I got a haircut today. :3

Random, but I needed to say something up here.

So, enjoy!

A Broken Fantasy and Reality

Stone

At times you make yourself believe that everything will go right, because you can't bear the thought of it going wrong. But, is that even wise? I mean, fooling yourself into thinking that everything will go perfectly smooth? No, it's not smart. You shouldn't try to think that way. Stick to reality. It's easier to handle.

And I should know, because all I have now are shattered fantasies.

To get away from the horrible hell I was living in, I imagined meeting Birdsong again. In my fantasies, I would apologize for everything. And I mean everything. And when I was done, she would go, It's alright. Don't worry about, okay? I forgive you. And then, we would go back to how it used to be.

I also imagined clearing my name back home. That I would be able to set everyone straight that it wasn't me. That I wasn't the culprit. I'd watch the others turn against my persecutor for lying to them. They would give the same punishment I had. Then, I would refuse to let them do that, saying that no one should go through the same pain I did. And after that would be a happy ending.

But, after meeting Birdsong again, I realize just how far fetched my fantasies were.

Meeting Ashheart and Ravenwing was nothing short of a miracle. Most cats never got near where I was living. I was so happy to that some cats had strayed into the area. Though, it was against the rules for me to talk to anyone, I did so. It felt good to know that they couldn't do anything about it.

When Ravenwing had said that her friend needed help, I was glad to do so. I wanted to know that I was useful to someone. When I found out it was Birdsong, I sure my eyes were lying to me. But they weren't.

The first thought I had was, she's become beautiful. Which, I guess is sort of silly to say. I've always considered her to be beautiful. But she had become a more grown up beautiful. It seemed that everything about her had gotten better from back when she was an apprentice.

I was ready to live out what I had imagined to keep myself from going insane. But, you know how that turned out. That was one shattered fantasy.

I spent that entire night repeating that scene over and over again. How could I have expected her to forgive me? Why did I even keep my hopes up? So, I decided that if we started all over again, we could at least become friends. I just wanted to be close to her.

But that was another failure. She rejected the idea of us ever starting over again. So, it was official; she hated- no- despised me. And those fantasies crumbled into dust. I made sure that while I was leading them, they wouldn't see my face. Why? Well, I didn't want them to see the feelings I was holding back. Especially not Birdsong. If she saw it, she would only turn the other cheek and leave me feeling even more depressed than I was.

When Ashheart had asked me during the hunt what had happened between Birdsong and I, I was tempted into telling him. Maybe he could help me. But, what if he told Birdsong with the intention of making things right for us again? So, I went with a response that was safe.

Just like I had thought, Ashheart told Birdsong about what I had said. He tried to get the information out of her, which was understandable. And I guess I should have seen her comment coming. But, what really stung was that she thought I was being the way I was to get on their good side. She thought that I would betray them.

And what did I do in the face of this? I ran away. Just like I always have and always will. I'll never learn to accept reality.

As I ran, there was one thought that ran throughout my mind:

You're weak.

Story of my short and miserable life.

Scanning the area, I looked for a place to hide. I found without much hassle. It was a crack that most cats would have overlooked, but I knew better than that. I slipped into the crack and found myself inside a small cave. I gasped for air as the steady drip of water echoed throughout the cave. Once I had caught my breath, I padded to a boulder and huddled behind it. If someone came running after me, I would have a head start.

But, why would they bother? I asked myself sadly. I've already shown how incompetent I am. They'll probably just go on without me. They didn't need me in the first place. They just needed someone that knows the area to lead them on the right path. Well, I've done that. Looks like I'll have to go back there, again.

What if they found out I was missing? I immediately shudder. The fear creeps on me again, threatening to give me something else to think about.

I was so into my fear, I didn't hear the gentle padding of paw steps. ''Stone?'' I took a sharp intake of breath. ''Stone? I know you're here. Just come out from where ever you are. Everyone is worried sick of you.'' When I made no move to come out, she coaxed, ''I have something to tell you.''

Well, I guess I'm a sucker for her, because I poked my head from behind the rock. ''Birdsong...'' I laid my ears back and mentally braced myself for whatever harsh words she would say.

''You haven't changed at all.'' I blink. Birdsong rolls her blue eyes and pads towards me. I try to shuffle away, but she was already sitting next to me. ''I'm surprised.''

''Well, it's not like I've had much contact with others.''

''That may explain things.'' She looked at the ground. ''Look, Stone, I don't love you anymore. I don't trust you anymore. Ever since that day, I haven't. I'm still shocked about the lies that you made. And don't think I am ever going to forget the hell you put me through.'' I pull my ears back and stare at the ground. ''But, maybe I can learn to forgive you.''

My eyes widen and I look up at Birdsong. I searched into her blue for the signs that she was lying and that she was only doing this to hurt me more. I saw only truth. I stand up and look at her hopefully. ''You mean it? You... can forgive me?''

''I said maybe...''

But it didn't matter to me. I was going to try. Maybe, my fantasy of us at least being friends could still become a reality. ''Thank you. Thank you so much!'' I press my muzzle into her soft neck fur. ''Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you-''

''Alright! Enough with that!'' snapped Birdsong. She backed away from me. ''Yeah, yeah. So, I'm giving you a second chance. If you keep this up, I'm going to regret what I said and go back to loathing you.'' I nod to show that I understood. Birdsong sighs and says, ''Let's get back to the cave.''

When we arrive, Ashheart greets us. ''We've been looking all over for you! Don't run out on us like that! We still need some help getting to the Tribe.''

''You... still need me?'' I asked, confused.

Ashheart gave me a confused look. ''Of course we need you! None of us know the mountains better than you do.'' Ashheart cocked his head at me. ''Why?''

''Well, I thought I was pretty useless...''

''Well then, let me assure you aren't.''

''He is right, you know,'' said Birdsong. I couldn't help but feel a warm glow in my chest when she said that.

Ashheart looked between the two of us. ''Uh... did something happen?''

Birdsong snorted. ''Why would you think that? It's all the same!'' She turned to me. ''Isn't that right?''

I just nod.

The gray tabby didn't seem too convinced, but took our answer without much of a problem. ''Alright, if that is what you guys want me to know.''

When he turned his back to to us, Birdsong whispered, ''What happened back there never happened.''

I nod.

Yes, that would be for only us to know.

Our little secret.

Aw, Birdsong! You have a heart! 3

Stone is one of my favorite characters, so he has to have a PoV. :3

Well, hope you guys enjoyed it.