The forest was thick with tall and dark trees, making the cats look small in comparison. In the deep shade of the forest there was a camp full of scar ridden felines. The sandy clearing was crowded as a dangerous looking she-cat came out onto a high rock. The clearing immediately fell silent when she cast a commanding gaze over the cats. When even the distant birds didn't sing she began her announcement.
"Warriors of the Dark Forest, we have a new addition to our ranks! Our time draws near with our gain in numbers!" Yowls of triumph raised from the crowd, all were optimistic in their excitement. When the crowd hushed once more the black she-cat continued.
"In anticipation of this, patrols will be made including the new members. They are to be tested for loyalty before they are taught our well guarded moves. Only true Dark Forest warriors have the honor to learn them. Those who are scheduled to go on patrol today, and you new runts, are ordered to meet Halfear, he will organize your groups. You are dismissed!"
Afterwards she turned and faded into the dark den that she resided in. The crowd dispersed and each cat returned to their task. Redfang turned his gaze to the deputy who was being surrounded by the ordered warriors. He gave a snort of contempt as he caught a glance at one of the newest members. He'll show the runt who's in charge. He strode confidently over to Halfear and awaited orders.
....
For the morning patrol they were split into smaller groups in order to cover more ground. Despite this being the afterlife, Starclan cats could still be a little nosy, and so patrols were necessary. Redfang was grouped with Longscar, Snakebite, Weaselsnout, and two new recruits who he didn't know the names of. One, luckily for Redfang, was the tom he had seen earlier. The dark brown tabby held a strong hatred for the runts who came nearly every week, they seemed to get meeker every time. What use were they to the Forest if they were already scared of their own shadow? He gave a menacing chuckle as he watched the younger runt, who was called Stormpaw, being pushed around by two of his companions. He decided to call them jokingly off when he thought the apprentice was shaken enough.
"Oh, come on now, if you push them too far they won't be able to drag themself back to camp!"
The two laughed aloud as they continued knocking Stormpaw back and forth between them.
"I'm sure the runt's able to handle a bit of rough play. Can't you buddy?" Weaselsnout joked back.
The apprentice remained in terrified silence.
Snakebite cuffed their ears and played along. "Oi, my friend just asked you a question!"
It was the appointed leader of the group that halted them with a glare. The two friends stopped their joking and resumed silently walking with their heads down. Redfang gave a retorting glare at the black tom before turning his attention to the other recruit who was giving a sympathetic look to the frightened apprentice. The tabby warrior made his way over to the tom as they all walked.
"Hey runt, what's your name? Or are you too stupid to speak?" Snakebite and Weaselsnout repressed their chuckles at the not-so-clever insult.
The mysterious tom repressed a glare as he sharply gave his fake name.
"Pineshadow."
Redfang seemed displeased at the lack of fear in the warrior. He scowled and continued walking along the border with the patrol. Then something strange occured when the duo began messing with the apprentice once more after Longscar left to scout ahead. Pineshadow, as he was known to them, stopped in his tracks. The sleek, black tom turned slowly and gave a dangerous glare at the warriors. Weaselsnout and his friend stopped as they were intimidated by the mere gaze of him. Redfang glanced contemptuously at the pair before turning his gaze over at Pineshadow. He took a step forward in a challenging stance. Both toms hissed at one another as their fur raised in hostility. Redfang pounced first but was dodged swiftly and was dealt several claw swipes to his head. Redfang retorted with a shallow bite to the tom's shoulder. Before anything could escalate further, Longscar broke the two apart. Redfang huffed angrily and flexed his claws on the dirt beneath him. Pineshadow, meanwhile, had already walked away over to the apprentice. He stood protectively next to Stormpaw as Snakebite and Weaselsnout backed away from him. Longscar shook his head and led the patrol further on, keeping a watchful eye on the two toms. Redfang's heated anger was accompanied by curiosity. He couldn't help but wonder about the tom. Where had he come from? What had he done that led him to the Dark Forest? Suspicion rose inside of him as he thought further.