Warriors #3 - Revenge of Darkhaven

Fallen

Skyfire stared at the Chancellor, who stared calmly back.

His brain still couldn't comprehend the shock of the bitter truth.

He wanted to run, yet his paws wouldn't listen; they stayed rooted to the ground, forcing him to remain in the Darkhavener's presence.

'Pebblepatch is Lightningstrike?'

'How in the actual Kriff is that possible...'

'No... but he told me he was a ghost! He told me he was long gone!'

He had never seen the cat's true face.

Pebblepatch was a mask, and Lightningstrike was the demon within.

"I know what's been troubling you, Skyfire. Listen to me." Pebblepatch hissed softly, stepping toward him soundlessly.

"Don't continue to be a pawn of the Dawnclan Council."

Skyfire unsheathed his Kyberclaws, a low growl issuing from his throat.

"Y-You. I'll report you to the Council, and that will be the end-"

"Of me?" the tabby chuckled.

His body now had a weird reddish glow, his pelt rippling like something was alive underneath the fur.

"S-Stay back!" Skyfire bit back a whimper.

"Stay away from me!"

"Ever since I knew you, you've been searching for a life... greater than that of an ordinary knight." Pebblepatch crooned.

"A life of significance, of conscience-"

Skyfire screeched, lunging for the Chancellor and pinning him to the ground, red-hot claws making the stone floor smoke.

"You're going to kill me, Sky?" the tabby's mew was a mere whisper. No fear shone in those cunning eyes, but a questioning look.

'Your choice.'

'But remember... my knowledge will die with me, and so will your precious mate and kits.'

"I would certainly like to," Skyfire growled.

"Thousands died because of you... but that all ends today."

"I know you would." Pebblepatch laughed. "I can feel your rage, bubbling underneath the surface, ready to unleash its horror."

Skyfire recoiled as if stung, hissing.

"No, no, don't try to chain it back down. It gives you focus, and makes you stronger."

"I'm going to turn you over to the Council. They'll give you what you deserve." Skyfire spat, backing away from the Chancellor.

"Of course." Pebblepatch was smiling at him disturbingly, the face a snake makes before it strikes.

"You should."

"But you're not sure of their intentions, are you?"

"I will quickly discover the truth of all this." Skyfire turned tail and started to run in the Council's direction.

Amethystgaze first heard the wailing outside his den, without warning, Skyfire burst into his room, a wild look in his eyes.

"Master-"

"What is the meaning of this!" the deputy hissed.

"Master please, you have to listen to me!"

Pure terror shone in the young knight's gaze; something had happened, something terrible enough to make one of their most powerful warriors cringe like this.