This didn't seem like any sickness he had seen before. Nestflame thought of everything that could have caused this, though nothing came. He made sure there was fresh water in Markstar's den, some herbs and prey, before he padded back to his den. He curled into a ball, and fell quickly to sleep despite his head buzzing.
::---::
Burst lay awake in between Flash and Singe, watching her. He didn't know what had happened to him. but he felt a pull to her. Maybe that's why he hadn't killed her that snowy day.Burst shook his head, and watched as she jerked away, her eyes searching cautiously in the dark until, she found Burst's eyes. He didn't look away. That would just prove to himself that he felt something for her.
Ebonywing got up and padded out of the den, her tail flicking slightly. Burst got up and slunk after her. He padded out of the camp, and followed her scent, leaping in the trees. He stopped when her scent was strongest, and looked down at her. Her ears flicked upwards, and soon her eyes followed.
Burst stared back, his eyes, and maybe his whole life changing....
Ebonywing got up and padded out of the den, her tail flicking slightly. Burst got up and slunk after her. He padded out of the camp, and followed her scent, leaping in the trees. He stopped when her scent was strongest, and looked down at her. Her ears flicked upwards, and soon her eyes followed.
Burst stared back, his eyes, and maybe his whole life changing....
::---::
Flash sat inside the warriors den, waiting. He looked up as Burst walked in. He spat.
"What are you doing Burst!?"
Burst's head turned slowly to look at Flash.
"What I do away from our commitment has nothing to do with you Flash. Maybe I'm trying to fit in like Singe. You do nothing."
Flash rolled his eyes.
"'Fitting in'. Sure. That's what you were totally doing."
Burst snarled, and started to walk to his nest.
"Just remember what we are here to do Burst..."
Then, Flash walked away, his tail lashing angrily.
::---::
Grin padded into Markstar's den to visit.
"Markstar. How are you today?"
Markstar looked closely at Grin.
"Don't pretend with my Grin. We both know I'm dying."
Grin flinched back.
"Markstar, you can't speak like that."
Markstar hissed in irritation.
"Have I gotten better!? No! I keep getting worse! Please Grin. I know I'm dying..."
Grin looked away.
"Markstar. I want you to do this for me. Let me run the clan. I want you, to be the warrior you should have been. Start where you left off. Please. You're too young to die thinking of yourself as being old. You're not. I mean it. try as hard as you can to be a young warrior, until you're too sick you can't."
Markstar looked at Grin, sorrow in his eyes.
"Grin... what would my clan think of me?"
He shook his head.
"You're not contagious Markstar. Sleep in the warriors den. Beside your clan mates. I bet it would do you a world of good."
Markstar looked away.
"Please bring Strongspirit and my kits in here. Bring Wakesong and Bladedflame after them."
Grin nodded, and went to get Strongspirit.
::---::
Strongspirit padded into Markstar's den, Blazedpaw, Wanderpaw and Silhouettepaw followed. Her eyes were filled with worry.
"Markstar..."
Markstar got to his feet. Luckily he was still able to stand. He padded over to Strongspirit and pressed his nose into her shoulder.
"I'm sorry."
He then looked at his kits.
"I-i don't think I'm going to survive this..."
Strongspirit's breath caught.
"B-but Nestflame said it would get better!"
He shook his head.
"Nestflame can't do anything. He has no idea what's wrong with me. I'm sorry."
Strongspirit looked back at Wanderpaw, Silhouettepaw and Blazedpaw. They huddled together, their eyes turning wide. She whispered.
"You can't die. You have you family to look after..."
He hung his head.
"Those three are strong, and so are you."
"Not them Markstar. I'm expecting kits..."
Markstar stiffened.
"Oh no.... Strongspirit..."
"Don't worry. We'll all be okay."
Markstar sighed, and looked at the three apprentices.
"I'm sorry. You're too young to know this. But you need to know. I'm dying. I can feel it. I'm sorry I won't be there to see you become warriors. You will make fine ones. Can one of you get Wakesong and Bladedflame?"
The three of them nodded and left together. Markstar rested his forehead against Strongspirit's and sighed.
Strongspirit looked back at Wanderpaw, Silhouettepaw and Blazedpaw. They huddled together, their eyes turning wide. She whispered.
"You can't die. You have you family to look after..."
He hung his head.
"Those three are strong, and so are you."
"Not them Markstar. I'm expecting kits..."
Markstar stiffened.
"Oh no.... Strongspirit..."
"Don't worry. We'll all be okay."
Markstar sighed, and looked at the three apprentices.
"I'm sorry. You're too young to know this. But you need to know. I'm dying. I can feel it. I'm sorry I won't be there to see you become warriors. You will make fine ones. Can one of you get Wakesong and Bladedflame?"
The three of them nodded and left together. Markstar rested his forehead against Strongspirit's and sighed.
::---::
Singe saw Silhouettepaw pad out of Markstar's den, her eyes filled with tears. He padded over to her.
"Is something wrong?"
His voice conveyed worry, while he was smirking inside.
"No... nothing..."
"You want to go for a walk? We can hunt."
"Sure. It may take my mind off things."
Singe smiled, and padded after Silhouettepaw.
::---::
Grin padded into Nestflame's den.
"I think I know what is wrong with Markstar."
Nestflame jumped and looked around at Grin.
"What!?"
"He's been poisoned."
"No, he would be-"
"Rat poison. It kills slowly. It takes away the blood clotting, making the poisoned one bleed internally. It takes only a few days with rats, but with cats, obviously longer."
Nestflame thought the possibility through, then he took a sharp intake of breath.
"Maybe we can still cure it!"
Grin shook his head.
"It would be to late. If we found out soon once it started. Then ya, but. It's been in him for too long now. It's set into him. It's running through his veins, through his muscles, and especially through his heart."
Nestflame closed his eyes.
"I'm a horrible medicine cat. It's my fault he's going to die!"
Nestflame snarled, and dug his claws into the ground.
"No! Someone in this clan poisoned him! You did all you could. Obviously whoever poisoned him, wanted me dead too. I shared some prey with Markstar. I was sick for a few days, but I got better. I only had a bite or two. Markstar ate the whole thing. They were targeting both of us! Cause I also remember that I didn't eat this piece of prey. I took a bite, and that's all."
Nestflame shook his head.
"Who...?"
"I don't know. We just have to keep our guard up."
"Thank-you Grin."
Grin dipped his head, then padded away.
178 comments:
Strongspirit closed her eyes trying to be strong, for the kits, but it was hard she swallowed, "H-how long do you think you have?" she looked down at her stomach, trying to think.
~Strongspirit
Silhouettepaw tried to focus on hunting, she was there with Singe, he would protect her, comfort her.
~Silhouettepaw
Blazedpaw blinked his eyes looking suspiciously glassy. He looked at Wanderpaw "It's worse.... knowing..."
~Blazedpaw
Gazestripe, lost in her mind, walked to one side of the border, though not noticing where her paws led her.
A sudden twig snapping brought her out of the daze.
She looked to see a small silver tom slink up to her, his eye's narrowed in rage and his teeth bared. His pelt hung to his bones, giving him a a ragged-rogue look.A
"Finally got you attention, cloud-brain." he growled.
"Aren't you rough cat? What, is LakeClan desperate enough to send out an old sack of bones like you to defend the border?" he sneered, snapping another twig in the process.
>Gazestripe<
*Wanderpaw blinked at Blazedpaw.*
I know. But would you rather not know...? And wake up finding out he was dead?
:~~Wanderpaw:
*Markstar closed his eyes.*
I-i don't know. After the Gathering. That's all I know...
:~~Markstar:
*Burst growled in his mind. How can I be so stupid! Why did I ever follow her...
:~~Burst:
*Ebonywing sat in the back of the den, watching the gentle fall and rise of Burst's chest. Her stomach churned, and her heart fluttered. He had save her so many times...*
:~~Ebonywing:
*Icycurrent slunk through the bushes along the LakeClan border. Then, he heard voices and crept over to them.*
:~~Icycurrent:
"Don't take one step closer, mange-pelt." said Gazestripe, her ears flat on her head and her claws unsheathed.
>Gazestripe<
*Icycurrent's ears pricked forward, and he watched in interest. He was downwind, so the cats didn't scent him.*
:~~Icycurrent:
"Make me, Gazestripe." he hissed and with a flash of his paws, brought her crashing down, but Gazestripe was already up by the time the tom had tried to pin her down, and they rolled over each other on the ground, clawing and growling.
>Gazestripe<
Silhouettepaw closed her eyes, "Singe? Can we just... sit a while?"
She opened her eyes and looked at Singe, he nodded, pushing a mouse in front of her
Step 1, complete, she trusts me he smiled inside but kept his face grim on the outside
"You need your strength... it must be so hard..."
Sihlouettepaw smiled apprectiativy "Thanks Singe. This means a lot ya know."
~-~Silhouettepaw/Singe
Mossyclaw opened her eyes, sighing, she looked at her stomach, the kits would be born any day now. She looked over at Sunnyblade "How are the kits?"
~-~Mossyclaw
Strongspirit closed her eyes "The Gathering... thats not enough, they wont be born.. They won't see you." her voice caught in her throat
~Strongspirit
*Markstar kept his eyes closed.*
But I'll still be there for them. Please be strong. I've lived my life. It has been great...
*Markstar's voice caught as he remembered. He became leader when he was only 9 moons old. He had the weight of it thrown on his young shoulders.*
:~~Markstar:
*Sunnyblade glanced at Mossyclaw.*
They're good. Going to be apprentices soon.
*Rapidkit's ears pricked forward.*
Really!
*Tinderkit smiled widely, her eyes bright.*
:~~Sunnyblade:
"I know. But... i don't want to loose you... so soon"
~Strongspirit
Blazedpaw sighed "At least i wouldn't have to know how much he's suffering. And i could still believe he'd make me a warrior..."
~Blazedpaw
Mossyclaw purred "I can't wait until my kits are born."
~Mossyclaw
But why would he lie to you? He's not like that. He'll always be there... and, Grin will make us warriors I guess, if he becomes leader.
*Wanderpaw sighed.*
But Markstar probably had different warrior names for us then grin would choose...
:~~Wanderpaw:
You won't ever lose me. I'll always be with you.
:~~Markstar:
*Sunnyblade smiled slightly.*
Ya. This clan needs more kits now that most queens became warriors again.
:~~Sunnyblade:
Blazedpaw sighed "It won't be the same."
~Blazedpaw
"I know..."
~Strongspirit
Mossyclaw felt one of the kits kick extremely hard, followed by sharp pain, she winced "Um... i think we might be getting new kits soon"
~Mossyclaw
*Wanderpaw nodded.*
:~~Wanderpaw:
*Markstar licked her forehead.*
:~~Markstar:
*Sunnyblade tilted her head.*
Huh?
:~~Sunnyblade:
(Make Singe and Silhouette talkkk. xD )
"My kits are coming..." she winced again, a shriek of pain rose in her throat "Now!"
~Mossyclaw
Singe looked at Silhouettepaw "So when do you become a warrior, I miss having you around"
He smiled when he saw her look down, embarassed, Step 2 was almost complete... she was almost in love with him
"Soon enough." Silhouettepaw murmered, she looked at him with sparkling eyes and he looked away
"Ahem... uh so..." he mewed, shaking his pelt nervously
~Singe
*Sunnyblade stood up, almost as if the movement hurt her.*
Rapidkit, can you go and get Windingfire. Tell him Mossyclaw is having her kits.
*Rapidkit nodded and ran out of the den, Tinderkit on his heels. Sunnyblade padded over to mossyclaw.*
Just lay down and try to relax.
*Sunyblade almost flinched at how calm she sounded. How well she knew what to do.*
:~~Sunnyblade:
The fighting paused, and Gazestripe had pinned the tom down.
"I knew I recognized you." she hissed. "Shatteredpaw. We all thought you were dead, yet you just turned your back on the clan." growled Gazestripe.
"Like I'd want to live with all you starclan-lovers!" he spat.
>Gazestripe/Shatteredpaw<
Mossyclaw nodded but she had panic in her eyes. She closed her eyes tight as the first kit came. A black tom with white paws.
~Mossyclaw
*Icycurrent stayed where he was, ready to intervene.*
:~~Icycurrent:
*Sunnyblade licked the kit clean, and waited.*
:~~Sunnyblade:
They seemed to reanimate, both clawing and scratching at each other in many places.
She won't give up, will she?Shatteredpaw thought.
>Shatteredpaw<
*icycurrent hissed and leaped onto Shatteredpaw, pulling him off easily.*
What do you think you're doing!
:~~Icycurrent:
"Having fun." Shatteredpaw sneered, one of his ears twitching.
>Shatteredpaw<
*Icycurrent growled.*
You shouldn't attack her. I remember you. You're Markstar's son. Weren't you dead?
:~~Icycurrent:
"No, obviously I'm not." he said. "And it's fun." he said, giving a jeering look at Gazestripe.
>Shatteredpaw<
*Icycurrent narrowed his eyes.*
Why'd you come back? I doubt to say hello to your siblings and parents. Markstar was horrified when he found out you were gone. First Covepaw, then you.
:~~Icycurrent:
"Because being a rouge can be very, very borrrrrrring at times." he said, purposely ignoring the rest of Icycurrent's words.
>Shatteredpaw<
Then go back to your clan. I heard Markstar is very sick.
:~~Icycurrent:
"He is?" Shatteredpaw said, looking much smaller.
>Shatteredpaw<
Yes. I heard from Erol that he was at the last Gathering, but sick, and apparently not getting better. Erol went and just stayed on the side, and that's what he saw. I doubt Markstar is any better. And you don't even care.
:~~Icycurrent:
Soon Mossyclaw had two other kits beside her, a ginger tom and a gray she-cat. Mossyclaw looked at them and smiled, but she looked exhausted.
"Would... you watch them... I'm... gonna take a nap."
She smiled at her kits "The eldest is... Ebonkit, and the other tom is Dampkit, the she-cat is Bloomingkit." She closed her eyes, resting.
~Mossyclaw
Silhouettepaw looked at Singe. She smiled, looking up at the sky. The clouds... Starpelt would be coming out soon. She looked at the grass, at the flowers. She used to believe that nothing could be as beautiful as the flowers, as starpelt now, everything was different.
She looked at Singe again. He meant a lot to her... he meant almost everything.
"Singe..." she mewed softly "You can't ever leave me."
~-Silhouettepaw
"I wouldn't." Singe said automatically. A funny feeling was spreading through him, that feeling made him uneasy.
remember your mission Se-Singe. You can't get caught up in your plan. She's going to die. Hopefully, in th next moon.
Singe tried convincd himself. "I'm just a good actor." he muttered
Silhouettepaw looked at him, with those sparkling eyes "What?"
"Um... nothing, we should be getting back to camp. Race you."
He took off as fast as he could, leaving Silhouettepaw sitting there, confused
~Sing
Flash dug his claws into the den floor, trying to clear his thoughts. So both Burst and Singe were falling in "love". He snorted and padded out of the den. He looked around the clan. He stopped and thought for a moment. He didn't have any close friends. almost every cat who tried to talk to him was turned away savagely.
Maybe its time i started "fitting in" too.....
Shatteredpaw just looked at Icycurrent, too guilty for words.
>Shatteredpaw<
You should go back. Take some weight off of Markstar. He's too young to be feeling the way he is. He became leader when he was 9 moons old. How old are you? About 9 moons if I am correct. Imagine becoming leader at your age. He blames himself for what happened to you and Covepaw.
:~~Icycurrent:
*Burst heard Flash go, and sighed.*
:~~Burst:
*Sunnyblade nodded, and heard Windingflame(changed it to that) come in. He put some herbs in front of Mossyclaw for when she woke up, and checked the kits.*
They all seem healthy. Sorry I couldn't get here sooner. I was gathering herbs. But good job.
*Sunnyblade nodded a thanks, and padded out of the den, walking to the leader's den. She squeezed into the den, and Erol looked up.*
Mossyclaw had her kits. Three. Two toms, Ebonkit and Dampkit, and a she-cat, Bloomingkit.
*Erol smiled and nodded.*
That's good. We need more kits.
*Sunnyblade curled up beside Erol.*
Is something wrong?
*She sighed.*
I don't know. Everything's changing. BlackClan... is my home. I grew up here. But, it doesn't feel like home.
*She looked up at Erol, who gave her a quizzical look.*
I miss when I was a kit.
*Erol sighed.*
I know.
*She shook her head.*
I wish we could leave. To just be by ourselves...
*Erol's eyes closed.*
But we can't. I've never told anyone this, but StarClan had to give me a warrior name so I could have a leader name. I never told the clan, because Erol is my name. But, they let me choose my name.
*Sunnyblade tilted her head slightly.*
I asked to be call Suncry. After you. So, my name is Sunstar.
*She closed her eyes, and laughed slightly.*
Thank-you.
:~~Sunnyblade/Erol:
Shatteredpaw looked to Gazestripe, who looked at him coolly and nodded.
>Shatteredpaw<
Go.
:~~Icycurrent:
Gazestripe seemed to vanish as she whisked away, and Shatteredpaw after her, giving her wounds a guilty gaze.
>Shatteredpaw/Gazestripe<
*Icycurrent watched them walk away, then padded back to BlackClan.*
:~~Icycurrent:
Shatteredpaw followed Gazestripe through LakeClan territory. Eventually they arrived, and the sun was lower in the sky.
Shatteredpaw gazed at the camp that he hadn't seen in a couple of moons, his eyes widening.
>Shatteredpaw<
*Markstar coughed weakly, and padded with Strongspirit into the clearing. He sniffed the air.*
That scent...
:~~Markstar:
Shatteredpaw looked around the camp, and then his gaze rested on his father.
Icycurrent was right!
>Shatteredpaw<
*Markstar didn't register who the cat walking in was, not right away. He took a sharp intake of breath. Shatteredpaw. He looked so different. Older, obviously, and.. rouge like. He stood rigid to the spot, feeling Strongspirit go stiff beside him.*
:~~Markstar:
"M-Markstar." he stuttered.
>Shatteredpaw<
Is that you? Y-you were dead!
:~~Markstar:
"I wasn't. I survived."
>Shatteredpaw<
*Markstar didn't speak for a while. then he whispered.*
Why did you never come back...
:~~Markstar:
He looked at his paws. "I... don't know."
>Shatteredpaw<
I thought you were dead... We thought you were dead...How could you jsut leave...?
:~~Markstar:
"I'm sorry." was all he could say, though he knew it wouldn't cover it.
>Shatteredpaw<
*Markstar didn't respond, just stared into the distance. His body shook involuntarily. Shatteredpaw was alive, but he hadn't come back... he had ran.*
:~~Markstar:
*Wanderpaw padded out of the apprentices den, then stopped.*
S-shatteredpaw!
*Her voice rose, and she ran to where her brother stood.*
I-it's really you! You look... horrible.
*She smiled.*
No offense, but it looks like you haven't groomed in moons.
*She padded away and came back with a large rabbit.*
You hungry?
*She put it down at Shatteredpaw's feet, and glanced at Markstar who looked like he was far away.*
:~~Wanderpaw:
Shatteredpaw tried to respond to Wanderpaw, but he couldn't. His gaze was still fixed on Markstar.
>Shatteredpaw<
Shatteredpaw...
:~~Wanderpaw:
Shatteredpaw turned to Wanderpaw, and whispered, "He... he can't..."
He's gotta get better.
>Shatteredpaw<
*She looked down.*
He's dying... he told us that. Well, Silhouettepaw, Blazedpaw and I...
:~~Wanderpaw:
Shatteredpaw's gaze was a million foxlengths away.
"Did... they try everything?"
>Shatteredpaw<
Nestflame doesn't know what's wrong with him... it's not Green-cough.
*She sighed.*
:~~Wanderpaw:
*Grin watched Shatteredpaw, his eyes showing interest.*
:~~Grin:
"M-maybe he could find something... I shouldn't have left...."
>Shatteredpaw<
You couldn't have done anything. He's dying.
:~~Wanderpaw:
Blazedpaw looked at Shatteredpaw with a stony glare, he didn't say anything, just stood there.
~Blazedpaw
Strongspirit looked at Shatteredpaw, tears forming in her eyes
he came back too late... Markstar is already dying
She looked away, it was all too much
~Strongspirit
"I know...." Shatteredpaw said in despair.
>Shatteredpaw<
Strongspirit is expecting kits also.
:~~Strongspirit:
Blazedpaw narrowed his eyes "He could have stayed with our family."
~-~Blazedpaw
Strongspirit nodded "I-i am." she smiled, half heartedly "You will have new siblings soon."
~-~Strongspirit
"Oh........" he said, looking at his mother for the first time in moons.
>Shatteredpaw<
Blazedpaw.
*Wanderpaw begged.*
Don't. He's back, isn't that what counts? You are staying... right?
*She looked at Shatteredpaw*
:~~Wanderpaw:
"I t-think so."
>Shatteredpaw<
Blazedpaw snorted but agreed "Yea."
~-~Blazedpaw
"I'm so glad that you are back." She licked Shatteredpaw's cheek "We've missed you."
~-~Strongspirit
*Wanderpaw smiled weakly.*
:~~Wanderpaw:
*Markstar glanced at Gazestripe.*
What happened!?
:~~Markstar:
"I found him at the border. That's all that happened." said Gazestripe, looking unusually unemotional.
>Gazestripe<
You're hurt.
:~~Markstar:
Nestflame padded out "Markstar, whos hurt?"
~-~Nestflame
Shatteredpaw cast a guilty glance at Gazestripe but said nothing.
>Shatteredpaw<
"Just a bramble bush I got caught in..."
>Gazestripe<
*Markstar narrowed his eyes.*
Gazestripe is hurt, but she won't tell the truth. A bramble bush wouldn't have given you those wounds.
:~~Markstar:
*Wanderpaw stared at Shatteredpaw:
:~~Wanderpaw:
"I-I'm sorry." Shatteredpaw said, overwhelmed with both guilt and shame.
>Shatteredpaw<
Shatteredpaw looked at his mother. "I don't think I can be here."
>Shatteredpaw,
Shatteredpaw!
*Wanderpaw's eyes widened*
:~~Wanderpaw:
*Markstar looked at Shatteredpaw.*
:~~Markstar:
"I attacked her."
>Shatteredpaw<
*Markstar narrowed his eyes.*
Why would you attack a clan mate. Even if you weren't in the clan at the time, she was still your clan mate. Still family.
:~~Markstar:
*Grin continued to watch Shatteredpaw.*
:~~Grin:
"I was looking for a fight." was all Shatteredpaw said.
>Shatteredpaw<
Why...
*Markstar couldn't contain the coldness in his voice.*
:~~Markstar:
"I thought it would be fun." he said with no emotion.
>Shatteredpaw<
*Markstar growled.*
You're not the son i remember.
*Markstar ignored the look Strongspirit was giving him.*
:~~Markstar:
"I know." Shatteredpaw said, twitching.
>Shatteredpaw<
"Markstar!" Strongspirit hissed "He made a bad choice!"
~-~Strongspirit
Blazedpaw looked at his brother... "You..."
~-~Blazedpaw
He attacked one of our warriors because he thought it would be "fun"! He's not my son.
:~~Markstar:
Shatteredpaw turned away, towards the entrance.
"That's why I'm going."
>Shatteredpaw<
Shatteredpaw! Don't go! Please.
*Wanderpaw's eyes were wide and begging.*
:~~Wanderpaw:
"I don't think I'm even that sane." he told her.
>Shatteredpaw<
Shatteredpaw. You won't last. You already look super weak. Please. Just stay until you're healthy again.
:~~Wanderpaw:
"I'm not welcome here." he said, glancing at Markstar, and a dark look fell like a shadow upon his face.
>Shatteredpaw,
Yes you are. He'll get over it.
:~~Wanderpaw:
Shatteredpaw just shook her head. "I won't come back." he said, fading into the shadows that were gathered around the camp entrance.
>Shatteredpaw<
*Wanderpaw followed his scent hesitantly.*
Please. Just for a few nights. Get some rest and food!
*She talked into the shadows, her eyes brimming with tears.*
:~~Wanderpaw:
Soul padded into the clearing, looking confused at the mood that had seemed to settle.
"What happened.......?"
>Soul<
Grin looked at Soul.
"Shatteredpaw came back. Didn't turn out well. he attacked Gazestripe."
:~~Grin:
"So he's not dead......."
>Soul<
Gazestripe just sighed.
It was an accident....
>Gazestripe<
No, I guess not. I don't know what happened, but I've heard how in a battle two of Markstar's sons died. New apprentices. But, I guess Shatteredpaw ran...
:~~Grin:
"So he ran again?"
>Soul<
Shatteredpaw walked hurriedly away from the camp's entrance.
"I can't."
>Shatteredpaw<
Strongspirit growled "You're pushing your own son away!"
~-~Strongspirit
Blazedpaw glared at Wanderpaw "He chose to attack. He doesn't deserve to stay! He doesn't deserve to be in our family!"
~-~Blazedpaw
He's your brother! How could you say that!
:~~Wanderpaw:
I did nothing that shouldn't have been done. He attacked one of our warriors.
:~~Markstar:
*Grin nodded*
:~~Grin:
"He choose to leave." said Soul, who looked sad.
>Soul<
Yes.
:~~Grin:
"Well, he is your SON, your blood, he deserved a second chance, tell me, did Gazestripe seem to MIND?!"
~-~Strongspirit
Blazedpaw glared at her "You heard what he said!"
~-~Blazedpaw
"So it wasn't even Markstar's fault."
>Soul<
Shatteredpaw's head was full of reeling thoughts, he realized he was staring at a random tree, blood running from claw-marks on his body that weren't there before.
>Shatteredpaw<
I mind! Because now Nestflame needs to use herbs to heal her. She wont be able to do anything for a while. The other clans know I am weak. They may take advantage of that. And Shatteredpaw took her out of commission.
:~~Markstar:
Well, partly.
:~~Grin:
*Wanderpaw narrowed her eyes.*
:~~Wanderpaw:
Shatteredpaw looked confusedly down at the claw-marks, and looked horrified.
How did they get there?
He blinked, and suddenly he was walking towards the lake.
>Shatteredpaw<
Gazestripe flicked her tail. "Nestflame doesn't need to use herbs on me. I'm perfectly fine. Shatteredpaw was confused, because he was all on his own, not talking to any cat for moons." Gazestripe said, glaring defiantly.
>Gazestripe<
Strongspirit looked away "Why? Don't you care what happens to him?"
~-~Strogspirit
Blazedpaw growled "You can't see our brother was a traitor!"
~-~Blazedpaw
Silhouettepaw padded in, looking confused she padded over to Wanderpaw "Why is Blazedpaw's tail in such a twist?"
~-~Silhouettepaw
Shatteredpaw came back! But then... he left because Markstar was mad because Shatteredpaw attacked Gazestripe... And now Blazedpaw is saying he's a traitor!
*She looked at Blazedpaw*
He's not! He's still young! he hasn't gotten training like we have!
:~~Wanderpaw:
Those will get infected Gazestripe!
*He looked at Strongspirit*
He abandoned his clan. He let us all think he was dead!
:~~Markstar:
*Burst padded into the clearing to see Singe pad in. he looked away. Hoping his brother hadn't noticed his absence last night like Flash had.*
:~~Burst:
"What are you doing? Shatteredpaw?!?!?" A voice came from behind the apprentice and Silentecho walked out, looking at him in confusion.
"I can't live anymore. Not welcome..."
"You're trying to drown yourself?!?!" Silentecho said, shocked.
>Silentecho<
Singe saw Burst come in. He hoped he wouldn't notice that his ears were burning and his mind still lingered on Silhouettepaw. He padded over to Burst "Hey what've you been up to?"
~-~Singe
Silhouettepaw blinked "Wow..."
~-~Silhouettepaw
Strongspirit sighed "Okay Markstar." it was obvious she was still troubled
~-~Strongspirit
Everyone in this clan is my family. Through blood or not, and Shatteredpaw hurt a member of my family. As leader, that hurts me.
:~~Markstar:
*Burst jumped.*
Nothing! Why do you ask?
*he felt his ears start to burn.*
:~~Burst:
Shatteredpaw padded forward, but Silentecho sunk his teeth into the younger cat's scruff, pulling him back.
"No. You're not going to throw your life away. Let's get you to Lakeclan." Silentecho said.
"No...."
"Alright, than stay here. Just don't drown yourself."
Shatteredpaw nodded, not really listening as he didn't watch Silentecho rush into camp...
>Shatteredpaw<
Soul sighed.
>Soul<
*Grin closed his eyes.*
:~~Grin:
*Burst felt Ebonywing pad past him. Her scent drifted over him and he stiffened.*
:~~Burst:
Silentecho came into camp, panting.
"Hey. I just saw Shatteredpaw......?"
>Silentecho<
Flash watched Burst through narrowed eyes. With a snrt, he turned his back on him and began washing his tail.
~!Flash!~
*Burst glared at Flash.*
Is something wrong, loner?
:~~Burst:
"He's apparently trying to drown himself in the lake."
>Silentecho<
Flash turned his head halfway and didn't look at Burst.
"At least im not falling in love with a cat who is destined to die anyway." He growled coldly.
~!Flash!~
*Wanderpaw's eyes widened and she raced into the forest towards the lake.*
:~~Wanderpaw:
*Burst snarled.*
I'm not falling in love!
:~~Burst:
Silentecho looked at Markstar.
>Silentecho<
Tears streamed Shatteredpaw's face, and he completely ignored Silentecho's words, and the water was sloshing up at his belly fur.
>Shatteredpaw<
Flash turned. His eyes burned with a cold fire.
"Dont lie. All im saying is, when the time comes, brother, you had better be able to cut your ties with these cats."
He looked away and smiled.
"Why else have i not made any close friends or tried to "Fit in"?"\
~!Flash!~
*Wanderpaw ran to the lake shore, and saw Shatteredpaw. She splashed in after him, grabbing his scruff.*
:~~Wanderpaw:
You need to try to fit in, or the clan will never trust you. I'm not lying.
:~~Burst:
"What are you doing?" he hissed.
>Shatteredpaw<
"That isn't true." He meowed softly.
"There are ways to earn trust without acting like a complete idiot."
~!Flash!~
Don't do this!
:~~Wanderpaw:
I'm not acting like an idiot! Living cats strive on trust. If they trust one another, they are happy. If they don't trust or know you, they doubt who you are. You would know what if you had WATCHED them like I said you should.
:~~Burst:
"Why not?"
>Shatteredpaw<
Flash sighed dramatically.
"Fine. But....."
He thought for a moment.
"Nevermind. Fine Burst, Ill try to find someone in this clan who isn't horribly annoying or stupid."
~!Flash!~
*Burst snorted, and muttered under his breath.*
You'll have no problem with that. The problem you'll have his having someone trust you.
:~~Burst:
Cause I care about you!
:~~Wanderpaw:
"I'm sorry." He cried, streaming with water.
>Shatteredpaw<
Flash's ears twitched. He heard Bursts comment but ignored it.
"So, Burst, who do you think i should start talking to?"
He asked coolly, extending his claws and contemplating them.
~!Flash!~
Just, come back to camp!
:~~Wanderpaw:
*Burst rolled his eyes.*
Someone who's weak, and would be easy to get to.
*He thought of Ebonywing. She wasn't weak at all, but she had gone for him.*
:~~Burst:
"O-Okay." he stammered.
>Shatterepaw<
Flash snarled.
"That doesn't help me at all, and you know it."
~!Flash!~
*Burst shrugged.*
Your problem for not watching them. Like I know for one Wakesong would be easy to get to, but not. Her brother is always with her though... There are other also.
:~~Burst:
*Wanderpaw helped Shatteredpaw out of the water and started to lick his fur.*
You're going to freeze to death!
:~~Wanderpaw:
Shatteredpaw sighed, zoning out again.
>Shatteredpaw<
"Hmm. Wakesong, huh?" He pictured her. They had never spoken, but he nodded.
"Fine. I can try, but i won't guarantee anything."
~!Flash!~
*Burst rolled his eyes.*
Have fun getting past Bladedflame.
:~~Burst:
I'll be right back.
*She came back soon with a sparrow.*
It's not the best, but it's better then nothing. eat.
:~~Wanderpaw:
Shatteredpaw obeyed without saying a word, his eyes emotionless.
>Shatteredpaw<
Flash rolled his eyes and padded towards the fresh-kill pile, his eyes darting away and looking for Wakesong. He veered away in her general direction when he felt a sharp pain stab his paw. He stumbled and inhaled a breath through gritted teeth, muttering curses as he picked at a thorn driven up to the shank in his paw.
~!Flash!~
*Burst snickered and said to Flash in his mind. Way to make a first impression.*
:~~Burst:
*wanderpaw watched him.*
What are you thinking about?
:~~Wanderpaw:
"absolutely nothing." he said truthfully.
>Shatteredpaw<
Shut up! He flashed back. He suddenly though he could make this work. He walked a few paced about a fox tail away From Wakesong and Bladedflame and sat down, tugging in vain at the thorn, which he really wanted out. He lashed his tail, stirring the ground, and tugged harder.
~!Flash!~
*Bladedflame watched Flash, his eyes narrowed.*
:~~Bladedflame:
*Wakesong followed Bladedflame's gaze, and watched in confusion.*
:~~Wakesong:
*Burst laughed harder. You're too hilarious.*
:~~Burst:
*Wanderpaw sighed*
Why not?
:~~Wanderpaw:
"I.. don't know. My mind goes like that sometimes and the next thing I know I'm doing something I don't want to do."
>Shatteredpaw<
Flash suddenly pictured himself, sitting there seeming to bite his paw, and found himself cracking up inside.
You got that right. he said back to Burst sarcastically.
"Sorry." He muttered to the two confused cats. He looked up and found himself trying not to smile. "Thorn in my pad." He found it increasingly difficult not to laugh.
~!Flash!~
*Bladedflame nodded coldly.*
Why don't you go get blood on someone else's pelt then?
:~~Bladedflame:
*Wakesong rolled her eyes.*
Why don't you get Nestflame to get it out?
*her voice was quiet, almost as if Bladedflame was her voice.*
:~~Wakesong:
Flash glared back at Bladedflame.
"Why would i do that?" He tried to sound polite, but he found it hard to keep the anger out of his voice. Trying hard to get the thorn out, he tugged really hard, and when the thorn came out he lurched backwards, almost falling over. He cursed at himself inwardly and sighed.
"Whatever. I don't need Nestflame." He shrugged and placid his paw down.
~!Flash!~
Because I don't want blood on my fur.
:~~Bladedflame:
*Wakesong continued to watch.*
It may get infected.
:~~Wakesong:
*Burst rolled his eyes. I think you're just making her think you're clumsy.*
:~~Burst:
What do you suggest then?
"Why would you, or anyone else care if it did?" He muttered, half to himself.
~!Flash!~
"That's why I left." Shatteredpaw said.
>Shatteredpaw<
Oh...
8Wanderpaw looked down.*
We could find help.
:~~Wanderpaw:
*Wakesong narrowed her eyes, and Bladedflame let out a muted growl.*
If you want to make friends, you're not doing such a great job.
:~~Bladedflame:
Try being cool and nice.
:~~Burst:
Okay...... Flash suddenly realized that he not only knew how to be nice, but he had never really spoken to any other cats while he was here.
"Sorry. I just don't usually talk to othe cats much, so i kinda...dont..know how." HE finished akwardly, deciding to be truthful.
~!Flash!~
Shatteredpaw just shrugged it off.
>Shatteredpaw<
Singe stood by his brothers, but his gaze was a million miles away.
~-~Singe~-~
Silhouettepaw looked around...
~-~Silhouettepaw
*Bladedflame rolled his eyes.*
You would think you had grown up in a hole.
:~~Bladedflame:
*Wakesong looked quickly at Bladedflame.*
Well, you can start now.
*She smiled.*
:~~Wakesong:
*Wanderpaw looked away.*
Why did you never come back?
:~~Wanderpaw:
*Burst looked at Singe.*
What are you thinking about?
:~~Burst:
Singe jumped, "N-nothing"
~Singe
*Burst narrowed his eyes.*
Where did you run off to?
:~~Burst:
"I was hunting." Singe growled
~Singe
*Burst nodded.*
Sure you were.
:~~Burst:
"I tried, but something held me back." Shatteredpaw said, pondering.
I wonder what that was.
>Shatteredpaw<
Flash felt his fur start to prickle, but he tried to relax.
"Hmm. Now that i think of it," HE meowed coolly to Bladedflame, "My mother died when i was half a moon old, the only company i've had since then is my brothers, and no one here seems to care about what happens to me." He gazed at Bladedflame. "So i would think you could understand how ive been feeling lately."
~!Flash!~
No, I actually don't. As my mother died when I was born. Then my dad found another mate, and pays more attention the them then to me.
*Bladedflame spat venomously.*
:~~Bladedflame:
*Wakesong whispered softly.
Bladedflame... you know that's not true...
:~~Wakesong:
Flash nodded.
"So early on in life to now, we've both endured a complete emptiness in our hearts." He let out a tight smile." I think we could get along if we'd both accept one another." he addmitted, shuffling one paw.
~!Flash!~
I don't have complete emptiness. Wakesong is still my sister. I don't know where you were brought up, but I still had Wakesong, and the clan.
:~~Bladedflame:
*Burst laughed. Mother? What mother! You should have told him we were born in a black hole.*
:~~Burst:
*Wanderpaw licked Shatteredpaw's forehead.*
let's go back to camp.
:~~Wanderpaw:
IF i had, what good would that have done? Lying is my best weapon here.
"Okay....i can see that you aren't going to crack open that tough outer shell." He rolled his eyes. "You're just......too difficult."
~!Flash!~
*I like Bladedflame. he could be... useful. Burst smiled, and his eyes were dark.*
:~~Burst:
*Bladedflame rolled his eyes.*
Why are you still sitting by us?
:~~Bladedflame:
I guess, if you could get him to cooperate.
Ignoting Bladedflames question, Flash turned to Wakesong.
"Do you agree with everything your bother is saying?"
~!Flash!~
What do you mean...? What part?
:~~Wakesong:
*Burst smiled. Oh, I bet I could. He's cold. He has been neglected of love except from his sister. Markstar was too sad to look at his kits for too long, because they reminded him of Wake. Then came Strongspirit, and his attention went elsewhere.*
:~~Burst:
I can tell. You're right. if we could get him to help us.......
"About everything. deprived of love. are you so cold too that you can say the same about your father?
~!Flash!~
Shatteredpaw nodded, looking at the lake with a blank expression.
>Shatteredpaw<
*Wakesong narrowed her eyes.*
Bladedflame is not cold. You don't know him. Bladedflame and I are different. We were never deprived of love. He just wishes that Markstar could have shown as much interest in us as he did with his other kits.
*She glanced at Bladedflame who said nothing.*
:~~Wakesong:
*I wouldn't diss her brother. And maybe you can start that trust, but be nice.*
:~~Burst:
*She started to walk back to camp with Shatteredpaw beside her.*
:~~Wanderpaw;
Shatteredpaw plodded along, his head down.
>Shatteredpaw<
ugh. Ill try.
"Sorry. I don't like talking about my past, and when someone says something bad about it, i get angry." He apologized. He sighed. "Sorry, Bladedflame."
~!Flash!~
"I was!" Singe mewed "Just ask Silhouettepaw!" As soon as he said her name his ears grew warm. He coughed "Anyway, I wont be out anymore, I'm catching a cold."
~Singe
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