AQUAPAW'S P.O.V.

"What are you talking about? We'll live against anything!" Aquapaw exaggerated, swerving around. "Not for long," the black tom hissed slyly, a gleam in his eye as he tackled the two to the ground, looming over them with a violent aura. She saw Skykit flinch, and she threw her weight against him. Nothing happened. "Who are you?" Aquapaw gasped, struggling under his abnormally strong grip. "Why did you take us here?"

"Reasons," he snarled, his breath menacingly hot against her ear. "P-Please, mister, let us go! We're innocent!" Skykit begged, her eyes pleading. "Let me ask you..." the cat's face only hovered a couple of mouse-lengths from Skykit's, "why would I take directions from a kit?" The taunting was unbearable, but she wisely stayed quiet. But then, she suddenly snapped. "Get away from my sister!" she howled, her pathetic squirms actually loosening her lithe body from the trap.

"We just wanted to go to the Realm of Shadows!" "Realm of... Shadows?" he meowed, echoing her words. A quizzical look lingered in his eyes. "Yes!" she confirmed, letting a breath let loose. She hadn't realized she was holding it. "Oh." The tom slackened his grip, and the two she-cats slithered out like snakes, and eventually sat up, relieved.

"My name is Death, outcast of the Realm of Shadows," he introduced, a shy smile spreading across his lips. "My victims are?" Aquapaw glanced at him, helping Skykit steady her balance. "Outcast?" she echoed. "Why would we trust an outcast who stranded us out in the middle of nowhere?" "Holly... is she okay?" Death inquired, ignoring her rant/question. At first, he was traded with blank stares. "Of course... you know Hollypaw?" Aquapaw meowed carefully.

"Yes!" he exclaimed. "Let's make a deal. I'll lead you back to your friends, and in return, it is your job to bring me Holly!" "Mind you, Hollypaw," Skykit remarked. "Oh, you cats and your silly ranks!" Death scoffed. He sighed, shaking his black head. "One more thing, Death," Aquapaw pointed out.

"Yes, Chosen One?" he asked, bowing his head in deep respect. He knows, she noted silently.

"Protect Skykit with your mere life."