Life of Lies

This page contains a fanfiction written by Firey. This page contains the opinions of the original author(s), and is not patrolled for factual accuracy. Remember that this story is non-canon. It may contain false characters, plots, or locations. Responses, comments & other feedback should be made on the comments section below.

This is part of the One Wish (Series), and it is dedicated to Brighty.

Prologue

"Why? Why would you do this?" Ravenstar was glaring at the four cats below him.

The first one, a cream-colored she-cat murmured. "Ravenstar. We didn't do it. You are mistaken."

Ravenstar bared his teeth. "You did it, and you cannot deny it. Why else would Leafwhisker, Moleheart, and Poolheart be dead? Because someone killed them. And you four did it."

A gray tom bowed his head. "Ravenstar, we were hunting when they were killed. The four of us were on a hunting patrol. We couldn't have done the crime."

The jet-black leader growled. He bared his teeth, and hissed. "This is your last warning. Get out, or..." He unsheathed his claws, showing the sharp tip.

The four cats shied away, and the pure white tom stared at his former leader. "I'm sorry, Ravenstar. We did not not do this crime, and you are about to lose your four most valuable warriors.

The leader hissed, but did not stop them. He watched with cold eyes as the four cats, a cream-colored one, a jet-black one, a pure white one, and a stormy gray one. They padded off into the night, not glancing back once at the Clan they once knew. ~_~_~

"So you want to join us." Petalstar mewed.

The four cats nodded. "We were from ShadowClan, but Ravenstar accused us of a crime we didn't do. So we were exiled. Instead of trying to live in the wild, we decided to join ThunderClan instead."

Petalstar's eyes were cold, but she nodded. "You may join ThunderClan, but you must live under our guard for the first moon. But then, if I cannot find you trustworthy, then you will remain a prisoner. Am I clear?" Her gaze swept over the four cats.

"Yes." they chorused, though they were nervous. Petalstar was a strict leader. One mistake, and they were going to be trapped in her embrace forever. Trapped as prisoners. ~_~_~

The jet-black cat huddled in the corner, thinking about the father he never had. Ravenstar. The ShadowClan leader had tossed them out like they were a piece of rotten fresh-kill. His eyes were as cold as the leaf-bare winds, and his words stung like bees.

Ravenfur turned his head away. His life was full of lies, and it didn't seem to get better. Until now. He had ThunderClan to help him, and his beloved friends. Together, they would solve this mystery. Together, they shall break this lurking darkness, one that covered the Clans.

If they didn't, the Clans might fall into the darkness forever. ~_~_~

Flowerpelt stared at Petalstar. Her cream-colored pelt had always stuck out in ShadowClan, but now in ThunderClan, her pelt blended in smoothly. She had never known her mother, and had always been raised and cared for by Tawnyfire.

Ravenstar was her uncle, who's brother was Snaketail. Snaketail was the most caring father Flowerpelt had ever had. But now, she wondered what would happen to him.

She remembered the time when she was a kit, and a warrior called Firepelt had been revealed as a traitor. His father, Brushclaw, had been brought forward, and tortured in front of the Clan. Just because he was related to Firepelt.

But the more Flowerpelt thought about it, the more she was certain that Snaketail would be killed. Ravenstar was too cruel to let him go. Even if he was his own brother.

Flowerpelt laid her head on her paws, feeling depressed and heart-broken. How could life go on if nothing goes right? She was about to find out.

~_~_~

Cloudshadow slept in his new nest. He started to dream about his mother.

Moonshadow was grooming her pelt, watching Cloudkit play. "Oh Cloudkit, I wish tomorrow would never come." Cloudkit had stared at her in confusion.

"What do you mean, Mama?" Moonshadow whispered. "Rateye murdered someone, and all related to him will be killed.

Cloudkit had froze. "Uncle?" "Yes. Your uncle murdered Sunflight, the noble deputy. Now, because Soleheart is your father's brother, he will be killed."

"But why? It wasn't Papa's fault, was it?" Cloudkit stared at his mother desperately. Moonshadow touched her nose to his, and murmured. "No, Cloudkit. It wasn't."

The next day, Cloudkit sat with his mother, watching the ceremony. Rateye's body was in the middle, tore apart by scratches and claw marks. Soleheart was pinned down by the warriors Blackeagle, and Robinheart. They stared at Soleheart with sad eyes.

Soleheart glared up at Ravenstar, who smirked. "Soleheart. You are about to be tortured for being related to Rateye. And your first torture is, watching your mate die."

"No! Don't. Take me instead!" Soleheart cried out, anguished. Moonshadow stood there in shock, trembling as she touched her nose to Cloudkit's one more time.

Ravenstar smiled. "You don't have to be so desperate. I'm already going to take your life. But after Moonshadow dies first."

Cloudkit was wailing to the sky. No. His mother! Moonshadow brushed against him, her tears flowing down silently. "I will not allow you to harm Cloudkit though."

Ravenstar's eyes narrowed. But he wordlessly nodded. His tail flicked, and Shadowclaw brought Moonflight down. She yowled in agony, and Cloudkit struggled to save his mother. She didn't do anything! But Ravenstar was holding him fast.

Once Moonshadow fell at the paws of Shadowclaw, Ravenstar held his claws at his throat. "Okay, now that Moonshadow is dead, I think I'll kill Cloudkit next."

Soleheart screamed. "You promised! You promised that Cloudkit wouldn't get hurt."

"Did I?" There was an evil glint in his eyes. "Oh no, I only nodded for Shadowclaw to move, not to her promise."

Soleheart growled, and pushed his guards away. Lunging for Ravenstar, Soleheart growled. "You will not harm my kit."

Ravenstar lashed out. His claws dug deep into Soleheart's throat, killing him instantly. Ravenstar turned to Cloudkit, who shied away. "I think I'll let you live, so you can become my trusted warrior. Remember this day, Cloudkit...

~_~_~

Dewtail licked his tail, feeling faint. He remembered when he was little, and Ravenstar had raided WindClan. Dewtail had been stolen, and kept as a prisoner for the next six moons. Finally, Dewtail was forced to serve as Ravenstar's warrior.

Shuddering, Dewtail curled up. He did not want to relive the time.

Dewkit stared as ShadowClan warriors flooded into the camp. He was instantly surrounded by warriors, who scooped him up and fled the area.

Morningsun was screaming for him, trying to get him back. "Dewkit! No! Dewkit!"

Dewkit stared at his mother, who fell at the paws of Ravenstar. The ShadowClan leader had slashed his claws across Morningsun's throat, leaving her dead near the nursery.

Then, he had been carried away, away from his beloved home.

~_~_~

None of the warriors were happy, but they knew that there was only one way to get back at Ravenstar and stop his reign.

"Let's solve this mystery."

Chapter One - Ravenfur

He sighed, and lay down in his nest. They had work to do. Petalstar was kind and caring, but still unsure about who they were, and how loyal they will be. He looked at the others. They had never really talked before today. Ravenstar had always kept him by his side.

Licking his ruffled pelt, he stared at the others. They looked equally puzzled, and the look of despair and anger seemed to be washing over them. They were staring off into space, probably thinking about what they were going to do.

Ravenfur remembered what they had said yesterday. "Let's solve this mystery." To be honest, Ravenfur wasn't brave enough. He didn't want to meddle with Ravenstar again. He was happy to stay in ThunderClan.

Petalstar walked in. "I see you slept well. Are you ready to start your first task?"

Ravenfur nodded with the others. "I need all of you to hunt for ThunderClan. Of course, there will be warriors guarding you, just to make sure you stay loyal."

They nodded again, eyeing the bulky shapes behind Petalstar. "Each warrior is to be assigned to a..." She paused. "Warrior in waiting."

Ravenfur nodded, and he headed out with his partner. "Hey..."

"Oh, hi. I'm Swiftstripe, deputy of ThunderClan." The tom glanced down at him. "You know you aren't allowed to escape from my view, not even to catch prey. I must be able to see you at all times, or you will remain a prisoner. Am I understood?"

Ravenfur nodded. "Of course."

"Off you go then."

Heading towards a big clump, Ravenfur remembered what Swiftstripe just said. Veering away, Ravenfur sniffed the air. No prey. None.

Swiftstripe, still watching, sat down to groom. Ravenfur left out his breath, and sniffed for prey again. Still nothing. Lashing his tail in frustration, Ravenfur attempted to look for prey up the tree. Swiftstripe groomed her pelt, not so interested in watching a prisoner hunt.

Ravenfur tried to catch a bird that was chirping up in the tree, but missed and fell, landing with a THUMP that startled Swiftstripe. The deputy snarled, eyes glinting in annoyance.

"To think that you were actually obiediant!" Swiftstripe hissed. "Now I shall bring you back, and report to Petalstar."

He didn't get it. Ravenfur had done nothing wrong. "I was only chasing prey..."

"Nonsense!" Swiftstripe growled. "You were most certainly trying to escape, only to fall out of the tree!" Ravenfur groaned. He had such bad luck. The deputy took him back. and Petalstar eyed the two of them with disapproval.

She sighed. "All three of your companions showed such loyalty, but only you tried to escape from ThunderClan. I am afraid you must remain a prisoner." Ravenfur glanced at the others for help. But they only shrugged. They didn't know each other, and the others didn't have much to defend him with.

Ravenfur was dragged into a cave where a guard was camped outside. He sighed, and thought, And that's why the first impression is the most important one.

Chapter Two - Dewtail

He remembered his mother so clearly that it hurt. Morningsun was always caring, and never let Dewtail go without her permission. As a kit, Dewtail had been obidient, and loved.

But when the ShadowClan warriors had charged the camp, Dewtail forgot which one, Morningsun had been slain by Ravenstar, and Dewkit had been taken. Taken to ShadowClan to serve.

For the first six moons of kithood, Dewtail was forced as a prisoner, doing the hard labor work that had crippled many prisoners. Dewtail had been lucky, and escaped injuries. Proven to be a good warrior, Dewtail had then been trained and forced to serve as Ravenstar's warrior.

Now, the four of them had been accused of killing three of their Clanmates. It was obvious that Dewtail did not do it, because the four of them had the misfortune to be out when the three were killed.

Ravenfur seemed suspicious. He was Ravenstar's companion, and was quiet around the group. He, earlier today, was also accused of trying to escape. Dewtail suspected that Ravenfur was spying for Ravenstar.

Cloudshadow was quiet and shy, but defiance shown in his eyes. Dewtail had seen the way he glared at Ravenstar, as if daring him to bring them down as prisoners instead of exiling them.

Flowerpelt was a soft she-cat, but she seemed to know lots about herbs even though she trained as a warrior. She was a great hunter, and a fierce fighter, but even she could not defy Ravenstar.

The three of them had survived Ravenstar's rule, and passed Petalstar's loyalty test, and now they were to be tested on how good they fought, and hunted.

Dewtail was escorted out, and told to fight Ravenfur in a mock battle. "Remember, claws shealthed, but make sure to do hard blows."

Ravenfur leaped at Dewtail, his teeth bared. The brown tom rolled away, thinking. I know you're angry about being accused, and the fact that you're stuck as a prisoner, but don't take it out on me! Ravenfur continued to charge forward, his yellow eyes hard and angry. Dewtail smacked him away, panting. "Stop taking out your anger on me." He growled, gritting his teeth.

The black tom only hissed, his eyes fierce and hungry for blood. Dewtail grimaced and fought back harder. "Maybe if you weren't working for Ravenstar you wouldn't be in this position!"

"I'm not working for Ravenstar!"

Ravenfur's wide eyes stared at Dewtail. "That's what you thought all along?" The brown tom didn't want to nod, fearing that Ravenfur would be angry.

Dewtail bit his lip. "I thought you were trying to escape from ThunderClan to go warn Ravenstar of what was happening."

"I would never work for him again." He spat back.

Dewtail sat up. "Are we done yet?" He glanced at Swiftrunner, who shrugged. "I guess we're done then." Ravenfur was hauled away, but not before he exchanged one last glance with Dewtail. What drove him to such sadness and anger?

Cloudshadow nodded to Dewtail as he passed by. Even though the three cats didn't know each other too well, they had became better as the days stretched out in ThunderClan. Dewtail longed to be in WindClan, the Clan he had once been in. His long tail was perfect for tunneling, and his long legs suited moor hunting. If only...

"You look troubled." Petalstar mewed, her amber eyes watching him, "Is something wrong?"

Dewtail lowered his gaze. "It's about Ravenstar. He accused Cloudshadow, Ravenfur, Flowerpelt, and me of killing Leafwhisker, Moleheart, and Poolheart, but we didn't do it."

Petalstar sighed. "We." She noted. "So you mean none of you did it?"

He nodded. "None of us commited that crime. We're really just here to understand what happened. We want to fix our lives and live in WindClan once more."

"Not even Ravenfur did it?" Petalstar inquired, her cream colored fur streaked with dirt as her tail hit the rocky wall, which showered mud and stones all over her. She shook it out and stared at Dewtail.

"He isn't working over Ravenstar either." Dewtail confirmed. "We've been wrong about him the entire time. He's as innocent as I am."

The ThunderClan leader let out a frustrated sigh. "I don't know what to do anymore. I can't let you come to Gatherings, or else Ravenstar will see that you are still here. I must keep you concealed, which means you can only patrol the WindClan and RiverClan border, and hunt."

Dewtail shook out his fur. "What about Ravenfur?"

"If he's truly as innocent as you say, then he will go free, just like you three." Petalstar murmured. "I must rest now, and you should too, Dewtail."

~

"You're not very active are you?" Cloudshadow mused as Dewtail sat in the corner of the den, pondering over the clues.

"I'm trying to figure out who killed Leafwhisker, Moleheart, and Poolheart." Dewtail muttered. "It obvious wasn't us, and we couldn't have had any reason to kill them. So who did it?"

Flowerpelt glanced over from her grooming, "Did anyone hate those warriors before they died? Maybe like..." She didn't have an answer.

Ravenfur hissed softly. "Well whoever did it did it to spite us. They somehow had it so we were the only cats hunting on the territory when the three warriors died." His piercing yellow eyes flicked back and forth. "Someone must have hated us."

"The deputy?" Cloudshadow mewed uncertainly. "The last deputy ShadowClan had died... when Rateye killed him."

Dewtail laid his tail on Cloudshadow's flank reassuringly, but the white tom just shook him off. "Only the senior warriors planned the patrols and such." Cloudshadow continued, "Which means it must be one of them, or..."

"Ravenstar."

Flowerpelt looked uncertain. "Ravenstar would be a valid suspect. He killed other cats just because they were related to a cat who murdered another. Just like my father."

"And my mother and father." Cloudshadow added. "He's not the best leader anyone can have."

Ravenfur had a flinty look on his face and he turned away. "We were his best warriors, other than the senior ones. So why would Ravenstar want us out?"

"He's a cruel leader." Dewtail snapped. "Maybe we did something in spite of him and he wanted to throw us out."

This was going nowhere. Dewtail glared at the three other cats, and Ravenfur stared back. "So you're saying that Ravenstar wanted to weaken ShadowClan by casting out four of his nominees to become senior warriors?"

"Yes." Dewtail muttered, "Well, no actually."

"Then what?" Ravenfur sighed, exasperated.

Dewtail furrowed his brow. "Perhaps... it wasn't Ravenstar and one of the senior warriors wanted to keep their position in the Senior Council, so they had us cast out."

Flowerpelt finished grooming and curled up in her nest. "That doesn't narrow it down much." She sighed. "Perhaps we should investegate tomorrow."

"Will ThunderClan let us?"

"Well," she mewed, cracking open one eye, "Do they really want us here in ThunderClan? We're ShadowClan warriors through and through."

But Dewtail was thinking. I was from WindClan, but I was raised to be a ShadowClan warrior. Could things go right?

Chapter Three - Flowerpelt

"Time for dawn patrol!" Swiftstripe called. Flowerpelt groaned as she stretched and padded outside, still not used to having a deputy organize patrols. "Flowerpelt, you're going to patrol the WindClan border with Brindlepelt, Frostleaf, and Snowfur."

She nodded and padded towards her patrol, who was giving her strange glances. "Shouldn't we patrol the ShadowClan border so we can show our new warriors off?" Snowfur snorted, giving Flowerpelt a hated glance. "I don't get why we have to accept them. They'll always be ShadowClan warriors."

Brindlepelt, who was leading the patrol sighed. "Snowfur, if you say that again I'm going to have Swiftstripe put you on apprentice duties. Stop being rude to our new Clanmates."

"We're temporary." Flowerpelt mewed suddenly. "We don't plan on staying."

The light brown tabby shot her a questioning look, but Snowfur looked triumphant. "That's good." She muttered. "You should stay away in the future."

Frostleaf rolled her eyes and shuffled forward, urging Brindlepelt to hurry towards the WindClan border. The morning breeze was chilling and Flowerpelt shuddered slightly, not used to the cold winds.

The older white she-cat matched Flowerpelt step by step and whispered. "Snowfur's a prickly she-cat and she hates trusting newcomers. Last time she did that, her brother died, and now she's overly protective of ThunderClan."

The cream colored she-cat nodded, "I see. Thanks for the pointers."

Frostleaf laughed softly. "Well, I wouldn't want to see your pelt ripped off on your third day of being here." She snorted.

Flowerpelt cracked a smile and padded onwards, following Brindlepelt's trail towards the moor scented border. It's not too bad that we're in ThunderClan. They're a lot nicer than the ShadowClan Senior Council members. Flowerpelt thought with a shudder.

~

"Hey, you okay?" An orange labby she-cat asked her. Flareshadow was one of the warriors that Flowerpelt had befriended while staying in ThunderClan.

"I'm fine." Flowerpelt replied. "I'm just thinking about what ShadowClan had become when we had left. Ravenstar ruined the whole old system that we had."

Flareshadow glanced over. "What do you mean?"

The cream colored she-cat stretched and curled up. "Well, he has a Council of senior warriors instead of having a deputy, and if one cat does something he doesn't like, he kills him and everyone who is related to him."

The orange she-cat cracked open one eye. "ShadowClan still has so many cats though."

"He recruits every rogue that comes by, and they practically have more power than the Clan-born warriors do. He's a tyrant." Flowerpelt explained. "And now we're being thrown out of ShadowClan and it's all because we were accused of killing three of our Clanmates."

Flareshadow tilted her head. "Do you have any family members living in ShadowClan?"

She gulped. "Yes, my mother and my father. But technically Ravenstar is my uncle because he's Brushclaw's adopted brother."

The other warrior sighed. "I hope he doesn't end up killing your family because of a crime that you didn't do."

"I hope so too."

The two warriors curled up to sleep, but Flowerpelt stayed awake for some time. They were still in a separate den, but Flareshadow had joined them because the warriors' den was too crowded. Ravenfur was still curled up in the corner, his grumpy attitude the same. Dewtail had his tail draped across Cloudshadow's flank, who was fast asleep.

~

"Get up, get up!" Flareshadow yowled. "ShadowClan is attacking us!" Fear was spiked in her voice, and Flowerpelt shot up.

"Do you think they know we're here?"

"Most likely." Ravenfur growled. "Ravenstar doesn't raid others for no reason." But Dewtail shot him a sharp glance.

Cloudshadow breathed heavily as he stood up. "Let's go. We have to defend our new Clan." He raced outside, yowling defiantly.

Flareshadow glanced nervously at Dewtail, who curled his light gray tail. "There has to be some kind of reason Ravenstar wants us so badly. He's been hunting us down since we've been exiled. Extra border patrols, and now raiding ThunderClan."

"Let's just go!" Flareshadow urged, racing after Cloudshadow. Ravenfur stood up, his eye meeting Flowerpelt's. "Are you going to go?"

"Why not?" Flowerpelt mewed, her eyes puzzled. "Don't you want to fight against Ravenstar?"

Ravenfur stared back at her. "Why should I?" He mewed flatly. "I care for neither Ravenstar or ThunderClan. Should I have to fight?"

Flowerpelt shrugged. "It's more of a fight for freedom for us too." She sighed softly. "But I can't stop you from not doing it."

She turned to raced into the battlefield.

Outside was terrifying. There were cats screaming as they fell at the paws of ShadowClan cats. There were yowls and defiant shrieks as ThunderClan fought back. Flowerpelt flattened her ears and flung herself into the battlefield.

"You!" a voice shouted, "Ravenstar wants you."

Flowerpelt turned and was bowled over by a large gray tom. She recognized him in a flash. "Graywing, I-" She mewed desperately.

"No, we're over Flowerpelt, I can't love a traitor and a murderer like you." Graywing snarled, digging his claws in. "You're disobeying Ravenstar's orders by staying here. He exiled you four!"

"He exiled us from ShadowClan." Flowerpelt hissed. "We're allowed to go to the other Clans if we want. Now leave me alone!" She pushed him off, desperate to escape the hatred burning in his eyes when she loved him.

"Flowerpelt." Ravenfur breathed out. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine." She whispered, leaning against him. "But I don't think I'll be very stable." He looped his tail through hers, and she felt reassured.

Flowerpelt met Ravenfur's gaze, and he flinched back a bit. "I better go fight for ThunderClan." Ravenfur whispered softly. "You take care of yourself."

Before she could reply, Ravenfur's sleek form disappeared into the fray. Flowerpelt glanced around and hurled herself at a tawny she-cat. "Flowerpelt!" She cried out in surprise, just as Flowerpelt slammed into her. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm defending ThunderClan." She snarled. "What are you doing here, Creamflower?"

"Ravenstar wanted more... cats from ThunderClan. He didn't expect you four to be here too! You have to run." She whispered. "You can't let Ravenstar see you fighting for another Clan. You'll be putting yourself and your family in danger."

Flowerpelt's eyes widened. "You mean he hasn't killed them yet?"

Creamflower shook her head, still pinned under Flowerpelt's claws. "He has them imprisoned, but if he finds out that you're in another Clan, he'll try to hurt you by killing Brushclaw and Sunheart."

Flowerpelt stepped off Creamflower. "Graywing already knows."

The cream colored she-cat lowered her head. "I'm so sorry, Flowerpelt. I don't know what will happen now."

Flowerpelt sighed. "Just leave then. I won't fight you now, but I must defend ThunderClan. It is my Clan now." She mewed firmly, turning to find another opponent.

"Watch out!" She heard Cloudshadow yowl, as she spun around.

Ravenstar was lunging for her, his claws outstretched. He snarled, his yellow eyes flashing with anger. "You four are lounging in ThunderClan now are you?"

"You have a problem with that?" Cloudshadow snarled as he fought desperately next to Flowerpelt. "We have the right to go where we want, as long as it isn't in your territory."

"You're breaking your exile." He snapped. "I don't want you on Clan territory."

"Then you should have specified that when you exiled us!" Flowerpelt spat as she claws his flank. "Now you'll have to deal with us on your border."

Ravenstar kicked her aside, and faced Cloudshadow. "I always had a distate for you, Cloudkit." He mewed. "I thought I could make you into my loyal warrior if I kept you alive in fear. Now I know that I made a terrible mistake in letting you live that night. I think I'll end it now."

Cloudshadow dodged his next blow, snarling. "You had no right to kill Soleheart and Moonshadow. Rateye was the one who murdered Sunflight, not my parents!"

"But they shared his blood."

"Moonshadow didn't!"

Ravenstar smirked. "Oh but they are mates, are they not?" Cloudshadow glared at the ShadowClan leaders, his flanks heaving.

"You're a monster, Ravenstar. I swear, by the name of StarClan, that I will kill you." Cloudshadow hissed, his claws finding Ravenstar's throat. "I will, one day I will." He snapped as Ravenstar jerked away, kicking him aside.

The ShadowClan leader glared down at Cloudshadow and snarled. "You'll never get me again, Cloudshadow."

Chapter Four - Cloudshadow

"Keep still!" The medicine cat, Poolshine hissed. "You're going to bleed to death if you don't let me treat your wounds." Cloudshadow sighed and tried to hold still. "Stupid ShadowClan cats." He heard the medicine cat mutter, "Always so reckless."

Cloudshadow bristled, but Poolshine mewed briskly. "You're done, get out."

A bit hurt by her harsh tone, Cloudshadow stumbled out of her den, crashing into Ravenfur. The black tom looked frantic. "Have you seen Flowerpelt anywhere?" His yellow eyes darted back and forth, as if he was trying to pinpoint her location.

"Um, no." Cloudshadow mewed awkwardly. "Why do you want her?"

As far as Cloudshadow knew, Ravenfur didn't get along with anybody, not even in ShadowClan. Flowerpelt, on the other hand, was pretty popular, and knew almost everybody. "I... I just need to talk to her." Ravenfur stammered. "There she is!"

He bounded off, but Cloudshadow already knew that wasn't Flowerpelt. "Ravenfur, stop!" He yowled chasing after the black tom. "That's-"

The she-cat turned around and jabbed her claws into Ravenfur's flank. The black tom screamed, his flanks heaving for breath. Cloudshadow reached there in three long strides and struck the she-cat. "Creamflower!"

Ravenfur gurgled something inaudible, and Creamflower struggled under Cloudshadow's grasp. "I'm sorry, Cloudshadow, but it's Ravenstar's orders. I-"

"You were my mate!" Cloudshadow yowled shrilly. "How could you hurt my friend?"

"Friend?" Creamflower glared down at Ravenfur in distate. "He's a nobody in ShadowClan, even when he was living there. How could he be your friend?"

"And how could a killer like you be my mate?" Cloudshadow hissed. He extended his claws, making Creamflower shriek in pain. "Where's Flowerpelt?" He snarled. "Where did you take her so you can replace her?"

The pale she-cat shook her head, her eyes glazed. "Cloudshadow, you're getting no where like that." Another voice sounded behind him. Dewtail.

"What do you want, Dewtail?" Cloudshadow snapped.

The gray tom padded over and gently lifted Cloudshadow's paw off Creamflower's flank. The pale she-cat bolted upwards, but Dewtail slammed his own paw down. "You're not going anywhere till we figure out where Flowerpelt is." Dewtail hissed, leaning in close.

Behind them, Poolshine was treating Ravenfur, who looked terrible. His bloodstained pelt was unwashed, and his eyes were bloodshot and closed. Cloudshadow left Dewtail to the interrogation, and leaned over Poolshine. "Will he be okay?" He whispered, staring in dismay at Ravenfur.

"Yes, but he has major injuries. It may take awhile to recover from." Poolshine mewed, her eyes drooping in tiredness.

Cloudshadow pushed her away gently. "Send Seedpelt to treat him. You need your rest." He mewed softly. "ThunderClan wouldn't want you to tire yourself out."

Poolshine looked up at him, then sighed. "Alright, but tell Seedpelt that if he gets worse, call me."

Cloudshadow nodded, and she glanced at him briefly, before padding away. Seedpelt took over, her delicate paws working magic on Ravenfur.

Dewtail nudged him. "She doesn't know where Flowerpelt is. Her job was just to be her for the day, and escape when she could."

The white tom padded over to the cringing she-cat. "You mean you were the decoy?"

Creamflower nodded. "Ravenstar told me to stay put, and remain here until the order was given that Flowerpelt was safe somewhere far away. I think he even wants me to remain prisoner until this is all over." Her legs trembled.

Cloudshadow glared at her. "Well, you should remain prisoner anyways!"

Petalstar came up behind them, asking for an explanation. Dewtail explained to her, and Creamflower was dragged off to prison. Cloudshadow closed his eyes and tried to relax. Ravenfur was resting beside him, right in the middle of the clearing. Dewtail was watching Creamflower, and he padded over to Cloudshadow. "You look shaken up."

Cloudshadow sighed. "When I heard that Graywing rejected Flowerpelt, I thought that Graywing was just selfish. I didn't know that my own mate would attempt to kill our friend just because we're framed as traitors."

"Well remember this. Leafwhisker and Creamflower were sisters. Of course she would feel anger towards the 'murderer'." Dewtail pointed out, "And they were best friends with Poolheart."

"And Molewhisker was Graywing's brother." Cloudshadow mewed suddenly. "Three murders, all connected to us in some way."

Dewtail froze. "I'll tell Ravenfur when he wakes up and see what he thinks. We need to find and rescue Flowerpelt as soon as possible, she needs to know this too." Then he added ruefully. "She probably could figure this out better than we could. Us being 'toms' and all."

Cloudshadow cracked a smile and stood up. "I'm going to talk to Creamflower. I need her to know that we never did it, and I want to know everything she knows."

Dewtail rested his tail on Cloudshadow's flank. "Be careful."

The white tom told the guard what he wanted, and shouldered his way in. Creamflower lifted her head and glared at him. "What do you want, murderer?"

His heart sank. "You really think I killed Leafwhisker, Moleheart, and Poolheart?" Cloudshadow stared at his former mate in despair.

"Yes." She mewed without hesitation.

Cloudshadow stared at her in disbelief. "After you've known me for so long, you think I would kill your sister and your best friend just to be your mate?"

Creamflower shrugged. "Why did you do it anyways?"

"For the last time, I didn't kill them!" Cloudshadow yowled, then he lowered his voice. "Look, I know you think that I killed your sister and your best friend, but I didn't. I had no reason to if I did!" Cloudshadow growled. "Somebody's messing with us, and you believe all the lies they've been telling you."

"What about the lies you've been telling me?" Creamflower shot back. "If you care about me so much, then why did you try to kill me?"

Cloudshadow bit his lip. "You nearly clawed out Ravenfur's heart!" He snapped. "Why should I care about you if you're trying to kill my friends?"

"I did what I was told."

"And I was protecting what I know!" Cloudshadow shot back. "I don't think we're meant for one another, Creamflower. You'll never understand."

~

"How did it go?" Dewtail sighed as Cloudshadow padded in.

"Terrible." Cloudshadow snapped back. "She thinks we're murderers! She doesn't think I'm a worthy mate of hers, and well, she might as well stay in prison now."

Dewtail was stroking Ravenfur's flank, which was barely moving. "Don't be so harsh on her, Cloudshadow." He purred as he laned over to remove the moss from Ravenfur's head. "Think about this. If you thought that Creamflower was responsible for killing your family and friends, wouldn't you hate her too?"

He had a point there. The white tom sighed. "Yeah, I guess so."

"How's Ravenfur?" Poolshine murmured as she pulled herself in, still looking like she got no sleep. "I heard from Seedpelt that you dragged him in for shade."

"He's getting hotter." Dewtail agreed.

Poolshine stubbled over to him, and drew in a sharp breath. "He's getting a high fever." She concluded, "I have to get some feverfew for him."

Cloudshadow exchanged glances with Dewtail. We have to get Flowerpelt back without Ravenfur then... He would want that.

Chapter Five - Ravenfur

Ravenfur felt like he was swimming in fire, his paws being dragged down to the flames, and his pelt felt as thought it was being roasted alive.

He groaned and opened his eyes, and all he could see was hazy pictures of cats working above him. "Don't move, Ravenfur, we don't your wound to open even more."

Ravenfur let out a muffled mutter and he closed his eyes again. "Where am I?" He whispered softly. He knew he was somewhere familiar, but it definitely wasn't very comforting with his wound flaring.

"Just relax, Ravenfur." He heard the worried voice of Dewtail and felt another flank brush against his. Then everything began to swirl, and he squeezed his eyes tighter, trying to stop the world from spinning into eternal darkness.

~

"Ravenfur." He heard a soft whisper, but he let out a frustrated sigh and tried to shut out the voice. "Ravenfur, it's me."

He opened his eyes, and realized he could see perfectly fine. There was no haziness, and he sat up slowly, and gingerly, afraid of re-opening his wound. Then he looked himself over, and gasped, "How am I unhurt? I just got clawed to pieces by Creamflower!"

Ravenfur turned to the she-cat in front of him and let out a strangled yelp. "Shadowstreak!" He gasped. "Am I in StarClan?"

His mother shook her head, "No, Ravenfur." She mewed softly, stroking his face with her tail, "I am just visiting you while you recover."

Ravenfur gave into her soft strokes and her murmuring and leaned against her. "Was Ravenstar really my father?" He asked, his yellow eyes troubled as he mentioned the name of the leader who had casted them out, believing that they were murderers.

Shadowstreak pulled away for a second, her eyes narrowed as she gazed at her son, seeing Ravenstar, the cruel leader who had exiled her, or did something to her.

"Yes, he's your father."

Ravenfur exhaled, and stared at the ground. The cruel tom of a leader had been his father all along. Ravenfur had guessed it before, but it was impossible to be a "family member" of Ravenstar's. The ShadowClan leader had killed everyone he knew that was related to him, and Shadowstreak had been the last to go.

"Why didn't he get rid of me then?"

Shadowstreak shrugged, "My best guess is that he believed that you weren't his son, and that he killed me for a different reason. He wanted you to be his loyal warrior, and have you serve him the way he wanted you to serve him."

That confused Ravenfur. "So he kept my identity from me in order to keep you in ShadowClan. Remember the reason why he had me killed?"

Ravenfur thought back to when Shadowstreak had been standing in front of Ravenstar, her eyes fierce and harsh as the ShadowClan leader told the Clan about her crimes. "You were killed for betraying ShadowClan or something."

His mother nodded. "Ravenstar accused me of having forbidden love with another tom, and he claimed that you were not my son."

The black-furred tom stared at his mother, understanding forming on his face. "So he framed you, then set me up to be his warrior."

Shadowstreak nodded once more, her tail encasing Ravenfur warmly. "Ravenstar always wanted a son, but he never knew you were actually his son. In his mind, you were just some half-blood brat that he decided to keep and train."

Ravenfur bristled slightly, but he tried to relax. "What are you doing here anyways?"

Shadowstreak sighed and leaned forward to lick his cheek. "I am here to warn you, Ravenfur, for a darker secret darker than Ravenstar's is shadowing over you four. The actually murderer is more than just a killer, they have plotted to wipe out the entire ShadowClan. I assure you, that's not Ravenstar wants to do. He just wants to make it a better place."

"How did you come to love Ravenstar?"

His mother closed her eyes. "He wasn't always as cruel as he is now. He was a kind tom at first, but very loyal to ShadowClan. Soon, he rose to power, his greed taking over instead. Now he let's his anger of his stupidity take over, and he has become a tyrant of ShadowClan. You must show him his true path, but do not kill him. He is the key to many things."

Ravenfur watched as she opened her eyes and started to fade away. "Sweet dreams, Ravenfur, and heal up well."

"No, wait," he whispered hoarsely, his tail reaching for hers, "Shadowstreak, wait."

She paused, glancing back at him.

"Do I have any brothers or sisters?"

Shadowstreak nodded grimly. "Two sisters, but they both died with me." She whispered, then she faded away and the pain of his wound came back, and Ravenfur let out a whimper as he opened his eyes.

I need to tell the others about this. Ravenstar is the key to everything for us. We must focus on that before we find the murderer.