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Moon
Jul 20, 2011 0:31:55 GMT -5
Post by Mooncloud on Jul 20, 2011 0:31:55 GMT -5
Chapter 10
The journey home was long, but that was good. Every so often Moon would roll in a plant or another object to disguise her scent and told Callie to do the same. With any luck, no one would be able to track them. When they reach sight of the barn both cats were exhausted. Tangle and Corn rushed out of the barn, the kits hard on their paws. “Here, lean on my shoulder,” Tangle instructed Callie. Corn moved to Moon’s shoulder and offered the same for her. Slowly the cats made their way back to the barn. Lightning waited for her to get settled in their nest before curling up next to her. There was something wrong with having something so innocent this close to her. I killed someone. “I’ll be back little one.” Jumping out of her nest she darted back outside. “River!” Again and again she called out to her but no one answered. Finally she showed up as she neared the Riverclan border. “I’m here.” Moon turned to her teeth barred. “You taught me to kill? Why?” River paced around her like she was a piece of juicy fresh-kill. “Why? To protect you of course. Do you think those clan cats would go easy on you?” “The code says you don’t need to kill to win a battle.” River pinned her to the ground and snarled. “The code? The code says kits are not to be harmed. Shall I tell you what happened to my kits? They’re dead!” Moon pushed her off and backed away. “Who are you?” “My name is Mapleshade, kittypet. I was born to Thunderclan, mate of a Riverclan warrior, and a mother. I was banished for this and my kits paid the price. The clans will pay one way or the other.” “So you taught me to kill? Didn’t you realize that as soon as I killed one cat that the rest of the clan would come after me?” Mapleshade sneered at her. “Of course I knew. But it would mean one less Riverlclan traitor. And, imagine the shock for Riverclan when they learned that the cat that killed their clanmate was none other than the littermate of Fireheart. The one they have so much respect for.” Moon lunged at her old mentor and scratched every bit of fur she could get her claws on. “You used me.” “Foolish kittypet,” Mapleshade grabbed her scruff and threw her. “Having you killed by a clan would be a mercy. Maybe I should let you live to join Riverclan. StarClan never told you what you’re destined to do.” There was a large gash in her fur. Moon ignored the pain keeping her eyes on her opponent. “And what is that?” “That brother of yours is ruining everything,” a voice said behind her. “We should kill her.” Moon whipped around to see a pale gray tom. There was no way for her to take on two opponents at the same time. She’d lose. Mapleshade shook her head. “Those two haven’t seen each other since they were kits, Silverhawk. I doubt it would affect him. Besides, she might just take care of the problem for us. After all, StarClan is questioning Sagewhisker’s offer for her to join the clans.” “She’s a kittypet! Of course they’d question him. Their precious code says we reject kittypets ever since that mouse-heart left the forest to become one.” The she-cat took little notice of her companion. Instead she eyed Moon hungrily. “Because this cat is foretold to kill Fireheart.” Shock rippled through her pelt. It couldn’t be true. She couldn’t kill her own brother. “Moon!” Mistyfoot? Suddenly she found herself on the ground thrashing. Her side pounded like it never had before. When she looked she saw the blood draining from her side. “What in the name of StarClan happened?” She was so weak that it took her a moment to say anything. “I found out a friend was really an enemy.” Mistyfoot paced around nervously. “Stonefur went to get Mudfur. Don’t move until he gets here.” Without any energy left, Moon collapsed.
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Moon
Jul 23, 2011 19:38:37 GMT -5
Post by Mooncloud on Jul 23, 2011 19:38:37 GMT -5
Chapter 11
Moon blinked open her eyes to find herself in a nest. “W-what happened?” Mudfur sat in front of her. “Got in a nasty fight by the looks of it. I understand you did worse to your opponent.” Her head hurt, but she figured that was a good thing. On her pelt she saw a bunch of cobwebs and a few other herbs. “You saved me? Why?” “Because I’m a Medicine Cat.” “But I’m not in your clan. I’m not in any clan.” “No, you’re not,” said Mudfur. “I’m doing this as a favor. In either case your wound is healing nicely. No infection so far. But I want to keep you here for now. You’re not in the camp, but still in our territory, so I want you to keep unseen for now. There will be time to move you back to the barn soon.”
Moon did as she was told and stayed hidden. The reeds kept the smell of the barn off her pelt. Her visitors consisted of Stonfur, Mistyfoot, and Mudfur. For the first time she tried fish. Stonefur had been amused at her initial reaction to the taste. It wasn’t bad, just funny. But there was a problem. While sometimes she was able to sleep very peaceably, there were other nights where she was plagued by nightmares. All around her were the sounds of cats fighting in all parts of the forest. Moon opened her eyes in terror. When she looked towards where Thunderclan territory laid she saw the very cat that she thought she killed attacking the camp with others. And she knew why, that cat wanted revenge on her brother. “Rusty!” “Keep quiet,” Mudfur snarled. “You’re drawing attention to yourself.” Stonefur pushed through a moment later. “No patrol around to hear her. Having another nightmare?” She could only nod. The battle had been so real. It was as if she was among them, but couldn’t do anything. Never before had she felt so helpless. An experience she never wanted to go through again. “See to it she keeps quiet,” said Mudfur. “Should be safe to move her soon. I’d hate to put in all this work to find out she got shredded by our clanmates because she couldn’t keep quiet.” Stonefur nodded and then curled up beside her. Before the only cat that was ever this close was Lightning. But the warmth from his fur made her, happier somehow. Her nightmare faded and she felt as if it never happened. When she opened her eyes, she was in StarClan. The same white tom stood in front of her. “Sagewhisker?” “You’re finally calm enough to come,” said the tom. Her eyes gazed at everything around her. It was so peaceful. There was none of the fighting she dreamt about. “What happened in Thunderclan?” Sagewhisker looked at her for a moment. “So you know. Brokenstar has been defeated. I think Bluestar intends to keep him a prisoner. Although I think he will prove more trouble than he’s worth.” Moon looked down. “I thought I killed him.” “You did, but he still was granted nine lives from StarClan. Until he dies, there can’t be another leader of Shadowclan. A clan I would like you to consider. You and your kit would be welcomed additions to the clan. After all, Lightning’s father was Shadowclan’s leader.” “But-” She couldn’t think of what she wanted to say. She had promised Lightning’s real mother that she wouldn’t let Brokenstar find him. To her, that promise also meant keeping him a secret from Brokenstar’s followers as well. From what she heard from Mistyfoot and Stonefur, Shadowclan was almost destroyed by Brokenstar. Would that clan really accept their former leader’s son? Somehow she didn’t think so. “Think about it,” he added. Turning he walked away Moon followed him a few paces. “Sagewhisker.” The white tom stopped and turned back to her. “What Mapleshade said, is it true? Do I kill my brother?” Sagewhisker’s eyes widened, but he quickly regained control. “Fireheart is destined to save the clans. But there was another part of the prophecy. One that spoke of a cat with a pelt that shines like the moon. The final part of the prophecy says that cat will kill Fireheart. Your power alone tells us this cat is you. However, StarClan has been wrong before.” Moon looked into his eyes. “But you don’t believe that. You actually think I will fulfill the prophecy.” “That remains to be seen,” said Sagewhisker. “After all, we thought Lightning was going to die in the storm.” With that Sagewhisker faded from her vision.
The next morning she woke up cold. Stonefur must’ve left awhile ago since the place where he slept wasn’t very warm. Sagewhisker gave her a lot to think about. Ever since she heard of the clans, there was a sense of longing to be a part of one. Now she had an offer to join. But what did that mean? For one she’d have to swear to protect the warrior code. She could do that, but then she’d also be swearing loyalty to Shadowclan. Could she really do that if it meant fighting friends in one clan and a littermate in the other? Even if she wasn’t fighting them directly, she’d be hurting someone they might care about. Somehow, it didn’t feel right to become a clan cat. There was something else holding her back and she wished she knew what it was. Her thoughts were interrupted when Stonefur came back with a small bird. “Eat up,” he told her. “That bird was hard to come by.” “You’re looking skinny,” purred Moon. “Maybe you should have some of this.” Stonefur pushed it back to her. “I’m on hunting patrol. Can’t eat until the clan is fed.” Moon gave herself a long stretch. “Then why not go to my barn and get a few mice. They’ve got nothing to do with this cold around but get nice and plump.” She laughed as she watched Stonefur’s nose crinkle. “I prefer fish. Anyway, I think Mudfur is planning to move you tonight. Leafbare is getting colder than ever.” Mudfur pushed through the reeds. “Stonefur, you’d better get going. A patrol is coming this way.” “See you,” said Stonefur. “Bye,” she purred. Moon watched his strong form as he left. The same feelings of happiness flowed through her like a river. “Finally got some decent pray for you,” said Mudfur. “Wound looks good. You should be strong enough to get back.” “Thank you, Mudfur,” she bowed. “Don’t mention it.” Moon curled her tail. “Right, don’t mention it ever. Otherwise you’d might get in trouble.” Mudfur purred. His happiness was fleeting. All the sudden he looked troubled. Curious, Moon looked into his eyes. In them she saw many hungry cats. Queens were fed more than the others so they could provide food for their kits. Some refused to take food so others could eat, but were weakening themselves to the point of sickness. All starving because food was scarce this season. But there was something more. Startled she jumped back. “Your clan is planning an attack on Windclan?” Mudfur’s eye widened in astonishment. “Who told you?” Moon gritted her teeth against the pain. “No one. I can’t believe this. You allow a clan to be driven out and now you plan to drive them out again?” “Lie down,” Mudfur ordered. “You need to keep up your strength for later.” “And you’re going to let them,” she growled. Moon had seen much of his past during her confinement here. The whole reason he became a Medicine Cat in the first place was so he no longer had to fight meaningless battles. Her vision hurled forward. Many cats were on the moor, all fighting. Windclan was fiercest of them all, but hopelessly outnumbered. A fresh patrol arrived, attacking the other two clans. In the end she saw what would happen. Her eyes narrowed as she looked at Mudfur. “You’ve wasted enough herbs on me. You should collect some for your clan. They are going to lose this fight. I’ve seen it.”
Mistyfoot came later. “All right, the camp is as empty as it’s going to be. Let’s go.” Moon heaved up on her paws and followed. Being confined for so long in the small space made it weird to walk on her paws. Soon she felt the rhythm of walking again and hurried to keep up. They walked the rest of the way in silence. All the while both looked towards the moor. A flash of the battle filled her mind and she shook it away. “Are you all right?” Moon narrowed her eyes. “It started.” Mistyfoot eyed her nervously. “Crookedstar just wants to feed our clan the only way he knows. The river is frozen and-” Moon rounded on her. “And that gives you the right to attack a clan unchallenged, unprovoked? When all they want to do is the same as you? I appreciate what you’ve done for me, but I can make it the rest of the way on my own.” With that she turned and hurried towards the barn. “Moon wait. Wait.” She ignored Mistyfoot and kept going. Nothing she said would justify the blood spilt this night. Her injury, however, slowed her down giving Mistyfoot a chance to catch up. “Mudfur didn’t feel right about this battle either. He-” “-Became a Medicine Cat so he could save lives not destroy them. Maybe you clan cats will realize one day that the latter only leads to more battles.” Mistyfoot shook her head. “You don’t understand. You’re not a clan cat.” “And I never want to be. Not if this is what it means to be one of you. I’d rather starve to death than hurt an innocent cat.” Moon watched as her friend hurried back to her camp. A tiny voice sounded over the grass. “Moon!” Most of her anger melted away at the sight of her kit. Lightning purred enthusiastically as he rubbed up against her leg. “I’ve missed you.” She forced a purr, trying to push away the rest of her anger. “And I you little one. Come on let’s go home.” As they neared the barn, Moon took one last look towards the moor. Shadowclan had united with Riverclan to make this attack. No, she could never join them.
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Moon
Jul 23, 2011 19:39:42 GMT -5
Post by Mooncloud on Jul 23, 2011 19:39:42 GMT -5
Chapter 12
Occasionally she would take walks to the border. A few times she had seen a pair of gray cats together. She knew that they were from separate clans just at the way they behaved, twitching at every sound as if waiting to be caught. Another vision showed her Mistyfoot knew about the affair, but didn’t say anything to her clan. For now, everything was peaceful.
“Would you look at that,” said Pounce. “He don’t look to good,” said Lightning. Moon blinked her eyes open slightly upset at her nap being disturbed. Curiosity shot through her pelt at what had the kits’ interest held so tightly. Before she had the chance to get up, Callie was next to her. “Moon, there’s a cat outside.” “Let’s get him in then,” said Moon. “It’s freezing out there.” Callie and she bounded down from the pile of hay. Ignoring their other barn mates as they snorted or pranced in their stalls, they two she-cats slipped through the door. Sure enough, there was a mangled cat outside. Moon was next to him in a heartbeat. “Don’t worry. We’ll get you somewhere warm soon.” Callie appeared on his other side and together they brought the tom inside. Sky appeared a moment later with a mouse in her mouth. “Will this help?” “Thank you dear,” purred Callie at her daughter. “That will do nicely for our guest.” Sky curled her tail with delight and scampered off to find another mouse, not that it was hard. The stranger was settled into the warmest part of the barn. One of the horse snorted and the tom’s fur spiked on end. “W-what are those?” Moon cocked her head for a moment. Didn’t every cat in the area know what these things were? “Horses. They’ve been here even longer than I have. Eat that, you’ll feel better.” The tom’s eyes narrowed. Mistrust was showing in every part of his face. “Callie, let’s go. I think our guest is not comfortable enough around us.” But the she-cat didn’t move. Instead she was staring at the old tom with round eyes. “Acorn?” “C-Callie?” he replied disbelieving. “They told me you were killed!” Moon blinked as she watched the two cats reunite. This tom must be Callie’s mate. While Pounce and Sky took after their mother in pelt colors, Twig certainly looked like this tom. Realizing she was in the way, she went back to her nest. Later, Callie came up to her. “Is it all right if he stays?” Moon stopped washing herself. “I’m not going to turn your mate out, no matter the weather.” “Thank you,” Callie purred. “Excuse me.”
Den fever was setting in. Moon’s paws itched to go outside, but it was too cold to leave the barn. Not to mention she felt slightly guilty at how warm it was here while the clans were outdoors. At least there wouldn’t be any more fighting until newleaf. As she paced the barn she overheard Acorn talking with Callie. “Things are getting worse. You now have to kill someone you care about in order to get into Bloodclan. He killed Jake. Scourge wears one of his teeth in his collar.” Moon stepped forward. “Jake? What is his pelt color?” The two cats stared at her. Acorn was the one to answer her. “Dark Ginger.” She’d never met the cat in her life, but she knew who he was. Her mother would be sad. “Moon?” asked Callie. “What is it?” “Jake was my father.” Acorn sat up. “Father? Then it’s an honor. He was one of the bravest cats I knew.” She nodded at his praise. She certainly knew nothing about him. For the life of her she couldn’t remember much about anyone in her family. Callie purred. “I thought there was something familiar about you.” Moon felt hot with embarrassment. She licked her chest fur a few times. Acorn must’ve sensed her lack of knowledge. “Jake had been getting cats out of Bloodclan territory for ages. He even held them off so I could escape. They wanted to kill me because-” “Because I was helping as well. That’s what Scourge does. If he can’t get to you, than he gets the ones you love. If Scourge knew you existed, he most certainly would’ve taken you prisoner to use you against your father.” “He never met me before,” said Moon. “I don’t think he ever visited my mother.” “Probably to keep her and his kits safe. How many are in your litter? Do you remember your mother’s name?” There was something about the way he questioned her that put her on edge. Should she tell him the truth? No, it was too soon to trust this cat. “Not a clue. Haven’t seen my family since I was a kit. I’m not even sure how I know Jake is my father. It just, feels right.” Acorn nodded, but she was sure he didn’t believe her. Either way it didn’t matter, so long as she kept her mouth shut, he couldn’t do anything to her.
The weather seemed to ease off and newleaf got closer. Acorn stayed in the barn with Callie. Their kits played with them all the time. He was certainly teaching them a lot about fighting. For the most part he stayed out of her fur, but she knew he had been watching her.
Another day passed and it was finally warm enough to venture outside. Ever since Acorn came, her paws had been itching to go back to two-leg place. She wanted to see the place where she grew up and more importantly who this Scourge was. While she had been tended by Mudfur, she had a dream about a massive fight with cats wearing collars. Was it Bloodclan? Unable to shake the feeling, she decided she would leave the next night. She would be able to trust Tangle and Corn to watch Lightning when she was away, Moon wasn’t so sure about Callie anymore. Night came and she set off on the road. It was how her two-legs brought her here, not to mention the only way she knew how to get in. Lights on the road warned her of an approaching monster and easily avoided them. At last she passed the first two-leg nests. The amount of scents was overwhelming. As she moved further in she began to question if this was a good idea. “Moon?” Whipping around she saw her kit following her. “Lightning, I thought I told you to stay with Corn.” The bouncy tom caught up to her. “Last time you came here I didn’t see you for a quarter moon.” Already she could see that any attempt to send him back now would be fruitless. Besides, she’d worry too much about whether he made it back safely. “Stay close then.” Together they walked deeper into the territory. Dawn fast approached and she knew Lightning was getting tired. There was still no sign of danger. But to be on the safe side, Moon climbed a tree to make her nest there. Riverclan may not like it, but trees suited her just fine. Lightning struggled at first, but soon slept soundly on the branch in front of her.
“You lived here?” he asked. Moon looked over her old nest. “Yes. And over there is where I’d meet my friend, Zain, all the time when I was a kit. Not that much older than you, I think.” Lightning cocked his head. “You were never this young.” Moon purred. “Of course I was. Now come on, there’s one more thing I want to check up on.” As they moved further into two-leg territory, Lightning got increasingly scared. It was a new place for him and the noises were probably bothering him. Whatever the case, he kept his pelt touching hers like he was afraid she’d leave him. “Scourge has to be stopped,” said a tom. “He ordered a queen and her kits to be killed because she went to him for food.” “No one stands up to Scourge,” said another tom. “We’ll end up like that rebellion. Betrayed, cornered, and massacred. They say that no one survived.” That got her attention. Pushing Lightning to the corner she motioned for him to stay quiet. Her kit was always obedient, except when it came to getting into trouble with Dash. “There are a few survivors,” said the first. “Some were able to get away. Jake ordered them to run. He could’ve saved himself, but he stayed to die with the rest of his friends. That’s loyalty.” Moon wondered if it was safe to approach these cats. There was only one way to find out. “Excuse me,” she said stepping out of the shadows. The second tom took one look at her and fled. The other looked like he would run as well, but then he stopped when he saw Lightning next to her. “What can I do for you?” “I’d like to talk to a cat who knew Jake.” “Why the interest,” he asked warily. “It’s personal. I know a cat named Callie that he rescued.” The tom turned. “Come with me.” They went a little ways before they passed a gray she-cat with a scarred muzzle. The two cats looked at each other passing something between them unspoken. “You’ll have to forgive our ways, but we can’t take chances.” “Understood.” “Who’re they?” asked a golden she-cat. This one had scars running down her pelt and lots of missing fur. The tom glanced at her briefly, “Visitors for Lynx.” Another tom walked out. He was huge and well muscled light brown tom with black tipped ears. “Don’t recall expecting any, Jump.” “Say they knew a cat your father saved.” Lynx turned to her and stared. “Who are you?” Under his gaze she felt like Mapleshade’s apprentice again. It was like he could read her or something. “Moon. This is my kit, Lightning. I’m-” “A spy for Scourge,” said the golden cat. “This is exactly how it started with him.” Lynx nodded. “Except I think I know this one.” He turned back to her. “Your mother’s name?” “Nutmeg.” “You don’t remember me do you?” At her confusion, he purred. “Relax, Jade, I’m certain this one’s my littermate. She has close to the same markings as Star. Always had trouble telling them apart.” Moon’s fur fluffed out. She remembered that as well. The only reason mother could tell them apart was because Moon had been the one to get in trouble all the time. That and Star was blind. She began to purr hard and the two of them rubbed together. “I’ve missed you,” said Lynx. “Didn’t get into near as much trouble without you.” “What’s this?” said a white tom. Jump moved to greet the cat. “Hey Tracker, looks like we’ve got another one of Jake’s kits.” Tracker sniffed taking in her scent. “Well, she’s definitely not from the town. On the outskirts most likely. Not a likely spy Jade.” The golden cat licked her side as if the idea was nothing more than a thought. “What is she doing here?” asked Tracker. “Good question,” said Lynx. “What are you doing here?” All the cats looked at her. “A cat named Acorn came to where I live. Said my father was killed. I’ve been curious what’s going on ever since then.” “Company,” shouted the gray she-cat. “All right, all of you scatter,” ordered Lynx. “Moon, you’re with me.” The cats nodded and left the ally. Moon chanced a glance back and saw several cats with teeth studded collars chasing after them. “They’ve spotted us,” said Lynx. “Faster.” Three cats broke from the group and rushed towards them. Lynx lead a relentless pace through the streets. “Moon!” Turning around she saw that Lightning had tripped. The other cats were almost upon him. Her visions took over and she knew they would kill him if they got to him before her. With a caterwaul she leapt forward, claws outstretched. “Stay away from my kit!” “Moon,” whimpered Lightning. “GO! Catch up with Lynx.” Raking her claws down the first one, she bit hard on another’s tail. Neither seemed deterred by her attack. “Capture only,” one ordered. Moon turned to the large muscled black-and-white tom. Moon barred her teeth at them, daring them to come closer. But it was no use, even she couldn’t see a way out of this. There was only one option, surrender. “There’s a good queen,” jeered the leader. “Let’s go.”
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Moon
Jul 27, 2011 1:34:11 GMT -5
Post by Mooncloud on Jul 27, 2011 1:34:11 GMT -5
Update: Remembered that Thistleclaw was still in StarClan until Bluestar joins the ranks. Instead of making an appearance in ch 10, the cat is now Silverhawk.
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Moon
Jul 27, 2011 1:35:17 GMT -5
Post by Mooncloud on Jul 27, 2011 1:35:17 GMT -5
Chapter 13
The streets got darker and more haunted as the large tom lead the way. Never had she been so frightened before in her life. Still, she tried to keep her fear scent down. More cats appeared from trash bins or other allies to see the prisoner. One thing was certain, every cat in this place was battle trained. “What do you have there, Bone,” asked a ginger she-cat with a patch of fur missing on her back. “Prisoner for Scourge. He’ll be interested in this one, Brick.” The she-cat stepped aside allowing them to pass. Moon felt every eye in the ally on her as they stopped in front of a small black cat. A shutter rippled through her fur as she looked at the teeth studded collar knowing that one of those teeth belonged to her father. “What have you brought me?” His voice was like ice, without even the slightest hint of emotion. Bone glanced back at her for a moment. “One of your spies says this one was talking with that traitor.” There was only a flicker of surprise in the black cat’s eyes. “Come forward.” Bone stepped aside and Moon received a sharp push from behind. There was no keeping her fur scent away now. It was all she could do to keep her fur flat. Scourge examined her for a moment before speaking again. “Who gave you that scar?” She knew she had to look weak. Any sign of standing up to him and she would be done for. Moon knew she had to lie. “I-I got it from one of those forest cats,” she said. “I-I knew this was your territory and n-no one takes food without your permission. When I didn’t, they attacked me and my kits.” “Oh? And what did this cat look like?” “H-he was a brown tom, with what must be a broken tail. T-there was a bend in the end of it.” “You look pretty well fed for someone who has been injured.” Moon did anything but look at him, but she couldn’t help looking into his ice-blue eyes. “House-folk have been feeding me while I recovered.” “And if you were to see this cat again?” There was more to his question than he was letting on, almost like he was presenting an opportunity. She studied him for a moment gazing into his ice blue eyes. There was an intense hatred surrounding a particular forest cat. Not the one with a broken tail but another large broad shouldered dark brown tabby tom. She remembered the look of blood lust in Mapleshade’s eyes and copied them as best she could. “Those cats killed my kits. I’ll take my revenge.”
Moon grew tired from training. But, like Mapleshade, Brick was a relentless teacher. Any sign of weakness and Brick would hit harder. The two she-cats tumbled about scraping their claws against each other. “Enough,” shouted Bone. “Brick, we’re needed.” Brick was still snarling at her. “What about this one?” Bone eyed Moon for a moment. “You’ve left her alone before.” “See you next time,” snapped Brick. Together Brick and Bone left the ally. Taking a deep breath she allowed her muscles to relax. This training session hadn’t been as brutal as some of the others, but it still hurt. Letting out another deep breath she headed to the outer rim of Bloodclan territory. She was getting rather nimble in two-leg place. Not to mention thinner. Once she got there, it didn’t take long to find a rather plump mouse. She counted herself lucky, not many here ever got fresh food. She counted herself lucky for many things. Scourge seemed like he was going to kill her on a number of occasions. Moon had never openly disobeyed him, but had been rather firm the only pelts she wanted to sink her claws into were forest cats. He seemed to understand that and exempted her from the beatings of others. More than once she regretted not taking Sagewhisker up on his offer. Nothing Shadowclan did was anything compared to this. No one seemed to care about anything but themselves. The only exception was queens and occasionally their mates to their kits. She knew enough of the clans from Mistyfoot and Stonefur that the clans were much better. Eating the mouse in rapid gulps she gazed out over the town. Her visions were hazy at best and none of them hinted to where Lighting was hiding. She had searched several times, but there wasn’t even the sign of a whisker of him, Lynx, or any of the other cats from that night. An approaching shadow made her extend her claws. There wasn’t much left of the mouse, but every morsel was precious. If this cat wanted a fight, he’d have one. She couldn’t afford to look weak in case word got back to Scourge. The fur along her spine rose as the scent of other cats reached her tongue. This wasn’t about food, this was an ambush. Scourge finally decided to make good on his promise to kill her. Like the night she was separated from her kit, she could see no way out. “Be done with it then.” A white shadow dashed past her. She waited for the attack. If she was going to die, she was going to give them some nasty scratches to remember her by. But the attack never came. A white tom with thick fur appeared behind her. He seemed somewhat familiar, but she couldn’t place who it could be. “She’s alone.” To her astonishment, Lynx stepped forward. Neither of them spoke, only stared at the other. “Father would be upset with you,” he said as if this was every day conversation. “Season after season he tried to get a spy among the ranks of Bloodclan and you manage to do it in a few short moons.” “How do you know I’m not loyal?” she questioned. Lynx actually purred at her. “Because I know you.” Moon snorted. “This is only the second time we’ve met since we were kits. What makes you think you know anything about me?” “Because I’ve talked to cats that do know you and it is easy to believe you would never join Scourge. Not for bloodlust anyway. That and you never gave any of us away.” “The topic never came up. Scourge is under the impression that I’ve lost my kits to a clan cat. He offered me the opportunity to train to fight them and I took his offer.” “And yet,” said Lynx, “you only attack cats that attack you first and never seriously.” Her eyes hardened. What was her littermate playing at? “Just enough that they get the message.” Her brother’s eyes danced but it was Tracker that spoke first. “We might just pull this off.” “Pull what off?” she asked. One of the things she learned here, always suspect everyone, even your own kin. She heard some nasty stories about others that would attack their own littermates if given the opportunity. “I do nothing until I’ve learned what happened to my kit. He better be alive.” “My kit better be alive.” “I am,” said a deep voice. A muscular brown tabby with bright amber eyes and thick tail walked out. Shock flooded her as she realized who she was staring at. “Lightning,” she breathed. There was hurt in her kit’s eyes, but he was hardly a kit anymore. “Why didn’t you come look for me?” “I tried, but I couldn’t leave Bloodclan territory. Not with them following me everywhere.” Lynx sat down, but didn’t let down his guard. “You have a fine kit, littermate. He’s proven himself useful these past few moons. Gave us a place to send our rescued cats.” “The barn?” Moon asked. Lightning nodded. There was power behind his gaze and a sense of nobility. Oh what she would give to go back in time to be the one to raise him. “Aren’t you going to greet your kit properly?” mused Lynx. Moon was still in shock, but walked over to lick him, but Lightning only let her touch noses with him. “He would’ve found you if I came looking.” “I spent every night since we got separated thinking you were dead.” He rubbed his muzzle against hers. “I’ve missed you so much.” “And I you,” she purred back. This would be a memory she would cherish her entire life.
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Moon
Jul 27, 2011 1:36:08 GMT -5
Post by Mooncloud on Jul 27, 2011 1:36:08 GMT -5
Chapter 14
“Take care of them Abyss.” Those had been her orders. Moon rather liked her new name. Cats that would kill you and take your food never bothered her when she said her name. Thanks to Lynx, she’d gained quite the reputation. As far a Scourge knew, Moon grew impatient for her revenge. Instead she’d take it out on others. More than one death had been credited her. In truth she had only harmed a few cats, none of them seriously, and all the more blood thirsty members among Scourge’s ranks or members of the resistance. The latter only because they let her. If she’d gone up against them for real, Moon was certain she’d get the fight for her life. Lightning, while a terrific fighter and brave cat, was left out of most of these encounters. He was becoming quite like a Medicine Cat and Lynx intended him to care for all the injured cats brought back. She recalled telling him what herbs Mudfur had used on her all those moons ago, but she never thought he’d be able to use that information so extensively. A queen cowered beneath her gaze trying to protect her kits. “Please, please don’t do this.” Moon had to stay pitiless. With a caterwaul she lunged for the mother. She didn’t harm her, only stun. Her paws were soaked with blood of a mouse Lynx had brought her and she smeared it over the queen’s fur. To anyone watching, the mother was as good as dead. Brick stared at her, “You missed something.” Moon snorted. “Why bother. No one ever takes care of one another here. These kits are as good as dead.” The other cats slunk into the shadows unable to bear the sight or too afraid to confront Scourge’s lieutenant and Abyss. Brick’s eyes lingered over the mewling kits. Was that regret in Brick’s eyes? A real vision hit her and Moon knew that Brick had been watching her victims and the victims of others closer than ever. The sight of them sickened her, not because of their weakness, but she hated the amount of blood on her paws. With a shock Moon learned Brick hated what she had done to her. Brick after all had trained her to become this monster. Whatever feelings she had, Brick shook them away. “Let’s go.” Moon followed trying to suppress the sickness she felt every time she did this. With another glance back down the alley, she saw Tracker approaching the queen. He and another part of the resistance would act like they were taking away the body and the kits. But as soon as they were away from the others, Lightning would join them and bring the queen back to consciousness. So far no one knew about the traitor among the ranks of Bloodclan.
Another raid another set of rescued cats. But there were many she couldn’t save. Those were the ones Scourge or Bone killed personally. It was all she could do to keep from wailing in despair. Something had to be done about this cat, but nothing she thought of would work. One false move and she could put every cat they rescued or would rescue in danger. For now she would have to remain Abyss.
“I hate this.” Lynx licked the side of her face tenderly, but said nothing. “I want out, Lynx.” At this pronouncement, her brother stopped grooming her fur. “Because of you we’ve been able to save more cats than ever.” “You didn’t see this last one, Lynx,” she snapped. “Scourge didn’t just have this cat killed. He tore him apart. It’s always the same dark brown tabby toms he does this to. And afterwards he eats that bird I’d brought him like nothing happened.” “Moon, we need you.” She paced the fence back and forth. “I know. But if this keeps up much longer I’ll end up like the rest of them. I feel like Abyss, this never ending nightmare. When he killed that cat, Lynx, I felt nothing. Not even a twinge of sympathy, I just accepted it like it was knowing the moon comes up at night.” “The only way to leave Bloodclan is to die or desert and hope no one finds you,” said another voice. Lynx dived off the fence and ran. No one could see them together. Moon’s fur spiked up when Brick jumped up on the fence. “You are full of surprises, Abyss. Never thought you’d take a jumpy cat like that as a mate.” “I haven’t. Mates mean kits eventually. I don’t want any here.” “So, do you want to leave?” Brick asked. “You tire of the blood just as much as I do. Even more than me I think.” Brick studied her for a moment. “Come with me then.” That was the last thing she’d thought she’d hear tonight. “You’re serious?” Brick stared deeply into her eyes. “Are you going to tell me you’re happy with what you’ve become? Because I won’t believe you. You should be careful of what you dream about. Your nightmares betray you. You’re right about me, Abyss. I don’t want any more blood on my paws. Now, you are either going to try and kill me and I will fight back or we leave now.” The look in her eyes told Moon all she needed to know. This was no trick to test her loyalty. Scourge’s strong right-paw was in earnest. Moon nodded.
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Moon
Jul 27, 2011 1:37:14 GMT -5
Post by Mooncloud on Jul 27, 2011 1:37:14 GMT -5
Chapter 15
Not even the barn would be safe for her. Moon would have the benefit of having several of the cats knowing the real her, but Brick didn’t. She was sure that some of the cats had fled to the surrounding barns. There was nothing for it, but to go the opposite direction from clan territory. The trip was long, but they managed. Brick and she took turns keeping watch while the other slept. Lynx would be so mad at her right now and Lightning would feel betrayed again. But she wasn’t leaving forever. She needed to feel like Moon again, they couldn’t deny her that. Eventually they reached another two-leg place. “This looks as good as any place,” announced Brick. “We’ll see when we meet other cats. If they don’t run in fear from us than I’d say you’re right.” Brick purred, a sound she only recently heard from the formidable warrior. Together they walked through the streets. A few cats greeted them like a passing friend. This was the place.
“Come over here,” said Brick as she shared a plump mouse with one of their neighbors, a huge gray tom by the name of Goliath. Moon knew she’d never seen the ginger she-cat so happy. No one knew who they were or what they’ve done. They had a new life here, but Moon knew it wasn’t for her. She walked over and took a mouse off a pile and tucked in. A yellow and white kittypet came to join them. “Hear about the new neighbor?” asked Twinkie. “Obviously not since you didn’t report one yesterday,” said Goliath. “You never cease to know what’s going on around here.” Twinkie’s whiskers twitched. “Ha ha. Anyway, this one is different. Poor little scrap keeps crying for her family.” “She’ll get used to being away from them,” said Goliath. “We all had to eventually.” Everyone nodded in agreement. “Well, I promised to go visit her. Not sure what her house-folk call her, but she says her mother named her Sunpaw.” Moon’s ears perked with interest. Only clan cats had names like that. “Do you mind if I join you?” Twinkie purred with delight. “Of course, Moon. The more friends she has the easier it will be for her.” Brick eyed her suspiciously. Moon returned the gaze. “I’ll be back soon.” Twinkie lead the way through the lines of nests finally stopping at one with only the back enclosed with a fence. “Here we are. You wait out back while I signal to her.” Moon did as requested and waited by a tree. Scents of pray filled her mouth, but she wasn’t hungry just yet. Twinkie jumped over and joined her. It didn’t take long before a small reddish brown cat stepped out. Solemnly she joined them. “Sunpaw, I’d like you to meet Moon.” “Hi,” she said quietly. “Hi there,” said Moon with a lot less energy than Twinkie’s bright voice. “Where are you from?” The little kit sniffed. “What does it matter? I have no idea how to get back.” “It’s all right, little one. We’ll help you settle in. If you’re up to it, you can come meet the others sometime.” Twinkie started off on all the delights in the area from the best trees to scratch to which yards to stay out of. Finally she stopped. “You’re house folk are calling for you. You should go dear.” “A-all right,” Sunpaw sniffed. Just as quietly as she came, Sunpaw was gone. “What did I tell you?” said Twinkie. “Poor little thing.” Moon returned at night. She pushed through the cat door and into the nest. It had been so long since she’d been inside a nest she that it took her a moment to adjust to everything. “Sunpaw. Sunpaw where are you?” A tinkling of a bell warned Moon of her approach. “Come outside, I don’t like being in these nests.” Sunpaw nodded and followed her out onto the grass. The she-cat wrapped her short tail over her paws. She said nothing as she gave several heavy breaths. “You’re a clan cat aren’t you?” Moon asked. That got Sunpaw’s attention. “Which clan?” “R-riverclan. How do you know about them?” she squeaked. Moon purred. “I used to be neighbors with them. Do you know Stonefur and Mistyfoot?” Sunpaw’s tail shot straight up. “Stonefur’s the deputy now.” Deputy? A tinge of surprise passed through her. He would make a great deputy and one day a fine leader of Riverclan. “Well, it just so happens that I know the way back. You up for it?” Sunpaw’s eyes widened with hope. “Yes please!”
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Moon
Jul 27, 2011 13:21:25 GMT -5
Post by Fireblaze on Jul 27, 2011 13:21:25 GMT -5
I like it. It just gets more interesting in each chapter!
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Moon
Jul 28, 2011 23:09:52 GMT -5
Post by Mooncloud on Jul 28, 2011 23:09:52 GMT -5
Chapter 16
“If they think for one moment you deserted, they’ll kill you.” “I know,” said Moon. “But I have to go back.” “You’ll have to give him something big. Something that will assure your loyalty to Scourge.” “I’ll think of something. It’s a long walk,” teased Moon. Brick shook her head. “Is there no convincing you to stay?” “Nope. I promised Sunpaw to take her home and I keep my promises. I’m sorry, Brick, but I have to see this through to the end.” Touching noses with the old she-cat, Moon tuned and left. Sunpaw stood, collarless, waiting for her. “Let’s go. They moved at an agonizingly slow because of Sunpaw’s short legs, but she was so full of energy that they were able to go for a long time. Along the way she buzzed like a bee about her apprenticeship training and how she ended up with two-legs. She had been sunning herself when a two-leg just scooped her up and took her with them. Moon in turn taught her how to hunt land pray. There were no rivers around to fish and Moon only knew a little about catching them anyway. It wasn’t long before the two cats were friends. Only one more day to go. Sunpaw snuggled close beside her as they rested for the night. She felt cold and Moon tucked her in closer to her belly like she had for Lightning when he was a kit. Moon woke to the sound of coughing. “Sorry,” said Sunpaw. “Don’t be. How long have you been coughing?” “Just started,” Sunpaw replied. Moon stepped out of the nest they made to examine her properly. “Well, you’re almost home. Best not let that get worse.” Sunpaw purred. “Home.” With that she fell asleep again. Something was wrong. Moon could feel it in her pelt. She was no medicine cat and the nearest one was still a day away. Again Moon curled up with her, placing herself between Sunpaw and the outside of their den. When her eyes opened again she found herself in a space of stars. There were no cats to greet her. This isn’t StarClan’s territory, frog-brain. But she knew where it was. Running as fast as she could she went in search of Riverclan’s ancestors. “Who is it?” asked a squeaking white and gray furred she-kit. “I’m looking for Riverclan’s ancestors,” announced Moon. “A medicine cat preferably.” “Mosskit, who are you talking to?” asked a white queen. “Snowfur! Come look. I’ve never seen her before.” The white queen’s pelt bristled. “You’re not supposed to be here.” Another cat joined them. Mosskit tried to look as small as possible, hiding behind Snowfur. “Thistleclaw,” stammered Snowfur. “What are you doing here?” Now it was the tom’s turn to bristle. “Intruder.” Moon’s patience was short with clan cats, alive or dead. “Look I don’t care about the rules about who can or can’t visit here. All I want is a way to help a young cat live.” “You’re not a clan cat, get out,” yowled Thistleclaw as he lunged after her. She was quicker as she jumped out of the way. All her training came back to her. Thistleclaw only looked mildly impressed before he attacked her again. Moon only tried to stun him while this cat was going for the kill. She knew this style. Mapleshade had taught it to her. And she knew how to counter. Raking her claws along his side she slipped under his belly, knocking his paws out from under him. “You’re not the only one with training from Mapleshade,” she spat. Thistleclaw starred at her wide eyed for a moment. It was in this instant she saw into his past. His life was a bloody one, but Moon focused on the training of a brown kit. The kind of pelt that Scourge would mercilessly kill if he ever found one. Moon stared in horror at the sight of a tiny black kit with one white paw. She knew that kit. But it couldn’t be. This kit was bright, curious, and happy even. Her spine bristled when she heard Thistleclaw encouraging his apprentice, Tigerpaw, to attack the kit. So, this is where it started.
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Moon
Jul 28, 2011 23:10:15 GMT -5
Post by Mooncloud on Jul 28, 2011 23:10:15 GMT -5
Moon shook the visions away. Strength flooded into her muscles, her eyes narrowing to thin slits. Anger boiled beneath her pelt as she leapt up to scratch every part of this mangy cat’s pelt. He was going to pay for the damage he’d done. “You should’ve never harmed that kit!” Another tom crashed into her. “What is this all about? Wait, what are you doing here, Moon?” Moon staggered up and glared at Sagewhisker. “After everything he’s done you let him be here?” “That is none of your concern, rouge,” said another cat. Moon rounded on Thistleclaw. “Do you want to know what happened to that kit?” Thistleclaw got up, aided by a few members of Starclan. “Probably went mewling to his two-legs.” “No,” she hissed. “Believe me, he hasn’t forgotten about Tigerclaw.” “It will be Tigerstar soon,” spat Thistleclaw. “Nothing is decided yet, Thistleclaw,” said Cedarstar. “We still haven’t reached a decision.” “Which is mouse-brained,” spat Thistleclaw. “Shadowclan is weak and Tigerclaw is the strongest cat in the forest. My apprentice will make Shadowclan great again. His strength would’ve been in Thunderclan, but they chose to abandon him. Bluestar will regret that choice when she sees how weak Fireheart will make it.” “Bluestar has been a great leader for Thunderclan,” said a tortoiseshell she-cat. “And look at her now,” snarled Thistleclaw. “Practically falling apart isn’t she? Abandoned her kits for power.” A speckled gray tom came nose to nose with the spiky furred warrior. “To keep her clan away from you!” Sagewhisker moved to her side. “Walk with me. This argument isn’t for you.” Moon followed after waiting a moment. She wasn’t about to take orders from any cat. The former Shadowclan Medicine Cat led her deeper into StarClan territory. Very few challenged her here now that she had an escort. Sagewhisker settled into a patch of grass. “Now, what are you really here about?” Most of the anger had ebbed away during their walk. “I’m bringing home a Riverclan apprentice. She’s sick with a cough and I want to know how to treat it.” The old tom sighed. “I’d hoped to have you take over Shadowclan. Not this cat who presumes becoming a leader was what he was destined for.” She shook her head. “You have no idea what that kit turned into.” “I think I know very well, Moon.” “Not Tigerclaw, that kit that Tigerclaw attacked. I can hardly believe it, but that kit is Scourge.” The name wasn’t one that Sagewhisker heard. “You’ve had to of seen some of the cats brought to the barn. Those are the lucky ones. There are many more in two-leg place that are worse off and they have no choice but live in fear every day of their lives.” “I can imagine. Shadowclan lived like that for seasons under Brokenstar. But no more. He now lives in the Dark Forest where he will pay for their crimes.” Moon cocked her head. “Where Mapleshade is?” “Yes.” That had been a miserable place. One that she was glad she hadn’t visited in a long time. “Well, Shadowclan is on a small scale. Scourge’s fighting force alone is enough to take on all the forest cats combined. They are all battle ready. If Brokenstar is any testimony to skills in battle then you would have a problem if they ever came to the forest. I can’t live my life like he doesn’t exist, that those cats in two-leg place are not my concern. Because they are.” Sagewhisker sighed, but nodded. “Such strength in your family. I’m saddened that it won’t go to Shadowclan.” Something below caught her attention. A tom she knew was Tigerclaw was with a tawny colored she-cat too soft to be a clan cat. Tigerclaw actually showed affection for her. Moon tried to watch longer but the dreams never stayed long. Instead it was replaced by an empty clearing except for one. The cat was dead, slashed from head to tail at the base of a large rock. Moon knew that cat and who had killed him. “What do you see?” Sagewhisker prompted. “I saw Tigerclaw with a she-cat. He loves her. I mean really truly loves her.” Sagewhisker stared at her with surprise. “Do you really think a cat like that could change?” “I know a cat can change,” Moon said finally. “I just spent who knows how long with Scourge’s right-paw. She’d be equally guilty of anything Tigerclaw ever did. But she left, on her own without threat from her leader, knowing that if ever caught she’d be ripped to shreds and, if she was lucky, killed. Most of the time Scourge just lets them die in the alleys. But she’s so different now. I can’t say if Tigerclaw will be the same, but it may very well be this she-cat will save him. If he chooses power over her, then you have your answer.” Sagewhisker nodded. “But I’m not sure about the nine lives. I saw him at Four Trees no more than four moons from now dead. It looked like Scourge’s work.” The old tom rose to his paws and heaved a heavy sigh. “You need to get back. See if you can find some tansy. It has round yellow leaves and a very strong sweet scent. Have her swallow it in very small doses. Now come I’ll see you to the border.” It was clearly a dismissal of the subject. This was StarClan and she had no place in it. This was a decision for them to make.
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Moon
Jul 28, 2011 23:10:48 GMT -5
Post by Mooncloud on Jul 28, 2011 23:10:48 GMT -5
Chapter 17
“Come on, we’re almost to the barn,” Moon urged. The tiny paw lumbered on, but was obviously struggling. “Just to the barn and I won’t make you go any further. See, we just have to cross that thunderpath and we’ll be there.” Sunpaw looked up. “All right.” Before they could get to the thunderpath, two cats stepped out of the shadows. “Who are you?” “I should ask who are you,” said Moon moving in front of the paw. “That’s my barn you’re blocking.” “You’re barn?” scoffed one tom. “I’ve been here for ages and I’ve never seen you around.” “Whoa hold up there.” Tangle came rushing across the path and shouldered past the two cranky toms. “Ease up you two, that’s Lightning’s mother.” Their eyes widened like a deer on a thunderpath looking at an oncoming monster. The sight actually made her laugh. “Can I pass now?” Tangle touched noses with her. “Of course. It is after all your barn.” It was all she could do from smiling smugly at the two toms. Sunpaw followed closely behind as they crossed the thunderpath again. One of the nice things about this thunderpath was that the monsters moved so slow here and were quiet when they passed. Inside a few injured cats were being tended to by Lightning. She wasn’t sure if her kit had spotted her, but said nothing as he continued seeing to his patients. “Need more horsetail. This wound is infected.” A beautiful tortoiseshell she-cat came up to him. “We got lots of horses. I’m sure they’ve all got tails. Shall I fetch one? Lightning laughed, “Seriously, Pounce.” “I know, I know. I’ll go look for some.” The two affectionately rubbed muzzles before Pounce left the barn. “Oh, sorry.” She called over her shoulder. “Hey Lightning, another one for you.” “Lie still. I’ll see you get some food.” The injured cat said nothing as Lightning left. “And what do we have here.” “So, you and Pounce hey?” she asked. Lightning stared at her for a moment and then shook his head. “That’s the second time you’ve disappeared that I had no idea where you were.” “I’ll try not to make it a habit. Got any tansy around here?” “Loads. Mind you we have to get our supplies on the other side of the thunderpath. Life’s been interesting since the new leader took over. Mudfur doesn’t like upsetting her so he doesn’t help out as much anymore. She nearly got into a fight with one of the rescued queens. We had her and her kits moved to another barn. I had no idea how nice our neighbors where until I asked for them to take a few in. Been downright accommodating for most of them. But there are a few loners who want to be left alone.” “I can understand that,” Moon purred. “Sunpaw, I’d like you to meet my son, Lightning. Lightning, this is Sunpaw of Riverclan. She’s got a bit of a cough, so I’d like her to rest soon.” Lightning looked around the barn. “The loft is the only place I can think of.” He turned to Sunpaw. “Can you make it up there?” Sunpaw’s eyes widened with terror which turned into another set of coughs. Without a word, Lightning picked the cat up by her scruff and climbed his way up to the loft. Moon followed once they were up and curled around her to get her warm. After making her swallow a bit of tansy, examined her again. “Might be greencough. I’ll check with Mudfur, this is after all his clanmate.”
“I don’t believe it,” said a deep voice. “That’s her.” “Do you think I’d lie to you, Stonefur?” Moon’s eyes blinked open and in a moment she was face to face with her old friend. “It’s been awhile.” Stonefur nodded with none of the playful manner that he used to greet her. Had both of them changed so much? Sure it’d been a few seasons, but somehow she always thought he’d be the same caring cat she’d grown to care for. “I’ll leave you to it then.”
When she landed on the ground Moon looked around for Lightning. “This had better be good,” growled Lynx. Moon coolly turned to him. “I’ll go back soon all right.” Her brother was going to be mad at her no matter what she said or did. Just as long as he had his precious spy in Bloodclan he didn’t care what happened in there. Further she didn’t want to talk about the horrors she would go through. “Really? Are you sure you’re vicious enough to fool him again?” Before she realized what was going on, Lynx dived for her. Her surprise was quickly suppressed as she defended herself. Lynx had his claws outstretched and she did the same. This was nothing but a test to make sure she hadn’t been lazy during her absence. Rearing up she slammed her paws into his spine tossing him to the side. Quickly he lunged again and sunk his teeth into her shoulder. With a cry of pain, she fell down on her back at heaved him over her. Springing back on her claws she faced him again and swiped his paws knocking him to the ground. Careful to sheath her claws she planted her paw firmly on his throat. “Satisfied?” she snarled. Lynx struggled to get free but she wasn’t letting up until he surrendered. “What are you doing?” cried Lightning. “Ask him,” growled Moon. “Surrender now or I don’t let go.” Lightning looked from one cat to the other horrified. “Moon stop!” Lifting her paw she allowed Lynx to get up. Coughing for a few moments he turned to her. “Yes, I’m satisfied.” Moon glared at him for a moment more before climbing back up to the loft. Ignoring the three clan cats’ questions she made her way up to the roof and cried out. She could’ve killed him. She could’ve killed her own brother. “What in StarClan’s name was that about?” Stonefur asked. Moon curled her tail tighter around herself feeling even more miserable. “My brother and I had a disagreement whether I got soft or not. He’s obsessed with the cat who murdered our father and he used me to get closer to him. This is what I’ve had to become. I hate it, but my sacrifice is nothing compared to those we’re able to save.” “And yet you were able to save Sunpaw.” She rested her muzzle on her paws. “That was an accident. I left for a little bit and just happened to run into her.” “Accident or no, Riverclan still owes you,” said Stonefur. “You’d better get some cobwebs on that shoulder.” As soon as he mentioned it the pain came back to her. Hesitantly she followed him back inside. Jumping into a corner she grabbed some of the webs and began to dress her own wounds. “I’ll do that,” said Mudfur. “Rest here.”
The shadows grew longer as she made her way back into two-leg place. With her shoulder finally healed it was safe enough for her to defend herself if attacked again. With every step she was getting further and further away from the things she loved. Lightning obviously was the first she’d miss, but during the time she recovered, she and Stonefur had shared several uninterrupted conversations. There was no need to sneak around like they did when they were younger, Stonefur was expected to stay and guard his clanmates. Hesitantly she pushed her feelings aside allowing any emotion to turn to ice. She was in Scourge’s territory where such feelings only got you hurt. “Well, look who’s back,” sneered Bone. “Get lost?” “As in did I or I should?” she teased. The black and white tom stared at her wide eyed like he’d never heard such cheek. “Where you’ve been.” “Not far,” she said. “Got into a run in with a few clan cats. This,” she said showing him her shoulder, “is nothing compared to what I did to them. Recovery takes a little while on your own.” Bone searched her for any signs of lying. But, like her brother, Bone was satisfied that she hadn’t grown soft. Once again she was Abyss.
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Moon
Jul 28, 2011 23:11:29 GMT -5
Post by Mooncloud on Jul 28, 2011 23:11:29 GMT -5
Chapter 18
Rain fell constantly from the sky that day. Moon just brought the only piece of fresh-kill she could find and brought it to Scourge. He wasn’t very pleased with her and she promised to go back out again to look. But he waived her off to join the others in the ally. Scourge always did enjoy his ‘audience’ of loyal followers. A commotion at the end caught her attention. Two toms were walking up towards Scourge. One was a massive brown tabby and the other a skinny gray tom. Both looked a little nervous as they approached. The gray tom nudged his companion and jerked his head over to Bloodclan’s leader. “There’s Scourge.” “That’s Scourge? Moon toned everything else out for a moment. What was Tigerclaw doing here? And would he get out alive? She watched like every other cat waiting for a signal from Scourge in case the visitors were not welcomed. That was usually the case. “My name is Tigerstar, the leader of Shadowclan. And I have a proposition for you.” The rain still fell as she paced a rooftop. He had chosen power. Than mangy flea bitten piece of fox-dung was going to lure a pack of dogs to attack his own clan. And for what? His own selfish ambition that didn’t allow him to see past his own whiskers! And what was more. He didn’t even realize the cat he just made a deal with was the same cat he harmed all those seasons ago. But Scourge recognized him. Moon saw the way Scourge stared at him like he was the juiciest piece of fresh-kill he’d ever laid eyes on. For a moment, she thought he’d kill Tigerstar right then and there. But he didn’t. Scourge was nothing if not patient. He could wait for what he wanted if it meant getting something out of it. Before she could go another lap, Jade joined her. “What’s going on?” Moon spilled out the plot and the deal. “Scourge is going to send cats to the forest to check out how good the offer will be.” Jade’s tail twitched up. “But don’t you see? If Scourge spreads himself out into the forest, his control will lessen.” “Just pass the message,” snapped Moon. She’d never cared for Jade’s way of thinking. Traveling with a few others, Moon walked around Shadowclan territory. Scourge had sent her to check out what Tigerstar had to offer. Judging by her companions expressions, they would bring back a favorable report. Tigerstar welcomed them to his camp. With a pang of guilt she looked at the faces of the cats that she might’ve been leader over. Many of them looked wary of the visitors, but some tried to be friendly as they showed them around. They even had a den ready for the five of them. Not surprisingly, she woke in StarClan. As always, Sagewhisker was there to greet her. “So, you made him a leader,” said Moon. “It was not my doing,” replied Sagewhisker. “Some of the others didn’t see another option.” “Are they regretting their decision yet? Tigerstar is going to lure a pack of dogs to destroy Thunderclan!” “We’ve, tried to send warnings. Their new Medicine Cat is not used to her dreams yet. She has received the warning, but it is not clear to her yet of what it means.” “I sent my own messenger as well. Jump was only trying to warn them and they attacked him for trespassing. The others don’t want to do anything else. Jade thinks we should leave the clan cats to deal with Scourge and pull every one of our cats from the area and run.” “And your opinion,” asked a brown tabby she-cat. Moon stared at her for a moment not sure where she’d seen her before. “I’m staying until the last possible moment. But in the end we’ll all have to run.” “But if you helped,” she pressed. “Help,” Moon growled. “You expect any cat in the town to help. What help has the clans ever given them? They have asked for help, they’ve begged for it! But the only thing your cats have done is chase them off the territory, some with serious injuries. I will do what I can, but that is because I know it’s the right thing. Don’t expect me to change anyone else’s mind.” “Listen-” Sagewhisker moved his tail in front of the she-cat, “Peace, Pearnose.” He turned to her. “Please, do what you can. Otherwise a terrible darkness awaits the clans.” Moon looked off to the side, “My vision about Tigerstar hasn’t changed. Given that his body was left alone, I’d say Bloodclan took over the forest. Unless the clans are united as one, I don’t see how they can stand a chance.” One of her companions gave a long luxurious stretch. “I’m going to end up looking like one of those fat pets if this keeps up. Soft nest, fresh-kill brought to us every day. You’ve got to admit, this place is better than anything they’ve got in the town.” Another tom shook his head. “It’s too quiet. And you should know better that a full belly makes a slow cat, Claw.” “Don’t tell that to me, Fang. That bit of advice is for Abyss over there. She’s gotten rather plump since she’s been here.” Moon growled which immediately silenced him. As far as anyone was concerned, she was in charge of the rogues that were guests of Shadowclan. So far she didn’t need to remind them. Walking out of the den she stretched taking in the sun as it bathed her pelt. A hunt would do her some good. Alone she set out to the edge of Shadowclan territory near Four Trees. She had to admit she was getting rather fat. She’d cut down on the fresh-kill and train more. But she was always tired and hungry. A thought struck her like lightning. This was exactly how Corn and Callie behaved in the three moons before they kitted. Her eyes grew wide with alarm. She couldn’t be expecting kits. This was the worst possible time to have them. If certain members of Bloodclan knew they’d make certain her kits wouldn’t live. But it was true, she could feel the weight of them in her belly. A bird fluttered next to one of the large oaks. In a flash she jumped on the tree, climbed it for a few paces, before slamming the bird to the ground. The impact was enough to kill it. “Nice catch,” cried a she-cat from the other end of the clearing. Moon’s fur stood on end. “Mistyfoot, what are you doing here?” Her old friend and her brother came to join her. “Could ask you the same question. What are you doing on clan territory?” “I was invited.” She looked around for any sign that someone followed her. Her reputation was already in the balance without appearing friendly to cats she had supposedly never met. “Probably won’t stay long though. What’s going on with you?” The littermates exchanged looks. Moon knew there was something large that happened. Stonefur was the one to speak. “We found out our mother wasn’t our real mother?” Her ears pricked up. “Graypool? Than who is?” “Bluestar,” said Mistyfoot. “You’re sure?” Moon asked. Mistyfoot shook her head. “We’ve asked one of the other elders and they said we were brought to Riverclan during Leafbare. She said Graypool lost her kits and we had been taken in as a blessing from StarClan. How could she abandon us like that?” She sympathized with her friends, she really did. But what could she say to them? She didn’t know what clans were like. How important family was. “My own mother gave me up when I was hardly the age of an apprentice. Gave us all up. In two-leg place a mother can’t have any contact with her kits once they’ve reached twelve moons. I envied you clan cats for knowing who your kin is, being able to be a part of each others’ lives.” “M-moon I’m sorry,” said Mistyfoot. “I forgot you’re not one of us.” Moon shook her apology away. “Then what about a situation I do know about. I met a Windclan queen on the moors one night and she left her kit in a small patch near the rocks. She never came back never even looked back. I swore that I’d be that kit’s mother and would love him more than she ever would’ve. But I was wrong.” The littermates stared at her waiting for her answer. “I saw her again, this time in StarClan.” The two looked astonished at her. “And yes, I’ve had more than one dream in that place. I don’t know how or why, so there’s no point in asking. I was wrong to judge her so harshly. She was leaving him there to protect him from the kit’s Shadowclan father. She thought I was a StarClan cat and would take care of him. Who’s to say she wouldn’t come back? But she died defending the secret of where she hid him. Her love for her kit drove her to that.” Snatches of memory from Thistleclaw felt blinding to her. He saw an intense hatred for the cat that supposedly denied him his destiny by becoming the next leader of Thunderclan and then refusing to name him deputy. A hatred he passed on to his apprentice. “And I think Bluestar did the same,” Moon added. “In Riverclan you would be safe from Thistleclaw so long as he didn’t know you were her kits. But I once asked if you had been adopted, would you want to know. You told me you would.” Her fur along her spine rose warning her of danger. Turning towards Thunderclan’s territory she saw huge dogs thundering through clan territory towards the camp. It was about to begin. “You know something else,” said Stonefur shaking her from her thoughts. “Don’t you?” “No.” she kept repeating as she saw the dogs tearing through camp ravaging every cat there from the elders down to the apprentices. There was nothing she could do. The hunt had already started. With all her might she willed her littermate to hear her. “Steal the trail, Rusty, steal the trail! Give those dogs something to hunt!” Then something happened that never happened before. The vision changed. Instead of dogs attacking cats in camp, they instead hunted a small patrol of them ending at the gorge. He had heard her. She wanted to shout in triumph, but was cut short when she saw him jumping in after another cat. “Moon?” Mistyfoot asked growing concerned. But then she saw Mistyfoot and Stonefur helping Rusty and an old queen out of the river. But they couldn’t do that if they were chatting with her. “You have to get to the river. Both of you. It will take too long to explain, but you have to go downstream from the two-leg bridge. Go now before it’s too late. Please.” Stonefur nodded and the two raced back to the river. “Please StarClan let them get there in time.”
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Moon
Jul 30, 2011 20:40:16 GMT -5
Post by Mooncloud on Jul 30, 2011 20:40:16 GMT -5
Chapter 19
Tigerstar came back to camp anger radiating from his pelt. Moon sat with the others at the fresh kill pile carefully watching his progress to his den. A few of his clanmates went to inquire what had happened but he only snapped at them sending them retreating back to where they were. Suppressing a purr in her throat, Moon took a bite of her fresh-kill. Tigerstar had failed. Runningnose, the Medicine cat in Shadowclan, gave them a wide berth as he returned with herbs. He never liked them being here, but never said anything. Moon wondered how a cat like him could be a Medicine Cat when he couldn’t cure his own cold. But then she supposed that his mentor would’ve tried before he was apprenticed. Perhaps this was something that couldn’t be cured. “What do ya suppose’s eating him,” asked Claw jerking his head over to where Tigerstar disappeared. “With that cat? I’d say waking up on the wrong side of the nest would make him look that upset,” teased Moon. Her companions laughed, but the ginger she-cat, Russetfur, glared at them. “Have I said something to upset you?” Moon mocked. “Tigerstar is the greatest leader in the clans,” she spat at them. Moon looked back to her companions before facing the she-cat. “Considering he’s the only leader we’ve met, I’ll have to take your word for it.” Claw, Fang, Jaws, and Night were amused at the sight but said nothing. “You’ll see,” snapped Russetfur. “At the battle you’ll know that no other cat compares with him.” With that she stormed away. Moon rolled her eyes. “Love struck kit.” “You think that’s why she is so loyal?” asked Night, a black she-cat. Jaws rolled on his back, “I’m with Abyss. None of the toms act like that around him. You’ve got to admit she acts a bit like Catch when she’s around Scourge.” Claw stuck out his tongue. “The way she fawns over him, it’s kind of disgusting. Her kits are almost twelve moons old. Wonder if Scourge will let them stay with her since she’s taught them about his greatness.” Moon laughed. “I doubt Scourge is the father. His just as annoyed with her as the rest of us.” “Well, you’re right about that,” said Fang. “Her mate is a bit annoyed playing second to Scourge. Has little to do with his kits.” Tigerstar reemerged from his den. “Look who is going to grace us with his presence,” said Night. Her mouth moved to ‘let all cat old enough to catch their own prey gather for a clan meeting.’ “He certainly has been having a lot of these lately,” said Fang. “I have received some of the most distressing news I have ever heard of in all the clans. Bluestar, yes the leader of Thunderclan who has turned her back on our Warrior Ancestors, revealed a secret. I have no doubts that this secret is the reasoning behind all of Thunderclan’s recent misfortunes.” He waited a moment letting his words sink in. One thing was for sure, he was great at speeches. “Bluestar broke the Warrior Code by taking a mate from Riverclan.” There were gasps heard all around. Moon listened more intently. She knew who these two cats were. “I go now to Riverclan to warn Leopardstar of the half-clan cat she had so unknowingly appointed as her deputy. I believe that Riverclan will soon join our cause to unite the clans. While this will deal a blow to them, we will never the less prevail. Together we shall make it through this trial, bringing peace to all.” Several cats yowled their approval. The Bloodclan cats, however stayed silent. Tigerstar called a few cats to join him in his den before drawing the meeting to a close. “That was interesting,” said Claw. “Tell me about it,” yawned Jaws. “But you got to admire his skill with speeches.” Tigerstar joined them for a moment. “I am off to visit another clan.” “We heard,” said Jaws stretching. “A stirring speech I might add.” Tigerstar ignored him. “Blackfoot will be in charge of the camp while I am gone. But I promise to be here to greet Scourge.” “Good,” said Moon nodding formally. “By the way, what happened to this Bluestar? I can’t imagine any cat revealing such a damaging secret unless they were at death’s door. Sometimes not even then.” “You have guessed correctly, Abyss,” Tigerstar conceded. “And what happens to her clan now? I must say you have me curious about clan life.” “The clan’s deputy travels to our sacred place. If he or she gets there, our Warrior Ancestors will judge them and if they are found worthy, will receive nine lives.” Moon knew what barbed threat was behind those words. He intended to kill Fireheart on his way to High Stones. “This was your birth clan. You must know who is next in line.” Tigerstar stopped to think for a moment. It wouldn’t be good to ignore her like he did the others. “His name is Fireheart. I have told Scourge about his lies.” “I was there. So, you will carry out your plan while he is gone then? Or wait for him to get back?” “I-” Moon tried not to look as amused as she felt. Seeing this power-hungry cat squirm and being the cause of it brought her pleasure. Tigerstar couldn’t afford to look weak in front of Scourge, not if he wanted his deal to go through, and failure would be a sign of weakness. “I will go forward with the plan soon,” said Tigerstar. “Rest assured, Abyss, that your leader will see for himself how weak the others will be when I combine my clan with Riverclan.” She cocked her head to the side being only mildly interested. “And this, Fireheart is it? What of him? If he gets nine lives, as you say, wouldn’t that draw out his suffering?” Tigerstar thought on this for a moment. It was like she could see into his mind as it twisted and turned. Finally she saw him starting to agree with her. “If Scourge had a challenge to his leadership, he’d let it get strong for a little while. Because the bigger the show the longer the rest of the cats in town remember who’s in charge.” That had done it. While she hadn’t come out and said it, she was telling him that Scourge was more powerful than Tigerstar. This tom thought a lot of himself and being compared to a cat that looked no more than an apprentice had to sting. As far as power was concerned, Scourge was obviously more powerful, but if this cat got the other three clans to join him then they might prove a challenge. The Shadowclan leader nodded. “I must be off.” The other Bloodclan cats looked at her. “Did you just save a clan cat’s life?” Jaws asked. She laughed knowing Tigerstar was still in earshot. “For now. I want to see this, Fireheart, at the battle to know what all the fuss is about.”
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Moon
Jul 31, 2011 22:28:01 GMT -5
Post by Mooncloud on Jul 31, 2011 22:28:01 GMT -5
removed chapters 20 and 21. realized a mistake I made so I have to go back and fix it in the chapters. (If you have read them already, fair warning, what was posted might not be there when I post those chapters again).
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Moon
Aug 13, 2011 22:52:13 GMT -5
Post by Mooncloud on Aug 13, 2011 22:52:13 GMT -5
No I haven't forgotten about this. Sorry it's been a really long 2 weeks and I haven't had time to write anything. should get something up next week.
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