Book 1 - Warriors: The Shadow Outcast

Chapter Thirty-Two

Rainfur glared at the ThunderClan deputy as he stood, knowing who sent Tigerpelt and what the tom was planning to do. Rainfur's heart kept calm under order, but he could feel the urge to attack growing, and he knew the urge would soon burst uncontrollably.

It wasn't the power with Rainfur that created the urge, nor was it the fact he needed to protect Stormpaw. It was because he knew Tigerpelt, and he wanted to help the misguided tom greatly. The only problem was now wasn't the time to do it, and so he wanted to attack him.

The other two cats, whom Rainfur knew as Talontooth and Falconclaw, stood silently as Tigerpelt smiled wickedly at Rainfur. Talontooth. Father of kits who were probably around two moons old. This made Rainfur curious as to who's side Talontooth was on.

"I know why you're here, Tigerpelt," Rainfur said. "Why? If you kill me, how would that help you?"

"I am deputy! If I kill you, Sharpstar will reward me!" Tigerpelt said, standing quite proudly. "If I kill you, he will trust me beyond all else!" Rainfur shook his head.

"Sharpstar won't care," Rainfur told the tabby tom. "Sharpstar only wants you to kill me so he doesn't have to do it. He's afraid that if he kills, StarClan will take his lives. Tigerpelt, Sharpstar trusts no one. He's not like Ravenstar." Tigerpelt scoffed.

"Is this your sorry excuse to save yourself?" asked Tigerpelt, scoffing loudly. "You know what? I overestimated you. You are worthless, Rainfur. The only thing you ever did was kill. I guess I should thank you for that, though, because if it wasn't for your exile, I wouldn't be deputy." Rainfur's tail lashed irritably.

"Tigerpelt, listen," Rainfur growled. "It doesn't need to be this way. What about your kits? What about your family? What about Softstreak? They need you, but not as a murderer. They need you as you, the strong tom I remember." Tigerpelt's eyes narrowed, anger flashing through his is in an instant.

"You don't know what they need," Tigerpelt hissed. "And what about your kits? You're leading a war, Rainfur, and you think that your kits are safe? They're as good as dead, and they haven't even been born yet!"

"That was Sharpstar's decision, and it had nothing to do with me," Rainfur growled. "You, Tigerpelt, need to find out what's more important for you. Being deputy, or having family?"

"I don't need mentoring from you, Rainfur," Tigerpelt hissed, getting into a fighting position.

Rainfur lunged first, a bit too fast for Tigerpelt. However, Talontooth and Falconclaw were on him first, holding him down as Tigerpelt stood up, smiling evilly.

"Sneaky, Rainfur, but you forgot that you're outnumbered," Tigerpelt spat. "Not so smart anymore are you?" Rainfur hissed with fury, struggling to hurt the tom that was irritating him.

"Rainy, you aren't getting free," Tigerpelt hissed. "And, unfortunately for you, Sharpstar told us to make you die a very painful death. I must do what my leader says, shouldn't I?" Rainfur tried to move his body, but it wouldn't. He was being pushed into the ground, leaving his muscles sorer and sorer.

Tigerpelt's claws unsheathed and he quickly raked them down Rainfur's belly. Rainfur gave a small grunt, but bit his tongue to keep himself from doing anything else. He didn't want to sound weak. He refused.

Eh, Rainfur? Jactur asked, sounding a bit worried. Do you need my help?

I've got it! Rainfur snapped. I can do this on my own!

Geez, I was just asking, Jactur muttered.

"Hmm? That didn't hurt? Well then, lets try something else. . ." said Tigerpelt, bringing up his claws and then slashing them across Rainfur's face. He struggled more, but Rainfur still wasn't let free. His face was stinging and his stomach was burning, but he was determined not to make a sound.