Default Title - Write Your Own

Chapter Two

Vincent lowered his head. "I don't want the Dark Forest and they don't want me. The rogues told me so much, how Reed had treated the gang so badly, how she had lied to them and treated them like foxdung. I didn't want to listen to them, but we all know Reed walks with the Dark Forest."

Peartail snorted. "I thought you were madly in love with her." He challenged. Goldenblaze gave a nod of agreement. Vincent always seemed to be mooning over Reed, and it had always seemed as though, in her cold, twisted way, she had still loved him, as much as a cat like her could feel love. Maybe Larkclaw still loves me, too. I am her son, and she still means something to me. We're kin, and that will always stand for something.

"I still am in love with her, but this isn't the same Reed I fell in love with. The Dark Forest is a place of evil. I see that now," the rogue answered. "I came here tonight because I needed to tell you two. If I leave, it's in your best interests to leave as well."

Goldenblaze knew Vincent was right, and he could already see the excitement sparkling in Peartail's eyes. Panic rushed through Goldenblaze. Don't leave me here alone! He would never admit it, but he cared for Vincent and Peartail. They were both great cats.

"Yes, that's what I've been trying to tell Goldenblaze!" Peartail shot Goldenblaze a smug look. "Let's leave right now!"

"And how do you plan on doing that?" Goldenblaze growled, unsheathing his claws.

"Goldenpaw, you're very responsible, aren't you?" Larkclaw gave her son a smile as she looked down on him. Goldenpaw glared back up at her, feeling like he might explode from the anger he felt. Why did his mother have to be so cruel? Why had she chosen the Dark Forest?

"Of course I am." He responded. Goldenpaw wasn't sure whether he was telling the truth. He usually put his own interests first in most situations.

Larkclaw gave an approving nod. "Of course, I know my dear son like the back of my paw. Well, I have a request for you. If you ever see or hear of anyone trying to leave or betray the Dark Forest, remind them of all the reasons they should stay," the she cat flexed her claws, smiling cruelly. "Or you can say goodbye to your position as my son. I really don't care whether I have kits or not."

"Well..." Peartail sounded nervous, as though he hadn't quite thought of an escape plan. "I don't know. Jaggedheart really doesn't like her apprentices leaving." He spoke sadly, referring to Lakeleap.

Vincent shrugged. "Reed hasn't stopped me from leaving. She knows she can't change my mind."

Goldenblaze started thinking about Larkclaw. Maybe she didn't care either. She had said that she didn't care about having kits, so why should she care if Goldenblaze betrayed her? I can't. She's my mother, and she's making me strong!

"Lakeleap doesn't matter, but your loyalty to the Dark Forest does," Goldenblaze growled to Peartail. "It's obvious you're insecure about your position as deputy. Jaggedheart can make you strong, if you follow her paw for paw."

Peartail nodded. "I do want to be stronger. Then Palestar will finally be proud to call me her deputy, rather than a last choice."

"And what about Lakeleap?" Peartail froze as Vincent spoke. "I don't want to pressure you, but she needs you more than ever. Jaggedheart will destroy her. That cat is merciless."

Peartail's eyes flicked from Vincent to Goldenblaze, and Vincent added, "From what you've told me, Palestar still likes you, she's just worried that you're not taking your duties seriously. Maybe you just need to talk to her." Goldenblaze smiled at the gentle way in which Vincent spoke about his mother. He's lucky. Palestar might not know that's he's alive, but she's always loved him. Larkclaw's a terrible mother, but she still raised me, and she's given me such valuable training.