Flee the Dark

Prologue
Water, water was all around her. Paws held her under, as she struggled wildly to get free of this tom's grasp. Through her panic, and despair to cling on to life. Her mind formed a plan, the voice spoke to her again and again. She didn't want to do it, it seemed cowardly. But it seemed to be the only way out of this situation.

''Fake your own death, Tigerarch. ''The words repeated, over and over again. Without thinking, the silver and black tabby suddenly went limp under the tom's paws. It felt like lifetimes before her let go of her. She heard the muffled chattering of him and another she-cat. The Close Kin to be exact.

She made a mistake following this tom, she made a mistake to help him. But it was too dangerous to stay here. Shadowclan was already gone, and he had just taken out Riverclan. Perhaps it was for the best that she left. As she raised her head out of the water to breath, Tigerarch caught sight of the toms snowy white fur, and shadowy tail disappearing into the reeds. His close allies following him not far behind.

''I can't stay here anymore! ''She heaved herself herself out of the lake, massive paws dragging onto the sand. She needed to breath, she couldn't just run. Surely- Someone would come after her! But she was in the cover of the night's darkness. Surely if she ran fast enough-

"Tigerarch!" She froze. ''Dawnsky! ''The cream tabby's eyes were wide in horror. "What's happened to you?!"

"Darktail is what happened!" She spat. "I can't stay in place anymore. I'm tired of The Kin, i'm tired of the Close Kin, I'm tired of Darktail! He tried to drown me, so it's not like I can even go back anymore..." She trailed off. She would lose everything if she left now. Everyone here would lose her no matter what she did.

She was quick to decide that she would leave the forest. Punish herself for betraying Rowanstar, by sending herself into an exile. There had to be more to the world than the lake, it was a big place. Surely, she'd find a new home? ''But once I'm gone, I'm gone. ''Longing tugged at her heart. She wanted to barge into Riverclan's old camp, she wanted to gather up her family and get out of this place! But she'd be killed on sight.

''If I stay here I'll be killed anyway! ''"Dawnsky," she pleaded. "Don't tell Darktail i'm alive. I have to get away from the lake! Please!" Dawnsky didn't say a word, just turned, and ran back into the reeds. Adrenaline filled her paws, and panic gripped her chest. She didn't try to wait and see what, or who Dawnsky was coming back with. Kicking up wet sand from the shore, Tigerarch took off into the night. Using nothing more than the moonlight, and the solid ground under her paws.

Everything was so calm, the stars glittered like nothing had happened, and the cool night air made Tigerarch feel like she could run forever. Her ears pricked, as gras snapped behind her, Pawsteps thrummed rapidly on the forest floor. The peace in her mind melted like ice over fire. The panic returned, and her mind came crashing down back into reality.

Chest now heaving, she pressed on more, desperate not to be caught by Darktail and killed by his cold claws. "Tigerarch! Tigerarch wait!" Dawnsky...

"We're coming with you!" Jayrift!