CHAPTER 3 ---------------------------------------------------- “Let all DarkClan cats come and hear what I have to say!” Mapleshade yowled. She had named her new code she named with Thistleclaw ‘Maplestar’s Code’ and wanted every cat to hear and understand. “As we are a Clan, we must have a code,” Mapleshade announced. “I have come up with it with Thistleclaw. There are only four simple rules you need to follow. “Rule one, betrayal will have very bad consequences. Never leak information to StarClan. Rule two, remember I am the leader. Always address me properly, and do not try to challenge or overthrow me as leader, because I will always reign supreme. Rule three, you may disapprove of this Clan, yes, but if we catch it, you will be severely punished. “And, last but not least, rule four. If you do not fight with DarkClan, you fight against us. And that means certain death. These rules will guide you to success in this Clan. This meeting is dismissed.” A ragged tabby tom stepped forward. “I can’t allow any of these cats to live like this. It’s not safe for any one of us. Not even you.” Mapleshade didn’t think any cat would rebel so quickly after she had killed the other tom. But she had laid down the rules, and if any of them were broken, they would be punished. She spat, “You don’t like my code?” she asked, not caring if he answered. “Then you shall die!” She clawed ferociously at him, and in a matter of seconds, he faded. The other cats’ eyes widened as they saw the cat disappear. Mapleshade had an urge to kill them all. But then there would be little DarkClan left. But then… “What would you like me to do now, Maplestar?” Thistleclaw dipped his head respectfully. “We killed him. He’s gone forever. You were definitely right to give these cats an example.” His voice was almost a purr as he continued. “You are really shaping this Clan to be unstoppable! You’ve really gotten the idea!” “Yes, Thistleclaw,” Mapleshade agreed. “With my power, I want to destroy the Clans, and StarClan. Those cats are mouse-hearted cowards who don’t deserve to live! “What?” Thistleclaw’s eyes widened. “You’re serious? You want to start another Great Battle?” He looked as if he couldn’t believe what Mapleshade was saying. “I thought you were loyal, but I think I’m sensing disloyalty, Thistleclaw,” Mapleshade purred menacingly. “You don’t want to die, do you now?” “No, of course not… Maplestar, that’s such a good idea! I want to destroy the Clans too!” Thistleclaw anxiously corrected himself. “That’s what I thought,” Mapleshade growled and turned away. “We’ll take some time to arrange a battle plan.” Thistleclaw nodded brusquely. “Yes! Great!” “Now, where would we strike first?” Mapleshade asked Thistleclaw. “ThunderClan camp, right?” Thistleclaw asked Mapleshade. “Of course.” Mapleshade scratched a battle plan into the dusty ground. “How does that look?” she asked. “Perfect,” Thistleclaw marveled. “Absolutely excellent. I’ll let them know and tell them to get ready.” Before he left Mapleshade, he asked, “Some of these cats have no idea how to fight. What are we going to do?” Mapleshade rolled her eyes. “They’ll be fine,” she replied. “If they really can’t fight, they’ll just die at the start.” “Or let the other Clans know that they’re being attacked,” Thistleclaw added. “We can’t have that. We should do basic fighting training to be completely sure.” His eyes were pleading. “Do you want to be defeated?” he asked. “We’re not going to, Thistleclaw,” she snapped. “Go let them know so they can have a little time to prepare. On their //own//.” Thistleclaw sighed and left to tell DarkClan. Mapleshade watched him in satisfaction. Finally, she thought. He’s finally embraced the idea that I’m the leader, not him. She let out a rusty purr. Mapleshade got up to see what DarkClan was up to. Some were teaching others basic battle moves, and others were setting up mock battles. I was right, she thought. I knew they would figure it out. Then, out of the corner of her eye, she saw two pairs of eyes glowing in the distance. “Spies!” Mapleshade yowled. “Kill them!” Before Mapleshade made it over to the unlucky spies, DarkClan had already fulfilled her order. The spies were dead. A furious yowl broke out. Thistleclaw’s. “Maplestar! Come here now!” Mapleshade rushed over to Thistleclaw, knowing it couldn’t be good. Thistleclaw didn’t usually do this. Once Mapleshade came over, Thistleclaw stayed silent and pointed his tail to the prison. Her prisoners had escaped. CREDITS ----------------------------------------------------------- Cover art by Story by (aka me) Editing by (aka me) Credit to YOU for reading! PREVIOUS CHAPTER ----------------------------------------- NEXT CHAPTER ------------------------------------------------- Chapter 5 release date: TBD
