"I want to talk to you," meowed Littlenose.

Cherrynose nodded, and they padded out of camp.

He stared at her furiously, then jumped at her, slicing her back.

He grabbed her furiously, shaking her, slashing her.

"What has gotten into you?" she exclaimed.

"Truth has gotten into me," he growled.

She shook her head urgently. "If I was the cause, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to. Littlenose, hate and anger doesn't make you feel content. Peace and love do. I know you're still in there. Please...come out. I don't care if you kill me or not. But you can't do this to our Clanmates. To anyone else. To...the Clans."

He snarled. "You dare talk about love in front of me? Did you know how many loves rejected me? Did you feel the pain as the rest of the Clan insulted you, mistrusted you, every heartbeat, every day, every moon? No."

A look of disgust filled her face. "I can't believe you can't see the monster you became," she accused.

"Why not fight me back?" he snapped, still stung at the accusation.

"You're still my friend, Littlenose," whispered Cherrynose.

"No we're not!" he growled.

He grabbed her, and bit into her scruff, relishing the blood that stung his tongue. He felt strong. He felt powerful. He felt like he could do anything.

He looked at her in disgust and kicked at her body. Seeing a fox come by, he smiled. This is your next snack.