Murder and Vengeance

The next morning, Whiskey is found dead just outside his territory with a terrible throat wound. Every cat is shocked. Sappy sadly recalls how Whiskey took her and Scritch in when they needed it. Scritch is furious, yowling that Draco's Gang has killed Whiskey. Some cats are unsure of this claim, but when Scritch points out every cat had their guard down during the celebration, they agree it makes sense.

Having been so close with Whiskey, Scritch assumes leadership of the gang and vows vengeance on Draco's Gang. Sappy is worried about Boone and hopes he can defend himself.

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As Scritch begins launching attacks on Draco's Gang, he decides that everyone in his gang needs tougher names to strike fear into their enemies. He considers "Shred" for himself, as his claws are far more capable of shredding than scritching. He then extends it to "Bone Shred", vowing to shred Draco down to the bone.

Sappy is surprised at this, but before she can question him he turns and announces she will be called "Poisoned Sap". She's startled and initially rejects it, but Bone Shred insists it makes her sound fierce and dangerous. She considers this, thinking of how cats might respect her more, and finds herself liking the idea of power. She agrees to take on the new name, though Bone Shred hasn't given her much choice.

Poisoned Sap is very aware of how Bone Shred has changed since Whiskey's death, but realizes she has changed as well. She is just as hurt and angry about Whiskey's murder. She participates in attacks on Draco's Gang and finds the yowls and blood of her enemies satisfying. However she always avoids Boone. They haven't spoken in over a moon at this point.

Draco's Gang continues to deny any responsibility for Whiskey's death, but Bone Shred won't believe them and relentlessly continues his raids.

During this time, Bone Shred becomes mates with Roxy. They have a single kit together, and following his new naming style, Bone Shred names her Shredded Ivy.

Bone Shred does not necessarily "love" Roxy. He wants the benefit of providing kits for the gang. He appreciates Roxy's presence and respects her, and the feeling is mutual for Roxy. What they have is more of a partnership than a relationship. Bone Shred often orders his cats to bring food to Roxy and Shredded Ivy before anyone else.

Though Bone Shred's new name has spread through twolegplace and made cats wary of him, his burn scars are still enough to make the toughest cats scoff at him. He tries to cover his face with leaves or newspaper, but it won't stay on and it just makes him look ridiculous. Poisoned Sap tries to convince him there's nothing wrong with his scars, but Bone Shred is frustrated and snarls "They make me weak! And we need to root out all weaknesses to focus on power and survival."

While hunting in a patch of woodland just outside twolegplace, Bone Shred discovers the remains of a fox. He takes the skull and puts it on his head. The sight of it unsettles Poisoned Sap and the others with them, and some cat voices this. Bone Shred says "Good. This will work perfectly then." And he wears the skull from that moment on.

Becoming a Spy

Remembering Poisoned Sap's past friendship with Boone, Bone Shred gives her a task: Seduce and earn Boone's trust, become accepted into Draco's Gang, and spy for him. He wants Poisoned Sap to learn everything she can about their enemies home and routine, so that he can launch one big final attack to drive them out of the city for good, and kill any cat who remains.

Poisoned Sap is surprised. She believes Draco's cats killed Whiskey and agrees that they must pay, but doesn't think Boone is involved. And she doesn't want to use him like this, still holding on to their past connection. Bone Shred scoffs that toms are dumb and easy to manipulate when it comes to she-cats. She wonders if this is really true. Bone Shred continues pressing her until she reluctantly agrees to the plan.

Poisoned Sap goes to Draco's ally and is immediately greeted with hostility, as Bone Shred's Gang has done nothing but attack them since Whiskey's death. She acts cool and polite, explaining that she wishes to join the gang due to her friendship with Boone. Boone, having not seen Poisoned Sap in moons, is surprised by this, but still views her as a friend and supports the idea. Draco agrees to let her join them, but he'll be keeping an eye on her. She uses her old name, Sappy, not wanting to seem more intimidating and suspicious.

She begins studying the alleyways, dead-ends, and daily routines of Draco's Gang. All the while, she's rekindling her bond with Boone, and if anything they've grown even closer. She falls deeper in love with him and sees how much he trusts her, though she questions if this is because of who she is as an individual, or because she's a she-cat and toms are swayed by them, just like Bone Shred said.

One night, when she's certain no cat is around, Poisoned Sap relays information to Bone Shred. She feels some guilt about it, wishing she could just stay in Draco's Gang and forget her mission.

Blade, one of Draco's cats, catches this meeting. Bone Shred immediately lunges and pins the cat before he can yowl an alarm, ordering Poisoned Sap to kill him. She is startled, angry, and panicking at being caught, but she doesn't want to go as far as to kill a cat. She starts to protest, but Bone Shred snaps "Use your head! Whiskey taught us to do what's necessary for survival, and THIS is necessary. Silence him."

Knowing Bone Shred is right, that the entire mission will have failed, Poisoned Sap slashes Blade's throat. She's surprised at the rush of adrenaline she gets from this and stares at her bloody claws for a moment. Had she really just taken the life out of a cat? It never struck her that she possessed such a power. Bone Shred praises her and tells her to wash her paws, while he goes to hide the body, tossing it in the sewer.

The Coming Battle

Bone Shred has begun developing his plan of attack, but knows he needs greater numbers. He begins gathering starving helpless cats off the streets, promising them shelter, protection, and food in exchange for absolute loyalty. He's planning his attack on Draco's Gang, though the newcomers are unaware of how far they are expected to go in battle.

Among these recruits are Howl, Dandelion, Rocky, Sun, Oil, and Ice. The latter three like Bone Shred's naming convention and take on new names: Blinding Sun, Oil Tail, and Crimson Ice.

Back in Draco's Gang, Poisoned Sap is closer than ever with Boone. They have become mates, and she is now pregnant with his kits. She knows she should be happy, but feels sick to her stomach. She knows the truth will soon come out about her being a spy, and she will lose Boone for good. She also worries about what Bone Shred will think of her expecting.

One night, she meets with Bone Shred and tells him she's having kits, expecting him to be angry. But to her surprise, Bone Shred is glad and praises her for being so convincing to Draco's cats. Now that she's a queen, no cat will think she'd betray them, and he compliments her for the idea. Poisoned Sap is offended as she wonders if Bone Shred thinks her relationship with Boone is solely for the mission.

She objects that she does love Boone and he feels the same. Bone Shred snorts and says "There is no love in this world, Poisoned Sap. Only cats using each other to get what they want. The sooner you understand that, the better."

Poisoned Sap reflects on his words as he leaves.

Kits

About two moons later, Poisoned Sap gives birth to three kits: A black and dark gray tom, a ginger tom, and a ginger she-cat. Boone is overjoyed, but Poisoned Sap's happiness is dampened by her mission and the doubt Bone Shred has put in her mind about Boone. She doesn't even know if she wants these kits. It all feels like a mistake.

Boone wants to name the kits, but Poisoned Sap keeps putting it off as she figures out what to do going forward. Should she stay here with Boone? Or go back to her brother? Does Boone really love her, or does he just want the kits? Sometimes when she looks at Boone, for a moment he's like a stranger, as she wonders how well she really knows him. Is he just using her, like Bone Shred thinks?