"I....I can't." Came her cracking voice, and AshTail stepped forward protectively. AspenGlade noticed BadgerBlood and SharpStar exchange glances, both looking rather cold-heartedly at RainFlower.

"Then so be it." BadgerBlood's cold reply rattled AspenGlade's thoughts, his heart pounding. How could his own son turn so cruel?

"MouseRunner!" He spat out, "Kill him!" He snarled the order so harsh.

AspenGlade looked upon MouseRunner, his So small and skinny beside BadgerBlood. He could smell the stench of uncertainty and remorse. "I can't, Brother." MouseRunner spoke up.

"I can't kill our Father." He bowed his head, his muscles tensing as he prepared for his brother's fierce wrath.

BadgerBlood snarled, "You coward!" The Tom sprung from his position besides SharpStar, his claws curling into MouseRunner's chest.

"Stop!" AspenGlade could hear cries of terror, his gaze shooting to RainFlower, whom had stumbled forth. "BadgerBlood! Stop!" Her voice rasped wearily, and AshTail followed suit.

BadgerBlood snarled, his claws gripping his brother's throat. "Your all Cowardly!" He hissed with insanity, eyes flaming.

MouseRunner choked on blood that began to flood his mouth, struggling beneath his Brother's strong paws. For a brief moment, BadgerBlood forced himself to look into the helpless eyes of his dying brother, his expression flashing painfully for a heartbeat.

AspenGlade bristled when he felt Two Warriors pin him down. AshTail escorted RainFlower back to the Nursery, tail lowered.

"MouseRunner.." AspenGlade let out a expastnrated sigh, the last thing him seeing MouseRunner limp against the floor..

++*+*+*++

"Wake up." A growl and a sharp prod jolted AspenGlade from his sleep, and his tired eyes opened to find small, ginger furred She-Cat standing over him. 'She must be an Apprentice..' He thought to himself.

"W-Who are you?" His voice groggy, AspenStar slowly sat up, stretching.

"Names GingerPaw." The She-Cat shrugged her shoulders, yawning.

"Oh. And I'm taking you are one of SharpStar's minions?" AspenGlade growled bitterly.

GingerPaw snorted, "Not by a long shot. I only have to do what he says."

"There's freedom of choice you know." AspenGlade snarled, standing. "I gotta get out of here, with RainFlower." He muttered.

TO BE CONTINUED