𝚠𝚊𝚛𝚛𝚒𝚘𝚛 𝚌𝚊𝚝𝚜| 𝙱𝚕𝚘𝚘𝚍𝚜𝚑𝚎𝚍 𝙱𝚊𝚝𝚝𝚕𝚎

Chapter 14

Violetpaw's POV

Violetpaw had never been this ashamed in her life. It was like a storm wreaking havoc in her heart. No cat said it to her face, but she could hear their whispers and murmurs behind her back whenever she stopped by the fresh-kill pile or her nest. It gripped her fiercely like a badger's claw, and it felt like the world had physically become dark. Was this how Flamepaw felt? Feeling like an outcast in your own Clan? I guess it serves me right, her mind sighed. It felt like some had snapped inside. She knew that it was not wise to hold a grudge, but why did she still feel a burning hatred towards Flamepaw? Violetpaw glumly scanned the forest for prey. She opened her jaws to test the air and picked up the scent of mouse, prowling towards the beech grove where there were unopened shells littered on the leaves. There! A nose poked out of the roots of a beech tree, twitching nervously and then a dusky brown mouse scrambled out of the hole. The dark grey she-cat unsheathed her claws, creeping closer until she was sure, and lunged at the small creature. Her paws closed on empty air.

Mousedung! She cursed, growling in frustration. "Violetpaw! You could've caught that easily!" Honeyspark bounded out of the foliage, exasperation visible on her face. "What's going on with you?" Violetpaw hung her head. "I'm sorry. I'll try harder next time." The golden-brown tabby she-cat frowned crossly. "A whole morning wasted. We might as well get back to camp." Violetpaw swallowed. With their assessments coming up and still no sign of Mistpaw, there was hardly any time for her to relax and relieve herself of the stress of the last quarter moon. Mistpaw. I hope she's ok. Her sister had been missing for ages. Some cats were starting to think she was dead. She quickly shook her head, trying to rid the thought from her mind. No, I REFUSE to believe it. My sister is not dead.

As they entered the camp, she immediately went to find Swiftpaw. He was the only cat in the Clan who didn't shun her like she was some rogue. Violetpaw spotted him already. His yellow tabby pelt shone like molten lava in the bright sunlight.

Swiftpaw turned and smiled down at her. She sat beside him and pressed against his side. "Hey Violetpaw, guess what? I'm going to be a warrior!" She flashed him a small grin. "That's great! Ooh, what do you think your warrior name will be?" Violetpaw was genuinely happy for him but couldn't help feeling a twinge of when will it be me? I'm sure it'll be soon.  Icestar appeared on the Tallstone. "Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey, gather together under the Tallstone for a Clan meeting!" Swiftpaw gave a little hop of glee. "Cheer for me!" He whispered over his shoulder as he went to join the two other apprentices, Owlpaw and Ivypaw, who were also being made warriors.

"Today is a day to celebrate the strength of our ever-growing Clan by making new warriors." Her father began, "I, Icestar, leader of ThicketClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on these apprentices. They have trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code and I commend them to you as warriors in return. Swiftpaw, Owlpaw and Ivypaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend this Clan, even at the cost of your lives?"

"I do," The three apprentices replied in unison.

"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior names. Swiftpaw, from now on you shall be known as Swiftshadow. StarClan honours your bravery and skill and we welcome you as a full warrior of ThicketClan. Owlpaw, you shall be known as Owlflight. StarClan honours your courage and honesty and we welcome you as a full warrior of ThicketClan. Ivypaw, onwards you shall be known as Ivystream. StarClan honours your cunning and loyalty, we welcome you as a full warrior of ThicketClan." Icestar rested his head on the new warriors' heads and they all took turns to lick his shoulder. "Swiftshadow! Owlflight! Ivystream!" ThicketClan cheered. Violetpaw beamed at Swiftshadow and he returned the smile. 

When the ceremony was over, the dark grey she-cat bounded over him. "Congrats!" She pressed her nose under his chin. "Thanks!" the new warrior purred. She nodded and her gaze drifted to Flamepaw. He and Darkpaw were sitting side by side, chatting together. She watched as Darkpaw booped Flamepaw's black nose and he pulled away with a snort, while Darkpaw burst into giggles. She stifled a sigh. The sun warming her pelt gave her a little comfort. Her fury at him was giving her the only energy to go on with her apprentice duties. Her claws itched with the sweet dreams of revenge. Oh, how she would enjoy this.

~~~

The forest loomed over her head as she wandedered through the trees. She looked up and saw the sky was dark, black as night, with no stars or moon to brighten the place. She shuddered. It gave her a heavy feeling of unease, as if she expected something to leap out at her. She sensed a cat's presence behind her and whirled around. A red and ginger tom towered over the small she-cat. His muzzle was laced with vicious battle scars and his amber eyes blazed with a never-ending rage. He tipped his head and looked down at her. She shrank backwards, suddenly feeling very small. "W-who are you?" She managed to squeak out.

The tom smiled with all his teeth, seeming to be friendly but was laced with pure venom. "Why, hello, Violetpaw. I supposed you haven't heard of me?" She shook her head. How did this strange cat know her name? Was he a StarClan warrior? "What a shame. How unfortunate that your father has been keeping secrets from you.Well, then, young one, my name is Flamefang." Violetpaw tilted her head. "I've never heard of a Flamefang. Who are you really? Where are we?Are you from StarClan?"

Flamefang snorted. "StarClan! The bunch of meddling old fools! No, my dear, you are in the Dark Forest."

Violetpaw froze. She realised for the last few minutes she had stopped breathing and sucked in a startled breath. "The Dark Forest? But, aren't you evil?"

The Dark Forest warrior laughed. "No, no, no. We aren't evil. We only ended up here because we simply wanted to make our Clans stronger but no, they cast us out and sent us here. So much for their precious warrior code." he added with another snort. "Oh." She murmured softly. "I'm really sorry." Flamefang drew his tongue over his jaws. "I see the hurt and anger in your heart. The fact that your littermate hurt your sister. You want revenge, don't you?" Violetpaw flexed her claws, imagining all the terrible things she could do to him. Flamefang seemed to understand her answer. "I can help you." His gaze briefly darkened. "I will return in three days time. Be ready."

With that, he turned and melted back into the shadows. Violetpaw felt a small smile spreading on her face. Finally, Flamepaw would feel the pain he had cost Mistpaw.

Soon her revenge would come.

I'm surprised! Another chapter already. Anyways, I'm sort of getting into the routine of publishing. See you in the next chapters!~Mercury