Cursed Division

Chapter 4

Midnight's thoughts raced as she took a last glance behind her at the evil forest that became smaller with each paw-step. She had left late in the night while Hawk, Pine, and Flare had been dozing in the den. She had snuck out of DeathBlood quietly, relieved that no DeathBlood cats caught her. Dawn was approaching. Weak sunlight began to shine through dark clouds. Her pelt was dark against the sky and her green eyes seemed to glow like fire. Determination sparked through her paws. She was heading to PeaceLeaf. She was sick of her cruel life and wanted something more, something better. PeaceLeaf would give her that but it was unlikely they'd accept her. It was still worth a try right? Sudden energy soared through her body and she began to race underneath the dark skies. Wind streamed her whiskers, bounding neatly on the soft grass. She hadn't had a chance to run like this in forever. The refreshing air soothed her lungs. Time seemed to slow as she enjoyed bounding through the open land. PeaceLeaf wasn't far now. She could see it's beautiful trees up ahead. Should she just barge in or wait for a cat to pop out and speak to her? She felt undecided about what her next step should be but it wasn't long before her thoughts we're interrupted by an angry yowl. Skidding to a halt, she nearly ran into three figures that stood in front of her. Adjusting her eyes, she saw the shapes of three cats in front of her. Their fur was bristled, tails bushed, and lips drawn back in a snarl.
"What brings you here, trespasser?!" A brown tabby tom with a crooked tail demmanded.
"She has the reek of a DeathBlood Cat!" a strange looking she-cat spat with disgust. This she-cat had light brown fur and rainbow tabby markings on her pelt. What in the Suns name?! It was another strange looking she-cat who spoke next. She was sandy colored tabby with a golden colored lightning marking on her forehead.
"Hush. Let me handle this."
The crooked-tailed tom snorted in disbelief. The sandy tabby padded up to her and gave her a sniff. Midnight backed up a pace in confusion. The cat's eyes focused with concentration as she drew in Midnight's scent before backing up with a grunt.
"DeathBlood Cat alright. What brings you here? You know well you all arn't welcome here." Her voice was calm but her gaze shown slight hostility and suspicion.
Midnight dipped her head in respect.
"Hello, I am Midnight and i'm-"
"What?" the sandy cat interrupted as if not hearing a word Midnight said.
"I said my name is Midnight and-"
"Midnight?" The cat interrupted again.
Have your ears been stuffed with fur!? She didn't dare speak the remark aloud but she lashed her tail irritably.
"What is it ThunderHeart?" The rainbow tabby asked.
"This must be the one the PeaceLeaf Guardian spoke of."
The brown tom scoffed. "Nonsense!"
"Think about it CrookedTail." The one named ThunderHeart began. "Black fur, green eyes, young, and the name. It matches her description."
What are these cats talking about? The PeaceLeaf Guardian? Isn't that PeaceLeaf's leader who is part ghost?
ThunderHeart glanced back around to Midnight.
"You must come with us."
What!?
"I-why?" Midnight asked in astonishment. Why are they surprised by me? Is there something on my fur?
ThunderHeart rested her tail on Midnight's shoulders. "Trust us young one, we mean you no harm. We just need you to follow us into PeaceLeaf."
"ThunderHeart have you no brains!? Bringing that stinky cat in our forest is foolish! She means no good!"
"The Guardian will want to see this for herself." the sandy she-cat growled in response.
"I swear ThunderHeart, you become stupider day by day!"
"Shame on you CrookedTail. Learn some respect!" The rainbow she-cat hissed. CrookedTail whipped his head around and glared at her.
"When you get your fur clawed off Rainbow, don't come wailing to me!" With that the tom stomped ahead, cursing under his breath.
Wow, what a grump.
"Ignore him." ThunderHeart advised. "Come".
Reluctantly, Midnight followed. What was going on? What was all this about? She padded after them silently, aware of CrookedTail's hostile gaze burning her pelt. He is scary.

Sunrise was approaching. The sky was pink and beautiful, the distant trees silhouetted against the landscape. PeaceLeaf was up ahead. Midnight felt her paws prick with unease. She had no idea what to expect. Part of her wanted to run back to DeathBlood Forest and hide in her den. But she knew that wouldn't happen. It wasn't long before shocked voices sounded up ahead. Midnight glanced up from her paws to see two cats at the entrance of PeaceLeaf Forest, standing tall, fur pricking with unease.
A dark gray tom with one deeply torn ear and scars unsheathed his claws.
"ThunderHeart who is this?"
"Keep your fur on Crow. This is Midnight, the one the Guardian spoke about."
"Impossible!" a she-cat exclaimed besides him, her white tail bushed.
"That's what I said." CrookedTail muttered under his breath.
"All that spiritual vision stuff is nonsense. She is just a normal cat. You've mistaken ThunderHeart. I smell the stink of DeathBlood on her fur!" Crow spat, wrinkling his nose.
Excuse me! Midnight felt outraged.
Rainbow extended he claws, a growl rumbling in her throat.
"How dare you speak of our ancestors that way!? Do you doubt the Guardian!?" the two cats stood nose to nose, teeth bared.
Are they always this argumentative? You'd think they'd be more peaceful with one another.
"Enough!" ThunderHeart hissed, stepping in between the two bristling cats. "Show some respect will you? Cut the hostility! We are peaceful!"
Midnight shifted her paws uncomfortably. This is awkward.
"Come." ThunderHeart ordered, her voice slightly irritated.