Book 1 - Warriors: The Shadow Outcast

Chapter Twenty-four

"Rainfur, what happened to you?" asked Robinwing, her voice barely audible. "What have you become?" Rainfur looked to her, his eyes showing more pain now. His legs were weak and his body was starved. His head lowered as she asked this, a small tear running down his cheek.

He remembered getting all of the information at once. He remembered seeing Sharpstar beat his friends. He remembered seeing Sharpstar give that offer to Rosestar. He remembered seeing Sharpstar kill Yelloweye. He remembered seeing everything. Jactur was saddened as he saw them as well, feeling Rainfur's pain.

"Robinwing, I haven't changed, I promise," Rainfur murmured, the pain beating down on him. "I just need time to think. Death has taken its toll on me once again, leaving me with no choice. I was clueless as to what was going on, but once I knew, there was something that needed to be done. I've come back, but not just to see you like I promised. I won't leave again. I know it's my fault, same as everything else, but I promise you, I will fix my mistake."

"Rainfur, what are you talking about?" asked Robinwing, looking very shocked that he'd changed so much. "Nothing was your fault!"

"You're wrong," Rainfur muttered in a monotone voice. He couldn't do anything, for he was trying too hard to keep his emotions hidden. "Everything was my fault. If I hadn't left you with Sharpstar—no, he doesn't deserve such a name. If I hadn't left you with Sharpfang, none of this would've happened. If I hadn't killed Ravenstar, Sharpfang would never have the power to leave the Clan in destruction. I just made the simple mistake of letting Jactur go, leaving everything like it is. I'm sorry."

"Who's Jactur?" asked Robinwing, not really confused. She seemed like she knew the answer, but she just didn't want it to be true.

"The monster, the demon, the ghost of my memories," Rainfur muttered, his eyes darkening even more. "I gave him a name, and he in turn trained me. I'm ready to kill Sharpfang now. With Jactur's power at my control, I will be able to kill him once and for all. If the Clans still hate me, then so be it. As long as you and our kits are safe."

"You trained with the monster?" Robinwing asked, gasping as she did so. "Rainfur, you must be mouse-brained! He'll kill you, now that he knows your weaknesses! He'll destroy you from the inside!"

"No he won't!" Rainfur yelled, his voice booming throughout the forest. "He's helped me! He knows me! He is me! If it weren't for Jactur, I wouldn't be here. If it weren't for Jactur, I wouldn't know what Sharpfang has done to you. If it weren't for Jactur, I'd be dead, and if it weren't for Jactur, I would be a scrawny, pathetic weakling just ready to be killed. He's helped me move on from my brother's death by training me. I have his speed, his strength, and his intelligence. And, most importantly, I have his trust. We are one now, and I am friends with him. I'll forever be in debt to him."

Aw, thanks, said Jactur, seeming to enjoy the sad moment.

Please be quiet, Rainfur whispered. It's hard enough as it is.

Alright, but don't take too long. Jactur said. I still have a few more things I want to show you.

"You have changed!" said Robinwing, standing up with fear. "I can't believe you've given yourself up to the monster just because you remembered your brother's death. I can't believe you've given up!"

"I haven't!" Rainfur yelled, his eyes narrowing. "I have combined myself with him, making me stronger and much smarter! I know what it means to trust again, and if you want proof that I have not given up, I shall show you."

Rainfur then concentrated all of his power and all of his will on letting Jactur help him. He felt his friend connect with him, and he felt the strength and speed join in with his body. After this, he looked into Robinwing's eyes, aware that his eyes were now a dark blue, and the colouring had changed on his coat. Robinwing's eyes widened with fear, shock, and hope, backing up as she realised that she might be in trouble.