Hey guys! Sorry this is late but I was watching 17 Again yesterday instead of writing. And I would be sorry about that, but Zac Efron is fine!
Ahem anyway: it's return of the paws! 17 (wow that's ironic;) pages of sadness, fluff, and dry wit. I do hope you enjoy it!
The Altar and the Door- yes I know I'm evil! Hehehe! Wow didn't even think about that but, yes, yes he is. He shall wreak horror on the annoying people of the Clan! Ahem… sorry. Oh thanks! I thought so too=) I mean we don't want to give them lame powers cause that would be… well lame;) Hope you enjoy this!
Bramblewhisker88- Yay! Glad you like the powers. Yeah his is awesome – I see him blasting some Dark Forest warriors in his future;) No, Snakey has powers, I'm just not telling you guys what they are yet! It will create more suspense! His character has grown on me, I adore him=) Thanks and I hope you enjoy this!
Jayleaf1- I know right? Everyone always complains about me whining over Bs and I'm just like you people don't understand! Why thank you=) It was a good line wasn't it? This one isn't quite as awesome but ah well. Glad you like all the powers=) oh was there a spelling mistake? Whoops, well that could just add to Snake's anger;) And nooo that would be to obvious – plus I pulled that with the twins. Also there's hasn't been much mention of snakes in the new territory. But his powers do rock I promise! Hope you enjoy this!
Sunny- Darling hello=) I forgive you!=) Thank you! I do try;) Yeah I thought the fight would be a cool way to introduce it and then your mind just gets blown! BOOM! Sorry about that I'm hyper for some reason. I do try to make it easy for you guys, cept when I don't;) Yes I know, but there are reasons! And I figured that he can be allowed to be jerky as my apology for making life suck for him. But the story needs suspense! And since they know what powers everyone else has I needed a reason why they wouldn't know his, and I couldn't be like here we know this power but not all of them cause that doesn't make sense. I have reasons! The suspense is needed! Plus the angst is also needed. I need to be able to get my angst out through someone;) like I do with my sarcasm with everyone;) and this chapter is loooong so you'll lots of stuff to talk about! There's a modified Harry Potter reference in here, butterbeer and treacle tart if you find it;) Give up hope? Never!;) Hope ya love it!
Spottedmask12- Hello! Sorry… but I have reasons! I've typed this a lot today… but reasons, the story needs suspense. I have it all planned out – I came up with it as I was falling asleep, the suspense will knock everyone's socks off! (Providing they are wearing socks) Yeah they are, but this time because I'm making them be. Sorry this was late, but enjoy it!
Chapter Nine
*Hailpaw*
There are gray clouds covering the sky when I walk out into the hollow. The air is cooler, and I hear the warriors talking about leaf-fall approaching. But whatever the temperature is outside, it's nothing to what it is between our oldest resident paws. It hasn't been pretty.
It's been quite terrifying really, to see the three of them fall apart. They'd all been rocky for a while, but then they disappeared for the day and came back completely different.
I suppose cats change as they grow older, but it has me wondering; will I fall away from my brothers too?
I eat slowly, waiting for Frozenpaw. What happened with his siblings notwithstanding, our routine is pretty much the same. And sure enough, he comes stumbling out, trailed by Flamepaw. They flank me as they sit down.
I chance a glance at Frozenpaw and see he is still half asleep. I turn my attention to Flamepaw who smiles at me.
"And how is my best friend this morning?" I ask, causing Frozenpaw to grunt from my other side, "My best she-cat friend." I amend.
Flamepaw laughs lightly and mews, "All right, I slept well once I finally got to sleep."
"That's good." I mew with a half glance and Frozenpaw. We all know why no one could fall asleep last night. Another blow out argument.
"Yeah you?" she asks.
"Good on the whole. What do you think we'll be doing today?" I ask and Flamepaw shrugs lightly in response.
"I hope I get to hunt." she mews, "I just want to be out in the forest today, you know?"
"Me too." I nod.
"I'm up now." Frozenpaw grunts from my other side. I ignore the flash of annoyance his words cause. Now's not the time to test him, and I doubt he's being rude on purpose. For whatever reason, he's been really upset lately. I've caught him crying a few times, which seriously surprised me.
"And how's my best guy friend?" I ask, trying to keep my voice light. He shrugs.
"Okay. I hope I can hunt today too, I don't want to deal with anyone."
I smile softly, "Maybe Blazefeather will let you go back to sleep."
"I wish." Frozenpaw replies with a bitter laugh. I frown. He's not himself, and I miss my friend. My tail flicks in annoyance.
"Hey Flamepaw we'll be right back okay?" I mew throwing her a side look.
"Um sure…" she replies as I drag Frozenpaw's grouchy butt out into the forest. I go behind a large tree and mew "What is going on?" slightly (very) harshly.
"I'm just not in a good mood all right? Can I have a day to be rude?" he asks, annoyance bleeding through his voice.
"Yeah sure," I reply with fake enthusiasm, "Except it hasn't been a day it's been a week!" my tone gets more serious, "I want to know where my best friend went and when I can get him back."
"I'm sorry. I-I'm just upset over the fight me and my siblings are in." Frozenpaw mumbles.
"Then make up with them." I reply, being careful to keep my voice gentle and encouraging.
"It's not that easy." He replies looking away from me.
"What do you mean?" I demand.
"I-it's really serious. I don't think I can fix it." Frozenpaw's voice drops to a whisper.
"What happened?" I ask shaking my head in confusion.
"It's hard to explain." He won't look at me.
"I have three siblings too, I think I can understand." I mew, wanting to help.
"It's not like that…" he mews, his voice trailing off.
"Then what's it like?" I demand sharply.
"I can't tell you." Frozenpaw speaks with such finality that I take a step back, hurt flashing across my face.
"I thought we were friends. Best friends." My voice is hollow. I feel a piece of me falling, falling away.
"We are!" he looks desperate.
"Friends don't keep secrets from each other! You can trust me!" I insist, I want to fix this before we're hurt too bad.
"It's not a question of trust!" Frozenpaw looks torn, almost ill; "Look I can't tell you! It's not because you're a bad friend or anything! I can't tell anyone!"
I take a deep breath, almost shuddering as I step away from him. "I can't think of anything you wouldn't be allowed to tell me. I want to help you, but I can't if you don't trust me."
"I do!" he wails.
"Then tell me!" I demand.
"No!"
The word echoes, reverberates in the air between us. Something has broken.
"Okay then." My voice is shaking, and it breaks. I walk away, stumbling and tripping as leaves fall all around me. I think I know how they feel. To have the thing that grounds you ripped away, and you're falling, falling. I just haven't hit the ground yet.
I re-enter the hollow, still shaking. I find Flamepaw and sit down.
"Where's Frozenpaw?" she asks, sounding slightly concerned. I don't respond because the world is spinning around me and I feel slightly nauseous. The mouse I had for breakfast might be making a return appearance.
"Hailpaw!" I've never been happier to hear Bumblestripe's voice. I get up, staggering over to him, hoping for a long day of training to clear my mind.
"Are you all right?" My mentor asks giving me an odd look.
"F-fine." I manage to stammer.
"Will you be up for a border patrol?" Bumblestripe asks.
"Yes!" I reply, possibly too eagerly. But a long run will clear my head, and that's just what I need.
As we leave I realize I haven't seen Frozenpaw come back in. I start running with indecent relish. I never realized how empty losing your best friend would make you.
*Frozenpaw*
I watch Hailpaw walk away in shock. His speckled pelt keeps growing farther and farther away and I'm expecting him to turn around, a smile on his face and amusement in his eyes. But he doesn't. I feel a shiver, a tremor inside of me.
What just happened?
"You make it sound like it's a bad thing."
"Trust me the novelty wears off real quick."
I hadn't realized how right Aunt Raven was. I've known about these powers for two days and already I hate them. If only I didn't have to keep it a bloody secret! Then Hailpaw and I could be planning pranks to keep my mind off the sibling situation.
But noooooo. Gah! I suppose this is the downside to having the leader for your Aunt/mom's best friend.
I heave a heavy sigh and turn in the opposite direction, striking of through the woods, not on a path. The gravity of the situation is starting to hit me. My relationship with all of my siblings is damaged, perhaps beyond repair (well maybe not Silverpaw), I just lost my best friend and I doubt any of the other paws want to hang around me. They probably think I'm a class-A jerk. Maybe I am.
I decide to hunt, because at least then I can think about something else. And when Blazefeather yells his head off at me I can push my catch at him and give him my best I'm sorry, please forgive me look.
I just can't believe Hailpaw reacted like that! For all he was harping on about trust why couldn't he trust me? Trust me enough to accept that I couldn't tell him and it wouldn't damage our friendship.
I wish my power was to go back in time… then I could go back to our argument and point that out. Or I could stop it from happening….
Wham! Add to the list of powers I wish I had gotten – ability to sense when I am about to run into a tree while rambling inside my head.
"Ow." I groan as I back away from the tree and shake my head. I look up and see a squirrel staring down at me. And – I kid you not – it's laughing at me. I swear to StarClan this blasted little piece of prey is busting a lung laughing at me.
"See whose laughing for long." I mutter as I flick my claws out and jump up, clawing my way up the tree. The squirrel squeaks in alarm and runs higher up the tree. I growl softly and keep going. It scurries to a branch, perhaps to jump to another tree.
I then do something both brilliant and incredibly stupid; I reach the branch the squirrel is on and start shaking it. Hard. The squirrel squeaks and clings to the branch. I shake it harder. Luckily for me, when the squirrel flies off, it flies downward and lands on the ground at the base of the tree.
I jump down, expecting to find it broken and dying. To immense my shock the thing is just dazed. It tries to run, but I manage to pounce, catch it and nip its neck.
I bury it and attempt to feel good about my catch... but I don't, I just feel kind of guilty. I sigh and sniff the air, hoping to embark on a hard quest to take my mind off of my life.
I catch wind of a sparrow a few trees ahead of me. I like climbing, although I know it frightens Silverpaw and Fallenpaw. I stalk up to the tree and slither up. Let the chase begin!
At the end of the day, I caught it, but I wasted an extreme amount of time. I seriously should have just given up and gone after something else, because I would have gotten more prey. But to be honest I really don't care.
I drop down and wander back to where I buried the squirrel. I covered quite a large part of the territory jumping from tree to tree. Cool. Even cooler that I didn't break my neck. What a way that would have been to die, plummeting to the ground from a tree and slowly fading away alone in the forest.
Shivering I try to get that thought out of my head because it's causing my already low mood to plummet downward. I wonder, casually, if my freezing power applies to me as well. Like if I was up in a tree and fell, I could freeze myself before I hit the ground? Making a mental note to ask my mother and not test it out, I continue on.
I find a vole in a heather bush and a small mouse under a tree branch. I think about the water voles along the stream, but I don't feel like going to the border, I want to stick to the center of the territory where it's less likely I'll run into someone.
So I just start wandering, half hoping that prey will fall from the sky. That would be interesting… I would either be a good or bad thing. I think at first it would be nice but it would probably turn into a problem. Most good things do.
Wow that sounded bitter.
I keep walking, kind of forgetting about hunting as I stare at the forest and try to keep memories from creeping up on me and piercing my like thorns.
I'm getting distracted. Faces keep flashing across my mind, my sisters, Snakepaw, my mom… my dad….
Completely wrapped up in bitter memories I don't notice where I am or where I'm going until I hear a raw shout.
"Frozenpaw look out!"
It jerks me from my thoughts and I look up to see a nest falling from a tree branch right at me. Unconsciously I flinch and the nest freezes, mere inches above my face.
A loud gasp reaches my ears. I turn around to see Owlpaw staring at me, her mouth hanging open.
Foxdung.
*Owlpaw*
I won't lie, I'm fairly surprised when Poppyfrost smiles at me and mews, "How about you hunt for a bit and then you can have the rest of the day off hmm?"
I kind of stammer something like, "Uh o-okay!"
Poppyfrost grins and explains, "We've just been working you guys so hard I thought it would be nice to have a day of relaxation."
I nod and mew my thanks before heading out into the forest. It's nice out here. The air is light and alive with the sounds of the forest.
I feel a small rush of exhilaration. I'm out in the forest with no one to bother me. It's just me and the prey…
I hunt for a while and am proud of my catch. I walk on for a bit, thinking of getting a bird or something when I see Frozenpaw ahead of me. I almost back up and leave but then I notice that he's not paying attention. He's walking forward, almost into a tree and I see a nest slipping from the branch. It starts to fall as I call out, "Frozenpaw look out!"
He jumps and glances up, then, just as the nest and three eggs are inches from his face, they stop, halting in midair.
I gasp loudly in shock. Frozenpaw's head snaps around and he looks at me with a panicked gaze. He backs out from under the nest and eggs and they sink slowly to the ground, landing lightly on the forest floor.
"It's not what it looks like!" he blurts out, alarm making his voice high.
"What does it look like?" I ask, because to be honest I have no idea what just happened. All of the laws that I know to govern the earth have fallen away.
"Um… I dunno know what do you think it looks like?"
"I don't know." I reply softly.
"Then nothing happened." Frozenpaw mews, using his best innocent voice.
"All right," I nod, because really I can sense that forgetting about this altogether would just be easiest.
"Thanks…" he mews, the word coming out in a heavy breath.
"Are you okay?" I ask looking at him critically.
"Not in the slightest." Frozenpaw replies his face open and honest.
"I though not." I reply, "Well you might want to get back to camp, I think Blazefeather is going to kill you."
"Brilliant." He mutters heading towards me.
"Where are you going?" I ask as Frozenpaw goes down a path that does not lead to camp.
"Getting my catch. I was hunting." he replies over his shoulder.
"Oh." I mew, feeling slightly dumb. I follow him and grab my own catch. We fall into step next to each other as we go back to camp. We don't talk, but the silence isn't uncomfortable. I think we might be getting back to the way we were before. I'm glad for that because I hate causing problems, and we certainly did just that.
Reentering camp we drop off our catch, and as soon as we turn around, Blazefeather bears down upon his apprentice, his eyes blazing. (Pardon the pun.)
"Where have you been?" Blazefeather asks in a voice of forced calm.
"Hunting…" Frozenpaw replies trying to sound casually innocent. He noses some of his catch toward his mentor.
Blazefeather take a few deep breathes, "And you didn't think to inform me of that before you wandered off alone into the forest?"
"Oh…" Frozenpaw mews with a nod, "oops."
As soon as Frozenpaw's voice dies, a shriek fills the hollow and Frozenpaw finds himself being squished by his mother. I snicker softly as Echosong mumbles about how worried she was and Frozenpaw gasps for breath. Then I trot off, ready to spend the rest of my day nice and warm in my nest.
As soon as I lay down an angry looking Tinypaw appears before me.
"What were you doing with him?" Tinypaw's voice is sharp and accusing and I raise my eyebrow slightly coolly at my friend.
"I was hunting. We ran into each other and walked back together. Do you have a problem with that?" I ask my voice becoming dangerous.
"As a matter of fact I do! Don't! I don't! I mean I –" Tinypaw stammers to silence as I stand up.
"What are you talking about?" I ask softly.
"I-you – with him – too good for – don't want you hanging – I mean you can – I just – he-no good mousebrain –"
I feel my pelt warm slightly and I ask, "Do you have a problem with me being with Frozenpaw?"
"Yes!" Tinypaw exclaims, "He was a jerk to you! He doesn't deserve you, you're too good to go forgiving him, he shouldn't even look at you –"
"Tinypaw calm down!" I mew in exasperation, "It's not like we're mates or anything! We walked back to camp together! We're not even friends again."
Tinypaw sighs heavily and murmurs, "Good… I couldn't stand… you… him…" he stammer into silence for a moment. Then Tinypaw looks at me and his sky blue eyes are shining.
"I like you Owlpaw. A lot." I feel my face flame, and I blink in shock as Tinypaw coninues, "And I couldn't stand the thought of you forgiving him after he hurt you… you're too good for him. Too good for him to even look at you. I-I just… it was torture to think…" he pauses for a moment and shakes his head, "I'm sorry, I know I crossed a line." He turns to go and I get over my absolute shock.
"No wait!" I call and Tinypaw pauses looking back wearily.
"I'm not mad…" my voice is a bit breathless and I smile at him. I still feel confused, but I can't deny the happiness bubbling inside me. The way he talked about me, like I was priceless…
"You're not?" Tinypaw asks, a small smile upon his face.
I shake my head quickly, "At all!" I mew earnestly and then his face breaks into the most heartbreakingly beautiful smile I've ever seen.
*Cloudypaw*
Swallowing the last of my mouse I look around and wonder where everyone went. Five minutes ago the hollow was full of my fellow apprentices, now they're all gone.
I stand up and look around for Brackenfur. He shows up quickly to my immense relief, "Elders and then a patrol okay?"
"Sure." I mew with a shrug.
"Cloudpaw should be joining you."
"Right," I mew with a smile, glad to spend time with my best friend. I cross the hollow, heading for the medicine den and Cloudpaw joins me from StarClan knows where.
We enter the medicine den together. Snakepaw doesn't even look up from the leaves he's stripping. "We're just here to get moss." I mew into the silence. Snakepaw's ear flicks in what I can only assume to be annoyance at the menial task.
But hey, someone's got to do it right? I'm sure Jayfeather has to strip leaves from stems.
In any case, we don't stick around to chat. We both grab some moss and Cloudpaw's blue eyes stare at me over his moss. They say quite clearly, let's not hang around. As we leave I hear a quite snort.
We walk quickly over to the elders, and enter the small den. I spare the snoring form of Purdy a fleeting glance before looking at Briarlight. I feel really, really bad for her.
Her dark brown fur is still the sleek and shining pelt of a warrior. Her eyes still hold the fire and light of one who protects her Clan. Yet she can't. She can barely move a few feet. If she wants to get out of camp she needs help. She's still so young, but she is trapped in the elders den.
She gives us a smile as we enter and mews, "Just two today?"
"Yeah…" Cloudpaw replies as she sorts through the moss.
"Brackenfur just said the elders so I don't think we're doing the queens today. They'll probably send some of the others later." I explain.
"Yes it is quite crowded in there isn't it?" Briarlight replies with a grin.
"Well…" I reply, thinking about it, "With Ravenclaw and Midnightstar's kits, Brooks' kits, Daisy and Ferncloud who are always there and Creamlight moving in I would say yes."
"Well the kits will become paws soon won't they?" Briarlight mews as she inches away from her nest.
"They're about halfway there." I agree, walk over to Cloudpaw and taking all of his sorted moss.
"Hey!" he protests.
"What are friends for?" I mew over my shoulder.
My friend grumbles under his breath as he sorts more moss for Purdy's nest. Briarlight smiles softly and lays her head down. I start shaping her new nest and ask, "Do you or Purdy have any fleas or ticks?"
"I don't," she mews as she grooms herself, "But I don't know about Purdy."
"Well then someone help me wake him up." Cloudpaw mutters in annoyance.
"Purdy!" Briarlight mews, her voice sing-songy, "There's a large juicy vole waiting for you!"
He cracks his eyes open and mews, "Really?"
"No, but Cloudpaw needs to change your nest so get up." Briarlight replies with a grin.
"Oh… I'm very sorry Cloudpaw." Purdy mews as he gets up.
"It's quite all right." Cloudpaw mews with a small smile, "If I were you I'd hardly ever stay awake."
Purdy laughs in response and Cloudpaw makes his nest quickly. As it turns out, Purdy does have a tick so I head back to the medicine den. Snakepaw is no longer there, but Jayfeather is. He gets the moss and mouse bile for me and I mew, "Thanks very much.
Jayfeather grins a bit and replies, "You're welcome."
I trot back to the nursery and see that Cloudpaw isn't done with the nest. That must be repayment for me stealing his moss. Karma is evil. I sigh heavily and find Purdy's tick. I hit it with a bit of bile and I swear I can hear it squeal.
"All good Purdy." I mew as I squish it.
"And your nest is done. Anything else we can do for you?" Cloudpaw asks. I snort to myself, he may have the polite thing down around warriors, but you just wait to you have him alone – then the sarcasm comes gushing out.
"Well…" Briarlight starts but then she shakes her head, "No… it would have to be approved by the warriors."
Cloudpaw and I share a look and he shrugs, which I know means go for it. "No really what is it? It is our duty to look after you after all." I mew with a grin.
Briarlight smiles and it makes me sad, because it looks bitter-sweet. "No it would take far too long and I'm sure you have other things to do."
"Actually we don't," Cloudpaw mews, "we got put on the night border patrol since we didn't know when we would be done. So really tell us what it is, or we shall be condemned to hours of hollow boredom."
I can't help but burst out laughing at that. Briarlight sighs and mews, "I would like to go outside."
"Out in the hollow? Get some sun? That'd be a great idea," I mew warmly. "I'm sure Purdy would join you."
"No," she mews shaking her head, "I mean he can come but that's not what I meant. I want to go outside of camp." Her ear flicks slightly as I look at Cloudpaw. He looks uncertain and I know we're both thinking the same thing.
The Dark Forest.
Ever since they took the kits they seem so close, like they are constantly watching us. And we'd be a perfect target of we took her out. On the other paw, her head is drooping and her eyes look downcast. I try to imagine what it must be like for her. She was once able to run and hunt and now….. She's trapped.
Glancing at Cloudpaw again I see the same feelings as mine reflected in his eyes.
"Of course we'll help you," he mews, on (at least it seems to me) impulse, "It won't be too hard."
"Yeah you deserve to get out." I agree with a nod.
Briarlight smiles at us and her eyes fill with crystalline tears. I get on one side of her and Cloudpaw takes the other side.
"Ready?" he asks. I grunt in response and we lift her up, supporting her back more than her front. It's slow going and we face plant a few times, but Briarlight doesn't seem to care.
We pass her brother, Bumblestripe, and he blinks in surprise but says nothing, just falling in step behind us. The warriors part before us and I see something in their eyes, something I've never seen directed at me. Respect.
We reach the thorn tunnel and maneuver our way through. Then we're out. I hear a soft gasp from Briarlight. She closes her eyes and seems to drink the air up. We place her down gently in the clear space. Bumblestripe joins his sister and she smiles at him.
"You okay?" he asks softly. I sense something, some sort of understanding pass between them and I back up, feeling like a trespasser.
"Sh-should we leave?" I ask.
"You can. I'll take her back." Bumblestripe replies.
"Thank you." Briarlight mews and I nod in response. I know we've done something huge for her; I'm just not sure I understand it yet. Cloudpaw and I walk back inside and grab some prey, and I'm frowning.
I'm thinking about the kits – well one kit.
"What's up?" Cloudpaw questions and he sound almost tired.
"She's in the elders den, because of a hurt back." I mew.
"Yes…" Cloudpaw agrees and I can tell he's fighting not to say and?
"There's a kit in the nursery with two tails." I mew the tone of my voice betraying me.
"Eaglekit can walk," Cloudpaw protests, "I've seen him."
"Yeah like two foxlengths!" I reply, "And can he fight?"
"He just needs more practice." Cloudpaw mews calmly.
"Will he get the chance?" I counter.
"I can't see Midnightstar sidelining him." Cloudpaw replies seriously.
"Look who's in the elders den even though she's moons younger than half of the warriors. Look who's in the medicine den." I snap gesturing around the hollow with my tail.
"That was his choice." Cloudpaw mews and his voice sounds rather flat. "And besides you want Briarlight in the warriors den where she can see constant living proof of her… misfortune? You want her to be surrounded by cats who every day get to do things she would probably give her life for? She gets to see the kits and keep Purdy company. It's the best place for her."
"Maybe." I mew stubbornly, "But what about Eaglekit?"
"He is not going to the elders den!" Cloudpaw snaps at me in his exasperation.
"You don't know that." I press.
"You're being impossible on purpose." Cloudpaw mutters, rolling his eyes, "C'mon we might as well get in a nap before the patrol." I nod in agreement and we walk off to the den. But as I do I look around and wonder how the warriors can be so blind.
*Mosspaw*
Spottedpaw and I walk out of camp, heading to the training hollow to join our mentors. I glance up and see the gray clouds through the canopy. The air still feels cool, but also light. I have to say, I'm enjoying it.
Spottedpaw looks up too and her tail flicks, "D'you think it's going to rain?"
"Maybe," I reply, "but who cares? What you afraid to get wet?"
"It was just a question." Spottedpaw tries to sound scathing but it fails as her voice holds no real heat. I laugh and she joins in without question.
We keep going and then reach the sandy hollow. Fallenpaw is there (minus her shadow) along with Silverpaw. There's an awful sort of coldness between them. It must be freezing closer up.
"Ah! Mosspaw, Spottedpaw!" Rosepetal calls out sounding relieved, "Come join us!"
I get paired up with Fallenpaw and lucky as– ahem – lucky (we've all decided to work on our language. I'd never realized what a mouth I had) Spottedpaw gets paired up with Silverpaw.
As a general rule Silverpaw is the sweeter of the two sisters. But right now, with the look on Fallenpaw's face, she looks practically like a StarClan warrior.
I mean I've talked to Fallenpaw before, I've trained with her, and I like her. But the look in her amber eyes is creeping the Dark – err it's just creeping me out. I need like a swear jar.
"Hi." I mew softly.
"Hey." Fallenpaw replies and her voice is cold and emotionless. Fox – I mean grr. StarClan I'm bad at this. Wait is that cursing?
"Are you going to start?"
I jump, looking around at the mentors, thinking the snappish comment came from them. But then I realize it came from Fallenpaw, who is glaring at me.
"Um… I don't know what move we're doing…." I reply trying not to sound angry, I mean I just bloody got here! Wait I'm not supposed to curse! Fox – I mean darn.
"Any move that comes to mind." Fallenpaw replies and her eyes flash. Oh I really wish I got Silverpaw.
And with that Fallenpaw pounces. I launch myself out of the way, but I don't stay in one spot too long. I know she's a better fighter than me, and I can guess with the mood she's in; she won't be holding anything back. So I start a sort of game of catch around the hollow. In my mind it's turned into: she can't hurt me if she can't catch me.
Unfortunately my tactics are tick-angering her. "Would you stay still?" Fallenpaw snarls as I jump away from her.
"Why so you can beat me to a pulp? What do you think I am stupid?" I shoot back.
She growls, dodging forward and I roll away.
"Mosspaw." I hear Foxleap calling.
"What?" I growl as I dodge another attack.
"It might be nice if you stopped running and made a stand." He suggests, his voice a tad bit pointed.
"I don't think so!" I retort as I leap over Fallenpaw. I'd seen a gleam of her claws and decided I've had enough of this foxd-stuff. "In case you haven't noticed, she's using her claws! As in she's trying to hurt me!" I snarl, sliding back from Fallenpaw as she freezes.
"Fallenpaw!" Icecloud shrieks, "Is this true?"
"I didn't – not hurt her – I didn't mean to…" Fallenpaw stammers and then sighs, "My claws were out but I didn't have the objective to hurt Mosspaw."
I open my mouth but am distracted by Foxleap standing on my foot, in other words – ow.
"Come here. I need to talk to you." Icecloud mews to Fallenpaw, sounding almost as cold as her name.
"Are you all right?" Foxleap asks as they walk away, turning to me and looking concerned.
"I'm fine." I reply, "A little freaked out, but I'm fine."
"Then good job on those evasion moves! Very creative some of them," he praises, "And sometimes, when you know you're out matched, running isn't so bad. You could lead them to a trap or get them where you want them. However, in training, we normally prefer combat."
I nod because Foxleap's eyes are twinkling, meaning he's only teasing me. A few moments later, Icecloud and Fallenpaw come back.
"I'm sorry Mosspaw." Fallenpaw mews softly.
"It's all right." I reply, though wearily.
We face back off and she runs at me. I force myself to wait, to employ the last move they taught us. Fallenpaw doesn't see my paw coming and I throw her off course. She stumbles and goes down. I leap and pin her, knocking her breath out. The mentors give five seconds before they call a fight off. I get to three when she rears up and head bumps me.
I reel back my head spinning. She pounces on me, but I refuse to let myself be pinned, so I throw my back legs up, causing us to go rolling. We stop and break apart. I leap away from her, and wait until she stands. We circle each other and then Fallenpaw darts at me. I feel a snap inside of me. I'm done being afraid of her.
I rush up to meet her, which surprises her. We shoot up to grapple. Fallenpaw gets sloppy and I'm able to dive down and unbalance her. She hits the ground with a whummp.
I wait. Three seconds. Four. And five! I hear one of our mentors call time as I help her up. She has a dull look in her eyes.
"Are you all right?" I ask her.
"Oh yes. Quite." Fallenpaw replies, her gaze unfocused. I lead her back to Icecloud and Foxleap. Icecloud looks at her critically and then takes her away for one-on-one training.
Meaning I get one-on-one training! Joy! Here come the repetitions.
It's actually not so bad, Foxleap teaches me a few roll and claw combinations and I do a few repetitions. It's over rather quickly.
We're the last ones in the hollow, and when we start to leave, Icecloud calls it quits for Fallenpaw too.
The walk back to camp is awkwardly quite. And then, like the idiot I am, I poke the sleeping tiger.
"Are you okay?" I ask and Fallenpaw starts and looks at me like she hadn't even noticed I was there. Quite nice.
"Oh yes," she replies vaguely, "Of course. Why wouldn't I be?"
"Well because, and don't take this the wrong way, you look like mousedung. Oh… no cursing, whoops…"
Fallenpaw sighs and I don't think it's because of my accidental (right) cursing. "I'm not really okay."
"The fight?" I'm referring to the one she and all of her siblings are currently in. Must make life lonely.
"Yes. I've screwed up so horribly." Her voice is seriously weak, so I try for some comic relief.
"Um I'm terribly sorry to point this out, but you cursed. I'm afraid I'm going to have to report you." I mew in a sanctimonious voice.
Fallenpaw laughs heavily, "Only if I can report you."
"Well you must do your duty." I reply, shaking my head mock seriously.
"Thanks," she mews looking at me with a real smile, "Could I – would you mind if-if I… talked to you about all this? If I ever need someone to vent to?"
I can hear desperation inside Fallenpaw's plea. I respond before I even think about the words, "Of course." She smiles at me as we walk through the thorn tunnel.
In the hollow we run into Whitewing, "Hello girls, do you know where Cloudpaw and Cloudypaw are?"
"No I haven't seen the dual Clouds all day." I reply with a grin.
"Brackenfur and I need them for the night patrol." Whitewing frets.
"Then they're probably napping." I point out.
"Oh… could you wake them for me?" Whitewing asks.
"Sure." I reply. Fallenpaw shoots me an amused look as I walk to the den. Sure enough only two nests are occupied, and a gray pelt and a white pelt rise up and down with the gentle breathing of their owners.
"Oi! Clouds!" I bellow, causing them to jump awake, what? They would have done if it was me. "Patrol time!"
They stumble up and Cloudypaw mews, "Thanks Mosspaw." While Cloudpaw grumbles obscenities under his breath.
"Cloudpaw dear, no swearing!" I call with a impish grin.
Cloudpaw glares for a moment and then shoots me a wicked smirk, "And how have you been doing with that?"
"Absolutely horridly." I reply at once.
Cloudpaw laughs and mews, "That's makes the two of us," over his shoulder.
Sneaking a peek at my nest I sigh. I'm not that hungry. And besides if I am I'll wake up and get prey. I curl up, and breathe contently. No noise… falling asleep in silence. I should do this more often.
Soooo? Was the Owl/Tiny fluff good? Will it hold you guys over till I get to DewxRapid? What do you think of Hail's and Frozen's broken friendship? It'll heal I promise! The thing with Briarlight confuse you? You like Mosspaw? I was worried about messing her up and then I realized- she was a kit when she died, she didn't have a personality. So I just went with it.
Random: I think my parents are mixing magic mushrooms into my food. Why you ask? My dreams have been weird! Weird! They're freaking me out!
And now I realize I was supposed to stop metaphorically throwing up words. Ah well.
So I'm going on a cruise in a week from today (can't wait!) and we shall be gone for four days. Then when we get back we are throwing my dad a blowout birthday party so probably no update. So in a week I will be leaving you for probably five days. I know, the horror! I warned you in advance so you can prepare for the loss.
Okay seriously I don't know what I ate but it must have been infused with sugar because I am unattractively hyper. So on to the quote- should it be Harry or Percy? Hmmmm such is the question of life….
"It is a curious thing, Harry, but perhaps those who are best suited to power are those who have never sought it. Those who, like you, have leadership thrust upon them, and take up the mantle because they must, and find to their own surprise that they wear it well." ~Albus Dumbledore, The Deathly Hallows
They Percy ones will come too I promise! But I think this fits the story. Plus it's pretty awesome.
Now before I go any crazier, I say, bye!
~Midnight