WARRIORS AU: Swiftpaw lived

Chapter 2

Swiftpaw struggled to his paws as he heard the call of a clan meeting. He padded towards High Rock and sat next to Fireheart. 

"Thank you," He whispered. "You saved my life." Fireheart dipped his head. 

"I could not watch any cat die. And young one, you have the heart of a warrior." Fireheart told him. Swiftpaw's eyes sparkled. The clan deputy thought he had the heart of a warrior! 

"Cats of ThunderClan," Bluestar began. "I know you have heard I have declared war on StarClan. And look what they did in response! They gave us flea pelts for apprentices!" She spat. Swiftpaw looked around. Brightpaw was still unconscious in the medicine den. 

"Bluestar... they risked their lives trying to save-" Fireheart began. 

"Silence you traitor!" Bluestar snarled at the ginger tom. "These two fools thought they could get their warrior names for doing this mouse-hearted thing! Well, here it is! Brightpaw is now known as Lostface and as for Swiftpaw... the most fox-hearted apprentice of all. Your name is Scarpelt. For the scars that will haunt you forever. Meeting dismissed!" Scarpelt trembled in horror. Scarpelt... his name was Scarpelt! An ugly evil cruel name. He let out a loud wail and bolted for the medicine den. A large tabby tom blocked his way. It was his mentor, Longtail. 

"Get out of my way," Scarpelt growled. 

"Swiftpaw, listen-" 

"I'm not Swiftpaw anymore! You heard her. I'm Scarpelt." Scarpelt grumbled. Longtail's eyes blazed with anger. 

"She should have never given you that name!" He flexed his claws and sighed. "You'll always be Swiftpaw to me." 

"Longtail... What am I now? I'm a warrior no one wants." Scarpelt's body shook. He didn't know what to think anymore. 

"Rubbish," Longtail grunted. "I want you. I love you like a son, and I promise I'll always be here for you." Scarpelt purred and ran up to Longtail. He rubbed up against him. Happiness rushed over him for the first time since the attack. 

                                                               ***

Scarpelt was sleeping. Whispers came from outside the den. 

"Freak." 

"Creep." 

"He looks like a mole!" 

"Huh?"  Scarpelt got up and looked outside. It was Darkstripe and a tom with a foul scent. He was a tabby. S- 

"Go away freak!" Darkstripe snarled. Scarpelt hung his head low and padded towards the medicine den with a sigh. 

"Swiftpaw! You're awake." A cat mewed. 

"Hmm? Brightpaw!" Swiftpaw raced up to his friend. "How-" 

"Don't call me that. Bluestar named me Lostface. I hate it but to be honest, it's a fair punishment." 

"How will we be warriors now?" Scarpelt sighed. 

"Cloudtail's been teaching me stuff. I-I really like him. He's so handsome and friendly. Kind too-" 

"I've heard enough." Scarpelt growled. He lashed his tail. "Whatever we shared, is over." 

"I'm sorry. Cloudtail just- I dunno." Lostface rasped. Scarpelt sighed. His love had left him! He flexed his claws. 

"Swift- Err- Scarpelt." A voice called. Scarpelt turned around. It was Fireheart. 

"Yes?" Scarpelt bit his tongue. He had to respect the deputy. 

"I'm so sorry," He began. "Bluestar isn't in the right state of mind. She'll calm down and give you a real name." 

"I don't think so," Scarpelt's eyes darkened. "For all I know, Bluestar would rather me died."