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New Day
Feb 9, 2008 19:15:16 GMT -8
Post by Rose on Feb 9, 2008 19:15:16 GMT -8
A small lump of calico fur lay curled up inside her nest, her mottled flank rising and falling ever so slightly. The den was still dark and gloomy, not able to be invaded by any sun that filtered into the main cave. Slowly, as the time past, the deputy awoke. She looked up, blinking away the last traces of sleep that still clouded her mind. Longstride let a large yawn part her jaws before they closed with a soft click. The she-cat stepped out of her nest and headed for the main cave. As she stepped out, she shuddered at the cold breeze that blew through the camp. Leaf-bare was getting harsher, and the waterfall did nothing to keep the warmth in. As the she-cat sat alone in the clearing, she traced her path along the territory. She would take a patrol to find more moss and prey. More moss was needed to keep the cold out of your nest at night now that the frigid cold had arrived.
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New Day
Feb 9, 2008 21:47:28 GMT -8
Post by ♫ E§he ♥ on Feb 9, 2008 21:47:28 GMT -8
Wrenstar shivered as she was blasted with a whoosh of cold air. Her den, concealed from the main cavern and the wind, suddenly seemed extremely inviting. But she pushed the thought aside, and tried to warm her numb limbs by bounding down the stone stairway.
Letting her eyes adjust to the dim light, she peered out of the cavern to see the sky painted with scarlet clouds. She turned around to see Longstride padding toward the center of the cavern. She greeted her by head-butting her shoulder in a friendly manner. "You'd better wake some cats for the dawn patrol. You need to start hunting before-"
She was cut off by an excited yowl that echoed through the entire camp. An apprentice burst through the camp entrance followed by two others. Their pelts were wet, with white powder still clinging to their ears.
Wrenstar froze. She took off toward the camp exit, and burst outside to see the ground coated with a white pelt of snow. A dismayed expression took over her face. It had snowed last night. This meant that from this point on, prey would get harder and harder to find.
She turned to gaze into Longstride's golden gaze, and saw the same worry reflected. Wrenstar shook her head. I thought we were lucky this leafbare. I thought the snows wouldn't come.... She lifted her head, hopeful to see the sun that would hopefully melt the snow. But the sky was white. It was pale with red clouds, looking like an omen of suffering. This is going to be a long leafbare.
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New Day
Feb 10, 2008 13:38:01 GMT -8
Post by Rose on Feb 10, 2008 13:38:01 GMT -8
Longstride dipped her head to Wrenstar, about to confirm the patrol when two cats interrupted. Coats wet with new snow, the deputy felt a stab of worry. Prey was already hard to find. Now it would be even worse!
The deputy stuck her nose out into the forest, momentary blinded by the gleam of the new snow. She snorted, her breath making a small cloud in front of her face. Not liking this weather, she drew back into the warmer gloom.
The she-cat headed for Wrenstar, her expression grave. "You're right Wrenstar. Patrols will need to be out as soon as possible. This snow isn't good news for any of the Clans. Should I send out the apprentices and a warrior for more moss? The nursery does get cold easily." she meowed, looking back at the red-smudged sky.
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New Day
Feb 10, 2008 17:47:47 GMT -8
Post by ♫ E§he ♥ on Feb 10, 2008 17:47:47 GMT -8
"Yes, good thinking." Wrenstar nodded. "Can you also organize a dawn patrol and a hunting patrol. I want to get camp moving." She let her amber eyes search the colorless sky. "By the look of things, I'm afraid more snow is on the way. We need to stalk up on prey, herbs, and dry moss." She glanced toward the three wet apprentices. "Make sure those two get dry before heading back out into the snow."
Wrenstar dipped her head, then trotted over to the Medicine Cat's Den. On her way, she spotted Copperfur. She beckoned him over. Copperfur trotted over to her, his face looking gloomy. "Copperfur, can you please meet with the Medicine Cat and help with stalking up on herbs."
Copperfur dipped him head, "Okay." He was actually brimming with happiness. The entire night he had been restless to get out of camp, but that hadn't been the only thing on his mind. He couldn't stop thinking about the beautiful black she-cat he had seen in the gnarled forest. For some reason, he wanted to see her again.
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New Day
Feb 11, 2008 14:08:17 GMT -8
Post by Rose on Feb 11, 2008 14:08:17 GMT -8
Longstride dipped her fine head once more before trotting toward the entrance of the cave. Her ears flattened slightly as another cold breeze snuck into the camp. Turning to the apprentices, the deputy's smile was as cold as the wind. "You three need to get to the medicine cat's den. We don't want anyone catching cold!"
She then passed them, her paw pads now cold. She noticed with alarm that the stone not a fox-length from her feet was slightly icy. This was not good at all. /The ice is coming into the cave./ she thought grimly before backing away. No need to wait on the ice.
The she-cat watched as a few warriors leave their warm den, shaking themselves free of moss before padding toward her. She nodded, pointing at the entrance. "Go patrol the border. Also, hunt if you can. We need more prey." she explained, watching them leave camp. Now to wait for another warrior to escort the apprentices.
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New Day
Feb 13, 2008 18:25:04 GMT -8
Post by ♫ E§he ♥ on Feb 13, 2008 18:25:04 GMT -8
Copperfur almost got run over by the three apprentices as they charged into the Medicine Cat den. He dodged out of the way, then continued on his way out. The Medicine Cat had requested Tansy, Poppy Seed, Lavender, Marigold, and Cat Mint if he could find any. He left through the main entrance this time, stopping to enjoy the view of the beautiful snow-covered earth.
A cold wave shot up his arm as he stepped into the freezing powder. He puffed out his fur against the cold, and continued on his search. He found some dry lavender under a bush, and a patch of Marigold beneath the white blanket. He padded onward, then spotted a patch of dried poppy flowers. He bounded over, and picked as much as he could gently with his teeth. A sent caught his nose. Mistclan? He looked around, then saw that he had accidentally crossed the border wile preoccupied with his task. He looked around cautiously, then bounded back over the border where it was safe.
He let out a sigh of relief through the herbs that he held gently in his mouth. He turned and knew where he had to go next. Cat Mint grew in twolegplace. He padded back toward camp, caught sight on an apprentice, and sent him back to camp with the herbs he had collected. He hoped the others wouldn't find out that they were actually Mistclan's poppy flowers.
He padded toward Dawnclan territory. Since it was closest territory to twolegplace, he would have to travel around it. He left the Echoclan border, and traveled around Dawnclan territory. He made sure he stayed clear of the border, not wanting to make the same mistake twice.
He arrived at twolegplace around sunhigh, at least he thought it was sunhigh. The endless sea of white clouds made it impossible to tell the time. He made sure to sniff at the gardens through the fences, wanting to avoid contact with any kittypets. Finally, he scented the strong tang of Cat Mint. He peered through the holes in the fence, then gracefully sprang over it. He landed silently, then began to search the garden for the plant. He sniffed at several leaves before finding the Cat Mint. The plant looked healthy and green, and he bent down to pick a stalk... when he felt eyes burning into his back. He whirled around to see a plump she-cat sitting on the porch of the twoleg nest, watching him curiously. She was a ginger tabby with white paws, and friendly storm-cloud eyes. When she saw his gaze, she padded forward. Copperfur fought for words, taking a step back as she drew closer. "Why were you eating that plant?" "Excuse me?" "I have plenty of food inside," the she-cat spoke, stepping forward. "We could share if you want." "Uhhh... I think I'm good," Copperfur was starting to feel awkward. "But you must be hungry!" Exclaimed the she-cat, looking surprised. "You are so skinny!" "I already ate, but, uh, thanks for the invitation," Copperfur began to turn around. "And I wasn't eating it, I was gathering the leaves." "What is so interesting about that plant?" The she-cat asked, cocking her head. Copperfur sighed, and turned back around. "It's an herb, er, Medicine. It'll help cats with a bad disease called Green-cough." "Really! That's amazing! How do you know this? Are you a healer-cat?" The she-cat's eyes grew bright. "No, but I need to collect it to help my Clan," he began to reach down to pick, but the She-cat continued to talk. "Clan? Oh, are you one of those cats who live in the forest?" "Yes," Copperfur replied, starting to lose his patience. "Oh," the she-cat looked at Copperfur's expression. "I'm sorry, you must be busy. I'm Ginger, by the way. Take as much as you want." Copperfur smiled, "thank-you Ginger. I'm Copperfur." He bent down and stuffed his mouth with as much Cat Mint as he could carry. "Are you leaving now Copperfur?" Ginger asked. Copperfur nodded. "Well, stop by whenever you're in the Neighborhood!" Ginger smiled, then watched as Copperfur smiled, and disappeared over the fence.
Copperfur thought about Ginger on his way home. He wondered if he would ever see her again, but pushed the thought away. He scolded himself for thinking that, then disappeared back into Echoclan territory.
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New Day
Feb 13, 2008 20:14:01 GMT -8
Post by Silver on Feb 13, 2008 20:14:01 GMT -8
(( Hmm... anyone mind if I sneak in? I'll be quick ))
Cinderstar padded through the forest with Sunwing and Embersky behind her. ( I need someone on patrol with her. I'm not going to play them in any way ) Her ears pricked as she heard a soft rustling ahead of her. She flicked her tail to signal the cats to stay put, and ventured forward. The sharp tang of Echoclan hit her scent glands on the roof of her mouth and she hissed. Echoclan in her territory! She quickly followed the scent, hoping to catch the intruder. The smell was strongest at a patch of poppy. A medicince cat? she wondered. But she remembered that Echoclan's medicine cat wasn't a tom, as the scent suggested. A growl rose in her throat as she almost ran on. However, she skidded to a halt at the border. She felt a little disappointed that she didn't get to chase anyone away. This will be interesting to bring up at the Gathering she smirked to herself as she returned to her patrol. Before she left though, she paused to memorize the smells. "Know your enemy not only by sight, but by smell. Soon you will be able to tell exactly which cat was on patrol, and who left the scent marker" Her father's words rang in her mind as she decided she had learned it and padded off to continue the patrol.
SootClaw lunged upon a small mouse he was stalking, and killed it quickly. He buried the pathetic piece of prey and strained his senses. He heard the bluebird flitting above before smelling it. It took him embarrassingly long to remember how to catch a bird, before slinking forward, one paw at a time. His tail lashed back and forth in anticipation, and he flung himself at the bird. It let out a startled squawk before falling to Sootclaw's clutches. Grinning, he buried next to his mouse. In the back of his mind, he knew that was the last of the prey he'd find today in the powdery snow. Still, he sniffed the air again hopefully. He froze as the scent that reached his nose was not prey, but Echoclan. His paw tingled with the promise of a fight. He rushed to the border, not trying to hide his presence. He hide in a bush, watching a copper tom walk along the border. He hoped that the cat would step over the boundary, but he continued along to the two-leg place. Sootclaw grunted, and went back to hunting. It wasn't until he was back at camp with only his mouse and his bird that he wondered where the copper cat was going. However, at that moment, an apprentice scurried away, muttering "Cat Mint, poppy seeds, Cat mint, poppy seeds." Sootclaw guessed he was fetching herbs for the medicine cat. He realized that Cat mint could be found in the Two-leg place, and rarely spent another thought on the copper Echoclan tom again until he was about to fall asleep.
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New Day
Feb 14, 2008 21:33:20 GMT -8
Post by ♫ E§he ♥ on Feb 14, 2008 21:33:20 GMT -8
Copperfur padded slowly back to camp, reluctant to be trapped once again in the maze of winding caverns. Snow spiraled from the sky, and danced around his paws as he took the longest route back. Snow and ice clung to his pelt here and there, and as much as he wanted to stay outside in the cool air, he also wanted to keep his whiskers from freezing off.
He saw long icicles hanging from the cavern ceiling when he returned to camp. The clear and claw-sharp surfaces reflected the colorless sky. He padded toward the Medicine Cat Den, aware of the groups of cats huddled together to keep warm.
The Medicine Cat's eyes lit up when he entered, "Can Mint!? I thought it would all be destroyed in last night's storm." She stepped forward and gratefully took the herb. "There was still more left, even after I stuffed my mouth full," Copperfur replied, spitting out pieces on the herb that still clung to his tongue. "Really!? That's great!" She purred. "Now I won't have to worry about a lack of Cat Mint supply" Copperfur twitched his whiskers, "Glad I could help."
He trotted back out into the Main Cavern. His mind flooded back to the she-cat he had seen in the Gnarled Forest the day before. Although her appearance had only been briefly shown, her hauntingly beautiful eyes never left his mind. His chest burned with curiosity, and he decided to eat something... Then go and find her.
***
The snow settled across the trunks and ground of the Gnarled Forest, seeming to gift the earth with a white pelt to keep it warm. But although this pelt would shelter the growing seeds under the earth from winds, it sent a curse of coldness and death to all those who lived above the earth. My eyes flashed open, their green depths scanning the small den that housed my coal-black pelt. I lifted myself from sleep, stretching, putting my bones back in place from the long night of being curled like a moss-ball. A sharp tang in my throat announced my thirst, and I crept across the den to a small pool of water. A thin layer of ice coated the water, and with a swift swipe of my paw, it was broken. When the freezing water touched my paw, it sent a chilling shock up my arm. I crouched, letting my chin rest on the water-top as my tongue lapped up spoonfuls of the pine-flavored water. I felt it slide down my throat, numbing and delicious at the same time.
A bird call from outside brought the strong scent of crow, and I left the pool-side to begin the hunt. My mouth watered with impatience, wanting to sink my teeth into the warm flesh. Before leaving, I rubbed against the strong-smelling roots that covered the walls of my den. It masked my scent, so I could travel through Clan territory without being seen, or sensed.
My slender paws carried me out into the snow, and I slipped into the shadows. I padded through the forest, hidden my the shadows. As far as any living thing knew, I was invisible, and did not exist. I spotted the crow, pecking wildly at the body of a fallen chickadee. I let the shadows swirl around my paws, comforting my chilled fur, letting me stalk closer. My paws skimmed over the earth like I was hovering, I stealthily crouched, my legs becoming coiled springs. I leapt. My claws sliced through the thin layer of feathers and skin, the crow realizing too late that it had been careless. I clamped my jaws down on the back of the neck, feeling the blood flow through the veins, and the heartbeat pulsing through the neck. Before it had a chance to react, I bit and twisted my fangs. The bird died with a sickening crack to the neck, and I watched the bright blackberry eyes slowly turn lifeless. I lay the limp, yet still warm body out on the snow. I sliced an opening into my meal with a single, thorn-sharp claw. I tasted the salty tang of blood, and the pleasuring softness of warm flesh. Strength flowed back into my bones as I slowly devoured the crow.
Blood dripped off my chin as I raised my head. Something was not right. I glanced around to see that my shadowy pelt stood out against the white ground... and the Mistclan border lay only a few tail-lengths away. I had crossed without realizing it, and I knew on Mistclan territory is where I was lest welcome. Here, I was not Pantheress, but Scarredheart. I spread out the feathers and bones of the crow across the ground, hoping to enrage the cats who I still held a dark grudge against. My eyes searched the clearing one last time, before turning and proceeding back into the Gnarled Forest. The slight rustle of a leaf told me I had company. I turned to face the cat, Mistclan, but showed to fear in my emerald eyes. If this cat wanted a fight, they would get the fight of their life. I was the wrong cat to displease, and soon this cat would regret being born.
***
Brackenstripe stood beside Cinderstar, his fur brushing hers. Through the leaves he had accidentally rustled, he caught a glimpse of a black she-cat. Her intense green eyes seemed to burn into his pelt; she knew they were there. He looked to Cinderstar, awaiting an order.
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New Day
Feb 21, 2008 19:02:53 GMT -8
Post by Silver on Feb 21, 2008 19:02:53 GMT -8
Cinderstar stayed crouched beside Brackenstripe. She nearly winced as Brackenstripe stepped on some crunchy leaves, alerting the cat of their presence. She glared at him for a split second, but the glare turned to anger as she watched the cat leave crow bones on their territory. The cat knew they were there now, so why hide? She signaled Brackenstripe to be prepared for a fight as she shouldered aside the bushes they hide behind. She stalked right up to the cat and hissed, "What are you doing on Mistclan territory?" her tail flicked behind her angrily, cracking the air like a whip.
As she glared right into the cat's emerald eyes, reconnection clicked inside her head. "Scarredheart!" she hissed, low and furious. "You ran away right before my warrior ceremony! Why have you brought your disgraceful face back to Mistclan?" Normally calm and cool in the face of danger, rage burned inside her. When she had first meet Scarredheart, she had thought what a fearful opponent she would be when she was a warrior. Coal-black with frightful green eyes, formally known as Nightkit. She had felt pity for Nightkit at first, but when she ran away, any respect or pity for her had vanished. What kind of cat ran away from her problems? If she had just waited, Cinderstar herself could have re-named her.
Cinderstar spat at Scarredheart. She signaled for Brakenstripe to come forward, and wished Embersky was here. Maybe with all three of them, they could scare the lame excuse for a cat away without any bloodshed. She paused to examine her opponent. She was lean and sly, and had several small scars from previous battles. She looked well feed for leaf-bare, which disgusted Cinderstar even more. Either this cat had been stealing food from two-legs, or had been taking more prey than just a crow. The fur on her hackles rose, and her glare remained stony, but she kept herself as calm as possible
"Been eating kittypet food have you? Or have you been stealing Mistclan's prey?" she sneered at Scarredheart. Though unafraid, Cinderstar knew that her opponent was going to be one she would remember with many scars, even with Brackenstripe's help. For once, she actually feared she may lose a life. It would only be her 8th, but she forced the thought from her mind. She would drive this piece of fox-dung from her territory, and she would do it with minimal injury.
Sootclaw padded beside his sister, Frostfur. "I saw a Echoclan cat right along here. He wasn't crossing the border, but I also scented something else. A she-cat, and a loner at that. I think she's been living on Echoclan territory for a while," he reported to Frostfur as the two of them enjoyed a leisurely patrol. "Will she be a problem for us Sootclaw-" Frostfur meowed before furious hisses sliced the air. Scrambling, the two Dawnclan cats scurried to the border. There, Mistclan's leader and a warrior were facing a coal-black rouge. "Thats her!" Sootclaw hissed under his breath. The two watched in silence, keeping hiden
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New Day
Feb 22, 2008 16:52:47 GMT -8
Post by ♫ E§he ♥ on Feb 22, 2008 16:52:47 GMT -8
I raised my chin in defiance, a usually disrespectful sign to a Clan leader. I showed Cinderstar no fear behind my tainted green eyes, staring straight back with a piercing emerald gaze. I ignored Cinderstar's remarks, although they made the grudge in my chest burn. "Scarredheart," I said in a calm manner, fixing my eyes into hers, "Is a thing of the past. I am not that frightened kit who ran away from a betraying Clan. I am stronger, quicker, and I was taught to kill without hesitation by my REAL mentor. A cat from BloodClan!" I saw a flash of fear show in the eyes of the bracken-colored tom. BloodClan was known over all territories for their merciless murder, and incredible battle skills. I smiled in a way that made chills run up the spines of my enemies. "I have been re-named, recognized, and feared. And now, I plan to bask in the revenge I have waited so long to act upon!" I unsheathed my claws, feeling the tension rise like a hot wave between me and the other two cats. Unlike the perfectly curved claws of Clan cats, mine were frightfully long and jagged. They sliced through flesh like leaves, and stung with the special liquid that I find inside the roots of my den. This was my chance. A perfect chance to get revenge. Here, in person, was the leader of Mistclan. It would be so simple to take a life. I have taken so many. But this time, my mouth watered with the thought of feeling her gentle throat between the piercing fangs in my powerful jaws. As if on cue, snow began to fall. It circled my fur like fingers of death. I stood calmly, letting my ghostly eyes burn into those of Cinderstar. I felt fear pulsing from the tabby tom like a heartbeat. In those few seconds, time seemed to stand still. I leapt. "Know my name! Fear it! For I... am... Pantheress!!!" At first it seemed as if I was headed for Cinderstar, but I landed short and shot my back legs out like striking adders. They found their mark, and I heard the air rush from the lungs of the tabby tom. He hit a tree, then landed with a sickening thud. I changed direction, gliding over the earth, and I sunk by teeth into the back of his neck. He let out a wail of agony as I pushed my teeth further. I tasted the salty tang of blood, and twisted my jaws to tear the fibers in his neck. His next cry was cut short, and I released him. His head fell, and hit the earth. He lay still. The snow was stained with scarlet. I turned back to Cinderstar, smiling. "I must thank you for bringing him. For without him I may have not have taken another life. That would be the 225th." I twitched my whiskers, licked a drop of blood from my claw, then looked up, still smiling. "The biggest bonus, however, is that I have hurt Mistclan more. This has truly been a wonderful day, no?" OOC: A real example of how incredibly evil Pantheress is. Ooh, I just love being bad!
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New Day
Feb 23, 2008 11:10:23 GMT -8
Post by Måø§† on Feb 23, 2008 11:10:23 GMT -8
Sunwing burst into the clearing, fur bristling and ears back in a loud hiss. Fernstep followed her defiantly, at their own will. Sunwing heard Fernsteps hisses and yowls cut off short as they faced a breathe taking but menacing cat. But this evil cat was not what made them stop- true, she was more than evil, and for that reason she was beautiful- for Brackenstripe lay motionless in the snow. His chest no longer heaving up and down, and a wet puddle of scarlet glistened against the reflection from sun to snow.
Sunwing stared at her leader, her screech drowned, had Cinderstar let this happen? She pushed the doubt out of her mind quickly, Cinderstar cared for each cat in her Clan. This black she-cat must have attacked and killed so quickly their leader had been in shock.
A cursing smile rose from the she-cats lips, her black fur shining in the sunlight. Strength, devastating intention, and pride seemed to pulse outwards from her chest. Her powerful figure strong, elegant, and sinister all in one. Sunwing had never encountered such a cat, and shiver of cold raced down her spine. Taking much of her courage and strength with her.
Her voice lost almost entirely, and paws planted firmly in the ground, anger and pure hatred beamed from Sunwing. She had never truly hated before, but this solid hatred was unmistakable. She had never even known or seen this cat before, so how was hate so easily conjured from her?
Her eyes blazing, Sunwing pulled all of her strength together; she would fight this cat until she lay dead. She would fight revengance for Brackenstripe, and for her own wills terror. "Leave," she hissed. Her posture and voice so wildly passionate that she surprised not only every cat around her, but herself as well.
Leave, what else was there to say. Sunwing knew she would die fighting this cat, and the intention inside of her was so powerfully set that not even the wisest cat could set it off course. Leaving would not only do their forest well, but seemed like the only solution that- if they were able to make the right decision- would leave them, and hopefully with only one dead warrior. That warrior was Brackenstripe.
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New Day
Feb 23, 2008 16:06:27 GMT -8
Post by Silver on Feb 23, 2008 16:06:27 GMT -8
OOC: DID YOU JUST KILL YOUR OWN CAT?!?! By the way, how does Pantheress know Cinderstar is leader? Cinderstar was startled at her warriors arrival. She stuttered for a second, but regained herself immediately. She gazed around her, and said, calmly and evenly as ever, "And what," she paused, with a slight glance at Brackenstripe, "Do you go by now?" it came out as a menacing hiss, and she strolled right past the coal-black cat, their shoulder's brushing. She felt the muscles under it, rippling in fury. "Your words mean nothing to me. Absolutely nothing. They are completely useless to me," she said, whipping around and stalking right up to Scarredheart, so she could feel the hot stench of her breath on her fur. Stormy blue eyes evenly glaring into emerald green ones, "This is my territory. My forest. You have no place here," she said, so low it came out no louder than a murmur. She straitened, realizing she had been scrunched up, ready to spring. "Its four against one. You have no chance. Do what Sunwing says: Leave. And never come back" she hissed, making sure everyone could hear her. Suddenly, she felt someone beside her. She slid her gaze to her left, then her right where the presence seem to be coming from. "We're right here, Cinderstar," a warm voice whispered in her ear. She recognized the voice immediately. She had spent her whole life memorizing that voice. "And I'll always fight next to you, just like old times," a different, younger voice whispered. Cinderstar nearly melted. Bluewind, her mother, and Tawnytail, her sister, spirits had come to stand beside her. She nearly started purring. She took great comfort in their presence, and felt three times stronger inside. "Father sent us," Tawnytail purred in amusement. "I wouldn't let poor dad worry so much. I'll protect you sister" Tawnytail continued. Cinderstar glared at Scarredheart, courage and reassurance flooding through her. She took the smallest step back, just enough so Scarredheart's horrid breath didn't reach her.
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New Day
Feb 23, 2008 20:15:45 GMT -8
Post by ♫ E§he ♥ on Feb 23, 2008 20:15:45 GMT -8
I was at first effected by Cinderstar's response. Why didn't she stand shocked, one of her warriors had just been murdered beside her? She got close, and I once again felt the dark burn of hatred in my chest. I narrowed my eyes, not showing any emotion on my shadowed face.
As three other cats burst from the bushes, signaling that I was now largely outnumbered. I stood my ground, tensing my muscles. A simple order formed in the mouth of a golden warrior, her amber eyes stiff with hatred. Leave. Such a simple task. If I did it now, I would never have to see these cats again. I could live the rest of my life in peace... but knowing I had failed in fulfilling the revenge of my pain.
I flexed my claws into the earth as if it was warm flesh. A detaining silence washed through the clearing like a cold wave. The snow continued to fall, containing the five of us in a single room. "My words don't have to do any damage on simply you, Cinderstar. You are too dense even to understand the purpose I now must follow. I am here to hurt Mistclan, and if it means killing their precious leader, then so be it! I will strike and kill as many times as it takes to leave you lying lifeless in the snow like your friend over there. And for those three," I set my ghostly eyes on the three she-cats. "They will also fall to my claws if they do not flee now. This is your last chance," I spoke to them, "or I will be forced to kill you." I stopped smiling, before I continued, "Would you rather live in pain... or die? The decision is up to you. And as for you," I turned back to Cinderstar.
"You may think you have already won, but I have been taught to fight with the last drop of blood. And I will take revenge like I took the life of the tom. Even if it leaves me dead! I... am... Pantheress!!!" I leapt with incredible speed, pushing the ground from under my feet with all my strength. I soared toward Cinderstar, my jagged claws extended. My jaws parted in a deadly strike that was aimed for one thing... Cinderstar's throat.
OOC: I give Maosi permission to have a little more control over Pantheress for the next post.
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New Day
Feb 23, 2008 22:44:12 GMT -8
Post by Måø§† on Feb 23, 2008 22:44:12 GMT -8
OOC: Thanks
Flee? Wasn't that the most important thing of what not to do when you vowed yourself as a warrior? Protect and defend your Clan even at the cost of you life...
Pantheress had such horrible, unchangeable, and costly intentions. With all her beauty, tactics, and amazing strength, how could a cat be so horrible. She was elegant, elegant but not wise. Wise, yes in other ways, but her decision that was set so profoundly just seemed wrong.
The unthinkable happened, as Pantheress streaked across the small distance between her and Cinderstar. She lunged - unsheathed claw and open jaw - straight towards their leaders throat.
It seemed too much for Sunwing, but thankfully her paws unhooked their strong roots from the earth and she - with the utter most agility - leaped towards the storming rogue. She would knock her away, even if it costed her life.
Her leap hit her mark, and Sunwing and the black she-cat clashed in midair. Pantheress was pressed to the side, and her claws never managed to sink their sharp points into Cinderstars flesh. Sunwing, regaining consciousness immediately watched as the surprised she-cat landed awkwardly on her side. Sunwing, thinking quickly, held Pantheress down. Although knowing the raven black rogue could easily push her off and rip her to threads, it was not defeating her that Sunwing wanted.
"Pantheress," She pronounced the name icily, although clearly, "Your entire family died, " she watched to see if Pantheress would flinch; she did not. "Your selfish thoughts have all but killed two hundred twenty five cats. But why did you kill them? Because you feel bad about yourself?" she paused. Pantheress lay still under Sunwing's hold. "You speak of revenge. You seek to plot your revenge on the whole of Mistclan, and Cinderstar. Think, Mistclan did not kill your family. They did not cause your sense of loss and anger. That would not be called revenge. If you were to take revenge, then the proper revenge would be upon StarClan. After all, they allowed them to die.
"So why are you wasting your time killing innocent cats. What will that do? Now that you know that the revenge, and your goal you set out to complete, is no longer here, you will continue to sink in your own loss. Sink in your own hatred and anger. So now leave, because your intentions lie elsewhere, maybe even within yourself."
Sunwing finished and said no more. She could not predict what this murdering rogue would do, but with nothing more to say she stared into the very darkest depth of Pantheress's eyes. What she saw was unpredictable.
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New Day
Feb 23, 2008 23:40:23 GMT -8
Post by ♫ E§he ♥ on Feb 23, 2008 23:40:23 GMT -8
I was too blinded with rage and grief to see the golden she-cat. I let out a surprised "oof" as she barreled into my shoulder, shocked as she knocked me from my attempted drive for revenge. The earth came fast, it seemed to jump up to catch me. The air rushed from my lungs as I landed hard on my ribs, and I felt the she-cat push me further into the dirt as I fought to reclaim breath. I flattened my ears against my head, my blood pounding with rage.
This cat had sealed her death. She had cost me my revenge, and now her life would take Cinderstar's. Her words cut into me like sharp thorns, I barred my teeth, but didn't push her off. If I was going to get a clean shot at her throat, it would have to be wile she was on top of me. I flexed my claws, ready to thrust them into the soft flesh on her underbelly... but stopped.
I looked straight into her eyes. I saw something that surprised me. I saw emotions that sunk into my heart as if they were my own. I saw fear, passion, unbeatable will, and hope. I saw hope. I sheathed my claws, no longer battling against her words. They hit home, striking into my heart like death blows from claws. She stopped, I looked back to her face, and did the one thing you were never supposed to do with an enemy. I showed emotion. My eyes flash fear, agony, and a brave heart that was only an illusion. A tear ran from the corner of my eye, wetting my fur, and letting the beautiful coldness of winter at last cool my heart.
I saw a disbelieving expression cloud her face. I took a deep breath, "You are wrong." I spoke it with such intensity and emotion, I saw her eyes widen even more. I lowered my voice so only she could hear it. "I am not brave or strong. I do not believe in murder. I have never killed a cat in my life!" I looked over to the heap of bracken-colored fur. "I only pushed a pressure point that made him unconscious, and I missed the vital fiber in his neck that was deadly." The evil, malevolent tone had left my voice to be replaced by wisdom and passion.
"I have yearned for revenge all my life just so I could feel like it wasn't my fault that they died... my family. I had no one to blame, I couldn't blame myself, so I blamed Mistclan. The true story of my family's death has never been shared. When I was Nightkit, I had accidentally torn a hole in the thorn barrier my the nursery when practicing my battle skills. I left the tear there, thinking some warrior would patch it up. But that was the very same hole the badger came through. You see, it was my fault. I had been careless, and now they are dead... because of me. "There was one thing I was never taught, how to control my anger. I have let it consume me to make room for strength. But I am not brave. I am scared. I feel fear whenever I look into a puddle and see my reflection. I huddle in my den in the dark on night because I hear an odd noise. I am alone in ways you could not imagine. You are not alone. You have friends and family. You see a passionate warrior with a strong heart and mind every time you look in a puddle. You are nurtured and comforted when you are scared or imagine the worst. I have nothing... am nothing. I have to future. No past. As you will someday become a compassionate leader who cares even for the weakest kit, I will continue to hovel in my hole. Thank you. You have made me see what a monster I have become. And for that... I forgive everything. Everyone. There was no real battle to hurt Mistclan, it was a battle inside my own mind and spirit that I led to believe would be settle by seeking revenge."
I easily slid out from under her grasp, and, without a second thought, turned and glided into the bushes. The shadows swallowed me up, welcoming me back. But I knew the truth now. Whatever follows this day, I will never live without remembering that she-cat. She had sought a friend in an enemy. And although I could give her nothing in return, I knew that I now had my heart back. And I would work harder to retrieve my soul. I hoped I would see her again. I didn't know her name, but she was now my savior.
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