Swiftstalker

**Swiftstalker** is a black and white tom with blue eyes. He has a scar on the bridge of his nose, his left shoulder, and a notch in the side of his left ear.

 Scars and Notable Injuries

* Nicks in his left ear received from Stonekit during Poisonedsap's "training" in the nursery. (*"Shadows of Blood",* chapter 3)
* Missing claw on one of his front paws caused by fighting with Stonekit during Poisonedsap's "training" in the nursery. (*"Shadows of Blood",* chapter 3)

## Kills

A list of cats that Swiftstalker has directly or indirectly killed.

* Revengeheart

## Appearances and Mentions

### Rainheart's Love

#### Chapter 5

Rainheart rushes into the nursery with a mouse for Poppywing. On the other side of the den, Poisonedsap lays in her nest, watching them. At her belly suckles her newborn kits, Swiftkit and Stonekit, who were just born yesterday. Both are black and white toms, though Stonekit is noted to be more white than black, unlike his brother.

#### Chapter 6

When Rainheart goes to the nursery during the night to visit Poppywing, he sees Poisonedsap curled up in her nest asleep with her tail wrapped around Stonekit and Swiftkit.

When Rainheart goes into the nursery the next day, he sees Poppywing and Poisonedsap watching Stonekit and Swiftkit intently. Poppywing tells Rainheart that Stonekit and Swiftkit have opened their eyes. Swiftkit turns his head to Rainheart, revealing light blue ones.

When Poppywing begins kitting, Dewstorm turns to Poisonedsap and asks her to please take her kits outside for now, as they'll need room. She looks ready to protest, but agrees and guides her kits out of the nursery.

### Shadows of Blood

#### Allegiances

Swiftkit is listed under Allegiances as a kit of ShadowClan, the son of Poisonedsap and Maplefur.

Swiftpaw is listed under Allegiance Update 1 as an apprentice of ShadowClan, being mentored by Timberstorm.

Swiftstalker is listed under Allegiance Update 2, Allegiance Update 3, and Allegiance Update 4 as a warrior of ShadowClan.

Revengeheart is listed under Allegiance Update 5 and Allegiance Update 6 as a warrior of ShadowClan with an apprentice, Flintpaw.

#### Chapter 1

Bloodkit is watching Stonekit and Swiftkit fight. Swiftkit cries out and tells Poisonedsap that Stonekit clawed him, but she is less than sympathetic. When Stonekit says he's going to be the best warrior in ShadowClan and Swiftkit will have to be a medicine cat, Swiftkit bristles and disagrees before continuing to fight his brother.

Bloomfire suggests Bloodkit go play with them, but he's hesitant due to how roughly they're playing. After further encouragement, he approaches them and says hello. Stonekit coldly refuses to play with Bloodkit, but Swiftkit invites him to play mossball. They go into the clearing and begin playing. Bloodkit is happy that finally some other cat likes him.

After Bloodkit saddens due to the clan whispering about him, Swiftkit tries to comfort him, telling him he'll show the clan one day when he's the greatest warrior over. When Bloodkit worries Depthstar won't make him a warrior, Swiftkit jokes that if he doesn't, he'll follow him around all day throwing mossballs at his head.

They start to play tag around the camp, and when Swiftkit looks over his shoulder at Bloodkit, he's unaware that he's running straight into the path of Depthstar and Cobratail. Bloodkit leaps into him and pushes him away before he can run into them, unintentionally sending Swiftkit into the thorn bushes.

Poisonedsap bounds over and frantically licks him while Depthstar alerts Hawkfeather. The medicine cat plucks out thorns from Swiftkit and reassures him it's nothing serious. He yelps, and Stonekit tells him not to be so weak. Before Swiftkit can explain what happened, Poisonedsap accuses Bloodkit of intentionally pushing him into the thorns. The other cats believe her, and Poisonedsap hisses at him to stay away from Swiftkit. Depthstar forces Bloodkit to apologize before Hawkfeather takes Swiftkit to the medicine den to give him a couple poppy seeds.

#### Chapter 2

Bloodkit explains to his parents how he pushed Swiftkit before he could run into Depthstar and Cobratail. After Flameheart goes to speak to Depthstar, Bloodkit is alarmed as he wonders what Swiftkit thinks of him now, and if he thinks he meant to hurt him too. He anxiously goes to see Swiftkit.

When he pokes his head into the medicine den, he sees Swiftkit asleep on his side in a nest close to Dewstorm. Bloodkit cautiously pads past Poisonedsap and quietly awakes Swiftkit. He stirs and says Bloodkit's name, looking confused. Bloodkit suddenly doesn't know what to say and miserably wonders why he didn't plan this out. Swiftkit murmurs as he asks what's up, looking drowsy.

Bloodkit asks if he's mad at him. Swiftkit is confused, then his eyes soften as he says he knows he didn't push him into the thorns on purpose, and that he wouldn't hurt him like Stonekit and his mother, though he breaks off before he says Poisonedsap's name as well. He purrs that it would have been embarrassing to run into Depthstar and Cobratail. Bloodkit asks how he's feeling. Swiftkit says he's tired, adding that Hawkfeather gave him poppy seeds that made him sleepy.

Maplefur says Swiftkit's name, and Bloodkit spins to see him standing in the entrance of the den. Bloodkit recognizes him as Swiftkit's father. Swiftkit lets out a soft purr as Maplefur leans over him and licks his ear, saying he heard about what happened and asking if he's alright. Swiftkit replies that he's okay.

When Maplefur tells Bloodkit he just spoke to Depthstar and Flameheart, Swiftkit says Bloodkit didn't mean to hurt him, and it was an accident. Maplefur murmurs that he knows. After Maplefur inspires Bloodkit, he runs out of the den, calling a quick goodbye to Swiftkit.

#### Chapter 3

It's noted that two moons have passed, and Bloodkit is happier, spending his days playing with Swiftkit despite Poisonedsap and Stonekit's disapproval.

Swiftkit and Bloodkit are racing around the nursery playing tag. When Stonekit complains of boredom, Poisonedsap growls at Swiftkit to play with Stonekit, as he does nothing but play unproductive games with Bloodkit. Swiftkit starts to argue, but another growl from his mother forces him to obey.

Bloodkit watches in horror as Stonekit fiercely attacks Swiftkit. After ripping out one of Swiftkit's claws, Stonekit circles him and asks why he doesn't play with him anymore, as he's supposed to be his best friend. Swiftkit whimpers and looks to his mother anxiously, but she has no intentions of stopping the fight. Bloodkit decides to stop this, refusing to let either of his denmates get hurt. Before Stonekit can attack Swiftkit again, Bloodkit runs between them, and Stonekit rips his ear open.

Bloomfire yowls for Hawkfeather, and Dewstorm arrives instead, shocked and taking the kits to the medicine den. Swiftkit laps at his wounded paw, telling Bloodkit that he's fine, warily joking that he should be called Bloodear.

When Maplefur enters the den, he rushes to Swiftkit and laps at his fur. While Dewstorm wraps cobwebs around Swiftkit's paw, Maplefur confronts Poionedsap about her cruel training. She argues that they need to learn to be strong, and Swiftkit especially needs training since all the time he spends with Bloodkit has made him weak. Poisonedsap tells Maplefur he's weakening the kits and to never come near them again.

#### Chapter 4

A quarter moon has passed since the fight between the kits. Swiftkit and Bloodkit are pouncing on and admiring the falling leaves, wondering what snow is like. Cliffshade tells them it's nothing to look forward to due to the shortage of prey. Swiftkit and Bloodkit promise when they're apprentices they won't let any cat go hungry, though Cliffshade is unimpressed.

Swiftkit says he can't wait to be apprenticed tomorrow, startling Bloodkit as he realizes how much he's grown. He's saddened, wondering what he'll do without his only friend. Swiftkit tells Bloodkit he's his best friend and promises he'll still be around and visit him whenever he can. He adds that it won't be long before they'll both be training together.

That night, Swiftkit is awoken by Maplefur, and happily greets him. It's noted that he hasn't seen Maplefur in several days. After the fight with Stonekit, Poisonedsap told them Maplefur wasn't going to visit them anymore. This upset Swiftkit until one night, Maplefur came and explained that Poisonedsap had ordered him to stay away. He can only come at night when Poisonedsap is asleep. He never wakes Stonekit, only Swiftkit. Swiftkit misses him, but is grateful for his visits.

Swiftkit is excited to be apprenticed tomorrow, and Maplefur promises he'll be there and knows Swiftkit will make him proud. Poisonedsap awakens and confronts Maplefur, frightening Swiftkit. He agrees to speak with her in the forest to come to an agreement about their kits. Swiftkit is surprised, but hopeful.

Swiftkit wants to hear what happens and sneaks out of the nursery, tracking his parents out of the camp. He sees them arguing and hides in the shelter of a bush. He learns that Poisonedsap isn't clanborn and was once in a group of horrible rogues. Maplefur defends his claim to his kits, especially after all he's done for Poisonedsap.

Swiftkit watches in horror as Poisonedsap attacks Maplefur and explains that she used him for kits who will one day fight alongside her in a final battle against the clans, and he could have lived to see them grow to be the most dangerous cats in the forest, but now he never will. Swiftkit is frozen as he watches his parents fight, and Poisonedsap kill Maplefur. He tells himself he has to get back and warn the clan, dizzy and shocked as he runs back through the forest.

#### Chapter 5

Swiftkit wakes up in the forest, remembering the events of last night and whimpering. He wonders what stopped him from warning the clan last night, then figures he must have fainted.

Just as he wonders if Poisonedsap knows he saw her crime, she appears, and Swiftkit is terrified, though he bravely tells her he's going to tell the clan what she did, and she'll be exiled. Poisonedsap says the clan will never believe the wild imagination of a kit. He's afraid she's going to kill him too, to which she says no. She tells him that if he tells any cat what he saw, she'll kill every cat in the nursery, revealing that she has more allies in ShadowClan. She tells Swiftkit not to forget her threat before leaving.

Swiftkit slumps onto his stomach, miserably wondering why he was put in this situation. He considers running away where he'll be away from Poisonedsap and no cat will get hurt because of what he saw. He's about to make this decision when he realizes Poisonedsap's plot might be successful. He decides that he has to stay and find a way to protect his clan.

Later that day, Swiftkit is sitting by the mouth of the nursery looking into the clearing. Bloodkit is surprised at how depressed he sounds on the day he is to start his training. When he presses him about what's wrong, Swiftkit snaps at him, then guiltily apologizes and says he wants to be alone. Bloodkit is hurt and offended.

Cobratail confirms to Depthstar that Swiftkit and Stonekit are six moons old. He calls the clan meeting, and Swiftkit whimpers, causing Bloodkit to rush back to his side. He whispers that Maplefur should be here. Bloodkit is sure that he wouldn't miss his ceremony.

Poisonedsap leads her kits out of the nursery, and when Depthstar calls for them, Swiftkit follows his brother more slowly to the rock. Bloodkit wonders why he isn't excited. Depthstar assigns Swiftpaw to Timberstorm, and Poisonedsap nods approval. The clan chants his name, though Swiftpaw looks unhappy. Bloodkit understands why, seeing that Maplefur isn't here.

When Maplefur's body is brought to camp, Swiftpaw is unable to look at the body. Bloodkit rushes over to comfort him. Swiftpaw is startled to hear that Maplefur was found on the ThunderClan side of the border, and even more so when Stonekit changes his name to Revengepaw.

#### Chapter 6

Two moons pass. Bloodkit is saddened as he watches Swiftpaw and Revengepaw racing to the elders den with fresh moss. Despite Swiftpaw's promise, he hasn't said a word to Bloodkit since. He feels forgotten and misses having him in the nursery. Mottledface asks Revengepaw if he wants to practice battle moves, and he immediately agrees, telling Swiftpaw to join them.

Bloodkit tells Bloomfire he doesn't think Swiftpaw wants to be his friend anymore. His mother reassures him, explaining that Swiftpaw is an apprentice now and has more responsibilities. She adds that they'll be seeing each other more often soon enough, as Bloodkit is being apprenticed today.

After Bloodpaw is apprenticed, he's surprised and happy to see Swiftpaw excitedly cheering his name from where he sits with Revengepaw and Mottledface. After the ceremony, Swiftpaw congratulates Bloodpaw, glad that they'll be able to train together. Bloodpaw admits he thought he didn't want to hang around him anymore. Swiftpaw denies this, beginning to give a reason for his keeping distance when he pauses, looking over his shoulder and seeing Poisonedsap, Mottledface, and Revengepaw watching him closely. Swiftpaw then responds that he's been really busy with his training, though Bloodpaw feels that he's hiding something. He asks if they're still friends, to which Swiftpaw happily confirms.

As Bloodpaw leaves with Brownstripe, Swiftpaw calls after him to have fun. During his tour of the territory, Bloodpaw begins to get bored and wonders what Swiftpaw is up to right now.

#### Chapter 7

When Bloodpaw returns to camp, Swiftpaw greets him and inquires about his first day as an apprentice. Bloodpaw asks what he did today, but Swiftpaw is slammed into by Revengepaw before he can respond. The bigger apprentice boats that they did some awesome battle training and demonstrates a move on Swiftpaw, telling Bloodpaw to imagine if his claws were unsheathed and Swiftpaw's blood and guts were flying all over the clearing. Bloodpaw is disturbed as he says he'd rather not.

As Revengepaw excitedly talks about using his skills on the ThunderClan cat who killed Maplefur, Swiftpaw sits down and looks away as he mumbles that there's no proof a ThunderClan cat did it. Revengepaw glares at him and says Maplefur was found right across the border, asking what more proof he needs. Bloodpaw agrees. Swiftpaw shuffles his paws and says that doesn't mean Maplefur died there.

Poisonedsap and Cougarfoot join them, and Swiftpaw is startled by her. She tells he and Revengepaw that Depthstar has allowed them to go to the gathering, adding that it'll be an interesting one since Depthstar is accusing ThunderClan of murder.

After asking Cobratail if he can go to the gathering too, Bloodpaw runs back to Swiftpaw and Revengepaw. and eagerly tells Swiftpaw he can go. Swiftpaw lets out a purr of anticipation and says he'll show him around.

At fourtrees, Bloodpaw hasn't left Swiftpaw's side since they arrived. He'd started to feel scared among so many cats. Swiftpaw promised to stay with him. Swiftpaw goes on to point out the leaders, deputies, and medicine cats to him.

Poisonedsap addresses Swiftpaw and pushes through the crowd with Revengepaw and Mottledface. She says that they're going to speak with some RiverClan cats and tells Swiftpaw to join them. Swiftpaw hesitates and says he told Bloodpaw he'd stay with him. Poisonedsap disapproves, but turns away. Bloodpaw notices Swiftpaw looking upset for a moment and asks if he's okay. He hesitantly says yes and goes on to point out the ThunderClan cats to him. He and Bloodpaw joke about how rude Strawberrystar is.

When no cat cheers Bloodpaw's name and the leaders ask Depthstar about him, Swiftpaw licks Bloodpaw's ear reassuringly. After Strawberrystar declares the gathering is over, Swiftpaw sighs in relief. He mutters and thanks StarClan that wasn't worse.

#### Chapter 8

Bloodpaw notes that he's spent the last few days training with Brownstripe and collecting moss for the elders with Swiftpaw. He enjoys having his own nest in the apprentices den and talking to Swiftpaw late at night without having the queens tell him to go to sleep. However, he notes that it isn't fun sharing the den with Revengepaw, as he consistently growls and twitches in his sleep, as though he dreams of battle. It's unsettling to Bloodpaw. Swiftpaw never says much about it.

When Bloodpaw returns to camp and drops his thrush on the fresh kill pile, Swiftpaw praises his catch as he and Revengepaw join him.

#### Chapter 9

Revengepaw and Swiftpaw are training with their mentors. Though Timberstorm and Swiftpaw aren't engaged as roughly as Revengepaw and Cougarfoot, Bloodpaw notes that they train more fiercely than he ever has with Brownstripe.

Cougarfoot suggests that the apprentices practice together. Swiftpaw is exhausted and asks if he can take a break. Timberstorm reminds him there are no breaks in battle, but Cougarfoot says to let him, and Bloodpaw and Revengepaw can go first. As Bloodpaw and Revengepaw circle each other, Swiftpaw sits at the side of the clearing with the mentors to watch.

When Cougarfoot goes to speak with Brownstripe, Timberstorm hesitates and suggests Swiftpaw and Revengepaw go back to training with him, as he thinks Bloodpaw could use a rest. Swiftpaw stares at Bloodpaw and asks if he's alright. Bloodpaw mutters that he's fine and looks away. Swiftpaw hesitates before turning to follow Timberstorm to the other side of the clearing.

Later when Bloodpaw goes to his nest after Hawkfeather snarls at him, Swiftpaw appears at the mouth of the den and asks if he's okay. Bloodpaw snaps at him to leave him alone, then feels guilty and tells Swiftpaw he's sorry and wants to be alone.

Swiftpaw tells him he'll be here if he needs him. He knows he didn't start the fight, and won't let any cat believe he did. Swiftpaw's support makes Bloodpaw feel a little better, but he knows that no matter what his friend says, the rest of the clan will always think differently, and he'll never be accepted.

#### Chapter 10

Bloodpaw is racing with his clanmates alongside Swiftpaw and Revengepaw. They're on their way to launch a surprise attack on ThunderClan. When Revengepaw says he's excited, Bloodpaw wonders how he can be, disturbed by his eagerness when they're going into battle, and cats are going to be hurt. He looks beside him and sees a wary look on Swiftpaw's face, guessing his friend shares his concerns.

As Bloodpaw hesitates before they cross the thunderpath, Swiftpaw bumps his shoulder to his and assures him that it's safe, as even the monsters aren't awake this early. Bloodpaw decides that Swiftpaw is right, hurrying across the thunderpath with him.

When the clan charges into the ThunderClan camp, Revengepaw runs ahead of Swiftpaw and Bloodpaw.

Bloodpaw is fighting a tabby when Swiftpaw slams into his opponent and knocks him off his paws. Bloodpaw blinks. Swiftpaw tells him that he'll help him with this ThunderClan cat if he gets the one on his tail, as he swings a blow at the tabby. Bloodpaw turns and sees a silver tom racing toward Swiftpaw. He hisses "Got it!" and attacks the warrior.

As the battle ends, Bloodpaw suddenly wonders where Swiftpaw is, as he hasn't seen him since the start of the battle. He spots him standing near the body of Hickoryroot, the cat Revengepaw killed, staring at him. He whispers that he didn't have to die.

#### Chapter 11

When Bloodpaw steps out of the warriors den to see the camp blanketed in snow, Revengepaw and Swiftpaw are sitting to the side of the clearing. Revengepaw looks uninterested, while Swiftpaw stares up at the sky, eyes wide as he says "Wow!". Revengepaw scoffs "It's just snow, mouse-brain" and twitches his ear. Swiftpaw casts him a glance and scoops up a pawful of snow, throwing it at his face. Revengepaw bristles in shock and shakes his head to remove the flurries, saying "Hey!". Swiftpaw chuckles.

Around sunset, Depthstar calls a clan meeting. Bloodpaw looks around, wanting to talk to Swiftpaw, but to his surprise, he doesn't see him anywhere. He's not in camp, and neither are Revengepaw and Poisonedsap. He wonders if they went on patrol, not recalling Cobratail sending any out recently.

As the clan cheers for Mistypaw and Coldpaw, Bloodpaw spots Poisonedsap padding into the camp, followed by Revengepaw and Swiftpaw. They look wary for a moment, flashing quick glances around as though making sure no cat sees them. Poisonedsap murmurs something to her kits, and they quickly join the crowd.

Swiftpaw heads for the apprentices den, and Bloodpaw quickly follows calling "Hey!". Swiftpaw stops and glances at Bloodpaw uneasily as he curiously asks where he's been. Swiftpaw hesitates before saying he was out hunting.

Bloodpaw doesn't believe him and sniffs his pelt, and Swiftpaw jerks back, narrowing his eyes. A scent he can't identify clings to his fur. Bloodpaw comments that he smells strange and starts to ask where he's been. Swiftpaw thrusts his face close to Bloodpaw's and spits at him to mind his own business, eyes lit with frustration. He spins and races away, leaving Bloodpaw in shock and wondering what he said.

Mistypaw and Coldpaw call him and run to him, but he ignores them, staring after Swiftpaw. Mistypaw and Coldpaw are excited about training with Bloodpaw. Frustrated from his encounter with Swiftpaw, he snaps at the new apprentices that he doesn't have time for them.

That night at the gathering, Bloodpaw sits near his clanmates, looking around nervously. Swiftpaw, Bloomfire, and Flameheart haven't come, and he feels alone and vulnerable. He sees two apprentices talking together not far from him. He feels uneasy talking to cats from other clans, but thinks that if Swiftpaw, Coldpaw, and Mistypaw won't be friends with him anymore, they might be his only options.

That night when Bloodpaw goes to his den, after a while, he opens his eyes and looks at Swiftpaw. He has his back to him. Bloodpaw wonders if he's still mad at him, and if he's awake. He whispers his name.

Swiftpaw doesn't respond, but his ear twitches. Bloodpaw notes that he heard him, but doesn't want to talk to him. He guesses they aren't friends anymore and closes his eyes, struggling to fight the pain in his heart.

#### Chapter 12

Swiftpaw and Revengepaw's warrior ceremony is just finishing. Depthstar names them Swiftstalker and Revengeheart, and notes that StarClan honors their courage and strength.

Bloodpaw sits near the edge of the clearing, watching as the clan chants the names of the new warriors. Bloodpaw notes that they've certainly grown. Swiftstalker is leaner than his brother, but still has some muscle under his sleek pelt. Despite not being as strong as Revengeheart, it's noted that he has grown into a fantastic hunter, hence his name. Bloodpaw notes that while training with Brownstripe, he would sometimes see Swiftstalker stalking prey with an incredible amount of patience and strategy. He rarely misses a catch.

Bloodpaw longs to join in the cheering and congratulate him, but doesn't think Swiftstalker wants him to be anywhere near him. Several moons have passed since the night Swiftstalker yelled at him. He hasn't received a word from him since. Bloodpaw had tried to approach him to offer him a mouse, but Swiftstalker had quickly turned away to join Revengeheart and his friends. It's noted that Swiftstalker, Revengeheart, Poisonedsap, Blackstorm, Mottledface, and Foxshadow have become an inseparable group. Bloodpaw finds it strange that Poisonedsap wants to hang out with so many younger warriors, but assumes she just wants to be around her kits.

For moons now, Bloodpaw keeps himself quiet and isolated within the clan, one of the reasons being Swiftstalker's rejection of him.

Poisonedsap calls her sons new names and trots out of the nursery to greet them. They now match her height. Her eyes gleam as she nuzzles them both and says she's so proud of them.

#### Chapter 14

Bloodpaw is uneasy about crossing the thunderpath, noting that he's only crossed it once, and Swiftstalker had been at his side. Now he's alone.

As Depthstar calls a clan meeting and Bloodpaw joins his clanmates, he realizes that Revengeheart, Swiftstalker, Mottledface, and Blackstorm are absent. He notes it's strange.

As Bloodpaw takes the oath during his warrior ceremony, he remembers all those moons ago when he was a kit afraid that Depthstar would never make him a warrior. He remembers how Swiftstalker promised to follow Depthstar around throwing mossballs at his head if he refused. Warmth blazes through his heart at the thought of his old friend, and he wonders what ever changed between them.

#### Chapter 15

When Bloodfur offers Mistypaw and Coldpaw a thrush, she declines, then murmurs something to Coldpaw, who shoots Bloodfur a glare before they pad away toward Revengeheart and Swiftstalker.

When Bloodfur sees Poisonedsap forcing her kits to fight, he's immediately reminded of how roughly she made Revengeheart and Swiftstalker play when they were kits.

When Bloodfur confronts Poisonedsap about this, she narrows her eyes and growls that he'd better mind his own business, if he knows what's best for him. Bloodfur bristles and wonders if that's a threat.

Swiftstalker addresses him, and it startles him to hear that voice. He turns to see Swiftstalker standing outside the nursery, looking at him. He tells him to come on and let Poisonedsap do what she wants. Bloodfur hesitates and glares at her. Her eyes are fixed on him, tail lashing. After a moment, he leaves.

Bloodfur becomes face to face with Swiftstalker and hesitates, unsure of what to say, as they haven't spoken in so long. He meets his gaze and sees that his emotions are just as hidden as Poisonedsap. Bloodfur says that he must know what she's doing isn't right, lashing his tail and adding that he of all cats should know.

Swiftstalker looks away and mutters that what he knows is you shouldn't cause trouble with Poisonedsap. Bloodfur asks why, unable to hide his irritation that Swiftstalker hasn't spoken to him for moons until now, and it's to defend his fox hearted mother. Swiftstalker narrows his eyes and tells Bloodfur just to stay away from her, then turns away to join Revengeheart and Blackstorm by the fresh kill pile. Bloodfur stares after him, bitter with agitation.

Bloomfire's kits call him and race over, and Bloodfur lets out a purr, deciding not to let Swiftstalker's words bother him, as he did that before, and it ruined his relationship with Mistypaw and Coldpaw.

#### Chapter 16

After Cardinalpaw is apprenticed to him, Bloodfur looks around and notices many cats looking at him with cold, uncertain looks. He glances to Revengeheart and Swiftstalker, who sit in the shadows with Mistybreeze and Mottledface. They look at him with similar expressions. After a moment, Revengeheart snorts and rises to his paws, nudging Mistybreeze, and the group follows him out of camp.

When Cougarfoot and Poisonedsap argue about having more kits, Bloodfur notices Swiftstalker sitting near Revengeheart and Mottledface, looking nervous. He wonders what he's worried about, as surely Poisonedsap won't attack her mate.

After fighting Revengeheart, Bloodfur sees that the entire clan seems to be watching the scene. Swiftstalker and Mistybreeze look stunned.

Depthstar orders Revengeheart and Bloodfur to care for the elder's tomorrow, adding that he'll have Swiftstalker train Cardinalpaw for the day.

#### Chapter 17

When the clan accuses Bloodfur of murder, his eyes dart across the clearing desperately for help. He spots Swiftstalker sitting at the edge of the clearing and stares at his old friend desperately, but Swiftstalker drops his gaze.

Later when Bloodfur thinks about how his clanmates have wronged him, he recalls how Poisonedsap accused him of pushing Swiftkit into the thorns.

####  Chapter 18

Bloodfur and Revengeheart near a clearing where several cats sit waiting. While Mottledface, Blackstorm, and Foxshadow talk, Mistybreeze and Swiftstalker are silent. They turn their attention to Bloodfur and Revengeheart as they arrive.

Revengeheart explains that Bloodfur has decided to join them. Swiftstalker's eyes flash with surprise, but he says nothing. Bloodfur asks if any of them believe he's a murderer, and to his surprise, Swiftstalker speaks first, saying of course not and that he would never harm anyone. The other cats agree, all but Mistybreeze.

Foxshadow suggests they head back to camp and ask Cobratail about joining a patrol. The deputy sends the group to refresh scent markers on the WindClan border.

When they reach the WindClan border, Foxshadow asks if they're ready, eyes gleaming. Bloodfur blinks and says they're just renewing the scent markers. The other cats look amused, and Mottledface explains that they're going to catch rabbits. He says Swiftstalker will lead, nudging him and telling Bloodfur he should have seen some of the rabbits Swiftstalker has chased down, commenting that he's just as fast as those dumb WindClan cats.

Bloodfur is startled that they're stealing prey and starts to tell them to wait, but Revengeheart snaps for them to go, and every cat races onto WindClan territory. Bloodfur is frozen as he stares after them, contemplating on following the warrior code before he decides to join them.

Blackstorm yowls "Go Swiftstalker!", and Bloodfur sees Swiftstalker racing across the moor with quick, graceful strides in pursuit of a rabbit. Bloodfur is amazed as he watches him quickly match the speed of the rabbit and leap at it, pinning it onto it's side and delivering the killing bite. Bloodfur silently notes that Mottledface wasn't kidding, and Swiftstalker is the fastest cat he's ever seen.

When a furious patrol of WindClan cats races toward them, Bloodfur warns the others that a patrol is coming. While the others race to fight the patrol, Swiftstalker snatches up his rabbit, about to follow Mistybreeze to the border when a large WindClan cat bowls him over, causing him to drop it. He swipes at Swiftstalker's muzzle, and he grunts as he tries to push the hefty cat off him. Bloodfur immediately leaps to Swiftstalker's aid, telling the WindClan cat to get off him as he digs his claws into his side and rolls him away from his friend.

When the fighting stops, a WindClan cat looks past Revengeheart and snarls that those rabbits belong to WindClan. Bloodfur turns to see Swiftstalker and Mistybreeze standing on ShadowClan's side of the border, their rabbits rested at their paws. Revengeheart states that they caught it, so it's theirs.

The ShadowClan cats return to the border, and Revengeheart explains that they want to make ShadowClan look bad and cause a battle that will injure cats who deserve it. Revengeheart looks at Swiftstalker, who still holds his rabbit in his jaws, and tells him to give it to Bloodfur.

Swiftstalker pads over to Bloodfur and drops the rabbit at his paws, thanking him for helping him back there. Bloodfur chooses not to respond, silently noting that Swiftstalker has been ignoring him for moons, and why shouldn't he do the same to him?

#### Chapter 20

When Poisonedsap's followers visit Deserve's camp, Deserve notices that Swiftstalker isn't with them. Poisonedsap explains that he stayed behind to hear what they miss at the gathering, as it could be valuable information.

#### Chapter 24

In the treetops, Mistybreeze laughs as she tells Bloodfur about a time when Swiftstalker was an apprentice and ran headfirst into a tree while chasing a frog. Bloodfur wishes he'd seen it.

#### Chapter 25

Before sunrise, Revengeheart brings a large number of their allies out to the forest for a training session. Swiftstalker, Mistybreeze, and Blackstorm remain close to him. Revengeheart splits the group up into teams and tells Swiftstalker to go with Falconclaw, ordering Cougarfoot to go with them. The three walk away.

#### Chapter 28

When Bloodfur and Castiel return to camp, they find Revengeheart speaking to Deserve, joined by Mistybreeze, Swiftstalker, and Blackstorm. Bloodfur doesn't want anything to do with Revengeheart or Blackstorm, but longs to speak to Swiftstalker and Mistybreeze. While Revengeheart goes to speak with Deserve, Bloodfur approaches them.

After greeting Mistybreeze, Bloodfur looks to Swiftstalker and asks how the clan is. He responds that they're well and that Bloomfire's kits: Heatstorm, Foxflower, and Applefall, have become warriors. He tells Bloodfur their names. Bloodfur responds that they're great names and that he misses them.

Revengeheart and Deserve emerge from the den, and Swiftstalker nervously asks his brother what he did. Revengeheart's eyes gleam as he responds he's found a solution to getting rid of their apprentices. Swiftstalker is alarmed and suggests that they could recruit them, but Revengeheart angrily insists the apprentices are weak and a waste of their time. The sooner they're dead, the better.

When Castiel tells Revengeheart to lead the way to the burnt sycamore, he and the other ShadowClan cats, including Swiftstalker, follow.

#### Chapter 29

The clan allies arrive at Deserve's camp. Though unnamed, Swiftstalker is among them.

After Deserve kills Blackstorm, Swiftstalker is one of the few cats staring at the body in horror.

When the cats begin chanting "death to the clans", Bloodfur crashes through the bushes and finds Swiftstalker and Mistybreeze, who spin to face him in shock. They relax a little when they recognize Bloodfur, though Swiftstalker questions which side he's on. Mistybreeze assures him they can trust Bloodfur, and he agrees. Swiftstalker tells the two they need to do something to stop the attack, or Deserve will destroy the clans. Bloodfur is surprised, thinking Swiftstalker was on Deserve's side, as he's been plotting with them since he was apprenticed.

Swiftstalker reveals that as a kit, he saw Poisonedsap kill Maplefur. Bloodfur is shocked that he didn't tell anyone, and Swiftstalker adds that Poisonedsap threatened to kill every cat in the nursery if he told anyone. After seeing her allies, he knew she could have done it. He explains why Poisonedsap wanted to have so many kits, and confirms Revengeheart was up to the same thing with Mistybreeze.

He sadly apologizes to Bloodfur, saying he never wanted to stop being friends, but Poisonedsap didn't want him near him, and feared she would kill him or something. Bloodfur is saddened to hear what Swiftstalker was going through and licks his ear, forgiving him.

Mistybreeze fears they won't make it to the forest in time, but Swiftstalker growls that they have to try, and vows he won't let any more cats die because of his mother. He decides they can take a different route to the forest. It may take longer, but it's their only shot.

The three run as fast as they can and are exhausted when they reach the forest. Bloodfur decides to go down to the gathering to warn the leaders while Swiftstalker and Mistybreeze warn the cats in their camps. Swiftstalker wishes Bloodfur luck before he and Mistybreeze race toward ShadowClan territory.

#### Chapter 30

Revengeheart reveals to Bloodfur that he knew a moon beforehand Poisonedsap was thinking of killing Maplefur, but they didn't tell Swiftstalker because they knew he was too weak to understand.

Meanwhile in the ShadowClan camp, Swiftstalker is fighting soldiers. He feels stronger than ever before, as for the first time in his life, he's fighting for his clan like he's always wanted, and won't let his clanmates suffer any longer because of Poisonedsap. He sees no sign of her, and hopes she's protecting her kits.

Swiftstalker attacks Bonfire after seeing him kill Crowmask. Bonfire is confused, and Swiftstalker hisses his allegiance to ShadowClan. After battling Bonfire and driving him away. he's dismayed to see dead clanmates in the clearing.

Swiftstalker sees Foxshadow go into the elder's den and freezes, aware that Buzzardglare is in there. He bolts into the den, but finds that Foxshadow has already killed the elder. Swiftstalker attacks him, Foxshadow sneers that they should have killed him a long time ago. He swings, but Swiftstalker is faster and slashes Foxshadow's left eye, telling him to leave or he'll be blind in both eyes. Foxshadow glares at him before leaving, whimpering.

Back in the clearing, Swiftstalker is in disbelief as he sees Poisonedsap herd her kits out of the nursery, ordering them to fight. He's horrified when she kills Rowankit and Leafkit, realizing she's going to kill Gingerkit and Duskkit as well, and races toward them just as Cougarfoot attacks her. Swiftstalker attacks Poisonedsap and tackles her, yowling at Cougarfoot to get the kits out of here. As Cougarfoot runs away with them, Swiftstalker is determined to hold his mother off. He glares down at her, feeling more hatred for her than ever before. He screeches as she swings at him, and they lock into battle.

#### Chapter 31

Bloodfur thinks that after the battle, the clan will be wary of Poisonedsap's kits, and even Swiftstalker will have trouble earning their trust after a while.

Poisonedsap is about to attack Bloodfur when Swiftstalker arrives and slams her to the ground. Bloodfur starts forward to help him, but Swiftstalker says he'll deal with her, slashing at her shoulder and telling Bloodfur to get the kits out of here. Bloodfur does so.

Swiftstalker watches Bloodfur run off with the kits, glad that he'll take them somewhere safe. Poisonedsap slashes his ear and angrily says he was always the weakest one, and is just like his father. Swiftstalker retorts that's a good thing, for he'd rather die than turn out like her. Poisonedsap lunges at him, and in their fight, Swiftstalker slashes at her throat, but doesn't cut deep enough to do critical damage.

Poisonedsap asks if he'd kill his own mother, and Swiftstalker responds that she killed his father, many other cats, and her own kits. She doesn't deserve to live. He's about to attack when she pins him onto his side and digs her claws into his throat. Swiftstalker doesn't dare move, terrified. She tells him he could have thrived in Deserve's Army with them, but instead he'll be dying like a useless clan cat. She raises her paw to slash his throat, and he shuts his eyes.

Deserve arrives, and Poisonedsap tells him Swiftstalker has betrayed them and can't be allowed to live. Deserve says he has no interest in working with a cat who would kill her own kits and ends their alliance. Poisonedsap gets off Swiftstalker to confront Deserve. Swiftstalker looks away as Deserve kills Poisonedsap. When she falls silent, he looks at her, thinking that she's finally dead.

Wolf is about to attack Swiftstalker when Castiel stops him, saying to let Swiftstalker live, as this was never his fight. Deserve agrees. Swiftstalker bristles as he remembers that the leaders were heavily outnumbered, and that he should find Bloodfur.

Bloodfur is being tortured by Mottledface and Revengeheart. Swiftstalker yowls Bloodfur's name and lunges at Revengeheart, who slashes Swiftstalker's face and says he's not surprised he'd betray them, as he was always the weakest of the group. Swiftstalker says he was a fool to think he was on his side, as he's not cruel like him.

The brothers battle furiously before springing apart, and Swiftstalker breathes heavily, glaring at Revengeheart. He tells his brother he's sorry before slashing his throat. After killing Revengeheart, Swiftstalker stumbles toward Bloodfur and sniffs his pelt, trembling as he asks if he's okay. Bloodfur says yes, and jokes about being called Bloodfur when covered in blood.

Swiftstalker chuckles before staggering, his eyes glazing over as he falls onto his side and reveals a wound in his stomach.

Bloodfur panics as he presses his paws to the wound, insisting he'll be okay, and Mistybreeze hangs her head, staring sadly. Swiftstalker asks if he thinks they'll let him join StarClan. Bloodfur's heart breaks as he rasps that they will, and if they don't, he'll follow them around throwing moss balls at their heads. Swiftstalker lets out a weak purr of amusement, and his eyes shine at Bloodfur as he apologizes for being such a bad friend and leaving him when he needed him most.

Bloodfur rests his chin on Swiftstalker's shoulder and tells him he was the greatest friend he could have asked for, and he'll miss him so much. Swiftstalker promises he'll be with him just before he dies. Bloodfur presses his head against Swiftstalker's shoulder and lets out a cry of grief, while Mistybreeze rests her tail around him and says Swiftstalker was a great friend. Bloodfur silently notes that Swiftstalker was more than great- his best friend.

#### Chapter 32

Mistybreeze and Bloodfur slowly enter the camp, carrying Swiftstalker's body between them. They lower him to the ground in the center of the camp, and Bloodfur presses his muzzle into his fur for a moment.

As Bloodfur goes to the medicine den, he notes that he's lost so much today: Swiftstalker and Flameheart.

When Bloodfur awakes in StarClan, he freezes when he sees Swiftstalker among the cats there. He sits tall, eyes shining with Starlight. Maplefur is sitting beside him.

When StarClan explains the prophecy to Bloodfur, Swiftstalker twitches his tail and notes that Poisonedsap was having kits and raising them to be like her: spreading her poison.

Bloodfur points out that Swiftstalker and Mistybreeze would have warned the clans if he hadn't been there. Swiftstalker tells him he and Mistybreeze had a lot of doubts about whether or not they would be able to do something about the attack. Bloodfur gave them the strength to try. They never would have warned ShadowClan and WindClan without him.

When the StarClan cats debate on whether Bloodfur should go to the dark forest or not, Swiftstalker lashes his tail as he points out it was StarClan's prophecy that put him in this position, adding that he and Cougarfoot made mistakes too, and if they're in StarClan, surely Bloodfur deserves to be too.

### Mistybreeze's Choice

#### Allegiances

Swiftpaw is listed under Allegiances as an apprentice of ShadowClan, being mentored by Timberstorm.

## Quotes

*"I was born only a moon before you. I can't remember a lot about the first few weeks after you were born. I was so young, and my eyes were just opening. But I doubt you did anyone any harm when you were a newborn kit."*

-Swiftkit to Bloodkit in *"Shadows of Blood"*, chapter 1

*"So then, the clan is a bunch of mouse-brains. There's nothing wrong with you. You'll show them one day when you're the greatest warrior ever!"*

-Swiftkit to Bloodkit in *"Shadows of Blood"*, chapter 1

*"Of course he will! And if he's mouse brained enough not to, I'll follow him all day throwing moss balls at that big furry head of his."*

-Swiftkit to Bloodkit when he fears Depthstar won't make him a warrior in *"Shadows of Blood"*, chapter 1

*"I know you didn't push me into the thorns on purpose, Bloodkit."*

-Swiftkit to Bloodkit in *"Shadows of Blood"*, chapter 2

*"You wouldn't hurt me like Stonekit and- Anyway, I would have run into Depthstar and Cobratail if you hadn't stopped me. Now that would have been embarrassing!"*

-Swiftkit to Bloodkit in *"Shadows of Blood"*, chapter 2

*"He didn't mean to hurt me. It was an accident."*

-Swiftkit to Maplefur about Bloodkit in *"Shadows of Blood"*, chapter 2

*"You're my best friend, Bloodkit. Of course I still want to hang out with you! Besides, you'll be apprenticed soon enough, and then we can train and practice together!"*

-Swiftkit to Bloodkit in *"Shadows of Blood"*, chapter 4

*"I'll make you proud. I promise."*

-Swiftkit to Maplefur in *"Shadows of Blood"*, chapter 4

*"No! He wasn't! He was my dad, and you killed him! I'm going to tell the clan what you did, and you'll be exiled."*

-Swiftkit to Poisonedsap about Maplefur in *"Shadows of Blood"*, chapter 5

*"If no cat finds out about Poisonedsap... Her plot might be successful. The clans will be destroyed. All my clanmates, all my friends, will die. I have to stay. If not for me, then for them. I need to protect my clan. I will find a way."*

-Swiftkit's thoughts in *"Shadows of Blood"*, chapter 5

*"Maplefur should be here. He said he'd be here..."*

-Swiftkit just before his apprentice ceremony in *"Shadows of Blood"*, chapter 5

*"I'll be here if you need me. I know you didn't start the fight. I won't let any cat believe you did."*

-Swiftpaw to Bloodpaw in *"Shadows of Blood"*, chapter 9

*"Don't worry, it's safe. Even the monsters aren't awake this early."*

-Swiftpaw to Bloodpaw in *"Shadows of Blood"*, chapter 10

*"You didn't have to die..."*

-Swiftpaw to Hickoryroot's body in *"Shadows of Blood"*, chapter 10

*"Of course not. You'd never harm anyone."*

-Swiftstalker when Bloodfur asks if any cat thinks he's a murderer in *"Shadows of Blood"*, chapter 18

*"I can't believe you! Why are you even hanging out with us? Why would you get yourself involved?"*

-Swiftstalker to Bloodfur in *"Shadows of Blood"*, chapter 21

*"I know you, Bloodfur. You'll never be able to carry out Deserve's order."*

-Swiftstalker to Bloodfur in *"Shadows of Blood"*, chapter 21

*"She threatened to kill every cat in the nursery! You, Mistybreeze, Coldpebble, the queens! Everyone. And after seeing all the allies she had, she could have done it. Deserve wanted her to recruit as many clan cats as possible. Poisonedsap felt that making them was a better option. That's why she tricked Maplefur and Cougarfoot into having her kits. She wanted to have as many as possible to join us in the battle against the clans."*

-Swiftstalker to Bloodfur and Mistybreeze in *"Shadows of Blood"*, chapter 29

*"I'm so sorry I stopped talking to you. I never wanted to stop being your friend. But Poisonedsap didn't want me anywhere near you. I was afraid she'd kill you or something."*

-Swiftstalker to Bloodfur in *"Shadows of Blood"*, chapter 29

*"We have to try. I won't let any more cats die because of my mother. We can take a different route back to the forest. It might be longer, but it's our only shot."*

-Swiftstalker to Bloodfur and Mistybreeze in *"Shadows of Blood"*, chapter 29

*"Good luck, Bloodfur. Mistybreeze, let's go, we need to get to the camps quickly."*

-Swiftstalker in *"Shadows of Blood"*, chapter 29

*"For the first time in my life, I'm fighting for my clan, just as I always wanted! I won't let my clanmates suffer any longer because of Poisonedsap!"*

-Swiftstalker's thoughts in *"Shadows of Blood"*, chapter 30

*"You killed my father, and now you've caused the deaths of many other cats. You killed your own kits. You don't deserve to live."*

 -Swiftstalker to Poisonedsap in *"Shadows of Blood"*, chapter 31

*"I'm sorry, brother."*

-Swiftstalker before killing Revengeheart in *"Shadows of Blood"*, chapter 31

*"Do you think they'll let me join StarClan?"*

-Swiftstalker to Bloodfur as he dies in *"Shadows of Blood"*, chapter 31

*"I'm sorry I was such a bad friend to you... I left you when... When you n-needed me most."*

-Swiftstalker to Bloodfur as he dies in *"Shadows of Blood"*, chapter 31

*"Me and Mistybreeze had a lot of doubts about whether or not we would be able to do something about the attack. You gave us the strength to try. We would never have warned ShadowClan and WindClan without you."*

-Swiftstalker to Bloodfur in *"Shadows of Blood"*, chapter 32

*"Don't forget it was your prophecy that put him in this position. Me and Cougarfoot made mistakes too. If we're here, surely Bloodfur deserves to walk with us?"*

-Swiftstalker to StarClan in *"Shadows of Blood"*, chapter 32

## Gallery

### Designs and References

Swiftstalker design (old)Swiftpaw designSwiftkit designSwiftstalker designSwiftstalker color paletteSwiftstalker reference sheetRealistic SwiftstalkerCurrent Swiftstalker designSwiftstalker Reference SheetSwiftkit design
### Covers and Headers

Swiftstalker on the cover of Shadows of BloodSwiftstalker chapter header for Shadows of BloodSwiftstalker journal coverSwiftstalker on the cover of Bloodfur's GiftRussian Style Shadows of Blood cover
### Scenes

Swiftstalker as the clan accuses Bloodfur of murder (Shadows of Blood)Swiftkit reassures Bloodkit (Shadows of Blood)Bloodfur, Mistybreeze, and Swiftstalker on their way to save the clans (Shadows of Blood)
### AMV Shots

Swiftstalker in the Revengeheart Victorious PMVSwiftstalker and Revengeheart receiving Flintpaw and Ebonypaw as apprentices in the Revengeheart Victorious PMVSwiftstalker fights Revengeheart in the Revengeheart Victorious PMVBloodfur with Swiftstalker as he dies in the Revengeheart Victorious PMVSwiftkit, Stonekit, and Poisonedsap in the nursery (The Other Side MAP part)Swiftkit, Stonekit, Maplefur, and Poisonedsap in the nursery (Grow For Me spoof PMV)
### Other

Swiftstalker sticker / buttonAnthro versions of some OCsSwiftstalker in Bloodfur's photo album memeWiki Style Swiftstalker (BASE BELONGS TO THE WARRIORS WIKI. I only colored it for fun and take no credit for lineart)Realistic Swiftstalker - Photoshop editRealistic Bloodkit and Swiftkit - Photoshop editMaplefur's death, Leonid Nasyrov styleSwiftstalker AU design
## Character Development and Origins

Swiftstalker was first created when I was 11 or 12. I wanted to come up with some villain OCs and ended up creating Revengeheart, Bloodfur, and Swiftstalker, a trio very similar to Tigerclaw, Longtail, and Darkstripe.

I used these three occasionally on a Warriors roleplay website called Kugyay. While Revengeheart wanted to take over ShadowClan, Bloodfur and Swiftstalker were simply his minions with no story whatsoever.

One day, I decided to give Swiftstalker a story. Being both black and white, I made he and Revengeheart brothers.

Swiftstalker was originally described as a long furred jet black tom with a white muzzle, snout, underbelly, paws, tipped tail, and blue eyes. He was a warrior of ShadowClan and the brother of Revengeheart.

The story is similar in many ways. Poisonedsap trains Revengekit and Swiftkit to fight in the nursery, and Maplefur disapproves. Swiftkit is kinder than Revengekit and is close with his father. After Poisonedsap refuses to let Maplefur see the kits, he meets them in secret, until one night Poisonedsap wakes up and is furious. Poisonedsap asks to speak with him in the forest, Swiftkit follows and sees her kill Maplefur.

That part is exactly like Shadows of Blood. However, in the original story, Poisonedsap is a former warrior of ThunderClan exiled for trying to kill the clan deputy. She trains her kits to fight in a future battle against ThunderClan, who she swears vengeance on. The rest of Swiftstalker's story is never written.

When I made Maplefur and Poisonedsap his parents, I never thought about how they look nothing alike. At one point, I considered changing Swiftstalker's design to be a cream tabby and white, so that he bore resemblance to Maplefur, but loved his black and white design too much to change it.

In Shadows of Blood, Swiftstalker's story was difficult to continue. He ended up very much pushed aside until the end of the story when he, Mistybreeze, and Bloodfur try to save the clans from Deserve's Army.

Originally, Swiftstalker was going to survive Shadows of Blood. I had two chapters left to write when someone commented asking if Swiftstalker would get a mate. I never planned for him to have one, so I was going to say no, when a sneaky thought crossed my mind. How does this person know Swiftstalker is even going to live to have a mate?

Of course, let's make this story sadder than it already is! Swiftstalker dies killing Revengeheart, finally fighting for his beliefs, something he's never been able to do before under the watchful eye of Poisonedsap.