Darkness In The Clans 1- Frost (warrior cats)

Chapter One

Berrypaw watched as his clanmates played in the middle of the clearing, the glowing mushrooms making their fur shine. He was envious of them. It wasn't that he was unhappy, but he was jealous of how many friends they had.

"We need juniper berries and sorrel." Redtuft observed.

"Right. Should I go collect some?"

Redtuft nodded. "Take another cat with you."

Berrypaw dipped his head, peeking outside for any cat he could take. Batpaw! He was all alone, thank Starclan. When they were alone, he was the nicest cat ever. But with Snakepaw...

"Psst!" He hissed to Batpaw, who looked in his direction. "Come here!"

"Is something the matter?" Batpaw whispered, looking around anxiously to see if Snakepaw or Iciclepaw was watching.

"I need someone to collect herbs with me. Can you come? I need a big strong cat to protect me, since I'm... kind of small." He added as Batpaw's head drooped. He suddenly looked more enthusiastic.

"Don't worry, you're in safe paws-" Batpaw began to meow louder, and caught the attention of Snakepaw.

"What're you doing? Talking to this herb-brain?" Snakepaw added with a snarl. Batpaw shrunk back. Snakepaw was a few moons younger than Berrypaw, but that never stopped him from insulting and hurting him at any chance.

"He was begging me to go collect leaves with him." He squeaked, forcing himself to look annoyed. "Go do it yourself, kittypet! In fact, go get your twolegs to do it for you! Lazy cat!" He added, though his eyes glistened with sadness.

Berrypaw flinched. He knew Batpaw didn't mean those words and was only avoiding the wrath of Snakepaw, yet it still hurt. "...Okay." He murmured, quickly slipping out to find Cowfur instead. Cowfur didn't mind Berrypaw, unlike everyone else.

"Stupid, weak kittypet! Can't even get a leaf by himself!" Snakepaw sneered.

"Yes! Stupid, weak kittypet!" Iciclepaw added. Berrypaw forced himself not to let out a wail, pressing against Cowfur's pelt.

"Don't let them get to you." The white and black tom mewed, licking the top of his head. "They're just bullies."

"Yeah."

Berrypaw felt small compared to Cowfur. He was so calm and kind... "Can you come with me to collect herbs?"

Cowfur blinked at him before awkwardly saying, "I'm going on a hunting patrol soon with Morningsun, Ambersong, and Eggpaw." He shuffled his paws.

"Oh. Okay." Berrypaw frowned. "I'll go out by myself then."

"Be careful."

He slipped outside of camp, unaware of the gray cat following.

Carrying the bundle of herbs in his jaws, he began to carefully stalk back to camp. I don't need any stinky warrior with me! He thought smugly. Seaclan wouldn't dare attack a medicine cat! He lashed his tail. Berrypaw stiffened, a familiar scent wafting through the air, although he could not tell what it was. A flash of gray fur made him jump, and without warning a cat pounced on him, claws outstretched. "Snakepaw!" He gasped, eyes wide with fear.

"Filthy kittypet! You should never have been born!" He spat scornfully. He grabbed his head and shoved it under a nearby river's water, the darkness engulfing Berrypaw.

I can't breathe!

He thrashed around madly, water splashing around onto the grass. He forced himself to cling onto the herbs, terrified of swallowing water. He began to go unconscious, blackness creeping up at the corners of his eyes, as Snakepaw let go. He spat his herbs onto the grass. "Why'd you do that?" He coughed.