Another Day, Another Adventure

[Måø§†]

With each step he took, a layer of dead twigs cracked under his starving weight. It seemed as if he had been walking for hours now, and he was probably right. A small light of the early morning glowed through the trees, setting a yellow and orange tint to the forest. The pine trees rustled, dancing with the small wind that swirled around his paws in every which direction. But as he strayed further into the forest a harsh scent of cats clung to his nostrils. Not one or two, possibly twenty or more. The scents hinted of friendship but hostility if needed. Boundary markers stuck to trees and rocks, warning any wandering cats to go no further. But he continued to go on, this was exactly what he had been looking for.

His name was Bandit. And although he did not chose his name, he had certainly lived up to it. His snow white fur clung tight to his skin, sleek although filthy. A mask of black lines raced around his muzzle and eyes, some rounding his flank and back. His figure was powerful but agile and quick, it looked as if he had been running all his life. Running and fighting. The most intriguing part of this cat was his eyes. They were coated such a frosty blue that many cats would instantly turn away from him and run tail over paws. However hard he tried, the gleam that seemed to coincide within them scared cats, giving him authority and power. And that was was he had run away from.

From his fourteenth moon he had joined a small group of rogues within the city. They had injured, and sometimes killed many of the cats along the street for no reason. A raccoon or house cat was no problem for them, they had fought and won. Won and fought. Losing had never been an option, and they had never chosen it. A dream of a forest, a voice, unfamiliar sights had pulled Bandits mind aside. He had been leading this group of cats. He ignored the dream of traveling persuasion but left the group. He had to leave quickly, and travel to the other side of the city, or his followers would track him down. As he had neared the edge of city his dream had flashed back into his mind, and he left in search of the forest. Although which forest, he did not know.

But these trees looked familiar, the scent, the taste, and he knew that he was close. Still he continued to think of the rogues, over time less in less. His mind had become more powerful, pushing his past to a mere story.

Suddenly a rustle of bushes snapped him back to his senses, and he turned to see what it was. Hissing slightly he backed away, ears back, tail between legs. But he was calmed to see only a small thrush settled between the icy leaves of a bush. He rocked quietly on his haunches and sprang quickly, catching the thrush in both paws. Catching his breath he sat and dug his fangs into the frail bones of the thrush, savoring every bite. But another rustle in the bushes told him the thrush had not been the only thing he had heard.

[♫ E§he ♥]

Spiritstep felt fear rising in her throat like a hot wave, and she steadied her paws in the shelter of a sagebrush. She had curiously followed a rogue, now regretting her decision. She silently cursed her clumsy paws under her breath, and watched in horror as the white tom glared in her direction.

She felt like a kit caught doing something she shouldn't. She almost stopped breathing, hoping that if she was silent, the tom would continue to pad away. She shifted uncomfortably as a branch pocked her side, and she accidentally stepped on a twig. The deathly "CRACK* announced her presence, and she felt a chill run up her spine as the tom narrowed his eyes.
She silently prayed that Snowstorm, who she had been on patrol with until she was led off, would hurry up and find her. She didn't want to go one-on-one with this fierce-looking cat.

[Måø§†]

Bandit whipped around, his fur pricked in anger. Not at this cat who stood in a stupor, but at himself. He should have known that this cat had been following him. Suddenly he realized why he had come this way. Not to scare these cats off, but to befriend them, to get away from his past.

Relaxing he began to step lightly over the the huddling cat. Although trying to be friendly, his pelt prickled with uneasiness. Was this right? As the distance between him and this cat got closer, he studied the cat, curiosity, unease, and a small hint of hostility in one.

Her pelt was cream colored, soft, and slick. Her eyes a deep blue that was hard not to sink right through, ocean blue. He began to understand that by befriending this group of cats, that there would be consequences. THat no cat could easily adjust like he adjusted to his group of rogues.

Pushing his thoughts away quickly, Bandit concentrated on what was happening now. The cat quivered slightly, although looked as if expecting something to happen, but she stayed strong and didn't take her eyes from him. "Please, don't fight. I was sent here for some reason..." he paused, thinking hard, " because of a dream. I don't know if you would understand that, but this forest was in my dream. And a voice..." he trailed off and matched the she-cats glare. Easily.

[marona]

Pawsteps scrunched decaying leaflitter, mouth agape as tom followed the scent of Spiritstep. An oh so familiar site, Snowstorm only able to follow her through her trail the she-cat's speed a much faster gait then he could match. Just as the wind picked up blowing her trail strong in his face, and he was about to call out another one sliced angrily in his path.

Ruff was flung in the air as the stench was strongly rouge, his lip curling in disgust. Crouching the tom began to slink forward quickly, seeing the dirty intruder approach Spiritstep. His concerns heightened every inch the opposing tom stepped forward, his fears fogging his perception and so he couldn't see the friendly intent that strove to shine through.

With a hiss he burst from a nearby bush, "What're you doing on Stoneclan territory!" he yowled, shoulders hunched forward and claws unsheathed. Snowstorm's eyes glared intently at the rouge with a hate, tail twitching in anxiety.

[♫ E§he ♥]

Spiritstep raised her head to the white tom, but took a step back. She cocked her ear backward, and raised her head to show she wasn't afraid. Something about the sleek Tom suggested he was a warrior, but not of a Clan. Old battle-scars lined his muzzle, and his transfixing blue eyes burned into her gentle gaze.
"Who are you?" She asked, showing so sign of the scolded kit-like behavior shown a moment before.

When Showstorm burst from the bushes yowling, she almost sprang twenty tail-lengths in the air. Fur on end, she whirled around to see the white-speckled and black fur of Snowstorm. She saw his anxiety, and ran her tail down his flank to comfort him. Her eyes darted back to the white loner's, and she narrowed hers.
"Don't worry Snowstorm, I don't think he means any harm...." she shot her eyes to the rogue, as if asking him if it was the truth.

[marona]

The touch of her tail calmed his worry and curbed his sudden bloodlust as toms are wont to have. Fur slowly edged back in place and claws began to recede into paws. Eyes though still glared with hateful distrust poisoning their golden gaze, "What do you want from us?" lip curling as the unfamiliar scent bombarded his nose, "Ugh...You reek of crowfood." he glanced at Spiritstep making sure she was still ok with this rougue, any more signs of her unease and Snowstorm would chase the tom off.

[♫ E§he ♥]

Spiritstep saw the concern in Snowstorm's eyes, and smiled. She cocked her head, looking at the Rogue one more, and twitched her whiskers.
"You spoke of a dream that led you here. I don't know if it applies to Rogues, but sometimes StarClan shows cats signs through dreams. Perhaps they wanted you to come."
She saw the white Tom's confusion, and quickly explained. "StarClan are the spirits of our warrior ancestors. Although they are deceased, they sometimes share special or prophetic dreams."

Spiritstep paused, wondering what to do. We could take the tom back to camp, but how do we know it's not just a trick? How can we be sure we can trust him?

[Måø§†]

Bandit tensed conciously as another cat bursted from the bushes. The angry position he held epitomized the fact that this cat would without hesitation fight him. But the way he was easily calmed by the first cats concern showed no doubt the tom felt around the first she-cat. Although the snide remarks had Bandit nearly hissing, he tried to keep his cool. Of course he reeked of crow food, it was the only thing he had eaten since he was eight moons old. He was used to the stench, although the taste of thrush, rabbit, or any other flavorful food made him detest his diet even more.

So the dream he had had was sent from these cats dead ancestors. Hows that for a fact? Although the system in which the cats confronted their ancestors seemed more intrueging. They saw their ancestors in dreams. Bandit nodded as the yong she-cat told him of his ancestors. “Yes, had a dream, although I will not speak of it now. You live in a group of cats? Is there a leader...” he trailed off, “If so I must talk with him.”

“My names Bandit.”

[♫ E§he ♥]

Spiritstep stared at the Rogue. She looked thoughtful, deciding what to do next. If this cat was telling the truth, perhaps Silverstar could help his decipher his dream. If StarClan had sent it, then it would probably affect every cat in the forest. Her endless indigo eyes searched the Rogue's, and finally she nodded.
"We will take you to Cinderstar, our Clan leader. She may either help you with finding out the meanings of your dreams, or she can refuse, and so we would lead you off our territory. Taking you into our camp meaning putting a lot of trust on your shoulders... can we trust you?" Indigo eyes glanced into Snowstorm's golden, then flicked back to the white tom.
Something about this cat reminds me of a warrior, which makes me trust him physically. But I wonder if I can trust him mentally.

[marona]

Every single thing ever taught to the tom, every instinct, every sense told him not to trust a rouge. They could turn on you in an instant...Or so he had always perceived.

Something was of course different about this cat's demeanor, perhaps the way he held himself, or looked, or maybe the profound look in his eyes. Like any true forest cat, they reflected compassion and pride waiting to be released. Something no ordinary rouge could ever understand, their usually solitary lifestyle not bringing in the fullness that one filled with stories of StarClan and living alongside friends could.

No matter what thoughts he had against this tom, or for, he simply stood silent letting Spiritstep handle this intruder. Silently he prayed that they weren't making a grave mistake that would cost the Clan. Though as soon as the she-cat's galactic eyes met his he was soothed of most fears, for some mysterious reason she was emanating a growing trust for this cat.

What will the other Clans think of us bringing in a rouge? they would disapprove of such "inpure" intrusions into the warrior code...But they wouldn't dare challenge Stoneclan, would they? Well he never said he was staying...

[Måø§†]

Bandit shrugged and looked towards the point where he suspected the camp was. He was glad this cat was able to trust, whatever he name was, but hoped he trusted himself even more. Many questions ran through his mind such as who these cats were, what the system of this "Clan" was, and how he would present himself.

Standing perfectly he looked the she-cat in the eyes and cocked his head, "Shall I wait here for Silverstar's permission before I enter your camp?" he added politely. He had no intention of angering these cats, and hoped manners would make matters better.

Glancing briefly at the tom he spotted a hint of confusion although a small form of hostility still. Ignoring him Bandit turned back towards the she cat waiting patiently.

[♫ E§he ♥]

Spiritstep rose from her sitting position beside Snowstorm. "No, we are going back to camp now. Silverstar will either meet with you, or send you away. Either way, we aren't leaving you alone on our territory."
Spiritstep stood on one side of the Rogue, and watched as Snowstorm did the same. She looked into the White Rogue's eyes, "One more thing.... What is your name?"

The three cats made their way through the wide-open moor that kept the winds strong. Spiritstep and Snowstorm kept their heads raised against the fierce winter-winds, used to the battle, but the Rogue kept ducking out of the torrent.
When finally the sand-coated hollow came into view, the wind carried a strong scent of Stoneclan and the mews of many cats.
Spiritstep saw the Rogue tense, and wondered if he was not used to being around so many cats.

[Måø§†]

Bandit stared the she-cat straight back as he trotted on, every step taken raising his hair slightly on end. "Bandit," he finally replied after a long pause, looking at nothing in particular. Without asking for her name in return he continued walking.

The new scents and sights occupied him the rest of the way back towards the camp. At-last he came a large clearing. It was surrounded by many thick thorn bushes, layering the walls again and again. Trodden grass blanketed most of the clearing, although in leaf-bare it was whiter in color. On the southern most half of the camp a small pool of fresh water lay placid, a few cats lay around it. For the most part he saw most of the cats inside den-like structures of logs and other woods. He was surprised by the amount of cats there were, how friendly they were with each other, and with their camp.

Although he would have stood jaw open by himself he stayed perfectly calm as he entered. The cats that did see him turned their heads, eyes thick with wonder, to him. Ignoring them, he followed the two cats up to a larger den higher up. It was Silverstars den.

Without being told there was a visitor, Silverstar seemed to know. Suddenly an elegant she-cat stood in-front of her. Her figure powerful yet beautiful. Her silver coat long and wispy looked well groomed and sleek. When she spoke, her voice sounded like honey, soothing, but also full of the uttermost authority. He felt as if he should bow his head in respect, "Why have you come here and how did you f ind your way here?" she asked.

As she spoke she dismissed the first two cats with a graceful flick of her tail. As soon as the cats departed, Bandit spoke. He talked as if he had recited a speech for this very event, although his words came like fighting to Bandit; easy, yet only able to flow if practiced. "My name is Bandit. I come from the many nests of the high-walkers. I have traveled her because of a series of dreams I have had of this very forest. The she-cat that guided me here said it was their warrior ancestors communicating with me. I do not know your ancestors, or your system, or even why I am here. But I do believe there was a moral to my journey and I would like to figure it out before I leave. I will not fight, nor cause havoc to this Clan even though I do not know them.

"I do not wish to stay here permanently. But a nice place to rest would be a kind gesture."

Bandit stepped back as he finished and returned the intense gaze Silverstar studied him with.

At-last Silver took her eyes off of Bandit. Her thoughts had come quick, like every leaders were supposed to."I will provide you with a comfortable nest inside of out medicine cats den. We will provide food for you until you have left. But I would wish to talk more about your dreams later."

Silverstar set her focus on the the camp below. As she caught the attention of the two cats who had guided Bandit here she had Bandit turn around. "That is Spiritstep," she gestured towards the cream and white she-cat, "and Snowstorm," she gestured towards the black cat with wisps of white masked around his face.

Bandit nodded before the leader continued, "Please tell them that I have sent to them to find a nest inside the medicine cat den," and Silverstar danced back to her den without turning to look back.

Bandit padded down and told Snowstorm and Spiritstep of Silverstars request.

[marona]

Stiff-legged Snowstorm trekked close beside the tom, careful not to let his pelt brush the ragged and rank fur but yet at the same time he dared not open a window of escape. Even though it seemed as if this rouge had no intention of leaving their escort, you never knew with such cats. Muscles were taut with the tension, they'd never had a cat like this on Stoneclan territory before and tom was unsure of how to act. He decided in the end to be inperceptively calm.

Warming scents of friends envoloped his glands as they padded through the entrance. Eyes were riveted on the three cats, and Snowstorm looked around at them awkwardly their dumbfounded gazes silently questioning.

---

Standing by the white speckled cat chatted with Spiritstep nervously, both padding side-by-side towards the fresh-kill pile. Suddenly though Bandit was astride them, and explaining Silverstar's orders. Nodding slowly he looked towards the medicine den, "There have been few sick cats lately, you'll easily find a spot." male let his voice become calmer with the intruder, Silverstar must have trusted him so he must agree with his leader's choice.

[Måø§†]

Bandit nodded and padded into the medicine cats den. It was comfy and warm inside. A few nests covered in thick moss lay around the edges. One or two other cats lay sleeping inside of them.

sniffing at an empty nest Bandit soon realized how tired he was. He had not slept for a long time, possibly a day. He quickly thanked Spiritstep and Snowstorm and quietly lay down. He was comfortable almost at once. He had eaten, his hunger dawned, his thirst was quenched, and before he had time to question if he would be safe, he was asleep.