The Fate of Nyght (Chap 5.5)

Chapter 5.5

    Apricot stared at the ground in silence. Her heart beat extremely fast, making her feel uneasy. Footsteps echoed in front of her but she ignored them. A pair of familiar dark red paws stepped in front of her. Apricot sighed and looked up at Cherrystar, her eyes dragging.
    "What?"
    "Well, hello to you too," Cherrystar purred. Apricot wasn't in the mood for this. She stared back down at the ground, still stuck in silence. She heard Cherrystar sigh next to her. Apricot could feel the guilt weigh down on her shoulders. She'd only been in Starclan for so long, and she's already broken one of the most important rules: never summon a mortal cat into Starclan. What was the harm of letting them come here, though? Cherrystar had told her so many times how cats go to the Moon Puddle to come to Starclan. 
    "Cherrystar?" Apricot breathed quietly. The red she-cat perked her ears and glanced over at Apricot in response. Apricot heaved her chest and asked away.

    Cherrystar looked confused. Her amber eyes were fixed on Apricot's green ones, and they stared at eachother for a long time. Cherrystar shook her head and nodded slowly.
    "It's a long story," she began. "but I can explain it to you if you really want to know." Apricot's eyes lit up and she nodded quickly. Cherrystar gave her a weak smile and inhaled deeply.
    "A long time ago, Starclan members could summon the still-living cats freely, only if the mortals were asleep, though. But that was back when we didn't know much about the mysteries of Starclan," she murmured. "Starclan is like a universe. There are many things we haven't learned about it yet." Apricot blinked slowly and waited impatiently for her to get to the point.
    "I know you've seen the border. One side, it's all you dream about. The other side, it's all you fear. The Dark Forest, it contains beings that can make all your nightmares become reality," she whispered with her amber eyes wide open. "the creatures. Dark figures of cats with a wicked blood red smile, crimson eyes that can pierce your heart when you look at them..."
    Apricot's heart sank. She remembered one of the creatures that attacked her when she guarded the Crystal of Souls. It had brutal strength, she remembered how it pinned her down so easily. But then again, she was a kittypet after all. Apricot opened her jaw to speak, but Cherrystar help up her tail to stop her.
    "The creatures were once corrupted cats that were overcame with evil. Their hearts weren't pure, so instead, they were sent to the Dark Forest for eternity," Cherrystar's eyes darkened. "they feed off of fear. The more scared you are of them, the stronger they are. They can't do much to us Starclan cats, because we're already dead, but they can do things to the mortals," she paused and looked in the distance, her eyes stern.
    "If one of the creatures touches a mortal cat, they will go mentally insane. The creature will have access to their life, not only in dreams, but in reality as well. The mortal will be the only one to see the creatures, forcing them to go out of their mind," Apricot held her breath. "they can physically and mentally scar you, but they can't kill you. You can only live a life with the creatures haunting you, or kill yourself." Cherrystar's voice rose. "The last time a Starclan member brought a mortal cat into Starclan, they were thrown into the Dark Forest, never to return. It's only for the safety of the reality cats."

    Apricot's heart lurched. It really was dangerous bringing Nyghtkit here all the time. But truth be told, the poor thing needed a break from reality. Away from the pain and suffering, which Apricot knew was coming sooner or later. A place where she could be free, relieved from any stress. But it turns out, even Starclan has its dangers.
    Apricot buried her nose in Cherrystar's fur as thanks and they made their way back to the rest of the Clan. She wondered what Nyghtkit was doing. Guilt was buried deep in Apricot's heart, silently regretting her decision, but she hated keeping a secret from Cherrystar. But then again, she also felt guilty for taking away Nyghtkit's happiness. The least she could do is help a little...


    I'll take the chance.