The curtains opened to reveal two bean bags and two cats, a tom and a she-cat sitting on the bean bags as usual, right? wrong.
The she-cat was sitting on a navy blue and the tom on an emerald green bean bag with darker flecks in the middle. What is so weird? Well, you see these two cats were leaning towards each other kissing passionately. the audience watched in uncomfortable silence as the make out took place.
Then Ashfur ran on stage.
(I bet you thought it was Ashfur!)
Ashfur: What in the name of Starclan Is going on here!
Ivy snapped her head toward Ashfur and instantly broke away from the kiss, reluctantly.
Ivy: Um, Hey Ashfur...
Ashfur: Why are you making out with Moonshine's Ex?!
Ivy: Calm down its Moonshine's EX! Besides, I don't even like him!
Flicker: Yeah I don't even like her! We are just friends.
Ashfur: THEN WHY ARE YOU KISSING?! MOONSHINE TOLD YOU SPECIFICALLY NOT TO DO WHAT YOU JUST DID!
Ivy: It was just some fun...
Ashfur: Well when I was going crazy over my super duper Squirrelflight's eyes bean bag didn't you freak out as well. Although I don't see why you would freak out I mean she obviously loves me.
As Ivy and Ashfur argued Flicker sped of sneakily behind their backs at stopped at the edge of the stage.
Flicker: One last thing, in the next chapter you will see the new backup hosts who will take over for the cats at the hospital. this is your final chance of voting and you can suggest in the reviews if you wish for me to become a backup host as well, bye.
Both Ashfur and Ivy stopped arguing as Flicker said that and they watched as he ran out of the building.
Ivy: I wasn't going to hurt him...
Audience gasps
Ashfur: Well I was for him ruining the show!
Ivy: oh yeah sorry about that. anyway, I hope you enjoy this chapter of Hollyleaf's promise called Soaked Emotions.
As Ivy said that Ashfur reluctantly ran backstage to cue the chapter.
Emerald's POV
The forest was quiet and peaceful, that is where Jasmine and Hollyleaf were.
A Frog croaked lazily minding its own business until he felt the ground beneath him vibrate. Before he could hop away Lumbering paws crashed through the undergrowth scattering leaves as they did so. The Frog panicked, fearing for its life and quickly ducked underneath the giant oak's roots that were planted in the ground. It sunk into the root fearfully as it's beady eyes stared at the two cars racing by.
I was frustrated. Rust of all cats was beating me! I had to pick up the pace or I was going to lose this race the third time in the row.
I and Rust were racing through the forest. Our paws were covered in mud, leaves and tiny twigs stuck to our fur from darting through bushes and jumping over logs. The wind blew through our fur as we both ran towards our destination, the stream
Rust was running faster and faster but I was falling behind.
No! not this time!
I wasn't going to lose again honestly my pride couldn't take another blow. I quickened my speed laughing as I did so but simply speed wasn't going to win this for me.
A log was incoming our way and I made a flying leap and heard a thud as my and Rust's paws touched the ground in complete sync. I smirked. Now both me and Rust were once again both neck and neck. You see Rust would always slow down when he made any jumps while running and I would use that to my full advantage.
"You're not winning this time!" He flattened his ears and I noticed how he took longer strides in an effort to out due me.
I loved races like this, the adrenaline coursing through your veins your heart thumping wildly as though it was about to fly out of my chest.
My legs ached, pelt ruined and tangled and I felt as though there was a twig stuck in between my teeth but those were consequences for later. I had to enjoy what real fun and freedom was like right now. Enjoy being a kit.
I laughed at Rust frustrated growl as no matter how hard he tried he couldn't manage to pass me.
"I'm not losing as easily as I did last time!"
He rolled his eyes. I laughed but as I was distracted Rust had taken a huge leap barely just managing to close the distance between us.
Hey!
I growled. It was my turn to be frustrated and I pushed forward but I was gradually slowing down and starting to lose pace.
Like I said you simply we both weren't that fast and with him now running inches ahead of me I couldn't just out once him with speed especially when I wasn't even that fast.
We were nearing the stream and as I had given up hope He narrowly sped ahead a few more inches away just as we exploded through the bushes, stopping by the sandy bank of the stream.
We both panted heavily and my tongue lolled out of my mouth as I regained my breath and tried to slow my heart to a steady beat.
"Another win for me as usual." Rust boasted, smirking.
I rolled my eyes and stuck out my tongue. Rust could act very arrogant at times.
I padded to the edge of the stream and stared at my reflection. I slid my tone into the cool water and lapped up some. The liquid was so refreshing and I relished every sip of it.
As I drank I ignored Rust coming to sit beside me. The real reason we were even at the stream was that Jasmine had suggested to fish but Honestly I wasn't in the mood to fish beside Jasmine and Hollyleaf weren't even here.
Wait, where WERE Hollyleaf and Jasmine!?
"Where are Jasmine and Hollyleaf!?" I screamed voicing my thoughts to Rust my head darting to the bushes where we came from. We must have left them far behind.
"Trailing after us."
He put his tail tip on my shoulder as to try and soothe me. My ears heated up.
This is strange…why do I feel so weird with a simple touch?
"Don't worry they should come soon beside I think they are enjoying this time alone."
"Speaking of Hollyleaf…what do you think about her?" I had this intense urge to do a bit of gossiping about the new cat but mostly I was trying to get away from this strange feeling.
It hadn't really bothered me as much as it bothered Rose that Hollyleaf had abruptly joined us. You see there had been an incident a moon before Hollyleaf arrived involving more strange cats and that situation led to death…a lot of death. My heart cracked as I thought about what we had lost…it was traumatizing.
I shook my head I needed to try and forget what happened It was the only thing I could do from making me go crazy with the weight of grief I mean it had already happened to Rose.
I personally thought she was an interesting she-cat. Although the way she looked at me made my fur stand on end.
"There is something about her that just doesn't feel right. She and those beady eyes of hers just scare me it like she is watching us… and learning our strengths and weaknesses." Rust admitted while gazing at the sun covered by the clouds that loomed over head providing shade from the fierce sun rays.
"Yeah although we don't know everything about her she probably isn't even used to us either. I mean she was friendly so far."
"So was Yellow…"
My heart stopped. I was trying to forget about that but now even rust brought it up!
I Felt my paws grow numb underneath me as I stumbled trying to catch my weight. Yellowstar, we called him Yellow had done something terrible to me mostly to jasmine and rose. Thinking about what I wished to forget brought back terrible memories.
My eyes stung from the tears that emerged. I turned away from Rust as a fat tear rolled down my cheek, taking its time to slide down my face. The pain, the emotion from that night the day the sorrow and pain tore through my heart like fire. The flames made my heart sear in pain and such sorrow I would never wish on anyone.
I unwillingly let out a strangled whimper. Rust noticed this and he moved closer offering comfort. He too had lost cats but…he had grieved properly and gotten over it.
"I'm sorry for bringing it up…" he apologized guiltily. "I didn't want to bring back bad memories."
"It's fine but I'd rather not compare Hollyleaf to …him." The last part of my speech ended in a vengeful growl. I had always tried to control my pain and one way I had found useful was to think of the day I would get revenge.
All this was one part of my life I tried to forget. It haunted me, changed me and I would never fully trust anyone again, not even Rust, no not after that.
His tail touched my chin and turned me towards him. My face now facing his own. Pain reflected in his eyes as well. "Be strong…" He whispered
I pushed away from him. Startled he jumped back as well, his eyes blinking furiously. I would have found his embarrassment quite amusing especially if it was with a she-cat but right now that she-cat was me. His cheeks we very noticeably tinted pink and the sheepish awkward look on his face said it all, well if Jasmine was here.
"I'm sorry."
I closed my eyes, hurriedly choking down the lump in my throat which I hadn't even realized was there. I ignored what had just happened but I could tell without looking at my reflection that I was blushing. Hard.
The truth was my sensitive and fragile heart couldn't go through that heartache a second time which meant I couldn't get close to anyone again. I needed to keep my distance and guard my heart but in this moment I felt vulnerable, my barriers had fallen and if grief could strike me again I certainly wouldn't be that strong. I knew I couldn't let what just happened to affect me in any way but it had. Rust was right anyway I needed to be strong I had to after all.
I should hold back my grief I mean imagine how much it had hurt Jasmine and Rose, oh Rose had easily been hit the hardest by the deaths.
She would wake up every night in her sleep screaming and crying out into the darkness of the barn about leaving her alone or calling out for willow or any of the other deceased cats. Her terrified and grief stricken screams would wake up every cat, leaving them anxious about Rose's mental.
Alfie would usually have to lead Rose away and try to calm her down as he by far had the best and comforting relationship with her. Honestly even the purest of cats could easily envy their tight bond.
Alfie's soothing words always managed to do the trick even by a little bit but that was always enough.
Then she would curl up in jasmine nest and would eventually go to sleep. You could say she was traumatized by the experience although with time she was getting better, mending herself on the inside. At least that's what we thought.
She glanced back at Rust who looked to be in a very uncomfortable position right now. His paws awkwardly kneaded the ground, his ears flattened against his head and his gaze not meeting mine.
"You don't need to be so uncomfortable," I said gently. I didn't wish to be responsible for making someone feel so out of place, it was not a very delightful feeling.
He smiled or smirked and said, "it was fun either way especially beating you again." He added.
I rolled my eyes which was a very common thing for me to do. Honestly, I was irritated at the sudden mood change but I couldn't let it show after all rust lived of off my reaction, mostly irritation. That and arrogance.
Speaking of being arrogant Rust had his nose stuck in the air in mock disgust like I was a tiny mouse in comparisons to him. He didn't say anything although his eye cracked open and he watched in anticipation if I would break or at least lash out. Just like I said.
But I didn't I was far too patient for that.
"If your nose is tied to the sky just say something," I muttered a smirk quickly unfolding on my face as his look said it all. I got him. Nothing new.
I expected a snarky remark maybe a roll of the eyes but not to be pushed into the stream.
I landed in the water with a splash. Disturbing the peaceful surface and sending ripples through the water. The water birds who I hadn't realized were there, let out loud squawks and took off rapidly into the air, rustling the leaves of the bushes where they once had hidden.
Rust was on the ground laughing as I swam up to the surface. I took a deep breath of air and glared at Rust's hysterical laughing form.
"Just like you to disturb something soooo peaceful." He joked. His fur blew as he got up and stood by the edge of the stream. I felt this urge to pull him into the stream with me and I would certainly do that but I had to wait till he moved closer.
He bent his head and tauntingly stuck out his tongue, in his slight distraction I as fast as lightning cheekily grabbed him by the scruff and pulled him into the water.
He yelped and tumbled into the water. I giggled and intently waited for him to resurface but he didn't.
Why isn't he up yet?
Now I was concerned he was taking longer than I expected.
"Rust," I called out hesitantly. I searched the water below hoping to find some sort of shadow to indicate he was there or hiding to possibly sneak up on me.
My concern was increasing and I started to panic. Where was he? Could he have drowned? I searched the water with a calm, composed exterior but really on the inside, I was nervous.
As I searched the water with rising fears I heard an amused chuckle behind me and an enormous splash of water
Who had done that!?
I turned, ready to slash at him with sheathed claws but stopped midair as I realized it was Rust. I breathed out in relief.
"Where the heck were you? Why would you scare me like that?"
He stopped laughing and instead gazed at me with a concerned expression. "Are you okay?" He asked not long after.
I growled and responded with splashing rust with the cold water. I smiled as he shook his head to rid the water from his eyes, sending droplets of water to slide of his whiskers.
"Why you- "he started but I cut him off with another barade of splashes.
"That teaches you not to mess with me!"
He mock growled and used his paws to shield himself from any more incoming water. he lunged at me and till sundown we fought in the stream, the water unknowingly pulling us further and further from where we were supposed to meet up with the others.
Rust's POV
We enjoyed our time in the water till sundown. the suns dying rays provided little light as we both stumbled out onto the shore into one shivering mess. My thick, bushy fur was flattened and heavy with the water that it soaked up, creating extra weight as we both clambered out of the stream
The sun's rays on the water cast a beautiful orange reflection as we both licked our soaking fur desperately hoping to warm up. The droplets running down our fur left the sandy back beneath us damp and muddy.
"You two!"
I flinched I knew that voice.
My sister and Hollyleaf marched through the bushes furiously and they both stared at out shivering forms. What a great entrance!
Prey was clamped in their jaws and a particularly juicy looking squirrel caught my eye. They both dropped the prey allowing space in their jaws to be able to start screaming at us.
Hollyleaf growled as Jasmine strode right over to us." Do you know how long we've been waiting for you?!"
"But you knew we would be at the stream you take us there all the time you should know the way there."
Hollyleaf stepped forth from her place with the prey. "You swam much further away from where we were supposed to meet and you also ran from us as soon as we left the barn." She explained.
Her voice was calmer than Jasmines and she honestly looked like she would handle the situation more rationally but I noticed how there was this weird haunted glow to her eyes as if she was speaking here but her mind was somewhere else.
"Oh." Emerald mewed and she lowered her head in shame. She had always been a kind, respectful she-cat and I knew she most certainly did not want to argue with the cats who took her in.
I snapped out of my thoughts to see Jasmine glaring at me pointedly expecting me to do the same.
I copied her honestly I wasn't that guilty especially when we dealt we this all the time. Emerald, on one hand, was looking very guilty.
"I'm sorry." We both echoed.
Jasmine still furiously glared at us. "I thought you had learned your lesson your lucky I'm not making you sleep outside tonight but I can't do that because your wet and you could catch greencough but I expected better especially from you Emerald."
Beside me, Emerald whimpered as Jasmine and Hollyleaf stormed off back towards the barn.
Emerald looks dejected as we both trailed after the fuming she-cats but my mind trailed to the look on her face at that awkward moment by the bank.
She looked scared haunted and she had the expression of a deeply depressed and grieving cat. Now that I thought of it the look on her face looked much like the one on Rose's when she had woken up from her frequent nightmares. I remembered how Alfie would comfort Rose and how Jasmine would let her sleep in her nest. Boy was she lucky to get the nest at the top.
Now that I think about it why hadn't Rose wanted to come with us why? She loved me and Emerald, maybe she was having another heart ache I should ask her to come hunting one time we haven't done that in a long time but not until I figure out what's wrong with Emerald.
I glanced at Emerald who now seemed to be glaring at me clearly displeased
"At least we had fun right?" I said trying to cheer her up but her glare just grew wider.
Inwardly I sighed attempt number one failed. "I'm sorry…" I apologized hoping it would do the trick.
"I'll take your apology for the second time." She answered. She moved closer and my fur tingled and I felt a strange urge to close the distance between us.
I almost did but I noticed to sneaky green eyes spying on us. Hollyleaf was glancing at me and Emerald from the corner of her eye. I turned to look back at Emerald who hadn't noticed.
"Well, see you!" I said hoping to avoid any teasing from Hollyleaf, no need to ruin the moment, before quickly licking her small pink nose in farewell before rushing over to walk beside Jasmine and Hollyleaf.
They both giggled their anger from before gone for just a minute. I groaned. "Please don't say anything," I begged.
They didn't answer although they kept their smiles. I glanced back at emerald to see she was frozen as if her mind couldn't calculate what had just happened, her jaw had dropped as if to confirm my suspicions and she was staring at me.
I smirked at her but didn't get a reaction.
My fur heated up as I turned away but I realized something. Something unusual.
Why was there starlight in Emerald's fur?!
Ashfur: Aww, that was cute.
Ivy: Yeah, young love...let's see if it survives.
They both laugh evilly as though they are in the motion of plotting a cliff hanger.
Audience gasps in alarm.
They stop laughing as a cat steps out of the audience. Birchfall.
Birchfall: Can I ask a question...?
Ivy: Sure.
Birchfall: why does Ashfur still have that bean bag?
Ashfur turned red in anger and he would have attacked his nephew but one problem was that his sister Fernclud and mentor Dustpelt were both staring at him.
Ivy: Well you see I allowed Ashfur to keep his bean bag but he has to follow three rules...the first is that he can't go into his mental state. the second is that he has to keep his calm around Hollyleaf's family especially Bramblelcaw.
She pointed to Hollyleaf's family from where they were sitting in the VIP seats, I mean the book was about Hollyleaf.
Ivy: And last is that he has to keep his cool around our backup hosts.
As she finished Birchfall sat back down in the Audience, satisfied with the answer.
Ashfur: I don't understand why we have these rules any way it's just a bean bag, The most amazing, beautiful, talented better than your ugly bean bag and the greatest in the whole wor-
Ivy: Exactly. And if Squirrelflight loves you so much.
Hey, guys and I hope you enjoyed this chapter and im sorry for updating very slowly it's just school and everything and there has been a lot of drama going on lately...so yeah.
A quick reminder that this is the final chance you can get to be able to vote for the new backup hosts. so far I think one choice is winning by a landslide but you guys will just have to wait and see which one.
Also if you guys wish to submit OCs then go ahead just note that im not in desperate need of them :) but I still do accept semi major characters!
Now time for a few replies
Snowcrystal-of-Thunderclan: Yes Emerald and Rust do like each other they just don't realize it. Also when I finished this chapter I was literally waiting for someone to get confused about Rose.
Ivy-the-Lion-King-Addict: Lol, what do you think of Ivy anyway?
Ponybird21: Aww thank you! I know that most stories revolving around Hollyleaf can be about how she turns evil or it's a FallenXHolly ship. I personally really love stories where Hollyleaf turns evil but I can't find ever find any of them that are finished! in fact, I'm actually planning on making one myself!
thank you guys for the wonderful reviews they really make my day! Also one of my favorite parts of writing fanfiction is all the questions I get from you guys so feel free to leave any inquiries.
Also originally I was going to have Emerald and Rose's POV but Rose's POV is going to be very, very important and will have the first cliff hanger! so I decided to do Rust's instead.
Anyway, what do you think about RustXEmerald?
why do you think Rust saw starlight in Emerald's fur?
what do you think happened to the barn cats before Hollyleaf came?
How is Rose's mental state?
And finally, will Ashfur lose his bean bag?
Anyway thank for reading and reviewing and ill see you in the next chapter of Hollyleaf's promise
~Zap