Tombstone + Keiko's Garden

[yummyluc]

The dark, broken, rotten house at the end of the road was one that the kittypets feared. It was once part of the twoleg place, but no longer, for it had been abandoned, and no one dared to move in. The owners simply left and never came back, no one knew why, nor did they really care. They left their old cat there, with nothing but a few days worth of food. His name was Tombstone, and no cat dared to even glance at him. His fur was matted and greasy and caked with mud, pieces of twigs and leave poking out. His fur was patchy, black with white splashes all over, it had once been beautiful. The old cat would have starved to death, had it not been for a kind, lithe she-cat who had a soft spot for elders. She'd come from deep in the forest, but obviously had more survival experience than the former kittypet. She'd cleaned him and made him rest, and had to basically force feed him the prey she'd caught. The place was crawling with them! Were they friends? Sort of. Were they enemies? Not quite. After the she-cat worked for him, he'd treat her to stupid, exaggerated stories and a warm, dry place to sleep. This cat was Keiko, a former fighter of the Dusk Syndicate. But no one knew that. The two share their garden in piece, a healthy relationship, and a strictly platonic one. They'd welcomed cats in bad shape before, but most barely lasted two nights. They were buried and respected and untouched.

[FOXXRR]

(I can join, right?)
Talon, a light grey tom with pale blue eyes, walked forwards. just forwards. He had no idea where to go after his mad dash over the thunder-path. The noise and the stench had blinded his senses and that was a bad thing since he was blind. Hoping he will not fall, he took his steps carefully so he would not fall off the ledge, if there were any. He did not know he was approaching two cats, an elder and a she-cat...

[yummyluc]

[[of course! it's always appreciated :heartbounce:]]

Oddly enough, Tombstone had been the one to sense the new presence first. He'd ignored it once, thinking it was just his old mind going bonkers. No cat ever came back here. Then, he could smell the faint scent of another cat. His senses had grown old, so he glanced, blurry eyed, to his companion, napping in what little sun they had here. "Keiko.." He murmured softly with his gravely, rough voice.

The she-cat groaned and rolled over some, before she felt another sharp jab against her stomach, "What, Tombstone?" She mumbled, half awake, eyes still closed.

"There's 'nother cat 'round here. Can't tell where 'ey are, though.." He informed her.

The calico sighed before groaning again as she hauled herself up, stretching and yawning before flicking alert in a mater of seconds. She could feel it to, smell it. There was another cat here. "Go inside, Tombstone. If I need back up, you'll know. They'll think I'm alone, you'll take 'em by surprise." She told him, meow barely above a whisper. The old cat nodded, quietly stepping inside the crumbling building, rolling in some strong-scented fungus to cover himself before crouching in a good hiding spot, his fur blending with the black of the house and the mold inside it, old eyes sharp and wise, alert.

[FOXXRR]

Blindly not knowing the other two cats, he just walked forwards. He felt his mind tense as it felt something but he didn't know what it was. It was all white instead of the comforting black with white lines that represented the objects around him. "when will I get it back" he mumbled to himself as he padded forwards. He did not know when was day and when was night due to his feeling numbness. He also did not know he was heading straight towards the she-cat.

[yummyluc]

Keiko turned, green eyes narrowed at the new tom in front of her. He didn't stop walking, and his eyes seemed unfocused, not looking directly at her.

"Hey!" She barked suddenly. The cat was getting too close for comfort, "Who are you, and why are you wandering around my territory?" She asked, though it sounded more like a command that that.

Her fur bristled slightly, claws threatening to pop from their sheaths as she bared her teeth and made a low, threatening growl one could only hear if they listened close. Her fur popped out from the darkness surrounding her, her patches would have looked like leaves frozen in time, had it not been for her white coat underneath. Her tail lashed around her feet as she took a few daring steps forward before taking a defensive stance, feet planted firmly on the rotten floor boards beneath her.

[FOXXRR]

"AAAH!" Talon yowled as he suddenly heard a voice, tracing it, the cat was at his left, a fox-length away from him. He wasn't sure as his senses were still blinded and he turned his head towards where he heard the voice, accurately placing his eyes on the source of the sound

[yummyluc]

"Answer me, cat," Keiko hissed softly, but with a tone cold as stone, taking another step forward before repeating her question at the tom, who now had turned to face her, "Why are you in my territory?" A fire had been born in her moss green eyes, claws now digging into the soft wood beneath her paws as her fur puffed up even more. She wasn't even sure if this cat could see her, but she sounded threatening enough.

Tombstone watched cautiously from a hole in the house wall. This tom didn't seem much of a threat.. In fact, it seemed like he needed help. The cat's milky eyes told him he was blind, or mostly blind. He wanted to step out and tell Keiko not to hurt the poor cat, but when she gave orders, you'd better listen, or you'd be torn to shreds. So, he kept his muzzle shut as he watched.

[FOXXRR]

'This is a total disadvantage of mine isn't it.' he thought as his dull senses told him the cat was closer 'I don't have my super senses with me'. He took a step back, still not answering the question. 'She wants a fight' he sensed 'I am unable to stop that'.

[yummyluc]

"Answer me. Now. Before I tear you to shreds," Keiko growled on more, this time louder, her stance getting more and more offensive the angrier she got. She wanted this cat out. Now. But she needed to know why he was here in the first place, to make sure he wouldn't come back. Drool was starting to drop from her teeth as her mind grew more and more rabid, her anger starting to blind her. Until a gravelly old meow snapped her to her senses.

"That's 'nough, Keiko." Far from his normal soft tone, Tombstone's statement was a command as he left his hiding spot, suddenly looking younger, chest puffed out, striding confidently to his friend's side, "What brings ya here, young'n?" He asked, voice much more welcoming and calm than the smaller calico next to him, "We mean no harm. We'll help ya if ya need it. Keiko here s'just protective of our land, s'all. Don' worry, she's mostly bark, barely ever bites," He added with a gruff, friendly chuckle, hoping his friendly demeanor would calm the cat down from Keiko's lashing.

Keiko had meant to butt in, but a stern look from Tombstone shut her up. She knew when to let him take charge, so after Tombstone spoke, she left, purposefully stomping away, tail lashing, nose high as she headed inside the rotting pantry of the house, turning to the living room, and down the hall, slipping through the cat door to the back yard.

[FOXXRR]

shocked to hear another sound, Talon looked around to find the source of the sound as his senses couldn't pick where it was from. He started to get alarmed as he thought of the cat could be anywhere. He got even more frightened at the thought of more cats here. He backed away but hit a wall. He was shaken with fear.

[yummyluc]

"Hey, jus' calm down, now. I promise, we're not gonna hurt you.." Tombstone tried, his voice soft and sweet-sounding as he took soft steps forward. He knew that the tom couldn't see him, and it must be terrifying, especially after one of Keiko's outbursts, so he tried to be as gentle as possible. He stopped moving forward and sat in the damp dead leaves beneath his paws, "I won' even come near ya, ya can fin'e me all on yer own, I won' even move. Ya can run if ya like, but I'm not here ta hurt ya, or force ya into anythin', awright, kit?" He murmured, just loud enough for only the tom to hear. Tombstone wanted to help the poor tom, but with the state of him, it didn't seem like he'd want help from them any time soon.

Keiko listened from the other side of the house, not getting much but soft mumbles of Tombstone's voice. She hated to have another cat here, because every time they'd accepted them inside their home, they stole from them or died, sometimes both, and Keiko hated trusting strangers, anyhow. The Syndicate had taught her that much. So, she held her breath and listened closely. For now, it was just awkward silence. The sounds of bugs and the wind seemed to have stopped moving, eager to here what would happen, too.

[FOXXRR]

The only thing Talon could hear was mumbling. Gathering all his confidence, he asked "Can you speak louder, I can't hear you" in the least rudest voice possible

[Bram246]

Jungle walked in the old twolegs den. She looked around shaking her tortishell fur. Stepping lightly as she could she heard voices.

[yummyluc]

The old tom gave a quiet sigh of relief when the cat spoke, "I was jus' sayin' that we ain't gon' hurt ya. We only wanna help ya. Are ya lost? Are ya hurt? I've noticed you can't see, do ya need an escort? Keiko an' I know this place, inside an' out, like the backs of our paws." He answered, lifting himself up gingerly and taking a few steps towards the tom.

Keiko was just about ready to strangle the elder. Why does he always do this? Every time some cat comes in, he tries to help them, even if they don't need it! Countless cats have turned him down. If a cat needs help, they'll ask for it. That simple. That stupid tom was too nice for his own good..

[FOXXRR]

"Um. er sorry" Talon replied, relieved that the other cat was nice. "I'm sorry for intruding... is this your territory?" He asked, but instantly regretting the words, OF COURSE THIS IS HIS TERRITORY!

[Bram246]

Jungle made her way to a door. Pushing it she saw three cats. She smiled,"Hello?"

[FOXXRR]

Talon got frightened again as a new cat entered his senses. This time, he was not going to back down. He blocked out all his senses, hoping that none will attack in his healing state. He fell to the side as if he was taking a quick nap, and his eyes turned darker. He needed to get his senses back at all cost

[yummyluc]

"It's alright, our territory is open for all," He said with a warm smile, which soon disappeared as he heard another cat enter the scene, "Oh, why, hello! What brings ya here?" He asked politely, in an attempt to calm the tom down again, seeing his reaction the a new cat.

Keiko groaned as she heard a new cat enter. Leaving her place, then taking it next to Tombstone, trying not to look like she might murder a certain old tom. She kept her stature friendly, but her face said otherwise as she sized up the new cat, tasting the air. Both smelled like any other loner or kittypet, or even a rogue. Not a trace of Syndicate or Clan on them, which was a good sign.

"Why don' we all jus' calm down and have a chat, awright?" Tombstone suggested. It was getting colder, and darker out, and it was real dangerous for any cat to travel alone at night, no matter how strong, he knew that much. Even if he'd get a claw to the face from Keiko, he knew that she knew they couldn't just shoo these cats away at this time of day.

[Bram246]

Jungle walk right up to the old tom with a smile,"I was just seeing if there were any cats here. Can I stay? My paws are aching for rest."

[FOXXRR]

Talon is still healing....
(to other cats, talon looks like he died)

[yummyluc]

"Of course, young'n! We've got plenty of space, but some places are a bit unsafe or wet, so be careful where ya choose ta sleep!" He said with a warm chuckle, not noticing that the tom had curled up and fell asleep behind him. His eyes twinkled, always glad to have new company other than Keiko. Don't get him wrong, he loved the she-cat to death and back, but sometimes you just got tired of cats.

Keiko, on the other hand, did not welcome the new cat, and instead fixed her attention on the sleeping tom behind them, and, without, a word, padded over to him and looked down at him, examining his features and body, looking for any wounds or injured, the like. She may not like new cats, but that didn't mean she wouldn't help them if they were hurt. For now she'd only have a look-over, not a thorough examination, as she wouldn't dare disturb the cat. Even after she was done looking over him, she kept staring at his slightly trembling body. He looked like a decent cat when he didn't look terrified for his life.

[FOXXRR]

Talon suddenly stood up, all healed. His senses navigated the area, but only short distance because he did not want to blind his senses again. He saw outlines of two-leg shelters and three cats. Two she-cats, and a tom. The tom was an elder and Talon recognized one of the she-cats near him, the one who was aggressive to him earlier on. Thankful for his senses to come back, he padded towards the tom.

[Bram246]

"Thanks", Jungle thanked the old tom. Seeing the other cat who was on the ground get up towards the tom Jungle stayed where she was.

[Crumbleless]

Could my cats Dexter and Didi join?

[FOXXRR]

Looking around awkwardly, he spoke to the tom, "I am very sorry for freaking out but my senses were dull due to the thunderpath. Please accept my apology and I can help you.." he trailed off as he felt more and more awkward to the point his sentences were not so great anymore.

[Bram246]

[ QUOTE=Goose;5338]Could my cats Dexter and Didi join?[/QUOTE]
(Dexter's Laboratory! CALP CLAP!)

[Crumbleless]

XD They are based off of my cats in real life! And that's my cats' real names)

[Bram246]

[ QUOTE=Goose;5355]XD They are based off of my cats in real life! And that's my cats' real names)[/QUOTE]
(HA! Nice!:waaah:)

[FOXXRR]

XD They are based off of my cats in real life! And that's my cats' real names)
(HA! Nice!:waaah:)
BTW, you can make the quote system work by deleting the space between the first [ and the Q.

[Bram246]

UOTE=ninetailsnetwork;5385]BTW, you can make the quote system work by deleting the space between the first [ and the Q.[/QUOTE]
(Testing your tip)

[Bram246]

[ QUOTE=Bram246;5399]UOTE=ninetailsnetwork;5385]BTW, you can make the quote system work by deleting the space between the first [ and the Q.[/QUOTE]
(Testing your tip)[QUOTE]

[Bram246]

I'll figure it out later.

[yummyluc]

Could my cats Dexter and Didi join?

of course!! you don't have to ask, just hop in :heartbounce:

[yummyluc]

Keiko jumped back when the tom hopped up, letting out a hiss out of habit. Her fur bristled, but she licked it down fast, pretending to groom herself rather than to cover up the fact she'd been startled. Dumb tom.. you're so lucky Tombstone's here to stop me from ripping you to shreds.... She thought bitterly with a scowl, before brushing past all three cats and heading back through the pantry entrance, "Don't touch my things.." She spat before disappearing inside and dropping into the bed she'd made from moss, soft grasses, loose feathers, and even a few flowers she'd found and liked.

Tombstone jumped at the voice, "Oh! Ye've come ta yer senses. What's yer name, young'n?" He greeted happily, not asking him the real question. Help us? Yer in bad shape, young'n. At least, ye seemed like it moments ago.. Weird.. But he shook the thoughts away and turned towards teh pantry entrance, looking back and motioning for the others to follow. He loved new company, absolutely adored it. That was the problem, he's been tricked, stolen from, fought with, and near clawed to death every time his easily trusting demeanor had been wrong. But these cats seemed like good cats, they had to be good cats, then, right?

[FOXXRR]

Talon's super senses were picking on minor discomfort from the elder. "My name is Talon," he stopped and asked "What's wrong"

[Bram246]

"I'm Jungle.",she said waving her tail at Talon.

[yummyluc]

"Ah, th'name's Tombstone, and the she-cat who just stormed off is Keiko. She's nice enough if ya listen to her," He said, nodding to both of them in acknowledgment, and giving out a hearty chuckle at his own retort towards his friend, "Eh? Nothin's wrong, young'n, jus' gettin' used ta yer bein' here s'all. Always gotsa adjust, y'know?" He lied. He was a good liar when he wanted to be, "Are y'all hungry? We've got some extra prey if ye want some, caught daily by yours truly in there," He offered, changing the subject and gesturing with his tail as he referenced Keiko hunting for all of them.

The calico inside simply groaned and turned away, towards the wall, away from the voices outside. Her moss bed was on the second shelf, one still firmly hung, but broken off from the other side. Her own personal safe haven. Tombstone's bed was on the first stair next to the backyard hallway, since he couldn't climb much, but, quote, "wanted ta stay in shape," just in case a threat came along, even though he could fight just about as good as a newborn kit on slippery pebbles.

[FOXXRR]

"Ah, th'name's Tombstone, and the she-cat who just stormed off is Keiko. She's nice enough if ya listen to her," He said, nodding to both of them in acknowledgment, and giving out a hearty chuckle at his own retort towards his friend, "Eh? Nothin's wrong, young'n, jus' gettin' used ta yer bein' here s'all. Always gotsa adjust, y'know?" He lied. He was a good liar when he wanted to be, "Are y'all hungry? We've got some extra prey if ye want some, caught daily by yours truly in there," He offered, changing the subject and gesturing with his tail as he referenced Keiko hunting for all of them.

The calico inside simply groaned and turned away, towards the wall, away from the voices outside. Her moss bed was on the second shelf, one still firmly hung, but broken off from the other side. Her own personal safe haven. Tombstone's bed was on the first stair next to the backyard hallway, since he couldn't climb much, but, quote, "wanted ta stay in shape," just in case a threat came along, even though he could fight just about as good as a newborn kit on slippery pebbles.
"I can catch some prey for all of us if you want" Talon offered, as his senses were still desturbed.

[yummyluc]

"I can catch some prey for all of us if you want" Talon offered, as his senses were still desturbed.

"Bah, there's no need fer that, Keiko catches more prey than we can eat, and it all goes te waste." Tombstone assured him before stepping into the pantry entrance, brushing Keiko's back with his tail gently, getting a grunt of acknowledgment before he took a left to the living room. On his right was his bed of moss and feather, where he slept. Next to that, the short hall that led to the backyard, also known as their hunting grounds. The door that lead to the kitchen and bedrooms were locked and had no other places to get into them. Besides, both of those areas were mostly ruins. Next to the doorway of the pantry was their small fresh-kill pile. Enough prey for both visitors to have maybe two servings if they wanted it. Tombstone turned to them, eyes bright, "Ye can sleep anywhere ye want te. Upstairs is all wet an' ruins, so I don' recommend there. But the hallway and staircase are pretty dry, I'm thinkin' Keiko won't enjoy yer comp'ny in the pantry too much, so try an' avoid it if ye can." He advised.

[FOXXRR]

"Thank you for the offer, but I like to sleep outside. Being inside drives me mad" especially a cat with super senses he added silently. He took in all the names in his head. Jungle, Tombstone, Keiko. He attached all the names to the sounds and voices of each cats.

[yummyluc]

Tombstone cocked his head to the side, but didn't question the tom. Everyone had their preferences. But it did seem like it was gonna rain tonight. "Oh, well, awright, if tha's what ye prefer. It looks like it might rain tenight, though, so come inside if ye feel some raindrops," He said with a nod before turning and hoping up onto his step and into his bed, welcoming the warmth that it provided for him. He was glad for some new company, and hoped his gut was right this time. He could agree, he was too trusting, but he couldn't help it. Growing up on your own meant trusting strangers, and he'd survived with a few scratches so far, so what could possibly go wrong?

[FOXXRR]

Talon nodded gracefully as the tom understood his ways of life. Or he thought. He padded to the most empty and open area he could find and curled up.

[Bram246]

Jungle layed under a bush. She drifted to sleep as the rain started.

[yummyluc]

Tombstone had already dozed off a few moments after his head hit the bed of moss beneath him. He'd done a nice thing today. He let out some nasty coughs in his sleep, some so bad they shook his whole delicate frame. Thankfully, everyone was asleep, and they weren't too loud, so he didn't wake anyone up.

Keiko stayed up some, until the moon was nearly in the middle of the sky, her fiery green eyes glowing in the dark as she watched both guests carefully. Tombstone was sick, and getting worse, but he didn't know she knew that. She was getting more and more defensive every day, but that was because Tombstone was a good, loyal friend. Not just to her, to everyone he met, he didn't deserve to get murdered in his sleep, so she wouldn't sleep tonight. She couldn't lose this silly old tom. She'd be alone again. She wouldn't be able to stand that. So, the calico sat on her ledge, her watchful, thoughtful eyes flickering between the pantry entrance, where Talon had left, and where Jungle slept..

[FOXXRR]

(That's what Tombstone THOUGHT!!!)
The rain soothed him to sleep, until he was awoken by coughing. Tracing the sound, he realized that Tombstone was coughing. Getting up, he spread his senses to beyond and tried to find Coltsfoot(I think). He found some not so far away and noticed Keiko watching him. Shrugging, he went to find the Coltsfoot.

[Crumbleless]

Ok!)
Didi let out a course new her eyes dreary with exhaustion,"Dexter night is coming! I want to go back to our Housefolk!" Dexter sighed with a shake of his head as if trying to shake away the night,"Didi just a little bit farther! I want to catch some prey." Didi snorted and flicked her tail,"Fine but then we have to go back before those wild cats find us!" The small light orange and white she-cat was shivering with fear as her green yellow speckled eyes glanced around nervously. Her brother Dexter a large bulky tom was a light orange also and had the same eyes as her but instead of looking nervous he was more of in an adventurous stance as they moved through the night paw step at a time. Dexter stared at the house with the old cranky kittypet by the name of Tombstone was,"Come on Didi I have a better idea!" He called out darting ahead leaving his cowering sister to fend for herself. Didi froze before mewing,"Wait for me Dexter!" The long legged she-cat darted after her brother in a few strides. As rain started to fall Didi shivered,"Come on lets get going!" The usually not so bossy kittypet mewed as they reached the porch wet from the cold rain and shivering. "Anyone there?", Dexter mewed fiercely.

[FOXXRR]

Ok!)
Didi let out a course new her eyes dreary with exhaustion,"Dexter night is coming! I want to go back to our Housefolk!" Dexter sighed with a shake of his head as if trying to shake away the night,"Didi just a little bit farther! I want to catch some prey." Didi snorted and flicked her tail,"Fine but then we have to go back before those wild cats find us!" The small light orange and white she-cat was shivering with fear as her green yellow speckled eyes glanced around nervously. Her brother Dexter a large bulky tom was a light orange also and had the same eyes as her but instead of looking nervous he was more of in an adventurous stance as they moved through the night paw step at a time. Dexter stared at the house with the old cranky kittypet by the name of Tombstone was,"Come on Didi I have a better idea!" He called out darting ahead leaving his cowering sister to fend for herself. Didi froze before mewing,"Wait for me Dexter!" The long legged she-cat darted after her brother in a few strides. As rain started to fall Didi shivered,"Come on lets get going!" The usually not so bossy kittypet mewed as they reached the porch wet from the cold rain and shivering. "Anyone there?", Dexter mewed fiercely.
Returning to treat Tombstone with the coltsfoot he found, he noticed two cats... Widening his senses, he recognized they were kitty-pets with the stench of two-legs. 'as long as nobody bothers non, it is not a problem' he thought as he put the herbs away somewhere dry and stalked up to them from behind.
"What are you doing here" Talon mewed gently

[Crumbleless]

Didi leaped into the air in surprise as Talon came up behind her and her brother. Dexter hissed,"What gives you any right to question me!?" He said ruthlessly. Didi swatted her brother over the nose with a paw,"Be nice Dexter!" She mewed smoothly before sitting down and curling her fluffy tail around her paws just barely missing the swat that Dexter almost gave her if he hadn't slipped on the slippery porch and fell on his chest with a groan. Didi chuckled for a ment before turning to Talon," My brother wanted to hint some prey before he changed his mind and came this way. Its a good thing too since it is raining." The kittypet smoothed down her fur in a few swipes before smiling.

[FOXXRR]

Didi leaped into the air in surprise as Talon came up behind her and her brother. Dexter hissed,"What gives you any right to question me!?" He said ruthlessly. Didi swatted her brother over the nose with a paw,"Be nice Dexter!" She mewed smoothly before sitting down and curling her fluffy tail around her paws just barely missing the swat that Dexter almost gave her if he hadn't slipped on the slippery porch and fell on his chest with a groan. Didi chuckled for a ment before turning to Talon," My brother wanted to hint some prey before he changed his mind and came this way. Its a good thing too since it is raining." The kittypet smoothed down her fur in a few swipes before smiling.
"I hope you don't disturb any cats here living, or staying, by yowling around." He gently mewed whilst he did a circular motion with his left paw, "Some cats are sleeping here believe it or not and I don't want them to wake up cranky just because of you fellas".

[Crumbleless]

"I hope you don't disturb any cats here living, or staying, by yowling around." He gently mewed whilst he did a circular motion with his left paw, "Some cats are sleeping here believe it or not and I don't want them to wake up cranky just because of you fellas".
Didi nodded with a sigh,"Well I'm sorry for us disturbing you." She mewed before Dexter stood up and snapped at the tom,"I don't care." He said stubbornly.

[FOXXRR]

Didi nodded with a sigh,"Well I'm sorry for us disturbing you." She mewed before Dexter stood up and snapped at the tom,"I don't care." He said stubbornly.
"Then don't." Talon replied with his know-it-all voice, "but that doesn't mean I won't stop you."

[yummyluc]

Keiko could hear the kittypets and Talon conversing outside, rather loudly. Nothing could wake up Tombstone, but they still were at risk of awaking Jungle. The calico folded her legs beneath her and swished her tail from side to side behind her gently. She wanted to see how Talon asserted the situation. Dexter, from what she'd gathered, seemed like a troublemaker that wanted to disturb some cats who only wanted some sleep. Didi seemed like the more reasonable of the two. Stupid twoleg toys should go back to their masters..She growled in her head bitterly, green eyes going dark as she narrowed them and glared at the three with burning malice. She wanted to tear them all to shreds, or at least get them to leave. They didn't deserve Tombstone's kindness or loyalty, they'd only take it for granted. They weren't stupid, Tombstone is weak, and only getting weaker, they could shut him down in seconds, even with her help. Sighing, she shook herself out of her thoughts and listened in on the conversation..

[FOXXRR]

Keiko could hear the kittypets and Talon conversing outside, rather loudly. Nothing could wake up Tombstone, but they still were at risk of awaking Jungle. The calico folded her legs beneath her and swished her tail from side to side behind her gently. She wanted to see how Talon asserted the situation. Dexter, from what she'd gathered, seemed like a troublemaker that wanted to disturb some cats who only wanted some sleep. Didi seemed like the more reasonable of the two. Stupid twoleg toys should go back to their masters..She growled in her head bitterly, green eyes going dark as she narrowed them and glared at the three with burning malice. She wanted to tear them all to shreds, or at least get them to leave. They didn't deserve Tombstone's kindness or loyalty, they'd only take it for granted. They weren't stupid, Tombstone is weak, and only getting weaker, they could shut him down in seconds, even with her help. Sighing, she shook herself out of her thoughts and listened in on the conversation..
Talon shivered as he sensed Keiko staring at them, and remembered what he was trying to do in the first place. He got up, and went towards where he left his Coltsfoot. Over his shoulder, he mewed just loud for the kitty-pets to hear "Don't cause a racket or else I will be blasting you away". Talon picked up the herbs and headed towards where Tombstone was sleeping.

[FOXXRR]

(Tired of waiting... I'm too impatient)
Takin left the herbs right outside the door and padded to the spot he was in. He curled up again and let the rain comfort him to sleep.

[Bram246]

Jungle yawned as droplets poured from the bush. Getting up shaking her fur she looked around to see if any of the others were around.

[Crumbleless]

Dexter grunted,"How rude!" He hissed twisting his light orange tabby tail about angrily. Didi sighed shaking her head and putting her tail on her sibling's back,"Calm down Dexter." She whispered. Dexter flexed his claws a few times before slumping,"Fine.", He muttered curling up on the wet porch and putting his tail over his nose,"Might as well sleep out here considering they don't sound or look like they want us in there." Didi nodded in agreement before curling up next to her brother and falling asleep.

[Bram246]

Jungle stretched and jumped in the fence. She smiled Keiko,"Hey! You didn't sleep?"

[FOXXRR]

His senses woke him up. He was refreshed since the rain had blocked all the scents that could wake him up easily. He sensed that Jungle was awake, and sensed the two kittypets. 'Still here' he thought

[Bram246]

Jungle turned to see two orange cats at the entrance of the abandoned den. She didn't want to wake them or talk to them. She looked at Keiko.

[FOXXRR]

(((((((((BUMP)))))))))

[yummyluc]

[[aaaa, apologies of my absence]]

Keiko didn't say anything, but gave a grunt that meant yes and kept her eyes on the cats outside. Dexter was so easily angered, maybe even reckless. Untrustworthy in Keiko's book. Tombstone meant well, but he wasn't from the generation of the cats around him, and he could say some stupid things sometimes, not knowing they were offensive. She let out a breath from her nostrils, still leaving her muscles tensed but eyes narrowed at the cats sleeping on the sodden porch. Didi, on the other hand, seemed more like a cat to trust. She'd been sensible since the day Keiko spotted them. She wouldn't mind having some cats around here to watch their backs. Jungle seemed nice, maybe a bit too nice, and Talon... well, for once, Keiko's gut instinct was unsure. He was odd, but he had went to get Tombstone some medicine that night, and he did seem like a caring cat, but he did some odd things. Like passing out and looking dead from fear to hopping up in no time and trying to help them, and sleeping outside when it was raining? Insane. Keiko pondered about this for a while.

It would be nice to try and start a community here, not just a place for cats to drop by for rest or medicine or food, but a place for cats without homes if they wanted it. Start a real community like the Syndicate or the Clans, but less strict. It would be wonderful, and Keiko knew she'd have appreciated it when she was a loner, and after she left the Syndicate..

[Bram246]

(Starting a community sounds nice!)
Jungle sat next to Keiko. She didn't get a response from the cat but wanted to keep her company.

[FOXXRR]

He ran around in circles. It was the best exercise he could think of that challenged his hearing sense. The speed of the running would slightly dull the sense and moving around would make the hearing senses confused as it points at a different place fast. He stopped, panting, and lied down, blocking his hearing senses to heal them after the exercise.

[yummyluc]

After a little while, Tombstone began to stir, just squirming and rolling over a few times before actually popping open his old, gray eyes. but still half-lidded as he heaved his old body from the soft but slightly matted moss on the stair. He stood and stretch, bones making sickening cracking noises, but Tombstone seemed to be more refreshed doing so. With a stifled cough, he gently moved off the stair-step and towards the pantry entrance, spotting Keiko awake on her ledge, staring intently at something outside.

The calico knew the old tom was up. Even if he thought he was quiet, she could hear him from a mile away, effortlessly, "Tombstone," She murmured softly, knowing his senses were delicate when he awoke, "Two cats came here last night, Talon talked to them. They fell asleep on the porch. A tom and a she-cat." She reported quickly, turning to look down at the patchy old tom from her perch. He looked worse. His fur was falling out in some loose clumps in his moss bed, she'd gathered from cleaning and replacing it for him, and he was coughing pretty bad the night before, even worse than she'd heard just a few sunrises ago.

"Oh! Well, I'll go talk to 'em!" Tombstone said gently, his voice still gravelly and raspy from sleep. He rubbed his tired eyes with one paw before stretching and cracking his spine once more and stepping out of the house, searching with blurred vision for the two cat his companion mentioned.

"Dumb old cat.." Keiko muttered under her breath as she watched Tombstone leave. He was nothing if not stubborn, even if he did listen to her most of the time. For the first time since last night, the calico yawned, her jaws gaping and not closing for a while, her muscles starting to relax with exhaustion, but she still refused to sleep.

[FOXXRR]

Talon got up and stretched, his hearing senses super clear. He looked sensed around for tombstone and he noticed him going towards the two cats. 'I bet he will do the same thing like yesterday, except that it might get interesting' he thought. He was about to call out to the old elder when a wave of exhaustion hit him. Looking sensing around to find the source, he realized it was coming from Keiko. He padded towards her.

[yummyluc]

[ ninetailsnetwork Bram246 Goose ]

[we ended with didi and dextor on the porch, talon in a tree being sad, and jungle talking with keiko and tombstone, who were inside eating. i'm so so so sorry for my absence, i'd just no interest in this, and writer's block hated me]

Keiko heard the wail, but chose to ignore it, giving an acknowledging nod to Jungle before giving Tombstone a warm smile and a soft chuckle at the story he told her a million times about how he'd fought off three dogs all by himself, though the last time it'd been six, and the time before that'd been 4. Keiko didn't care about correcting him. He could barely move his jaws. He'd be gone soon. It'd be best to see him happy.

"An' then this big ol' dog, bigger than the fence outside, came a' lumberin' towar's me, teeth bared an' foamin' and slobberin' e'erywhere.." He trailed off into a fit off coughs, but tried to continue the story, being inaudible for most of it from the interruption of his hacking. Still he grinned as wide as he could, stretching a mile wide as he saw his good friend laugh at his constantly changing story. He continued, but Keiko didn't seem to be listening as much as she had the first few times.

[FOXXRR]

{BACKUP} (https://docs.google.com/document/d/174nUO6Qj9vJBh-zXTT_gHoYeGhx4zpWdCgELsjU6xMc)
From 14th October and Beyond!
[[apologies for the delay!!]]

"Hello!" Tombstone greeted loudly to the two cats with a wide grin as he padded softly over to them. His eyesight was worse, and his throat hurt. Must'a been coughin' all night ag'in.. He thought to himself. He was perfectly fine, he always had that problem. And he was old, all old cats lose their eyesight at some point. He shook himself out of those thoughts, focusing on greeting the new visitors.

Keiko was not ready to sleep yet. She had to deal with the new cats, change Tombstone's moss, groom Tombstone, catch some pray for Tombstone and the others, check the perimeter.. Then, and only then, would she sleep. It wasn't a healthy habit, but Tombstone had gave her some sort of redemption from the Syndicate.

Although some habits were still visible, most of her old thoughts had faded away when she was given a second chance. Another cat worth living and dying for. After her old mate had gone off and disappeared, she'd been broken and left the Syndicate. She wasn't able to take very good care of herself until she stumbled upon the old broken twoleg nest in the woods with an old bat who was too kind and new he had to take care of her, too.

She shook her head out of the old memories and went back to staying awake, standing up and stretching as she began to pace around to keep her mind busy, as too not suddenly pass out from lack of sleep.
Jungle jumped off the fence. She headed to hunt since she was a bit annoyed at the she cat. Jungle entered the forest near the old house to see what she could find.
Talon arrived near Keiko and rested his tail on her shoulders. "You should get some sleep, you are very exhausted." He mewed gently
Dragging a snake and two mice back to the old home Jungle wondered if there were snake nest anywhere.
Keiko let out a hiss, and forced herself not to bat the tom's tail off her shoulder, "I'm fine. I'll survive. It's not a big deal," She said firmly, standing rigid and watching over everything that happened from her second-shelf perch. "Besides, you are in no position to tell me what's best for me, cat," She spat towards him. Tombstone was the only cat to tell her that, and Inca.. but she would still have been stubborn. She lashed her tail as her claws slid gently in and out of their sheaths, digging into the hard wood that was slow to rot like the rest of the ruined twoleg nest.
"It is a big deal when you won't survive another hour" He mewed, jumping away as she spat at him
'I got food!", Jungle said as she threw the mice over the fence. She jumped dragging the snake with her.
Hearing Jungle shout something, his attention snapped to her. She had caught mouse and snake, but he was unsure the amount.
Jungle landed as the snake hung on her head,"No I got it.", she shook the snake off.", I got two mice and this snake. We can divide this snake into pieces.", Jungle started tearing the snake,"Also is there any snake nest around?"
Talon was shocked... he had not realized Tombstone was so close to dying. He stared after her as what started out as an order turned into a sad backstory. He opened his mouth as if to say something but closed it again, dumbfounded.
"Hey Talon! Come over here and eat", Jungle's mouth was bloody as she finished tearing the snake into pieces.
"No thanks," he called to her, "I'm not hungry"(I checked to see if Talon could be a vegan but he wouldn't survive)
(Vegan cat! Haha!)
Jungle shrugged grabbing a mouse. She when to a bush and ate it.
Keiko nodded and sat, taking the smaller of the nice and tearing into it, trying to forget what happened with Talon. She had not wanted to reveal to him her friend had been so close to death, but it just sort of came out, like and explosion. She ate silently and neatly. She was glad Talon wouldn't join them, after her outburst, it would be hard to sit and eat with him. She finished quickly, looking at Tombstone. She didn't want him to collapse in the grass, so she looked towards Jungle and explained, "Tombstone had a pretty rough night last night. Old tom needs his rest, hah. I'll bring him some of the snake," She reported, flat-toned as she picked up the snake pieces and headed back towards Tombstone, murmuring quiet words to him before he gave a nod and followed her inside. She quickly changed the moss with the spare they had near the staircase and had Tombstone lie down in it, then she laid the snake pieces down in front of him.

"Keiko, I--"

"No, you sit and eat and rest. I promise, I'll take care of the other cats, just get some sleep, you old bat," She hissed into his ear, nudging the food closer. She wanted him to be comfortable.
Jungle stopped eating for a bit.The way the she cat talked about the old tom made Jungle think he was getting old or die soon. She picked up her mouse and padded over to the two cats.
Talon made sure to steer clear of Keiko not because of the threat but because of the uneasiness he felt from her. Talon climbed a tree far off and lied down on one of the thickest branches. He knew the feeling, to see a close friend slowly dying. His litter-mate had breathed in too much smoke and had died because of it, but before, his friend had suffered and Talon couldn't do anything about it. Thinking the sad past, he cried silently, and cut off all his senses. He wanted to be alone for a while, lost in his memories with his one best friend, Moonfeather. (The timeline is all connected! EVERYTHING!)
(seeing nobody replying...) Talon cried and let out a small but audible wail of sadness. It dug into his heart every time he remembered how she died. She had been coughing a lot and Talon tried to ease it with Coltsfoot but it didn't do much. He hated himself for being so helpless, even with all the knowledge Moonfeather taught him. He looked up to see the sky but was blocked out by the branch.

(Sorry for the long post)))

[The Schoolgirl]

(Can i be Ferret?)

[yummyluc]

[ ninetailsnetwork ah, that's fine! thank you for saving that!]
[ The Schoolgirl if you're asking if you can join, then yes!]

Keiko heard the wail, and tried to ignore it, wincing slightly at it. She'd heard it before. Only because she'd made it. When Inca had died. Part of her wanted to console Talon, wherever he was, if he even wanted that. She'd been so rude and inconsiderate to him. Maybe he understood losing someone? No, you stop that Keiko. Now is not the time for pitty or sadness. Tombstone would notice and make you be happy or you would hear him nagging at you from here to the afterlife. She scolded herself, smiling warmly as the old cat droned on. She couldn't stand there forever, but she wanted to be at his side for as long as possible, and at least be there when he cut it. She hadn't been there for Inca when he kicked it, but she'd been one of the first to see his body, floating lifelessly in a pool of diluted red, the shallow river water flowing around him. His teeth had been bared defensively and his eyes portrayed something of malice, but Keiko hadn't stayed long enough to find out.

Unlike what Keiko had thought, Tombstone had noticed her change in attitude, no matter how 'good' she seemed to fake it. They've been with one another for a few seasons now, and for her to possibly think that he wouldn't notice? That's just like that silly calico. Tombstone hadn't any idea what story he was telling anymore, but it probably wasn't accurate anyways. His vision began to dull, the once bright sheen of falling leaves suddenly going from greens and oranges and yellows and reds to soft browns. He had trouble moving his jaw to talk and eat, but he managed, muscles aching from what little activity he had done earlier. Poor old tom..

[The Schoolgirl]

Ferret walked along, his black paws, head and tail fading into a cream color. He watched everything with his golden-brown eyes as he passed.

[FOXXRR]

Talon hung his head low, then lifted it as he sensed a new cat approaching the camp. He quickly washed his face and made it look like nothing happened at all and leaped down from the tree. He started stalking towards the scent.