you meowing about over here, dear sister of mine?" Squirrelflight asked in a light voice, approaching her father and sister with a hint of concern in her eyes, her tail swishing from side to side as she sat. "Don't tell me you two are keeping secrets from me?"

At once, Leafpool's eyes lit up with alarm; staring at her FireStar, she saw her own emotion in his green ones.

"I'm joking, I'm joking," Squirrelflight mrrowd with amusement, licking a paw and spreading it over her ear. "But seriously, what you two discussing?"

"Just…wondering how well we're stocked up with medicine supplies…" FireStar was fast to recover, and Leafpool was thankful for that, figuring it was only natural, for all great leaders need to work well under pressure. "I was actually wondering if you'd like to go on a border patrol, Squirrelflight,"

"Sure," Squirrelflight replied, her eyes darting between her sister and father, not entirely convinced with FireStar's answer. "Lionkit and Jaykit are napping in the nursery, so they'll both at least be out of your fur," She turned to Leafpool. "How's Hollykit?"

Leafpool sighed. "Well she's getting better. Her temperature is going down, but she's still coughing a bit. She needs more rest and probably won't be returning to the nursery anytime soon,"

Squirrelflight nodded. "OK, thank you, Leafpool. I'm gonna go round up some warriors who'd like to tag along with me…"

FireStar nodded and Squirrelflight was off like a shot.

"You know…we're gonna have to tell them sooner or later,"

"Are you sure you think that's wise?" FireStar asked with a swish of his tail. "It would cause a panic too soon…"

"But if danger is coming…"

FireStar sighed deeply, his ears dropping and his eyes glazing. "Yes, I think your right. I can't let the safety of my clan go unguarded. We must all be ready for anything. I will make an announcement at the end of the day,"

"Thank you, FireStar," she bowed her head in respect and suddenly felt her father's fur against her own.

"Anytime,"

It wasn't a solution, not by a long shot, but perhaps by the end of the day, the situation and the dread than hung on Leafpool's shoulders, would finally be lifted…

When Shadow opened his eyes, he was greeted by warm sunshine blinding his eyes. Squinting and yawning, the young black furred-kit rose to his paws and stretched his forepaws, hindpaws and arched his back. Once his body was somewhat more awake, and feeling his stomach growl in hunger, the kit opted to walk in the direction of the kitchen, where his food bowl filled with Twoleg-cat food sat waiting for him.

But when Shadow's vision finally focused, his brain fully waking now, he realized, with a jolt of panic and fright, that the room he found himself sitting in, the dark and grim looking walls that surrounded him and kept him prisoner inside, the damp and unusual smell that filled his nostrils, wasn't what he was familiar with, wasn't something he recognized. This wasn't his housefolk's home?! This wasn't the living room, where he usually slept in his basket on top his soft, comforting blanket!

Where was he? Where was Samantha? Where was John? Why was he here?

Had he been…taken by someone, during the night?

As his emotions intensified, Shadow felt his heart, which was brimming with panic, racing against his small ribcage, his eyes darting around the ominous and foreboding room, looking out for any enemies or predators that might stalk upon him, his fur rising along his spine due to both the cold he felt within the room and the fear that crawled and ruffled his fur. He jumped upon every small creek the wooden structure made, and then felt stupid straight after for reacting in such a way.

But now was not the time for pride; right now, all that Shadow could concentrate on was figuring out how he came to be in such a place and how he could possibly return home.

Return home?, a dark, rumbling, almost amused voice, echoed around him. Funny, I thought only last night, you promised to become strong on your own…?

And at once, the events of last night came flooding back to him in an instant, his brain filling with all the memories; of how he had fallen over the wooden fence that boarded his own back garden and into the forest, how he had battled with an aggressive, rogue tom, barely escaping with his life intact, how this mysterious voice had spoken to him, guided him and helped him in both battle and in finding this wooden, creaking Twoleg structure he now found himself in…

And how he vowed he would become strong for his housefolk, John, because if he was strong enough, if had the fight to battle, to protect, to go on no matter what…if he had those qualities that made a true cat, perhaps…maybe…John would,,,

He'll be impressed, the voice almost whispered into Shadow's ear, as if it were real and standing beside him. Enthralled by how strong you have become…

Shadow felt a the faintest tingling sensation in the pit of his stomach, excited by the prospects of John accepting him at last, how he would finally realize that both needed each other, with so much pain and anguish in their pasts, each other will heal as they progressed, New memories will be made, happy times ahead, and both will forget how they previously felt…

"What am I to do?" Shadow whispered in return, his voice bouncing off the walls, a reminder that he was properly alone in this abandoned Twoleg structure. "I just feel…lost…and…I'm afraid…"

Shadow was certain he heard the voice sigh deeply, a rumbling sound emitting off as it did so, a small smile spreading across its face. Wait…its face? All potential warriors are anxious at what lies ahead, young one, it said in an even and strong voice. But what matters most is that you find the courage and take the first step into a world where countless of possibilities await you, where a bright future is waiting…

"A bright future…" Shadow repeated the words in a hushed whisper, his head falling, eyes focusing on the dirty wooden flooring beneath his paws, taking in all the voice had said and the deeper meaning behind it all. The kit felt his fur shiver as a gust of wind blew through the open door frame, the sunlight blaring through, forcing the shadows that crept and lurked in the dark to succumb away further into the nest.

Shadow gulped, swallowing back a wail that wanted to be released though his muzzle. With shaking and tentative paws, he stepped forward, one paw step at a time, surer as to what he was doing as he neared where the sun was shining though, where possibilities lay, where a bright future awaits…

You're making the right choice, young one, the dark, rumbling voiced purred into his ear, this time, certain he could feel another's fur brush up against his own (Looking to his right, however, he saw nothing,). Now, step out and we shall begin your training…

"T-training?" Shadow asked, confused. "W-what training?"

At once, Shadow felt a presence by his right, feeling fur against his own, hearing breath puffing into his ear, a strong sensation pulsing through his veins. It's like I said, the voice rumbled with a hint of amusement. I will make you strong, make you powerful. When I'm finished with you, your housefolk will love you with all his heart.

"How will you-?"

Trust me.

A push forward into the sunlight and Shadow blinked in booth surprise by the sudden movement and the sun blinding his eyes. Almost falling onto his front, he saved himself, steadying his forepaws as he did so. Looking back, confused as to how he had almost tumbled, he found nothing on the wooden flooring which could suggest a cause, not a rock or out of place flooring to be seen; perhaps he had just merely lost his footing for a second? Yes, yes that must be it!

Upon hearing a squawk from a crow in a nearby tree, Shadow snapped his head back in front of him, staring out to the forest, feeling small, tiny, and incomprehensible in comparison to the tall, majestic and foreboding trees that lay in wake. His heart racing against his rib cage, Shadow looked out, again, forcing down a whimper that almost coursed through his body.

Now, walk down the old thunderpath…

"W-where will it take me to?"

Silence. Swishing tree leaves. The crow squawking. Prey rustling nearby in the undergrowth.

And then, with a smile Shadow was sure the voice was wearing, it answered in a confident, dark, strong voice:

Your destiny…

"Stay away from the forest where clan cats dwell…"

The ominous warning from his now deceased cat, Flower, repeated in his mind, over and over again, like a tape recorder stuck on "Repeat". And as much as he tried to shake it out, to forget it at all, a part of him was relived, happy that even for a minute; he could feel an emotion he hadn't felt in months. Yes, although the tape recorder was stuck, looping again and again, he thrilled over the memory, the dream where she approached to him, actually spoke to him in English! (Which, admittedly, was a little freaky, through John ignored it and blamed his own brain for causing such a weird feature,). She looked exactly as he remembered her while living, her torttishell-fur patterned with patches of orange and brown, smiling at him, her eyes sparkling, her scent exactly how his nose remembered it.

John wished he could return to that forest, to meet her once more and just stay there, keep her company, to ask her so many things…to tell her the good-bye he never had a chance to give her. If all he could do was give her a good-bye, even if it was for only a minute, just a minute…he would be content with that.

But he had tried, tried and failed on every attempt, wishing himself to fall into that dream as he drifted off to sleep each night, envisioning the trees, the grass…her….everything! In the end, however, all his effort, all his wishing and desiring, was all for naught.

And that left him feeling more unhappy and angry than ever before, his desire intensified tenfold.

Looking out of his open bedroom window, sitting on his windowsill, John stared at the trees that rooted on the other side of his back garden, Flower's voice almost whispering to him in his ear…

"For I love you too much…"

Flower…

A knock on his bedroom door startled him, John jumping slightly and looking over to the source of the sound, feeling a frown on his face, irritated that he had been disturbed from his thoughts.

"John, honey…?" His mother's voice sounded on the other side of the door, muffled by the object that obscured her entry.

"What do you want?" John asked, his voice emitting the same irritation he felt surging in his chest. "I'm busy…"

"I'm s-sorry, hun," His mother's voice replied back, John sure he could just make out about make out an emotion he wasn't expecting to hear…no, was that worry he could hear, trembling in her voice? "But…it's just, Shadow's gone m-missing. A-and I was j-just wondering…?

"I haven't seen that annoying little fur ball," John replied, cutting his mother off before she could finish her sentence, not wanting to hear anymore of her wobbling, trembling voice. Didn't she have the faintest idea that he trying desperately trying to reach out, to solve something that Flower had warned him about? And here she was, rambling and crying-

"It's been a-almost a day and he still h-hasn't…and u-usually he doesn't;;t wonder off and….I just hope he's okay,"

John's head dropped and his eyes darted that and looked down into his lap, looking at nothing in particular, holding back a feeling he felt boil inside him, growing stronger and stronger,, like an animal that wanted to be let free out of its cage, his mother worrying and crying and talking on and on-

"Because….h-he could be a-nywhere and…he could be hit by a c-car or he could get t-taken…oh but maybe one of the neighbours found him! Oh, but what if he isn't f-found in the neighbourhood! Oh but then, wh-where on Earth-? Honey, we need to look…he could be in so much p-pain…"

The animal had been released and there was nothing that John could do to stop it from going out on a blood-thirsty hunt, taking down everything and anything with its sharp fangs; it wanted blood and John couldn't resist, couldn't restrain it any longer from its desire.

John rushed towards his closed bedroom door and swung it open in once swift movement, forcing it open, finding his other standing there in the doorframe, a surprised look plastered against her face, her eyes swarming with worry, he brunet hair that draped down to her shoulders looked unkempt, her clothes looked a rustled, the hint of alcohol whiffing from her.

"You s-said you were done," John muttered, not even looking his mother in the eyes, holding back the uneasy feeling in his stomach, thinking he was about to throw up right there and then. "You said you were clean,"

"I...only had one…"

"You said you were done with it!" John screamed, his eyes blazing with anger meeting her worry, tear-filled ones. "And then you go and you just-!"

"I needed it," She replied back, her voice growing desperate, her hands trembling, reaching out to her son. "John, please…"

The teenager merely slapped her yearning, trembling hands away, denying her from any contact to him. "I've had it! All this time you've wanted me to move on with my life, to forget everything that happened beforehand! You think it's so easy, don't you?! You think it's so god damn easy!" A clenched fist slammed against the doorframe, so much anger, hate and pain behind it that it made the person in front of him jump with fright at the intensity of it.

"Well screw you! Screw you and everything you didn't do, how you screwed it all up for us all, for not understanding at all! Screw you! Screw you! Screw you!"

John heard the noise echoing off the walls, before feeling a pain spread from his left check across his face. He looked back at his mother, anger faltering somewhat, and saw the tears cascading down her cheeks.

"H-how dare you," She whispered in a cracking voice. "How d-dare you. I…tried my best…I did….and I s-still do. Why can't y-you see that? Why c-can't you see…John?"

See? See what? How much she fucked everything up? See how pathetic and lonely she's become? See how much she tries and tries to resist that…poison….and yet returns to it?!

See the tears that fall down her face and hit the floor below her? See how much she wants to hold me? See the pain and anguish in her eyes…?

John lowered his head once more, calling back the beast into its cage. "I've said what I've had to say. Please, leave…now,"

He didn't know what expression she had given him before she left, but John suspected it wasn't a pleased or accepting one. With one last glare at the stairs, he slammed the door shut, dragged his feet towards his bed and fell head first onto it, wanting nothing more than to forget everything that had just conversed between himself and his mother.

The teenager clenched his fingers into his pillow and screamed as loud as he could. It was pointless, wasted effort trying to get through to his mother, to make her see thee error of her ways, to make her see that the reason John felt the way he did, how angry and hateful and unhappy, was all her fault, all because of her stupid and inconsiderable actions! Why couldn't she see!?

"Why c-can't you see…John?"

John's eyes snapped open at once, vision blurry and unseeing; he rubbed them and whipped the junk that nested there, wetness removed. He slowly stood up, groggily and dragged his feet in the direction of the open window. The sun was setting now, just beyond the length of the trees, casting shades of orange, pink and yellow across the sky, the last remnants of sunlight shinning onto his face.

"I've had enough," John mumbled as he reached the window and placed his hands on the windowsill, hunched over, staring out. "Had enough of trying, of spending my time in here, doing nothing and feeling angry all the time. She won't listen to reason, doesn't understand the weight of her actions…and probably never will. But still, there has to be something…"

"Stay away from the forest where clan cats dwell…"

Her voice rang in his head again, as if to remind him to stay put, to not venture out into unknown territory; that it wasn't worth it…

"Don't go into the forest."

But maybe…maybe he'll find it in there! Maybe he'll find the answers he's looking for in the forest that lay wake on the other side of the fence! And he'll find her! He''ll find her and tell her how sorry he is, how he couldn't say good-bye…

"A future of pain and suffering will await you there."

Pain and suffering? No! He'll be overwhelmed with happiness, joyed that he could finally be reunited with her once more! And he'll get that chance, the chance to finally say good-bye!

"You will be treated as the enemy…"

By who? Who would treat him as an enemy? There's nothing in that forest but birds and foxes and mice and-

"Stay away from the forest where clan cats dwell…"

Wait…cats? Are you…you can't be serious, Flower?! Cats will be my enemy? What?! But that's just…that's ridiculous! Why would they treat me like…? But I haven't even done anything to…?! Tha-that can't be right?! No, it's bull. I'll be fine, I'll be safe….I'll take a knife with me…yeah, then nothing would ever dare attack me!

With determination and a strong will for change, John walked over to his bed and grabbed his rucksack,, which lay lying on the floor, opened it and piled in a few clothes, his cell phone, MP3 player and cap. Satisfied with what he had already packed, he left it beside his bed and fell onto his bed once more, turning off his bedroom light before doing so.

Tomorrow everything will change. With a new day, new possibilities lay ahead, and with it, John new that happier times weren't too far off. He had felt bitter and alone for months end, and finally, thanks to one dream, because of one message from a loved one, he was going to find the answers he had been looking for this entire time.

When light broke at dawn, he planned to jump out of bed, put on some new clothes, creep downstairs, grab some food, water and a knife, pack it away and leave this god-forsaken house, leaving his mother alone in her pathetic state…

Everything will be different when I leave…and I can't wait to see what happens next…

And as John fell into what he considered to be one of the most deep and relaxing sleep's he had in months, he was sure he could hear wailing in the back of his mind, a cat with golden eyes pleading to him to stay…

- TO BE CONTINUED-

A/N:

The plot thickens, the tension rises and the drama unfolds!

Much going on in this chapter!

So, like always, and what appears to be a growing theme, this chapter didn't turn out exactly as I planned it. But oh well, it all still works out nicely! Back to our three-way point-of-view pacing and we can see how things are progressing with all are characters.

All in which is occurring now is laying foundations for future chapters, so please bear with it as I'm getting really close now for some proper stuff to hit the fan! With Shadow following orders from a mysterious voice (Can you guess who it is?) and John finally deciding to leave his mother and venture out into the forest in search of "answers", the time is almost nigh!

I'm getting really excited now!

Please leave a review and tell me who you think this mysterious voice is and what you think will happen next. All favs/alerts/reviews are most appreciated!

Thanks and see ya on the next update! :)

~mpkio2~