Poisonedsap

## Book Appearances

### Living

Shadows of Blood, Beyond the River, Deserve's Beginning, Starfaith's Fate, Rainheart's Love, Bloodfur's Gift, Mistybreeze's Choice, Poisonedsap's Rise, Milkblaze's Suspicion

### Dead

Shadows of Blood

**Poisonedsap** is a dark golden brown she-cat with dark brown muzzle, throat, nose blaze, black chin, ears, paws, and tail tip, amber eyes.

## Character Summary

Poisoned Sap is the sister of Bone Shred and a member of his gang. They live in a twolegplace where prey is scarce, but when Talon Strike speaks of a forest with lots of cats and prey, they move to another twolegplace in hopes of finding it.

One day, Poisoned Sap is chased and cornered by a dog in twolegplace. Iceslide distracts the dog until its twoleg comes and takes it away. Seeing that she's injured, Iceslide insists on helping her, much to her disgust. She is rude to him until he mentions the forest he's from, and she quickly realizes it's the one the gang is looking for.

Poisoned Sap takes Iceslide to meet Bone Shred, and seeing the starving state of the gang, he agrees to take them to a patch of woodland by the forest. Poisoned Sap assists her brother in manipulating Iceslide and participates in the merciless attacks on clan cats, wanting to drive them out of the forest.

After Bone Shred dies in battle with Iceslide, the gang disassembles, however Poisoned Sap seeks revenge for her brother's death. She begs ShadowClan for forgiveness and a home, claiming she had no choice but to follow Bone Shred's orders and wishes to live the life of a clan cat. Maplefur easily falls for this and stands up for her, and Stormstar allows her to join ShadowClan.

Poisonedsap forms an allegiance with Deserve's Army. Deserve promises her a high position in the army and a role as his future mate in exchange for her help infiltrating the clans.

Poisonedsap's allies within the clans include Mottledface, Foxshadow, Blackstorm, Ravenfeather, Clovernose, Tornadowind, and Battalon.

She decides that in addition to recruiting older cats, raising them from birth would make for better soldiers with unwavering loyalty. She becomes mates with Maplefur and has two kits, Stonekit and Swiftkit, who she forces to fight and train together in the nursery. Maplefur is horrified and urges her to stop, but she refuses and tells him to stay away from the kits, as he's only weakening them.

When she wakes up one night to find Maplefur secretly visiting Swiftkit, she leads him out into the forest, where she reveals her plan and kills him. Swiftkit witnesses this, and Poisonedsap tells him that she'll kill every cat in the nursery if he tells anyone.

Poisonedsap and her allies frame ThunderClan for the murders of Maplefur and Milkblaze and cause a battle between their clans. Soon after Maplefur's death, Poisonedsap becomes mates with Cougarfoot and has three kits: Spiderkit, Amberkit, and Falconkit, who she raises the same way she did Swiftstalker and Revengeheart, and involves them in her plan. While plotting with Deserve and allies from other clans, she pressures Cougarfoot into having another litter with her: Gingerkit, Duskkit, Leafkit, and Rowankit.

On the night Deserve's Army attacks the clans, Poisonedsap is in the ShadowClan camp telling her kits to fight, but they're too afraid. In rage, she kills Rowankit and Leafkit, but before she can finish her sons, Cougarfoot and Swiftstalker attack her. While she fights Swiftstalker, Cougarfoot races off with Gingerkit and Duskkit.

## Kills

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

* Grayshadow
* Juicy
* Truffle
* Troutspots
* Perchstripe
* Blizzardfur
* Junglefoot
* Vixenwhisper
* Maplefur
* Rowankit
* Leafkit
* Cougarfoot
* Milkblaze

## Appearances and Mentions

### Beyond the River

#### Allegiances

Poisoned Sap is listed under Allegiance Update 4, Allegiance Update 5, Allegiance Update 6, Allegiance Update 7, and Allegiance Update 8 as one of the rogues in Bone Shred's Gang.

Poisonedsap is listed under Final Allegiances as a warrior of ShadowClan.

#### Prologue

After Crimson Ice questions Bone Shred about the forest, Poisoned Sap speaks up, stating that it sounds like a great opportunity, and her brother would be a fool to pass it up. Bone Shred coldly reminds her that being his sister doesn't give her the right to speak to him differently, and he cares about her as much as the rest of these fleabags. She calmly agrees.

When Bone Shred says they'll make the cats living in the forest leave, Poisoned Sap asks what will happen if they refuse, to which Bone Shred responds that they'll die one by one until the land is theirs.

#### Chapter 14

Iceslide is on his way to Violet's house when Poisoned Sap runs passed him, being chased by a huge black dog. He watches from a bush, thinking that she'd better run, and silently urging her to hurry.

Poisoned Sap makes a sudden turn and runs between two houses in hopes to lose the dog and run somewhere else from there. But the dog follows her, and she gasps as she sees that the gate to the yard is shut. She spins around in alarm as the dog closes in. Iceslide silently wills the cat to run, thinking she can get away.

She looks for a way out an leaps forward in an attempt to race around the dog and escape it, but the dog spins and grabs her front leg in his jaws. Iceslide thinks "No!". She screeches out in pain and tries to pull free, but the dog lifts her off the ground and shakes her by her leg, then tosses her aside. She hits the gate headfirst and falls into the snow, her eyes wide and stunned. She tries to get up, but collapses. The dog barks and growls as it paces around her, tail wagging with excitement.

Iceslide sees that it wants to play with her, but eventually it'll kill her, as she can't get away. He decides that he has to do something, noting that he can't let another cat die because he did nothing. He can't stand by and watch her die.

He runs over and leaps onto the dog's back, yelling at Poisoned Sap to run and he'll distract it, and she lays there, staring at him in surprise. She tries to get up, only to collapse, letting out a grunt of pain and frustration. He realizes in alarm that she can't run as he struggles with the dog. The dog loses interest in Poisonedsap and heads for Iceslide as she tries to get up. Iceslide becomes cornered against the wall of a twoleg nest, but the dog's owner comes and takes it away.

He is relieved and runs over to Poisoned Sap, anxiously asking if she's okay. He notes that she looks young, very close to his age. She lays on her stomach against the gate, breathing quickly. She shoots him a glare and spits at him to leave her alone. He steps back, startled. He says she's hurt, seeing the drops of blood on her foreleg and in the snow. He asks if she can stand up.

She snarls of course she can and tells him to back off. Iceslide is irritated, pointing out that he just saved her life, and she could show a bit of respect, as he could have died. She narrows her eyes and comments that yet he's standing here meowing at her.

He snorts, wondering why he helped this fleabag. But he knows he never would have let her die. She growls in pain and he grows sympathetic, sniffing her wound. She glares at him, pain glistening in her eyes. He urges her to let him help her get home, as he doesn't think she's well enough to walk.

She snaps that she can walk and doesn't need his help, and Iceslide sits and looks at her calmly, telling her to go ahead. She glares at him sharply and grunts as she stands, trembling. She starts forward only to gasp out in pain and collapse into the snow, cursing. Despite her rudeness, he can't bear to see her in pain. He asks her to let him help, asking if she'd rather wait for another dog to come along, or a twoleg to scoop her up.

She growls in annoyance, but sees no other option than to accept his offer. She grumbles fine and tells him to help her up. He silently thinks "You're welcome" as she leans on him, and they head out toward the sidewalk. When he is about to turn left, she hisses and calls him an idiot as she says it's the other way.

Iceslide growls in annoyance and changes direction. She rolls her eyes and growls that she hopes no cat sees her, as it's shameful enough needing help with a kittypet, spitting the word "kittypet".

Iceslide lashes his tail and growls that he's not a kittypet, he's a clan cat. She snorts in amusement and asks what dung that is as she limps against him. He explains the clans, and she's amused, supposing they all live in harmony somewhere. He's irritated at her scorn and tells her they all live in a forest. He's about to go on when She stops, her eyes flashing with interest. She asks if that's so, and he nods. She asked if these clans of his are big groups.

He says definitely, surprised at her sudden interest. He assumes she's so used to living alone in twolegplace and feels curious about a life outside of that. He explains how each clan is filled with warriors, queens, and apprentices, adding that RiverClan is overflowing with cats.

She nods slowly and studies him, asking what a RiverClan cat is doing in twolegplace. He hesitates, wondering what she'll think of his carefree spirit. He explains that he likes to explore and gets away whenever he can. He says he's made a lot of friends outside the clans, adding that maybe she'll be one of them. Though she seems like a pain in the tail now, they might end up getting along. She narrows her eyes and comments that curiosity killed the cat, and Iceslide silently notes that it hasn't yet, dipping his head in amusement.

He asks how much further it is, and she tells him it's on the outskirts of twolegplace. He's surprised that she seems more friendly now. She says they're almost there and pauses, asking what his name is. He tells her, and she snorts in amusement, saying it's a strange name and asking if all clan cats have funny names like that. Iceslide is annoyed, but tries to stay calm as he asks what her name is. She tells him her name is Poisoned Sap.

When they reach the abandoned twoleg nest, Iceslide stares at it, asking Poisoned Sap if she has this whole place to herself. She purrs and shakes her head as she tells him that she lives here with her brother and his group of cats. She says they needed to move here because there was so little prey in the last town they lived it. She tells him that she thinks her brother would like to meet him, nodding toward the twoleg nest and saying "Let's go".

He and Poisoned Sap go inside the nest. Bone Shred furiously snarls her name and leaps down from a couch, approaching them. She says "Yes, Bone Shred?" as she stumbles against Iceslide and dips her head.

Bone Shred stops in front of her and stares her down, snarling as he asks why she's brought this cat here and who he is. She lays on her stomach, letting out a sigh as she relaxes her wounded leg. She introduces Iceslide as Bone Shred watches her, tail lashing. She adds that he lives with a large group of cats in a forest not far from here, her eyes gleaming. A few cats exchange looks as she says this, and a few step out from the shadows, staring at Iceslide.

Bone Shred calms and says "I see", preceding to speak with Iceslide. When Iceslide tells Bone Shred that it sounds like his group is a good system, Poisoned Sap purrs that it is, licking her foreleg and adding that Bone Shred is a fine leader. He dips his head to his sister and praises her from bringing him here, purring and saying he's glad to have met such a cat.

As Iceslide leaves, he pauses and looks over his shoulder at Poisoned Sap, calling a goodbye. She purrs, her eyes glowing in the darkness as she says she'll see him soon.

#### Chapter 15

Iceslide brings prey he caught for the rogues the next night. Bone Shred tells Iceslide that he gave the last mouse to Crimson Ice and Poisoned Sap.

#### Chapter 16

As Bone Shred and Iceslide lead the group through twolegplace, Poisoned Sap pads to Iceslide's side and says that she can't wait to taste some juicy forest prey. She licks her lips, her eyes gleaming as she tells Iceslide that he's very generous to help them. Iceslide warmly replies that he's happy to help, and he thinks they'll like it there. Poisoned Sap waves her tail and says she's sure they will.

When they reach the clearing and Oil Tail asks Iceslide to show them how to hunt in the forest, Bone Shred says it's a good idea and that Poisoned Sap and Shredded Ivy can join them. Poisoned Sap overhears this and pads over, followed by Shredded Ivy.

They go further into the woods, and Iceslide tells them that there will be much more prey in new-leaf, but there's bound to be a squirrel or a mouse around here. Poisoned Sap narrows her eyes as she asks if twolegs ever come around here. Iceslide says not that he knows of, but he's sure it's safe. He adds that they might need to watch out for foxes and badgers though.

Iceslide goes on showing them how to hunt squirrels and mice, and keep downwind of prey. He notes that it took them a while to understand that when stalking, they needed to watch out for leaves and twigs that might alert their prey, as in twolegplace, this wasn't an issue. But eventually they seem to understand, and Iceslide notes that they did very well for their first hunting session in the forest. They return with three mice, a bird, and squirrel.

#### Chapter 17

When Shadow Snarl is hostile toward Iceslide, Poisoned Sap snaps at Shadow Snarl as she steps out of the bushes and glares at him, asking what's wrong with him and reminding him that it's Iceslide. She says that he's always welcome here and calls Shadow Snarl a dumb furball, cuffing him over the ear. Shadow Snarl growls softly.

Iceslide points out that he probably just startled him, pitying any cat who has to take insults from Poisoned Sap. He asks how she is, and she turns to him, eyes shining as she says that since he brought them here, they've all been wonderful. She swishes her tail as she turns and tells him to come, purring that he's always welcome in their camp.

Poisoned Sap and Shadow Snarl take Iceslide to the camp. When Iceslide sits in front of Bone Shred's log and speaks to him, Shadow Snarl and Poisoned Sap are sitting on either side of him.

As Iceslide talks to Bone Shred about not hunting on clan territory, Poisoned Sap asks in bewilderment how they can know when another cat is on their land, as they can't be everywhere at once. Iceslide silently notes that rogues don't know a thing about clan life, and guesses he'll have to explain a lot.

After Iceslide reveals that the clans don't patrol during the night, Poisoned Sap tilts her head as she asks if every cat sleeps at night, and no one watches for danger. Iceslide tells her that a couple guards guard the entrance.

#### Chapter 21

When Iceslide goes to Bone Shred's camp, he realizes that a lot of cats are watching his meeting with Bone Shred. Poisoned Sap is studying him from beyond the log, her eyes gleaming. Shredded Ivy and Oil Tail are near her, watching expressionless.

Iceslide's pelt prickles with unease as he's aware of the others watching him. He tries to calm himself, noting that he hasn't visited in a while, and they're just curious.

#### Chapter 23

Iceslide is on his way to Bone Shred's camp to confront them and get back Truffle and Dime. He's just reached the trees when Poisoned Sap and Shredded Ivy step out of the bushes in front of him.

Poisoned Sap smoothly purrs a hello, adding that they thought he'd stop by. Iceslide bristles with anger as he hisses that he knows all about them now and calls them murderers. Shredded Ivy is amused as she tells him to relax, as he's acting crazy. Iceslide snaps that he's not playing games with them, unable to contain his frustration. He says that they're going to let Truffle and Dime go.

Poisoned Sap's eyes flash to his claws, but she looks more amused than worried as she asks if he'd attack a couple of innocent she-cats. Iceslide retorts that they're far from innocent, his tail lashing madly. Shredded Ivy weaves around him and tells him not to be silly, he's a great friend of theirs. Iceslide stiffens, and she adds that he's maybe more than a friend, licking his ear, and he shrinks back, growling lowly.

Poisoned Sap purrs as she suggests that the three of them go hunting together. Iceslide feels something inside him snap as he says that he's not falling for their tricks. He pushes Shredded Ivy away from him, bristling as he says he's going to get his friends. He starts forward between them. He huffs out in surprise as Poisoned Sap thrusts him onto his side into the snow. He looks up to see her standing over him, eyes gleaming. She sneers that he's not going anywhere, and she's afraid he's not welcome in their camp anymore. Shredded Ivy crouches by Iceslide's head and tells him that he's told them everything they need to know, and they're very grateful. He promised them a better life here and delivered.

He tells Poisoned Sap to get off and pushes his paws against her chest, surprised at her strength. He grunts as she thrusts him back down. She digs her claws into his shoulders and tells him that they have everything they need here, they just needed to get some cats out of their way. She tells Iceslide that she took care of that fat kittypet friend of his, her eyes glittering as she says that the soft furball didn't put up much of a fight. Iceslide is furious, knowing it's Juicy, and growls softly. She goes on to say that Grayshadow was a bit more difficult.

Iceslide snarls "No!" and kicks her hard in the stomach, knocking her away from him. He's furious knowing that she killed his father. before she can get up, he lunges at her and pins her, hissing "How dare you?" Poisoned Sap comments that he'd better get back to camp, that is, if there's still a camp to go back to, her eyes gleaming up at him.

With a start, he realizes what's going on. They're trying to distract him. RiverClan is under attack. He leaps away from her and races off. Shredded Ivy purrs to Poisoned Sap to let him go.

#### Chapter 24

As Bone Shred leads Iceslide to the prisoners den, Iceslide glances over his shoulder and sees Crimson Ice and Poisoned Sap following them. Iceslide knows that this isn't good, and something's very wrong.

When they enter the prisoners den, Bone Shred growls and raises his tail. Crimson Ice and Poisoned Sap move past them. Poisoned Sap pins Truffle and digs her claws into his shoulders.

After Iceslide reveals the gatherings to Bone Shred, he's satisfied and looks at Poisoned Sap, and Iceslide is relieved, waiting for him to tell her to let him go. But Bone Shred tells her to kill him, and Iceslide freezes.

Poisoned Sap pulls Truffle's collar back with her claws and bites into his neck. Truffle squeals and struggles, but she crunches down harder, and a moment later Truffle's head falls to the ground, his eyes wide and sightless.

Iceslide screeches "No!" and lunges at Poisoned Sap. She slashes him across the shoulder and pins him down, and Iceslide wails his heart out like a kit, calling her a piece of fox dung and saying he'll kill her, adding that she's a piece of rotten prey. Poisoned Snap sneers down at Iceslide and asks Bone Shred if she shall kill him too, digging her claws into his shoulders.

Bone Shred says to keep him prisoner, as he may still be useful to them. He looks at Poisoned Sap and Crimson Ice and tells them it's time. Poisoned Sap purrs down at Iceslide that they're attacking the RiverClan camp again, as their work is far from over.

Iceslide screeches "No!" and pushes up against her, struggling to free himself and telling her to let go. As Bone Shred turns away, Poisoned Sap and Crimson Ice follow. Iceslide starts after him, but Dark Hawk and Shadow Snarl leap in his way.

#### Chapter 26

Warmmoss picks up the scent of the rogues. But before she can warn everyone, Poisoned Sap shoots out of the bushes and lunges for Troutspots' neck, thrusting him into the snow. He yowls out in shock as she sinks her teeth into his neck. She raises her head from his body and snarls, her lips dripping with his blood. Several more rogues leap out at them from behind her.

Iceslide screeches "No!" and crouches to leap at her, but Oil Tail attacks him.

Blizzardfur knocks Glass Face to the ground and suddenly his eyes flash to Iceslide, and he gasps and yowls his name. He starts to look over his shoulder, but Blizzardfur shoots forward and thrusts him into the snow. Suddenly the weight vanishes, and he hears Blizzardfur yowl in pain. He gets up to see Poisoned Sap snarling and biting at Blizzardfur's neck. Iceslide yowls "No!" and starts toward his brother, but Glass Face and Dark Hawk attack him.

When Iceslide regains consciousness, he silently notes that Blizzardfur gave his life to save him from Poisoned Sap. Even though he blamed him for Coralshine's death, he was still willing to.

#### Chapter 27

When thinking about Blizzardfur, Iceslide's heart sinks as he notes that he's dead because of him. Poisoned Sap was going to kill him, and he had his back to her, but Blizzardfur pushed him out of the way.

During the attack at the gathering, Iceslide sees that Poisoned Sap has Junglefoot pinned in the snow and is slashing at his face. Whitestar leaps to his aid and shoots into Poisoned Sap, but a moment later, Shadow Snarl lunges at Whitestar and fastens his teeth into her neck while Poisoned Sap slashes at her spine. Iceslide wonders if they're dead and starts toward them when another rogue crashes into him.

#### Chapter 28

In the morning, RiverClan find Bone Shred's rogues at the camp. Behind Bone Shred, Poisoned Sap and Crimson Ice are standing over the bodies of Vixenwhisper and Heronleg, who had been guarding the camp. Beyond them are the rest of the rogues.

#### Chapter 29

Before he fights Iceslide, behind Bone Shred, his rogues are gathered, their eyes lit with menace and excitement. They're ready to see Iceslide die. Poisoned Sap and Shredded Ivy watch him through narrowed eyes.

As Iceslide dies, Poisoned Sap's words "curiosity killed the cat" echo in his mind.

#### Chapter 30

When the bushes rustle in front of them, Bluerain stops, and the others halt behind her. Maplefur uncertainly murmurs and asks what is it. Crowmask sniffs the air and bristles when he picks up the scent of rogue. He crouches and snarls for the cat to show themself. The patrol spreads out and stands, preparing to face the intruder. The she-cat begs them not to hurt her, saying she means them no harm. Crowmask snaps that they'll be the judge of that, his fur bristling as he tells her to show herself.

It's silent for a moment, then Poisoned Sap steps out, her eyes wide and uneasy. Crowmask lunges at her before she can speak, rolling to the ground, pinning her and hissing. Maplefur immediately shoots forward in alarm and asks what he's doing.

Crowmask snaps that she's a rogue, and she flinches as he sniffs her, her eyes lit with terror. He confirms that she's one of Bone Shred's too, he'd recognize that scent anywhere he's so sick of it. He raises an unsheathed paw. Maplefur thinks "No!" and shoulders him away from her, and he staggers back, glaring at him sharply and asking what's wrong with him.

Maplefur steps in front of Poisoned Sap and bristles as he faces Crowmask, sharply pointing out that she hasn't done anything wrong. He attacked, not her, she meant them no harm. He suggests they find out why she's here and what she wants. Crowmask opens his jaws to argue, but Bluerain agrees and sends Poppywing to fetch Stormstar.

Maplefur looks down over his shoulder and sees her crouched behind him, trembling as she stares up at him gratefully. She thanks him and sighs in relief. Maplefur silently notes that she can't be a threat, as she looks terrified.

Poppywing returns, followed by Stormstar, and Maplefur steps back from Poisoned Sap. Stormstar growls at her to identify herself at once, adding that she reeks of Bone Shred's rogues. She nervously sits up, meeting his gaze uneasily as she introduces herself and says she was one of his rogues. Crowmask immediately snarls that she told them, and to send her away. Stormstar snaps at him to be quiet, and he reluctantly falls silent. Stormstar looks at her and tells her in that case to get off their territory.

Poisoned Sap pleads with him to listen, lowering herself to the ground and saying Bone Shred was her brother. He forced her to join, help him attack the clans, and do terrible things. She shivers and says she never wanted any part in it. Maplefur feels his heart sink with sympathy for her. He silently notes that she's never been able to live a life of her own. He can't imagine living like that, under the complete control of another cat.

Stormstar's eyes are hard and cold as she goes on to say that when they came here, she saw the clans way of life. They live in peace, go where they please, and don't kill unless they have to. She says that it's the kind of life she's always wanted and asks to join ShadowClan.

Crowmask leaps to his paws and says that's crazy, asking why they'd let a murderer join them. Poisoned Sap whimpers that she's not a murderer, or at least didn't want to be. She begs the clans to forgive her for everything, as she just wants a home and to live in peace. She has nowhere else to go.

Maplefur silently thinks that they can't turn her away. He looks at Stormstar hopefully, but his eyes are stone cold. He says that she participated in the killings of clan cats, and nothing she says can change that. He nods to Crowmask and tells him to kill her.

Maplefur leaps in the way and faces him, bristling and saying "No!". Crowmask snarls, and Stormstar looks furious as he orders Maplefur to move aside.

Maplefur hesitates, but decides to disobey his clan leader. He tells Stormstar that they can't turn away a helpless she-cat, and he believes she's telling the truth. He asks if he heard about Howlstorm and Dandeliontail at the last gathering. Bluerain recalls that they trained to be warriors and turned out to be good cats.

Stormstar hesitates, seeming to consider this. He asks how they know she's telling the truth. Maplefur asks what she has to gain by lying, looking down at her. He says that she's only one cat and couldn't do any harm even if she wanted to. He looks back at Stormstar anxiously and says that they can't kill a cat for doing things she didn't want to do. She was forced, just like Howlstorm and Dandeliontail. He says she deserves a chance.

Poisoned Sap pleads with Stormstar, looking up at him hopefully and saying she wants to start over and be a warrior. Poppywing studies her and comments that she seems innocent enough. Beside her, Crowmask's eyes are narrowed to slits.

As Stormstar considers this, Maplefur silently begs him to let her join us, as he doesn't want to see her die. She's been through enough and deserves a new life, a better one. Stormstar agrees to let her join, and Crowmask hisses in annoyance, but he ignores him. He tells her that they'll be keeping an eye on her, and it'll take some time for her to earn their trust. Crowmask growls "especially mine" and turns sharply, heading back through the trees. Stormstar tells her to follow them, and they head in the direction of the camp.

Poisoned Sap stands up, satisfaction flooding through her as the warriors turn away. She silently notes that it worked, and Bone Shred was right that clan cats are fools. Maplefur looks at Poisoned Sap worriedly and asks if she's alright. Poisoned Sap looks at him thoughtfully, silently noting that he might be the softest fool of them all. She puts on her act again and tells him she's a little shaken, but she'll be alright. They pad side by side behind the others. She looks at him gratefully and thanks him, adding that he saved her life.

Maplefur dips his head and says he wouldn't let an innocent cat die. He pauses and introduces himself. Poisoned Sap says that she's glad he was here and looks at him, trying to seem nervous as she asks if his clan will be angry with her. Maplefur brushes his shoulder against hers and admits that it might take some time for them to trust her, but tells her not to worry, they'll come around. He pauses before adding that she'll love life in ShadowClan, and he's sure she'll settle in and be a great warrior.

Poisoned Sap silently notes that this will be easier than she thought. She smiles at him and says she's sure she'll be very happy here, and she looks forward to becoming one of them. Maplefur lets out a purr.

Poisoned Sap looks ahead as they near the thorn tunnel. She feels cold excitement pulse through her veins. She longs to unsheathe her claws and kill as many cats as she can once she's inside. She silently tells herself not yet. She'll make the clans pay, but all in good time. She thinks this with a purr as they step into the tunnel. When she looks down at the shadows of the leaves and thorns, she imagines they're dark pools of blood under her paws. Shadows of blood.

### Deserve's Beginning

#### Allegiances

Poisonedsap is listed under Allegiances as a warrior of ShadowClan.

### Milkblaze's Suspicion

#### Allegiances

Poisoned Sap is listed under Allegiances as an apprentice of ShadowClan being mentored by Cobratail.

###  Rainheart's Love

#### Allegiances

Poisonedsap is listed under Allegiances as a warrior of ShadowClan.

#### Chapter 3

During Stormstar's vigil, Rainheart sees movement from the corner of his eye and turns his head. He sees Poisonedsap returning to the warriors den, her ragged tail lashing behind her. Maplefur stares after her, his eyes flashing with surprise. After a moment, he returns his attention to the vigil.

Not far from him, Milkblaze watches the entrance to the warriors den where she disappeared, his eyes narrowed to slits.

Rainheart is puzzled that she would leave in the middle of the clan leader's vigil. He supposes that because she used to be a rogue, she doesn't believe in StarClan and finds the vigil pointless. He notes that she should still have the decency to be respectful.

Seeing Milkblaze's anger, Rainheart thinks that there's something more to this, but whatever it is, it's their business, and perhaps this story will be revealed someday.

When Crowmask says that Cobratail hasn't had an apprentice, Rosebreeze reminds him that Cobratail trained Poisonedsap when she joined the clan. Crowmask glances at her sharply and asks if that even counts.

#### Chapter 4

Rainheart and Poppywing are relaxing together, watching their clanmates contently. Maplefur and Poisonedsap lay near the warriors den. He's grooming her fur, but she looks far from comfortable.

#### Chapter 5

Rainheart rushes into the nursery with a mouse for Poppywing. On the other side of the den, Poisonedsap lays in her nest, watching them. At her belly suckles her newborn kits, Swiftkit and Stonekit, who were just born yesterday. She snorts that he's back again, narrowing her eyes as she adds that he was just here this morning.

He dips his head to Poisonedsap and asks what's wrong with that, as he's excited for his kits. For a moment, Poisonedsap doesn't respond. Then she lashes her tail and rolls her eyes, muttering that if Maplefur were in the nursery as much as he was, she'd shred his ears. She looks down at her kits.

Poppywing purrs at her to stop acting like a grumpy old badger, and as Poisonedsap shoots her a glare, she adds that she likes it when Rainheart visits. Poisonedsap grunts that maybe she does, but the sooner these kits arrive, the sooner he'll stop being a nuisance.

Rainheart is too excited to let Poisonedsap offend him. He's going to be a father, and nothing can crush his happiness about that. All that matters is he, Poppywing, and their future kits. Nothing else feels as important, and certainly not Poisonedsap's opinion.

#### Chapter 6

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

Poppywing's eyes gleam with amusement as she tells Rainheart he'd better be quiet, as if Poisonedsap wakes up and sees him, she'll be grumpier than ever.

When Rainheart goes into the nursery the next day, he sees Poppywing sitting up in her nest. She and Poisonedsap are watching Stonekit and Swiftkit intently. When Poppywing notices Rainheart, she lets out a purr, her eyes bright as she tells him to look, as Stonekit and Swiftkit have opened their eyes.

Poppywing comments warmly to Poisonedsap that Stonekit has amber eyes like she does. When Poisonedsap doesn't respond, Poppywing turns to Rainheart and begins to ask what color eyes he thinks their kits will have.

When Poppywing begins kitting, Dewstorm turns to Poisonedsap and asks her to please take her kits outside for now, as they'll need room. Her eyes flash with protest, but she growls "I suppose" and stands, gently nudging her kits and guiding them out of the nursery.

### Shadows of Blood

#### Allegiances

Poisonedsap is listed under Allegiances as a queen of Shadowclan, mother to Maplefur's kits: Stonekit and Swiftkit.

Poisonedsap is listed under Allegiance Update 1 as a warrior of Shadowclan.

Poisonedsap is listed under Allegiance Update 2 as a queen of Shadowclan, mother to Cougarfoot's kits: Spiderkit, Amberkit, and Falconkit.

Poisonedsap is listed under Allegiance Update 3 as a warrior of Shadowclan.

Poisonedsap is listed under Allegiance Update 4 and Allegiance Update 5 as a queen of Shadowclan, expecting Cougarfoot's kits.

Poisonedsap is listed under Allegiance Update 6 as a queen of Shadowclan, mother to Cougarfoot's kits: Gingerkit, Duskkit, Leafkit, and Rowankit.

#### Prologue

During Rainheart and Poppywing's vigil, Poisonedsap speaks from the nursery, asking Depthstar what they'll do with the kit. Depthstar hesitates and asks where it is. She tells them he's being suckled by Sunflower, flicking her tail. She says Sunflower is far too old to be raising another kit, and proposes she take him in.

Bluerain leaps to her paws and glares at her, telling her not to be ridiculous, as it's Rainheart's kit. She and Foxshine argue about him, and Poisonedsap snorts, saying they're both far too old to be raising a kit. Foxshine bristles and glares at her, asking who she's calling old.

Depthstar snarls "Enough!", and they fall silent.

Bloomfire looks at Depthstar curiously, wondering who he's chosen. She hopes it isn't Poisonedsap. Something about her rubs her the wrong way. She thinks perhaps Sunflower or Diamondrain.

#### Chapter 1

Swiftkit and Stonekit are play fighting in the nursery. Swiftkit cries out and pulls free, scrambling away and telling Poisonedsap that Stonekit clawed him. She twitches her ear in irritation and snaps at him not to be such a mouse heart, asking how he's ever going to be a real warrior if he runs away the moment a claw touches his pelt. Stonekit sneers in agreement.

When Bloodkit says hello to the kits, Stonekit starts to say that they don't want to play with him because of something Hawkfeather said, but behind him, Poisonedsap cuts him off by growling a warning, and he says no more. When Swiftkit says they can play mossball, Poisonedsap says that not in here they won't, lashing her tail and adding that she's been hit in the head with moss balls far too much. She tells them to go into the clearing, and Swiftkit agrees. He and Bloodkit go.

When Swiftkit is pushed into the thorns, Poisonedsap bounds across the clearing and begins lapping his forehead, saying "oh my poor kit!". When Hawkfeather asks what happened, Poisonedsap cuts Swiftkit off and snarls that Bloodkit pushed him into the thorns, swinging her head toward him. Bloodkit stammers and steps back, startled by her sudden fury and hatred. She snarls at him not to make excuses, as she saw it herself. Other cats agree.

When Bloodkit starts toward Swiftkit, Poisonedsap hisses, and he whimpers and scrambles back with his tail between his legs. She bares her teeth as she tells him to stay away from her son, adding that he's nothing but trouble to this clan.

Flameheart arrives and steps in front of Bloodkit, glaring at Poisonedsap and telling her not to talk to his son like that. Poisonedsap echoes "your son", her eyes gleaming, as she knows the truth. She adds that his "son" just pushed Swiftkit into the thorn bushes. Flameheart retorts that Bloodkit would never to that, and he's a good kit. Poisonedsap sneers that he's a worthless hairball. Flameheart growls, and Poisonedsap unsheathes her claws. Depthstar steps between them and says "Enough". Bloodkit is forced to apologize.

Hawkfeather tells Poisonedsap they'll take Swiftkit to the medicine den. He took a lot of thorns, and he'll just give him a couple poppy seeds. Poisonedsap nods and carefully picks up Swiftkit by his scruff, glaring down at Bloodkit and lashing her tail. Hawkfeather follows her gaze for a moment and murmurs to Flameheart to keep an eye on that kit, before leading Poisonedsap to the medicine den.

Bloodkit is too scared to move. He feels like if he dares step out from under Flameheart, some cat will attack him, especially Poisonedsap.

#### Chapter 2

When Bloodkit goes to the medicine den to visit Swiftkit, he sees Poisonedsap laying asleep on the ground across from the medicine cats, her tail curled over her nose. Stonekit lays a few mouse lengths from her. Bloodkit casts Poisonedsap a nervous glance, remembering how furious she was earlier. He can only imagine how angry she would be if she woke up and saw him. He notes that something about her has always rubbed him the wrong way, but now, he's truly afraid of her.

He remembers how she unsheathed her claws during the argument with Flameheart. He suddenly wonders if she would have attacked him and drawn blood, thinking it's against the warrior code to harm a clanmate, isn't it? He stares at Poisonedsap's thorn sharp claws and imagines them tearing through Flameheart's pelt. He shudders and returns his attention to Swiftkit. He cautiously pads past her and crouches beside him.

When Stonekit says he knows Bloodkit didn't push him into the thorns on purpose, he adds that he would never hurt him like Stonekit and-, then breaks off before he can say Poisonedsap's name, casting his mother a nervous look. He speaks more lowly as he continues talking to Bloodkit.

When Maplefur comes into the den, Bloodkit notes that he's always seemed nicer than Poisonedsap.

#### Chapter 3

Two moons have passed, and it's noted that Bloodkit spends his days playing with Swiftkit, despite the cold looks Poisonedsap and Stonekit give him whenever he goes near the other kit.

Bloodkit and Swiftkit are racing around the nursery, playing tag. Bloomfire gasps as they leap over her, and Poisonedsap hisses "Great StarClan!" as she watches them, eyes narrowed to slits and tail lashing. Stonekit is sitting near Poisonedsap. When he complains that he's bored, Poisonedsap growls at Swiftkit to play with his brother, as he does nothing but play unproductive games with Bloodkit.

Swiftkit casts Bloodkit a look and starts to argue, but Poisonedsap lets out a warning growl, and Swiftkit takes a wary step back, saying they'll play again later. Bloodkit silently notes that it's clear Poisonedsap doesn't approve of his friendship with Swiftkit. But he doesn't think about it anymore. They like each other, and they aren't harming anyone.

When Stonekit attacks Swiftkit, Poisonedsap praises him, watching them eagerly and telling him to go for Swiftkit's belly. She praises Swiftkit with a purr when he slashes Stonekit's ear open. As they fight, drawing blood and tufts of fur, Poisonedsap watches intently, encouraging them. Bloodkit is unable to watch anymore and looks back at Bloomfire anxiously, begging her to do something and make them stop. Bloomfire looks uncomfortable and exchanges a look with Diamondrain, who begins licking her kits. He looks from Bloomfire to Diamondrain in disbelief, wondering why they won't do anything. He looks back to the fight and tenses as he sees Poisonedsap looking at the queens, eyes gleaming in satisfaction. He wonders if she said something to them.

After one of his claws is torn, Swiftkit looks at Poisonedsap anxiously, but she only watches him, her expression giving nothing away. She clearly has no intentions of stopping the fight. After Bloodkit's ear is torn open, Bloomfire yowls for Hawkfeather, ignoring Poisonedsap's glare. Dewstorm arrives instead. He's shocked to see the kits bleeding. Poisonedsap cries that she told them not to play so roughly, but they wouldn't listen. Bloodkit starts to object, but Bloomfire sweeps her tail over his mouth, and he doesn't understand. Dewstorm tells all three of the kits to come to his den, and they do, Poisonedsap and Bloomfire following.

When Maplefur enters the medicine den, he brushes past Poisonedsap to Swiftkit, and she growls lowly as he begins lapping at his fur. When Dewstorm explains that the kits were playing and got carried away, Maplefur bristles and glances at Poisonedsap. Her eyes are fixed on him, her tail lashing slowly. He asks if he can have a word with her and leaves the den, and she follows.

Bloodkit stares after them curiously and watches. Maplefur reminds Poisonedsap that he doesn't want Swiftkit and Stonekit fighting like that, and they need to keep their claws sheathed. She lashes her tail fiercely and argues that if they're going to be strong warriors, they need to know how to use their claws. She adds that when they're apprenticed, StarClan knows their mentors will make them battle train like a couple of declawed kittypets.

Maplefur looks stunned and asks if he'd rather have this, gesturing to the medicine den. He says she's lucky they weren't seriously injured. Poisonedsap retorts that injuries are a part of life, and it's best they learn that sooner than later. He says no, as they're kits, and they aren't supposed to suffer like this. Poisonedsap says that it's training, and they need it, especially Swiftkit, as all the time he spends with Bloodkit has made him weak.

Maplefur demands that she stop this cruel training of hers at once, and if anything like this happens again, he'll tell Depthstar what she's doing, and she can go back to being a rogue. Bloodkit is stunned to learn that Poisonedsap was a rogue. He thinks that explains why she's so mean, but wonders how she joined ShadowClan. Poisonedsap studies him calmly and says that he knows better than that. He holds her gaze for a moment, and they're silent, tails lashing. Bloodkit wonders if they're going to fight.

Maplefur growls that he doesn't like seeing his kits like this. Poisonedsap tells him not to see them then, ever again. She begins licking her claws clean. His eyes widen as he says they're his kits too. She growls that they're only her kits as far as she's concerned, and they don't need a father. He only weakens them. He starts to object, but she snarls at him not to ever come near those kits again, or he'll be sorry. She spins around, and Bloodkit shoots back into the den before she sees him. Maplefur stares after her.

#### Chapter 4

Before Bloodkit goes to sleep, he sees Poisonedsap laying in her nest, Stonekit close to her. Swiftkit sleeps a little further from them.

Swiftkit awakes to Maplefur murmuring to him.After the fight with Stonekit, Poisonedsap told them Maplefur wasn't going to visit them anymore. This had upset Swiftkit until one night, Maplefur came and explained that Poisonedsap had ordered him to stay away. But he can come at night when Poisonedsap is asleep. Maplefur never wakes Stonekit, only Swiftkit.

The first night Maplefur visited, Swiftkit asked if Stonekit would want to see him too. Maplefur had hesitated for a moment, but then murmured that he doesn't think he would, as he feels that Stonekit's loyalty lies with his mother.

Maplefur and Swiftkit are talking about his apprentice ceremony tomorrow when Poisonedsap says Maplefur's name. Swiftkit nearly jumps out of his fur, and Maplefur bristles in shock and looks over his shoulder. Her voice sounds calm, but every word feels like thorns scraping his pelt. Swiftkit presses himself into his nest, staring at his mother nervously, then flicking his eyes to his father. She asks if that's Maplefur, as it can't be, because she told him to stay away from her kits. Swiftkit stares at her anxiously, then flicks his eyes to his father. Maplefur turns to face her calmly and meets her gaze, growling that nothing will keep him from seeing his kits. She looks at him calmly, and for several heartbeats, neither cat speaks. His tail twitches slightly.

After what feels like moons, she dips her head and says that perhaps she was wrong, as they are his kits after all. She suggests they go into the forest and discuss this privately, adding that she's sure they can come to an arrangement. Swiftkit is pleasantly surprised, thinking that she's not mad at him and she might let Maplefur see them, and that's great. Maplefur looks pleasantly surprised. He hesitates, then dips his head and says "very well". She says "wonderful" and flicks her tail.

Poisonedsap rests her eyes on Swiftkit, who tenses as she purrs for him to go to sleep, and everything will be alright in the morning. Swiftkit nods and rests his chin on the moss, watching as his parents leave the den. He sees that everyone else is still asleep. He looks into the clearing as he wonders what they'll talk about. He knows it would be wrong to eavesdrop, but he wants to hear this. He decides to go. When he picks up the scent of his parents, he's surprised to find it leading away from the thorn tunnel where the guards are. He thinks Maplefur and Poisonedsap were trying to avoid them. He goes into the forest and spots shadows up ahead, realizing it's them. He freezes and watches from the bushes.

Poisonedsap growls to Maplefur that this is his last chance, and tells him to stay away from those kits. He's surprised and starts to point out that she said they could come to an arrangement, but she interrupts and dismisses it. Maplefur stares at her angrily, his tail lashing back and forth. He asks how dare she do this after all he's done for her. He reminds her that she was a rogue, and not just any rogue, she was a member of her brother's gang, who attacked and killed warriors and apprentices. He goes on to say that her brother was killed, glaring at her steadily. She begged for mercy and for them to give her food and shelter. She seemed like a helpless, innocent she-cat, and told them that her brother forced her to attack them.

She narrows her eyes as Maplefur says that that their leader, Stormstar, wanted to have her killed, but Maplefur thought she deserved a chance. He vouched for her, and when every cat in the clan didn't trust her, he was there and treated her well. He narrows his eyes and says that now she's telling him he can't see his own kits anymore. He says that she wouldn't even have them if it weren't for him, and wouldn't even be here.

She studies him for a long moment and says that he has treated her well, and she's grateful. She lets out a soft purr and adds that she doesn't need him anymore. Maplefur narrows his eyes and says that maybe she doesn't, but the kits do. He loves them, and she can't stop him. Poisonedsap frowns and says she doesn't think he understands, and perhaps she needs to elaborate. It's silent for a moment, then she snarls and lunges at him.

Swiftkit gasps, and Maplefur's eyes go wide in alarm. She pins him onto his back and leans close, baring her teeth and sneering as she asks if he understands now. She doesn't need him anymore. She digs her claws into his shoulders, and Swiftkit stares and feels frozen and horrified, silently saying "No!" and asking what she's doing.

Maplefur stares up at her, realization lighting his eyes. He hisses that she was never a good cat, and is just like her brother, a cruel, worthless rogue. She sneers that he's a fool and fell right into her trap, calling him a pathetic warrior. He tries to get up, but she hisses and pins him back against the ground. She tells him the clans killed her brother, her friends, and took everything from her, so what better way to take out her vengeance than to take everything from them. She purrs that she will destroy the clans from within. Maplefur spits that she'll never do that alone.

Poisonedsap's eyes gleam as she agrees and says there are plenty of clan cats who will join her, and when they're strong enough, they will destroy the clans. He snaps that no warrior would betray their clan for her. She purrs of course not, as fully grown warriors are hard to persuade, but kits can be taught to believe anything. She narrows her eyes and tells Maplefur that's why she needed him. He gave her two fine kits who will one day fight alongside her in a final battle against the clans, and he could have given her more, but she obviously can't trust him.

Maplefur's eyes flare with fury as he says that those kits will never be like her. They will be loyal clan warriors. Her eyes gleam as she sneers that they'll be loyal to her and her alone. She'll find a new mate, one who isn't weak and stupid like him. One who will make her future kits strong. She digs her claws into him and says that he could have been part of it and watched Swiftkit and Stonekit grow up to be the most dangerous cats in the forest, but now he never will. She raises her claws, and Swiftkit gasps in terror.

Maplefur takes advantage of the moment and slams upward into her, throwing her off of him. She lets out a furious snarl and swings her claws at him, but he ducks and rakes his claws across her shoulder. She screeches and launches herself at him, rolling him onto his back and digging her hind claws into his spine. Maplefur yowls and rolls over, throwing a blow to her muzzle. She snarls and lunges once more, aiming her paws at his shoulder and slamming him to the ground. Swiftkit flinches as he hears Maplefur's body thud against the earth. Maplefur gasps as the breath is knocked out of him.

Swiftkit silently shrieks at his father to get up. Poisonedsap lunges down at Maplefur's throat, and Swiftkit stares in horror as she fastens her teeth into his throat. Maplefur lets out a choked cry and pushes his paws against her chest in a weak attempt to save himself, but she bites harder into him. Swiftkit's mind screams at him to help his father, silently telling Poisonedsap to stop and get off him, but his paws won't move. His blood feels frozen in his veins. Time stands still as he watches his father fight for his life.

She holds his throat firmly, her tail lashing as she waits for him to stop struggling. After what feels like forever, Maplefur's paws slowly drop from her. He goes still, the life dying from his wide eyes. Poisonedsap releases his throat and raises her head, her eyes gleaming as she studies him. Blood oozes heavily from his throat and his mouth.

Swiftkit stumbles back, feeling blind with shock and fear and numb with grief. He starts running, as he thinks that he has to warn the clan about Poisonedsap.

#### Chapter 5

Swiftkit awakes in the forest. With a start, he remembers the events of last night and how Poisonedsap killed Maplefur. He hangs his head and whimpers as grief swells his heart. He thinks that he needs to tell the clan what she's planning, wondering what stopped him last night. He realizes that he must have fainted, as he was afraid and in shock. He looks toward the camp miserably, realizing it's too late now, and Poisonedsap has probably returned to camp. He tenses in alarm as he wonders if she knows he saw her kill Maplefur.

When Poisonedsap asks what he's doing out of the nursery, it's as if his thought had come to life. He spins and looks up anxiously to see her studying him closely. He stammers, lost for words, knowing he can't let her know that he saw. She seems to see right through him and growls as she steps toward him, telling him he's sorry he had to see that. Swiftkit staggers backwards and lowers himself to the ground, choking out as he asks why she did it. She says Maplefur was holding him back.

Swiftkit cries that he wasn't, he was his dad, and she killed him. His paws tremble, yet he feels braver than ever. He raises his head to his mother, trying to keep his voice from shaking as he rasps that he's going to tell the clan what she did, and she'll be exiled. Poisonedsap purrs and says that he wouldn't exile his own mother, and asks if the clan would really believe the wild imagination of a kit. Her tail twitches as she fixes her eyes on them and tells him they'll never know the truth.

Swiftkit stares at her, his ears flattening. His heart pounds with fear as he whimpers and asks if she's going to kill him too. For a moment, she looks genuinely startled, saying she'd never kill him, he's her kit. He stares at her and wonders if he can believe that. His fur bristles nervously as she approaches him and lowers her head, licking his head. It's usually a comforting gesture, but Poisonedsap's tongue feels as dangerous as though a thorn bush was being raked over his head.

Just as Swiftkit begins to calm, she touches her muzzle to his ear and murmurs that if he tells any cat what he saw, she'll kill every cat in the nursery. His blood turns to ice as she names Diamondrain, Coldkit, Mistykit, Bloomfire, and his friend Bloodkit. Swiftkit dares to say that she can't take on both queens. Her eyes gleam as she sits down and asks who said she was doing it alone. She says she's been in ShadowClan for many moons, and has made allies. Swiftkit's eyes widen as he wonders if it's possible there are more traitors in ShadowClan aware of her monstrous plot for revenge.

Poisonedsap softly tells him to be mindful of who he trusts, as she knows that she is. She studies him for a moment and tells him not to forget what she told him, as they will die. With that, she turns away, and after a while, Swiftkit slumps onto his stomach, letting out a moan. He wonders why he had to see her kill him, why he has to be her kit, why this is happening to him. Everyone is in danger now, and it's his fault. For a moment, he considers running. He doesn't know where he would go, only that he wants to get as far away from Poisonedsap as possible. Somewhere safe, somewhere where no cat would get hurt because of what he saw.

He's about to finalize his decision when something stops him. He knows that if no cat finds out about Poisonedsap, her plot might be successful. The clans will be destroyed, and all his clanmates and friends will die. He narrows his eyes and decides that he has to stay, if not for himself, then for them. He needs to protect his clan, and he'll find a way to.

Later that day, Poisonedsap is laying in her nest relaxing, her eyes narrowed to slits as she purrs contently.

After Swiftkit snaps at him, Bloodkit turns away and sees Poisonedsap eyeing him out of the corner of his eye. He silently and sourly calls her a fleabag and tells her to relax, as he'll stay away from her kit.

Depthstar is about to hold Stripedpaw, Song, and Boost's warrior ceremonies when he pauses and looks at Cobratail, asking for confirmation that Poisonedsap's kits are six moons old. He nods, and Depthstar says that he'll hold an apprentice ceremony as well as a warrior ceremony.

Poisonedsap tells Swiftkit to come and pads over, wrapping her tail around him and forcing Bloodkit to leave his side. She tells him it's time for his training to begin. Stonekit agrees excitedly, saying this is their moment. Bloodkit watches as Poisonedsap leads her kits out of the nursery to join the others below the rock. He hopefully asks Bloomfire if they can join them, and she says of course.

Bloodkit eagerly runs to join Swiftkit, but Poisonedsap glares at him and growls that Stonekit and Swiftkit are becoming apprentices, not him. Bloodkit steps back warily, and Bloomfire tells him to take no notice of her, as she rarely has nice things to say to any cat.

When Swiftpaw is apprenticed to Timberstorm and touches noses with him, Poisonedsap watches and nods approval.

When Maplefur's body is brought to camp, Poisonedsap lets out a yowl and screeches "No!", thrusting her way through the crowd and spitting at cats to get out of her way. She lets out a wail of grief and crouches, pressing her muzzle into Maplefur's fur. When Blackstorm closes his eyes with his tail, Poisonedsap spits at him not to touch him, and Blackstorm dips his head, stepping back to give her room to grieve.

After Cougarfoot explains that Maplefur's body was found on ThunderClan territory, Poisonedsap raises her head and furiously snarls that a ThunderClan warrior killed her mate. When Depthstar starts to say they have no proof of this, she furiously glares at him and says that Maplefur was found on their land and has their scent all over him, saying clearly this is the work of ThunderClan.

Depthstar narrows his eyes and asks what reason ThunderClan would have to kill Maplefur. Poisonedsap asks what reason he has not to defend his honor. She says that Maplefur died at the paws of a ThunderClan warrior, and they must attack at once. Depthstar starts to say they won't attack ThunderClan, and Poisonedsap stands and faces him, spitting as she asks what kind of a leader he is to let cats get away with murder. She asks if he has no honor. Some cats gasp in shock that she would say such a thing to her leader, while others murmur agreement.

Depthstar is narrowing his eyes at her, his tail lashing slowly. She doesn't back down, her eyes fixed on him. After a moment, he draws in a deep breath and calmly states that she's in grief, and he understands. He says he'll confront Strawberrystar with the accusation at the next gathering.

Poisonedsap bristles and starts to protest, but Cougarfoot pads to her side and murmurs that Depthstar knows what he's doing. He promises that Maplefur will be avenged. She glares at him for a moment, and Bloodkit wonders if she'll yell at him too. But her fur flattens and she says she supposes. She leans against him and thanks him for bringing Maplefur back to camp. Cougarfoot dips his head, and after a moment, Poisonedsap looks to Depthstar, asking if they can continue with Stonekit's ceremony. Depthstar hesitates, saying surely they should hold Maplefur's vigil first, but Poisonedsap says no, and Stonekit must be made an apprentice now with his bother, as it's what Maplefur would want. Depthstar hesitates for a moment, then dips his head and says "very well".

Depthstar is about to name Revengepaw's mentor when Poisonedsap interrupts and says she has a request. Bloodkit is in disbelief that there's another interruption. Depthstar bristles, clearly irritated that this ceremony is taking so long, and impatiently asks her what. Poisonedsap says that she'd like Cougarfoot to mentor Revengepaw. Beside her, Cougarfoot looks at her in surprise. Depthstar reminds her that he already has an apprentice, and she snorts, pointing out that Mottledpaw is being assessed tomorrow.

She casts Cougarfoot a warm look and comments that surely a strong, handsome warrior like Cougarfoot can handle two apprentices for one day. Cougarfoot twitches his tail and says he supposes he could. Depthstar agrees and makes Cougarfoot Revengepaw's mentor.

Bloodkit looks at Poisonedsap, expecting to see her gaze on her son, but her eyes are all for his mentor. He thinks that surely she isn't thinking of taking another mate so soon after Maplefur's death.

#### Chapter 6

Bloodkit misses having Swiftpaw in the nursery, but notes that on the bright side, Poisonedsap has returned to her warrior duties. Somehow the nursery feels safer without her. Bloomfire and Diamondrain seem relieved to have her gone too.

After the ceremony, Swiftpaw starts to give Bloodpaw a reason why he didn't talk to him, but suddenly pauses and looks over his shoulder.

Bloodpaw blinks and follows his gaze, seeing Poisonedsap, Mottledface, and Revengepaw watching Swiftpaw closely. Bloodpaw prompts him to go on, and Swiftpaw snaps his attention to him, saying he's been really busy with his training. Bloodpaw can't help but feel like he's hiding something.

#### Chapter 7

Poisonedsap calls out to Revengepaw and Swiftpaw, and Bloodpaw turns to see she and Cougarfoot padding across the clearing to them. They stay shoulder to shoulder, pelts brushing. Bloodpaw is willing to bet every frog in the forest that they're mates now.

He's still surprised at how quickly Poisonedsap moved on, noting that it seems like the moment Maplefur's body was found, she fell for Cougarfoot. But he supposes that she and Maplefur were never very close anyway, remembering how they'd argued. Bloodpaw can't imagine what any warrior would see in Poisonedsap.

When the couple reaches them, Bloodpaw notices Swiftpaw's fur flattening as if he'd been startled by them. He wonders if Poisonedsap scared him that much. She touches noses with Revengepaw and licks his ear, purring that she's so proud of him. Poisonedsap casts Cougarfoot a warm look and adds that he's lucky to have Cougarfoot as a mentor. Cougarfoot dips his head, looking embarrassed as he says Revengepaw is a good apprentice.

Poisonedsap rubs her head against Cougarfoot's, then leans on him as she tells Swiftpaw and Revengepaw that Depthstar is allowing them to go to the gathering tonight. She pauses before adding that it should be an interesting one. Swiftpaw nods, and Revengepaw eagerly asks if Depthstar is going to confront ThunderClan about Maplefur. She nods, her eyes gleaming as she says there will finally be justice.

Bloodpaw feels awkward among the little family, especially talking about Maplefur's death with such eagerness. He hopefully asks if he can go to the gathering too. Poisonedsap glares at him, looking ready to snap a response. But before she can, Cougarfoot suggests he ask Depthstar. When Bloodpaw returns to Swiftpaw and Revengepaw, Poisonedsap and Cougarfoot have left.

At the gathering, Poisonedsap addresses Swiftpaw and pushes her way through the crowd, Revengepaw and Mottledface following. She tells him they're going to speak with some RiverClan cats and for him to join them. Bloodpaw thinks it sounds more like an order than an invitation. Swiftpaw looks at her hesitantly and says he promised Bloodpaw he'd stay with him.

Poisonedsap narrows her eyes, tail lashing as she says "very well" and turns away. As he passes, Revengepaw grunts, asking why he'd want to hang out with Bloodpaw. Bloodpaw notices Swiftpaw looking upset for a moment and asks if he's okay. He says yeah and points out that ThunderClan is here.

After Depthstar accuses ThunderClan of murder, Bloodpaw remembers how eager Poisonedsap and Revengepaw had been for this moment. He peers through the crowd curiously and spots them sitting close to the great rock with Mottledface. They gaze up at the leaders, looking delighted at the conflict. He understands that Poisonedsap and Revengepaw want justice for Maplefur, but wonders what Mottledface has to gain.

When Strawberrystar declares the gathering is finished, Bloodpaw looks at Poisonedsap and Revengepaw curiously. Poisonedsap looks absolutely stunned, anger blazing in her eyes.

As they leave fourtrees, Poisonedsap runs to Depthstar's side and hisses at him, asking why he backed off. Depthstar glances at her and replies that he knows Strawberrystar and believes that her reaction shows that ThunderClan is innocent. A rogue must have killed Maplefur on ThunderClan territory. Poisonedsap spits that she doesn't believe that for a second, her tail bristling. She says that Maplefur must be avenged, and they must attack ThunderClan at once.

Depthstar says her name in a sharp warning growl and reminds her that he's clan leader not her, and that she seems to forget that. He says they will not attack ThunderClan and asks if that's clear. She looks very irritated and snarls, asking what they're going to do, sit back and wait for more cats to die at the paws of ThunderClan. Depthstar says that this conversation is over and looks away, racing ahead to catch up with Cobratail. Bloodpaw doesn't think this is over at all, and Poisonedsap won't let this go.

#### Chapter 8

Bloodpaw looks up sharply as Poisonedsap yowls Depthstar's name. She and Blackstorm burst into the camp, out of breath and alarmed. Cobratail sits up sharply and hurries to meet them, asking what it is. Blackstorm tells Cobratail to get Depthstar, and when he does, Poisonedsap anxiously tells Depthstar that there's something he needs to see, right now. Unease flickers in Depthstar's eyes as he agrees.

Depthstar, Poisonedsap, Blackstorm, Brownstripe, and Bloodpaw run through the forest to the thunderpath. After a moment of grieving for Milkblaze, Depthstar looks at Poisonedsap and Blackstorm, asking who did this. Blackstorm tells Depthstar to smell him, and the leader confirms ThunderClan scent.

Poisonedsap growls that ThunderClan has taken another one of their warriors. Depthstar is silent, and she approaches him, hissing as she asks if he believes it now. She says Strawberrystar is a liar, her warriors are murderers, and they must attack at once. Blackstorm and Brownstripe agree.

Poisonedsap quietly tells Depthstar that if he'd done something about this sooner, Milkblaze would still be alive. She asks who's next, waving her tail to Brownstripe and Blackstorm as she tells Depthstar it could be one of his sons.

#### Chapter 10

When the battle ends, Bloodpaw watches Revengepaw strut after Depthstar, his tail high in the air. He purrs that they showed those ThunderClan fleabags, clearly pleased with himself. Poisonedsap pads to his side and licks his ear, purring that he fought brilliantly, and Maplefur would be so proud of him. Bloodpaw silently questions this.

#### Chapter 11

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

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

#### Chapter 12

It's noted that Bloodpaw had tried to approach Swiftstalker to offer him a mouse, but he had quickly turned away to join Revengeheart and his friends. It's noted that Swiftstalker, Revengeheart, Poisonedsap, Blackstorm, Mottledface, and Foxshadow have become an inseparable group. Bloodpaw finds it strange that Poisonedsap wants to hang out with so many younger warriors, but assumes she just wants to be around her kits.

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

It's noted that a moon ago, Poisonedsap gave birth to Cougarfoot's kits: Spiderkit, Falconkit, and Amberkit.

#### Chapter 13

While Bloomfire is kitting, Poisonedsap is sitting a little ways from Bloodpaw with her kits leaping around her restlessly. When Spiderkit and Amberkit ask when they can go back in the nursery, Poisonedsap flicks them on the ears and tells them they'll go back as soon as Bloomfire's kits arrive.

Falconkit looks up at her impatiently and asks how long that will take. She narrows her eyes and says it depends on how well the kitting goes. Poisonedsap's words make Bloodpaw anxious, and he anxiously asks her if something will go wrong and if Bloomfire will be okay. Poisonedsap doesn't respond, and his stomach churns with anxiety. Song proceeds to reassure him.

#### Chapter 14

When Depthstar calls a clan meeting, the queens and elders pad out of their dens, blinking away sleep. Though unnamed, Poisonedsap is one of them.

#### Chapter 15

When Bloomfire's kits urge Bloodfur to show them a hunting crouch, he purrs that they have to go outside, as he doesn't think Poisonedsap and Greenpine will appreciate them leaping about the den like frogs on catmint. Poisonedsap grunts that he's got that right from where she lays watching her kits play. She says those three drive her crazy enough as is. Greenpine adds that she'll have her own to bother her soon.

Bloodfur sees Poisonedsap's kits playing inside the nursery, but soon realizes they're fighting and drawing blood. Poisonedsap praises Spiderkit with a purr and tells Amberkit that she has to be faster and go for his belly. She obediently does so.

Falconkit sits close to Poisonedsap, staring at his siblings wide eyed. She asks what he's waiting for, and he says he doesn't want to hurt them. Poisonedsap narrows her eyes and asks if he wants to be a warrior. Falconkit blinks and says of course. She growls at him to practice with his brother and sister then, or she'll tell Depthstar not to make him a warrior.

Bloodfur gaps in shock, thinking that she can't say that to a kit, and certainly shouldn't be forcing them to fight like that. He's immediately reminded of how Poisonedsap made Revengeheart and Swiftstalker play when they were kits. He thinks it isn't right.

As Falconkit lowers his head and approaches his siblings, Bloodfur confronts Poisonedsap and asks what she thinks she's doing. She glares at him as he says she can't make them fight like that, as they're only kits. Poisonedsap softly growls at him not to tell her how to raise her kits, as he's not a father. Bloodpaw twitches his tail and says he doesn't need to be to know this is wrong.

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

Swiftstalker addresses him, and it startles him to hear that voice. He turns and Swiftstalker tells him to come on and let Poisonedsap do what she wants. Bloodfur hesitates and glares at her. Her eyes are fixed on him, tail lashing. She gives nothing away, but he knows she's angry. After a moment, he leaves.

He meets Swiftstalker's gaze and sees that his emotions are just as hidden as Poisonedsap. Bloodfur says that he must know what she's doing isn't right, lashing his tail and adding that he of all cats should know.

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

#### Chapter 16

Poisonedsap pads out of the warriors den and purrs a greeting to Cougarfoot, who blinks warmly. She weaves around him for a moment, brushing her tail over his neck before continuing across the clearing to where Revengeheart and his friends sit.

It's noted that last moon, Poisonedsap's kits were apprenticed, and she returned to her warrior duties.

When Bloodfur returns to camp, Poisonedsap snarls "What do you mean, you don't want more kits?". Bloodfur looks across the clearing, startled to see Poisonedsap and Cougarfoot facing each other, tails lashing. Some cats watch with interest while others ignore, deciding to mind their own business and let the couple argue.

Cougarfoot sharply reminds her that he never planned on being a father in the first place, but she wouldn't leave him alone about it. He says they have three fine kits now, and asks if that isn't enough. Poisonedsap's eyes flare with anger as she hisses that it's not, and a warrior's duty is to provide kits for the clan.

Cougarfoot bristles and says he thinks there's a lot more to it than that, and adds that anyway, she just left the nursery. She asks why she wants back in so soon. Poisonedsap growls that they need to have another litter as soon as possible, as they're running out of time. Cougarfoot blinks and says he doesn't think she's that old.

She lets out an annoyed hiss and spits that she wants more kits, and he'd better give them to her. Bloodfur notices Swiftstalker sitting near Revengeheart and Mottledface, looking nervous. He wonders what he's worried about, thinking that surely Poisonedsap wouldn't attack her mate.

Cougarfoot lets out a frustrated snarl and says he'll think about it, shouldering past her and saying that until then, he's needed for a patrol. He pauses and flashes a glare at her, adding that's his duty to the clan, in case she's forgotten.

Poisonedsap glares at him coldly before whipping around and disappearing into the warriors den. Some of the cats murmur to each other before continuing what they were doing. Bloodfur wonders what's ruffling her fur and why she's pressuring Cougarfoot to have more kits, as they just had three, and all she did was complain about them and make them fight.

#### Chapter 17

Bloodfur is surprised when Cougarfoot praises him, thinking that considering he's mates with the rudest she-cat in the forest, he'd be just as better. After thanking him, Bloodfur says he hears Poisonedsap is expecting more kits and congratulates him. Cougarfoot responds with "Mmm" and twitches an ear as he turns away. Bloodfur doesn't think he wanted more kits, and Poisonedsap must have talked him into it somehow.

When discussing who could be responsible for the murderers at a clan meeting, Poisonedsap slowly rises to her paws and raises her gaze to Depthstar, saying that it grieves her to suggest it, but asks if he's considered looking to his own cats. Depthstar bristles and asks which ShadowClan warrior would do such a thing. Bloodfur draws in a breath and notes that Revengeheart and his friends sneak out of camp so often, they could be responsible for this. But he wonders if Poisonedsap is really about to accuse her own son of murder.

Poisonedsap swishes her tail and asks who he thinks, noting the cat who has always been an outcast, absent from camp when the bodies were found, who Hawkfeather warned them about. She rests her gaze on Bloodfur, and his heart skips a beat, bristling in shock.

As the clan glares at him, Poisonedsap hisses that Bloodfur never liked his mentor, and it's clear he dislikes Revengeheart. She bets he killed Diamondrain just to hurt Mistybreeze. The rest of the clan begin arguing and yowling at Bloodfur, and he yowls that he never killed anyone, glaring at Poisonedsap and asking how dare she.

Poisonedsap raises her sinister voice above the rest and says that Hawkfeather warned them about Bloodfur, and the kit born in blood couldn't have been anything but a bad omen. Bloodfur's mind spins as he wonders what she's talking about. When Flameheart hisses at Crowmask that his son is innocent, Poisonedsap spits at him to stop that nonsense, revealing that Bloodfur isn't his son, and that he was a fool to take in that kit, he was a sign of trouble since the start. Bloodfur freezes and shakily stands, asking Flameheart what she's talking about.

When Depthstar says there's no evidence Bloodfur killed anyone, Crowmask retorts that everything Poisonedsap said makes perfect sense to him.

Bloodfur again asks Flameheart what Poisonedsap was talking about, and he's forced to tell him the truth about his birth.

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

#### Chapter 18

When Bloodfur asks Revengeheart if he knew the truth about his parents, he responds no, however Poisonedsap told him about Hawkfeather's omen when he was a kit.

#### Chapter 19

Castiel asks Revengeheart if the clan cats will be visiting next moon. Revengeheart tells him yes, however Poisonedsap is expecting more kits and won't be able to attend. Castiel narrows his eyes and says his father has developed a plan and wishes to share it with all of them, Poisonedsap must hear it.

Revengeheart assures him he'll pass the message on to her afterwards, and Castiel hesitantly agrees to this.

#### Chapter 20

Poisonedsap and her followers are on their way to visit Deserve's Army on the night of a gathering. Despite being so close to kitting, she insisted on coming and was angry at Revengeheart for telling Castiel she wasn't coming to the meeting. She continues getting tired on the journey, but insists she's fine whenever Revengeheart suggests they take a break.

Castiel and Papercut lead the group to Deserve's camp. When they get there, Deserve is surprised to see Poisonedsap, as Castiel told him she wasn't coming. Poisonedsap purrs that nothing could keep her from seeing him, revealing Deserve's identity to Bloodfur.

When Deserve notices Swiftstalker is absent, Poisonedsap explains that he stayed behind for the gathering, while weaving around Deserve and wrapping her tail around his neck. Deserve is irritated and shoulders her away. Bloodfur is shocked that she's flirting with him when she's mates with Cougarfoot and expecting his kits.

While waiting for a hunting party to return and start the meeting, Poisonedsap, Revengeheart, and Mistybreeze follow Deserve.

When Deserve speaks to Bloodfur in the forest, he tells him that Poisonedsap told him all about his situation.

#### Chapter 21

After disregarding Cardinalpaw, Bloodfur notes that he doesn't have time for an apprentice, as he has a special role in Deserve and Poisonedsap's plan.

When Bloodfur asks Swiftstalker why he stopped being his friend, Swiftstalker starts to say Poisonedsap's name, but breaks off and changes the subject.

The next morning, Bloodfur, Revengeheart, Poisonedsap, and Mottledface go to the great rock at fourtrees to meet with followers from other clans. After Mottledface grows impatient, Poisonedsap growls to him to be patient, reminding him that it's harder for Ravenfeather to sneak away as deputy.

After Bloodfur has a vision and nearly falls off the great rock, Poisonedsap grabs his scruff and sharply asks what he's doing, pointing out he's lucky she caught him before he fell and broke a leg. Bloodfur thanks him and lies that he thought he heard something. Poisonedsap grunts.

The other cats arrive, and Clovernose greets Poisonedsap, who is glad to hear her kits have become apprentices and will participate in the battle. She looks at her stomach and says hers should arrive soon. Poisonedsap asks Bloodfur how he'll go about killing the medicine cats, and he explains his plan to attack at their highstones meeting with Deserve's soldiers rather than clan cats to limit the risk of being caught. Poisonedsap praises his thinking, but isn't up to making another trip to see Deserve. Clovernose says she'll pass the message to him. Poisonedsap happily points out that once the medicine cats are dead, nothing can get in their way, and revenge will be served to the clans.

#### Chapter 23

Early in the morning, Revengeheart, Mistybreeze, Bloodfur, Mottledface, Blackstorm, and Foxshadow are practicing battle moves. It's noted that Poisonedsap suggested they practice at least once a day.

#### Chapter 25

Before sunrise, Revengeheart brings a large number of their allies out to the forest for a training session. Bloodfur realizes how many of his clanmates are involved with Poisonedsap and Deserve's plot.

It's noted that Poisonedsap had wanted to join them, but Cougarfoot insisted she stay in the nursery with their newborn kits: Gingerkit, Duskkit, Rowankit, and Leafkit, who were born just a few days ago, the morning after Bloodfur and Mistybreeze walked in the forest.

When Mistybreeze tells Bloodfur that Revengeheart has been pressuring her to have kits, Bloodfur remembers how Poisonedsap pressured Cougarfoot into having more kits and wonders if there's a connection. Recalling how quickly Amberrose, Spiderfang, and Falconclaw were brought into the group, he wonders if it's Poisonedsap's plan all along and if Revengeheart is thinking the same way.

#### Chapter 26

Bloodfur and other allies of Poisonedsap go to Deserve's camp. They are greeted by Deserve, and Poisonedsap confirms that the attack on the medicine cats went well.

Bloodfur is still surprised that Poisonedsap joined them, noting that her kits are less than a moon old, but she insisted on leaving them to attend the meeting. She asked Song, who just moved into the nursery, to keep and eye on them. Song asked many questions, though Poisonedsap answers none. Eventually Song agreed to watch the kits.

Poisonedsap praises Bloodfur on leading the attack, much to his surprise.

Deserve calls a meeting to discuss their plans, and Poisonedsap approves of Ravenfeather's idea to try killing Sagefern. She tells Deserve she'd like to hold off on the attack until her kits have sharpened their skills, as they'll be participating in the battle. Bloodfur is surprised that she's teaching them battle moves at less than a moon old, but remembers how she did the same with Revengeheart and Swiftstalker.

Mistybreeze is shocked as she confronts Poisonedsap about sending her kits into battle, but Revengeheart cuts her off, stating that a cat who won't have kits has no place in deciding what another mother should do with them.

#### Chapter 27

Poisonedsap is laying in the grass watching her four kits stumble around. Their eyes haven't opened yet, and they're excited about seeing the world. Poisonedsap purrs that the sooner their eyes open, the sooner they can start learning to be warriors.

Bloodfur silently corrects her, thinking it'll be the sooner they'll be killed in battle.

#### Chapter 29

When the clan allies reach Deserve's camp, every cat but Poisonedsap is there, as she's with her kits.

When the cats start chanting "death to the clans", Bloodfur knows he ha to do something, and can't let any more cats suffer because of Poisonedsap and Deserve's plot.

Swiftstalker admits to Bloodfur and Mistybreeze that as a kit, he witnessed Poisonedsap killing Maplefur. Bloodfur remembers how Maplefur objected to Poisonedsap showing their kits battle moves, and understands that she felt Maplefur would get in the way. When he asks why he didn't tell anyone, Swiftstalker tells him Poisonedsap threatened to kill every cat in the nursery, and after seeing all the allies she had, knows she could have done it. He explains that Deserve wanted her to recruit as many clan cats as possible, but Poisonedsap felt that making them was a better option. She tricked Maplefur and Cougarfoot into having her kits, wanting to have as many as possible to join in the battle against the clans.

Swiftstalker apologizes to Bloodfur, stating he never wanted to stop being his friend, but Poisonedsap didn't want him near him, and he feared she'd kill Bloodfur or something.

Swiftstalker vows that he won't let any more cats die because of his mother.

#### Chapter 30

During the battle, Bloodfur tells Revengeheart that he's been a fool to fight with Poisonedsap, as he's only against the clans because he thinks a clan cat killed his father. He reveals that Poisonedsap killed Maplefur, but to his shock, Revengeheart laughs and reveals that he knew all along, explaining that he knew a moon beforehand she was thinking of killing him, but they didn't tell Swiftstalker because they knew he was too weak to understand. Revengeheart is amused as he explains that Poisonedsap thought to frame ThunderClan by taking Maplefur's body to the border, to cause a battle to kill as many clan cats as possible for Deserve.

In the ShadowClan camp, Swiftstalker silently vows he won't let any more cats suffer because of Poisonedsap. He sees no sign of her and guesses she's in the nursery still, hoping she's protecting her kits.

Swiftstalker races out of the elders den when he hears Poisonedsap. He sees her herding her four kits out of the nursery, snarling at them to fight, as it's what she's been preparing them for. They're all too frightened and don't want to hurt anyone. Poisonedsap is frustrated and yowls at them to finish Ebonypaw, as she'll be easy. The kits refuse. She screeches in fury and sinks her teeth into Rowankit's scruff, throwing her across the clearing and killing her. Swiftstalker is horrified, and as she sinks her teeth into Leafkit's neck, realizes she's going to kill them all.

Swiftstalker races at his mother, but Cougarfoot is faster and pins her. Poisonedsap pulls free and lunges at him. Swiftstalker pushes his mother away from him, and she screeches and slashes at his face, telling him he's just as worthless as the kits. Duskkit wails, asking why she'd want to kill them. She snarls and tries to attack he and Gingerkit, but Swiftstalker tackles her and yowls at Cougarfoot to get the kits out of here. He races out of the camp with the kits while Poisonedsap screeches after him.

Swiftstalker glares down at Poisonedsap, thinking he'll hold her off. He feels more hatred toward her than ever, and he screeches as she swings at them, and they lock into battle.

#### Chapter 31

Bloodfur assumes that being Poisonedsap's mate, Cougarfoot is on her side, but is proved wrong. Cougarfoot tells him that Poisonedsap killed Leafkit and Rowankit. Bloodfur is shocked, noting that he knew she was a bad cat, but to kill her own kits, she was truly heartless.

Cougarfoot says he was wrong about Poisonedsap and a fool to take her as his mate. He asks Bloodfur to help him bring his sons to WindClan, as he can't let his kits stay here. The clan will never forgive Poisonedsap for what she's done, and will only see the kits as hers. He won't let them grow up in a clan that will despise them for their mother's actions. Cougarfoot says WindClan will never know who Duskkit and Gingerkit's parents are, and they'll be safe and treated fairly there. Bloodfur knows that the clan will be wary of all of Poisonedsap's kits.

Poisonedsap leaps out of the bushes behind Cougarfoot, furiously screeching that he's a piece of fox dung, and those kits will never see the light of day again. She lunges at Cougarfoot, and the kits shriek in terror. Bloodfur pulls the kits away from the battling cats.

Poisonedsap slashes Cougarfoot's shoulder, saying she should have killed him, as he's worth no more than Maplefur was. Cougarfoot lunges for her throat, but she ducks and claws at his side. After sheltering Gingerkit and Duskkit under a bush, Bloodfur turns to help Cougarfoot and hears him yowl. Poisonedsap has Cougarfoot pinned, digging her claws into his throat as he struggles. Bloodfur yowls at Poisonedsap to get off him and attacks her, but then sees Cougarfoot is already dead.

Poisonedsap pushes Bloodfur away and starts toward Gingerkit and Duskkit, who huddle together whimpering. Bloodfur defends the kits, telling Poisonedsap that they decide their fate, not her. If she wants the kits, she'll have to get through him first.

Poisonedsap snarls and lunges at Bloodfur, but Swiftstalker appears and slams her to the ground. He tells Bloodfur to get the kits out of here while he deals with her.

Swiftstalker battles Poisonedsap, who angrily says he's always been the weakest, and is just like his father. Swiftstalker says he'd rather die than turn out like her, which angers her into attacking him. He slashes her throat, but not enough to do critical damage. She asks if he'd really kill his own mother. Swiftstalker says she's killed many cats and doesn't deserve to live. He's about to attack her when Poisonedsap does first, pinning him and digging her claws into his throat. She tells him he could have thrived in Deserve's Army with them, but will instead die like a useless clan cat.

She raises her paw to slash his throat when Deserve arrives and questions her. Upon learning she would kill her own kits, he breaks their deal. Poisonedsap furiously leaves Swiftstalker to face Deserve, reminding him of their agreement: If she helped him gain allies in the clans, he'd take her as his mate and give her a high position in the army. Deserve says he has no interest in letting her even join his army.

Poisonedsap screeches and attacks Deserve, but he swings a paw at her head and knocks her to the ground. He swings at her throat and splits her open from throat to stomach. Swiftstalker has to look away as she screams in agony. He thinks that she's finally dead.

#### Chapter 32

In StarClan, Poppywing explains that the poison spreading in ShadowClan was Poisonedsap. Maplefur states that Poisonedsap was recruiting cats from within ShadowClan to participate in she and Deserve's plot to destroy the clans. Swiftstalker adds that she was having kits and raising them to be like her: Spreading her poison.

Poppywing and Bloodfur see cats moving across the border to the dark forest. He sees Revengeheart and Poisonedsap padding alongside each other, pelts bloody and scarred. Falconclaw follows, tail lashing. Bloodfur notes that they'll spend all of eternity in the place of no stars.

Spiderfang tells Bloodfur that his mother made the army sound so great.

### Starfaith's Fate

#### Allegiances

Poisonedsap is listed under Allegiances as a queen of ShadowClan, expecting Maplefur's kits.

### Mistybreeze's Choice

#### Allegiances

Poisonedsap is listed under Allegiances as a warrior of ShadowClan.

## Quotes

*"I hope no cat sees me. It's shameful enough, needing help from a kittypet!"*

-Poisoned Sap to Iceslide in *"Beyond the River",* chapter 14

*"Isn't that lovely? And I suppose you all live in harmony somewhere?"*

-Poisoned Sap to Iceslide about the clans in *"Beyond the River",* chapter 14

*"Curiosity killed the cat."*

-Poisoned Sap to Iceslide about the clans in *"Beyond the River",* chapter 14

*"You'd better get back to camp, Iceslide. That is, if there's still a camp to go back to."*

 -Poisoned Sap to Iceslide in *"Beyond the River",* chapter 23

*"If Maplefur were barging in here as often as you, I'd shred his ears."*

  -Poisonedsap about Rainheart visiting Poppywing so much in *"Rainheart's Love",* chapter 5

*"No, please listen! Bone Shred was my brother. He forced me to join him, to help him attack the clans, to kill and do terrible things, but... I never wanted any part of it! When we came here, I saw your way of life. You live in peace, go where you please, and you don't kill unless you have to. That's the kind of life that I've always wanted. Please, I'd like to join ShadowClan."*

  -Poisoned Sap's lie to Stormstar in *"Beyond the River",* chapter 30

*"Don't be such a mouse-heart. How are you ever going to be a real warrior if you run away the moment a claw touches your pelt?"*

  -Poisonedsap to Swiftkit after Stonekit claws him in *"Shadows of Blood"*, chapter 1

*"Not in here, you won't! I've been hit in the head with moss balls far too much! Go into the clearing."*

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

*"You stay away from my son! You're nothing but trouble to this clan!"*

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

*"Great attack, Stonekit! Now go for his belly."*

  -Poisonedsap as her kits fight in *"Shadows of Blood"*, chapter 3

*"I told them not to play so roughly! The stupid furball's wouldn't listen!"*

  -Poisonedsap lying about her kits fighting in *"Shadows of Blood"*, chapter 3

*"If they're going to be strong warriors, they need to know how to use their claws! When they're apprenticed, StarClan knows their mentors will make them battle train like a couple of declawed kittypets!"*

  -Poisonedsap to Maplefur in *"Shadows of Blood"*, chapter 3

*"They're my kits, as far as I'm concerned. They don't need a father. You only weaken them."*

  -Poisonedsap to Maplefur in *"Shadows of Blood"*, chapter 3

*"Don't ever come near those kits again, Maplefur. Or you'll be sorry."*

  -Poisonedsap to Maplefur in *"Shadows of Blood"*, chapter 3

*"Is that Maplefur? It can't be. I told him to stay away from my kits."*

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

*"This is your last chance, Maplefur. Stay away from those kits."*

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

*"You fell right into my trap, pathetic warrior! The clans killed my brother. My friends! They took everything from me. So what better way to take out my vengeance than to take everything from them? I will destroy the clans from within."*

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

*"Fully grown warriors are hard to persuade. But kits... They can be taught to believe anything. That's why I needed you, Maplefur. You gave me two fine kits who will one day fight alongside me in a final battle against the clans. And you could have given me more. But I obviously can't trust you."*

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

*"They will be loyal to me, and me alone. And I'll find another mate, one who wasn't weak and stupid like you. One who will make my future kits strong! You could have been a part of it. You could have watched Swiftkit and Stonekit grow up to be the most dangerous cats in the forest. But now, you never will."*

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

*"Oh, Swiftkit. You wouldn't exile your own mother. And do you really think the clan will believe the wild imagination of a kit? They will never know the truth."*

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

*"If you tell any cat what you saw, I'll kill every cat in the nursery. Diamondrain, Mistykit, Coldkit, Bloomfire... And your friend, Bloodkit."*

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

*"Proof? Maplefur was found right on their land! There's ThunderClan scent on him! Clearly this is the work of ThunderClan!"*

  -Poisonedsap to Depthstar in *"Shadows of Blood"*, chapter 5

*"What kind of a leader are you to let cats get away with murder? Have you no honor?"*

  -Poisonedsap to Depthstar in *"Shadows of Blood"*, chapter 5

*"Revengeheart! Swiftstalker! I'm so proud of you."*

  -Poisonedsap to her sons when they become warriors in *"Shadows of Blood"*, chapter 12

*"I want more kits, Cougarfoot! And you'd better give them to me."*

  -Poisonedsap in *"Shadows of Blood"*, chapter 16

*"Who do you think, Depthstar? Which cat has always been an outcast? Which cat was absent from camp before the bodies were found? Which cat did Hawkfeather warn us about?"*

  -Poisonedsap accusing Bloodfur of murder in *"Shadows of Blood"*, chapter 17

*"Bloodfur never liked his mentor! And it's clear he dislikes Revengeheart! I'll bet he killed Diamondrain just to hurt his mate, Mistybreeze!"*

-Poisonedsap accusing Bloodfur of murder in *"Shadows of Blood"*, chapter 17

*"Hawkfeather warned us about him! The kit born in blood couldn't have been anything but a bad omen!"*

  -Poisonedsap about Bloodfur in *"Shadows of Blood"*, chapter 17

*"Stop that nonsense, Flameheart! He's not your son! You were a fool to take in that kit! He was a sign of trouble since the start!"*

  -Poisonedsap about Bloodfur in *"Shadows of Blood"*, chapter 17

*"I'm pregnant, not crippled! Of course I'm coming!"*

  -Poisonedsap to Revengeheart in *"Shadows of Blood"*, chapter 20

*"Nothing could keep me from seeing you, Deserve."*

  -Poisonedsap in *"Shadows of Blood"*, chapter 20

*"Once the medicine cats are dead, nothing can get in our way. Revenge will be served to those wretched clans."*

  -Poisonedsap in *"Shadows of Blood"*, chapter 21

*"What's wrong with you? Get out there! Go on! Fight! This is what I've been preparing you for!"*

  -Poisonedsap to her kits in *"Shadows of Blood"*, chapter 30

*"We had an agreement! If I helped you gain allies in the clans, you would take me as your mate and give me a high position in the army!"*

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

## Gallery

### Designs and References

Poisonedsap design (old)Poisonedsap's designPoisonedsap design (current)Sappy designRealistic PoisonedsapPoisonedsap Reference Sheet
### Covers and Headers

Poisonedsap on the cover of Shadows of BloodPoisonedsap chapter headerRussian Style Shadows of Blood coverPoisonedsap on the cover of Milkblaze's Suspicion.German style Shadows of Blood coverPoisonedsap on the cover of Poisonedsap's Rise
### Scenes

Poisonedsap as the clan accuses Bloodfur of murder
### AMV Shots

Poisonedsap on The Other Side MAP call cardPoisonedsap on The Other Side MAP call cardPoisonedsap in the nursery (The Other Side MAP part)Poisonedsap,Swiftkit, and Stonekit in the nursery (The Other Side MAP part)Poisonedsap and Maplefur arguing (The Other Side MAP part)Poisonedsap and Maplefur in the Grow For Me spoof PMVPoisonedsap and Maplefur in the Grow For Me spoof PMVPoisonedsap and Maplefur in the Grow For Me spoof PMVPoisonedsap and Maplefur in the Grow For Me spoof PMVPoisonedsap and Maplefur in the Grow For Me spoof PMVPoisonedsap and Maplefur in the Grow For Me spoof PMVPoisonedsap and Maplefur in the Grow For Me spoof PMVPoisonedsap and Maplefur in the Grow For Me spoof PMVPoisonedsap and Maplefur in the Grow For Me spoof PMVPoisonedsap in the Grow For Me spoof PMVGrinch Poisonedsap in the Grow For Me spoof PMVPoisonedsap in the Grow For Me spoof PMVPoisonedsap in the Grow For Me spoof PMVPoisonedsap in the Grow For Me spoof PMVPoisonedsap, Revengeheart, and Mottledface in the Victorious PMVPoisonedsap, Stonekit, and Swiftkit in the Victorious PMV
### Other

Anthro versions of some OCsPoisonedsap sticker / button designWiki Style Poisonedsap (BASE BELONGS TO THE WARRIORS WIKI. I only colored it for fun and take no credit for lineart)Maplefur's death, Leonid Nasyrov style

## Character Development and Origins

After deciding that Revengeheart and Swiftstalker would be brothers, they needed parents. I gave them an ambitious, bloodthirsty mother, Poisonedsap, and a kind father named Maplefur.

Originally, Poisonedsap is a former warrior of ThunderClan. She was the daughter of Crookedtail and Twistedstream, and the sister of Wetbelly and Fallenhope.

Poisonedsap is exiled for trying to kill the clan deputy, and taken in by ShadowClan. Like in Shadows of Blood, Poisonedsap forces Revengekit and Swiftkit to fight in the nursery, however not for Deserve's Army. She trains her kits to fight in a future battle against ThunderClan, who she swears vengeance on.

However, Revengekit is not bad from the start. When Poisonedsap refuses to let Maplefur see the kits, Revengekit is upset by this, as he has to admit he liked Maplefur a lot more than Poisonedsap.

Like in Shadows of Blood, Poisonedsap awakes one night to find Maplefur seeing the kits in secret and is furious. However she calms herself and asks to talk to Maplefur alone in the forest. Swiftkit follows and sees her kill him.

I wrote the first few chapters of this when I was 12 or 13, however unfortunately it was lost. I do recall that as Poisonedsap reveals her true intentions to Maplefur, she pins him, and it's very creepy, as she tells it like a bedtime story and says good night before she kills him.

No cat knows that Poisonedsap killed Maplefur. Afterwards, she takes Cougarfoot as a mate.

Many moons after Revengeheart and Swiftstalker become warriors, Poisonedsap is killed in battle with ThunderClan. Many cats think the danger is over, but Revengeheart continues his mother's quest for revenge. He wants to avenge her and destroy ThunderClan. He plans to become leader of ShadowClan, but fails and is exiled when the clan discovers his plot to kill Ebonypaw.

In the planning stages of *Shadows of Blood*, she is the daughter of Twistedstream and Crookedtail, the sister of Fallenhope and Wetbelly, and the mates of Cougarfoot and Maplefur. Her kits are listed as Revengeheart, Swiftstalker, Gingerkit, and Duskkit.