Instinct- Book 3 of BugClan
BugClan
Leader- Pigstar (plump mostly gray calico tom with yellow green eyes; 29 moons)
Deputy- Blackdevil (pitch black shecat with dark yellow eyes; 52 moons)
Natural Healer- Halfheart (brunette haired girl with light tan skin and hazel eyes; 161 moons)
Warriors
Tigereye (blonde haired girl with light skin and baby blue eyes; 149 moons)
Darkheart (brunette haired girl with light tan skin and brown eyes; 149 moons)
Bloodtalon (brunette haired girl with light tan skin and brown eyes; 149 moons)
Gentletouch (brunette haired girl with tan skin and brown eyes; 161 moons)
Apprentice- Rosepaw
Dolphinheart (blonde haired girl with light skin and baby blue eyes; 173 moons)
Riverflow (brunette haired boy with light tan skin and brown eyes; 149 moons)
Sharptooth (plump black and white sherat with black eyes; 17 moons)
Apprentice-Cloverpaw
Mouseheart (mostly white calico tom with yellow green eyes; 29 moons)
Apprentices
Cloverpaw (black and white sherat with black eyes; 17 moons)
Rosepaw (brunette haired girl with tan skin and brown eyes; 123 moons)
Queens
Sunpelt (golden and white shecat with brown eyes; 65 moons)
Younglings
Insectkit (a tan shecat with deep brown eyes and a gray tail; 5 moons)
Elders
Tailwag (black and white Border collie female with brown eyes; 65 moons)
CrocodileClan
Leader- Onestar (fluffy orange tom with yellow eyes; 29 moons)
Apprentice- Hornitpaw
Deputy- Mousevoice (tabby back and white stomach tom with enthusiastic yellow eyes; 29 moons) Apprentice- Adderpaw
Natural Healer- Stubtail (skinny gray and white tom with a stubbed tail; 233 moons)
Apprentice- Shypaw
Warriors-
Brownspot (a fluffy white shecat with a brown blotch on her forehead and she has deep brown eyes; 17 moons)
Freespirit- (calico shecat with yellow eyes; 13 moons)
Cloudtail (slim white shecat with flaming red eyes; 41 moons)
Apprentice- Loudpaw
Darkcave (a dark multi-colored shecat with black eyes; 77 moons)
Apprentice- Beetlepaw
Apprentices
Beetlepaw (muscular tabby tom with brown eyes; 12 moons)
Shypaw (mostly white tom with gray blotches and black eyes; 12 moons)
Loudpaw- (black and white shecat with black eyes; 11 moons)
Hornitpaw (orange and white shecat with baby blue eyes; 9 moons)
Adderpaw (orange and white tom with black eyes; 9 moons)
Queens
None
Kits
None
Elders
One-eye (skinny off white shecat with one brown eye and one misty [blind] eye; 128 moons)
Hornitsting (a plump black tom with white chest and lime green eyes; 89 moons)
Stripedpelt (Orange and white shecat with hot pink eyes; 92 moons)
“And do you know what happened then?” Insectkit heard her mother question. Of course the kit knew what had happened. Her mother had told her this story many times before. However, Insectkit couldn’t bear to dampen the rare flame in her mother’s eyes. The flame that only showed when her mother spoke of the so called legendary rabbit.
“What?” Insectkit forced awe and curiosity into her voice. Her mother smiled warmly, looking into the distance, as if seeing an invisible image. The smile warmed Insectkit to the core. Sunpelt only showed the smile to Insectkit. She seemed withdrawn from the world, only able to release unknown feelings when with her daughter.
“Stand down Crocodilestar! Sunpelt is not yours to order about! Smallstar yowled bravely, his eyes on fire with rage. I looked to the rabbit lovingly.” She paused, her smile fading slightly. “Crocodilestar turned, fury and shock dancing in his heartless optics. I tried to tell Smallstar to bolt away, to leave me. But he didn’t listen…” tears began to well in her optics. This was the part Insectkit always hated in this story. This part always seemed to bring so much pain to her mother. This was the part that almost made Insectkit believe her mothers words. “Crocodilestar and Smallstar fought violently. I could see my leader’s blood pouring, mixing with that of the CrocodileClan leader. Then Crocodilestar stilled, falling limply to the ground. Embedded in his neck lay two fangs. The fangs were dull, yet long. The fangs belong to a rabbit; Smallstar. You may think I’m crazy for saying a rabbit tore out a cat’s throat and killed him, but it’s true. Smallstar fell to the ground at that point; too much blood had been lost. He spoke of his love to me and told me to hide. No matter how much I was crying, I cleared away a spot beneath a bush. I gave birth to your two deceased siblings beneath that bush, as Smallstar spoke with Halfheart. Then, as his life faded, you were born. He died for us. He would have been a fine step father for you, I just know it.” Her voice was distant, full of pain and love. When her eyes focused once more, they were staring past Insectkit, out of the hutch that the two were laying in. Insectkit knew someone was coming; fore her mother always distanced herself when others approached.
The roof to the hutch clicked as it lifted. Insectkit smiled up at the jolly face of the BugClan healer. “Hi Halfheart!” Insectkit mewed in excitement. “What do you want?”
Halfheart gently lifted the kit up, kissing her gently on the forehead. She rubbed Sunpelt behind the ears before speaking. “I was wondering if Sunpelt would like to join Pigstar on a patrol. Some fresh air would be good for her…” She turned her eyes to the queen in the hutch. Sunpelt didn’t answer, just looked up with a sorrowful look and then looked forward once more.
Insectkit’s ears dropped at her mothers silent response. “I guess she wants to rest.” She mewed pitifully. “But, can I hang out with you for a little bit Halfheart?” In all Insectkit’s life, she had never heard her mother udder a word to anyone besides her daughter. Insectkit never understood why, everyone in BugClan seemed so friendly and open. Well, all except the deputy, Blackdevil. She wasn’t cruel, just independent.
“I suppose, if Sunpelt is cool with it.” Halfheart again turned her gaze to the queen, urging her to speak. Insectkit wanted to slap her mother when she merely gave a stiff nod, but she kept still. She had to see what was behind her mothers muteness, but for now Insectkit would just enjoy being out of her nursery. She felt the coolness of wood beneath her pads as Halfheart placed her to the floor. “We’re going to Darkheart’s house so climb in my bag so my parents don’t see you.” Halfheart ordered the kit gently.
Insectkit yelped in excitement before looking up at her nursery in question. Her mother had given her permission to hang out with Halfheart, not leave the house. “You may stay at Darkheart’s as long as you are stuck to Halfheart liked a flea to our pelt.” Her mother cooed so only Insectkit could hear. Insectkit yelped in excitement as she hopped into the backpack Halfheart placed in front of her. Her sensitive pads landed gently atop the towel Halfheart was bringing with her. The zipper closed slowly, leaving a slight notch open as a peak hole for Insectkit.
Insectkit sunk low as Halfheart leaped down the stairs and landed swiftly in front of her mother. At times Halfheart’s mother could be vicious, like the CrocodileClan cats Insectkit’s mother spoke of. But now was not one of those times. Sometimes her mother was gentle and warm. “You ready?” Halfheart’s mother questioned. Insectkit stopped herself from squeaking an excited yes.
“Yeah!” Halfheart chirped. There was so much excitement in Halfheart’s voice, too much for a simple visit to Darkheart. Insectkit curved her neck to eye Halfheart suspiciously, but was unable to see her face from her peak hole.
* * * *
“Lindsay, hello!” Insectkit’s eyes widened as an unfamiliar voice reached her ears. She spotted an elderly woman waddling out the door to greet the BugClan healer. That woman called Halfheart Lindsay which means she is a loner, not a Clan creature. Insectkit told herself so not to make a mistake and appear to this Twoleg. Insectkit felt Halfheart look over her shoulder to see if her mother was gone before giving the elderly woman a huge grin.
“Hi Dear; look what I brought!” Insectkit heard the bag unzip right before she was jolted from the safety of the pack. She squirmed slightly, but realized quickly Dear was of no threat to her.
“Awww, she’s adorable!” Dear yipped warmly as she grabbed Insectkit and cradled her gently. Insectkit’s ears perked as two pairs of feet rustled into the room.
“Half…” Insectkit heard Darkheart pause as she spotted Dear. “Lindsay, why’d you bring Kushundra?” Darkheart question smoothly, using the Twoleg name Insectkit had been assigned.
“She was bored with her mother so I figured it would be okay for her to join me.” Halfheart answered before gently taking Insectkit from Dear’s arms. Dear smiled warmly once more at Insectkit before opening a door and heading in. A low growl emitted from behind the closed door. Insectkit felt her neck furs rise in fear.
“Is that a loner dog?” she questioned pitifully, pressing tighter against Halfheart.
“Yes, that’s Maccy Boy. You don’t want to meet him.” Halfheart said softly, gently petting Insectkit reassuringly. Insectkit calmed as Halfheart followed Darkheart and Gentletouch up into messy looking room.
“So, what really made you decide to bring Insectkit?” Gentletouch questioned as Darkheart fished around in a small cage. Halfheart looked to Insectkit and then to Gentletouch before shrugging.
“She felt like coming so I thought it’d be nice for her to get out of the den. She’s going to be an apprentice in 1 more moon. Plus, having a mute mother must be hard since she’ll only speak when everyone besides Insectkit is gone.” Halfheart grimaced slightly when she called Sunpelt mute. It was almost as if the thought of Insectkit’s mother not talking brought physical pain to her.
Gentletouch sighed at Halfheart’s statement. Her eyes then drifted gratefully over to Darkheart when the warrior made an excited sound. It was as if the thought of Sunpelt’s muteness bothered everyone in BugClan.
“I caught you, little beasty!” Darkheart cackled as she pulled a small creature from the cage. The delightful scent of rodent teased Insectkit’s glands, much as it always did when Sharptooth or Cloverpaw were near. Being so young, Insectkit had yet to learn how to carefully control her instincts. She stood, alert, as if ready to make a catch.
“Insectkit, stand down.” She heard the harsh scowl come from the healer. She glanced sheepishly at the Twoleg before looking embarrassedly to her paws.
“Sorry Halfheart.” She apologized, though she didn’t quit understand why she couldn’t even give into the instincts a little bit. She hadn’t planned to attack the critter, just show some noticeable interest. Her eyes sparkled as Darkheart handed the small hamster to Halfheart.
“Hello little Bhupen.” Halfheart cooed, instantly gentle. Gentletouch looked to Darkheart before speaking uncertainly.
“Uh, why are you calling him Bhupen? Surely you have a Clan name for him…” Halfheart turned her hazelnut eyes to the warrior.
“I need to have StarClan show me a name and his place. Perhaps Bhupen will not be fit for Clan life. Even if he is fit, a name is always better when based off personality rather then looks.” She explained slowly, obviously confident in her answer. Insectkit looked from Gentletouch to Darkheart, her eyes wide in astonishment.
“First rats, now hamsters! Next we’ll be allowing caterpillars into our Clan!” her voice was much harsher then it was meant to be. She instantly shrunk though, as Halfheart laid her now fiery eyes on her.
“If you think cats are the only ones fit for a Clan, go join CrocodileClan!” she snapped furiously. She then turned her back to the kit, talking gently to the hamster while stroking his quivering body. Insectkit felt eyes burning into her back as Gentletouch and Darkheart waited for some sort of response, but Insectkit’s mind was elsewhere.
“There’s actually a CrocodileClan?” her question was said with a soft, almost pitiful tone. She saw Halfheart turn slowly, her eyes uncertain. She looked to Gentletouch and Darkheart but they just looked right back with an intense stare. Insectkit wasn’t sure what emotions were swimming in the two warriors eyes. Anger? Confusion? Fear? There was no way to really tell. Halfheart finally sighed in defeat before gently setting Bhupen down in a traveling container.
“Sadly, it’s true. CrocodileClan is stalking through our territories. They consist of all cats, all with one thought; death. They all share the same bloodlust that their leaders always seem to have.” She paused. “Do you think Mouseheart was born with the scar along his face or Pigstar got the tip of his ear bite off while play fighting with his gentle brother? Do you honestly believe Sharptooth was always timid around cats or that Cloverpaw naturally lost a clump of fur on her flank that would never grow back?” Her eyes were sad as memories seem to play in her eyes. “We used to have a mighty tom cat in our ranks called Coyoteclaw. He was an elder, and yet all animals within Coventry knew and respected him.” She seemed to end the story there, but Insectkit could tell there was more.
Instead of pushing for more information, Insectkit simply changed the conversation. She hated the sad eyes all the Twolegs had and would do anything to just stop the pain. “Is Bhupen living at the camp?” she question smoothly, although her mind was still on the past conversation. So my mum got the warrior confused with a fictional rabbit leader. That makes more sense. Everyone knows a rabbit could never kill a cat. Really the respected elder died for me. That’s a relief. A rabbit defending a cat is sorta pathetic. Insectkit laughed mildly at her mother’s foolishness but on the outside she kept a straight face.
All the Twolegs smiled, grateful for the kits willingness to drop the conversation. “Yes, he is.” Halfheart answered gently. She then looked at the clock and then to Darkheart and Gentletouch. “I have an hour before Bhupen, Insectkit, and I have to get brought home so want to swim?” Without an answer from either warrior, Insectkit was scooped up and carried off in the arms of Halfheart.
* * * *
A gentle breeze carried the scent of rat to Insectkit’s jaws. Insectkit hesitated before stalking towards the scent. Her trainings told her no, this rat was not meant to be food, but her instincts told her yes. A bush stood massively in front of the small feline. Although she couldn’t see the prey, she knew it was on the other side of this bush.
Gingerly, the kit put all her weight on her hide legs. Her tail twitched as she readied her leap. With one massive movement, she was over the bush and pinning the rat to the ground. The rat’s eyes held fear, and then showed its confusing thoughts.
Recognition filled Insectkit as she realized whom she was hunting; Cloverpaw. She hesitated for a second before letting her claws slither from their sheaths. A wicked smile crossed her face as she readied to slice the rats stomach open.
But then the creature began to change. The size of Cloverpaw increased a great deal, much larger then Insectkit. Then the pelt color changed to the colors of a tabby cat. The ears pointed and the muzzle shrunk towards the face. The eyes of the creature held fierce disappointment. Insectkit realized the creature she was on was now a tabby tom.
She quickly leapt from the body, letting the male get to his paws. His eyes followed Insectkit’s every movement, as if he didn’t trust her. His jaws parted and the voice that escaped chilled Insectkit’s blood. It was firm and authoritive, one of a mighty leader.
“I expected better, Insectkit.” The tom scolded. “Smallstar died to keep you alive, and now you disappoint him. He should have let the male slaughter your mother in order to protect the world from you.” His voice was cold, not at all sympathetic or friendly. Insectkit sunk back, then laid on the ground, head on her paws in submission. This male could kill her with one claw, but he used words instead of violence.
“W-who are you?” Insectkit disliked the male for insulting her as he was, but she couldn’t let her hate show. She had to be humble besides the tom if she wanted to keep her head attached to her body.
The tom eyed her, his eyes still holding his anger and disappointment. He finally sighed. “My name is Coyoteclaw, a past elder of BugClan.” He paused. “I am not the one who saved you.” Those words shocked Insectkit. How could this cat know what she had thought before? She connected eyes with the male, not lifting her head.
“What is Smallstar?” she prayed he would not say a rabbit. Her prey should not be her hero. Coyoteclaw walked up to her and bent over, bringing his face to hers so their whiskers touched.
“Your prey, as you call it, did save you. He was indeed a rabbit.” The tom scowled. “He is more of a cat then even you are, though.” Coyoteclaw snapped harshly. Insectkit blinked back tears. She hated this tom with all her heart. Why was he treating her so cruelly?
Coyoteclaw threw back his head and gave a hideous laugh, letting his blood tinted canines show. “I’m treating you cruelly? What about poor Cloverpaw that you were about to mercilessly slaughter without a second thought?” Again the male read her mind. She finally climbed to her paws, shaking in fury.
“Cloverpaw is a rat and I’m a cat! I EAT RATS! She is prey and I am predator, that’s how the world works!” Insectkit howled furiously. Coyoteclaw’s amused smile vanished, replaced by a firm frown.
“Then move to CrocodileClan. It’s scum like you that cost me and Smallstar our lives. Smallstar, a rabbit, died to protect you from CrocodileClan, and now you take after every cat that is part of the very thing that tried to kill you.” His voice was low, more disappointed then angry.
“I just don’t get it. How can I be a part of BugClan, when my instincts go against every one of their laws?” She mumbled softly letting her eyes drop to the ground. Although her eyes were on the ground, Insectkit felt the tom’s eyes flow gently over her body. He put out a paw and lifted her head to face him.
“Admitting you don’t get it is half the battle.” With that the tom vanished.
Brown eyes glowed as they scanned the bedroom she was in upon awakening. Warm hands were wrapped around the small kits body. Insectkit flipped her head to the side to see the owner of the firm grasp. Halfheart’s eye twitched and a frown was upon her face, but she was still asleep. Must be dreaming… Insectkit thought curiously. She knew the Natural Healer had dreams like the one she had had with the StarClan elder frequently and she wondered if the Healer would share the same dream Insectkit had had.
Insectkit squirmed gently; wiggling from Halfheart’s hands. She leapt silently from the bed and dashed over to Bluecage. For the first time the shecat scented the stale traces of rabbit, mingling with her mothers fresh scent. Hatred filled the young kits eyes. Why did Smallstar have to save me? I think I’d rather die then know I needed a rabbit to keep my mother and me alive. She thought harshly. Guilt gnawed at her stomach though. Why can’t I be like Pigstar, or even Blackdevil? Why is it so hard for me to accept my natural prey animals as friends? Her head hung as she leapt up into the entrance of the Bluecage den. She landed softly beside the massive leader’s body. She turned to enter the miniature hutch, which was the nursery that was attacked to Bluecage, but paused. She put out a paw and prodded Pigstar gently.
Pigstar gave a snort of surprise before letting his eyes open. He had a confused look when he spotted the kit standing before him, her eyes filled with a mix of emotions. “Insectkit, what’s wrong?” his voice was soft but Insectkit flicked her tail for silence. She leapt from Bluecage back to the floor, hoping Pigstar would understand she wanted him to follow.
Pigstar looked around to be sure no other creature was watching before following the young cat. He saw her leap down the stairs and when he followed, he saw her land gently onto the couch. Quickly he scrambled up to sit beside the kit, wondering what all this was about. He was confused by her following question.
“How do you do it?” Her voice was soft and her eyes were closed as she hung her head. It was as if she were ashamed of something. Pigstar didn’t understand what the kit meant though.
“Do what?” He saw Insectkit lift her head quickly and open her eyes. There was a fire blazing in her optics that scared Pigstar in a way, but he didn’t show his nervous emotions.
“Fight everything your body tells you to do. How do you suppress thousands of year’s worth of instincts?” Pigstar still wasn’t entirely sure what the kit was asking but he had a basic idea.
“You mean living beside and working with animals that are supposedly my prey?” He questioned slowly. He hoped, in a way, this was her question. What other instincts could she be talking about? He saw her nod her head and her gave a soft smile. “You learn to love the creatures of the Clan. I don’t suppress my instincts at all; I simply let my heart go out to any creature, instead of closing everyone out that isn’t a feline.”
Insectkit was disappointed by this answer. She was hoping there’d be some technique to the answer. She didn’t allow her disappointment to show though; she simply put a grateful smile forward. “Oh, thanks.” With that she hopped from the couch and ran back up the stairs. Oh Coyoteclaw! Maybe I should do as you and Halfheart have both told me to do. Perhaps I am a CrocodileClanner at heart! Insectkit couldn’t let anyone see the tears running down her face. She was to be an apprentice soon, and already she couldn’t follow the biggest rule…
* * * *
Insectkit’s paws brimmed in excitement as her mother stood proudly beside her, grooming her daughter’s head. This was the day Insectkit had been waiting for, yet dreading. Please help me change Coyoteclaw… Insectkit prayed as she watched Pigstar make his way to the top of Bluecage.
“Everyone that has earned a place amongst BugClan, gather beneath Bluecage for an exciting Clan meeting.” Insectkit saw Pigstar glance over to her, his eyes brimming in pride. The pride was not only for her though as she saw the leader glance to his brother. Mouseheart’s my mentor! Awesome! I’ll be the first apprentice under Pigstar reign and I’ll be Mouseheart’s first apprentice!
“We’re gathered here today for more then one reason. The first is to accept Insectkit to her next phase of life. From this day to the day she earns her warrior name, she shall be known as Insectpaw.” His eyes scanned the crowd, which were all brimming with smiles. They then rested upon the calico tom sitting in the back.
“Mouseheart, you are now ready to take on an apprentice. You will be mentor to Insectpaw. Mouseheart, you have shown yourself to be a warrior of compassion and bravery when needed during the past battle. I'm sure you will pass on all you know to this apprentice.” Insectpaw watched as Mouseheart leapt to his feet in shock. He quickly ran to stand beside Insectpaw, touching noses with the new apprentice.
“I will not fail you, Brother.” Mouseheart vowed. “I will be sure to make Insectpaw a more worthy warrior then I am, with much courage to show. But most of all, I will form her into a replica of Smallstar. His memory shall not be washed away as years pass.” Everyone hung their head in silent prayer to the past leader. Insectpaw shook in fury at everyone’s stupidity. They could not see her, and if they could, she would surely be punished.
These fools, showing such sorrow for a rabbit! I will NOT be made into a mirror of Smallstar! Her thoughts ran wild and as each head lifted she took deep breaths to calm her flaming nerves. She turned her head and saw Halfheart eyeing her suspiciously. Had the Healer saw her fury towards the Clan’s love for Smallstar? Surely not; Halfheart, of all people, would be locked into prayers for the rabbit and would miss her outbreak of anger…
“And now for another announcement;” Pigstar’s booming voice brought Insectpaw back to Bluecage. “Cloverpaw, come here.” His eyes shone in pride as the apprentice nervously climbed to the top of Bluecage. His eyes looked over the whole Clan as he began the ancient ceremony. “I call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this young apprentice. She has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble, and I commend her a warrior in your turn. Do you promise to uphold the warrior code, to protect and defend this Clan even at the cost of your life?” He looked down at the rat, his eyes warm, waiting for her answer.
Cloverpaw’s eyes were wide with shock. Her jaws parted and an almost silent voice escaped. “I do.”
“Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your Warrior name. Cloverpaw, from this day forward you shall be known as Cloverleaf. StarClan honors your courage and ability to work in a team, and we welcome you as a full member of BugClan.” As Pigstar finished the ceremony, the Clan began cheering the two names.
“Insectpaw! Cloverleaf!” Insectpaw looked to Sunpelt, wondering if her mother was taking part in the cheers, but the shecats eyes were still closed, head hung. Insectpaw scowled silently as she turned away from her mother to face the rest of her Clan. This was her day to shine, and she had to share it with a rat.
Insectpaw watched as Cloverleaf approached her, a warm smile upon her face. “I know you’ll be a warrior in no time at all, Insectpaw…much quicker then I became one.” Her voice was humorous, friendly. Insectpaw forced a smile forward. If only the rat knew how much energy was being used to not attack her. Help me Coyoteclaw!
* * * *
A tiny prod in the ribs caused Insectpaw to groggily open her eyes. A calico tom stood before her, a sheepish grin on his face. He flicked his tail, helping her to her paws before exiting Halfheart’s room. Not fully awake, Insectpaw followed him down the stairs and then out the open door.
A tiny click was sounded and Insectpaw turned to see the object behind the noise. It was dark out, but being a cat, Insectpaw could see well. Halfheart had pushed the door closed and was now sitting on the stairs silently.
“What’s going on?” Insectpaw finally squeaked, yawning the last of sleep from her eyes. Halfheart and Mouseheart exchanged glances. The tomcat walked up to her, his smile gone but his eyes still reassuring. Insectpaw wished Halfheart shared the same look. The Twoleg held a somewhat disgusted scowl as she looked at Insectpaw.
“Halfheart tells me I have my paws full now that I am mentoring you.” Mouseheart began. “She says you don’t hold loyalty to one of the most important rules from StarClan…” He turned his gaze to Halfheart, whom looked away, arms folded over her chest.
Insectpaw looked to her feet, which shuffled a little uncomfortably. She knew what Halfheart had told Mouseheart, but decided to act Mousebrained so as to weasel out of trouble. “What do you mean?” she mewed, voice soft and pitiful, although she held a deep anger at Halfheart.
No answer was sounded as Halfheart pulled a tiny object from her pocket. The creature squeaked in fear and coward, shivering. Insectpaw’s mouth began to water as Bhupen was held out to her. She lifted a paw to whack at him, but then placed it firmly back down. She couldn’t let Halfheart be proven right.
“Hello little Bhupen.” She forced a warm tone as she spoke gently to the hamster. The creature remained silent, frozen almost. She looked to Halfheart. “Why won’t he talk to me?” he mewed, a little annoyed. Could he sense her wish to feast on him?
“I have not brought him to meet StarClan yet, therefore he has not been given the power of speech yet.” Halfheart answered hoarsely, watching Insectpaw’s twitching muscles.
“Oh, how come you have not brought him yet?” Insectpaw felt an evil smog form. If StarClan had not accepted the small critter yet, then it wouldn’t be breaking a rule if she killed and ate him like fresh kill…She guilty pushed aside the thought. Halfheart would never forgive me if I harmed Bhupen!
“Because, they came to me.” She hesitated, as if deciding whether to tell more. She shook the thoughts away. “But back to you, I spoke with a starry warrior.” Insectpaw found it odd Halfheart didn’t use the StarClan warrior’s name. She looked to Mouseheart, whom was sitting patiently to the side. Insectpaw felt her hatred for Halfheart dampen slightly. She hadn’t told the tom the whole story, just information the mentor would need during training. “I just wanted you to know, I’m watching you, Insectpaw.” The apprentice jerked back to reality as the Twoleg said the threat. “And Mouseheart will be watching as well.”
Authors Note: I do not like how this one ended so expect change in the near future; although I am working on the 4th book at the moment.