Meeting of Shadows I

(I hope you don't mind Wish about me putting what you wrote for Nightstalker in the updates on here. I wanted to be on time in posting this and I'm a little tired and brain dead D: )

<sup>Nightstalker
Nothing but darkness has consumed me

The night air was suffocating, the smell of musty mold prickled the tom's senses. Snorting he drew away from the stench and padded along his darkened path. "Darkspirit." he hissed angrily, the tom's claws dug deep within the soggy earth. Her name still haunted his restless nights, she deserved to be here beside him. Suffering in this hell hole with him for eternity.

Your kits rein the earth below--- The trees seem to whisper. Nightstalker lifted his icy blue gaze to the clouded sky. Slowly a smirk drifted to his features. Without a moment to loose he sprinted back down the ghostly trail until he came upon a puddle of murky water. Touching the greasy surface he watched in mere interest as it trembled and shook. At last five images appeared, rich black, narrowed eyes. These are my children.

"Father's coming to pay a visit."

With his eyes focused on the five black figures in the thick liquid, he summoned each one of his kits as soon as they fell in a deep sleep, their dreams leading a trail toward his shadowy location. He stalked in a narrow place between two trees, patiently waiting in the darkness for their arrival.</sup>

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SPIRITPAW
King of the forest.

It was the end of the day and one WindClan apprentice was glad to curl up in his nest for a good night rest. Spiritpaw, apprentice to the great WindClan leader Hazelstar, had enough 'do this' and 'do that' to last him forever. Too bad he would be doing it all over again in the morning.

But the tom did his best to ignore that distasteful fact as he entered the apprentice den and curled up in his nest, far away from the other apprentices. He had no need for them, Spiritpaw was fine on his own.

It wasn't long after he laid in his nest that Spiritpaw was off in a deep slumber....

The black tom was confused. What was he doing out in the forest? Hadn't he just gotten into his comfy nest for a pleasant sleep? Spiritpaw shook his head as he tried to get rid of the rest of the sleep that was fading from his mind. Spiritpaw needed to do something besides stand around. It didn't help either that he knew nothing about where he was.

Spiritpaw started to pad forest, it was better than doing nothing. It didn't take him long to smell another cat though, and then he saw a dark shadow ahead of him. The fur along Spiritpaw's back stood on edge as he cautiously approached. When he saw that the figure he had seen was another cat, Spiritpaw growled "Who are you?"

DUSKPAW
I know how your going to die.

A sickly stench awoke the coal black she-cat, twitching her nose in disgust she popped a single emerald-green eyes open. In hope of finding the cause of her awakening. Suddenly both eyes were opened, while her mouth dropped agape with what she saw before her. A dark forest of trees stretched as far as the eyes could see, while the taint scent of death mingled in the air.

Blood glistened on the rocks, while mosquito's and many other anonymous bugs flew dangerously close to her nearly perfect coat. Shivering in distaste she began to wonder how in 'Starclan' she was at the place. Taking a few steps back she accidentally misjudged her surroundings and ended up slipping into a murky puddle of water. A small shriek escaped her mouth as the body of a kit floated upwards towards the surface of the blood-stained liquid.

It was that moment her sickened stomach decided to empty itself, coughing and sputtering for air Duskpaw grasped for solid ground but none was to be found. The air itself seemed to be closing inwards, the kit's empty eyes stared straight through her, it was as if she were trapped.

An agitated, 'Who are you?' brought everything back. The land returned, she could breathe again, the kit was gone. Faded moonlight cascaded downwards as the dreary clouds slowly shifted. There was even light in the most terrifying of places. Still sick to her stomach the she-cat heaved herself out of the pool and decided to follow the sound of the voice.

It appeared to be a lot closer than what she imagined. A small, thin, wiry body focused into Duskpaw's line of vision. While in anything else front of the tom was a complete mystery. He looks familiar. Then it hit her, "Spiritpaw?" she inquired. Last she seen of the tom was at the battle on the island. Relief flooded over her as she padded towards the Windclan apprentice. "Why are you he-". She stopped, icy blue eyes had caught her attention. Expecting the usual happenings of seeing the cat's death she closed her eyes. But nothing happened. He was empty, hollow, he was nothing.

Opening her eyes she realized who it was, the tom she never wanted to be, "Nightstalker."

SPIRITPAW
King of the forest.

Spiritpaw had been waiting for an answer from the tom before him when he heard his name. His eyes had been glaring at the stranger before him, but then widened in surprise for a second as his head whipped around to face a she-cat he had meet at the gathering. But then she spoke again.

Nightstalker.... then name chilled Spiritpaw to the bone and further. His spin tingled as he looked from Duskpaw to Nightstalker and back. How did she know this guy? He certainly wasn't from any of the clans, the scent that emitted from his fur was that of death and decay. Certainly no living cat could smell like that?

But Spiritpaw shook himself minute. "Duskpaw?" he asked cautiously, still weary about the other cat. "How do you know him?"

DUSKPAW
I know how your going to die.

Duskpaw's eyes hardened, ignoring Spiritpaw's question she snarled, "What do you want? " Fur bristling she instantly whipped her tail towards Spiritpaw, blocking his path, as if she could protect him from her father's murderous gaze. "To make sure we follow your misguided path? To become a 'hero' like you?" she spat.

Backing up she tried persuading Spiritpaw to follow as well but both were forzen in spot. Something was making them stay, narrowing her eyes she snapped, "I'm not going to become like you."

"I'm never going to kill for the enjoyment, nor will I ever want to rule the forest." Why couldn't he leave them alone? Why couldn't he let them live her own life, it was horrid enough that Nightpaw was following Nightstalker's advice. Heck, it was horrible that Nightstalker was her father.

"Let, us go." she hissed.

<sup>Nightpaw
Following my father's pawsteps

Nightpaw slowly opened his eyes, drowsily raising his head in slight alarm. At first, he had no clue where he was. It was dark. Gloomy. Like he just stumbled upon a nightmare. And that was exactly what came to his mind at first.

But at his eyes adjusted to the gloom, he soon found this place to be familiar. The Dark Forest... Nightpaw thought with a spark of fear. What did Nightstalker want? Was he going to be mad about Forestpaw? Was he going to be severely punished? That's the only reason that came to his mind.

Gathering up his courage, he clumsily got up, his ears perked for any slight noise indicating his father was lurking about. But instead of the rustle of light paw steps, he heard harsh arguing from a familiar voice. Duskpaw?

Following the voice with rushed steps, he caught her words that seemed to be directed to Nightstalker. Who else would she be talking to so rudely? He had always known her to be negative toward their father. And it wouldn't surprise him if she was yelling at him.

Skidding to a stop, he almost collided with Duskpaw, but stopped himself in time. Standing infront of Duskpaw he protested to the uninvited conversation, "Why, for once, don't you give Nightstalker a chance? He's our father. Maybe he isn't leading us into a dark future! He can help us train and control our powers! Don't you see?"</sup>

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DUSKPAW
I know how your going to die.

"Are you completely insane?" she spat, the moment Nightpaw's scent had infiltrated her senses she had whipped her head around in defiance. "I suppose it's alright to trust him now, huh? That it's all going to be flowers and bunnies? she snarled. Ears flat against her head she took a step forward, her emerald-green eyes emitting a dangerous flame.

"He tried to destroy the forest. What makes you think he'd want to help us for our own good?" There was no way in Starclan that she was going to trust Nightstalker, nothing will ever make her believe he has changed. "If he was doing us good, he'd leave us alone."

Now that she could move once more, she whipped her head towards Spiritpaw and growled, "If you want to become a horrible excuse of a cat then stay here." Whisking her head back to the exit of this hell-hole she added quietly, "If you want a future follow me." And then she was gone, padding towards the starry lands of Starclan. For once in history had a cat from these horrid lands had found the true light, and she was going to make sure many more would soon follow.

AMBERPAW
Ashes to ashes,Dust to dust.

Amberpaw opened her eyes to this eerie place.She had gone to sleep not long ago,so she knew this was A dream.She walked around,looking for the conversation she heard earlier.Finally,she had found the speakers.She couldn't recognize the faces,but she could place names."Nightstalker,nightpaw?" she said,wondering what this was all about.

( Does anyone know who's going to play Starpaw for now? )

<sup>Nightpaw
Following my father's pawsteps

Nightpaw snorted at his sister's argument. He was going to protest further, but she was gone in a blink of an eye. Sighing, he wished his beloved sister would follow his ways. He had a feeling this was for the best. But Duskpaw was too stubborn to listen.

The sound of his name startled him for a second. At first his mind went to Nightstalker, his cold voice summoning him and his icy blue gaze resting on him with deep disappointment. But when he turned his head to the direction of the voice it was only Amberpaw, a cat who he had met before.

"Amberpaw!" he called out, racing toward her. "Who's side are you on? Do you want to be trained and gain knowledge about your power, or go with Duskpaw and be without knowledge?"

He wanted to know who was with him. He sure didn't want to be in this alone, and he was determined to get as many participants in this as possible. He knew if he could get as many cats as he can get, Nightstalker will be pleased.</sup>

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SPIRITPAW
King of the forest.

Although the WindClan apprentice Spiritpaw was confused by his surroundings, he sat quietly and watched. He watched as Nightpaw and Duskpaw bickered, and as the she-cat dissapeared into a faint light. When Duskpaw left, another cat appeared. A che-cat who Nightpaw called Amberpaw.

Though Spiritpaw had tried to move and follow Duskpaw, he couldn't. Something rooted him in the place, and although he wanted to follow Duskpaw for the warmth and light that surrounded her, Spiritpaw found himself wanting to know more about this Nightstalker and what he wanted with him.

Plus, Duskpaw said he could help them take over the forest, that is what he wanted. But then he got thinking about it. Just because he had Tigerstar as a role model on what not to do, doesn't mean he would be able to do it. All that thinking just made the apprentice's head hurt, and Spiritpaw dropped the thinking immediantly.

The black tom found that so far, Nightstalker had not spoken. Seeing as the two other apprentices were ignoring him, Spiritpaw lifted himself up and stood infront of Nightstalker.

"You know, I would very much like some answers." he growled, his voice low and threatning. "Who are you, why am I here, and what do you want?"

AMBERPAW
Ashes to ashes , Dust to dust.

"I...I..I do wanna learn how to use my powers,but i dont want to use them to control the forest.I have people that i know.I have friends within the clans.I mean,dont you? Do you have any friends within shadowclan? Having a power is nice,but i want to have it to defend thunderclan." she sighed.She was so against having a neutral status on any issue,but this......... She had to admit to herself that she was caught in the middle.She sat down to hear what nightstalker had to say.

( I'll temperarily take Starpaw's place. I hope Zoey comes on soon >_< )

<sup>Nightpaw
Following my father's pawsteps

Nightpaw snorted at Amberpaw's reply. "No, I don't have friends. You can't trust anyone in my Clan." Nightpaw growled, protecting Nightstalker from the truth about Forestpaw. If he didn't already know, of course.

Nightpaw suddenly jumped when a loud rustling noise came from the bushes. He tensed up, waiting to attack the newcomer. But it was only Starpaw, who he had met before like he did the rest when Nightstalker had summoned them.

Starpaw looked confused and frustrated when she came into the scene, shaking bits of leaves from her black pelt. "What's going on? Why am I here?" Starpaw growled, obviously angered.

"The remaining of you are all here because of knowledge that I can share with you if you let me."

Nightpaw whipped his head around, surprised by the new voice. Nightstalker finally came into view from the shadows he was lurking in, looking at them all with an intense gaze that made his blood turn to ice.

"I am Nightstalker. I have an offer to give you all. But in exchange, I must have your trust and loyalty. All who don't agree with these terms, leave now."

Nightpaw didn't budge. He glanced at Starpaw. She seemed to be looking at Nightstalker with great curiosity and a stance that didn't seem to want to move. Relieved to have at least one other cat on his side, he turned to Spiritpaw, watching what his next action was. Will he want to turn his back on Nightstalker, too? Like his sister and Amberpaw have?</sup>

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SPIRITPAW
King of the forest.

The black tom held back a sigh, the only she-cat who paid him any mind had left. He had asked many times why he was here and who the hell was Nightstalker, but, as usual, was ignored. It was just like with the stupid clans. It's not my fault that I'm tribe born. he though grumpily as he almost gave up the thought of getting some sort of answer.

But then Nightstalker came forward and spoke. It wasn't the kind of answer Spiritpaw had expected, but he liked Nightstalker's attitude. Stated just about all the facts the WindClan apprentice wanted. All but one.

"Now, Nightstalker, you seem to be forgetting something." Spiritpaw calmly meowed, picking his words carefully. "Before I pledge my loyalty and trust to these terms; don't you think I should know what they are?"

AMBERPAW
Ashes to ashes , Dust to dust.

Amberpaw wondered what to say to nightstalker.She had no idea what was to happen.What his plans were.Everything he said was so vague.She decided not to say anything.Despite her known talent fore talking,she came up short for words.Spiritpaw and nightpaw will be the talkers tonight.

( I'll do this all in Nightpaw's point of view )

<sup>Nightpaw
Following my father's pawsteps

Nightpaw watched as he gave each of the uncertain cats a glance. In the back of his mind, he wondered whether the dark warrior could convince them to be on their side. "There has to be some sort of big plot behind this. You can't just be giving us knowledge just for our trust." Starpaw rejected.

"My purpose to gain your trust can only be exposed when I know I have your loyalty. It would be unwise to tell you now and you decide not to accept training from me. Which will only lead to telling what my intentions are. Understand my reasons?"</sup>

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