what's there to SEE [open]

[Cinder.and.Flightfall]

The tall, lanky calico she-cat took soft steps as she walked through the marsh, keeping her ears pricked for any sounds. Her long claws were unsheathed, digging into the muddy ground with every step she took. Every few moments, she would taste the air, searching for the scent of prey. Empty amber eyes stared blankly ahead, not seeing the world around her. She couldn't see the warm sunlight that warmed her pelt, or the storm clouds that threatened to move in at any moment. The she-cat couldn't see the blackbird soar through the trees, away from whatever dared try to catch it. She didn't see it. She didn't need to. She could practically hear the bird's frantic wingbeats as it soared away, its scent mixing with the strong scent of fear.

Lizzardpaw could feel another presence near her, and she turned to taste the air. Frog. The young she-cat licked her lips, blind eyes moving toward the scent. Just faintly she could hear the frog as it hopped across the ground, stopping after a moment due to something unknown to her. Lizzardpaw ignored the frog's hesitation, using it to her advantage. Quickly she shifted her body into the best hunter's crouch she could make, though she could tell by the awkward feeling that she was off by a lot. No matter. She'd catch the little thing anyway. Lizzardpaw tasted the air again, using her scent and hearing to pinpoint the frog's location. It was close; about a fox-length away maybe. Her muscles tensed with anticipation as she prepared.

Ever since kithood, Lizzardpaw had been blind. While she and her sister were playing atop the rock that had been 'RockClan's' camp, she had slipped and fallen, hitting her head and keeping her eyes closed for good. Now they were opened, but she could see nothing but blackness, as if shrouded in a neverending night. But Lizzardpaw adapted. She would show anyone that dared judge her just how strong she was. No one would call her weak without getting a good clawing to remember the day by.

Shaking the thoughts from her head, Lizzardpaw felt her paws fly off the ground as she lunged for the prey. She landed, about to let out a triumphant yowl when she realized something. Her paws were empty! Lizzardpaw let out a hiss of frustration, hearing the frog rustle the leaves on the ground as it hopped rapidly away. Growling, Lizzardpaw collapsed into a frustrated heap on the ground. Stupid frog! Who needed it anyway? She'd catch another in no time! Lizzardpaw was so busy fuming about the lost catch, she didn't hear the sound of another cat behind her.[/color]

[xx the brownster]

Ghost

Some people speak with feelings, not words

Eying the ShadowClan cat gently, a pair of two green orbs popped out of a nearby shrub. The area was new to this creature, the forest was new really. Ghost's claws sheathed in and out, as he kept his eyes fixed on the young cat, who for some reason, reminded him of someone. Could it be the coat? No, he had never had any contact with calico she-cats. There was something there, something strange. Was it a feeling? It very possibly could be a familiar feeling in the air, something Ghost was remembering.

Ghost's eyes kept watching this young she-cat, as finally something, to his dismay happened, the largest sneeze he had probably ever had came... and then went. Well thats the end of my cover, he thought to himself, disgusted with the whole situation. His life had been about sneaking, taking, and watching. However the anger seemed to be coming from something else besides blowing his cover; it was coming from the fact that maybe Brownclaw was right... maybe he was changing and there was nothing he could do.

Did he want to change? Was he content with his life of running and appearing? Brownclaw no longer visited, neither did Rosepelt or any of the other apprentices that he had had a short friendship with. Was it possible that they were angry with him? Nah, only Brownclaw had any right to be angry with him.

It's no point in hiding any longer, he thought to himself, coming out of the bushes. "Hello there, enjoying some solo hunting.. or are we patrolling the border?" The intention was not to scare her; neither was it to keep her company. It was more to keep himself company.

[Cinder.and.Flightfall]

Lizzardpaw's ears pricked immediately, baffled by what she heard. Was that a sneeze? Quickly her head whipped around toward where the voice came from, immediately drinking in the scent. Loner. A growl tore from her throat as the she-cat got to her paws, anger radiating off her in waves. First she fails miserably when hunting, now a loner comes. He probably thinks he can trespass here just because I can't see him! Well I'll show him. Lizzardpaw thought to herself with determination, tail lashing as her blind eyes moved toward where the loner's scent came from. Her claws, still unsheathed, dug back into the marshy ground.

"Hello there, enjoying some solo hunting.. or are we patrolling the border?"

Lizzardpaw felt a brief flash of surprise, but she brushed it away immediately. This loner was trespassing. He wasn't allowed to be here, on ShadowClan territory. Lizzardpaw bared her teeth, trying to appear threatening although she was barely apprenticed, and with no mentor. Really she was digging herself a hole that would be really hard to climb out of. Possible scenarios ran through her mind. She could be like most clancats and say 'what are you doing here loner?' or, she could play along with this loner's little game. She could make him think she let her guard down.

"Hello to you too," Lizzardpaw mewed, hostillity still lingering in her voice. "Yes, I was hunting, but that sneeze of yours probably scared off all the prey from here to Highstones." She smirked, tiny fangs glinting in the sunlight. "What would you be doing here, loner?"[/color]

[xx the brownster]

Ghost

Surprises come in all shapes and sizes

[/center]

Ghost tried not to laugh at the insult thrown at him by the ShadowClan apprentice, but a tiny smile came on his face, then quickly disappeared. A smile? Shocked at himself, he quickly shook his face. This was not him; this was not Ghost, the same cat who tried to terrorize Brownclaw, then tried to convince her StarClan was nothing, and she was meant to be with him. And yet, a small smile, not a smirk, came upon his face.

"Doesn't look like you would have caught any anyway," he said, shooting back the insults. Thats more like it, Ghost, show her what you're made of. "Say, you're a rather brave cat talking to a loner. What if one of the warriors finds you out here, talking to me, isn't that against a code of yours." The words came out sharp and crisp, almost to the point of mockery.

Ghost let his paws rest more softly on the ground, his hair, which had been standing up, was let down. Why was he scared on an apprentice? He had taken on more. This youngster wouldn't attack him... at least not yet; not until the she-cat got what she wanted out of him, which in most cases was an explanation. Thats all these Clan cats wanted. It wasn't about sharing and caring, but more of tearing and scaring in his opinion, which he held very highly. [/size][/color]

[Cinder.and.Flightfall]

Lizzardpaw was not one who took insults lightly. But when others mocked her is when she'd really get angry. It showed as her muscles begin to tense, as if ready to spring. Again a snarl appeared on her face, her hackles rising threateningly. Lizzardpaw's tail lashed; a clear sign of the irritation she felt at the moment. So, the loner had a tongue of his own, did he? Lizzardpaw would prove that her tongue was sharper, would shoot her retorts quicker. This was just another way to prove herself. If it meant having a simple word-fight with a loner, so be it. If she managed to get the cat off her territory, Lizzardpaw knew that she'd gain more respect from her clanmates.

"And what would a loner know of the Warrior Code?" Lizzardpaw growled. "From what I hear, you follow no code. You must've, at some point, been part of a Clan to know a thing about it." A sly smile graced the calico femme's face. "Besides, the Warrior Code says nothing about not being allowed to talk with loners; that is, as long as it doesn't interefere with my duties. By my own calculations, you'll be out of her and out of my fur in no time." Lizzardpaw flicked her tail, her muscles still tense and ready to strike if needed.

[/color][/blockquote]

[xx the brownster]

Ghost

Ignorance is bliss

Ghost let out a long laugh as the spiteful apprentice started yelling at him. "Well if the Warrior Code doesn't stop you from talking to loners, then it must not stop loners from coming on your territory, or you'd have run me out already, because you must be a good kitty who ALWAYS obeys rules." As if he was trying to tease her, he walked around her while talking, then sat again, still staring at the she-cat, having a large smirk on his face.

Now this is more like it Ghost, what ever were you thinking before. The smile remained as his cool, green eyes moved, looking at this cat. Why was she staring out into the distance all the time, not making eye contact? Could it be she was blind? He put the possibility out of his head. Maybe it's a trick...Hah, these Clan cats always think they can fool loners.

"Out of your fur?" he asked after a rather long pause. " and you think this why, I mean, I think if you wanted me gone, you'd have tried to ask me to leave, then 'forced' me out if you could, which I don't really think you could. I think you like my company." His vanity was no surprise to him, or anyone who knew him. He had developed from the lonely, depressed cat that shadowed people to the lonely, depressed cat that spoke to people, hoping, deep inside, that maybe one day he will find himself.[/size][/color]

[Cinder.and.Flightfall]

Lizzardpaw's rage was evident now. How dare this loner just laugh at her? What was so funny that she had done? Confusion flashed once on her face as the loner started to move; she could faintly feel his pawsteps in the ground. Not wanting the show weakness, Lizzardpaw moved her head until the pawsteps stopped, and again she settled her gaze on where the loner's scent was strongest. She would not be made a fool of. Her ears flattened against her head, neck fur rising as the tips of her ears began to heat up. She was a bit embarresed, for it seemed that the loner did not notice she was blind. Lizzardpaw would have to be careful, so as she could keep it that way.

"The Warrior Code does state that you may not trespass on another clan's territory, or you'll be subject of the consequences." Lizzardpaw flexed her claws. "You'll have to face my own punishment first if you don't get out of here now, loner. I don't make the rules, but I have to obey them now don't I? I don't want to end up a loner or rogue." She shifted uncomfortably during the long pause, the silence a great discomfort to her. She actually felt a bit relieved when the loner spoke again, so she knew she wasn't alone.

"Ha! I like your company? I have a whole Clan to give me company," Lizzardpaw hissed. "Besides, would you really leave if I asked you to? Honestly, I don't enjoy wasting my breath. And if I did try to force you out, you'd be running away squealing for your mother." Quit digging yourself a hole you won't be able to get out of... Her mind warned. Lizzardpaw couldn't help but smile at her thoughts. That was definitely something her sister would say... Quickly she shook her head, hoping to clear the thoughts from her mind.

"Since I'm feeling kind today, I'll give you a warning. Get out, or I'll force you out." Lizzarpaw kept a cool form, hoping that the loner didn't see through her bluff. If he did, she'd have to fight, and with no training and not being able to see... Well, Lizzardpaw knew that she'd be in a bit of trouble.

[/color][/blockquote]

[xx the brownster]

Ghost

Always expect the unexpected

Ghost got only amusement, not fear, out of the threats by this apprentice. "Punishment? Are you going to give me a punishment for standing here. It's not like I took any of your prey. All I did was wonder around, being curious, like most cats you might meet, unless of course the Clans have lost all interest in others and are only concerned for themselves, which would not surprise me in the least." The grayish-brown tom only stood there, more firmly now then before.

"Why, I don't think thats very kind of you to throw out threats now. Don't these so called 'Clans' teach you any manners. You know, asking nicely is the polite way to do things. Might want to work on that." The smile did not not cease from his face as he continued talking. Try and force me to leave... I'd like to see her try. A cool breeze hit the young loner, and he shivered a bit. It was passed the middle of the day, it would only be getting later and darker from here on out.

"And I feel insulted that you look down on all loners and rogues.. well I suppose I understand rogues, since they used to be Clan cats... me, I'm just a loner, traveling and trying to make my way in the forest. I see no reason for a Clan holding me down." He said this very firmly, his smile now stopping as his memories went back to his few days he spent in WindClan, having nothing but routine. That was not the way of life for Ghost, nor would it ever be.

[Cinder.and.Flightfall]

Lizzardpaw's muscles tensed up. She had to do something to get this loner off the territory! If any cat caught her out here, she'd look like a fool. They'd all say 'Look, the poor blind kitty can't even chase off and intruder. Pathetic! Lizzardpaw growled just at the thought. She knew it would happen. Though she loved ShadowClan with all her heart, she knew there'd be some cats like that.

"The punishment will be for trespassing; I believe we went over that moments ago," Lizzardpaw hissed. "If I asked any loner or rogue to leave politely, I'd be the laughing stock of the forest. You should know that that's not how things work around here." Her tail lashed. He's smiling, I know he is... he's amused by this whole thing! Her eyes narrowed. Heat returned to the tips of her ears, causing Lizzardpaw to flatten them against her head. The young ShadowClan apprentice wanted nothing more to do with all this embarresment. Then again, why be embarresed by the loner? Surely Lizzardpaw knew a way to turn all this around.

"Having a Clan does not hold you down; it raises you up," Lizzardpaw mewed, losing a bit of the aggression in her voice. "And who said I look down on loners? Rogues, yes but that's not for the reason you think it is, but loners no I don't look down on them. There type of life just isn't... well, fitting to me I guess." Curiousity picked at her paws. How would the loner respond to that?

[/color][/blockquote]

[xx the brownster]

Ghost

Survival of the fittest... can you make it?

"Trespassing? You know, the Clans can't own everything. Who says you own it all? StarClan? Well my dear, StarClan is not here now to help you when a poor loner is wondering your forests. StarClan did not stop me from crossing borders of the Clans! StarClan did not punish you right here and now for talking to me. StarClan DOESN'T CARE!" The words from his mouth flowed out, never taking a break, never a breath. However by the end of the statement, his voice had changed, almost signaling that he was not talking about her, but about him.

His mind was racing, blood flowing as he thought about StarClan. StarClan had never helped him. StarClan did not help him when he was stolen from ThunderClan. StarClan did not help him when he escaped from his captives, moving back into the forest, completely unaware of who he was and where he was. He had to teach himself; the game was survival of the fittest.

Ghost had found Brownie, his sister. That was the only cat he knew, the only one he remembered. She was older then him, but her own twin sister had passed away, so he was all she had. His memories of ThunderClan were only of Brownstar playing with him when she was an apprentice and the warmth of his mother. At this point of thinking pain overtook him as he thought of his family he had left; but it didn't matter. Not anymore. He and Brownie were no more...

The long paused had given him a time to think, a time to reflect on what he had just told this Clan cat. Calm down, Ghost, keep cool. He repeated this over in his head as she left the hair on his back rest again, his eyes never moving. "Do you see what I'm saying?"

[Cinder.and.Flightfall]

Lizzardpaw opened her mouth to speak, however she closed it again instantly. This loner did have a small point... where were StarClan when her sight was taken away? Where were StarClan when her parents were killed, or her sister catnapped by a rogue? Wherever they were, they clearly weren't with her. Even not being able to see him, Lizzardpaw could tell by the sound of the cat's voice that he was speaking more of himself, and not to her.

Lizzardpaw remembered, however, after going blind that her father had a short conversation with her. She'd been furious about losing her sight, and actually did blame it on StarClan and their "lack of care for her." But her father told her differently. He told her that StarClan can't control everything; they can give you warnings or prophecies of what they see in the future, but nothing more. He said that StarClan were always there, but they can't always help you.

"It's not that StarClan doesn't care," Lizzardpaw mewed, her voice firm and strong. "But they don't have any power of the cats of the living. They can't control us... Sometimes they can give us warnings or prophecies, but honestly they can't control everything." Slowly, Lizzardpaw's muscles began to become untense.

[/color][/blockquote]

[xx the brownster]

Ghost

Past or present, in the end, we are who we are

[/center]

"Really?" Ghost said sarcastically, still staring at this young, mis-taught she-cat. "Then why do you worship them? What do they do for you? You say they have no power, yet the Clans here worship them? Why!?" His voice had turned to rage, as a tiny tear drop fell from his eye. Had she seen that? Could she sense his frustration? Could she feel his pain? It was pain, so much of it. There was so much bottled up, so much anger against these cats, who his whole life, he had wanted to believe in, but always fell short of doing so.

Ghost had for a long time given up on StarClan and the idea that his dead ancestors were looking down on him. Part of the reason was because he knew his mother was dead, and he wondered if she would be ashamed. Would she be proud of his life? No... she couldn't be proud of the way he was acting. Was she angry that he had tried to join WindClan? Was she angry he left Brownstar with no family? It didn't matter... because in his mind, there was no StarClan.

Although sometimes he did wonder if his mother and father could see him, not as StarClan who have power of leaders and medicine cats, but as cats in the sky watching down, with absolutely no power, just eyes to watch their friends and family grow without them. It's not like he had know him family. He had know his mother and sister's warmth, and his father's bravery, but nothing else. [/size][/color]

[Cinder.and.Flightfall]

"Well maybe," Lizzardpaw hissed, losing her patience immediately. "Maybe some cats want something to believe in. Maybe they want to have hope that there's something to look forward to after your life finally ends. Maybe... maybe others just want to believe that their lost loved ones are in a better place." Her blind eyes formed a glare toward the naive loner. "StarClan gives other cats hope, they give us something to believe in!"
Lizzardpaw could feel the other cat's frustration coming off him. But she also sense the pain. Lizzardpaw knew from experience that it was easy to lose faith in StarClan, that it could seem like they had abandoned you. When they ripped her mother and father from her with the claws of a badger, when they stole not only her sight but her sister, she had for a short amount of time felt that same rage. But the thought that her family was happy, living in StarClan and watching her, made her need to believe that StarClan was real. StarClan was something that Lizzardpaw would always believe in, if that meant that there was any hope of hearing her mother's gentle purr and father's strong mew.
"You speak strongly of StarClan for a loner," Lizzardpaw mewed. "Something must've happened to you. What have StarClan done to make you lose all faith in them?"
Her words came out, and her claws came in. She needed to figure out why someone could possibly lose their belief in StarClan. What had happened to this loner? Whatever it was, it was clear to Lizzardpaw that there was more to this cat then just a wandering loner. And now that her curiousity had been awakened, she'd continue to prod until she got her answer.

[/color][/blockquote]

[xx the brownster]

Ghost

Sometimes we fall short of who we want to be...

The intense feeling he felt so strongly in his stomach began to disappear as he talked to this she-cat. What was happening? How come there were certain people who could touch him. Brownclaw was able to reach him, and she was the reason who was more a loner than a rogue. Whether he liked it not, she had softened him. And after meeting Brownie... he stayed permanently softer, trying to remain strong, but more intellegent than just mean.

"What I believe, is really none of your buisness...." The words came out slow, but still strong. What did he believe? Did it really matter? He had no one watching him... no one caring for him. If he did, why would he end up alone, in some woods, where no one seemed to want him. He had no friends.

But that very possibly could have been his fault. In fact he knew it was, but had tried to hide it for his own benefit. "Can we really get home from something that isn't there? What if there is no StarClan? Is it worth getting our hopes up only to be set up for disappointment?" he said innocently, letting his soft voice of sorrow slip.

[Blackie]

ooc: Slipping in, hope that's okay. I haven't rped with Brownie in ages!

Cinderstripe? What are you doing here? Who's that?
I think you know, Stoat. She's your daughter. I've looked every where for you!
The tom wrinkled his nose, taking in the kit's scent. Why? What do you need?
The Clan's not happy-
Of course not! You broke their precious code! So why are you here? Decided you need me more than you need them?
Don't insult my Clan! I'd die for them, but... I don't think they'll accept Ryekit.
I will not take care of her, if that's what your asking!
No, of course not. Why would you have any pity on your daughter?

Ryepaw sighed, replaying the memory over and over. She couldn't remember what her father had said next, but she knew she never saw him again. He hadn't helped Cinderstripe when she asked him to. What had Cinderstripe seen in him? Or had he always been so awful? Had he changed after Ryepaw was born and Cinderstripe saw her wrongs and devoted the rest of her life to her Clan? Ryepaw whimpered softly, afraid to think she had been what had driven her parents apart.

Ryepaw wasn't usually this miserable. Normally she was boiling with cheerfulness and looking for jobs she could help with. That was what had brought her out here originally. She loved to hunt, and was fairly good at it. Her mother had taught her how to crouch and stalk when she was a kit. That was what had gotten her thinking about Cinderstripe and Stoat.

Shaking the memory from her head, Ryepaw refocused on her hunting task. She needed to bring lots of prey home so the Clan would be happy with her. and Cinderstripe... Ryepaw sighed. It seemed that her mother's memory was bound and determined to follow her through the day.

A voice floated on the breeze, ruffling her long ear fur. She knew that voice, it was a ShadowClan cat! Lizzardpaw, maybe? Just what I need to lift my spirits! Ryepaw quickened her pace, already deciding what she would say in greeting to her Clanmate. Hey, Lizzardpaw! How are you? Want to hunt with me?... Abruptly, the gray apprentice skidded to a stop. Who's voice was that?

"Can we really get home from something that isn't there? What if there is no StarClan? Is it worth getting our hopes up only to be set up for disappointment?"

Rage seared through Ryepaw like hot coals. An intruder! She tried to catch it's scent, while sneaking up through the bushes. She hated trespassers. She hated cats outside of her Clan. Was Lizzardpaw alone? Ryepaw didn't think about the calico's being blind. She never did. What she did think about was that her Clanmate was facing an enemy. With a furious yowl, Ryepaw launched herself out of the clump of bushes where she was hiding. Hissing, she whirled to face the loner.
"Get out of my territory!"

[Cinder.and.Flightfall]

Lizzardpaw didn't know how to answer Ghost. For once, the blind calico was silent. Her milky yellow eyes clouded over a bit more then they were before, but this time it was out of sorrow. Was this loner right to believe StarClan weren't there? How did they know that there would be anything when they passed on? Lizzardpaw shook the thoughts away. No. StarClan had to be there. They were her only hope of ever seeing Ashkit, or her parents, ever again.
Just as she was about to speak, the sound of rushing pawsteps filled her ears. Tasting the air, Lizzardpaw recognized the scent of ShadowClan. But it wasn't just any ShadowClan scent. It was Ryepaw. Lizzardpaw remembered playing the game with her and Ghostpaw, when she was known as Lizzardclaw, deputy of TigerClan. A smile formed on her lips, waiting until she heard Ryepaw's voice to speak.
"Hi there, Ryepaw," Lizzardpaw mewed, her voice gaining a friendly quality that not many experienced. She considered both Ryepaw and Ghostpaw friends now. Maybe even best friends. Neither judged her, and that made her loyalty and friendship toward the other two apprentices grow.
The calico flicked her tail toward Ghost. "Don't mind him, Ryepaw. He's not a threat to us right now." The kind words coming from her mouth shocked Lizzardpaw. Surely now, with Ryepaw, the two of them could chase this loner out. Couldn't they? Or was what the loner said before true? Did Lizzardpaw actually enjoy his company, and enjoy sharing beliefs?

[/color][/blockquote]

[xx the brownster]

Ghost

Sometimes we need to leave the box, and enter the circle

Ghost only looked at the two cats, his eyes flickering with joy. Another one to mess with, why this gets easier and easier... and more fun. "Okay, deary, you keep believing what you need to believe." What was the point of convincing her? It wasn't going to benefit him in the slightest. Maybe give him small satisfaction.
"I see we have a newcomer to our conversation. Yes, no worries, little one, I am no threat apparently. I mean, why would I be. As if I want an angry Clan chasing after me like a pack of dogs," he said sarcastically, looking into the new cats eyes, trying to read the apprentice's thoughts. Little one? Really Ghost, she doesn't look much older than you are. She rolled his eyes for a quick moment, annoyed with himself. The words never come out when I need them to, do they?
After having his quick discussion with himself, he turned his white head around to look at the newcomer, and the feisty she-cat he had been fighting with some time now. "So, are the two of you together going to kick me out? I haven't actually done anything... so I think it'd be rather mean. And I know meanness isn't in the Warrior Code." He winked at two she-cats, trying to turn on some charm.

[Blackie]

No threat. Leave him be. Where'd Lizzardpaw go, or was it just bees in her brain? No worries, little one. Only my mother can call me little one! Are the two of you going to kick me out? You bet, fox-dung.

Ryepaw spat, arching her back and balancing on her toes. She hated, hated, cats outside ShadowClan. Especially when they were tresspassing. This loner didn't belong here. She must do her duty.

"Get out of here!" she hissed. "Your not welcome here, threat or not!" She jerked her head back at Lizzardpaw. "It's against the warrior code! We have to follow the code!"

Ryepaw padded around Lizzardpaw so she came back at her side. "If we don't follow the warrior code, there's no use in a Clan. Help me! We can drive him out together!" The gray apprentice turned back to the loner, growling as she lowered herself into a crouch.

"Leave now, or we'll attack you!" Ryepaw's gray/gold eyes flickered to her friend. "Right?" she murmered so the tom cat wouldn't hear. "You're with me on this?"

[Cinder.and.Flightfall]

Lizzardpaw listened to Ghost's words, feeling her claws start to unsheathe again. Ryepaw was right. Having this loner here was against the Warrior Code. The loner was not welcome there, on ShadowClan territory. Her blind eyes moved silently as she slowly tasted the air, trying to pinpoint exactly where Ghost was standing. There. She kept her ears pricked, in case the loner moved more, before turning her head to face Ryepaw.
"You bet," she growled, voice soft as well but still determined. "Ready when you are."
The calico's claws flexed, neck fur rising. She could do this. This was how she'd prove herself. If she and Ryepaw chased this rogue off, things would be different. Lizzardpaw wanted more then anything to have respect from her clanmates. Could chasing out a loner do that for her? Whether it did or not, Ryepaw was right about one thing. They couldn't just let Ghost stay there. They had to chase him off.

[/color][/blockquote]

[Burningwing]

// May I join in? ;D//

[xx the brownster]

[]

Ghost

You can't have it both ways

[/size]

No feelings came over Ghost. Darn, if that stupid cat, Ryepaw hadn't arrived I'd have gotten her, I just know it. "Fine, you two want me gone, I'll go. Although this just proves the Clans really don't have any tolerance for anyone different. It either their way, or no way." Hah. That'll teach them. All they do is walk around like they own the place, then tell everyone StarClan owns it.... why, these cats just don't have a clue, do they.

The loner just stared at the two cats for a moment. Did he really intend on leaving? Maybe he was testing them to see if the two apprentices would really attack them. Usually apprentices give up, unless they are trying to prove something. A hah! That's it. I had Lizzardpaw talking, then her Clan mate comes, and of all of a sudden she wants to run me off.

"Lizzardpaw, is it? You know my name used to be Forestpaw before I left WindClan," he said, pausing for a brief moment to gather up his thoughts. "What are you trying to prove?" he asked, staring right into her eyes, then seeing she wasn't looking right back at him, realized something. She's blind! He let out a laugh, shaking his fur. You stupid fool. I suppose that is what she's trying to prove.

[Burningwing]

Eelpaw
+
Ferretpaw
Shadowclan apprentices




Ferretpaw paused, lifting her nose to scent the air. As she drew the aroma over the roof of her mouth, she knew that there was something odd about the scent that had disturbed her hunting crouch. Her eyebrows knotted together in concentration. Over the overwhelming fragrance of vole, there was something stronger, more bitter then the soft, warm scent of fresh-kill. Ferretpaw's delicate features were screwed up with confusion. She had never smelt anything like it before, although her lack of experience may be to blame for that. After all, she was barely ten moons, and her past mentor had been killed before he had been able to teach her anything that she would be able to use to identify the mysterious scent.

There was only one thing to do, go and find out what it was. Crouching down, belly brushing the soft moss bedding under her feet, she slid forward, ears flicking here and there as she strived to be accurate in her assumptions. A frog lept out in front of her path, smooth green skin sleek with a fresh coating of water. As soon as it saw the russet-and-cream tabby she-cat staring down the narrow clearing, it gave a loud croak and thrust itself into a clump of bull rushes that was growing out of a shallow pool. But Ferret paw was to focused on the strange smell, and hardly blinked her lime-green eyes at the sudden movement. The frog might have made a tasty snack, but her investigation was much more exciting then that.

Although Ferretpaw was the quieter and more sensitive of the siblings, she was always the more curious, and her brother was often dragging her out of a delicate situation by the tip of her long ringed tail. She was a natural detective, and her padded feet slid silently along the slick, damp surface, her breath coming out in billowing clouds into the frigid evening air, hanging around her like a sheet of fog before rising up into the sky were even her keen eyes couldn't make out its translucent shape. She had left Eelpaw behind, but that didn't matter now, she could hear voices, one evidently male by the low octaves of it. The scent was now stronger, stinging Ferretpaws nostrils. As she pushed herself through a low bush, she let out an loud gasp as she saw the large tom confronting two apprentices.

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Stormclouds clouded overhead, grumbling and moaning like a cat in pain. The tumbling, bulking grey forms closely resembled Eelpaw's long haired pelt as he crept forward through the scarce undergrowth, eyes wide and shimmering like golden honey. They stood out in his dark neutral pelt, like the sun breaking through a thick cover of thunderheads like the ones that were steadily building above him. The apprentice warrior could feel the electricity in the air building, burning in his fur. It was especially evident to him, seeing as his long fur stood on end with static, causing him to become even more cloud-like then he would normally be, the dark stripes in his fur vanishing beneath the fuzz of his lighter grey base coat colour.

In front of him, barely a few kitten-steps away a plump muskrat was nibbling at a leafy green twig, its beady black eyes locked contently on it meal. Its brown fur was spiked up with water from its recent swim, and it sat, unsuspecting, of the danger lurking right behind it. Eelpaw drew his small pink tongue slowly over his black lined lips, relishing the intensity of the moment. Muskrats were hard prey to catch, but with his muscle and size, he could probably take it. And it would provide a large meal for the whole den of elders, keeping them satisfied for a while before the slowly declining temperature caused their old bones to cramp and ache from the moisture that built up on the moss. And of course it would be his job to clean that up.

With a smirk, he began to gather his hind legs under his body when a loud snap cut the air like a knife. Eelpaw shot up and the muskrat took off into the water, paddling away in a steady stream of ripples. Grumbling with frustration, he reared up on his short hindlegs to peer over the bushes. His sister was sneaking off into the bushes like always. Grinding his carnassials together, he took of after her, crashing noisily through the bushes before breaking through the undergrowth and confronting his sister with a enraged hiss. " Ferretpaw? What in Starclan do you think your doing?! I-" He was interrupted as his little sister swapped him in the ear, beckoning into the bushes with a sweep of her long tail.

Eelpaw gave her a long glare before stuggling through the thorns and twigs that pulled at his fur. Finally, with a hiss of pain at the jabbing sticks, he burst through the bushes and tumbled into the clearing. He let out a angry caterwaul as his golden eyes studied the loner that stood before Ryepaw and Lizardpaw, the blind she-cat. Instantly, he was crouching down, jowls pulled into a snarl. " What do you think your doing here loner?!"

//Thanks Brownie^^//
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[xx the brownster]

[[So lets gang up on the poor loner. Let's let Cinder and Blackie post.]] --> OOC[/color]

[Blackie]

ooc: Awww, Brownie, we still love you! Even if your kitty is in Ryepaw's bubble! ;D

"You bet." Lizzardpaw's voice ruffled Ryepaw's long ear fur. "Ready when you are."

Ryepaw flexed her claws. "I'm ready."

The gray apprentice listened as Ghost told them his former Clan name. So this cat had a Clan once? And left? The fur on Ryepaw's back rose. A cat might have problems in a Clan, but that didn't mean they should just get up and leave. Cinderstripe didn't leave. She tried to make her life better and raise her daughter so ShadowClan could be proud of another warrior. Which is why I'm defending them now..."

Her ears swiveled around and her bronze eyes darted to a place that had been disturbed by movement. The young cat tensed for a moment, then relaxed. More ShadowClan.

"Ferretpaw! Eelpaw! Let's show this loner what being a ShadowClan apprentice means! Come on, let's get him, Lizzardpaw!"

[/size]

[Cinder.and.Flightfall]

Lizzardpaw's ears swiveled back toward Ghost's voice, and she listened as he told her his former Clan name. So I was right before, he was part of a Clan. Though it didn't help, Lizzardpaw felt good to be right about something. Lizzardpaw's blind eyes darted toward Ghost at his next words. "What are you trying to prove?" She let out a hiss, tail lashing with anger. Ghost's laugh echoed in her ears, making her flatten her own ears for one second before straightening up.
"I'm proving that I'm just as good as anyone else," she growled. "And that I'm better then you. I'll stand by my Clan no matter what, and I'd never leave like a coward."
She paused, glaring at Ghost once before she heard another voice, followed by Ryepaw's own voice. Tasting the air, Lizzardpaw recognized the scents of Ferretpaw and Eelpaw.
She snarled at Ghost before nodding at Ryepaw. "We'll teach him to mess with Clancats."
Lizzardpaw briefly looked back at Eelpaw and Ferretpaw as well, hoping that they too would join them. With all four of them, there was no doubt that they'd be getting rid of this loner.[/color]

[xx the brownster]

Ghost

Close your eyes and never let go

Ghost only shook his head. "Alright, alright, you little pathetic Clan cats. I'll get off your precious land. I see you are all brainwashed about this Clan stuff, so there's really no point in changing your minds." Or trying for that matter. The loner took one last look around. Many memories flooded his head. There were memories of his kidnapping out of ThunderClan, his joining then leaving WindClan. Had he made the right choice by leaving? There wasn't anything or anyone left.

Brownclaw was gone.

She'd never come back for him. Was she in StarClan? Possibly she was... possibly she wasn't. "Oh, and Lizzardpaw, if you ever need anyone to talk to, I'll be waiting." He winked at her then darted through the trees, a huge grin surrounding his face as he let out a small laugh.[/size]

[Burningwing]

Eelpaw
+
Ferretpaw
Shadowclan apprentices




It seemed that Ferretpaw wasn't quite the detective that she thought of herself as. Ferretpaw allowed her fragile facial features to twist into an embarrassed half-smile-half-frown, one corner pulled up until her cheek was scrunched up, while the other drooped down over her dark lined lip. She was sure that her gasp could be heard from here to highstones, and let out a quieter, more subtle sigh as she stared shyly out of the thick juniper bush, bright green eyes studying the loner with silent curiosity. His bright eyes were locked on the apprentices that were confronting him, and probably didn't notice the thin russet tabby that crouched, almost completely cloaked by the dark-green needles of the junipers. She had the strangest desire to waltz up to him and have a conversation with him.

Snapping out of her short trance, she slipped quietly out from the shadows to stand beside her brother, her lighter coloured belly fur brushed faintly with a dark brown smudge of dirt. Ferretpaw could almost imagine her mother, scolding her and cleaning the dirt off of her ruffled pelt. A twinge of sadness surged through the she-cat's heart, with the remembrance that her mother wouldn't be waiting at camp for her, after all, she walked with Starclan now. So caught up in her daydreams, she hardly noticed the loner tom dart of into the brush until the tip of his tail showed through the growing darkness. Panic snapped frantically as before she realized what she was doing, she was haring after him through the marsh. She didn't know what she was doing, but she let out a distressed mew, " Hey there! Wait!"

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Eelpaw stood rigidly, short feathered legs spread as far apart as he could manage without collapsing in a pile of untidy prey fur. His jaw was agape as he snarled and hissed threateningly, snout scrunched up and brows pulled down to meet in the center of his face. He wanted to leap after the strange tom-cat, but something held him back, a hidden knowledge that however enthusiastic he was to spring into a fight, there was no need to spill blood if this cat could be talked into leaving peacefully. His honey yellow eyes darted swiftly from Ryepaw, to Lizardpaw. He observed them for a moment, pondering on the chances they would have of beating of the full grown loner that was trespassing. He could see a faint clouding of Lizardpaw's eyes, a reminder of her handicap.

As Ghost took off into the depths of the marsh, his tail flagging out like a banner, showing his surrender to the Shadowclan cat's wills, and leaving while he had the chance. Although he was somber about the battle that had slipped out of his open paws, he forced himself to wear a triumphant face as he turned to grin broadly at the she-cat apprentices. The grin cracked and shattered to the ground like broken glass as he watched his sister spring up from behind him and race after the loner, tail raised high and steady in complete confidence of what she was about to get herself into. Eelpaw merely grimaced after Ferretpaw's retreating shape, now just a dark, smudged silhouette in the tint of evening.

After he watched the last of her vanish through the darkness, he let out an exasperated sigh and turned to give Ryepaw and Lizardpaw a prying stare, his yellow eyes burning out from the gloom of his stormcloud pelt. " What was that cat talking about?" He mumbled absently before continuing. " Do you two have any idea what that was about?" Eelpaw's optics were as blank as a fresh sheet of paper.

[/size]

[Blackie]

Ryepaw never heard Eelpaw. Her jaw hung and her gray-gold eyes stretched. That was-no it wasn't...could it be? Had she just...no way...was she insane?!

"Ferretpaw!" Ryepaw screached bounding forward. "Get back here before I tear you into crowfood! Now, you mouse-brained scrap of fur!"

The fluffy gray apprentice tore frenzidly at the ground with her claws. "We've gotta fetch her. If she talks to that scum, I'll flay her, and tell Flailstar. I, I'll-"

She bounded after Ferretpaw, her mind spinning with Cinderstripe's hopes for Ryepaw's future. The silent promises she had made at her mother's vigil. The importance of her Clan and Clanmates.

[Burningwing]

Eelpaw
Shadowclan apprentice





"Ferretpaw!"

Eelpaw swiveled his ear toward the enraged screech. Once again his nose was screwed up with distaste as the smaller grey apprentice let out angry wails that sounded similar that someone might have took her tail in their teeth and grounded their teeth together. He guessed it was only natural the apprentice would be furious that Ferretpaw may go after a loner to talk to him. Eelpaw could faintly remember something about Ryepaw's parents and that she did not favor cats outside of the clans.

"Get back here before I tear you into crowfood! Now, you mouse-brained scrap of fur!"

The thunderheads were really swarming together now, massing up like great globs of clay whisked across some alien, darkening surface. His dark grey fur was really spiked up now, looking more like a sheep's' wool then the pelt of a cat as it was supposed to be. He murmured with distaste as a slow drizzle began to dampen his long fur, and though it was flattening its frizzy appearance, it was matting it against his skin in an unflattering way, plastering it to sculpt out his muscles. Eelpaw knew he would have to go after Ryepaw, as she began to streak out of the clearing, her fur bristling up with anger. He couldn't blame her though, It was her own choice how she reacted to what Ferretpaw did.

"We've gotta fetch her. If she talks to that scum, I'll flay her, and tell Flailstar. I, I'll-"

He let out a loud groan as she bounded out of the clearing, and her grey fur began to meld into the background. He gave Lizardpaw a fleeting glance, unsure if she would be alright on her own, then he tore off after Ryepaw, cursing under his breath. He gained on the smaller cat steadily, tearing up moss with his unsheathed claws, then swerved in front of her to cut her off from where Ferretpaw and Ghost had vanished into the forest. He hoped that she didn't continue to scurry after the two cats, and trample Eelpaw under her, or tear out clumps of his dark neutral fur in her obvious fit of rage.

" Ryepaw! Ryepaw! Stop!" He hissed fiercely. " Let Ferretpaw go, its her own fault if she gets her fur ripped to shreds! Besides, she won't that you for prying into her business, I should know, i'm here brother." Eelpaw stared down frantically at Ryepaw, hoping she would understand what he was saying.

[Blackie]

Ryepaw stopped long enough to glare at Eelpaw. Bad move, her thaughts hissed.

"Don't you dare stand between me and my duty."

Her tail, with it's whispy fur, slashed the air. Her claws scraped the ground. Ferretpaw was doing something wrong, they had to stop her. It wasn't just that, either. It was dangerous to meddle with outsiders. Stoat had been dangerous for Cinderstripe. He had abandoned her when she had been burdened with Ryepaw. Stoat never cared about either of them

"Fine," she mewed as she registered what Eelpaw said about Ferretpelt being upset. "Since your her StarClan-chosen brother, you go get her. Now. Or I'll flay you instead."

Her bronze eyes flashed up at the bigger, gray apprentice. Her tail continued to flick. Ryepaw's whole body was daring Eelpaw to defy her.