Midnight's Past

Chapter Ten

Midnight followed behind Darkocean. She felt her legs get a little bit wobbly at the thought of Stormclaw being in pain. "Where is he?"

Darkocean stopped in an empty clearing. Midnight realized that Stormclaw wasn't out here. "Why did you take me here?" Midnight snarled.

"I'm so sorry. I didn't want to do this. You seem like a nice cat." Darkocean stepped back and sat down with a look of regret in his eyes.

Midnight peered through the forest and felt her heart explode when she saw two familiar eyes. Her father walked into the clearing. Midnight felt her eyes water. She backed up hastily. "No... I left you behind! Leave me alone! Please!"

"I told you Midnight... I would find you eventually. And thanks to my friend here." He gestured to Darkocean with his tail. Darkocean looked down at his paws. "I have found you."

"You're insane!"

"You're a murderer! I loved Dawn more than anycat! And you killed her! You bastard! I should've killed you right in front of the house folk!"

"No... You don't understand. There was nothing I could've done! It wasn't my fault! I'm sorry she died! I'm sorry this caused you so much pain! But it was never my intention to kill her."

"Well... thanks to your own stupidity I will kill you now."

Midnight scrambled back but her father was too fast. He lashed out to her throat.

Midnight's surrounding swayed until she was surrounded by stars. "W-what? Am I dead?"

Her voice echoed in the emptiness. Suddenly, a ginger she-cat appeared in front of her. "Uh... hi. Am I dead?"

"No, Midnight. I am Flamestar. Once known as Flamefur. This is merely a vision."

"So, none of that just happened?"

"Correct. What you have seen is what could have happened if you followed Darkocean. When you wake up you will be back in your nest. The same senario will take place unless you change your actions. Choose wisely, Midnight. I wish you luck."

"Wait! What do I do?"

***

Midnight opened her eyes. She heard Darkocean outside. Whoa! I'm back! Did I really just have a vision?

Midnight had no clue of what she should do. Darkocean was working for her father. But he regretted it. She might be able to use that against him. Then, she thought of all of the consequences of saying she knew what he was up to. This was extremely confusing! Should she just refuse to leave with him?

She had to act quick. Her father knew where she was... Midnight knew what she had to do. She stood up and left the den. Darkocean walked up to meet her. She had to pretend she was clueless. "Darkocean? What are you doing here?"

"Uh... Stormclaw needs you!"

"Why? What's wrong?"

"See for yourself."

Midnight followed after Darkocean. How does he know about Stormclaw and I? Midnight ran after Darkocean then veered away from the direction he was running. She crossed into Water Clan territory and ran silently until she made it to the camp. There were several large dens. She tried to find his scent and was lucky to do so.

She peeked into the warrior den. Many cats were sound asleep and one of them was Stormclaw. She nosed him awake. His eyes widened in surprise. They left the camp together and walked far away. "Midnight... what's going on?"

"He found me. I can't really explain it without telling you the truth."

Midnight explained her vision and how Darkocean supposedly knew about them.

"I'll always be by your side. I'll protect you."

"No... I have to do this myself. I can't risk you getting hurt."

"No... I can't risk you getting hurt. I love you with all my heart. I won't leave you unprotected."

"I should probably go home. We'll see eachother tomorrow at the gathering. We can think this over then make up our minds."

"I'll walk you home."

"No you won't! You go back to your camp where you're safe. I'll make it back."

"But-"

"No buts. Goodbye. I love you."

Midnight ran back to her camp.

***

Midnight stepped outside of the warriors' den. A cool breeze carried away dead leaves. She paced anxiously. She didn't want to see Darkocean at this gathering. He almost led her to her death. Midnight approached Maplepaw who was talking to Leopardpaw. Leopardpaw was a she-cat who had a sand colored pelt with some black spots. Her eyes were a light amber. "Hello. Ready for today's gathering?"

"Of course!" Maplepaw jumped. "Do you have any idea how boring it's been to just sit around all day? Sure I could talk to Greenberry and Flowerpaw but when they leave it's so boring!" Maplepaw dragged out the 'o' in boring.

"Well, I'm just glad you were able to recover."

"I was wondering when I would have someone to train with!" Leopardpaw laughed.

"Oh, zip it! You had the other apprentices and your mentor."

"Okay, chill." Midnight said jokingly.

Midnight saw Lionstar gathering several cats. He called out the three she-cats' names and they joined the group of cats attending the gathering. Midnight wasn't ready for this gathering. She felt that something awful was looming. Like storm clouds about to release their rain and thunder. She would just have to face whatever threat that lied ahead.