Mapleshade's Understanding

Mapleshade's Understanding - Part Three

Mapleshade's calico fur wrapped around a bundle of sticks. She growled in frustration as the sharp points of the stick dug into her skin. Unsheathing her claws, she tore apart the sticks until they were scattered around the forest floor. Large, fat tears rolled down her face and soaked into the sticks.
"Why can't you just come back to me!" She yowled into the silent forest, puddles forming around her paws. "I just want you back! Please!" A horrible choking sound rumble through her throat as she looked at the ground, ashamed.
Mapleshade shot her head up at a crackle in the undergrowth. Growling, she looked around angrily. Her eyes softened slightly as she saw Sunnytail walk into the clearing. He dipped his head.
"Hello Reedshine." His voice was high-pitched and happy. "How are you today? Is all well in StarClan?" Mapleshade's ears bent in annoyance.
"Good. Good." She replied in the kindest voice she could muster. "What do want this fine night?" Sunnytail sat next to Mapleshade, his eyes wide.
"I-I want to start my training!" His eyes glowed with determination, "Make me tougher! And stronger! And smarter! Then they'll all want to go out on patrols with me, and they'll want to eat fresh-kill with me!" A pleading look entered his eyes. "Please Reedshine! You must help me!" A sense of guiltless rushed over Mapleshade, but left as quickly as it came.
"Oh, of course Sunnytail! Only the best for you!" Her grin widened. "Then, one day, you'll be the most remembered cat in the forest!" Sunnytail's eyes gleamed with joy.
"Me? Really? Wow! That'll be great! Thank you Reedshine! You're the best!" His tail wrapped around his body as he stood up. "Teach me! Teach me!" His voice shook with excitement.  Mapleshade gave a slight chuckle as she stood up with a groan.
"You're very eager, aren't you?" Sunnytail nodded. "Well, let's start then." Her smile widened as she realised how wasy it would be to train a little monster in Sunnytail.

~

Sunnytail lay next to Mapleshade on the grass, both of their chests heaving with exhaustion. After one training session, he already looked like a formidable foe.
"Good job." Mapleshade panted. "But you must know what is truly happening." She had decided that Sunnytail was completely loyal to her now, so she must tell him the truth. Sunnytail's eyes opened wide.
"Sunnytail, my name is not Reedshine. My name is Mapleshade, and the way the clans will remember you shall not be in a good way. I want you to be a killing machine." She winced as Sunnytail snarled. After a while, he dropped his gaze.
"Well. Thank you for telling me Mapleshade. I will still train with you. Being remembered as evil will be better than being remembered as too soft and kind." His eyes hardened with a cold ferocity. He swivled his head around and glared Mapleshade in the eye.
"What's so wrong about being me?" Sunnytail's voice cracked with sadness. A distant look filled his eyes. "If you are going to teach me how to be ferocious, then I will trach you how to show love." He threw his head back and let our a soundless yowl. "Maybe it'll do you good one day." With a flick of his tail, he spun around and walked back to camp, leaving Mapleshade to wonder what kindness could ever do for her.