Blank Slate

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Slatepaw, after turning away from his treacherous leader, immediately ran through the list of cats that he needed to gather together in his mind.

Shortberry. Duskscar. Firejaw. Lionpool. Sunbelly.

Beside him, Finchpaw was a light and swift-moving body of fur and fragile bones. Her tail flickered and lashed every few moments as the gray-furred apprentice swerved toward the warriors den.

If three of them are in here, then we should be okay to take it slower. Two isn't preferable but it's doable. If there's one, I can send Finchpaw to find someone else and then we can get back on track.

Slatepaw had the entire scenario planned to the last detail. Every last idea and possible thought was concluded and tied up with a little red bow. Nothing could be skipped over, for it was, he ran the risk of ruining the entire plan. He'd already worked so hard to get here. It would be absolutely terrible if something went wrong in the final stages, and so Slatepaw planned. He wasn't about to have one thing skipped over, only to have it mess everything up later.

Inside the den, a few cats were laying around. Some had their tails curled around their frames, however, others took a more standard position, with their fluffy tails curled delicately around their sun-dappled paws.

His yellow eyes caught on a tortoiseshell pelt, spotted by weak rays of a pleasant sun. That was Shortberry and she appeared to be asleep, much to Slatepaw's disappointment. That meant the she-cat would at least be somewhat tired... hopefully it wouldn't affect her that badly. That wasn't necessarily something he'd planned for but then again, it wasn't like someone sleeping was going to ruin it all.

Firejaw's dark ginger pelt also was in the den, though the warrior was grooming, drawing her tongue luxuriously over her sleek fur with long strokes. Slatepaw flicked his tail, picking through the nests with efficient, smooth pawsteps in order to reach Firejaw.

"Meet Finchpaw and I at the camp's entrance. And get Shortberry, too," he added tersely, though not rudely. If anyone were to be rubbed the wrong way so early, they'd surely be doomed. The tom quickly turned, giving a nod to his companion, and they both slipped from the den.

Finchpaw and Slatepaw shared a sideways glance once more, the latter shifting slightly upon his gray paws.

"Where do you think Duskscar is?" He questioned, tipping his head. It was important that they gathered the cats of the rebellion swiftly after telling one of them because if they took too long to find the others, they ran the risk of having Shortberry or Firejaw feeling too bored and leaving.

"Sunbelly and Lionpool... where could they be, as well?" Finchpaw's tail flickered absently, "Sunbelly will be important. He's meant to be-"

The tom waved his tail, meowing a soft "I know. I've got it" and the she-cat nodded.

Slatepaw glanced around the camp, yellow eyes razor-blade sharp as they traced the cats gathered. They scraped by a few cats and caught upon a dark brown tabby pelt. That was Duskscar.

"Duskscar!" Slatepaw called and the warrior's head shot up. Her green eyes were curious. She had been biting into a mouse, appearing as if she was ready to settle in for a delicious meal. Slatepaw wasn't sorry to interrupt it. She could eat all the amazing meals she wanted after their terrible leader was gone, and after democracy had finally been implemented among the Clan.

His tail flickered absently as he continued, "Can you meet Shortberry and Firejaw at the entrance to camp? We'll explain soon," he assured her, "we'll be over soon."

She took a few quick bites of the creature and then turned, headed toward the entrance. Slatepaw glanced around once more, tail beginning to lash. Where was Lionpool? And Sunbelly, the cat who was meant to be the rebellion's leader...?

No. Come on. Where are they?

His yellow eyes swept the clearing. He could sense Finchpaw shifting beside him, too. Worry surged inside of him. What if neither of them showed up? Then everything would be instantly ruined. Oh no-!

Just like that, a ginger and a golden tom appeared near the center of the camp.

"Lionpool! Sunbelly!" Slatepaw exclaimed, hurriedly rushing forward. "Come on, we have to see the intruder!"

Sunbelly, confused, stumbled after them. Lionpool appeared to be a little more fired up, padding swiftly forward and pausing beside the already gathered warriors. Excitement and anticipation followed by anxiety swirled within Slatepaw's belly. He padded forward, looking around at the gathered cats.

He took a deep breath and he felt the comforting brush of Finchpaw's tail upon his own.

"Earlier today, there was something strange near the border," he began, glancing around. "Scent drenched our side of the border and twigs were broken. I suspect there is a traitor among the Clan..."

At these words, the group grew silent.

"I trust that none of you are that traitor, and- your leader gave me permission to have us investigate."

"Your leader-?" Duskscar started sharply, but Slatepaw cut her off.

"Let's go. We need to get there in time."

Slatepaw swept out of camp, followed by Finchpaw, who padded quickly beside him. The gray apprentice's tail swished absently against the ground as he padded along, ears twitching.

The group behind him was oddly silent. No sound came from any of the cats that were walking behind them. Duskscar was silent, likely mulling over his words. Lionpool was a perfect mask of guardedness as he strolled along. Firejaw's pawsteps were soft and gentle against the ground and the edges silence that crowded the group.  Shortberry's actions were similar.

However, Slatepaw turned and flicked his tail a little at Sunbelly, who, almost dazedly, padded swiftly forward to match pace.

"So, what are you thinking?" Slatepaw asked, hoping to pry something out of the warrior before he could fully put the plan into motion.

Sunbelly's whiskers flicked indifferently as he studied the ground beneath his paws. He seemed to be thinking - at least, Slatepaw guessed that was the case. What else could he be doing?

"Wondering who the traitor could be?" prompted the apprentice once more. His yellow eyes were focused on the area ahead of him. If he looked too closely at Sunbelly, he could intimidate the warrior. He flicked his tail once more.

"I don't really know," answered Sunbelly.

You're supposed to try and bring up Brightstar.

Anger lit a bright flare within him, followed by a spur of determination.

Because she is the real traitor.

Written by Lamb <3

Edited by Solstice