v e n g e a n c e

[liightning]

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xxxxxxxxxxxxRise 1702 • 2295 words • 1 art

xxxx• prologue
xxxx• chapter 1
xxxx• chapter 2
xxxx• chapter 3
xxxx• chapter 4
xxxx• epilogue

xxxx"a goodbye is never painful unless you're never going to say hello again."

[liightning]

14 moons ago




His voice reminded her of a raven’s raucous caw: rough, throaty, demanding answers.

“Halt!” He blocked her way. “Nightshade. Where are you going?”

“This kit is ill. Her mother needs rest; I will care for her outside of camp.”

A growl rumbled in his throat. “Very well. Do not return until that... creature is well.”

“I won't fail you.” She felt Wolfsbane’s glare digging into her back as she hurried on.

She had never blatantly lied before. Its bitterness stung her tongue.




The sky began to lighten as she neared the marsh. Exhausted, she remembered the desperation in her sister’s eyes.

I won't fail you. Her thoughts were for both sister and kit.

She stepped out on the bank of the island camp, setting the kit gently in the reeds.

She hesitated. Was this the right choice?

I could stay here, with her.

A life without fear or pain.

What am I thinking? She shook her head. Her sister awaited her.

Her eyes rested on the kit one final time. I wish she knew the fate she’s been spared of.

Her eyes stung with tears; she blinked them back. She had never been one to show emotion, and now was not an exception.

I saved her.

Once morning came they would find the kit. By then, Nightshade would be long gone.

[liightning]

present day




Honeybee never knew her mother.

She only remembered her eyes: one blue, one gold.

Why did she leave me?

Her foster mother, Briarrose, had always treated Honeybee as her own, and nothing could change that- not even the arrival of her own litter, or their untimely deaths.

Why couldn't her real mother have loved her as much?

Even with Briarrose's support, she never felt truly welcome in DeltaClan.

She was broken, alone.




Honeybee dragged a trout to the edge of camp. Alone, how she liked it.

Angrily she picked at the scales. Rather than patrol, she had been assigned to help the medicine cat, a tedious apprentice task, which was humiliating. And she couldn't stand Smokepaw- she always tried to be understanding, but it only frustrated Honeybee further. At least she has a mother who loves her, she thought bitterly.

Finally released from her torture, she was now irritated by the fuss over a hunting patrol that had not yet returned.

Without warning, paws drummed the earth as a cat approached. Avenpaw burst through the reeds, yowling, "Help! We need backup!"

The deputy shoved his way to the front of the gathering crowd. "What happened?"

"A-a group of rogues attacked us."

"How many?"

"Five? I couldn't tell." Avenpaw's voice shook.

Buzzardflight called names for the patrol. "...Ghost, Owlheart... and Honeybee."

Yes! She flexed her claws, eager to burn off her wasted energy.

Buzzardflight turned to Avenpaw. "Lead the way." Shakily, the young apprentice nodded, sprinting into the marsh. Honeybee followed, thrilled to feel the wind in her whiskers.
The patrol raced towards the delta. Tension grew as they neared.

Cries rang out as the patrol threw themselves into the fray. Honeybee spotted a tom watching from the side, eyes narrowed; she leapt, guessing he was the leader of the rogues, claws unsheathed. Coward, making his cats do his dirty work!

He swung his muzzle toward her, lips pulled back to reveal sharp teeth. His paw caught her cheek, knocking her back. She landed hard, breath knocked from her. He pinned her down in a second. She flailed and thrashed, but it was no use.

He raised a paw to strike, long claws glinting.

Suddenly, out of the reeds leapt another cat. She was a calico, long fur rippling in the wind, teeth bared and claws out.

The tom's scowl became surprise as she bowled him over. Weight lifted, Honeybee sprang to her paws, watching as the two struggled to gain control. In a flash, they were on their paws, throwing vicious swipes.

Entranced, she watched the calico drive back the rogue. She nearly matched him in size, but rivaled him with skill and ferocity. Finally she caught him on the side of his face, and he landed heavily on his side.

He scrambled back to his paws, but took a step back, watching her warily. Where she had struck, a heavy scar across his eye had been reopened, and crimson blood was now dripping down his face. Breathing heavily, he called, "Fang! We're wasting our time here."

Hearing his call, the rogues fled into the marsh, leaving DeltaClan puzzled.

The tom was the last one, glaring at the calico with hatred. "You can't play hero forever, Nightshade," he growled. "Sooner or later you'll learn how it feels to lose."

"You're alone here, Mamba." Nightshade flexed her claws and stepped forward, ears flattened. "Leave."

Without another word he fled, leaving a trail of blood.

The calico turned, gaze meeting Honeybee's.

Her eyes were stunning: one blue, one gold.

[liightning]

Although the battle was won, the air was still heavy with tension. There were still strangers among them- cats who had arrived with Nightshade.

Honeybee's thoughts were a howling storm.

Gold and blue. Gold and blue.

She could see them so clearly, glowing in that morning's sunlight.

My mother.

"Thank you." Buzzardflight broke the silence, dipping his head. "Who... are you?"

Nightshade dipped her head in return. "Please forgive us; we didn't mean to intrude." She flicked her tail, and the strangers formed a ragged circle behind her. "We are the Survivors."

Honeybee kept her eyes on Nightshade, scruff prickling. She couldn't stop thinking, my mother, my mother, my mother.

The mother who abandoned me. Her excitement faded.

"Do you live nearby?"

Nightshade shifted her weight, uncomfortable. "We come from over the hills."

"What are you doing here?"

"We're... on a mission. We mean no harm; we're only following the rogues that attacked."

Suspicious. Why was Nightshade keeping so much secret?

Buzzardflight nodded. "We won't interfere, and we thank you for your aid." His eyes swept over the Survivors, many of which seemed hungry or exhausted. "If it can be any gesture of thanks, would you like to stay for a night or two?"

Honeybee gritted her teeth. Has he lost his mind?

The calico paused, glancing around at her cats. They were clearly in no condition to continue. She turned back to Buzzardflight and dipped her head. "Thank you for your generosity; one day is enough."

"Certainly." Buzzardflight flicked his tail.

The Survivors fell in beside the DeltaClan patrol, a jumbled bunch that moved awkwardly through the marshland. While DeltaClan was always welcoming of outsiders, such a large group joining them so suddenly seemed a step too far. Conversation between the two groups was short and curt, and the tension in the air made Honeybee bristle.

She glared at the ground. I refuse to sleep in the same den as my mother tonight!




"Those of you injured, see your wounds treated."

Buzzardflight turned to the remaining cats. "Stay here; I'll bring Wrenstar."

Several times Honeybee noticed Nightshade's gaze sweeping over her, but whenever she tried to make eye contact, the golden-blue gaze danced away.

Her mother drew herself up as Buzzardflight returned with Wrenstar.

"Welcome to our camp," Wrenstar began, smiling. The tension seemed to dissipate; the Survivors were relieved by the leader's warm welcome.

"Thank you, Wrenstar, for allowing us to stay." Nightshade bowed her head. "We hope to be on our way soon."

"Of course. We hope you enjoy your time here."

Anger gnawed at Honeybee's stomach. "What are you really doing here?" Her voice was tight with frustration.

Nightshade finally met her gaze. "It does not concern your Clan," she responded coolly.

"You're suspicious," Honeybee growled, stepping forward boldly. She ignored the sharp glares from Buzzardflight and Wrenstar, as well as the shocked expressions of her Clanmates. "Why here? Why us?"

"We don't wish to involve you in our matters. They are our problems, and ours to solve." Nightshade's eyes flashed... with what? Anger? Fear?

"Then-"

"Honeybee!" Buzzardflight interjected sharply. "That's enough."

"But-"

"Enough." His eyes were fiery. "Maybe you should return to your den."

Furious, Honeybee whipped around and stalked back to the warriors' den like a kit punished for misbehaving. She felt the stares of her Clanmates burning into her back.

Fury hot as flame blazed within her.

I’ll find out what she’s hiding!

[liightning]

Honeybee jolted out of her dreams.

Someone was awake.

She opened one eye. There! The familiar figure picking their way around the maze of bodies, cursing as they brushed the reed nests.

Nightshade.

As the she passed, Honeybee closed her eyes, pretending to sleep. She heard Nightshade pause before continuing.

After Nightshade stalked outside, Honeybee sprang to her paws, weaving around her Clanmates. She peeked outside the den, spotting Nightshade disappearing into the reeds.

I can't lose her! She broke into a run.

"Honeybee?"

A voice, soft and gentle, drifted in the night air. Honeybee froze.

"Briarrose."

"Why are you up so late?" Briarrose yawned.

"Can't sleep." Her heart squeezed painfully, lying to the cat who had done so much for her.

Briarrose's blue eyes glowed; they were the eyes of a mother who knew secrets. She gently touched noses with Honeybee. "Stay safe. I love you."

"I love you too," Honeybee whispered, words choking her. "I'll be back soon, I promise."

Briarrose nodded. Relieved that she didn't press for the truth, Honeybee bounded into the reeds. She knew Briarrose was watching, and sadness flooded her heart. Chasing after my mother, leaving my foster mother behind? What kind of daughter am I?

She shook the thoughts away.

She didn't want her mother back; she only wanted the truth.

[liightning]

Suddenly, she found herself muzzle-to-muzzle with Nightshade.

A growl rumbled in her throat. "What are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same thing!"

"Silly kit." Nightshade turned away. "Can't you leave me be?"

Furious, Honeybee jerked her muzzle up. "You're calling me a kit?"

Nightshade scoffed. "From your actions, you might as well be."

"I'm only loyal to my Clan!" Her voice rose in indignation. How dare she!

"I wouldn't call sneaking around disobeying rules loyal."

"Who are you to talk about loyalty?" Honeybee screeched. "What does loyalty mean to someone who abandoned a helpless kit?"

The anger faded from Nightshade's eyes as she stepped back. "You should go back to camp."

"Who are you to tell me what to do? You may be my mother, but you gave up that role long ago!"

Nightshade shook her head, puzzled. "What are you talking about?"

"Don't play dumb!"

The calico stared blankly.

"You're my mother... right?" Honeybee faltered. What if she'd been mistaken this whole time?

Understanding flickered across Nightshade's face. "I'm not your mother."

"B-but... I remember... your eyes..." she stammered, feeling dizzy.

"You did remember right... but you misunderstood." Nightshade sat down beside her.

"If you're not my mother, then who is? And who are you?"

"One night your mother begged me for help.." She sighed as if the memory itself was heavy on her shoulders. "She didn't want you to grow up the same way, living with rogues, in constant fear and pain." She shook her head. "How could I say no? I snuck you out, left you here, and returned, claiming you had died in the woods."

"My mother gave me up," Honeybee meowed slowly, "to save me."

"To save you," Nightshade confirmed softly.

"But... why'd she ask you?"

"You said earlier that I wasn't loyal?" Nightshade cracked a smile. "She was my sister, and I was loyal to her above all."

My aunt. Honeybee tugged at the grass. Family.

Suddenly she jerked her head up. "My mother. Is she... alive?"

Nightshade's smile faded, turning away. After a moment, she replied, "When we led a revolution... we were separated." Her voice cracked. "We found her body a few days later."

"My mother. My mother is dead," Honeybee breathed. Mother and dead: two words that should never be together.

I never got the chance to meet her.

Nightshade's shoulders shook with silent sobs.

"It wasn't your fault," Honeybee murmured.

"It wasn't my fault," Nightshade echoed, but Honeybee knew she didn't believe it.

The two sat in silence, watching the sky lighten. Only when the sun peeked over the horizon did they rise to their paws, silent.

Nightshade seemed a lonely figure, head down as she headed back- a shadow of a cat she couldn't save, a broken shell of who she used to be.

[liightning]

Rose streaked the morning sky as Honeybee watched the Survivors exchange final words with DeltaClan cats. Yesterday's tension was gone, and the cats chattered like old friends.

Pawsteps approached. Honeybee pressed herself into the silky fur, breathing in its pine scent and hoping it wasn't the last time. "Please don't go," she murmured.

"You don't need me," she chuckled. "Besides, you have a foster mother who loves you. What's her name again?"

"Briarrose." Honeybee saw the she-cat smiling at her from the nursery and smiled back.

"You're lucky to have her."

"I am," agreed Honeybee.

Nightshade glanced at the brightening sky. "We'd better get moving."

"Good luck."

"See you soon, kid." Nightshade cracked a smile. "I'll miss you." She gave Honeybee a quick lick on the cheek. Joy, warm as honey, filled her heart.

Nightshade turned, bounding to the front of the group. "Survivors, time to go!" she called.

She bounded into the river, paws sending glittering droplets into the air. Fur outlined in the golden sunrise, she seemed heavenly, as if an angel had come straight down from the stars.

An angel who had come to save her.

Honeybee watched the Survivors stream into the marsh. After a moment, she turned back to camp, back to Briarrose.

Life would go on, with or without Nightshade.

DeltaClan was her home, and here, she had real family.