#batwhisper/virgil went to the dark forest boyyyyys

[shirospeaks-blog]

remembrance - sanders sides/warriors au

To say that Cherrystrike wasn't nervous was to say that the sun was black.

Cherrystrike still felt the feeling of teeth digging into his shoulder, near his neck. It was only a feel inches away from his throat, it he had only been accurate on his blow, he might've had given him a death blow on the throat. Cherrystrike still remembers claws digging into his back, shredding fur. He also remembered the way his eyes were filled with anguish and heartbreak.

Cherrystrike still shivers to this day. The more he thinks about it, the more Cherrystrike is to blamed. If he had not had that affair with that SnakeClan tom, none of this would've happened. His sweet, sweet, innocent but feisty Batwhisper would still be here, standing next to him.

Except, Batwhisper was now in the sky, filled with anguish and hatred and anger.

All because Cherrystrike decided to have that stupid affair with Poppycloud.

"Cherrystrike?"

Cherrystrike blinked out of his thoughts and turned his head. Next to him stood his apprentice, Badgerpaw, and Owlmask. Owlmask's usual clear blue eyes were now filled with concern, as so did Badgerpaw's.

"Are you alright?" Owlmask asked, staring at hos friend with worry. Cherrystrike nodded unconsciously.

"I'm fine." But he wasn't.

Before anyone had the chance to reply, Flarestar's yowl filled the clearing.

"The cats attending the Gathering will me me, Shinefrost, Featherheart, Mistycloud, Flamebelly, Rabbitflower, Owlmask, Whitemoth, Primrosepetal, Ivyspike, Waspsting, Condorclaw, Thistlesun, Glazefur, Fawnpelt, Cherrystrike, and all their apprentices."

Cherrystrike was surprised, he didn't think he get picked because of what happened a few moons ago...

Owlmask placed his tail on his shoulder. "Come along Cherrystrike, the clan is beginning to leave." Cherrystrike gave a weak smile, but sincere. Cherrystrike flicked his tail for Badgerpaw to follow.

With that, they followed the picked cats to attend the Gathering.

Cherrystrike felt eyes on him. He ignored the whispers about him and stood next to Owlmask. Badgerpaw turned to the older toms. "Can I go check out the other apprentices, I want to get to know them."

Cherrystrike smiled at his enthusiasm. "Of course. Just be careful." Badgerpaw grinned and nodded before trotting away.

"I enjoy your apprentice's enthusiasm, Cherrystrike."

Cherrystrike visibly stiffened. He recognized that voice all too well. With a deep sigh, Cherrystrike turned around.

In front of Cherrystrike, in all his glory, stood Addershift. The tom was huge, towering over Cherrystrike. Like his brother, Batwhisper, Addershift was a lilac-cream calico with unkept fur and two colored eyes, amber and yellow eyes. Half of his face was deeply scarred from the scarring Owlmask had given him during the Battle. Though he looked aesthetically pleasing, his personality wasn't.

Next to Addershift stood Bramblepaw. The younger tom was a brown tabby, with lighter paws and large ears. He had thick fur and a black stripped fur. His amber eyes, once full of warmth and joy, were now filled with anger and hatred. And were directed at Cherrystrike.

"Addershift, Bramblepaw, can I help you?" Cherrystrike meowed, swallowing deeply. His mouth felt to dry, his throat seemed to clamp up. Anxiety clawed at him and fear attempted to push it's way out of his throat.

"Not particularly, dear. We just wanted to see you, see how you were doing. You know, after the Battle..." Anger and anguish filled Addershift's eyes, "and the death of my brother."

Cherrystrike was quick to glare at him. "Mourning. I'm mourning."

Addershift only glared at him. "Oh, if fighting each other was banned in a Gathering, I would've shredded you to pieces, Cherrystrike." Addershift spat, his claws unsheathing and digging into the ground.

Cherrystrike glared at him. "I would've killed you the same way I killed Batwhisper."

After it left his mouth, he regretted it. Addershift bristled and gave him a low glare, one full of hatred and anger. A low growl rumbled in his throat, Bramblepaw uncurling his lips and showing his thorn teeth.

Without a word, Addershift turned, flicking his tail to Bramblepaw. The younger tom followed, not before giving a deadly glare.