DISCLAIMER!!! THE FOLLOWING QUOTE WAS NOT WRITTEN BY ME. SEE THE DARKEST HOUR.

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I watched in horror as Scourge raised his voice to the forest. "I am taking over this territory now. I shall rule the forest as well as the town. But I understand you may need some time to reflect on this. You have three days to leave - or meet my clan in battle. I will wait for your decision at dawn on the fourth day." He turned to leave, and BloodClan filed out behind him, disappearing into the bushes without a sound.

I turned my gaze back to Tigerstar - no, Tigerclaw, a traitor did not deserve to bare the name of a leader - who still lay motionless in the center, blood pouring out of his belly. I should have stayed back at camp, I thought. I shouldn't even be here right now.

Was this what I really wanted? The cat who had caused me do much pain, so much grief, the one who had killed not only my mate but my own mother as well? Did I really wish him to die as painfully as this? Yes, I admitted. I did. But as I stared down pitifully at Tigerclaw, but not even I could say that he deserved it. Yes, he was a very bad cat, and yes, he killed and hurt many cats. But did he really deserve to die like that? I couldn't say. If I thought not, I was soft. If I agreed, then what better am I than him? Than Scourge himself?

I must have been sitting there for a while, for I did not notice the rest of the clan heading back to camp. I jumped slightly, trying to get out of sight, but it was too late. "Stealthheart?" Firestar mewed. "Why are you out here? If there was a battle, you could've been badly wounded, maybe even killed. And what good would that do for your kits? They're already without a father."

I bowed my head. "I'm sorry, Firestar. I know. I just wanted to get involved. I should have listened to you..." I glanced back at Tigerclaw.

Firestar sighed. "I know how you feel. I can't believe it either. He could have been better. A good cat. He really was a great leader to ShadowClan." He rested his tail on my shoulder. "Go back to your kits. Forget about what happened. Try to be there for them."

"I will, Firestar," I meowed. He smiled at me and hurried to catch up to Sandstorm.

I smiled, remembering how I acted like that with Runningwind. I padded slowly over to Tigerclaw's lifeless body and sat down. I ran my tail across his flank. "You stupid cat. You stupid, stupid cat." I touched a paw to his belly. "I guess you can't hurt me anymore," I whispered. I bent down to his ear. "I know you were a good cat once. And you could've been, even now. But I want you to know that I've always admired you. And I'm sorry for whatever happened to you." I gave his head a lick, as a final affection. You can't hurt me anymore.

Oh, but I can, I heard him hiss in my ear. I swear, I will kill you and your precious kits, and your little kittypet friend won't be able to help you. Just you wait.

.

For the next three days, the clan was alive with patrols, hunting parties, and training for the upcoming battle. Sandstorm was with the six kits teaching them how to defend themselves if BloodClan were to attack.

Sandstorm called out to me and gestured me over with her tail. "You've got to see this," she meowed. "Attack me," she commanded my kits.

Taking a few moments to get into position, Lightkit, the nimblest of my kits, veered behind Sandstorm. As the older warrior turned, Sweetkit and Eaglekit jumped on her.

(WIP)