Post by Deleted on Dec 15, 2017 16:28:02 GMT -5
Wordcount: 2500. ѕωιƒтƒαℓcση
“Well done, everyone.” Shellblade’s eyes sparkled as he gazed out over the clearing. A medley of flowers bloomed in the beautiful scene, creating a rainbow of colors that stood out against the grass. Light filtered between the leaves of trees, dappling the ground. Several bodies were scattered across the earth, bleeding out and staining the ground. Pain washed over the deputy as he thought of the cats that would not see their families again. Though none were their clanmates, a price still had been paid.
“We’ve claimed back what’s ours.” His voice was not as strong as it had been. If his clanmates had noticed, they made no comment.
“We got rid of ‘em!” Reedpaw hopped up to her mentor, beaming. “We did so well! I scared one off. I practically ripped her fur off!” She swiped in the air, attacking a ghostly rogue to show her mentor. “I think I got her eye, too. Stupid crowfood eater! I hope she’s blind.” Her eyes were bright as she looked up, practically begging for praise.
He swallowed before murmuring, “You did a fantastic job. I’ll... talk to Pantherstar about it. Maybe it’s time you became a warrior.”
“Yes!” She leapt into the air and bounded off, purring. Shellblade felt nausea building up in his stomach. She had once been so peaceful, choosing to resolve situations with words, not claws. So much had changed. He looked over to his clanmates, where they chattered together, swimming in their swift victory.
“Such satisfaction in killing that one,” a tom snarled. “The one who kept chasing prey over the border. You remember him? Great StarClan, I made him suffer.” The cats around him praised him as he smirked, raising his head and soaking in the love.
Was a small piece of territory really worth murdering so many cats?
//
“No. You can’t join us, crowfood eater,” Pantherstar said. He leaned forward and snarled. “You stole part of our territory. You took our prey. Why should we allow you to join us? I should kill you right now.”
The small female below him did not shy away from his threat. Instead, she replied, “Kill me and you lose a valuable asset. I hunt as well as any of your warriors… maybe even better.” She nodded to where the carcasses of two rabbits laid. “I caught those for you, didn’t I? Has long has it been since you’ve had a fat rabbit?”
The leader’s gaze lingered on the prey that had been devoured. His eyes, still hard with hatred, barely softened as he thought. After a brief moment, he asked, “Why do you want to join us?”
“A warm place to sleep and clanmates. What could be better than that?”
Shellblade was impressed as he watched the interrogation happen. Though most of his clanmates grumbled about a filthy rogue joining their ranks, he was intrigued. Guilt eaten away at him over the past moon. Are they all really that bad? He still wasn’t sure if driving them out was right. This one seemed like the rest: hungry and desperate for shelter.
“I think she should be fine,” the deputy called out. “We could always put her on guard duty for a few moons. Just to keep an eye on her and teach her.” Cats’ heads jerked over to him as they stared at Shellblade, surprise flashing in their eyes. “Just because some rogues are bad doesn’t mean all are.” He caught Warbler’s gaze, happy to see thankfulness in her eyes.
Pantherstar hesitated a moment before nodding. “That sounds like a fair trade. Warbler, we’ll allow you to join us, but you have to prove yourself trustworthy.” His whiskers twitched as he added, “One wrong step and we will not hesitate to kill, mind you.”
She purred and nodded. “Of course. You won’t be disappointed!”
“Well, everyone?” Pantherstar’s eyes flicked around the clearing. “What say you? Should she be allowed to join?”
Silence swept over the group as they pondered quietly. Finally, one cat spoke up. “It… it should be fine. I mean, she seems nice.” His voice wavered as some stared at him, but he continued on. “If Shellblade trusts her, then I do, too.”
Cats began to nod at each other. “I trust her, too. Like Sootbird said, Shellblade trusts her, so why can’t we?” Murmurs of agreement when around as cats’ minds changed for the better.
“It’s settled, then.” Pantherstar nodded at Warbler. “Welcome to RunningClan. From this day forward, you will be known as Warberfall.”
A few small cheers went up. Though cats were still reluctant, Shellblade felt a surge of pride. At least they were now starting to learn that not everyone was bad. He stepped forward to touch noses with Warblerfall and murmured, “Congratulations.”
“Thanks.” Her eyes were bright as she purred. “For everything.”
“No problem.” He walked away so others could give their congratulations. As he settled into the corner of camp, he spotted a small gathering. They sat pressed together, murmuring and stealing glances at Warblerfall every once in a while. A warning of friction between clanmates yet to come settled onto him. It was obvious that not all trusted the former rogue yet.
Why can’t they see her for who she is?
//
“Pantherstar!” An angry yowl ripped across the clearing, startling Shellblade. He looked up from his mouse and groaned. Sootbird stalked towards the leader’s den, fur bristling. “Pantherstar!” he said again.
“Alright, calm yourself,” the leader grumbled as he stepped out of his dwelling into the sun. “What in StarClan’s name is so important for you to go yelling about it?”
“That so-called loyal rogue has broken a rule,” he snarled. “She’s eating before the mothers are fed.” His eyes flashed with anger as he waved his tail towards her. “She even admits to it, the disgusting creature.”
“Just a few moons ago, you were fine with her joining,” Shellblade called out as he stalked up to his leader. Cats began to gather around the commotion, glancing at one another. “Why snap at her when she’s still adjusting to clan life?”
“She should know better! She’s already been taught it. Why can’t she listen and obey?” Sootbird raked the ground with his claws, eyes flashing. “There might not be enough for the mothers.”
“Skyfall will be able to eat,” he soothed. “So will Snakekit. Don’t worry.”
Warblerfall nudged past a few cats and blinked at Pantherstar. “What did I do this time to set off Sootbird?” she asked, eyes innocent. A small sparrow feather was stuck to her upper lip, causing her to sneeze as it tickled her nose.
“You’ve eaten before the mothers again,” Pantherstar chided. “This is the third time since you’ve joined us. When will you learn?” His gaze was fixated on her, full of anger. The few clanmates that had come to witness the mini trial glanced at one another. Some had eyes full of suspicion. Others were disappointed.
“I-I’m sorry. I forgot…” Warblerfall’s voice trailed off as she stared at the ground. “I promise, next time, I’ll get it right.”
“Yes, you will. You’re on day and night guard duty for the next moon.” Pantherstar flicked his tail to dismiss the group and went back to his den.
The group split, leaving Warblerfall behind as her trail drooped. The witnesses began to talk with their clanmates, most likely telling what had happened. Shellblade felt a welling anger build up inside of his chest. They had begun to trust her. Now the loyalty was beginning to break apart. Less cats seemed friendly towards her.
He had to help her prove that she was loyal.
//
“If you do it, they’ll have to trust you.” He glared at Warblerfall, frustrated. “Why won’t you do it? She’s gone already. You just have to go find her and bring her back! It’s simple.”
“I don’t want to,” she snapped back. “What happens if something goes wrong? I’ll take the blame. Most of your clan already hates me. Pantherstar doesn’t even trust me. Now even Skyfall doesn’t like me. I’m alone in this clan.”
Why was he wasting so much time on her? The thought flashed through his head, confusing him further. Why didn’t she want to have her clanmates trust her? This would work so well. “Please,” he mumbled. “I just want them to learn that you’re not bad.”
“Suddenly realizing where Snakekit is won’t make the situation better.” Her gaze faltered, and she looked away. “I’m supposed to be on duty, and you let her sneak out so I could… what? Show my clanmates that I can be trusted?” She snorted. “If anything, this’ll prove to them that I can’t keep track of who’s going in and out.”
The deputy opened his mouth to say something, but shut it when he saw Skyfall step out of the nursery, eyes wide. “Look,” he whispered. “She’s noticed. Go! Get Snakekit!” He pushed Warblerfall towards the entrance, but the she-cat shoved back.
“No, Shellblade. I want them to trust me honestly. Not from some crazy scheme you clawed up.” She glanced to where Skyfall was beginning to wheeze, eyes panicked. “Now it’s my turn to take the blame again.”
“Snakekit!” The mother’s wail rang out across the clearing, startling the residents. Cats began to crowd around her as she called out her kit’s name again.
“What’s wrong?” Pantherstar pushed his way to the queen, eyes sparking. “Who took Snakekit?” Much to Shellblade’s frustration, the leader’s eyes immediately went to Warblerfall. Just like she said, he thought bitterly.
“Snakekit is gone!” Skyfall cried again. “I can’t find her. Her scent is still fresh. I just… she disappeared! What kind of mother am I?” Her wail grew louder as her mate pressed up against her, horrified and nervous.
“Anyone know where she is?” Sootbird called out. “Please. If you know anything, tell me.”
“I-I know where she went.” Warblerfall stepped forward, tail drooping. “She… snuck out of camp. I didn’t notice it until Skyfall said something.” She glanced at the ground, then murmured, “It’s my fault.”
Shellblade’s chest hurt. No. His clanmates were beginning to gather in one place, staring down Warblerfall. Bits of conversation made their way to his ears. Traitor. Kit-stealer. Skyfall stared in shock at the former rogue, disbelief mingling with regret. She stepped up to the warrior and blinked at her.
“Fox-hearted coward!” The mother’s paw suddenly shot out, claws unsheathed, and she ripped it across Warblerfall’s muzzle. Blood flashed onto the grass, staining it as the female fell. “You are the reason she left! Filthy rogue!” She leapt forward again, teeth bared, and reared up, claws shining white in the sun.
“No!” Shellblade tore forward and pushed Skyfall away, causing the she-cat to shriek in hatred. Her claws went up as she prepared to slash his face.
“Mama?”
She stopped short when Snakekit called for her. The little tabby’s fur was ruffled and torn up, splotched with mud and tangled with twigs. Shellblade caught sight of a small gap in the bramble wall. That must’ve been how she got out of camp.
“What’s going on, mama?” the kit asked, eyes wide at the sight of her furious mother.
“Snakekit!” she cried out. She bounded to her. “Warbler didn’t hurt you, did she?” she asked, worrisome as she checked over her daughter.
“No, mama,” she squeaked. “She didn’t even talk to me. I snuck out when she didn’t look.” She beamed and added, “Shellblade told me I could be a warrior in the forest and explore! Wasn’t I brave?”
Silence hit the clan as Snakekit’s words sank in. Every pair of eyes turned to Shellblade. His fur felt hot, the gazes of his hostile clanmates turning it into an inferno. He lifted his head and sat up straighter. No point in taking his punishment like he regretted his actions. “What Snakekit says is true,” he meowed. “I did tell her to go exploring.”
His admitting to the act was greeted with angry yowls and snarls. “You’re no better than Warblerfall!” Reedtail called out, face twisted in rage. “We shouldn’t have let her into the clan. She’s ruined our deputy!”
Calls of agreement rang out. Shellblade was practically being torn apart on the inside as some yelled out wild accusations. A deep desire to prove his loyalty to the clan mingled with his desire to help Warblerfall. Memories of the mass murder came back to him as the clan had selfishly taken back a piece of land they didn’t need. Anger welled up inside of him.
“I don’t care what you think!” he snarled. “She’s a cat. We’re all cats, no matter where or how we were raised. She was raised to be independent. That doesn’t make her some disgusting creature that hates all other cats and wishes to murder them. If anything, that’s us! We drove her out of her home all on the basis that she wasn’t one of us.” He paused to take a breath as his body reminded him of his need for air.
“I don’t see why you hate her so much,” he concluded after a moment’s pause. “If anything, she should be the one who hates us. She’s only shown us loyalty. She’s hunted for us and admitted her mistakes up front. Why can’t you treat her with the respect she deserves?”
His clanmates exchanged wary glances. They’re listening to me! He felt a rush of delight as they murmured among themselves. However, it was extinguished when Pantherstar stepped forward.
“You, Shellblade, have brought shame upon your clan.” His gaze was hard as he stared down the deputy. “You convinced us to allow a rogue into our clan, stating that she would be a great help. Bu now look where it’s gotten us. She’s broken our rules numerous times. She’s even corrupted you.” Disappoint laced his words. “It’s difficult to do this. But if you can’t see her for what she really is and what she’s done, then you need to leave.”
He turned to Warblerfall and evenly meowed, “You are no longer welcome in RunningClan. You have broken our code enough times. Tonight was your last chance. You must leave and never return, or face death.” She said nothing, but the deputy could see the anger sparking in her eyes.
“As for you,” Pantherstar said, turning back to Shellblade, “you can denounce your crazy ideas of rogues being good cats and rejoin us. Or, you can be exiled alongside Warbler.”
Shellblade had worked so hard all his life for his clan. As a deputy, he was loyal to his clan. But now, he felt torn in two. StarClan, guide my paws. I know what’s right. Give me strength. He inhaled and stated. “I’m sorry you can’t see her as she is: a true clan cat.” He looked out over the crowd, meeting the hostile gazes of those who had once trusted him. “I am standing for what I know is right. If you don’t like that, I’m sorry. I will leave with Warblerfall.”
“Well done, everyone.” Shellblade’s eyes sparkled as he gazed out over the clearing. A medley of flowers bloomed in the beautiful scene, creating a rainbow of colors that stood out against the grass. Light filtered between the leaves of trees, dappling the ground. Several bodies were scattered across the earth, bleeding out and staining the ground. Pain washed over the deputy as he thought of the cats that would not see their families again. Though none were their clanmates, a price still had been paid.
“We’ve claimed back what’s ours.” His voice was not as strong as it had been. If his clanmates had noticed, they made no comment.
“We got rid of ‘em!” Reedpaw hopped up to her mentor, beaming. “We did so well! I scared one off. I practically ripped her fur off!” She swiped in the air, attacking a ghostly rogue to show her mentor. “I think I got her eye, too. Stupid crowfood eater! I hope she’s blind.” Her eyes were bright as she looked up, practically begging for praise.
He swallowed before murmuring, “You did a fantastic job. I’ll... talk to Pantherstar about it. Maybe it’s time you became a warrior.”
“Yes!” She leapt into the air and bounded off, purring. Shellblade felt nausea building up in his stomach. She had once been so peaceful, choosing to resolve situations with words, not claws. So much had changed. He looked over to his clanmates, where they chattered together, swimming in their swift victory.
“Such satisfaction in killing that one,” a tom snarled. “The one who kept chasing prey over the border. You remember him? Great StarClan, I made him suffer.” The cats around him praised him as he smirked, raising his head and soaking in the love.
Was a small piece of territory really worth murdering so many cats?
//
“No. You can’t join us, crowfood eater,” Pantherstar said. He leaned forward and snarled. “You stole part of our territory. You took our prey. Why should we allow you to join us? I should kill you right now.”
The small female below him did not shy away from his threat. Instead, she replied, “Kill me and you lose a valuable asset. I hunt as well as any of your warriors… maybe even better.” She nodded to where the carcasses of two rabbits laid. “I caught those for you, didn’t I? Has long has it been since you’ve had a fat rabbit?”
The leader’s gaze lingered on the prey that had been devoured. His eyes, still hard with hatred, barely softened as he thought. After a brief moment, he asked, “Why do you want to join us?”
“A warm place to sleep and clanmates. What could be better than that?”
Shellblade was impressed as he watched the interrogation happen. Though most of his clanmates grumbled about a filthy rogue joining their ranks, he was intrigued. Guilt eaten away at him over the past moon. Are they all really that bad? He still wasn’t sure if driving them out was right. This one seemed like the rest: hungry and desperate for shelter.
“I think she should be fine,” the deputy called out. “We could always put her on guard duty for a few moons. Just to keep an eye on her and teach her.” Cats’ heads jerked over to him as they stared at Shellblade, surprise flashing in their eyes. “Just because some rogues are bad doesn’t mean all are.” He caught Warbler’s gaze, happy to see thankfulness in her eyes.
Pantherstar hesitated a moment before nodding. “That sounds like a fair trade. Warbler, we’ll allow you to join us, but you have to prove yourself trustworthy.” His whiskers twitched as he added, “One wrong step and we will not hesitate to kill, mind you.”
She purred and nodded. “Of course. You won’t be disappointed!”
“Well, everyone?” Pantherstar’s eyes flicked around the clearing. “What say you? Should she be allowed to join?”
Silence swept over the group as they pondered quietly. Finally, one cat spoke up. “It… it should be fine. I mean, she seems nice.” His voice wavered as some stared at him, but he continued on. “If Shellblade trusts her, then I do, too.”
Cats began to nod at each other. “I trust her, too. Like Sootbird said, Shellblade trusts her, so why can’t we?” Murmurs of agreement when around as cats’ minds changed for the better.
“It’s settled, then.” Pantherstar nodded at Warbler. “Welcome to RunningClan. From this day forward, you will be known as Warberfall.”
A few small cheers went up. Though cats were still reluctant, Shellblade felt a surge of pride. At least they were now starting to learn that not everyone was bad. He stepped forward to touch noses with Warblerfall and murmured, “Congratulations.”
“Thanks.” Her eyes were bright as she purred. “For everything.”
“No problem.” He walked away so others could give their congratulations. As he settled into the corner of camp, he spotted a small gathering. They sat pressed together, murmuring and stealing glances at Warblerfall every once in a while. A warning of friction between clanmates yet to come settled onto him. It was obvious that not all trusted the former rogue yet.
Why can’t they see her for who she is?
//
“Pantherstar!” An angry yowl ripped across the clearing, startling Shellblade. He looked up from his mouse and groaned. Sootbird stalked towards the leader’s den, fur bristling. “Pantherstar!” he said again.
“Alright, calm yourself,” the leader grumbled as he stepped out of his dwelling into the sun. “What in StarClan’s name is so important for you to go yelling about it?”
“That so-called loyal rogue has broken a rule,” he snarled. “She’s eating before the mothers are fed.” His eyes flashed with anger as he waved his tail towards her. “She even admits to it, the disgusting creature.”
“Just a few moons ago, you were fine with her joining,” Shellblade called out as he stalked up to his leader. Cats began to gather around the commotion, glancing at one another. “Why snap at her when she’s still adjusting to clan life?”
“She should know better! She’s already been taught it. Why can’t she listen and obey?” Sootbird raked the ground with his claws, eyes flashing. “There might not be enough for the mothers.”
“Skyfall will be able to eat,” he soothed. “So will Snakekit. Don’t worry.”
Warblerfall nudged past a few cats and blinked at Pantherstar. “What did I do this time to set off Sootbird?” she asked, eyes innocent. A small sparrow feather was stuck to her upper lip, causing her to sneeze as it tickled her nose.
“You’ve eaten before the mothers again,” Pantherstar chided. “This is the third time since you’ve joined us. When will you learn?” His gaze was fixated on her, full of anger. The few clanmates that had come to witness the mini trial glanced at one another. Some had eyes full of suspicion. Others were disappointed.
“I-I’m sorry. I forgot…” Warblerfall’s voice trailed off as she stared at the ground. “I promise, next time, I’ll get it right.”
“Yes, you will. You’re on day and night guard duty for the next moon.” Pantherstar flicked his tail to dismiss the group and went back to his den.
The group split, leaving Warblerfall behind as her trail drooped. The witnesses began to talk with their clanmates, most likely telling what had happened. Shellblade felt a welling anger build up inside of his chest. They had begun to trust her. Now the loyalty was beginning to break apart. Less cats seemed friendly towards her.
He had to help her prove that she was loyal.
//
“If you do it, they’ll have to trust you.” He glared at Warblerfall, frustrated. “Why won’t you do it? She’s gone already. You just have to go find her and bring her back! It’s simple.”
“I don’t want to,” she snapped back. “What happens if something goes wrong? I’ll take the blame. Most of your clan already hates me. Pantherstar doesn’t even trust me. Now even Skyfall doesn’t like me. I’m alone in this clan.”
Why was he wasting so much time on her? The thought flashed through his head, confusing him further. Why didn’t she want to have her clanmates trust her? This would work so well. “Please,” he mumbled. “I just want them to learn that you’re not bad.”
“Suddenly realizing where Snakekit is won’t make the situation better.” Her gaze faltered, and she looked away. “I’m supposed to be on duty, and you let her sneak out so I could… what? Show my clanmates that I can be trusted?” She snorted. “If anything, this’ll prove to them that I can’t keep track of who’s going in and out.”
The deputy opened his mouth to say something, but shut it when he saw Skyfall step out of the nursery, eyes wide. “Look,” he whispered. “She’s noticed. Go! Get Snakekit!” He pushed Warblerfall towards the entrance, but the she-cat shoved back.
“No, Shellblade. I want them to trust me honestly. Not from some crazy scheme you clawed up.” She glanced to where Skyfall was beginning to wheeze, eyes panicked. “Now it’s my turn to take the blame again.”
“Snakekit!” The mother’s wail rang out across the clearing, startling the residents. Cats began to crowd around her as she called out her kit’s name again.
“What’s wrong?” Pantherstar pushed his way to the queen, eyes sparking. “Who took Snakekit?” Much to Shellblade’s frustration, the leader’s eyes immediately went to Warblerfall. Just like she said, he thought bitterly.
“Snakekit is gone!” Skyfall cried again. “I can’t find her. Her scent is still fresh. I just… she disappeared! What kind of mother am I?” Her wail grew louder as her mate pressed up against her, horrified and nervous.
“Anyone know where she is?” Sootbird called out. “Please. If you know anything, tell me.”
“I-I know where she went.” Warblerfall stepped forward, tail drooping. “She… snuck out of camp. I didn’t notice it until Skyfall said something.” She glanced at the ground, then murmured, “It’s my fault.”
Shellblade’s chest hurt. No. His clanmates were beginning to gather in one place, staring down Warblerfall. Bits of conversation made their way to his ears. Traitor. Kit-stealer. Skyfall stared in shock at the former rogue, disbelief mingling with regret. She stepped up to the warrior and blinked at her.
“Fox-hearted coward!” The mother’s paw suddenly shot out, claws unsheathed, and she ripped it across Warblerfall’s muzzle. Blood flashed onto the grass, staining it as the female fell. “You are the reason she left! Filthy rogue!” She leapt forward again, teeth bared, and reared up, claws shining white in the sun.
“No!” Shellblade tore forward and pushed Skyfall away, causing the she-cat to shriek in hatred. Her claws went up as she prepared to slash his face.
“Mama?”
She stopped short when Snakekit called for her. The little tabby’s fur was ruffled and torn up, splotched with mud and tangled with twigs. Shellblade caught sight of a small gap in the bramble wall. That must’ve been how she got out of camp.
“What’s going on, mama?” the kit asked, eyes wide at the sight of her furious mother.
“Snakekit!” she cried out. She bounded to her. “Warbler didn’t hurt you, did she?” she asked, worrisome as she checked over her daughter.
“No, mama,” she squeaked. “She didn’t even talk to me. I snuck out when she didn’t look.” She beamed and added, “Shellblade told me I could be a warrior in the forest and explore! Wasn’t I brave?”
Silence hit the clan as Snakekit’s words sank in. Every pair of eyes turned to Shellblade. His fur felt hot, the gazes of his hostile clanmates turning it into an inferno. He lifted his head and sat up straighter. No point in taking his punishment like he regretted his actions. “What Snakekit says is true,” he meowed. “I did tell her to go exploring.”
His admitting to the act was greeted with angry yowls and snarls. “You’re no better than Warblerfall!” Reedtail called out, face twisted in rage. “We shouldn’t have let her into the clan. She’s ruined our deputy!”
Calls of agreement rang out. Shellblade was practically being torn apart on the inside as some yelled out wild accusations. A deep desire to prove his loyalty to the clan mingled with his desire to help Warblerfall. Memories of the mass murder came back to him as the clan had selfishly taken back a piece of land they didn’t need. Anger welled up inside of him.
“I don’t care what you think!” he snarled. “She’s a cat. We’re all cats, no matter where or how we were raised. She was raised to be independent. That doesn’t make her some disgusting creature that hates all other cats and wishes to murder them. If anything, that’s us! We drove her out of her home all on the basis that she wasn’t one of us.” He paused to take a breath as his body reminded him of his need for air.
“I don’t see why you hate her so much,” he concluded after a moment’s pause. “If anything, she should be the one who hates us. She’s only shown us loyalty. She’s hunted for us and admitted her mistakes up front. Why can’t you treat her with the respect she deserves?”
His clanmates exchanged wary glances. They’re listening to me! He felt a rush of delight as they murmured among themselves. However, it was extinguished when Pantherstar stepped forward.
“You, Shellblade, have brought shame upon your clan.” His gaze was hard as he stared down the deputy. “You convinced us to allow a rogue into our clan, stating that she would be a great help. Bu now look where it’s gotten us. She’s broken our rules numerous times. She’s even corrupted you.” Disappoint laced his words. “It’s difficult to do this. But if you can’t see her for what she really is and what she’s done, then you need to leave.”
He turned to Warblerfall and evenly meowed, “You are no longer welcome in RunningClan. You have broken our code enough times. Tonight was your last chance. You must leave and never return, or face death.” She said nothing, but the deputy could see the anger sparking in her eyes.
“As for you,” Pantherstar said, turning back to Shellblade, “you can denounce your crazy ideas of rogues being good cats and rejoin us. Or, you can be exiled alongside Warbler.”
Shellblade had worked so hard all his life for his clan. As a deputy, he was loyal to his clan. But now, he felt torn in two. StarClan, guide my paws. I know what’s right. Give me strength. He inhaled and stated. “I’m sorry you can’t see her as she is: a true clan cat.” He looked out over the crowd, meeting the hostile gazes of those who had once trusted him. “I am standing for what I know is right. If you don’t like that, I’m sorry. I will leave with Warblerfall.”
