Can't Stand This All/A Tale of Two

A Tale of Two
Silver and Dark are two rogue sisters, living in a dreaded place called the Canapy. At first, it was a joyous place, but now, with the new queen, the two sisters face prison, and even death. Dark is forced to watch her own friend betray her, and she and her sister experience a life that will scar them forever.

Prologue
I'm not some normal cat you can rely on. I'm the cat that faced the dangers with my sister. We stood up to the many challenges that we faced, but in the end, I couldn't stand it anymore.

My name is Dark, and my sister Silver was a bit special. She could hold her breath and her dreams would become real to her. She could forsee the future.

I was happy a few moons ago with four Clans... They were ThunderClan, WindClan, RiverClan, and ShadowClan. I needed a home alongside with Silver but then it broke down. Our home broke down so easily... I didn't get a chance to stay there...

My life as a rogue loner wasn't the greatest. We started with a few mistfortunes and Silver lost her mind. I'll even show you the places as we talk...

~_~_~_~_~

"Coral!"

"Silver, you know Coral's busy today...don't bother her!"

"Dark, I'm not dense. I know Coral."

I sighed, rolling my eyes. Silver meandered forward, ready to walk into the camp Coral was working in. "She's taking visitors today and she has to attend the meeting today at sunhigh!"

Silver shrugged. "At least Coral's better at talking than you are. You spoke gibberish to the last visitor. No wonder Star took her in as his assitant."

I let out a low growl. "At least I have better skills than she does. She can talk, get the toms, but she can't fight or think like me."

Silver kept walking in, "I'll just pretend I'm her visitor! They'll let me in." She smiled reasurringly.

Letting out another sigh, I sat back and watched Silver entered. She had one of those "visions" where she saw this fortune that Coral would let her in to the grand feast today and Silver would get a great meal. Funny how Silver thinks.

"She has private meetings to attend to, I know you're her friend and visitor, but not today. I'm sorry for the inconvience." The guard hissed and shoved Silver back.

My sister shrieked as the burly tom shoved her back, making her sprawl on the dirt floor. "You monster! Coral said I could come today and she allowed me to enter camp!"

"Sorry she-cat but Coral has a special meeting today."

Silver groaned and lay there like a lost kitten. "I told you so." I growled, rolling my eyes.

Glaring at me, Silver hissed at me. "Whatever... my visions aren't usually wrong so I didn't think they would really throw me out. I'm Coral's best friend for StarClan's sake."

"They're strict about this meeting. It's the Coronation of the queen. 'Course they wouldn't let you in."

"Why don't you try, Dark." Silver hissed as she whirled away.

I scratched the ground impatiently. "Is that a dare?"

"That was a dare, sister."

I grinned, knowing the guard was my last love. "It's a deal."

Slipping into the camp, I spotted Forest. "Hey Forest! Coral said I could come in for the meeting today since the Coronation is so important. She needed some help escorting the guests in."

Forest blushed. "Sorry, Dark, but I can't let you in. You need a special position in the Forest Guard and you got fired last moon."

"Oh my, it has your name in it! You must be special." I smiled charmingly at him.

"Haha thanks, Dark, but nice try again. You aren't in the Forest Guard which means you can't go and watch the queen be chosen." The tom glared at her this time.

"At least let me sit outside and listen?" I pleaded, feeling Silver's gaze staring at me from behind.

Forest shrugged. "If you want to risk it, take it. I can't stop you from sitting outside the meeting room."

"Thanks!" I grinned and slipping in. Silver dashed after me, but Forest stopped her. "You aren't Dark's sister are you? She has some permission to walk in but I'm afraid you don't."

I snorted softly as Silver mewed plaintively. "That's not fair! She's my sister. I should be able to go with her..." But Forest sat down at the entrance, his green eyes tracking Silver down wherever she went. "She's my sister!"

I padded in with confidence, knowing the next guard well too. Sure enough, Rocky was staring at me as I strolled in. "What are you doing here?" He groaned.

Glaring at him with a look of hurt, I said with arrogance in my voice. "I was allowed in by Forest himself, and-"

"You know you're not allowed inside because you were fired from the Forest Guard last moon right? Only members from the Forest Guard allowed inside. I'm surprised Forest didn't tell you that." Rocky stared smugly at me.

"Huh." I muttered, swishing my tail. "Well he did tell me that, but he also told me I'm allowed to enter and sit outside if I wanted to."

Rocky rolled his eyes. "The daring she-cat they always say. You never change do you?"

"Nope." I snorted as I took my seat. "And you get me for company for the next hour!" I mewed cheerfully.

Rocky let out a low moan and slid to the ground. "You know how much I hate your snidy comments? I can't stand your arrogance. Curse you, Forest! Why did you let her in..." He moaned and shoved me inside. "Just go in, I don't even care about the rules. But you're not allowed to stay outside with me."

I let a cheeky grin slide across my face and slid in. There were no other guards and the other members didn't care who sat with them. They just wanted the news and that was all. I sat down next to Coral, who gave me a bewildered look and faced ahead. "Don't tell them." I whispered. "Rocky let me in."

"Of course he would." Coral muttered. "He hates you. He doesn't want you sitting outside while he's on guard."

"Exactly!" I purred. "So I get to see the Coronation!"

Coral rolled her own eyes, a move I've been seeing for the entire day now and purred too. "You're so daring, Dark. They should hire you to be one of the fighting guards, not a talking agent."

"Haha, they've tried, but apparently I don't quality." I mewed sullenly.

Coral shrugged and listened for the big announcement. "I guess the queen's ready, she's about to make her appearance."

I stared excitedly, waiting for the "queen" to step out. I heard that she was gorgeous, and the perfect leader for the Forest Guard. "Queen Lake of the Riptides, step out and receive your crown!"

The she-cat was simply beautiful, her blue eyes flashing in the dark as she stepped out. Her shining silver pelt made her look like Silver, and her swishing long tail swept on the floor.

"Welcome, Forest Guard." She mewed in her elegant voice. "I am Queen Lake, and I shall take the name of Your Majesty when I am addressed. Today is my Coronation day, and I expect you all to show the respect I am to receive, and perhaps you'll get to stay in the Forest Guard."

Strict. I thought. But a good queen already.

Lake's gaze rested on me, and she called me forward. "Dark, I see you've brought yourself in today. Perhaps you would like to be my royal escort for the day?"

It's a dare, she knows I'm not supposed to be here. But I put on a charming smile and slyly slid over to her side. "Of course, Your Majesty."

Lake stared at me with no emotion in her eyes, and she nodded slightly at me. She began to take a step towards the royal guard, who gave me a scathing look. "I accept the crown." She mewed before the guards could speak. "Go ahead, tell me the rules."

The guards glanced at each other, then realized the queen was a fiesty one. "Go ahead to the throne room." One muttered and took a step back.

Queen Lake purred softly and brushed her tail against his cheek. "I know one member who's staying." He grew pink and I let out a soft snort.

Brushing inside, I gasped at the luxury of the queen. "This is my home now, Dark, and you are invited to my first dinner tonight."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." I mewed, this time with no scorn in my mew. I was simply astonished at the wealth and the beauty of the room, and I knew this was my chance to shine.

"Why did you even come today?" Lake growled, her eyes searching mine. "My Coronation day has nothing to do with a peasant like you. They don't even care who becomes queen, so why should you?"

"I worked here last moon." I mewed with authority. "So I know about the death of the last queen, and the choosing of the new one."

Lake stared at me with utter surprise. "You. You, part of the Forest Guard." She let out a bark of laughter. "What were you? A fighter?"

"I was the...talker agent." I muttered, knowing that the queen was mocking me.

Lake sat down, her silver tail curling up around her body. "Tell me, Dark. Why do you even care what happens in the choosing? Being a talker agent doesn't matter. You must have a reason for wanting to know the new queen, and I want to know why."

I stood there, staring at her. She stared back, her azure eyes piercing my skin. I stood there uncomfortably, then mewed. "I wanted to have a better position. I wanted a chance in the real Forest Guard, and I wanted to do that by impressing the queen."

Lake leaned forward. "I'm not easily impressed, and you're not so impressive yourself, Dark. I know you, an arrogant she-cat who catches the eye of several guards outside. But you also drew unwanted attention to yourself when you were fired last moon because you weren't suited for your job."

Eyeing the new queen, I sat down in front of her. "Doesn't a cat get another chance?" I hissed, staring at Lake with newfound hatred. "How does one become impressive in your eyes then?"

"You don't care anymore, I can see it in your eyes. You don't have to know how to become impressive. I already know you're not going to be here with me anymore, so you don't even need to try." Lake stood up, brushing her tail against the dirt floor. "You already know the dinner is fake, and you already know that I don't care about you."

I stared at her now turned back, feeling her words slice at me. I knew that Lake didn't give anything for my impression, but I also knew she wanted trustworthy cats. "So what if I'm arrogant? At least I have a better status then most peasants. You know yourself it's required to choose at least five peasants for a job in the Forest Guard."

Lake turned around, her gaze sharp with curiousity. "So much confidence in your voie, Dark. You may be better than the others, and the rules may say that I must choose at least five, but I have one already. Your friend Coral has proven to be an useful talker. Plus, who said I was keeping the Forest Guard?"

I took a step back, watching her every move. "You don't want to have a Forest Guard? But the queens of the Canapy has been having a Forest Guard for the past few generations!"

"So they have," Lake muttered, "But the new queen has made her choice. I shall make a Canapy Patrol, a better and newly improved Guard that will obey me without any signs of disloyalty. And I'll make a new rule, I don't have to choose any peasants to be part of my patrol. Have fun, Dark."

Chapter One
The dinner was actually real, and I was invited today. Silver glared at me, knowing that she didn't get to meet Lake, nor was she invited to the special dinner. "It's not fair..." she muttered. "You're not exactly special! Why does Lake want to talk to you?"

"Because she already did talk to me, and she promised me the dinner tonight. Plus, you should be grateful you didn't have to make an impression of yourself in front of her."

"So you say," my sister growled, "But I didn't meet her myself, so how do I know you're not lying? You could easily be getting a job proposal tonight, and I'll have to wait for you at home everyday, watching you do your best as a Forest Guard."

I rolled my eyes. "You'll see tonight when the guards bring the scrolls. Lake's going to change everything we know right now."

Stalking out into the night, I spotted Coral shuffling impatiently in front of my den. "You take so long, Dark! You know Lake is waiting for us."

"I know, I know. She's waiting for her precious peasants to attend her meeting so she looks good in front of the aristocrats. Then she'll make her rule and we'll all be cast down to the fields to work for her." I stalked forward, anxious to talk to the queen once more.

Coral raced after me. "So you say. Did she really threaten you with this?"

"Not threaten." I corrected. "She issued a change in front of me."

Coral grimaced and padded alongside me. "What about my job?" She whispered softly. "My family depends on the prey I bring back as a Forest Guard. I don't want to work on the fields everyday like you do..."

I laid my tail on her back. "Maybe you'll be let off easily, maybe you'll get extra prey for a moon. Lake's probably not going to be so harsh on you."

"But the prey will only last for a moon!" Coral wailed. "You know that my mother's pregnant again! She's going to have kits, and I'll have to hunt for her and do the fields! I'll never make it through..." She whimpered in fear.

I dragged her towards the queen's room. "Be quiet," I muttered, "You'll being the whole village on us."

Queen Lake was watching the arrival of her visitors, and her gaze met mine. She smiled like a devil and beckoned for me to follow her in. I left Coral where she was, and padded after Lake. Coral trailed after me and spotted the queen waiting for us at the throne room.

"Your Majesty." Coral gasped, sweeping low into a bow.

Lake gazed at me, her eyebrow twitching. I glared pointedly at her, then bowed down too.

"You two have been invited to my wonderful dinner because you two seemed suited for a job in the Forest Guard." Coral let out a squeal of happiness, then closed her mouth quickly. "However..."

Lake's mouth turned into a smirk, and she mewed. "We aren't having a Forest Guard anymore."

Coral gasped softly, her gaze flitting up to the queen's then settling to stare at the ground once more. I sat up straighter, and stared right at Lake. "Why make a decision here, in front of two peasants? Why not announce this in front of the aristocrats?"

Lake smiled, her icy blue eyes cold and hard. "Because I wanted the two of you to hear my news first. I wanted to make it final in front of the aristocrats and tell all the peasants present in my courtyard that changes are being made."

I growled, my eyes filled with burning hatred. "You have a burning desire to wipe us all out don't you. Well I don't care what you plan on doing, but I'll fight against your new rules with my might. We aren't toys to be thrown around. We're-"

"You're peasants that I can toy with, Dark. You're peasants forced to listen to my every ruling, forced to obey me. I'm the new queen, not you, Dark, and you're expected to obey me." She mewed icily, cutting me off. "I don't care what kind of rebellion you stir up, I'll have my Canapy Patrol at my side, ready to strike down any force that rises."

Coral started to drag me away, knowing I wanted to burst. "Of course, Your Majesty." Coral hurriedly mewed. "We'll except this new change with... pleasure..." She stuttered, dragging me outside.

"Of course you will." Lake mewed, scorn filling her mew.

I whirled on Coral as Lake padded away. "Why didn't you let me fight her? I bet you I could beat her in a fight. Lake's not a superior being we need to bow down to. She's a devil that will destroy us all!"

Coral shook her head. "We can't fight the queen. We're peasants, just like she said. We have to obey her new laws or we'll be thrown in prison!"

I curled my claws, imagining life within the dark cells. "It may be too late for me." I muttered. "And I'll fight with my last breath."

Coral sighed softly. "Do what you want, Dark, but know that I cannot support you in this. But I won't tell Lake, and I'll help you in any possible way I can."

I nodded my thanks. "Coral, I know you're scared, but we aren't her toys and servants. We're cats who deserve a better life. I'll make sure I might it better, or I'll make sure we escape for a better life."

We padded into the dining room, and I took a seat beside Coral and Forest. The brown tom leaned over and whispered. "You know about the new laws?"

"Yeah." I hissed. "And I don't like them."

"Personally," Forest muttered. "I think Lake's crazy. She plans on changing the whole Canapy policy and half of the aristocrats won't be too happy about the change."

I nodded. "I think half of the Canapy cats are going to be unhappy with these changes."

Forest thumped his tail. "My position isn't going to be as high in this 'Canapy Patrol' she's built. My father doesn't support her, and already I've made a terrible impression of myself."

"Me too." I mewed bitterly. "Apparently I'm on Lake's 'hated list'. I wasn't so great to her either. Plus, I think I annoyed her to no end."

Forest gave me a warm look. "Being the arrogant she-cat again?"

"I was being the she-cat who through different about Lake's plan." I mewed, ignoring his snidely look.

The tom snorted. "So you were being arrogant to her."

"I guess you could say that." I mewed cheekily, glancing at him with amusement glittering in my eyes. "Lake's going to have to get used to me though, I won't let her go so easily."

Coral leaned over. "What are you two whispering about? The Coronation is about to start."

I sat back, my eyes tracking Lake down. The silver she-cat's fur was shining in the dim moonlight, and her elegant mew caught the attention of many of the aristocrats."

"I'll start with the harsh news." Lake mewed, her gaze resting on me. "I have decided that we will not have a Forest Guard anymore, but instead, I shall appoint a Canapy Patrol." Uproars of distress and protest rose from the crowd.

Lake silenced them as she continued to speak. "I know you're all worried about your jobs, but if you're proven to be a loyal warrior, I'll assign you a position in my Canapy Patrol. This Patrol shall have all of the best of the Canapy warriors, and no peasants are to be allowed in it."

The aristocrats snorted and thumped their tails in approval. "The peasants never do anything right!" One shouted.

"They're useless in the Forest Guard anyways!" Another yowled.

I noticed that most were glaring at me, and I glared back. They could say whatever they wanted, but it didn't matter anymore anyways. We weren't allowed to part of the great Canapy Patrol."

Lake continued on with her speech. "Next, I am to enforce our dungeon rules. There will be five guards on every prisoner to ensure there is no escaping. I want you guards to be extra harsh, no mercy for our prisoners, they earned their place there. Anyone caught disobeying my laws is to be sent to prison for the time I see fit.

"Prisoners are to work the fields harder than the peasants. Any peasant not working shall be thrown in prison for a moon. Any prisoner that doesn't work will be punished severly. The prisoners are to be given numbers, and never to be addressed by their name, it isn't worthy for them anymore."

The aristocrats seem to take in all this info, and some nodded in agreement. Others furrowed their brows and shrugged unwillingly. They had no choice anyways.

"Lastly, I need my new members of the Canapy Patrol. I shall start to pick today and tomorrow, and if there is not a lot of trustworthy members I can think of, we'll have a nomination."

I whirled around, angered by the sudden changes Lake had made. Forest padded after me, and so did Coral. My friend was frantically muttering about her position and her family, but Forest was watching my eyes. "What are you going to do now?" He whispered softly.

I glared at Lake who was issuing orders. "I'm going to rebel."

Chapter Two
Forest stared at me in utter surprise. "How? You heard her. The peasants are to work the fields hard or you'll be thrown in prison. She's got everything under control!"

"You can help, can't you?" I mewed fiercely. "I've got to keep this under control myself. Lake's not going to accomplish anything if all the peasants are angry with her new laws. We don't even get a chance at the Canapy Patrol."

Forest glanced worriedly at his father, who was still inside. "I don't know..."

"Come on!" I mewed, grabbing his tail. "Forest, you have to help me. Thousands of cats are going to suffer from Lake, and we have to do something about it."

The tom sighed wearily. "But I don't know what you're suffering from. I don't know the hardships of being a peasant. My father and mother are aristocrats, and I live where Lake wants me to live. I do what she wants me to do. I can't just sidle off with you and rebel."

My eyes softened with anger. "So you won't help me, fine then, but don't you dare say a word to Lake."

Forest nodded. "I won't, Dark, but...how...?"

"Not telling you." I muttered, stalking away. "I have a plan though."

~_~_~_~_~ Working the fields were harder than I expected. We had to find mice and birds in fields of tall grass, and it wasn't pleasant. The grass scraped against my legs and I found it hard to search for any prey in these parts of the Canapy.

"Catch five pieces of prey to give to Queen Lake, then you're free to hunt for yourself." Rocky was eyeing me with annoyance. "Oh, and Dark? You get to catch six because I hate you."

"What a great reason." I muttered, whirling around to enter the fields. A mouse skittered across my view, and I rushed forward to catch it. The stalks whipped my legs and I grimaced as I leapt on top of the mouse. Not bad...

Each cat had their own field, so no cat had the right to complain about another one. Each field was filled with prey, so it shouldn't be hard to fill up the requirement. Queen Lake was demanding, wanting five pieces of prey from each cat, six from me because of Rocky.

Blood welled from my small cuts and I groaned in pain. Limping forward with my mouse in my mouth, I spotted a raven pecking at the seeds on the ground. I crouched low, not wanting to startle the bird with my poor hunting skills. It jumped forward, searching the ground for seeds. I waited for it to come a bit closer, but I found myself face to face with the bird. I shrieked in surprise, and the racen let out a caw of dismay. It started to fly, but I slammed my paw down, killing it quickly.

"That was close." I mewed, dropping the mouse beside the raven. "Two pieces of prey, four more to go." Sighing, I padded back into the fields, feeling my way forward, not interested in stepping on sharp stones.

A squirrel darted by up ahead, and I pounded forward. ''There's prey everywhere here! I guess this won't be as hard as I thought it would...''

Dashing after the furry creature, I spotted it's tail up ahead. It's getting away! I groaned inwardly and pushed harder, racing after the prey like there was no tomorrow.

"Got you!" I squealed as I jumped on the prey.

Then I heard a yowl of disapproval and a roar of pain as two cats tussled. "You're not allowed to take other cat's prey. I know I hate her, but rules are rules. You're arrested for breaking a law and you're going to prison."

Rocky was standing over another cat, a tom who was staring defiantly at Rocky. The guard shoved his prisoner forward and glanced back at me. "Be thankful I was here to guard your prey. Drop off caught prey with the guards so they can guard it. We're loyal enough that we won't let others steal, even if I hate you, I obey laws."

I nodded my thanks to him, watching him drag the tom away. Wow, Rocky must really hate me to have such emotions in his words.

Silver slipped in, purring. "Oh there you are! Don't worry, I'm done so the guard let me in your field. I was searching for you and heard the comotion going on. Today Lake's going to meet with us and tell us the new rules, though you and Coral don't have to attend."

"Of course." I muttered. "She doesn't need me there complaining against her rules. She needs those loyal soldiers beside her to make a grand speech like the one she's going to make."

Silver sighed. "Is Lake really that bad? Coral told me about her, but I wasn't so sure. Coral's real good at making the situation seem worse, if you know what I mean."

"Yeah, she is." I mewed to my sister. "Believe me, Lake doesn't care about us, and she doesn't care how we're treated."

"I know... Though I just wish some queen would care about us for once." Silver let out a gusty sigh, and turned to pad away. "You know, I think she has reasons for her passions and hatred. But I'm not sure why."

"A vision?" I mewed, interested in what my sister had to say.

Silver nodded. "I had a dream yesterday telling me about Lake. She had some faint memory about... peasants and her home country, far from the Canapy."

"Sounds... pleasant." I muttered, sniffing the air for more prey. "I don't think my field is very... lively anymore. The prey's all gone."

"Oh they'll appear." Silver promised. "I saw them popping everywhere in my field."

I shrugged and kept going in deeper. "I'll drop off my prey, then hunt for more. Maybe you should hunt for us so we have some dinner."

Silver nodded. "I'll wait for you while I hunt in my field. Maybe I can bring some over for you."

"Doubt it, Rocky and his guards are watching us like hawks."

~_~_~_~

It took me ages to find three more pieces of prey, and when I did, Rocky was staring at me scatchingly. "You promise me you got this all yourself."

"I'm not a poor hunt," I growled, "And yes, I got these all myself in my field."

"Hm, funny you say that." Rocky snorted. "But fine, you pass. You may hunt for yourself, or go back to your hut and enjoy your cozy afternoon."

"Aren't you a cheerful cat." I muttered as I padded away.

Silver bounded over to me, holding a bird. "Want to share? I caught this in my field while I was waiting for you. Sadly no other prey popped out."

"So we're stuck with this. I'm having a feeling the fields aren't as prey-rich as we think. I think they just want us to wipe them clean, then move on to another field."

Silver sighed. "Nothing's for certain with the aristocrats. Lake's having her meeting at sundown, and I have to attend. Are you going to come?"

"No." I immediately mewed. "I don't ever want to see Lake again."

Nodding in understandment, Silver mewed. "You may not see her now, but I doubt you can avoid her forever."

"I won't, I have something in mind for her."

~_~_~_~_~

Forest was waiting for me beside my den, his brown eyes worried. "I heard about what happened earlier today, are you okay?"

"Yeah, fine." I mewed, brushing past him.

"Hey, you aren't still angry about my decision are you? I mean..." Forest trailed off, knowing he had no explination about why he chose not to help me.

I didn't turn around. "You mean what? That your father would have had your tail? That it was too dangerous for you to handle? I don't get what's wrong with working alongside me."

"There isn't anything wrong, but I just can't imagine myself working alongside you, leading a rebellion that doesn't even affect me." Forest mewed, sitting down outside the den.

I sighed. "But it does affect you. The peasants aren't the only thing in Lake's way. After we're settled, she'll move on to the aristocrats that she doesn't trust. That's you guys, Forest. If she doesn't like you, she'll get rid of you. You're going to be affected in some way."

"I'd rather take my chance than go to prison now." He mewed, shying away. "Sorry, but I just don't want to take the chance."

"Fine." I mewed. "Don't take it then."

I kept shuffling around, hiding what I was doing. I planned on attacking tonight, while Lake wasn't expecting it. I had to get to her before she could arouse her allies and aristocrats and crush the peasants. Tonight was the night.

Forest started to pace outside, anxious with what I was planning. "I don't know what you plan on doing, but it doesn't sound pleasant."

"Nothing in a war is pleasant, Forest. Lake isn't pleasant. She's a monster that's about to destroy the Canapy."

"Well, you think she's going to." Forest corrected.

I whirled around, forgetting to cover up my work. "Are you saying I'm wrong?" My gaze flitted to his, and I noticed he was staring at my plans. "Don't look." I growled, moving in front of my drawn map.

His brown eyes lifted to meet mine, and he whirled around. He started to race up the dirt road, then turned back around. His anguished eyes met mine, and I realized what was coming next. Oh no... Forest whipped around again, but I was after him. He dashed through the Guard's den, and I sprinted after him, pushing past the guards.

"Forest!" I screamed, desperate to get him back before he could reach Lake. Why...

He swerved around a corner and I found myself face to face with the queen. "Why hello there, Dark. Come to kill me have you?"

I glared at Forest, but the tom lowered his gaze. "He's only doing his duty." Lake purred. "What else can he do?"

Breathing hard, I began to back up. I couldn't kill her now, with Forest watching, and I couldn't even reach her now with Forest guarding her. That traitor...

Lake lunged for me, and I whipped around, racing for the entrance. ''I can't let her get me! She'll kill me for sure!''

I raced outside, screaming for Silver. "Silver, run away now, they're going to take me!" I shrieked. My sister's eyes widened as she saw the scene unfold.

Chapter Three
They  came quickly, wrapping around my back, surrounding me in moments. Forest was standing behind Lake, his tail drooping like a broken fern. Well he shouldn't have warned her...

Rocky was the first to reach me, and his paw came slamming down on my back. I groaned in pain and tumbled over. His paw was held firmly over me, and his claws dug into my skin.

"I always knew you were trouble." Rocky growled, his eyes glaring at me. "Trying to kill Queen Lake? Really? Are you that low?"

"I'm as low as I'll get." I snarled, trying to wriggle out of his grasp.

Rocky smirked. "You aren't going anywhere but the prison. And I'll make sure your term is very long." He dragged me up, and brought me to the Queen.

"Your Majesty, this cat tried to kill you just now. I charge her with the penalty of serving in the prison for twenty moons." Rocky mewed.

Lake shrugged. "She shall, if you want, my dear Rocky."

Rocky bowed again, then snorted in pleasure as he took me away. I lay limp, letting my paws drag across the dirt like tired mice. My reign was done, I was going to be killed after my term for sure.

Silver was watching this all, her eyes flitting and shutting close. A vision. I wonder what she sees. Then her sad eyes open, and I see the reflection of me being dragged away. She's telling me something.

My sister bowed her head, obviously mortified about something. ''Oh... me, she sees me, being dragged away and kept away for a long time. I'm going to have to serve my term for real...'' This wasn't fake. Lake was going to have me in prison for twenty moons, raking down the fields harder than any prisoner or peasant will have to.

Lake watched me go, her cruel smile raking across her face. "Enjoy your day, Dark." She mewed, her voice digigng deep into my heart. ''I lost. I really lost.''

~_~_~_~_~

My prison cell was a tiny stone cave, closed off from the rest of the world. Rocky was my guard today, and his flaring orange eyes eyed me carefully, making sure I didn't escape. I slumped against the wall, feeling the empty spots in my heart for comfort.

I missed Forest, the witty tom who was always at my side. The unexpected happened, and he had betrayed me to Lake. He must have been offered a chance to become a Canapy Patroller.

Silver was still back in our den, trapped by her own fears and thoughts. She had to serve as a peasant, probably receiving a punishment as well, even though she didn't do anything.

Coral probably didn't know I was in prison, and if she did, she wouldn't be too sure what to do for me. Three losses already...

Rocky was sitting now, and his amber eyes were flames in the dark cave. "What do you want?" I grumbled as he padded closer.

"I wanted to know what drove you to trying to kill Queen Lake." Rocky mewed, his eyes were alight with curiousity. "She's your Queen too, so why did you do it?"

I looked away, not wanting to tell him my story. He didn't need to know about our suffers and our struggles. But Rocky didn't move away, and he stayed there, watching me.

Finally, I growled. "Nobody cares about the peasants. We're just tools to be used for prey catching. The aristocrats are too lazy to catch their own, so we have to farm the fields for them. I wanted a change for once, so I wanted to rule myself, to change the fate that we've been suffering from."

To my surprise, Rocky sat back on his haunches, completely engaged with what I said. "You know, Dark. You're an interesting she-cat. I've never experienced the life of a peasant before, and I don't quite understand how the peasants are suffering. But you really can describe it can you?"

"I can, and I will if you would listen." I mewed.

Rocky shrugged. "I have the time, but even if you killed Lake, a new aristocrat would step up, and nothing would change. The peasants would still have to farm the fields, and you would get the same treatment."

I looked into his amber eyes, my yellow eyes sparking. "If I had succeeded, I would take the spot myself. I don't want to be a ruler, but it would be for the best. The aristocrats would get to experience what we have for a day, and then, everyone would understand what we've been going through. I would have changed the lives of many cats."

Rocky flicked his tail. "You really think that the aristocrats would let you?"

I shrugged. "It was worth a try. I wanted to change everything, the new rules, the pressure on us. It isn't fair that we have to suffer while the rest of you live in luxury."

"But we don't, Dark. You may think we lounge away everyday, but we have to patrol the whole Canapy, making sure the Whirlpool cats and the Mountain cats don't invade us, and we have to make sure the peasants don't steal from one another."

I pawed at the ground. "But if we didn't have to farm the field, then we could contribute with the patrolling. Everyone could catch their own prey, and we wouldn't have so many conflicts going on."

Rocky sighed. "You do have a great imagination, but it would be very hard to change the way we live. It's been like this for centuries, and you know that, Dark."

"But that doesn't mean it can't change." I pointed out as Rocky began to stand up. "You certainly just changed right now, I mean you used to hate me."

"Well you aren't as bad as I thought you were." He mewed, smirking. "You have a passion to help your people, and I thought you just had the passion to do the wrong thing. I guess I understand more now, and I understand why you did what you did."

"It was something I had to do." I growled. "And Forest ruined it all."

Rocky's eyes stared into the horizen. "Forest thought it was for the best. The queen was threatening his family. He had to obey her. He knew that his little sister would be in danger if he dared to disobey her. But either way, he lost her anyways."

"His... sister?" I mewed, confused. "Forest doesn't have a sister."

"He has two actually." Rocky mewed, his eyes giving away nothing. "You think long and hard, Dark. Maybe you can figure it out."

~_~_~_~_~_~

I thought long and hard, but I never did figure out who were Forest's sisters. Rocky's shift ended after the day ended, and he gave me a look. A forgiving look. I cherished what I had now, and I lifted my tail in a salute.

My next guard was... Forest. The tom who betrayed me to Lake. The tom who was just trying to protect his sisters.

"Hey... Dark." He mewed hesitantly.

I stared silently back at him, my yellow eyes frosty and cold. "Rocky told me about them. About why you told Lake."

Forest bit his lip. "I shouldn't have." He muttered. "I lost them both anyways."

I didn't move, even when he scooted closer. "Look, I'm sorry, Dark. I know you wanted to kill Lake because of what's going on with the peasants, but we've been doing this for so many years now. It's hard to change our way of life."

"But think about it," I snarled, "Cats are suffering just because Lake declares it so. Those peasants are forced to work and find prey for the aristocrats just because they can't themselves. We're cats, not tools."

Forest cast his gaze down. "You always had a knack for words, even though you were kicked out of the Forest Guard."

"What is it that you want?" I hissed, my once friendly eyes filled with venom. "I don't want to have any business with you."

"Have you ever thought about who were my sisters?" He mewed suddenly.

I glared at him. "I don't really care who they are." I growled. "They don't matter to me. Maybe they're as traitorous as you are."

He winced at that. "You'll be taking back those words when you figure out who they are." He mewed, a slight tone of amusement in his voice.

"You'll be biting your tongue when I'm done with you." I mewed softly, my eyes slits now. I bunched my muscles, ready to leap.

Forest's eyes widened. "Don't do it, Dark. You'll only make things worse. I'll even tell you who my sisters are now. Maybe you'll get it through your thick skull."

I let out a fierce hiss, ready to spring.

"My sisters are.... Dark, you and Silver are my sisters."

Chapter Four
The shock in my eyes was obvious. I didn't leap now, and I stared at Forest in complete shock. "You're just tricking me aren't you?" I snarled.

Forest shook his head. "I know it's hard to believe, but my father couldn't raise all three of us since our mother died. He could only raise one, and he had to give the other two out to the peasants. Since I was the only tom, he felt as though I would be a stronger aristocrat than the two of you. He cast you two out, and raised me alone."

I could only stare at him in utter surprise. "So your, our, father abandoned Silver and I just because you could only raise one of us? We had a chance to shine, a chance for a better life, but he had to take that away from us? Does he know the trouble that he caused us?"

Forest came closer, but I flinched away. "He wanted to keep you guys, but he couldn't. He didn't have the money and the support to raise three kits without a mother. She died after the kitting."

"What was her name?" I asked suddenly, not sure why I was so interested in my mother's name.

"Sky." Forest mewed softly. "Her name was Sky."

I lowered my head. It was a beautiful name, and my heart ached for the mother I never knew. "Does Silver know?"

Forest shook his head. "She doesn't know. I stuck with you because I wanted you to realize that you were my sister, that we were meant to be together, to live together. But you never realized it, and then you started to get more arrogant and you weren't so shy. I was afraid to tell you."

I met his kind, brown gaze. "That's why you were always near me. You wanted to protect me, to reunite with your lost sisters."

"Yes," he mewed, "My father told me when I was old enough, and he pointed you two out for me. I was speechless when I saw the fierce look in your eyes, a look you don't see in most peasants. Silver was like a kind angel next to you, and you two were so... perfect."

"Why didn't you tell me?" I sighed. "It would have been great news to hear."

Forest looked away. "Lake was my father's sister, and when she got older, she threatened me. Even before she was queen, she kept making me promise her that I would not tell you. She wanted to kill you, knowing it would break me, even though you and Silver never knew my secret."

"Lake was behind you the whole time?" I mewed astonished. "So she was whispering in your ears before her Coronation."

"She was always behind me." Forest mewed, disgusted. "And she's been behind Rocky too. But Rocky has been...more useful to her than I've been. She likes him."

"Does Rocky...y'know?" I mewed, feeling a bit foolish that I didn't know any of this.

Forest laughed. "Rocky's unpredictable. He once admitted to me that he found Lake gorgeous, but he wasn't sure if he liked her style."

"He shouldn't." I muttered. "Lake doesn't deserve any kind of prize. She's someone I'd gladly get rid of." The fire in my eyes burned.

Forest sat down next to me. "So, shall we perhaps share our different lives?"

I nodded, "You probably already now my life though, I mean we did talk a lot when I was in the Forest Guard. Maybe you can tell me what it's lik to be an aristocrat."

"Well I was more of a pawn, not an aristocrat. Lake used me a lot during my early days, and I didn't realize until I saw you again." Forest's eyes were burning with some strange intensity.

"Her first offer was that she would protect you two, my sisters. She told me in order to protect the two of you, I would have to find out about any traitor out there that wanted her dead. I accepted her offer, but I didn't complete that mission until... now."

"But if you knew I was your sister, then why did you tell Lake?" I mewed, staring at him with my glowing, yellow eyes.

"She said it was feasible!" Forest mewed, his eyes anguished. "She said I would be rewarded, and my sisters would be safe. I didn't know I had to betray you."

I sighed. "She must have known I was trouble when she became Queen, so she bribed you with us, knowing she would get me either way."

"Yeah," Forest mewed sadly. "I was a foolish tom."

I was curious though. "If she wanted me so badly, then what kept her from getting at me and Silver for so long? She could have easily just captured me for whatever reason."

"I was the bulwark of you and Silver, Dark. I was the only thing protecting you from Lake." Forest mewed, his eyes cast down now.

"Oh." I didn't speak after that, allowing him to continue his tale.

"After I started her first offer, she offered me something else. She said that if I managed to calm down the uproar that was starting from the peasants, I wouldn't even have to worry about the danger of my family. She was bribing me, using me to solve her problems.

"I had padded down to the peasants, stopping the uproar in any way I could. But I failed. You were there, remember? I tried to calm down the snarling cats, but I only mananged to make them angrier.

"Lake was not happy with me when I returned, and she told me to continue on with my search for any traitor." Forest sighed. "She was real cunning, using me like she did."

I looked away. "Sounds like what she did to Coral. When Coral started to work for the Forest Guard, Lake had padded up to her and whispered something in her ear. This was before her Coronation, and Lake was already telling Coral a few things.

"After that day, Coral became more and more paronoid about losing her job. She was terrified that she would end up with no job, and her family would starve. At first I didn't know what that was about, but then I realized Lake must have threatened her with something."

Forest flicked his tail. "I never knew that.. Lake also used my father. They were best friends from the start, like the moment Lake moved in, my father started to talk to her.

"My father, Stone, didn't love Lake, and she didn't like him. They were just friends, but they also acted like more than friends. So when Lake started to gain her position among the high aristocrats, I heard her tell my father wo watch the black she-cat.

"I thought she was just saying that there was a traitor among the aristocrats or she wanted to show him something, but soon after I was sent down to calm the peasants down, I saw my father staring at the peasants with a deep intensity.

"It was later that day when I heard him muttering about his daughter that I realized what Lake told him to do. She was telling him to watch you, Dark, and Stone knew that you were one of the two daughters that he gave away."

I watched his eyes, seeing a look of sorrow cross his face. "And then?"

"Stone told Lake everything he knew. He told her about how you act, how you feel about the peasants, your postition in the Forest Guard before you were fired, how you were like after you were fired, and pretty everything our father gathered from watching you."

I didn't feel anything for this "father" of mine anymore. He wasn't a kind and caring father I would settle for. He was someone who supported Lake, who was standing beside her all the way. I couldn't side with this father of mine, no way.

Forest sighed. "My shift is going to be over soon. I'll talk to you the next time I guard you." His eyes met mine, and I nodded slightly to him. I saw him as a brother now, not just as a friend.

~_~_~_~_~

My next guard was a bulky white tom who sneered at me as he stood in front of the entrance. "I love my job," he snarled, "I love watching you snivelling creatures trapped in the cave. And you know, when I'm guarding a prisoner, it usually means the queen has something for you."

"You think you're so great." I hissed. "But you aristocrats are just greedy felines who don't do anything." I knew I shouldn't talk like this, considering my own bloodline, but I couldn't help but rage.

The guard laughed. "Call me Blizzard, scum. We do lots for you vermin. We guard your borders, and we make sure you can actually complete what you need to do. Who catches all the thieves? We do."

"And that helps a lot, thanks." I mewed sarcastically. "The aristocrats have a glut of prey! Why don't you share it with the peasants?"

Blizzard laughed. "Our prey is used so we can strengthen ourselves and fight back against our enemies. Haven't you seen the fighters? They do a lot for you scums, yet you still despise them."

I knew that the fighters did a lot for us, but they never showed any respect for the hardworking peasants. "We do a lot too. We get all the prey that you have. Why don't we get any respect?"

"Because you don't show respect for us." Blizzard stated, proving a point.

I flattened my ears, not knowing what to say next. It was true. The peasants resented the aristocrats, so they never showed the respect they were supposed to show. Now my plan to take over didn't look so golden anymore. Maybe the system would work better if everyone just respected each other.

It took me awhile to get used to the new guard. He shot insults at me, and he taunted me with everything he knew. But I never attacked him. I knew that if I did, I would only give myself more troubles.

"I see your settling in well, Dark." I looked up and saw Lake staring at me.

"What do you want." I snarled, glaring up at her.

The white tom stood behind the queen, looking pleased. Lake smirked. "You're coming with me." She flicked her tail, and Blizzard stepped forward.

I tried to back away, but he grasped my scruff, dragging me after Lake. The queen began to speak. "You know, Dark, you haven't done much for me. So I decided, since you're already my prisoner, you can do labor work for me." I gritted my teeth, trying to twist out of Blizzard's grasp.

"Let me go!" I growled softly. "I'll walk."

Lake beckoned for Blizzard to let me go. I dropped to the ground and ungracefully scrambled back up, walking in front of Lake this time.

"You were so ready to fight me, yet you couldn't bring the courage to kill me when you met me in the hallway. Too scared that your brother would see you?" I could tell she was trying to make it news, she was trying to make me feel betrayed by my own brother.

I only laughed. "Amusing isn't it? My own brother protecting you."

Lake's gaze drilled into my flank. She was obviously shocked to hear that I knew who my brother was, but she quickly regained her composture. "But you were too easy to capture. When you ran, I knew it was over. There was no way you would make it out of my palace alive."

We were outside now, and Lake pointed to the moss all around her. "I need this all gathered up and lined in my guest room. I have guests who are staying in my palace tonight."

I stared at the ground all around me. She must have invited all the aristocrats to her guest room because all this moss could support every single peasant living in the Canapy. I walked forward, picking the moss one by one, packing it into a ball with my paws.

When I got a good size for a nest, I brought it back to Blizzard. Lake leaned closer to him. "Watch her and make sure she gets it done. I have a date to go to."

A date. I snorted. "Is Rocky the perfect tom for you?" I laughed.

"Don't make snide remarks, Dark. You should remember what position you are in right now. You're the one who changed Rocky's personality. He should be the hot-headed tom who supports my ideas. Now he's all shy and uncertain about his job as the head Canapy Patroller." Lake was glaring at me furiously.

"But isn't he wonderful?" I remarked, turning away to gather more moss.

Lake only snarled. "You'll regret this, Dark."

"I'm sure I will."

~_~_~_~_~_~_~

The end of the day camefast, considering the work I had to finish tonight. When I was being escorted back to my prison, I saw something that made me freeze in my tracks.

"Get moving, scum." Blizzard grunted, shoving me forwrad.

I skidded to a stop again, staring. "Silver..."

My sister's gaze met mine, and her eyes seem to be fluttering closed. She was lying limp with Forest and Rocky next to her. Lake was standing nearby, giving orders. No...

Forest lifted his head and saw me, and his eyes were anguished. I knew what was going on. Silver was being taken prisoner.

Chapter Five
Lake was waiting for me when the morning arrived. "I have a special surprise for you." She laughed as I grimaced.

I padded out behind her, surveying the area. All the peasants were gathered in the corner, huddled and scared. They were watching something with a deep intensity, and some were cringing. I spotted Coral among the cats, and she had her eyes scrunched closed. Something bad was happening.

The aristocrats were spaced out around the arena, and every one of them were cheering. Lake shoved me into place next to her, and Blizzard stood guard next to me.

Forest was standing in the crowd, his eyes grim, his face gaunt. I bit my lip, seeing the scene unfold before me.

Silver was being dragged out, her body still limp. There were cuts all over her, and she was bleeding in several places. A brown tom that I didn't know was waiting for her, and when she was laid on the ground, he raised his paw, his claws unshealthed.

tbc~