The caressing branches of the Willow tree, who shelter those who crouch below it, but are slender enough to be easily breakable.

The ferocious roar of the Lion, who will fight nobly till the end of it's days, even ifit means causing harm to itself.

The light-hearted sweetness of the Cherry, who while is sweet on the outside, and within, if you look deep, deep inside you will find a deadliness unknown to most.

The polished crystal known as Amber, one with great patience and wisdom. Smart enough to capture another easily within, without much need for plan.

Dawn, the soft light that marks the light of a new day. The one with hope, and determination. No matter the situation, it does it's job everyday, without fail, and while sometimes faint, and almost non-existent, it is always still there.

The sincereness of the Rose, the one who always drops for others. While caring and generous, it has a hard exterior, with a sharp barrier to stop intruders from getting in.

The cleanliness of Rain, the one who washes away all the sorrow, and hatred, and keeps others alive, and strong. The one who gives opportunities to start the day again, fresh.

These are all tied together, in some way. If one was to disappear, and never come back, then the others would crumble.

They all need the Rain. Without it, they would perish, from the horror of the day and nothing to wash it away, but also from everything drying up, and staying dirty, and secretive. Without the Rain, there is no one to wash secrets away.

They all need the Willow. Without it, they would have no shelter, no one to lean on. No one strong enough to stay true to the heart, and to stay rooted in the right place.

They all need the Lion. Without it, they would have no one to protect them from all the dangers.

They all need the Cherry. Without it, everything would be dull, and heavy.

They all need the Amber. Without it, things would not be thought through properly.

They all need the Dawn. Without it, no one would have the determination to carry on, and everyone would be stuck in the dark, lost.

They all need the Rose. Without it, no one would be there to give them the support and generosity they need.

They all need each other, and that is the way it shall stay.

Forever.

Rose picked up the piece of prey, wrinkling her nose in disgust. The crow she had found was rotting, and had obviously been there for at least a few days. The stench wafted up her nose, and she resisted the urge to drop the bird. She gripped it in her jaws and made her way back to the small run-down shed that she and her friends called home.

She was greeted warmly by Cherry, who smiled at her. "Oh, Rose! You're back!"

The cream-white she-cat's bubbly personality was contagious, and despite the circumstances, Rose couldn't help but smile at the younger cat as she set down the prey. "Yes, and I got food as well."

Cherry lit up even more if that was possible. "What did you get?"

"Just a rotting bird I found on the street. I'm giving the best parts to Dawn, though."

Cherry looked crestfallen at the mention of rotting meat. "Oh, okay. I thought you had actually found some real fresh-kill."

"I'll try to save some bits for you, okay?" Rose promised, sympathy tugging at her heart. "But Dawn comes first. Why don't you go and play with Amber? She looks like she's bored."

Cherry nodded, and obediently ran off to play with her dusky-pelted friend.

Rose sighed and picked the crow up again. She headed to the far end of the barn, where a ginger cat was laying on a pile of thin white stuff, which always seemed to be drifting down the street. It crackled a lot, but it was more comfortable than the floor of the shed they lived in. She set the bird down beside Dawn.

"Hello Dawn," She muttered warmly to the cat curled up before her.

"Rose," Dawn murmured quietly, lifting her head and blinking wearily at her. Rose felt a pang of worry for her short-furred friend as she caught sight of Dawn's swollen belly. Things were harsh of recent times, and someone bearing kits was not helping in any way. Rose had no idea who the father was, nor did she intend to ask, knowing it wasn't her place, but she felt a surge of anger at whoever had thought it funny to abandon Dawn in her time of need.

However, she didn't voice her thoughts, only forcing a smile for Dawn's sake, and replying with, "I've bought you and your kits some food. It's not particularly appetising, but it'll do it's job, I'm sure."

"Don't give it to me," Dawn refused. "Give it to Amber, or perhaps Cherry. They're not getting enough food. I'll be fine for a day,"

Rose sighed, whisking her tail in frustration. Dawn was as obstinate as ever, and while Rose was normally the peacemaker, she felt like giving Dawn a good cuff over the ear. "Dawn," Rose tried again. "Just take the meat. I promised Cherry and Amber the leftovers, so they'll still get some."

Dawn opened her mouth to protest again, but at a glare from Rose, she nodded and took a hesitant bite of the prey, screwing up her nose in disgust. Rose nodded in satisfaction, and when Dawn claimed she had had enough to eat-though Rose didn't quite believe her-she took it to Amber and Cherry, who were huddled together.

"Here you are, Amber, Cherry. This is for you. Eat up, okay? It might be one of the better things that you'll eat for a while."

"Thanks Rose," Amber said, and the russet cat smiled in return. While Cherry and Amber were sometimes a handful, they were innocent, and had big hearts. She left them to dig in to their meal.

Rose was about to head back out of the shed again, when a voice stopped her. She turned to see a well-built golden tom, looking at her with green eyes.

"What are you doing?"

"I could ask you the same, Lion," Rose meowed. "I'm just going out to look for food."

Lion's expression was one of confusion, and concern. "Rose, you went out not to long ago. You should at least rest before you head back out again."

"Well, these cats aren't going to feed themselves," Rose told him, before turning to exit the ragged building again. Lion, however, was determined as always, and blocked her way.

"Well, I can head out, if you want, but you should rest. I know how busy you are, Rose." He fixed her with his olive-green eyes. "When was the last time you ate, or rested?"

"I..."

"Get some rest, Rose." Lion guided her to a pile of the white stuff and pawed at it. "Here," He gestured for her to lay down, and she did, tiredness taking over. "If it makes you feel better, I'll wait until you wake up, and we can hunt together."

Rose nodded sleepily, and waved her tail, signalling for Lion to lie beside her. Comforted by his warm presence, she drifted off quickly.


Okay, so I apologise for the short-ish chapter. They will be longer next time, promise! This story is going to be a tad different, as I want to write in all the POVS of all the members in this group. This one was Rose, but let me know what character would be interesting to see next, judging by the ones you have seen so far.

For all those confused about the rambling at the top in italics, there is a hidden meaning in those sentences. Look hard enough, and you'll find them!

A review would be very much appreciated, thanks! If you have any questions about this story, whether it be about the plot-line, or about a specific character, please don't be afraid to review me it, or PM me about it!

-Cheers, CrazyGirlLovesAnimals.