Warrior Cats: Beyond the Clans

Spark's Grief - Chapter 5

Spark charged with the other DarkClan and RevengeClan cats as they attacked a ThunderClan patrol. Spark immediately headed for Dawnpaw.

Dawnpawlet a yowl and clawed her shoulder. Spark dodged nimbly, screaming in excitement inside her head.

You're useless. She isn't even hurt. How are you supposed to win over Demonclaw with Dawnpaw in the way? Grief sneered.

Spark's eyes dimmed and she forgot to duck as Dawnpawslashed her ears.

"Get off!" Spark turned around hearing Claw's yowl.

The tom had a few ThunderClan cats on him like ticks and she scrambled towards him.

You're too lateee! Grief sang.

"What do you mean, you cursed being?" Spark hissed.

Indeed, she was too late.

The brown tom flailed around, a few deep bites on his flank, and fell to the ground, his white patches bloodstained.

"No!" Spark yowled.

Everyone's leaving you, Spark. Grief jeered. I'm the only one who loves you for what you are. A lonely, depressed, emotional cat.

"Stop saying that!" she cried, her voice drowned out with the sounds of battle.

She paid no attention to the dozens of cats running around, bodies dropping to the ground. All she could hear was Grief's cackle and all she could see was Claw's lifeless eyes.

Spark was immediately at Claw's side, staring down at the cat that had made her purr, that had made her happy, that had allowed her to have her revenge.

Claw was gone.

He's gone, Spark told herself. You can't do anything about it.

Why don't you hunt down the cat that killed him? Grief suggested.

Overwhelmed with sadness and anger, Spark agreed with Grief for once.

"Who killed him?" Spark yowled over the sounds of fighting. "Who killed Claw?"

No one even bothered to look at her, even Demonclaw. Spark's fur bristled and Grief soothed her.

It's alright, Spark. They're all gone, but I'm still here. We can make a trade...

Spark sighed. She was going to regret this, but she asked Grief about the trade.

I can help you, and in return, I stay with you. Forever. Grief mewed smugly.

How would you help me? Spark asked.

Not sure yet.

Spark unsheathed her claws, stabbing them into the soft dirt. Her eyes hurt as she stared at the ground, indecisive. Should she trust Grief? After all, Grief was the being that had caused her to feel depressed. But if she could help, Spark wanted help more than anything. And Grief was right in some things. The she-cat had never left Spark since she arrived, unlike Claw or Demonclaw or Leaf. Yet she was plain evil.

You know I can hear that. Grief said in a voice of mock pain.

Alright, I'll trust you. Help me, and you can stay with me. Spark agreed to her deal.

Excellent! Now, I think you should- Grief stopped talking as a loud yowl caught every cat's attention.

"Stop! Stop the fighting!" Demonclaw had yowled for silence and peace.