The Lost Tales

**This story is rated EXTEREME for gorey descriptions, and canablism that is spread out throughout the story Twice the Tales.**

While much of Without a Tale has been shown, not all of it has. A different point of view, final memories, and still some is yet to be uncovered. I will try to emerge it, but many lies in the fate of you, to fill in what has not been shown.

May StarClan light your path

Credit to Dreamclaw for being the co-author of Without a Tale, writing some of Twice the Tales, a few short stories, and the death of Crescentpaw!

Template:Dreamclaw/sig**NOTE: This is *not* a fanfic / fanon story page. If you want to create one, please create it here**

## Antclaw's Last Words: By Moon

"Antclaw, hurry up!" My mate Sunflower hissed. She was getting impatient, but for what reason? All we were doing was checking the borders because she reported WindClan scents in our territory. While inspecting the borders sounded reasonable, she insisted on doing with me, at night, all alone. I enjoyed finding out the truth, but I was nervous about leaving my kits behind, especially Silverkit. I know Sunflower named her Nokit, but she truly is Silverkit.

"Sunflower, for once, just wait!" I whispered back. "I was saying goodbye to Twokit and-" My voice caught as I had to say the retched name, "Nokit."

Sunflower snorted. "Twokit I can see, but why Nokit? She's worthless!"

"Did you forget that we had another cat without a tail once? He lived a nice life and retired to the Elders' den late!"

"That's different." I stopped trying to argue. I needed to see Silverkit before I left. I felt like I *needed* to. When I saw her, my heart almost shattered. She was so weak, and I desperately wanted to do something, but I just *couldn't*. All I could do was say a few words:

"My precious Silverkit, somehow I know your life will be hard, but you'll be able to endure it, and... StarClan will guide you, *I* will guide you," Tears started to form, but I blinked them away. "May StarClan light your path, no matter how strenuous it might be," I choked back sobs.

Sunflower began to get impatient. "Antclaw get back here NOW!" With one last glance at Silverkit I left. Together we went to the border Sunflower reported.

I knew what Sunflower intended to do, but I never knew she would do it so quickly.

I was no longer there, but in a place I assumed was StarClan. Why? I saw my mother, Flamewhisper, Crescentpaw, and my sister, Maplekit. They all had stars in their pelt.

"Am I really dead?" I asked.

Flamewhisper nodded,"None of us saw this till it was too soon. We all suspected it but-" Flamewhisper stopped. "Sunflower was unpredictable ever since... the first death. Now Silverkit- or if she no longer has you, Nokit, is all alone, and Sunflower might try things," They all looked down in shame. I reached my paw out, trying to comfort them.

"She still has Ivyleaf, it's not too late!" I said. Flamewhisper thought about this.

"Ivyleaf," she mused, "And she has a connection! My kits, and my dear friend, we still have hope!" Happiness shined in her bright green eyes. Crescentpaw's purple eyes seemed to shimmer, and Maplekit squealed with delight. She *had* died a kit, after all.

"Mother, before I... You know, I promised Silverkit StarClan would watch over her. Please, let me honor her promise!"

"Antclaw, we always will. StarClan *will* light her path."

***~Fin***

### Eversong's PoV.

Perfect. A beautiful day, perfect. Perfect for hunting, that is. I looked the right of me. My best friend, Survival, was next to me. I hid a smile. Ever since I found him in the woods, I *knew* he would always be my best friend.

WIP

## The Start of a Beautiful Friendship - A Survival X Twotail Story

Template:Dreamclaw/sig
Twotail watched Red\_ carefully in the moonlight.  His reddish coppery-chocolate fur looked so handsome in the gentle moonlight; his grassy-green eyes like beads.  She couldn’t possibly imagine a better scene to ask him.  It had been few days since her being made a warrior, and after turning Branch\_ down, she knew it was time.

He was watching the moon, possibly grieving the long-ago death of his father, Conifernose.  She slowly sat next to him, rubbing her cheek against his. During the few moons since her past apprenticeship, they’d grown very close.  Close enough to become mates.

“Red\_,” she whispered. “Are you thinking about Conifernose?”

He gave a shaky nod.  “I… miss him.  His fur was like the moon; that’s what caught my mother’s eye when she first met him.”

*You’ll miss me even more if you don’t take this chance!*  “I was thinking,” she said, trying to intertwine her silver tail around his.  She tried not to flinch when he pulled his tail away, bringing it to his paws.

“Continue,” he said, a bit impatiently.

“Fogstorm, Skydawn, and Haventail are fine she-cats, along with happy,” she said softly.  “One thing that they all have in common is that they have mates.  Surely I need one too?”

Red\_’s expression went blank.  “So you want me to advise you who to choose as your mate?  Branch+’s certainly taken an interest in you, along with Featherblaze—”

“No,” she mewed impatiently. *This is heading in the wrong direction!!* Forcing her mew to be soft, she said, “Fine cats, yes, but not fine enough, unlike you…”

His eyes started to widen in surprise.  *Yes!!*

“Red\_, you're one-of-a-kind, like me and my tails.  I love you. Will you be my mate?”

He turned away and excitement flooded Twotail.  *He’s thinking on the best way to say yes!*

But when he looked at her again, to her dismay, his eyes didn’t show love, excitement, or even joy.  They showed… sympathy.  Her heart cracked as he began to stand up.

“Twotail, I think of you only as a friend,” he said gently.  “My love goes to Flytail, so I must say no.  I'm sorry.”

And he left her heartbroken as he walked back to the warriors’ den to sleep.

*No, no, it wasn’t supposed to happen this way!*  And she put her face in her paws, feeling awful and sad. She began to cry under the moon.  Should she have used her powers?  No… then it wouldn’t be real love, and that was all she wanted.

“Hey, it’s way past midnight.  Aren’t you going to go to sleep, or are you just her to loiter?”

Glaring as fiercely as she could, she looked up at the cat who spoke with radioactive eyes.  It was… Survivalclaw.  Her kind-of-ish friend! He was on the night watch for that hour.

“How *dare* you?!” she hissed at him.  She didn't want to be mean, but the heartbreak was taking its toll on her. “I was just left heartbroken and you’re *ordering me around*?”

“Heartbroken or not, you're going to weaken the Clan by being sleep deprived tomorrow,” he said in his expressionless voice.  “So are you just going to stay and cry there, or actually go to sleep in your nest?”

Twotail was very taken aback.  How dare he talk like this to her?!  Didn’t he have *any* empathy?! Even just as a friend??

She stood up to her full height, looking at him with icy blue eyes.  Although she wasn’t as big as him, she was still a little bigger than the average she-cat.

“*How dare you disrespect your Clanmate?*” she growled, ready to lash out at him.  “*Do you have any heart?”*

“Stop being a mousebrain and just go to sleep!”  Survivalclaw rolled his eyes exasperatedly.

Again, Twotail was more shocked than ever.

“Well, goodnight.”  He started to walk away, but Twotail wasn’t finished yet.  She ran in front of him to intercept his path.

“What is *wrong* with you?!” she snapped furiously. Why was he acting so weird?!

He raised an eyedot.  “Uh, nothing?  You’re the one being dramatic.”

Twotail’s jaw dropped and then she decided that it was no use talking sense into the stupid cat.  But… Survivalclaw was so annoying!! It practically killed her to leave this stupid cat in this stupid state.

“How…?  Why—”

Survivalclaw gave a dramatically loud sigh and then said, “Can you just go back to your den please?  Or are you gonna help me do the night watch.”

“I—… fine…”

He nodded.  “good.  No sense in wasting time even if we have plenty of it.”

Silently Twotail watched the moon, refusing to look at Survivalclaw.  But the way that he sat in his posture, the way he listened into the night… *Ach!!  What am I doing?!  I'm loyal to Red\_, even if he doesn’t love me.*

But she couldn’t help but think that Survivalclaw was a teensy, weensy bit handsome.  But probably her sister thought that too when he asked her to be his mate.  Eh, her feelings would probably fade away soon.

And then the dawn sun rose, and she watched him again.  *Maybe we can be friends someday…*

***~Fin.***

# The Death of Crescentpaw

Although this has chapters, this isn't meant to be as long as Twice the Tails. Written by Template:Dreamclaw/sig(and possibly Moon, if she ever wants to write too)

## Chapter One

Dawn.

I opened an eye.  It’s not the sun that woke me, though.  I'm a heavier sleeper than you think.  My friend Diamondpaw put her delicate plate paws on my head, shaking me awake.

“Wake up!” she exclaimed. Her loud yowl woke up the apprentices and then Pebblepaw, Antpaw, and Sunpaw shout us dirty looks.  “Wake up,” she whispered quieter.  “C’mon, Crescentpaw!”

“Diamondpaw, it’s barely dawn,” I groaned.

“It’s my *assessment*,” she said crossly.  “You promised me you would eat with me and send me on my way!”

I muttered annoyedly, but I got up, stretched, and left my nest.  I yawned and followed my best friend into the camp.  Quickburst, my crush and Antpaw’s mentor, was eating prey with his sisters, Pondmoon and Scorchflame.

“Good morning, Pondmoon!” Diamondpaw mewed.

“Morning Diamondpaw, Crescentpaw,” Pondmoon mewed back good-naturedly.  “You excited, Diamondpaw?”

“You bet, of course I am!” she replied excitedly.  “I'm sure Brownpaw, Slitherpaw, Flamepaw, Stormpaw, and Fogpaw are too!”

Pondmoon nodded, still chuckling.  “Well, eat up quickly.  We’re leaving as soon as Slitherpaw and Wolfhowl come back from patrol.”

“Oki!” Diamondpaw mewed. She looked at me, eyes shining.  “What should we eat?”

“Will a squirrel do?” I asked, holding up a pitiful, slightly bedraggled squirrel.

“Why shouldn’t it?” she replied?  I set it down and we began to eat.

The sun rose higher and higher into the air, leaving the straight line of the horizon.  The sky lit up, the sun sending down its gentle rays of light all over the world, fighting the fierce cold of the leaf-bare air. They were warm and sunned my pelt. It felt good as we ate, since it was pretty cold.

Suddenly two cats burst into camp: the semi-large, honorable warrior Wolfhowl, and his small, sly apprentice Slitherpaw.

 File:Forlorn Twopaw (Twice the Tails!).png
# *Twice the Tails!*

~Without a Tale in a different view by Moon~

Credit to Dream, because Moon took text from parts of WAT she wrote, editing some of it, and writing part of this too

## *Prologue: My Wonderful Mother*

My first memory? Mother, gazing at me adoringly, as I sucked her milk. She groomed me while she softly sang:

*Little kit which such fine fur*

*You have such a soft cute purr*

*Healthy, strong, and pretty are you,*

*And your tails? You have two!*

She'd laugh when I tried to mew along, and would sometimes say it in silly ways. Other times she'd nestle me close so she could whisper to me. When Nokit angered her, she'd whisper this:

*"You are the most special cat, Twokit, and I don't want terrible Nokit to mess it up. She is horrid and will try to take you down! Keep her at bay, and I can teach you will be the most powerful cat ever!"* Not as sweet as the song, but it made me feel special.

And that was before I knew just how special I really was.

## *Chapter One: Stupid Notail!*

Badger Attack! was quite fun if you ask me, but I knew what would spice it up.

“Hey Nokit! Why don’t you play too?” I called. Nokit looked up. I waved a paw, inviting her to come. Even Rosekit and Branchkit were joining in, shouting for her to come. Nokit bounded over, smiling so stupidly the whole time.

“Really?” Nokit asked, a smile growing on her face. I nodded, trying *so* hard not to grin. She didn't notice a thing!

"You can be the Cat! Walk over there." Nokit did what I asked, and waited.

Quickly I pounced on her, growling. "I'm a big nasty badger and AHHHHH!" I ran away, pretending to be horrified. "A cat with no tail! NOTAIL!" Myself, Rosekit and Branchkit laughed. Tears slowly filled my stupid sister's eyes. How could she have been so gullible?

Her voice wobbled as she asked, "Why did you trick me?!" She looked ready to cry.

"Because no kit should have no tail! You're a freak!" I teased. Nokit glared at my lovely tails angrily. How *dare* she?!

She snapped, "And you have two! Why aren't you a freak?" I barely thought about this. It was quite simple!

"Because," I said, "That means I have even better balance! I was born strong, you know. You were a runt!"

Nokit ran back to the nursery, but who cares? My weak sister was just a freak.

Mother was fussing over me again making sure my fur was glossy and perfect. Nokit, on the other paw, well, Mother didn't care much about her. Father did, and then a WindClan fox came after him when he was checking the borders! That's what happens when you love an awful little kit like her.

“Twokit! Let me finish your grooming!” Mother shouted. She knew I hated grooming myself because I liked looking wild! So, as desperate as I was, I dashed into the nursery, and came face to face with Notail.

“Oh Nokit! Please can you hide me? I hate grooming!”

Nokit narrowed her eyes. “Why should I? You treat me like I’m foxdung!” She still seemed mad about what happened earlier.

“Pleeeeeeeeease?” I pleaded. “If you help me, I- I- I’ll never call you Notail and will never make fun of you not having a tail!”

Nokit sighed. “I’m not sure I believe you.” I gave her the saddest look with the biggest eyes I could make and Nokit gave in. “Fine. But you better try to keep that promise!”

“Oh thank you!” I said with gratitude, my tails sticking up happily.

“Just don’t let me regret it.” Quickly Nokit covered me with bedding from my nest. It wasn’t the best job, though. *Of course* it wasn't. If you looked hard enough, you could see my white and black fur.

“Lay where you can see it!” I demanded. Nokit looked uneasy.

“What if I squash you?” She mewed. I didn’t hesitate.

“No offense, but you’re really light! I won’t complain no matter what!” Reluctantly, Nokit slowly sat on me and sure enough, she covered all the holes in the disguise, or at least the ones she could see. I, being very honorable, held to my word, and didn’t make any noise, except a remark about her being so light.

“It’s like putting on a blanket!” I mewed, letting out a quiet *mrrow* of laughter. “And it tickles!” Nokit jabbed a paw down, and I got the message. “Sor*ry.* I guess saying someone’s light isn’t very nice then.”

Mother ran in with wild eyes, glaring at my sister. I think she was looking for me. “YOU!” She roared at Nokit. “WHERE IS MY DARLING KIT?!” I could feel Nokit trembling as Mother snarled at her.

“I’m n-n-not sure, Mother, but I saw her at the-the-the-” Mother cut Nokit off.

“Stop stuttering! And don’t call me mother, you disgusting creature! I still can’t believe I gave birth to you! Me, being a pretty she-cat, and… You! Now WHERE DID YOU SEE TWOKIT?!”

I could feel Nokit trembling even more, but she managed to snap, “At the bush near the medicine den!” That was true, I had there today. Rosekit had rolled the moss-ball under it, and she dared me to go get it. Mother snarled.

“If you are lying I swear I’ll put an end to you.” She hissed. Nokit remained calm although I could still feel a tremble or two.

“I am not lying. Ask Rosekit, and she’ll say it’s true. Just don’t mention me, or she’ll say it’s a lie. Because of the scorn you gave me, any cat, especially Rosekit, doesn’t want anything to do with me, and Rosekit will make sure our accounts are not remotely the same.” Mother gave Nokit one last threatening look, but slipped out of the nursery to find me. Shakily Nokit exhaled. I was so excited!! It worked!

I mewed quietly, "Thank you so much! Now I'll have some time and-" Mother burst into the nursery.

"AHAH!" She roared. "TWOKIT COME HERE RIGHT NOW!" I groaned.

*Well, this stinks. Nokit's an idiot!! It's* her *fault I got caught!* I walked over to Mother. "Why do I have to?" I complained. Mother began to groom me and I stifled a groan.

She glared fiercely at Nokit and growled, "*You lied to me,"* Nokit opened her mouth to deny it, but then Mother slammed her paw on Nokit, unsheathing her claws and digging them into Nokit. I watched as Nokit wriggled in pain and squeaked in pain but Mother continued, her gaze getting fiercer. "I told you the consequences but you disobeyed me, but you still lied through your teeth." I couldn't help but give a little grin. Finally, Nokit was getting what she deserved! "I knew you weren't to be trusted, and look what you did. From now on, you aren't my kit. You never were. *So scram if you still value your pathetic life.*"

Mother unsheathed her claws and I watched as she tried to leave but she tripped and fell. I held in a laugh. She came to the front of the medicine den and I watched as she fainted. I looked at Mother, who gave a cruel little nod of satisfaction.

## *Chapter Two: Boulderstar, you CANNOT joke about killing me!*

I knew Nokit was watching Rosekit, Branchkit, and myself play as she sat in the entrance of the medicine den. She looked so pathetically lonely! Anyway, we were playing a game of mossball.  Both Rosekit and Branchkit wanted to be on my team.  Of *course* they did.  *Everycat* wanted to be on *my* side! I'm special that way!

Suddenly, Boulderstar came into the clearing.  I stood bravely. Mother had said to do it when he came. She knew that Boulderstar should always see the splendorous Twokit!

He was a handsome darkish-gray tabby covered in battle scars. He looked even bigger, because he was *mad.*

“SUNFLOWER!” he roared. When he was mad, most cats try to be out of his way.

Mother exited the nursery and sat in front of him.  She had a calm, neutral look on her face. I looked at her admiringly. She was so amazing, standing up tall and calm when she was in trouble!

“What do you need?” she asked with a straight face. One reason she's so amazing is because she is always bold and brave!

He gave a tiny little growl. “Sunflower, I *heard* that you *injured* Nokit *severely.”*

“I did,” she said calmly. Her eye must of caught Nokit’s, because I saw a glimmer of absolute loathing: pure hatred, rage, and disgust. My mother was so sly about it, Boulderstar never saw it. Even if she wasn't sly, when Boulderstar's mad, he tends to overlook many things. Slyness is only one of her wonderful traits! I even got to see Nokit squeak and duck into the den!

“What does the ‘*Code* say about *kits*?” he snapped, his tone rising.  “*You never hurt or injure them!!*”

“Since when do you care about Nokit?” Mother asked evenly, a sly, devious look in her eyes.

My heart nearly stopped. We do *not* need *anyone* caring about that little runt, but if a leader did... I chose not to think about it.

“I don’t,” he snapped, his eyes narrowing with fury.  I felt a pang of relief and satisfaction. *Hah!* “I don’t give a foxdung about that little freak-runt, but I'm just mad you broke the ‘Code!”

“So if you don’t care about the little piece of foxdung, why are you mad at *me*?” she asked smoothly.

His eyes went full of rage and he growled menacingly, “I.  ALREADY.  TOLD YOU. YOU. BROKE.  THE ‘CODE!”

Mother's expression kept like a rock, but her ears flattened a little.

“So, what are you going to do?  *Exile me* for throwing out a piece of trash that deserved to be gotten rid of?”  She gave a snort. “Nokit *deserved* to be hurt.  She’s a freak!  She *helped* Twokit behave *wrong!*”

“No, I will not exile you,” he said, smooth as Mother.  *Wait a minute... Something's not right here.*.. *Why did he get so smooth?* “I will have Twokit killed.”

*WHAT?! Excuse me? What did I do? All I'm guilty of is stealing Rosekit's mossball!*

Mother’s ears flattened, and her entire attitude changed, even quicker than Boulderstar’s.  Her face was mixed with rage, fear, sadness, and shock.  “Don’t kill her!” she screeched.  “KILL THAT DISGUSTING RUNT NOKIT INSTEAD!” I'm so glad she's my mother!

Boulderstar’s whisker’s twitched. Obviously he was trying not to laugh. I felt annoyed and relieved.

“I wasn’t serious,” he said. “I'd never hurt that perfect, destined, little angel.  She’s going to bring this Clan to its full extent someday, Sunflower.  But I will exile you and brainwash you from her memory.  This is a warning.  If I see you pull a stunt like that again, your punishment will be final.”

Boulderstar left, StarClan knows where *he* went, and then I watched Mother storming to the medicine den. She didn't end up there, though, because our medicine cat, Ivyleaf stopped her.

“What do you need, Sunflower?” the creamy medicine cat asked softly.

“GET OUT OF THE WAY!” roared Mother. You can't blame her though, Boulderstar had, even if it was a joke, threatened to kill me! I was very important!

“I asked you, what do you need?” Ivyleaf asked again. She looked behind her and I think she was looking at Nokit. I could not read her expression and unfortunately, Mother didn’t even see her sister looking back. Even *she* has off days!

“That stupid foxdung Nokit needs to be punished!” Mother hissed.

Nokit ran to the back of the medicine den, where I couldn't see her, so I went back to the Nursery.

Pebblefoot was sleeping with Rosekit and Branchkit. I sat down and began but pawing silently at a mossball. Ugh, why did the two useless little kits have to sleep when *I* was ready to play? They'd have to be punished, I was afraid. They wouldn't get to be on my team in a new game of mossball! Suddenly Nokit came in. Oh I was going to get my revenge, and it would be *sweet*.

Her eyes already looked pleading, and I had already seen the whole thing unfold, so I knew what she needed. I sneered, “Why should I help you after you told Mother where I was hiding?” I tried to hide a grin, but it was pointless as my tails flicked gleefully.

“I didn’t!” Nokit protested. “You mewed, and she discovered you!”

I gave an angry snarl, feeling dangerous. Nokit also tried to put on an expression that said, *you're as dangerous as me,* but *obviously* it failed. Her, dangerous?  Yeah, I don't think so. “You *dare* blame me for *your* misfortune?” I snarled, my tails flicking now with anger.

She started, “I didn’t-” but it came to a stop. She turned to face the entrance and all of her fur pricked up. I listened. There was a lot of hissing and screeching and it was coming from the medicine den. She dashed outside, to the den.

Our deputy Berrysky was standing outside, and so were three warriors, Flamejay, Larkmeadow, and Slitherscale.  Even with my wonderful eyes, this was very hard to see, but I was able to spot Boulderstar and a large she-cat warrior named Shadowspirit trying to separate the fight with Mother and Ivyleaf.

“What’s happening?” Nokit asked Slitherscale, her voice trembling.

Slitherscale gave her a disgusted look.  “I don’t talk to useless little shrimps,” he snapped. *Thank you Slitherscale, although* I *would like to know too!*

“Larkmeadow?” she begged.

“Eww, its eyes grazed me,” Larkmeadow complained.  “Get away, you notail thing.”  She pushed Nokit away with her paw, then gave out a wail.  “Ew, I touched it with my paw!” *Larkmeadow! You understand me!*

“Please, Berrysky, tell what happened?”

Berrysky glared at my sister almost alarmed.  She snapped, “Stop talking to me!  You're going to get me in trouble!" *Notail only brings trouble!*

Boulderstar finally exited dragging Ivyleaf while Shadowspirit came out carrying Mother behind him.  Both she-cats were scratched, bleeding, and injured, but oh poor Mother looked by far worst, mostly because she was coated in the most blood.

Her left eye was closed tightly shut because a *terrible* scratch ran next to it. She had a pretty long scratch running from her shoulder all the way down to her hindquarters and had a cut on her throat.

In comparison of injuries, Ivyleaf looked a lot worse, but she won't be getting any sympathy from me! She attacked Mother! Her right ear was missing the tip and her front right paw was bleeding badly.  Her left shoulder was wretched and had a scratch on it.  Her tail tip was chewed-on and pink and bleeding at the end. Lastly, she had a cut running from her nose to the top of her head, and it looked almost like a scarlet blaze. She looked terrible and ugly, and I felt a rush of pride for Mother. *She did a lovely job ruining Ivyleaf!*

“Now,” Boulderstar growled, his eyes rageful. “Now after you're both separated, tell me *WHAT IN THE NAME OF STARCLAN HAPPENED HERE!”*

Mother's eyes watered and she nearly sobbed, “Oh, Boulderstar, it was terrible! I went into the medicine den to ask for some heather to put behind Twokit’s ear, but this horrid cat attacked me without warning!”  She fell against him dramatically.  “*You* saved me in the nick of time, though.”

“Ivyleaf, how could you?” Larkmeadow wailed.  “You attacked this poor, beautiful queen for what?”

Ivyleaf gave the tiniest of sighs. “She attacked me because I was protecting Nokit.”

Everyone gasped. I did too, because I had some hope Ivyleaf was smart, and only cared for Nokit when Mother taught her a lesson, but then she proved me wrong. Who would even protect NOTAIL?!

“You what?!” Flamejay asked dismayfully. I agreed with her.

“She doesn’t deserve this! And I love her as if she was my own kit,” she said. Eww, that's disgusting. Who has the heart to love Notail?

Boulderstar growled.  “Ivyleaf, it’s against the medicine code!” he snapped. *Yeah! Plus she's Notail!*

“And I’ll never give her up!” she snapped stubbornly.  Her gentle leafy-green eyes fell on Nokit lovingly.  “She’s *my* kit.”

“Okay, enough of this foxdung!” Boulderstar snapped.  “Ivyleaf, we all know you're lying.  Sunflower would *never* attack anyone!  We all know this.  So you will have to be punished.”

Excitement filled me. Ooh, that's what *she* gets for protecting a stupid runt like Notail!

Staring into the trees, he meowed, “For exactly three moons, you may not meet with the other medicine cats for the StarClan meetings, nor may you go to Gatherings.  We will spread bad gossip about you and you will not be allowed to defend yourself when you go back.  Also, you will be Sunflower’s slave for that three moons, and because you care about Nokit, what better punishment for you would be for her to be Twokit’s slave?” He snapped a warning look at Mother. “You will *not* be allowed to harm her in any way; although I don’t care how Twokit treats Nokit.  Let her do whatever she wishes, even kill her.”  He nodded.  “Ivyleaf, when you’re not tending to Sunflower, you may go to your medicine cat duties.  If somecat’s wounded and it’s life-threatening, you’ll have to let her go until then, Sunflower.”  He waved a paw.  “Go tell Twokit the news, Nokit.  And tend to your wounds, Ivyleaf and Sunflower.”  He left to his den, Berrysky following. *Even more fun? Oh Boulderstar, maybe your not so bad after all, even if you did threaten my death!*

“It'll be alright,” Ivyleaf whispered, touching her cheek to Nokit’s. *Ugh! That's one less cat I can touch!* “Everything’s going to be alright.  It’s only for three-”

“Slave!” Mother snapped. She was inside the den. I hoped she would be treated quickly. “Tend to my wounds or you'll regret it!”

“I have to go,” Ivyleaf said.  Right before she stepped into the den, she gave Nokit a loving look, and bound into the den. *Even if Ivyleaf is stupid for liking Nokit, at least I can have more fun.*

## *Chapter Three: Who knew having a slave was so fun?*

It was the middle of the morning and was the second day of Nokit's punishment. Yesterday was such fun! I made her run so many hard errands last night so she wouldn't get any sleep. She still managed to get some in, though. I also let her eat only a mousetail, since she's so stupid that's all she gets.

I went to the freshkill pile to grab a robin wing that had been in there since yesterday, but it was gone. I couldn't manage to suppress a scoff. I'm pretty sure Nokit ate it, but whatever. If she dies of starvation, who'll fulfill all my errands?

Suddenly, a thought hit me. I went over to a mud puddle and rolled around in it. Mother doesn't usually let me since I have to "keep my lovely fur clean," but it was so fun! I rolled and squished mud into every spot that wasn't. My "coat of mud" was so thick I could barely walk. It started to dry and it was uncomfortable, since it got under my fur and was touching my skin. As Nokit walked out of the medicine den, I called out, "Slave!”

“Yes?” Nokit asked.  I could tell she wanted to snap at me, but Boulderstar warned her there would be consequences if she was mean to me at all.

“Wash my pelt until I shine,” I said smugly. I was having a blast!

“You're disgusting!” Nokit gasped.

“I know,” I said smoothly. “So wash my pelt.” What fun and games this was.

She gagged but did as I told her. Finally in fifteen minutes, there wasn't a speck of mud on my pelt, but it was anything but shiny!

She spat muddy black and white furballs onto the ground. “There. Better?”

I tried not to glare at her. *You call this 'shiny' ?* “My fur’s not glossy,” I snapped.  “Wash!” I said to wash it till it shone, and it was not shining! Notail was such a bad slave!

After a few minutes my pelt was sleek, clean, and very shiny and glossy. But something wasn't right, after all it wasn't perfect like it should. Then I remembered what Mother had said I'd look amazing with. I left to the medicine den and came out carrying a stalk of heather.

“Help me prop this heather behind my ear,” I ordered. She did as I told.

I knew she was trying to hide it, but I saw a glance of awe in her eyes. I glanced at her smugly.

“It really brings out my eyes,” I mewed, looking at my wonderful reflection in a puddle of water.

“Yes, it does.”

I yawned. I was hungry, but prey was boring, I wanted something sweet and I *really* wanted Nokit to get in trouble, so I said, “Go get some honey from the medicine den.”

She frowned at me. “Wh-why? Does your throat hurt?  I can ask Ivyleaf for-”

“Of course not, you mousebrain!” I snapped.  “I want something sweet to eat.” *And for you to get in trouble.*

“But Ivyleaf needs it if cats get hurt! Do you want to waste the precious honey?  It’s very hard to get-” I interrupted her, feeling fury in my gut.

“Don’t you dare ever let me hear you speak of anything but me and call it precious!” I hissed.  “Mother was right!  I’m *more* than two times better then you, let alone a *million* times!  And if I hear you call something as silly as honey precious, which is less than two times better than you, you’re calling your worth precious!  Wait a minute,” I muttered to myself.  “Never mind, honey is twice as good as you!  You’re worth as much as death is!  So go get that honey!”

“I'm going to get into trouble!” Nokit protested.

I sat on the floor and stretched in the morning sun. “Glad it’s not me. I'm waiting, Slave!” Ah, I was really enjoying this!

With a grumble of frustration, my slave went into the medicine den. I watched at Redpaw followed his mentor out of the camp. Ooh, he was so handsome and strong! I was about to go follow him when Nokit emerged, dripping honeycomb hanging from her mouth. I licked my lips. This was gonna be tasty! I ate all of it. Finally a change from mouse!

“Please don’t finish it all!” Nokit started, but I just threw the empty honeycomb at her face. Why shouldn't I eat it? Everyone knew how amazing I was.

“Now,” I said. “Go get me some prey.” There was nothing on the pile, and she would have to go hunt something.

“There’s nothing on the pile!” wailed Nokit. Why is she so stupid?!

“So go hunt,” I said, “What are you, a dopey little baby?”

Nokit sighed and left the camp. *Good, now I can finally enjoy myself, with no pesky runt!*

I went to the nursery, where she laid down, and was just about to take a nap when Mother came in, with Ivyleaf following her.

"Where's Nokit? I have a- task, for her!" Mother demanded. I flexed my tails.

"Nokit! Get in here!" I ordered. No no tailed runt came. "NOKIT GET HERE OR I'LL-" I stopped. *That... That...* Mother noticed my anger.

"Twokit, what's wrong?" she asked.

"Nokit ran out of the camp!" I wailed. "Leaving me all alone!"

## *Chapter 4: Notail decides to show her ugly face!*

It was dawn, and Nokit was no where to be seen. We sent out search parties, but only because Ivyleaf was going crazy and if we didn't have a medicine cat, we were in danger. To be honest, I woudn't mind if Ivyleaf left. At least we'd have one less idiot in camp. Life passed on though, and I became an apprentice, with Boulderstar as my mentor. He's also my new father, since Mother and Pebblefoot searched the rocks and a snake killed Pebblefoot. Boulderstar was so shocked, that I allowed myself to 'comfort' him, and Mother decided she needed to help. Suddenly Ivyleaf must of snapped, because she started to walk out herself.

"I have to find her..." she mumbled, "she can't be far..." Mother didn't to anything to stop her, saying she could kill herself if she wanted.

Berrysky looked at Mother, raged. "Why aren't you doing anything? It might've been Twopaw's fault Nokit left us! At this point, tears where in my eyes. How dare she!

"Berrysky, that's impossible! Twopaw, tell us how it happened!" Mother demanded. I decided I might as well put some effort in this, pretending to lose myself in tears.

"So- So- Notail ditches me when I- I- I ask for some prey!" I sobbed. "And she took honey from the den when I told her n-n-not too!" Mother put her tail on my shoulder soothingly.

She said lovingly into my ear, "There, there, my darling. It's not your fault your so-called sister is a monster. I hope Ivyleaf never finds her, and they both die in the forest alone." Nokit had to come in then. She burst through the bushes, entering the camp, glaring furiously.

"I did none of those things!" Nokit spat, anger in her eyes. "She made me go out to hunt because she wanted prey when there wasn't anything! She made me steal honey and ate the entire honey comb! And all Twokit has allowed me to have was half a mouse tail! I got lost because I was trying to find a deaf and blind mouse that I could have the slightest chance of fulfilling what she asked!" Mother slowly turned to look at Nokit, and instead of the caring expression she had for me, her face showed no trace of it. I love my mother.

"YOU... YOU LIAR!" Mother shrieked. “HOW DARE YOU SAY THAT!” Gee, if looks could kill, Nokit would've died, and then her dead body would've died another twelve times. I heard her inhale and exhale and then she calmly strided over the idiot duo.

“Hello sister,” Mother’s voice was sickeningly sweet now. “And hello Nokit,” Nokit looked angry for some reason, but she replied coolly.

“Hello, Sunflower. Why do we hear such terrible things about me and my mother?” Nokit asked. “And why would Twokit be crying about things that never happened?” Mother glared at Nokit, but replied nonchalantly as well.

“Well, someone,” she glared at Berrysky. “Thought the reason for your disappearance was the fault of Twopaw, who, I might add, became an apprentice in your absence.” I puffed up my chest when Mother had said my name. Yes, I'm amazing!

“Because you left, *Notail,* Boulderstar, -who I might add is now my mate," Mother gazed at the leader affectionately, and Boulderstar smiled dreamily. "Knew that Twokit deserved to be apprenticed, and with you gone, no one would be left behind."

Ivyleaf gave a hiss. She looked very angry for a cat with gentle eyes.

"What happened to Pebblefoot?" Ivyleaf's voice rang out. "What did you do to our sister? You already killed your old mate, and now you kill Pebblefoot for a new mate!" Mother only gave a sly smile.

"Antclaw's death was because of a fox. Pebblefoot and I went on a patrol together to investigate the rock area, because of the strange scents, and out pops a snake that bites her! We already buried her and did the vigil, and Twopaw now has a mentor, Boulderstar!" Mother announced smugly.

"But what will happen to Rosekit, Branchkit, and me?" Nokit asked. Mother stopped smiling, but after thinking, she smiled again.

"Oh Honey! I have an idea about what we should do about the kits!" Mother called. Boulderstar walked over to her.

"Any idea from you is perfect. Tell me!" He said. Mother whispered into his ear, and they both laughed. "Sunflower, this is perfect! I'll call a meeting right away!" Boulderstar leapt up onto the Highledge. "*Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather here beneath the Highledge* *for a Clan meeting!*"

"I guess you can all be apprentices. Rosekit, Branchkit, and... Nokit, you all don't need milk, and I'm sure many warriors will be happy to mentor you all!" I couldn't believe it. She was going to be apprenticed at five moons?! That made *me* being apprenticed at this age worthless. So it's her turn to be special? So not fair.

Cats quickly gathered. I of course was not interested (and to be honest, a little annoyed), but I sat next to Mother, who was perched next to Boulderstar.

“I have an announcement about the fate of the kits of Pebblefoot,” Boulderstar proclaimed. Ivyleaf cleared her throat, and Boulderstar hastily added, “Oh, and Nokit too. Bring the kits at once!”

As soon as he had said these things, cats ushered the three kits to the front. Rosekit was quickly grooming herself, and Branchkit was happily bouncing.

“Father! Will Sunflower be our mother now?” Rosekit meekly asked. Boulderstar looked into her eyes, changing his tone to match the one mothers used.

“Sunflower is ready to go out of the nursery, so I have a treat for you, Rosekit. Branchkit and Nokit too! You all get to be apprenticed early!” Rosekit’s eyes brightened. *They don't deserve it! I am strong, I am old enough! Not them!*

“So I get to be Rosepaw?” Rosekit asked.

“If  you would  like to be Rubybloom’s apprentice,” Boulderstar replied. Rosekit nodded, and Boulderstar turned to Rubybloom.

“Rubybloom, would you like to mentor Rosekit?” Rubybloom thought for a moment, and responded:

“I would be delighted to,” Boulderstar turned to look at Rosekit again.

“Now you have a mentor, your new name is now Rosepaw,” Cats cheered, shouting her new name. All Rosepaw could do was to smile shyly, and go over to her mentor. Why was she acting like a little angel of the sudden?

“Rosepaw!”

“Rosepaw!”

“Rosepaw!”

Wait, why was she getting all of this attention?! Mother must've felt me tremble in anger, and very quietly and slowly so no one would notice, she whispered, "It's natural for kits to get attention when they get apprenticed. Don't worry, it won't last long." She pulled away from my ear and watched, like she hadn't said anything. I looked around at the crowd, and no one seemed to notice anyway.

Boulderstar then did the same to Branchkit, giving him Browntail as a mentor, and naming him Branchpaw. Branchpaw bounded over to Browntail, and they softly talked, while cats cheered Branchpaw’s new name.

“Branchpaw!”

“Branchpaw!”

“Branchpaw!”

After cheering Branchpaw’s name, cats began to walk away, until a clear voice yowled.

“You forgot Nokit!” Cats looked at where the sound was coming from, and it was Ivyleaf. “You first forgot to mention her when talking about Pebblefoot’s kit’s fate, and now you don’t even mentor her! Why am I the only one who is trying to help this poor kit, who even her real mother rejected? Why am I the only one who cares!?” *Ivyleaf, everyone else knows how useless she is, that's why no one else cares.* I was tempted to say that out loud, but Mother already had to deal with Ivyleaf.

As Ivyleaf's foolish words somehow sunk in, murmurs could be heard. Then, quietly at first, they started chanting Nokit’s name, but then it got louder, until they were all shouting the name.

“NOKIT! NOKIT! NOKIT!” They chanted. “NOKIT! NOKIT! NOKIT!” Boulderstar, Mother, and I were the only ones not shouting, because even Rosepaw and Branchpaw thought Ivyleaf's words were true. In fact, they walked over to Nokit and quietly apologized. *And you guys think you're smart!*

“Sorry Nokit. I guess we never realized how mean we were.” Rosepaw said sheepishly.

“Yeah, it was kinda just a game we played with Twopaw.” Branchpaw added. Nokit smiled. *A GAME?! I offer you so much, and you just think it's a GAME?! So you think Nokit has worth, and you think this?! Pebblefoot must of been a terrible mother, especially compared to* my *mother!*

"It's all okay. Twopaw was the reason you acted like that," Suddenly all the chanting cats closed in on Boulderstar.

"MAKE HER AN APPRENTICE!" They shouted, until Boulderstar could only give in. Give the poor tom a break!

"Fine!" He snapped. "She's Nopaw!" Cats cheered, celebrating her name. "But! She has no mentor and will have to use the other mentors!" If anycat heard him, they didn't care. They were all so happy. That is, until I shrieked. I had had it with this! Nokit was nothing! I remembered what I could do, and used it.

"WHY DO YOU ALL CARE ABOUT HER?! SHE'S WEAK, WHILE I, AM STRONG! I AM YOUR NEXT LEADER OBEY ME!" My normally blue eyes blazed green, and everyone cheering stopped. In a single motion, they snapped up, looking at, the most important cat, me. Only Ivyleaf remained, and she slowly walked over to the medicine den, looking terrified. I didn't care about her, so it was fine.

**"Obey her,"** They muttered, **"Ignore the weakling,"** I stopped my control. Everyone was almost the same as before, but now, cats clamored to rush over to me! While casting dirty looks at Nopaw.

*Finally. She still doesn't deserved to be Nopaw, but she has no mentor, and will still die alone! Mother was right, I am right! I am Twotail! Maybe a little early to announce it, but it sounds perfect!*

## *Chapter Five: My power is too much...*

It was almost time for the Gathering!! I was so excited to boast about how special I was. The moon was rising slowly, and everyone was excited too. The only cats staying was Ivyleaf, Nopaw, Treeclaw, and Fogstorm. Fogstorm and her mate were staying only because she would kit soon, otherwise she'd be going too.

"How many cats do you think we'll meet?" I asked Rosepaw. I still felt a little annoyed at her and Branchpaw, but it would wear off soon. Soon they would bow down, pleading for mercy.

Rosepaw cocked her head. "I'm not sure," she mewed. "But I'm sure it will be a lot! Just think of how many of us are coming and imagine five times that!"

*So a LOT of cats!* I was excited, but also nervous. Mother trusted I was strong enough, but I wasn't sure I was. Would I be able to execute the plan? Hopefully.

I saw Nopaw, next to Ivyleaf, as she hung her head, no doubt sad about how she couldn't come! Now she couldn't mess it all up!

"Nopaw, don't worry," Ivyleaf was saying, "Fogstorm needs me, and I need you!" Nopaw tried to look happy about it, but her sadness was easy to detect.

"It's fine, I don't need to go. I'd probably be treated even worse!" Nopaw said. Ugh! What was with that 'humble' act?

Rosepaw and Branchpaw nudged me. "Come on! Lets leave Notail as soon as we can!" Branchpaw said. Oh he is definitely forgiven!

"Yeah! I can't wait to breath air that hasn't been infected with No Tail disease!" Rosepaw added. Rosepaw, you too! Forgivness granted!

"Alright, lets go to the Gathering!" Boulderstar announced. We all began the trek, but I was in a good mood.

"Race ya!" I called out, smiling. I already was tail-lengths ahead as they fully understood what I was saying. Sadly Boulderstar called me over.

"Sorry Twopaw, but we have to stay together!" Boulderstar explained. A few grumbles were heard, and I saw some of my clanmates were annoyed by me running, but in a humorous way.

"Apologies!" I called out. A few reassuring remarks were heard. Everyone was having a great time!

After walking halfway there, Mother pulled me over. "Remember the plan, and try and practice your 'suggestions.' We can't afford them seeing you use your true powers, but a suggestion won't hurt. Try Skydawn and Whitefrost, and convince they are in love with each other. Everyone's been gossiping about it happening anyway."

I walked over to the soon-to-be mates, with badgers tromping in my stomach. "Hey, you guys," I mewed nervously. Skydawn smiled.

"Hey Twopaw! Congrats on the apprenticeship!" Whitefrost looked at her and added to the conversation.

"Twopaw! How's it hanging?" he asked.

*Concentrate,* I felt my eyes heat up, which were probably flaring cyan, since it wasn't a full command, which turned them green, but I was still convincing someone.

"You two are perfect for each other! Skydawn, how haven't you already became mates? You obviously like him! Whitefrost, you too!" Skydawn and Whitefrost's gaze became blank, because their minds were taking in the suggestion, but they snapped back up, looking at each other.

"I love you," they said together, and twined their tails together. Aww! I knew my power was useful! Mother looked pleased.

"Good. You should be ready. Everyone knows they hated each other."

*Wait what?!*

Mother saw my look. "Oh, I mean they always would compete to be the better one. You made them head over heels for each other, with only a half command! You are ready!"

*Maybe they were right. This power is evil,* I thought. They always said it would happen, yet I tried to ignore it. But, you can't ignore the truth for long.

"I- Yes Mother." If one of the things they said was true, what else did they say also was true? Would Mother really... No, don't think about it.

Mother studied me. "Is everything all right?" she asked me.

"Yes." That seemed to be enough for her.

"Lets hurry. I feel like some little rat thing is going to follow us."

\*\*\*

I tried to keep my powers under control at the Gathering, but Flashpaw was sooo annoying! He kept saying how wonderful WindClan was, especially compared to ThunderClan! The nerve! So of course I snapped!

"Oh, go jump in a brook!" His eyes became off focused, and he jumped off the island the gathering was being held at, in a trance.

Sputtering, he emerged. He was no longer in my control, meaning he was quite angry. "Hey! Woolpoppy! Twopaw made me end up here!"

Woolpoppy, a gray and white she-cat, looked at me, her red eyes furious. "ThunderClan mangepelt, what did you do?!"

"Nothing!" I protested. "I did nothing, so please go away!"

Both mentor and apprentice's eyes flashed, and they quickly walked away. While it got rid of the WindClan problems, other cats got suspicious.

"What did that apprentice do?" A cat murmured.

"Does she have like a power?" Another cat asked.

One cat was even in tears. "What did she do to my baby?!"

All eyes were on me now. I'm not even gonna blame Nopaw on that, it was all fault. I didn't listen, and now my powers were out of control.

*By the full moon, your powers will grow too powerful, and you MUST stop!*

It was too late anyway. I could tell someone to be quiet, and they would be forced too, without me even meaning too.

Oh? You want to know who this they is? Well, I'll get there.

Anyway, what was I supposed to do? I said in a loud voice, "I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING! STOP LOOKING AT ME!"

Everyone looked away.

Mother looked incredibly pleased. "This is even better then what I planned! Now that you have your power at maximum boost, begin my plan!" Seeing my discomfort, she added, "Twopaw, don't you want to show them how strong you are, prove that you are strong and deserve worship?"

I tried not to get tempted, but her words washed over me, promising the love I wanted, and I stopped resisting.

"OBEY ME!" I shouted. Because I was trying to control the entire Gathering this time, and I wasn't trying that hard, some cats weren't in my complete control.

That was when Nopaw came in. I didn't know about her being there, but she must of been there, after remembering this episode.

A few cats were running around, yowling for help, StarClan knows why, but most were in a circle, chanting my beautiful name.

**"Twotail, Twotail, Twotail!"** They shouted in unison. I was standing in the center, and Mother and Boulderstar were next to me, smiling triumphantly.

"WORSHIP ME!" I shouted. "WORSHIP ME!" They chanted my name again. "That's better. Now, how do you feel about," I paused to sneer, mostly for effect. "Stupid *notail?"* Now I realize it was kind of mean, but Mother was pretty convincing.

"**Notail is nothing to us. You are everything,"** the cats said. Mother smiled at my work and whispered to me.

*"Told you I could get them to love you, and even get your 'sister' out of the picture!* Your power is useful! So what if a WindClan mangepelt dies?*"* Mother smirked. I tried to smirk back, but something happened.

I felt like a giant badger had slammed into me, and I gasped for breath. Suddenly there was a *pop* and my control was silenced. No one was under my control, and Boulderstar, even my past suggestion had withered away. Leaving him confused, lost, and absolutely crushed.

*Uh oh.*

"What happened? Last thing I remember is Pebblefoot-" His voice broke into sobs. Such a crybaby! "Pebblefoot being dead!" Mother looked shocked. I was too!

"*Twopaw!* Why is he still not... You know!" She hissed.

"I don't know! Maybe I took too many cats!" Twopaw snapped. Her eyes weakly glared brighter and Boulderstar snapped back into the cat who 'loved' Mother.

"How could I forget the wonderful Sunflower?" He boasted. "Pebblefoot means nothing to me!" Mother smiled.

"What happened?" I was nervous. Even when I did lose control when my powers were premature, It would be because I was tired, and nothing ever slammed into me! Thankfully Mother had a plan.

"We were mourning Pebblefoot, and you all fell in a trance, maybe because the spirits were with us." I love my mother and how quick she is at these things! Some cats tried to argue, but I mustered my strength, whispering what Mother had said and they all started agreeing.

"Yeah, that sounds true!"

*Phew!*

I heard a scuffle, and guess who I heard? Notail, daring to show her face! For once, Flashpaw had some worth, because he and other apprentices had cornered her.

Because I was in a hurry, I may or may not have pushed them. When I met Nopaw's eyes, I growled for effect.

"A no tailed runt? Oh, Flashpaw, she's worse then that. She ruins everything for me because she's *jealous.* I have to beautiful tails." I paused to display my two tabby tails, which some of the apprentices gasped in amazement. Yes I know, I'm amazing! "And she has none. But, I'm not one to punish." Nopaw rolled her eyes and I glared at her. "So I'll let my fair mother decide, but unlike me, she isn't... as forgiving," As if on cue, Mother emerged, snarling.

"So my... reject," Mother chose this word carefully, "decides she can crash this mourning? Pebblefoot was way more nicer to you then you deserved, and you treat her like mousedung?" Mother looked terribly sad. "After all this? I thought you could change, but you are a monster! GET OUT OF HERE AND GO BACK TO THE MANGERIDDEN CROWFOOD CAT OF A SISTER I HAVE LEFT!" Mother roared. Other cats joined in, hissing.

"GO AWAY NOTAIL!" They said. "NO ONE LIKES YOU!" Finally, Notail ran away, or at least she tried. Her *HAH!* no tail made her lose her balance, multiple times, and it was hilarious! She even cried! And she asks why she's a freak!

Then the badger slamming feeling happened again, except this time my powers wouldn't come back. Everyone was confused, and Mother was fed up, especially with Boulderstar no longer loving her.

"Twopaw! DO SOMETHING! I THOUGHT YOU WERE PERFECT!" Mother screamed. Tears rolled down my face, and I wished Nopaw was here, because Mother could yell at her instead.

"I'm trying! It's like somecat is blocking one of my powers!"

*Of course they are.*

\*\*\*

Basically, all that happens for a while, is Mother unfairly yelling at me, so I guess it's time to tell you about them.

Firstly, their name is Void. They don't know who they were, including what they were, and second, I think Void might also be not just one spirit, but multiple lost spirits combining themselves to make one stable spirit. I'm not sure about it, and not even Void is sure, so I try to describe them as vague as possible. Void also never looks the same, always changing.

I met them when I felt lonely because Mother was mad at Nokit, and was laying her complete attention to her! As if she deserved it!

Well, anyway, I was alone, and angry, when I heard a faint whisper. Raising my head, I saw an outline of a cat, which seemed to increase until I could see them almost clearly.

*Who am I?* I heard. The cat thing seemed to be confused, as if they knew nothing. Perhaps they didn't.

"Well," I declared to the thing, "I think you are a cat! But it seems like you are fading." I puzzled this thought.

*Without anyone to remember myself, including myself, I cannot exist,* the being explained. They dipped their head sadly. *So I will become nothing, and I'll still not know who I am.* I felt bad for this creature.

"Well, I'll remember you! In fact, I'll even give you a name!" The promise of a name seemed to please them, and something stirred in... their head? I'm not completely sure even now.

*Oh, my name! I feel a word emerge, 'Void.'* Although I was disappointed I couldn't call them something like Shade or Shadow, at least the being remembered something. Void started to inspect me. *What are you?*

"I am a very important cat!"

*Then I am a cat.*

"So you, you feel like a cat, or something like that?" I asked.

*Well, I feel like someone.* *Just, not sure who.*

Then I realized Void had looked more, real. I could barely seem through them more.

"Huh, Void. It seems you aren't fading away any more," I noted.

*I think it is because I am being put into your memory, and since ghosts, or whatever I am, need something to keep them from fading, you knowing me is keeping me here.*

So anyway, we talk when Mother is punishing my horrible sister, (we talked all the time, but this part was with her being Nokit) and such, and eventually Void remembers more, and also discovers some... extra things.

*I can go into objects and move them,* Void said, and demonstrated by cheerfully going into my body moving my leg bone. It wasn't like possession, it was like... imagine a log and a stone. My body was the log, and the stone was my leg bone. Void went into the log, and started to move the stone. It's very hard to describe it, especially with me not wanting to.

"Ouch! Void stop that!" I snapped. Void stopped, as if in a trance. That got me thinking. "You will cause Nokit to fall," I commanded. Void went up to Nokit and made her trip.

"Ouch!" Nokit squeaked. I stifled a laugh.

*If I can do stuff like that, should I tell Mother?* I thought. After Void was done ~~harassing~~ playing with Nokit, I asked them.

*Do you tell this 'Mother' about me?* I shook my head, and Void continued. *Tell her and she will use you!*

So I decided to tell Mother. She knew just what to do, and started training me, till I got even stronger. All the time Void would try to get me to stop, until they started blocking my powers. But I still wouldn't listen.

## *Chapter Six: StarClan?*

Back to the present:

“You lost control of them!” Mother snapped at me. I was so ashamed, Void had told me what the results of telling her would be, but I didn't listen.

“I-I’m sorry, Mother,” I whispered.  “I won't do it again, I promise.” *Is that a promise I can keep?*

“You'd better keep it,” Mother said, anger in her eyes.  “But now you can't take control of them again.” I then saw Nopaw and Ivyleaf.

“*You*!” she hissed to Nopaw, walking over in fury. Nopaw was so scared she widened her eyes as Mother stomped over. “*You’re the piece of crowfood that made Twopaw lose control!*”

I wished I could tell Mother the real cause, but Void was a secret.

“Don’t take another step,” Ivyleaf said softly, standing in front of Nopaw protectively. I didn't know whether to be disgusted at protecting Nopaw, or thanking her for taking Mother's heat. Or maybe even wanting Ivyleaf to be like that to me. This night was really changing me..

“Get out of the way,” Mother growled.  “Or are you as stupid as Crescentpaw and Antclaw?” Again I had conflicting feelings. Antclaw seemed nice, so why would Mother hate him, but then again, he liked Nopaw. I still didn't know how I thought about Nopaw right then.

“Crescentpaw and Antclaw weren’t stupid!” Ivyleaf bristled.  “Crescentpaw was probably the most brilliant and lively of the four of us, and Antclaw was wonderful!  But you disrespected him, even when he was your mate.”

“They were both idiots,” Mother said, her eyes glittering with smug glee.  “Especially Crescentpaw.  She died to a monster.  I mean, seriously, it’s easy to predict monsters’ movement.”

Ivyleaf bristled even more, but she didn’t move, only glared with narrowed eyes.  Suddenly, Mother lunged and attacked her with unsheathed claws. I guess Ivyleaf's accusations were too much for her. Anyway, Nopaw was barely able to dodge, and went over to me, who I was NOT looking at her paws, NOT ashamed. I can hide my emotions!

“Are you ok?” Nopaw asked quietly. Honestly I couldn't deal with her, especially not knowing if she was still my mortal enemy or not.

“Ok?!” I glared at her, my emotions bubbling over.  “It’s *your* stupid fault Mother is mad at me!  You made me lose control of them and now I can't regain them!” I attacked Nopaw blindly.

Nopaw was losing the fight when suddenly, a creamy-white she-cat with stars in fur appeared beside us. I wasn't sure who she was, but Nopaw seemed to recognize them.

**"͓̽S͓̽t͓̽o͓̽p͓̽ ͓̽i͓̽t͓̽!͓̽"͓̽** she hissed.

We jumped apart.

I did NOT whimper, but I did say, “Wh-who are you?” at the same time Nopaw exclaimed, “Crescentpaw!” So this was Sunflower's sister?

**“͓̽Y͓̽o͓̽u͓̽ ͓̽t͓̽w͓̽o͓̽ ͓̽m͓̽u͓̽s͓̽t͓̽ ͓̽l͓̽e͓̽a͓̽r͓̽n͓̽ ͓̽t͓̽o͓̽ ͓̽s͓̽t͓̽o͓̽p͓̽ ͓̽f͓̽i͓̽g͓̽h͓̽t͓̽i͓̽n͓̽g͓̽!͓̽”͓̽** she hissed. I knew she was mad, but those dark purple eyes were so fascinating, I could not keep my own eyes of them. **͓̽“͓̽Y͓̽o͓̽u͓̽ ͓̽a͓̽r͓̽e͓̽ ͓̽s͓̽i͓̽s͓̽t͓̽e͓̽r͓̽s͓̽;͓̽ ͓̽y͓̽o͓̽u͓̽ ͓̽s͓̽h͓̽a͓̽r͓̽e͓̽ ͓̽t͓̽h͓̽e͓̽ ͓̽s͓̽a͓̽m͓̽e͓̽ ͓̽b͓̽l͓̽o͓̽o͓̽d͓̽!͓̽ ͓̽W͓̽i͓̽l͓̽l͓̽ ͓̽y͓̽o͓̽u͓̽ ͓̽t͓̽w͓̽o͓̽ ͓̽f͓̽i͓̽g͓̽h͓̽t͓̽ ͓̽e͓̽v͓̽e͓̽r͓̽l͓̽a͓̽s͓̽t͓̽i͓̽n͓̽g͓̽ ͓̽u͓̽n͓̽t͓̽i͓̽l͓̽ ͓̽b͓̽o͓̽t͓̽h͓̽ ͓̽o͓̽f͓̽ ͓̽y͓̽o͓̽u͓̽ ͓̽n͓̽o͓̽ ͓̽l͓̽o͓̽n͓̽g͓̽e͓̽r͓̽ ͓̽h͓̽a͓̽v͓̽e͓̽ ͓̽b͓̽r͓̽e͓̽a͓̽t͓̽h͓̽?͓̽ I͓̽ ͓̽s͓̽w͓̽e͓̽a͓̽r͓̽,͓̽ ͓̽m͓̽e͓̽ ͓̽a͓̽n͓̽d͓̽ ͓̽m͓̽y͓̽ ͓̽s͓̽i͓̽s͓̽t͓̽e͓̽r͓̽s͓̽ ͓̽n͓̽e͓̽v͓̽e͓̽r͓̽ ͓̽f͓̽o͓̽u͓̽g͓̽h͓̽t͓̽ ͓̽t͓̽h͓̽i͓̽s͓̽ ͓̽m͓̽u͓̽c͓̽h͓̽!͓̽”͓̽ ͓̽** I heard her add under her breath,**͓̽“͓̽I͓̽ ͓̽g͓̽u͓̽e͓̽s͓̽s͓̽ ͓̽S͓̽u͓̽n͓̽f͓̽l͓̽o͓̽w͓̽e͓̽r͓̽ ͓̽w͓̽a͓̽s͓̽ ͓̽a͓̽l͓̽w͓̽a͓̽y͓̽s͓̽ ͓̽t͓̽r͓̽y͓̽i͓̽n͓̽g͓̽ ͓̽t͓̽o͓̽ ͓̽p͓̽i͓̽c͓̽k͓̽ ͓̽a͓̽ ͓̽f͓̽i͓̽g͓̽h͓̽t͓̽ ͓̽i͓̽n͓̽ ͓̽a͓̽l͓̽l͓̽ ͓̽o͓̽f͓̽ ͓̽u͓̽s͓̽,͓̽ ͓̽t͓̽h͓̽o͓̽u͓̽g͓̽h͓̽.͓̽”͓̽**

“Why should we listen to you?” I asked, feeling a growl in my throat. I know Mother wasn't as perfect as I had thought, but Crescentpaw had died young, thus less wise.

Crescentpaw’s tail lashed angrily and her eyes glittered in anger.  **“͓̽I͓̽ ͓̽a͓̽m͓̽ ͓̽S͓̽t͓̽a͓̽r͓̽C͓̽l͓̽a͓̽n͓̽,͓̽"͓̽** she said, her voice dangerously low.  Her dark purple eyes were more bubbly and lighter than lava. Even more fascinating to look at. **“͓̽A͓̽n͓̽d͓̽ ͓̽i͓̽f͓̽ ͓̽y͓̽o͓̽u͓̽ ͓̽d͓̽o͓̽n͓̽’͓̽t͓̽ ͓̽l͓̽e͓̽a͓̽r͓̽n͓̽ ͓̽t͓̽o͓̽ ͓̽g͓̽e͓̽t͓̽ ͓̽a͓̽l͓̽o͓̽n͓̽g͓̽,͓̽ ͓̽l͓̽i͓̽f͓̽e͓̽ ͓̽w͓̽i͓̽l͓̽l͓̽ ͓̽b͓̽e͓̽c͓̽o͓̽m͓̽e͓̽ ͓̽a͓̽ ͓̽b͓̽u͓̽r͓̽d͓̽e͓̽n͓̽ ͓̽r͓̽a͓̽t͓̽h͓̽e͓̽r͓̽ ͓̽t͓̽h͓̽a͓̽n͓̽ ͓̽a͓̽ ͓̽g͓̽i͓̽f͓̽t͓̽.͓̽”͓̽**

My sister nodded eargerly but I was still dubious.

“So?” I asked.

“Twopaw!” Nopaw said. “You need to listen to what she tells you.”

“Whatever,” I muttered. “Fine, whatever you say, Crescentpaw.” I guessed I had to trust her, StarClan and what not

The dark cream she-cat nodded.  “You *must* get along.” As if my feelings weren't already confusing!

The rest of the Clans were still 'waking up,' while the fight with Mother and Ivyleaf was only getting more heated. I didn't know who to support anymore.

**"͓̽S͓̽t͓̽o͓̽p͓̽ ͓̽i͓̽t͓̽!͓̽"͓̽**  Crescentpaw peeled her sisters apart, and disappeared.

Both she-cats were bleeding and bloody.

“My beautiful fur!” Mother wailed.  She glared at Ivyleaf so hard I could almost feel heat coming from it.  “You rotten, mangepelt, flea-infested, crowfood, foxdung-”

“Stop it, please Mother,” I said quietly. Somehow Ivyleaf and Nopaw didn't seem as bad right then.

Mother looked at me, and I realized she still was mad at me, but she said, “Of course, my love.”  She still glared hatefully at Ivyleaf as she walked to sit beside her favorite daughter.  “You're lucky you're under the mercy of my darling little angel.”

“I'm not darling or little!” I complained as Mother began to lick her fur. Did she not realize what happened last time? I remember a few *scars* were dished out last time. “And I can groom myself!”

“Nonsense, you have some scratches that need to be tended to,” she said.  “I don’t trust my fleabrained sister.  I don’t even understand how were related!  How did you get these…?”

For a second I thought to tattle on Nopaw, for Mother to snarl at her and love me, but I had a thought.

*Maybe Nopaw isn't as bad. Maybe... I could cover her.*

“I tripped over those tangled roots and into that bed of roses,” I lied.

Nopaw gasped. I tried to ignore it, but I too was a little surprised at my self. Thankfully, Mother believed me.

“Oh, my poor baby!” she wailed and began to lick me ferociously. A slight downside to helping out my... sister.

“Wh-what happened?” asked Boulderstar, who was confused. I don't blame him.

Mother glanced at him, but didn't respond. She turned her gaze back to me. *Yay... More attention...* I used to love this, but I wasn't sure anymore.

"I thought you were smarter then that!" Mother said. I groaned.

"Mother! I'm still five moons old!"

"There's a reason you were apprenticed though!" Something in me snapped. Life was so easier when I was a kit, and my life was turning upside down.

"Well what if I don't want to be an apprentice then!" I snapped. Mother gasped, and her soft caring face morphed into the absolute loathing face I had seen before, but only with Nopaw.

She hissed angrily to me, "Don't be such a baby. If I can make you an apprentice, I can take it away, I can give you everything, or strip you to nothing. Do as I say, or you will regret I kitted you."

This time I really was scared. "Y-Yes mother. I should of been smarter, and I will now try to strive harder." Mother seemed pleased.

"Good," She turned her attention to Nopaw. "Now, *run as fast as you can and hope I'm feeling merciful.* Get out if you value your pathetic life. The life I would of ended if it weren't for your father changing sides. Now he's gone and I can end it." I now saw how Nopaw's view seemed. Especially Sunflower's.

So Nopaw ran. Well, tried to again, because she had no tail. Sighing, Ivyleaf put her on her battered back, so Nopaw could leave. I actually... Felt bad for me.

"Don't worry, Sunflower wouldn't dare to anger StarClan by actually killing me. She still thinks StarClan would allow her to go there, even though..." She paused. "*You know,*" Nopaw gulped. I knew what she meant this time.

The two began to talk, and normally other cats wouldn't be able to hear, but I was *special* so I could hear them. Great StarClan, I had started to hate that word.

"Ivyleaf?" Nopaw asked. "You know how I went to the Gathering? It was because StarClan sent me there. They also gave me a prophecy. None and Two, intertwined. One with Suggestions, and the other with Wisdom. They shall either be the Rise or Fall, the savior or villain. Beware, for two other sisters shall influence, one a blazing flower, and the other a simple plant." She finished.

*A prophecy?!*

Ivyleaf said nothing for a while, until she finally responded, her voice strangely calm.

"Nopaw, I think you need to be a medicine cat."

\*\*\*

Ivyleaf faced Boulderstar boldly, and proclaimed in a loud voice: "Nopaw is meant to become a medicine cat!" Boulderstar shook his head once more. I had thought this would be entertaining, but it was getting old now.

"Ivyleaf, the more you ask, doesn't change my answer. Sun- I have decided she is still good enough to hunt, therefore she shall be instead of a warrior, a hunter." Even Fogstorm's kits knew that was a lie, even Cricketkit!

"You won't teach her to hunt! You'll just cast her into the forest!" Ivyleaf exclaimed. "I'm not mousebrained you know!" Boulderstar looked tired, unlike Ivyleaf. I kind of wanted to make a nest for him right there so he could rest.

"What if StarClan takes it as an insult?" He asked. "A no tailed runt to represent them? Sorry Nopaw." Because of my change of heart, I only would 'suggest' that he loved Mother, partly because if I added more, it would be too much, and partly because, well, I kind of thought Nopaw wasn't that bad. It felt so weird!

"StarClan reached out to her! It's more of an insult to not let her become one!" Then Ivyleaf thought. I hoped she would be able to convince him, partly because I was tired of seeing Nopaw try and copy us train, and partly because, well you know. "What if they show you a sign?" She asked.

"Then I would have no choice but to allow her to switch," Boulderstar said solemnly. I thought I saw Ivyleaf narrow her eyes, not trusting him, but I felt bad for the way Boulderstar was stuck.

"Then I shall ask StarClan for a sign." Ivyleaf closed her eyes, and without warning, a piercing cry echoed throughout the clearing. It was Ivyleaf, but it *wasn't* Ivyleaf. I think it was Crescentpaw using Ivyleaf to talk to Boulderstar! Ivyleaf's posture was different, and had dark purple eyes. Definitely Crescentpaw. Those eyes were so... interesting.

**"͓̽B͓̽o͓̽u͓̽l͓̽d͓̽e͓̽r͓̽s͓̽t͓̽a͓̽r͓̽,͓̽ ͓̽y͓̽o͓̽u͓̽ ͓̽a͓̽r͓̽e͓̽ ͓̽a͓̽ ͓̽s͓̽t͓̽r͓̽o͓̽n͓̽g͓̽ ͓̽t͓̽o͓̽m͓̽,͓̽ ͓̽w͓̽h͓̽o͓̽ ͓̽t͓̽r͓̽i͓̽e͓̽s͓̽ ͓̽t͓̽o͓̽ ͓̽u͓̽s͓̽e͓̽ ͓̽g͓̽o͓̽o͓̽d͓̽ ͓̽j͓̽u͓̽d͓̽g͓̽e͓̽m͓̽e͓̽n͓̽t͓̽,͓̽ ͓̽s͓̽o͓̽ ͓̽w͓̽h͓̽y͓̽ ͓̽h͓̽a͓̽v͓̽e͓̽ ͓̽y͓̽o͓̽u͓̽ ͓̽n͓̽o͓̽t͓̽ ͓̽a͓̽l͓̽l͓̽o͓̽w͓̽e͓̽d͓̽ ͓̽t͓̽h͓̽i͓̽s͓̽ ͓̽s͓̽o͓̽o͓̽n͓̽e͓̽r͓̽?͓̽!͓̽ ͓̽N͓̽o͓̽p͓̽a͓̽w͓̽ ͓̽i͓̽s͓̽ ͓̽a͓̽ ͓̽M͓̽e͓̽d͓̽i͓̽c͓̽i͓̽n͓̽e͓̽ ͓̽C͓̽a͓̽t͓̽.͓̽"͓̽**Crescentpaw shook her head. **"͓̽N͓̽o͓̽,͓̽ ͓̽S͓̽i͓̽l͓̽v͓̽e͓̽r͓̽p͓̽a͓̽w͓̽.͓̽ ͓̽S͓̽h͓̽e͓̽ ͓̽i͓̽s͓̽ ͓̽S͓̽i͓̽l͓̽v͓̽e͓̽r͓̽p͓̽a͓̽w͓̽,͓̽ ͓̽n͓̽o͓̽t͓̽ ͓̽s͓̽o͓̽m͓̽e͓̽ ͓̽h͓̽a͓̽r͓̽s͓̽h͓̽ ͓̽n͓̽a͓̽m͓̽e͓̽ ͓̽h͓̽e͓̽r͓̽ ͓̽'͓̽m͓̽o͓̽t͓̽h͓̽e͓̽r͓̽'͓̽ ͓̽c͓̽a͓̽l͓̽l͓̽s͓̽ ͓̽h͓̽e͓̽r͓̽,͓̽ ͓̽t͓̽h͓̽e͓̽ ͓̽s͓̽a͓̽m͓̽e͓̽ ͓̽c͓̽a͓̽t͓̽ ͓̽w͓̽h͓̽o͓̽ ͓̽t͓̽w͓̽i͓̽s͓̽t͓̽s͓̽ ͓̽y͓̽o͓̽u͓̽.͓̽ ͓̽S͓̽t͓̽a͓̽r͓̽C͓̽l͓̽a͓̽n͓̽ ͓̽i͓̽s͓̽ ͓̽n͓̽o͓̽t͓̽ ͓̽v͓̽e͓̽r͓̽y͓̽ ͓̽h͓̽a͓̽p͓̽p͓̽y͓̽ ͓̽w͓̽i͓̽t͓̽h͓̽ ͓̽y͓̽o͓̽u͓̽ ͓̽a͓̽t͓̽ ͓̽t͓̽h͓̽i͓̽s͓̽ ͓̽m͓̽o͓̽m͓̽e͓̽n͓̽t͓̽,͓̽ ͓̽e͓̽v͓̽e͓̽n͓̽ ͓̽i͓̽f͓̽ ͓̽y͓̽o͓̽u͓̽ ͓̽w͓̽e͓̽r͓̽e͓̽ ͓̽p͓̽a͓̽r͓̽t͓̽l͓̽y͓̽ ͓̽c͓̽o͓̽n͓̽t͓̽r͓̽o͓̽l͓̽l͓̽e͓̽d͓̽ ͓̽b͓̽y͓̽ ͓̽T͓̽w͓̽o͓̽p͓̽a͓̽w͓̽.͓̽"͓̽** Silverpaw?

"What?" Boulderstar asked, bewildered. I tried not to nervously chuckle. Crescentpaw waved 'her' paw.

**"͓̽I͓̽f͓̽ ͓̽y͓̽o͓̽u͓̽ ͓̽w͓̽i͓̽s͓̽h͓̽ ͓̽t͓̽o͓̽ ͓̽g͓̽o͓̽ ͓̽t͓̽o͓̽ ͓̽S͓̽t͓̽a͓̽r͓̽C͓̽l͓̽a͓̽n͓̽ ͓̽h͓̽a͓̽p͓̽p͓̽i͓̽l͓̽y͓̽,͓̽ ͓̽l͓̽e͓̽t͓̽ ͓̽t͓̽h͓̽e͓̽ ͓̽f͓̽a͓̽t͓̽e͓̽s͓̽ ͓̽h͓̽a͓̽p͓̽p͓̽e͓̽n͓̽,͓̽ ͓̽a͓̽n͓̽d͓̽ ͓̽d͓̽o͓̽n͓̽'͓̽t͓̽ ͓̽t͓̽r͓̽y͓̽ ͓̽t͓̽o͓̽ ͓̽c͓̽h͓̽a͓̽n͓̽g͓̽e͓̽ ͓̽i͓̽t͓̽!͓̽ ͓̽H͓̽o͓̽n͓̽e͓̽s͓̽t͓̽l͓̽y͓̽,͓̽ ͓̽a͓̽ ͓̽H͓̽u͓̽n͓̽t͓̽e͓̽r͓̽?͓̽ ͓̽Y͓̽o͓̽u͓̽ ͓̽s͓̽a͓̽w͓̽ ͓̽h͓̽e͓̽r͓̽ ͓̽r͓̽u͓̽n͓̽!͓̽"͓̽**

Crescentpaw looked at Nopaw. **"͓̽S͓̽o͓̽r͓̽r͓̽y͓̽,͓̽"͓̽** Silverpaw? I thought I could see Nopaw thinking the same thing, and Crescentpaw answered our thoughts. **S͓̽i͓̽l͓̽v͓̽e͓̽r͓̽p͓̽a͓̽w͓̽,͓̽ ͓̽a͓̽s͓̽ ͓̽B͓̽o͓̽u͓̽l͓̽d͓̽e͓̽r͓̽s͓̽t͓̽a͓̽r͓̽ ͓̽c͓̽a͓̽n͓̽n͓̽o͓̽t͓̽ ͓̽t͓̽r͓̽y͓̽ ͓̽t͓̽o͓̽ ͓̽c͓̽h͓̽a͓̽n͓̽g͓̽e͓̽ ͓̽y͓̽o͓̽u͓̽r͓̽ ͓̽f͓̽a͓̽t͓̽e͓̽,͓̽ ͓̽y͓̽o͓̽u͓̽ ͓̽c͓̽a͓̽n͓̽n͓̽o͓̽t͓̽ ͓̽r͓̽u͓̽n͓̽ ͓̽f͓̽r͓̽o͓̽m͓̽ ͓̽y͓̽o͓̽u͓̽r͓̽ ͓̽r͓̽e͓̽a͓̽l͓̽ ͓̽n͓̽a͓̽m͓̽e͓̽.͓̽ ͓̽W͓̽e͓̽r͓̽e͓̽n͓̽'͓̽t͓̽ ͓̽y͓̽o͓̽u͓̽ ͓̽s͓̽o͓̽ ͓̽h͓̽a͓̽p͓̽p͓̽y͓̽ ͓̽w͓̽h͓̽e͓̽n͓̽ ͓̽F͓̽l͓̽a͓̽m͓̽e͓̽w͓̽h͓̽i͓̽s͓̽p͓̽e͓̽r͓̽ ͓̽t͓̽o͓̽l͓̽d͓̽ ͓̽y͓̽o͓̽u͓̽ ͓̽i͓̽t͓̽?͓̽ ͓̽I͓̽f͓̽ ͓̽S͓̽t͓̽a͓̽r͓̽C͓̽l͓̽a͓̽n͓̽ ͓̽c͓̽a͓̽n͓̽ ͓̽c͓̽h͓̽a͓̽n͓̽g͓̽e͓̽ ͓̽y͓̽o͓̽u͓̽r͓̽ ͓̽n͓̽a͓̽m͓̽e͓̽,͓̽ ͓̽c͓̽a͓̽n͓̽'͓̽t͓̽ ͓̽t͓̽h͓̽e͓̽y͓̽ ͓̽d͓̽o͓̽ ͓̽i͓̽t͓̽ ͓̽a͓̽g͓̽a͓̽i͓̽n͓̽?͓̽"͓̽** As if one cue, Ivyleaf's body shuddered, and Nopaw knew Flamewhisper had taken control, because Ivyleaf's eyes were now bright green.

**"͓̽Y͓̽e͓̽s͓̽ ͓̽k͓̽i͓̽t͓̽,͓̽ ͓̽C͓̽r͓̽e͓̽s͓̽c͓̽e͓̽n͓̽t͓̽p͓̽a͓̽w͓̽ ͓̽i͓̽s͓̽ ͓̽c͓̽o͓̽r͓̽r͓̽e͓̽c͓̽t͓̽.͓̽ ͓̽Y͓̽o͓̽u͓̽ ͓̽a͓̽r͓̽e͓̽ ͓̽S͓̽i͓̽l͓̽v͓̽e͓̽r͓̽p͓̽a͓̽w͓̽,͓̽"͓̽** Flamewhisper proclaimed. For a moment, it looked like Silverpelt shone brighter, and the next time Flamewhisper spoke, it seemed as if all StarClan was saying it too: **"͓̽S͓̽i͓̽l͓̽v͓̽e͓̽r͓̽p͓̽a͓̽w͓̽!͓̽ ͓̽S͓̽i͓̽l͓̽v͓̽e͓̽r͓̽p͓̽a͓̽w͓̽!͓̽ ͓̽S͓̽i͓̽l͓̽v͓̽e͓̽r͓̽p͓̽a͓̽w͓̽!͓̽"͓̽**

I looked at my sister. It was as if she had changed more then just her name, but her entire self. Her fur seemed to shine, and she looked more, *confident.*

"I am Silverpaw," Silverpaw announced. Then Ivyleaf collapsed. StarClan was leaving, I assumed.

"W-what happened?" Ivyleaf mewed weakly. Bouderstar looked at her, and *smiled.* I was glad to see it, since he had gone through so much already, because of *me*.

"You just convinced me to make *Silver*paw a Medicine Cat."

## Chapter Seven: The Trap

I could see Silverpaw enjoyed her medicine cat training. It was better for everyone. She was still my slave, but ever since my realization, I decided to be nicer. Of course I made her think it was because of Crescentpaw, but it was more. I still have a reputation to withhold anyway.

Anyway, I decided to talk to Redpaw with Rosepaw. Rosepaw was being annoying to me, and tried to get Redpaw’s attention, while I was trying to talk to him!.

I knew how bad he might of felt with Rosepaw being so overwhelming, and she was only getting louder.

“Umm… guys…”  Redpaw said.  “Uh, Flytail’s waiting for me at the entrance to take me hunting.  I really need to go-”

“She’s not your mentor,” Rosepaw dismissed him. So rude! “As I was saying…”

“I-” Redpaw said, but I cut him off, trying to free him from Rosepaw.

“Pleeeeaase will you take *me* hunting?” I asked, batting my "eyelashes" at him. I had to help him! By the way, I totally did NOT have a crush on him!

“No!” he said.  “I *want* to go hunting with *Flytail*!”

“WHAT?!” Rosepaw and I exclaimed, enraged. Okay, maybe a tiny one. But Rosepaw didn't deserve him!

“I need to have a talk with her!” I angrily ran off to find the white she-cat, and Rosepaw had to be on my heels! Redpaw just sighed exasperatedly. I know, Rosepaw was such a attention hog! While Redpaw wasn't looking, I maybe sorta watched him talk to Lilypaw. Rosepaw decided to watch too.

“They won't leave me alone!” Redpaw groaned to his sister Lilypaw. I think he meant Rosepaw.

“You have fans,” she teased. “Now you know what it’s like to be me.” Why would *she* have fans.

“You don’t have fans,” he pointed out, but she ignored him. Such a rude sister!

“Flytail’s waiting for you,” she said.  “I’ll keep your ‘admirers’ away from you and your crush.”  She winked at him. CRUSH?!

“I don’t have a crush on her!” he protested. I admit I breathed a sigh of relief there.“She’s just a friend!  And we definitely won't be mates after I get my Warrior name.  Um, probably.”

Now I did storm off to Flytail, but when Rosepaw tried to follow me, I used my powers. Only now do I feel guilty about it.

"Rosepaw, you are NOT in love with Redpaw, but Cricketkit, and you have no intention to follow me unless I tell you to," I commanded. Rosepaw quickly ran off to Cricketkit.

Now that she wasn't following me, I could talk to Flytail. Enraged, I was about to make her hate Redpaw when Void showed up.

*You have to stop! Flytail doesn't deserve this, and neither does Redpaw!* Void pleaded. After hearing that, I stopped. Void was right, and it wouldn't be good to be mates with a cat who only likes me because I made them.

*Same as Boulderstar and Sunflower*. I know that it was a statement of power, but Boulderstar couldn't even mourn for Pebblefoot! I decided to visit him, maybe even help him.

As I entered the den, I was certain that Void would allow this. "Bouldestar, you do not really love Sunflower, but you were forced to be her mate. You really miss Pebblefoot though," I said. Boulderstar blinked, and he was changed.

"Oh, Twopaw, Sunflower is a good cat, but how can I be her mate?" he asked me. "I still miss Pebblefoot too!"

"Boulderstar, I understand, but you have to act like you love her too," I tried to comfort him with this, and I hoped it worked.

"Yes." Boulderstar got up. "Thank you, and I think I need to clear my head. Would you like to go hunting with me?"

"Would I? Of course! It would be an honor!" I beamed with pride. Boulderstar, the LEADER was inviting me to HUNT with HIM!!!!!!

Boulderstar slightly smiled. "An honor, aye? Everyone wants to be with me, but no one cares really about me." he shook his head. "It doesn't matter, anyway. Let's just hunt now."

Trying to ignore the sudden soft side Boulderstar had shown, I smiled, and we went off to hunt.

Boulderstar caught a few mice, and a thrush. I was proud at my four mice, a shrew, three voles, and two plump birds, but it slightly embarrassed me that Boulderstar had caught less then me.

"Er, good catch," I said awkwardly. Boulderstar dismissed it.

"You did very well Twopaw. Remind me to start your assessment soon." Remembering my past praise, calling myself Twotail, and Twostar, I slightly cringed.

"Lets get back, and you can tell the kits about your hunt, especially Cricketkit," Boulderstar teased. Everycat knew Cricketkit wasn't exactly the brightest.

"What about Flamekit and Silkkit?" I asked.

"You can tell them the tale too, and maybe enlighten their parents, Fogstorm and Treeclaw. I'll look the other way if you add on, too." I was glad Boulderstar was trying to make me smile.

As we got back, Mother ran up to me. Her dark brown eyes were sparkling with malevolence.

"Mother what did you do?" I asked.

Mother let out a laugh, not one that made you feel good, but quite the contrary. "Oh, my darling, I have a plan to get rid of the disgusting mewling kit who calls me mother. You are my only daughter, Twopaw, and if you help me this plan, you can have it all." I didn't want to help, but she gave me no choice.

"Are you sure?" I ask, nervously surveying the material. It looked like small shiny, white, metallic, clear stones. "I'm not sure it will work."

"Oh, my pathetic mate or sisters will try to tell her, but the moon tonight will disappear, and StarClan won't be able to talk to her much. If my luck goes well, StarClan will even help me!" Mother passed me some of the shiny stuff. "Now place them like a trail until we get to the spot I've marked with a big boulder."

Even though I didn't want to, she gave me no choice, and I made the path. When Mother was satisfied, she gave an approving nod.

"Now go back home. I'll stay here and wait for her," Mother commanded. Darting back home, I prayed with all my might, hoping Silverpaw wouldn't die. Don't you dare tell her though, or I'll put a dying frog and needles in your nest!

*StarClan help her!* I wailed silently.

*Twopaw, I have contacted them.* Void appeared and started running with me. *I will help you. You have changed in many ways, and I give my true support.*

As I got back at camp, I fell into a restless sleep, and woke up twice, feeling guilty. If she died, it would be her blood on my paws. Somehow I was able to go into a deeper sleep, and I saw Father.

**"My Twopaw, I'm so glad you aren't in Sunflower's control anymore," Father said warmly. I let out a purr and ran up to him. Father twined our tails together, and I sat next to him.**

**"Father! I missed you so much!" I squealed with delight. Is it wrong to be happy? "But... Mother is mad at me, and wants to punish Silverpaw even more!" I looked down. "Or she did punish her." I felt tears come out. "Is Silverpaw okay?"**

**"Do not worry, Pebblefoot has helped her escape. Let me show you." Father pointed to a pool of water, where I could see Silverpaw following the trail and BAM! Mother leaps out! She growls at Silverpaw, but lets her run, chases her until Pebblefoot comes! Silverpaw escapes then and closes her eyes, trying to talk to StarClan.**

**"Father, can you see all?" I asked. Father let out a *mrrow* of laughter.**

**"Twopaw, StarClan wishes we could, but unfortunately, no." Father then got up. "I'm sorry, but I must talk to Silverpaw now. I'll miss you, and between us, Silverpaw won't die for a long time!" Father started to fade.**

I desperately grabbed at the image, but everything else also started to fade. Instead of freaking out I close my eyes and think. I know Silverpaw will be okay. I just hope I will.

## Chapter Eight: Gone

***NOTE: This chapter contains canabalism. If things like that make you uncomfortable or sick, click off please.***

I woke up, at camp, with Branchpaw and Rosepaw.

"Good morning sleepy slug!" Branchpaw teased. I gave a slight smile, not really in the mood for it.

"Branchpaw, where's Silverpaw?" I ask. Branchpaw frowns.

"We can't find her, but who cares? You are much more important!" Branchpaw praises me. I promise I didn't make Branchpaw say that.

"I had a dream," I mumble, and dash off to find Mother.

Mother smiles as I come. "Isn't this amazing? No Notail!"

"Yay," I halfheartedly meow back. Mother inspects me.

"You should be ecstatic!" she complains. "Did someone say something?" I shake my head. Mother thinks, and growls.

"It's Flytail, isn't it? If you can't have Redpaw no one can!" Mother tried to march over to Flytail, but I stop her.

"I just thought it would be more fun, that's it." I lie.

Mother shakes me off. "My mind is made up. She will be dead by noon."

"Don't!" I beg. "It's not Flytail!" Mother ignores me.

"I'll just set up a little 'accident' when we go patrolling," Mother plans. "BOULDERSTAR! I'M GOING TO CHECK THE BORDER GOODBYE!" she shouts and before I can protest, she leaves.

"Oh no oh no oh no!" I wail. "This cannot be happening!"

"Do not fear, Twopaw, you can stop her," a raspy voice mews. I turn and see poor Ivyleaf. her fur is bedraggled, her eyes bloodshot, probably from worrying about Silverpaw. Her stomache growls, but she tries to hide it.

"Ivyleaf, you should eat!" Ivyleaf shakes her head.

"How can I eat, when my poor apprentice is who knows where?" she wails.

*I know where.*

Boulderstar came out of his den and sees Ivyleaf.

"Ivyleaf, you have to eat!" he exclaimed, truly worried, but I expect the same exact answer.

"How can I eat, when my poor apprentice is who knows where? I just simply cannot," Ivyleaf refuses. Boulderstar looked like he wanted to continue, but remembering the last fight they had, he stopped.

"Why don't you look?" he asked gently. "I give you permission to search."

"Really?" Ivyleaf brightened at this.

Mother appears out of nowhere. "Oh no you don't! Boulderstar, she's my slave still, and I forbade her from searching! I also forbade her to eat only when necessary!"

Boulderstar tried to protest, but I lightly kick his leg, reminding him of what he needs to do. He sighs, and walks away, shaking his head sadly.

"You see Ivyleaf? I control everycat, and no matter how much they pity you, you will never go!" Mother sneered.

"I will go, Sunflower. Your control doesn't faze me," Ivyleaf boldly replied. Violetwing and Warmbreeze rushed over to her.

"Don't worry so much about Silverpaw, I'm sure she's fine," Violetwing soothed.

"Why do you even care about her?" Warmbreeze asked. Violetwing glared at her. "What? Violetwing, you said it yourself!" Violetwing turned red with embarrassment.

"It doesn't matter what you say. I care about her more then myself." Ivyleaf retorted.

I heard Haventail snort, and Mother walked away with her, saying, "Ivyleaf can be so unhealthy that she’ll die for all I care!"

"Ivyleaf seemed nice, but what self-respecting cat would even talk to Notail? Personally, even if my own son was lost, I'd still eat, maybe even have a feast!" Haventail was one of Mother's best friends, and a big gossip too.

"Well a cat who has to be my daughter is lost and that's exactly what I'm doing!" Haventail roared with laughter at Mother's words.

"Sunflower, you're so funny!" Haventail purred with delight.

"Don't forget I'm beautiful and graceful!" Mother added.

As the two walked around camp, I silently tracked them, until they reached the camp entrance.

"Haventail, I enjoy a chat with you any day, but I promised to patrol for Boulderstar," Mother turned to leave.

"Sunflower, I wouldn't if I were you," Haventail advised. "I heard a rogue has been crossing in Clan territory."

I almost could hear Mother's plan unfolding in her mastermind head. "I'll be careful, Haventail."

"Well, goodbye!" Haventail still looked nervous, but left.

Mother smirked and slunk out of camp.

I could tell she didn't want to be followed, because she kept changing directions. Thankfully, I was able to track her as she reached some shiny Twoleg mesh I assumed was silverthorn. Mother looked around, and dug around a bush. When she uncovered what she had been looking for, I almost gasped.

A silver Twoleg thing was in her paws, with sharp teeth. I knew almost immediately it would in the very least, and I mean the very least severely injure Flytail.

I heard Mother chuckle, till it grew into a terrifying laughter. "Flytail will be no more!"

Scared, I took a step back. I almost stepped on a twig, but I avoided it. Swiftly I dashed out to camp until I found Flytail.

"Flytail! You can't hunt, patrol, or do anything at all outside camp alone with Moth- Sunflower!" I said, out of breath.

Flytail looked surprised. "What do you mean?"

"I can't explain! Just please, please listen!" I hope I wasn't using my powers, because Flytail eventually agrees.

"Okay okay! I'll just pretend to have gotten a thorn stuck in my paw, alright?" Flytail takes out a thorn to show me. "This all good?"

"Yes. She wouldn't make you go outside with that!" I exclaim happily, but part of me feels bad for ruining Mother's plan. "Wait. How do you have a thorn?"

Flytail casts a sly smile. "I was planning to prank Redpaw. He managed to get me, so I'm going to get him back!"

I smile back, but an emptiness has wormed inside my heart, and I feel the bitter loneliness. I know Redpaw likes her.

"Flytail, would you mind hunting with me?" I saw Mother emerge into the camp, and heard Flytail curse "Foxdung!" as she jammed the thorn in her paw.

"Sunflower, I would love to, but..." Flytail innocently showed her the thorn. "I bet Ivyleaf would make me stay here."

Ivyleaf looked up. "Certainly. It could get infected!"

Mother growled. "Ah, I see. I wouldn't want Flytail to have an infected paw," she said through gritted teeth. "You know what? I have to go now." Mother starts to leave, but pauses. "Actually, I'll need you. I'll go tell Boulderstar, or should I say your new father, and we'll leave."

"What?!" I ask. "But I have to train and-

"Honey, Nopaw- Silverpaw whatever, escaped. She's in the Twolegplace, hiding, that coward. I need to find her and end her. Follow me," Mother demanded.

I started to protest, casting a silent plea to Flytail but Mother grabbed my paws and dragged me over to Boulderstar.

"Boulderstar dear, I have to go off with Twopaw," Mother explains. Boulderstar didn't even have the chance to talk before Mother set out, leaving camp.

As we reached unfamiliar territory I made sure to emphasize my yawns. On the 23rd yawn, Mother left us set up some nests in an unused rabbit hole.

"Rest up quickly. I have to find her," Mother said, but there was this look in her eyes, like she would do it even if it were the last things she'd do.

I had another dream as I slept. Mother was talking to... well imagine darkness, but the darkness is a cat. That's as close as I could describe it.

**"Why is she still here?"** the darkness asked.

For the first time, Mother looked scared. "Stupid Antclaw made me keep her first, and when I try to end her, StarClan comes! It's not my fault, please."

The darkness was not pleased. **"I care nothing about StarClan or Antclaw. All I need is for Silverpaw to be gone, and for the prophecy to be completed the way *I want it."***

Mother gulped nervously. "The Blazing Flower is me any way you translate it, and I already have Twopaw. I will end Silverpaw, trust me."

**"Is she really? Something tells me she is slipping from your grasp, and The Simple Plant is taking her instead."**

Mother shook her head. "I have seen her disliking my actions, but I will press her back into my control, and I will control the prophecy. I have the clan following my every move, and I am about to take the TwolegPlace too. My eyes will be everywhere."

The darkness growled. **"If you fail me-"**

"I won't I won't!" Mother promised. "Just remember, what you promised me."

**"Your simple minded request is not hard to remember. All you want is power. I will give you that."** Then the darkness froze. **"Someone is watching this. We must go."**

That's when I woke up.

\*\*\*

"Twopaw, lets go!" Mother urged me. I sighed and got up.

"Mother, why are we going so fast?" I ask, but she doesn't respond. I try asking again, but the same result occurs, and I start walking.

The walk was boring, but not tiring. Nothing wrong with, but nothing exactly good, like that one mild day you have nothing to do.

"I know I'm close," Mother would mutter over and over again. "I just know it." I know I wasn't supposed to hear that, but I was slightly annoyed she said "I'm" instead of "we're."

"Mother how long will this take?" I ask. Mother grunts, and I take it as "Not too long." Thankfully it actually wasn't that long, as we reached a crazy, too white, loud, noisy, terrible smelling place known as a Twolegplace.

Mother spotted a clump of kittypets sunfbathing, a white kittypet with black fur around his nose in particular, and raced over to him, calling, "Over here!"

"Ye?" the kittypet asked, annoyed at being interrupted. "What do ya need?"

"I need some information. Would these other cats mind to help too?" Mother asked sweetly, and the other cats noticed how pretty she was.

"U-uh sure!" the kittypet sputtered. "Gang, you wouldn't mind, right?"

"Not at all!"

"I'd help you with anything!"

"Of course!"

Mother let them know she was pleased. "Have any clumsy she-kits wandered in this place recently? An ugly one especially."

I wanted to object. Silverpaw was beautiful, not ugly! She wasn't a kit anymore too! I wanted to shout this in Mother's face, but remained quiet. My eye caught Silverpaw’s, but I kept my mouth shut, fearing I would reveal her.

"A small, silver, no tailed runt, with white paws and these annoying eyes?" the kittypet asked. I later learned the white kittypet we were speaking with was named Benny.

“Yes, a she-cat with that appearance,” Mother said, her eyes narrowing.

“Yes, I saw a she-cat like that,” Benny said.  “She wanted to fight me!  Isn’t that right, mates?”

The three cats next to Benny nodded. One looked pleased, and I worried they had done some damage to her.

“Then Notail is here!” Mother exclaimed, her eyes growing hard with rage.  “Tell me where she is, quickly!”

“Why would I tell ya?” Benny sneered. I knew what would happen, and feared it.

“Because,” Mother said, her fur rising and her eyes burning with fury, “I’m not some whiny, dopey kittypet who *relies* on Twolegs to feed and house them!”

Benny glared at her. “I can feed myself if I need to! And I'm not telling you even if you was the last cat to exist!”

“Twopaw,” Mother hissed at me. “*Force* this cat to cooperate.”

*No no no anything but this, please!*

“U-ummm…”  I said reluctantly.  “Do I have to?” I remembered how disastrous my powers had been.

“*Yes*!” Mother snapped.  “*You* start cooperating or else!”

Benny’s eyes widened. He was clearly a bit nervous the way Mother was talking. I would have been too, if I were him. “W-wait,” he said.  “Let’s talk ‘bout this sensibly,” he said.  “I’ll give ya more information…”

As Benny and Mother talked, I ceased the opportunity to slip away and ran over to Silverpaw.

“It’s good you’re alive,” I whispered.  “Mother tried to kill Flytail after she realized that I liked Redpaw but he liked her, but thankfully she failed.  Flytail also didn’t realize that she was the target of Mother…”

“How’s Ivyleaf?” Silverpaw blurted.

“She’s so worried about you,” I told her.  “her fur’s always messy, her eyes are weary, and I don’t think she’s been sleeping at all. She also hasn’t been eating, even though Boulderstar tells her to.  I heard mother say that she can be so unhealthy that she’ll die for all she cares.  She also tried to go search for you, but of course mother found a way to stop her. All she had to do was to tell Boulderstar she was still her slave and forbade Ivyleaf to leave the camp.  Warmbreeze and Violetwing tell her not to worry about it, but they don’t care about you.  Sorry,” I apologized after seeing Silverpaw’s annoyed face.

“Well can you tell her I'm okay and to find me in the Twolegplace?  I can't bear her not being healthy!”

“Will do, *if* we go back,” I said.  I glanced back at Sunflower and Benny, whose conversation looked just about done.  “I have to go back!  And you'd better get to somewhere safe, because if Mother finds you, you’re as good as dead and there’s nothing I’ll be able to do!  I also can’t mind control her, or suggest.”

I ran back, hoping Mother didn't notice anything.

“Well, then, you can leave, *Benny*,” she said, glaring at the kittypet. She glanced at me, then narrowed her eyes.  “You found Notail, didn’t you?”

“Wh-what?” I asked, trying to look confused, while I was completely terrified.

“Don’t play dumb to your mother!” Mother snapped.  “I can *smell* her on you!  NOW WHERE IS SHE?!”

My eyes flared softly, but I muttered, “Why are we after her again?”

Mother muttered some things I'd rather not repeat, and then said, “Twopaw, *you will do as your mother tells you*.”

I sighed softly and then said, “She was over there.  She ran away when you finished talking.”  I nodded to the exact opposite direction Silverpaw was, hoping Mother wouldn't find out I lied. Based on my last hope, I wasn't sure it would work.

“Then let’s go,” Mother said.  “Oh, and tell Benny and his cats to follow.  We’ll need an army to track down that terrible, unpredictable cat.”

“Benny, Benny’s friends, follow me,” I said reluctantly as I felt my eyes flare, and took control of them.

Just as we were about to leave, Mother decided to test me. "Twopaw?"

"Yes Mother?"

"You better not be lying, or I'll tear you apart and eat your insides. While you're still alive."

\*\*\*

Sunflower was becoming crazy mad, trying to find Silverpaw. Once, she found a family of cats, and when the parents left to get food, she killed at the kits. Every little one. Not even Bobo could escape her fury, and he was quite a biter! The worst part was that the family was housing us! I'll never forget the calico she-cat's face of utter sadness when she saw Sunflower had murdered all of her very last litter, and didn't even bother to clean her bloody paws. Afterward, she simply walked out with the families entire food savings, and the dead father over her shoulder. I had a feeling that was her choice of food over the meat scraps.

Other days she would pillage a poor rogue's place, I would feast on the food (she forced me to), and when the rogue came back, her dinner was served. Of course I only assumed that was what she had been subsisting on. I didn't stay long to find out what she had been doing with them.

Did you notice something? I had stopped calling Sunflower my Mother. My world had flipped. She wasn't the same cat I had known, and I wasn't the same either. I’d always known Sunflower was… not exactly the nicest to cats she disliked, but I've never seen her behave this cruelly or savagely.

**(by Dreamclaw now!)**

“Twopaw,” Sunflower called me.  Her crazed eyes gleamed as she spoke.  Oh, she had a plan indeed!

“Yes?” I asked.

She gave a creepy frown. “You’ve been behaving… interesting this entire… search.”  Oh, so it’s *me* who’s acting interesting?!! Like she didn’t just kill a bunch of cats and *eat* them!  She continued.  “It’s disappointing me, Twopaw.  *You’re* disappointing me.  But we can turn that around.”

Her gaze drifted to an old, crumbling building.  “More than twenty cats life there.  They call themselves the ‘Adder’s Blessing.’  Why?  I don’t know.  But they’re not hostile.  They're willing to house and feed cats, for free!  They're way too trusting too!  If you asked them to do anything for you, they would do it if it’s within their powers or not too evil.  Even without powers, you could bend them to your will!  There’s only one problem: they’re stubborn and refused to do things for ‘evil causes.’”

“What, so you want me to kill them?” I asked fearfully.

Sunflower threw her head back and cackled maniacally.  I shuddered. Her normal laugh is honestly pretty, but her cackles, which she’s been having a lot more recently, are new; they’re scratchy and crazy-sounding.  “What use would killing them do?” she said finally after laughing her head off. “Nothing,” she said suddenly very coldly, all amusement out of her voice gone.  “If you wish to prove yourself useful to me, I want you to turn them into my slaves, my soldiers.  I have plans to take over a group called the Rebels by force tonight.  I’ve heard they're an elite group of hostile fighters who take in cats that have been wronged.  An army like that would help me flush notail out of here twice as quick as the Adder’s Blessing!”  Her eyes went even crazier now that a fully formed plan was in her head.  “Once you have secured my arm out of the Blessed, we will lay siege upon the Rebels!”

“Um…”  I could see one huge flaw, or, as Sunflower probably would’ve put it, an easier way to complete the plan, and even though I wanted to tell her so, I attempted to bite my tongue, but couldn’t.  “Why don’t I just control the Rebels instead and skip the Adder’s Blessing?”

“Because the Rebels are hostile and won't just let you in!” snarled Sunflower.  Her tone softened, and her brown eyes showed for a split second the gentle, worshipping love I'd seen constantly in the nursery when I was little.  She turned away, saying, “You need to wisen up or you're never going to survive out here.” When she looked at me again, I hoped to see the same emotion in her eyes; that she *hadn’t* turned into that cruel, blackened-heart monster.  I didn’t.  All I saw was the previous cruel, greedy sly look.  “Now let’s get going.  If you fail me, your liver will feel the worst of it when I rip it out and eat it while you live.  I warned you earlier.”

We walked to the Blesseds’ home.  Although it was falling apart and looked a bit drafty, it served as a roof and as protection to the elements.

“Hello there,” said a brown tabby tom with happy yellow eyes.  He was standing guard to the building.  “I'm Charlie, and usually cats don’t come here for no reason, so I'm assuming you need something.  What do you need of the Adder’s Blessing?”

“I’d *loo*oo*o*ove to speak your leader.”  I watched Sunflower.  She’d disguised her personality so she appeared to be a fun, flirty dizzy idiot with a kind side.  “I'm Sunflower, but you can call me Sunflower!”  And she giggled like an idiot.  Only I could notice the bubble of disgust in her eyes as she forced on a non-threatening, fun energy around us using her actions.

“Sure!”  Charlie winked at her.  “Let’s go in!”  We passed by cast helping sick ones, a raised platform thing, and a room with… a queen and her newborn kits.

“Sorry to hold up, but since the nursery is right by our leader’s room, I thought I'd stop by and visit my mate!” he purred.  “Come and see my mate and kits first!  Meet Meredith and our three kits, Jeremy, Sparrow, and Droplet!”

“Oh… *delightful*,” Sunflower forced herself to say pleasantly. I watched her lip slightly curl. “It’s *lovely* to meet you, Meredith!  I'm Sunflower, and this is my daughter Twopaw!”

“You too,” Meredith mewed with a tired purr.  “Don’t let me hold you keep you.  Charlie, don’t hold her from her errands.”

*That couldn’t have been any longer*, I thought as Charlie led us to another room.  There, a spotted gray tom with gentle amber eyes was talking to a heavily pregnant black she-cat.

“Ace,” Charlie mewed. The tom and she-cat looked at us. “Sorry to both you and Elena, but Sunflower and her daughter would like to speak to you.”

“No, it’s fine,” said the spotted tom as Charlie left.  “I’m Ace, the leader of the Adder’s Blessing.  What do you need, Sunflower, or I'm assuming that’s your name?”

“I would like permission to speak to the Blessed on your platform,” Sunflower said sweetly.

“Oh, you mean the stage? Must be an important announcement, huh? Alright, c’mon then,” said Ace. He led us back to the room with the raised—uh, stage.  He helped us onto it and then yowled.  Cats of the Blessed gathered around the platform waiting.  “Stage’s all yours,” he mewed, jumping off.”

“Go ahead,” Sunflower hissed in my ear.  “Control them *all*.”

I took a breath and suddenly froze, and I felt my mom nudging me with a paw, her eyes blazing. I gulped and faced the crowd that had gathered beneath the stage when they saw us get onto it.  I guess Ace uses the stage to make announcements a lot.

“H-hi,” I said. “I-I’m Twopaw.”  I took a breath and I felt my eyes flare.  “To any phenomenal fighters and anybody else who hears this, you will not remember this control, but you will be unconditionally loyal to Sunflower and die for her.  Otherwise, you will not be able to form your own thoughts alone without your Master.  That is all.”

I took a step back, viewing the blank faces of the cats.  A few cats entered the room, and suddenly there was a wail from the black queen as she entered.

“Ace, Ace!” she wailed. “You're in a trance!  Wake up!”  Suddenly, I watched as her eye caught Sunflower’s, and she glared deeply. “What have you done to my mate, you dogbreath?!”

“What is your name?” Mother asked coolly, her face and voice calm.

“…Elena,” the queen growled warily.

Sunflower finally glared back at her and said, “Come up here and join us on the stage, Elena.”

Elena squinted at her suspiciously, but managed to pull herself onto the stage with her big, barreled belly.

“Now, if your name is Ace, come up here now,” Sunflower said coolly.

The spotted tom jumped onto the stage.  Elena looked at him with grief-stricken and alarmed eyes.

“Why is his face so blank?” she wailed, her nose facing the roof.  “Ace, please!”

A wide, creepy smile began to form on my mother’s face, and I turned away, feeling sick.  I knew something terrible was going to happen…

“Ace,” growled Sunflower, her voice extremely cold and cruel, with just a tiny, noticeable hint of glee.  “Rip your mate’s tail off.”

“Wh-what?” Elena asked, startled, scared, and enraged.  “He would never—” She was cut off as she screamed in pain.  Ace had lunged at her and ripped her tail off.  He held the furry black tail in his jaws, blank and oblivious to the blood that dripped from the end, staining his paws.  Elena collapsed with pain in her eyes.

“*Very* good,” Sunflower purred, her tail curling.  I tried not to stare at her in horror.  “Okay, Ace, now I want you to eat your mate’s tail and drink the blood.”

I managed not to puke as he did.  I had turned around, but it wasn’t enough.  Although I controlled myself and did as much as turn away, I can't say the same for Elena.  She shrieked, terror in her eyes.

“Now, Ace, rip your mate’s head off and decapitate her,” Sunflower said.  “Then feast on her remains and her unborn kits.”  I stared at her in complete horror.

I turned away, trying not to curl up into a ball as he did just that.  I couldn’t drown out Elena’s screeches, or Ace’s gobbling, or…

“Get up, you coward!” Sunflower snarled at me.  She didn’t even force me up, because she walked over to Elena’s body, shoved Ace over, and joined him.  This time *I* screamed.  At least I hadn’t been there when she… devoured those rogues.  I ran away, off the stage, and smashed into Charlie, who had been watching the whole scene in terror.  He wasn’t here when I mind-controlled the crowd, and he was still himself.

I ran all the way to where Meredith had been and she looked at me with gentle, troubled eyes.

“Are you okay, Twopaw?” she asked gently.

My breathing ceased to slow. “They… they… they *ate* her!” I gasped, terrified on every hair.

Meredith’s eyes widened, and then narrowed.  “Who?” she asked.

“S-S-Sun-Sunflower and-and Ace ate-ate *ELENA AND HER UNBORN KITS!!*” I yowled.

I hoped that Meredith would panic, run away, or even just believe me.  Instead she just chuckled and looked at me with amusement in her eyes.

“Ace would *never* hurt his mate, let alone *eat* her,” she laughed.  “Your petty pranks won't fool me—”

Suddenly, Sunflower came into the room, her eyes wild as blood dripped from her whiskers and muzzle. She licked her teeth, bits of meat stuck in it.

“*Hello*, Meredith,” she growled pleasantly.  She suddenly lunged at the kit Sparrow and swallowed the tiny newborn she-kit whole.  “I never liked you anyways.”

“NO!” screamed Charlie. He tried to get into the room to defend his mate and kits, but Sunflower just shoved him away, clawing his face.

She then lunged at Meredith and the rest of the kits, and they all died as my terrible mother snapped their necks.  She eyed Charlie.  “Get rid of the bodies,” she growled, “and then spread the word to any un-controlled cats that they will end up the same way as Elena if they dare defy me.”

And she walked away, leaving Charlie teary-eyed and me speechless.

## Chapter Nine - Rebels

**(By Moon now)**

I had a nightmare that night.

It was raining, and the scene seemed to be a clan, but most of the cats were banishing some other cats. They didn't look very similar, all different pelt colors and sizes, but they all had these blazing green eyes. They muttered some things I couldn't hear, but some of the cats who were banishing did, and moved back in a trance.

These cats must be like me!

Unfortunately, after seeing some of the cats moving back, the cats driving out the others covered their ears, and fought harder, until my kind was driven out.

Time passed, and I saw them age, some dying, but five cats remained.Some had orange and white fur, others had brown and gray, but they all seemed to love each other, until they all passed away.

While that seemed like a sort of nice dream, it wasn't over. A monster came (not a Twoleg monster, something worse), taking their bodies away, and stripping it. The monster was filled with every kind of fear, and its eyes were like deep dark pools. It was so dark, like light had never seen it, and its fierce teeth... started eating the dead bodies.

Slowly the monster closed its mouth and breathed, green ghastly gas coming out, and the souls of the cats came back, sucked into the monster. Then the monster laughed, a horrible shriek, and looked right at me.

**L̷̨̧̨̡̨̛̻̦̯̫̬̤͇̘̰̜͙̯͚̤̱͚͉̠͇͎̼̰̦̖̻̺̖̙̲͎̪̽̌̓̂̄̏͌̽̿̇̓̑͌͒̄́̅̅̃͊̀͘̕͠ͅȉ̴̧̧̗͎͉̱̱̗͚̮̤̭̠̭̹̗̼̣͈̣͈̰̣̟̣͓͉̒̾̉̔̉̅̑̉͊̓̄͌̏̕͜͝ť̵̨̡̢̝͔̮̪̻̰̠͉͓̺̤̪̹̟̟͚̠̼̦̱̯̯̪͖͍̻͕̞̥̠̬̩̪͇̰͋̈̀͊̌̀́̀̎͆̉̓͐̅̈́̀͂͛̐̎̓̓̂̉̀̊̈́́̈́͛̊͗̇̊͘͝͝͝ț̴̡̡̧̨̨̢̳̜͎̫̹͖̯̲̝̥͎̳͖̗͇̦̣̱̥̯͎̣͈̯͙̩̱̠̪͕͓͜͝ľ̵̢̧̞͎͖͈̮͈̗̫͙̦̠̼̤̹͈̓̒͐́̒̎̆̑́͐̅̌̌̆̑͊̋̌̋͌̉̓̂͋̕̚͘͘͝͝ͅȩ̷̢͈̫͖͈̮̥̖̠̖̮͓͉͔̪̘̬͙̺̦̞̭̱̗̺̭͈̺̞̙͙̈̀͆̋͑̀͑͊̅̍̃͑̄̎̉̀͌͑̆̾̂͘͘͜͜͜͠͠͝ͅͅ ̴̛͕͎̟̻̠̥͍̮̼̩̟͔͉̩̫̖̣̖̙͚͍̰̩͉͍̋̒̅̒̿̐̾͗̍͗̌̈́̀̍̈́͗̐͂͋͌͗̏͗̉̿̍̆̈̈́̐̎̓̌͌̅̚̕͜͠ͅͅķ̴̧̡̫̫̝̻͚͔̭̩̥̗͕̥͔̻͖͖͍̝͍͇͉̤͈͙̯̻̰̲͎̣̜͊̒͂̐̈́͛́̏̀̃̋̿̕ͅi̵͍̣̖̟̩̪̘̲̭̙̺̼̎̾̈́̓̀̉́͌t̷̢̧̼͔̝̹͔͉̼̠̮̹̩̟̰͓̠͖̬̞͖̲͇̹͎͉̖̠̯͕͔̖̊̾́͛̀́̈́̀̊͐̕͜͜͠ṯ̶̨̧̧̤̲̱͕͎͇̭̩̰̯̭̥̟͙̯̼͚̮͓̥͎̘̤͉͕̌̃̽̊̊̓̈̊͐̇̋̄̒̿̃̌̈́̊̈́̉͐̓̐̀͂́̎̔̇̀̚̚͘͜͝͝y̶̧̧̧̡̪̩͉̬̥̹̳̗̮̞̰̙͋̏͂̀͊̀͆̇͑͋̐̀̾̄͗͛́̂̂̍̉͋̀͒̌̎̅͌̃̒̀̈́̚̕͝,̷̨̢̧̧̡̗̼̮̘̜̤̫̲̳̜̙͙̪͚͈̪͓͈͓̬̪̰̜̌̋́̓̒̊͌̿̅̎̆͌͊̄̎̈́̿̃̎͌̓̽͗̄͐͜͜͠ ̸̨̢̛̟̪̝̹̺̯̣̪̪͍̜̝̺͇̺͍͈͕̬͕̮̲͚̜̗̉̋̿̈́̒̆̔̊͛̓͊̌̔͐̇̌̊͑́͑̿̋̚̚͜ͅĮ̴̨͉͕͎̱̳͍͙̬͙̺͕̫̥̟̲̌̎̆͛̍͘͜ͅ'̴̡̢̛̛̣̫̖͉̮̟̠̻̟̯̭̠͚̲̟̟̮͈̦͓͍̟̺͙̉̈́̉̎͛̊̄͊̽̎́͋̾́̋̄̄̔́̎̏̏̀̈̅̾̒͌́̕͘͘͘̕͝͝͠ͅͅm̷̧̨̤̮͎̠̺̮̺͉̎̃̈́̊̀̾́̈́̎́̀̅̎͋̈́̃͘̚͘͝͝ ̵̢̢̧̡̛͕̗͇͔̥̩̜͖̫̮̗̹͚̣̺̺͖̦͇̺͙̭̼̲̙̰̩̪͉̭̄̊̂̏̽͑͑̆̂̋̓̀͂̀̽̅͑͆̓̃̃̕͝͝ͅc̸̡̡̮̝̜̥͉̤̯͉͈͔̫̹̉̊͑͋̏̊͌̄̒̄͗̂̾́̾́̀́͊̄̍͋̊̃̚͝ȏ̴̡̧̻̪̹̺̝̞̞̬̫̹̘̦͇̦͔̖̰̮̱͎̳̣̝̯͖̫̭̬͑͑͛̏͊́̉̎̔̓́̒̋͊̀̓̐͑̂̓̓̈́͑͐̐̍̀̌́͊̈́̈́̏͝͝͠͝ͅͅͅm̴̨̢̝͖̫̮̻̪̖̩͉̯̖̺̟̞̘̙͎̗̖̬̄͌̾ͅͅͅͅī̷͖̜̈́̾̀̽͆̾͘n̵̡̦̮͍͍̟͖͔̩̱̦̗͙̺̠̞̬͎̳͈̫͐̍̊͊̆̃̀̍͐̀̊͜͠͝ģ̸̡̛̜̝̬͚͎̝̤̣̰̳͚̂̈͑̃̏̊͂͆̽̿̈͋͊̉̾̽͌͗́̅̿͘͘͜͝͠ͅ ̵̨̪̝̫̯̭̤̹̯̥͑ả̶̧̖̬͚͎͖̟̱̘̹͖̰͎̮̠̭̼̥̣̥̦̟̟͎̞̼̩̳̘̻̣̼̥̬f̶̡̛̛̲̘̫̝͙̺̭̗̺̼͇̩̗͔̟͚̰̗̘̙͕̦͙̱̜̮̮͎͒̓͆͛̐̉̿̔͂̒̓̈́̇̓̋̽͂̋̋̅̌̾̀̍͘͝͠͝͠͝͠ͅt̵̨̢͍̦̖͎̟̖͉͓̲̩̞̱̙͎̣̜̟̎̉̔̍͑͐̐̈́̾̋͒̈̀̾̎̍͑̚̕͠͠͠͠e̶͚̙̙̰͓͍̖͖̥͉̠̞̥̝̾̈́̆̍̕͜r̶̨̧̧̨͕̖̘̗̙̻͙͈͓͇̥͎̰̳̘̖̝̳̈́͑̇̅̈͐͂́͊̓̋͊̑͗̎̇̆͊͌̒̅̊̒̒̕̕͜͜͝͝͝ ̸̨̧̭̥͔̝̫̘̹͉͎̱̜̝̦͎̖̣͍͎̯͍̥̮̮̳̖͋̓͂̅̉̊̒̽̊͛̌́̇̃̀̿̎͆̆͂̔̀̅̀̐̏̿͑̀͋̕̕͝͝͝͝ͅy̷̡̛̛̝̝̱̙͎͈͍̥͈̩̟̯̜̯͙̝̘̬͕̑̐̈́̏̑̊͛̄͂͑̉̂̄́͑́̕͜͠͝͝ͅǫ̷̨̧̧̛͈̥̥̞̞̖̗̩͕̮͉̠̣̲͉̻̬̳̖͓͚̮̹̦͖͚͈͚̦͍̈́̑̈́ų̴̨̡̛͚̦͇͕̩̯̝̗̼̠͓̯̩͖̟̰͈͕͍̻̮̮̮͉͚͖̘̫̀͊̀̒̇̉͗̅̚ͅ ̴̨̧̢̨̛̛̜̭͙̯͉̞̪̯̗̙͎͕̝͙̰̦̼̤̬̻̤͍̭̰̲̝̥̩̘́̓͗́͗̌͆̈́͐̽̅͆̚͜n̵̢̛̛̟͍͍̙̦̤͆̿̆͆̐̀̈́̈́̾̏̚͠ȩ̸̧̨̬̹͔̜̘̻͚͈̪̻̂͆͜͜͜͠ͅx̶̢͎̝̠̥͓͔̺̺̳̫̝̗̱͙̏̅̈́͋̈́̆̎͒͒͛̃͛̿͐̽̑̈́́͂̚͝͝͝t̶̡̛̛͓͈̣̥̥̹͖͈̼̃̑̍̏͛́́̌͊̆́̂̓̌̀̊̊͋̄̀́̑̇̕͘̚͠͝.̸̧̧̨̨̡̡͙͈͓̟͕͔͉̩̙͖̙͇̦͕͙̪̤̠͕̹̺̳̭͚͈̤͉̝̗̄̂̈́́͊̄̔͑́̑̌͊͂̅͌͛̏͆͂̚̕̕ͅͅ**

Thats when I woke up, gasping.I looked around, but Sunflower had left. Good.

One of her cats bumped into me. He was a brown tabby tom and yellow eyes. "Sunflower has told me to tell you she will be dealing with a minor issue. After that you will go to the Rebels with her. Before that, you eat." the cat pushed a plump bird towards me, but I wasn't hungry. My nightmare had made me lose my appetite.

"You can have it... what's your name?" I tried to remember the cat's name but my mind was blank. All I could remember was a scream of pain.

"Charlie." I instantly felt a wave of nausea come over me. I remembered him alright. I watched him cry as he found Meredith's body and her kits, at least what was left of them. Sunflower ordered me to force him to my will, and silently crying myself, I did. Now he was another of her slaves, bound to her will.

I inspected his body, wondering if Sunflower had punished him. I saw a lot of new claw marks and dried blood, but he would survive. For now. His stomach grumbled, and I could see his ribs. He definitely needed the bird more then me. "Take it Charlie. I order you to take it and eat."

Charlie's eyes flashed at my command, and he obediently took the bird with him. I swear I saw him smile gratefully, even under all the control.

That smile, made me think of my father, and how caring he was... until Sunflower killed him. I made up my mind: If I wouldn't be able to stop Sunflower from anything, I would simply undermine her whenever I could.

"Charlie!" I called out after he finished the bird. "Break free from Sunflower's control. Escape, and warn others. Go!"

Charlie was back, the brainless slave gone. He quickly scrambled to leave, but before he did, he said, "Thank you Twopaw."

I had never felt so good until then.

After Charlie left, Sunflower quickly came, and I hoped she didn't see him. Thankfully she wouldn't look for him in the crowd of her slaves, because he wasn't important enough.

"Twopaw, good news. I got rid of a group that was trying to end me! As if they would even lay a paw on me before I shredded them to pieces!" Sunflower cackled, but that time I did not shudder. "Anyway, off to the Rebels! They would be such a fine asset, you know!"

"Yes Sunflower." I instantly regretted calling her that. Sunflower's eyes narrowed, and she growled.

"What did you just call me?"

"Yes Mother," I said quietly.

"WHAT?!" she roared.

"Yes Mother!" I said a bit louder. This time "Mother" did not growl or roar at me.

"And I'll always be your mother, my sweet angel." she patted my head, and I resisted the urge to snap at her.

"I *love* you Mother," I choked out. "Always will." In case anyone believed me, I was lying.

Sunflower let out a happy sigh. "I can't wait for you to rule ThunderClan!"

"Then why am I here? Silver- Notail's just going to be stuck here. Can't we just leave?" I asked. She shook her head.

"Notail will get in the way of my plans. I need to kill her, and then you can lead. Since you can control, everyone will love you!"

"But... what if I don't want to lead?" I asked. The suspicious Sunflower was out again, narrowing her eyes. "Not that I don't want to!"

"Good. Off to the Rebels then." Sunflower grabbed me and we set off for the Rebel's camp.

I admit the camp wasn't as run down as I had thought, but it wasn't the nicest. A few mattresses were ripped apart, torn boxes strewn across the floor, and bones were littered everywhere.

An orange scarred tom slunk out of the shadows. He seemed shady, just the kind of cat Sunflower would recruit. "Can I help ya?" I already distrusted this husky voice.

"Hello, to whom I assumeis Maverick. And if you are Maverick, then you are leader of the Rebels."

Maverick grunted. "You assume right. Who are you, fine lady?"

Out of the corner of my eye, I swear I saw Sunflower glare at Maverick for less then half a heartbeat, but it ended before I could know for sure. Now she morphed into the "fine lady" Maverick called her. "My name is Sunflower, but you can call me Sun. I come from far lands, searching for a scoundrel, who has been a thorn in my side. She might be known as Silver, for her silver coat. She also has white paws and green eyes. If you find her, come to me. I will give you enough food to fill you and your Rebels and more!"

Maverick licked his lips. "Why, that is a pretty good offer, Sunny. Are you sure you can feed all of us?" he flicked his tail, and way too many cats came out from who knows where. I counted dozens before I gave up. Sunflower would need a lot of prey to even feed something to all of them, let alone more then fill each one!

Sunflower nodded. "The sooner, the more I'll give. I want Silver dead or alive. Mostly alive so I can torture her myself."

Maverick smiled. "I'll send my troops out now." I saw Maverick use another tail signal, and groups left the camp, no doubt beginning the search. This was what hunger could do. These cat's had standards so low, they would do anything for food. I almost asked what they did if they didn't have food, but stopped. I didn't want to know.