Alone In The Forest

Coldpaw padded swiftly and quietly through the forest, accelerating in speed. He had his own kind of training to make himself faster and keener in battles. He swerved among the trees, not rustling a single leaf or cracking a twig. He arrived near the edge of the territory and stopped, leaping up a tree. He gazed out at the far stretch of land that was not in the territory. He wouldn't be exploring there anytime soon, even though he wanted to. He wondered what kind of cats inhabited the area...

Then, a black and white tom appeared. He looked like a warrior from a clan. His eyes showed anger. 'Who are you?' he said.

Icy cold eyes glared down at the newcomer. Coldpaw leaped down, facing the cat fearlessly. "I should ask you the same thing." He hissed softly, pacing around him.

Phantom softened his gaze. 'Another strong apprentice from the clans. I am Phantom. Do you know someone named Ember? I presume she would be a 'paw by now.'

Coldpaw perked his ears in interest, sitting down in front of him. "Why, yes I do. If I'm not mistaken, you must be Phantom then are you..?" He queried, narrowing his eyes. He remembered how Emberpaw had described him, and the fact this cat knew Emberpaw and looked as she described was unfailingly him.

Phantom had nodded. 'Oh yes. My sister is stupid for ever joining the clans. They're just a big myth. But you look decent, could I tell you my plans?'

Coldpaw huffed in amusement. Oh how silly it was how a cat would go up to a random stranger and tell him all his plans just because he knew his sister! "I don't mind, I actually have some 'plans' myself. I am Coldpaw, another apprentice of Skyclan...and the Dark Forest." He whispered, looking around. "Though be careful no one hears anything."

Phantom nodded. 'Dark forest myself. Warrior, actually. I plan to take over the clans someday, for they are pathetic.'

Coldpaw nodded slowly. They had much in common. "You're not the only one. I plan to be leader of Skyclan one day. I put up with the rules now, but when I'm a warrior, all those annoying warriors and elders and medicine cats will regret bossing me around...I'll be the one leading battles and having the blood of my enemies on my claws! I'll show my mother she was wrong to dought my strength." He growled the last sentence. "Emberpaw herself bugs me some too. Always getting hurt...she lost an eye and a foot in a badger fight recently actually, making her weak."

Phantom growled, 'Thats just her, always getting herself beat up. They always thought she was strong, well, they were wrong. I always spy on the gatherings myself. Its quite amusing.' he said.

"You do?" Coldpaw was faintly shocked that no one ever noticed him spying, but he didn't show it. "Then you must be quite the sneaky cat. What do you plan to do with Emberpaw though...?" He queried, looking amused.

Phantom chuckled, 'Oh, I'll get my revenge. I plan to kill her one night, after she's had her kits. Devastate her mate, then kill him too.'

Coldpaw narrowed his eyes. "How do you suppose you'll do that? He's everywhere with her most of the time...Of course I could help if you let me. But it would have to wait until Emberpaw and I are warriors. It'll only be a few more sunrises."

Phantom nodded. 'Oh I know, I actually found where they go all the time. But, she saw me, before her 'mate' was there. She said I'd be dead if I told, but, she wouldn't find out. In fact, I've been watching her. All the time. Of coarse, you would be able to help.'

Coldpaw tipped his head. "Alright, but after I help you with her, I need you to help me with something...There is a cat named Raincloud, who is the deputy. When I'm a warrior-which isn't long from now-I plan to become a very respected warrior so I can kill her and take on deputyship. After Bramblestar dies, I'll be next up in line for leader. When I decide the time is right to kill Raincloud, will you help me?" He growled.