Murder in the Woods: A Warrior Cat Mafia

Round 4, Part 4

Cloudpaw was the last to make it to the cave that night. Even Shellpaw, who had helped Splashpaw down, got there before him. But he'd picked flowers from the bluffs, and laid them down around Turtlepaw's body. None of the other apprentices had known about his crush on her, not even her. He hadn't told any of them what he was doing, and they hadn't asked.

When he stepped into the cave, he saw that Emberstrike had been working on some improvements. Part of the ledge that surrounded the cave had a barrier along it, to stop any of the cats from falling off. There were some nests in one of the corners as well, in preparation for the future exiles.

"So all of you have been meeting here for moons?" he overheard Nightrunner ask Gullpaw, as she looked around in awe. The grey and white tom nodded, and flicked his tail towards the Rock.

"That's where Cloudpaw leads the meetings from. Then Splashpaw reports on the medicine cat activities, I report on the leader and deputy's activities, Shellpaw reports on border patrols, and Turtlepaw -" he cut himself off, realizing that Turtlepaw wouldn't be coming to any more meetings.

Emberstrike padded up to Cloudpaw, black tail twitching slightly. Like always, she was tense, as she sat down in front of him.

"Thank you for letting us use the cave, Cloudpaw," she mewed. She motioned to the barriers, which were solidly secured. "As you can see, I decided to make some improvements". Cloudpaw nodded, and dipped his head respectfully at her. Then he leapt up onto the Rock, and all of the conversations ended.

"As we all know, these are dark times for the Society. The clan has exiled three cats so far, and I have no doubt that there will be more," he began. Shellpaw nodded, encouraging him. "First things first. Emberstrike, Nightrunner, and Gullpaw, you cannot leave the cave. That might clue in the clan to its existence, and your continued presence". The three cats nodded in agreement.

"Second of all, if me, Shellpaw, and Splashpaw don't show up tomorrow night, that means that all of us are dead. Gullpaw, it'll be your job to bring the exiles here if that happens," Cloudpaw continued. His friend nodded in acknowledgment.

"We should probably be heading back now, Cloudpaw. We don't want anyone to notice that we're missing," Shellpaw told him. He nodded, and the group split up to return to camp. The three exiled cats returned to the nests, and fell asleep as the three apprentices padded into the tunnel.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

"Stripefur and Splashpaw were murdered!" Dawnshine yowled, waking the cats out of their slumber. Cloudpaw and Shellpaw looked at each other, then shot out of their den. They looked around, seeing the rest of the clan outside as well. Lionfrost and Sootpetal were filled with the same all-consuming rage as the first time Splashpaw was killed, which was becoming normal for the clan. Paleflight was trying to calm them down, as Beetlestream tried to comfort the mourning Reedsplash and Rushstripe. Redfoot was trying to stop Dawnshine from panicking.

"It was Dawnshine! She 'found' them? Yeah right! She murdered them!" Sootpetal screeched. Paleflight blocked the grey she-cat with her body, making sure that she didn't attack anyone.

"You know, you're always quick to accuse, Sootpetal! Maybe you're one of the murderers!" Rushstripe spat. Sootpetal lunged for the younger warrior, but was stopped again by Paleflight and Lionfrost. Beetlestream and Reedsplash held Rushstripe back as well, just in case she tried anything.

"Well, it wasn't Dawnshine! She would never do such a thing!" Redfoot declared. Lionfrost, his son, glared at him.

"Well, it wasn't Sootpetal!" he retorted, tail lashing. As more and more cats became angry and violent, Cloudpaw helped Shellpaw onto the roof of the apprentices' den.

"Everyone, stop it!" she yowled. The cats froze, moments away from getting into a large fight. Paleflight, Beetlestream, and Reedsplash pushed everyone apart, making sure there was enough distance between them to prevent any attacks.

"No more fighting! We're voting! Dawnshine, Sootpetal, you two were the first ones accused. You will be voted on!" the white apprentice declared. Fur still bristling, the cats reluctantly complied.

Murdered: Stripefur, Splashpaw
Healed: Sootpetal
Accused: Dawnshine, Sootpetal
Revealed: No one
Revived: No one
Murderers Left: 2