Chapter Text
Shadow had known that Blade would run away that night, but it didn’t make it hurt less, so soon after Frost’s death. It hurt as he heard Burn call out. As he saw Blade being chased by a cat he knew she couldn’t outrun: Shadow’s own father, Night. Night was gaining on Blade. Shadow knew that his father was one of the fastest Talons. Blade clearly realized that, so she turned to fight the smaller cat.
“Night! Give me my freedom. Let me escape the battle.”
“Never!” he shouted, dropping into a fighting stance.
“Then I challenge you, Night of the Talons, for my freedom.”
“I accept your challenge.”
The two cats circled each other, warily watching for the other to move.
As they circled, Blade clearly saw him where he stood with Viper. “Shadow!”
Even though he knew the rules, he tried to reach her, but Blade beckoned him back. This was her battle, not his. She darted forward, trying to catch Night by surprise
“For Frost!” What does Frost have to do with this? I miss him too. Night dodged to the side and twisted around. Falcon’s signature move. Shadow knew he should be proud that his father had been trained by Falcon himself, but he found he didn’t care. He almost raked her side, but she was expecting it, and his claws passed harmlessly through her fur. He was off balance, allowing her to scratch his nose, but it wasn’t enough. He reached for her ear, tearing it badly, and she took advantage of an opening to wind him, holding her claws over his throat. Shadow knew she’d gotten lucky, and he realized that Night had actually shallowly raked her side, which must have hurt.
Night knew he was beaten. “Shadow! Kill her! Don’t you have some loyalty?”
“I have no father! You were never a real father. You never were. That’s why I disowned you when I earned my name,” Shadow shouted, running towards them. “Blade, I’m sorry. Viper needs me more than you do. He can’t lose you, me, and Frost so close together.”
“I understand. Why didn’t you tell me who your father was?”
Because I’m ashamed.
“It didn’t seem necessary. When I met you, I knew you’d hate me. Then, I never felt you needed to know. Anyway, we disowned each other.”
But he didn’t mean it. Shadow remembered Night’s words when the patrols were assigned. ‘I will be proud to charge into battle alongside my son.’
“That must’ve taken courage, defying the Circle. Please, remember me.”
Shadow knew he had to tell her the truth.
“I will. I love you, Blade. Now and forever.”
“I’m sorry that this has to be this way. I–”
I what? I love you too? I need you? I can’t look at you the same?
Falcon himself walked up to them. “I’m sorry to break up the love confessions, but Blade, leave. Now. You have defeated Night in a battle for your freedom. As such, you are no longer a Talon. You knew that when you challenged Night. You have until sunrise to be out of our territory.”
Without looking back, Blade left the camp wordlessly, Shadow’s heart broken yet again.