Azure's Loss Part 1

By Pogo

## ~ Azure Speaks ~

*Greetings...*

*So, it would seem that you want to hear my story... It isn't exactly a pleasant story, mind you. Of course, there are cheerful times when the Stars shine brightly on me, but there are also sorrowful times... when I see and feel nothing but darkness.*

*I can't quite understand it. I still do not consider myself a clan cat, but a loner... yet, StarClan watches over me. But that's just it... they only watch. Why do they watch when I am drowning under the currents? I know they realize I need more than words. Words can't heal a shattered heart, a heart that has lost what means most to it. So, why is it that they sit in the sky, while I fight for every breath?*

*Why do they leave it up to a kit to defeat the wretched evil in a forest so dark?*

*I am only one soul against an army of shadows. I am just barely alive, for I live in a world of pain.*

*Sometimes, when you're surviving for so long, you forget about living... I walk through the blackest tunnel, and in my story, there is a light at the end. It calls to me, guides me closer to it. The only happiness I have ever known awaits at the end. **The finish line.***

*I made it to that finish line....*

*My entire life has been a struggle. Heh... It's not over yet. Nine moons old and still running with pride. I am young, but I feel full of wisdom. I've escaped death more than once. It had tried to beat me to the finish line, to my prize. I didn't let that happen...*

*I had a heavy loss... I think everyone has. Though, few learn to cope with it. I had a bit of help getting through mine; it would be shameful to give all the credit to myself. I am telling you my story, so you may learn... Learn to never give up hope.*

*Sometimes, a loss can make you stronger.*

*In my story, **I gain back what I had lost....***

**! . . . !**

## ~ Important Kitties In The Story ~

* Azure - She is a tall she-cat with long blue-gray fur and blue-and-tan splotches. She has one completely black front leg. She has pretty turquoise eyes, a fluffy tail, and big paws. She has lasting scars along her sides and muzzle. She is the younger sibling of Owl and Breeze.

* Owl (Foxkit) - He is a big black and white tom with yellow eyes. He has huge paws, shaggy fur, and a long tail. His face is full of unpleasant scars left to him by a fox. He is the older brother of Azure and the littermate of Breeze.

* Breeze (Badgerkit) - She is basically a female copy of her littermate. The only difference is her blind, ice-blue eyes caused by a badger. She has a fierce personality that tells her to attack without thinking. She is Azure's older sister.

* Sparrow - He is a dark brown tabby tom with dull gray eyes. He is an ancestor to Azure. He likes to think of himself as a prophet, but don't be fooled: he is most likely insane. Enough said.

* Moonfang - He is a big black and white splotched tom with yellow eyes. He is an ancestor to Azure.

* Forgotten - She is a huge dark gray splotched she-cat with a history to remember. (Ironic, am I right?) She has golden eyes and an unpredictable attitude. She is Onyx and Shade's sister.

* Shade - He is a jet black tom with green eyes. He has a slick pelt and a long tail. He is a follower of Silent Scream.

* Nightmare (aka Lostwillow) - She is a black she-cat with dark gray speckles and amber eyes that are tinted red. She has a deep scar right underneath her muzzle. She, too, is a follower of Silent Scream.

* Silent Scream - She is a black she-cat that is not much more than a shadow. When light shines on her, her pelt is transparent. She has liquid, blue eyes that pierce one's core and fills one with dread. Her voice always seems to echo. She is the ruler of the Dark Forest, and she likes to plot. A lot.

!...!

## ~ Chapter One ~

Poke. Poke. Poke.

"Azure, will you cut that out?" Breeze growled.

Azure wiggled her whiskers and squeaked in protest. "But it's fun!"

"I don't care what you think. It's driving me *crazy*!"

Azure huffed. "Fine." But she still had that mischievous glint in her eyes. She scampered in front of her sister and sat down, staring deep into the blind orbs.

Breeze lifted her head and sniffed. "Okay, what do you want? I can tell you're looking at me."

Azure whisked her tail back and forth. "Can you tell me the badger story?"

"No," Breeze hissed ever so slightly. "It's too soon for that."

"But---"

"Azure, no, it only happened a few sunrises ago. I'm not ready to tell it..." Azure could hear a bit of pain in her sister's voice, which she understood. Breeze had lost her eyesight to that badger. If it weren't for Onyx and Owl, it would have killed her.

Azure sat in between her sister's big paws, snuggling close to her fur. "Can you tell me about when you first met Onyx?" She asked. Azure knew this was a story Breeze was delighted to tell, for they all loved Onyx (though they would never know that he is their father).

"Alright," Breeze meowed. She laid her head on top of Azure's, barely putting any weight on the little kit. "Owl and I were about your age when we met him. We were with Mystic---once again, *not*our mother. Onyx had come to visit, because he was good friends with Mystic. I myself took an instant liking to him. He was very teasing and nice. He came to visit a lot, which I thought was odd, 'cause he spoke to us more than he did with Mys---"

"Well, what do we have here? The lazy-butts *still*being lazy?" The joshing voice came from the entrance to the small cave.

"Owl!" Azure leaped over Breeze's paws, coming to greet him.

He licked her tiny forehead. "Did I miss story time?" He asked.

"Only for the millionth time," Breeze meowed, lying her head back down. "What'cha catch?"

Owl went back to the prey-pile. "For the annoying one, a rabbit." He picked it up and dropped it in front of Breeze. "And for the lovely, growing she-cat, a plump mouse." He grabbed it and gave it to Azure.

Breeze huffed and muttered a thank you. Azure tore into the mouse. Every bit of it, she thought, was delicious.

Owl watched both his sisters eat for a moment, then he went to Breeze, lying down beside her. "Are you alright?"

Breeze swallowed. "Thanks to you and Onyx, my wounds are healing well."

"I didn't mean physically. I meant, mentally." Owl stared intently at his littermate.

Azure listened to them but pretended not to hear, knowing she wasn't supposed to be, for they were speaking quietly. Breeze sighed.

"I'm still a bit shaken up, and I feel bad for you and Onyx. You both have to care for me like a kit and we already have one of those."

Azure's tail twitched at the comment.

"It's going to be okay," Owl reassured her. "Onyx had asked me to tell you that he'll take you out later on---maybe tomorrow---for some hunting or a quiet stroll."

Breeze nodded. "'Kay." She went back to eating her rabbit.

Azure, already done with her meal, pushed the bones aside. She went over to them and squeezed between them, resting her head on her paws. Her eyes closed.

**. . . .**

Azure's eyes reflected the flames just outside the den. "Are we safe in here?" She asked her brother.

Owl looked at her. "Get over here. You're too close to the entrance."

Azure scampered over. "You didn't answer my question," she meowed.

Owl curled his tail around her. "I'm *positive*that we are safe in here. We're in a cave, remember?"

"Then why do you look worried?" Azure was completely calm. She knew her family would protect her; so she didn't see why her older brother's fur was bristling.

He listened to the flickering of the flames before responding. "I'm worried about Breeze and Onyx," he replied at last.

"W-well, won't they be alright, too? Onyx will keep them safe, won't he?"

"Of course, of course." Owl sounded sure, but his face still looked anxious.

An hour went by and the fire continued on. Azure was playing with Owl's tail. She swatted it back and forth, back and forth. It has been so long, she thought he would have yelled at her by now, but he only gazed at the entrance of the den and didn't make a sound. Suddenly, it began to rain and the fire died down soon after.

"Thank, StarClan," Owl murmured. "Okay, Azure," he meowed and turned to her. "I'm going out there to look for our sister. Stay. Here. Got it?"

"Mhm." Azure nodded.

And so, Owl went out searching for his sister... and Onyx.

Azure watched him leave, wishing she could go with him. She was asleep when her brother returned. Her eyes popped open and she ran to them. "Breeze!"

Breeze felt Azure bouncing around her paws and she licked her sister's ears. Owl helped Breeze to her nest and she lay down.

Azure looked at the entrance expectantly. "Where's Onyx?" She asked excitedly.

Breeze's eyes clouded as Azure turned to her. "He's not coming..." She almost choked on the words.

"What'd ya mean?" Azure asked as anxiety began to prick at her belly.

Owl answered before Breeze could. "Onyx sacrificed himself so Breeze could escape the fire."

"It was horrible," Breeze murmured. "And I didn't even see it happen!"

Azure's fur fluffed up in alarm. "S-so, he-he's dead?"

"Yes..." Owl meowed quietly.

Azure ran to him and sat between his paws and whimpered softly. "I thought he would take care of us," she meowed.

"And he will---" Owl tried to reassure her.

"But I won't ever see him again..." Azure began to mewl.

"Oh, you will! Someday."

Azure looked up at Owl and then at Breeze. She could see the sorrow in both their eyes. "But how?"

"Onyx will be in StarClan waiting for us," Breeze replied. "I promise."

Azure didn't respond; instead, she curled up in a ball at her brother's paws.

* Azure
* (the closest thing I could find to) Onyx
* Breeze
* Owl
1/4
## ~ Chapter Two ~

Azure paced back and forth as her older siblings slept. She had been up all night unable to rest. She looked at Owl and Breeze, her tail twitching. How could they sleep when the cat that was like a father to them died? The little kit turned away and gazed out the entrance. The smell of ashes filled her nose as she padded towards it. Her eyes flickered to the blackened trees and ground.

*You take Onyx away from me, and the forest?*Azure thought as she looked up at the almost invisible stars. *Why are you so cruel?*

She began to pace around the cave once more, the sun slowly rising. Azure glanced at Breeze as her sister began to mumble in her sleep. She padded closer with her ears pointed forward. *What do you have to say for yourself now?*Talking in her sleep was often something that Breeze did, and Azure always listened whenever she could; she thought it was funny.

"I don't trust a thing you say..." Breeze mumbled. Who was she dreaming about? "What do you mean, 'I don't have a choice'?"

Azure blinked at her sister, her curiosity rising.

"You can't make me! You have no control over---"

Then, all of a sudden, Breeze's eyes popped open and she growled fiercely when she saw Azure, which woke up Owl. Azure noticed the queer crimson tint to her eyes. She jumped backwards as Breeze stood up, unsheathing her claws. *Th-this usually doesn't happen!*Breeze growled again, her lips drawn back in a dangerous snarl.

Owl leaped in front of Azure. "Breeze, what're you doing?" He demanded. Breeze froze, and her eyes went back to their normal, clear ice-blue color, blind once again. Owl stared at his littermate. "Were you playing?" He asked Azure.

Azure shook her head. "Sh-she was dr-dreaming, an-and then she woke up and growled at me."

Breeze blinked. "What's going on?" She could sense the tenseness coming from her siblings.

"You almost attacked me!" Azure meowed, her fur bristling uneasily.

"What?!" Breeze was genuinely shocked. "You know I'd *never*do that!"

Owl narrowed his eyes. "Do you not remember what just happened?"

"What do you mean?" Breeze growled slightly. "I was sleeping!"

"This is strange..." Owl murmured as he padded around her.

"What were you dreaming about?" Azure asked.

Breeze was taken aback. "How do you know that I was dreaming?"

"Well... you were talking in your sleep again," Azure meowed, shuffling her paws.

Breeze's fur spiked up along her spine. "H-how much did you hear?"

"N-not much... Who were you arguing with?"

Breeze's eyes darkened. "A cat."

"What cat?" Owl asked as he paused to stand in front of her.

"I didn't get her name. And I don't care what it is, but..."

"But what?" Owl prompted.

"I could see her, and where she came from..."

"You could *see*?" Azure asked in disbelief.

"Yes..." Breeze answered slowly. "She was a Dark Forest cat."

Owl froze. "Dark Forest? You were *in*the Dark Forest?"

Azure looked from one cat to the other. "What's the Dark Forest?" She asked. It sounded ominous.

Owl glanced at Azure, his whiskers twitching. "It's not a place you want to be," he meowed vaguely.

Azure flattened her ears. That wasn't very informative. She looked back at her sister. "What did the cat want?"

Breeze flicked her tail. "Nothing important." She kept her mew cool, but even so, Owl and Azure could tell she was lying.

"If ya say so," Owl muttered.

"We need to talk. Outside," Breeze meowed. Owl followed her out into the forest.

Azure sat in the cave, watching the entrance. *What's Breeze got to say that she can't say in front of me?*She curled her tail around her paws. *What did that cat want...?*

**. . . .**

Azure followed Owl along the shore of the river, her steps light and her nose sniffing the air. "So, when are we gonna hunt?" She asked Owl. Her eyes brightened. "Will you teach me this time?"

Owl looked over his shoulder at her. "I suppose I can. The longer we take the better. Breeze needs to be alone..." He drifted off.

Azure nodded, understanding. It had been two weeks since Breeze's odd, red-eyed outburst, and since then, she began to do it more frequently. Azure shivered thinking about it. What was happening to her sister? *Maybe it has something to do with that cat....*

Azure realized that Owl was talking to her.

"Got it?" He asked.

Azure blinked. She looked at how he sat facing the water, tail lying flat, and claws unsheathed. *He's teaching me to catch fish!*"Got it," she meowed confidently.

She sat a little ways off from her brother and positioned herself exactly how he was. She watched him for a few moments, then *wham*! He lashed out at the water, throwing a fish onto the shore. He put a paw on top of it, then snapped the spine. "That was awesome!" Azure exclaimed.

Owl dropped it and turned to her, purring. "Now it's your turn. Remember what I told you."

Azure faced the water. *Okay. Remember what he told me... What did he tell me exactly?*She sat completely still and gazed down at the blue-green water. She unsheathed her claws as a few fish came swimming toward her. *Okay... Wait for it..... Now!*Azure clawed at the water and the fish swam frantically away. "Darn it..."

"Don't give up," Owl meowed encouragingly. "You just gotta keep practicing. You'll be a master fish catcher in no time. I promise."

Azure purred. "Thanks."

They both looked back to the waters, and waited. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Owl grabbing another fish out of the river. That gave her more determination to catch one of her own. *If Owl can do it, than so can I!*

Azure again waited, her patience slowly ebbing. And soon she saw the dark shape of a small fish. She took a deep breath as it swam slowly closer. She lashed out, timing it carefully, and threw the fish onto the shore. "I did it!" Then she realized it wasn't dead yet since it was flopping about on the ground. She quickly pinned it down (after a few missed swipes), and bit down on its spine like Owl had. She let go and stared at it. "Owl, I caught one!"

Owl padded over to her and licked her ears. "Well done!" He congratulated her as he looked down at her fish. It was a *tiny*one, but Azure's eyes gleamed with pride. "Go put it on the pile."

Azure picked up the fish in her jaws and hopped over to the pile Owl had made. When she turned back around, Owl was staring up at the sky. He looked into the forest, then to his left and across the river. His ears were perked up and twitching, and his tail lashed to and fro angrily. "Leave me *alone*!" He howled.

Azure cocked her head to one side. "Um, Owl? Who're you talking to?"

Owl looked down at her, his gaze darkening with fear. "Run," he breathed.

Azure flattened her ears. "What? Why?"

Then, it happened.

Owl swung his head around as if an irritating fly was buzzing around his ears. He let out a gasp as his eyes flung open, and a menacing crimson flowed into his yellow orbs.

Azure's fur bushed out. *Oh no! It's happening to him, too!*"Owl?" She tried calling his name as she slowly inched backwards, claws remaining unsheathed.

Owl growled as his reddened gaze landed on her. He let a grin creep up on his face. "Owl?" He meowed mockingly. "Your brother is *ours*now."

And that was her cue to run.

Azure sprinted into the forest, Owl hot on her trail. Her claws dug into the ground, trying to make herself go faster. She felt his warm breath on her tail tip. "Help!" She shrieked. "Breeze! Someone!"

Owl laughed and he batted her in the side with his big paw. "Too scared to fight for yourself, hmm?" He taunted her as she slammed against a tree.

She lifted herself up and faced him. *Is this how I'm going to die? My own brother slicing open my throat?*

But, as Owl was about to leap at her, he began shaking his head frantically. Then he winced and threw himself onto the ground, paws covering his ears and then his eyes. Azure stood frozen to the ground, her pelt still spiked up in every direction. Then, Owl popped up, sitting down. His head faced the sun, his jaws opened in an agonized yowl that made no sound. He looked to the ground, hunched over and panting. He turned, glancing at Azure. Guilt immediately flooded over him when he saw the state she was in.

"Are you back?" She asked shakily.

"I'm so sorry, Azure," Owl croaked.

"It's okay," Azure replied as she cautiously padded over to him. She smoothed out her fur and laid her tail on his back; he was trembling.

"I couldn't control myself. They---"

"Who's *they*?"

"Dark Forest cats..."

"What do they want with you and Breeze?"

"I don't know... But you're not safe with us anymore. I think we should take you to Mystic."

"*What*?" Azure flinched away from him.

He met her gaze steadily. "You'll be safer with her."

"No! I don't want to! I've never met Mystic before. I want to stay with you and Bre---"

"Breeze and I could kill you!" Owl was on his paws now. Both of them stood on shaking legs.

"You wouldn't..." Azure began.

"Of course I wouldn't! But if those evil cats can take over our minds..." Owl drifted off, not wanting to finish his sentence. "I'm taking you to Mystic." With a lash of his tail, he walked back to the river.

Azure stopped beside him when they reached the fish.

"I'm surprised no one took them," Owl mumbled.

"Can I at least say good-bye to Breeze first?" Azure asked him as he bent down to pick up a fish.

He sighed. "Yes. I know she'll want to say her farewell, too."

Azure's whiskers twitched. "Do I *have*to go?" She moaned. "I don't want to leave you!"

"You don't have a choice." Owl picked up as much fish as he could and began walking home.

Azure picked up the last fish and followed sadly after him, the fish's tail dragging on the forest floor.

## ~ Chapter Three ~

"WHAT?! You're not taking her anywhere!" Breeze hissed. The fur along her spine stood on end and her tail swayed back and forth.

Azure padded into the small cave, the fish still dangling in her jaws. *Owl must have told her already.*

"Breeze you don't understand. I attacked her today!" Owl said, not hiding the shame in his mew.

Breeze scowled. "Why would you *do*that?!" Then her blind eyes lit with realization. "It happened to you, didn't it?"

Owl bowed his head. "Yes..."

"Who did it? What did they look like?"

"I didn't see a cat. I only heard them... him. It was a tom's voice. But it echoed all around my head; it was almost painful to hear." Owl looked back up at his sister. "I felt sick."

Breeze nodded in understanding. "That's how I felt," she murmured quietly.

Azure dropped her prey on the fresh-kill pile. The excitement of catching her first fish had washed away completely. Now she glanced at her two older siblings with sorrow.

Breeze turned to her, sitting down. "Com'ere." Azure slowly scuffled over and sat in front of her sister's big paws. Breeze curled her tail around Azure as Owl laid down beside them. Breeze seemed to stare down at Azure, affection bubbled in her sightless eyes. "Does she have to go to Mystic *now*?" Breeze asked.

Owl sighed. "I suppose she can spend her last night with us, but in the morning... she *has*to. No more excuses."

"Alright...."

They huddled together in a big, warm pile of fluff. "Goodnight," Breeze mumbled, trying to hide the sadness in her mew.

"We love you, Azure," Owl meowed.

"I love you guys, too," she told them. She began to whimper softly. *Is this what the Dark Forest cats planned: to separate us?*Her sadness slowly turned to anger. *I*hate *them for it....*

It took Azure a while to go to sleep. She could tell that Owl and Breeze were having issues as well. They kept shifting back and forth. But soon they all fell into a deep slumber, only to wake up in the same dream.

Azure opened her eyes, blinking in the blinding light. Her eyes adjusted to it as her siblings stirred beside her. "Where are we?" She breathed.

The forest was beautiful, with the flowers and trees all in bloom. The scent of prey was everywhere, the delicious scent filling her nostrils.

Owl gazed around, his mouth gaping open for a moment. "We're in StarClan." His response was almost inaudible.

Breeze blinked a few times in a row, staring at her siblings. "I can see you..." She said slowly as she stood up. "We're all dreaming."

"Thanks for pointing out the obvious," Owl meowed with a mischievous smirk.

Breeze growled and cuffed him over the ears. "At least now my attacks will be on point."

Owl rolled his eyes. "You couldn't land an attack even if your opponent were right in front of your whiskers."

Breeze narrowed her eyes and batted at his muzzle before he had a chance to react. "You were saying?" She hissed. An amused purr rumbled in Owl's throat.

Azure wasn't paying attention to them. She was staring deep into the trees. Her ears suddenly perked up. "Someone's coming," she meowed. Owl and Breeze turned to Azure and came to stand next to her, their pelts brushing.

A black-and-white patched tom approached them, his pelt lit with starlight. He looked so much like Owl and Breeze that their relation was uncanny. "Greetings, young ones," the tom meowed as he came to stand in front of the three.

"Who are you?" Breeze meowed through a quiet growl.

"I am Moonfang, one of your ancestors," the tom replied. His yellow gaze seemed to bore into them.

Another cat came out of the trees and stood beside Moonfang. "Nice to finally meet you three in person," she meowed, though not really meaning it.

"Are you another one of our ancestors?" Azure asked curiously.

The big dark gray splotched she-cat gazed down at her for a moment. "Why yes, yes I am."

"Hey, wait. I know you. I've seen you in my dreams," Breeze meowed, staring at the cat.

"Oh, have you?" The she-cat pretended to be interested.

Breeze flicked her tail. "Yeah. Your name's Forgotten."

This time, the she-cat's golden orbs darkened. "Yes... that's me."

"So, why are we here?" Owl spoke up. "Meeting lost family is great and all, but we wouldn't have come here if it weren't important, right?"

"He's a lot like Onyx. Smart and to the point," Moonfang murmured.

"What do you mean?" Owl's eyes glittered with confusion.

"If I had a choice, I would've haunted your dreams myself, but this old mange-pelt had to beat me to ya," Forgotten meowed with a smirk, purposefully averting the littermates' attention onto her.

"I didn't like her in my dreams, and I don't like her now," Breeze muttered.

"Well, get used to me!" Forgotten hissed. "I'll be inside your head for a long while."

Breeze's fur spiked up along her spine, and her eyes lit with rage. "Are you one of the cats that's been controlling my mind?!"

Forgotten snorted. "No. I'm the one trying to stop them."

Breeze let her fur lie flat, but she tipped her head, perplexed.

"You see," Moonfang began. "The Dark Forest is planning something. We've yet to figure it out. All we know is that they want to use you two to control your entire will. Forgotten and I have been trying to stop them, but... it's been getting difficult."

"Why?" Owl inquired.

The StarClan cats exchanged a glance. "That part is not your business," Forgotten meowed a bit icily.

"We have every right to know!" Breeze growled. "It's our minds their messin' with!"

Azure's pelt prickled uncomfortably. No one had seemed to pay attention to her the moment their ancestors had appeared. She began to back away, thinking that their conversation was not for her.

As she padded into the forest, she could hear the four older cats yowling at each other. Well, it was mostly Forgotten and Breeze. *Both have bad tempers,*thought Azure. She suddenly stopped and looked at the forest before her. It had turned dark, and all the vegetation seemed to have rotted and grown old. The air smelled foul, and Azure had to keep herself from gagging. She turned around slowly going back the way she had come. *How far did I walk?*

**"Not that far,"**an echoing voice sounded behind her.

Azure spun around. Liquid blue eyes glowed at her from the darkness of the forest. It made her pelt stand on end.

**"There's no need to be afraid, little one. I won't harm you,"**the cat meowed.

Azure inched forward still unsure. She wondered why the cat stayed by the rotting trees.

As if this mysterious she-cat heard her thoughts, she answered: **"Because I am stuck behind a barrier."**A shadow-like tail appeared and pointed, showing Azure where the light met the dark. **"I can not go past it."**

"Why not?" Azure asked, trying not to show her uncertainty.

**"StarClan and I don't really get along...."**

"Oh..." Azure didn't like the night very much; it was too hard for her to see. "Why are they mean enough to put you in darkness? Does it scare you?"

**"Not a bit. I'm actually quite fond of it. I got used to it real quick. Want to see how it's like for yourself?"**

Azure shook her head. "I'm scared of it."

The she-cat let out a strange cackle. **"My dear, there is nothing to be afraid of! You'll be safe as long as you're with me,"**she reassured Azure.

"Ooooh...kay..." Azure meowed slowly. She stepped cautiously forward. She couldn't shake the feeling of dread that had sunken into her belly.

**"Come here. I want to show you something that I think you'll like."**

Azure followed the she-cat, barely knowing which part was cat and which part was shadow. The darkness swamped over them, making Azure feel terribly helpless. "I want to go back," she mewled.

**"Oh, we're almost there."**The she-cat snapped her gaze around to look at her. **"Fear will get you nowhere in this place."**As she said this, the forest opened up into a small clearing, not that Azure could see it. A turquoise-colored flower stood glowing in its center. It seemed to whisper and call to her.

"That's the prettiest thing here," Azure meowed, stopping to stare at it in admiration.

**"I agree,"**the feline meowed. There was something disturbing about the way she answered.

Azure tried to ignore it, though it lingered in the air. Her fur rose along her spine once again.

The shadow cat sniffed the flower's sweet tempting scent. **"Wouldn't you like to let the scent bathe your tongue?"**She invited Azure.

Azure nodded silently and padded closer.

"Stop right there!" Meowed a new voice. Azure and the she-cat spun around to see a dark brown tom with dull, gray eyes approach them. His pelt was lit with faded stars.

**"You fool!"**The she-cat hissed, her eyes showing utter scorn. **"I almost got the brat to touch the flower! I want all three! Not just Fox and Badger!"**

"That would be why I stopped her," the tom snorted. To Azure, he meowed: "Come to me, little one. We need to get out of this dangerous place."

**"Dangerous?"**The transparent she-cat scoffed. **"What a horrible word to describe your home."**

The tom curled his lip in a maddening snarl. "This is *not*my home."

Azure looked back and forth between the two. She was awfully confused and didn't know who to trust; both cats made her feel uneasy.

**"Of course it's your home! You chose this place,"**the she-cat continued, eyeing the tom through slitted, blue orbs.

"But if you ever paid attention, Silent Scream, you'd have seen that I truly live on the border."

The name Silent Scream sent an ice cold chill crawling over Azure. She began to back away from them both as they resumed their argument.

**"I suppose it doesn't matter to me which side you are on. You're no threat, and you're not a satisfying ally either,"**Silent Scream hissed with a lash of her almost invisible tail.

"Good! I don't want to be a part of your evil schemes!" The tom fired back. Then, he realized that Azure had gone.

Silent Scream gave him a disturbing and complacent smile. **"You better go find the precious kit before I do,"**she taunted him, and then she vanished before his eyes.

* Forgotten
* Silent Scream
* Moonfang
1/3
## ~ Chapter Four ~

Azure ran as fast as she could. She had to get away from them, from this dark place. Where had StarClan gone? She knew that this unpleasant place was definitely not the wonderful hunting grounds of her ancestors. So, where were they? Where were Owl and Breeze? Azure stopped and skidded on the foul-smelling soil. She looked in every direction. There was no light in this forest at all! *How am I going to get back?*Azure thought miserably. *I'm lost!*She pricked her ears. There was rustling behind her. Her heart seemed to leap fearfully inside her chest. *They found me!*

She began to run again, still not knowing where she was going. Suddenly, she heard pounding pawsteps in pursuit. Then, she came to an unexpected halt, feeling a searing pain in her tail. She looked back at her tail to find the glowing eyes of the strange tom, who held her tail firmly under his paw. "Let me go!" Azure mewled, trying to pull it free.

The tom placed another paw on her head, holding her back. "Don't waste your time. I'm not letting go until you listen to me," he told her.

Azure stopped pulling and hissed. "I don't want to listen to you! I just want to get back to StarClan! My brother and sister are probably worried about me."

The tom's eyes flashed seeming suddenly distant and far away. "Badger and Fox are here, too?" He asked, looking around.

"Who?" She huffed.

"Owl and Breeze. Are they here?"

"No!" Azure growled. "Not *here.*StarClan!"

The tom looked down at her, his normal expression back. "All the more reason I should take you back myself." He let go of her tail. "Follow me if you want to get out of here."

Azure hesitated, then nodded seeing that she had no choice. The dark brown tom led her passed the rotting trees and through the thorny brush. Her pads started to ache when suddenly, she saw a light shining ahead. "I can see StarClan's hunting grounds again!" Azure squealed happily, and she raced forward and crossed the border. She was several fox-lengths away when she glanced back, seeing the tom staring at her from the other side. "Are you coming?" Azure asked him. The tom hesitated and looked back at the Dark Forest. Then, he looked back at her and ran to her side. "Why did you wait?" She asked when he caught up.

The tom twitched his whiskers. "My place is on the border, between the Dark Forest and StarClan," he replied. "I hate alternating between the two."

"But... Does that mean you're... a bad cat?" Azure looked up at him, and he gazed down at her with his gray eyes.

He didn't answer for a minute. "That is for you to decide," he said at last. "You may not like what is coming...."

*You may not like what is coming? What does that mean? What's he gonna do?*

Azure blinked, her tail twitching. "Hey, uh, what's your name?" She asked, trying to feel less awkward with this strange dead cat.

The tom purred slightly. "My name's~~---~~"

"Sparrow!"

Azure and the tom both looked forward to see Forgotten pelting toward them. Azure flattened her ears as she saw the she-cat's furious snarl. She had to leap out of the way as Forgotten rammed into Sparrow. The angry she-cat smashed his face into the ground, hissing loathsome threats. "I should kill you, tear away your existence so you may never walk these grounds again! Why are you here?!"

"Azure, there you are!" Owl meowed as he and Breeze padded quickly to her. They licked her ears.

"Where did you go?" Breeze demanded. "Moonfang and Forgotten were---Um... What's Forgotten doing?"

The three siblings turned to the StarClan cat, who was now sitting on Sparrow and digging her claws into his fur.

"Okay, Miss Forgotten, get off of your father," Moonfang meowed sternly as he came up to her.

"But, we can't let him go!" Forgotten protested. "He's insane!"

"He's not insane," Azure piped up. "He just saved me from the Dark Forest." All eyes turned to her, making her pelt grow hot.

"You went to the Dark Forest?" Forgotten's voice was low and tinted with menace.

"W-well, y-yes," Azure stammered. "B-but I was tricked by s-some she-cat."

"Who was the she-cat?" Moonfang asked, trying to sound calm (but was actually panicking on the inside).

Sparrow finally threw Forgotten off, growling as he did so. "Silent Scream had lured her in. She wanted to play with her mind, just like she did Fox's and Badger's," he told them.

Forgotten cursed under her breath, then she looked at Sparrow coldly. "So, why are you telling us this and not helping your master?"

Sparrow's eyes glinted wildly with something Azure couldn't make out, and his fur bristled as he flexed his claws into the soft earth. "Silent Scream is *not*my master." His mew was ominous and strange. Then, he seemed to relax, but the glint in his eyes remained. "I only want to help my kin...."

Moonfang stepped forward, his tail flicking, the only sign that showed his anxiety. "You can help them by leaving," the old StarClan tom meowed.

Sparrow pushed past Moonfang and Forgotten, ignoring them both and stopping at the three siblings. "There is something you must know." He suddenly seemed full of wisdom and he straightened, making himself look bigger and mightier. He stared directly at Breeze and Owl, filling them with unease. Sparrow opened his mouth, his voice far away as he spoke:

*"Brother and Sister,*

*Fox and Badger,*

*Will battle each other.*

*They will not survive,*

*Leaving the world so others may thrive.*

*The time has come,*

*For the fight to be won."*

The five cats, hearing the words of Sparrow, stared at him in horror. Sparrow's gaze darkened, showing an odd and unexpected hate. "The prophecy has already begun." Everyone's fur bristled, and Forgotten leaped at Sparrow.

"Wait! What does it mean?" Azure asked while shaking on her paws.

Forgotten and Sparrow fought, spitting and hissing viciously. Moonfang came to Azure, wrapping his tail around her protectively. "Owl and Breeze, your brother and sister, will someday fight to the death, and it will be soon."

"No!" Azure shrieked and she tore away from Moonfang, and ran to her siblings. "Why would they do that?! They *won't*!"

Breeze and Owl looked at each other, not saying a word for there was no need; they were sharing the same thoughts, feeling the same pain.

"It doesn't make any sense!" Azure protested, willing herself to believe that what Sparrow said was false. "They'd *never*do such a thing! They love each other and me! They wouldn't leave me!"

"No love will save them from their destiny," Moonfang hissed, as three pairs of sad glittering eyes turned toward him. "This is what Forgotten and I were trying to *avoid,*but... we were too late...."

A yowl full of anguish sounded from Sparrow, and they looked to him. Forgotten held him down, one paw on his throat with the claws digging in deeper and deeper. "You take it back!" His daughter screeched. "Say it isn't true!"

"Can't," Sparrow was able to croak. "If they... don't die... the Dark Forest will use them to... to destroy us all! They have more power than they know..."

"Then, give them some *hope,*you mangy, flea-bitten, selfish, coward!"

Sparrow began to laugh, and now Azure could see why Forgotten had called him insane. "They'll need more than hope...."

"You said you wanted to help them!" Forgotten growled dangerously close to his face. Sparrow let out another yowl of pain as she dug her claws further in.

"Forgotten, you're going to kill him!" Moonfang meowed, shoving her away.

"That's exactly what I want!" Forgotten growled. "He should've been dealt with a long time ago!"

"He's your *father,*Forgotten," Moonfang meowed, making the tough gray she-cat flinch only slightly. "Give him some mercy and pity."

"Like he gave to me?" Forgotten meowed quietly, letting out the words with absolute rage. "I got nothing from him."

Moonfang ignored her and helped Sparrow to his paws. The tom's throat was bleeding heavily. "Leave, Sparrow. Go back to the border and don't come back." Sparrow flicked his tail showing that he had heard, but he was reluctant because he had more to say. Moonfang gritted his teeth. "*Go."*

Sparrow got one last look at Owl and Breeze and grinned broadly. "Those two will *die,*and I will be there, watching when it happens."

Moonfang growled and Sparrow sprinted away, leaving a trail of scarlet liquid. Forgotten turned away as Moonfang searched her yellow gaze. Owl and Breeze huddled closer together, nuzzling Azure as they curled their tails around her.

Azure whimpered miserably. *The only cats that love me are going to die, and there's nothing I can do to stop it,*she thought despairingly.

Breeze looked up as Forgotten and Moonfang approached. "There is something we can do, isn't there?"

The two starlit cats lowered their gazes and shook their heads. "Sparrow is right: Silent Scream would use you both to eliminate us all, so she can rule over living and dead cats in darkness and fear. I'm sorry," Moonfang added.

"Sorry?" Breeze repeated. "You're *sorry*? I thought our ancestors were suppose to watch and care for us! What's the point of StarClan if you all are *stupid*dead cats that can't help anyone?! Owl and I are suppose to kill each other, and you're telling us there's no way to stop it?!"

"It's not like we want it that way!" Forgotten spat. "We can't do everything for you. You have your own destiny that we can't control. If you want to change it, then you have to do it *yourself*!"

Breeze's eyes were blazing with fury. She opened her mouth to give a nasty retort. Owl held her back with a paw as she stood up, warning her not to start a fight, and whispered something only she could hear.

"We'll hold it off as long as we can," Moonfang meowed. "But we're losing contact with you two every second. Silent Scream has planned this for centuries. She has new skills that we have yet to discover.... Good-bye."

**. . . .**

Azure's eyes popped open as Owl and Breeze awakened beside her. Breeze sat up blinking, unable to see once more. "It's not true..." Azure heard her sister meow. "Not a single word."

"You're in denial," Owl meowed simply and quietly.

"Shouldn't I be?" She hissed at him. "Those StarClan fools told us that we are going to murder each other! Do you think I'm really going to believe that?"

"I'm not telling you to believe anything," he murmured. "But we can't ignore what they said."

"Well, I can," Breeze snorted stubbornly.

Owl got to his paws. "Then, you're a bigger fool than they are. If we ignore the prophecy, then we can't stop it. Forgotten said that we have to change out destiny ourselves. So, we have to face it head on." He paused. "It's... It's like the time when Onyx attacked that fox to save me when I was no larger than a kit. He didn't hesitate at all. That's how we should be. We shouldn't wait for what's coming; we should fight it now."

Azure glanced at Owl's scarred face that still showed the fight with the fox. *Will that work?*

Breeze's ears twitched. "Alright..." She meowed quietly. "Fine. I'll do it your way. I just hope it works... for Azure's sake."

Azure turned to her sister. *They want to change their destiny for me!*Azure felt a wave of affection for her older siblings. "We'll get through this," she told them. "Together. Like we've always been."

"Together..." Owl mumbled. "That's right, Azure." He touched his nose to hers.

"So, no going to Mystic?" Azure meowed hopefully.

"Huh? Oh, yeah... I totally forgot about that..." Owl paused, grinning. "No... You're staying here. With us. We're going to need you now more than ever."

Hours and hours and hours had passed.

The three slunk back into their den, trudging with exhaustion. They had spent the whole day hunting and teaching Azure how to hunt and fight, so it would pull their thoughts away from being mind-controlled.

Azure yawned, plopping on the floor. "I don't want to move ever again," she meowed as Owl and Breeze laid down next to her.

"I agree," Owl huffed. Breeze had already closed her eyes and was snoring softly. Owl licked Azure's ears, and they did the same as Breeze and fell fast asleep.

Darkness swarmed all around Azure. She could hear unfamiliar voices, but she couldn't see a single cat. "Little Azure thinks she can save her loved ones, hmm?" Came a mocking she-cat's voice.

"It appears she does, Nightmare," a tom responded menacingly. "How sad it is for her to think she can win."

"Only a fool would think such nonsense."

"H-hey! S-stop it!" Azure stammered.

"Oh? Kittypet wants us to stop?" The tom jeered. "How funny!"

"It's not funny!" Azure growled with her ears flat against her head. "M-my brother and sister and I have hope! We'll beat you Dark Forest cats for sure!"

The two invisible cats' response was a cruel laugh. Then, the she-cat stopped and hissed close to Azure's ear. "Shade, do you remember what we do to cats that have hope?"

"Oh, yes," the tom replied, then added in a voice full of dark pleasure, "We teach them a lesson!"

Before Azure had time to think, she felt two huge paws slam into her side, knocking her to the ground. She lay there winded. Sharp teeth pulled at her scruff and lifted her head, forcing Azure to stare unexpectedly at a single pair of red-tinted amber eyes. The she-cat had shown herself, while the tom held Azure's head up, still invisible.

"A-are you Nightmare?" Azure asked almost inaudibly.

The she-cat snickered. "Well, at least we know she's been paying attention." The grip around her scruff tightened as Azure inhaled deeply. Nightmare flicked her dark gray speckled tail, unsheathing her claws.

Azure's gaze hardened. "You'll regret hurting me," she told the cat.

Nightmare let out a big laugh, amusement glinted in her cold eyes. "Why, aren't you a brave one. Only five moons---right?---and she already has a mouth. You better watch what you say, little one. Sometimes talking can get you into trouble, not out of it." Nightmare scratched Azure's muzzle.

Azure flinched at the searing pain that now covered her face. Blood began to form out and around the cut.

"Did you know that our leader, Silent Scream, feeds off of cat blood?" Nightmare asked, eyeing the red liquid that now dripped onto the rotten soil. "Lately, there hasn't been enough of it. But... when your brother and sister kill each other..." She chuckled. "There'll be enough to last her a long, long time."

Shade dropped Azure's head and dug razor sharp claws across her side, making her let out an agonized shriek. "You are just the appetizer," he sneered.

"Stop!" Azure pleaded. It hurt so much, and she didn't want these heartless monsters to talk about her beloved siblings. "They *won't*die! I'll make sure of it!"

Shade and Nightmare began to laugh, slowly fading away as they did so. "Hope," Shade snarled. "Will get you nowhere."

Azure awakened from the dream. She opened her eyes and focused on the blurry cat that seemed to stare worriedly at her.

"Azure! You're alive!" Breeze's voice instantly flooded with relief. "What happened? Who did this to you?"

Azure winced in agony, feeling the wounds along her side and muzzle. *How is that possible? I thought it was just a dream!*"I-I thought I was in the Dark Forest," Azure began quietly. "These two cats... attacked me."

"What? Why were you back there? N-never mind that! Owl will be back soon with water. Let me take care of your injuries."

"Okay..." Azure replied feebly. She didn't move; but only listened to Breeze scurry across the cave floor, sniffing around for cobwebs and herbs. Her gaze flickered to the entrance of the cave as a shape blocked the way.

"She's awake!" Owl meowed through his mouthful of soaked moss. He lay it next to his younger sister and started to lick the blood away from her muzzle. "Don't worry. You'll be okay," he told her reassuringly.

Breeze came back with a giant wad of cobwebs and placed them carefully on Azure's side. "She better be!" Breeze hissed when she had finished. "Or I'll murder all of those Dark Forest freaks!"

Owl nuzzled Azure's ear. "You'll murder them either way, Breeze," he meowed. "And I'll help you."

"They think they can pick on out sister just because they believe they have control over us. Well, I'll show them who has control!" Breeze snarled threateningly as she paced back and forth.

This was the angriest Azure had ever seen her sister. Breeze's claws scraped the floor and her tail lashed from side to side. Meanwhile, Owl sat next to Azure protectively, gazing down into her turquoise orbs as she drank the water from the moss. Her two older siblings were so different from each other, and yet, so alike. *They both care about me so much...*It broke her heart to even think of losing them.

"Those monsters told me that you were going to die so Silent Scream could eat," Azure meowed, sort of thinking aloud.

Breeze stopped and turned as if looking at Owl, and Owl looked back at her. "That won't happen," Breeze meowed determinedly.

"But what if it really does?" Azure asked, almost choking on her words. "What if you really do die? What'll I do without you both?"

"You can't think like that!" Owl told her firmly. "We won't leave you to survive on your own. Not now, not ever."

"I want you to be right," Azure murmured. "But I can't help thinking about the bad."

They were all quiet for a moment. "Hey, uh, do you want to hear a story?" Breeze asked, wanting desperately to change the subject.

"Alright..."

Breeze padded over and sat next to Owl. Azure stared up at their matching black-and-white splotched pelts and listened.

Breeze had managed to take everyone's mind off of the inevitable event that they were trying so hard to avoid. But soon, very soon, the day would come when each of them would have to fight for their lives, when Silent Scream would have her feast.

* Shade
* Nightmare (aka Lostwillow)
* Sparrow
1/3
## ~ Chapter Five ~

A moon had passed. It went by very quickly, yet it was just long enough for the family to forget about the prophecy (which is exactly what Silent Scream wanted). No one spoke of it. No one dared to think of it. Though, they still prepared for it as if it was going to happen tomorrow, but only because it had become a routine. Azure had grown and was far better at hunting and fighting than she was before. Her siblings made sure of that. Little did they know that the fateful day was finally here, catching them all off guard....

The three of them padded into the forest, keeping their spirits high and chatting all the way to the river. They crouched several feet away from each other near the edge of the water.

Azure laid her tail flat against the ground, trying hard not to move a muscle. Her gaze focused on the water and flicked to every fish that moved. *Come on... Come a little closer...*A school of small fish swam nearby as if daring her to pounce prematurely, so she would have to wait even longer before more fish would come again. *Patience, Azure! Patience!*She kept telling herself. Then, the fish slowly motioned closer. Azure lashed out with a fore-paw and hooked a fish's fin on a claw. She threw it on the land and bit down on its spine. She gave a mrrow of triumph as she picked it up. She looked smugly at her brother and sister, then set it down in their usual catch-pile.

"Looks like *I'm*starting the fresh-kill pile today!" Azure meowed with a proud wave of her tail.

Owl looked back at her and smiled. "It's about time you started it for once."

"Hey!" Azure bounded over and cuffed his muzzle. Owl bowled her over with his bigger paw, sending her face first into the dirt. She stood back up, spitting dirt out of her mouth, which made Owl laugh till his lungs hurt. Azure hissed at him. "I'll get you for that!"

"Sure, you will," he meowed, trying to catch his breath.

"Oh, I promise you, I will!" Azure declared with flippancy. "I'll make sure you have mud for breakfast---"

Owl put a paw over her mouth. "Shh." He gestured to Breeze. Their sister hadn't even budged at their commotion. Owl and Azure shared a mischievous grin, knowing exactly what the other was thinking. Owl padded slowly away and Azure made her way to Breeze. As Owl snuck up from behind, Azure distracted her (though she didn't really need to anyway).

"Did ya hear, Breeze? I caught a fish!"

"Good job," Breeze praised her, only half paying attention.

With a playful yowl, Owl jumped on top of his littermate. Breeze scrambled underneath him, hissing and spitting. "You stupid bird-brain!" She spat. "I outta tear your pelt off!"

Azure rolled over with laughter as Breeze threw Owl off and batted at his face with sheathed paws. But then, Breeze snarled viciously and bit Owl's throat. Owl yowled in agony and surprise and ripped himself free. He backed away, feeling the blood drip from the fresh wound. The playful mood vanished completely.

"Breeze, what the heck!" Owl meowed. "I was only messing around!"

Azure gasped. "Look at her, Owl!"

"What? What do ya---" He cut himself off, and they stared at Breeze. Her eyes had turned blood-red and her lips were drawn back in a dangerous snarl.

"It's happened again!" Azure moaned, beginning to panic.

"Don't worry. It shouldn't last long..." Owl told her. He took a step closer. "Breeze, snap out of it! It's *your*mind, not theirs!"

Breeze blinked and, for a moment, looked like she was back in control. But then she let out a loud laugh, very much unlike the bubbly, obnoxious laugh Breeze normally used. "*Beg*!" Breeze commanded. "Beg again, Owl! I love hearing the powerless plead!"

Azure's fur stood on end. That wasn't Breeze's voice. "Nightmare!" Azure exclaimed. "Nightmare is controlling her!"

Owl glanced at Azure quizzically, not sure how she knew that horrid name. He turned back to his littermate. "Leave my sister *alone*!" He growled.

Breeze laughed insanely. "Do you think you can tell me what to do?" She scoffed. "If you want your sister back, you're going to have to fight her."

"Don't, Owl!" Azure warned. "Don't listen! Nightmare's gonna try to start the battle!"

"Well, haven't you grown smart?" Breeze meowed satirically to Azure.

 Owl flattened his ears, stepping in front of his younger sibling. "Leave!"

"Are you deaf? I'm not going anywhere." Breeze suddenly smiled devilishly. "Shade has finally come."

The fur along Owl's spine lifted, and he looked all around him as if trying to spot the Dark Forest tom.

"I must warn you," Breeze continued. "He likes to bring pain along with him."

Fear flashed in Owl's gaze. "Go away!" He shouted as buzzing sounded in his ears. Then, unexpectedly, he dropped to the ground, seeming to choke. He gave a loud, distressed caterwaul, then became quiet and still.

"Owl...?" Azure uttered as panic soared through her even more.

Owl opened his eyes; they had become as red as Breeze's, and he stood up slowly. "Hello, Azure. Have you come to watch the fun?" He snickered.

Azure's heart sank to her belly when she heard Shade's voice. "N-no! Leave them! They're not yours to control!" She raked Owl's side with her claws in an attempt to scare Shade out.

"Careful," Owl meowed. "You'll hurt your brother. That's not very wise, is it?"

"You're going to kill them anyway!" Azure sobbed.

Owl cocked his head. "Well, you're not wrong." He sent a blow to Azure's side, knocking the wind out of her and sending her to the edge of the river.

"Stay out of the way," Breeze hissed. Then, the two older cats faced each other, snarled, and leaped.

They each scratched the other's face. They dealt painful blows to the flanks, and tore gashed wherever they could. All Azure could do was watch helplessly from the side and plead with them to stop. They wouldn't listen and, when she would get in between, they would toss her aside. Breeze stood over Owl, making his neck wound bigger and bigger.

Breeze was suddenly flung backwards. She growled and popped back up. However, Owl still lay on the ground, stunned. Breeze eyed him carefully and slowly crept over. She began to shake her head, flinging it around like a dog does a chew toy. She gave a heavy, exhausted sigh and froze.

"Breeze?" Azure tried, though she was afraid.

Breeze gazed at her. "No, little one. She's not back yet."

"What?" Azure's tail twitched, perplexed. That was Forgotten's voice! "Get my siblings back!" She told the StarClan she-cat.

Breeze closed her eyes as if she were trying to suppress pain. "I'm trying... but... Nightmare's fighting... *Oof*!"

Owl rammed into Breeze. She slid around, recovered, and attacked. She pinned Owl down, but only held him there. "*Enough*!" Breeze hissed.

Owl narrowed his eyes, pausing in his struggling. "Forgotten?" He meowed with a chuckle. "It was very nice of you to join us, but I think you've already overstayed your welcome."

Breeze gasped as if choking, hatred hardening her gaze. "StarClan won't win!" Came Nightmare's voice again. She showed her blood-stained teeth and tore into Owl's ears.

"Stop!" Azure begged, beginning to give into despair. "*Please*! Don't kill them!"

"Shut up, you annoying brat!" Breeze snarled and she raked her claws down Azure's face.

Azure let out a cry of dreadful pain. She had unwittingly distracted Breeze, giving Owl the chance he needed to end it. Owl forced Breeze away and tackled her. Then, he pinned her to the ground and bit her throat. Breeze shrieked with anguish and flailed her paws wildly, trying to hit him, but blinding pain made her miss. A moment later, Breeze went completely limp, and Owl finally let go. He was breathing heavily, but that didn't stop him from laughing crazily and cheering in triumph.

"NO!" Azure screeched. She ran to her sister and crouched by her head. Breeze's eyes had turned back to their icy blue, but they were lifeless and dull. "Why...?!" Azure moaned. She looked up seeing Owl limping over, Shade still in power.

"You thought you could stop us," he derided. "Cats never learn..." He staggered and fell, letting out a pained groan. "Remember, little Azure... You will *never*be able to stop Silent Scream... from getting what she wants... She's invincible and... far more... more powerful than you will ever be. Keep... Keep that in mind..." Owl began to cough, spitting out blood. Then, he was silent and un-moving.

Azure shrieked in grief as the last of his breath died away. She realized that crimson liquid still dripped from her own muzzle as well as her sides. But she didn't care. "Breeze... Owl... Please, get up... Don't leave me here alone!" She begged.

There was a small glow and Breeze's body shook. Forgotten stood over her, staring down at her paws. The starlit cat didn't dare look into Azure's eyes. "I'm sorry..." Forgotten quietly mewed through a shaky, guilt-ridden voice. "So, so sorry...." For once, Forgotten's words were truly sincere. Then, she disappeared.

After a while, Azure laid down, overrun by grief and mental fatigue. A coldness gripped her heart and wouldn't let go. She felt empty and alone. She wished that she wouldn't wake up, wished she could die with her siblings rather than face the cruel world alone... all alone...

Then, a sudden, gentle nudge made her open her eyes. She had left the sanguine battleground and seemed to be in StarClan's luscious forest. "Are you alright, little one?" The voice was familiar; it made her heart leap.

Azure turned and stared at the face of Onyx. She gasped and leaped up, fur spiking in all directions. "O-Onyx?"

"It is me," he answered.

She made her fur lie flat and buried her tiny frame in Onyx's starry blue-splotched pelt. "They're dead!" She cried.

"I know..." He meowed. "But don't be sad. You'll see them again."

"You mean, when *I*die? Who knows how long that's gonna take!"

"That's not what I meant!" Onyx meowed sternly. "Your life will go on for a long while yet. It *must*... If you want to see Owl and Breeze again, you must go on a journey."

"W-what?" Azure looked up at his yellow orbs. "Th-they *died*! How could I possibly see th---"

"Hush," Onyx interrupted. "You must remain strong or what you seek shall never be found." Azure gave a feeble nod. "You shall journey far away from your cave to find them. Walk along side the second river from the cave until you find the mountains. Travel through them carefully. The Stars will help guide you through, if you need us to. From there you will travel to the lake. Breeze and Owl will be there... but in another life. You need to trust my words, Azure---"

"I can't trust anyone anymore!" Azure hissed, backing away from him.

"Not even me?" He asked, through narrowed slits.

"Not even you!" She responded with an unassertive mew. "You left us... I bet they wouldn't have died if you had been there!"

"I didn't leave you on purpose!" Onyx growled, flustered. Upon seeing her even more frightened, he took a deep breath. "I'm sorry... There's not a day that goes by when I don't want to be with you. I know I haven't always been there for you kits, especially you, Azure, but if you will only listen, let this be my chance of making things right."

He was being honest, Azure could tell and she let her gaze drop. "Okay, Onyx... I'll listen..."

Onyx curled his tail around her and they were both silent. They were pressed close against each other; Azure didn't want it to stop. It was comforting with Onyx being right beside her, and it seemed right. She needed him, she needed her father. But then the moment was taken away when Onyx said it was time for her to go back.

"I'll be beside you always," Onyx meowed. He nuzzled her head, then began to fade away. "Live happily, my daughter," he added inaudibly.

Azure awoke from her dream. She bit back a sad howl, discovering Owl and Breeze cold beside her. She got up and began to dig, and she could feel a piece of her heart breaking each time her paw struck the dirt. It took her almost an hour to dig a hole big enough for both her siblings. She took no breaks and by the time she was finished, her bones ached and her muscles screamed with protest. But she ignored the pain completely, for she felt a greater pain in her heart.

She went to Owl and Breeze, and one by one she dragged the corpses to the graves. She pushed them into it, holding back a yowl of despair and sadness as they hit the bottom. She then covered the grave up with dirt. And now it seemed that they were really, truly gone.

Azure completely broke down. She flung herself onto the grave and mourned so loudly it seemed impossible for someone not to hear. Then it started to rain, as if even StarClan was grieving for her loss. Finally, she arose when the sun showed its bright rays. Azure took one look around and sprinted away, an image of the blood-stained clearing still fresh in her mind.

She padded into the cave and dropped to the floor, exhausted. She curled into the tightest ball, her wet fur clinging to her pelt. Once more she wished that Breeze and Owl were there to keep her warm.

Soon Azure will make the journey Onyx had spoken of, but until then, she would have to learn to cope with her painful loneliness and shattered heart.

*The End* of Part 1

Click Azure's Loss Part 2 to finish the story!