Warriors: Empire's End ~Book 5 Series 3~

Chapter 11

Spectrum's POV:

"Hey, new cat!" Dime called from the prey pile, his deep green gaze narrowed at Spectrum. "I have a job for you."

The black furred she cat hauled herself to her paws with a low sigh, and approached the Dark Forest leader with a respectful dip of her head. "What is it?" She asked, her voice as sweet as honey.

Dime seemed impressed with her attitude, as slight smile rose on his lips before he spoke. "Do you know who Redleaf is?"

Spectrum blinked thoughtfully for a heartbeat, before the image of the ginger queen came to mind. "Yeah, why?"

"You're going to send her back into the prison. Her kits are apprentices now, there is no reason for her to be taking up space in the nursery." The dark furred tom meowed, lazily grooming a paw. "Use any force necessary, but don't kill anyone."

Spectrum forced back a grumble and nodded like the obedient little Enforcer she was supposed to be. "Of course. I will do that right now, Leader." The black she cat turned around and strode away, heading for the nursery. She wondered what kind of reactions she'd recieve for the bad news she was about to bring. It almost made her snicker as she imagined Shadeheart crying. He probably will cry over a meaningless thing like this, knowing him.

The Promethean ducked into the nursery tunnel, slinking silently down the small, sandy slope and into the darkness of the kit-ridden cave. She had always disliked kits, and this didn't help. Most of the nursery residents were surprised when they first saw her, but no one spoke. Who is going to be the brave cat to speak first? Spectrum wondered as she stalked further into the cave, looking for Redleaf.

She spotted her target laying in the corner of the den, her eyes glued to her. It seemed she knew what was about to happen. Hopefully there won't be a fight then. Spectrum stopped before the red she cat. "Redleaf, you are going back to the prison. Come with me."

A few gasps echoed around the den, but still no one talked. Spectrum felt Flare's yellow gaze focus on her, analysing her. The black she cat rolled her eyes and turned her attention back to Redleaf. "Come on, get up now." She ordered, nudging the stubborn red she cat. Would she have to harm the Clan warrior to get her to move? If she was anything like Silvershy, it probably would.

"Can't she stay here?" Finally someone spoke.

Spectrum straightened, and slowly turned to stare at the one who meowed; Flowerstream. Silvershy's beloved sister, who she always seems to forget exists. The black she cat watched as the grey furred queen tried to stare her down, challenging her. Braver than Silvershy. Spectrum let out a half chuckle. "I'm just following orders, so you can take it up with Dime if you want."

Flowerstream flattened her ears and grew silent, accepting defeat immediately. Maybe not so brave after all.

Turning back, Spectrum noticed that Redleaf had already started walking to the nursery tunnel. She smiled, she was cooperating. That'll make this chore nice and easy... And boring. The black she cat found herself saddened by the fact that no fight had broken out.

She picked up the bedding Redleaf had left behind, doubting that there would be any in the prison, and walked calmly out after the red she cat. She felt the eyes of all the nursery queens glaring into her haunches as she left, and she lashed her tail in response. I'm just following orders.

Perhaps she could see about improving the conditions in the prison, so that it was less of a death sentence for the warriors living in there. She was an Enforcer after all, she held a decent amount of power. So did Shadeheart, and between the two of them they could do a lot.

Once she was inside the prison, she was hit with all different kinds of unpleasant scents. It made her want to turn tail and run, and she saw Redleaf experience a similar reaction. For a heartbeat, Spectrum felt a hint of sadness for the queen, but it didn't last long.

In the darkness, a dozen pairs of eyes met her's, and murmurs rose into the stuffy air. "I'm here to deliver Redleaf back to where she belongs." She announced, placing down the red she cat's bedding in an empty spot. Unfortunately, the rest of the prisoners dove for the bedding first, and tore it up into little pieces in a desperate attempt to make their own nests. Spectrum sighed in disappointment. "Alright, I see how it is. You all need bedding..."

"Get out of here, Dark Forest scum!" One of the prisoners hissed, their voice hoarse from disuse.

Spectrum shifted her paws into a more comfortable stance, her head tilting to the side slightly. "Did you just threaten me?" She meowed, making sure she sounded emotionally hurt. "I was going to offer you all new bedding but now... I don't think I want to."

There was a thump of paw against fur. One of the prisoners had hit the tom who had threatened Spectrum. "Look what you've done!" The she cat growled in anger. "Now we won't get any help."

"Well," Spectrum meowed, letting out a soft snort of laughter, "I could still help you all out, but I'm gonna need something in return."

"What could we possibly give you?" The prisoner closest to her snarled.

What could they give her? Spectrum wondered silently, her tail swishing back and forth thoughtfully. "How about... I become your new leader once this is all over? Lord of the Clans." She giggled softly. "Sounds fun, huh?"

It seemed they didn't care, and the prisoners all agreed in unison. They really didn't believe they were getting out of this alive. She didn't blame them.

"Alright," Spectrum smiled, "new bedding for all of you coming right up!"

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