NoName's POV:

Over the painful throbbing in her neck, NoName murmured to her mate. "We have to do something. Flamestar nearly killed me, and with such ease too."

Dime dipped his head in a slight nod. "I agree. But what do we do?" He leaned himself closer to the red she cat, touching his nose to her cobweb-covered neck wound.

"We need more allies." She murmured. "My warriors are slacking off, they aren't disciplined anymore. Clan life is softening them and they are relaxing too much."

"Then kill a few to show them what happens to the unloyal." The dark tom replied calmly.

"I can't afford to lose anymore warriors."

"Zephyr and the Ghost Collective aren't enough on their own?" Dime murmured. "They're quite powerful don't you think?"

"We need numbers. We've got enough skilled cats, but the prisoners still outnumber us." NoName sighed, resting her head on her paws with a wince.

Wounds were the worst. She had been stuck in her den for days and her injury showed little signs of healing. And everyone knows about my weak state. If the prisoners are smart, they would launch a rebellion now. She was glad they hadn't revolted yet, it gave her time to sort out reinforcements.

"So, any ideas?" She asked Dime.

"I heard the Magiclan cats are still moping around in the Dark Forest.. We could bring them here." He suggested.

"Magiclan?" NoName held back a scoff that probably would've ripped open the slice again. "No way."

"There's no one else.. Unless you want to start recruiting more rogues?" He grinned at her.

NoName sighed and rolled her eyes. "They're completely useless. And knowing Rabbitstar, he'll try and do something foolish."

"Oh come on, Crimson." He smirked as she flinched. "You said you wanted numbers; the Magiclan cats provide that."

She growled. "Fine."

"Good." The dark furred tom stood up, shaking his pelt. "Now," he stretched, "I'm going to kill a couple of prisoners. It's what they deserve for trying to murder you." He yawned and slipped out of the den.

__________________________________

Wails and cries woke NoName from her nap. She sighed, her white eyes lighting up her dark den as she looked around, wondering how long she had been asleep for.

Dime's voice cackled from outside. "That's right! Beg for your lives! Let me hear your screams!"

The red she cat hauled herself to her paws, walking on shaky legs to the den exit. She lay back down ungracefully just outside the den, gritting her teeth as she felt warm blood start to soak through the cobwebs. Fox-dung... I hate you Flamestar. Metalclaw taught you too well.

Turning her attention to the scene before her, she saw two warriors huddled together as Dime attacked them. Strike and Tyler stood guard. Strike seemed to have a hard time keeping a straight face, his red eyes bright with amusement as he watched. NoName rolled her eyes at her brother.

"Louder!" Dime laughed as the she cat wailed. "Let your fellow prisoners hear the agony I'm inflicting upon you!"

"Don't hurt her!" The tom snarled, lifting himself up to shield his friend. "She did nothing wrong!"

"You both did nothing wrong, you were just unlucky enough to be chosen to act as examples." Dime smirked at them. "Though I'm half tempted to let you live after seeing the way you both love each other. It would be sooo unfortunate to end your happiness."

"Please let us live." The she cat sobbed pitifully.

"What do you think NoName?" Dime glanced behind him at the red she cat.

"I think everyone understands the punishment of treason now. Let them go." NoName mewed. "But restrict their food rations."

The two cats let out sighs of relief. "Thank you NoName." The she cat breathed, her head dipped low. NoName smirked.

"Come along now." Tyler grunted as he pushed the two to their paws, leading them back to the prison.

Dime grinned and looked at NoName. "Growing soft like Tyler eh?"

"Never." She snarled back, glaring at him.

"I was only joking." He laughed.

"You better be."

____________________________________