Fight or Flight :: warrior cats fanfic ::

» 11. fight «

      Bright morning birdsong woke Mothdapple. The den was warm, and she was stretched out in her bedding. Sparkfur was gone, her nest undisturbed and still neatly made. The patched warrior blinked slowly and began to groom her fur with careful, unhurried strokes. I haven't seen Sparkfur since she stalked off yesterday when we saw Waspstar, she thought. Maybe I should see if Briarfrost knows where she wen--

      "Mothdapple. Glad to see you're awake." She leaped to her paws, eyes wide as the one and only messy furred golden tabby padded into the den, bringing with her the warmth of sunny air. Her eyes were dark as if she hadn't slept, and she immediately plopped into her nest.

      "Sparkfur-- what happened?!"

      Sparkfur flicked her tail dismissively, closing her eyes but still aware.

      "Mm. Nothing to be worried about, I spent the night out," she paused a moment, "what did you think of Adderface?"

      "Oh." Mothdapple sat back down in her nest, going back to grooming her thick fur. "I'm not sure. She's... I can't explain it. Everything about her seems great. She's pretty, and smart, and she knows what to say, and she seems very nice. I'm just not sure.. what's missing. Because there's something else. I just.. don't know what it is." Sparkfur considered it, her green eyes cracked open.

      "Yes. She is pretty, intelligent, eloquent, and seemingly kind. She's also quite ambitious and manipulative. That's probably what you can't understand about her; she's slyly controlling a lot of cats, including you." Mothdapple breathed in, her breathe hitching slightly.

"How do I get out of it? The controlling?" She whispered.

"You need to be aware of when she's manipulating you and you act on it. Keep your guard up. Don't make promises or cut deals with her." Mothdapple's green eyes flashed. I've-- I've already made a deal with her...!

"I understand," she murmured in reply. I need to find Adderface and I need to call this off. Now. "I need to get going on a hunt if I want to get far enough out to catch something good." She stood, and Sparkfur flicked her tail.

"Good luck."

Mothdapple dipped her head, exiting the den. At once, green-leaf air welcomed her. The past few mornings and nights had been cool, but she had a feeling the early chill was pretty much done until Leaf-Fall.

      She could be in camp, she could be anywhere in the territory-- I don't even know where to start. The heavily built warrior skirted around to where the entrance of camp was, desperately wishing to go inside herself. She could see her friends, relax with clanmates, or, what she really wanted and needed now, to find Adderface. She debating just padding in. Who would stop her? Who would know that she wasn't allowed in? Chances are most had forgotten which cat was actually banished from camp--

"What do you think you're doing?" Mothdapple whipped around, eyes wide and pelt spiked up. A spotted brown she-cat had her head lowered, claws unsheathed and teeth bared. Of course she would be here... Pipitfeather. I can't look weak. Not in front of her. I need to look strong.

      "I'm looking for Adderface. Have you seen her by chance?" Mothdapple stood up straight, looking down at the dappled she-cat through half-closed green eyes. She appeared taken aback, eyes narrow with confusion.

     "What-- Adderface? She knows you?" The wirey cat curled her lip.

      "Yes, and if you don't help me, I'll be sure to tell her how troublesome you are." She rolled her eyes.