Chapter 9
"Good! Now go for his belly!"
Spiderpaw hissed out in pain as Amberpaw pinned his shoulders and raked her hind claws madly across his soft black stomach. He retaliated, pulling a forearm free and slashing open his sister's ear. She shrieked and reared, giving Spiderpaw the opportunity to push her away from him.
"Well done!" Mottledface spoke again, his eyes gleaming as he watched the apprentices re-engage in combat. "Don't give him time to recover. Show no mercy!" Beyond him, Foxshadow paced around the clearing, watching Amberpaw slash at her opponent.
Mistybreeze sat across from them near Revengeheart, her head low. She felt sick to her stomach as she watched the siblings draw blood from one another, as if they were mere rogues. This is wrong... Everything is so wrong...
Two days had passed since she had been introduced to Deserve's Army and learned of their horrifying plot. These rogues were responsible for the deaths of her clanmates. Revengeheart and his friends were helping them. And now, she herself was involved in their plan.
She had hardly slept the past few nights; tossing and turning in her nest as she reflected on her terrifying experience in a camp full of killers. She thought desperately about what to do. She could tell Depthstar what she knew. But would he believe her? Would he question Revengeheart and Poisonedsap? Would Revengeheart and his allies go after her? Would the whole of Deserve's Army go after her?
I took an oath to defend this clan with the cost of my life. Mistybreeze shut her eyes, shame washing over her. And yet I'm afraid... I don't want to die. I don't want to leave Diamondrain and Coldpebble alone. What if Revengeheart and his allies kill them too, because of me? She let out a quiet sigh. What kind of a warrior am I...?
"That's enough!" Revengeheart's voice snapped her out of her thoughts, and her heart skipped a beat. Amberpaw and Spiderpaw were tangled together, snarling and spitting furiously.
At the white warrior's command, the two sprang apart, and Mistybreeze flinched when she heard the sickening sound of claws ripping from skin. Droplets of blood and tufts of black and ginger fur dotted the grass around them. Spiderpaw trembled, blood trickling from a cut above his eye and glistening through his shoulder fur. Beside him, Amberpaw panted, her eyes alight with acceleration as she twitched her split ear and licked blood from her muzzle.
"Amberpaw, Spiderpaw, well done." Revengeheart meowed. "You'll be a good match for any cat in battle." His eyes narrowed as he swung around. "Falconpaw!"
The dark ginger tabby apprentice was crouched not far from his mentor. He started at his snap and looked up nervously. "Y-yes?"
"You've been a coward long enough." Revengeheart growled. "Attack Spiderpaw."
"But-"
"Now!"
Mistybreeze watched sadly as the apprentice hung his head and slowly headed into the clearing. Spiderpaw straightened and faced his brother while Amberpaw turned and trotted back to Foxshadow, her tail high. He leaned forward and licked blood from her cheek, and she giggled.
"Begin." Revengeheart ordered.
With a growl, Spiderpaw launched himself at Falconpaw, easily knocking him onto his back. Falconpaw batted an unsheathed paw at his brother, who laughed, grinning and revealing his fangs. "What was that?"
Falconpaw has never wanted to be involved with this. Mistybreeze thought sympathetically, remembering how timid he was as a kit. He's a good cat. He doesn't like violence. She tensed as Revengeheart let out a frustrated snarl, stalking toward the apprentices.
Spiderpaw quickly backed away, and Revengeheart lunged down, grabbing Falconpaw by the scruff and swinging him around. Mistybreeze held back a gasp as the young apprentice yelped and tumbled in the dirt.
"What are you, a declawed kittypet?" Revengeheart snarled, baring his teeth as Falconpaw stumbled to his paws. "What's wrong with you? Stupid furball!"
Falconpaw's glistening amber eyes flared pleadingly. "I don't want to hurt my brother and sister!" He cried. "No other mentors train their apprentices this way! I don't understand! I just want to be a warrior and hunt and patrol for my clan!"
His words pierced Mistybreeze's heart. She wished she could help him. But like her, his paws had been set onto a dark path. Death would be the only escape. Revengeheart would gladly provide the doorway.
A growl rumbled in Revengeheart's throat as he thrust his muzzle in Falconpaw's face. "You will never be a warrior. And you should be grateful! You've been chosen for a bigger destiny, one that none of your dumb clanmates will ever see."
Falconpaw's eyes welled with pain as he backed away and hung his head. "No... I don't want that..." He whimpered.
The cats were quiet for a long moment. Revengeheart exchanged a look with Mottledface. For a heartbeat, Mistybreeze wondered with a spark of hope if they would let Falconpaw go and live the life of a true warrior.
But as Revengeheart's cold eyes locked on his half brother, Mistybreeze knew that had been too much to expect. With a furious snarl, he launched himself at Falconpaw. The apprentice let out a startled shriek as he was pinned by massive black paws.
Mistybreeze leapt to her feet, staring anxiously as the young cat struggled under Revengeheart. What is he doing? Let him go!
"You're worthless!" The white tom spat down at him as he dug his claws into his chest. "Don't you get it, you pathetic kit? You were born to fight for us! Otherwise, you might as well run back to the nursery, little Falconkit!"
Falconpaw's amber eyes flashed with protest. "I'm no kit! I-" Before he could finish, Revengeheart swung and ripped his claws across his ear. The young tom let out a cry of pain, glaring up at his mentor in frustration as he went on.
"Maybe you're right. Even as a kit, I had more drive for battle!" Revengeheart sneered. "Perhaps you'd be better off as a kittypet, begging twolegs for food and trotting around with a bell tinkling around your neck!"
"That's not true!" Falconpaw bristled, anger flaring in his gaze as blood ran from a nick in his ear.
Mistybreeze's paws were frozen to the ground as she watched her mate taunt Falconpaw. Beyond them, Mottledface and Foxshadow looked amused, while their apprentices laughed.
"Come on, Falconkit!" Amberpaw sneered. "Too scared to get your paws dirty?"
"Scaredy cat!" Spiderpaw purred. "I bet Depthstar doesn't even give him a warrior name!"
Revengeheart chuckled. "You'll be a nice little kittypet. I think I'd better go tell Poisonedsap right now." He released Falconpaw and turned away. "She'll make sure you find a nice cozy nest to-"
With a screech of fury, Falconpaw got to his paws and lunged for Revengeheart, slamming him to the ground. He raked his claws across his face, leaving scratches welling with blood. To Mistybreeze's surprise, Revengeheart let him continue clawing at him, yowling with rage as he tore up clumps of bloody fur. After a moment, he lunged upward and rolled Falconpaw onto his back, planting a paw firmly on his throat.
As Falconpaw's eyes flashed upward, Revengeheart swung a black paw at him, tearing his claws across his face. The apprentice screeched out, and Mistybreeze gasped when she saw the long ragged wounds Revengeheart had left on him.
Falconpaw panted as his mentor sneered down at him. "You feel that? Let that rage control you. It's the only way you'll ever be useful in this world." He released the apprentice and turned, padding over to join Mottledface and Foxshadow.
Mistybreeze's stomach twisted as she stared at Revengeheart. That cat is crazy... How could I have ever loved him or believed a word he said? She forced her gaze from him and looked at Falconpaw. The apprentice slowly stood, blood trickling down his forehead and across his muzzle from the three long slashes Revengeheart had inflicted. There was no fear or sadness in his eyes. Only cold anger and determination.
Revengeheart is going to change him... There's no doubt about that. Mistybreeze tensed as a horrifying thought crossed her mind. Will he change me too?
"That's enough training for one day." The black legged tom moved his gaze across the apprentices. "Clean yourselves up before you return to camp."
Amberpaw and Spiderpaw turned away, while Falconpaw followed more slowly. A heartbeat later, the bushes rustled, and Mistybreeze turned to see Blackstorm and Swiftstalker emerge.
"Poisonedsap has an idea," Blackstorm announced. "She wanted me to discuss it with the rest of you."
Revengeheart nodded a greeting and stepped forward to meet them. "Alright. What's up?" The cats settled in a circle, leaning close together. Mistybreeze hesitated before joining them. Her stomach twisted nervously as she wondered what horrible scheme Poisonedsap had thought up.
"The clan is suspicious," Blackstorm growled. "They think rogues are responsible for these murders, and that's a little too close for comfort. We need a diversion. A distraction."
Revengeheart nodded slowly. "A scapegoat." His amber eyes gleamed. "Perfect."
"But who?" Mottledface asked. "We can't blame ThunderClan again."
Blackstorm purred. "Poisonedsap knows exactly who. The one cat in ShadowClan that sticks out like a sore paw. The cat that no one's quite sure of."
"Bloodfur. Of course!" Revengeheart laughed. "Yes, he'll do."
Bloodfur? Mistybreeze's eyes widened as alarm shot through her veins. Cats had always acted strangely around her old friend. She figured it was because of his name, but had no proof of this. Why should he be involved in this mess?
"W-wait..." Her heart pounded as she found herself speaking, and every cat locked their eyes on her. She grew nervous and conscious of every word she said. "But... Is he the best choice?"
She was answered by silence. Then Swiftstalker spoke up. "There's no reason to involve Bloodfur. We can-"
"Shut up, Swiftstalker." Revengeheart bared his teeth. "Every cat knows you have a soft spot for him, just because you were kithood friends." He turned to the others as Swiftstalker dropped his gaze. "It's a plan. We use the clan's distrust in Bloodfur to our advantage." His eyes narrowed. "And I know just how to get started."
Mottledface swished his tail across the grass. "Well?" He prompted.
The white tom cast his friend a look through amber eyes glittering with malice. "I've been thinking about trying to recruit Bloomfire's kits. They might have potential. And you know how attached Bloodfur is to those orange furballs."
"Ah." Foxshadow chuckled. "Triggering Bloodfur while gaining recruits. I like it."
"I'll take care of it tomorrow," Revengeheart meowed. "In the meantime, the rest of you get some rumors spreading about Bloodfur. Make them doubt his loyalty. Make him look suspicious."
"Yes, Revengeheart." Mottledface purred. "We'll get right to it."
Revengeheart nodded approvingly. Mottledface, Foxshadow, Blackstorm, and Swiftstalker headed back toward the camp, leaving he and Mistybreeze alone. She flicked her tail awkwardly, turning to follow the others when he spoke.
"Mistybreeze. Are you ready to have kits yet?"
She stopped in her tracks and stared at him. He studied her calmly. "Don't you want little claws- I mean-" He realized his mistake and snorted in amusement. "Paws, running around the nursery?"
"Um..." Mistybreeze didn't know how to respond. The memory of Revengeheart slashing at Falconpaw was fresh in her mind. She wasn't going to risk angering him. "Maybe... In the future."
Revengeheart's eyes narrowed, his tail lashing in irritation. "The near future?"
"Mistybreeze."
She flicked an ear in surprise as Swiftstalker stepped out of the bushes, glancing from her to Revengeheart. "Diamondrain wants to talk to you in camp."
"Oh- okay." Mistybreeze looked at Revengeheart hesitantly. He was glaring at Swiftstalker and grunted, turning and disappearing through the trees.
Thank StarClan... She let out a sigh of relief and turned toward Swiftstalker, and they began padding toward camp side by side.
"Is Diamondrain alright?" Mistybreeze asked worriedly, wondering what her mother could want so urgently.
"Oh, yes." Swiftstalker looked embarrassed. "I'm sorry. I..." He hesitated for a long moment. "I stayed behind to spy on you while Mottledface, Blackstorm, and Foxshadow returned to camp. I wanted to make sure nothing went wrong."
She blinked at him in surprise. Though it hadn't taken her long to see that Swiftstalker was different from the other cats. He was the only one of their friend group who really felt like a friend. "Thank you."
He flashed her a nervous look. "Just don't tell that to Revengeheart, or any cat."
"I won't. I promise." Mistybreeze assured him. "You can trust me."
Swiftstalker met her gaze, a look of comfort in his blue eyes. "You can trust me, too." She could sense his surprise and relief. I wonder... Has he been dealing with all of this on his own his whole life? When was the last time he felt he could trust any cat? As they neared the camp entrance, Mistybreeze found the feeling mutual. I know I can trust Swiftstalker.
***
The sun had nearly risen the next day. Mistybreeze sat by the side of the clearing, sharing a mouse with Revengeheart. Sort of. He let her have the leftovers. Her stomach rumbled, but she ignored it. I'll grab another mouse for myself later.
Mottledface crouched on the other side of Revengeheart, chewing on a frog leg. He suddenly swallowed and nudged his friend. "Look."
Revengeheart looked up, and Mistybreeze followed his gaze. Two of Bloomfire's kits, Cardinalpaw and Applepaw, were hanging around the apprentice's den, chatting loudly.
"I wonder what Bloodfur's going to show me today!" Cardinalpaw purred excitedly, his tail high in the air.
Applepaw waved her tail. "Copperstripe said he'd show me some hunting techniques. I want to catch a frog!"
Mistybreeze's heart sank as Revengeheart smiled and rose to his paws, crossing the clearing to meet the apprentices. Why can't you leave them alone? She silently pleaded. They have nothing to do with this. They're innocent young cats who just want to be warriors!
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Swiftstalker's black pelt as he joined her and Mottledface. He stared after his brother in dismay. "Oh no..." He murmured.
"Do you two want to learn from a real warrior?" Revengeheart prompted as he reached the apprentices. They turned to him curiously. "How about a little warm up lesson?"
"Really?" Cardinalpaw exchanged an excited look with Applepaw. "Sure!"
Revengeheart raised a black paw. "How about some battle moves? Come at me, one of you."
While Cardinalpaw hesitated, Applepaw let out a playful growl and lunged forward, swiping a sheathed paw at his white chest. Mistybreeze flinched, waiting for Revengeheart to criticize her poor skills.
But instead, he praised her. "Good job, Applepaw!" He raised his other paw and swiped his claws through the air at an invisible opponent. "And you always go for the throat or belly. That's a quick finisher."
Cardinalpaw tilted his head. "Isn't it against the warrior code to kill an enemy?"
"Not if the enemy deserves it!" Revengeheart retorted. "Now dodge this!" He swiped an unsheathed paw at Cardinalpaw.
"Hey!"
Mistybreeze froze as a familiar dark red tabby charged across the clearing and planted himself between his apprentice and Revengeheart, glaring at him. "What do you think you're doing."
Bloodfur. Her heart felt like a stone in her body. He loves his siblings. Of course he would defend them, no question. Revengeheart's plan was working.
Revengeheart blinked, look of puzzled innocence on his face. "I'm showing them battle moves, Bloodfur. Keep your fur on." He returned his attention to the apprentices. "So when you lash out-"
"Your claws were unsheathed," Bloodfur growled. "You're going to hurt them."
This is nothing. If you'd seen what I saw yesterday... Her thoughts trailed off as she saw that many cats were beginning to notice the two warriors arguing. Copperstripe and Timberstorm sat by the warriors den, while Brownstripe and Cliffshade murmured to each other, casting wary looks at Bloodfur. But he seemed oblivious to his surroundings. Oh no...
"They'll learn quicker if they get hurt," Revengeheart responded. "What's the use of training with sheathed claws?" He reached out with one paw and pushed Bloodfur aside. "Cardinalpaw, attack your sister and-"
A few cats gasped as Bloodfur shouldered Revengeheart back. "Don't tell him what to do!" He snarled, his red striped tail lashing angrily. "Cardinalpaw is my apprentice, not yours!"
Mistybreeze had never seen Bloodfur so angry. The dark red warrior's yellow eyes blazed with fury as he faced Revengeheart. She sat up, exchanging a nervous look with Swiftstalker.Come on, Bloodfur! She silently begged. Don't fall for this! Wake up and realize everyone's watching!
But it was too late. Revengeheart knew exactly how to trigger Bloodfur. His black tipped tail swished slowly as he smirked. "That's a shame. Cardinalpaw deserves a better mentor than you."
At that moment, Bloodfur snarled furiously and lunged at Revengeheart. No! She watched helplessly as the two toms screeched and clawed at each other. She had never seen Bloodfur fight so fiercely, dragging his claws across Revengeheart's body. The white tom quickly submitted to his attacks, and she understood. He's making it look like he's the victim. Making Bloodfur look more like the monster he isn't...
Though she knew very well that he wasn't to blame, the sight of her old friend fighting so mercilessly stunned her. This isn't him. Revengeheart is bringing out the worst in him. The clan had quickly crowded around the brawling toms, meowing anxiously.
"Stop at once!" Ashcloud yowled.
Bloomfire leaped to her paws. "Bloodfur!"
"Hey!" Hissed Copperstripe. "Stop!"
Bloodfur had Revengeheart pinned now, glaring down at him angrily. He raised a paw to strike him again when Depthstar yowled.
"Bloodfur!"
At last, he snapped out of it and glared up at the clan leader. Depthstar looked furious and stunned. "What's wrong with you? Get off him, now!" As Bloodfur obeyed, Revengeheart got to his paws and prepared to leap at Bloodfur again. Mistybreeze realized he'd become just as blinded by his anger.
"You too, Revengeheart!" Depthstar hissed, and Revengeheart stopped. "What are you thinking? Clanmates do not fight each other!"
Bloodfur panted and glared at Revengeheart. "He was showing the apprentices-"
"I don't care what he was doing!" Depthstar cut him off angrily. "It doesn't give you the right to draw blood from your clanmate! And you shouldn't provoke him!" He added to Revengeheart. "You two are warriors now! And you, Bloodfur, a mentor! What kind of example are you setting for your apprentice?"
Bloodfur's ears flattened shamefully as he looked at Cardinalpaw. His gaze drifted across the clearing, just noticing the crowd around him. He caught Mistybreeze's gaze, and she could only stare back wordlessly. I'm sorry...
As Depthstar proceeded to punish Revengeheart and Bloodfur with apprentice duties, Swiftstalker turned to her, his blue eyes dull with sadness. "I didn't think he'd do it..." He murmured. "I didn't think it was in him."
And yet it is... Mistybreeze stared at Bloodfur as he slowly headed for the medicine den, his ears flattened as the clan murmured about him. And Revengeheart is going to bring out every piece of darkness inside him.
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