with.the.dark.comes.the.dawn [Blackie]

[~All I Need]

Deceased Queen[/color]

.well i couldn't tell you why she felt that way.
.she felt it every day.
.and i couldn't help her.
.i just watched her make the same mistakes again.

For moons now she had wandered this desolate landscape. With no feelings or emotions, just the soul. Fireice had died giving birth to her children the last night of the summer moon. She could remember every moment of it. Pain, happiness, love, hate, and sadness all lingered in that one night. That last night. The time when she saw her last dawn and named her only daughter Dawnkit. Blind. Her daughter was blind and would probably end up just the same as Fireice. And Fireice hated that. Why did the warrior world have to seem so perfect until a cripple came along? It was beautiful until the others killed the bug that dared to be different. Oh, how she regreted ever seeing that dream about the rise of Skull. And now her son was in love with the daughter of that beast StarClan feared so much.
Magmakit didn't come to her anymore. Because of that d*mn prophecy, the she-cat thought bitterly. I believed that he could take it. But now it's all gone to his head. I can feel it. Hatred is going to destroy my children and make them kill one another. I can only count on my daughter now... So now the deceased queen was alone. Every time Magmakit visited her, she could catch a glimpse of her old life... Tanshadow, the camp, her friends... Even the other Clans... She missed them, too...
"Oh... How I wish I could see their beautiful faces again," the fae sighed sadly.

.whats wrong, whats wrong now.
.too many, too many problems.
.dont know where she belongs, where she belongs.
.she wants to go home, but nobodys home.
.its where she lies, broken inside.
.with no place to go, no place to go, to dry her eyes.
.broken inside.


{{Lyrics from Nobody's Home by Avril Lavigne}}[/color][/size]

[Blackie]

She didn't scuffle in like most kits do, scrambling over the dust and pine needles into her nest. There wasn't a storm of action as the delicate cat padded into the cozy den. Above, the sky was dimming with the sun's farewells and all the sandy she-kit wanted was to rest. Her tiny jaws gaped in a yawn revealing a bright pink tongue and needle sharp teeth. The last traces of her meal clung to her whiskers and a patch of fur on her shoulders was sticking out from her body. She needed a bath.

Purring with contentment, little blind Dawnkit found her nest by sent. She could pick up the traces of her brother's around it, but she knew they weren't there yet. Allowing herself another yawn, Dawnkit snuggled into the pine needles and set to work washing her whiskers. At first, she just wrapped her tongue over and over again over her whiskers. When some mouse fur stubbornly clung to her muzzle, Dawnkit licked her paw and vigorously rubbed it against her face. When she was clean, she arched around to groom her shoulder fur. It didn't take long, but she ended up yanking out a tuft of loose fur. It tickled her nose and she sniffed it away irritably.

When she had seen to her cleanliness, the tan kit curled into a ball and set her chin against her chest. She sighed at the blackness that was there even though her eyes were still open. She wanted to see. She was lonely, but Cavernkit or Magmakit weren't there to comfort her. All she had just then was the comfort of sleep and maybe, she hoped, a dream. A dream she could see in.

But sleep was hard to come by. It evaded her over and over. When it seemed she had finally accomplished her goal, a mischievous kit or exasperated queen would pad through the Nursery and interrupt her. Finally, when Dawnkit was extremely frustrated, she put her paws over her ears to block out the sounds of the busy camp and shut her eyes tight. After awhile, she finally relaxed. A little bit after that, the kit drifted into a form of sleep. Half awake to the real world, but drifting through dreams.

At first, it was like sifting and sorting through dreams she had had before. She prodded them out of her way like they were a heavy mist. One by one, the breeze lifted and carried them off to where dreams are stored. Dawnkit watched them go, purring happily. Then she jerked with excitement. She could see!

Eagerly, she looked around to see where she was. Half expecting to see a beautiful wilderness with a waterfall attraction, Dawnkit was almost disappointed to find that her location was almost a barren one. She laid her ears back and kneaded the ground nervously. Where was she?

[/size]

[~All I Need]

Deceased Queen[/color]

.well i couldn't tell you why she felt that way.
.she felt it every day.
.and i couldn't help her.
.i just watched her make the same mistakes again.[/color][/size]

In this world, you are alone. The only companion is your faults and your sins. Of course, don't forget the thick, heavy fog. Fireice used to like the fog. It covered her like a thick, quiet blanket. It blocked the world from her and protected her. Well... it used to. Now it just drove her to madness. Fireice hated this place. Her little pergatory.
But death had its kicks. Like the way she could control the fog. When Fireice was first sent here, she figured out that she could make the mist swirl and follow her like a playful puppy. Or maybe the appearance of a vengeful ghost. Yeah, death sucked. But it could rock.
The beautiful she-cat caught a scent. Was is it...? Could it be...? Her daughter! Dawnkit! Her precious, precious baby. For the first time, Fireice will lay eyes on her... Dawnkit... The one she named after her last dawn...
"Dawnkit..." Fireice swallowed and advanced on her daughter. A small, tan kit appeared out of the mist and the she-cat felt sorrow clog her throat. Oh, how she looked so much like Tanshadow. "I'm Fireice... Your mother..."

.whats wrong, whats wrong now.
.too many, too many problems.
.dont know where she belongs, where she belongs.
.she wants to go home, but nobodys home.
.its where she lies, broken inside.
.with no place to go, no place to go, to dry her eyes.
.broken inside.


{{Lyrics from Nobody's Home by Avril Lavigne}}

[Blackie]

Dawnkit watched the thick fog swirling around hidden objects. Tendrils of it's gray being wrapped around her legs. Nervously, she lifted her paws in an attempt to escape the heavy cloud. She didn't like it. This place was so strange and silent. There was no comfort here and the emptiness full of fog scared her. She mewed softly to herself, as if help were somewhere very close by in this suffocating place. Now, Dawnkit really did want to be in a lush jungle with waterfalls and songbirds. But her miserable nursery nest with her squabbling brothers would have been fine too. It was one of those moments Dawnkit wished she had a mother. A real one, her mother.

Maybe she thought to highly of Fireice, but Dawnkit always imagined her as the bravest of queens. She would stand on a boulder in the midsts of ShadowClan's best and most lovely hunting grounds. Her head was held up high, her tail streaming out behind her for perfect balance. The sun would catch the color of the ginger coat and set it to quivering flame. She had no flaws, and her voice was song in her daughter's ears.

"Dawnkit..."

Dawnkit squealed and whipped around to face whoever was talking to her. She hadn't expected anyone to be there, let alone someone who knew her name. Those kinds of dreams were for Magmakit, not her. Eyes wide and fearful, they fixed themselves on a place where the fog had become thinner. Dawnkit paced backward, panting heavily in an attempt to regain breath. As the fog cleared, a cat became visible. Her coat was orange, dulled with rustiness by the fog. As she stepped out of her covering, Dawnkit could see she was excited. Who was she? A warrior of StarClan? Dawnkit shivered and wished she had a tree to press up against. The strength of it would be a comfort, like her father, and she could turn and pretend to bury her face in his fur. But there was no tree and certainly no Tanshadow. Only her, the fog, and the ginger cat that knew her name. Dawnkit shut her eyes tight, wishing she were back in her familiar blindness when she didn't have to watch the scarier bits of her life.

And then, the stranger spoke again.

"I'm Fireice... Your mother..."

Dawnkit's breath caught in her throat, her eyes snapped open. She looked at the misted ground, not the cat who had just made a very serious claim indeed. Is it true? Dawnkit had always wanted her mother back, but she had been content with the picture in her mind of a brilliant Fireice. This cat didn't match up. She wasn't burning with the glories of the stars. Dawnkit couldn't feel the overpowering confidence her imagined mother had been able to give, flowing off her fiery pelt in mighty waves. From this cat, Dawnkit only received fear and uncertainty. Curiosity crept over her, and the young kit looked up. Her eyes met with the other cat's. And even though she didn't want it to be so, Dawnkit sensed she was telling the truth.

"My mother?" she whispered. She never moved from the nervous crouch she had maneuvered herself into. "But how? Fireice is in StarClan, and this isn't StarClan, is it? It feels so horrible here." The kit shivered and ducked her head so her nose was covered by her paws. It was horrible here, and she didn't want to have her first sight of her mother in it's bleakness.

[/size]

[~All I Need]

Deceased Queen[/color]

.well i couldn't tell you why she felt that way.
.she felt it every day.
.and i couldn't help her.
.i just watched her make the same mistakes again.[/color][/size]

Fireice had many names after her journeys from her Clan. The nomads had once called her Queen of the Elements because of her flaming paws and her storm-cloud eyes. The tribes called her Shadows Upon the Snow, because of her snow-white pelt and her black stripes that caged her. Back when she was a kittypet, an old tom named Hatchet called her "Madre de Estrellas." At the time, Fireice didn't know what he meant by that, but now... She knew... She knew why he had called her that. It meant "Mother of the stars." Did that refer to her children? The three who were fated to control StarClan? But how had Hatchet known that? so long ago?
Fireice wasn't what her daughter expected her to be. Instead of a majestic, angelic queen, Fireice was a cold, toughened warrior. Yes, she was beautiful and proud and strong. But many years of torture and pain had shaped her into a cold creature that held the world under a strong and seathing stare. Cold claws had gripped her heart and suffocated her. She wasn't the gentle queen she used to be. After StarClan and ShadowClan had forsaken her, she loathed them...
But not her children.
Fireice was upset that Dawnkit didn't seem pleased to finally meet her mother... Actually, she seemed scared and unbelieving. Why wouldn't her own daughter not believe that Fireice was her mother? Pain and agony ripped at Fireice's heart with their serrated teeth. Why did she have to suffer over and over again? Was it because she used to be a kittypet? Was this why she had to suffer more than others? Than curse them all to the darkest corners of the Earth, she hissed silently. May they suffer more than I have. I want their innards ripped slowly out of their shells called their bodies and I want them to burn!
"My mother? But how? Fireice is in StarClan, and this isn't StarClan, is it? It feels so horrible here."
The black, orange, and white she-cat held back the hiss that bubbled in her throat. Aw, why don't we just put all of our faith into StarClan! They've protected us from everything! That's why we all eventually die and are sent to Purgatory!
"My dear, sweet child. I am Fireice. No... I am not in StarClan. This is where I have been sent as punishment. Punishment for what, though? I don't have an inkling. But Dawnkit, would I lie to you? Would I tell you a lie just to keep you in the dark and to keep you naive? No. Because this world is horrible, and if we stay naive, it will eat us up from the inside out. I am Fireice. And I am who I claim to be!"

[/color][/size][/center]

.whats wrong, whats wrong now.
.too many, too many problems.
.dont know where she belongs, where she belongs.
.she wants to go home, but nobodys home.
.its where she lies, broken inside.
.with no place to go, no place to go, to dry her eyes.
.broken inside.[/color][/size]


{{Lyrics from Nobody's Home by Avril Lavigne}}

[Blackie]

"My dear, sweet child. I am Fireice. No... I am not in StarClan. This is where I have been sent as punishment. Punishment for what, though? I don't have an inkling. But Dawnkit, would I lie to you? Would I tell you a lie just to keep you in the dark and to keep you naive? No. Because this world is horrible, and if we stay naive, it will eat us up from the inside out. I am Fireice. And I am who I claim to be!"


Dear and sweet?

Dawnkit shuffled her paws, swallowing hard. Fireice's voice was strong, but not frightening. She thought it might be a comforting voice. If only she could be certian that this was her mother. But perhaps she was. Magmakit would know, if Dawnkit asked him.

"I . . . I think you might be Fireice, but . . . Please don't be angry. May I ask Mgmakit if he knows you after I wake up? Just to be sure?" she lifted her eyes to the warrior queen. They glistened with worry. And hope. If this was Fireice . . . The sand furred kit could only hope.

Punished?

"Why would StarClan punish you? You did nothing wrong!

[/size]

[~All I Need]

Deceased Queen[/color]

.well i couldn't tell you why she felt that way.
.she felt it every day.
.and i couldn't help her.
.i just watched her make the same mistakes again.[/size]

The powerful queen swallowed and fixed her cold, once beautiful gaze upon Dawnkit. She looked more like Tanshadow. Her daughter had his short tan--almost sand-colored fur. Dawnkit had also obtained his thin, wiry form. Fireice had a feminie body, but she was more muscle than fur. But there were some of her traces in her daughter, also. Like her round, almond eyes; the plume of a tail; even the shape of her ears. Though you could see the resemblance between her and Magmakit and Cavernkit. It lay in their colors and their body shapes.
"I . . . I think you might be Fireice, but . . . Please don't be angry. May I ask Mgmakit if he knows you after I wake up? Just to be sure? Why would StarClan punish you? You did nothing wrong!"
Fireice sighed. Of course Dawnkit had reason to suspect that she was not her mother. But Fireice could see it plainly in her daughter's eyes: Hope. Some deep part of her believed what Fireice was saying. But doubt always lingered everywhere. It was as omnipresent as the air and the sky. As obvious as dust. For where there's life, there's death. And where there's death, there's dust. Ashes to ashes. Dust to dust.
"You can ask your brother now, Dawnkit,"

[/color] she whispered. And then, out of the mist... Came Magma. His powerful, ominous eyes were like two burning coals. Something about them was terrifying, but they were also satisfying and soothing. He walked up next to Fireice. And it was then that everyone was there except Cavernkit. But his mind was walking to lightless path to insanity. It killed Fireice to see her son like that, but she had to hold on to the ones that would stay with her.
Magma stared at his mother with a mysterious light in his eyes and they exchanged a look that was indescribable. They would talk about everything later. But he had to leave and Fireice had to speak with Dawnkit. Her son looked away and back at his sister, with a look that would tell Dawnkit everything. After a moment, he turned around and walked back into the mist, out of this dark, drab world.
"I have done nothing wrong? Well, I'm not sure if StarClan knows that. They sent me here in the first place. Come, let us walk. My feet and numb and cold and we must talk."[/size][/color][/blockquote][/blockquote]

.whats wrong, whats wrong now.
.too many, too many problems.
.dont know where she belongs, where she belongs.
.she wants to go home, but nobodys home.
.its where she lies, broken inside.
.with no place to go, no place to go, to dry her eyes.
.broken inside.


{{Lyrics from Nobody's Home by Avril Lavigne}}

[Blackie]

"You can ask your brother now, Dawnkit,"

Her eyes widened with confusion. How could she talk to Magmakit now, when she was dreaming? She was about to ask, when from the fog stepped out a young ginger cat. Magmakit! Dawnkit gasped and choked on her brother's name. She didn't know how any of this could be possible, if it was even true! Then Magmakit gave her a knowing look. Her shock seemed to fade as she understood. It was her mother.

"I have done nothing wrong? Well, I'm not sure if StarClan knows that. They sent me here in the first place. Come, let us walk. My feet and numb and cold and we must talk."

As she watched Magmakit go away, Dawnkit nodded to Fireice. "Very well, but where are we going? And what will we talk about?"

[/size]

[~All I Need]

Deceased Queen[/color]

.well i couldn't tell you why she felt that way.
.she felt it every day.
.and i couldn't help her.
.i just watched her make the same mistakes again.[/size]

Fireice's dead heart fluttered in her stone cold chest as she watched recognition light Dawnkit's unusual eyes. She had been reunited with her daughter. Nothing had ever been more beautiful in her life. No other moment had ever been so sweet or so sad. If only she was there to experience every waking moment with her children. What would happen once they died? Would they join StarClan? Or will they walk the grounds of isolation with her for the rest of eternity? Some selfish part of Fireice wanted that, but the maternal side of her wanted what was best for her children. She wanted them to die peacefully and walk among the stars with their ancestors. She wanted that. Not their pain.
"Very well, but where are we going? And what will we talk about?"
Fireice looked down on her youngest with a proud look in her gray eyes. It was then that she realized how strong Dawnkit was. She could have woken up at her own free will, releasing herself from this cruel world. But she didn't. She chose to stay and listen and take whatever was coming to her. Dawnkit was strong. She was the natural leader. Even if others didn't believe it. Even if she didn't believe it herself.
"We are going to a place I call the Mystic Glass. This is where I can watch you and your brothers and your father. But, unfortunately, I don't see everything. My vision through this pool is hardly worth it. But I can see you, so it works good enough for me."

[/color] She paused, unsure of whether to tell Dawnkit about the prophecy or not. After a moment's hesitation, she twitched her whiskers and trodded on. "We will be there any moment now. I will tell you everything then."[/color][/size][/blockquote][/blockquote]

.whats wrong, whats wrong now.
.too many, too many problems.
.dont know where she belongs, where she belongs.
.she wants to go home, but nobodys home.
.its where she lies, broken inside.
.with no place to go, no place to go, to dry her eyes.
.broken inside.


{{Lyrics from Nobody's Home by Avril Lavigne}}

[Blackie]

Dawnkit's whiskers twitched with questions, but Fireice had said she would explain soon. So instead of inquiring about the Mystic Glass her mother mentioned, the tan kit stood up and scampered to her mother's side. She pranced beside her, trying to keep up and study her while she had a chance. Dawnkit couldn't help thinking that this cat wasn't as lovely as the fantasy she had had about her mother. But Fireice was beautiful in her own way. In a more realistic way. She was strong and powerful, but still attractive, though this stifling place seemed to take away from her natural beauty. She was gentle too. Dawnkit looked her from nose to tail, taking in as much of her look as possible. She wanted to be able to remember her later when she woke up. That way she could tell Cavernkit all about what their mother looked like. Magmakit already knew, of course, and Cavernkit might not believe her at all. Still, she had to tell him; he deserved a truthful image of his mother as much as she did.

"Do you visit Magmakit and Cavernkit, too?" Dawnkit asked, deciding it was alright to ask questions so long as they weren't related to the Mystic Glass. "And father? I think Cavernkit misses you, he's been really snappy with Magmakit. I think he'd feel better if he got to see you. Can he come with me the next time I dream about you?" Not that she knew for certain she'd be dreaming about her mother again. But she hoped so.

[/size]

[~All I Need]

Deceased Queen[/color]

.well i couldn't tell you why she felt that way.
.she felt it every day.
.and i couldn't help her.
.i just watched her make the same mistakes again.[/size]

The she-cat's eyes flicked to look at Dawnkit every now and then to make sure she was there. Fireice might never see her again. It pained her greatly to see her daughter alive without her. She would've given everything to be alive and happy again to watch her children grow up. Maybe she would even watch her children's children grow up, also. Magmakit had already found love... Even if the she-cat he loved was the daughter of Skull. Even if she was a malignant creature. But no matter what, Fireice was happy for her son. Though he seemed to be growing farther and farther away from everything that mattered, he was happy. And that made Fireice feel proud.
"Do you visit Magmakit and Cavernkit, too? And father? I think Cavernkit misses you, he's been really snappy with Magmakit. I think he'd feel better if he got to see you. Can he come with me the next time I dream about you?"

[/color]
"Yes, I visit Magmakit. Unfortunately, I am unable to see Tanshadow and Cavernkit. Your brother has... Grown dark in his heart. An evil lingers within him that I am unable to penetrate. I worry for my son... As much as I worry for you and Magmakit and your father."[/color] The she-cat sighed at Dawnkit's next question. Did Cavernkit miss her? "You can't miss something you've never had, dear. I'm not sure if I'll ever see you again, Dawnkit. But I pray with all of my heart that I am wrong."[/color]
Finally, the fog cleared some at the two she-cats found themselves in a clearing. Gray, dripping rocks surrounded them in an irregular circle. In the center of this clearing was a small, stagnant pond that seemed to emanate a slightly green glow. They were at the Mystic Glass.[/size][/blockquote][/blockquote]

.whats wrong, whats wrong now.
.too many, too many problems.
.dont know where she belongs, where she belongs.
.she wants to go home, but nobodys home.
.its where she lies, broken inside.
.with no place to go, no place to go, to dry her eyes.
.broken inside.


{{Lyrics from Nobody's Home by Avril Lavigne}}

[Blackie]

upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c6/Blue_Somali_kitten_age_3_months.jpg

[/IMG]


The fog was becoming oppressive to Dawnkit, suffocating her. She wished her mother would take her to the place she had mentioned. Or Dawnkit thought she would rather wake up. She listened intently to Fireice, taking in what was said about her brothers as personally as if the queen had just been talking about her daughter in front of her. Cavernkit was evil? Impossible!

"Cavernkit isn't evil!" Dawnkit started to protest, but she stopped in surprise at what Fireice said next.

I'm not sure if I'll ever see you again, Dawnkit. But I pray with all of my heart that I am wrong."

"But-" the tan kit started, a dismayed look creeping into her eyes. "I've only just met you for the very first time! You have to see me again, it's not fair!" But once again, the little one's voice trailed off. Only this time it was out of sheer awe at what she saw before her.

"Mother, what is that?"

But even as Dawnkit asked, she knew the answer. The fog had finally lifted, revealing a clearing. Dull, gray boulders loomed around in odd places; a mossy glow was splashed across them. Between the stones, a pool lay. Slowly, Dawnkit realized that the glow on the rocks was coming from the pool. An eerie green light seemed to be coming from the water. Dawnkit shivered, moving instinctively closer to Fireice for protection. This was what her mother had wanted her to see.

The Mystic Glass.

"Mother," her voice was barely above a whisper. "Is this it?"[/center][/size]

[~All I Need]

{ SHE WANTS TO GO HOME, BUT NOBODY'S HOME }
{ IT'S WHERE SHE LIES, BROKEN INSIDE }

"Cavernkit isn't evil!"

[/color]
Fireice looked at her daughter with sadness in her gaze. Dawnkit's soft eyes were alive with an indignant and surprised fire. If only you knew, sweet Dawnkit... If only you could see the darkness in him. How is it that you live with an ominpresent darkness and yet can't see what's inside of Cavernkit. It's so much more malevolent than the dark that you, my child, experience every day. That will only make you stronger, though.[/color]
"But--I've only just met you for the very first time! You have to see me again, it's not fair!"[/color]
Fireice's cloudy eyes continued to gaze at Dawnkit with a heartbreaking sadness in them. It wasn't fair, that was true. But there was one thing that was viable to live: there was no such thing as fair. Especially to those that didn't even deserve the worst. "Dear sweet child, if there's one thing I have learned in my young life, it's that there is no such thing as 'fair'."[/color] It was then that Fireice wondered how old she was when she died. What, not even three years? Possibly a little bit younger than that? The she-cat bitterly thought of how much longer she had to live. She loved her children, yes. But because of them she didn't experience the rest of her life. The next page in her unfinished book. And it never would be finished.
"Mother, what is that?"[/color]
Fireice didn't reply but walked on up to the Mystic Glass. Tension crackled in the air like a coming thunderstorm and the she-cat's hair stood on end on her shoulders. She bit back the need to turn and run away. This place--no matter how amazing and powerful it was--was far from StarClan's prying eyes. No; this place was far from the working wonders of the Clans' ancestors.
"Mother, is this it?"[/color]
Fireice sat down beside the pool and beckoned to her daughter with a flick of her tail. "Ssh, Little Morning. Come here and you will see what I see. Come and experience my world, no matter how scared you might be."[/color][/size][/blockquote][/blockquote]

[Blackie]

Dawnkit shivered where she was, watching Fireice move on to the strange pool. It frightened her. The unnatural light threw a green shade over her mother's white fur and darkened the ginger places to sickly brown. The kit didn't want that green color on her fur. What if it didn't come off afterward? Would she wake up with a green coat?

"Ssh, Little Morning. Come here and you will see what I see. Come and experience my world, no matter how scared you might be."

Dawnkit looked up at Fireice's face, delighting momentarily in the joy of seeing another's eyes and taking comfort. Fireice's words moved through her. Little Morning. Dawnkit liked that pet name. It encouraged her to move closer to her mother who was much stronger and braver than her daughter. The tan kit padded carefully toward the spirit cat. She leaned close to Fireice's body, shadowing herself from the green water. At the same time, Dawnkit leaned forward so she could look into the edge of the pool. Her mother's world.

"What will we see?"

[/size]

[~All I Need]

{ SHE WANTS TO GO HOME, BUT NOBODY'S HOME }
{ IT'S WHERE SHE LIES, BROKEN INSIDE }

" What will we see? "

[/color]
Fireice's cloudy eyes narrowed, throwing dancing shadows over her puzzling face. The fiery star on her forehead glimmered like a flame; eating all of the cold near them and pulsing like a heart. In an instant, Fireice's cold eyes became their original colors; such a beautiful green that sat at the right while the ice was on the left. The fae never really knew what she would see in the Mystic Glass. Maybe she and Dawnkit would see the future; the horrible past of their ancestry.
" We will see the truth, Little Morning. "
Fireice pressed her strong form against Dawnkit; reassuring yet warning. Whatever was to be seen--let it be good or bad--it would terrify her daughter. The seemingly impossible was always frightening. Fireice lived with that feeling every moment of her death; she had in her life. Steeling herself for what was to be seen, the fallen warrior took a deep breath and lightly tapped her nose to the stagnant water. Ripples spread out, creating illusions as they went.
A bloody battle... Fire and darkness colliding... Death... Darkness...
All of it was so horrible as it played out like a movie. Every fiber in Fireice's body pulled her to block Dawnkit from this darkness. But she couldn't, not if she wanted her to survive what was to come.
Magma and Cavern fighting, spilling kin's blood... Dawnkit throwing herself into the battle, caring not for her safety, but for her only family... Stars falling from the sky... An illuminated horizon, casting a glow on a tom taking control of the Clans... A laughing skull...
With a cry of bewilderment and anxiety, Fireice broke the vision by thrusting her nose back into the water. The ripples receded to take away the shimmering picture. Panting, the she-cat sat back on her haunches and cried.[/size][/blockquote][/blockquote]

[Blackie]

The truth. She wasn't sure if she wanted to see it.

The green pool began to shimmer, faint lines drawing themselves across it's surface. Images connected together, displaying a tale Dawnkit did not want to know. She could feel her mother's body against hers and the fear they both felt. The emerald light reflected in the kit's eyes widened by terror. Splashes of blood flashed against the glow. She flinched every time. Then there was Magmakit and Cavernkit, but older versions of them. They were locked in deadly combat. Dawnkit stood up, her stiff legs shaking. No, she tried to whisper, but no sound would come. Her mouth felt dry. Suddenly, she wished she was blind. Whatever happened next, she didn't want to know about it. Stop, please stop! And then there she was, throwing herself into the fray. Her claws pierced the ground as the last images of falling stars and wicked cats flashed on the pool. Then Fireice cried out. And it was over.

With a small gasp, Dawnkit fell back wards. She hid her face in her paws, trying with difficulty to control her shaking body. What did it all mean? In that awful, green pool. Where all those things she had seen really the truth?

"Please, no," she squeaked. The tan kitten peeked past her paws to her mother. Would Fireice protect them? Would her brothers really try to kill each other? It was too much to think about; her mind was whirling around and around in her head like a bird trapped in a net.

"Oh, Mother," she whispered. But she didn't know what else to say.

[/size]

[~All I Need]

Her feelings she hides, her dreams she can't find
She's losing her mind, she's fallen behind

[/size][/font]

All of Fireice's nerves had been obliterated as she watched her childrens' deaths. Every part of her grew numb as icy bands of fear incarcerated her. Behind her, Dawnkit whimpered in pain; Fireice couldn't move over to her daughter to press her muzzle against her reassuringly. The dead queen yearned for that horrific prophecy to be wrong... So wrong. But somewhere deep in her motionless heart she knew that one of her children would join her in this little piece of heaven.
Please don't let it be sweet, innocent Dawnkit... Not my Little Morning...

[/color]
" Please, no. Oh, Mother...[/color] "
Fireice's thundercloud eyes saw nothing as she turned away from the seeing portal and stared at her daughter. No emotions brightened her terrifying orbs as she tried to breathe evenly; there was no need to breathe, though, since she was dead. All old habits died hard, though.
" Not everything I see is true, Little Morning, " she lied tonelessly. Looking away so Dawnkit wouldn't see the tears falling soundlessly down her face, Fireice saw the desolate landscape that she now knew as home. I will not let any of my children join me here. None of them deserve this.[/i][/size][/blockquote][/blockquote]

And she can't find her place, she's losing her faith
She's fallen from grace, she's all over the place, yeah

[/font][/center]

[Blackie]

The tan kit watched the ginger and white queen turn toward her, looked into her eyes. The fur along her spine bristled high with terror at the empty fear reflected in her mother's gaze. Was it possible for a grown cat to be afraid, especially one like Fireice? Here in StarClan, what could be feared? But Dawnkit had a suspicion that this wasn't the peaceful place elders longed to go to, or at least not as she had imagined it to be.

" Not everything I see is true, Little Morning, "

Which parts?, she almost demanded, but decided that she would rather not know. All of it was too terrible, too much to take in and make sense of. She wished she had never had this dream, even though she loved the chance to see Fireice, speak to her and rub against her fur. It was cruel to think that she would never see her again. Lucky Magmakit, when he was apprenticed he would be able to visit her whenever he pleased.

"Fireice? Do you have to go away and never see me again? I'm scared." the kits brown eyes filled with unshed tears. If Fireice were to go away forever . . .

[/size]

[~All I Need]

F I R E I C E

Dead ShadowClan Warrior[/color]

She says days go by I'm hypnotized. I'm walking on a wire...

...I close my eyes and fly out of my mind, into the fire.

[/color][/right]

" Fireice? Do you have to go away and never see me again? I'm scared. "
Fireice sighed and stared at her daughter with sadness in her eyes. She didn't want to go away, not forever. But she never had much control over this place. It could be cruel and never bring her any visitors. Sometimes Fireice yearned for the company of someone else that she would stoop to seeing one of her numerous enemies. After all, they couldn't do anything to her. She could even make them wake up with a cold sweat if she wished. What can one do to a ghost that was barely alive when its heart used to beat?
Looking down at her paws, Fireice promised herself that she would do everything in her power to see Dawnkit as much as was possible. " I'll never, ever truly leave you, my little angel. It's okay to be scared. Everyone's scared all of the time. I know that I am... " she whispered. Now, Fireice had no reason to fear for herself, only for her children. In ways, fearing for others was more drainning and terrifying. You could control yourself, but you couldn't control them.
" Dawnkit...? Has Magmakit told you anything about...about the prophecy? "

[OOC: Aaaagh! soooo brain-dead!!]

[Blackie]

She whimpered, blinking back a few stray tears that had found their way into her orbs. The shock was beginning to ebb away, releasing her numbed mind and allowing it to process more of what was going on. Sniffling, the little kit watched her mother and thought of how beautiful she must have been. It was cruel that she had to die before her kits could get to know her. Dawnkit took Fireice's promise to heart; she would always be there, somehow. It was childish to believe, but its the most reassuring thing in the world to have blind faith in something. And so simple when you are still so young.

Dawnkit sighed, sitting up now and trying to get her fur to lie flat. Her tongue, the barbs visible when it flicked out of her mouth, rasped over the soft tan fur. She closed her eyes, almost enjoying the familiarity of not seeing. She was beginning to hate the green glow seeping out from the pool.

"Dawnkit . . . ?"

She looked up, swiping her tongue over her muzzle, watching Fireice with wide eyes. The hairs she had been grooming prickled with renewed apprehension. Did Fireice want to show her something else? The kit shuddered involuntarily. Please, no more scary things like the Mystic Glass . . .

"Has Magmakit told you anything about...about the prophecy? "

Confused, she tilted her head to the side and frowned. "You mean like the old prophecy about Firestar who saved the Clans?" Prophecies were medicine cat stuff. Why would Dawnkit know anything about them? Even Magmakit wasn't apprenticed yet and couldn't know anything about a prophecy.

[/size]

[~All I Need]

F I R E I C E

{ SOMETIMES I NEED TO REMEMBER JUST TO BREATH }
{ SOMETIMES I NEED YOU TO STAY AWAY FROM ME }

Unable to endure being separated from her daughter, the dead queen moved over so that she could press her muscled body against Dawnkit's smaller, lithe one. Her gray eyes were downcast with sorrow as she stared into her kin's tan ones. She looks too much like Tanshadow, she thought to herself wistfully. Did her mate even miss her? Or was he happy with another she-cat? Though the second question made her fur bristle, Fireice knew that if Tanshadow was happy, then she, too, would be happy.

Noticing the few stray tears lingering on Dawnkit's face, Fireice bent her head and brushed them away with her muzzle, refusing to let her daughter see the tears in her eyes. At least her lie fooled the young she-cat. Fireice couldn't concieve the fact that Little Morning might die; she just couldn't!!

A small smile lifted the corners of the she-cat's mouth at Dawnkit's question. She could remember a time when she asked innocent questions like that; oh, how she missed her life! " You mean like the old prophecy about Firestar who saved the Clans? "

The ShadowClan warrior purred and her whiskers quivered in amusement. " No, dear one. That prophecy has died along with Firestar. What surprised me most, though, " she whispered, looking away. " Is that you didn't hear it like I did when I di-- " she broke off, afraid to say the word in front of her daughter. Before I died

[/i], she added silently. " This prophecy deals with you and your brothers, " she whispered ominously, her eyes growing distant. " But it also deals with a missing part of our family... My father... " The multi-colored fae's voice gave out on her and she looked out over the landscape, tracing every sharp contour. How she yearned to see the sunrise again. All she could see here was, well, fog. No sun, moon, or stars. This place was absent of light, the only source being the Mystic Glass.

Looking back over her shoulder, Fireice could see the Mystic Glass beckoning to her with its green light. She shivered, unable to supress it. Prodding Dawnkit gently, Fireice beckoned to her with her tail and padded away from the clearing. " There is one other that I know of, " she ventured, unsure of whether or not to tell her. " I don't know his name; he lives in RiverClan, though. The Mystic Glass had shown him to me in my wanderings. He is...my brother. A tom of white and orange and multi-colored eyes. "

The striped femme stopped and sat back on her haunches, her eyes studying the tan kit. I'm a horrible mother. All I'm doing is putting numerous burdens on my Little Morning's shoulders. She's too young for such a blood-soaked life![/i]

" Do you know why you can see in your dreams, little one? It's is a rare gift, this sight. You were born blind, meaning your fate was that of darkness. There is no concievable way that you can conjure colors and images, but how can you explain this? " Fireice stretched a foreleg out to motion at herself and the land around them. " You have a unique and powerful ability, Dawnkit; just like your brothers. Cavernkit has unlimited energy while your brother can sense others thoughts. It is your duty to find the missing piece of our legacy... I know you think it is impossible, but you need to search for the answers from StarClan when you sleep so you can invision this tom. I never meant to ask for anything like this from you... But please, Dawnkit. "

Fireice leveled her eyes with her child's and her gaze was unwavering, strong as iron. Though she kept it strong on the outside, every heartstring was snapping under the pressure. " Find my brother for me and don't trust your brothers, especially Magmakit. I sense an evil that is only growing in him. "[/size][/blockquote][/blockquote]

[Blackie]

Her eyes widened, marking a clear look of surprise mingled with excitement on her tiny face. There was a prophecy just for her and her brothers? A prophecy all there own, just about them! She felt a rush along her spine while the rest of her quivered. What did a prophecy include for herself and her siblings? Would they be mighty warriors, except Magmakit of course because he was going to be the greatest medecine cat ever. Would they save the Clans? Would StarClan honor them for the things they would do?

" But it also deals with a missing part of our family... My father... "

Dawnkit's excitement wavered a little, uncertian, before suddenly mounting. "You have a father? You mean, I have a grandfather?!" Her tail shot up, bristling behind her. She kneaded the ground with her paws, mewing incoherently. There was more to her family than just a father, mother, and kits? The idea delighted her to know end. Still wriggling, the tan kit allowed Fireice to nudge her away from the Mystic Glass. She didn't care for that eerie green pool anyway. Going away from its glow felt like washing a sticky substance out of her fur. Happier than she had been previously, Dawnkit trotted beside her mother until the queen stopped. The kit scooted in front of her, sitting up and looking into the elder cat's face.

"There is one other that I know of, " Her ears flicked forward, her interest thouroughly sparked. " I don't know his name; he lives in RiverClan, though. The Mystic Glass had shown him to me in my wanderings. He is...my brother. A tom of white and orange and multi-colored eyes. "

An uncle, too?

"Oh, Fireice!" she squealed. Her eyes sparkled, her jaw hung open with silent shrieks. Suddenly, she had more and more family, others on her side. Others who would accept her blindness for the best. But Fireice's next words sobered her.

" Do you know why you can see in your dreams, little one? It's is a rare gift, this sight. You were born blind, meaning your fate was that of darkness. There is no concievable way that you can conjure colors and images, but how can you explain this? You have a unique and powerful ability, Dawnkit; just like your brothers. Cavernkit has unlimited energy while your brother can sense others thoughts. It is your duty to find the missing piece of our legacy... I know you think it is impossible, but you need to search for the answers from StarClan when you sleep so you can invision this tom. I never meant to ask for anything like this from you... But please, Dawnkit. "

Fireice was right, it was strange that Dawnkit could envision a world in her dreams without ever seeing anything in the real world. She had never seen Magmakit, but she had been able to recognize him when he had appeared in this odd dream. And now she would have to find a cat she didn't know. But how did one search a dream?

"Isn't that a medecine cat thing?" she mewed, confused. "Shouldn't it be Magmakit's job to find your brother with his StarClan dreams?" But in the next breath she was being told not to trust her brothers, especially Magmakit. Evil was growing. In Magmakit? Never.

"Fireice, how am I supposed to dream him? I've never dreamed someone I don't know."


ooc: Sorry, this is kind of sloppy =P

[/size]

[~All I Need]

F I R E I C E

{ I CAN'T FEEL THE WAY I DID BEFORE }
{ DON'T TURN YOUR BACK ON ME, I WON'T BE IGNORED

[/color] }[/center]

Fireice blinked in surprise at Dawnkit's eager, curious reaction. If her mother, Apparition, had told her something as ludicrous as this when she was Dawnkit's age, she would have scoffed that her mother was crazy. But I'm not her, and she's not me, Fireice reminded herself. Dawnkit was nothing like the cold queen; her daughter was a strong leader with a kind and believing heart, nothing like Fireice. Over the moons of hostility she had endured from the world, the striped femme had learned to be just as hostile and cold in return.

" You have a father? You mean, I have a grandfather?! "

A sad smile made Fireice's stone-like eyes glitter merrily. A rustic purr reverberated through her strong chest and she nuzzled Dawnkit affectionately. The small kit's enthusiasm amused her to no end and she was glad for the long-dead, warm feelings that were bubbling up inside of her at this moment. Closing her eyes, Fireice was thrown back into a memory long forgotten.

¤~

" Mother!

[/color] "

Apparition glanced up from her grooming and studied her kit coldly as Star tumbled in head over heels, her plumed tail and whiskers twitching in excitement. Apparition sighed and got to her paws, her maw opening wide to reveal a startling pink tongue and pearly white teeth. With a mighty stretch of her powerful hind legs, the white queen jumped down from her perch on the couch and landed in front of her surprised daughter. " What is it, Star?[/i] "

The small she-cat tilted her head back to stare at her mother, still awed by her beauty. Star thought to herself that she would probably never be able to remember the correct shade of her mother's violet eyes. The kit squealed in delight, distracted by the fact that this amazing she-cat was her kin. Her large, orange paws flailed in the air as she flipped over on her back and craned her head to the side to make Appariton look sideways. Star giggled; Apparition continued to stare, expecting.

" Whatever happened to Father?[/i] " she mewed, blinking. " My new friend, Emily, she said that my father was a no good, flea-bitten, city cat! But that can't be true; can it, Apparition?[/i] "

Apparition sighed wearily. Her purple eyes studied Star very coldly. " Not now, Star. Let's wait until you're older.[/i] "[/blockquote][/blockquote]

~¤

" Oh, Fireice!

[/i] "

Hesitantly pulled out of her bittersweet memories of her childhood, Fireice blinked slowly and smiled warmly at Dawnkit. She never got to tell me anything about him, though, she thought sadly; wistfully; regretfully. Then there was the fire that claimed her life... And my twoleg family...[/i]

" Isn't that a medicine cat thing? Shouldn't it be Magmakit's job to find your brother with his StarClan dreams? Fireice, how am I supposed to dream him? I've never dreamed someone I don't know.[/i] "

Fireice chuckled lightly in her throat; her eyes sad, though. It was now that she understood everything her mother went through and why she never talked of Fireice's father: he had left her. The fae now could reason with why Apparition was so heartbroken and sad all of the time. With the way Dawnkit squealed in delight and stared up at her with those questioning eyes, Fireice felt like Appariton right now. As if she were looking down on her younger self, the one who demanded to know about her missing kin. But it wasn't my mate who left, it was me... And I couldn't even control that.[/i]

" Magmakit can't be trusted with this task, Dawnkit, " she mewed strongly, trying to get the point across. " My brother already endures enough hardships; he doesn't need to deal with your's. He will trust you, however. You, Little Morning, have a calming and soothing personality and being that will make him believe. Besides, " she purred, lightly cuffing Dawnkit over the ear with a delicate paw. " You couldn't dream of someone you've never met before until now. If you can dream of me, you can dream of my brother...your grandfather and uncle. "[/size][/blockquote][/blockquote]

tag; blackie! ( /tackles )
muse; its throwing a party
notes; i just love Dawnkit! i'm so glad i gave her to you, blackie!
lyrics; faint by linkin park

[/right]

[Blackie]

With ever growing fascination, the little cat pricked her ears at the sound of her mother's voice. Where at first, Fireice had been a daunting presence on her, now Dawnkit felt that she had known her forever. She trusted the passed warrior and loved her with a faith so unconditional. Previously, she had doubted weather Fireice really was who she claimed to be, but now the small one believed it with her whole heart. But her mind was young and naive, and the love she had for her parent was also shared by her brothers. She found it difficult to wrap herself around the idea that something might be amiss with the toms. How could evil be in them? She had grown with them, nested with them, depended on them when she couldn't see. Her life had been in their paws countless times, it was impossible to understand that they could ever lead her astray.

And suddenly, she was being given a task Cavernkit and Magmakit could not be apart of. This shocked her. How could she be placed before them, Magmakit especially? The tan she-kit would never say she thought herself to be useless, but she certainly was convinced that Magmakit possessed skills far surpassing her own. Especially in the case of dreams. After all, her brother was a medicine cat apprentice to-be and Dawnkit was just Dawnkit.

" Magmakit can't be trusted with this task, Dawnkit, " Fireice was saying. Her little daughter furrowed her brow, tilting her head quizzically to the side. " My brother already endures enough hardships; he doesn't need to deal with your's. He will trust you, however. You, Little Morning, have a calming and soothing personality and being that will make him believe." At this bit of praise, Dawnkit purred. It delighted and uplifted her to know that her mother thought her special. It was even better than having Flailstar commend her!

"Besides, you couldn't dream of someone you've never met before until now. If you can dream of me, you can dream of my brother...your grandfather and uncle. "

Dawnkit gasped, jumping up to her paws. Fireice was right! Until now, Dawnkit hadn't known her mother, not really. She never got the chance. And now she had a secret. Could she really walk in dreams?

"Fireice," she mewed slowly and carefully. "What does that mean, exactly? Can I go wherever I please, so long as I'm dreaming? Or do I have to wait for the dream to come to me?" Her little body quivered with the weight of reality. She had something no one else had. A sight. And no one must know. "I can't tell Magmakit or Cavernkit, can I?" she whispered, suddenly feeling a bit lonely. A feeling she would no doubt have many more times to come.

tag FIAH!
muse I always seem to have extra muse for Dawn <3 I love her so much!
notes This plot ROCKS

[/size]

[~All I Need]

[glow=aqua,5,000]♥[/glow]

[/size][/left]

Fireice

{ I WATCHED THE RAIN MAKE A PUDDLE TO GET YOU SOAKED

[/color][/font] }
{ THE SWOLLEN WORDS THEY CRACK COMING OUT OF YOUR THROAT[/color][/font] }[/center]

" Watch me closely as I demonstrate the move again, Magmakit. "

Fireice leapt high in the air, her muscular body twisting and contorting to finally flip over as she came down on her paws, a unexpected snarl ripping out of her throat. If the she-cat had a pulse to quicken, it would have been pumping with adrenaline. The deceased fae shook her pelt out, a few drops of dew leaping up, and looked over her shoulder at Magmakit. His amber-orange eyes were bored as he yawned, tiny maw revealing small kitten teeth. Fireice held back a sigh of disappointment; was her young, arrogant son ever going to think of her as his mother? Yes, her brood had been raised by another queen; yet the she-cat, Yarrowtail, had shown no kindness or love to Fireice's kin. The three little ones had to fend for themselves in the cruel world that Fireice was ripped unexpectedly out of. Like a child from its mother's womb.

" I'm not that interested in fighting, Fireice, " Magmakit mewed tonelessly as he groomed the daggers on a small paw. " How about herbs? Don't you know anything about them? "

Fireice swallowed nervously as the ginger kitten eyed her cynically. That piercing eye. . . It frightened her; it seemed as if Magma could stare through anything with those burning eyes.

Shaking the trepidation away as if it were a fly, Fireice shook her head slowly before mewing, " How are your siblings doing? "

Magmakit stiffened, his almond-shaped eyes narrowing; though the shadows that tried to hide them fruitlessly attempted to dull his brilliant gaze. " What does it matter to you? You can visit them; turn them into your own little warriors. There's nothing special about them, I'll assure you. "

Fireice hissed, her fur bristling as she stalked up to the small tom. The furious fae's long fangs were bared in a snarl, the dull light making them look gray. The orange star above her right eye throbbed as a thick vein behind it pulsed with rage. " Don't you dare talk about Cavern and Dawn like that!! They are all you have; they complete you. "

The cold look in Fireice's thundercloud eyes mollified as Magmakit cowered at her paws, his eyes wide in innocence. The tom-kit's fragile paws kneaded the ground nervously as the golden stripe on his spine was bristling in terror. " I didn't mean that, Fireice; I'm sorry. "

The passed queen sighed before gently nuzzling her kit on the cheek. She closed her eyes, inhaling Magmakit's herb-wreathed scent. Every second of every day, Fireice yearned for the warmth of her fellow warriors as they huddled together in trhe warriors den, their muted whispers excited as snow gently drifted down outside; the pride of a mother at her children's Gatherings and the Clan meetings where they'd move up in rank, slowly climbing the ladder to being set in history; the ability to wake up every morning to see her mate next to her, Tanshadow's tan form still shrouded in sleep; she wanted it all back.

But I'll never have it. . . Never.

[/color][/blockquote][/blockquote]

»*«

[/u]

" Fireice. . .

[/color] " At the sound of Dawnkit's gentle voice, the fae pricked her ears and surveyed her daughter quizically. Was she going to decide that she wasn't strong enough without the support of her brothers? If only Dawnkit knew how special she really was. The power of the Dream Maker (neat name I just came up with! XD ) was an odd and unusual ability, but it was powerful and something power-hungry cats would want. Like the others. . .[/color]

" What does that mean, exactly? Can I go wherever I please, so long as I'm dreaming? Or do I have to wait for the dream to come to me? "

Fireice's emotionless eyes narrowed in thought as she pondered over that. Though she knew that Dawnkit was a Dream Maker, she didn't if she actually had the choice of dreams or the ability to conjure them. Little was known about the Dream Maker; same was to the Mind Scholar. " I--I really am unsure, Little Morning, " she whispered, her voice soft as she wrapped her tail around her tan daughter. " Not much is known about your ability since it has been believed to be a myth. But, since my brother is family, he won't be that hard to dream about. You can easily dream about me and your brothers; it must be easy to picture your uncle. "

She closed her eyes, picturing the nameless tom she had grown to love over the past moon. His eyes were the exact copy of what hers used to be: an ice-cold sapphire on the left with an emerald settled on the right. His orange stripes were identical to Fireice's, wrapping around his body and masking his face. They were so much alike, yet so different.

" I can't tell Magmakit or Cavernkit, can I?[/i] "

Fireice glanced at the she-kit at her soft whisper. The ShadowClan queen sighed and laid a flaming paw on Dawnkit's small, narrow shoulder. The she-cat looked into Dawnkit's brown eyes, her own gray orbs downcast. " No, Little Morning; you can't. But you won't ever be alone. I will always be there to guide you, even if it may seem that I'm not. "[/blockquote][/blockquote]

tag; blackie!
muse; thank cheese, its coming back!!
notes; i don't like sleet. . . D:<
lyrics; slit your own throat by the used

[/size][/right]

[Blackie]

The seriousness of the meeting with her mother had long ago taken hold of Dawnkit, impressing upon her the grown up needs to be brave and strong. And now secretive. The little one lifted her head, closing her pretty brown eyes and breathing deeply as Fireice's striped tail curled around her small frame. She knew that it was essential for her to abandon childishness. Like Magmakit, who was more adult than many warriors, she must learn to discard foolishness and adorn maturity. Her abilities demanded it, her mother needed it. It was much to put on one so young, who's dreams still spun with visions of glory and fame as the best of the best. Very much to force these dreams to become reality before she was even ready to set about accomplishing her valor. How did one put one's self on a pedestal of bravery and courage without being knocked down? No kit could ever be so endowed as to put herself up there without any support, or idea how she should do it.

Dawnkit opened her eyes, filled with intelligence mercifully granted to her. Patiently, she listened to Fireice, trying to understand as much as possible about her new tasks. About herself. With every word, the kit wanted to spout another series of questions, somehow managing to keep them to herself. Obviously, the deceased warrior knew little more than her daughter did. It was all mystery. The dreams, the purpose, the outcome. And what was more, her dreams were considered mythical, perhaps not even believable. She furrowed her brow, inclining her head gently to the side. It all seemed so real now, but when she awoke, would she still see this dream as vividly as she did now? Or was all of it just a fantasy, conjured by a nervous little kit who had frightened during the night after too much rich prey? And what if Fireice was right, and she was special, and could somehow form a connection with her uncle . . .

"But you won't ever be alone. I will always be there to guide you, even if it may seem that I'm not. "

Dawnkit's bright eyes met her mother's clearly, full of conviction. She tried to purr, attempting to lighten the moment, but it was half-hearted. "They always say that." she mewed. Her tiny voice faltered. "In stories. The heroes always have a guide. But I'm not a hero, and neither were you! We're not in a story." Quickly, her gaze dropped so that Fireice wouldn't have to see the defiance nestled there. It was overwhelming her. Her mother, the truth about her brothers, the unnamed uncle, the prophecy, this empty place, and especially the disgusting green pool casting eerie light on the stones surrounding it. Somehow, as she glared in its direction, she felt that the pool was a very large part in her life now. Like the voice inside her head.

Dawnkit shook herself violently, shutting her eyes and trying to shake off the visions. "I want to go back!" she hissed. "I don't want to stay here anymore. I want Cavernpaw. Please . . . can't I wake up now?" Her pleading stare lifted toward Fireice's tabby face. Surely the queen would be merciful and let Dawnkit go. "I can talk to you another time, can't I? I can dream you."

[/size]

[~All I Need]

[glow=aqua,5,000]♥[/glow]

[/size][/left]

Fireice

{ I LIKE TO MAKE MYSELF BELIEVE THAT PLANET EARTH TURNS SLOWLY

[/color][/font] }
{ IT'S HARD TO SAY THAT I'D RATHER STAY AWAKE WHILE I'M ASLEEP[/color][/font] }[/center]

" Come along, Tanshadow! "

The tan and white tom followed the young fae slowly, the corners of his lips pulled up in a wistful smile. Both he and Fireice knew that these moments would never last long; forbidden loves were the ultimate taboo of Clan life. And, soon, Fireice was secretly planning on leaving her loved ones behind. It ran in her blood, the need to continue to travel. Her ancestors had done it countless times bfore, now it was her turn.

The striped femme looked back over her shoulder--for this was before she lost her sight--Fireice mewed impatiently before scrambling over a log and out of Tanshadow's sight. He followed with slow, hesitant steps, his thoughts buzzing around like hornets in his skull. He loved Fireice with all of his heart; yet why was she so eager to make life rush on by? Didn't she have an inkling as to how short life could be sometimes?

" Where are we going, Fireice?

[/color] " he hissed quietly as the bogs of ShadowClan sucked at his paws, slowing him down even more. After taking a high leap over the log his mate disappeared over, he gasped as he noticed the meadow they were in. Clouds of fireflies drifted lazily on the currents of the wind, their wings creating an unremitting hum in the still night.

Fireice padded up to the tom, her green and blue eyes glittering happily. " Do you like it, Tanshadow? " she mewed breathlessly, her voice high-pitched due to her nervouseness. A tense moment passed before her eyes grew dim, her lips pursed in anxiety. " You do like it, don't you? "

Tanshadow purred reassuringly and drew his tongue over her ear, his blue eyes closed against the flashing lights of the lightning bugs. He opened them again as Fireice squealed in delight and dashed off to the middle of the clearing, her powerful hind legs propelling her into the air where she swatted at the flying insects with ginger paws. Tanshadow laughed heartily as the fae landed back on her haunches, her eyes narrowed in frustration and her tail thrashing behind her. " It's not funny, " she growled, a smile in her voice. Tanshadow smirked as he pounced at her, his sheathed paws batting at her ears. The ShadowClan fae giggled as she rolled him over and pinned him down, her paws on his chest. " Why bother fighting a warrior of fierce ShadowClan, puny ThunderClanner? You know that our cleverness comes from the frogs that we eat! "

Tanshadow raised his paws in mock surrender, his blue eyes glittering. " I'm sorry that I have disgraced your amphibian prey, great Fireice![/i] "

Fireice smirked, baring her long fangs at him as the fireflies buzzed around her head, creating a crown of light. Her ginger paws gently cuffed his ears before she sprang away, her tail trembling in excitement. Looking around, the muscular fae smiled wistfully as the fireflies fox trotted above her head and sock hopped beneath her paws. They were so free and so beautiful. Looking up through the leafy canopy, Fireice's beautiful eyes reflected the moon that was a disco ball hanging by a thread. Why couldn't these kinds of moments last forever? Was it life that ended these blissful moments? Or was it her?

The striped fae started when she felt the weight of another cat brush up against her shoulder. She let her hackles fall as Tanshadow's scent wreathed her, calming her. He pressed closer, his muzzle brought close to her ear. " What were you thinking about? "

She turned to him, banishing the sadness out of her eyes. With a half-hearted purr, she brushed her muzzle against his. " Oh, nothing, " she whispered. If only he knew that she was planning to severe their threads of love that connected them.[/blockquote][/blockquote]

~¤~

" They always say that. In stories. The heroes always have a guide. But I'm not a hero, and neither were you! We're not in a story.

[/i] "

Fireice looked at her daughter, shock and confusion furrowing her brow. You're right, Dawnkit, she replied silently. I was the villian.[/color] The dead fae sighed before padding slowly away, her tail hugging Dawnkit's foreleg before brushing away, trailing after its master in the cold soil. " You're right, Little Morning, " she whispered. " This isn't a story; it's a fabled nightmare. "

Fireice suddenly looked much older than she truly was. Her thick pelt hung lifelessly on her skin; her gray eyes were sunken in; the haunted look on her facade screamed about the moons of solitude that she had to endure. The black and white fae hung her head and sat down with her back turned to Dawnkit. " It's all just a pointless lie. And when we learn too much, fate snuffs us out. "

" I want to go back! I don't want to stay here anymore. I want Cavernpaw. Please . . . can't I wake up now? I can talk to you another time, can't I? I can dream you. "

The queen looked back over her shoulder at the trembling tan she-kit, her gray eyes hollow and lifeless. Defeated, she nodded and looked back at her paws, small shivers running up and down her spine. " You may leave if you wish; I have no power over any of you. " Feeling a fiery ball of tears rising in her windpipe, the fae bit on her bottom lip to keep the tears from spilling out. Her longs fangs put to much pressure on the skin and it ruptured, blood dripping into her mouth and soaking her delicate white chin. Unable to find the energy to wipe the blood away, Fireice closed her eyes in sadness and collapsed on the ground, her paws shielding her face away from her daughter's gaze. " I have no power over any of you, " she whispered again, her voice drowned out by the blood and the choking fog that enveloped her.

I truly am dead.[/color][/blockquote][/blockquote]

tag; blackie!
muse; D=<
notes; i just went ahead and finished this, no matter how crappy it is
lyrics; fireflies by owl city (they rock!!) >=D

[/size][/right]

[Blackie]

And I'll forget the world that I knew
But I swear I won't forget you

[/color]


Dreams were awful. They were her only way of seeing, but she was beginning to wonder if her vision was worth the pain and terror she was experiencing. Already, the anxiety was sinking in like a cancer. The war and the blood that was to come, it was practically sitting on her tiny shoulders. And the hope. The hope was nameless, and she was supposed to find it in her sleep. We won't survive. She shuddered, lifting her gaze to the fog covered sky only to be met by a smothering sensation. She was trapped.

You're right, Little Morning, " Fireice mewed, reclaiming her daughter's attention. Dawnkit saw how defeated she seemed as her soft voice floated over the few steps that parted them. Nervous tension coursed through the kit, rooting her paws into the soil. " This isn't a story; it's a fabled nightmare. "

Nightmares. Dawnkit swallowed a hard lump in her throat. Dreams were bad, but monsters lurked in nightmares. Fangs dripping with bloody saliva, and cracking shrieks just before ragged claws pierced you and dragged you away from light and love. Was there something as bad in the future? Who would fight it? Immediately, she thought of Cavernpaw, strong and proud. It would be the perfect way to redeem himself from the evil their mother saw inside him.

" It's all just a pointless lie. And when we learn too much, fate snuffs us out. "

Fireice's depression threatened to take Dawnkit as well, nearly burying her in thoughts of doubt. She didn't understand all of what her mother meant, only that things seemed very bleak indeed. Here they were, lives shrouded by darkness, with no hero to save them. Unless, she suddenly realized, her task finally settling in. I can find him. I can save us if I can find him.

"Mother! Your brother, he's the hero, isn't he? He can save us!" Dawnkit's brown eyes were wide and hopeful, begging for mercy. So long as someone else was taking the risk of saving lives, she wouldn't be so frightened anymore. So long as she didn't have to step out. But, Fireice was looking at her with such a forlorn expression that the she-kit lowered her head almost guiltily. It was very selfish of her to want someone else to make the sacrifice for her, yet how could she ever find that sort of strength?

" You may leave if you wish; I have no power over any of you. "

A rush of sadness flooded over both of them; Dawnkit could feel it like a strong physical blow to her small frame. This meeting had been nerve-wracking for the little one, but for it to end in despair was cruel. She wouldn't remember her mother like this. The tang of blood filled her nostrils, making her flinch. Scarlet was forming on her mother's chin. She gasped slightly, unable to stop herself from getting up to wipe the spot with her nose. As Fireice fell, Dawnkit was tripped by her weight and landed beside her. Her muzzle was close to the queen's, almost touching her.

" I have no power over any of you, "

A gentle paw reached up and pressed against Fireice's forehead. Dawnkit stayed like that for several seconds, the smell of blood making her dizzy. Fireice did not deserve this. Whatever was happening to their family, it wasn't her fault.

"I love you, Mother." she whispered, lying there with her. "And I'll find him. I will."
[/center][/color]

tag FIAH!!!!! I LOVE YOU
muse not so great, but at least I got something done!
notes The song doesn't quite fit, but the mood helped me work my muse X]
lyrics Vanilla Twilight by Owl City

[/size]

[~All I Need]

[glow=aqua,5,000]♥[/glow]

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Fireice

{ BUT OUR TRIALS SERVED TO MAKE US STRONG

[/color][/font] }
{ THE BURDENS ARE NOT YOURS ALONE[/color][/font] }[/center]

Dreams are--as we wish to believe--figments of our imagination. They are created to subdue the mind after a restless day that was wasted on pitiful things such as love or distrust. They give us something to look forward to as we shut our bleary eyes, the edges and tangled eye lashes crusted with longing and fatigue. But one thing separates them from being dreams, the fancied and imagined desires. . .

They are our reality.

As much as we dare to admit, dreams reveal to us what we truly live but don't understand. A small innocent child sees his mother doing a dreadful thing such as kill somebody in his sleeping world; she has committed horrible crimes before that he has known but can't understand. Nightmares are the chaotic and sadistic reality that waits for us in the dark with ebony claws held ready, yellow eyes flashing in anticipation. It can take any shape or form, waiting patiently for the innocence it will consume and digest. It will be fueled by this innocence, driving it to consume more until there is no hope in this world.

Not even a hero could stop it.

For what could really save us from the monsters that reside in the darkest corners of our minds, of our hearts? Even if we were to flee and run until our legs gave out, we would still be confined to the shadows and the terror. There is no escaping. . . For we feel like monsters and the beasts within want our souls and hearts.

But. . . Maybe someone could fight back?

Fireice closed her cloudy eyes against all of the hopeless self-loathing that crashed down upon her shoulders. She felt so infirm and diminutive. Through all of the moons of training and fighting that she went through; it was all for nothing. Her muscles had been developed and rippled under her thick pelt; yet her mind had been left unguarded. The monsters that she had tried to stay away from continued to hunt her within her own territory. . .

Her soul.

Was it really worth it to sacrifice everything for the ones that I loved? They never gave me anything in return.

[/color] The muscled black and white tabby whimpered and unsheathed her long claws, more blood pooling on her ivory lips. The fae's ginger paws trembled as she felt the excitement gather in the air, surrounding her tan daughter.

" Mother! Your brother, he's the hero, isn't he? He can save us! "

Fireice stared at Dawnkit with a sad, defeated glimmer in her eyes. All she wanted to do was gather all of her children around her and lick them until this cruel world was washed away from their paws. But all she had was Little Morning. . . And even she doubted her. Her sweet Magmakit and Cavernkit wanted nothing of her. The she-cat wanted to reply, to speak the truth that nobody could save them from this nightmare; but the fragile mother inside of her didn't want to crush Dawnkit's dreams. But. . . Dreams were the hidden reality. . . Weren't they?

" Yes, " she whispered quietly, the lie oddly sounding true and believable. " The sun's flare will bring light to all regions cloaked in darkness. " ( ooc=Eeeck! that is the best line ever! i <3 hidden meanings! X3 )

The large queen's rustic purr made her eyes smart as her daughter looked up at her with pleading eyes, the pink splashes around the raven black irises glimmering with the grace of the delicate dawn. A mother's love is something that will never die.[/color]

" I love you, Mother. And I'll find him. I will.[/i] "

Fireice smiled sadly as the small tan paw came in contact with the shooting star on her forehead. It pulsed with a fiery fury as if it wanted to share the secrets of the stars with Dawnkit. But Fireice refused; There are some things that still need to be kept in the dark.[/color] The tabby licked the small space between Dawnkit's rounded ears before wrapping herself around her, closing her eyes in sadness as the tears started to break through the levies. " My sweet Little Morning, I have faith in you. My brother will be found and our family will be whole once more. "[/blockquote][/blockquote]

tag; blackie!
muse; ( /dances ) Yayyyy! Woot, high five!!
notes; hehe! flare is my superman!! XD
lyrics; nothing I won't give by vic mignogna ( I swear that song makes me cry every single time! Its sooooo beautiful! ) Look it up or I will kill you! ( /grabs chainsaw ) Blaaaaaarrrgh!! >=D

[/size][/right]

[Blackie]

And I'll forget the world that I knew
But I swear I won't forget you

[/color][/center]

Deceitful, lying little creatures. Wicked characters in a world of despair and tragedy. Hateful, spitting at the feet of the poor souls who grope for their thin traces of hope which once temptingly extended are swiftly snatched away. Sweetly, they whisper half-truths and fables, attracting their victims into their webs like spiders. They rake us in, one by one, fool by fool, broken and scared. Promises of future, love, and painless existence. If only we were brave enough to see beyond them. Beyond the simple words.

How easily words hide darkness, and how readily young hearts believe in them. Their innocent minds can never fully grasp that not all words spoken are accurate. Not even when the words slip from the lips of those they love.

" Yes, the sun's flare will bring light to all regions cloaked in darkness. "

Dawnkit purred with her mother, her light, floating voice almost inaudible. But her happiness shown in the smile on her small face and the way her eyes came partly closed when she lifted her chin to touch Fireice's muzzle. She viewed the statement as a prophecy. It brought her peace, calming her tortured mind. What she needed was hope to pull her out of the abyss she had fallen into. She needed away to escape the shadows that had clouded her mind, obscuring the vision she held of her family and herself. Let the words lie to her. For now, they would play their purpose in soothing her until she could reach inside for the bravery she looked for elsewhere.

The tan kit sighed deeply, releasing the pent up feelings of confusion and fear, while the queen pulled her daughter to her. Curled in the safety of Fireice's embrace, Dawnkit was able to giggle for the first time that night when the warrior's soft fur tickled her nose and invoked a sneeze. Rocking on her paws, the little one pressed herself tight against her deceased parent, rejoicing in the sensation of actual touch. How many times had she imagined being guarded by her mother, loved and caressed?

" My sweet Little Morning, I have faith in you. My brother will be found and our family will be whole once more. "


Found and whole. Dawnkit looked up at her, her eyes full of warmth and sweet adoration. This was exactly as it should have been; Fireice fondling her little one and offering hope. The only thing that was missing were Magmakit and Cavernkit snuggled against their sister like any normal litter of kittens. Without tension, unspoken threat, the future promise that a battle existed between them like the gap in a canyon. Wide and dangerous.

Something wet moved through Dawnkit's fur, surprising her a little so that she leanded over to put her nose against it. There was still wet blood on her nose; it smeared against the tan fur like scarlet paint. Looking up, the she-kit was able to see tears in Fireice's closed eyes. The little one frowned, tilting her head. A sad mew passed her lips as her head lowered so she could lean against her mother's side. It was time to go.

"I'll come back," she whispered. Her pretty eyes shut tightly, an involuntary yawn breaking her words "Soon." she promised. "Goodnight, Mother."

tag FIAH!!!!! I LOVE YOU
muse Acceptable
notes I keep forgetting Dawnpaw is still really little here, so I tried to make her a bit naive.
lyrics Vanilla Twilight by Owl City