Chapter 83: Tiny's Heir
Scourge could feel it. His carefully sown discontent and falsified history were starting to come to fruition. It wouldn't be long now, only a couple more moons. A plant, a more able minded of Scourge's guard instead of able bodied, had already been introduced to the clans to start interactions. Boulder, the plant, already knew his role. He was the "runaway" from Bloodclan who decried their ruthlessness. With what time was left, Scourge decided to ensure that his legacy would not fade. He called in his guard and the elders.
"We have all worked hard, and the time of change is almost upon us. We are the shadows that ensure they never know true darkness. We all know what is going to happen, so it's time we discuss what follows. Bloodclan must not truly dissolve after my death." Scourge commanded passionately.
"How will we do that? The goal is for them to hate Bloodclan." Asked Snake.
"That is what I brought you all here for. As I have guided Bloodclan, we must have a guide for our future. We need a cat with a strong sense of morals, can become the antithesis of my façade, and be trusted with the true nature of Bloodclan. I'm sure you've all heard the new myth passing around camp. This cat must be the Tiny to my Scourge, but they also must not have a soft heart. There is a difference between kindness and weakness. Kindness is giving others a chance. Weakness is having too dull of claws to stop them. Whomever is my heir must not have dull claws. They must not be blunted with optimism. They must give a wary kindness and must never let themselves be tread upon. Only the strong can truly grant kindness. The weak placate because they cannot stop others." Scourge lectured.
Scourge's congregation muttered upon his words. Who could fill that role? Who would be Scourge's heir, the one to reunite Bloodclan into a better one. Who had the strength of convictions and morality to match their beloved leader?
"I nominate Ice." Mewed Snake.
A quiet murmur filled the crowd as the name Ice passed around. Bone silenced the crowd with a just a look.
"Plead your case." Spoke the large deputy.
While Ice had slightly hunkered down, embarrassed at his nomination, Snake began his speech. "Ice has been a consistent guard at your side. Him and I have both trained under you and learned where the boundary to right and wrong are. We've both had to be the necessary darkness to our clan, exiling two who we once deemed siblings, but Ice is the one who was hesitant. He was the one who considered in what we were doing was the right option. I just followed orders. After each mission, he'd debate with me whether what we did was the only option, if there was a better way. He just does not have the courage."
The silence surrounding the crowd was inspiring. Snake hadn't realized what he'd done while hyping up his own brother's role.
Scourge tipped his head at Snake as he spoke. "It appears you are forgetting an option. Being a leader isn't just about knowing right from wrong and being strong. It is about listening and reevaluating your own judgements. As you've said, your brother may not have the courage, but you seem to demonstrate plenty. Based upon what I've seen, I'd like to nominate you."
Snake was taken aback. He'd never considered himself. He was just always Ice's brother. Ice was the contemplative one. Ice was the one who made the plans. Why would he possibly be the one nominated? Snake hadn't even noticed the murmur raising in volume at Scourge's assessment. While the name Ice still bounced around, it was far more downed out by the name Snake. He'd never noticed, but many cats were impressed by his diligence and loyalty. Snake was the type to stop to play with kits, but he was also the type to be almost religious in his duties. He never faltered or fled. If there was a fight, he'd be on the frontlines. If not, he'd be making sure those who were came out alive.
A few more names were thrown out, but none had the same impact as Ice and Snake. Before long, Scourge called for a vote. Each cat was asked who they wanted to lead. To Snake's shock, Ice voted for Snake. "I'll never have the bravery to lead. I know you can do it Snake."
After the vote was called, the results were resounding. Snake had won by vast majority.
"Snake. It appears you are to be my heir. As such, I'd like to discuss your role going forward. For now, this meeting is adjourned." Scourge announced.
The crowd dispersed, back to their duties, ensuring Bloodclan and its secrets remain uncompromised. Meanwhile, Scourge gestured for Snake to follow. Scourge guided the tom into a secluded section of the alley with Bone tailing behind. Bone hung back to ensure no cat listened in as Scourge revealed his plan.
"Snake. What I ask of you is of utmost importance. It is a duty that I must unfortunately ask of you." Scourge mewed.
"Anything! I believe in your cause with all my heart." Snake answered.
"That is why this will be most difficult for you. If you are to be my antithesis, you must act as such. Rally the young and discontent to your side. Feed their discontent and grant them your wisdom. You must make a resistance. These will be the cats who will follow you in the new age. They mustn't just be members of my guard. As you already know, the cover story after I fall will be that I ruled with fear, so much so that it was a miracle Bloodclan stayed together. You must be their unifier, their hero. On that note, I must discharge you from my guard. The cover of that is that you were caught helping a kittypet. I hope you forgive what will follow. Watch for your brother. He will be my means of communicating with you. If others saw us talking without clashing, they may grow suspicious." Scourge stated.
Tears dotted the corners of Snake's eyes. Being one of Scourge's guard had always been his dream, but now he had to give it up. There was no greater honor than what Scourge asked of him, but it also was the ending to his dream. He'd lose his friends and newfound family as he established his resistance. He'd be the target of hate and false idol to the discontent.
"I'll… I'll do it." Snake sobbed out.
Scourge pressed himself into the tom's side, letting his steady breathing calm his successor. "I know it'll be hard. I've asked an impossible thing of you, but you are the one I have put my faith in. I trust no other cat to do it. I know you'll make me proud. They must forget the good I've done. You must bring about the new age."
"But… I don't want to forget you." Snake begged.
"Then don't. Carry me in your heart. Even after the day I die, I will remain your steadfast ally. I will do all I can to ensure things go perfectly." Scourge mewed softly.
Snake left, uneasy with his new role but determined to fulfill it nonetheless.