Chapter 68: Scourge's Zealot
Down in the land of the living, a certain burly tom pondered on his charge and master's words. He knew Scourge truly believed in this "mother," but he couldn't bring himself to believe the same. Life had been cruel to him, depriving him of friends and family. He bore many scars, some of which were given by the kin he once cared for. Now, blood relations meant nothing to him, not even nothing, less than nothing. In his heart, a festering resentment infected his morality. To him, bonds meant everything, but blood and kin were an active threat.
This "mother" Scourge insisted on deifying wasn't blood or kin, but the use of the word mother rubbed him the wrong way. It was a kin term, something that was instinctually repulsive to him, but this same mother was, according to Scourge, the one who helped bring about these new bonds. Finally, deciding he had nothing to lose, Bone called out to this "mother" from his nest. Sleep came quickly for Bone, unnaturally quickly.
Bone was surprised to find himself in the Darkforest, likely unknowing of the afterlife at all. He pulled himself free of the reflection pool and began to scan around, only to be locked down by my eyes. I'd drawn him here at Scourge's request. Despite Bone being a big cat, starvation and his active scavenger lifestyle left him smaller than me. The silence ruled only for a moment before I broke it.
"Hello Bone. Scourge has spoken of you, his first friend, ally, and confidant. I can see for myself that his trust is well earned. You care for Scourge, not just because of his ideals, but because you feel a connection. I pray that bond remains strong." I mewed.
Bone was startled by my assessment. I came off as aloof and all knowing, but I didn't plan to maintain that tone.
"Who are you?" He asked with a mixture of fear and defensive rage.
"I am Mapleshade, otherwise known as the Mother of the Darkforest. I am mother and guardian to all that wish for it, but I am also a rageful and imperfect being that craves a good fight. If you wish it, I can be your mother as well. There is no obligations or duties to being one of mine besides one rule. Don't hurt kits." I answered.
After a couple moments to reassess his thoughts, Bone spoke again. "I do not know what to make of you. You speak of mothering others, but what does that even mean? Why would I want to be one of yours? What can you even provide me?" He asked tensely.
It was pure happenstance that Scourge decided to pay me a visit in that moment. The small tom, barely apprentice aged, came trotting up to me and nestled in affectionately before realizing Bone was present. Embarrassed and panicked, Scourge quickly tried to compose himself and retreat into his alley king persona.
"Bone? I didn't expect you here tonight. I'm surprised you took up my offer." Scourge asserted, not realizing his brief moment of cuddling mussed up his fur, making for an almost comical image of a kit playing up their strength.
"You don't have to pretend here. I've told you that before. Here, you don't have to be strong or put up a front, even with Bone here. Just keep being yourself. This place is a respite from the living world." I softly mewed to Scourge.
Bone heard my words but thought they were worthless initially. Scourge still held himself straight and strong, but his eyes flicked between Bone and I repeatedly as he assessed his options. Finally, he conceded and pushed himself back into my embrace. Bone's eyes widened at the display of affection.
"Scourge? Are you ok?" He asked.
"I'm fine Bone. In fact, I'm a bit better than I was in the waking world. I don't have to keep my words and feelings guarded here. Mother Mapleshade is the strongest being here. She does here what I want to do below. She is strong enough that others don't have to be. That's what I want for us, our clan and cats. I want us so strong that our enemies won't even think to try and fight us. Then, maybe we'll have the strength to keep what we deem precious safe." Scourge mewed from my side.
Bone stared for a couple moments more before giving his response. "I don't know or trust you Mapleshade. It's far too easy for words to just be words, but, since Scourge trusts you, I'll work with you. You are not my mother. I am not yours as a tool, pawn, or anything. We work together until you prove yourself a threat. My loyalty belongs solely to Scourge. I follow where he goes, no exceptions."
I let out an honest laugh. "I wouldn't expect anything less. Please take care of Scourge, my kit, as best you can. We may not share blood, but he is my kit in all the ways that matter. One thing about you Bone, is that you are loyal. I can see it in all that you do and all that you are. Be the claws that keep Scourge scar free and the muscle that keeps him safe, but also be the voice that tells him when something is too far. Be the one that sooths him when the pressures of the world are too much. This I trust to you. I cannot do much from the land of the dead, but if you call for my aid, I will answer."
Bone nodded resolutely at my words. We weren't friends or bonded by any normal means, but we both wanted to protect one cat. Scourge was our connection. We'd both fight for his dream. We wanted him to show us his path and ideals made manifest.
Finally, after a farewell, Scourge and Bone leapt back into the reflection pool, departing to their living forms. I watched briefly as they both stirred to life, Bone's eyes meeting Scourges. Bone tilted his head as if to ask if that dream was real. Scourge gave him a confirming nod before pulling himself out of his nest and stretching out. Bone himself took a couple moments to rise, watching his boss with a look of dogmatic loyalty and a bit of admiration. Scourge was the strongest cat he knew, strong enough to let his emotions be shown in private. Bone briefly pondered if he could become as strong as his boss one day but suppressed it, knowing today had another major raid planned. He couldn't afford to be emotional in battle.