Post by *Ravenpaw* on Feb 18, 2019 18:32:26 GMT -5
Raggedraven is just an ordinary warrior trying her hardest to serve her clan. One day she discovers that one of her beloved clanmates was murdered. Almost every cat in the clan believes she is the murderer. Raggedraven must work to prove that she is innocent and find the real murderer before she herself gets killed.
Territory: MountainClan is located in a clearing surrounded by mountains. There is a lake in the middle of it. The clan itself made its camp in an area covered with trees that is far enough from the lake, but close enough to visit.
The cave of the blue crystal isn't actually a cave, it's more like a den. It looks like a gap in the earth with a pile of rocks on top from the outside, but the inside is big enough to fit many cats. It takes almost half a day to go there from camp.
MountainClan:
Leader: Sparrowstar - light gray tabby tom, amber eyes
Deputy: Spottedfur - tortoiseshell she-cat, blue eyes
Medicine Cat: Nettleheart - pale ginger and white tom, amber eyes
Apprentice, Brookpaw - small, light gray she-cat, ice blue eyes
Warriors:
Raggedraven - dark tabby she-cat with blue eyes, has a slightly ragged appearance
Fawnshine - pale ginger she-cat, green eyes
Blizzardtail - long-furred black tom, green eyes
Mudflight - dark brown and white tom, ice blue eyes
Willowstep - white she-cat, amber eyes
Thistlestorm - ginger tom with white ears, blue eyes
Apprentices:
Hawkpaw - light brown tom, amber eyes
Goldenpaw - ginger and gray she-cat, green eyes
Fallenpaw - gray she-cat with white tail and paws, green eyes
Queens:
Palelight - cream-colored she-cat with gray ear tips, amber eyes
Elders:
Flowershade - tortoiseshell and white she-cat, one amber eye, one blue eye, almost deaf
Snowclaw - white tom with gray paws, light blue eyes
Clan of Everlasting Rest:
Nightwhisker - black tom with gray stripes, green eyes
Deputy: Spottedfur - tortoiseshell she-cat, blue eyes
Medicine Cat: Nettleheart - pale ginger and white tom, amber eyes
Apprentice, Brookpaw - small, light gray she-cat, ice blue eyes
Warriors:
Raggedraven - dark tabby she-cat with blue eyes, has a slightly ragged appearance
Fawnshine - pale ginger she-cat, green eyes
Blizzardtail - long-furred black tom, green eyes
Mudflight - dark brown and white tom, ice blue eyes
Willowstep - white she-cat, amber eyes
Thistlestorm - ginger tom with white ears, blue eyes
Apprentices:
Hawkpaw - light brown tom, amber eyes
Goldenpaw - ginger and gray she-cat, green eyes
Fallenpaw - gray she-cat with white tail and paws, green eyes
Queens:
Palelight - cream-colored she-cat with gray ear tips, amber eyes
Elders:
Flowershade - tortoiseshell and white she-cat, one amber eye, one blue eye, almost deaf
Snowclaw - white tom with gray paws, light blue eyes
Clan of Everlasting Rest:
Nightwhisker - black tom with gray stripes, green eyes
♣ Chapter One ♣
This is the moment we've been waiting for!
A dark tabby she-cat fixed her blue eyes on a mouse. The sky darkened above her, but she was too focused to notice. Slowly, she took one pawstep at a time. She could feel a purr rise in her throat. Maybe the mouse could hear her heart beating fast in anticipation.
It's so plump . . . perfect to bring back to the clan.
With a hiss, she pounced. The mouse noticed her, and it started running. The she-cat chased after it, growling. When she was close enough, she slammed a paw down, flattening it. She quickly gave the killing bite, and then sat down to recover.
"Raggedraven!" cried a familiar voice.
The she-cat sniffed the air. A pale ginger she-cat appeared within moments, panting.
"You must come back to camp," she said.
Raggedraven brought the mouse closer to her. "Why? I just started hunting."
"It's important. It's-"
"Fawnshine, if this is one of your tricks, I don't want any part of it."
"Actually, it's Sparrowstar's order. No exceptions."
Raggedraven sighed. "Okay, I'm coming. Lead the way."
She picked up her mouse and followed her sister. When the mouse was put in the meager fresh-kill pile, she joined her clanmates at the center of the clearing.
A body of a black tom with gray stripes laid motionlessly in a pile of blood. His green eyes were still open, gazing at nothing. His neck was twisted in a sickening way that made Raggedraven want to look away. But she couldn't stop looking.
"Nightwhisker?" she whispered. "It can't be you. It just can't." The sound of her voice almost sounded like a wail.
Her clanmates glared at her. Some even hissed. Sparrowstar stood closest to the body. One of his paws was close to Nightwhisker's face.
"Any explanation for this?" he asked coolly.
"Explanation?" echoed Raggedraven, wincing. "You think I did this?" She shook her head. "That's insane. I don't kill cats."
"They found some of your fur in his ear!" hissed Fawnshine into Raggedraven's ear.
Raggedraven opened her mouth, but no words came out. All she could do was stare at the body in shock. Her ears were partly flattened back, and she was sure that her legs were beginning to shake.
I never did this!
A dark tabby she-cat fixed her blue eyes on a mouse. The sky darkened above her, but she was too focused to notice. Slowly, she took one pawstep at a time. She could feel a purr rise in her throat. Maybe the mouse could hear her heart beating fast in anticipation.
It's so plump . . . perfect to bring back to the clan.
With a hiss, she pounced. The mouse noticed her, and it started running. The she-cat chased after it, growling. When she was close enough, she slammed a paw down, flattening it. She quickly gave the killing bite, and then sat down to recover.
"Raggedraven!" cried a familiar voice.
The she-cat sniffed the air. A pale ginger she-cat appeared within moments, panting.
"You must come back to camp," she said.
Raggedraven brought the mouse closer to her. "Why? I just started hunting."
"It's important. It's-"
"Fawnshine, if this is one of your tricks, I don't want any part of it."
"Actually, it's Sparrowstar's order. No exceptions."
Raggedraven sighed. "Okay, I'm coming. Lead the way."
She picked up her mouse and followed her sister. When the mouse was put in the meager fresh-kill pile, she joined her clanmates at the center of the clearing.
A body of a black tom with gray stripes laid motionlessly in a pile of blood. His green eyes were still open, gazing at nothing. His neck was twisted in a sickening way that made Raggedraven want to look away. But she couldn't stop looking.
"Nightwhisker?" she whispered. "It can't be you. It just can't." The sound of her voice almost sounded like a wail.
Her clanmates glared at her. Some even hissed. Sparrowstar stood closest to the body. One of his paws was close to Nightwhisker's face.
"Any explanation for this?" he asked coolly.
"Explanation?" echoed Raggedraven, wincing. "You think I did this?" She shook her head. "That's insane. I don't kill cats."
"They found some of your fur in his ear!" hissed Fawnshine into Raggedraven's ear.
Raggedraven opened her mouth, but no words came out. All she could do was stare at the body in shock. Her ears were partly flattened back, and she was sure that her legs were beginning to shake.
I never did this!
♣ Chapter Two ♣
For the first time in her life, Raggedraven felt nervous around the cats she'd known since her kithood. Blizzardtail and Mudflight walked with her close enough that their pelts touched. She wanted to move away, but that was not possible. They simply walked to the border in silence.
Once they got there, the two warriors shoved Raggedraven along. She stared at them with eyes widened. Her ears were flat against her head. "You could have at least let me help bury Nightwhisker! She cried. The warriors spat at her and walked away.
A hawk flew above as Raggedraven watched her former clanmates leave her alone. Closing her eyes, she could picture the pain in Fawnshine's eyes as she was banished from the clan, not allowed to return. The she-cat wasn't even allowed to walk with her to the border. She caused such a scene at Raggedraven's sentence, that Sparrowstar didn't allow her to say goodbye.
Raggedraven growled. Sparrowstar, the one who exiled her without any real evidence except for fur. Didn't he realize how much she loved Nightwhisker? Thoughts of the leader made her blood boil, but that eroded as she felt pain inside her.
"Maybe I could talk to Nightwhisker," she muttered. "I hope he could do something." She licked her paws and started walking in the direction of the small cave containing a blue crystal. All apprentices made the journey to that place for the Clan of Everlasting Rest's approval. These days, it was mostly Nettleheart and Brookpaw who go. Raggedraven hoped that they wouldn't show up.
She turned her head to scan the area behind her before slipping inside. She was greeted by the warmth it contained. She allowed herself to purr softly as she made her way closer to the crystal. It looked like it was cleaned by hand; Raggedraven wasn't going to question it. She stepped over to the back side and laid down. Only her nose touched it as she fell asleep.
---
When she opened her eyes, the first thing she noticed was that she was back in camp. Her happiness faded quickly when she realized that no one was there.
A gentle tap made her turn around. Standing before her was Nightwhisker. His fur was starry, and his tail was up in the air.
"Nightwhisker!" Raggedraven breathed. She wanted to rub her face against his, but her body didn't listen. She rose to her paws, purring loudly. However, the purring didn't last long. "Did you see what they did?"
Nightwhisker sighed. "Yes, and I didn't like it. I felt so helpless when Sparrowstar banished you. I know you never killed me - someone else did. I couldn't see who, but I know that you would never do this."
"Couldn't you do something? Maybe visit Sparrowstar's dreams?"
"I could try," said Nightwhisker, "but I don't think he'll believe me." His eyes locked in with hers. "You must find out who did this. Please. I'm sorry to ask this while there's already stress on you-"
Raggedraven raised a paw to silence him. "I would be more than happy to do that. I'd have done it anyway if you never asked."
To her horror, the camp and Nightwhisker were fading away. "Do you want me to avenge you?" she asked, hoping he heard.
She found herself back in the cave. Anxiety and fear entered her. There was work to be done.
Once they got there, the two warriors shoved Raggedraven along. She stared at them with eyes widened. Her ears were flat against her head. "You could have at least let me help bury Nightwhisker! She cried. The warriors spat at her and walked away.
A hawk flew above as Raggedraven watched her former clanmates leave her alone. Closing her eyes, she could picture the pain in Fawnshine's eyes as she was banished from the clan, not allowed to return. The she-cat wasn't even allowed to walk with her to the border. She caused such a scene at Raggedraven's sentence, that Sparrowstar didn't allow her to say goodbye.
Raggedraven growled. Sparrowstar, the one who exiled her without any real evidence except for fur. Didn't he realize how much she loved Nightwhisker? Thoughts of the leader made her blood boil, but that eroded as she felt pain inside her.
"Maybe I could talk to Nightwhisker," she muttered. "I hope he could do something." She licked her paws and started walking in the direction of the small cave containing a blue crystal. All apprentices made the journey to that place for the Clan of Everlasting Rest's approval. These days, it was mostly Nettleheart and Brookpaw who go. Raggedraven hoped that they wouldn't show up.
She turned her head to scan the area behind her before slipping inside. She was greeted by the warmth it contained. She allowed herself to purr softly as she made her way closer to the crystal. It looked like it was cleaned by hand; Raggedraven wasn't going to question it. She stepped over to the back side and laid down. Only her nose touched it as she fell asleep.
---
When she opened her eyes, the first thing she noticed was that she was back in camp. Her happiness faded quickly when she realized that no one was there.
A gentle tap made her turn around. Standing before her was Nightwhisker. His fur was starry, and his tail was up in the air.
"Nightwhisker!" Raggedraven breathed. She wanted to rub her face against his, but her body didn't listen. She rose to her paws, purring loudly. However, the purring didn't last long. "Did you see what they did?"
Nightwhisker sighed. "Yes, and I didn't like it. I felt so helpless when Sparrowstar banished you. I know you never killed me - someone else did. I couldn't see who, but I know that you would never do this."
"Couldn't you do something? Maybe visit Sparrowstar's dreams?"
"I could try," said Nightwhisker, "but I don't think he'll believe me." His eyes locked in with hers. "You must find out who did this. Please. I'm sorry to ask this while there's already stress on you-"
Raggedraven raised a paw to silence him. "I would be more than happy to do that. I'd have done it anyway if you never asked."
To her horror, the camp and Nightwhisker were fading away. "Do you want me to avenge you?" she asked, hoping he heard.
She found herself back in the cave. Anxiety and fear entered her. There was work to be done.
♣ Chapter Three ♣
Raggedraven sniffed the air. The scent of her old clanmates was overpowering. They had already been there that morning. She hissed in frustration and kicked a pebble.
"They should be here more often," she whispered, crouching low to the ground. She hoped no one would see her but her sister. The she-cat's scent was stale wherever she went.
Minutes passed by with little activity but the breeze making the leaves on the trees dance. Raggedraven started to suspect that they might be at the lake. Sparrowstar must be keeping them busy. Did he know that she would return?
The thought of not being able to return to camp made her heart ache. The clan was so small; they needed her with them as a warrior. She remembered the stories the elders told her of the journey to this place four generations ago. Many of clanmates had died. But the deaths didn't stop there. If they didn't die along the way, they were weakened or taken by hawks. The clan never fully recovered.
Sniffing the air again, Raggedraven purred. A patrol was coming, and her sister was a part of it.
As they passed by, Raggedraven hissed. "Fawnshine!"
The pale ginger she-cat winced and jumped. Raggedraven back up a bit so that the other cats - a white she-cat and a ginger tom with white ears - turned their heads.
"What's the matter?" asked the white she-cat.
"I thought I heard something," replied Fawnshine. "You go on ahead. I'll look around."
"But Sparrowstar wants us to stay together," said the ginger tom. "You know that hawks take cats."
"They haven't tried since we started hunting them," said Fawnshine. "Sparrowstar doesn't need to know. I'll be fine. Just go."
Her clanmates didn't seem convinced, but left her anyway.
Raggedraven slowly stood up. She kept one eye in the direction of her former clanmates.
"What are you doing here?" asked Fawnshine, wide eyed. "There's an order to kill you!"
"Oh, I'm not worried about that," said Raggedraven. "Are you doing okay?"
Fawnshine didn't answer. She just looked down at her paws and clawed the ground.
"Fawnshine," said Raggedraven, concerned, "is that a scar above your eye?"
Her sister licked a paw and draped it over her face.
"Who has been hurting you?" demanded Raggedraven.
Fawnshine turned her head. "It's not safe for you to be here."
"I get that. Someone hurt you, and I want to know who."
"Just drop it, okay?" hissed Fawnshine.
Raggedraven opened her mouth to speak again, but was stopped by the sound of her former clanmates calling for her sister. Fawnshine looked at her sadly and ran off.
Well, that was . . . something.
"They should be here more often," she whispered, crouching low to the ground. She hoped no one would see her but her sister. The she-cat's scent was stale wherever she went.
Minutes passed by with little activity but the breeze making the leaves on the trees dance. Raggedraven started to suspect that they might be at the lake. Sparrowstar must be keeping them busy. Did he know that she would return?
The thought of not being able to return to camp made her heart ache. The clan was so small; they needed her with them as a warrior. She remembered the stories the elders told her of the journey to this place four generations ago. Many of clanmates had died. But the deaths didn't stop there. If they didn't die along the way, they were weakened or taken by hawks. The clan never fully recovered.
Sniffing the air again, Raggedraven purred. A patrol was coming, and her sister was a part of it.
As they passed by, Raggedraven hissed. "Fawnshine!"
The pale ginger she-cat winced and jumped. Raggedraven back up a bit so that the other cats - a white she-cat and a ginger tom with white ears - turned their heads.
"What's the matter?" asked the white she-cat.
"I thought I heard something," replied Fawnshine. "You go on ahead. I'll look around."
"But Sparrowstar wants us to stay together," said the ginger tom. "You know that hawks take cats."
"They haven't tried since we started hunting them," said Fawnshine. "Sparrowstar doesn't need to know. I'll be fine. Just go."
Her clanmates didn't seem convinced, but left her anyway.
Raggedraven slowly stood up. She kept one eye in the direction of her former clanmates.
"What are you doing here?" asked Fawnshine, wide eyed. "There's an order to kill you!"
"Oh, I'm not worried about that," said Raggedraven. "Are you doing okay?"
Fawnshine didn't answer. She just looked down at her paws and clawed the ground.
"Fawnshine," said Raggedraven, concerned, "is that a scar above your eye?"
Her sister licked a paw and draped it over her face.
"Who has been hurting you?" demanded Raggedraven.
Fawnshine turned her head. "It's not safe for you to be here."
"I get that. Someone hurt you, and I want to know who."
"Just drop it, okay?" hissed Fawnshine.
Raggedraven opened her mouth to speak again, but was stopped by the sound of her former clanmates calling for her sister. Fawnshine looked at her sadly and ran off.
Well, that was . . . something.
♣ Chapter Four ♣
Something poked her side. Raggedraven opened her eyes quickly and took a couple deep breaths. It was dark out.
"It's only me," said a familiar voice.
Raggedraven breathed in the scent of her sister and sighed. She rose to her paws and shook herself. "Hm. I don't remember falling asleep. What on earth was that all about this afternoon?"
"Willowstep and Thistlestorm were too close," said Fawnshine. "That's a reason why I couldn't talk."
Raggedraven growled.
"Sparrowstar gave me the scar!" Fawnshine blurted out.
Raggedraven dug her claws into the ground, and her growling grew louder. I'll rip his pelt!
"And what reason did he do that for?" she asked.
"It was to shut me up," replied Fawnshine. "He was mad that I didn't want you to go. He ordered many patrols along any border that smells like you. He constantly mutters under his breath about how much he hates you."
"Does anyone else know?"
Fawnshine shook her head. "Just me. He wanted to claw me again to keep me quiet, too."
That cat! Raggedraven found an earthworm and ripped it apart. He must be the real killer. But how do I prove it?
In a distance, the she-cats could hear yowling and hissing. Fawnshine flattened her ears and hissed.
"I have to go," she said. She took off with a sad look on her face.
After waving her tail in goodbye, an idea formed in Raggedraven's head. She ran away from her former territory, making sure to listen carefully for a hawk. She kept sniffing the air. The loud sound of walking on plants made the land prey hide. She hid in some nearby bushes, scaring a few mice out into the open. With a hiss, she crouched and waited. Her eyes landed on one mouse closest to her.
Moments later, her prey swooped down, ready to take the mouse for its meal. Instantly, Raggedraven pounced onto its back and brought it onto the ground. She quickly delivered the killing bite, and then sat down to rip it apart. First the wings, then the head and neck, next the talons, and then the rest. She didn't even hiss in annoyance when the blood spilled onto her pelt. The scent would mask her own.
Once all the pieces were taken inside MountainClan territory, Raggedraven placed the pieces in such a way that surrounded the camp. When the last piece was in place, she ran away, purring.
This is my message to you, Sparrowstar. You'll be in pieces like this hawk!
"It's only me," said a familiar voice.
Raggedraven breathed in the scent of her sister and sighed. She rose to her paws and shook herself. "Hm. I don't remember falling asleep. What on earth was that all about this afternoon?"
"Willowstep and Thistlestorm were too close," said Fawnshine. "That's a reason why I couldn't talk."
Raggedraven growled.
"Sparrowstar gave me the scar!" Fawnshine blurted out.
Raggedraven dug her claws into the ground, and her growling grew louder. I'll rip his pelt!
"And what reason did he do that for?" she asked.
"It was to shut me up," replied Fawnshine. "He was mad that I didn't want you to go. He ordered many patrols along any border that smells like you. He constantly mutters under his breath about how much he hates you."
"Does anyone else know?"
Fawnshine shook her head. "Just me. He wanted to claw me again to keep me quiet, too."
That cat! Raggedraven found an earthworm and ripped it apart. He must be the real killer. But how do I prove it?
In a distance, the she-cats could hear yowling and hissing. Fawnshine flattened her ears and hissed.
"I have to go," she said. She took off with a sad look on her face.
After waving her tail in goodbye, an idea formed in Raggedraven's head. She ran away from her former territory, making sure to listen carefully for a hawk. She kept sniffing the air. The loud sound of walking on plants made the land prey hide. She hid in some nearby bushes, scaring a few mice out into the open. With a hiss, she crouched and waited. Her eyes landed on one mouse closest to her.
Moments later, her prey swooped down, ready to take the mouse for its meal. Instantly, Raggedraven pounced onto its back and brought it onto the ground. She quickly delivered the killing bite, and then sat down to rip it apart. First the wings, then the head and neck, next the talons, and then the rest. She didn't even hiss in annoyance when the blood spilled onto her pelt. The scent would mask her own.
Once all the pieces were taken inside MountainClan territory, Raggedraven placed the pieces in such a way that surrounded the camp. When the last piece was in place, she ran away, purring.
This is my message to you, Sparrowstar. You'll be in pieces like this hawk!
♣ Chapter Five ♣
Two days later, Raggedraven purposefully went as close to her old territory as she could. Gathering as many pebbles as she could carry, she climbed the nearest tree and placed them by the trunk. She kept doing so until every single one she collected was in place.
She sniffed the air. Good. My scent is disguised, and these leaves will hide my body. Now to wait.
Growling, she caught the scent of a MountainClan patrol before she saw them. The first cat to come to view was Mudflight. His long dark brown and white fur moved with the breeze. Thistlestorm followed him, and he was followed by a tom that was covered in dirt as if he just rolled in it for hours. His scent matched hers. The only way she could tell if he was Sparrowstar was because of the amber eyes.
The sound of her growling quieted as they kept going toward her tree, which also carried MountainClan scent. It was fading, and Raggedraven guessed they were renewing the scent marker.
Are you this stupid?
Raggedraven was about to throw a pebble when the border was marked, and the amber-eyed tom climbed up the tree toward her. The two cats below looked away. Raggedraven could slightly tell that their legs shook. Before the tom could reach her, she abandoned her pebble and fell. She grabbed the tom before he could claw her. Together, they fell. The amber-eyed tom hissed as he hit the ground on his back.
"You made a wrong choice by hurting my sister!" she hissed into the tom's ear. "What's with the disguise?"
The tom didn't answer. They rolled around, clawing and biting. The rest of his patrol looked on, frozen on their paws. The look on their faces was not hostile. It was fear, and the scent of it filled her nose.
Next moment she was thrown out of the territory. The last thing she heard was hissing of an angry tom.
Before she could get up, a paw forced her down. The claws dug into her. She didn't want to see if there was blood.
"Don't think I didn't see you with her," the tom growled close to her ear.
Raggedraven tried to claw him, but she couldn't. Her eyes did not leave him while he went back to his territory.
----
After Raggedraven disguised her scent again, the light turned to darkness. She had been sick with worry. What would he do to Fawnshine?
"Wait."
The sound of his voice made Raggedraven jump. Nightwhisker appeared at her side.
"What on earth were you thinking? He could have killed you!" His eyes were wide with fear.
"Of course not. Warriors can't kill warriors."
Nightwhisker blinked. "You're not a warrior anymore."
"I'm a warrior with no clan." Raggedraven had to prevent herself from getting annoyed.
Nightwhisker sighed. "Follow me." He didn't wait as he led the way away from MountainClan territory. Looking back once, he slipped into the cave. Raggedraven ran in after him. He directed her to the blue crystal and had her lay down. Soon they were taken into their old camp.
The whole clan was out. They were gathered near the big rock that was at the far end of the camp.
Raggedraven's eyes widened. "That's the tom who attacked me! Do you mean to tell me that it wasn't Sparrowstar who was out? He replaced me so soon."
The light gray tabby leader was sitting on the big rock, eyes sparkling. The amber-eyed tom sat on the ground with the rest of the clan. His fur was cleaned. One of Palelight's kits, a white she-kit with amber eyes, was held down by one of his paws.
Raggedraven was about to say something, but Sparrowstar started speaking.
"Cats of MountainClan," he said, "Onyx has spotted our enemy and chased her off. I'm afraid she won't be away for long, as usual."
A hiss came from the nursery to their right. At the entrance was Palelight held back by two large toms.
"Let my kit go!" she growled and spat. "Sparrowstar, can't you do something?"
Sparrowstar shrugged. "This is what happens when Onyx has to help us protect our borders." His tail flicked. The she-kit struggled to get out of Onyx's grasp, but the tom had a good grip. He bent his head and delivered a killing bite. Once the kit was still, he clawed her side and stepped back. Raggedraven narrowed her eyes. Fresh anger burned inside her.
"This is why you can't keep coming back," Nightwhisker said. He leaned closer and whispered in her ear. "Think of Palelight's two remaining kits."
"So should I lure him out of his territory?" asked Raggedraven.
Nightwhisker didn't reply. Instead he walked past the scared crowd and gently nosed the kit. Murmuring some words, the kit's soul got up and looked right into his eyes. Nudging the kit, he said, "Go on, your father's waiting for you."
Instantly, the kit purred, and she ran off until Raggedraven couldn't see her anymore. The purred gradually faded sometime after.
The moment Raggedraven woke up, a paw pressed her side.
"What are you doing here?"
She sniffed the air. Good. My scent is disguised, and these leaves will hide my body. Now to wait.
Growling, she caught the scent of a MountainClan patrol before she saw them. The first cat to come to view was Mudflight. His long dark brown and white fur moved with the breeze. Thistlestorm followed him, and he was followed by a tom that was covered in dirt as if he just rolled in it for hours. His scent matched hers. The only way she could tell if he was Sparrowstar was because of the amber eyes.
The sound of her growling quieted as they kept going toward her tree, which also carried MountainClan scent. It was fading, and Raggedraven guessed they were renewing the scent marker.
Are you this stupid?
Raggedraven was about to throw a pebble when the border was marked, and the amber-eyed tom climbed up the tree toward her. The two cats below looked away. Raggedraven could slightly tell that their legs shook. Before the tom could reach her, she abandoned her pebble and fell. She grabbed the tom before he could claw her. Together, they fell. The amber-eyed tom hissed as he hit the ground on his back.
"You made a wrong choice by hurting my sister!" she hissed into the tom's ear. "What's with the disguise?"
The tom didn't answer. They rolled around, clawing and biting. The rest of his patrol looked on, frozen on their paws. The look on their faces was not hostile. It was fear, and the scent of it filled her nose.
Next moment she was thrown out of the territory. The last thing she heard was hissing of an angry tom.
Before she could get up, a paw forced her down. The claws dug into her. She didn't want to see if there was blood.
"Don't think I didn't see you with her," the tom growled close to her ear.
Raggedraven tried to claw him, but she couldn't. Her eyes did not leave him while he went back to his territory.
----
After Raggedraven disguised her scent again, the light turned to darkness. She had been sick with worry. What would he do to Fawnshine?
"Wait."
The sound of his voice made Raggedraven jump. Nightwhisker appeared at her side.
"What on earth were you thinking? He could have killed you!" His eyes were wide with fear.
"Of course not. Warriors can't kill warriors."
Nightwhisker blinked. "You're not a warrior anymore."
"I'm a warrior with no clan." Raggedraven had to prevent herself from getting annoyed.
Nightwhisker sighed. "Follow me." He didn't wait as he led the way away from MountainClan territory. Looking back once, he slipped into the cave. Raggedraven ran in after him. He directed her to the blue crystal and had her lay down. Soon they were taken into their old camp.
The whole clan was out. They were gathered near the big rock that was at the far end of the camp.
Raggedraven's eyes widened. "That's the tom who attacked me! Do you mean to tell me that it wasn't Sparrowstar who was out? He replaced me so soon."
The light gray tabby leader was sitting on the big rock, eyes sparkling. The amber-eyed tom sat on the ground with the rest of the clan. His fur was cleaned. One of Palelight's kits, a white she-kit with amber eyes, was held down by one of his paws.
Raggedraven was about to say something, but Sparrowstar started speaking.
"Cats of MountainClan," he said, "Onyx has spotted our enemy and chased her off. I'm afraid she won't be away for long, as usual."
A hiss came from the nursery to their right. At the entrance was Palelight held back by two large toms.
"Let my kit go!" she growled and spat. "Sparrowstar, can't you do something?"
Sparrowstar shrugged. "This is what happens when Onyx has to help us protect our borders." His tail flicked. The she-kit struggled to get out of Onyx's grasp, but the tom had a good grip. He bent his head and delivered a killing bite. Once the kit was still, he clawed her side and stepped back. Raggedraven narrowed her eyes. Fresh anger burned inside her.
"This is why you can't keep coming back," Nightwhisker said. He leaned closer and whispered in her ear. "Think of Palelight's two remaining kits."
"So should I lure him out of his territory?" asked Raggedraven.
Nightwhisker didn't reply. Instead he walked past the scared crowd and gently nosed the kit. Murmuring some words, the kit's soul got up and looked right into his eyes. Nudging the kit, he said, "Go on, your father's waiting for you."
Instantly, the kit purred, and she ran off until Raggedraven couldn't see her anymore. The purred gradually faded sometime after.
The moment Raggedraven woke up, a paw pressed her side.
"What are you doing here?"
♣ Chapter Six ♣
Raggedraven hesitantly looked up into the eyes of a familiar cat - the medicine cat himself. The look on his face was not one of anger, but confusion. The pale ginger and white tom's paw was still raised as if he intended to poke her again. Slowly, Raggedraven got onto her paws and sat down. She gave herself a few minutes to calm down before responding to his question.
"I saw what happened, Nettleheart," she said. "I'm sorry. It's my fault Icekit was murdered." She told him everything from how angry she was when she heard that Fawnshine had been attacked soon after her exile to the bird she tore apart and left near camp. "I even attacked Onyx," she added. "I thought he was Sparrowstar, but I guess he wasn't."
Silence filled the cave again. She stared at her paws, afraid to look at the medicine cat's face. "I guess I'm still mad that I've had to leave my home. I never killed any cat."
Nettleheart placed the tip of his tail under Raggedraven's chin and she slowly lifted her head. "I don't blame you. And I don't think Palelight would, either. It was Sparrowstar and Onyx who decided to kill Icekit, and Onyx killed her. That was not your fault."
Raggedraven's eyes widened.
"Sparrowstar often confided in me and our ancestors," the medicine cat went on. "but he's slowly losing his mind. Do you remember when he fell out of a tree a few days after you became a warrior?"
"Yes. He lost a life," said Raggedraven.
Nettleheart nodded. "He did. And I assumed that he must have gotten wisdom, or at least some advice from the Clan of Everlasting Rest, but I think this time he ignored them. He stopped confiding in me. When you were exiled, he soon let Onyx and his two friends into the camp. I've had so many cats come into my den to be treated...." He gave his leg a couple licks.
"It seems like everything went wrong as soon as he lost that life," said Raggedraven.
"I have a feeling that you're right," the medicine cat agreed. He leaned in closer and spoke quietly. "He has always been afraid of death, and now that he has only two lives left...He's running on fear."
Raggedraven's claws slit out. She imagined they were digging into the soft ground instead of the cave floor as she remembered the day Sparrowstar asked her to be his mate. When she'd refused, his fur bristled in anger. Not very level-headed, are you? I loved Nightwhisker! The anger was gone as soon as she blinked a few times. He gently nuzzled me and then walked back to his den as if he'd never been angry at all. But I could have sworn he might have taken some of my fur. She shivered.
Nettleheart rose to his paws and purred. "It was nice to see you. The camp isn't the same without you."
She sighed. "I wish I could go back."
"Maybe someday. For now, if you need anything, come here. I'm still able to meet with the Clan of Everlasting Rest every half moon. In fact, you may as well make a nest here. I'm sure our ancestors won't mind sharing their den with you."
Raggedraven stared at him in shock. "That...th-"
Nettleheart raised his paw. "They won't be mad. Now if you don't mind, I must speak to them."
She nodded and moved to closer to the back.
"I saw what happened, Nettleheart," she said. "I'm sorry. It's my fault Icekit was murdered." She told him everything from how angry she was when she heard that Fawnshine had been attacked soon after her exile to the bird she tore apart and left near camp. "I even attacked Onyx," she added. "I thought he was Sparrowstar, but I guess he wasn't."
Silence filled the cave again. She stared at her paws, afraid to look at the medicine cat's face. "I guess I'm still mad that I've had to leave my home. I never killed any cat."
Nettleheart placed the tip of his tail under Raggedraven's chin and she slowly lifted her head. "I don't blame you. And I don't think Palelight would, either. It was Sparrowstar and Onyx who decided to kill Icekit, and Onyx killed her. That was not your fault."
Raggedraven's eyes widened.
"Sparrowstar often confided in me and our ancestors," the medicine cat went on. "but he's slowly losing his mind. Do you remember when he fell out of a tree a few days after you became a warrior?"
"Yes. He lost a life," said Raggedraven.
Nettleheart nodded. "He did. And I assumed that he must have gotten wisdom, or at least some advice from the Clan of Everlasting Rest, but I think this time he ignored them. He stopped confiding in me. When you were exiled, he soon let Onyx and his two friends into the camp. I've had so many cats come into my den to be treated...." He gave his leg a couple licks.
"It seems like everything went wrong as soon as he lost that life," said Raggedraven.
"I have a feeling that you're right," the medicine cat agreed. He leaned in closer and spoke quietly. "He has always been afraid of death, and now that he has only two lives left...He's running on fear."
Raggedraven's claws slit out. She imagined they were digging into the soft ground instead of the cave floor as she remembered the day Sparrowstar asked her to be his mate. When she'd refused, his fur bristled in anger. Not very level-headed, are you? I loved Nightwhisker! The anger was gone as soon as she blinked a few times. He gently nuzzled me and then walked back to his den as if he'd never been angry at all. But I could have sworn he might have taken some of my fur. She shivered.
Nettleheart rose to his paws and purred. "It was nice to see you. The camp isn't the same without you."
She sighed. "I wish I could go back."
"Maybe someday. For now, if you need anything, come here. I'm still able to meet with the Clan of Everlasting Rest every half moon. In fact, you may as well make a nest here. I'm sure our ancestors won't mind sharing their den with you."
Raggedraven stared at him in shock. "That...th-"
Nettleheart raised his paw. "They won't be mad. Now if you don't mind, I must speak to them."
She nodded and moved to closer to the back.
♣ Chapter Seven ♣
Nettleheart was already gone by the time Raggedraven woke up. She washed herself while thinking of what she dreamed of. She was back at camp again, pouncing on Onyx before he could kill Icekit. But Raggedraven was always too late. She'd yowled as she was roughly shoved aside. Her body was soon covered in her blood.
Shaking her head, she finished washing and left the cave of the blue crystal. Though it was okay to share it with her ancestors, she was still hesitant on using such a sacred place. She gently brushed against the crystal as she left. Collecting moss for a nest wasn't that hard to do - she purred as she returned to make her nest. It may be a while before she ever got to chase Onyx and Sparrowstar out of her clan.
With the nest made, she left again to go hunting. Soon she returned with a couple mice, and ate them delicately as to not make a mess. She then curled up in her nest, deep in thought.
Okay, so Sparrowstar has not been acting himself. That's when Onyx came in. Why are they doing these things?
Raggedraven seriously considered going back to camp for more information, but soon remembered what Nightwhisker told her.
This is why you can't keep coming back. Think of Palelight's two remaining kits!
Raggedraven sighed and said softly, "I still need more information though."
That moment, she drifted off into a deep sleep.
Shaking her head, she finished washing and left the cave of the blue crystal. Though it was okay to share it with her ancestors, she was still hesitant on using such a sacred place. She gently brushed against the crystal as she left. Collecting moss for a nest wasn't that hard to do - she purred as she returned to make her nest. It may be a while before she ever got to chase Onyx and Sparrowstar out of her clan.
With the nest made, she left again to go hunting. Soon she returned with a couple mice, and ate them delicately as to not make a mess. She then curled up in her nest, deep in thought.
Okay, so Sparrowstar has not been acting himself. That's when Onyx came in. Why are they doing these things?
Raggedraven seriously considered going back to camp for more information, but soon remembered what Nightwhisker told her.
This is why you can't keep coming back. Think of Palelight's two remaining kits!
Raggedraven sighed and said softly, "I still need more information though."
That moment, she drifted off into a deep sleep.
♣ Chapter Eight ♣
The next half moon when Nettleheart woke up, he saw Raggedraven wide awake. A mouse laid at her paws uneaten.
"I caught this before you came," she said, gently pawing it over to him. The medicine cat gulped it down in a few rapid bites. To her horror, she noticed his ribs starting to show. "Haven't you been eating?"
The medicine cat shook his head after gulping down the last of his mouse. "There has been so much going on. I didn't have much time."
Raggedraven got up from her nest, walked over to him, and licked between his ears. "Any more news?" she asked.
"The clan's getting worse. There's sickness, and Sparrowstar is scared to lose another life. Onyx has taken over instead of Spottedfur." He sighed.
"But isn't Spottedfur supposed to act in Sparrowstar's place?" asked Raggedraven.
"Yes, but she's one of the sick cats."
Raggedraven's eyes widened. "Who else is sick?"
"Flowershade, Thistlestorm, and all of the apprentices. Even my apprentice."
Raggedraven started pacing. "If only there's something I could do! Maybe if I help, they'll let me back in the clan."
Nettleheart chuckled. "Glad you said that. The Clan of Everlasting Rest need you to find the herb that will help. Look for the herb that the sun shines brightly on."
When Raggedraven stopped pacing, Nettleheart purred and touched Raggedraven's ear with his nose. "Good luck, and thank you for the mouse." He left her without knowing that she didn't take her eyes off him, her heart thumping.
"I caught this before you came," she said, gently pawing it over to him. The medicine cat gulped it down in a few rapid bites. To her horror, she noticed his ribs starting to show. "Haven't you been eating?"
The medicine cat shook his head after gulping down the last of his mouse. "There has been so much going on. I didn't have much time."
Raggedraven got up from her nest, walked over to him, and licked between his ears. "Any more news?" she asked.
"The clan's getting worse. There's sickness, and Sparrowstar is scared to lose another life. Onyx has taken over instead of Spottedfur." He sighed.
"But isn't Spottedfur supposed to act in Sparrowstar's place?" asked Raggedraven.
"Yes, but she's one of the sick cats."
Raggedraven's eyes widened. "Who else is sick?"
"Flowershade, Thistlestorm, and all of the apprentices. Even my apprentice."
Raggedraven started pacing. "If only there's something I could do! Maybe if I help, they'll let me back in the clan."
Nettleheart chuckled. "Glad you said that. The Clan of Everlasting Rest need you to find the herb that will help. Look for the herb that the sun shines brightly on."
When Raggedraven stopped pacing, Nettleheart purred and touched Raggedraven's ear with his nose. "Good luck, and thank you for the mouse." He left her without knowing that she didn't take her eyes off him, her heart thumping.
♣ Chapter Nine ♣
What's wrong with you? He has an apprentice to train!
Raggedraven shook her head and growled. There was only one cat she cared about in that way - Nightwhisker - and he was dead. After growling at herself in her mind, she settled down in her nest and laid her head on her paws. She faced the blue crystal, now dull. Soon she fell asleep.
The moment she woke up, she rose to her paws, stretched, and left the crystal. After quickly catching a mouse and gulping it down, she looked up at the sky. It was unusually cold that day, and she shivered. Despite the chill, the sun was brighter than ever. She followed its light with her eyes, noting the location of the herb. It seemed so far! Raggedraven sighed.
May as well go now.
Raggedraven forced her legs to start moving. Every so while she glanced up at the sky, but that made her keep on wanting to turn away and run.
The sun's shining everywhere. Any of these plants could be the herbs Nettleheart was talking about.
After careful examination, she noticed that even though the sun shined everywhere, it shined brighter on her trail. She stopped looking up at the sky to follow at a quick pace.
The journey seemed to take most of the day. Just as Raggedraven panted and considering giving up, the bright light led her to a den that had flat rocks as walls. She shivered. Surely the herbs couldn't be in there?
Not far off from it, a lot of the green herb swayed along with the gentle breeze. Purring, Raggedraven grabbed a mouthful and ripped them out of the ground. She didn't dare to put them down - they looked too much like the grass they grew up with. Satisfied that she gathered plenty, she turned back to home, tail up in the air.
Raggedraven shook her head and growled. There was only one cat she cared about in that way - Nightwhisker - and he was dead. After growling at herself in her mind, she settled down in her nest and laid her head on her paws. She faced the blue crystal, now dull. Soon she fell asleep.
The moment she woke up, she rose to her paws, stretched, and left the crystal. After quickly catching a mouse and gulping it down, she looked up at the sky. It was unusually cold that day, and she shivered. Despite the chill, the sun was brighter than ever. She followed its light with her eyes, noting the location of the herb. It seemed so far! Raggedraven sighed.
May as well go now.
Raggedraven forced her legs to start moving. Every so while she glanced up at the sky, but that made her keep on wanting to turn away and run.
The sun's shining everywhere. Any of these plants could be the herbs Nettleheart was talking about.
After careful examination, she noticed that even though the sun shined everywhere, it shined brighter on her trail. She stopped looking up at the sky to follow at a quick pace.
The journey seemed to take most of the day. Just as Raggedraven panted and considering giving up, the bright light led her to a den that had flat rocks as walls. She shivered. Surely the herbs couldn't be in there?
Not far off from it, a lot of the green herb swayed along with the gentle breeze. Purring, Raggedraven grabbed a mouthful and ripped them out of the ground. She didn't dare to put them down - they looked too much like the grass they grew up with. Satisfied that she gathered plenty, she turned back to home, tail up in the air.
♣ Chapter Ten ♣
"You've got five minutes. Make it quick." A massive gray tabby pushed Nettleheart along to the border. Raggedraven waited there in a clearing. The green herb was on the ground close to her paws. Her face was expressionless. She rose to her paws when she saw them.
When they were close enough, Nettleheart purred. "Thank you, Raggedraven. These will be helpful." He turned to the massive gray tabby and asked, "Do you mind if she comes back to camp? There's a lot here, and I'll need help carrying them to my den."
The massive gray tabby growled. "You're already pushing it."
"Nettleheart's right," said Raggedraven. She grabbed half of the pile and pawed the other to the medicine cat. Once all were collected, the three cats returned to camp.
When they slipped passed the brambles, Raggedraven couldn't hold back her shock. The stench of sickness was strong, making it hard to breathe. Most of the dens were destroyed, and the cats laid on the remains. There were bones where the prey pile used to be. Most of them watched as they made their way to the medicine den, which was one of the dens that survived, the other being the leader's den.
This is horrible. How could they live like this?
Nettleheart gently nudged her on and made sure she followed him to his den. When they were inside, Nettleheart made space in the back and dropped his pile. Raggedraven placed hers on top, and then glanced at the exit. The massive gray tabby had not followed them in, but that didn't make her breathe easily.
Nettleheart crouched, took some of the herb, and started chewing it into a pulp. He spit the pulp out and mixed it with other herbs that Raggedraven was familiar with.
Raggedraven crouched beside him. "Did the Clan of Everlasting Rest tell you to do this?"
Nettleheart nodded. "It should work." He pawed some of the herb to her. "Chew them into a pulp like I did."
Raggedraven got to work. She put to the side every pulp she made while the medicine cat mixed it. Once it was ready, the mixtures were wrapped in leaves.
"Spottedfur says the apprentices should be treated first," said the medicine cat. He led the way out of the den to where the apprentices huddled together. The massive gray tabby watched them with narrowed eyes, but they ignored him.
The apprentices blinked at them as they set down the leaf wraps.
Just as Raggedraven held out some of the mixture to Hawkpaw, the small light brown tom, a familiar voice hissed.
"Seems like you don't understand a thing."
When they were close enough, Nettleheart purred. "Thank you, Raggedraven. These will be helpful." He turned to the massive gray tabby and asked, "Do you mind if she comes back to camp? There's a lot here, and I'll need help carrying them to my den."
The massive gray tabby growled. "You're already pushing it."
"Nettleheart's right," said Raggedraven. She grabbed half of the pile and pawed the other to the medicine cat. Once all were collected, the three cats returned to camp.
When they slipped passed the brambles, Raggedraven couldn't hold back her shock. The stench of sickness was strong, making it hard to breathe. Most of the dens were destroyed, and the cats laid on the remains. There were bones where the prey pile used to be. Most of them watched as they made their way to the medicine den, which was one of the dens that survived, the other being the leader's den.
This is horrible. How could they live like this?
Nettleheart gently nudged her on and made sure she followed him to his den. When they were inside, Nettleheart made space in the back and dropped his pile. Raggedraven placed hers on top, and then glanced at the exit. The massive gray tabby had not followed them in, but that didn't make her breathe easily.
Nettleheart crouched, took some of the herb, and started chewing it into a pulp. He spit the pulp out and mixed it with other herbs that Raggedraven was familiar with.
Raggedraven crouched beside him. "Did the Clan of Everlasting Rest tell you to do this?"
Nettleheart nodded. "It should work." He pawed some of the herb to her. "Chew them into a pulp like I did."
Raggedraven got to work. She put to the side every pulp she made while the medicine cat mixed it. Once it was ready, the mixtures were wrapped in leaves.
"Spottedfur says the apprentices should be treated first," said the medicine cat. He led the way out of the den to where the apprentices huddled together. The massive gray tabby watched them with narrowed eyes, but they ignored him.
The apprentices blinked at them as they set down the leaf wraps.
Just as Raggedraven held out some of the mixture to Hawkpaw, the small light brown tom, a familiar voice hissed.
"Seems like you don't understand a thing."
♣ Chapter Eleven ♣
The awful scent hit her nose before Raggedraven glanced over her shoulder. She growled as Onyx drew closer.
"Of course I understand," spat Raggedraven. "I understand that taking care of my clanmates is important."
Her healthier clanmates stalked into the clearing. Some had expressions of joy, and agreed with her. A few of them glared her instead of Onyx. Their claws were out. They looked as sharp as they used to be.
Onyx laughed. "Seems like a few of your clanmates don't agree, and I'm with them." He was about a tail-length away. "Besides, you proved them right when you killed Nightwhisker."
Raggedraven whipped her whole body around to face him. "You're wrong! I'll even prove it." She turned back to Hawkpaw and pawed the medicine closer to him. He licked it off her pad. Then she turned back to Onyx. "What do you think about that?"
In response, Onyx pounced. Raggedraven was forced to fall onto her back. Together they rolled around the clearing. The other cats stood out of the way. Not even the ones who agreed with her dared to jump in. Raggedraven managed to free a paw and clawed Onyx's head. His blood fell onto her fur. They hissed and spat at each other. The noise was enough to get Sparrowstar out of his den.
The MountainClan leader poked his head out of the den. His face was expressionless. When Onyx forced Raggedraven onto her back again, he ran over and grabbed his shoulders. His claws dug deep into the skin. He yanked Onyx away so that Raggedraven could lick her wounds. As she recovered, she saw his pelt bristle as he and Onyx stared at each other. Raggedraven growled low in her throat, but Sparrowstar didn't not respond. She wasn't sure if he noticed in the first place.
Since Icekit's death, the MountainClan leader grew so skinny his ribs showed. Some of his fur was matted, and parts were falling off. Raggedraven wondered when he would say something about her presence.
"You're slipping, Sparrowstar," growled Onyx. "Nightwhisker's murderer is here, and you're letting her stay in camp!"
No words came out of Sparrowstar's mouth. Nettleheart pressed close Raggedraven, who started trembling. Her brain flashed with the memories of Sparrowstar exiling her and acting like a creep.
It happened so fast. Onyx quickly clawed Sparrowstar's side. With a yowl, the leader fell onto the ground. All around him were expressions of shock. His clanmates watched in horror as he kept yowling in pain. His whole body jerked around for a few moments before he suddenly calmed. He twitched once and was still. Raggedraven couldn't help but pity him. Unlike most of her clanmates, she knew he would come back. But this would be the final time.
Moments later, his side was healed, and he took deep breaths. He looked horrified as he shot a wide-eyed glance at Onyx. Then his eyes slowly rested on Raggedraven.
"Stay," he pleaded in an inaudible voice.
Raggedraven nodded.
The clanmates who were not on her side before now growled at Onyx and his two massive friends. They hissed and spat at the ground near them. Angry, the three cats retreated to a nearby corner.
Suddenly, Raggedraven was reminded of something.
"Of course I understand," spat Raggedraven. "I understand that taking care of my clanmates is important."
Her healthier clanmates stalked into the clearing. Some had expressions of joy, and agreed with her. A few of them glared her instead of Onyx. Their claws were out. They looked as sharp as they used to be.
Onyx laughed. "Seems like a few of your clanmates don't agree, and I'm with them." He was about a tail-length away. "Besides, you proved them right when you killed Nightwhisker."
Raggedraven whipped her whole body around to face him. "You're wrong! I'll even prove it." She turned back to Hawkpaw and pawed the medicine closer to him. He licked it off her pad. Then she turned back to Onyx. "What do you think about that?"
In response, Onyx pounced. Raggedraven was forced to fall onto her back. Together they rolled around the clearing. The other cats stood out of the way. Not even the ones who agreed with her dared to jump in. Raggedraven managed to free a paw and clawed Onyx's head. His blood fell onto her fur. They hissed and spat at each other. The noise was enough to get Sparrowstar out of his den.
The MountainClan leader poked his head out of the den. His face was expressionless. When Onyx forced Raggedraven onto her back again, he ran over and grabbed his shoulders. His claws dug deep into the skin. He yanked Onyx away so that Raggedraven could lick her wounds. As she recovered, she saw his pelt bristle as he and Onyx stared at each other. Raggedraven growled low in her throat, but Sparrowstar didn't not respond. She wasn't sure if he noticed in the first place.
Since Icekit's death, the MountainClan leader grew so skinny his ribs showed. Some of his fur was matted, and parts were falling off. Raggedraven wondered when he would say something about her presence.
"You're slipping, Sparrowstar," growled Onyx. "Nightwhisker's murderer is here, and you're letting her stay in camp!"
No words came out of Sparrowstar's mouth. Nettleheart pressed close Raggedraven, who started trembling. Her brain flashed with the memories of Sparrowstar exiling her and acting like a creep.
It happened so fast. Onyx quickly clawed Sparrowstar's side. With a yowl, the leader fell onto the ground. All around him were expressions of shock. His clanmates watched in horror as he kept yowling in pain. His whole body jerked around for a few moments before he suddenly calmed. He twitched once and was still. Raggedraven couldn't help but pity him. Unlike most of her clanmates, she knew he would come back. But this would be the final time.
Moments later, his side was healed, and he took deep breaths. He looked horrified as he shot a wide-eyed glance at Onyx. Then his eyes slowly rested on Raggedraven.
"Stay," he pleaded in an inaudible voice.
Raggedraven nodded.
The clanmates who were not on her side before now growled at Onyx and his two massive friends. They hissed and spat at the ground near them. Angry, the three cats retreated to a nearby corner.
Suddenly, Raggedraven was reminded of something.
♣ Chapter Twelve ♣
And that something was the last thing she wanted to know.
Raggedraven circled her new nest many times that night. I should be happy that Sparrowstar let me stay here in the warriors' den. I'm with my clanmates again! But it doesn't feel the same, she thought. Nightwhisker, I still don't understand. How did you die? For a few seconds, she wished that she slept next to the blue crystal. But before she could rise to paws and go there, she fell fast asleep.
She found herself in part of MountainClan territory that very few cats went to. Two cats were sitting on a branch of a tree up above her. Even though her ears were pricked, she couldn't hear anything.
Raggedraven sniffed the air. Her eyes widened. Those scents are familiar! If only the moonlight shone over here...then I would know for sure that it's Onyx and one of his friends. She could recognize the smell of mud anywhere. Though she had no idea where they had gotten it from. There hasn't been any rain for weeks.
They stared down at her. Raggedraven shrieked and took a few steps back. Suddenly, the forest around her faded. After a slight shake, she found herself awake in her nest back in camp. She blinked.
Nightwhisker, that doesn't help. Is there anything else you want to tell me?
As if in response, Raggedraven felt drowsy again, and she laid her chin on her paws. When she closed her eyes, she found herself at the border. Her heart skipped a beat when Nightwhisker appeared. He sniffed the air, and when he reached a dead tree, he immediately started digging. Not long after, Raggedraven saw a rabbit leg appear. Nightwhisker bent his head, grabbed it, and pulled it out of the ground. Pulling it off to the side, he reached down again, intending to pick up another piece of prey. At that moment, a cat raced across the border, claws extended.
"Nightwhisker!" Raggedraven cried. "Look out!"
Nightwhisker extended his claws, too, and hissed at the stranger. His ears flattened, and his fur was bristled in anger. His back was arched as he hissed again. The stranger pounced and dug his claws into Nightwhisker's fur. Nightwhisker yowled and clawed the stranger's chest and face. Though blood spilled from him, the stranger didn't give up. He easily pinned Nightwhisker onto his back and bit deep into Nightwhisker's neck. What he did next made Raggedraven want to throw up. He gripped Nightwhisker's neck and twisted it.
Raggedraven lifted her head and let out a yowl as if she had been the one who was injured. "Nightwhisker! No!" She collapsed onto her paws and let her tears fall onto the ground. "Nightwhisker..." She forced herself to look up at watch the stranger take a part of her fur, which also smelled of Sparrowstar, and put it into one of ears of the dead body. With that done, he left.
The scene quickly changed to daytime. The scents of Blizzardtail and Goldenpaw reached Raggedraven's nose. When they came across Nightwhisker's body, they stared in shock. Blizzardtail forced himself to snap out of it to tell Goldenpaw to fetch Sparrowstar. She was off in an instant.
Obviously it wasn't me. It never was. The murderer has been in camp while I was gone! I recognize those eyes, now!
Nightwhisker...I'm so sorry.
The pain in Raggedraven's heart hurt more than she could remember.
Raggedraven circled her new nest many times that night. I should be happy that Sparrowstar let me stay here in the warriors' den. I'm with my clanmates again! But it doesn't feel the same, she thought. Nightwhisker, I still don't understand. How did you die? For a few seconds, she wished that she slept next to the blue crystal. But before she could rise to paws and go there, she fell fast asleep.
She found herself in part of MountainClan territory that very few cats went to. Two cats were sitting on a branch of a tree up above her. Even though her ears were pricked, she couldn't hear anything.
Raggedraven sniffed the air. Her eyes widened. Those scents are familiar! If only the moonlight shone over here...then I would know for sure that it's Onyx and one of his friends. She could recognize the smell of mud anywhere. Though she had no idea where they had gotten it from. There hasn't been any rain for weeks.
They stared down at her. Raggedraven shrieked and took a few steps back. Suddenly, the forest around her faded. After a slight shake, she found herself awake in her nest back in camp. She blinked.
Nightwhisker, that doesn't help. Is there anything else you want to tell me?
As if in response, Raggedraven felt drowsy again, and she laid her chin on her paws. When she closed her eyes, she found herself at the border. Her heart skipped a beat when Nightwhisker appeared. He sniffed the air, and when he reached a dead tree, he immediately started digging. Not long after, Raggedraven saw a rabbit leg appear. Nightwhisker bent his head, grabbed it, and pulled it out of the ground. Pulling it off to the side, he reached down again, intending to pick up another piece of prey. At that moment, a cat raced across the border, claws extended.
"Nightwhisker!" Raggedraven cried. "Look out!"
Nightwhisker extended his claws, too, and hissed at the stranger. His ears flattened, and his fur was bristled in anger. His back was arched as he hissed again. The stranger pounced and dug his claws into Nightwhisker's fur. Nightwhisker yowled and clawed the stranger's chest and face. Though blood spilled from him, the stranger didn't give up. He easily pinned Nightwhisker onto his back and bit deep into Nightwhisker's neck. What he did next made Raggedraven want to throw up. He gripped Nightwhisker's neck and twisted it.
Raggedraven lifted her head and let out a yowl as if she had been the one who was injured. "Nightwhisker! No!" She collapsed onto her paws and let her tears fall onto the ground. "Nightwhisker..." She forced herself to look up at watch the stranger take a part of her fur, which also smelled of Sparrowstar, and put it into one of ears of the dead body. With that done, he left.
The scene quickly changed to daytime. The scents of Blizzardtail and Goldenpaw reached Raggedraven's nose. When they came across Nightwhisker's body, they stared in shock. Blizzardtail forced himself to snap out of it to tell Goldenpaw to fetch Sparrowstar. She was off in an instant.
Obviously it wasn't me. It never was. The murderer has been in camp while I was gone! I recognize those eyes, now!
Nightwhisker...I'm so sorry.
The pain in Raggedraven's heart hurt more than she could remember.
♣ Chapter Thirteen ♣
The next day Raggedraven sat a few mouse lengths outside the warriors' den. She licked her paw in rapid strokes and ran it across her face. She was so engrossed in her washing that she didn't notice Nettleheart walking toward her, tail up in the air. His loud purring made her pause mid lick.
"The sick cats are healing!" he said. "They'll soon be well enough to go out on patrol. And Brookpaw can continue her training," he added, whiskers twitching. "I appreciate your help. There was just so much to do for those cats, I wouldn't have been able to do it alone."
"It was nothing," replied Raggedraven.
Nettleheart's happiness turned to seriousness. "Sparrowstar wants to see you in his den."
At once Raggedraven remembered how quick he had been to banish her, how close he was made her uncomfortable. With a frown, she responded, "Okay. But I plan on joining a hunting patrol after. The fresh-kill pile needs restocking, and there's not many cats to do that."
Nettleheart nodded. "Good idea." He walked back to the medicine cat clearing.
She sighed and padded over to Sparrowstar's den. When she was close enough, she shook herself and called out a quiet greeting.
"Come in," came a voice inside.
A massive light brown tom sat close to Sparrowstar, his claws extended and scraping the den floor. Raggedraven fought the urge to run out. Her leader was skinnier than the sick cats. He had a wild look on his face that vanished as soon as she entered.
She hissed at the light brown tom. "What Sparrowstar and I will discuss is none of your business. Get lost."
The tom growled, rose to his paws, and took a couple steps toward her.
"She's right," Sparrowstar said.
The tom opened his mouth to protest, but Sparrowstar didn't change his mind. He hissed and left.
Sparrowstar's sigh brought Raggedraven back to his attention. "It's getting old quickly."
You think? she thought.
"I made a terrible mistake," he told her. "All this mess wouldn't have happened if I hadn't let Onyx stay."
Instead of saying anything, Raggedraven sat down. Her eyes didn't leave his for a second. The tip of her tail twitched.
"There's a reason why I let you return," Sparrowstar said. "I need your help to get rid of Onyx and his friends."
Raggedraven made a noise that may have sounded like laughter. "Are you sure this isn't a trap to frame me for something else? A way to send me away again?"
Sparrowstar weakly shook his head. "Have you seen this clan? We need every warrior. Raggedraven, listen: I'm telling the truth. I'll even prove it."
Raggedraven snorted. "Then do it."
There was a short pause before Sparrowstar spoke. He bowed his head and closed his eyes. "I told Onyx if he could kill Nightwhisker, he and his friends could join the clan. I thought if Nightwhisker was gone, then I could have a chance to be with you. But I knew you wouldn't want this. That's why I exiled you. We needed more warriors, too, so losing one didn't seem so bad if we gained three. I get it now. You're not interested. It seems my own medicine cat is interested in you!"
"How did you know that?" Raggedraven began to curl her lip.
"Raggedraven, I may be suffering, but I'm not blind."
She looked away, then eventually gave her shoulder a lick.
"I probably was the worst leader MountainClan's ever had, am I?" Sparrowstar suddenly asked.
"You were fine for some of your lives," Raggedraven reluctantly replied. "I bet there were worse leaders than you." Every word she said felt like chewing pebbles, but she couldn't deny that he hadn't been crazy throughout all of his leadership.
Sparrowstar lifted his head and purred. He blinked at her and said, "Come closer. I have a plan to get rid of those rat-eaters once and for all."
Raggedraven took a few deep breaths and hesitated before drawing near.
"The sick cats are healing!" he said. "They'll soon be well enough to go out on patrol. And Brookpaw can continue her training," he added, whiskers twitching. "I appreciate your help. There was just so much to do for those cats, I wouldn't have been able to do it alone."
"It was nothing," replied Raggedraven.
Nettleheart's happiness turned to seriousness. "Sparrowstar wants to see you in his den."
At once Raggedraven remembered how quick he had been to banish her, how close he was made her uncomfortable. With a frown, she responded, "Okay. But I plan on joining a hunting patrol after. The fresh-kill pile needs restocking, and there's not many cats to do that."
Nettleheart nodded. "Good idea." He walked back to the medicine cat clearing.
She sighed and padded over to Sparrowstar's den. When she was close enough, she shook herself and called out a quiet greeting.
"Come in," came a voice inside.
A massive light brown tom sat close to Sparrowstar, his claws extended and scraping the den floor. Raggedraven fought the urge to run out. Her leader was skinnier than the sick cats. He had a wild look on his face that vanished as soon as she entered.
She hissed at the light brown tom. "What Sparrowstar and I will discuss is none of your business. Get lost."
The tom growled, rose to his paws, and took a couple steps toward her.
"She's right," Sparrowstar said.
The tom opened his mouth to protest, but Sparrowstar didn't change his mind. He hissed and left.
Sparrowstar's sigh brought Raggedraven back to his attention. "It's getting old quickly."
You think? she thought.
"I made a terrible mistake," he told her. "All this mess wouldn't have happened if I hadn't let Onyx stay."
Instead of saying anything, Raggedraven sat down. Her eyes didn't leave his for a second. The tip of her tail twitched.
"There's a reason why I let you return," Sparrowstar said. "I need your help to get rid of Onyx and his friends."
Raggedraven made a noise that may have sounded like laughter. "Are you sure this isn't a trap to frame me for something else? A way to send me away again?"
Sparrowstar weakly shook his head. "Have you seen this clan? We need every warrior. Raggedraven, listen: I'm telling the truth. I'll even prove it."
Raggedraven snorted. "Then do it."
There was a short pause before Sparrowstar spoke. He bowed his head and closed his eyes. "I told Onyx if he could kill Nightwhisker, he and his friends could join the clan. I thought if Nightwhisker was gone, then I could have a chance to be with you. But I knew you wouldn't want this. That's why I exiled you. We needed more warriors, too, so losing one didn't seem so bad if we gained three. I get it now. You're not interested. It seems my own medicine cat is interested in you!"
"How did you know that?" Raggedraven began to curl her lip.
"Raggedraven, I may be suffering, but I'm not blind."
She looked away, then eventually gave her shoulder a lick.
"I probably was the worst leader MountainClan's ever had, am I?" Sparrowstar suddenly asked.
"You were fine for some of your lives," Raggedraven reluctantly replied. "I bet there were worse leaders than you." Every word she said felt like chewing pebbles, but she couldn't deny that he hadn't been crazy throughout all of his leadership.
Sparrowstar lifted his head and purred. He blinked at her and said, "Come closer. I have a plan to get rid of those rat-eaters once and for all."
Raggedraven took a few deep breaths and hesitated before drawing near.
♣ Chapter Fourteen ♣
The plan was ready.
Raggedraven followed Mudflight and Hawkpaw out of camp for the dawn patrol. Onyx and his friends curled up together in the center. The patrol had to keep from laughing when one of the tabbies rolled onto his back and started moving his legs as if he were running. The other tabby dug his front claws into his companion's side, unknowingly pushing him away. All three cats' fur were fluffed up.
It was no ordinary dawn patrol. When the markers were quickly refreshed, they went to the training hollow to practice battle moves. Should the attack work, the three fox-hearts would be gone for good!
"Claws sheathed!" Raggedraven hissed at Hawkpaw, who accidentally clawed Mudflight's ear. She shoved a nearby twig in Mudflight's mouth so his screech was silent. He spat it out moments after and glared at the apprentice, who stared back, wide-eyed.
Then the next patrol left at sunhigh.
Raggedraven shared a mouse with Neetleheart as Willowstep led her patrol out. She gave her a quick nod before turning back to her prey. If she hoped that Onyx didn't see, then it was in vain. His eyes didn't leave her or the medicine cat's. His fur bristled as he leaned toward Sparrowstar and hissed into his ear.
Good. Stay mad, Onyx. Watch your tail! She took another bite of mouse and purred.
Raggedraven followed Mudflight and Hawkpaw out of camp for the dawn patrol. Onyx and his friends curled up together in the center. The patrol had to keep from laughing when one of the tabbies rolled onto his back and started moving his legs as if he were running. The other tabby dug his front claws into his companion's side, unknowingly pushing him away. All three cats' fur were fluffed up.
It was no ordinary dawn patrol. When the markers were quickly refreshed, they went to the training hollow to practice battle moves. Should the attack work, the three fox-hearts would be gone for good!
"Claws sheathed!" Raggedraven hissed at Hawkpaw, who accidentally clawed Mudflight's ear. She shoved a nearby twig in Mudflight's mouth so his screech was silent. He spat it out moments after and glared at the apprentice, who stared back, wide-eyed.
Then the next patrol left at sunhigh.
Raggedraven shared a mouse with Neetleheart as Willowstep led her patrol out. She gave her a quick nod before turning back to her prey. If she hoped that Onyx didn't see, then it was in vain. His eyes didn't leave her or the medicine cat's. His fur bristled as he leaned toward Sparrowstar and hissed into his ear.
Good. Stay mad, Onyx. Watch your tail! She took another bite of mouse and purred.
♣ Chapter Fifteen ♣
Raggedraven purred as she gazed at the moon.
She and the rest of the clan surrounded the camp. Sparrowstar crouched at her right, Spottedfur on the left. The other warriors and apprentices spread out on either side, while Nettleheart and Brookpaw hid behind the bushes not far back. Numerous bundles of herbs laid at their paws. Palelight's surviving kits were with them shaking as if they were cold.
Raggedraven could imagine Onyx's frustration at being one of three cats still in camp. His tail whipped side to side and thudded the ground many times.
"Where are you all?" he snarled. "Show yourselves!"
No cat moved.
Moments passed, feeling like hours. Then an unfamiliar scent hit Raggedraven's nose. She recoiled at its stench.
"Did you know he has more than two friends?" she whispered to Sparrowstar. He shook his head. The leader's ears were almost flat against his head. His fur was unkempt, but his eyes showed more than confusion - determination to get rid of Onyx and his control over his clan.
All of a sudden, claws dug into Raggedraven's back. She was thrown back by a force so powerful, that the wind left her as soon as she hit the ground. Shocked, Sparrowstar made the call.
"MountainClan, attack!"
Every warrior and apprentice pounced on those behind them while Sparrowstar and Spottedfur hurled themselves at Onyx and the two large tabbies. Even together, they found it difficult to hold them off.
Yowls and snarls filled the air, scaring every prey within distance. Within minutes, blood and fur covered the grass.
The rogues were ruthless, clawing all vulnerable areas. But the MountainClan cats matched them blow after blow. All the cats were so focused on fighting, that they didn't care whose blood spilled on their fur.
One by one, the MountainClan cats forced the rogues into camp and circled them. They hissed and spat, some looked twice their size, matching the two tabbies.
Sparrowstar stepped closer to Onyx with a cold expression on his face. His voice was dangerously quiet. "We'll give you one chance. Leave."
Onyx lashed out at him, slicing his nose. As Sparrowstar winced, Onyx quickly darted forward and sliced the leader's throat. Instantly, Spottedfur and Palelight pounced, clawing Onyx.
Raggedraven raced to Sparrowstar's side and buried her face in his fur. As if she suddenly remembered something, she lifted her head to Nettleheart, who stood by as shocked as the rest. "Aren't you going to do something?" she hissed.
Nettleheart closed his eyes for a few minutes and took a few deep breaths. Then he slowly looked into her eyes and said, "He's on his way to the Clan of Everlasting Rest. There's nothing I can do for him."
As the MountainClan cats wailed in grief, the rogues slithered off, even the two big tabbies.
"Hang in there, Sparrowstar," Raggedraven said. "I'll have someone find some cobwebs. They'll stop the bleeding. You'll be able to go to your den and rest."
Sparrowstar lifted his head a little, but fell back onto the ground. The blood only poured out faster. It didn't even stop when Raggedraven placed her paws on the wound.
"You... have some... too," he said. "Nettleheart's right. I... can no longer lead. Spottedfur is your new leader. I leave you all to her." After two agonizing breaths, he became still.
She and the rest of the clan surrounded the camp. Sparrowstar crouched at her right, Spottedfur on the left. The other warriors and apprentices spread out on either side, while Nettleheart and Brookpaw hid behind the bushes not far back. Numerous bundles of herbs laid at their paws. Palelight's surviving kits were with them shaking as if they were cold.
Raggedraven could imagine Onyx's frustration at being one of three cats still in camp. His tail whipped side to side and thudded the ground many times.
"Where are you all?" he snarled. "Show yourselves!"
No cat moved.
Moments passed, feeling like hours. Then an unfamiliar scent hit Raggedraven's nose. She recoiled at its stench.
"Did you know he has more than two friends?" she whispered to Sparrowstar. He shook his head. The leader's ears were almost flat against his head. His fur was unkempt, but his eyes showed more than confusion - determination to get rid of Onyx and his control over his clan.
All of a sudden, claws dug into Raggedraven's back. She was thrown back by a force so powerful, that the wind left her as soon as she hit the ground. Shocked, Sparrowstar made the call.
"MountainClan, attack!"
Every warrior and apprentice pounced on those behind them while Sparrowstar and Spottedfur hurled themselves at Onyx and the two large tabbies. Even together, they found it difficult to hold them off.
Yowls and snarls filled the air, scaring every prey within distance. Within minutes, blood and fur covered the grass.
The rogues were ruthless, clawing all vulnerable areas. But the MountainClan cats matched them blow after blow. All the cats were so focused on fighting, that they didn't care whose blood spilled on their fur.
One by one, the MountainClan cats forced the rogues into camp and circled them. They hissed and spat, some looked twice their size, matching the two tabbies.
Sparrowstar stepped closer to Onyx with a cold expression on his face. His voice was dangerously quiet. "We'll give you one chance. Leave."
Onyx lashed out at him, slicing his nose. As Sparrowstar winced, Onyx quickly darted forward and sliced the leader's throat. Instantly, Spottedfur and Palelight pounced, clawing Onyx.
Raggedraven raced to Sparrowstar's side and buried her face in his fur. As if she suddenly remembered something, she lifted her head to Nettleheart, who stood by as shocked as the rest. "Aren't you going to do something?" she hissed.
Nettleheart closed his eyes for a few minutes and took a few deep breaths. Then he slowly looked into her eyes and said, "He's on his way to the Clan of Everlasting Rest. There's nothing I can do for him."
As the MountainClan cats wailed in grief, the rogues slithered off, even the two big tabbies.
"Hang in there, Sparrowstar," Raggedraven said. "I'll have someone find some cobwebs. They'll stop the bleeding. You'll be able to go to your den and rest."
Sparrowstar lifted his head a little, but fell back onto the ground. The blood only poured out faster. It didn't even stop when Raggedraven placed her paws on the wound.
"You... have some... too," he said. "Nettleheart's right. I... can no longer lead. Spottedfur is your new leader. I leave you all to her." After two agonizing breaths, he became still.
And...that's the end! For now.
As soon I'm not so busy with work and things, I might post an edited version of this story on Fanfiction. Will Raggedraven return to sanity and get together with Nettleheart? How will Spottedfur do as leader? Perhaps Onyx and his rogues will have an origin story... That'd all could be in the future. Until then, see ya!