The Path of Darkness

 Warriors: The Path of Darkness Darkclaw’s secret with The Storm revealed…

= Allegiances =

ShiningClan

Leader-Nightstar

Deputy-Fireflower

Medicine Cat-Lilyfrost

'''Apprentice-Snowfall '''

 

Warriors

Clawheart

Solarspark

Sunsetfur

Iceflame

Novastrike

Darkclaw

Cloudshine

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman","serif"">Desertrose

Hawkheart

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman","serif"">Tigerstripe

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman","serif"">Lightflow

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman","serif"">Fireheart

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman","serif"">Brightwing

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman","serif"">Fernleaf

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman","serif"">Ripplefur

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman","serif"">Whitedust

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman","serif"">Swiftfoot

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman","serif"">Cindermoon

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman","serif"">Ashpelt

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman","serif"">Cedarbrook

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman","serif"">Skyflight

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman","serif"">Graythistle

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman","serif"">Foxfur

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman","serif"">Blacktail

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman","serif"">

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman","serif"">Apprentices

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman","serif"">Snowfall

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman","serif"">

<span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman","serif"">The Storm

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman","serif"">Leader-Skullstar <span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman","serif"">Deputy-Deathblow

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman","serif"">Reviver-Bloodspill

'''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Apprentice: Viperpaw '''

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman","serif"">

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman","serif"">The Slayers

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman","serif"">Impactfang

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman","serif"">Scratchface

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman","serif"">Shredclaw

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman","serif"">Ripfang

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman","serif"">Bonesnap

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman","serif"">Razortooth

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman","serif"">Poisonbite

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman","serif"">Killslash

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman","serif"">Piercingstreak

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman","serif"">Venomflare

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman","serif"">Viletalon

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman","serif"">

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman","serif"">Apprentices

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman","serif"">Viperpaw

= Decision of Darkclaw =

<span style="font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">           Darkclaw, Fireheart, and Novastrike were padding through the forest, plenty of freshkill dangling from their jaws. Each she-cat was smiling, satisfied with their catch. As they made their way back to camp, a hiss came from some bushes, startling Darkclaw.

<span style="font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">           “Darkclaw? Are you okay?” asked Fireheart through a mouthful of prey.

<span style="font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">           The black warrior slowly nodded. “Yes, I am, thanks.” She murmured, continuing to walk.

<span style="font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">

<span style="font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">           Novastrike and Fireheart padded on. Darkclaw hung back, investigating the bush. She stuck her nose into the bush.

<span style="font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">           “Is anyone in there?” she asked.

<span style="font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">

<span style="font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">           Suddenly, a tom leaped out and attacked her. He pinned her down and glared at her.

<span style="font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">           “Tell any cat I’m here, you’ll regret it!” he spat.

<span style="font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">           “Wh-What!?” Darkclaw stuttered, shocked.

<span style="font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">           “You’re a clan cat, right?” the tom muttered to her.

<span style="font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">           “Yes… why do you have to know?” asked Darkclaw.

<span style="font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">           The tom sighed and got off of her. “I am a cat of the clan, The Storm. My name is Piercingstreak, the lead warrior. My leader, Skullstar, wishes to find a cat of another clan to help her.” He explained.

<span style="font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">           Darkclaw stood up and shook her fur. “What do you need help for?” she pressed.

<span style="font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">           Piercingstreak chuckled. “We want to expand our territory, because our clan is too big for our current camp.” He meowed.

<span style="font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">           “Why would my clan be any help to you for “expanding your territory”?” Darkclaw looked suspicious.

<span style="font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">           “What I’m saying is, we want to drive out a clan, and since you’ve revealed yourself to be a clan cat, that means there’s territory around here for us.” Piercingstreak meowed darkly.

<span style="font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">           Darkclaw’s fur bristled. “Why would we let you drive us out!?” she hissed.

<span style="font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">           “Well… you’d let us drive you out because Skullstar can give you a position of authority in The Storm while your clan suffers.” Piercingstreak smiled evilly. “We can give you everything a cat could want. Abundant prey, amazing battle moves… eventual leadership…” he gave the last example in such a convincing tone.

<span style="font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">

<span style="font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">           For a moment, Darkclaw let herself get swept away in her thoughts about Piercingstreak’s offers. She pictured standing on a ledge up high, gazing down at several cat that were under her control. She visualized leading a patrol throughout a vast expanse of territory. She envisioned having the edge on Nightstar and Fireflower in battle...

<p style="text-align:center"><span style="font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">~•♥•~

<p style="text-align:center">''<span style="font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Nightstar and Fireflower were cornered, and two toms of The Storm were stalking up to them to finish them off. A voice called behind them. ''

<p style="text-align:center">''<span style="font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Good job Bonesnap, Razortooth.” The girlish voice meowed. “You can go. I’ll finish them off.” ''

<p style="text-align:center">''<span style="font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Yes, Darkclaw.” Both toms dipped their heads and backed out the tight passageway, giving the ShiningClan leader and deputy a last swipe at. ''

<p style="text-align:center"><span style="font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif""> 

<p style="text-align:center">''<span style="font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Fireflower narrowed her eyes and saw Darkclaw approaching. ''

<p style="text-align:center">''<span style="font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Why are you doing this to us, Darkclaw?” she hissed. ''

<p style="text-align:center">''<span style="font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Darkclaw lifted a paw and revealed long, sharp, and threatening claws. “I found a much better clan.” She meowed as if the answer was obvious. ''

<p style="text-align:center">''<span style="font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“How is The Storm any better than ShiningClan?” Nightstar protested. ''

<p style="text-align:center">''<span style="font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">           “ShiningClan is made of cats who have to work so hard to get what they want.” She scoffed. ''

<p style="text-align:center">''<span style="font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">           “And?” Fireflower’s eyebrow arched. ''

<p style="text-align:center">''<span style="font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">           “The Storm is made of perceptive cats who get everything they want effortlessly, just because they got swag.” She meowed admiringly. ''

<p style="text-align:center">''<span style="font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Swag? Really? You choose this clan over your birth-clan just because this clan has swag!?” Fireflower sounded offended. ''

<p style="text-align:center"><span style="font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Uh, 'yeah. '''That’s what I was just ranting about, duh.” She rolled her eyes. ''

<p style="text-align:center">''<span style="font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Darkclaw… I never imagined you’d be a traitor.” Nightstar growled. ''

<p style="text-align:center">''<span style="font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Darkclaw looked hurt. “Traitor’s such a harsh word. I prefer true warrior, dear.” She smiled darkly. ''

<p style="text-align:center"><span style="font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif""> 

<p style="text-align:center">''<span style="font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">She lunged forward and grabbed Fireflower’s scruff. Fireflower yowled in rage, but couldn’t break free of Darkclaw’s strong grip. Nightstar leaped forward to rescue her, but was shoved out the way by Darkclaw’s shoulder. Darkclaw gave an epic evil laugh. '''Boom! '''Thunder and lightning crashed overhead, adding to the awkward evil moment. Darkclaw’s bright white fangs sparkled. She bent her head down and gazed into Fireflower’s eyes. ''

<p style="text-align:center">''<span style="font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“This is for my new clan…” she murmured to Fireflower, regret dulling her bright amber eyes. ''

<p style="text-align:center"><span style="font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif""> 

<p style="text-align:center">''<span style="font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Outside, Novastrike and Brightwing were battling side by side against one larger The Storm she-cat, Impactfang. A caterwaul rose up from the small alley behind them. Impactfang narrowed her eyes slowly before backing up. Brightwing nudged Novastrike, and the ginger she-cat nodded. Both she-cats scurried over to the walkway, and the moment they saw what was ahead of them, they both gasped. ''

<p style="text-align:center">''<span style="font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Fireflower was lying on the ground on her side. Her flanks weren’t rising and falling like they would if she was breathing. Brightwing yowled in grief and she buried her soft pink nose into Fireflower’s sharp orange fur. Nightstar bowed his head and gazed down sadly at his deputy. Novastrike moaned in agony. Darkclaw slowly left the scene and she padded out into the open. The last thing she heard was a yowl filled with rage and anguish. ''

<p style="text-align:center">''<span style="font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Fireflower!” ''

<p style="text-align:center"><span style="font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif""> 

<p style="text-align:center"><span style="font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">~•♥•~

<p style="text-align:center"><span style="font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">

<span style="font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">           Darkclaw’s eyes glowed with ambition. Piercingstreak laughed and brushed his pelt against hers.

<span style="font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">

<span style="font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">           “A glorious offer, isn’t it?” he purred sinisterly.

<span style="font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">           “Yes,” Darkclaw meowed, an evil smile creeping onto her face. “And if you can give me what you say you can, then I’ll help you.”

<span style="font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">           Piercingstreak’s eyes met hers. “I knew you would,” he murmured, flicking his tail for her to follow him.

<span style="font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">

<span style="font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">           He disappeared into the dark forest, and Darkclaw followed him without hesitating. The moment her black tail vanished, Fireheart and Novastrike came back to where they had left Darkclaw. Fireheart picked up Piercingstreak’s rough scent.

<span style="font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">           “I smell a half-rogue, half-clan scent.” Fireheart meowed, wrinkling her nose.

<span style="font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">           “I know,” Novastrike glanced around. “I smell it, too.”

<span style="font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">           Fireheart looked worried. “Do you think Darkclaw went back to camp?” she asked.

<span style="font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">           “I’m sure she did,” Novastrike assured her.

<span style="font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">

<span style="font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">           The two she-cats padded back in the direction of the camp, both of them completely unaware of what danger their best friend had put them and their clan in...

<p style="text-align:center"><span style="font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">

<p style="text-align:center"><span style="font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">