She is used to his protectiveness, the sudden bold moves and quick words that are all targeted toward one simple goal: gaining her trust. She knows that deep within his heart, he is no shield. He does not live like a coward, huddling back as the enemy approaches. No, he's a cat who protects everyone, a cat designed for battle in every way. She has never seen claws so sharp, eyes so bright, smiles so filled with confidence. She used to think she hated all of it, but there was something so terribly endearing about his arrogance. The fact that he was willing to risk his life for the safety of his clanmates was almost heartbreaking to think of. She always assumed that he would get home safely. After all, he was her living shield. But one day, when winter snowflakes were just beginning to fall, she discovered that he was not only her shield. . . he was everyone's.
