Edited! 👌

Chapter 11: Dark Loyalties

Redblaze looked around at the gathered cats, her ears twitching.

"I will introduce you to the cats in order of rank." Wretchedblaze began. He flicked his tail to a small group of cats. "Sorrelfang, Tigerfoot, Grayheart, Brackenfall, Gooseflight, and Nightsong. Come." Six cats padded forward, a glitter of malice in their eyes. "These are the oldest cats."

"So you are Redblaze?" A jet-black she-cat mewed. Her eyes were a cold, icy blue.

"Yes." Redblaze said, keeping her confidence.

"I am Nightsong, then." She whisked around, leading the other cats away.

"Then these are the youngest cats. Meet Shaderose, Iceheart, Rockpelt, Silverwing, Boneleaf, and Birchclaw." Wretchedblaze lead the cats forward, and they dipped their heads in greeting. They then padded away. "I am a kind of deputy."

"Who's the leader then?" Redblaze asked.

"You." Wretchedblaze hissed. Redblaze's eyes widened. Redblaze regained her composure, then smiled.

"Good." Redblaze purred.

"We are dead cats right now. What you need to do is get cats under your rule. When you take on the name Redstar, then we can strike. We will come down from here, and the Dark Forest will be alive!" Wretchedblaze explained. Redblaze nodded.

"I understand. I know some ways I can accomplish this." Redblaze dug her claws into the tough dirt. "The Dark Forest will be alive!"

"Dark Forest! Dark Forest!" The cats chanted as a Clan would a new warrior, but evilness and malice laced in the gathered cats' tones. Darkness creeped into Redblaze's vision, and it all went black.

Redblaze blinked open her eyes. She saw Featherstone and Twistedstar with her in the medicine den. "She's awake!" Featherstone exclaimed. Twistedstar smiled. I'll kill Featherstone after I have proven I am a loyal cat, then I'll kill Twistedstar, Redblaze plotted.

"I- I'm ok." Redblaze mumbled. She could see Barkpaw padding into the den with cobwebs.

"You planning on becoming the new medicine cat?" Twistedstar purred. His tone was amused, but his expression was serious. Barkpaw dropped the cobwebs then grinned.

"Maybe!" Barkpaw said, shuffling his paws. He checked through Redblaze's fur, then he padded out of the den. Redblaze made an effort to stand, and she finally stood on teetering paws. Redblaze nodded to Featherstone and Twistedstar as she came out of the den.

Redblaze looked around at her Clanmates, and thought back to when she was a kit, to now. Now they are simply who I will kill next. Redblaze thought. She remembered her mission, and hoped to earn the favor of Twistedstar. After that she would kill Featherstone. Then she would find a way to kill Twistedstar, nine times or as many times as it takes. But I need an apprentice. Redblaze could see Spottedfur in the nursery. Not her kits. Not her kin. She could see Breezeshine and Cloudclaw sharing tongues, and she decided she would mentor one of their kits. I will.

Redblaze went to her den, as she was told to stay in camp, and sulked. She wanted to go hunting. For cats or for mice. She wondered how Wretchedblaze and the others would come alive. We have our ways. Just get yourself a Clan. Wretchedblaze whispered in her ear. Redblaze nodded. Soon, I will be Redstar.