Chapter 21: The Conflicted

Stoneclaw sat out in the pouring rain. It soaked his pelt till he shivered violently, but he payed no attention to the chill that worked its way up his spine. He ached for Shatterbreeze. If those Thundies do anything to hurt her, I'll-

The pitter patter of paws in the mud broke his thoughts and he perked his ears. Eyes sparkling with hope, he turned toward the entrance of camp. He saw a flash of black fur and smiled. It disappeared when he saw Darkshard, followed by Gorsestar, and his ears flattened. He saw specks of red on her and the Windclan leader. He sniffed, the metallic scent of blood filling his nose. What happened?

The two leaders leapt onto Bloodrock and Darkshard yowled for the clan to assemble. Cats shuffled out of their dens, letting the rain flatten their nest-fur.

"Bloodclan. Thunderclan did not take our offer, and Dawnface was lost." The attention shifted from the leader to Wolfclaw, who wore a hard, blank face. The rage that filled and swam in his eyes was blinding.

"Also," Gorsestar spoke, "Echostar aided Thunderclan and Riverclan, and had to be killed. He said the failed idea was created by their medicine cat, Darkwing. Shadowclan needs to be put in their place. We'll attack at sun-high tomorrow. We'll be here by dawn to prepare." The Windclan leader dipped his head at Darkshard and trotted off.

Russet, the temporary deputy, looked up at Darkshard. "Orders, Darkshard?"

Darkshard's expression was blank, as if zoned off. Russet cleared his throat. "Ahem." The black she blinked, turning on Russet with an unmasked rage. She swiped her claws across his muzzle. "What?!"

"I-I just need our battle ranks. What are your orders?" He closed his eyes, turning his head toward the side as he laid sprawled out on his back, bracing himself for another blow.

Darkshard growled. "Talk to Eclipse, you mouse-brain. She has knowledge of Shadowclan. Figure it out." She hissed before darting up into her den. The blanket fell silently into place.

Darkshard panted, closing her eyes. She fought to quench the warmth that raged through her veins and clouded her thoughts. Her claws unsheathed and, as she lashed out, her claws struck the stone wall. One snapped and fell to the ground. A long blood streak flew across the walls. She was numb to the pain and her ear flicked. "What do you want? Why do you torture me?!" She hissed quietly enough not to be heard outside.

She turned, facing the starry cat that sat quietly behind her. His soft-blue eyes were filled with pain. Through his light pelt, traces of brown could be seen.

Darkshard growled at the Starclan tom. "Tell me!" When the tom said nothing, she snarled and lunged at him. She felt herself float through his translucent body before hitting the floor. A single tear fell from her eyes. "Leave. Now!" She got up, turning as she hissed.

The starry tom had disappeared, and in the doorway was her son, Blazepad. He cowered, looking up at her crazed eyes with his fearful ones. "But, mom, they-"

"Now! Get out of here, Sparrowstar!" Darkshard roared. The little brown tom turned-tail and sprinted as fast as his paws would carry him, not even realizing his mother's mistake.

Darkshard growled, pacing in her seemingly-smaller den. Flopping into her nest, she shed another tear. "How dare you. Every time I see him, I see you. I feel regret, and it's driving me crazy! Do I even want to do this anymore?"

A shadow drifted into the den, settling into the form of a black tom with a white paw. Scrouge shook his head as the sight of his daughter. He leapt high, before diving into her back, disappearing into her fur and body. Darkshard's features hardened. Her eyes snapped open, their color a blazing green that seemed darkened with shadows. Her father's voice rumbled. Now is not the time for petty feelings. You have a job to do. Let's get going.

Song Inspiration: Monster By: Skillet

Please don't hate me, but I am sad to say that I probably won't be able to write until summer break hits. I have, like, three groups of tests to study for (EOC's, Benchmarks, and 'Last-minute-tests' teachers decide to give.) I need to make sure I pull up B+'s into A's, so I'll focus on school for the next few weeks. I, Lunaclaw1, will try my absolute hardest to write a chapter or two before then, as to not keep my lovely followers totally hanging, but school comes first. Sorry guys! I'll try to write more tonight!

BTW: Is there any animators out there willing to animate this? I have no artistic ability whatsoever (I major in stick figures :P) and it's a skill I really wish I had. A few people in my family can draw, and I envy them for it! But anyway, PM me if you're interested in animating Shard and/or Shatter! It'll mean a lot of me if someone would! Thanks! Happy reading! –Lunaclaw1