The world stood still as Milkblaze stared at Blackstorm, his paws frozen to the ground. The gasps and cries around him seemed faint and distant as he processed his words. Maplefur... Is dead? No... Oh StarClan, please no!

Beyond Blackstorm and Ashcloud, a third warrior, Cougarfoot, emerged from the shadows of the thorn tunnel, carrying a familiar cream tabby on his shoulders. The sight of it sent a flurry of horror into Milkblaze. Maplefur! He forced himself to take a few trembling steps toward the newcomers, vaguely aware of Rosebreeze wailing out behind him in distress.

"No!"

A screech broke him out of his stunned daze, and he blinked as Poisonedsap slammed into him, nearly knocking him off his paws. "Get out of my way!" She spat, proceeding to thrust Rosebreeze aside.

Milkblaze was too shocked to be angry with her. He regained his balance as Cougarfoot carefully lowered Maplefur's body to the ground, and Poisonedsap wailed, dropping to his side and pressing her muzzle into his fur.

Forcing himself to draw closer, he stared down at his beloved brother, half expecting him to look up and greet him. But Maplefur didn't move. He felt sick to his stomach as his eyes fixed on the ragged wound across his throat, his cream fur clotted with dry blood. Yellow eyes stared up at Milkblaze, blank and frozen. Milkblaze stared back. If only those eyes could tell me what he saw in his final moments... Who did this to him.

Suddenly a black tail moved across Maplefur's face, and Milkblaze raised his gaze to see that Blackstorm was gently closing his eyelids with his tail. I'll never see my brother's eyes again.

"Don't touch him!" Poisonedsap looked up and spat. Blackstorm dipped his head respectfully and stepped back. He wasn't doing any wrong...

"Cougarfoot."

Milkblaze heard Depthstar slowly joining them beside the dead warrior. "What happened?

"Cougarfoot," Depthstar padded over to the others slowly, stopping near the dead warrior. "What happened?"

Milkblaze dragged his gaze away from Maplefur to Cougarfoot, anxiously awaiting his words. What happened to him? Who killed him?

Cougarfoot sat and stared down at the body. "We were patrolling by the ThunderClan border, and... We found him, just a fox length into their territory. His body was cold. There's ThunderClan scent all over him."

ThunderClan? Milkblaze blinked in confusion as Poisonedsap raised her head and snarled. "A ThunderClan warrior killed my mate!"

He looked around in disbelief as the clan rose into yowls of rage, shouting insults toward ThunderClan. This makes no sense! Why would Maplefur be near the border alone? And why would a ThunderClan cat go as far as to kill him?

"Enough!" Depthstar raised his voice, and the cats quieted. "We have no proof that-"

"Proof?" Poisonedsap glared at the clan leader. "Maplefur was found right on their land! There's ThunderClan scent on him! Clearly this is the work of ThunderClan!"

Depthstar narrowed his blue eyes. "What reason would ThunderClan have to kill Maplefur?"

"What reason do you have to not defend his honor?" Poisonedsap shot back. "Maplefur died at the paws of a ThunderClan warrior! We must attack at once!"

As she spoke, Depthstar bristled. "We will not attack ThunderClan until-"

Before he could finish, Poisonedsap rose to her paws, swinging to face the ShadowClan leader. "What kind of a leader are you to let cats get away with murder?" She spat. "Have you no honor?"

Milkblaze stared at the queen in astonishment. How can she speak to the clan leader like that?! He studied her as she glared at Depthstar, her tail lashing slowly. She's so ready to accept that ThunderClan killed Maplefur, but it makes no sense! Unless... He remembered his earlier suspicions with a chill of dread. Unless she's setting them up... And she's the one responsible...

He heard yowls of agreement from his clanmates, but hardly noticed, his attention locked on the former rogue as his mind spun. Maplefur knew that Poisonedsap was training Swiftkit and Stonekit to fight. If she thought he'd get in the way, or report it to Depthstar...

As Milkblaze's thoughts raced, Depthstar faced Poisonedsap calmly, breathing in. "You're in grief, Poisonedsap," He meowed. "I understand. I will confront Strawberrystar with this accusation at the next gathering."

Poisonedsap bristled. "The next gathering? That's-"

Cougarfoot stepped to her side. "Depthstar knows what he's doing," He meowed quietly. "Maplefur will be avenged. I promise."

The queen glared at the golden tom, and Milkblaze waited for her to snap at him like she did Blackstorm and Depthstar. But she calmed and leaned against him. "I suppose. Thank you for bringing him back to camp, Cougarfoot."

Milkblaze stared at Poisonedsap in disbelief as she rubbed her head against Cougarfoot's shoulder. She just wailed over Maplefur and demanded he be avenged... And now she's leaning on another tom, like they're mates? Moments after learning Maplefur died?

After a moment, Poisonedsap returned her gaze to Depthstar, looking as calm as ever. "May we continue with Stonekit's ceremony?" She rasped.

Depthstar frowned. "Surely we should hold Maplefur's vigil first-"

"No," She interrupted, lashing her tail. "Stonekit must be made an apprentice now, with his brother. That's what Maplefur would want." A warm look flashed in her eyes as she said this.

Milkblaze's suspicions rose. This was an act... She's pretended to grieve for Maplefur. No cat gets over the death of a loved one so quickly!

Depthstar himself seemed surprised at her willingness to continue the ceremony. But after a moment, he dipped his head. "Very well."

As the clan slowly returned their focus on the ceremony, many still shaken at the news of Maplefur's death, Milkblaze looked at the kits with a pang of sympathy. Swiftpaw was staring at his paws, his head low and ears flat. Beside him, Stonekit was hunched over, though his tail swished slowly. How is he processing this? I guess I'll find out soon. He drew in a shaky breath. Stonekit will be my apprentice.

"Stonekit," Depthstar began. "From this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as-"

"Wait!" Stonekit looked up and yowled.

What is he doing? Milkblaze blinked at the kit in surprise. It isn't right to interrupt a ceremony like that. Swiftpaw himself looked startled.

Depthstar looked surprised, but nodded. "Yes, Stonekit?"

The black-legged kit straightened, his eyes raised to his leader. "My father has died wrongfully at the paws of a rival warrior," He meowed, and Milkblaze was impressed by his mature words. "I wish to avenge him. I will find the ThunderClan warrior who sent him to StarClan and tear him apart." His amber eyes narrowed. "I would like to be called Revengepaw. For I will act out my revenge. For my father."

Revengepaw? Milkblaze's heart skipped a beat as he stared at the white and black tom. Why in the name of StarClan would he want a threatening name like that? He shot a look toward Poisonedsap. The queen was gazing at her son proudly, her eyes glittering. Maplefur told me that Stonekit didn't seem to care about him. I'll bet my claws Poisonedsap has something to do with this...

Curious, Milkblaze looked up at Depthstar. The clan leader was exchanging a startled look with Cobratail. "That's a worrisome name, Stonekit," He meowed as he returned his attention to the kit. "One that may give a poor impression to your clanmates. To the other clans. It may make them wary of you."

"It is the name that will give me strength." Stonekit replied, clearly having no doubts.

Depthstar studied him for a long moment. "Very well." He decided. "From this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Revengepaw."

Alright... Milkblaze felt unsettled as he looked at Stonekit- no, Revengepaw. It's certainly a different decision. I'll ask him about it while I'm showing him the territory. He rose to his paws, starting to make his way through the crowd toward Revengepaw as Depthstar spoke.

Your mentor will be-"

"Depthstar." Poisonedsap spoke suddenly. "I have a request."

What? Milkblaze stopped and looked over his shoulder at the she-cat, suspicion prickling his fur. She told me she wouldn't let me mentor Revengepaw. But surely she has no power over that now?

Up on the meeting rock, Depthstar looked irritated at yet another interruption. "Yes, Poisonedsap?"

Poisonedsap raised her voice. "I would like Cougarfoot to mentor Revengepaw," She meowed.

As Cougarfoot looked at her in surprise, Milkblaze stared at her in bewilderment. What is she meowing about? Does she think she has any right to decide who her kits' mentors will be? He glared over his shoulder at her. I'm mentoring Revengepaw!

Depthstar's ear twitched. "Cougarfoot already has an apprentice."

That's right. Milkblaze narrowed his eyes at her. Nice try.

Poisonedsap snorted. "Mottledpaw is being assessed tomorrow." She cast Cougarfoot a warm look. "Surely a strong, handsome warrior like Cougarfoot can handle two apprentices for one day?"

Cougarfoot twitched his tail and ducked his head, clearly flattered at her praise. "I suppose I could."

The ShadowClan leader hesitated, catching Milkblaze's eye. He stared back. No. You promised that I would mentor Revengepaw. Poisonedsap is setting him down a dark path, I just know it! Put him in my paws, and I'll make sure that doesn't happen!

But Depthstar looked helpless, and Milkblaze could understand how it must feel being in his position. Poisonedsap has just lost her mate, and she wasn't too satisfied with Depthstar's decision to wait until the gathering to confront ThunderClan. How will he look to the clan if he denies a grieving queen's request?

Depthstar blinked apologetically to Milkblaze before he spoke. "Very well. Cougarfoot, you will mentor Revengepaw. I expect you to pass on all you know to him."

Milkblaze's jaw dropped. He stared in disbelief as Cougarfoot left Poisonedsap's side to touch noses with Revengepaw. I can't believe this! He swung his head toward Poisonedsap as the clan cheered.

"Revengepaw! Revengepaw!"

Milkblaze's head ached as he glared through the crowd at Poisonedsap. You... She was gazing at Cougarfoot, nodding in satisfaction. You did this! As if she heard his thoughts, she suddenly rested her gaze on him. Her amber eyes flickered with something unreadable before she smirked.

Fury pulsed through Milkblaze's head. You heartless, cruel, wicked cat... You've ruined my chance to free Revengepaw from your trap. I can see right through your act. He stared her down without fear, hoping she could feel his hatred scorching through her smirking face like fire. I know that you've done this. You killed my brother. And you won't get away with it.

***

That night, Maplefur's body lay in the center of the clearing, his cream striped pelt pale in the moonlight. Hawkfeather and Dewstorm had smoothed his fur with herbs, and the reek of death was masked by the sweet scent of flowers.

Milkblaze's eyes were closed as he pressed his nose into his brother's flank. His body was ice cold, so unlike the warmth he'd felt when he leaned against him in the forest just yesterday. Rosebreeze crouched at his side, her chin rested over Maplefur's shoulder.

Maplefur... I'm so sorry. He thought as he squeezed his eyes shut, holding back tears. You didn't deserve this. You just wanted to help her to feel safe in the clan. You just wanted to be a great father.

The sound of faint pawsteps broke him out of his thoughts, and he raised his head slightly to see Diamondrain approaching slowly from the nursery. "May I join you?" She asked quietly. "He was my mentor."

Milkblaze gave a tiny nod. As the she-cat lowered and gave Maplefur's shoulder a lick, he stared past her to the warriors' den, his chest growing heavy with grief and rising anger. Diamondrain was his apprentice, and she came to the vigil once her kits were asleep. Poisonedsap was his mate, and she's in there having the best sleep she's had in moons.

A moment later, another cat dropped to Milkblaze's side. He glanced over, half expecting to see Poisonedsap. But instead, it was Swiftpaw. The young apprentice pressed his head against his father's side, a sob of grief escaping him. "It's my fault..."

"Swiftpaw..." Milkblaze's heart broke for his nephew. He's so young to lose his father. He leaned closer to him. Swiftpaw turned and thrust his head under Milkblaze's chin, crying quietly. Milkblaze wrapped his tail around him and closed his eyes. "How could it be your fault?" He murmured.

The black and white apprentice didn't speak for a long while. "I-I don't know..." He rasped at last.

Milkblaze didn't press him any further. He lowered his head to Maplefur's body as Swiftpaw leaned into him, trembling. Milkblaze closed his eyes, grief and anger sending determination through him. Poisonedsap won't get away with this, Maplefur... I promise.

***

A quarter moon went by. The world felt strange and cold without Maplefur. Depthstar had kept his promise to Poisonedsap. At the gathering, he had openly accused ThunderClan of murdering Maplefur. Strawberrystar had furiously denied the accusation, and many ShadowClan cats thought she was lying, or didn't know one of her warriors was a killer.

Every day now, Milkblaze felt sick to his stomach at the sight of Poisonedsap in the clearing, flirting with Cougarfoot every chance she got. She already had the warrior wrapped around her paw. She'll use him for something, just like she did Maplefur.

Poisonedsap spent a strange amount of time with one particular group of cats: Mottledface, Foxshadow, Blackstorm, Revengepaw, and Swiftpaw. Milkblaze had come to the conclusion that whatever she had planned, some of his clanmates were involved.

So how do I know who to trust? Milkblaze wondered anxiously. He sat at the side of the clearing, his head low. It was a chilly day, but he hardly noticed. Though it was after sunhigh, the sky was dim and gray. A storm is coming.

Poisonedsap killed Maplefur. She lured a fox onto our territory to kill Stormstar. And yet neither is enough. She's still planning something. She's made allies within ShadowClan. Milkblaze stared across the clearing through dull eyes.

Poisonedsap was sitting with her usual companions. Revengepaw swung a black paw into the air, slashing at some invisible enemy. As Foxshadow and Mottledface laughed, Poisonedsap nodded approvingly.

"Milkblaze?"

He didn't move as Boost and Song padded up to him. After a moment, he blinked slowly and rested his gaze on them. My kits... They were fully grown warriors now. Boost lean and handsome, and Song beautiful and intelligent. They've grown so much.

"Are you okay?" Song asked, her blue eyes filled with concern. "You haven't been yourself."

He looked down. "I... I'm okay."

"You must miss Maplefur," Boost meowed quietly. "We understand how it feels." He moved closer and leaned against him, and Song pressed on Milkblaze's opposite side.

"You were there for us," Song murmured. "So we're here for you."

Emotion swelled through Milkblaze's heart. He closed his eyes, finding comfort in the warmth of his foster kits. "Thank you," He murmured.

After a long while, the two warriors sat in front of him. "Is there anything you want to talk about? Boost asked. "You can tell us."

Milkblaze stared at Boost and Song as they gazed at him, their eyes glistening with concern and undeniable love. They have no idea about Poisonedsap... And if I tell them, Poisonedsap might find out and go after them. They're in danger. The whole clan is. I need to protect them.

"I'm alright," He murmured after a long moment. Suddenly, he realized something. As long as Poisonedsap can tell I'm a threat... My days are numbered... "I'm so proud of you both, you know?"

"We know." Song's eyes shone.

Milkblaze leaned forward and touched noses with the white she-cat, then did the same to Boost. "I love you."

"We love you too, Milkblaze." Boost gave his shoulder a lick. "Everything's going to be okay."

I hope so. A droplet of rain fell onto his nose, and he realized it had begun sprinkling.

"The rain might pick up soon," Cobratail was meowing across the clearing. "Be ready to take shelter!"

Movement caught Milkblaze's eye. He looked past Boost and Song and saw that Poisonedsap had turned away from her allies. He expected her to take shelter in the warriors' den, but instead, she headed toward the thorn tunnel. She paused, glancing over her shoulder briefly before slipping out of the camp.

Where is she going? Milkblaze narrowed his eyes as he stared at the tunnel where she'd disappeared. And why is she acting so suspicious? He rose to his paws. I'll follow her. He decided firmly. I'll find out what she's up to."

As he started forward, Boost blinked. "Where are you going?"

"Err, hunting," Milkblaze meowed, not taking his eyes off the thorn tunnel. "There will be more frogs out in this weather. I'll see you later, okay?"

"Okay." Song replied, and Milkblaze padded across the camp and through the thorn tunnel.

As he stepped into the damp forest, he became aware of the rain falling more quickly. Oh StarClan, this is going to be a downpour. He thought miserably. At least Poisonedsap won't scent me. He spotted her ragged tail vanish behind a tree a ways away, and he immediately headed in that direction.

Rain pattered at the earth as Milkblaze quickened his pace through the dark woods, his eyes fixed on the dark silhouette of Poisonedsap up ahead. I can't lose her. He pressed onward as rain chilled his fur, keeping a careful distance between himself and Poisonedsap. Where is she going? We're nearing the edge of the territory.

Milkblaze paused behind the damp trunk of a pine tree and peered out. Up ahead just past the border, Poisonedsap stood, her ears flattened as rain fell onto her, slicking her brown fur to her body. But she didn't move or make any attempt to find shelter.

Is she waiting for something? Someone? Milkblaze blinked in confusion as he lowered himself to the ground, ignoring the mud seeping into his belly fur. Poisonedsap remained still. Suddenly the dark shape of a cat appeared from the bushes beyond her. She pricked her ears as the dark cat stepped forward to meet her, his white paws wet with mud.

Milkblaze's breath caught in his throat. Thunder crackled overhead as lightning lit up the sky, outlining the newcomer in a pale glow for a split second. He recognized that cat. Though he remembered him as a tiny kit. Now, he was fully grown, muscles rippling under his black fur. Great StarClan, it's-

"Deserve!" Poisonedsap grunted. "About time you showed up. I'll be a soaked rat by the time I get back to my nest!"

The black tom twitched his ear. "The state of your pelt isn't my concern," He growled. "You said you had news. What is it?"

"Maplefur is dead," She told him. "I killed him last moon. I couldn't trust him to... contribute anymore." Her eyes narrowed. "But I've found a new mate to provide more kits for the army."

"Good." A purr rumbled in Deserve's throat. "Deserve's Army will need as many cats as possible for our attack. Your kits seem like a promising addition to our cause."

Deserve's Army? Milkblaze could hardly believe his ears as he listened. Attack? Though he'd been certain about Poisonedsap being a threat for moons, hearing it right in front of him felt unreal. ShadowClan is in danger! More than I could have ever imagined!

"Bring Revengepaw and Swiftpaw to our meeting next moon," Deserve meowed. "I look forward to meeting them."

"They look forward to meeting you." Poisonedsap dipped her head. Deserve nodded and turned away, disappearing into the rain. The queen stood, watching him leave.

Anger burned through Milkblaze as he stared at the she-cat. You killed Maplefur. You're plotting with this murderer to attack the clan! As thunder echoed through the sky, he pulled himself out of his hiding place, his eyes narrowed. Poisonedsap still had her back to him.

I can kill her right now. I can avenge Maplefur, Stormstar, and stop her from destroying our clan! Resisting the urge to yowl, he surged forward through the rain, leaping at Poisonedsap with his claws outstretched. It's over!

Just as his claws touched her pelt, she spun, slashing her forepaws into his shoulder. Milkblaze let out a startled yowl as he was slammed into the ground, mud splashing against the side of his face. He looked up to see Poisonedsap's amber eyes glowing down at him, her claws digging into his shoulders.

"Well, well, Milkblaze," She sneered. "I thought you might become a problem."

Despite being pinned by a murderer, Milkblaze felt no fear. Only radiating hatred and fury. "You killed my brother!" He snarled up at her. "You fox hearted peace of dung!" He summoned all his strength and kicked out with his hind legs.

Poisonedsap hissed as she was flung backwards, staggering as Milkblaze hauled himself to his paws, mud plastering his fur to his thin body. The downpour had begun, battering onto their backs like cold stones. Thunder growled across the gray sky as he panted, glaring at his rival. "You killed Maplefur, and Stormstar! You have no place in ShadowClan!" He unsheathed his muddy claws. "You're going to pay for it!"

"You're too smart for your own good," Poisonedsap commented, her ragged tail dripping mud. "You should have minded your own business." Her eyes flicked to his throat, and she bared her teeth and lunged for him.

Milkblaze shot back as her teeth snapped shut, ripping out a tuft of white fur from his throat. He swung his claws at her shoulder, satisfied when he felt them tear through skin. She yowled angrily and grabbed his scruff, throwing him aside.

Thunder crackled above as his head collided with a tree, pain echoing through his skull. Milkblaze groaned as he slumped against the damp trunk, shaking rain from his eyelids. Poisonedsap stalked toward him, her amber eyes dark with fury.

He was freezing and exhausted, but thinking of Maplefur gave him the energy to fight. With a snarl, he lunged forward, digging his claws into her sides as he fastened his teeth into her neck. Poisonedsap screeched and grappled with him as they rolled across the mud, but Milkblaze didn't let go. I'm fighting for my life now. I'm fighting for Maplefur. I'm fighting for ShadowClan!

She ripped free, and Milkblaze spat out her fur, tasting blood. You're putting every cat I care about in danger! Poisonedsap scored her claws down Milkblaze's neck, and he yowled in pain, coughing up a droplet of blood. Maplefur, are you watching? This is for you.

Lightning flashed across his vision as he hit the ground, mud seeping into his fur. Poisonedsap dug her claws into his shoulders, glaring down at him. Is this what you saw in your final moments too, Maplefur? Is this how it ends?

As heavy rain pattered at his face, thunder roared above them. Poisonedsap lunged down at his throat, and he yowled as her teeth pierced his flesh. Yes, it is. It's over. He desperately scrabbled at her with muddy, torn claws, but she only crunched down harder. It's over for me. The taste of blood grew in Milkblaze's throat, and he choked, unable to breathe. But not for you. You won't get away with this.

The world grew fuzzy around Milkblaze as he stared up at Poisonedsap, who raised her head, smirking down at him. Blood pooled around her muzzle. You never will. His throat felt hot. As everything went dark, Milkblaze had one final thought. You can destroy me. But you will never destroy ShadowClan.

THE END