SkyClan Territory

[goddess of ducks]

She watched as the confusion in his gaze grew. She felt like chuckling but thought that would break the entire thing. Then when the dawning crossed his gaze, it did make her chuckle. His rambling made her laugh as she stood up after he pulled back and looked at him. "Not that long, hun. Calm down. You'll be a great father. Look at what you have accomplished. Do you even remember your leg right now. Why with all the moving around you're doing you must have made amazing progress. Cliff they'll adore you, I promise it." she meowed in response ans nuzzled him. "Don't you ever in you're life doubt that." she said softly, and licked his ear. "Now, I think a squirrel is enough. With New-Leaf coming we have had a surplus in food. The wren will live to see another day, for now, how about we rest, I mean we have alot to plan, right?" she chuckled.

She loved this, his excitement was overwhelming. She bet he felt like he could touch the sky at this moment. His leg was forgotten for sure, and she was so happy he was excited. He would, indeed, be a great father, she only wished he felt the same. The progress he's made, the love she's unlocked from him just by herself. What if the kits unlocked his entire heart? They most certainly would. He just needed a nudge. One she can't give all alone. Auroraflame and Pebblechase probably gave him a push or two, but imagine him with kits? She purred as the image of mini-them layed and pounced on a giggly, laughy Cliffheart. Yes, he would indeed be a great father.
Because of how he was, Cliffheart did not accept the promise that he would be a great father immediately. He still doubted himself, which was something he would most likely always do. The dusty tom smiled though, not wanting to worry his mate with his own self doubts. He wouldn't know if he was a good father until he had actually interacted with the kits. But when he thought about it, he had never truly interacted with kits, except for when he too was a kit. Maybe he could talk to some cats around camp and ask them. No, they wouldn't want to be bothered by him. He'd figure it out. He just needed to trust Starclan and himself that he would be great, but that trust wasn't easy to come by for him. He ward that she said the squirrel would be enough, but part of him still wanted to hunt. He shrugged though, not wanting to force her into anything. "Alright then." He replied simply as he laid his tail across the middle of her back, letting his tail tip flick over the side of her belly. He was going to be a father, but he didn't know how. Either he had to figure it out before the kits were here, or he'd just have to wing it and hope for the best. "Oh, Scorched? I was thinking about going back to Ebonyaw, to see if I could get this splint off. Then maybe we can get some more hunting done before you have to go to the nursery."

[Spirit]

Wurzel squeaked in fright, but not from Nightshade; the branch was about to fall. He called out; "The branch is about to collap-" To late, the half-dead branch started to fall, and in a few seconds, everything stood still. The toms first instinct was to get out the way, leap to safety, but then he thought a bit more. What about the sky-clanger. I stole prey, I can't leave him for dead, this is insane. With a rare flash of courage he grabbed Nightshade by his scruff, an impressive few for an 8 moon old cat and slammed into the tree, scrambling onto a sturdier branch.

Nightshade realized too late what was about to happen. Being a skyclanner, he was quite ashamed of the fact that a loner had saved him from a tree. That was just ironic. Nonetheless, he was thankful. In the seconds where time stood still for himself, he couldn't help thinking of his kits. Surely, he wouldn't die from falling from a height like this, but he would be gravely injured. And that was not good when you had a litter of kits and a hungry mate to hunt for.
As Wurzel grabbed him, he was surprised at the younger tom's strength, however turned around in the air so that his claws catches on to the tree they were collapsing into. Hoping to StarClan that the loner survived as well, and perhaps copied his moves, he held on as he heard the crash of the branch as if dropped to the ground.

[monfang]

Because of how he was, Cliffheart did not accept the promise that he would be a great father immediately. He still doubted himself, which was something he would most likely always do. The dusty tom smiled though, not wanting to worry his mate with his own self doubts. He wouldn't know if he was a good father until he had actually interacted with the kits. But when he thought about it, he had never truly interacted with kits, except for when he too was a kit. Maybe he could talk to some cats around camp and ask them. No, they wouldn't want to be bothered by him. He'd figure it out. He just needed to trust Starclan and himself that he would be great, but that trust wasn't easy to come by for him. He ward that she said the squirrel would be enough, but part of him still wanted to hunt. He shrugged though, not wanting to force her into anything. "Alright then." He replied simply as he laid his tail across the middle of her back, letting his tail tip flick over the side of her belly. He was going to be a father, but he didn't know how. Either he had to figure it out before the kits were here, or he'd just have to wing it and hope for the best. "Oh, Scorched? I was thinking about going back to Ebonyaw, to see if I could get this splint off. Then maybe we can get some more hunting done before you have to go to the nursery."
Scorchedpetal let herself lean on him very slightly, as to not put too much pressure on his leg. She purred, listening to him before she chuckled. "Hunting, hunting." she mocked playfully. "At this rate there would be too much food to go around." she purred, nuzzling him playfully. "And that sounds like a great idea. I'll talk to Ebonypaw, or maybe even that ghost, Aconite, for advice on what to eat and stuff like that." she purred. "You'll be a great father, just think of all the little you's you'll see running about one day. Maybe one of them will become leader as well." she meowed, giving him a kind smile. "Trust in your heart, and you'll see it soon enough." she said finally, and brushed her tail on his back.

[goddess of ducks]

Scorchedpetal let herself lean on him very slightly, as to not put too much pressure on his leg. She purred, listening to him before she chuckled. "Hunting, hunting." she mocked playfully. "At this rate there would be too much food to go around." she purred, nuzzling him playfully. "And that sounds like a great idea. I'll talk to Ebonypaw, or maybe even that ghost, Aconite, for advice on what to eat and stuff like that." she purred. "You'll be a great father, just think of all the little you's you'll see running about one day. Maybe one of them will become leader as well." she meowed, giving him a kind smile. "Trust in your heart, and you'll see it soon enough." she said finally, and brushed her tail on his back.
Cliffheart smiled. He knew he must seem over obsessed with hunting, but he just wanted his Ckan to be strong. Besides, what would happen if the Clan was weak and something like the Evil Era happened again? Skyclan then wouldn't be a force to swoop in and save the Clans, instead they would just fail, and who knows what would happen then. "Well, I just want a strong well fed Clan for our kits. They need and deserve the best right?" He said, twisting the truth a little with his statement, but it was mostly true. "Little me's that's terrifying honestly. I was not the same then when I was young than what I am now. I was quite the mischievous kit back then." He said happily. Even back then he had tried harder than everyone to prove himself perfectly capable of holding his own, but it hadn't worked then, that at least hadn't seemed to change. He listened to what his mate had to say, but he couldn't fully accept it, his doubts were still too prominent. "It's hard to trust my heart when I don't know exactly what's it's telling me." He mumbled.

[graves]

Lioncry looked around, her ears pricked and thick tail swishing to keep it from freezing. Last leafbare, she'd learned that as long as you were moving, you stayed warmer longer. Shifting her weight from paw to paw, the warrior looked at Maplespider. She was glad that she'd gotten to go out and do this. It was far better than moping around camp all day, at least, it was in her opinion. Shifting the bird in her mouth, she made it so she could talk a little bit easier and tilted her head to one side.“Yep, but if we see any more, no sense in leaving it.” she replied in a somewhat muffled whisper, trying not to chuckle, because if she did the chances of her swallowing feathers was quite high. Sighing, she began to walk in the general direction of camp, taking a nice slow pace, but still fast enough that it wouldn't be uncomfortable for Maplespider. The taste of the warm creature iin her mouth made her mouth water, but she ignored it, instead focusing on her surroundings and the gentle sound of her own breathing.
[ Im going to wrap this rp up, and then maybe sometime we can rp them w/ a lil more romance? c: ]

She padded along side Lioncry,the prey she held limply from its tail. "True." she mewed,her voice muffled by the fur of the rodent. She felt refreshed. It had been awhile since she had been out of camp. Her past mate,Finchwing had passed away so long ago that she felt alone. Therefor,not really socializing or going out of camp that often. She didn't like to think of her past mate,bringing up memories but it felt nice to get out and go hunting and running,even if just for a little well. It felt nice,spending time with Lioncry. She would have to do it more often.

[Brooklyn Trees]

Brooklyn Trees

Glancing back, Aconiteheart was greeted by the sight of a snow-coated Ebonypaw, and the spotted tabby's expression twisted to something of amusement. "You're looking a bit icy," the spirit said. "How're you holding up?" Unlike his companion, the snow didn't hinder the entity, although Aconiteheart respectively slowed his pace to give her a chance to catch up.

"I know this isn't the most ideal weather for searching, but it's a good idea to get the lay of the land and see if there's any remnants of herbs left. Or growing, since New-leaf's approaching. It'll certainly be easier to take a gander when all the snow has melted, though the mud won't be pleasant to walk through. It'll be nice when that all dries up."

Aconiteheart knew he was rambling, and that Ebonypaw was aware of why they were there, but it didn't hurt to break the silence. "If we can't find anything, we could probably take some time to teach you defensive training. Even if medicine cats don't fight, it doesn't mean we shouldn't know how to defend ourselves if we're attacked."


Ebonypaw didn't answer his question, instead maintaining her quick steps to reach his side before matching her pace to his slowed steps, flicking a dark ear at how ridiculous she probably looked to the spirit, clumsily half-running through clumps of snow when the snow did not slow him.

Now that she was not preoccupied with the snow as much as she had been a few moments before she began to study the crystalline buildup clinging to her paws and legs as she walked, listening quietly to the spirit's words as they proceeded.
It was one of the first times that she had heard him talk about defensive training, and she found herself having forgotten that Medicine Cats practiced defensive training at all. It excited her partly, as this was one of the things that she missed from her singular moon of warrior apprenticeship. It remained largely unpracticed though and therefor largely forgotten, Ebonypaw having left it unthought of and forgotten when she began in the path of medicine, thinking it then unnecessary.

[Momotaro]

Nightshade realized too late what was about to happen. Being a skyclanner, he was quite ashamed of the fact that a loner had saved him from a tree. That was just ironic. Nonetheless, he was thankful. In the seconds where time stood still for himself, he couldn't help thinking of his kits. Surely, he wouldn't die from falling from a height like this, but he would be gravely injured. And that was not good when you had a litter of kits and a hungry mate to hunt for.
As Wurzel grabbed him, he was surprised at the younger tom's strength, however turned around in the air so that his claws catches on to the tree they were collapsing into. Hoping to StarClan that the loner survived as well, and perhaps copied his moves, he held on as he heard the crash of the branch as if dropped to the ground.

{sorry for shorter post.}
Wurzel looked up at the warrior. "I just saved your life, please don't kill me." Despite the situation, the tom tried to smile. "We should probably get down, I like climbing but i'm not a bird. Also, I don't think I can get down on my own..." He shuffled awkwardly, and set a paw down on a branch, he dug his claws in and looked back at Nightshade. "You coming?" HE mewed as he set his front paws on a large mossy branch.

[The Mad Katter]

Once into the territory, Shadepaw took up position in the shelter of an old elm tree, her chest puffed up proudly. The scrawny white apprentice gave Ivypaw a pleased half-grin, her eyes wide. “It worked!” she purred excitedly, then shuffled her paws. “I mean, not that I thought that it wouldn't or anything. I knew it would work.” she added slyly, her ears narrowed in a way that made it obvious that she was only teasing Ivypaw in a friendly way, and not being rude or anything. She wasn't mad at Ivypaw for being bossy, because she knew that that was just the way Ivypaw was, and being mad at Ivypaw for being herself was completely pointless, and would only lose their friendship.
Ivypaw felt a rush of excitement and just slight worry as they bounded out of camp without conflict. She hoped they wouldn't get caught at any point in the adventure though. Sitting by Shadepaw, she drew a paw over her ear and smiled widely at her. "Uh huh. Sure you did," Ivypaw rolled her eyes playfully and flicked her tail, getting to her paws. "Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go!" Ivypaw started trotting in the direction of Twolegplace, then looked back at Shadepaw, waiting for her to follow.

[Willowpillow]

(Open for anyone!)
Kestrelpaw crouched, her dusty brown pelt matching perfectly with her surroundings. She decided earlier that day that her hunting skills were a little rusty and could use some cleaning up. She rounded around a tall oak to stare at a small mouse that was nibbling on a nut. What kind of nut? Kestrelpaw had no clue, nor did she care. She never really cared for the details, as food was food. She slowly stalked forward before she pounced and landed squarely onto the creature. Ah ha! The small shecat grinned at her own catch as she retracted her claws. Look at me now! Not so rusty after all. I bet Hawkpaw will be jealous! She shook out her pelt before gazing around the quiet forest.

[doghouse]

Ivypaw felt a rush of excitement and just slight worry as they bounded out of camp without conflict. She hoped they wouldn't get caught at any point in the adventure though. Sitting by Shadepaw, she drew a paw over her ear and smiled widely at her. "Uh huh. Sure you did," Ivypaw rolled her eyes playfully and flicked her tail, getting to her paws. "Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go!" Ivypaw started trotting in the direction of Twolegplace, then looked back at Shadepaw, waiting for her to follow.
Shadepaw shook herself, then hurried quickly after Ivypaw, but with far less enthusiasm. She hopped from dark place to dark place, crisp snow crunching under her paws as she went. She hoped that TwolegPlace was not as dangerous as she'd heard elders say it was, but then, elders rarely didn't bend the truth a little in their stories. She liked that about them, although it also annoyed her from time to time. “I'm comin'!” the albino molly muttered, picking up her pace a bit.
(I'm gonna kill her off I think, so mind if she dies in TwolegPlace?)

[BEAR.]

Brooklyn Trees

With an eye still on his young apprentice, the entity could see the change of her demeanor that indicated her slight excitement, and his maw twisted into an expression of pleasure. Medicine cats were limited on what they could do outside of healing, a transition that could be difficult for warriors transferring to the position, and learning some combat techniques in case her life was in peril would do Ebonypaw some good.

"This way," the spirit murmured as he veered off course to approach a low shrub. The pine needled bush was low to the ground, making access difficult, and Aconiteheart beckoned Ebonypaw towards the bush. "I'm going to need you to clear away some of the snow so you can look under the branches. In Leaf-bare, the best way to find herbs is to search for where they might be protected from the elements. I don't expect much to have survived, however it's likely we can find roots and - if we're lucky, some leaves and stalks that haven't been damaged by the cold."

[Brooklyn Trees]

Brooklyn Trees

With an eye still on his young apprentice, the entity could see the change of her demeanor that indicated her slight excitement, and his maw twisted into an expression of pleasure. Medicine cats were limited on what they could do outside of healing, a transition that could be difficult for warriors transferring to the position, and learning some combat techniques in case her life was in peril would do Ebonypaw some good.

"This way," the spirit murmured as he veered off course to approach a low shrub. The pine needled bush was low to the ground, making access difficult, and Aconiteheart beckoned Ebonypaw towards the bush. "I'm going to need you to clear away some of the snow so you can look under the branches. In Leaf-bare, the best way to find herbs is to search for where they might be protected from the elements. I don't expect much to have survived, however it's likely we can find roots and - if we're lucky, some leaves and stalks that haven't been damaged by the cold."

Ebonypaw paused in her advancement as the ancient tom turned from their steady procession and made his way towards a small bush, long tail brushing the snow beneath her paws as she changed her own direction, following after the apparition of the tom long since dead.

As she approached the dark-furred individual turned her ears towards the spirit, listening to his words as she came to a pause beside him, icy eyes turned upwards to look at him as he spoke, explaining to her not only the task which she was to do but also the reason for which she was doing it, though she had already known that they were set out to find herbs in the snow. Had it not been for his explanation of how there may be plants hidden and protected beneath the shrub then she would have questioned why she was to clear snow from a bush.

Slipping down onto her forepaws and belly the young feline set her face low enough to see somewhat beneath the bush that she was to clear, and thus began to clear it.
A white -- and now frosted -- paw was slid beneath the branches of the plant and she slowly began to pull clumps of the snow out with her curled paw, sliding the icy particles from the ground and up around her until her movements became somewhat quicker -- though not quick enough to deprive her motions of cautious, lest there be a plant growing hidden beneath the foliage.

[Brilliance]

[Time Skip! A Moon Later…]

Azulpaw stalked into the territory, crouching low on the ground. With his eyes slitted, he looked ahead carefully. Stalking a vole was not an easy thing to do, for him at least. Especially since he hardly focused on his hunting. But lately, that’s all he’s been focused on. He had little time with his friends, wanting to perfect his skills. And, since it was a moon later, his pain was ceasing, and he felt as good as he did before he met Asterpaw and Alabasterpaw…

Ah, those two names rung a bell in his head. Though he would like to believe he was friends with Asterpaw, he kept his distance from her. He didn’t want to hurt his brother, so he always made up an excuse to not be bothered, but he did miss the blue cat’s company. And, whenever he did see Bluepaw and Asterpaw together, he wonders what they be talking about. If they did develop sweet feelings within the new moon. He wondered a lot, but he couldn’t care.

Alabasterpaw was a different story. He haven’t seen her, and he was glad that he didn’t. He didn’t care what happened to her, or what she was doing. Last thing he remembered was he being chased away by Bluepaw, and he haven’t seen her since. Whatever happened to her, he hoped that she was doing alright. She was still Asterpaw’s sister, and he knew that Asterpaw still cared about the feline more than she would like to.

Azulpaw had to clear his mind, and as he was about to sprint after the vole, Silverpaw made herself known, startling him from behind. ‘’Hello!’’ She mused, loudly and excitedly. It sounded obnoxious in Azulpaw’s ears.

‘’Hey!’’ He scrowled. ‘’You lost my prey!’’

Silverpaw stifled in her giggle. ‘’I’m sorry! I didn’t know you were even hunting.’’

‘’Yeah,’’ Azulpaw meweed, scanning the area for another piece of prey that he could easily catch. ‘’I was, until you made yourself known.’’

‘’Oh, shush. You love me.’’ The silver bengal replied, confidently, swishing her tail.

‘’Believe whatever you want, Silv.’’ He says and begin walking away. He gave her a smirk out the corner of his eye, but continued to walk on. Silverpaw stood there for a moment muttering something under her breath before bounded after him. Azulpaw swished his tail behind him, the wind felt good. At a time like this. ‘’Don’t you have anything better to do?’’ He entered into another crouch, his eyes slitted as they landed on a mouse this time. It was smaller, but it would suffice.

Silverpaw shrugged, and she sat down. She figured that she would watch him in action since she had nothing better to do, but then again, she thought she could go see what Kestralpaw and Hawkpaw was doing. Maybe they weren’t busy. Maybe she could tag along with the siblings. Then again, her ears flattened against her head at the thought. Hawkpaw was probably with Nightpaw, and she didn’t like the feline much. Azulpaw sprinted forward after waiting for the wind to pass. One thing he knew was that the wind carried scent, and he didn’t need the piece of food running away at the scent of a cat.

As the grey tom sprang forward, his maw drew back into a snarl, showing his fangs. He quickly locked the rodent between his paws, niping it on the neck for a killing blow. Picking up the prize he caught, he turned back, flicking his tail and his eyes clouded.

Silverpaw was gone.

The tom shrugged, and he figured she went to occupy herself with something. Azulpaw set his prey down, a happy smile growing on his muzzle. ‘’Finally. Becoming independent for once.’’ The past made him shudder. Though it was only a moon ago. He felt helpless, and he was at that time. Beaten up, couldn’t defend himself, always getting attacked, but no. No more. After that, he had to get better. He had to get stronger. With the help of his mentor, Lioncry, he trained stronger. He trained longer. Truth be told, he wasn’t as grand as Bluepaw, but he was getting somewhere.

‘’I will never be a weak link.’’ He sneered to himself. ‘’Ever again.’’ His yellow eyes glinted, and he stared at the mouse he caught. He would bring it back to camp whenever he went back. As far as he was concerned, he wanted to relax where he was. Laying down wasn’t bad, but he did wonder...how was Bluepaw?

Where was Bluepaw? He hasn’t seen his best friend since they woke up this morning from the apprentice’s den. Bluepaw was always the earlier of the two anyway, so he figured he might had went to pester Asterpaw--or whatever. The thought made him growl. The two were a perfect duo in his eyes. He wouldn’t fight. There was nothing to fight about. ‘’As long as they’re both happy, fine with me.’’ He rolled himself onto the grass.

Bluepaw stared into the distance. For a moon, he would be in this one spot, wondering where Alabasterpaw been hiding. Where have she located herself, and why she didn’t tell him before he ran her off? Then again, why did he care? She was a demonic, evil, conniving kitty, but he couldn’t get enough of her for some odd reason. Sure, he had Asterpaw, but her interest seemed to be...fading. He knew he would have to do something soon if he wanted to keep her interest spiked. Thinking on what Alabasterpaw have said about her sister, he would have to act on those ways. If he didn’t, he might lose Asterpaw. He also had to remind himself to be gentle and patient with her. She was not used to all...this, as Alabasterpaw had been. He would have to take his time, but as long as he kept her interested in him instead of wandering with Azulpaw, then everything shall go well. If not, the claws will be out, and a throat might be slit.

Then, there wouldn’t be any competition.

Lonestar23

[lone]

[Time Skip! A Moon Later…]

Azulpaw stalked into the territory, crouching low on the ground. With his eyes slitted, he looked ahead carefully. Stalking a vole was not an easy thing to do, for him at least. Especially since he hardly focused on his hunting. But lately, that’s all he’s been focused on. He had little time with his friends, wanting to perfect his skills. And, since it was a moon later, his pain was ceasing, and he felt as good as he did before he met Asterpaw and Alabasterpaw…

Ah, those two names rung a bell in his head. Though he would like to believe he was friends with Asterpaw, he kept his distance from her. He didn’t want to hurt his brother, so he always made up an excuse to not be bothered, but he did miss the blue cat’s company. And, whenever he did see Bluepaw and Asterpaw together, he wonders what they be talking about. If they did develop sweet feelings within the new moon. He wondered a lot, but he couldn’t care.

Alabasterpaw was a different story. He haven’t seen her, and he was glad that he didn’t. He didn’t care what happened to her, or what she was doing. Last thing he remembered was he being chased away by Bluepaw, and he haven’t seen her since. Whatever happened to her, he hoped that she was doing alright. She was still Asterpaw’s sister, and he knew that Asterpaw still cared about the feline more than she would like to.

Azulpaw had to clear his mind, and as he was about to sprint after the vole, Silverpaw made herself known, startling him from behind. ‘’Hello!’’ She mused, loudly and excitedly. It sounded obnoxious in Azulpaw’s ears.

‘’Hey!’’ He scrowled. ‘’You lost my prey!’’

Silverpaw stifled in her giggle. ‘’I’m sorry! I didn’t know you were even hunting.’’

‘’Yeah,’’ Azulpaw meweed, scanning the area for another piece of prey that he could easily catch. ‘’I was, until you made yourself known.’’

‘’Oh, shush. You love me.’’ The silver bengal replied, confidently, swishing her tail.

‘’Believe whatever you want, Silv.’’ He says and begin walking away. He gave her a smirk out the corner of his eye, but continued to walk on. Silverpaw stood there for a moment muttering something under her breath before bounded after him. Azulpaw swished his tail behind him, the wind felt good. At a time like this. ‘’Don’t you have anything better to do?’’ He entered into another crouch, his eyes slitted as they landed on a mouse this time. It was smaller, but it would suffice.

Silverpaw shrugged, and she sat down. She figured that she would watch him in action since she had nothing better to do, but then again, she thought she could go see what Kestralpaw and Hawkpaw was doing. Maybe they weren’t busy. Maybe she could tag along with the siblings. Then again, her ears flattened against her head at the thought. Hawkpaw was probably with Nightpaw, and she didn’t like the feline much. Azulpaw sprinted forward after waiting for the wind to pass. One thing he knew was that the wind carried scent, and he didn’t need the piece of food running away at the scent of a cat.

As the grey tom sprang forward, his maw drew back into a snarl, showing his fangs. He quickly locked the rodent between his paws, niping it on the neck for a killing blow. Picking up the prize he caught, he turned back, flicking his tail and his eyes clouded.

Silverpaw was gone.

The tom shrugged, and he figured she went to occupy herself with something. Azulpaw set his prey down, a happy smile growing on his muzzle. ‘’Finally. Becoming independent for once.’’ The past made him shudder. Though it was only a moon ago. He felt helpless, and he was at that time. Beaten up, couldn’t defend himself, always getting attacked, but no. No more. After that, he had to get better. He had to get stronger. With the help of his mentor, Lioncry, he trained stronger. He trained longer. Truth be told, he wasn’t as grand as Bluepaw, but he was getting somewhere.

‘’I will never be a weak link.’’ He sneered to himself. ‘’Ever again.’’ His yellow eyes glinted, and he stared at the mouse he caught. He would bring it back to camp whenever he went back. As far as he was concerned, he wanted to relax where he was. Laying down wasn’t bad, but he did wonder...how was Bluepaw?

Where was Bluepaw? He hasn’t seen his best friend since they woke up this morning from the apprentice’s den. Bluepaw was always the earlier of the two anyway, so he figured he might had went to pester Asterpaw--or whatever. The thought made him growl. The two were a perfect duo in his eyes. He wouldn’t fight. There was nothing to fight about. ‘’As long as they’re both happy, fine with me.’’ He rolled himself onto the grass.

Bluepaw stared into the distance. For a moon, he would be in this one spot, wondering where Alabasterpaw been hiding. Where have she located herself, and why she didn’t tell him before he ran her off? Then again, why did he care? She was a demonic, evil, conniving kitty, but he couldn’t get enough of her for some odd reason. Sure, he had Asterpaw, but her interest seemed to be...fading. He knew he would have to do something soon if he wanted to keep her interest spiked. Thinking on what Alabasterpaw have said about her sister, he would have to act on those ways. If he didn’t, he might lose Asterpaw. He also had to remind himself to be gentle and patient with her. She was not used to all...this, as Alabasterpaw had been. He would have to take his time, but as long as he kept her interested in him instead of wandering with Azulpaw, then everything shall go well. If not, the claws will be out, and a throat might be slit.

Then, there wouldn’t be any competition.

@Lonestar23 (http://warriorcatsonline.com/forums/member.php?u=42)
Asterpaw crept through the territory, her blue fur flashing in between trees. She had just escaped-- or rather, left-- Bluepaw a few moments before. And now she was getting a few minutes to herself. Sure, he was a sweet cat, but besides that, he seemed to be quite clingy. The female sighed, shifting her weight as she came upon a familiar cat-- Azulpaw. She hadn't seen him in at least a moon. Or, rather...she hadn't talked to him much more then the occasional 'hi' or 'hello,' every once in a while, and those fleeting smiles. Those were the times when she felt happiest-- since her sister had disappeared and with Bluepaw always clinging onto her.
She watched the silver apprentice come and go-- and Azulpaw hunt, then start talking to himself. She was a little jealous-- for a while she had thought he might be avoiding all she cats, but he was fine with Silverpaw... Alabasterpaw hadn't been around in a while... so maybe he was just avoiding her. But why? What had she done? Was it because of Bluepaw, or was it because there was something wrong with her in particular? She would have liked to confront him, but she knew better. She couldn't. Maybe she would wait until she could make some sarcastic comment or something, that would be something that was much more like her.
And then her opportunity happened, after he was through talking to himself. The female smiled, padding up behind the tom. "You make such motivational speeches." She mewed in a low voice, before coming over to his side. Maybe he would make some remark in return...she had missed his sarcastic remarks, especially because they hadn't been able to spend time in quite a while. "Did you miss me, master?" She asked with the slightest of purrs. Although he still annoyed her, she couldn't help that she cared...she needed to find something out.
"Azulpaw...why have you been avoiding me? I mean, it seems like anytime I try to say hi, you're always...walking away." She sighed, the tip of her tail twitching back and forth as she glanced up at the foliage above them. It was colorful, certainly...she had always loved watching the sky, the leaves, and the various animals scampering around...for some reason, hunting seemed to be something that Asterpaw really couldn't stand. She didn't like seeing the blood leaving the animals, and hearing their dying shrieks-- perhaps that was the reason she had been so scared when she found out Alabasterpaw had actually hurt Azulpaw.
She hadn't wanted to believe it was true. She hadn't wanted to-- but it was. And no one had seen Alabasterpaw in the moon that she had been gone-- had they? Her hues narrowed as she glanced at the tom, before shifting her weight with a sigh. Surely he hadn't run into Alabasterpaw. And if he had, he would tell her...wouldn't he? She didn't want her sister to torture him again. She didn't want it. She was scared that something like that might happen, but she couldn't be completely sure...after all, she didn't believe that the she cat would want to try and go after him again. She didn't want everything to get as dark as it had once before.
That day had been the worst and best day of her life...mainly worst, but it had also been the day that her whole life had changed. For the better, she imagined. But now she would be with Bluepaw, perhaps for the rest of her life...she didn't really want to, but did she really have a choice? The she cat suspected that she would end up with Bluepaw, no matter how much she didn't really want to...after all, she needed to fix what her sister had wronged. Thankfully Alabasterpaw hadn't had the chance to flirt with another tom since. At least, not as far as she knew. She should have tried harder to find Alabasterpaw. She should have smashed her way out of the bush, with her paw hurt or not. She should have run after the she cat, begging her to stay. She didn't care what Alabasterpaw had done, what she would do, or what she might have been doing right this moment. She wanted her sister back. She loved Alabasterpaw still, even though the she cat had been such a horrible one. She wanted the white feline to come back, and perhaps to apologize.... an apology might be nice.
　
A flash of white revealed itself through the trees. Blue hues gleamed like miniature flames. A feline slunk out of the trees, revealing herself to anyone who might be within her own line of vision. She was no longer the beautiful female who had been around a moon ago. She had been living on her own in the territory, pretty much the life of a loner, but she had been relying on the various cats who passed not to attack her. Whether through bribing or her flirtatious methods, she had gotten them to move on eventually. And they would even come back, bringing her prey, offering her their company... the toms, at least. But the she cats generally moved on. Alabasterpaw was no longer the beauty that she had been a moon ago... there was a coldness to her that certainly hadn't been there when she had first met Bluepaw and Azulpaw that one morning. Her appearance was silkier, softer, and prettier then it had been moons ago. It was softer then before.
It was thicker then before too, and her hues had a new pride in them that looked almost as though she were ready to kill any cat who got in her way. And perhaps she really was. The she cat was very interested in finding Azulpaw again...it was high time she got to feel him trying to get out from under her again, with a yowl of pain...struggling to move, to breathe afterwards...keeping still just to protect her sister, although would he still do that? Did he still feel the same way? She sort of doubted it. Actually, she sincerely doubted it. No one could harbor feelings for a cat that they barely talked to....at least, not as far as she knew of.
Her stance was more powerful. She was much more powerful then she had been, living on her own... she had had to provide for herself, mainly. There hadn't been too many hostile Clan cats, thankfully... something that she was very thankful for. She hadn't had to kill anyone. Which was nice, considering she wanted to save her energy for the day when she would have to kill Azulpaw. That one day when he would go too far... or that one day when she would finally have broken him to the point where it would be easy... and she would be happy.
Very happy, considering then Asterpaw would finally go to be with Bluepaw. And she would be happy with him, wouldn't she? The she cat couldn't imagine that Asterpaw would continue to be in love with a dead cat. Then again, she had never loved the same cat for more then a moon. Was it really that short? Then again, there had been that one tom who had been bringing her prey...sweet little thing, nervous, too... he'd thought she was a loner. Poor, confused, lost thing. Sweet-- but confused and lost. Alabasterpaw thought as she approached a familiar, strong figure. What was going on? Was he looking for Asterpaw? Was she still out chasing the dream that was never going to happen? Did she have any feelings for Bluepaw at all that she had developed over the moon Alabasterpaw had been gone? All these questions were spinning through Alabasterpaw's head as she approached her new partner, a cat that she was still unsure whether she really trusted.
A cat she was unsure whether or not they deserved her trust. From the way things were going, he probably didn't. Alabasterpaw was not a cat who gave away her trust easily. Her heart? Sure, she could always fix that in a second. But broken trust was not so easily fixed, as Alabasterpaw knew all too well from previous experiences.
"Hello, love. Did you miss me?" She asked with a purr, coming up behind the tom.

[Brilliance]

Asterpaw crept through the territory, her blue fur flashing in between trees. She had just escaped-- or rather, left-- Bluepaw a few moments before. And now she was getting a few minutes to herself. Sure, he was a sweet cat, but besides that, he seemed to be quite clingy. The female sighed, shifting her weight as she came upon a familiar cat-- Azulpaw. She hadn't seen him in at least a moon. Or, rather...she hadn't talked to him much more then the occasional 'hi' or 'hello,' every once in a while, and those fleeting smiles. Those were the times when she felt happiest-- since her sister had disappeared and with Bluepaw always clinging onto her.
She watched the silver apprentice come and go-- and Azulpaw hunt, then start talking to himself. She was a little jealous-- for a while she had thought he might be avoiding all she cats, but he was fine with Silverpaw... Alabasterpaw hadn't been around in a while... so maybe he was just avoiding her. But why? What had she done? Was it because of Bluepaw, or was it because there was something wrong with her in particular? She would have liked to confront him, but she knew better. She couldn't. Maybe she would wait until she could make some sarcastic comment or something, that would be something that was much more like her.
And then her opportunity happened, after he was through talking to himself. The female smiled, padding up behind the tom. "You make such motivational speeches." She mewed in a low voice, before coming over to his side. Maybe he would make some remark in return...she had missed his sarcastic remarks, especially because they hadn't been able to spend time in quite a while. "Did you miss me, master?" She asked with the slightest of purrs. Although he still annoyed her, she couldn't help that she cared...she needed to find something out.
"Azulpaw...why have you been avoiding me? I mean, it seems like anytime I try to say hi, you're always...walking away." She sighed, the tip of her tail twitching back and forth as she glanced up at the foliage above them. It was colorful, certainly...she had always loved watching the sky, the leaves, and the various animals scampering around...for some reason, hunting seemed to be something that Asterpaw really couldn't stand. She didn't like seeing the blood leaving the animals, and hearing their dying shrieks-- perhaps that was the reason she had been so scared when she found out Alabasterpaw had actually hurt Azulpaw.
She hadn't wanted to believe it was true. She hadn't wanted to-- but it was. And no one had seen Alabasterpaw in the moon that she had been gone-- had they? Her hues narrowed as she glanced at the tom, before shifting her weight with a sigh. Surely he hadn't run into Alabasterpaw. And if he had, he would tell her...wouldn't he? She didn't want her sister to torture him again. She didn't want it. She was scared that something like that might happen, but she couldn't be completely sure...after all, she didn't believe that the she cat would want to try and go after him again. She didn't want everything to get as dark as it had once before.
That day had been the worst and best day of her life...mainly worst, but it had also been the day that her whole life had changed. For the better, she imagined. But now she would be with Bluepaw, perhaps for the rest of her life...she didn't really want to, but did she really have a choice? The she cat suspected that she would end up with Bluepaw, no matter how much she didn't really want to...after all, she needed to fix what her sister had wronged. Thankfully Alabasterpaw hadn't had the chance to flirt with another tom since. At least, not as far as she knew. She should have tried harder to find Alabasterpaw. She should have smashed her way out of the bush, with her paw hurt or not. She should have run after the she cat, begging her to stay. She didn't care what Alabasterpaw had done, what she would do, or what she might have been doing right this moment. She wanted her sister back. She loved Alabasterpaw still, even though the she cat had been such a horrible one. She wanted the white feline to come back, and perhaps to apologize.... an apology might be nice.
　
A flash of white revealed itself through the trees. Blue hues gleamed like miniature flames. A feline slunk out of the trees, revealing herself to anyone who might be within her own line of vision. She was no longer the beautiful female who had been around a moon ago. She had been living on her own in the territory, pretty much the life of a loner, but she had been relying on the various cats who passed not to attack her. Whether through bribing or her flirtatious methods, she had gotten them to move on eventually. And they would even come back, bringing her prey, offering her their company... the toms, at least. But the she cats generally moved on. Alabasterpaw was no longer the beauty that she had been a moon ago... there was a coldness to her that certainly hadn't been there when she had first met Bluepaw and Azulpaw that one morning. Her appearance was silkier, softer, and prettier then it had been moons ago. It was softer then before.
It was thicker then before too, and her hues had a new pride in them that looked almost as though she were ready to kill any cat who got in her way. And perhaps she really was. The she cat was very interested in finding Azulpaw again...it was high time she got to feel him trying to get out from under her again, with a yowl of pain...struggling to move, to breathe afterwards...keeping still just to protect her sister, although would he still do that? Did he still feel the same way? She sort of doubted it. Actually, she sincerely doubted it. No one could harbor feelings for a cat that they barely talked to....at least, not as far as she knew of.
Her stance was more powerful. She was much more powerful then she had been, living on her own... she had had to provide for herself, mainly. There hadn't been too many hostile Clan cats, thankfully... something that she was very thankful for. She hadn't had to kill anyone. Which was nice, considering she wanted to save her energy for the day when she would have to kill Azulpaw. That one day when he would go too far... or that one day when she would finally have broken him to the point where it would be easy... and she would be happy.
Very happy, considering then Asterpaw would finally go to be with Bluepaw. And she would be happy with him, wouldn't she? The she cat couldn't imagine that Asterpaw would continue to be in love with a dead cat. Then again, she had never loved the same cat for more then a moon. Was it really that short? Then again, there had been that one tom who had been bringing her prey...sweet little thing, nervous, too... he'd thought she was a loner. Poor, confused, lost thing. Sweet-- but confused and lost. Alabasterpaw thought as she approached a familiar, strong figure. What was going on? Was he looking for Asterpaw? Was she still out chasing the dream that was never going to happen? Did she have any feelings for Bluepaw at all that she had developed over the moon Alabasterpaw had been gone? All these questions were spinning through Alabasterpaw's head as she approached her new partner, a cat that she was still unsure whether she really trusted.
A cat she was unsure whether or not they deserved her trust. From the way things were going, he probably didn't. Alabasterpaw was not a cat who gave away her trust easily. Her heart? Sure, she could always fix that in a second. But broken trust was not so easily fixed, as Alabasterpaw knew all too well from previous experiences.
"Hello, love. Did you miss me?" She asked with a purr, coming up behind the tom.


Why was she here? What did she want? Why wasn’t she in the paws of Bluepaw? Did Bluepaw even know that she was here? Talking to him? Close to him? Why was she here? Why was she here? What tree did she fall off of to come near him? The questions swarmed through his head. Azulpaw wasn’t going to be rude to the blue cat he cared for deeply. Sarcastic? Maybe. After all, it was what he was the best at doing for anyway. Yet, he felt that he couldn’t even talk to her, afraid that he might say something idiotic, and embarrass himself...but what was he thinking? He was Azulpaw. No matter the situation, his voice always stayed edgy and calm. He shuddered, but allowed a deep chuckle to pass through his maw, as he gazed at the female in front of him.

‘’Well, you know. I try to impress the crowd.’’ He smirked. He played calm on the outside, but he was skittish on the inside. Why was she here? What did she want? What exactly were her intentions? Azulpaw stretched, shaking out his fur. When he heard her next words and her slight purr, he found himself purring as well. What was up with the she-cat? Even though he seen her around. He never talked to her much. Granted, he gave her the occasional ‘hi’ or ‘how are you’ and such, but it was small talk. It was boring talk. It got to the point where he did try to avoid her. Not only her--but Bluepaw as well. He didn’t like seeing them together, even though he tried his hardest to be supportive of them both. Besides, he was busy training more. To build up his skills. Primarily in the battle field.

‘’Of course, I missed you, love. Why wouldn’t I?’’ A purr rumbled in his throat as he played along with her game. Yet, as he continued to analyze her: What did she truly want? At her next words, his guard came down, and he gave her a soft smile. Was that all she wanted? To know why he hasn’t been addressing her? Azulpaw would deem himself as being busy, but was he truly too busy to spend time with the she-cat beside him?

‘’I, um,’’ He didn’t know how to answer her question correctly. If there were a correct way to answer it. He truly didn’t know the answer himself--so, he didn’t answer it. Instead, he bombarded her with another question. A teasing-like one. ‘’Bluepaw giving you a hard time, sweetheart?’’ He got up to his paws, flickering his tail. ‘’I mean, maybe that’s one of the reasons I’m avoiding you. Bluepaw may be scared that I’ll steal you away from him,’’ He paused, eyeing her as if checking her out. ‘’And, we both know it could happen.’’ He stated, confidently. And, he glared at the female to see if she disagreed with him. He always had a fun time annoying her. It was one of his hobbies, but he stopped. He dropped everything, and he decided that it would be best to leave them both alone. He haven’t been only avoiding her, but as well Bluepaw. He loved his brother, but he didn’t trust him.

‘’I’m kidding, love.’’ Azulpaw adds after a couple moments, and he sits down on his haunches, happy to know that he wasn’t in pain any longer. He felt normal again. As normal as a cat could be. ‘’I’ve just been busy. Nothing personal.’’ Although he was never too busy for Silverpaw or Hawkpaw or Kestralpaw. He was never too busy for them. In fact, for the past moon, they were all who he’s been hanging around with. He enjoyed Kestralpaw’s company more than he would like to admit, and he knew Silverpaw enjoyed her company as well. She intrigued him honestly. Azulpaw didn’t speak on this. He felt like he didn’t have to. Why would Asterpaw care about what he’s been doing in his private life--the time he had been avoiding her.

‘’It seems like you missed my attention.’’ The tom purred once more, allowing his tail to cover his paws, and he looked down at her with a tilt of his head. ‘’Bluepaw won’t be happy about that, sweetheart.’’ He snickered. He wonder how long it would be before he found himself eating at her fur, getting under her skin, and ticking her off. ‘’I’m sorry if I’ve been avoiding you, angel. I promise it won’t happen anymore. In fact, I’ll give you my entire undivided attention, love. Anything for you.’’ He stated, his voice rich with deep sarcasm, but utter true.

Bluepaw didn’t jump, but he stood rigid to his spot. Her voice had inwardly scared him, for she popped up behind him, as if she were a ghost from his past. A few moments later, his lips curled into a small, his fangs gleaming in the sunlight.

Bluepaw turned around to get a good, long look at her, noticing every change that happened to her. She was still beautiful, no doubt, but more in a rugged way. She looked more mature. Being a loner must had its perks, and she looked as if she owned every last one of them. He wondered if she acted the part. ‘’Well...look at who it is. A ghost from the past.’’ His blue hues beamed at her, happy that she was there. His time with Asterpaw, being clingy, and spoiling her in love and affection had tired him out somedays. He even admitted that he had missed Alabasterpaw. She has made his life interesting, and since she were gone...he was bored.

Utterly, bored.

‘’You don’t just don’t how much I missed you.’’ He purred deeply. ‘’I’m glad you’re back. How was life holding up for you?’’ He asked.

[HwangHarin]

( MoonHeart & Friends )

Ivypaw ran out of the clearing into the territory. Running after Cloudpaw.

[~Masked~]

( MoonHeart & Friends )

Ivypaw ran out of the clearing into the territory. Running after Cloudpaw.
Cloudpaw ran ahead of her grinning widely he stopped a few meters away from the entrance, turning to Ivypaw he panted a bit then said "That what was fun!".

[HwangHarin]

Cloudpaw ran ahead of her grinning widely he stopped a few meters away from the entrance, turning to Ivypaw he panted a bit then said "That what was fun!".

Ivypaw stopped a few tail lengths away and nodded. " ya it was." She meowed

[~Masked~]

Ivypaw stopped a few tail lengths away and nodded. " ya it was." She meowed
Cloudpaw caught his breath then said "Okay so i'll go this way and you can go anyway you want, im gonna see if i can find some squirrel!" he purred a bit smiling at her.

[HwangHarin]

Cloudpaw caught his breath then said "Okay so i'll go this way and you can go anyway you want, im gonna see if i can find some squirrel!" he purred a bit smiling at her.

Ivypaw nodded, and smiled. "Got it." She said and ran in the opposite direction of where he was going.

[BEAR.]

Brooklyn Trees

Being confined to watching Ebonypaw scoop away the snow, Aconiteheart asked, "Do you see anything?" It was likely she needed to dig around in the soil for valuable roots, although he wasn't sure how viable of an option that'd be with the ground frozen. It was hard to tell the condition of the covered earth. "It would be nice if flowers survived the cold," he murmured. "Flowering herbs are typically good for soothing or pain, but I guess it's StarClan's will we suffer a season of hardships." Or something beyond StarClan, since Aconiteheart had never seen a form of systematic organization within their ancestors.

"If there's nothing beneath this bush, we should keep an eye out for others - or some sort of crevice. Any caves in this territory may also protect herbs from the immediate elements." Tunnels could also work, he supposed, but from his understanding the majority of networks in the clan territories were destroyed by flooding. He believed it would be a waste of time to bother searching known incomplete structures. "Not that all holes in the ground are caves, but it still has a protective barrier for plants to survive."

[lone]

Why was she here? What did she want? Why wasn’t she in the paws of Bluepaw? Did Bluepaw even know that she was here? Talking to him? Close to him? Why was she here? Why was she here? What tree did she fall off of to come near him? The questions swarmed through his head. Azulpaw wasn’t going to be rude to the blue cat he cared for deeply. Sarcastic? Maybe. After all, it was what he was the best at doing for anyway. Yet, he felt that he couldn’t even talk to her, afraid that he might say something idiotic, and embarrass himself...but what was he thinking? He was Azulpaw. No matter the situation, his voice always stayed edgy and calm. He shuddered, but allowed a deep chuckle to pass through his maw, as he gazed at the female in front of him.

‘’Well, you know. I try to impress the crowd.’’ He smirked. He played calm on the outside, but he was skittish on the inside. Why was she here? What did she want? What exactly were her intentions? Azulpaw stretched, shaking out his fur. When he heard her next words and her slight purr, he found himself purring as well. What was up with the she-cat? Even though he seen her around. He never talked to her much. Granted, he gave her the occasional ‘hi’ or ‘how are you’ and such, but it was small talk. It was boring talk. It got to the point where he did try to avoid her. Not only her--but Bluepaw as well. He didn’t like seeing them together, even though he tried his hardest to be supportive of them both. Besides, he was busy training more. To build up his skills. Primarily in the battle field.

‘’Of course, I missed you, love. Why wouldn’t I?’’ A purr rumbled in his throat as he played along with her game. Yet, as he continued to analyze her: What did she truly want? At her next words, his guard came down, and he gave her a soft smile. Was that all she wanted? To know why he hasn’t been addressing her? Azulpaw would deem himself as being busy, but was he truly too busy to spend time with the she-cat beside him?

‘’I, um,’’ He didn’t know how to answer her question correctly. If there were a correct way to answer it. He truly didn’t know the answer himself--so, he didn’t answer it. Instead, he bombarded her with another question. A teasing-like one. ‘’Bluepaw giving you a hard time, sweetheart?’’ He got up to his paws, flickering his tail. ‘’I mean, maybe that’s one of the reasons I’m avoiding you. Bluepaw may be scared that I’ll steal you away from him,’’ He paused, eyeing her as if checking her out. ‘’And, we both know it could happen.’’ He stated, confidently. And, he glared at the female to see if she disagreed with him. He always had a fun time annoying her. It was one of his hobbies, but he stopped. He dropped everything, and he decided that it would be best to leave them both alone. He haven’t been only avoiding her, but as well Bluepaw. He loved his brother, but he didn’t trust him.

‘’I’m kidding, love.’’ Azulpaw adds after a couple moments, and he sits down on his haunches, happy to know that he wasn’t in pain any longer. He felt normal again. As normal as a cat could be. ‘’I’ve just been busy. Nothing personal.’’ Although he was never too busy for Silverpaw or Hawkpaw or Kestralpaw. He was never too busy for them. In fact, for the past moon, they were all who he’s been hanging around with. He enjoyed Kestralpaw’s company more than he would like to admit, and he knew Silverpaw enjoyed her company as well. She intrigued him honestly. Azulpaw didn’t speak on this. He felt like he didn’t have to. Why would Asterpaw care about what he’s been doing in his private life--the time he had been avoiding her.

‘’It seems like you missed my attention.’’ The tom purred once more, allowing his tail to cover his paws, and he looked down at her with a tilt of his head. ‘’Bluepaw won’t be happy about that, sweetheart.’’ He snickered. He wonder how long it would be before he found himself eating at her fur, getting under her skin, and ticking her off. ‘’I’m sorry if I’ve been avoiding you, angel. I promise it won’t happen anymore. In fact, I’ll give you my entire undivided attention, love. Anything for you.’’ He stated, his voice rich with deep sarcasm, but utter true.

Bluepaw didn’t jump, but he stood rigid to his spot. Her voice had inwardly scared him, for she popped up behind him, as if she were a ghost from his past. A few moments later, his lips curled into a small, his fangs gleaming in the sunlight.

Bluepaw turned around to get a good, long look at her, noticing every change that happened to her. She was still beautiful, no doubt, but more in a rugged way. She looked more mature. Being a loner must had its perks, and she looked as if she owned every last one of them. He wondered if she acted the part. ‘’Well...look at who it is. A ghost from the past.’’ His blue hues beamed at her, happy that she was there. His time with Asterpaw, being clingy, and spoiling her in love and affection had tired him out somedays. He even admitted that he had missed Alabasterpaw. She has made his life interesting, and since she were gone...he was bored.

Utterly, bored.

‘’You don’t just don’t how much I missed you.’’ He purred deeply. ‘’I’m glad you’re back. How was life holding up for you?’’ He asked.
Asterpaw looked somewhat confused as the tom just stood there. Had she interuppted something? A moment, perhaps? She knew she had a knack for messing things up, but had it really been that bad? What had she done? Uh...she thought, cocking her head to the side. She contemplated whether or not she should make some sarcastic remark, or statement to lighten things up. Probably not-- maybe she should just wait for him to say something. Anything would be better then this.
　
Because the truth was, Asterpaw had missed talking to the tom...as strange as it seemed...and it was nice to have one time when they weren't fighting, or one of them wasn't hurt, and Alabasterpaw wasn't coming and trying to mess things up. And yet she was still uneasy. Her sister would be back. She wasn't going to stay gone, after all...she was Alabasterpaw, the creature of nightmares, the demon that haunted Asterpaw's dreams, and one cat that she would have liked to forget. One cat that she would never be able to forget. Because although the white feline had done all of this... somehow, through all of it, they were still family. And family should protect each other, even if certain members decided not to.
　
"Mhm. I'm going to assume by crowd you mean Silverpaw and I...since we were the only ones here. Except you chased her away." She mewed with a shrug. What did it matter whether the little she cat had left? She didn't care. What am I thinking? Of course I care! She's my friend too, right? She thought with a sudden shock of surprise. That was a horrible thing to think. That she didn't care whether the silver tabby was gone or not? "You're becoming a natural attraction for she cats," She mewed, with a smirk on her maw. From the times when she had seen him, he was always hanging around Silverpaw and some other cat that she didn't know.
　
Either way, it seemed like Azulpaw had become a lot more popular since the last time they had spoken. Maybe he had gotten sympathy because of his previous injury-- Asterpaw didn't like cats who hung around like vultures, and then at the first sign of trouble, even if they had never talked to the cat, would run over and start treating them like royalty. Is that what I did? She thought, suddenly alarmed. Surely not. Surely she hadn't been that stupid. Right? She couldn't have been. But maybe she was... that was what bothered her.
　
At his next words, a look of surprise crossed over her features. Was he being serious? Or was he just playing with her again? Better take it as though he were playing. Take everything like he's playing. She thought, the tip of her tail twitching thoughtfully. The fact that he had called her 'love'-- something he knew she hated, although it was nice to hear since she hadn't heard it in a while. Still, she scowled at that. "Back to that, are we, darling?" She asked, smirking as she did so.
　
Why wouldn't you? Oh, I don't know... you've been avoiding me, it's pretty obvious...you kept pushing me away last time...and you wouldn't so much as look at me. I don't know, but I'm pretty sure those are the universal signs for 'I don't like you, stay away' or something of the sort. She thought angrily, but hid it well. That was all in the past. Since Alabasterpaw wasn't messing with him anymore, there was no reason for her to be angry about what had happened back then. His smile caught her somewhat off guard-- she simply hadn't been expecting it, and a look of surprise crossed her features as she forgot to be frustrated. For a moment, she almost looked as though she were about to say something a lot sweeter, and then the look faded.
　
Again, unsure if he was joking or being sincere, Asterpaw's hues narrowed. Well, yes...she admitted to herself, though she didn't want to tell him that. It would look as though she were going back on her word of being with him forever, and she didn't want to go back on her word...after all, she hadn't before. She always kept her word. But this time it seemed as though she just might have to. And then as he continued, she knew he wasn't being serious. The words were light, joking, and left an air of comfortable tension between the two of them. An air that Asterpaw enjoyed very much.
　
"For one thing, I don't think sweetheart is the right word to describe me, love; and for another, sorry, but you missed your chance to 'steal me away; besides, I'm not some prize that you can just choose who gets it." She mewed. Her voice had at first been light and happy, and then later on had grown darker. She was telling the truth. She wasn't a prize that it was a game of 'see who wins it' between the two of them. And if that was what was going on, then, this would be her first-ever time of going back on her word. She wasn't going to stay with someone that she was a prize to, and she wouldn't even consider someone who was planning on rubbing the fact that they had her in the other's face.
　
His words 'I've been busy' hurt. Because she had seen him with the other two she cats. Okay, so...he's too busy for me, not for them. That's okay. I can handle this in a perfectly mature, grown up, kind way. She thought, her hues narrowing as he spoke. Ignoring the fact that he had called her 'love' once more, she put on the expression she always did when she was bothered by someone... one of superiority, and one that normally drove other cats away. At first she had been happy to see him, and now she was wondering if he were telling lies. Why are you lying to me??? She wanted to yowl. She wanted to pin him down-- definitely not like Alabasterpaw, and not hard at all-- and look him in the eye and ask him that again. She wanted to have him tell her the truth. No more lies. No more hiding. She had thought the lies were over when Alabasterpaw left. "I'm absolutely sure you have been." The she cat smiled, putting on a bright expression.
　
So what if he had other friends now? That was good. It would make up for the trouble that had been caused, and he would move on with another she cat while she stayed with Bluepaw. They would be like...brother and sister, maybe. That was a nice kind of relationship to have. Wasn't it? It would be fine. She would be fine. It didn't matter to her, not at all...at least, that was what she was telling herself. After all, over the moon, she had developed a sort of friendly understanding with the tom. She didn't want it to be broken by something...especially something as stupid as another she cat or tom. She would continue to care for him, do her best to work things out, and now that her sister was gone, perhaps they would reach an even higher understanding or...something. She couldn't be sure. She definitely couldn't.
　
"So what if I did." She muttered under her breath at his statement, turning away so it would be even harder for him to catch a single thing she said. And it was true-- if she were being completely honest with herself, she had missed the tom's strange attention. Turning back, a mischievious gleam came into her hues and that same expression came over her features, drowning out any sort of sensitivity she might have had. "Oh please. Bluepaw knows I don't feel at all for you what I do for him." She mewed, waving him off with a shrug. She had almost forgotten the five words she had spoken earlier...five words that she was desperately hoping he hadn't caught. He probably wasn't paying that much attention to her anyways. "Sounds like it's my turn to be the master now. I claim your services, oh Great One." She mewed, placing her head on top of his in an exaggerated ceremonial movement before pulling away with another smirk.
　
And at least it wasn't awkward. Everything always seemed so awkward and unsure with him, but with Azulpaw... things were much more comfortable. And she didn't understand why-- perhaps she never would, but at least it was the way she liked it. She felt comfortable joking around like this, not worrying that she might say the wrong thing and hurt his feelings...she never had, not that she could think of. Offended him? Sure, but that was in the past. And anyways, what did she care? Would it really matter in her future? She didn't have a future with Azulpaw, so the only thing that mattered to her was making things right and then possibly breaking them down again, although she was trying to refrain from doing that.
　
The white feline smiled back at him, welcomingly, almost as though he were the one returning instead of her. "Ghost is a bit of a strong word, isn't it? I would much prefer a lighter word." She mewed, lifting one of her white paws and beginning to clean it delicately. Being a loner hadn't changed her much. Although she might look more rugged and dangerous, her heart-- and mind-- hadn't changed a bit. She was still the same old Alabasterpaw, just with more power behind her then there had previously been. Because after all, what was a girl without manipulation and power?
　
Nothing-- at least, in Alabasterpaw's opinion. And because Asterpaw had neither of those, at least in Alabasterpaw's opinion, she was worth nothing. Though that might not be true, the she cat didn't care; she was determined to prove that without her looks and her brilliant mind, she really would be nothing. "Oh, the loner life is exhilerating, I'll say that much for it. Quite an interesting life, though...I mean, what with thriving on your own and providing for yourself and all. No protection out there. Completely rude, loners...I met a few, and they were quite the strangest cats I've ever met. Of course, they won't be saying anything now--" she smiled menacingly, unsheathing her claws to get the message across-- "but their words were the most horrible I've heard in a long time." She added, sheathing her claws again and glancing over at Bluepaw. "I believe it's high time Azulpaw and I set up a little date. Say...later tonight? What do you think, Bluey?" She asked with a purr and a giggle, though both sounded quite more maniacal then they should have.

[~Masked~]

Ivypaw nodded, and smiled. "Got it." She said and ran in the opposite direction of where he was going.
Cloudpaw nodded and ran off, soon he came to a stop as he heard rustling he got into a hunter crouch and began to stalk the prey which he now assumed was a mouse, then as he got close enough the tom leaped up and caught the mouse under his paws quickly ending its life.

[HwangHarin]

Cloudpaw nodded and ran off, soon he came to a stop as he heard rustling he got into a hunter crouch and began to stalk the prey which he now assumed was a mouse, then as he got close enough the tom leaped up and caught the mouse under his paws quickly ending its life.

Ivypaw opened her maw, twisting the air, " Heh, Squirrel." She thought and crouched down, she followed its trail, and she saw it shortly after nibbling on a nut. Ivypaw grinned and stalked it, and then pounced on it. The molly saw it scramble for a bit then she ended its life quickly.

[~Masked~]

Ivypaw opened her maw, twisting the air, " Heh, Squirrel." She thought and crouched down, she followed its trail, and she saw it shortly after nibbling on a nut. Ivypaw grinned and stalked it, and then pounced on it. The molly saw it scramble for a bit then she ended its life quickly.
Cloudpaw picked his prey up and began to wander back towards where he had started.

[Brilliance]

Asterpaw looked somewhat confused as the tom just stood there. Had she interuppted something? A moment, perhaps? She knew she had a knack for messing things up, but had it really been that bad? What had she done? Uh...she thought, cocking her head to the side. She contemplated whether or not she should make some sarcastic remark, or statement to lighten things up. Probably not-- maybe she should just wait for him to say something. Anything would be better then this.
　
Because the truth was, Asterpaw had missed talking to the tom...as strange as it seemed...and it was nice to have one time when they weren't fighting, or one of them wasn't hurt, and Alabasterpaw wasn't coming and trying to mess things up. And yet she was still uneasy. Her sister would be back. She wasn't going to stay gone, after all...she was Alabasterpaw, the creature of nightmares, the demon that haunted Asterpaw's dreams, and one cat that she would have liked to forget. One cat that she would never be able to forget. Because although the white feline had done all of this... somehow, through all of it, they were still family. And family should protect each other, even if certain members decided not to.
　
"Mhm. I'm going to assume by crowd you mean Silverpaw and I...since we were the only ones here. Except you chased her away." She mewed with a shrug. What did it matter whether the little she cat had left? She didn't care. What am I thinking? Of course I care! She's my friend too, right? She thought with a sudden shock of surprise. That was a horrible thing to think. That she didn't care whether the silver tabby was gone or not? "You're becoming a natural attraction for she cats," She mewed, with a smirk on her maw. From the times when she had seen him, he was always hanging around Silverpaw and some other cat that she didn't know.
　
Either way, it seemed like Azulpaw had become a lot more popular since the last time they had spoken. Maybe he had gotten sympathy because of his previous injury-- Asterpaw didn't like cats who hung around like vultures, and then at the first sign of trouble, even if they had never talked to the cat, would run over and start treating them like royalty. Is that what I did? She thought, suddenly alarmed. Surely not. Surely she hadn't been that stupid. Right? She couldn't have been. But maybe she was... that was what bothered her.
　
At his next words, a look of surprise crossed over her features. Was he being serious? Or was he just playing with her again? Better take it as though he were playing. Take everything like he's playing. She thought, the tip of her tail twitching thoughtfully. The fact that he had called her 'love'-- something he knew she hated, although it was nice to hear since she hadn't heard it in a while. Still, she scowled at that. "Back to that, are we, darling?" She asked, smirking as she did so.
　
Why wouldn't you? Oh, I don't know... you've been avoiding me, it's pretty obvious...you kept pushing me away last time...and you wouldn't so much as look at me. I don't know, but I'm pretty sure those are the universal signs for 'I don't like you, stay away' or something of the sort. She thought angrily, but hid it well. That was all in the past. Since Alabasterpaw wasn't messing with him anymore, there was no reason for her to be angry about what had happened back then. His smile caught her somewhat off guard-- she simply hadn't been expecting it, and a look of surprise crossed her features as she forgot to be frustrated. For a moment, she almost looked as though she were about to say something a lot sweeter, and then the look faded.
　
Again, unsure if he was joking or being sincere, Asterpaw's hues narrowed. Well, yes...she admitted to herself, though she didn't want to tell him that. It would look as though she were going back on her word of being with him forever, and she didn't want to go back on her word...after all, she hadn't before. She always kept her word. But this time it seemed as though she just might have to. And then as he continued, she knew he wasn't being serious. The words were light, joking, and left an air of comfortable tension between the two of them. An air that Asterpaw enjoyed very much.
　
"For one thing, I don't think sweetheart is the right word to describe me, love; and for another, sorry, but you missed your chance to 'steal me away; besides, I'm not some prize that you can just choose who gets it." She mewed. Her voice had at first been light and happy, and then later on had grown darker. She was telling the truth. She wasn't a prize that it was a game of 'see who wins it' between the two of them. And if that was what was going on, then, this would be her first-ever time of going back on her word. She wasn't going to stay with someone that she was a prize to, and she wouldn't even consider someone who was planning on rubbing the fact that they had her in the other's face.
　
His words 'I've been busy' hurt. Because she had seen him with the other two she cats. Okay, so...he's too busy for me, not for them. That's okay. I can handle this in a perfectly mature, grown up, kind way. She thought, her hues narrowing as he spoke. Ignoring the fact that he had called her 'love' once more, she put on the expression she always did when she was bothered by someone... one of superiority, and one that normally drove other cats away. At first she had been happy to see him, and now she was wondering if he were telling lies. Why are you lying to me??? She wanted to yowl. She wanted to pin him down-- definitely not like Alabasterpaw, and not hard at all-- and look him in the eye and ask him that again. She wanted to have him tell her the truth. No more lies. No more hiding. She had thought the lies were over when Alabasterpaw left. "I'm absolutely sure you have been." The she cat smiled, putting on a bright expression.
　
So what if he had other friends now? That was good. It would make up for the trouble that had been caused, and he would move on with another she cat while she stayed with Bluepaw. They would be like...brother and sister, maybe. That was a nice kind of relationship to have. Wasn't it? It would be fine. She would be fine. It didn't matter to her, not at all...at least, that was what she was telling herself. After all, over the moon, she had developed a sort of friendly understanding with the tom. She didn't want it to be broken by something...especially something as stupid as another she cat or tom. She would continue to care for him, do her best to work things out, and now that her sister was gone, perhaps they would reach an even higher understanding or...something. She couldn't be sure. She definitely couldn't.
　
"So what if I did." She muttered under her breath at his statement, turning away so it would be even harder for him to catch a single thing she said. And it was true-- if she were being completely honest with herself, she had missed the tom's strange attention. Turning back, a mischievious gleam came into her hues and that same expression came over her features, drowning out any sort of sensitivity she might have had. "Oh please. Bluepaw knows I don't feel at all for you what I do for him." She mewed, waving him off with a shrug. She had almost forgotten the five words she had spoken earlier...five words that she was desperately hoping he hadn't caught. He probably wasn't paying that much attention to her anyways. "Sounds like it's my turn to be the master now. I claim your services, oh Great One." She mewed, placing her head on top of his in an exaggerated ceremonial movement before pulling away with another smirk.
　
And at least it wasn't awkward. Everything always seemed so awkward and unsure with him, but with Azulpaw... things were much more comfortable. And she didn't understand why-- perhaps she never would, but at least it was the way she liked it. She felt comfortable joking around like this, not worrying that she might say the wrong thing and hurt his feelings...she never had, not that she could think of. Offended him? Sure, but that was in the past. And anyways, what did she care? Would it really matter in her future? She didn't have a future with Azulpaw, so the only thing that mattered to her was making things right and then possibly breaking them down again, although she was trying to refrain from doing that.
　
The white feline smiled back at him, welcomingly, almost as though he were the one returning instead of her. "Ghost is a bit of a strong word, isn't it? I would much prefer a lighter word." She mewed, lifting one of her white paws and beginning to clean it delicately. Being a loner hadn't changed her much. Although she might look more rugged and dangerous, her heart-- and mind-- hadn't changed a bit. She was still the same old Alabasterpaw, just with more power behind her then there had previously been. Because after all, what was a girl without manipulation and power?
　
Nothing-- at least, in Alabasterpaw's opinion. And because Asterpaw had neither of those, at least in Alabasterpaw's opinion, she was worth nothing. Though that might not be true, the she cat didn't care; she was determined to prove that without her looks and her brilliant mind, she really would be nothing. "Oh, the loner life is exhilerating, I'll say that much for it. Quite an interesting life, though...I mean, what with thriving on your own and providing for yourself and all. No protection out there. Completely rude, loners...I met a few, and they were quite the strangest cats I've ever met. Of course, they won't be saying anything now--" she smiled menacingly, unsheathing her claws to get the message across-- "but their words were the most horrible I've heard in a long time." She added, sheathing her claws again and glancing over at Bluepaw. "I believe it's high time Azulpaw and I set up a little date. Say...later tonight? What do you think, Bluey?" She asked with a purr and a giggle, though both sounded quite more maniacal then they should have.



The grey tom felt offended at Asterpaw’s statement. Though he knew she was probably only playing, then again, Asterpaw confused him most times--which was another story. The apprentice stood up proudly, his tail swishing. ‘’I didn’t run her away! If you haven’t notice, I’ve been...more accepting to other cats.’’ He mewed with a smile on his face. ''Can't help it if I'm...what did you call me before?...Irresistible?'' He purred. Though he still carried that begrudging look that made him seem aggressive at first sight, he learned to tone it down. Once he’s done that, Silverpaw have been introducing him to more friends. If it weren’t for Silverpaw he wouldn’t have met Hawkpaw or Kestrelpaw. On his own, Azulpaw hardly knew how to make friends. He was surprised that he deemed Asterpaw as a friend. It may have played that their personalities synced somehow; sarcasm, humor, and annoyance.

The grey tom plopped on the grass, rolling around playfully as he looked up at Asterpaw. At her next words--or question, he perked his ears, stopped rolling and thinking for a while, before he continued on in a happy state. Before her question, he noticed a slight hesitation within her, and he wondered what was going on in that little pretty head of hers, but thought best to not ask the question. ‘’I have no idea what you’re talking about, love.’’ He says, smirking. One word that he knew that got under her skin. Yet, he didn’t know why. The tom got accustomed to calling other she-cats by sweet names. He didn’t know why. Because he was Azulpaw. It was his way of getting under some female’s fur. Some of them adored the attention, hinting at Alabasterpaw, while others...not so much, hinting to Asterpaw. The only feline he refused to use sweet callings for was...Silverpaw. After all, the young she-cat was like his sister. That didn’t stop him from calling her ‘Sweetpea’ a name she usually adored. If it wasn’t that, it was her deemed nickname, Silv. And, she would always call him Zul.

‘’I’m not back at anything, Asterpaw. In fact, you know how this is a constant game between the two of us. Getting on each other nerves, but we just love the thrill of it.’’ He chuckled, deeply. Then he added, ‘’What, you don’t believe the words I’m telling you? Come on, sweetheart, I would never lie to you. There’s absolutely no reason to.’’ Azulpaw stopped rolling in the ground, fluffing out his pelt. His eyes stared into Asterpaw’s, ready for a slick comment to make its way through. Even if he hadn’t been hanging around her in a moon, he adored her sharp tongue. And, he missed it. So, he was startled, afraid, yet happy that she came to talk to him. He felt like a cower that he didn’t fix anything between them, but he thought she had Bluepaw to cater to, so he didn’t think much of it.

‘’Oh...yeah, I’ve been here and there. I’ve been quite busy, everywhere.’’ He shrugged, nonchalantly. The tom didn’t think of it as a big deal. He woke up, he would train, he would hang around with his other friends, then he would train, then he would retire for sleep. Same old for an entire moon. And, for many moons to come. ‘’But, if we’re being honest to each other,’’ He flattened his ears. ‘’You’ve been busying yourself with Bluepaw, so...I don’t see how it matters.’’ Once again, he shrugged, but as she had, he put on a bright smile.

The tom looked around, noticing high above them a couple dragonflies made themselves known. He twitched his nose at the sight, and followed their movements with a curious gaze. ‘’Huh?’’ His ears twitched and he brought his attention back to look at Asterpaw. Did she say something? When, she said something next, Azulpaw remained stoic. He smiled at her, nodding. ‘’I’m glad you’re accepting your feelings for Bluepaw! He really needs you, you know.’’ The tom gave her a curt nod. When truthfully her words had hurt. Why would she come to him, making him think she missed him, but ends up mentioning how much she loves Bluepaw? He couldn’t stop who she loved. He was happy that she kept true to her word. She was Asterpaw. She always would keep truth to her word. ‘’And, of course, I’m sorry,’’ He rolled his eyes, huffing. ‘’It was a joke, love. Don’t take it too seriously. You’re not a prize to display to everyone you meet, but you are a special cat.’’ Bluepaw sure did put Asterpaw on a high pedestal just so everyone could admire the she-cat who stole his heart and patched it up. Azulpaw laughed at the thought, but he didn’t make any comments on it.

The tom rolled his eyes once more, emitting out a soft laugh. When she brung her head back, he looked at her as if she’s grown two heads before saying, ‘’Alright, master. I’m sorry for any avoidances I’ve caused you. For now on,’’ He claimed proudly and playfully, ‘’You are my top priority while I am just a mere piece of nothingness to you.’’ He acted out, casting his head down and slightly looking away from her, feigning sadness. When he turned his head back, a smile placed on his maw, he nudged her with a paw. ‘’Well, master. What’s your first order of business?’’ Azulpaw kept thinking about his best friend brother, and he thought with much sorrow how he felt Asterpaw was using him. After all, she was with Bluepaw...but what was wrong with being her friend? There was nothing wrong with it, but why did she...all of a sudden, want his attention? Doesn’t Bluepaw give her all the attention she desires? Azulpaw shook his head to rid the thoughts. Maybe it would be pleasant that they caught up on some things.

‘’...Phantom, spirit...demon?’’ Bluepaw teased, staring at the female through his pleasant eyes. All of them sounded good in his opinion of what to describe her as. Especially demon. After all, she was a demon from his past. From his heartbreak, from his first love, from everything. He had to admit that the two worked well together, and he was excited that she was back. If he knew anything about the white feline, it was that she loved to start trouble.
As he heard her story, he found it interesting to talk to. He never would had known that being a loner was that hard...he thought about it a few times, but he didn’t carry out that plan. He felt he was too weak to do it, but Alabasterpaw...seemed astonished from it. It seemed like a type of aura surrounded her, and made her more powerful than she already was. The tom purred, ‘’You’re in a rush to see Azulpaw, but you haven’t even spent enough time with me. What a shame!’’ But, he knew she was right, but he felt it was too rushed. If Azulpaw all of a sudden got hurt...everyone of them would know that she was back. He couldn’t risk chasing her off again. Sure, he loved Asterpaw, but he was deeply still attracted by Alabasterpaw. The white devil had him wrapped around her little paw, and she probably didn’t even notice it. ‘’But, I do think, it will be a date to not miss, Miss Alabaster.’’ He purred once more at the new nickname she had given him, feeling more powerful than he once had. ‘’A date to die for.’’ He chuckled at his dark meaning.

[Jingle]

[open]

Jigglefoot stretched and looked about, his multi-colored eyes gazing about the territory he had called home for many many moons- however since the relocation this had was still his home. He sighed softly, taking small steps due to his short and stubby legs- however he was rather graceful in his movement for being such an awkward looking cat.

The tom licked a paw before continuing onward, feeling the wind blow against his short fur and hearing the rustle of the trees around him. He waddled forward, steps quiet, as he pinned his ears back- looking for prey.

[goddess of ducks]

[open]

Jigglefoot stretched and looked about, his multi-colored eyes gazing about the territory he had called home for many many moons- however since the relocation this had was still his home. He sighed softly, taking small steps due to his short and stubby legs- however he was rather graceful in his movement for being such an awkward looking cat.

The tom licked a paw before continuing onward, feeling the wind blow against his short fur and hearing the rustle of the trees around him. He waddled forward, steps quiet, as he pinned his ears back- looking for prey.
The young warrior jogged out of the clearing, still a little unsteady from his newly healed leg. For the past four moons, his permanently twisted paw had obtained a ruptured ligament and a wonderful splint that hindered him from doing basically everything he loved. The only thing it hadn't stopped him from doing was loving both his Clan and his mate, and now apparently his kits too. The Abyssinian tom was overwhelmed in ecstasy when he thought about being a father. To him it was one of the best things in the world, close up there with serving his Clan. Now he would help his home out even more by helping to raise the next generation.

Cliffheart was feeling much better now and all he wanted to do was hunt. Something he had not been able to do for four moons. As he exited into the territory, his pale green hues landed on a shorter looking cat, so he picked up the pace, thinking it wasn't apprentice. Upon closer inspection though, he realized it was a warrior, some cat he had head of but never trueley talked to, Jigglefoot. "Uhh, hey Jigglefoot." He mewed, still a bit embarrassed that he had thought of him as an apprentice at first siting. "Are you hunting alone?"

[Brooklyn Trees]

Lunacross

The apprentice had refocused her attention back to being careful about removing the clustered snow to peer beneath the bush once she realized that she would most likely not be needed to respond - though she remained listenung, though albeit not quite to the former extent with which she had heeded the dead tom's words.
She was determined - with the possibility that there may be something growing beneath the foliage - to be exceedingly careful with her paws as to not damage anything.

Her small paws had now cleared out a small place in the thick white pile of collected precipitation from which to see beneath the branches of the bush, and she placed a small paw into it and gently brushed away more of the snow that was now gathering in a small pile beneath her and to her sides.
Ebonypaw's pale blue eyes met with an object within the hollowed area - though be it a plant or a stick she could not quite tell.
"Is this something we're looking for?" She asked, turning her face up towards the spirit as she spoke, and upon closing her maw again, standing and stepping backwards to allow room for the ancient feline to peer beneath the shrub.

[lone]

The grey tom felt offended at Asterpaw’s statement. Though he knew she was probably only playing, then again, Asterpaw confused him most times--which was another story. The apprentice stood up proudly, his tail swishing. ‘’I didn’t run her away! If you haven’t notice, I’ve been...more accepting to other cats.’’ He mewed with a smile on his face. ''Can't help it if I'm...what did you call me before?...Irresistible?'' He purred. Though he still carried that begrudging look that made him seem aggressive at first sight, he learned to tone it down. Once he’s done that, Silverpaw have been introducing him to more friends. If it weren’t for Silverpaw he wouldn’t have met Hawkpaw or Kestrelpaw. On his own, Azulpaw hardly knew how to make friends. He was surprised that he deemed Asterpaw as a friend. It may have played that their personalities synced somehow; sarcasm, humor, and annoyance.

The grey tom plopped on the grass, rolling around playfully as he looked up at Asterpaw. At her next words--or question, he perked his ears, stopped rolling and thinking for a while, before he continued on in a happy state. Before her question, he noticed a slight hesitation within her, and he wondered what was going on in that little pretty head of hers, but thought best to not ask the question. ‘’I have no idea what you’re talking about, love.’’ He says, smirking. One word that he knew that got under her skin. Yet, he didn’t know why. The tom got accustomed to calling other she-cats by sweet names. He didn’t know why. Because he was Azulpaw. It was his way of getting under some female’s fur. Some of them adored the attention, hinting at Alabasterpaw, while others...not so much, hinting to Asterpaw. The only feline he refused to use sweet callings for was...Silverpaw. After all, the young she-cat was like his sister. That didn’t stop him from calling her ‘Sweetpea’ a name she usually adored. If it wasn’t that, it was her deemed nickname, Silv. And, she would always call him Zul.

‘’I’m not back at anything, Asterpaw. In fact, you know how this is a constant game between the two of us. Getting on each other nerves, but we just love the thrill of it.’’ He chuckled, deeply. Then he added, ‘’What, you don’t believe the words I’m telling you? Come on, sweetheart, I would never lie to you. There’s absolutely no reason to.’’ Azulpaw stopped rolling in the ground, fluffing out his pelt. His eyes stared into Asterpaw’s, ready for a slick comment to make its way through. Even if he hadn’t been hanging around her in a moon, he adored her sharp tongue. And, he missed it. So, he was startled, afraid, yet happy that she came to talk to him. He felt like a cower that he didn’t fix anything between them, but he thought she had Bluepaw to cater to, so he didn’t think much of it.

‘’Oh...yeah, I’ve been here and there. I’ve been quite busy, everywhere.’’ He shrugged, nonchalantly. The tom didn’t think of it as a big deal. He woke up, he would train, he would hang around with his other friends, then he would train, then he would retire for sleep. Same old for an entire moon. And, for many moons to come. ‘’But, if we’re being honest to each other,’’ He flattened his ears. ‘’You’ve been busying yourself with Bluepaw, so...I don’t see how it matters.’’ Once again, he shrugged, but as she had, he put on a bright smile.

The tom looked around, noticing high above them a couple dragonflies made themselves known. He twitched his nose at the sight, and followed their movements with a curious gaze. ‘’Huh?’’ His ears twitched and he brought his attention back to look at Asterpaw. Did she say something? When, she said something next, Azulpaw remained stoic. He smiled at her, nodding. ‘’I’m glad you’re accepting your feelings for Bluepaw! He really needs you, you know.’’ The tom gave her a curt nod. When truthfully her words had hurt. Why would she come to him, making him think she missed him, but ends up mentioning how much she loves Bluepaw? He couldn’t stop who she loved. He was happy that she kept true to her word. She was Asterpaw. She always would keep truth to her word. ‘’And, of course, I’m sorry,’’ He rolled his eyes, huffing. ‘’It was a joke, love. Don’t take it too seriously. You’re not a prize to display to everyone you meet, but you are a special cat.’’ Bluepaw sure did put Asterpaw on a high pedestal just so everyone could admire the she-cat who stole his heart and patched it up. Azulpaw laughed at the thought, but he didn’t make any comments on it.

The tom rolled his eyes once more, emitting out a soft laugh. When she brung her head back, he looked at her as if she’s grown two heads before saying, ‘’Alright, master. I’m sorry for any avoidances I’ve caused you. For now on,’’ He claimed proudly and playfully, ‘’You are my top priority while I am just a mere piece of nothingness to you.’’ He acted out, casting his head down and slightly looking away from her, feigning sadness. When he turned his head back, a smile placed on his maw, he nudged her with a paw. ‘’Well, master. What’s your first order of business?’’ Azulpaw kept thinking about his best friend brother, and he thought with much sorrow how he felt Asterpaw was using him. After all, she was with Bluepaw...but what was wrong with being her friend? There was nothing wrong with it, but why did she...all of a sudden, want his attention? Doesn’t Bluepaw give her all the attention she desires? Azulpaw shook his head to rid the thoughts. Maybe it would be pleasant that they caught up on some things.

‘’...Phantom, spirit...demon?’’ Bluepaw teased, staring at the female through his pleasant eyes. All of them sounded good in his opinion of what to describe her as. Especially demon. After all, she was a demon from his past. From his heartbreak, from his first love, from everything. He had to admit that the two worked well together, and he was excited that she was back. If he knew anything about the white feline, it was that she loved to start trouble.
As he heard her story, he found it interesting to talk to. He never would had known that being a loner was that hard...he thought about it a few times, but he didn’t carry out that plan. He felt he was too weak to do it, but Alabasterpaw...seemed astonished from it. It seemed like a type of aura surrounded her, and made her more powerful than she already was. The tom purred, ‘’You’re in a rush to see Azulpaw, but you haven’t even spent enough time with me. What a shame!’’ But, he knew she was right, but he felt it was too rushed. If Azulpaw all of a sudden got hurt...everyone of them would know that she was back. He couldn’t risk chasing her off again. Sure, he loved Asterpaw, but he was deeply still attracted by Alabasterpaw. The white devil had him wrapped around her little paw, and she probably didn’t even notice it. ‘’But, I do think, it will be a date to not miss, Miss Alabaster.’’ He purred once more at the new nickname she had given him, feeling more powerful than he once had. ‘’A date to die for.’’ He chuckled at his dark meaning.

"Riiight. Accepting." The female rolled her eyes, though it was obvious she was joking as she did so. What did she care if the tom had scared the cat away? Come to think of it, she didn't really know her all that well...what am I thinking? I should definitely care! Asterpaw thought. It wasn't her responsibility to look out for Azulpaw...and yet she had felt it was anyways, when Alabasterpaw had first abused him like that. But why had she done it? The only thing she had gotten out of her beloved sister was 'to protect you.' To protect you, and that was it. Was she being protected? Was Alabasterpaw, even now, living however far away from her...helping her? Surely not. There was no way that the white she cat, powerful as she might be, was trying to help the blue one even from this far away. Unless she was secretly still torturing the tom. He didn't look like she was. "Did I call you that? I must have been...what was it you said to me again? Oh yes. 'Blind as a bat,' I believe it was." She mewed, her voice growing slightly softer as though the words hurt her at the end.
　
Though she was here now, having quite a good time with Azulpaw, the hurtful things he had said were still stuck in her head. And they seemed to have made a home form themselves there...something which bothered her a great deal. Oh sure, maybe she should have tried harder to put things right in the first place. Either way, the past couldn't be changed. And their future would always be the same. She didn't have any idea how to make things better, so she assumed they would always be the same. Was that such a bad thing? No. No it wasn't. Not at all. It seemed there were things going on here that the female didn't know about, however, and as much as she would have liked to...she decided to leave well enough alone. She didn't care about his personal life. She didn't need to know what she cat he was hanging out with now-- the only thing Asterpaw cared about was that it wasn't her. Which was a good thing...right? A very good thing.
　
Yes. A very good thing. She rolled her eyes as she turned her eyes back on the tom. Why, oh why did he insist on calling her 'love?' Either he didn't understand that it was obnoxious or he did was was just trying to get under her fur. And based on what she knew about him...the first. It has to be the first. She thought, with a sharp nod of her head. There was no way that he was a 'considerate' cat. He was Azulpaw, for StarClan's sake? And sure, maybe he had...gone through all that to...protect her, but that didn't mean he was a good cat. Any cat would have done that. Even Alabasterpaw would have gone through something like that to protect her. Well yeah, but Alli loves me...she thought. To be honest, she didn't know what she thought anymore. Did she think that her sister was a good cat? A bad cat? Maybe she was both. Is that even possible...? Asterpaw thought, but she really didn't have the time-- or, come to think of it, energy-- to care. All she knew was that Azulpaw was one of the most annoying cats she had ever met.
　
And she doubted he would stop annoying her anytime soon. "How could I have forgotten our thrilling game of 'who can annoy the other the most?' Think you've won every round so far, dear-- shall I try and win this one?" She asked, her voice going up slightly as she half-mimicked her sister's own again. Mimicking Alabasterpaw's voice. Her movements. The way that she infuriated everyone around her. That was something that Asterpaw was truly a master at, and had really earned her that title-- though impressing someone by doing so wasn't quite as easy. After all, did anyone truly like Alabasterpaw? Not that she knew of. Except for herself. She was the only one Alabasterpaw had now, so hopefully her sister would appreciate that and learn to live with it. Wouldn't she?
　
"Oh of course, what was I thinking? I know you would absolutely never lie to me, love." She purred in the most sarcastic voice she could manage, her hues growing wide with pure innocence. That wasn't an easy look for Asterpaw to maintain, and yet she managed to do it. I think that alone deserves to win, she thought with the slightest of purrs. She was trying to figure out the best way to push Azulpaw's buttons, and to do it so underhandedly that he would never realize it. The thought amused her, made her laugh, almost....after all, she, toying with the most annoying tom she had ever met was hilarious. But...maybe I don't want to 'busy myself' with Bluepaw. It's not like I have a choice. She thought grumpily, although she imagined the words would come out far too sincere. That wasn't why she had sought Azulpaw out in the first place anyways, so it really just didn't matter. "Yeah, we've been doing everything together lately. It's a lot of fun." She mewed. Now, that comment was meant to be sarcastic-- but the she cat, knowing that Azulpaw would probably be frustrated if she revealed this, made it sound as sincere as possible.
　
Good thing I know how to playact. She thought with a sigh of relief, a smile gracing her features as she did so. His words stung a little, though she knew she had been the one to draw them out. Why had she mentioned the piebald tom at all? Couldn't she just put him out of her head and move on with her life? Well, no-- he had been her life. For the past moon, the only cat that Asterpaw had been around, really, was Bluepaw. So no, she couldn't just put him down, away from her, pushing him to a corner until she could figure out something to do with him. Besides, she and her stupid promises had gotten her into this mess. This awful...rotten...it was all Alabasterpaw's fault. Not hers. Her sister's. "Of course I'm a special cat. Everyone is-- even you. I think Bluepaw's more of special needs, he has some...attachment issues." She sighed, glancing over her shoulder.
　
Wait-- that was a joke. Whoops. Oh well, now I've dug myself a hole, might as well dig it a little deeper so I can fall in it. She thought sarcastically, the tip of her tail twitching. So what if that hadn't been the nicest thing to say about her...she hated to even think it, and yet she had to...future mate. Yes, if she was going to stay with Bluepaw forever, they might as well be future mates. Her fate was as good as told. "Kidding, I was kidding. Glad you're finally seeing my worth though, huh?" She asked, a smirk on her maw before she laughed. Playing with Azulpaw was fun-- well, playing with words, anyways. She had seen how easily you could break or build someone up with words, and both had been done by her before. Although she was ashamed of the way she had broken others with her powerful words, she was just as pleased by the way she built them up. After all, she was quite talented at it. Words were Asterpaw's weapons, and weapons that she used quite well as a matter of fact. Quite well indeed.
　
A gleam of amusement entered her eyes at the tom's next words and she nudged him back with her shoulder, though not hard. "I order you declare me the winner of this round." She mewed, making her voice as arrogant and leader-like as she could. It was annoying, alright...but that was Asterpaw. She was happiest when trying to outdo another cat. Preferably Azulpaw, but she'd had to settle for Bluepaw lately considering he'd been 'too busy' for her. Why? She didn't know. Would he ever not be 'too busy for her?' That, she was unsure of. Probably not. If he had really been avoiding her-- and she had a sneaking suspicion he had-- then he would continue to make up excuses. "And then go fall out of a tree or something else stupid, I want amusement." She added in the same, stuck up voice. Those walking by might have thought it was her real one and felt sorry for the tom, but had they either been closer and seen the sparkle in her hues, heard the playful tint to her voice and noticed her stance, or simply known her better, they would have realized that she was just playing. As she always did. Because that was what the young she cat did best, was play with the tom. Mess around with him. And this was what she always wanted to do.
　
"I say let's go with spirit. Sounds almost magical, doesn't it? We all know I'm the opposite of a demon-- why, I'm a perfect angel!" She purred, weaving around the tom with her blue hues wide, an expression of the utmost innocence and perfection written all over her features. Alabasterpaw was back. And she was definitely looking as though she were back to stay...why wouldn't she be? After all, a perfect angel deserved to stay in the Clan, didn't she? And Alabasterpaw, well...she was just the very image of perfection. A darling to stay within the Clan forever. Just as soon as she hunted Azulpaw down and got to hear him yowl in pain one last time...just to hear him begging her for mercy...that would be simply marvelous, if she could get it. "Oh of course, love, where are my manners! I am so sorry, darling." She mewed, flashing a brilliant smile over in the tom's direction as she did so, although she still seemed somewhat distracted.
　
She was planning her attack. The white demon was back, and she was ready to take her revenge on the grey tom...after all, what was the return of an angel without the death of the devil? She would be thrilled to kill the tom. Thrilled. "You took the words right from my mouth, my dear Bluey. Let's make it a double-- bring my darling sister along. Of course, there might be some minor injury involved on her part... I make no promises that she'll be absolutely safe. You must understand, if she tries to attack me, it is your job to keep her from doing so: no matter what the cost. And if you fail....Asterpaw will have to be knocked to the side for the moment being. Understood?" She asked, her hues narrowing as she watched the tom with her murderous gaze. Tonight was going to be a night to remember...and thankfully, Asterpaw was not going to be one to forget this night soon. And Azulpaw? Well, he wouldn't get to see her another day...not if everything went smoothly. It was going to be, indeed, a date to die for.

[Jingle]

The young warrior jogged out of the clearing, still a little unsteady from his newly healed leg. For the past four moons, his permanently twisted paw had obtained a ruptured ligament and a wonderful splint that hindered him from doing basically everything he loved. The only thing it hadn't stopped him from doing was loving both his Clan and his mate, and now apparently his kits too. The Abyssinian tom was overwhelmed in ecstasy when he thought about being a father. To him it was one of the best things in the world, close up there with serving his Clan. Now he would help his home out even more by helping to raise the next generation.

Cliffheart was feeling much better now and all he wanted to do was hunt. Something he had not been able to do for four moons. As he exited into the territory, his pale green hues landed on a shorter looking cat, so he picked up the pace, thinking it wasn't apprentice. Upon closer inspection though, he realized it was a warrior, some cat he had head of but never trueley talked to, Jigglefoot. "Uhh, hey Jigglefoot." He mewed, still a bit embarrassed that he had thought of him as an apprentice at first siting. "Are you hunting alone?"

Jigglefoot's ears perked up as the other cat spoke to him, standing up as tall as he could for his short stature. "Oh ja (yes)." he replied, turning to face the fellow clan-mate. "Just felt like doing zome (some) clan vork (work)." the German cat replied with a thicker accent.

The munchkin glanced the other tom over, Cliffheart was his name. He had heard of the cat and seen him- however he hadn't talked to him to his knowledge. His tail flicked faintly in a greeting. "Vould (would) you like to join me?" he asked kindly.

[Brilliance]

"Riiight. Accepting." The female rolled her eyes, though it was obvious she was joking as she did so. What did she care if the tom had scared the cat away? Come to think of it, she didn't really know her all that well...what am I thinking? I should definitely care! Asterpaw thought. It wasn't her responsibility to look out for Azulpaw...and yet she had felt it was anyways, when Alabasterpaw had first abused him like that. But why had she done it? The only thing she had gotten out of her beloved sister was 'to protect you.' To protect you, and that was it. Was she being protected? Was Alabasterpaw, even now, living however far away from her...helping her? Surely not. There was no way that the white she cat, powerful as she might be, was trying to help the blue one even from this far away. Unless she was secretly still torturing the tom. He didn't look like she was. "Did I call you that? I must have been...what was it you said to me again? Oh yes. 'Blind as a bat,' I believe it was." She mewed, her voice growing slightly softer as though the words hurt her at the end.
　
Though she was here now, having quite a good time with Azulpaw, the hurtful things he had said were still stuck in her head. And they seemed to have made a home form themselves there...something which bothered her a great deal. Oh sure, maybe she should have tried harder to put things right in the first place. Either way, the past couldn't be changed. And their future would always be the same. She didn't have any idea how to make things better, so she assumed they would always be the same. Was that such a bad thing? No. No it wasn't. Not at all. It seemed there were things going on here that the female didn't know about, however, and as much as she would have liked to...she decided to leave well enough alone. She didn't care about his personal life. She didn't need to know what she cat he was hanging out with now-- the only thing Asterpaw cared about was that it wasn't her. Which was a good thing...right? A very good thing.
　
Yes. A very good thing. She rolled her eyes as she turned her eyes back on the tom. Why, oh why did he insist on calling her 'love?' Either he didn't understand that it was obnoxious or he did was was just trying to get under her fur. And based on what she knew about him...the first. It has to be the first. She thought, with a sharp nod of her head. There was no way that he was a 'considerate' cat. He was Azulpaw, for StarClan's sake? And sure, maybe he had...gone through all that to...protect her, but that didn't mean he was a good cat. Any cat would have done that. Even Alabasterpaw would have gone through something like that to protect her. Well yeah, but Alli loves me...she thought. To be honest, she didn't know what she thought anymore. Did she think that her sister was a good cat? A bad cat? Maybe she was both. Is that even possible...? Asterpaw thought, but she really didn't have the time-- or, come to think of it, energy-- to care. All she knew was that Azulpaw was one of the most annoying cats she had ever met.
　
And she doubted he would stop annoying her anytime soon. "How could I have forgotten our thrilling game of 'who can annoy the other the most?' Think you've won every round so far, dear-- shall I try and win this one?" She asked, her voice going up slightly as she half-mimicked her sister's own again. Mimicking Alabasterpaw's voice. Her movements. The way that she infuriated everyone around her. That was something that Asterpaw was truly a master at, and had really earned her that title-- though impressing someone by doing so wasn't quite as easy. After all, did anyone truly like Alabasterpaw? Not that she knew of. Except for herself. She was the only one Alabasterpaw had now, so hopefully her sister would appreciate that and learn to live with it. Wouldn't she?
　
"Oh of course, what was I thinking? I know you would absolutely never lie to me, love." She purred in the most sarcastic voice she could manage, her hues growing wide with pure innocence. That wasn't an easy look for Asterpaw to maintain, and yet she managed to do it. I think that alone deserves to win, she thought with the slightest of purrs. She was trying to figure out the best way to push Azulpaw's buttons, and to do it so underhandedly that he would never realize it. The thought amused her, made her laugh, almost....after all, she, toying with the most annoying tom she had ever met was hilarious. But...maybe I don't want to 'busy myself' with Bluepaw. It's not like I have a choice. She thought grumpily, although she imagined the words would come out far too sincere. That wasn't why she had sought Azulpaw out in the first place anyways, so it really just didn't matter. "Yeah, we've been doing everything together lately. It's a lot of fun." She mewed. Now, that comment was meant to be sarcastic-- but the she cat, knowing that Azulpaw would probably be frustrated if she revealed this, made it sound as sincere as possible.
　
Good thing I know how to playact. She thought with a sigh of relief, a smile gracing her features as she did so. His words stung a little, though she knew she had been the one to draw them out. Why had she mentioned the piebald tom at all? Couldn't she just put him out of her head and move on with her life? Well, no-- he had been her life. For the past moon, the only cat that Asterpaw had been around, really, was Bluepaw. So no, she couldn't just put him down, away from her, pushing him to a corner until she could figure out something to do with him. Besides, she and her stupid promises had gotten her into this mess. This awful...rotten...it was all Alabasterpaw's fault. Not hers. Her sister's. "Of course I'm a special cat. Everyone is-- even you. I think Bluepaw's more of special needs, he has some...attachment issues." She sighed, glancing over her shoulder.
　
Wait-- that was a joke. Whoops. Oh well, now I've dug myself a hole, might as well dig it a little deeper so I can fall in it. She thought sarcastically, the tip of her tail twitching. So what if that hadn't been the nicest thing to say about her...she hated to even think it, and yet she had to...future mate. Yes, if she was going to stay with Bluepaw forever, they might as well be future mates. Her fate was as good as told. "Kidding, I was kidding. Glad you're finally seeing my worth though, huh?" She asked, a smirk on her maw before she laughed. Playing with Azulpaw was fun-- well, playing with words, anyways. She had seen how easily you could break or build someone up with words, and both had been done by her before. Although she was ashamed of the way she had broken others with her powerful words, she was just as pleased by the way she built them up. After all, she was quite talented at it. Words were Asterpaw's weapons, and weapons that she used quite well as a matter of fact. Quite well indeed.
　
A gleam of amusement entered her eyes at the tom's next words and she nudged him back with her shoulder, though not hard. "I order you declare me the winner of this round." She mewed, making her voice as arrogant and leader-like as she could. It was annoying, alright...but that was Asterpaw. She was happiest when trying to outdo another cat. Preferably Azulpaw, but she'd had to settle for Bluepaw lately considering he'd been 'too busy' for her. Why? She didn't know. Would he ever not be 'too busy for her?' That, she was unsure of. Probably not. If he had really been avoiding her-- and she had a sneaking suspicion he had-- then he would continue to make up excuses. "And then go fall out of a tree or something else stupid, I want amusement." She added in the same, stuck up voice. Those walking by might have thought it was her real one and felt sorry for the tom, but had they either been closer and seen the sparkle in her hues, heard the playful tint to her voice and noticed her stance, or simply known her better, they would have realized that she was just playing. As she always did. Because that was what the young she cat did best, was play with the tom. Mess around with him. And this was what she always wanted to do.
　
"I say let's go with spirit. Sounds almost magical, doesn't it? We all know I'm the opposite of a demon-- why, I'm a perfect angel!" She purred, weaving around the tom with her blue hues wide, an expression of the utmost innocence and perfection written all over her features. Alabasterpaw was back. And she was definitely looking as though she were back to stay...why wouldn't she be? After all, a perfect angel deserved to stay in the Clan, didn't she? And Alabasterpaw, well...she was just the very image of perfection. A darling to stay within the Clan forever. Just as soon as she hunted Azulpaw down and got to hear him yowl in pain one last time...just to hear him begging her for mercy...that would be simply marvelous, if she could get it. "Oh of course, love, where are my manners! I am so sorry, darling." She mewed, flashing a brilliant smile over in the tom's direction as she did so, although she still seemed somewhat distracted.
　
She was planning her attack. The white demon was back, and she was ready to take her revenge on the grey tom...after all, what was the return of an angel without the death of the devil? She would be thrilled to kill the tom. Thrilled. "You took the words right from my mouth, my dear Bluey. Let's make it a double-- bring my darling sister along. Of course, there might be some minor injury involved on her part... I make no promises that she'll be absolutely safe. You must understand, if she tries to attack me, it is your job to keep her from doing so: no matter what the cost. And if you fail....Asterpaw will have to be knocked to the side for the moment being. Understood?" She asked, her hues narrowing as she watched the tom with her murderous gaze. Tonight was going to be a night to remember...and thankfully, Asterpaw was not going to be one to forget this night soon. And Azulpaw? Well, he wouldn't get to see her another day...not if everything went smoothly. It was going to be, indeed, a date to die for.


‘’You must have forgotten, darling,’’ the tom piped, jumping to his paws. Though his voice sounded smooth, he lost a few touches to it, making him talk in a happier tone, than he would like. ‘’I’m competitive. I’m in it to win it, and so far,’’ He leaned in close to her. ‘’I’ve won every round...after all, I absolutely love it when you give me your time of day.’’ He snickered, knowing exactly what she was thinking and how she felt on the situation. No doubt, she was annoyed, which meant he succeeded in his job well enough. ‘’...but I suppose,’’ He started sauntering away, his tail lightly swishing behind in an obnoxious way just like the type of cat he was. ‘’If you beg, then maybe, just maybe I’ll be a little more merciful.’’ He chuckled, gleaming his fangs in the sun’s light.

On an odd level, Azulpaw wanted to see the blue cat beg. For some odd reason, he felt it would bring a type of thrill into his life--seeing her beg to him. Not in a terrible manner, but more in a teasing like one. Where they enjoyed each other’s company and played a lot. He had a feeling that the emotion was quite returned. Wouldn’t Asterpaw want to see him begging before her? Not stripped of anything, or in any pain. He flinched, remembering the moment Alabasterpaw had him pinned down, crushing him in an awkward position. He recalled how Asterpaw wanted to help, how she wrapped herself around him, and how he told her off, hoping she would go away...forever. Yet, here she was, talking to him, seeming to enjoy his company. This made the tom huffed. If she constantly praised how great Bluepaw was, how come she wasn’t with him now?

Was she simply wasting his time? If it was one thing Azulpaw hated most in the world...it was time. He knew time was a delicate thing. A fragile thing. And, at the wrong moment, you could lose a piece of time that never would come back. A part of your life that you could had been doing that made you happy. And, here he was, debating whether he was happy or having his time being wasted. It was between the line of both; he truly did enjoy Asterpaw’s company, she made him feel like...something. He didn’t know yet, but he felt...something within him that stirred whenever he seen her in her most angelic form; playfulness.

‘’Oh?’’ The tom smirked. ‘’Apparently you’re not only as blind as a bat, but also as deaf as a kit when they’re first born!’’ He cracked with a shake of his head. ‘’Ah, come on Asterpaw,’’ He sat down, allowing a paw to pat at his companion’s head. ‘’You’re losing your game. Is Bluepaw tiring you out too much...love?’’ He gave a charming, innocent smile and looked away as if he were bashful for a moment.

As he heard her comment about Bluepaw, he gave a slight roll of his eyes, but thought better of it to not finish it out. He didn’t want the female to view him as jealous--he might have been on the inside, but the outside was what mattered most in this situation. He mustered a genuine smile--as much as he could. He could feel it faltering, but it was there. ‘’Everything?...Everything like what?’’ He asked, not wanting to sound too interested as to what they were doing. It wasn’t in his place to be, anyway. ‘’Is he way more fun than I am?’’ He asked, huffing, and staring her directly in the eye to know her answer. After a few moments, his eyes grew wide, and he turned away, frustrated. He shook his head, and quickly added, ‘’Don’t answer that question--it doesn't matter. Forget that I even said it! In fact, let me answer it for you...Bluepaw is waaaaaaay more fun than I am! After all, the two of you have been spending a moon alone together, and I bet the two of you found some fun things to do together...you know, I always sit in a corner and rot myself to death. Ha, ha.’’ The tom pinned his ears to his head and looked around, trying to avoid his desperate cry of help, as he deemed.

‘’Life support.’’ Azulpaw muttered under his breath when Asterpaw admitted that Bluepaw had...attachment issues.The tom listened carefully to the female, and a pleasant smile crossed his face. Why wouldn’t he know her worth? Did she have any idea of what her worth was? His eyes half-lidded, and he only stared at her, half-thinking, half-distracted. His head tilted slightly, and his claws unsheathed, making absent circles into the ground. ‘’Of course, I know your worth. Do you even know your worth?’’ The words just flew off his tongue, something like his speech earlier. He didn’t know what made him ask the question, only that it was left hanging in the air, and he hoped that she would forget, or better, that she didn’t hear it.

The tom let out a marrow of laughter at hearing Asterpaw’s silly request, though he knew she was playing. He rolled his eyes, and searched for the highest tree. Something that he could jump out of without a problem. None of them seemed to be a challenge in his eyes. ‘’Oh, of course, my queen.’’ The tom gave an exaggerated bow, before slowly bringing his head back up. ‘’Should I jump out the highest tree available, and fall to my untimely death?’’ He held the same regal voice, yet it held faint sarcasm.

The tom began sulking around her circling her, hitting her with his tail every now and then. ‘’Perhaps an angel will come an save me--but that would definitely be impossible, since you can’t be two things at once, darling.’’ Before she could react in time to lash out at him or provide a snarky comment, he bounded up to a tree, looking at it to the very top. The canopy of the tree was filtered with light, making it a pretty shadow on the ground. He jumped onto it, his claws unsheathed, and he glanced back at Asterpaw with a smirk on his face. ‘’I’m going up.’’ He told her before digging his claws deeply into the bark, jumping up swiftly at every branch. One branch was on the verge of snapping, and the tom almost lost his footing. He quickly latched onto an upper branch to heave himself up. Once he was at the top, he looked down to see Asterpaw’s reaction. She looked tiny to him--they all did. He wasn’t afraid of heights--that was for sure. He was fascinated by them. ‘’Wow.’’ He sat down for a couple minutes, staring off into the rising sun and the blue sky. His tail wrapped around him. ‘’Silverpaw and Kestrelpaw would love this!’’ He exclaimed excitedly, before bringing himself back to the present situation. He leaned down before, trying to decipher Asterpaw’s reflection. ‘’You ready for this jump!?’’ He yelled down at her. ‘’You ready to bury this tom in his early years, love?’’ He joked.

‘’Woah, woah, woah, there, demonic.’’ Bluepaw said, wanting to hiss at the female. Although he was happy to see her, he had priorities straight. As far as he was concerned, Asterpaw was his top priority, and she had nothing to do with this situation. ‘’Why should I bring Asterpaw, if she has nothing to do with what’s going on with you and Azulpaw? Have we not talked about harming a speck of dust on her pelt?’’ He grew defensive. The piebald time looked away for a moment, thinking that the she-cat was insane if he was going to bring his love to whatever plan she had concocted. ‘’I want Asterpaw out of this completely. If you choose to kill Azulpaw...she wouldn’t have to know about it. Besides, it would be obvious that you came back if Azulpaw ended up...being hurt again. It’s too close of a call.’’

Though Bluepaw wanted Azulpaw gone. He had an eerie feeling about the tom’s absence and wondered what he has been up to. He kept an watchful eye on Asterpaw, knowing she might feel a bit dejected for spending a lot of time with him. He knew that she most likely missed Azulpaw. That she most likely wanted Azulpaw. Not him in any way or form, yet she had no choice. As long as she kept believing he had heartbreak, she would be his forever. It was a desperate plan, but he took everything that Azulpaw wanted. And, that was enough for him.

Asterpaw would, and could never amount to what Alabasterpaw did to him, and even though he resented her at this time, he knew he still had something deep within his heart for her, but it was faint. Not beating. Barely breathing. ‘’I can’t make a deal if you want me to bring Asterpaw. She has nothing to do with this,’’ he uttered sadly, and looked at his paws as if they carried the answer to his entire problems. He couldn’t even look straight into Alabasterpaw’s face, the demon that came back to haunt them all.

Where was Asterpaw, anyway?

‘’...Azulpaw is the one you want, but Asterpaw is the one I’m going to protect. Even if it’s against you.’’ Bluepaw was honest. He would do everything in his power to protect Asterpaw--even against the she-devil he claimed to still care for. He couldn’t bring himself to hurt the blue cat because she was extraordinary in every way. He was surprised that he even got her for himself. It would be a sad road when she finds out the truth...about everything. Because, even though his heart was changing drastically, coming to the dark side, he knew, that everything done in the dark. Will be revealed to the light. The only question: Did Alabasterpaw know that as well?

[goddess of ducks]

Jigglefoot's ears perked up as the other cat spoke to him, standing up as tall as he could for his short stature. "Oh ja (yes)." he replied, turning to face the fellow clan-mate. "Just felt like doing zome (some) clan vork (work)." the German cat replied with a thicker accent.

The munchkin glanced the other tom over, Cliffheart was his name. He had heard of the cat and seen him- however he hadn't talked to him to his knowledge. His tail flicked faintly in a greeting. "Vould (would) you like to join me?" he asked kindly.

Having never heard his voice before, Cliffheart was a bit startled at the accent that the shorter cat carried. Although, a certain part of him liked it and thought it was very interesting to listen to. He had never heard a cat talk like this, but he definitely wasn't against it, it just made him...what Scorchedpetal would call, unique. The dusty colored warrior smiled. He was out to do some Clan work. Huh, we must be more alike than I imagined. Cliffheart thought. At least he wasn't the only one concerned with serving the clan yo make sure it stayed strong and healthy.

Giving his most genuine smile, Cliffheart replied. "I would love to accompany you. I haven't been hunting in moons unfortunately." He remarked with a slight sigh to his voice. He knew he wished to run, to stretch his legs. He wanted to run, but knew his leg wasn't quite ready for that just yet. "So where were you headed to hunt? I wouldn't want to change your plans that you had in mind."

[Jingle]

Having never heard his voice before, Cliffheart was a bit startled at the accent that the shorter cat carried. Although, a certain part of him liked it and thought it was very interesting to listen to. He had never heard a cat talk like this, but he definitely wasn't against it, it just made him...what Scorchedpetal would call, unique. The dusty colored warrior smiled. He was out to do some Clan work. Huh, we must be more alike than I imagined. Cliffheart thought. At least he wasn't the only one concerned with serving the clan yo make sure it stayed strong and healthy.

Giving his most genuine smile, Cliffheart replied. "I would love to accompany you. I haven't been hunting in moons unfortunately." He remarked with a slight sigh to his voice. He knew he wished to run, to stretch his legs. He wanted to run, but knew his leg wasn't quite ready for that just yet. "So where were you headed to hunt? I wouldn't want to change your plans that you had in mind."


Jigglefoot looked at the other cat and nodded, smiling widely. "Vell (Well) then ve (we) shall go and travel to the borders of ze (the) territory. Ze (the) prey is-" the munchkin cat stopped to think of the proper word for this sentence- plentiful? nah... abundance... "abundance zere (there) because other cat's don't hunt zere (there)." He grumbled, flicking his tail in a happy manner.

"You can accompany me zere (there) as vell (well)." the short warrior said to the much taller one. His accent was starting to thicken again- and he was pretty sure the other cat's didn't enjoy it. However, it would thin with the more he was around his mate, friends, and kits.

[goddess of ducks]

Jigglefoot looked at the other cat and nodded, smiling widely. "Vell (Well) then ve (we) shall go and travel to the borders of ze (the) territory. Ze (the) prey is-" the munchkin cat stopped to think of the proper word for this sentence- plentiful? nah... abundance... "abundance zere (there) because other cat's don't hunt zere (there)." He grumbled, flicking his tail in a happy manner.

"You can accompany me zere (there) as vell (well)." the short warrior said to the much taller one. His accent was starting to thicken again- and he was pretty sure the other cat's didn't enjoy it. However, it would thin with the more he was around his mate, friends, and kits.

Having never heard a cats peak like this, Ckiffheart had some difficulty in figuring out what he was saying. It wasn't that it was hard, it was just that if he wasn't paying attention to the other warrior, the words would sound like mumbled jargon to him. He gave a nod, keeping his creamy yellow ears pricked towards his companion. "I can agree with that. Most cats just patrol on the border, not many hunt. Good idea."

Cliffheart slowed his pace, letting Jigglefoot take the lead. Having never been around him before, he didn't know if he walked slower because of his shorter legs, but Cliffheart didn't mind. He already walked a bit slower due to his limping gait caused by his twisted paw.

[Jingle]

Having never heard a cats peak like this, Ckiffheart had some difficulty in figuring out what he was saying. It wasn't that it was hard, it was just that if he wasn't paying attention to the other warrior, the words would sound like mumbled jargon to him. He gave a nod, keeping his creamy yellow ears pricked towards his companion. "I can agree with that. Most cats just patrol on the border, not many hunt. Good idea."

Cliffheart slowed his pace, letting Jigglefoot take the lead. Having never been around him before, he didn't know if he walked slower because of his shorter legs, but Cliffheart didn't mind. He already walked a bit slower due to his limping gait caused by his twisted paw.

Jigglefoot nodded and started towards the borders, paying no mind to the other cat's twisted leg. He had his own disadvantages, however he believed that the other cat could be a normal warrior- and he had to work just as efficiently as a normal warrior but in his own way.

The munchkin continued to walk, his multi-colored eyes focusing on the way to the new boarders of SkyClan.

[Mango]

Cucumberpickle was off hunting, he spotted Jigglefoot with someone else, but didn't acnolage him, he knew that Jigglefoot would provoke him into taunting and acting immature.

[BEAR.]

Brooklyn Trees

Moving to get a look at the unveiled object, Aconite ducked his head beneath the low branches of the bush, his ears uncomfortably passing through the limbs. From the looks of the shoot, it seemed to be the remnants of common yarrow plant; the flowers and stems since withered and - until Newleaf - useless. "Looks like yarrow," he said. "Good to have on paw, but without the full plant being usable, there's not a lot we can do with it as it is. The flowers are great for ointments and treating wounds, and when consumed the stem induces vomiting. If you run across a clan mate that's been poisoned, you can feed them the stem to get them to expel their stomach contents. It's fortunate we don't need to worry about venomous snake bites! Yarrow wouldn't be of assistance with that since the toxin is injected directly into the bloodstream, and it's significantly harder to draw the taint out of the body." Realizing he hadn't quiet answered Ebonypaw's question, he rectified the situation.

"We are looking for plants like this. Yarrow is a valuable herb, and it's great for when our clan mates decide to snack on holly. At the moment, I wouldn't disturb the plant. We should return when it warms up to see if we can collect it."

[Brooklyn Trees]

Brooklyn Trees

Moving to get a look at the unveiled object, Aconite ducked his head beneath the low branches of the bush, his ears uncomfortably passing through the limbs. From the looks of the shoot, it seemed to be the remnants of common yarrow plant; the flowers and stems since withered and - until Newleaf - useless. "Looks like yarrow," he said. "Good to have on paw, but without the full plant being usable, there's not a lot we can do with it as it is. The flowers are great for ointments and treating wounds, and when consumed the stem induces vomiting. If you run across a clan mate that's been poisoned, you can feed them the stem to get them to expel their stomach contents. It's fortunate we don't need to worry about venomous snake bites! Yarrow wouldn't be of assistance with that since the toxin is injected directly into the bloodstream, and it's significantly harder to draw the taint out of the body." Realizing he hadn't quiet answered Ebonypaw's question, he rectified the situation.

"We are looking for plants like this. Yarrow is a valuable herb, and it's great for when our clan mates decide to snack on holly. At the moment, I wouldn't disturb the plant. We should return when it warms up to see if we can collect it."

Pale blue eyes studied the ancient tom as he peered beneath the branches of the snow-encompassed shrubbery, using his knowledge of the many different herbs to identify the object which the smaller feline had cleared the snow from.

As Aconiteheart began to explain what he had found beneath the branches the tuxedo cat lifted a foreleg and began to run her rough tongue over the collected snow in an attempt to clear it from her fur. The warmth of her tongue seemed unnaturally hot against her pads, which had now become accustomed to the cooler temperature of the frost-covered ground.

Holly. The unfamiliar word brought the she-cat's eyes back up to the form of the spirit as he spoke - continuing away from the unusual word.
Eyes turned away from the tom as his words turned back to the small plant, instead finding their own way back to the bush that concealed it from her view.

She didn't want to ask too many questions, or appear stupid in the ones that she did ask, and so carefully thought for a moment before she opened her maw again.
"Is holly poisononous?" She knew that the context within which she heard the word should lead her to this conclusion on her own, but she found it better to be sure that this was not some other form of herb.

[goddess of ducks]

Jigglefoot nodded and started towards the borders, paying no mind to the other cat's twisted leg. He had his own disadvantages, however he believed that the other cat could be a normal warrior- and he had to work just as efficiently as a normal warrior but in his own way.

The munchkin continued to walk, his multi-colored eyes focusing on the way to the new boarders of SkyClan.
Cliffheart, as he moved along, discovered it wasn't as hard to keep his pace even with Jigglefoot's. Instead, the ither Warriors short legs, and his recently healed, but twisted law cause then to go nearly the same speed. Although, Cliffheart moved slower than he would have normally, nervous that if he stepped wrong, or tripped, he would rupture his ligament again and be nest bound for several more moons. He couldn't be stuck in a splint, especially not with his kits coming. The kits would need a strong father, one who could actually care for them, not just lay around. But what did he know? He knew nothing about fathers.

Then an idea struck him. He turned his head to fav
De the warrior. "Hey uh Jigglefoot?" He started, trying to sound casual. "Do you, buy any chance have a family? Like kits and whatnot?" He asked, feeling embarrassed that he had asked that. What if it was a touchy, sensitive subject for him? What if that made the warrior become quiet and reserved, thereby loosing trust and a companion to talk to? The numerous self doubts began swirling, yet again.

[lone]

‘’You must have forgotten, darling,’’ the tom piped, jumping to his paws. Though his voice sounded smooth, he lost a few touches to it, making him talk in a happier tone, than he would like. ‘’I’m competitive. I’m in it to win it, and so far,’’ He leaned in close to her. ‘’I’ve won every round...after all, I absolutely love it when you give me your time of day.’’ He snickered, knowing exactly what she was thinking and how she felt on the situation. No doubt, she was annoyed, which meant he succeeded in his job well enough. ‘’...but I suppose,’’ He started sauntering away, his tail lightly swishing behind in an obnoxious way just like the type of cat he was. ‘’If you beg, then maybe, just maybe I’ll be a little more merciful.’’ He chuckled, gleaming his fangs in the sun’s light.

On an odd level, Azulpaw wanted to see the blue cat beg. For some odd reason, he felt it would bring a type of thrill into his life--seeing her beg to him. Not in a terrible manner, but more in a teasing like one. Where they enjoyed each other’s company and played a lot. He had a feeling that the emotion was quite returned. Wouldn’t Asterpaw want to see him begging before her? Not stripped of anything, or in any pain. He flinched, remembering the moment Alabasterpaw had him pinned down, crushing him in an awkward position. He recalled how Asterpaw wanted to help, how she wrapped herself around him, and how he told her off, hoping she would go away...forever. Yet, here she was, talking to him, seeming to enjoy his company. This made the tom huffed. If she constantly praised how great Bluepaw was, how come she wasn’t with him now?

Was she simply wasting his time? If it was one thing Azulpaw hated most in the world...it was time. He knew time was a delicate thing. A fragile thing. And, at the wrong moment, you could lose a piece of time that never would come back. A part of your life that you could had been doing that made you happy. And, here he was, debating whether he was happy or having his time being wasted. It was between the line of both; he truly did enjoy Asterpaw’s company, she made him feel like...something. He didn’t know yet, but he felt...something within him that stirred whenever he seen her in her most angelic form; playfulness.

‘’Oh?’’ The tom smirked. ‘’Apparently you’re not only as blind as a bat, but also as deaf as a kit when they’re first born!’’ He cracked with a shake of his head. ‘’Ah, come on Asterpaw,’’ He sat down, allowing a paw to pat at his companion’s head. ‘’You’re losing your game. Is Bluepaw tiring you out too much...love?’’ He gave a charming, innocent smile and looked away as if he were bashful for a moment.

As he heard her comment about Bluepaw, he gave a slight roll of his eyes, but thought better of it to not finish it out. He didn’t want the female to view him as jealous--he might have been on the inside, but the outside was what mattered most in this situation. He mustered a genuine smile--as much as he could. He could feel it faltering, but it was there. ‘’Everything?...Everything like what?’’ He asked, not wanting to sound too interested as to what they were doing. It wasn’t in his place to be, anyway. ‘’Is he way more fun than I am?’’ He asked, huffing, and staring her directly in the eye to know her answer. After a few moments, his eyes grew wide, and he turned away, frustrated. He shook his head, and quickly added, ‘’Don’t answer that question--it doesn't matter. Forget that I even said it! In fact, let me answer it for you...Bluepaw is waaaaaaay more fun than I am! After all, the two of you have been spending a moon alone together, and I bet the two of you found some fun things to do together...you know, I always sit in a corner and rot myself to death. Ha, ha.’’ The tom pinned his ears to his head and looked around, trying to avoid his desperate cry of help, as he deemed.

‘’Life support.’’ Azulpaw muttered under his breath when Asterpaw admitted that Bluepaw had...attachment issues.The tom listened carefully to the female, and a pleasant smile crossed his face. Why wouldn’t he know her worth? Did she have any idea of what her worth was? His eyes half-lidded, and he only stared at her, half-thinking, half-distracted. His head tilted slightly, and his claws unsheathed, making absent circles into the ground. ‘’Of course, I know your worth. Do you even know your worth?’’ The words just flew off his tongue, something like his speech earlier. He didn’t know what made him ask the question, only that it was left hanging in the air, and he hoped that she would forget, or better, that she didn’t hear it.

The tom let out a marrow of laughter at hearing Asterpaw’s silly request, though he knew she was playing. He rolled his eyes, and searched for the highest tree. Something that he could jump out of without a problem. None of them seemed to be a challenge in his eyes. ‘’Oh, of course, my queen.’’ The tom gave an exaggerated bow, before slowly bringing his head back up. ‘’Should I jump out the highest tree available, and fall to my untimely death?’’ He held the same regal voice, yet it held faint sarcasm.

The tom began sulking around her circling her, hitting her with his tail every now and then. ‘’Perhaps an angel will come an save me--but that would definitely be impossible, since you can’t be two things at once, darling.’’ Before she could react in time to lash out at him or provide a snarky comment, he bounded up to a tree, looking at it to the very top. The canopy of the tree was filtered with light, making it a pretty shadow on the ground. He jumped onto it, his claws unsheathed, and he glanced back at Asterpaw with a smirk on his face. ‘’I’m going up.’’ He told her before digging his claws deeply into the bark, jumping up swiftly at every branch. One branch was on the verge of snapping, and the tom almost lost his footing. He quickly latched onto an upper branch to heave himself up. Once he was at the top, he looked down to see Asterpaw’s reaction. She looked tiny to him--they all did. He wasn’t afraid of heights--that was for sure. He was fascinated by them. ‘’Wow.’’ He sat down for a couple minutes, staring off into the rising sun and the blue sky. His tail wrapped around him. ‘’Silverpaw and Kestrelpaw would love this!’’ He exclaimed excitedly, before bringing himself back to the present situation. He leaned down before, trying to decipher Asterpaw’s reflection. ‘’You ready for this jump!?’’ He yelled down at her. ‘’You ready to bury this tom in his early years, love?’’ He joked.

‘’Woah, woah, woah, there, demonic.’’ Bluepaw said, wanting to hiss at the female. Although he was happy to see her, he had priorities straight. As far as he was concerned, Asterpaw was his top priority, and she had nothing to do with this situation. ‘’Why should I bring Asterpaw, if she has nothing to do with what’s going on with you and Azulpaw? Have we not talked about harming a speck of dust on her pelt?’’ He grew defensive. The piebald time looked away for a moment, thinking that the she-cat was insane if he was going to bring his love to whatever plan she had concocted. ‘’I want Asterpaw out of this completely. If you choose to kill Azulpaw...she wouldn’t have to know about it. Besides, it would be obvious that you came back if Azulpaw ended up...being hurt again. It’s too close of a call.’’

Though Bluepaw wanted Azulpaw gone. He had an eerie feeling about the tom’s absence and wondered what he has been up to. He kept an watchful eye on Asterpaw, knowing she might feel a bit dejected for spending a lot of time with him. He knew that she most likely missed Azulpaw. That she most likely wanted Azulpaw. Not him in any way or form, yet she had no choice. As long as she kept believing he had heartbreak, she would be his forever. It was a desperate plan, but he took everything that Azulpaw wanted. And, that was enough for him.

Asterpaw would, and could never amount to what Alabasterpaw did to him, and even though he resented her at this time, he knew he still had something deep within his heart for her, but it was faint. Not beating. Barely breathing. ‘’I can’t make a deal if you want me to bring Asterpaw. She has nothing to do with this,’’ he uttered sadly, and looked at his paws as if they carried the answer to his entire problems. He couldn’t even look straight into Alabasterpaw’s face, the demon that came back to haunt them all.

Where was Asterpaw, anyway?

‘’...Azulpaw is the one you want, but Asterpaw is the one I’m going to protect. Even if it’s against you.’’ Bluepaw was honest. He would do everything in his power to protect Asterpaw--even against the she-devil he claimed to still care for. He couldn’t bring himself to hurt the blue cat because she was extraordinary in every way. He was surprised that he even got her for himself. It would be a sad road when she finds out the truth...about everything. Because, even though his heart was changing drastically, coming to the dark side, he knew, that everything done in the dark. Will be revealed to the light. The only question: Did Alabasterpaw know that as well?

The blue female's hues were close to slits as she listened to him. Though normally sarcasm was something that Asterpaw could appreciate, this was killing her. Did he have to be so obnoxious all the time? And even if he did...why her? Why not the silver cat, or the other cat she had seen him with? Why not Bluepaw, or some other 'lucky' she cat? Why, of all the cats in SkyClan, had he chosen to annoy the heck out of her. Or maybe he just did this to everyone. That must be it...surely he wasn't singling her out or anything. And if he was, well...she'd have to fix that. "Oh right...I forget, you're so absolutely charming sometimes. As a matter of fact, you're so charming it's annoying." She mewed with a completely sincere expression, and then her features became more serious. "I've noticed you're competitive. And annoying, sly, and one heck of an arrogant jerk. Oh yes, and...charming." She mewed, keeping her face completely solemn.
　
But I've also seen how you care about your friends. You came to get me out of that bush...for your own reasons, reasons I probably wouldn't understand. You pushed me away to keep me safe. Because you cared. You're more comfortable to be around then Bluepaw...more fun to be around. Asterpaw thought, the tip of her tail twitching thoughtfully. Oh, of course she would never admit any of this. At least, she wasn't planning on doing it. Why would she? She came back to the present and her features snapped back into place-- since she hadn't realized they had become softer and softer while she was thinking.
　
Her eyes narrowed angrily, and her tail lashed. "Beg. To you?" She asked, whiskers twitching in amusement. For a moment, she had thought she would be angry, but the thought was...almost laughable! After all, the idea of her begging to Azulpaw was laughable. She would never be begging him to do anything. Ever. Why would she need to? She had everything she could want...except freedom, a small voice at the back of her mind reminded her. Though it seemed she was free, there was also that one bothersome twinge at the back of her mind constantly reminding her that she was trapped because she didn't want to abandon Bluepaw. "I have absolutely no need to beg to you." She snorted, flicking him lightly with her tail. It was meant to be a playful gesture, not a mean one. Not a harsh one. Just something that she would have done with her sister when they were younger, a gesture that wasn't generally uncomfortable.
　
And yet, had he been Bluepaw...it would have been. He seemed to take every contact, every talk, and turn it into something huge. She was just a she cat like any other! She wasn't 'better' or more 'beautiful' then anyone else. Whatever his definition of beautiful or better was. Maybe she did fit it, but in her mind, she most certainly wasn't. She had never been. Alabasterpaw had lowered her expectations of being considered 'beautiful' or really worth something just by being herself...toms loved her. And Asterpaw? No one likes the sarcastic one who instantly changes when someone she cares about is hurt. She thought with a snort. What tom wanted an intelligent she cat, either? And yet she had turned her back on the truth at the same time, thinking she was smart for doing so. But she hadn't been smart. That had been the worst thing she could have done.
　
She sighed and looked away at his statement, almost like she was exhausted. "Blind and deaf, my, my, my...looks like I could use a guardian angel right about now." She chuckled wearily, closing her eyes. His question caught her off guard, and she tensed, everything in her seeming to halfway shut down. This wasn't playfulness-- this was for real. It was a defense mechanism for her, she would tense and then strike... but she wasn't striking. She was just standing there, a nervous expression written all over her features. "Oh please, darling. Losing my game? Bluepaw tiring me out? Please." She laughed, turning her face away. Sometimes it wasn't always comfortable around him...and now was one of those times. Why was he sometimes staring at her, and then other times ignoring her?
　
Why was he acting as though she were the most special cat alive one moment...like when Alabasterpaw had pinned her, which she could still remember vividly, and he had come over to her so gently...been so careful... and then the next, snap at her like she meant nothing? Or is it just that he knows how to survive? She thought with a pang of guilt. She was being selfish. She was being like Alabasterpaw, expecting him to care more about her then his survival. That simply wasn't the way it worked. Survival was important-- and should always come first. Especially after an experience like that. She was nervous. She was scared that something bad was going to happen...she could practically feel herself being pinned again-- or Azulpaw-- Alabasterpaw's hues gleaming wickedly, fangs flashing as she brought them down for the kill...NO! she thought, shaking the idea aside.
　
That wasn't going to happen. She wouldn't let it. At his question, she came back-- now, normally she would have mentioned it being a joke, but now that she thought about it...they really did do a lot together. That was how it should be. It was the normal for her now. She wasn't allowed to even think about anyone else-- anything else. Or was that just what she made herself believe? "Hm? Oh...hunting, talking, sometimes we go for walks and stuff...you know. All normal stuff. I could live like that, I guess." She shrugged. She hadn't realized how tired she was until now. She didn't feel like making jokes anymore, just in case Alabasterpaw was listening. Or Bluepaw. What if she hurt his feelings? Then no one would be able to look at her-- or she wouldn't be able to look at anyone, but to her, it was the same thing. Both were bad. Both were terrifying, actually.
　
Oh I'm sure you do. Poor thing, you must be just miserable with your best friends. She thought, but she didn't say anything. Instead she gave a weak smile, one that was faintly reminiscent of her old sarcastic one and half raised herself up, although she was swaying like she was exhausted. Just thinking about her sister doing something like that had worn her out in the previous few moments. That and the terror constantly eating away at her now...what if something happened? She could live with something happening to her. There was always a certain bond between family. It was there forever. But Azulpaw? Alabasterpaw seemed to have it out for him, and she wouldn't be satisfied until he had gone to join StarClan. What would I do then? She thought, before turning to him again.
　
If she didn't say something soon, he would suspect something was wrong. And nothing was wrong. Nothing that he needs to know. I don't need to be made fun of right now. She thought, very nearly yawning before she put on her more glazed expression-- the one that was always the same, changing to fit what she thought was appropriate and letting anger through, but no real, raw emotion. But she didn't seem to have the energy. "Well next time, maybe you should come along. Probably make it--" She cut herself off before she could finish, mind racing desperately to find something other then 'better' or 'worth the time' to say. "Interesting, at least." She finished. No sarcasm. Not even a little bit. That was the most frustrating thing she could think of. Why hadn't she been able to do it? Maybe she was just too tired. Too scared. She was really, really scared...for the first time in a long time, for herself as well as someone else. What's going to happen to me? She thought.
　
Azulpaw couldn't protect her. For one thing, she had told him specifically not to and for another, if he hadn't been able to save himself...he couldn't save her. There was just no way. She didn't want his protection, either. If anything, Bluepaw would come when things got worse. He would be there. Because he was the stronger out of the two. Why am I suddenly so bitter? She thought, looking down at her own paws and staring at them as though they perhaps belonged to someone else. His question caught her off guard, and just like that, she was a kit again, playing in the nursery. What do we say when someone asks us our worth? Alabasterpaw-- Alabasterkit then, had asked. Less then Alli's. The blue she cat had answered. Again, and again, she had practiced with her half-sister. Her arrogant jerk of a half-sister. As though on autopilot, like in a dream, she answered-- "Less then Alli's." Had she been more awake, more aware of her surroundings, she wouldn't have answered that. She would have said something different.
　
And then just like that, her exhaustion was gone. She felt like a great weight had been taken off her. Maybe it was that she had answered something honestly. A pure question. Or maybe it was just that she wasn't really tired, just her fear had been lifted from blocking her off. Choking her, so to speak. That was stupid. That was so, so stupid. She thought, looking close to sinking her own claws into her paw...but then she stopped. No-- no, she wouldn't do that. It would only get her closer to breaking...which was bound to happen. She could only stay like this for so long. But she wasn't going to break now, because right now her energy had been restored to her. "Yes, that's probably the best thing. Get to it, now." She mewed, a purr rumbling in her throat and chest as she did so, a smile firmly plastered on her maw. This was one of the most pleasant times she'd been able to have in quite a while, if she were being honest. Quite a while.
　
But she couldn't be honest. Not with him. Her eyes narrowed as he spoke, but before she could say anything-- respond with anything-- he was already climbing the tree. She wasn't happy at all. What was he doing, calling her an 'angel?' She was far from it. Or had he been? Asterpaw tensed when he almost lost his footing; and her hues grew soft, wider with fear. If he were to fall...he could get badly hurt. And sure, she had told him to do so, but it had been a joke-- he got that, right? "You idiot, you're going to get yourself killed." She muttered in a low voice, and then her expression changed back to normal once he reached the top. The she cat grinned at his words. "Oh, I'm definitely ready. Should I bring flowers to the funeral?" She asked, cocking her head to one side. Asterpaw wasn't thinking he would actually jump. Why would he? It was dangerous...then again, she would have. That would be the jump of a lifetime. But that was her, not Azulpaw...and what if he didn't know how to make that jump so he wouldn't hurt himself? He could land and break his leg-- or all of them, who knew?
　
The white she cat glanced over at him and her hues narrowed. If he wanted the she cat who wouldn't be giving him a second look had she not messed things up, that was fine. I'll deal with her later, Alabasterpaw thought with a snort. She was annoyed that she couldn't at least do something to Asterpaw...the blue feline was obnoxious. With her sarcasm, and then being so kind the next second...it bothered her to no end. "Fine. You do realize she never would be paying attention to you had I not 'broken your heart,' and you also realize that she doesn't have feelings for you. She stays with you because she feels sorry for you." She snapped, her hues flashing angrily. She hated the thought that Asterpaw would do the very thing she loved...toying with him. But no, her sister was probably with Azulpaw. Alabasterpaw had seen the way she always looked. She cared-- and she liked his company. More then Bluepaw's.
　
"I understand. But now, if you'll excuse me... Asterpaw will be heading back any second, and I have a date to get to. It's rude to be late." She purred, brushing her tail against him before padding back into the shadows. She preferred to think of herself as a spirit, or some sort of an angel...but in reality, she was a demon. And maybe, just maybe...she knew that.

[Brilliance]

The blue female's hues were close to slits as she listened to him. Though normally sarcasm was something that Asterpaw could appreciate, this was killing her. Did he have to be so obnoxious all the time? And even if he did...why her? Why not the silver cat, or the other cat she had seen him with? Why not Bluepaw, or some other 'lucky' she cat? Why, of all the cats in SkyClan, had he chosen to annoy the heck out of her. Or maybe he just did this to everyone. That must be it...surely he wasn't singling her out or anything. And if he was, well...she'd have to fix that. "Oh right...I forget, you're so absolutely charming sometimes. As a matter of fact, you're so charming it's annoying." She mewed with a completely sincere expression, and then her features became more serious. "I've noticed you're competitive. And annoying, sly, and one heck of an arrogant jerk. Oh yes, and...charming." She mewed, keeping her face completely solemn.
　
But I've also seen how you care about your friends. You came to get me out of that bush...for your own reasons, reasons I probably wouldn't understand. You pushed me away to keep me safe. Because you cared. You're more comfortable to be around then Bluepaw...more fun to be around. Asterpaw thought, the tip of her tail twitching thoughtfully. Oh, of course she would never admit any of this. At least, she wasn't planning on doing it. Why would she? She came back to the present and her features snapped back into place-- since she hadn't realized they had become softer and softer while she was thinking.
　
Her eyes narrowed angrily, and her tail lashed. "Beg. To you?" She asked, whiskers twitching in amusement. For a moment, she had thought she would be angry, but the thought was...almost laughable! After all, the idea of her begging to Azulpaw was laughable. She would never be begging him to do anything. Ever. Why would she need to? She had everything she could want...except freedom, a small voice at the back of her mind reminded her. Though it seemed she was free, there was also that one bothersome twinge at the back of her mind constantly reminding her that she was trapped because she didn't want to abandon Bluepaw. "I have absolutely no need to beg to you." She snorted, flicking him lightly with her tail. It was meant to be a playful gesture, not a mean one. Not a harsh one. Just something that she would have done with her sister when they were younger, a gesture that wasn't generally uncomfortable.
　
And yet, had he been Bluepaw...it would have been. He seemed to take every contact, every talk, and turn it into something huge. She was just a she cat like any other! She wasn't 'better' or more 'beautiful' then anyone else. Whatever his definition of beautiful or better was. Maybe she did fit it, but in her mind, she most certainly wasn't. She had never been. Alabasterpaw had lowered her expectations of being considered 'beautiful' or really worth something just by being herself...toms loved her. And Asterpaw? No one likes the sarcastic one who instantly changes when someone she cares about is hurt. She thought with a snort. What tom wanted an intelligent she cat, either? And yet she had turned her back on the truth at the same time, thinking she was smart for doing so. But she hadn't been smart. That had been the worst thing she could have done.
　
She sighed and looked away at his statement, almost like she was exhausted. "Blind and deaf, my, my, my...looks like I could use a guardian angel right about now." She chuckled wearily, closing her eyes. His question caught her off guard, and she tensed, everything in her seeming to halfway shut down. This wasn't playfulness-- this was for real. It was a defense mechanism for her, she would tense and then strike... but she wasn't striking. She was just standing there, a nervous expression written all over her features. "Oh please, darling. Losing my game? Bluepaw tiring me out? Please." She laughed, turning her face away. Sometimes it wasn't always comfortable around him...and now was one of those times. Why was he sometimes staring at her, and then other times ignoring her?
　
Why was he acting as though she were the most special cat alive one moment...like when Alabasterpaw had pinned her, which she could still remember vividly, and he had come over to her so gently...been so careful... and then the next, snap at her like she meant nothing? Or is it just that he knows how to survive? She thought with a pang of guilt. She was being selfish. She was being like Alabasterpaw, expecting him to care more about her then his survival. That simply wasn't the way it worked. Survival was important-- and should always come first. Especially after an experience like that. She was nervous. She was scared that something bad was going to happen...she could practically feel herself being pinned again-- or Azulpaw-- Alabasterpaw's hues gleaming wickedly, fangs flashing as she brought them down for the kill...NO! she thought, shaking the idea aside.
　
That wasn't going to happen. She wouldn't let it. At his question, she came back-- now, normally she would have mentioned it being a joke, but now that she thought about it...they really did do a lot together. That was how it should be. It was the normal for her now. She wasn't allowed to even think about anyone else-- anything else. Or was that just what she made herself believe? "Hm? Oh...hunting, talking, sometimes we go for walks and stuff...you know. All normal stuff. I could live like that, I guess." She shrugged. She hadn't realized how tired she was until now. She didn't feel like making jokes anymore, just in case Alabasterpaw was listening. Or Bluepaw. What if she hurt his feelings? Then no one would be able to look at her-- or she wouldn't be able to look at anyone, but to her, it was the same thing. Both were bad. Both were terrifying, actually.
　
Oh I'm sure you do. Poor thing, you must be just miserable with your best friends. She thought, but she didn't say anything. Instead she gave a weak smile, one that was faintly reminiscent of her old sarcastic one and half raised herself up, although she was swaying like she was exhausted. Just thinking about her sister doing something like that had worn her out in the previous few moments. That and the terror constantly eating away at her now...what if something happened? She could live with something happening to her. There was always a certain bond between family. It was there forever. But Azulpaw? Alabasterpaw seemed to have it out for him, and she wouldn't be satisfied until he had gone to join StarClan. What would I do then? She thought, before turning to him again.
　
If she didn't say something soon, he would suspect something was wrong. And nothing was wrong. Nothing that he needs to know. I don't need to be made fun of right now. She thought, very nearly yawning before she put on her more glazed expression-- the one that was always the same, changing to fit what she thought was appropriate and letting anger through, but no real, raw emotion. But she didn't seem to have the energy. "Well next time, maybe you should come along. Probably make it--" She cut herself off before she could finish, mind racing desperately to find something other then 'better' or 'worth the time' to say. "Interesting, at least." She finished. No sarcasm. Not even a little bit. That was the most frustrating thing she could think of. Why hadn't she been able to do it? Maybe she was just too tired. Too scared. She was really, really scared...for the first time in a long time, for herself as well as someone else. What's going to happen to me? She thought.
　
Azulpaw couldn't protect her. For one thing, she had told him specifically not to and for another, if he hadn't been able to save himself...he couldn't save her. There was just no way. She didn't want his protection, either. If anything, Bluepaw would come when things got worse. He would be there. Because he was the stronger out of the two. Why am I suddenly so bitter? She thought, looking down at her own paws and staring at them as though they perhaps belonged to someone else. His question caught her off guard, and just like that, she was a kit again, playing in the nursery. What do we say when someone asks us our worth? Alabasterpaw-- Alabasterkit then, had asked. Less then Alli's. The blue she cat had answered. Again, and again, she had practiced with her half-sister. Her arrogant jerk of a half-sister. As though on autopilot, like in a dream, she answered-- "Less then Alli's." Had she been more awake, more aware of her surroundings, she wouldn't have answered that. She would have said something different.
　
And then just like that, her exhaustion was gone. She felt like a great weight had been taken off her. Maybe it was that she had answered something honestly. A pure question. Or maybe it was just that she wasn't really tired, just her fear had been lifted from blocking her off. Choking her, so to speak. That was stupid. That was so, so stupid. She thought, looking close to sinking her own claws into her paw...but then she stopped. No-- no, she wouldn't do that. It would only get her closer to breaking...which was bound to happen. She could only stay like this for so long. But she wasn't going to break now, because right now her energy had been restored to her. "Yes, that's probably the best thing. Get to it, now." She mewed, a purr rumbling in her throat and chest as she did so, a smile firmly plastered on her maw. This was one of the most pleasant times she'd been able to have in quite a while, if she were being honest. Quite a while.
　
But she couldn't be honest. Not with him. Her eyes narrowed as he spoke, but before she could say anything-- respond with anything-- he was already climbing the tree. She wasn't happy at all. What was he doing, calling her an 'angel?' She was far from it. Or had he been? Asterpaw tensed when he almost lost his footing; and her hues grew soft, wider with fear. If he were to fall...he could get badly hurt. And sure, she had told him to do so, but it had been a joke-- he got that, right? "You idiot, you're going to get yourself killed." She muttered in a low voice, and then her expression changed back to normal once he reached the top. The she cat grinned at his words. "Oh, I'm definitely ready. Should I bring flowers to the funeral?" She asked, cocking her head to one side. Asterpaw wasn't thinking he would actually jump. Why would he? It was dangerous...then again, she would have. That would be the jump of a lifetime. But that was her, not Azulpaw...and what if he didn't know how to make that jump so he wouldn't hurt himself? He could land and break his leg-- or all of them, who knew?
　
The white she cat glanced over at him and her hues narrowed. If he wanted the she cat who wouldn't be giving him a second look had she not messed things up, that was fine. I'll deal with her later, Alabasterpaw thought with a snort. She was annoyed that she couldn't at least do something to Asterpaw...the blue feline was obnoxious. With her sarcasm, and then being so kind the next second...it bothered her to no end. "Fine. You do realize she never would be paying attention to you had I not 'broken your heart,' and you also realize that she doesn't have feelings for you. She stays with you because she feels sorry for you." She snapped, her hues flashing angrily. She hated the thought that Asterpaw would do the very thing she loved...toying with him. But no, her sister was probably with Azulpaw. Alabasterpaw had seen the way she always looked. She cared-- and she liked his company. More then Bluepaw's.
　
"I understand. But now, if you'll excuse me... Asterpaw will be heading back any second, and I have a date to get to. It's rude to be late." She purred, brushing her tail against him before padding back into the shadows. She preferred to think of herself as a spirit, or some sort of an angel...but in reality, she was a demon. And maybe, just maybe...she knew that.

Azulpaw strained his ears to hear her words, snickering. He leaned down, putting pressure on his front paws, so he could see her more closely. Closely, as he could. ‘’Oh, please do! And, cry for me, so I can feel more special.’’ He smirked, but he doubted she could see it. As he sat back up again, surveying the tree. He was looking for a pinpoint, where he would be able to land swiftly without breaking anything. Jumping off a tree or any high ledge was extremely easy for him. In fact, if he dared admit, it was fun for him.

Azulpaw jumped onto another sturdy branch, his heart flinched for a moment as if he was afraid of falling on accident. He leaned down once more to analyze his surroundings and see what comfortable spot he would like to land in. ‘’Don’t worry about me, Asterpaw! I got this!’’ He called to her, his chest swelled with pride. In all honesty, he was afraid if he didn’t jump that she would think he was weak. He never wanted to be thought of as weak. Though he knew Bluepaw was a lot stronger than the both of them, he didn’t want to be the weak link. Then again, he didn’t know Asterpaw’s voice was laced with a joking manner. Even though he did it in an attempt to impress her, he would never let her in on it.

‘’But!’’ He yelled down once more, his heart taking on a terrible pounding. ‘’If I don’t make it...please in honor of me, name one of your future kits with Bluepaw after me. Please, it would be greatly appreciated.’’ He cringed at the thought. Asterpaw...Bluepaw...kits? Never stood well with him. He inwardly wanted to vomit his stomach--empty as it was. The tom snorted, but he continued to lean on the edge, readying himself to jump. ‘’If I don’t do it she might take me as a failure.’’ He mumbled to himself, while gulping. Why was it so hard now? Trees were easy for him, yet this tree was a bit taller than average. And, more weak, if he says. As he moved around on the branch, he noticed that it was ready to tear into pieces.

Crack.

The tom’s eyes widened, and as quickly as he could, he hopped to a lower branch, moving out of the way of the upper branch that plummeted to the ground. He panted loudly, looking down at Asterpaw once again. ‘’That was a close one, huh?’’ He shouted down at her, snickering. ‘’Then, again, you’d be amuse if I fell to the ground that way. Sorry to disappoint you, darling.’’ Now, the branch he was currently on was closer to the ground...but not by much. It was still a far jump, and as the tom took a moment to position himself to jump, he squinted his eyes. And, in a quick swift moment he jumped out, aiming each of his paws in a rigid manner to maintain his landing. The tom landed on his paws, a relief thought crossed his mind, but as he began making his way towards Asterpaw, he accidentally tripped over his own paws, and tumbled around until his back hit into another nearby tree. The tom opened his eyes, groaning. For a moment he just laid there. Then, he let out a boisterous laugh. ‘’I would totally love to do that again. You should try it!’’ He jumped back up to his paws, a smile--almost kit-like graced his muzzle as he nudged her with a paw. ‘’I made it in down in one piece--sorry I didn’t break anything. I knew you probably would had wanted me to.’’ He joked and gently brushed his tail against her side. Though he pondered if he should, considering they have been getting touchy in the latest. He knew that Bluepaw may be lurking in the shadows, ready to strike whenever he needed to. Strike at him. Azulpaw knew he wasn’t completely ready, but he was more ready than he was that moon ago.

The grey tom jumped around immediately from the female at the thought, but he didn’t lose his expression. A kit-like expression that he used to do all the time when he and Bluepaw went roaming out and about causing mischief and having fun. Those were the days when Azulpaw was the happiest...who knew so much could change in a few moons?

‘’I’m going to be the best warrior for Skyclan! Just watch me! I’ll be fighting off every cat that dare set foot on our territory!’’ Bluepaw-- then, Bluekit had exclaimed when they were old enough to leave the nursery den. Azulkit followed after him, a thoughtful expression on his face. He curled his mouth into a smile, and nodded, agreeing with his best friend. Although, he was the more realistic of the two, and the way Bluekit was describing what he would do sounded too...savage to the grey tom. Azulkit twitched his ears, and turned his head to look at his boastful friend, before commenting. ‘’Don’t be so shallow, Bluekit.’’

‘’How am I being...shallow?’’ The tom remarked, rolling his eyes. Whatever he said, Azulkit seemed to always bring it down.

‘’It’s okay to wanting to be the best warrior of Skyclan, but before you start a war, you have to know what you’re fighting for.’’ The grey tom remarked, closing his eyes as he trusted Starclan to walk him into the right path. He didn’t see the rude expression that Bluekit gave him, but it never mattered. Azulkit knew he, as well wanted to be a superior warrior, and he also knew that before starting wars, there must always be a reason to what you’re fighting for.

Azulpaw blinked his eyes, his tail drooping as he recounted that memory. ‘’Before you start a war, you have to know what you’re fighting for.’’ He mumbled, and slightly made a glance towards Asterpaw, but his expression was unreadable. The tom shook his head, and let out a sigh. Even if he wanted to tell her what was on his mind, would she understand? Surely not.

The tom stretched his limbs out, hoping they weren’t aching. Once he realized that he was alright, he cleared his throat, and turned back to Asterpaw. A tired expression crossed his face. ‘’Sure,’’ He sat down, curling his tail around him, as he stared down at his paws. He remembered earlier how she had invited him to tag along on one of their little adventures. ‘’I bet it would be great to feel like a third tag along.’’ His eyes never left his paws as he said that. He didn’t realize that the words had left his mew, but they were the most honest he had ever utter. Without such sarcasm or a sadistic remark. He was genuinely overwhelmed with emotion, just thinking about the past. Just thinking about his brother...Bluepaw. Everything was changing. So far, everything was going to continue to change. Azulpaw doubted if he could make anything interesting anymore. Since a moon ago, the tom had kept himself guarded around Bluepaw, not wanting to upset him. Another reason as to why he stopped hanging around Asterpaw. He knew she would be around Bluepaw all the time, and the last thing Azulpaw needed was Bluepaw thinking he was some type of competition. Because he wasn’t. What was there to compete over?

As far as Azulpaw knew, Asterpaw had dug herself into this mess. She could leave the situation if she wanted--but she chose to stay by his side. And, if it was what she wanted...who was he to judge her on it? No one. He would never be anyone. He surely wouldn’t freeze his life waiting for a she-cat that was bound forever by life support.

This, was the exact reason he needed to keep his distance.

Yet, he couldn’t hate her. Or, shake her off. No matter how many times they tried, they argued, bickered, fought, fate always brought them back together. Azulpaw wanted to shout at fate for intervening with their lives. Why couldn’t fate just go on to someone else? Mess up their lives instead of his? But, he couldn’t do anything. The best thing to do was to watch and see what fate had in store. For him. For her. For them all.

After all, even though the sun was high, Azulpaw felt an odd sensation go through his body, and this made him turn away from her, feeling down on himself. He let out a sigh, and pinned his ears to his head. An eerie feeling lingered around him, making his ears twitch slightly. ‘’This may be the last sunset I see, I’ll take it in.’’ He paused, even though it was far from sunset timing, he knew he would love to be at the top of the highest tree or ledge to envelop the sunset that was to come. ‘’This may be the last day that I breathe...I’ll breath it in.’’ Though it felt overdramatic for him...why did something not feel right? As if he could feel the last of his breath leaving his flesh? His heart wrenched, and his head pounded. He couldn't even bring himself to look at Asterpaw. What must she had thought about him? All playfulness was gone...and the last thing he wanted was seriousness going on between the two.

Bluepaw tilted his head to the side, watching her movements as the darling white feline went off. He shook his head. ‘’What am I going to do with her?’’ The tom sighed lowly before going off to finish his own business. He knew he would have to find Asterpaw. The problem was...where would she be? She had been spending a lot of time with him lately, and he loved the company. The tom felt closer than ever to her, but since he felt that she needed a little space to not feel smothered...he lost her, and didn’t know where he might find her, so he looked all through the territory, stalking her as if she were his prey.

Her scent was strong. He could smell the scent of pine needles and flowers wavering in his nose, and he followed the strongest path that led him to her.

Azulpaw…

Why was that tom there? Was he bothering her? Did he feel that he could take her because Bluepaw was elsewhere...handling business. Welcoming back an old friend with warm paws? Though the tom was faced away from the she-cat, he knew something had to happen between them. With the emotional feeling in the air--he wondered, exactly what it was that drawn them together. They haven’t talked in a moon! Couldn’t he get over her by that time and allow her to be happy with him?

Bluepaw snorted. He didn’t need to worry about anything. As long as his heart was broken, Asterpaw was all his. Forever. And, when Alabasterpaw made her move to kill the tom, Asterpaw would have no choice, but to move on to the next closest thing to Azulpaw--him.

‘’Asterpaw.’’ The tom called gently, making himself noticed. He trotted towards her to give her a quick nuzzle, his eyes deadly on Azulpaw. Azulpaw looked back, a look of surprise flickered onto his face before being replaced by his smug natural look. ‘’Azulpaw.’’

‘’Hello, old buddy.’’ The grey tom turned around, stretching as he fluffed out his fur. ‘’Haven’t seen you in a while?’’

‘’Thought since she was alone, you could swipe in, huh?’’ Bluepaw said, ignoring the tom’s sarcastic question.

‘’Jealous, jealous temper.’’ Azulpaw laughed, a vicious, sadistic type of laugh that didn’t sound like his own when he was with Asterpaw alone. Though he maintained his friendly stature, he was not going to allow Bluepaw to over ride him again. ‘’We were simply overjoyed seeing each other again. We’re friends too, you know.’’

‘’You cannot trust him, Asterpaw. I don’t think the two of you needs to be friends anylonger. We were fine without you.’’ Bluepaw’s eyes flashed towards Asterpaw, giving her a warning look. He did not want Asterpaw to get her feelings hook onto Azulpaw, knowing that the tom’s end was coming soon. It saddened him to think if Asterpaw would truly be heartbroken--that she didn’t love him, but instead carried a deeper affection for his once friend. His once brother, that he hoped would die a slow and painful death. He would had done it himself, but he also decided that Alabasterpaw would need to be given a chance.

Azulpaw nodded, and to infuriate Bluepaw more, he gave an obnoxious purr--loud and endearing to Asterpaw, ‘’Oh, yes. Told you that you shouldn’t trust me, love. I’m bad news--as Bluepaw says, but you just can’t help being addicted to me, can you?’’ On purpose the tom lowered his voice to somewhat of a deep huskiness.

Bluepaw hissed, ‘’Are you mocking me?’’ He crouched down, ready to attack.

Azulpaw’s eyes hardened on Bluepaw, but he could never attack him. He got into stance, a hesitation hovering in his eyes. He would be ready if Bluepaw did, indeed, attack him. ‘’Take it as you see it.’’

Bluepaw snarled--and he lunged forward, tumbling with the other tom. As he landed on top, he forced a paw in the crook of Azulpaw’s throat. ‘’I should end you the way Alabasterpaw failed to do.’’ He leaned down, his eyes glinting. As he pressed his paw deeper into Azulpaw’s throat, the tom gagged. Azulpaw moved his hind legs, and tried fiddling with them to an accurate point. Afterwards, he kicked them up--hard and swift until Bluepaw landed off of him, and Azulpaw was on top. Azulpaw stood shell-shocked. Was that really him? Or was starclan playing a trick on him? Or was it the anger...the fuel of remembering the abuse he had went through with the white devil? The mere mention of Alabasterpaw set a fire in him, that he wished to extinguish. Yet, he couldn't find himself to hurt her. She was Asterpaw's sister! Asterpaw loved her sister! If he did hurt her in anyway...Asterpaw would never forgive him...why was everything always about Asterpaw with him?

He had no time to think on this, but instead he snarled towards his once friend. His once brother. ‘’I don’t know what’s going on in your head, but eventually you’ll have to deal with the things that you talk about--Yeah. Is that clear to you, yet?’’ He didn’t have the strength to press down on Bluepaw to hurt him further. He didn’t want to hurt him. He loved him with a deep bond that the two shared since they were kits. It seemed to be diminishing from Bluepaw’s side, but for Azulpaw...it would never go away. And, that scared him.

The grey tom hopped off his friend, leaving Bluepaw in a frizzy state of disheveled thoughts, and mockery humiliation. Azulpaw walked up to Asterpaw, just staring at her for a moment, before he shook his head, and sighed. ‘’This is exactly what I’m talking about. And, I’m sorry, but I can’t deal with it. I’ll always like you and all,’’ Once more the tom took a quick glance at the piebald tom who laid on his stomach, giving him a deadly glare, muttering loathing nothings under his breath. ‘’But you have other things to focus on.’’ He walked past her, making sure to brush his pelt alongside her’s to not only feel the softness it carried, but to also give a sincere apology.

Bluepaw stood up, panting lowly. His eyes narrowed into tight slits as he padded towards Asterpaw, looking as the tom trotted off elsewhere. ‘’He’s going to get it coming to him. Alabaster-’’ He stopped himself, just as he noticed Asterpaw was still beside him. He closed his maw, shaking his head. Alabasterpaw will finish him off...she better. He would never admit that Azulpaw was getting better at fighting. The way he flipped the two surprised him. Whenever did he learn that move? Whenever did he learn to put exact pressure in the right place? This made the piebald feline snarl under his breath. ‘’I’m tired of you--and haven’t you said that yourself? Why didn’t you run at the sight of him, Ast? I don’t want you to think I hate,’’ thought he did. ‘’Because I don’t. He’ll always be my brother, but I just can’t trust him at the moment. Especially since he desires what I love.’’ And, he can’t have what I love. Alabasterpaw better act fast.

[The Mad Katter]

Shadepaw shook herself, then hurried quickly after Ivypaw, but with far less enthusiasm. She hopped from dark place to dark place, crisp snow crunching under her paws as she went. She hoped that TwolegPlace was not as dangerous as she'd heard elders say it was, but then, elders rarely didn't bend the truth a little in their stories. She liked that about them, although it also annoyed her from time to time. “I'm comin'!” the albino molly muttered, picking up her pace a bit.
(I'm gonna kill her off I think, so mind if she dies in TwolegPlace?)
Ivypaw purred at Shadepaw's muttered comment, trotting in the direction of Twolegplace. She felt happy, like nothing could bring her down. A smile stretched across her grey muzzle and she looked back at Shadepaw, who was hopping from shadow to shadow. Slowing down, Ivypaw padded beside her friend. "So, what are we going to do once we get there? I heard Twolegplace is really easy to get lost in. We need a way to keep track of where we are." Ivypaw tilted her head, thinking. "Maybe we could mark certain objects to show that was where we were?" Ivypaw was slightly doubting her own idea, but she couldn't think of anything else at the moment.

(Oh no! Why?)

[lone]

Azulpaw strained his ears to hear her words, snickering. He leaned down, putting pressure on his front paws, so he could see her more closely. Closely, as he could. ‘’Oh, please do! And, cry for me, so I can feel more special.’’ He smirked, but he doubted she could see it. As he sat back up again, surveying the tree. He was looking for a pinpoint, where he would be able to land swiftly without breaking anything. Jumping off a tree or any high ledge was extremely easy for him. In fact, if he dared admit, it was fun for him.

Azulpaw jumped onto another sturdy branch, his heart flinched for a moment as if he was afraid of falling on accident. He leaned down once more to analyze his surroundings and see what comfortable spot he would like to land in. ‘’Don’t worry about me, Asterpaw! I got this!’’ He called to her, his chest swelled with pride. In all honesty, he was afraid if he didn’t jump that she would think he was weak. He never wanted to be thought of as weak. Though he knew Bluepaw was a lot stronger than the both of them, he didn’t want to be the weak link. Then again, he didn’t know Asterpaw’s voice was laced with a joking manner. Even though he did it in an attempt to impress her, he would never let her in on it.

‘’But!’’ He yelled down once more, his heart taking on a terrible pounding. ‘’If I don’t make it...please in honor of me, name one of your future kits with Bluepaw after me. Please, it would be greatly appreciated.’’ He cringed at the thought. Asterpaw...Bluepaw...kits? Never stood well with him. He inwardly wanted to vomit his stomach--empty as it was. The tom snorted, but he continued to lean on the edge, readying himself to jump. ‘’If I don’t do it she might take me as a failure.’’ He mumbled to himself, while gulping. Why was it so hard now? Trees were easy for him, yet this tree was a bit taller than average. And, more weak, if he says. As he moved around on the branch, he noticed that it was ready to tear into pieces.

Crack.

The tom’s eyes widened, and as quickly as he could, he hopped to a lower branch, moving out of the way of the upper branch that plummeted to the ground. He panted loudly, looking down at Asterpaw once again. ‘’That was a close one, huh?’’ He shouted down at her, snickering. ‘’Then, again, you’d be amuse if I fell to the ground that way. Sorry to disappoint you, darling.’’ Now, the branch he was currently on was closer to the ground...but not by much. It was still a far jump, and as the tom took a moment to position himself to jump, he squinted his eyes. And, in a quick swift moment he jumped out, aiming each of his paws in a rigid manner to maintain his landing. The tom landed on his paws, a relief thought crossed his mind, but as he began making his way towards Asterpaw, he accidentally tripped over his own paws, and tumbled around until his back hit into another nearby tree. The tom opened his eyes, groaning. For a moment he just laid there. Then, he let out a boisterous laugh. ‘’I would totally love to do that again. You should try it!’’ He jumped back up to his paws, a smile--almost kit-like graced his muzzle as he nudged her with a paw. ‘’I made it in down in one piece--sorry I didn’t break anything. I knew you probably would had wanted me to.’’ He joked and gently brushed his tail against her side. Though he pondered if he should, considering they have been getting touchy in the latest. He knew that Bluepaw may be lurking in the shadows, ready to strike whenever he needed to. Strike at him. Azulpaw knew he wasn’t completely ready, but he was more ready than he was that moon ago.

The grey tom jumped around immediately from the female at the thought, but he didn’t lose his expression. A kit-like expression that he used to do all the time when he and Bluepaw went roaming out and about causing mischief and having fun. Those were the days when Azulpaw was the happiest...who knew so much could change in a few moons?

‘’I’m going to be the best warrior for Skyclan! Just watch me! I’ll be fighting off every cat that dare set foot on our territory!’’ Bluepaw-- then, Bluekit had exclaimed when they were old enough to leave the nursery den. Azulkit followed after him, a thoughtful expression on his face. He curled his mouth into a smile, and nodded, agreeing with his best friend. Although, he was the more realistic of the two, and the way Bluekit was describing what he would do sounded too...savage to the grey tom. Azulkit twitched his ears, and turned his head to look at his boastful friend, before commenting. ‘’Don’t be so shallow, Bluekit.’’

‘’How am I being...shallow?’’ The tom remarked, rolling his eyes. Whatever he said, Azulkit seemed to always bring it down.

‘’It’s okay to wanting to be the best warrior of Skyclan, but before you start a war, you have to know what you’re fighting for.’’ The grey tom remarked, closing his eyes as he trusted Starclan to walk him into the right path. He didn’t see the rude expression that Bluekit gave him, but it never mattered. Azulkit knew he, as well wanted to be a superior warrior, and he also knew that before starting wars, there must always be a reason to what you’re fighting for.

Azulpaw blinked his eyes, his tail drooping as he recounted that memory. ‘’Before you start a war, you have to know what you’re fighting for.’’ He mumbled, and slightly made a glance towards Asterpaw, but his expression was unreadable. The tom shook his head, and let out a sigh. Even if he wanted to tell her what was on his mind, would she understand? Surely not.

The tom stretched his limbs out, hoping they weren’t aching. Once he realized that he was alright, he cleared his throat, and turned back to Asterpaw. A tired expression crossed his face. ‘’Sure,’’ He sat down, curling his tail around him, as he stared down at his paws. He remembered earlier how she had invited him to tag along on one of their little adventures. ‘’I bet it would be great to feel like a third tag along.’’ His eyes never left his paws as he said that. He didn’t realize that the words had left his mew, but they were the most honest he had ever utter. Without such sarcasm or a sadistic remark. He was genuinely overwhelmed with emotion, just thinking about the past. Just thinking about his brother...Bluepaw. Everything was changing. So far, everything was going to continue to change. Azulpaw doubted if he could make anything interesting anymore. Since a moon ago, the tom had kept himself guarded around Bluepaw, not wanting to upset him. Another reason as to why he stopped hanging around Asterpaw. He knew she would be around Bluepaw all the time, and the last thing Azulpaw needed was Bluepaw thinking he was some type of competition. Because he wasn’t. What was there to compete over?

As far as Azulpaw knew, Asterpaw had dug herself into this mess. She could leave the situation if she wanted--but she chose to stay by his side. And, if it was what she wanted...who was he to judge her on it? No one. He would never be anyone. He surely wouldn’t freeze his life waiting for a she-cat that was bound forever by life support.

This, was the exact reason he needed to keep his distance.

Yet, he couldn’t hate her. Or, shake her off. No matter how many times they tried, they argued, bickered, fought, fate always brought them back together. Azulpaw wanted to shout at fate for intervening with their lives. Why couldn’t fate just go on to someone else? Mess up their lives instead of his? But, he couldn’t do anything. The best thing to do was to watch and see what fate had in store. For him. For her. For them all.

After all, even though the sun was high, Azulpaw felt an odd sensation go through his body, and this made him turn away from her, feeling down on himself. He let out a sigh, and pinned his ears to his head. An eerie feeling lingered around him, making his ears twitch slightly. ‘’This may be the last sunset I see, I’ll take it in.’’ He paused, even though it was far from sunset timing, he knew he would love to be at the top of the highest tree or ledge to envelop the sunset that was to come. ‘’This may be the last day that I breathe...I’ll breath it in.’’ Though it felt overdramatic for him...why did something not feel right? As if he could feel the last of his breath leaving his flesh? His heart wrenched, and his head pounded. He couldn't even bring himself to look at Asterpaw. What must she had thought about him? All playfulness was gone...and the last thing he wanted was seriousness going on between the two.

Bluepaw tilted his head to the side, watching her movements as the darling white feline went off. He shook his head. ‘’What am I going to do with her?’’ The tom sighed lowly before going off to finish his own business. He knew he would have to find Asterpaw. The problem was...where would she be? She had been spending a lot of time with him lately, and he loved the company. The tom felt closer than ever to her, but since he felt that she needed a little space to not feel smothered...he lost her, and didn’t know where he might find her, so he looked all through the territory, stalking her as if she were his prey.

Her scent was strong. He could smell the scent of pine needles and flowers wavering in his nose, and he followed the strongest path that led him to her.

Azulpaw…

Why was that tom there? Was he bothering her? Did he feel that he could take her because Bluepaw was elsewhere...handling business. Welcoming back an old friend with warm paws? Though the tom was faced away from the she-cat, he knew something had to happen between them. With the emotional feeling in the air--he wondered, exactly what it was that drawn them together. They haven’t talked in a moon! Couldn’t he get over her by that time and allow her to be happy with him?

Bluepaw snorted. He didn’t need to worry about anything. As long as his heart was broken, Asterpaw was all his. Forever. And, when Alabasterpaw made her move to kill the tom, Asterpaw would have no choice, but to move on to the next closest thing to Azulpaw--him.

‘’Asterpaw.’’ The tom called gently, making himself noticed. He trotted towards her to give her a quick nuzzle, his eyes deadly on Azulpaw. Azulpaw looked back, a look of surprise flickered onto his face before being replaced by his smug natural look. ‘’Azulpaw.’’

‘’Hello, old buddy.’’ The grey tom turned around, stretching as he fluffed out his fur. ‘’Haven’t seen you in a while?’’

‘’Thought since she was alone, you could swipe in, huh?’’ Bluepaw said, ignoring the tom’s sarcastic question.

‘’Jealous, jealous temper.’’ Azulpaw laughed, a vicious, sadistic type of laugh that didn’t sound like his own when he was with Asterpaw alone. Though he maintained his friendly stature, he was not going to allow Bluepaw to over ride him again. ‘’We were simply overjoyed seeing each other again. We’re friends too, you know.’’

‘’You cannot trust him, Asterpaw. I don’t think the two of you needs to be friends anylonger. We were fine without you.’’ Bluepaw’s eyes flashed towards Asterpaw, giving her a warning look. He did not want Asterpaw to get her feelings hook onto Azulpaw, knowing that the tom’s end was coming soon. It saddened him to think if Asterpaw would truly be heartbroken--that she didn’t love him, but instead carried a deeper affection for his once friend. His once brother, that he hoped would die a slow and painful death. He would had done it himself, but he also decided that Alabasterpaw would need to be given a chance.

Azulpaw nodded, and to infuriate Bluepaw more, he gave an obnoxious purr--loud and endearing to Asterpaw, ‘’Oh, yes. Told you that you shouldn’t trust me, love. I’m bad news--as Bluepaw says, but you just can’t help being addicted to me, can you?’’ On purpose the tom lowered his voice to somewhat of a deep huskiness.

Bluepaw hissed, ‘’Are you mocking me?’’ He crouched down, ready to attack.

Azulpaw’s eyes hardened on Bluepaw, but he could never attack him. He got into stance, a hesitation hovering in his eyes. He would be ready if Bluepaw did, indeed, attack him. ‘’Take it as you see it.’’

Bluepaw snarled--and he lunged forward, tumbling with the other tom. As he landed on top, he forced a paw in the crook of Azulpaw’s throat. ‘’I should end you the way Alabasterpaw failed to do.’’ He leaned down, his eyes glinting. As he pressed his paw deeper into Azulpaw’s throat, the tom gagged. Azulpaw moved his hind legs, and tried fiddling with them to an accurate point. Afterwards, he kicked them up--hard and swift until Bluepaw landed off of him, and Azulpaw was on top. Azulpaw stood shell-shocked. Was that really him? Or was starclan playing a trick on him? Or was it the anger...the fuel of remembering the abuse he had went through with the white devil? The mere mention of Alabasterpaw set a fire in him, that he wished to extinguish. Yet, he couldn't find himself to hurt her. She was Asterpaw's sister! Asterpaw loved her sister! If he did hurt her in anyway...Asterpaw would never forgive him...why was everything always about Asterpaw with him?

He had no time to think on this, but instead he snarled towards his once friend. His once brother. ‘’I don’t know what’s going on in your head, but eventually you’ll have to deal with the things that you talk about--Yeah. Is that clear to you, yet?’’ He didn’t have the strength to press down on Bluepaw to hurt him further. He didn’t want to hurt him. He loved him with a deep bond that the two shared since they were kits. It seemed to be diminishing from Bluepaw’s side, but for Azulpaw...it would never go away. And, that scared him.

The grey tom hopped off his friend, leaving Bluepaw in a frizzy state of disheveled thoughts, and mockery humiliation. Azulpaw walked up to Asterpaw, just staring at her for a moment, before he shook his head, and sighed. ‘’This is exactly what I’m talking about. And, I’m sorry, but I can’t deal with it. I’ll always like you and all,’’ Once more the tom took a quick glance at the piebald tom who laid on his stomach, giving him a deadly glare, muttering loathing nothings under his breath. ‘’But you have other things to focus on.’’ He walked past her, making sure to brush his pelt alongside her’s to not only feel the softness it carried, but to also give a sincere apology.

Bluepaw stood up, panting lowly. His eyes narrowed into tight slits as he padded towards Asterpaw, looking as the tom trotted off elsewhere. ‘’He’s going to get it coming to him. Alabaster-’’ He stopped himself, just as he noticed Asterpaw was still beside him. He closed his maw, shaking his head. Alabasterpaw will finish him off...she better. He would never admit that Azulpaw was getting better at fighting. The way he flipped the two surprised him. Whenever did he learn that move? Whenever did he learn to put exact pressure in the right place? This made the piebald feline snarl under his breath. ‘’I’m tired of you--and haven’t you said that yourself? Why didn’t you run at the sight of him, Ast? I don’t want you to think I hate,’’ thought he did. ‘’Because I don’t. He’ll always be my brother, but I just can’t trust him at the moment. Especially since he desires what I love.’’ And, he can’t have what I love. Alabasterpaw better act fast.


"I'll try, but you know... I don't cry that easily. Better make it sad and dramatic, hopefully that'll do the trick," She called to the tom. The she cat laughed quietly to herself-- this was what she had missed. This was what she loved, playing around, just in a friendly manner...nothing too serious. It was all a game. No one was trying to impress. No one was trying to be a hero. And best of all, since there were so many other things going on in her life...no one was serious. Still, terror was playing an active part in her mind as she watched him. What if something did go wrong? What if he fell? If only she were big enough to catch him...but she wasn't. If that happened, she would either risk him landing on top of her-- which, at the impact, would most likely hurt her back or her ribs or something else-- or she would have to watch him break his own spine, or ribs, or whatever he would land on. Unless he landed straight, on all four paws. Now that would be a show worth watching.
　
"I'm not worried!" She called back in the most careless tone she could manage, although her heart was racing and her mind spinning with the possibilities. Maybe he wouldn't really do it. No one would blame him, least of all her, but...he could let his pride get the better of him. And then she would be truly terrified. Still, one thought in particular kept going through her head...you can do this. Asterpaw believed that he could, but at the same time...doubt played a big part of her fear. Could he? Did he know the risk of injury here, how badly he could really be hurt? She, personally, would have thought about this...and then probably done it anyways. Falling wasn't what scared her, however. Impact was. Every time she did a jump, or anything else, the impact always made her wince-- no matter whether it was large or small.
　
It was just part of who she was, the same as her sarcasm...the same as her actions...everything. His words made her have a twisted, sick feeling as though she would have liked to throw up. Of course she would have overlooked that little detail. She would have to have kits with him...it was supposed to be a sign of her devotion. She had always looked at it that way, at least. But she didn't want kits. Surely he would respect that. "Don't-- don't talk like that! Of course you're going to make it. I believe in you." Everyone needed a boost of self-confidence once in a while...and Asterpaw was always full of them, it was never hard for her to utter a kind word or smile in the direction of someone who might need it.
　
But this was different. She was serious. She hadn't really thought of saying anything like that before, because he had always been full of confidence. And pride. More then anything, she'd thought he needed to be taken down a peg or two. But, she supposed everyone needed to be built up as well. A smile crossed her face as she watched him continue onwards... now this was interesting. How far was he going to go? A shadow suddenly came across her features, her hues darkening as she observed the branch. It looked unsteady. Surely he wouldn't try to--
　
And then the crack came.
　
Everything seemed to be black and dreary for Asterpaw. Everything was like her worst nightmares had come true, that one crack echoing in her head. "No..." She mumbled, shaking her head. She wanted to scream. But she couldn't. Do something, anything, to help...to get him out of there...Asterpaw was so caught up, she didn't even notice that he was safe and out of danger. Snapping out of it as she heard his voice again, Asterpaw looked up to see him safe on a lower branch. Thank StarClan...she thought, as she managed to regain control of her shaking and her expression relaxed, before she lashed her tail angrily. "It's not funny! Of all the stupid...immature...crazy...insane things to do, that was just-- what did you-- what were you trying to do?" She stammered, unable to finish any of her sentences. Terror was still pretty strong in her expression, and her words, both of which were shaking like a leaf being blown by the wind. She had been terrified. No matter how much she teased him, or was-- selfish....she really did care.
　
And had she not been worried about what Bluepaw might say, or do...she might have told him so. She watched as he jumped out of the tree-- then tripped over his own paws, which gave her another miniature shock-- and then sighed as he made his way over to her. Thank StarClan he did that without getting seriously injured, she thought for a moment before her hues became serious and somewhat darker as he sat down beside her. His touch-- light though it was-- sent shudders down her spine, making her uncomfortable...this was wrong. But if this is so wrong, then why do I feel-- right? She thought. Completely missing the fact he was joking, and feeling too much fear still inside her to say anything in a kidding manner at all, she closed her eyes for a moment as though trying to center her thoughts before opening them. "No. No, I wouldn't have liked it at all. I thought you actually were going to fall...I thought you were actually going to die. And you scared me! What if you had fallen, what do you think--" She stopped, closing her eyes again.
　
She was just ranting now, talking on and on...and she needed to stop. She had to stop. "Never mind. It doesn't matter." She clamped her maw shut, knowing that if she continued, he'd probably find something to say. Of course he cared. She knew-- he had told her. Why had he told her? Oh, I remember-- that stupid fight is why. She thought, pinning her ears back. Asterpaw hated fighting with him. Because it was just too real. Even when she had fought with Alabasterpaw, things had only lasted a minute or so-- they were close friends. She just didn't fight with Bluepaw...she kept well away from areas that she knew would irritate him. Except for one...one thing that she couldn't seem to get over. And that was Azulpaw. Did Bluepaw care that much when she was around him? She imagined so, everything from his expression to hurrying her away as quickly as he could.
　
She flinched when he jumped away from her-- though his expression might remain the same, she knew what he was thinking. What he was feeling. Of course he would do that, he didn't want to be anywhere near her... did he? One moment he did, the next he didn't. And it confused her-- quite a bit, at least. The next thing she knew, he was mumbling something...something odd. What was he talking about? "What?" She asked, half-laughing as she was unsure what it had been. The only words she had caught were 'war' and 'fighting for.' Was that all he had said? Fighting for war, maybe? Who would do that? Everyone fought for peace, not war... at least, that was her opinion. Everyone wanted peace. It was important. For a while they sat there, every once in a while Azulpaw made a remark-- ones that Asterpaw didn't quite understand. But she didn't know what to do. After all, this was her life.
　
Her life consisted of grabbing calmer moments, other times running around with Bluepaw, constantly doing things or having him touch her, wanting to make contact with her. And Asterpaw was all for contact, just not...so much of it. A touch every here and there was fine, or to let someone know you cared, or...to playact, as she recalled. But this wasn't playacting. And this wasn't just letting her know he cared. This was something...different. Something special, that she could feel. And she didn't know how to feel about it. Most of her life she'd been told how and what to feel, whether or not she was doing it correctly, and other such junk by Alabasterpaw. But Alabasterpaw wasn't here now. So she didn't know what to do, or whether or not she should be here. What if Bluepaw came now? But...let him come. She wasn't doing anything wrong. She didn't actually have feelings for Azulpaw...she just cared, a lot. More then she wanted to admit. Much more then she wanted to admit.
　
A gentle voice behind her startled her, and she jumped slightly, calming when Bluepaw nuzzled her. It was just Bluepaw. Nothing to worry about. She smiled back at him, but made no move to make new contact with the tom. Perhaps she thought the contact he gave her was enough. She wasn't a needy cat. And yet Bluepaw gave her so much attention, whether he thought she was or not was uncertain, but either way-- she got enough. Too much, really. "Hi, Bluepaw. Good to see you." She mewed in the soft, careful voice that she always used around the tom. It sounded almost fake...but it wasn't. That was just the way she acted, always trying to keep from doing something wrong. Like she was walking on eggshells, or leaves that she didn't want to crush beneath her paws. It was close to impossible-- but doable, just as long as she sacrificed some things as well.
　
Bluepaw's accusation made her hues flash with anger. That wasn't what had happened! "Actually, that's not tr-" She began, but was cut off by a quick retort from Azulpaw. Were they fighting about her? Oh great StarClan, help me...she thought with a roll of her eyes. This was just getting stupid. It needed to stop, and it needed to stop now. She raised herself up and her eyes got a colder gleam in them at Bluepaw's next words. "I'll decide who I can and cannot trust. I will also decide who to give my friendship to. I care about you-- or I wouldn't be doing this-- but you can't control my entire life. Understood?" She asked, even her voice hard. She was sick and tired of this. Bluepaw was overprotective, and Azulpaw wasn't making matters easier. He was practically asking to get himself hurt. And she didn't want to see that happen. But she couldn't just walk away, or it would happen.
　
"I'm not addicted to you." She hissed, her eyes narrowing before she turned back to Bluepaw. She didn't want to hurt him. But this was over. If she could get this to end now...everything would be just fine. All she had to do was remain firm, and not freak out, and she would be able to do this perfectly. "Am I not allowed to care? Is that off limits too, now? What's next, my ability to think for myself? To move for myself? Oh, best of all-- what about my ability to speak for myself, or have you taken that away too?" She asked, sarcasm rich in her voice. And then the fight started. She needed to get out of here. To escape. Maybe, just maybe...if she left, then they would stop trying to rip each other to pieces and realize what they were doing. They were best friends! Best friends. And she was causing this. She was making a rift in between them, making it so that they would never be the same. Was it too late to fix this? Was it too late for her to turn around and make this right again, or was it still okay?
　
She returned afterwards, and to her surprise, saw not Azulpaw but Bluepaw on the ground...winded. "I understand. And...I think you're right. I'm just causing a rift...a rift I don't want to cause." She mewed, glancing back towards Bluepaw before bringing her face closer, half-whispering-- "But next time you're going to do a jump like that, let me know... my loyal servant." She told him teasingly, before he walked past her. Again the coldness, and the chills. Again she felt lower then dirt, and yet at the same time, as though she could fly. Things were really going to be okay. And she didn't feel bad anymore... because now she was sure she had mended the rift.
　
After quickly checking on Bluepaw and giving him a soft, gentle, caring nudge, she headed off again on her own. A little more time to herself was exactly what she needed-- after all, that was what she had planned in the first place before running into Bluepaw. But now she really needed it. And then someone she had never expected to see again stepped out of the bushes. One of the most terrifying demons from her past, a cat she had hoped to never see again, reapproached her. Blue hues gleamed and sparked like icy flames.
　
Alabasterpaw.
　
The demon who haunted her nightmares.
　
"Remember me...sister?" Alabasterpaw asked, fangs gleaming in a welcoming smile. In the next instant she had pinned Asterpaw down to the ground and was keeping her there, one soft paw on her throat so it would be more difficult for her to call out. And Asterpaw didn't. She kept quiet. "One wrong move, and you're finished." Alabasterpaw growled, before raising her head. Just like Asterpaw, she had a pretty good impression of her sister. And for the previous moon, all she'd been doing was perfecting it. Despite what Bluepaw had said, she had a plan. One that she was sure would guarantee that Azulpaw literally stood there while she killed him. He wouldn't care how painful it was. Because he cared about the she cat she would have trapped. It was either sacrifice himself, or she would sacrifice her sister. Bluffing, of course, but who would know that? No one but her, and hopefully Bluepaw. If he had the intelligence to stay away and keep his maw shut.
　
"Azulpa-" Alabasterpaw began, and then stopped herself. It was a wonderful impression of her sister, but then she glared down at Asterpaw. "Just for extra insurance..." She mewed thoughtfully, and then slammed her head into a nearby tree trunk. Just hard enough to knock her out. Asterpaw struggled against her sister right before, but everything went dark afterwards. Everything was dark. She couldn't see or hear a thing...and as far as she was concerned, she was asleep. The white she cat sat back and waited for Azulpaw to arrive, as she was sure he would. And then? She would set her plan into action.

[Brilliance]

"I'll try, but you know... I don't cry that easily. Better make it sad and dramatic, hopefully that'll do the trick," She called to the tom. The she cat laughed quietly to herself-- this was what she had missed. This was what she loved, playing around, just in a friendly manner...nothing too serious. It was all a game. No one was trying to impress. No one was trying to be a hero. And best of all, since there were so many other things going on in her life...no one was serious. Still, terror was playing an active part in her mind as she watched him. What if something did go wrong? What if he fell? If only she were big enough to catch him...but she wasn't. If that happened, she would either risk him landing on top of her-- which, at the impact, would most likely hurt her back or her ribs or something else-- or she would have to watch him break his own spine, or ribs, or whatever he would land on. Unless he landed straight, on all four paws. Now that would be a show worth watching.
　
"I'm not worried!" She called back in the most careless tone she could manage, although her heart was racing and her mind spinning with the possibilities. Maybe he wouldn't really do it. No one would blame him, least of all her, but...he could let his pride get the better of him. And then she would be truly terrified. Still, one thought in particular kept going through her head...you can do this. Asterpaw believed that he could, but at the same time...doubt played a big part of her fear. Could he? Did he know the risk of injury here, how badly he could really be hurt? She, personally, would have thought about this...and then probably done it anyways. Falling wasn't what scared her, however. Impact was. Every time she did a jump, or anything else, the impact always made her wince-- no matter whether it was large or small.
　
It was just part of who she was, the same as her sarcasm...the same as her actions...everything. His words made her have a twisted, sick feeling as though she would have liked to throw up. Of course she would have overlooked that little detail. She would have to have kits with him...it was supposed to be a sign of her devotion. She had always looked at it that way, at least. But she didn't want kits. Surely he would respect that. "Don't-- don't talk like that! Of course you're going to make it. I believe in you." Everyone needed a boost of self-confidence once in a while...and Asterpaw was always full of them, it was never hard for her to utter a kind word or smile in the direction of someone who might need it.
　
But this was different. She was serious. She hadn't really thought of saying anything like that before, because he had always been full of confidence. And pride. More then anything, she'd thought he needed to be taken down a peg or two. But, she supposed everyone needed to be built up as well. A smile crossed her face as she watched him continue onwards... now this was interesting. How far was he going to go? A shadow suddenly came across her features, her hues darkening as she observed the branch. It looked unsteady. Surely he wouldn't try to--
　
And then the crack came.
　
Everything seemed to be black and dreary for Asterpaw. Everything was like her worst nightmares had come true, that one crack echoing in her head. "No..." She mumbled, shaking her head. She wanted to scream. But she couldn't. Do something, anything, to help...to get him out of there...Asterpaw was so caught up, she didn't even notice that he was safe and out of danger. Snapping out of it as she heard his voice again, Asterpaw looked up to see him safe on a lower branch. Thank StarClan...she thought, as she managed to regain control of her shaking and her expression relaxed, before she lashed her tail angrily. "It's not funny! Of all the stupid...immature...crazy...insane things to do, that was just-- what did you-- what were you trying to do?" She stammered, unable to finish any of her sentences. Terror was still pretty strong in her expression, and her words, both of which were shaking like a leaf being blown by the wind. She had been terrified. No matter how much she teased him, or was-- selfish....she really did care.
　
And had she not been worried about what Bluepaw might say, or do...she might have told him so. She watched as he jumped out of the tree-- then tripped over his own paws, which gave her another miniature shock-- and then sighed as he made his way over to her. Thank StarClan he did that without getting seriously injured, she thought for a moment before her hues became serious and somewhat darker as he sat down beside her. His touch-- light though it was-- sent shudders down her spine, making her uncomfortable...this was wrong. But if this is so wrong, then why do I feel-- right? She thought. Completely missing the fact he was joking, and feeling too much fear still inside her to say anything in a kidding manner at all, she closed her eyes for a moment as though trying to center her thoughts before opening them. "No. No, I wouldn't have liked it at all. I thought you actually were going to fall...I thought you were actually going to die. And you scared me! What if you had fallen, what do you think--" She stopped, closing her eyes again.
　
She was just ranting now, talking on and on...and she needed to stop. She had to stop. "Never mind. It doesn't matter." She clamped her maw shut, knowing that if she continued, he'd probably find something to say. Of course he cared. She knew-- he had told her. Why had he told her? Oh, I remember-- that stupid fight is why. She thought, pinning her ears back. Asterpaw hated fighting with him. Because it was just too real. Even when she had fought with Alabasterpaw, things had only lasted a minute or so-- they were close friends. She just didn't fight with Bluepaw...she kept well away from areas that she knew would irritate him. Except for one...one thing that she couldn't seem to get over. And that was Azulpaw. Did Bluepaw care that much when she was around him? She imagined so, everything from his expression to hurrying her away as quickly as he could.
　
She flinched when he jumped away from her-- though his expression might remain the same, she knew what he was thinking. What he was feeling. Of course he would do that, he didn't want to be anywhere near her... did he? One moment he did, the next he didn't. And it confused her-- quite a bit, at least. The next thing she knew, he was mumbling something...something odd. What was he talking about? "What?" She asked, half-laughing as she was unsure what it had been. The only words she had caught were 'war' and 'fighting for.' Was that all he had said? Fighting for war, maybe? Who would do that? Everyone fought for peace, not war... at least, that was her opinion. Everyone wanted peace. It was important. For a while they sat there, every once in a while Azulpaw made a remark-- ones that Asterpaw didn't quite understand. But she didn't know what to do. After all, this was her life.
　
Her life consisted of grabbing calmer moments, other times running around with Bluepaw, constantly doing things or having him touch her, wanting to make contact with her. And Asterpaw was all for contact, just not...so much of it. A touch every here and there was fine, or to let someone know you cared, or...to playact, as she recalled. But this wasn't playacting. And this wasn't just letting her know he cared. This was something...different. Something special, that she could feel. And she didn't know how to feel about it. Most of her life she'd been told how and what to feel, whether or not she was doing it correctly, and other such junk by Alabasterpaw. But Alabasterpaw wasn't here now. So she didn't know what to do, or whether or not she should be here. What if Bluepaw came now? But...let him come. She wasn't doing anything wrong. She didn't actually have feelings for Azulpaw...she just cared, a lot. More then she wanted to admit. Much more then she wanted to admit.
　
A gentle voice behind her startled her, and she jumped slightly, calming when Bluepaw nuzzled her. It was just Bluepaw. Nothing to worry about. She smiled back at him, but made no move to make new contact with the tom. Perhaps she thought the contact he gave her was enough. She wasn't a needy cat. And yet Bluepaw gave her so much attention, whether he thought she was or not was uncertain, but either way-- she got enough. Too much, really. "Hi, Bluepaw. Good to see you." She mewed in the soft, careful voice that she always used around the tom. It sounded almost fake...but it wasn't. That was just the way she acted, always trying to keep from doing something wrong. Like she was walking on eggshells, or leaves that she didn't want to crush beneath her paws. It was close to impossible-- but doable, just as long as she sacrificed some things as well.
　
Bluepaw's accusation made her hues flash with anger. That wasn't what had happened! "Actually, that's not tr-" She began, but was cut off by a quick retort from Azulpaw. Were they fighting about her? Oh great StarClan, help me...she thought with a roll of her eyes. This was just getting stupid. It needed to stop, and it needed to stop now. She raised herself up and her eyes got a colder gleam in them at Bluepaw's next words. "I'll decide who I can and cannot trust. I will also decide who to give my friendship to. I care about you-- or I wouldn't be doing this-- but you can't control my entire life. Understood?" She asked, even her voice hard. She was sick and tired of this. Bluepaw was overprotective, and Azulpaw wasn't making matters easier. He was practically asking to get himself hurt. And she didn't want to see that happen. But she couldn't just walk away, or it would happen.
　
"I'm not addicted to you." She hissed, her eyes narrowing before she turned back to Bluepaw. She didn't want to hurt him. But this was over. If she could get this to end now...everything would be just fine. All she had to do was remain firm, and not freak out, and she would be able to do this perfectly. "Am I not allowed to care? Is that off limits too, now? What's next, my ability to think for myself? To move for myself? Oh, best of all-- what about my ability to speak for myself, or have you taken that away too?" She asked, sarcasm rich in her voice. And then the fight started. She needed to get out of here. To escape. Maybe, just maybe...if she left, then they would stop trying to rip each other to pieces and realize what they were doing. They were best friends! Best friends. And she was causing this. She was making a rift in between them, making it so that they would never be the same. Was it too late to fix this? Was it too late for her to turn around and make this right again, or was it still okay?
　
She returned afterwards, and to her surprise, saw not Azulpaw but Bluepaw on the ground...winded. "I understand. And...I think you're right. I'm just causing a rift...a rift I don't want to cause." She mewed, glancing back towards Bluepaw before bringing her face closer, half-whispering-- "But next time you're going to do a jump like that, let me know... my loyal servant." She told him teasingly, before he walked past her. Again the coldness, and the chills. Again she felt lower then dirt, and yet at the same time, as though she could fly. Things were really going to be okay. And she didn't feel bad anymore... because now she was sure she had mended the rift.
　
After quickly checking on Bluepaw and giving him a soft, gentle, caring nudge, she headed off again on her own. A little more time to herself was exactly what she needed-- after all, that was what she had planned in the first place before running into Bluepaw. But now she really needed it. And then someone she had never expected to see again stepped out of the bushes. One of the most terrifying demons from her past, a cat she had hoped to never see again, reapproached her. Blue hues gleamed and sparked like icy flames.
　
Alabasterpaw.
　
The demon who haunted her nightmares.
　
"Remember me...sister?" Alabasterpaw asked, fangs gleaming in a welcoming smile. In the next instant she had pinned Asterpaw down to the ground and was keeping her there, one soft paw on her throat so it would be more difficult for her to call out. And Asterpaw didn't. She kept quiet. "One wrong move, and you're finished." Alabasterpaw growled, before raising her head. Just like Asterpaw, she had a pretty good impression of her sister. And for the previous moon, all she'd been doing was perfecting it. Despite what Bluepaw had said, she had a plan. One that she was sure would guarantee that Azulpaw literally stood there while she killed him. He wouldn't care how painful it was. Because he cared about the she cat she would have trapped. It was either sacrifice himself, or she would sacrifice her sister. Bluffing, of course, but who would know that? No one but her, and hopefully Bluepaw. If he had the intelligence to stay away and keep his maw shut.
　
"Azulpa-" Alabasterpaw began, and then stopped herself. It was a wonderful impression of her sister, but then she glared down at Asterpaw. "Just for extra insurance..." She mewed thoughtfully, and then slammed her head into a nearby tree trunk. Just hard enough to knock her out. Asterpaw struggled against her sister right before, but everything went dark afterwards. Everything was dark. She couldn't see or hear a thing...and as far as she was concerned, she was asleep. The white she cat sat back and waited for Azulpaw to arrive, as she was sure he would. And then? She would set her plan into action.


‘’...Always have to come and ruin things. Act like we can’t be friends. Controlling her life as if she’s some type of pawn...who does he think he is?’’ Azulpaw snorted, mumbling lowly. He kicked a rock out of his path, his head drooping lowly. He flattened his ears, shaking his head. He was having a good time with Asterpaw! A marvelous time! But his envious brother had to come along...make matters worse. Though the tom was still quite surprised to even pin him down. Where did that strength come from?

Azulpaw didn’t think he would carry the strength such as that. It was fairly new to him, and he silently thanked Starclan that his training was finally caving in. The thought made him happy. In fact, it made him forget the incident that happened a few moments ago.

‘’Silverpaw!’’ The tom yelled, calling the small she-cat that played a large roll in his life since his departure from Bluepaw. Though, her scent was faint, and she was nowhere around. ‘’Silverpaw!’’ He called once more, but doubted he would get an answer. After all, she was most likely with Kestrelpaw or Hawkpaw or Foxpaw or whoever she made as a new friend. Silverpaw was always the friendly she-cat that seemed to make friends wherever she went. He wished he had that talent. To make friends wherever he went. It would be better that way. He hardly knew any enemies of Silverpaw...except one tom who she says been bugging her, but Azulpaw forgot his name. Though he could remember vividly how she scorned him and dubbed him as a jerk. Clearly, she hated him, which was a rare sight. Silverpaw...hating someone? The small she-cat was full of nothing but love...so, her hating someone was a big deal.

‘’I’ll have to talk to that jerk who’s being mean to her. Maybe knock some sense into him,’’ Azulpaw scowled, but he continued on. He didn’t want to leave Asterpaw’s company--especially since things were getting interesting between them. The way she yelled and called out to him...all out of concern? It warmed his heart, honestly. He didn’t think she cared. At all. But the way she ranted at him earlier for falling out the tree...tears were ready to make it down his cheek, just thinking of the thought. And, personally, he was taking a liking to her sarcastic attitude. It sent a thrill through him--

Why, oh why, was he thinking of her now? She was not his to think about. Though his crush was small on her. He refused to even like her anymore than he did now. The tom did not have time for such. She was happy-- at least he hoped. She was with Bluepaw. He knew the tom would take care of her as if she were a delicate butterfly.

Bluepaw shook his head, and he watched Asterpaw bound off, calling to her. ‘’Be careful!’’ He turned his head slightly, a redness of embarrassment clearly displayed on his expression. The way Azulpaw flipped them, changing their position...where did that come from? It never was suppose to happen that way. Never had he wanted to get rid of the grey tom as much as he did now.

‘’Alabasterpaw better know what she’s doing.’’ He says, and sits on his haunches to think for a second. He opened his eyes, recalling what Asterpaw was saying to him. He didn’t want to believe Alabasterpaw saying that Asterpaw only pitied him.

She loved him, right?

She loved him.

She loved him!

He didn’t have to be assured that. He knew it. From the bottom of his heart, he knew that the blue cat loved him as much as he loved her, but her words haunted him..."I'll decide who I can and cannot trust. I will also decide who to give my friendship to. I care about you-- or I wouldn't be doing this-- but you can't control my entire life. Understood?" Was that exactly what he was doing? That didn’t matter. Did she not love him? She wouldn’t be doing it?...what did that mean? She didn’t say she was doing it out of love.

Bluepaw narrowed his eyes. Everything he did for her was out of love...and she only cared? Why didn’t she love him? ‘’What is wrong with me?’’ The tom chuckled as he stood up. ‘’I’m approaching this the wrong way.’’ He had to think of a plan. Something to make Asterpaw really noticed him. Something that makes him stand out. He didn’t want to control her life...he didn’t have to. After all, haven’t her sister, Alli done that for her already?

The tom lashed his tail, and he thought about going after Asterpaw...but maybe she needed to clear her head. And, so did he. The last thing he needed was her on his mind anyway.

Azulpaw sought out a new destination. Far away from everyone. From Bluepaw...from Silverpaw...from Asterpaw. Especially Asterpaw. He promised himself that he wouldn’t dare get attached. He promised himself that he would let her go. Stop her friendship, and live on with his life. He certainly didn’t mind a little catching up--the boring talk.

‘’I really need a new muse.’’ The tom sighed deeply, but what she-cat could fit a description close to the friend he had? The friend he wanted to keep...just with less drama added, or not at all would be better. What female was deemed challenging enough---feisty, sarcastic, fun-loving, any of those?

None crossed mind. Perhaps, Asterpaw was a special cat. ‘’It was a joke, love. Don’t take it too seriously. You’re not a prize to display to everyone you meet, but you are a special cat.’’ Those words he had uttered earlier today never sounded so true until he was thinking about it now. Yet, she didn’t believe she was special either. Such modesty, so much humbleness and less animosity. Seriously, what she-cat could replace her within his life?

Just thinking of the thought, he could hear her voice...calling his name. ‘’Huh?’’ He strained his ears just to be shore, it was her. What happened? Had she ran off from Bluepaw’s clutches? Had she ran because she wanted to be in his company instead? The tom quickly got to his paws and ran back, following her scent. The scent he got himself accustomed to. The fresh scent of pine needles and faint flowers. He ran towards her, thoughts of the feline clouded his mind.

Why had she called him? What had happened while he was away?

‘’Asterpaw!’’ He called. ‘’Sweetheart, answer me!’’ He yowled, hoping to hear her voice again. With his ears tilted forward, he walked at a slower pace. Where could she had been? An eerie feeling had entered into his stomach--the feeling of butterflies. A nervous feeling as he looked around trying to note a blue cat in sight.

In turn, he received nothing, until he saw her unconscious. And, he ran fast; swiftly up to her, sniffing at her pelt. ‘’Ast-’’ Another scent entered his nostrils...and he slowly brought his head up, meeting the blue hues of the devil he never wished to see again. ‘’Alabasterpaw.’’ He snarled, he spat the name out as if it were forbidden. As if it were a poison striking him; killing him. With the simple look she gave him, set him to die early in his years.

The tom looked down at Asterpaw. All her fault. If I did keep my distance, I wouldn’t be in his horrid mess. The tom felt strained; stressed; overwhelm, and with a gentle paw, he delicate cupped Asterpaw’s cheek, leaning down to her. ‘’What have you done to her?’’ He whispered, his voice hoarse. He hoped she was still alive. If she wasn’t, he would be ready to join her. Whether he had the choice or not. Then again, this was Alabasterpaw--the demon he never wanted to see again. Would never give him a choice.

‘’Are you that sick that you done this to your own sister!?’’ He yelled towards her. ‘’The one who cared about you? The one who accepted who you were!’’ He raged. ‘’What are you?...that envious, knowing you won’t ever amount to anything?’’ He tilted his head. He wanted to why. He wanted to understand her reason as to torturing everyone around them.

Where was Bluepaw?

Azulpaw gently hovered about Asterpaw, in a sense to protect her. He growled at Alabasterpaw, wanting her to state her business.

Everything was Asterpaw’s fault.

Yet, he ran to protect her.

He hated the feline.

Yet, he cared deeply for her.

He shouldn’t have come. This is not his battle to fight in.

Yet, she was worth fighting for.

Every reason he tried to come up with conflicted with each other. He wished it wasn't this way. That he felt so attached to the she-cat where she constantly plagued his thoughts, constantly got him hurt, constantly built him up, constantly brought him down. It was like she knew every weakness of his, every strength and bent it to her desire to fit her expectations. Yet, she didn't know any of this. Of how he felt. Surely, he would never tell her. They both had enough drama in their lives. He doubt she would ever feel the same way. She was a devoted she-cat to Bluepaw--giving herself away so young to stop her life of experiencing her taste. Azulpaw never minded being her friend. The thought that scared him was...how long?

He wished he never met her.

Yet, she was the best thing that happened to him in a long time.

Azulpaw gently looked down at her, his heart overcome with pain, and his eyes ready to leak. She looked so weak and fragile. Why hadn’t Bluepaw kept an eye on her? Why was Alabasterpaw back? Did Bluepaw know about this?

‘’...Alabasterpaw I’m not scared. Any longer. In fact, I’m ready to end this hostile war you forced me into...because of her, isn’t it?’’ He stroked the feline’s cheek, tenderly. ‘’So, do what you must, but I will fight back because I have a reason to fight. And, I have a reason to live. Do what you must...but LEAVE Asterpaw out of this. You hear me!?’’ He sneered, jumping swiftly over the blue cat’s body and landing in front of the wicked white feline. He pulled out his claws, digging them in the ground. His gaze upon Alabasterpaw in a haunting manner. She had changed, he’d give her that. Apparently, that’s what being a loner does to you. How she managed to survive, he didn’t know. Nor cared. Though he wished she hadn’t.

Now, he felt a piece of history repeating.

[Jingle]

Cliffheart, as he moved along, discovered it wasn't as hard to keep his pace even with Jigglefoot's. Instead, the ither Warriors short legs, and his recently healed, but twisted law cause then to go nearly the same speed. Although, Cliffheart moved slower than he would have normally, nervous that if he stepped wrong, or tripped, he would rupture his ligament again and be nest bound for several more moons. He couldn't be stuck in a splint, especially not with his kits coming. The kits would need a strong father, one who could actually care for them, not just lay around. But what did he know? He knew nothing about fathers.

Then an idea struck him. He turned his head to fav
De the warrior. "Hey uh Jigglefoot?" He started, trying to sound casual. "Do you, buy any chance have a family? Like kits and whatnot?" He asked, feeling embarrassed that he had asked that. What if it was a touchy, sensitive subject for him? What if that made the warrior become quiet and reserved, thereby loosing trust and a companion to talk to? The numerous self doubts began swirling, yet again.


The short tom looked at the other, and smiled faintly- a small nod as he began to speak. "Ja (yes), I do~ Several beautiful kits and a vonderful (wonderful) mate." he responded, the tip of his tail curling faintly.

"Vhat (what) about you?" Jigglefoot asked, his multi-colored eyes watching the other tom.

[lone]

‘’...Always have to come and ruin things. Act like we can’t be friends. Controlling her life as if she’s some type of pawn...who does he think he is?’’ Azulpaw snorted, mumbling lowly. He kicked a rock out of his path, his head drooping lowly. He flattened his ears, shaking his head. He was having a good time with Asterpaw! A marvelous time! But his envious brother had to come along...make matters worse. Though the tom was still quite surprised to even pin him down. Where did that strength come from?

Azulpaw didn’t think he would carry the strength such as that. It was fairly new to him, and he silently thanked Starclan that his training was finally caving in. The thought made him happy. In fact, it made him forget the incident that happened a few moments ago.

‘’Silverpaw!’’ The tom yelled, calling the small she-cat that played a large roll in his life since his departure from Bluepaw. Though, her scent was faint, and she was nowhere around. ‘’Silverpaw!’’ He called once more, but doubted he would get an answer. After all, she was most likely with Kestrelpaw or Hawkpaw or Foxpaw or whoever she made as a new friend. Silverpaw was always the friendly she-cat that seemed to make friends wherever she went. He wished he had that talent. To make friends wherever he went. It would be better that way. He hardly knew any enemies of Silverpaw...except one tom who she says been bugging her, but Azulpaw forgot his name. Though he could remember vividly how she scorned him and dubbed him as a jerk. Clearly, she hated him, which was a rare sight. Silverpaw...hating someone? The small she-cat was full of nothing but love...so, her hating someone was a big deal.

‘’I’ll have to talk to that jerk who’s being mean to her. Maybe knock some sense into him,’’ Azulpaw scowled, but he continued on. He didn’t want to leave Asterpaw’s company--especially since things were getting interesting between them. The way she yelled and called out to him...all out of concern? It warmed his heart, honestly. He didn’t think she cared. At all. But the way she ranted at him earlier for falling out the tree...tears were ready to make it down his cheek, just thinking of the thought. And, personally, he was taking a liking to her sarcastic attitude. It sent a thrill through him--

Why, oh why, was he thinking of her now? She was not his to think about. Though his crush was small on her. He refused to even like her anymore than he did now. The tom did not have time for such. She was happy-- at least he hoped. She was with Bluepaw. He knew the tom would take care of her as if she were a delicate butterfly.

Bluepaw shook his head, and he watched Asterpaw bound off, calling to her. ‘’Be careful!’’ He turned his head slightly, a redness of embarrassment clearly displayed on his expression. The way Azulpaw flipped them, changing their position...where did that come from? It never was suppose to happen that way. Never had he wanted to get rid of the grey tom as much as he did now.

‘’Alabasterpaw better know what she’s doing.’’ He says, and sits on his haunches to think for a second. He opened his eyes, recalling what Asterpaw was saying to him. He didn’t want to believe Alabasterpaw saying that Asterpaw only pitied him.

She loved him, right?

She loved him.

She loved him!

He didn’t have to be assured that. He knew it. From the bottom of his heart, he knew that the blue cat loved him as much as he loved her, but her words haunted him..."I'll decide who I can and cannot trust. I will also decide who to give my friendship to. I care about you-- or I wouldn't be doing this-- but you can't control my entire life. Understood?" Was that exactly what he was doing? That didn’t matter. Did she not love him? She wouldn’t be doing it?...what did that mean? She didn’t say she was doing it out of love.

Bluepaw narrowed his eyes. Everything he did for her was out of love...and she only cared? Why didn’t she love him? ‘’What is wrong with me?’’ The tom chuckled as he stood up. ‘’I’m approaching this the wrong way.’’ He had to think of a plan. Something to make Asterpaw really noticed him. Something that makes him stand out. He didn’t want to control her life...he didn’t have to. After all, haven’t her sister, Alli done that for her already?

The tom lashed his tail, and he thought about going after Asterpaw...but maybe she needed to clear her head. And, so did he. The last thing he needed was her on his mind anyway.

Azulpaw sought out a new destination. Far away from everyone. From Bluepaw...from Silverpaw...from Asterpaw. Especially Asterpaw. He promised himself that he wouldn’t dare get attached. He promised himself that he would let her go. Stop her friendship, and live on with his life. He certainly didn’t mind a little catching up--the boring talk.

‘’I really need a new muse.’’ The tom sighed deeply, but what she-cat could fit a description close to the friend he had? The friend he wanted to keep...just with less drama added, or not at all would be better. What female was deemed challenging enough---feisty, sarcastic, fun-loving, any of those?

None crossed mind. Perhaps, Asterpaw was a special cat. ‘’It was a joke, love. Don’t take it too seriously. You’re not a prize to display to everyone you meet, but you are a special cat.’’ Those words he had uttered earlier today never sounded so true until he was thinking about it now. Yet, she didn’t believe she was special either. Such modesty, so much humbleness and less animosity. Seriously, what she-cat could replace her within his life?

Just thinking of the thought, he could hear her voice...calling his name. ‘’Huh?’’ He strained his ears just to be shore, it was her. What happened? Had she ran off from Bluepaw’s clutches? Had she ran because she wanted to be in his company instead? The tom quickly got to his paws and ran back, following her scent. The scent he got himself accustomed to. The fresh scent of pine needles and faint flowers. He ran towards her, thoughts of the feline clouded his mind.

Why had she called him? What had happened while he was away?

‘’Asterpaw!’’ He called. ‘’Sweetheart, answer me!’’ He yowled, hoping to hear her voice again. With his ears tilted forward, he walked at a slower pace. Where could she had been? An eerie feeling had entered into his stomach--the feeling of butterflies. A nervous feeling as he looked around trying to note a blue cat in sight.

In turn, he received nothing, until he saw her unconscious. And, he ran fast; swiftly up to her, sniffing at her pelt. ‘’Ast-’’ Another scent entered his nostrils...and he slowly brought his head up, meeting the blue hues of the devil he never wished to see again. ‘’Alabasterpaw.’’ He snarled, he spat the name out as if it were forbidden. As if it were a poison striking him; killing him. With the simple look she gave him, set him to die early in his years.

The tom looked down at Asterpaw. All her fault. If I did keep my distance, I wouldn’t be in his horrid mess. The tom felt strained; stressed; overwhelm, and with a gentle paw, he delicate cupped Asterpaw’s cheek, leaning down to her. ‘’What have you done to her?’’ He whispered, his voice hoarse. He hoped she was still alive. If she wasn’t, he would be ready to join her. Whether he had the choice or not. Then again, this was Alabasterpaw--the demon he never wanted to see again. Would never give him a choice.

‘’Are you that sick that you done this to your own sister!?’’ He yelled towards her. ‘’The one who cared about you? The one who accepted who you were!’’ He raged. ‘’What are you?...that envious, knowing you won’t ever amount to anything?’’ He tilted his head. He wanted to why. He wanted to understand her reason as to torturing everyone around them.

Where was Bluepaw?

Azulpaw gently hovered about Asterpaw, in a sense to protect her. He growled at Alabasterpaw, wanting her to state her business.

Everything was Asterpaw’s fault.

Yet, he ran to protect her.

He hated the feline.

Yet, he cared deeply for her.

He shouldn’t have come. This is not his battle to fight in.

Yet, she was worth fighting for.

Every reason he tried to come up with conflicted with each other. He wished it wasn't this way. That he felt so attached to the she-cat where she constantly plagued his thoughts, constantly got him hurt, constantly built him up, constantly brought him down. It was like she knew every weakness of his, every strength and bent it to her desire to fit her expectations. Yet, she didn't know any of this. Of how he felt. Surely, he would never tell her. They both had enough drama in their lives. He doubt she would ever feel the same way. She was a devoted she-cat to Bluepaw--giving herself away so young to stop her life of experiencing her taste. Azulpaw never minded being her friend. The thought that scared him was...how long?

He wished he never met her.

Yet, she was the best thing that happened to him in a long time.

Azulpaw gently looked down at her, his heart overcome with pain, and his eyes ready to leak. She looked so weak and fragile. Why hadn’t Bluepaw kept an eye on her? Why was Alabasterpaw back? Did Bluepaw know about this?

‘’...Alabasterpaw I’m not scared. Any longer. In fact, I’m ready to end this hostile war you forced me into...because of her, isn’t it?’’ He stroked the feline’s cheek, tenderly. ‘’So, do what you must, but I will fight back because I have a reason to fight. And, I have a reason to live. Do what you must...but LEAVE Asterpaw out of this. You hear me!?’’ He sneered, jumping swiftly over the blue cat’s body and landing in front of the wicked white feline. He pulled out his claws, digging them in the ground. His gaze upon Alabasterpaw in a haunting manner. She had changed, he’d give her that. Apparently, that’s what being a loner does to you. How she managed to survive, he didn’t know. Nor cared. Though he wished she hadn’t.

Now, he felt a piece of history repeating.

The darkness was still completely enveloping Asterpaw. But she could hear-- she just couldn't...or wouldn't...open her eyes. What's happening? She thought, and then she felt a touch. A soft touch. Gentle. And then a familiar voice...Azulpaw. He came? The she cat wondered, struggling to open her eyes. They felt so heavy. And she was exhausted...like she'd been sleeping for moons, but she wanted to rest more. I need...to...wake up...she thought. She was aware of Azulpaw and her sister speaking, though about what, she couldn't quite tell. All Asterpaw wanted was for this to be over. How could she have caused this? There was no way. No cat cared about another that much-- did they? Love. This was all love. Everything, all of it, and she didn't know what to do. Her sister loved her...at least, she said she did.
　
Bluepaw loved her...at least, he said he did. And Azulpaw had never made that claim. So did he? She couldn't know. She was scared, and half-ready to die. What if she did go to StarClan? Would that be so horrible? They would all survive without her-- Bluepaw would move on, her sister would probably find new victims, and Azulpaw had other friends. They could all live without her. But she wasn't ready to die. Not fully, anyways. She wanted to live, she wanted to...survive. That was it.
　
The white she cat smiled, her fangs showing in a somewhat agreeable one. "My, my, my...quite the little hero, aren't you? Think you're going to be her guardian angel? Think you're saving her from me? The other way around, I believe. Oh, and relax-- she's not hurt. Just knocked out." Alabasterpaw shrugged, keeping her claws sheathed. She watched him carefully, eyeing his movements. Her sister needed to stay away. Maybe she had this backwards. Maybe it was Asterpaw she should be threatening, torturing instead. At least her sister wouldn't fight back. At least her sister would succumb to her will like a tree bending. At least Asterpaw was fun-- she had allowed Alabasterpaw to knock her out without a fight. Was it because she expected someone to come fight all her battles for her? Weak. She thought with a snort, her tail twitching. "Take it easy," Alabasterpaw purred, almost amused by his words.
　
"For your information, I am not 'that sick.' Or envious. She's had that coming for almost nine moons now. Don't you think she deserves that after nine moons?" The she cat asked, cocking her head to the side. She didn't really care about his input. But she was curious anyways...after all, whatever the tom had to say must be interesting. Of course the white she cat wouldn't be taking it into account when she dealt with him and her beloved sister...she would fix this once and for all. If Asterpaw was threatened, if the tables were turned-- then what would happen? This was her plan. She just needed to wait for him to get out of the way. And then she could finish this...no one would ever hear Azulpaw's voice again, except in their dreams. And Asterpaw? Well, maybe the white feline would find a way to deal with her sister later.
　
They both deserved to die.
　
Asterpaw's hues flickered open, a new light in them like she was seeing the world for the first time. Like she had just done something incredible, something others could only dream of doing. "Azulpaw?" She asked in a voice barely above a whisper, struggling to lift her head. It felt as though she really had been run over by a monster. Uncomfortable too, like there was some sort of weight on it. "What are you...doing here..." She asked, a shudder going through her body. She hated feeling like this. Like she was lost and like she was relying on him to help her. She didn't need it. Or want it. And yet here she was, helpless, and he was-- protecting her? Yes. Protecting her. From her own sister, something she'd never seen coming. What was going on to make Alabasterpaw act this way?
　
This horrible, awful way. "Please...you have to go...we're family, she wouldn't-- she wouldn't hurt me. You're in a lot of danger." Asterpaw's voice was calm and level, barely showing the worry and fear that she felt. Maybe it was the fact she had just woken up. Her emotions were still working their way back to her brain. Then she would be able to make her familiar more sarcastic remarks, acting as though she just didn't care. That's what Asterpaw needed. She needed to act like she didn't care. But she couldn't. She didn't know what to do, but she had to stop this. No matter what, this needed to end. Her sister used to be her everything. But now? She barely knew the manic demon before her. The cat who had knocked her out. The cat who was going to kill her new friend.
　
And for what? She didn't know. Azulpaw's words sent more chills down her spine-- but she didn't resist him touching her. Maybe she was too tired. Or maybe...she didn't mind. "Please...Alli's got some sort of a plan, she always does...you can't fight her, you'll die." She whispered, tears gathing in her hues. He couldn't die. She wouldn't be able to stand it. Her fault. All her fault. What had she done wrong, though? What had done to make Alabasterpaw so angry that she would do this? What had she done to make Azulpaw protect her, what had she done to make Bluepaw love her? Why was this all her fault? Why didn't I just leave this alone. But no-- I couldn't. She thought angrily, her eyes narrowing. And now something bad was going to happen. She knew it. There was a reason she was here...what, did Alabasterpaw just want her to watch? Want her to watch him suffering, want her to watch him di-- no. He couldn't die. He just couldn't, she wouldn't be able to deal with it.
　
"Ooh, very inspirational speech. You're good at that! Anyways, did I forget to mention one small...tiny... but very significant little detail?" She pretended to think for a moment, and then her hues lit up evilly, light shimmering in them like tiny flames. "Oh yeah." She purred, bounding back over to her sister, weaving around Azulpaw and placing one paw on Asterpaw's throat. "Sheathe your claws and get on the ground." She snapped, her own claws hovering right above the she cat's throat. One movement would be all it took. And if she needed it not to be a bluff? So be it. But she was hoping it wouldn't come to that, hoping Azulpaw was smart enough to see that. Maybe he was, maybe he wasn't. It would be much more fascinating if he was, though.
　
"You see, what I forgot to mention is...you can't fight me. Well, technically you could, but every one of my claws right now is on her throat. One wrong move-- they're all sending her straight to StarClan. Or the Dark Forest, who knows with Asterpaw? So you've proven you'll fight for her...big deal, those are just words, and actions any cat would carry out. Here's my real question-- would you die for her?" Alabasterpaw asked, cocking her head to the side. She sincerely doubted it. He wouldn't die for Asterpaw. Fighting for someone was one thing. But actually dying for them-- letting yourself be killed-- was another. She'd have an excuse to get rid of them both.
　
The blue she cat struggled to move out of the way before Alabasterpaw could catch her, but she was too weak. Stupid-- clumsy-- worthless-- she thought angrily, but didn't move. She wasn't ready to die. But, after hearing Alabasterpaw's terms, her hues grew wide. "No! Don't do it, please, don't, you can't...I don't want to watch you die. Just get out of here...don't look back, don't think about me, just get out of here! I can't lose you. I can't. She'll make you su-suffer and th-then she'll kill you..." Asterpaw's voice trailed off and she felt something wet begin to trickle down her cheeks. She was crying. The last time she had cried had been a moon ago. And now she was doing it again, out of pure terror...out of worry...she felt Alabasterpaw's claws pierce through her fur, but lightly. Like she wasn't really serious. They didn't even cut through her skin.
　
"Shut up." The she cat ordered, stabbing her claws lightly into Asterpaw. When she got no reaction, she pushed down a little deeper. The blue cat gave a slight whimper, squirming to free herself-- and then realized that that was only pushing Asterpaw's claws further in. "I'm not bluffing." She snapped, taking her claws out and examining them. She pinned her sister's head to the ground, one paw directly on top to keep her still and quiet, and another on her throat, claws sheathed, but putting the slightest bit of uncomfortable pressure to keep her still. "Well? What's it going to be, darling? Your life...or hers?" She asked, cocking her head to one side.
　
"Mine." Asterpaw mewed confidently, trying to look at her sister. This was partly her say, wasn't it? After all, she was one of the lives to be taken. "I caused this. So if I die, there's no reason to fight." She added. I caused this. Of course she had caused this. All she could do was mess up, and now her sister was threatening to take someone's life. Had she not felt so weak and helpless, she might have tried to get out from under Alabasterpaw. But her agility and speed wouldn't save her now, and she didn't see a way out even with her intelligence. "But you have to let him go. You have to promise me you won't ever bother Azulpaw again." She added in a sterner voice, glancing up at the she cat. She really believed she was going to die. What reason did Alabasterpaw have to take Azulpaw's life if the problem was taken out at the root? That was perfect.
　
And she could watch over them all from StarClan. None of this would happen. "It's okay. I'm choosing to do this. My turn to protect you now, huh?" Asterpaw asked, aiming a quick smile over in the tom's direction. She knew nothing would interfere with this. If this was how it was meant to end, then so be it. Thank goodness Alabasterpaw would be more merciful to her then she had been to the tom. Because they were family. And even if Alabasterpaw never cared about Asterpaw, and never would-- Asterpaw would always care for her sister. She would always love her sister. No matter what happened between the two.
　
"Come to my funeral?" She asked in a more quiet voice, directing the question towards Azulpaw.

[Brilliance]

The darkness was still completely enveloping Asterpaw. But she could hear-- she just couldn't...or wouldn't...open her eyes. What's happening? She thought, and then she felt a touch. A soft touch. Gentle. And then a familiar voice...Azulpaw. He came? The she cat wondered, struggling to open her eyes. They felt so heavy. And she was exhausted...like she'd been sleeping for moons, but she wanted to rest more. I need...to...wake up...she thought. She was aware of Azulpaw and her sister speaking, though about what, she couldn't quite tell. All Asterpaw wanted was for this to be over. How could she have caused this? There was no way. No cat cared about another that much-- did they? Love. This was all love. Everything, all of it, and she didn't know what to do. Her sister loved her...at least, she said she did.
　
Bluepaw loved her...at least, he said he did. And Azulpaw had never made that claim. So did he? She couldn't know. She was scared, and half-ready to die. What if she did go to StarClan? Would that be so horrible? They would all survive without her-- Bluepaw would move on, her sister would probably find new victims, and Azulpaw had other friends. They could all live without her. But she wasn't ready to die. Not fully, anyways. She wanted to live, she wanted to...survive. That was it.
　
The white she cat smiled, her fangs showing in a somewhat agreeable one. "My, my, my...quite the little hero, aren't you? Think you're going to be her guardian angel? Think you're saving her from me? The other way around, I believe. Oh, and relax-- she's not hurt. Just knocked out." Alabasterpaw shrugged, keeping her claws sheathed. She watched him carefully, eyeing his movements. Her sister needed to stay away. Maybe she had this backwards. Maybe it was Asterpaw she should be threatening, torturing instead. At least her sister wouldn't fight back. At least her sister would succumb to her will like a tree bending. At least Asterpaw was fun-- she had allowed Alabasterpaw to knock her out without a fight. Was it because she expected someone to come fight all her battles for her? Weak. She thought with a snort, her tail twitching. "Take it easy," Alabasterpaw purred, almost amused by his words.
　
"For your information, I am not 'that sick.' Or envious. She's had that coming for almost nine moons now. Don't you think she deserves that after nine moons?" The she cat asked, cocking her head to the side. She didn't really care about his input. But she was curious anyways...after all, whatever the tom had to say must be interesting. Of course the white she cat wouldn't be taking it into account when she dealt with him and her beloved sister...she would fix this once and for all. If Asterpaw was threatened, if the tables were turned-- then what would happen? This was her plan. She just needed to wait for him to get out of the way. And then she could finish this...no one would ever hear Azulpaw's voice again, except in their dreams. And Asterpaw? Well, maybe the white feline would find a way to deal with her sister later.
　
They both deserved to die.
　
Asterpaw's hues flickered open, a new light in them like she was seeing the world for the first time. Like she had just done something incredible, something others could only dream of doing. "Azulpaw?" She asked in a voice barely above a whisper, struggling to lift her head. It felt as though she really had been run over by a monster. Uncomfortable too, like there was some sort of weight on it. "What are you...doing here..." She asked, a shudder going through her body. She hated feeling like this. Like she was lost and like she was relying on him to help her. She didn't need it. Or want it. And yet here she was, helpless, and he was-- protecting her? Yes. Protecting her. From her own sister, something she'd never seen coming. What was going on to make Alabasterpaw act this way?
　
This horrible, awful way. "Please...you have to go...we're family, she wouldn't-- she wouldn't hurt me. You're in a lot of danger." Asterpaw's voice was calm and level, barely showing the worry and fear that she felt. Maybe it was the fact she had just woken up. Her emotions were still working their way back to her brain. Then she would be able to make her familiar more sarcastic remarks, acting as though she just didn't care. That's what Asterpaw needed. She needed to act like she didn't care. But she couldn't. She didn't know what to do, but she had to stop this. No matter what, this needed to end. Her sister used to be her everything. But now? She barely knew the manic demon before her. The cat who had knocked her out. The cat who was going to kill her new friend.
　
And for what? She didn't know. Azulpaw's words sent more chills down her spine-- but she didn't resist him touching her. Maybe she was too tired. Or maybe...she didn't mind. "Please...Alli's got some sort of a plan, she always does...you can't fight her, you'll die." She whispered, tears gathing in her hues. He couldn't die. She wouldn't be able to stand it. Her fault. All her fault. What had she done wrong, though? What had done to make Alabasterpaw so angry that she would do this? What had she done to make Azulpaw protect her, what had she done to make Bluepaw love her? Why was this all her fault? Why didn't I just leave this alone. But no-- I couldn't. She thought angrily, her eyes narrowing. And now something bad was going to happen. She knew it. There was a reason she was here...what, did Alabasterpaw just want her to watch? Want her to watch him suffering, want her to watch him di-- no. He couldn't die. He just couldn't, she wouldn't be able to deal with it.
　
"Ooh, very inspirational speech. You're good at that! Anyways, did I forget to mention one small...tiny... but very significant little detail?" She pretended to think for a moment, and then her hues lit up evilly, light shimmering in them like tiny flames. "Oh yeah." She purred, bounding back over to her sister, weaving around Azulpaw and placing one paw on Asterpaw's throat. "Sheathe your claws and get on the ground." She snapped, her own claws hovering right above the she cat's throat. One movement would be all it took. And if she needed it not to be a bluff? So be it. But she was hoping it wouldn't come to that, hoping Azulpaw was smart enough to see that. Maybe he was, maybe he wasn't. It would be much more fascinating if he was, though.
　
"You see, what I forgot to mention is...you can't fight me. Well, technically you could, but every one of my claws right now is on her throat. One wrong move-- they're all sending her straight to StarClan. Or the Dark Forest, who knows with Asterpaw? So you've proven you'll fight for her...big deal, those are just words, and actions any cat would carry out. Here's my real question-- would you die for her?" Alabasterpaw asked, cocking her head to the side. She sincerely doubted it. He wouldn't die for Asterpaw. Fighting for someone was one thing. But actually dying for them-- letting yourself be killed-- was another. She'd have an excuse to get rid of them both.
　
The blue she cat struggled to move out of the way before Alabasterpaw could catch her, but she was too weak. Stupid-- clumsy-- worthless-- she thought angrily, but didn't move. She wasn't ready to die. But, after hearing Alabasterpaw's terms, her hues grew wide. "No! Don't do it, please, don't, you can't...I don't want to watch you die. Just get out of here...don't look back, don't think about me, just get out of here! I can't lose you. I can't. She'll make you su-suffer and th-then she'll kill you..." Asterpaw's voice trailed off and she felt something wet begin to trickle down her cheeks. She was crying. The last time she had cried had been a moon ago. And now she was doing it again, out of pure terror...out of worry...she felt Alabasterpaw's claws pierce through her fur, but lightly. Like she wasn't really serious. They didn't even cut through her skin.
　
"Shut up." The she cat ordered, stabbing her claws lightly into Asterpaw. When she got no reaction, she pushed down a little deeper. The blue cat gave a slight whimper, squirming to free herself-- and then realized that that was only pushing Asterpaw's claws further in. "I'm not bluffing." She snapped, taking her claws out and examining them. She pinned her sister's head to the ground, one paw directly on top to keep her still and quiet, and another on her throat, claws sheathed, but putting the slightest bit of uncomfortable pressure to keep her still. "Well? What's it going to be, darling? Your life...or hers?" She asked, cocking her head to one side.
　
"Mine." Asterpaw mewed confidently, trying to look at her sister. This was partly her say, wasn't it? After all, she was one of the lives to be taken. "I caused this. So if I die, there's no reason to fight." She added. I caused this. Of course she had caused this. All she could do was mess up, and now her sister was threatening to take someone's life. Had she not felt so weak and helpless, she might have tried to get out from under Alabasterpaw. But her agility and speed wouldn't save her now, and she didn't see a way out even with her intelligence. "But you have to let him go. You have to promise me you won't ever bother Azulpaw again." She added in a sterner voice, glancing up at the she cat. She really believed she was going to die. What reason did Alabasterpaw have to take Azulpaw's life if the problem was taken out at the root? That was perfect.
　
And she could watch over them all from StarClan. None of this would happen. "It's okay. I'm choosing to do this. My turn to protect you now, huh?" Asterpaw asked, aiming a quick smile over in the tom's direction. She knew nothing would interfere with this. If this was how it was meant to end, then so be it. Thank goodness Alabasterpaw would be more merciful to her then she had been to the tom. Because they were family. And even if Alabasterpaw never cared about Asterpaw, and never would-- Asterpaw would always care for her sister. She would always love her sister. No matter what happened between the two.
　
"Come to my funeral?" She asked in a more quiet voice, directing the question towards Azulpaw.


Azulpaw looked away slightly, a tear coming down his maw. He sniffled a few times before he turned around fully. His eyes were doey and glistening of fresh tears. He didn’t care that anyone looked at him. Seen him in his state. To him, it would be the last state he lived in. As he listened to Alabasterpaw, he couldn’t help, but do as he was told. The sadistic feline seemed to take her word seriously, and he didn’t want Asterpaw to get hurt from it. No matter how many times Asterpaw wanted him to leave...to go...he couldn’t. The tom sheathed his claws slowly, and got onto the ground, his stomach pressed against the cold flooring. He looked towards Asterpaw, shaking his head. ‘’You must really think I’m stupid enough to let your own sister kill you.’’ His voice was deep, cracking and given up on hope. He then slithered his eyes to the snake with blue hues. ‘’Sure, I’ll die for her. And, I’m sure that I would do it over and over and over again if I have to. You can’t kill her though. I won’t allow you to.’’ He said, his voice whispering lowly, and he lowered his head once more, feeling the wetness of his tears surround him.

The tom would had told her everything. He would had poured his feelings out there; here and now, but only he was afraid. He was afraid of what she might think, even in their current predicament. He was afraid of the rejection, of the carelessness towards his emotions. He didn’t want to go through death and heartbreak at the same time. Yet, it already felt as if he were.

‘’And, if you seriously think killing me will bring your heart joy, you’re seriously messed up. I’m an ordinary cat...how will I ever bring joy into your life?’’ He sneered at her, angrily. ‘’In fact, since I am laying on my death nest, let me let you on something you psychotic demon!’’ He stood up once more, his fur bristling as he continued, ‘’I hope that wherever you go, I haunt you and make your life a living dark forest misfortune. I hope you wake up regretting the things you’ve done in the past, and I truly hope you never find happiness. In fact, I hope you become overwhelmed by emotion, and jump off a ledge. You’re not even that pretty you sly demon! You never were! You are obnoxious, you’re evil, you’re bratty...and one day...just one day, you will be stopped. Even though I won’t be here to see the day,’’ His voice was soft, and he looked down at Asterpaw giving her a gentle look. When she had awoke, she had surprised him, astounded him. His heart soared knowing she was alive and well. The tom bent down and nosed her cheek, gently. His nose may have been wet, having a tear hit it, but he rubbed himself against her, wanting her to be the only scent he took with him to the afterlife. The tom gently brought his head back up, ‘’Come to your funeral? Nah, it might be boring. But mines? It’s going to be life of the party.’’ Such an inappropriate joke at the right time. But, it was something he had to do. Something to lighten up a situation...that could not be lightened up. ‘’Besides, you have so much to live for. You have places to go and cats to love on. No matter how much you think it’s untrue, someone will need you. You’ll always be wanted, and even when I’m gone, I’ll watch over you, and move mountains that will be in your way. I will never allow anything or anyone to hurt you...I promise.’’ A few tears hit the ground, but he brought himself away from the blue cat to lay back down.

Perhaps there was a way to get him out this situation. Them both. If he played his cards right, he would be able to throw the white feline off of him, hit her into a nearby tree or something before she could deliver the final blow. He could switch the positions just as he done with Bluepaw, and escape with Asterpaw where it would be safe. He truly doubted she would go along with him. Azulpaw knew he had enough-- and although he didn’t fear Alabasterpaw as much as he did in the past, he had enough of her drama. She needed to be end. The dark forest was where she stood. It was like her true home. Couldn’t she hear it calling her name? Azulpaw knew he would need to leave. For good. Probably become a rogue or something until everything died down. He couldn’t stay within Skyclan knowing that the beast was waiting to devour him.

But, that was only if he got out alive. Which he hoped he did. But, even if he didn’t. At least, he died for a reason that he wouldn’t regret. ‘’Asterpaw...you’re job is not to protect me.’’ He told the blue she-cat. ‘’Your job,’’ he smirked, although it was sad and wavering, ‘’your job is to not worry about me. Ever. After all, it’ll be one less cat you need to worry about.’’ He gulped, sighing deeply.

‘’Would Bluepaw do the same though? Die for you?’’ He asked. Though for a completely wrong time. But what time could be better if he was running out of it? Time used to be so precious to him...but now it seemed that it didn’t matter anymore. Nothing ever mattered but this last moment he was sharing with Asterpaw. Though he wished Alabasterpaw would leave somewhere...perhaps jump off a cliff or drown in a lake. That would make his day--and life worthwhile.

‘’But, hey, your sister’s right.’’ He gagged. Saying that sentence surely would had killed him anyway. ‘’Dying for someone means you love them. At least you know that you are very much loved.’’ The tom said, albeit quietly, and he wondered if she heard him. As he got his feelings off his chest, he stared up at Alabasterpaw hoping she was ready to strike.

‘’I only have one request.’’ He says, his eyes deadpanned on the white demon in front of him. He then slithered his eyes towards Asterpaw gently touching her face with his paw with as much tenderness as he could muster. She was still so fragile to him. She was broken, and he would never be able to fix her. He doubt Bluepaw will ever, but he meant the words he said. Every last one of them. Not his forte to be such a sweet cat, but in times like these...he didn’t have a choice.

‘’I don’t want her seeing this…’’He finishes, and pulled his paw away. ‘’I don’t want the last thing she see is my dead body. If I had the power---I wouldn’t want her to remember it, so can you at least grant that for me Alabasterpaw? Or is that too much to ask for?’’ The tom says, waiting for her answer. He could tell that Asterpaw didn’t like the thought of death or blood, so why would he allow Alabasterpaw to keep her around? The fact that she was setting an example for her sister anyway was bad enough, and it made his heart tug. Asterpaw deserved a better sister. She deserved a better life. And, Alabasterpaw deserved...well...nothing.

Once more the tom approached Asterpaw, leaning down to her. ‘’Remember that you are beautiful no matter what you think. You are amazing; stunning; marvelous; gorgeous, every sort of colorful nature there is in this world. And, you’re self worth reaches above expectations. It will never be less than Alli’s.’’ He gave a hint of a smile and winked her way. It was the last thing he wanted to say to her, and it was the last thing he wanted her to soak in before he laid back on his paws obediently, his life touching at the cold ground. Soon, it will be taken in a warmer place where he’ll be greeted by smiles, and he’ll carry out his promise to look over the blue cat for the rest of his eternal life. Not only her, but Silverpaw, Kestrelpaw, Hawkpaw, Coconutpaw, all of his friends that he cherished and love.

But, especially Asterpaw.

His new friend, but unofficial best friend.

Before he could feel the strike, he silently prayed, Oh, Starclan if you hear me now...please keep both of us safe. Asterpaw mainly, but if not me, please welcome me with open paws, and allow me to look after her and keep her safe. She’s a top priority, and I don’t want anything to happen to her. Oh, great starclan, I’m asking for a...miracle.

[lone]

Azulpaw looked away slightly, a tear coming down his maw. He sniffled a few times before he turned around fully. His eyes were doey and glistening of fresh tears. He didn’t care that anyone looked at him. Seen him in his state. To him, it would be the last state he lived in. As he listened to Alabasterpaw, he couldn’t help, but do as he was told. The sadistic feline seemed to take her word seriously, and he didn’t want Asterpaw to get hurt from it. No matter how many times Asterpaw wanted him to leave...to go...he couldn’t. The tom sheathed his claws slowly, and got onto the ground, his stomach pressed against the cold flooring. He looked towards Asterpaw, shaking his head. ‘’You must really think I’m stupid enough to let your own sister kill you.’’ His voice was deep, cracking and given up on hope. He then slithered his eyes to the snake with blue hues. ‘’Sure, I’ll die for her. And, I’m sure that I would do it over and over and over again if I have to. You can’t kill her though. I won’t allow you to.’’ He said, his voice whispering lowly, and he lowered his head once more, feeling the wetness of his tears surround him.

The tom would had told her everything. He would had poured his feelings out there; here and now, but only he was afraid. He was afraid of what she might think, even in their current predicament. He was afraid of the rejection, of the carelessness towards his emotions. He didn’t want to go through death and heartbreak at the same time. Yet, it already felt as if he were.

‘’And, if you seriously think killing me will bring your heart joy, you’re seriously messed up. I’m an ordinary cat...how will I ever bring joy into your life?’’ He sneered at her, angrily. ‘’In fact, since I am laying on my death nest, let me let you on something you psychotic demon!’’ He stood up once more, his fur bristling as he continued, ‘’I hope that wherever you go, I haunt you and make your life a living dark forest misfortune. I hope you wake up regretting the things you’ve done in the past, and I truly hope you never find happiness. In fact, I hope you become overwhelmed by emotion, and jump off a ledge. You’re not even that pretty you sly demon! You never were! You are obnoxious, you’re evil, you’re bratty...and one day...just one day, you will be stopped. Even though I won’t be here to see the day,’’ His voice was soft, and he looked down at Asterpaw giving her a gentle look. When she had awoke, she had surprised him, astounded him. His heart soared knowing she was alive and well. The tom bent down and nosed her cheek, gently. His nose may have been wet, having a tear hit it, but he rubbed himself against her, wanting her to be the only scent he took with him to the afterlife. The tom gently brought his head back up, ‘’Come to your funeral? Nah, it might be boring. But mines? It’s going to be life of the party.’’ Such an inappropriate joke at the right time. But, it was something he had to do. Something to lighten up a situation...that could not be lightened up. ‘’Besides, you have so much to live for. You have places to go and cats to love on. No matter how much you think it’s untrue, someone will need you. You’ll always be wanted, and even when I’m gone, I’ll watch over you, and move mountains that will be in your way. I will never allow anything or anyone to hurt you...I promise.’’ A few tears hit the ground, but he brought himself away from the blue cat to lay back down.

Perhaps there was a way to get him out this situation. Them both. If he played his cards right, he would be able to throw the white feline off of him, hit her into a nearby tree or something before she could deliver the final blow. He could switch the positions just as he done with Bluepaw, and escape with Asterpaw where it would be safe. He truly doubted she would go along with him. Azulpaw knew he had enough-- and although he didn’t fear Alabasterpaw as much as he did in the past, he had enough of her drama. She needed to be end. The dark forest was where she stood. It was like her true home. Couldn’t she hear it calling her name? Azulpaw knew he would need to leave. For good. Probably become a rogue or something until everything died down. He couldn’t stay within Skyclan knowing that the beast was waiting to devour him.

But, that was only if he got out alive. Which he hoped he did. But, even if he didn’t. At least, he died for a reason that he wouldn’t regret. ‘’Asterpaw...you’re job is not to protect me.’’ He told the blue she-cat. ‘’Your job,’’ he smirked, although it was sad and wavering, ‘’your job is to not worry about me. Ever. After all, it’ll be one less cat you need to worry about.’’ He gulped, sighing deeply.

‘’Would Bluepaw do the same though? Die for you?’’ He asked. Though for a completely wrong time. But what time could be better if he was running out of it? Time used to be so precious to him...but now it seemed that it didn’t matter anymore. Nothing ever mattered but this last moment he was sharing with Asterpaw. Though he wished Alabasterpaw would leave somewhere...perhaps jump off a cliff or drown in a lake. That would make his day--and life worthwhile.

‘’But, hey, your sister’s right.’’ He gagged. Saying that sentence surely would had killed him anyway. ‘’Dying for someone means you love them. At least you know that you are very much loved.’’ The tom said, albeit quietly, and he wondered if she heard him. As he got his feelings off his chest, he stared up at Alabasterpaw hoping she was ready to strike.

‘’I only have one request.’’ He says, his eyes deadpanned on the white demon in front of him. He then slithered his eyes towards Asterpaw gently touching her face with his paw with as much tenderness as he could muster. She was still so fragile to him. She was broken, and he would never be able to fix her. He doubt Bluepaw will ever, but he meant the words he said. Every last one of them. Not his forte to be such a sweet cat, but in times like these...he didn’t have a choice.

‘’I don’t want her seeing this…’’He finishes, and pulled his paw away. ‘’I don’t want the last thing she see is my dead body. If I had the power---I wouldn’t want her to remember it, so can you at least grant that for me Alabasterpaw? Or is that too much to ask for?’’ The tom says, waiting for her answer. He could tell that Asterpaw didn’t like the thought of death or blood, so why would he allow Alabasterpaw to keep her around? The fact that she was setting an example for her sister anyway was bad enough, and it made his heart tug. Asterpaw deserved a better sister. She deserved a better life. And, Alabasterpaw deserved...well...nothing.

Once more the tom approached Asterpaw, leaning down to her. ‘’Remember that you are beautiful no matter what you think. You are amazing; stunning; marvelous; gorgeous, every sort of colorful nature there is in this world. And, you’re self worth reaches above expectations. It will never be less than Alli’s.’’ He gave a hint of a smile and winked her way. It was the last thing he wanted to say to her, and it was the last thing he wanted her to soak in before he laid back on his paws obediently, his life touching at the cold ground. Soon, it will be taken in a warmer place where he’ll be greeted by smiles, and he’ll carry out his promise to look over the blue cat for the rest of his eternal life. Not only her, but Silverpaw, Kestrelpaw, Hawkpaw, Coconutpaw, all of his friends that he cherished and love.

But, especially Asterpaw.

His new friend, but unofficial best friend.

Before he could feel the strike, he silently prayed, Oh, Starclan if you hear me now...please keep both of us safe. Asterpaw mainly, but if not me, please welcome me with open paws, and allow me to look after her and keep her safe. She’s a top priority, and I don’t want anything to happen to her. Oh, great starclan, I’m asking for a...miracle.

He was really doing it. He was doing as Alabasterpaw asked. Why? She thought, but she couldn't say anything. "But if you don't let her kill me, th-then you will die," Asterpaw whispered. He was giving up his life. For her. He was just going to let Alabasterpaw kill him...why? She needed him. She needed him to stay with her. And she didn't want this to happen. This is a dream. I'm dreaming. Wake up, wake up, please wake up...she thought, squeezing her hues shut before opening them again. No. The lump in her throat was very real. Seeing Azulpaw standing there was very real. He couldn't be doing this. Stay with me. She thought, desperately looking at the tom. He hadn't run. Or fought her, he had just...done as she asked. Without complaining. Without a fight. Just lay down and let her...kill him.
　
Alabasterpaw's expression was amused. "Touching. You're a sweetheart, aren't you? But there's no way to keep me from killing her after you're gone, after all. Is there?" She asked, cocking her head to one side curiously. Technically that was true. If she had wanted to, while Azulpaw was dying she could kill Asterpaw right in front of him. But that would just be boring. Or would it? Well, she'd figure that out in a minute. "Kidding, kidding. Right, I promise or-- whatever." Alabasterpaw shrugged. This was just getting boring. Goodbyes? She wasn't a fan. But, considering Azulpaw would be dead pretty soon-- it didn't matter to her.
　
Whatever was going to keep the tom contented so that he wouldn't change his mind. Though, as long as it was him or Asterpaw? She doubted it. If she were being honest, seeing Azulpaw cry changed the whole mood of the situation. It made it better. She'd never thought she would see the day when that jerk of a tom would be crying. He really cares about her, the white feline thought with a jolt of surprise. If only someone cared that way about her. But no one did. And somehow, some way, Asterpaw had gotten both the toms on her side. Alabasterpaw had no idea how.
　
She was the one with the gorgeous looks, the charming personality, and the sweet contact. Asterpaw was average, had a sarcastic/sweet personality, and didn't make any contact unless she wanted to or felt obligated to. Her hues snapped with anger and frustration at the tom's comments. "Whatever makes you feel better, darling. I don't believe a word of what you say-- and it's a good idea to keep Ast away from liars. Good thing you're going where you belong." She snapped, her hues darkening before she looked over at her sister. All of this was to protect her from a tom who didn't deserve her at all. Someone who was just using her-- or was that Bluepaw? It was easy to get the two confused sometimes. But she didn't care. Alabasterpaw had already set her mind on killing Azulpaw, so Azulpaw would be the one dying. Or dead.
　
The blue she cat held the contact for as long as she could. It would be the last time she would ever be able to. And she was more then okay with it. A sort of strangled sob left her maw at his words and she wanted him to stay. He was so, so important to her. The role that he played in her life, and just him in particular... they both meant so much. Why did he have to die? "It should be me." She whispered, her ears going back. Asterpaw knew she was crying. But she just didn't care. This was something worth crying for, and she didn't understand... she just didn't. "Please let me take your place. I don't want you to die..." She closed her eyes as though trying to shut all this out. Why couldn't she take his place? But no-- she had tried, and he had stepped up instead. Once again it seemed something had gone wrong. Once again, Asterpaw had messed up. And once again, he was going to pay the price.
　
"Yes, master." She mewed in a low voice, a smile playing at the corners of her maw before it faded. "I'm scared for you..." The she cat mewed, feeling new tears coming into her eyes. Scared didn't even begin to describe it. She was terrified. His question made her stop and think, however. "I-- I don't know. But... you came, and he didn't. Because Alli called you, but still-- if he had heard, and cared, he would have come. You've always been there when I needed a guardian angel. So no. I don't think so." She mewed, closing her eyes again. Her guardian angel. Azulpaw was her guardian angel, and now he was going to do one last job for her. If only the master/servant thing would work for real. She wished she could order him to run, but she couldn't. It didn't work that way. She would do anything to stop this insanity. Why don't I? She thought, trying to get to her paws. Instead she collapsed, which was bothersome-- thankfully Alabasterpaw, upon hearing his response, had moved away from her.
　
Dying for someone means you love them. She remembered that. But it scared her at the same time... she didn't know what to think. "I would die for you." Asterpaw whispered, wanting him to stay. She didn't want him to leave her. But there was nothing she could do. She was too weak to attack, and too scared to do anything else. She wanted to help. But she didn't know how. She wanted to scream, to get help, but if she did...then he would die for nothing, since Alabasterpaw would probably kill her too. Maybe she should. She didn't want to live without having any more of their conversations, competitions, or moments like these. It was those small moments in life that made her truly happy. But now they would be gone. Taken from her. Ripped from her.
　
Alabasterpaw shrugged at his request. "Fine by me." She mewed, and then turned to her sister, her expression darkening. The drama that was going on right now-- Asterpaw had caused it, hadn't she? She was the one crying, speaking so softly...well, come to think of it, they both were. But before she could order her sister to leave-- they were talking again. She just wanted to get on with it so she could play with Azulpaw some before she finished him off. This was definitely going to be a date to remember-- or, as Bluepaw had said-- a date to die for.
　
"I-- earlier today, I told you exactly what I thought of you. But...I left...some things out. I might as well add them now." She mewed, looking down at the ground that she was laying on. At least she wasn't going to die. She would live. But Asterpaw didn't think she deserved to. "You care about your friends. You came to get me out of that bush, and you pushed me away to keep me safe even when I didn't understand...like my guardian angel. You're more comfortable and more fun to be around then Bluepaw. And now I realize you would do anything. For me, and I'm guessing for Silverpaw and whoever your other friends are. Maybe Bluepaw." She sighed before watching him go. So this was it. She needed to get out of here, at least that was her guess from the look Alabasterpaw was giving her. But she didn't leave. She staggered into the bushes and remained there, resting-- waiting-- to see what would happen. True, Asterpaw didn't like blood...but she wanted to at least be nearby.
　
The white feline delicately made her way over to the tom, hues sparkling and shining like nothing else. "Ready for this, little hero?" She asked, kicking him. Hard. And then she half choked him, lifting up her paw to give him just a little hope before doing it again. Alabasterpaw did this several times, and then began continuously kicking him. "Nothing? You're not going to fight back?" She asked, unsheathing her claws and stabbing him in the back. "Oh c'mon, please do fight back. It'll be so interesting when I have to kill Asterpaw right in front of you, but only if you break the agreement." She mewed, before her ears went back in a hostile manner and she stabbed him again. He could at least be trying to make it interesting. Maybe a cry of pain or something, at least some expression would be nice. Alabasterpaw kicked him one last time, now driving her claws in and twisting them to create more pain. This was fun.
　
Asterpaw felt sick. No, terrified. And she broke down into sobbing, trying to do something-- anything-- but she didn't know what to. Her strength was gone. She couldn't even so much as call for help. "StarClan, why are you doing this to him? Please, please...make it stop. Just make it stop, I don't care how... he doesn't deserve this! Why is Alabasterpaw doing this? I can't-- I need him. I can't see him like this. Oh, make her stop, make her stop..." That was as far as the she cat got before she burst into tears again, sobbing so hard she couldn't do anything. He was going through this. He was enduring this. That should be her. "Why isn't that me? Why him? Why..." She stopped crying. She had no tears left, but she still sat, shaking silently and trying to get to her paws. Asterpaw knew she had to stop this. If she didn't, who would?
　
Alabasterpaw repeated the same maneuver as before, this time twisting them more cruelly and in a different spot. "Go on and fight me." She snapped, pressing down on his throat. She wanted to kill him, but first she wanted an excuse to kill Asterpaw. The white feline put pressure to the point where it should be easy for him to die, but a stronger cat-- as Azulpaw was-- would be just fine. She wondered where Asterpaw was. There were...odd noises coming from the bushes. Was she still there, against her sister's command? If she was-- maybe Alabasterpaw could kill her off of that, or something. "The one cat you'll never have a chance with, and you're dying for her? She's with your best friend, for StarClan's sake. When are you going to come back to reality? Ast just isn't interested." She mewed, putting pressure and then lifting it a few more times.
　
Listening, Asterpaw was enraged. Who said he doesn't have a chance? She thought, unsheathing her claws and digging them into the dirt. Maybe she did like him like that. Who knew? But...Bluepaw. If only she knew how to get herself out of this. "Then you would have a chance." She whispered, looking through the bushes just as her sister began repeatedly trying to cut off his oxygen supply again. What was that supposed to be, just a slow and painful death? She hated it. Her ears went back and she felt new tears coming. But Alabasterpaw will kill him before he ever gets a chance. She's going to kill him, and then I'll be-- I-- even her thoughts couldn't be finished. She only wished she could turn back time so that she could save the tom she cared for so much.

[Brilliance]

He was really doing it. He was doing as Alabasterpaw asked. Why? She thought, but she couldn't say anything. "But if you don't let her kill me, th-then you will die," Asterpaw whispered. He was giving up his life. For her. He was just going to let Alabasterpaw kill him...why? She needed him. She needed him to stay with her. And she didn't want this to happen. This is a dream. I'm dreaming. Wake up, wake up, please wake up...she thought, squeezing her hues shut before opening them again. No. The lump in her throat was very real. Seeing Azulpaw standing there was very real. He couldn't be doing this. Stay with me. She thought, desperately looking at the tom. He hadn't run. Or fought her, he had just...done as she asked. Without complaining. Without a fight. Just lay down and let her...kill him.
　
Alabasterpaw's expression was amused. "Touching. You're a sweetheart, aren't you? But there's no way to keep me from killing her after you're gone, after all. Is there?" She asked, cocking her head to one side curiously. Technically that was true. If she had wanted to, while Azulpaw was dying she could kill Asterpaw right in front of him. But that would just be boring. Or would it? Well, she'd figure that out in a minute. "Kidding, kidding. Right, I promise or-- whatever." Alabasterpaw shrugged. This was just getting boring. Goodbyes? She wasn't a fan. But, considering Azulpaw would be dead pretty soon-- it didn't matter to her.
　
Whatever was going to keep the tom contented so that he wouldn't change his mind. Though, as long as it was him or Asterpaw? She doubted it. If she were being honest, seeing Azulpaw cry changed the whole mood of the situation. It made it better. She'd never thought she would see the day when that jerk of a tom would be crying. He really cares about her, the white feline thought with a jolt of surprise. If only someone cared that way about her. But no one did. And somehow, some way, Asterpaw had gotten both the toms on her side. Alabasterpaw had no idea how.
　
She was the one with the gorgeous looks, the charming personality, and the sweet contact. Asterpaw was average, had a sarcastic/sweet personality, and didn't make any contact unless she wanted to or felt obligated to. Her hues snapped with anger and frustration at the tom's comments. "Whatever makes you feel better, darling. I don't believe a word of what you say-- and it's a good idea to keep Ast away from liars. Good thing you're going where you belong." She snapped, her hues darkening before she looked over at her sister. All of this was to protect her from a tom who didn't deserve her at all. Someone who was just using her-- or was that Bluepaw? It was easy to get the two confused sometimes. But she didn't care. Alabasterpaw had already set her mind on killing Azulpaw, so Azulpaw would be the one dying. Or dead.
　
The blue she cat held the contact for as long as she could. It would be the last time she would ever be able to. And she was more then okay with it. A sort of strangled sob left her maw at his words and she wanted him to stay. He was so, so important to her. The role that he played in her life, and just him in particular... they both meant so much. Why did he have to die? "It should be me." She whispered, her ears going back. Asterpaw knew she was crying. But she just didn't care. This was something worth crying for, and she didn't understand... she just didn't. "Please let me take your place. I don't want you to die..." She closed her eyes as though trying to shut all this out. Why couldn't she take his place? But no-- she had tried, and he had stepped up instead. Once again it seemed something had gone wrong. Once again, Asterpaw had messed up. And once again, he was going to pay the price.
　
"Yes, master." She mewed in a low voice, a smile playing at the corners of her maw before it faded. "I'm scared for you..." The she cat mewed, feeling new tears coming into her eyes. Scared didn't even begin to describe it. She was terrified. His question made her stop and think, however. "I-- I don't know. But... you came, and he didn't. Because Alli called you, but still-- if he had heard, and cared, he would have come. You've always been there when I needed a guardian angel. So no. I don't think so." She mewed, closing her eyes again. Her guardian angel. Azulpaw was her guardian angel, and now he was going to do one last job for her. If only the master/servant thing would work for real. She wished she could order him to run, but she couldn't. It didn't work that way. She would do anything to stop this insanity. Why don't I? She thought, trying to get to her paws. Instead she collapsed, which was bothersome-- thankfully Alabasterpaw, upon hearing his response, had moved away from her.
　
Dying for someone means you love them. She remembered that. But it scared her at the same time... she didn't know what to think. "I would die for you." Asterpaw whispered, wanting him to stay. She didn't want him to leave her. But there was nothing she could do. She was too weak to attack, and too scared to do anything else. She wanted to help. But she didn't know how. She wanted to scream, to get help, but if she did...then he would die for nothing, since Alabasterpaw would probably kill her too. Maybe she should. She didn't want to live without having any more of their conversations, competitions, or moments like these. It was those small moments in life that made her truly happy. But now they would be gone. Taken from her. Ripped from her.
　
Alabasterpaw shrugged at his request. "Fine by me." She mewed, and then turned to her sister, her expression darkening. The drama that was going on right now-- Asterpaw had caused it, hadn't she? She was the one crying, speaking so softly...well, come to think of it, they both were. But before she could order her sister to leave-- they were talking again. She just wanted to get on with it so she could play with Azulpaw some before she finished him off. This was definitely going to be a date to remember-- or, as Bluepaw had said-- a date to die for.
　
"I-- earlier today, I told you exactly what I thought of you. But...I left...some things out. I might as well add them now." She mewed, looking down at the ground that she was laying on. At least she wasn't going to die. She would live. But Asterpaw didn't think she deserved to. "You care about your friends. You came to get me out of that bush, and you pushed me away to keep me safe even when I didn't understand...like my guardian angel. You're more comfortable and more fun to be around then Bluepaw. And now I realize you would do anything. For me, and I'm guessing for Silverpaw and whoever your other friends are. Maybe Bluepaw." She sighed before watching him go. So this was it. She needed to get out of here, at least that was her guess from the look Alabasterpaw was giving her. But she didn't leave. She staggered into the bushes and remained there, resting-- waiting-- to see what would happen. True, Asterpaw didn't like blood...but she wanted to at least be nearby.
　
The white feline delicately made her way over to the tom, hues sparkling and shining like nothing else. "Ready for this, little hero?" She asked, kicking him. Hard. And then she half choked him, lifting up her paw to give him just a little hope before doing it again. Alabasterpaw did this several times, and then began continuously kicking him. "Nothing? You're not going to fight back?" She asked, unsheathing her claws and stabbing him in the back. "Oh c'mon, please do fight back. It'll be so interesting when I have to kill Asterpaw right in front of you, but only if you break the agreement." She mewed, before her ears went back in a hostile manner and she stabbed him again. He could at least be trying to make it interesting. Maybe a cry of pain or something, at least some expression would be nice. Alabasterpaw kicked him one last time, now driving her claws in and twisting them to create more pain. This was fun.
　
Asterpaw felt sick. No, terrified. And she broke down into sobbing, trying to do something-- anything-- but she didn't know what to. Her strength was gone. She couldn't even so much as call for help. "StarClan, why are you doing this to him? Please, please...make it stop. Just make it stop, I don't care how... he doesn't deserve this! Why is Alabasterpaw doing this? I can't-- I need him. I can't see him like this. Oh, make her stop, make her stop..." That was as far as the she cat got before she burst into tears again, sobbing so hard she couldn't do anything. He was going through this. He was enduring this. That should be her. "Why isn't that me? Why him? Why..." She stopped crying. She had no tears left, but she still sat, shaking silently and trying to get to her paws. Asterpaw knew she had to stop this. If she didn't, who would?
　
Alabasterpaw repeated the same maneuver as before, this time twisting them more cruelly and in a different spot. "Go on and fight me." She snapped, pressing down on his throat. She wanted to kill him, but first she wanted an excuse to kill Asterpaw. The white feline put pressure to the point where it should be easy for him to die, but a stronger cat-- as Azulpaw was-- would be just fine. She wondered where Asterpaw was. There were...odd noises coming from the bushes. Was she still there, against her sister's command? If she was-- maybe Alabasterpaw could kill her off of that, or something. "The one cat you'll never have a chance with, and you're dying for her? She's with your best friend, for StarClan's sake. When are you going to come back to reality? Ast just isn't interested." She mewed, putting pressure and then lifting it a few more times.
　
Listening, Asterpaw was enraged. Who said he doesn't have a chance? She thought, unsheathing her claws and digging them into the dirt. Maybe she did like him like that. Who knew? But...Bluepaw. If only she knew how to get herself out of this. "Then you would have a chance." She whispered, looking through the bushes just as her sister began repeatedly trying to cut off his oxygen supply again. What was that supposed to be, just a slow and painful death? She hated it. Her ears went back and she felt new tears coming. But Alabasterpaw will kill him before he ever gets a chance. She's going to kill him, and then I'll be-- I-- even her thoughts couldn't be finished. She only wished she could turn back time so that she could save the tom she cared for so much.


The first response was an immediate yowl coming from the grey tom’s maw. He fell to the ground, his paws sprawled around him, panting heavily. Yet, he didn’t say anything, and he completely went against her orders. Why would he fight back? Just so she could kill her own sister? What type of issues were she going through to be that sinister? When she choked him, he felt his life flashed before his eyes. He replaced her face with Bluepaw’s--who at the time choked him, hard, but not as hard as she was choking him. Was she doing this on purpose? So he’ll feel the pain more?

‘’Ahhhhh!’’ His scream was loud and short, being cut off for the fear of neighboring cats. For some odd reason he knew that if he didn’t die, she would take it out on others, or worse---Asterpaw. He wouldn’t allow her to hurt Asterpaw. ‘’Ohhhh, darling!’’ He exclaimed in agonizing pain. The way she dug her claws into him, he withheld a scream, a sob, or anything that associated itself with a weaker status. ‘’The pain is incredible!” Even in his time of death why had he needed to act so...foolish? So cruelly playful when he was being broken down. A moon ago, he wouldn’t acted this way. He would scream. He would yowl and hoped someone came to his rescue, but within a moon...he grew. A lot.

‘’I-I’m n-not going to f-f-f-fight you.’’ He managed to gag out from under the pressure of Alabasterpaw’s paws. Gladly, he would had loved to fight her, but, no matter how demonic she was...she was Asterpaw’s sister. The tom did not think that Asterpaw would enjoy her sister being hurt, or possibly killed. And, Azulpaw never had a strong stomach for blood sport. But where was a brother when you needed him? Though Bluepaw and he has his differences, weren’t they always suppose to be there for each other? That no matter what, they would fight for one another, no matter who against?

Azulpaw only managed a weak smile at her next words, twisting his maw into a dark smirk. ‘’Wouldn’t that be lovely for the both of us, darling? You don’t want me to be with your sister anyway, so why are you complaining? Allow me to feel what I want to feel. It wouldn’t matter much when I’m gone.’’ He seethed, rasping and coughing. ‘’It’s funny, honestly. You’re just jealous because no one will ever do this for you. As far as I can tell, I don’t see any toms lining up to associate themselves with you. And, to add while I’m still alive, I’m glad I don’t have a chance with her. I’m glad she isn’t interested. It lifts a large weight off my soul and it will be easier to leave without her crying over me when I’m gone. It’s a sign that she will quickly move on, and not put her life on pause because of a cat like...me.’’ It truly did break his heart. Why was Alabasterpaw doing this on purpose? He knew Asterpaw was with Bluepaw. He knew of it all, he didn’t need to be reminded of the sort. It was made pretty clear that moon ago that she would remain devoted to him until his heart was healed. Until he were ready to discard her away.

This did little to affect Azulpaw. ‘’You may think I’m dying for no apparent reason, but I am. A serious reason beyond matters--It’s this thing called love, something you don’t know about, evidently.’’ He staggered, and fell to his side. Weak and exhausted. He could practically feel the blood oozing out of his back like a dripping waterfall of redness. A moon ago, he was in a lot of pain. He thought it would be unbearable for him, but as he was going through it again. It felt normal. A sensation of doable pain that no longer sent sparks running through him. He would yowl--of course, it still hurt him, but he felt as if he didn’t matter anymore.

Thinking on Asterpaw’s words, "You care about your friends. You came to get me out of that bush, and you pushed me away to keep me safe even when I didn't understand...like my guardian angel. You're more comfortable and more fun to be around then Bluepaw. And now I realize you would do anything. For me, and I'm guessing for Silverpaw and whoever your other friends are. Maybe Bluepaw." Guardian angel? Azulpaw would had never used those words to describe himself. He was definitely no angel, but he could tell why it played hand in hand. From day one, from becoming friends with Bluepaw, the tom knew that his true friends came first no matter what. He had no family to count on, so friends were the next best thing. Although the young tom would never had imagined that his life would end up this way...he oddly didn’t regret it. Even the abuse from the wicked,demented sister. He got to meet an amazing blue cat. And, he would be able to watch and protect her from the great heavens of starclan. He would be able to care for her, to look out for her, and send her comfort whenever she needed it.

And, Silverpaw…the sudden thought of the younger silver feline’s name caught him off guard. He never even got to say goodbye to her. Or, Bluepaw--and the last thing they did was fight.

And, here he lay enduring every blowing hit until the last was ready to send him into complete utter darkness, where he’ll be looking down at himself. Where he’ll shake his head, but approve of living such a noble-like life. A jerky life, but nobly filled as well. The grey tom could see it now. A dead body...at least a funeral? At least some flowers to know he was appreciated by the clan? Anything at all? Maybe an I love you to make him feel as if he were greatly. Will he receive anything along those lines? Anything at all?

Who would walk him to starclan…?

The tom yowled once more, and whimpered slightly, a few tears streaming their way down. ‘’No matter what you say, I won’t fight...back.’’ He was weakened, but he refused to fight back. He dropped his head heavily onto the ground, his eyes fluttering constantly. He blinked the shut, forced them to stay close. The last thing he wanted was to see Alabasterpaw for the last time. So, he envisioned Asterpaw instead. Her curious nature, her sweet and sarcastic attitude. He envision the soft blue fur, and her green eyes. He envisioned her fully until the image stuck in his mind, and once his last breath was ready to leave…

When will that be?

How will he knew when it was time for him to go?

And, just then he felt as if he did have a miracle. A familiar scent flooded his nostrils, and he opened his eyes to see the piebald tom just in time to save him. Azulpaw felt like he was soaring--did Bluepaw come to get rid of Alabasterpaw? To save him from his untimely death?

But instead the piebald tom hovered above him, watching him as he laid helpless on the ground. Azulpaw wanted to call out, he wanted to yell at the tom, but he couldn’t. He was exhausted. He was fatigued, so he laid there, hoping Bluepaw would do something about the situation. Bluepaw only looked down at his old friend, a swelling of pride entering into his heart. His eyes flickered towards the abuser, and he gave her a curt nod. ‘’Why are you lollygagging around? Why isn’t he dead yet?’’ The blue-eyed tom narrowed his eyes. He had come across this way, following the scent of his beloved Asterpaw. ‘’I sure hope you haven’t broken our agreement. Ast has nothing to do with this--this nonsense! If she’s hurt Alabasterpaw, I will end you myself. You’ll be joining Azulpaw...or going where you know you belong.’’ He hissed her way before jumping over the tom to continue his search. Though he appear to not know that the blue cat was well hidden behind a bush. A bush he walked past and carried on, thinking he would find her soon.

Azulpaw watched as he came and went. So, quick, so fast without a word of acknowledgement to him. Was he in on this plan as well? The thought made Azulpaw’s heart cry out in pain, in agony, and if heart’s could cry, his would be crying a waterfall.

‘’You heard him,’’ the grey tom rasped. Now that he knew the truth, the light appeared closer than ever. All he had to do was reach out and grab it...every pain he felt would cease, and he would be free. Free with the birds. Free-er than the birds. As he closed his eyes once more, he could see that lovely blue she-cat he adored. ‘’I would die for her over and over and over again. And for you, Alabasterpaw? I’m not sure if anyone would even dare walk over a puddle for you let alone die for you.’’ His voice was soft, and genuine. It wasn’t snarkish, or snappy, but a simple saying of truth the she needed to hear. Not that she would care at all what he had to say.

The tom was all fight out. Finding out that Bluepaw wanted Alabasterpaw to end him was the catch of the prey. He knew where he belonged. After all the times he shared with the piebald tom...this was how he repaid a brother? It was sad, really, but the fact that the truth was finally surfacing brought a lightness on his heart. Azulpaw allowed a smile to cross over his muzzle as he felt a sudden faintness ready to take over. He was in the constant battle of light and black, and as much as he tried to fight back, there was only so much he could take place. ‘’Don’t worry. If it pains you to know this...I will always die for your sister.’’ It was an underlying message that he hoped Alabasterpaw would get, that it would set her on edge. Frankly, he felt the tension that she was jealous because Asterpaw was receiving all the attention and it was never her.

‘’Always and forever. If we were in a...loophole...I would go through the pain all over again.’’ He rasped out, his voice heavy. Then, he grew quiet. His eyes stayed close, and he felt his mind empty out. A sudden wave of blackness over washed him, consuming his sight, and allowing a coldness to seep through his body.

[lone]

The first response was an immediate yowl coming from the grey tom’s maw. He fell to the ground, his paws sprawled around him, panting heavily. Yet, he didn’t say anything, and he completely went against her orders. Why would he fight back? Just so she could kill her own sister? What type of issues were she going through to be that sinister? When she choked him, he felt his life flashed before his eyes. He replaced her face with Bluepaw’s--who at the time choked him, hard, but not as hard as she was choking him. Was she doing this on purpose? So he’ll feel the pain more?

‘’Ahhhhh!’’ His scream was loud and short, being cut off for the fear of neighboring cats. For some odd reason he knew that if he didn’t die, she would take it out on others, or worse---Asterpaw. He wouldn’t allow her to hurt Asterpaw. ‘’Ohhhh, darling!’’ He exclaimed in agonizing pain. The way she dug her claws into him, he withheld a scream, a sob, or anything that associated itself with a weaker status. ‘’The pain is incredible!” Even in his time of death why had he needed to act so...foolish? So cruelly playful when he was being broken down. A moon ago, he wouldn’t acted this way. He would scream. He would yowl and hoped someone came to his rescue, but within a moon...he grew. A lot.

‘’I-I’m n-not going to f-f-f-fight you.’’ He managed to gag out from under the pressure of Alabasterpaw’s paws. Gladly, he would had loved to fight her, but, no matter how demonic she was...she was Asterpaw’s sister. The tom did not think that Asterpaw would enjoy her sister being hurt, or possibly killed. And, Azulpaw never had a strong stomach for blood sport. But where was a brother when you needed him? Though Bluepaw and he has his differences, weren’t they always suppose to be there for each other? That no matter what, they would fight for one another, no matter who against?

Azulpaw only managed a weak smile at her next words, twisting his maw into a dark smirk. ‘’Wouldn’t that be lovely for the both of us, darling? You don’t want me to be with your sister anyway, so why are you complaining? Allow me to feel what I want to feel. It wouldn’t matter much when I’m gone.’’ He seethed, rasping and coughing. ‘’It’s funny, honestly. You’re just jealous because no one will ever do this for you. As far as I can tell, I don’t see any toms lining up to associate themselves with you. And, to add while I’m still alive, I’m glad I don’t have a chance with her. I’m glad she isn’t interested. It lifts a large weight off my soul and it will be easier to leave without her crying over me when I’m gone. It’s a sign that she will quickly move on, and not put her life on pause because of a cat like...me.’’ It truly did break his heart. Why was Alabasterpaw doing this on purpose? He knew Asterpaw was with Bluepaw. He knew of it all, he didn’t need to be reminded of the sort. It was made pretty clear that moon ago that she would remain devoted to him until his heart was healed. Until he were ready to discard her away.

This did little to affect Azulpaw. ‘’You may think I’m dying for no apparent reason, but I am. A serious reason beyond matters--It’s this thing called love, something you don’t know about, evidently.’’ He staggered, and fell to his side. Weak and exhausted. He could practically feel the blood oozing out of his back like a dripping waterfall of redness. A moon ago, he was in a lot of pain. He thought it would be unbearable for him, but as he was going through it again. It felt normal. A sensation of doable pain that no longer sent sparks running through him. He would yowl--of course, it still hurt him, but he felt as if he didn’t matter anymore.

Thinking on Asterpaw’s words, "You care about your friends. You came to get me out of that bush, and you pushed me away to keep me safe even when I didn't understand...like my guardian angel. You're more comfortable and more fun to be around then Bluepaw. And now I realize you would do anything. For me, and I'm guessing for Silverpaw and whoever your other friends are. Maybe Bluepaw." Guardian angel? Azulpaw would had never used those words to describe himself. He was definitely no angel, but he could tell why it played hand in hand. From day one, from becoming friends with Bluepaw, the tom knew that his true friends came first no matter what. He had no family to count on, so friends were the next best thing. Although the young tom would never had imagined that his life would end up this way...he oddly didn’t regret it. Even the abuse from the wicked,demented sister. He got to meet an amazing blue cat. And, he would be able to watch and protect her from the great heavens of starclan. He would be able to care for her, to look out for her, and send her comfort whenever she needed it.

And, Silverpaw…the sudden thought of the younger silver feline’s name caught him off guard. He never even got to say goodbye to her. Or, Bluepaw--and the last thing they did was fight.

And, here he lay enduring every blowing hit until the last was ready to send him into complete utter darkness, where he’ll be looking down at himself. Where he’ll shake his head, but approve of living such a noble-like life. A jerky life, but nobly filled as well. The grey tom could see it now. A dead body...at least a funeral? At least some flowers to know he was appreciated by the clan? Anything at all? Maybe an I love you to make him feel as if he were greatly. Will he receive anything along those lines? Anything at all?

Who would walk him to starclan…?

The tom yowled once more, and whimpered slightly, a few tears streaming their way down. ‘’No matter what you say, I won’t fight...back.’’ He was weakened, but he refused to fight back. He dropped his head heavily onto the ground, his eyes fluttering constantly. He blinked the shut, forced them to stay close. The last thing he wanted was to see Alabasterpaw for the last time. So, he envisioned Asterpaw instead. Her curious nature, her sweet and sarcastic attitude. He envision the soft blue fur, and her green eyes. He envisioned her fully until the image stuck in his mind, and once his last breath was ready to leave…

When will that be?

How will he knew when it was time for him to go?

And, just then he felt as if he did have a miracle. A familiar scent flooded his nostrils, and he opened his eyes to see the piebald tom just in time to save him. Azulpaw felt like he was soaring--did Bluepaw come to get rid of Alabasterpaw? To save him from his untimely death?

But instead the piebald tom hovered above him, watching him as he laid helpless on the ground. Azulpaw wanted to call out, he wanted to yell at the tom, but he couldn’t. He was exhausted. He was fatigued, so he laid there, hoping Bluepaw would do something about the situation. Bluepaw only looked down at his old friend, a swelling of pride entering into his heart. His eyes flickered towards the abuser, and he gave her a curt nod. ‘’Why are you lollygagging around? Why isn’t he dead yet?’’ The blue-eyed tom narrowed his eyes. He had come across this way, following the scent of his beloved Asterpaw. ‘’I sure hope you haven’t broken our agreement. Ast has nothing to do with this--this nonsense! If she’s hurt Alabasterpaw, I will end you myself. You’ll be joining Azulpaw...or going where you know you belong.’’ He hissed her way before jumping over the tom to continue his search. Though he appear to not know that the blue cat was well hidden behind a bush. A bush he walked past and carried on, thinking he would find her soon.

Azulpaw watched as he came and went. So, quick, so fast without a word of acknowledgement to him. Was he in on this plan as well? The thought made Azulpaw’s heart cry out in pain, in agony, and if heart’s could cry, his would be crying a waterfall.

‘’You heard him,’’ the grey tom rasped. Now that he knew the truth, the light appeared closer than ever. All he had to do was reach out and grab it...every pain he felt would cease, and he would be free. Free with the birds. Free-er than the birds. As he closed his eyes once more, he could see that lovely blue she-cat he adored. ‘’I would die for her over and over and over again. And for you, Alabasterpaw? I’m not sure if anyone would even dare walk over a puddle for you let alone die for you.’’ His voice was soft, and genuine. It wasn’t snarkish, or snappy, but a simple saying of truth the she needed to hear. Not that she would care at all what he had to say.

The tom was all fight out. Finding out that Bluepaw wanted Alabasterpaw to end him was the catch of the prey. He knew where he belonged. After all the times he shared with the piebald tom...this was how he repaid a brother? It was sad, really, but the fact that the truth was finally surfacing brought a lightness on his heart. Azulpaw allowed a smile to cross over his muzzle as he felt a sudden faintness ready to take over. He was in the constant battle of light and black, and as much as he tried to fight back, there was only so much he could take place. ‘’Don’t worry. If it pains you to know this...I will always die for your sister.’’ It was an underlying message that he hoped Alabasterpaw would get, that it would set her on edge. Frankly, he felt the tension that she was jealous because Asterpaw was receiving all the attention and it was never her.

‘’Always and forever. If we were in a...loophole...I would go through the pain all over again.’’ He rasped out, his voice heavy. Then, he grew quiet. His eyes stayed close, and he felt his mind empty out. A sudden wave of blackness over washed him, consuming his sight, and allowing a coldness to seep through his body.

The yowl of pain, followed by the scream, seemed to send a surge of energy through Asterpaw's body. She could do this. Why is Alabasterpaw doing this? She thought. Why was her sister suddenly such an evil cat? Breaking someone's heart was nothing compared to what she was doing now. And while she knew emotional pain could be much worse then physical...whatever Alabasterpaw was doing sounded like she was tearing him apart. I'm not going to fight you. But it had sounded much more pained and difficult to say when he had actually said it. He needed to fight back! And yet, he was just letting her kill him. Just allowing her to choke him, stab her claws into him, kick him...all of that. Without a single movement to get her off. To fight her.
　
Alabasterpaw smirked and looked down at him. "Making jokes, are we? I don't think that's a good idea," She laughed darkly. The she cat hated his attitude. It was scum like him that didn't belong in the Clans. That didn't have any business so much as speaking a single word to her sister. His words only infuriated her. Because some of them-- weren't true. Did he really think that little of her, that she wouldn't so much as cry? "Believe what you would like to." She shrugged, before kicking him again. She knew Asterpaw was hidden somewhere. Did Azulpaw know that? Did he know she could be anywhere around here and listening in this very second? His next words sent a shock through her. He can't love her. She's Asterpaw. Only an idiot would be in love with my sister. She thought, shaking her head. Surely he was bluffing, or lying, or something of equal untruth. "You're lying." Alabasterpaw snarled,
　
Asterpaw, on the other hand, heard every word. And she believed it. It was him. It had always been him. And now, because of her stupidity, she was going to lose him forever. "No..." Her voice trailed off and she got to her paws. Though still somewhat weak, she was now stronger because of this realization. Alabasterpaw didn't love her. And Bluepaw? Honestly, she believed he had more of an obsession then true love. And while obsessions would fade, what if it came back? Maybe it was time she left it. But she had given her word...and so far, she had never broken her word. Breaking her word made her seem untrustworthy, something she never-- ever-- wanted to be.
　
Alabasterpaw shrugged. So he wouldn't fight back? Easier for her. And then Bluepaw approached-- thank goodness Asterpaw was far away by now, she hoped. Maybe she hadn't been able to watch, maybe she'd gone to go get help. "Alright, alright! I'll finish him off." She rolled her eyes and turned back to the tom, blue hues gleaming cruelly. "Time to end it." She laughed, raising her paw to deliver the final blow-- and then he started talking again. Might as well let him. He won't be saying anything pretty soon-- well, in SkyClan, at least. The she cat thought with a shrug, curling her tail around her paws and listening. After a while, she allowed her eyes to stray elsewhere. Who cared? Love was weak. Dying for someone was stupid. And yet here he was-- in love with and dying for her sister. "Go ahead. Die for the cat who doesn't really care. Die for the cat who wouldn't do the same for you. Die for the cat who didn't want you to." She shrugged, and lifted her paw again, getting ready to bring it down.
　
I would die for her over and over again. She felt like those words were going to rip a hole through her heart. Not to mention the newfound betrayal of Bluepaw...why? How? He didn't love her. He wouldn't be partaking in the death of a cat she cared about so much if he did. Because love was putting someone else's needs before your own. Wanting them to be happy at all costs. And Azulpaw was doing that for her right now...he really did love her. And she had never wished more that she could take this from him, do something-- anything-- to get Alabasterpaw away. She wanted her own sister gone. He's really going to die. For whatever reason, she had thought some miracle might happen and he would be okay. But he wasn't. This was actually going to happen, and she didn't know what to do.
　
And then she leapt out of the bushes just in time to see Alabasterpaw stab him again. She didn't know how deep her claws sunk in, and she didn't care. All her emotions, her anger and her...love? Whatever it was, they were all moving around inside her and making her angry. "Touch him again, and I swear I'll kill you." She snarled, her voice low and serious. She was blocking Alabasterpaw from so much as brushing her tail against him. "Can't you see what you're doing? He's had enough. I never thought you would do something like this, Alli. I never thought Bluepaw would be in on this. I don't care what you say or do to me, but you have to stop hurting Azulpaw. Leave him alone...please." She mewed, her voice growing softer near the end. She looked at her half-sister, her own flesh and blood...the cat she would have trusted more then anyone else in the Clans just a moon ago was now someone she didn't recognize. Someone she knew to stay away from.
　
Alabasterpaw could see the seriousness in her sister's eyes. She knew Asterpaw wasn't joking. Whatever was going on-- if she continued this now, there was a high risk that she could die. And although she guessed Asterpaw was in no position to kill her, she didn't want to find out. "This isn't over." She warned, but when the blue feline lunged for her, she slunk away back into the shadows. Back into her kingdom, where she would stay until it was safe to plan her next move. And next time? She'd make sure Asterpaw never so much as heard a yowl. Next time, she would finish him off. She didn't think her claws had inflicted enough damage. They hadn't gone in that deep. There will be another time. The she cat thought, as she continued to move away.
　
And now Asterpaw turned back to Azulpaw. She was terrified. He hadn't died, had he? "I'm s-sorry...I never w-wanted this to h-happen..." She choked out, sitting down beside him. Asterpaw didn't know whether to touch him or not. He looked like Alabasterpaw had finally broken him once and for all. And maybe Bluepaw had, too...the one cat that he had trusted more then anyone else, at least as far as Asterpaw knew, had turned around and betrayed him. How could he? Why would he do this? "I'm begging you to stay alive. I hate to beg, you k-know that...b-but I'm begging you. There are so many cats who need you." She paused for a moment, taking a shuddering breath. Asterpaw was truly terrified. She had stopped Alabasterpaw-- hadn't she? Maybe not. Maybe Alabasterpaw had already given the killing blow before she had run off. "I need you." The words seemed to come so easily to her.
　
And she truly meant them. Now she lay down beside him-- gently, barely touching him-- and looked at him, her eyes soft and pained. She couldn't stand the thought that he could actually die even though Alabasterpaw was gone now. "Stay with me..." She whispered, and then another thought sprang to mind. Bluepaw. What was she supposed to do now? The cat she had sworn to stay with had taken part in the near death of a cat she cared about very, very much. "Do you need me to go?" Asterpaw asked, getting to her paws. Maybe she should. What if Bluepaw came back? He would only hurt Azulpaw more for being around her, when it wasn't even his fault in the first place. That wasn't fair at all, and the blue she cat knew this should have been her. She was the root of the problem. If Alabasterpaw had destroyed her instead, everything would stop. No more pain for any of them.

[Brilliance]

The yowl of pain, followed by the scream, seemed to send a surge of energy through Asterpaw's body. She could do this. Why is Alabasterpaw doing this? She thought. Why was her sister suddenly such an evil cat? Breaking someone's heart was nothing compared to what she was doing now. And while she knew emotional pain could be much worse then physical...whatever Alabasterpaw was doing sounded like she was tearing him apart. I'm not going to fight you. But it had sounded much more pained and difficult to say when he had actually said it. He needed to fight back! And yet, he was just letting her kill him. Just allowing her to choke him, stab her claws into him, kick him...all of that. Without a single movement to get her off. To fight her.
　
Alabasterpaw smirked and looked down at him. "Making jokes, are we? I don't think that's a good idea," She laughed darkly. The she cat hated his attitude. It was scum like him that didn't belong in the Clans. That didn't have any business so much as speaking a single word to her sister. His words only infuriated her. Because some of them-- weren't true. Did he really think that little of her, that she wouldn't so much as cry? "Believe what you would like to." She shrugged, before kicking him again. She knew Asterpaw was hidden somewhere. Did Azulpaw know that? Did he know she could be anywhere around here and listening in this very second? His next words sent a shock through her. He can't love her. She's Asterpaw. Only an idiot would be in love with my sister. She thought, shaking her head. Surely he was bluffing, or lying, or something of equal untruth. "You're lying." Alabasterpaw snarled,
　
Asterpaw, on the other hand, heard every word. And she believed it. It was him. It had always been him. And now, because of her stupidity, she was going to lose him forever. "No..." Her voice trailed off and she got to her paws. Though still somewhat weak, she was now stronger because of this realization. Alabasterpaw didn't love her. And Bluepaw? Honestly, she believed he had more of an obsession then true love. And while obsessions would fade, what if it came back? Maybe it was time she left it. But she had given her word...and so far, she had never broken her word. Breaking her word made her seem untrustworthy, something she never-- ever-- wanted to be.
　
Alabasterpaw shrugged. So he wouldn't fight back? Easier for her. And then Bluepaw approached-- thank goodness Asterpaw was far away by now, she hoped. Maybe she hadn't been able to watch, maybe she'd gone to go get help. "Alright, alright! I'll finish him off." She rolled her eyes and turned back to the tom, blue hues gleaming cruelly. "Time to end it." She laughed, raising her paw to deliver the final blow-- and then he started talking again. Might as well let him. He won't be saying anything pretty soon-- well, in SkyClan, at least. The she cat thought with a shrug, curling her tail around her paws and listening. After a while, she allowed her eyes to stray elsewhere. Who cared? Love was weak. Dying for someone was stupid. And yet here he was-- in love with and dying for her sister. "Go ahead. Die for the cat who doesn't really care. Die for the cat who wouldn't do the same for you. Die for the cat who didn't want you to." She shrugged, and lifted her paw again, getting ready to bring it down.
　
I would die for her over and over again. She felt like those words were going to rip a hole through her heart. Not to mention the newfound betrayal of Bluepaw...why? How? He didn't love her. He wouldn't be partaking in the death of a cat she cared about so much if he did. Because love was putting someone else's needs before your own. Wanting them to be happy at all costs. And Azulpaw was doing that for her right now...he really did love her. And she had never wished more that she could take this from him, do something-- anything-- to get Alabasterpaw away. She wanted her own sister gone. He's really going to die. For whatever reason, she had thought some miracle might happen and he would be okay. But he wasn't. This was actually going to happen, and she didn't know what to do.
　
And then she leapt out of the bushes just in time to see Alabasterpaw stab him again. She didn't know how deep her claws sunk in, and she didn't care. All her emotions, her anger and her...love? Whatever it was, they were all moving around inside her and making her angry. "Touch him again, and I swear I'll kill you." She snarled, her voice low and serious. She was blocking Alabasterpaw from so much as brushing her tail against him. "Can't you see what you're doing? He's had enough. I never thought you would do something like this, Alli. I never thought Bluepaw would be in on this. I don't care what you say or do to me, but you have to stop hurting Azulpaw. Leave him alone...please." She mewed, her voice growing softer near the end. She looked at her half-sister, her own flesh and blood...the cat she would have trusted more then anyone else in the Clans just a moon ago was now someone she didn't recognize. Someone she knew to stay away from.
　
Alabasterpaw could see the seriousness in her sister's eyes. She knew Asterpaw wasn't joking. Whatever was going on-- if she continued this now, there was a high risk that she could die. And although she guessed Asterpaw was in no position to kill her, she didn't want to find out. "This isn't over." She warned, but when the blue feline lunged for her, she slunk away back into the shadows. Back into her kingdom, where she would stay until it was safe to plan her next move. And next time? She'd make sure Asterpaw never so much as heard a yowl. Next time, she would finish him off. She didn't think her claws had inflicted enough damage. They hadn't gone in that deep. There will be another time. The she cat thought, as she continued to move away.
　
And now Asterpaw turned back to Azulpaw. She was terrified. He hadn't died, had he? "I'm s-sorry...I never w-wanted this to h-happen..." She choked out, sitting down beside him. Asterpaw didn't know whether to touch him or not. He looked like Alabasterpaw had finally broken him once and for all. And maybe Bluepaw had, too...the one cat that he had trusted more then anyone else, at least as far as Asterpaw knew, had turned around and betrayed him. How could he? Why would he do this? "I'm begging you to stay alive. I hate to beg, you k-know that...b-but I'm begging you. There are so many cats who need you." She paused for a moment, taking a shuddering breath. Asterpaw was truly terrified. She had stopped Alabasterpaw-- hadn't she? Maybe not. Maybe Alabasterpaw had already given the killing blow before she had run off. "I need you." The words seemed to come so easily to her.
　
And she truly meant them. Now she lay down beside him-- gently, barely touching him-- and looked at him, her eyes soft and pained. She couldn't stand the thought that he could actually die even though Alabasterpaw was gone now. "Stay with me..." She whispered, and then another thought sprang to mind. Bluepaw. What was she supposed to do now? The cat she had sworn to stay with had taken part in the near death of a cat she cared about very, very much. "Do you need me to go?" Asterpaw asked, getting to her paws. Maybe she should. What if Bluepaw came back? He would only hurt Azulpaw more for being around her, when it wasn't even his fault in the first place. That wasn't fair at all, and the blue she cat knew this should have been her. She was the root of the problem. If Alabasterpaw had destroyed her instead, everything would stop. No more pain for any of them.


‘’Believe what you would like,’’ the grey tom mocked her, a faint laugh escaping his maw before he entered into a deep visual of nothingness. And, in this nothingness he felt his heart light as a feather. His eyes didn’t blink open anyway, and he was practically in his own world. He was hoping that his last words weren’t that. He was hoping that he would had became a warrior...fought in an important battle...settled down...had kits, maybe even got to meet his grandkits if he were lucky, but life had a twisted way of promising him these things. Yet, life never entitled the grey tom to anything. The world did not owe him anything. As brutal as the truth was, it was there. Life never told him whether he would live or die. Whether he would love or be loved. Whether he would get all the things he desired. Life was cruel. And, as that sudden coldness left his body, he felt a welcoming warmth, and he opened his eyes.

A beautiful field of flowers.

Flowers laid everywhere, and the tom wondered whether he was dead. It bright. The sun, shining down on his pelt, making it into a glowy blue. His pain was gone. He was light. He was in a colorful world; a new world that consisted of flowers...all types of flowers.

Why flowers?

The tom did not understand this, but he felt happy that he was here. It felt like...home. Was this the great starclan that every good cat went to? Full of flowers and...what was that?...the smell of pine needles. Oh, goodness, he remembered that smell like the back of his paw. The tom looked around the place, taking light steps to know where he was. When he stopped to see large pine trees, their scent lingered into his nose, mixing with the faint scent of the multiple colored flowers.

‘’Wow.’’ He was speechless. Not only was this place pretty, but it held an endearing scent that he couldn’t comprehend...or quite remember what made him so fond of it. However, the tom soaked it in anyway, and he rolled onto his back, rolling in the scent, enjoying the softness of it. He loved this scent. It brought him joy to his once broken heart.

His once broken heart…

His once heart…

That’s when realization started to sink in. That scent, no wonder he was fond it, it was...Asterpaw’s. It was the last scent he deeply inhaled before being tortured by Alabasterpaw--the sly beast. Her scent was his...where was he? What was this place? Was there a place between Starclan and the clans? Was this a type of...limbo of some sort? His own personal limbo until someone came to get him?

"I'm s-sorry...I never w-wanted this to h-happen..."

The tom’s ears twitched, and he sat up, staggering to his paws. He looked around, wondering where the voice came from. He knew exactly who it was, but was is possible that she was here to? Had Alabasterpaw went against his wishes and harm her after killing him? ‘’Asterpaw!’’ He shouted loudly, but only in response, he got an echo. ‘’Asterpaw!!’’ He screamed forcefully, his voice becoming hoarse. Why was she not answering him? Was she there with him as well? The tom let out small pants, and felt himself going into hyperventilation.

Azulpaw ran through the fields, hoping to find some end point, but it seemed that this place went on forever. He wanted to follow the voice, hoping he would be led to the blue she-cat. ‘’Asterpaw!” He yelled once more, threatening tears coming down his cheek. He stopped running, and sat down on his haunches, down casted. ‘’...I never wanted this to happen either. Not this way.’’ He replied. He curled his tail around himself, looking around slightly. The flower nests forever went on, all sorts of colors, pretty colors. Even the sky was a beautiful pinkish blue color. A color he rarely noticed, but he was alone. He never been in this place before, and so far...no one welcomed him. He clearly could hear voices. Voices that were tempting him. Mocking him in a way of using the she-cat that he died for.

‘’It’s good that I’ll have a piece of her with me...wherever I am.’’ The tom shuddered and let out a sigh. He still wondered where he was, and at first he was happy to be in this place, but he wasn’t ready to come here. He wanted to be wherever his clan was. Wherever his friends were. He wanted to be near Asterpaw. He would do anything to hear his chatty friend, Silverpaw. Anything to be out this place and with reality. But, what if it was reality? What if it was where he belonged, and was waiting until someone came to get him?

Azulpaw decided he would lay down. The tom tucked his paws in, and wrapped his tail around him, and buried his head deep within him as much as he could. He began to close his eyes, allowing the tears to cascade. He missed them. He left the world, knowing he had nothing to offer.

‘’Come to my funeral?’’ The words were joke, but the fact that it took a realistic term haunted him. ‘’Bring flowers, it will be greatly appreciated.’’ And, now he had all the flowers in the world...with no one to admire their beauty and share with. The tom silently cried, and he close his tight, all numbness corrupting him.

"I'm begging you to stay alive. I hate to beg, you k-know that...b-but I'm begging you. There are so many cats who need you." The darkness was there. No more light. No more flowers. No more pine needles, yet the scent lingered. The tom didn’t know why, but when he tried to open his eyes, he felt a jolt of pain within every inch of his body. Where he was before, that pain wasn’t there. Then, he heard that voice again. Appearing closer than before, making his ears twitch slightly. The tom kept his eyes closed, but he knew who was before him. He knew who was right there waiting for him to wake up. But, he did not know if it were all a dream, or if he was being played with again by reality.

"I need you."

Those three simple words, and he felt a pinch on his heart. This time his ears twitched again, more noticeable, and he fluttered open his eyes greeted by the blue she-cat. He allowed a soft smile to cross his muzzle. He wanted to sit up, but groaned from his pain. His breathing staggered, so he laid back down, eyeing her as much as he could. ‘’After all this time...you finally begged...see was that...so...so...so...hard, master?’’ He mewed, flinching every time he spoke.

‘’I...don’t...don’t...don’t….know what...happened...but...but,’’ He trailed off, and shook his head slightly. He couldn’t get the words he wanted to say out his mouth, so he kept his shut, but he had hoped Asterpaw understood where he was coming from. It felt as if Alabasterpaw’s nails were still raking his back, spilling his blood. And, thinking of the white feline, he wondered where she went off too. As long as Asterpaw was fine and alive, he was okay with everything else.

‘’W...w...Bluepaw?’’ He huffed, his eyes widening. Where was he? Asterpaw couldn’t know about Bluepaw’s true intentions. He sincerely wanted to tell her, but his energy was drained. He felt nothing like he did when he was with the field of flowers. Oh, why had he come back to endure this pain? At her next words, however, it gave him a reason as to why he was enduring that pain. Though her voice was small; a whisper, he gave a faint smile. ‘’I...I’ll..I’ll always...s...stay.’’ He managed to finish to his surprise. He felt a sense of pride come onto him, as he fixated his eyes on the blue she-cat. He didn’t want her to leave. Not at this moment, when he needed the comfort the most. He tried to laugh, but ended up coughing and gagging. ‘’Are you really...g...going to..leave...me alone,’’ He paused, flinching. ‘’...here...in the wake...of...of..of...my own...blood?’’ He finished, weakly. Although he was ecstatic to see her, and he wanted to talk to her, his body was in too much pain. At the moment, he wished to lay there until he deemed himself well enough to move about.

‘’Hey, Alabasterpaw I can’t find-!’’ Bluepaw ran back to where he thought he would find the white demon. However, she wasn’t there, and he had to quickly manuever himself to an exasperated gasp at seeing Azulpaw helpless on the ground. ‘’Oh, my! You need to see Ebonypaw!’’ He says, forcing his voice to be laced with concern. He knew Azulpaw knew the truth of their relationship, and he gave him a deadly glare. Azulpaw did not bother to look at his lying friend of a brother. Instead, he kept a steady gaze on Asterpaw, and he fell into a quiet state. Bluepaw took a step closer towards Asterpaw, giving her a nuzzle. ‘’I tried looking everywhere for you! I thought you were lost...are you alright?’’ He asked, looking around her to check for anything that harmed her pelt. If he so much as to find a simple speck, he would be going after Alabasterpaw with his fangs ready to sink into her pelt. ‘’I can’t believe Azulpaw got hurt...who could had done this?’’ He asked, mocking his worrisome expression. Whereas on the inside, he was fumbling. Why haven’t Alabasterpaw completed her deed as she was told? What made her task unfinished? He wanted to scoff, knowing he should had completed the deed. She was an absolute failure, and if he ever had a chance to run into her again, he would show her--make her feel what it is like to deliver a killing blow. Since, this wasn’t the time to seek the white feline out, he had to keep up an appearance. With an innocent smile on his face, and his maw curled into an upturned worrisome expression.

[lone]

‘’Believe what you would like,’’ the grey tom mocked her, a faint laugh escaping his maw before he entered into a deep visual of nothingness. And, in this nothingness he felt his heart light as a feather. His eyes didn’t blink open anyway, and he was practically in his own world. He was hoping that his last words weren’t that. He was hoping that he would had became a warrior...fought in an important battle...settled down...had kits, maybe even got to meet his grandkits if he were lucky, but life had a twisted way of promising him these things. Yet, life never entitled the grey tom to anything. The world did not owe him anything. As brutal as the truth was, it was there. Life never told him whether he would live or die. Whether he would love or be loved. Whether he would get all the things he desired. Life was cruel. And, as that sudden coldness left his body, he felt a welcoming warmth, and he opened his eyes.

A beautiful field of flowers.

Flowers laid everywhere, and the tom wondered whether he was dead. It bright. The sun, shining down on his pelt, making it into a glowy blue. His pain was gone. He was light. He was in a colorful world; a new world that consisted of flowers...all types of flowers.

Why flowers?

The tom did not understand this, but he felt happy that he was here. It felt like...home. Was this the great starclan that every good cat went to? Full of flowers and...what was that?...the smell of pine needles. Oh, goodness, he remembered that smell like the back of his paw. The tom looked around the place, taking light steps to know where he was. When he stopped to see large pine trees, their scent lingered into his nose, mixing with the faint scent of the multiple colored flowers.

‘’Wow.’’ He was speechless. Not only was this place pretty, but it held an endearing scent that he couldn’t comprehend...or quite remember what made him so fond of it. However, the tom soaked it in anyway, and he rolled onto his back, rolling in the scent, enjoying the softness of it. He loved this scent. It brought him joy to his once broken heart.

His once broken heart…

His once heart…

That’s when realization started to sink in. That scent, no wonder he was fond it, it was...Asterpaw’s. It was the last scent he deeply inhaled before being tortured by Alabasterpaw--the sly beast. Her scent was his...where was he? What was this place? Was there a place between Starclan and the clans? Was this a type of...limbo of some sort? His own personal limbo until someone came to get him?

"I'm s-sorry...I never w-wanted this to h-happen..."

The tom’s ears twitched, and he sat up, staggering to his paws. He looked around, wondering where the voice came from. He knew exactly who it was, but was is possible that she was here to? Had Alabasterpaw went against his wishes and harm her after killing him? ‘’Asterpaw!’’ He shouted loudly, but only in response, he got an echo. ‘’Asterpaw!!’’ He screamed forcefully, his voice becoming hoarse. Why was she not answering him? Was she there with him as well? The tom let out small pants, and felt himself going into hyperventilation.

Azulpaw ran through the fields, hoping to find some end point, but it seemed that this place went on forever. He wanted to follow the voice, hoping he would be led to the blue she-cat. ‘’Asterpaw!” He yelled once more, threatening tears coming down his cheek. He stopped running, and sat down on his haunches, down casted. ‘’...I never wanted this to happen either. Not this way.’’ He replied. He curled his tail around himself, looking around slightly. The flower nests forever went on, all sorts of colors, pretty colors. Even the sky was a beautiful pinkish blue color. A color he rarely noticed, but he was alone. He never been in this place before, and so far...no one welcomed him. He clearly could hear voices. Voices that were tempting him. Mocking him in a way of using the she-cat that he died for.

‘’It’s good that I’ll have a piece of her with me...wherever I am.’’ The tom shuddered and let out a sigh. He still wondered where he was, and at first he was happy to be in this place, but he wasn’t ready to come here. He wanted to be wherever his clan was. Wherever his friends were. He wanted to be near Asterpaw. He would do anything to hear his chatty friend, Silverpaw. Anything to be out this place and with reality. But, what if it was reality? What if it was where he belonged, and was waiting until someone came to get him?

Azulpaw decided he would lay down. The tom tucked his paws in, and wrapped his tail around him, and buried his head deep within him as much as he could. He began to close his eyes, allowing the tears to cascade. He missed them. He left the world, knowing he had nothing to offer.

‘’Come to my funeral?’’ The words were joke, but the fact that it took a realistic term haunted him. ‘’Bring flowers, it will be greatly appreciated.’’ And, now he had all the flowers in the world...with no one to admire their beauty and share with. The tom silently cried, and he close his tight, all numbness corrupting him.

"I'm begging you to stay alive. I hate to beg, you k-know that...b-but I'm begging you. There are so many cats who need you." The darkness was there. No more light. No more flowers. No more pine needles, yet the scent lingered. The tom didn’t know why, but when he tried to open his eyes, he felt a jolt of pain within every inch of his body. Where he was before, that pain wasn’t there. Then, he heard that voice again. Appearing closer than before, making his ears twitch slightly. The tom kept his eyes closed, but he knew who was before him. He knew who was right there waiting for him to wake up. But, he did not know if it were all a dream, or if he was being played with again by reality.

"I need you."

Those three simple words, and he felt a pinch on his heart. This time his ears twitched again, more noticeable, and he fluttered open his eyes greeted by the blue she-cat. He allowed a soft smile to cross his muzzle. He wanted to sit up, but groaned from his pain. His breathing staggered, so he laid back down, eyeing her as much as he could. ‘’After all this time...you finally begged...see was that...so...so...so...hard, master?’’ He mewed, flinching every time he spoke.

‘’I...don’t...don’t...don’t….know what...happened...but...but,’’ He trailed off, and shook his head slightly. He couldn’t get the words he wanted to say out his mouth, so he kept his shut, but he had hoped Asterpaw understood where he was coming from. It felt as if Alabasterpaw’s nails were still raking his back, spilling his blood. And, thinking of the white feline, he wondered where she went off too. As long as Asterpaw was fine and alive, he was okay with everything else.

‘’W...w...Bluepaw?’’ He huffed, his eyes widening. Where was he? Asterpaw couldn’t know about Bluepaw’s true intentions. He sincerely wanted to tell her, but his energy was drained. He felt nothing like he did when he was with the field of flowers. Oh, why had he come back to endure this pain? At her next words, however, it gave him a reason as to why he was enduring that pain. Though her voice was small; a whisper, he gave a faint smile. ‘’I...I’ll..I’ll always...s...stay.’’ He managed to finish to his surprise. He felt a sense of pride come onto him, as he fixated his eyes on the blue she-cat. He didn’t want her to leave. Not at this moment, when he needed the comfort the most. He tried to laugh, but ended up coughing and gagging. ‘’Are you really...g...going to..leave...me alone,’’ He paused, flinching. ‘’...here...in the wake...of...of..of...my own...blood?’’ He finished, weakly. Although he was ecstatic to see her, and he wanted to talk to her, his body was in too much pain. At the moment, he wished to lay there until he deemed himself well enough to move about.

‘’Hey, Alabasterpaw I can’t find-!’’ Bluepaw ran back to where he thought he would find the white demon. However, she wasn’t there, and he had to quickly manuever himself to an exasperated gasp at seeing Azulpaw helpless on the ground. ‘’Oh, my! You need to see Ebonypaw!’’ He says, forcing his voice to be laced with concern. He knew Azulpaw knew the truth of their relationship, and he gave him a deadly glare. Azulpaw did not bother to look at his lying friend of a brother. Instead, he kept a steady gaze on Asterpaw, and he fell into a quiet state. Bluepaw took a step closer towards Asterpaw, giving her a nuzzle. ‘’I tried looking everywhere for you! I thought you were lost...are you alright?’’ He asked, looking around her to check for anything that harmed her pelt. If he so much as to find a simple speck, he would be going after Alabasterpaw with his fangs ready to sink into her pelt. ‘’I can’t believe Azulpaw got hurt...who could had done this?’’ He asked, mocking his worrisome expression. Whereas on the inside, he was fumbling. Why haven’t Alabasterpaw completed her deed as she was told? What made her task unfinished? He wanted to scoff, knowing he should had completed the deed. She was an absolute failure, and if he ever had a chance to run into her again, he would show her--make her feel what it is like to deliver a killing blow. Since, this wasn’t the time to seek the white feline out, he had to keep up an appearance. With an innocent smile on his face, and his maw curled into an upturned worrisome expression.
He was alive. She had thought he was dead, and thank StarClan he was alive. It's going to be okay. It's going to be okay. It's going to be okay. Asterpaw told herself, closing her eyes with relief. A choked laugh left her as she listened to him. "You're alive..." That was all she could think of to say. "I thought-- I thought I was going to lose you...I thought I would never see you again..." She mewed in a quiet, soft voice. She really had thought Alabasterpaw had killed him. And it scared her to realize that he had come so close to losing his life...so close to never seeing the sky, or the birds, or anything else again. Well, not in the Clans, anyways. "I guess every loyal servant deserves a reward. But I don't-- I don't have anything to give you." She sighed, putting her head down on her paws. She wanted to do something. To help him, to ease his pain...heck, she would have taken it from him if she could. But Asterpaw was unable to do that. Which meant all she could do was wait. Wait and stay with him.
　
And she was scared. The last thing Asterpaw wanted to do was cause more trouble. With Alabasterpaw, with Bluepaw...and they had both been in on this? What had he done to deserve any of this? "Shh...it's okay." Asterpaw told him in a low voice. She didn't know what to do. Gently, carefully, she began to clean one of the deeper looking injuries. Not for very long, and she probably wasn't doing too good of a job-- she was moving too cautiously. It would be hard to clean the injury out if she continued to act like that. And then eventually, she stopped. Maybe she was making it worse.
　
His words made her feel warm, and like she belonged. Everything that had been said before-- awkward now, but why should it be? Why should things be any different because he was alive, instead of dead as it had been earlier anticipated? "Thank you." That was the only thing she could say. He was going to stay. She was happy-- and at the same time, worried. If Bluepaw comes...she thought, her hues getting a harder look to them. But he wouldn't dare touch Azulpaw with her around...would he? Then again, he had pinned the tom to the ground and choked him half to death on multiple occasions with her around. Maybe he just didn't have a problem with it. Why hadn't Bluepaw just finished Azulpaw off earlier? Thank StarClan he hadn't, but what had caused him to just...walk away? Was he leaving the grey tom as prey for the white demon?
　
Or was he having a change of heart? Her hues flashed with worry as Azulpaw started both gagging and coughing. Oh no...no, no, no, no, no...please just let that be some sort of unrelated thing, she thought as once again, her eyes flashed before softening into their fawn-like worried state. Asterpaw gingerly curled her tail around him and allowed herself to make slightly more contact, like she was trying to send the warmth from her own body into his. If only she had some healing properties, she could fix this right here and right now. But she didn't. The female didn't know quite what she wanted to do... part of her wanted to break down again, but she knew that wouldn't help anyone. She didn't know through all of this. Most things had been said and done without really thinking about it.
　
And now? She was nervous that something they would all regret might happen. She heard pawsteps approaching and tensed, drawing herself away from the tom and sitting up more alertly. Her head still hurt from where Alabasterpaw had knocked her out, but there was no visible injury-- thankfully. She didn't know who was coming, and if it was Bluepaw...who knew what he might do? Especially if he thought she had been hurt. Her body tensed more and practically started shaking as he came into view, a shudder rippling through her short blue pelt. His expression of concern and shock didn't convince her at all. Not knowing the truth. You'd rather he died on the ground, wouldn't you? Probably won't ever let him reach Ebonypaw. What's going to be your excuse to send me away so I don't see you do your dirty deed, huh? You need to talk to him? You're going to take him to Ebonypaw? You're such a coward, afraid of what I might do or say. She thought.
　
A moon ago, Asterpaw would have spoken all these things aloud. But now she kept silent, her hues having a steely glaze over them as she looked at him. She glanced back at Azulpaw, eyes flickering with worry for a moment and softening just the slightest bit. Asterpaw wanted to tell him that she knew everything. She knew Bluepaw was a traitor, that he was working with Alabasterpaw, that he wanted Azulpaw dead...and she knew he was aware of all that. But he didn't know she was as well. I don't care whether I hurt Bluepaw or not now. But I don't want to break my word. Asterpaw thought, shifting her weight. It was no longer a question of someday. It was a definite statement of 'never' for her loving Bluepaw. After what she had seen here? No way. What if he decided she was no longer worth it one day? Growing attached would only end up in heartbreak for her, definitely. Then again-- it seemed heartbreak was always active in everyone's lives.
　
Her face twisted with disgust as Bluepaw came to nuzzle her, and she sighed. "I'm fine. You want to worry over someone, worry over your friend. He's bleeding and he's half dead. I really don't want to be touched at all right now." She mewed in a colder, harder tone then she had used before. She wanted him out of her sight. Out of her life. And she had no idea what to do. Oh wait-- he's not really your friend anymore, is he? He's just some cat you want dead. And like a true villain, you've sent out a servant to do the job for you, is that it? You don't care that he's bleeding. You don't care that he might have been dead. You don't care that he could be dying-- Her thoughts stopped and her breath caught in her throat. He could be dying. She hadn't even thought of that.
　
She didn't answer Bluepaw's question, instead sitting slightly closer to Azulpaw then before. If he was dying, she wanted the vile tom out of her sight more then ever. I didn't cause this. Their jealousy did. She thought, her hues flashing angrily, wanting Bluepaw to get out of here. She wanted to be alone with the tom. So she wouldn't have to worry. If he were dying... this might be the last time she'd ever get to talk to him. Or see him. "Just, uh...give me a minute, okay Bluepaw? I'll take him to Ebonypaw--" when he can walk-- "And then I'll be right there." She forced a smile, trying not to be utterly disgusted by the tom's pretend ignorance. She hated lies. And yet here she was, lying to keep this knowledge secret. As soon as Bluepaw left, she would tell Azulpaw she knew. And then she would have to fix this...somehow. Maybe he'll know what to do. She thought with a sigh. Asterpaw's word had never been broken...never. She always, always tried her very best to keep her word unless it was physically or mentally impossible to do so. Otherwise? No matter how hard it was, she would give it her best shot.

[Brilliance]

He was alive. She had thought he was dead, and thank StarClan he was alive. It's going to be okay. It's going to be okay. It's going to be okay. Asterpaw told herself, closing her eyes with relief. A choked laugh left her as she listened to him. "You're alive..." That was all she could think of to say. "I thought-- I thought I was going to lose you...I thought I would never see you again..." She mewed in a quiet, soft voice. She really had thought Alabasterpaw had killed him. And it scared her to realize that he had come so close to losing his life...so close to never seeing the sky, or the birds, or anything else again. Well, not in the Clans, anyways. "I guess every loyal servant deserves a reward. But I don't-- I don't have anything to give you." She sighed, putting her head down on her paws. She wanted to do something. To help him, to ease his pain...heck, she would have taken it from him if she could. But Asterpaw was unable to do that. Which meant all she could do was wait. Wait and stay with him.
　
And she was scared. The last thing Asterpaw wanted to do was cause more trouble. With Alabasterpaw, with Bluepaw...and they had both been in on this? What had he done to deserve any of this? "Shh...it's okay." Asterpaw told him in a low voice. She didn't know what to do. Gently, carefully, she began to clean one of the deeper looking injuries. Not for very long, and she probably wasn't doing too good of a job-- she was moving too cautiously. It would be hard to clean the injury out if she continued to act like that. And then eventually, she stopped. Maybe she was making it worse.
　
His words made her feel warm, and like she belonged. Everything that had been said before-- awkward now, but why should it be? Why should things be any different because he was alive, instead of dead as it had been earlier anticipated? "Thank you." That was the only thing she could say. He was going to stay. She was happy-- and at the same time, worried. If Bluepaw comes...she thought, her hues getting a harder look to them. But he wouldn't dare touch Azulpaw with her around...would he? Then again, he had pinned the tom to the ground and choked him half to death on multiple occasions with her around. Maybe he just didn't have a problem with it. Why hadn't Bluepaw just finished Azulpaw off earlier? Thank StarClan he hadn't, but what had caused him to just...walk away? Was he leaving the grey tom as prey for the white demon?
　
Or was he having a change of heart? Her hues flashed with worry as Azulpaw started both gagging and coughing. Oh no...no, no, no, no, no...please just let that be some sort of unrelated thing, she thought as once again, her eyes flashed before softening into their fawn-like worried state. Asterpaw gingerly curled her tail around him and allowed herself to make slightly more contact, like she was trying to send the warmth from her own body into his. If only she had some healing properties, she could fix this right here and right now. But she didn't. The female didn't know quite what she wanted to do... part of her wanted to break down again, but she knew that wouldn't help anyone. She didn't know through all of this. Most things had been said and done without really thinking about it.
　
And now? She was nervous that something they would all regret might happen. She heard pawsteps approaching and tensed, drawing herself away from the tom and sitting up more alertly. Her head still hurt from where Alabasterpaw had knocked her out, but there was no visible injury-- thankfully. She didn't know who was coming, and if it was Bluepaw...who knew what he might do? Especially if he thought she had been hurt. Her body tensed more and practically started shaking as he came into view, a shudder rippling through her short blue pelt. His expression of concern and shock didn't convince her at all. Not knowing the truth. You'd rather he died on the ground, wouldn't you? Probably won't ever let him reach Ebonypaw. What's going to be your excuse to send me away so I don't see you do your dirty deed, huh? You need to talk to him? You're going to take him to Ebonypaw? You're such a coward, afraid of what I might do or say. She thought.
　
A moon ago, Asterpaw would have spoken all these things aloud. But now she kept silent, her hues having a steely glaze over them as she looked at him. She glanced back at Azulpaw, eyes flickering with worry for a moment and softening just the slightest bit. Asterpaw wanted to tell him that she knew everything. She knew Bluepaw was a traitor, that he was working with Alabasterpaw, that he wanted Azulpaw dead...and she knew he was aware of all that. But he didn't know she was as well. I don't care whether I hurt Bluepaw or not now. But I don't want to break my word. Asterpaw thought, shifting her weight. It was no longer a question of someday. It was a definite statement of 'never' for her loving Bluepaw. After what she had seen here? No way. What if he decided she was no longer worth it one day? Growing attached would only end up in heartbreak for her, definitely. Then again-- it seemed heartbreak was always active in everyone's lives.
　
Her face twisted with disgust as Bluepaw came to nuzzle her, and she sighed. "I'm fine. You want to worry over someone, worry over your friend. He's bleeding and he's half dead. I really don't want to be touched at all right now." She mewed in a colder, harder tone then she had used before. She wanted him out of her sight. Out of her life. And she had no idea what to do. Oh wait-- he's not really your friend anymore, is he? He's just some cat you want dead. And like a true villain, you've sent out a servant to do the job for you, is that it? You don't care that he's bleeding. You don't care that he might have been dead. You don't care that he could be dying-- Her thoughts stopped and her breath caught in her throat. He could be dying. She hadn't even thought of that.
　
She didn't answer Bluepaw's question, instead sitting slightly closer to Azulpaw then before. If he was dying, she wanted the vile tom out of her sight more then ever. I didn't cause this. Their jealousy did. She thought, her hues flashing angrily, wanting Bluepaw to get out of here. She wanted to be alone with the tom. So she wouldn't have to worry. If he were dying... this might be the last time she'd ever get to talk to him. Or see him. "Just, uh...give me a minute, okay Bluepaw? I'll take him to Ebonypaw--" when he can walk-- "And then I'll be right there." She forced a smile, trying not to be utterly disgusted by the tom's pretend ignorance. She hated lies. And yet here she was, lying to keep this knowledge secret. As soon as Bluepaw left, she would tell Azulpaw she knew. And then she would have to fix this...somehow. Maybe he'll know what to do. She thought with a sigh. Asterpaw's word had never been broken...never. She always, always tried her very best to keep her word unless it was physically or mentally impossible to do so. Otherwise? No matter how hard it was, she would give it her best shot.



Bluepaw sat back worriedly with a grim expression on his face as he looked to see Asterpaw being quite too touchy with the grey tom. She didn’t have to act in such a way with the annoying tom. To Bluepaw it seemed like everything was planned. Maybe Azulpaw planned to get hurt, to fake his death just so he could swipe the blue cat from him. That was extremely low, but if Azulpaw wanted to play that game...two can compete.

After all, wasn’t two better than one, anyway? Unconsciously, the tom was digging his claws into the dirt, getting them dirtier by the second. He had to suppress a growl at the tender way Asterpaw was treating the other tom. Why was she that affectionate towards him? He didn’t mean anything to her...did he? One thing he knew well is that if he lost the blue cat...she would lose someone she dearly love. Alabasterpaw probably couldn’t finish the deed, but he was different. He was Bluepaw. Unlike the white demon, he would finish what he started.

But how? He did not know yet.

For now, he would lay low. He would listen. He would act sincere, and like her cared. As he sat up, and left them, bidding to Asterpaw’s word, he hurried off, knowing he would be back. Hopefully she wouldn’t be around when he delivered the final blow.

At the acknowledgement that the other tom left, he fluttered opened his eyes and took a quick look at Asterpaw. ‘’He...he...he doesn’t...seem...h...happy.’’ Azulpaw states, groaning loudly. The tom dragged himself up, using his two front paws to put weight onto so that he could sit up. This move alone, tired him out and he panted lowly. ‘’Looks...looks...like I’m still...useful.’’ He breathed, and flickered a ghost of a smile towards Asterpaw. ‘’...you definitely owe me your...life.’’ He joked, and once again tried to laugh, but it was hoarse and it made him cough, rasped.

‘’And...I refuse...to...to...see...Ebony…’’He trailed off, but he knew she got what he meant. ‘’I can...still...still...walk.’’ He stated, and to prove himself, the tom got up, wavering slightly. He moved one paw, but instantly fell to the ground onto his side, panting. He sighed loudly, but stayed where he was. On the ground. Perhaps that was where he meant to be. As he half-lidded his eyes, he let out soft breaths of relief. He was certainly happy to be alive, but not in this current condition. It was like a moon ago, when he was helpless, pleading for someone to help him.

The tom tried to get up once more, confident than before. He struggled for a while to hold up his paws. His legs were wobbling, and his body was shivering. Once he finally managed to stand up. He sat still, his head hung low, and his paws splayed out to hold himself carefully. He brought up his eyes to look at Asterpaw, a smirk coming onto his maw. ‘’I...I don’t...I don’t want...anything...from you.’’ He croaked, pausing to let a few breaths in and out. ‘’Y...your loyalty...is...is...is enough.’’ He coughed once again, heaving himself. He let out a soft whimper from the pain, but allowed it to give him sharps. He didn’t want to display a sort of weakness to the blue she-cat. He wanted to be passed the weak trait, but he was badly abused. He was on the verge of giving up on life, but her words...her words were enough to let him love life again.

‘’I...I...I don...don’t...trust...B...B...B...Bluepaw.’’ He finally admitted. He had hoped she wouldn’t lash out at him or think he was jealous because she was with him. He wanted to tell her everything, about how Bluepaw didn’t help him when he knew Alabasterpaw was attacking him. How he encouraged her to kill him...he wanted to say it all, but his body was weak. His mind was powerful, but she couldn’t read minds. If she did, he would never have to worry about uttering another word in his life.

‘’I...I...I...ne...need to...Silverpaw…’’He the tom twisted around, and he plopped on the ground again. How badly did he look? How miserable did he look? Sounded? ‘’I...I...must...look...terr...terrible...mast er.’’ He says, and wished to hide himself from the look of the blue she-cat. He felt humiliated that she had to watch him in that state. He felt like she would laugh at the mere thought of him being served his right medicine for being such a pompous jerk. But, she wouldn’t be tending to him so tenderly… and the way she tried to clean his wound---though he flinched at the touch---was a gentle, caring gesture. She was a good cat. One of those cats who had a heart bigger than the moon.

Azulpaw could only hope that she wouldn’t see him this way ever again. What this taught the young tom was that he needed to learn more moves, more protection, more defense, and he needed to keep himself guarded in case the white demon welcomed herself back into their life. She only hid well within the shadows, but she would always be lurking; ready to attack when given the chance. And, Bluepaw would be there to guide her, no doubt in Azulpaw’s mind. The two were a perfect couple in his mind. They were an evil sadistic maniacal couple that deserved each other. It wasn’t love between them. Did they even know what love meant? But, there was definitely some type of spark between them. As far as Azulpaw knew, he did not wish to find out.

The tom once again tried to lift himself up, tired of being laid on the ground. He wanted to move about. Be free again before he followed that feign voice he thought was Asterpaw calling for him. No matter what, he always managed to get himself into some type of trouble or danger. In his mind, it was protection. He would had done the same for Bluepaw--Silverpaw--and all his other friends without a second thought. He knew at some point he was useless. The mere thought made him shudder.

Azulpaw settled in the tree, and once again found his eyes wavering over to the female below. ''By the way, how dare you do not expect me to protect my best friend as you are doing for your sister--or whoever she is to you.'' He laid down, his paws tucked under him. He knew it was a clean threat--something weak because if it did happen that she attacked him, he wouldn't know how to respond to that. So, he used his attitude. And, if she didn't like it, he couldn't care less. He was irritated at her presence, and wondered why she even stayed long. He narrowed his eyes down at her, ''You would have to kill me first before you let that horrid sister of yours break my best friend's heart.'' He was pretty serious with that. He also knew he had to train if he wanted to be quick in action. He stared into her eyes and awaited for her next snappy remark. He knew it was bound to happen anyway. ''Why don't you run along and make yourself useful to the clan instead of chatting with a,'' He shivered, insulting himself. ''...useless cat.'' And, he turned his eyes, appreciating the pretty color of the sky.

Those moons ago, and he still remembered clearly what was discussed between them. He felt himself as useless then as he do now...only he didn’t want her to believe that he was useless. He wanted to be some rock that she leaned on for support. He would gladly be her life support--something like she was doing with Bluepaw. Only, he wouldn’t be so touchy with her. He would give her, her space. He would allow for her to grow up and develop her feelings a lot deeper, even if it wasn’t directed at him. He wished to be that rock she leaned on. After all, everyone needed somebody to lean on. She couldn’t put the weight all on herself, helping others with their problems that her sister caused. She deserved a break, and he supposed he would tell her this once he got his strength back.

The blue she cat glanced up in the tree and her hues narrowed. She didn't really like climbing, but she was very tempted to shove him of that tree as she had threatened. "You're not really protecting him, are you?" She asked, glancing over towards where her sister was still flirting with the tom. The she cat dug her claws into the bark of the tree, scaling it easily, although she was frustrated with his annoying nature. He was one of the most annoying cats she had ever had the misfortune to come across, and she wouldn't have felt bad had she never seen him again.
But first thing's first. She thought, as she reached the branch that the tom was on. "For one thing, she's not horrid. And for another...that could be easily arranged." She snapped, her voice soft and dangerous as she nudged him lightly. She didn't actually want him to fall, per se-- but perhaps a little shock, or fright wouldn't have been too bad. She could have lived with him at least slipping the tiniest bit. Death might be too extravagant for this obnoxious younger feline.
At least, she thought he was younger. She wasn't quite sure. "Whoever said you were useless?" She asked, turning her own hues upwards and edging away carefully, just in case he had the brilliant idea of trying to push her off. She could always jump. That'd be a fall to remember.

It was funny… an odd thing to believe that the two cared so much for their best friends, for their siblings, that it turned out...it wasn’t returned. Granted, he believed that if he hadn’t met the blue she-cat and her white demonic sister, then everything would had been normal. The same...Gentle. But, he did meet them, and they changed his life drastically--literally. From almost dying, to almost falling love. And, all this happened a moon ago. Life sure was surprising. And, even though he hadn’t been with her for a moon...he missed her. She constantly crossed his mind, not that he would tell her that. Everything they revealed to each other was rather...awkward, and he wanted to talk about it, but his energy was too low, so he kept his maw shut.

The tom got up once more, dragging himself until he was brushing his pelt alongside Asterpaw, and he leaned his head gently into the crook of her neck, panting heavily. This was all he needed right now. The support. His pain was numbing, but it was there. It was killing him, but as long as he had her to lean on, he knew he would be okay. ‘’I...I...I...I...I’m...glad...you....care.� ��’ He paused, unable to finish. He buried his head into her pelt as deep as he could. Closing his eyes, and jerking every once and while when a jolt of pain came to him. The stab wounds on his back was caked with dried blood, but he would be fine. All he needed was fresh groom, and would handle that later. ‘’Don...don’t….worry...soon....you...you� �ll...ca...catch...a...b...b...b...break….swee.. .sweet...heart.’’ He says, his voice muffled in her pelt. He said this as if to promise her. He didn’t know if it would be quite true, but he hoped it would. He would try his best to make sure she had a well-deserved break from all this drama. Pain or no pain, he would fulfill her desires.

[lone]

Bluepaw sat back worriedly with a grim expression on his face as he looked to see Asterpaw being quite too touchy with the grey tom. She didn’t have to act in such a way with the annoying tom. To Bluepaw it seemed like everything was planned. Maybe Azulpaw planned to get hurt, to fake his death just so he could swipe the blue cat from him. That was extremely low, but if Azulpaw wanted to play that game...two can compete.

After all, wasn’t two better than one, anyway? Unconsciously, the tom was digging his claws into the dirt, getting them dirtier by the second. He had to suppress a growl at the tender way Asterpaw was treating the other tom. Why was she that affectionate towards him? He didn’t mean anything to her...did he? One thing he knew well is that if he lost the blue cat...she would lose someone she dearly love. Alabasterpaw probably couldn’t finish the deed, but he was different. He was Bluepaw. Unlike the white demon, he would finish what he started.

But how? He did not know yet.

For now, he would lay low. He would listen. He would act sincere, and like her cared. As he sat up, and left them, bidding to Asterpaw’s word, he hurried off, knowing he would be back. Hopefully she wouldn’t be around when he delivered the final blow.

At the acknowledgement that the other tom left, he fluttered opened his eyes and took a quick look at Asterpaw. ‘’He...he...he doesn’t...seem...h...happy.’’ Azulpaw states, groaning loudly. The tom dragged himself up, using his two front paws to put weight onto so that he could sit up. This move alone, tired him out and he panted lowly. ‘’Looks...looks...like I’m still...useful.’’ He breathed, and flickered a ghost of a smile towards Asterpaw. ‘’...you definitely owe me your...life.’’ He joked, and once again tried to laugh, but it was hoarse and it made him cough, rasped.

‘’And...I refuse...to...to...see...Ebony…’’He trailed off, but he knew she got what he meant. ‘’I can...still...still...walk.’’ He stated, and to prove himself, the tom got up, wavering slightly. He moved one paw, but instantly fell to the ground onto his side, panting. He sighed loudly, but stayed where he was. On the ground. Perhaps that was where he meant to be. As he half-lidded his eyes, he let out soft breaths of relief. He was certainly happy to be alive, but not in this current condition. It was like a moon ago, when he was helpless, pleading for someone to help him.

The tom tried to get up once more, confident than before. He struggled for a while to hold up his paws. His legs were wobbling, and his body was shivering. Once he finally managed to stand up. He sat still, his head hung low, and his paws splayed out to hold himself carefully. He brought up his eyes to look at Asterpaw, a smirk coming onto his maw. ‘’I...I don’t...I don’t want...anything...from you.’’ He croaked, pausing to let a few breaths in and out. ‘’Y...your loyalty...is...is...is enough.’’ He coughed once again, heaving himself. He let out a soft whimper from the pain, but allowed it to give him sharps. He didn’t want to display a sort of weakness to the blue she-cat. He wanted to be passed the weak trait, but he was badly abused. He was on the verge of giving up on life, but her words...her words were enough to let him love life again.

‘’I...I...I don...don’t...trust...B...B...B...Bluepaw.’’ He finally admitted. He had hoped she wouldn’t lash out at him or think he was jealous because she was with him. He wanted to tell her everything, about how Bluepaw didn’t help him when he knew Alabasterpaw was attacking him. How he encouraged her to kill him...he wanted to say it all, but his body was weak. His mind was powerful, but she couldn’t read minds. If she did, he would never have to worry about uttering another word in his life.

‘’I...I...I...ne...need to...Silverpaw…’’He the tom twisted around, and he plopped on the ground again. How badly did he look? How miserable did he look? Sounded? ‘’I...I...must...look...terr...terrible...mast er.’’ He says, and wished to hide himself from the look of the blue she-cat. He felt humiliated that she had to watch him in that state. He felt like she would laugh at the mere thought of him being served his right medicine for being such a pompous jerk. But, she wouldn’t be tending to him so tenderly… and the way she tried to clean his wound---though he flinched at the touch---was a gentle, caring gesture. She was a good cat. One of those cats who had a heart bigger than the moon.

Azulpaw could only hope that she wouldn’t see him this way ever again. What this taught the young tom was that he needed to learn more moves, more protection, more defense, and he needed to keep himself guarded in case the white demon welcomed herself back into their life. She only hid well within the shadows, but she would always be lurking; ready to attack when given the chance. And, Bluepaw would be there to guide her, no doubt in Azulpaw’s mind. The two were a perfect couple in his mind. They were an evil sadistic maniacal couple that deserved each other. It wasn’t love between them. Did they even know what love meant? But, there was definitely some type of spark between them. As far as Azulpaw knew, he did not wish to find out.

The tom once again tried to lift himself up, tired of being laid on the ground. He wanted to move about. Be free again before he followed that feign voice he thought was Asterpaw calling for him. No matter what, he always managed to get himself into some type of trouble or danger. In his mind, it was protection. He would had done the same for Bluepaw--Silverpaw--and all his other friends without a second thought. He knew at some point he was useless. The mere thought made him shudder.

Azulpaw settled in the tree, and once again found his eyes wavering over to the female below. ''By the way, how dare you do not expect me to protect my best friend as you are doing for your sister--or whoever she is to you.'' He laid down, his paws tucked under him. He knew it was a clean threat--something weak because if it did happen that she attacked him, he wouldn't know how to respond to that. So, he used his attitude. And, if she didn't like it, he couldn't care less. He was irritated at her presence, and wondered why she even stayed long. He narrowed his eyes down at her, ''You would have to kill me first before you let that horrid sister of yours break my best friend's heart.'' He was pretty serious with that. He also knew he had to train if he wanted to be quick in action. He stared into her eyes and awaited for her next snappy remark. He knew it was bound to happen anyway. ''Why don't you run along and make yourself useful to the clan instead of chatting with a,'' He shivered, insulting himself. ''...useless cat.'' And, he turned his eyes, appreciating the pretty color of the sky.

Those moons ago, and he still remembered clearly what was discussed between them. He felt himself as useless then as he do now...only he didn’t want her to believe that he was useless. He wanted to be some rock that she leaned on for support. He would gladly be her life support--something like she was doing with Bluepaw. Only, he wouldn’t be so touchy with her. He would give her, her space. He would allow for her to grow up and develop her feelings a lot deeper, even if it wasn’t directed at him. He wished to be that rock she leaned on. After all, everyone needed somebody to lean on. She couldn’t put the weight all on herself, helping others with their problems that her sister caused. She deserved a break, and he supposed he would tell her this once he got his strength back.

The blue she cat glanced up in the tree and her hues narrowed. She didn't really like climbing, but she was very tempted to shove him of that tree as she had threatened. "You're not really protecting him, are you?" She asked, glancing over towards where her sister was still flirting with the tom. The she cat dug her claws into the bark of the tree, scaling it easily, although she was frustrated with his annoying nature. He was one of the most annoying cats she had ever had the misfortune to come across, and she wouldn't have felt bad had she never seen him again.
But first thing's first. She thought, as she reached the branch that the tom was on. "For one thing, she's not horrid. And for another...that could be easily arranged." She snapped, her voice soft and dangerous as she nudged him lightly. She didn't actually want him to fall, per se-- but perhaps a little shock, or fright wouldn't have been too bad. She could have lived with him at least slipping the tiniest bit. Death might be too extravagant for this obnoxious younger feline.
At least, she thought he was younger. She wasn't quite sure. "Whoever said you were useless?" She asked, turning her own hues upwards and edging away carefully, just in case he had the brilliant idea of trying to push her off. She could always jump. That'd be a fall to remember.

It was funny… an odd thing to believe that the two cared so much for their best friends, for their siblings, that it turned out...it wasn’t returned. Granted, he believed that if he hadn’t met the blue she-cat and her white demonic sister, then everything would had been normal. The same...Gentle. But, he did meet them, and they changed his life drastically--literally. From almost dying, to almost falling love. And, all this happened a moon ago. Life sure was surprising. And, even though he hadn’t been with her for a moon...he missed her. She constantly crossed his mind, not that he would tell her that. Everything they revealed to each other was rather...awkward, and he wanted to talk about it, but his energy was too low, so he kept his maw shut.

The tom got up once more, dragging himself until he was brushing his pelt alongside Asterpaw, and he leaned his head gently into the crook of her neck, panting heavily. This was all he needed right now. The support. His pain was numbing, but it was there. It was killing him, but as long as he had her to lean on, he knew he would be okay. ‘’I...I...I...I...I’m...glad...you....care.� ��’ He paused, unable to finish. He buried his head into her pelt as deep as he could. Closing his eyes, and jerking every once and while when a jolt of pain came to him. The stab wounds on his back was caked with dried blood, but he would be fine. All he needed was fresh groom, and would handle that later. ‘’Don...don’t….worry...soon....you...you� �ll...ca...catch...a...b...b...b...break….swee.. .sweet...heart.’’ He says, his voice muffled in her pelt. He said this as if to promise her. He didn’t know if it would be quite true, but he hoped it would. He would try his best to make sure she had a well-deserved break from all this drama. Pain or no pain, he would fulfill her desires.

The she cat bit her lip. She hated this. She hated seeing him in pain so much, and yet it seemed the majority of the day had been what? Seeing him in pain. Asterpaw thought back to earlier-- I don't trust Bluepaw. She knew the reason why...and she knew what she needed to say. "I know-- wh-why you would-wouldn't t-trust Bluepaw." Her voice was stronger now, but she kept it low just in case the evil tom was listening. How dare he pretend that he loved her so much then try to get rid of someone she cared about. Loved? Maybe. Maybe, because she knew that if she could have turned back time she would have stopped this. Actually, if she could have turned back time, she would have kept any of this from happening. It would be for the best. None of this would happen, and everyone would be free and happy again. But she couldn't turn back time, so this was how it was. This was her lot in life. And she was in it with Azulpaw-- not Bluepaw. Not anymore.
　
Asterpaw didn't want to go back, and have to stay with him...not when she didn't truly love him. Did she even care for him? Of course. She would always care for him.She wasn't going to come running to the rescue whenever they decided to get themselves hurt. Looking the tom over and remembering his question from earlier, a gentle smile came onto her features. "You don't look terrible. You actually look pretty nice." She sighed, putting her head back onto her paws. This was the most tired she had been in a long time. The fact that she had learned about Bluepaw frightened her-- how could one cat be so bad? So utterly evil? She had no idea. Maybe someday she would find out...she hoped so. And her sister, too...Alabasterpaw had used to be a wonderful cat. The type of cat everyone wanted to be friends with. And Asterpaw? She had never been that cat. First impressions were important, and her first impressions always left something to be desired. Quite a few things, really.
　
But those few that stayed were her closest friends. And she tried her best to keep them, but with her personality...it wasn't always easy. Asterpaw looked up at the sky. The bright blue reminded her of her sister's shimmering hues and she felt a sting of worry and regret. What if Alli comes back? She thought. The last thing Asterpaw wanted was for her deranged sister to come charging back into her life and change things again. She wanted things to stay the same-- with the exception of Azulpaw getting better-- just as they were now, forever. No Bluepaw. No Alabasterpaw. Right now, in her opinion, had there not been so much drama surrounding their friendship...or relationship? Asterpaw did't know how to think of it. So she didn't. She ignored it. She didn't want to think about things changing more, more drama and more pain, both physical and emotional. After so long, she was beginning to grow sick of the pain, drama and fear... she had had enough.
　
But there was no end in sight. Not as long as Bluepaw and Alabasterpaw remained in the Clan. She was safe-- but Azulpaw? They both wanted him dead. She was almost scared to let him out of her sight, but it would be both strange and rude if she didn't. I just don't want him to get hurt again...Asterpaw thought, closing her eyes. She was scared. So scared. She didn't want to live in fear, and yet this was what it was coming to. Being worried that the moment she left-- her sister or Bluepaw would return to finish him off. And in this weakened state, he wouldn't be able to fight it. Should've made it easier and just forced her to kill me first of all...this wouldn't have happened...Asterpaw thought. That was how her mind worked. If she had already been dead, then there would have been no reason to fight. On her sister's side, anyways. Oh yeah...she realized, glancing over towards her friend. She thought of him as more of a best friend... after all of this.
　
Maybe more then a best friend. But that was something Asterpaw was still figuring out. The female stayed beside Azulpaw, keeping the contact for as long as she could. She knew he needed it. And...maybe she needed it. Of course, she wasn't quite sure yet. There were things she was still working out, and maybe there would always be things she would be working out. Just as long as she could have these moments that were so soft, so real-- it would be okay. She really had thought he was going to die. And maybe he was dying. His voice was so weak. She could tell he was struggling to speak at all, and it sent another shock of worry through her. "I'll always care." Asterpaw told him in a low voice. Gently, she brushed her tail alongside him, trying to keep his focus on her and not on the pain. Maybe if he was focusing on her, he wouldn't feel it as intently. He didn't do anything to deserve this! She wanted to yowl, to scream-- but that wasn't what needed to be done right now.
　
Right now the best thing she could do for Azulpaw was just be there. And maybe sometime in the future, she could find a way to get rid of Alabasterpaw and Bluepaw, but right now she was contented to live in the moment. The blue she cat just stayed there for a minute, wondering if she were doing the right thing. And now she knew she was doing the right thing. She never belonged with Bluepaw.
　
She belonged here.
　
Right now.
　
Didn't she? She felt like she did, at least. Why wouldn't she belong in this place with her friend? With her... sort of friend, at least. Were they more then friends? The things that had been said, and both of their actions now-- she didn't know. She didn't understand it at all, either. But maybe that was the beauty of the whole thing, she didn't have to understand it.
　
All she had to do was accept it for what it was. And that was something that Asterpaw had become very good at over the previous moon or so, accepting things for what they were. Especially when the thing in question was something as enjoyable as this. Though she would always love their banters, talks, and playing around...these types of moments were what made her life feel as though it were really worth living. These were the moments where she was able to realize that everything was going to be okay, and they would get through this. After everything Azulpaw had already been through-- she supposed he could handle pretty much anything Alabasterpaw were to throw at him. She could definitely handle any amount of pain her sister decided to inflict on her. But Azulpaw wouldn't let her. She realized. He had done exactly as the white demon had asked, with no thought for his own safety, just to keep her safe. Just to make sure that she would survive.
　
And she knew why. "I'm holding you to that," She joked lightly, with a weak smile. If only things weren't so messed up and confused, she would be able to be like this all the time. But because of safety reasons-- mainly a demon pinning Azulpaw down to the ground and half-killing him every moon-- she knew that wasn't going to happen. Things would always be this way until one or the other was killed. This was a fight to the end. And she wasn't always around to stop it before it began. She had been this time-- but she still hadn't been able to stop it. The root of the problem was jealousy-- jealousy, not her. She wasn't causing all of this. At least, she hoped not. "You don't deserve any of this. You deserve so much more." Asterpaw whispered in a quiet voice, closing her eyes. Maybe she was ready to fall asleep. It had been a long day, after all. But at the same time, she wanted-- no, she needed to stay awake. Alabasterpaw could return any minute, and she had to protect him... even though he had told her it wasn't her job. But she couldn't help it. If he died, she would be miserable. There would be no one left for her-- the two other cats that were familiar in her life were evil, bad influences. She didn't want to be anywhere near them. And yet she might not have a chance.
　
If he died...Asterpaw would be truly alone.

[Brilliance]

The she cat bit her lip. She hated this. She hated seeing him in pain so much, and yet it seemed the majority of the day had been what? Seeing him in pain. Asterpaw thought back to earlier-- I don't trust Bluepaw. She knew the reason why...and she knew what she needed to say. "I know-- wh-why you would-wouldn't t-trust Bluepaw." Her voice was stronger now, but she kept it low just in case the evil tom was listening. How dare he pretend that he loved her so much then try to get rid of someone she cared about. Loved? Maybe. Maybe, because she knew that if she could have turned back time she would have stopped this. Actually, if she could have turned back time, she would have kept any of this from happening. It would be for the best. None of this would happen, and everyone would be free and happy again. But she couldn't turn back time, so this was how it was. This was her lot in life. And she was in it with Azulpaw-- not Bluepaw. Not anymore.
　
Asterpaw didn't want to go back, and have to stay with him...not when she didn't truly love him. Did she even care for him? Of course. She would always care for him.She wasn't going to come running to the rescue whenever they decided to get themselves hurt. Looking the tom over and remembering his question from earlier, a gentle smile came onto her features. "You don't look terrible. You actually look pretty nice." She sighed, putting her head back onto her paws. This was the most tired she had been in a long time. The fact that she had learned about Bluepaw frightened her-- how could one cat be so bad? So utterly evil? She had no idea. Maybe someday she would find out...she hoped so. And her sister, too...Alabasterpaw had used to be a wonderful cat. The type of cat everyone wanted to be friends with. And Asterpaw? She had never been that cat. First impressions were important, and her first impressions always left something to be desired. Quite a few things, really.
　
But those few that stayed were her closest friends. And she tried her best to keep them, but with her personality...it wasn't always easy. Asterpaw looked up at the sky. The bright blue reminded her of her sister's shimmering hues and she felt a sting of worry and regret. What if Alli comes back? She thought. The last thing Asterpaw wanted was for her deranged sister to come charging back into her life and change things again. She wanted things to stay the same-- with the exception of Azulpaw getting better-- just as they were now, forever. No Bluepaw. No Alabasterpaw. Right now, in her opinion, had there not been so much drama surrounding their friendship...or relationship? Asterpaw did't know how to think of it. So she didn't. She ignored it. She didn't want to think about things changing more, more drama and more pain, both physical and emotional. After so long, she was beginning to grow sick of the pain, drama and fear... she had had enough.
　
But there was no end in sight. Not as long as Bluepaw and Alabasterpaw remained in the Clan. She was safe-- but Azulpaw? They both wanted him dead. She was almost scared to let him out of her sight, but it would be both strange and rude if she didn't. I just don't want him to get hurt again...Asterpaw thought, closing her eyes. She was scared. So scared. She didn't want to live in fear, and yet this was what it was coming to. Being worried that the moment she left-- her sister or Bluepaw would return to finish him off. And in this weakened state, he wouldn't be able to fight it. Should've made it easier and just forced her to kill me first of all...this wouldn't have happened...Asterpaw thought. That was how her mind worked. If she had already been dead, then there would have been no reason to fight. On her sister's side, anyways. Oh yeah...she realized, glancing over towards her friend. She thought of him as more of a best friend... after all of this.
　
Maybe more then a best friend. But that was something Asterpaw was still figuring out. The female stayed beside Azulpaw, keeping the contact for as long as she could. She knew he needed it. And...maybe she needed it. Of course, she wasn't quite sure yet. There were things she was still working out, and maybe there would always be things she would be working out. Just as long as she could have these moments that were so soft, so real-- it would be okay. She really had thought he was going to die. And maybe he was dying. His voice was so weak. She could tell he was struggling to speak at all, and it sent another shock of worry through her. "I'll always care." Asterpaw told him in a low voice. Gently, she brushed her tail alongside him, trying to keep his focus on her and not on the pain. Maybe if he was focusing on her, he wouldn't feel it as intently. He didn't do anything to deserve this! She wanted to yowl, to scream-- but that wasn't what needed to be done right now.
　
Right now the best thing she could do for Azulpaw was just be there. And maybe sometime in the future, she could find a way to get rid of Alabasterpaw and Bluepaw, but right now she was contented to live in the moment. The blue she cat just stayed there for a minute, wondering if she were doing the right thing. And now she knew she was doing the right thing. She never belonged with Bluepaw.
　
She belonged here.
　
Right now.
　
Didn't she? She felt like she did, at least. Why wouldn't she belong in this place with her friend? With her... sort of friend, at least. Were they more then friends? The things that had been said, and both of their actions now-- she didn't know. She didn't understand it at all, either. But maybe that was the beauty of the whole thing, she didn't have to understand it.
　
All she had to do was accept it for what it was. And that was something that Asterpaw had become very good at over the previous moon or so, accepting things for what they were. Especially when the thing in question was something as enjoyable as this. Though she would always love their banters, talks, and playing around...these types of moments were what made her life feel as though it were really worth living. These were the moments where she was able to realize that everything was going to be okay, and they would get through this. After everything Azulpaw had already been through-- she supposed he could handle pretty much anything Alabasterpaw were to throw at him. She could definitely handle any amount of pain her sister decided to inflict on her. But Azulpaw wouldn't let her. She realized. He had done exactly as the white demon had asked, with no thought for his own safety, just to keep her safe. Just to make sure that she would survive.
　
And she knew why. "I'm holding you to that," She joked lightly, with a weak smile. If only things weren't so messed up and confused, she would be able to be like this all the time. But because of safety reasons-- mainly a demon pinning Azulpaw down to the ground and half-killing him every moon-- she knew that wasn't going to happen. Things would always be this way until one or the other was killed. This was a fight to the end. And she wasn't always around to stop it before it began. She had been this time-- but she still hadn't been able to stop it. The root of the problem was jealousy-- jealousy, not her. She wasn't causing all of this. At least, she hoped not. "You don't deserve any of this. You deserve so much more." Asterpaw whispered in a quiet voice, closing her eyes. Maybe she was ready to fall asleep. It had been a long day, after all. But at the same time, she wanted-- no, she needed to stay awake. Alabasterpaw could return any minute, and she had to protect him... even though he had told her it wasn't her job. But she couldn't help it. If he died, she would be miserable. There would be no one left for her-- the two other cats that were familiar in her life were evil, bad influences. She didn't want to be anywhere near them. And yet she might not have a chance.
　
If he died...Asterpaw would be truly alone.


‘’I...I...already...I…’’ The grey tom paused as he allowed a couple breaths enter his lungs. The pressure from Alabasterpaw’s weight made him feel as if she had cracked something within him that could never be fixed. ‘’...everything.’’ He finished, and plopped to the ground. He tried to roll himself around, but his aching back was a serious problem. The stab wounds specifically was causing him a problem, and he tried to make little movement for Asterpaw not to be much worried about him. He was the last thing she should be worried about. After all, he knew he would be able to take care of himself. Besides, his job was to protect her; worry about her. It was the same thing he had done with Silverpaw--only it was different. She was like a little sister to him, and Asterpaw? He didn’t know how to answer that, but he doubt she would ever be like a sister to him. Though, he would had died for Silverpaw without a second thought, just like he had done with Asterpaw. But Asterpaw was special.

The tom laid comfortably close to her, feeling the heavy need to sleep. He winced at the slight movement he made, but other than that he was utterly comfortable, as if it was the spot that was waiting for him. Just right for him. ‘’I...I just...I can’t...why...Blue…’’ He paused, almost threatening himself to cry. Bluepaw was his best friend. He was his brother. The grey tom would never forget the cold look Bluepaw gave when he was under Alabasterpaw. The way he pleaded to be saved, and the way Bluepaw had left---to find Asterpaw. At one point, Azulpaw felt that the two would make a great couple. Insert his gag. He honestly thought they were happy. It tugged at his heart how Asterpaw had boasted about him. But, yet.. She was here with him. Tenderly. Gently. Caring. And, he was grateful for that. She brought a sense of comfort to his life.

I thank starclan for this she-cat beside me, please don’t ever let her leave me, he bowed his head in a silent prayer, before looking back up at the sky. His neck made an uncomfortable cracking noise, and he refrained himself from a slight whimper of pain. ‘’I’ll...I...heal within time…’’He gulped, before adding. ‘’I...I don’t...don’t...know why I’m not...use...used to...this.’’ He went through this a moon ago, so why didn’t it fit him? And, probably in another moon, the white demon would come back. Make an entrance. She would never be fulfilled until he was dead. She would never be satiate. She would constantly be drooling until he was buried underground, rigid, and unbreathing.

The thought scared him. Honestly. He didn’t know what would happen if he died--what about Asterpaw? What would happen to her? He was sure that she would be able to move on so easily. After all, who was he, but a simple cat? A cat that died for her...but he was sure that along the way, there would be many other cats willing to die for her. Though it sounded farfetched, he knew Asterpaw was an incredible cat. If only those other cats took the time to get to know her, they would see how she filled their hearts immensely with love and joy.

‘’Don’t...don’t,’’ He paused, mumbling something incoherent before laying his head onto her shoulder once more, drained. ‘’I’ll...k...k...keep...word.’’ He finished, and cringed at the pain of his back. That she-cat sure did have sharp claws--that was for sure. He could feel the holes that she left into his pelt. He tried to twist himself around to get a good look at them, hoping he would be able to clean himself off. He didn’t want to be caked with blood forever, so he delicately begin licking himself, though as much as it hurt, he wanted to look presentable. Though, his ears rung with the sweet compliment that the blue feline gave him.

‘’There you are!’’ A giddy voice entered into Azulpaw’s ears and he cringed from the noise. He knew that voice from anywhere. Silverpaw. The silver feline trotted her way towards them, a happy smile placed on her maw. ‘’You won’t believe the day I ha-’’ She quickly halted in her steps, taking a good look at the blood covering Azulpaw as he looked up at her through his yellow hues. She instinctively ran towards him, sniffing him all over and circling him out of concern. Her tail lashed behind her. ‘’Bluepaw!?’’ She growled. Azulpaw didn’t reply back. Instead, he took ginger licks at his pelt as he was doing before. Silverpaw turned to Asterpaw for an answer, but assumed that it had to be the work of the piebald devil.

‘’I can’t believe I wasn’t here,’’ Silverpaw mewed, her ears pinned to her head. She sat down for a couple of seconds analyzing the friend she treasured. He continued to lick at his pelt, covered with dust, covered with dried blood. He looked terrible to her. Drained, exhausted. Seemingly a milky ghost. Silverpaw got up silently from her scent, and she stepped closer to her friend, mewing for him to stop. The tom gave her a confused look, but she only smiled down at him as she made herself comfortable by his side and took her time to groom him. She gave him gentle licks around his neck and went up to his head. Azulpaw stayed rigid, tensed at her touch, but he allowed for it to happen. He knew she was only helping. It was all she ever done, and he was thankful for her.

Thankful for them both.

‘’I’m sorry I wasn’t here.’’ Silverpaw said, though it was meant for Azulpaw, she directed this to Asterpaw. She knew the tom would have difficult time talking, and it was more pleasant to talk to Asterpaw since she didn’t look hurt at all. A flash of realization crossed her features. ‘’He...did this for you again, didn’t he?’ She narrowed her eyes done at the tom, thinking he was stupid enough to get hurt like he done a month ago. She didn’t understand what was so special about this blue feline to Azulpaw. ‘’What’s is it going to-’’

‘’...Please, Silv…’’ Azulpaw says, his voice growing stern. Silverpaw only made a huffing noise, but she continued to groom him until most of his blood was gone. He purred at the treatment, enjoying the attention he was receiving. Although from the she-cat he didn’t need the attention from. As Silverpaw finished up, she stepped back, and shook her head.

‘’You’re going to get yourself killed.’’ She stated, though it was a joke, and her frown turned into a smile. Then, she turned to Asterpaw, adding another joke, ‘’And, you’re going to get him killed.’’

Azulpaw decided to play along, rolling slightly onto his side, purring. ‘’I...I...wouldn’t...have it...any other...way…’’He finishes, his breathing becoming normal. And, less painful as he talked. Now, that he was rid of blood and dust, and felt his pelt lighter than it was before, he was truly felt like he was healing. Silverpaw watched as he rolled around, but she wondered how everything even started. What happened while she was away? She was simply with just a couple friends...and she come back to...this? Azulpaw was hurt again. Asterpaw was by his side.

‘’So, just curious,’’ the she-cat stands up, her head tilting to the side. ‘’What happened? Are the two of you...umm...you know...but what about Bluepaw?’’

‘’Maybe,’’ The grey tom says, flinching a bit. ‘’...You...shouldn’t ask...q...questions. Just let things happen.’’ He says clearly, and breathed a sigh of relief. Silverpaw was not happy with that answer, but she rolled her eyes and accepted it anyway. There were rare times when she would act defiant with Azulpaw. The tom had put her in her place long ago...when she was a kit, and he was a newly made apprentice. Since then, she always felt close to him, like a whiny little sister wanting a brother.

‘’Well, I guess. But I still want to know what happened.’’ She gave them both a glance, hoping they would let her own what she missed. After all, she felt that everything was Bluepaw’s fault. Whenever did he change anyway? He used to be so...sweet...gentle...generous. He always made others feel welcomed. What prey did he catch to soak in its poison?

Azulpaw flickered his eyes towards Asterpaw, but he didn’t say anything. He only stared at her--something he’s been doing a lot lately. He didn’t feel like talking anymore, and he left it to her to explain the details, if she wanted to. He was tired. He was still in a bit of pain. Lowly, he whispered to her in order for Silverpaw not to hear, ‘’If, you’re tired, you can sleep. Nothing wrong with a midday nap. I can keep watch. I doubt they’ll come here anyway, love.’’ It was weird that whenever he whispered, he didn’t feel a hint of pain. He wanted the blue cat to be reassured that she would be safe. He doubt that the two evil felines would make their way back to them. Azulpaw wouldn’t allow them to. Besides, Silverpaw was up to keep him company. He was sure that her boundless energy wouldn’t tire out soon anyway. With that being said, he gently pressed his nose into the crook of her neck before pulling himself away to settle down again. Comfortable at last.

Unaware to him, there were always someone watching. Bluepaw hidden himself at a distance, hoping that the wind wouldn’t carry his scent away. He watched as the two seeming lovebirds dot on one another, tending to each other tenderly, exchanging sweet words. It was truly a sickening sight, and just the mention of it made him gag. He wondered however could Asterpaw be like that in such a way! She claimed she wasn’t like her half-sister, when she was definitely exactly like her half-sister. Did she noticed that? She just practically hopped from him and onto his ex-best friend. What a charming she-cat, indeed. The tom growled inwardly, and he unsheathed his claws. He badly--so tenderly wanted to hurt her. Wanted to hear her agonizing screams and have Azulpaw watch. Then, later perhaps the tom would join her. Then again, Bluepaw was no Alabasterpaw. He didn’t rely on physical pain to be the essence of the answer of honestly hurting someone. Instead, as Azulpaw taught him long ago.

‘’The mind is a conflicting place. Which means it is the easiest target--if you know what I mean.’’

‘’Oh, yes,’’ Bluepaw crouched down, his eyes slitting. ‘’I know exactly what you mean.’’ Words were the key to the equation. He had to mess with Asterpaw’s confidence, her mind to manipulate her, in order for her to know where she truly belong. With him. In his paws.

The only question: How will he approach this?

[goddess of ducks]

The short tom looked at the other, and smiled faintly- a small nod as he began to speak. "Ja (yes), I do~ Several beautiful kits and a vonderful (wonderful) mate." he responded, the tip of his tail curling faintly.

"Vhat (what) about you?" Jigglefoot asked, his multi-colored eyes watching the other tom.
Cliffheart nodded kindly as the other tom spoke. Seemed similar to his situation, just minus the kits part. They were coming they just weren't here yet.... So know that he knew Jigglefoot was a father, maybe he could continue his thoughts. "I don't have much. Just my mate Scorchedpetal. Soon though we'll be having our kits." He said a bit awkwardly. Cliffheart still couldn't get over the thoughts that he didn't know how to be a father, what to do, what to say. He had never known or seen his own father, so he was clueless in this area. "Say, uh, Jigglefoot, mind if I ask you something?" Then without really waiting for him to respond, he continued. "So I never knew my father as a kit. He was a loner or something. I don't really know. He might have died before I was born, or he just never cared enough to talk to me. What is it like? Being a father? I've never been one, never had one. I don't want to fail my kits like my father did me." He stopped, sighing, the self doubts swirling aimlessly in his mind, all demanding answers, but none of them were received. "I just don't want to fail Scorched." He said again, almost defeatedly. He couldn't, wouldn't, be a failure. He had to figure this out, but it is hard to figure anything out when you have no idea where to begin.

[lone]

‘’I...I...already...I…’’ The grey tom paused as he allowed a couple breaths enter his lungs. The pressure from Alabasterpaw’s weight made him feel as if she had cracked something within him that could never be fixed. ‘’...everything.’’ He finished, and plopped to the ground. He tried to roll himself around, but his aching back was a serious problem. The stab wounds specifically was causing him a problem, and he tried to make little movement for Asterpaw not to be much worried about him. He was the last thing she should be worried about. After all, he knew he would be able to take care of himself. Besides, his job was to protect her; worry about her. It was the same thing he had done with Silverpaw--only it was different. She was like a little sister to him, and Asterpaw? He didn’t know how to answer that, but he doubt she would ever be like a sister to him. Though, he would had died for Silverpaw without a second thought, just like he had done with Asterpaw. But Asterpaw was special.

The tom laid comfortably close to her, feeling the heavy need to sleep. He winced at the slight movement he made, but other than that he was utterly comfortable, as if it was the spot that was waiting for him. Just right for him. ‘’I...I just...I can’t...why...Blue…’’ He paused, almost threatening himself to cry. Bluepaw was his best friend. He was his brother. The grey tom would never forget the cold look Bluepaw gave when he was under Alabasterpaw. The way he pleaded to be saved, and the way Bluepaw had left---to find Asterpaw. At one point, Azulpaw felt that the two would make a great couple. Insert his gag. He honestly thought they were happy. It tugged at his heart how Asterpaw had boasted about him. But, yet.. She was here with him. Tenderly. Gently. Caring. And, he was grateful for that. She brought a sense of comfort to his life.

I thank starclan for this she-cat beside me, please don’t ever let her leave me, he bowed his head in a silent prayer, before looking back up at the sky. His neck made an uncomfortable cracking noise, and he refrained himself from a slight whimper of pain. ‘’I’ll...I...heal within time…’’He gulped, before adding. ‘’I...I don’t...don’t...know why I’m not...use...used to...this.’’ He went through this a moon ago, so why didn’t it fit him? And, probably in another moon, the white demon would come back. Make an entrance. She would never be fulfilled until he was dead. She would never be satiate. She would constantly be drooling until he was buried underground, rigid, and unbreathing.

The thought scared him. Honestly. He didn’t know what would happen if he died--what about Asterpaw? What would happen to her? He was sure that she would be able to move on so easily. After all, who was he, but a simple cat? A cat that died for her...but he was sure that along the way, there would be many other cats willing to die for her. Though it sounded farfetched, he knew Asterpaw was an incredible cat. If only those other cats took the time to get to know her, they would see how she filled their hearts immensely with love and joy.

‘’Don’t...don’t,’’ He paused, mumbling something incoherent before laying his head onto her shoulder once more, drained. ‘’I’ll...k...k...keep...word.’’ He finished, and cringed at the pain of his back. That she-cat sure did have sharp claws--that was for sure. He could feel the holes that she left into his pelt. He tried to twist himself around to get a good look at them, hoping he would be able to clean himself off. He didn’t want to be caked with blood forever, so he delicately begin licking himself, though as much as it hurt, he wanted to look presentable. Though, his ears rung with the sweet compliment that the blue feline gave him.

‘’There you are!’’ A giddy voice entered into Azulpaw’s ears and he cringed from the noise. He knew that voice from anywhere. Silverpaw. The silver feline trotted her way towards them, a happy smile placed on her maw. ‘’You won’t believe the day I ha-’’ She quickly halted in her steps, taking a good look at the blood covering Azulpaw as he looked up at her through his yellow hues. She instinctively ran towards him, sniffing him all over and circling him out of concern. Her tail lashed behind her. ‘’Bluepaw!?’’ She growled. Azulpaw didn’t reply back. Instead, he took ginger licks at his pelt as he was doing before. Silverpaw turned to Asterpaw for an answer, but assumed that it had to be the work of the piebald devil.

‘’I can’t believe I wasn’t here,’’ Silverpaw mewed, her ears pinned to her head. She sat down for a couple of seconds analyzing the friend she treasured. He continued to lick at his pelt, covered with dust, covered with dried blood. He looked terrible to her. Drained, exhausted. Seemingly a milky ghost. Silverpaw got up silently from her scent, and she stepped closer to her friend, mewing for him to stop. The tom gave her a confused look, but she only smiled down at him as she made herself comfortable by his side and took her time to groom him. She gave him gentle licks around his neck and went up to his head. Azulpaw stayed rigid, tensed at her touch, but he allowed for it to happen. He knew she was only helping. It was all she ever done, and he was thankful for her.

Thankful for them both.

‘’I’m sorry I wasn’t here.’’ Silverpaw said, though it was meant for Azulpaw, she directed this to Asterpaw. She knew the tom would have difficult time talking, and it was more pleasant to talk to Asterpaw since she didn’t look hurt at all. A flash of realization crossed her features. ‘’He...did this for you again, didn’t he?’ She narrowed her eyes done at the tom, thinking he was stupid enough to get hurt like he done a month ago. She didn’t understand what was so special about this blue feline to Azulpaw. ‘’What’s is it going to-’’

‘’...Please, Silv…’’ Azulpaw says, his voice growing stern. Silverpaw only made a huffing noise, but she continued to groom him until most of his blood was gone. He purred at the treatment, enjoying the attention he was receiving. Although from the she-cat he didn’t need the attention from. As Silverpaw finished up, she stepped back, and shook her head.

‘’You’re going to get yourself killed.’’ She stated, though it was a joke, and her frown turned into a smile. Then, she turned to Asterpaw, adding another joke, ‘’And, you’re going to get him killed.’’

Azulpaw decided to play along, rolling slightly onto his side, purring. ‘’I...I...wouldn’t...have it...any other...way…’’He finishes, his breathing becoming normal. And, less painful as he talked. Now, that he was rid of blood and dust, and felt his pelt lighter than it was before, he was truly felt like he was healing. Silverpaw watched as he rolled around, but she wondered how everything even started. What happened while she was away? She was simply with just a couple friends...and she come back to...this? Azulpaw was hurt again. Asterpaw was by his side.

‘’So, just curious,’’ the she-cat stands up, her head tilting to the side. ‘’What happened? Are the two of you...umm...you know...but what about Bluepaw?’’

‘’Maybe,’’ The grey tom says, flinching a bit. ‘’...You...shouldn’t ask...q...questions. Just let things happen.’’ He says clearly, and breathed a sigh of relief. Silverpaw was not happy with that answer, but she rolled her eyes and accepted it anyway. There were rare times when she would act defiant with Azulpaw. The tom had put her in her place long ago...when she was a kit, and he was a newly made apprentice. Since then, she always felt close to him, like a whiny little sister wanting a brother.

‘’Well, I guess. But I still want to know what happened.’’ She gave them both a glance, hoping they would let her own what she missed. After all, she felt that everything was Bluepaw’s fault. Whenever did he change anyway? He used to be so...sweet...gentle...generous. He always made others feel welcomed. What prey did he catch to soak in its poison?

Azulpaw flickered his eyes towards Asterpaw, but he didn’t say anything. He only stared at her--something he’s been doing a lot lately. He didn’t feel like talking anymore, and he left it to her to explain the details, if she wanted to. He was tired. He was still in a bit of pain. Lowly, he whispered to her in order for Silverpaw not to hear, ‘’If, you’re tired, you can sleep. Nothing wrong with a midday nap. I can keep watch. I doubt they’ll come here anyway, love.’’ It was weird that whenever he whispered, he didn’t feel a hint of pain. He wanted the blue cat to be reassured that she would be safe. He doubt that the two evil felines would make their way back to them. Azulpaw wouldn’t allow them to. Besides, Silverpaw was up to keep him company. He was sure that her boundless energy wouldn’t tire out soon anyway. With that being said, he gently pressed his nose into the crook of her neck before pulling himself away to settle down again. Comfortable at last.

Unaware to him, there were always someone watching. Bluepaw hidden himself at a distance, hoping that the wind wouldn’t carry his scent away. He watched as the two seeming lovebirds dot on one another, tending to each other tenderly, exchanging sweet words. It was truly a sickening sight, and just the mention of it made him gag. He wondered however could Asterpaw be like that in such a way! She claimed she wasn’t like her half-sister, when she was definitely exactly like her half-sister. Did she noticed that? She just practically hopped from him and onto his ex-best friend. What a charming she-cat, indeed. The tom growled inwardly, and he unsheathed his claws. He badly--so tenderly wanted to hurt her. Wanted to hear her agonizing screams and have Azulpaw watch. Then, later perhaps the tom would join her. Then again, Bluepaw was no Alabasterpaw. He didn’t rely on physical pain to be the essence of the answer of honestly hurting someone. Instead, as Azulpaw taught him long ago.

‘’The mind is a conflicting place. Which means it is the easiest target--if you know what I mean.’’

‘’Oh, yes,’’ Bluepaw crouched down, his eyes slitting. ‘’I know exactly what you mean.’’ Words were the key to the equation. He had to mess with Asterpaw’s confidence, her mind to manipulate her, in order for her to know where she truly belong. With him. In his paws.

The only question: How will he approach this?
Was he breathing alright? It seemed like he couldn't talk. What had Alabasterpaw done to him? What could she have done to make this happen? The same thing she does every time, that vile, evil...Asterpaw thought, her hues flashing angrily. She could sort of understand what went through her sister's head. What went through Bluepaw's head...because right now, she was just about ready to kill them. But that would make her no better then them. And she knew it wasn't the right thing to do. Whatever they had done, if she were to go and hunt them down, that would make her just like them. A killer. No matter whether she was killing a cat who was extremely wrong or one that just annoyed her, either way, it was murder, plain and simple. She honestly was confused about what she was feeling right now. Anyone who could do this to another cat wasn't worth thinking about. And yet Alabasterpaw was her sister...and she did love her. She couldn't help it.
　
But she would have to. She didn't want to love a near-killer. An attempted murderer. And she knew all too well she couldn't be with Bluepaw. But she was still figuring out whether she loved Azulpaw or not. She would have died for him...for all of them, really. But looking back on that moment and remembering how badly she had wished it was her, she realized it hadn't been for all of them. Just him. She would have died for him. And yet she hadn't. Why didn't I just jump in the way? She thought. After all, if she were able to stagger into the bushes, she should have been able to block him just as well. And, once her strength had come back, she had. "It's going to be okay. It has to be okay." The blue feline was speaking just as much to herself as she was to Azulpaw. But she was still terrified. What if it wasn't going to be okay? Optimism was fine, but at times-- foolish. Getting her hopes up could only result in them being smashed to pieces in the end.
　
She'd learned that the hard way. Her hopes had been smashed so many times, now she could barely piece the miniscule bits and pieces of hope that she had left in her heart together when she needed them. And yet, she was trying to be optimistic. Not her forte-- but she could do it. "I know. I do feel sorry for him, though... he'll never know light or love. You do-- and you're one of the greatest cats I've ever met." Asterpaw told him. And...I'm still figuring things out...but I'm pretty sure you have a chance with me. She thought. She would never have said that out loud. She didn't want to either get his hopes up or scare him away. Or lose his friendship. But there was just that possibility that things could go very, very well in a direction that Asterpaw wouldn't mind at all. She was going to hold onto that. Cling onto that. Because right now, it was the most stable thing she could find. He was the most stable thing she could find. So she would equally be holding on and holding him up.
　
Azulpaw was still hurt, after all. She always hated the thought of that. And still, she had no idea what to do. She was afraid whatever she did might result in losing a friend, and if there was one thing Asterpaw hated... it was losing friends. Especially this particular friend. Because you shouldn't have to go through it at all! She wanted to exclaim, instead keeping her maw carefully shut. A moment later she sighed. "Azulpaw? If this happens again, promise me one thing: promise me you won't sacrifice yourself like that ever again. No matter what she threatens-- please, please just promise me that." She mewed. And she was begging again. Begging was so weak. It made her seem like less then she was, and because Alabasterpaw had already messed with her self-esteem enough, it meant she felt lower then anything else. Literally anything else. That was the reason she hated begging so much. She just didn't believe that it would help her in life.
　
It made her seem weaker. Smaller. And she hated that. But she also knew that if he would agree, it would be worth it. As long as he was safe. Asterpaw literally had no idea what she would do without him... he was the last cat in her life who wasn't evil. She had him, Alabasterpaw, and Bluepaw. Or at least, she used to have Alabasterpaw and Bluepaw. Now she wasn't so sure. Maybe he was the only cat in her life that she cared about. That she...loved. But I don't know that yet! She thought. It wasn't that she was trying to make excuses, or find reasons why there was no way she did love him. But Asterpaw had just found that not everyone was how they seemed to be. And while she was absolutely sure that this was who Azulpaw was-- so far, at least-- she was terrified at the same time. How was she supposed to know whether he was telling her the truth or not? How was she supposed to know anything? She couldn't read minds, and especially not Azulpaw's.
　
He said he loved her.
　
But, so had Bluepaw.
　
He'd been willing to die for her; and Bluepaw hadn't.
　
He was fun around to be around; and Bluepaw wasn't.
　
He didn't bug her, constantly touching her and making her feel weird; Bluepaw had.
　
Maybe, just maybe...it was okay for her to be in love. Maybe it was alright for her to have feelings again, other then the fleeting ones she'd had. She had thought her heart was broken for good, all those moons ago. It turned out she was wrong. It wasn't broken for good. Just temporarily, until someone decided to come and help. She had thought that was Bluepaw.
　
But it turned out she was wrong.
　
If she was correct, and she had been wrong so many times before-- but this time she felt as though it was right-- then it was Azulpaw. Not Bluepaw. Gently she curled her tail around him again, trying to continue to keep his focus on her and not the pain. She knew first-hand how sharp Alabasterpaw's claws were. She knew the damage they could inflict. And instead of her, Azulpaw was the one who had had to endure it. Endure the sharpness of claws piercing through his pelt-- a shudder went through Asterpaw at the thought. She hated the idea that he had really done that, although she knew it was true. She knew there was nothing she could have said to stop him. Most likely, at least. That moment would haunt her dreams, giving her nightmares, for good. The feline's ears twitched at the sudden voice-- though since Azulpaw remained calm, she imagined it was nothing to be worried about. Or was he only being still because he was worried something might happen to him?
　
Asterpaw looked from one to the other, hearing Silverpaw's comments and watching Azulpaw's reactions. Until Silverpaw asked her a question. Something that, although she had been realizing for a long time, somehow sounded more painful when the she cat asked it out loud. "Yes..." She whispered in a quiet voice, her ears going back. It wasn't her fault. She was determined not to put the blame for this on herself, and yet she had. As though she thought it would protect her, she began to back up. Away from the two of them. It was a natural protection she had developed when she found things getting uncomfortable, a natural protection that kept other cats from asking further questions. Most of the time. If they could tell that she was uncomfortable, or uncertain about this-- they would stop. However, this didn't always work, in which case Asterpaw had a tendancy to act somewhat like a trapped prey animal-- which wasn't considered a good thing on any level.
　
The she cat bit her lip. What they were speaking of now didn't sound like a joke to her. You're going to get yourself killed. And, you're going to get him killed. It was true. It was true, wasn't it? Alabasterpaw was going to kill him and it would be her fault. But she didn't want to put distance between them. He was the last thing in her life that remained steadfast, comfortable, and never changing. The one thing in her life that remained for sure. She wanted it to stay that way forever. Never changing, always sure. But that wasn't a part of life. Maybe if she were in StarClan, she could have that perfect life. But now? No way. "S-sorry. I would...I don't really...rather not talk about it." Asterpaw's ears flicked backwards again and she was now almost out of sight, she was so close to disappearing into the bushes. But she didn't. She was still visible. "M-maybe some other time when it's not so soon..." She added in a more apologetic voice, giving the silver she cat a slight smile.
　
The blue feline made her way back to Azulpaw, an apologetic expression on her features and she sighed. It was hard for her to believe that she did things right. Especially when she was so nervous all the time, and now...what if she made a fool of herself? Why had Silverpaw shown up now? Asterpaw shifted her weight, an uneasy purr rumbling in her chest as she retook her spot next to the grey tom. She looked down at her paws, staring at them very hard as though she expected them to start doing something extraordinary. She didn't-- but it definitely appeared that way from how fiercely she was looking at them. She couldn't bring herself to so much as look at him. You're going to get yourself killed. And, you're going to get him killed. She was. She was going to end up getting Azulpaw killed. Murdered would be more like it-- definitely, definitely murdered. I wouldn't have it any other way. It all sounded too serious to be a joke to the blue she cat.
　
Which was odd, because normally she would be laughing at something like that. But right now? No. It just seemed a bad time, that was all. And as usual, she knew that she cared too much. His offer surprised her a little, and she cocked her head to the side. Sleep? Now? Her? Well-- she was tired. Exhausted, to be exact. But it wasn't a good idea. What if Alabasterpaw or Bluepaw returned? In his weakened condition, they could easily finish him off...and Silverpaw didn't look like much of a match for the much stronger cats. They were cruel. Conniving. And together, were the most deadly duo that Asterpaw was sure had ever walked through the Clans. What if...what if...she thought, trying to think of a reason to stay awake. Other then those, because he had said they probably wouldn't return. Just in case, should she move away? Without her being there, no one would have anything to attack. But then again, she didn't know if that would really solve the problem.
　
"But...aren't you tired too?" She asked, looking at him quizzically. Surely he must be exhausted. It was tiring, wasn't it? Staying up? And yet, he was offering to do this for her. The she cat curled up against him, just so she could feel him nearby-- because she felt safe. As she had realized before, Azulpaw was the only steady thing in her life right now. And she would hold on for as long as she could. Just until he grew annoyed or accepted it, either one would work. "I could keep watch...you should probably get some sleep, you've been through way more..." She murmured drowsily, her eyelids fluttering open and she raised her head to look at him. It was funny-- Asterpaw wasn't a fan of true younger love. Or physical contact, for that matter. And yet she was okay with it. She had the feeling that the adventure of a lifetime was about to start.
　
Either that-- or the nightmare of a lifetime.

[Brilliance]

Was he breathing alright? It seemed like he couldn't talk. What had Alabasterpaw done to him? What could she have done to make this happen? The same thing she does every time, that vile, evil...Asterpaw thought, her hues flashing angrily. She could sort of understand what went through her sister's head. What went through Bluepaw's head...because right now, she was just about ready to kill them. But that would make her no better then them. And she knew it wasn't the right thing to do. Whatever they had done, if she were to go and hunt them down, that would make her just like them. A killer. No matter whether she was killing a cat who was extremely wrong or one that just annoyed her, either way, it was murder, plain and simple. She honestly was confused about what she was feeling right now. Anyone who could do this to another cat wasn't worth thinking about. And yet Alabasterpaw was her sister...and she did love her. She couldn't help it.
　
But she would have to. She didn't want to love a near-killer. An attempted murderer. And she knew all too well she couldn't be with Bluepaw. But she was still figuring out whether she loved Azulpaw or not. She would have died for him...for all of them, really. But looking back on that moment and remembering how badly she had wished it was her, she realized it hadn't been for all of them. Just him. She would have died for him. And yet she hadn't. Why didn't I just jump in the way? She thought. After all, if she were able to stagger into the bushes, she should have been able to block him just as well. And, once her strength had come back, she had. "It's going to be okay. It has to be okay." The blue feline was speaking just as much to herself as she was to Azulpaw. But she was still terrified. What if it wasn't going to be okay? Optimism was fine, but at times-- foolish. Getting her hopes up could only result in them being smashed to pieces in the end.
　
She'd learned that the hard way. Her hopes had been smashed so many times, now she could barely piece the miniscule bits and pieces of hope that she had left in her heart together when she needed them. And yet, she was trying to be optimistic. Not her forte-- but she could do it. "I know. I do feel sorry for him, though... he'll never know light or love. You do-- and you're one of the greatest cats I've ever met." Asterpaw told him. And...I'm still figuring things out...but I'm pretty sure you have a chance with me. She thought. She would never have said that out loud. She didn't want to either get his hopes up or scare him away. Or lose his friendship. But there was just that possibility that things could go very, very well in a direction that Asterpaw wouldn't mind at all. She was going to hold onto that. Cling onto that. Because right now, it was the most stable thing she could find. He was the most stable thing she could find. So she would equally be holding on and holding him up.
　
Azulpaw was still hurt, after all. She always hated the thought of that. And still, she had no idea what to do. She was afraid whatever she did might result in losing a friend, and if there was one thing Asterpaw hated... it was losing friends. Especially this particular friend. Because you shouldn't have to go through it at all! She wanted to exclaim, instead keeping her maw carefully shut. A moment later she sighed. "Azulpaw? If this happens again, promise me one thing: promise me you won't sacrifice yourself like that ever again. No matter what she threatens-- please, please just promise me that." She mewed. And she was begging again. Begging was so weak. It made her seem like less then she was, and because Alabasterpaw had already messed with her self-esteem enough, it meant she felt lower then anything else. Literally anything else. That was the reason she hated begging so much. She just didn't believe that it would help her in life.
　
It made her seem weaker. Smaller. And she hated that. But she also knew that if he would agree, it would be worth it. As long as he was safe. Asterpaw literally had no idea what she would do without him... he was the last cat in her life who wasn't evil. She had him, Alabasterpaw, and Bluepaw. Or at least, she used to have Alabasterpaw and Bluepaw. Now she wasn't so sure. Maybe he was the only cat in her life that she cared about. That she...loved. But I don't know that yet! She thought. It wasn't that she was trying to make excuses, or find reasons why there was no way she did love him. But Asterpaw had just found that not everyone was how they seemed to be. And while she was absolutely sure that this was who Azulpaw was-- so far, at least-- she was terrified at the same time. How was she supposed to know whether he was telling her the truth or not? How was she supposed to know anything? She couldn't read minds, and especially not Azulpaw's.
　
He said he loved her.
　
But, so had Bluepaw.
　
He'd been willing to die for her; and Bluepaw hadn't.
　
He was fun around to be around; and Bluepaw wasn't.
　
He didn't bug her, constantly touching her and making her feel weird; Bluepaw had.
　
Maybe, just maybe...it was okay for her to be in love. Maybe it was alright for her to have feelings again, other then the fleeting ones she'd had. She had thought her heart was broken for good, all those moons ago. It turned out she was wrong. It wasn't broken for good. Just temporarily, until someone decided to come and help. She had thought that was Bluepaw.
　
But it turned out she was wrong.
　
If she was correct, and she had been wrong so many times before-- but this time she felt as though it was right-- then it was Azulpaw. Not Bluepaw. Gently she curled her tail around him again, trying to continue to keep his focus on her and not the pain. She knew first-hand how sharp Alabasterpaw's claws were. She knew the damage they could inflict. And instead of her, Azulpaw was the one who had had to endure it. Endure the sharpness of claws piercing through his pelt-- a shudder went through Asterpaw at the thought. She hated the idea that he had really done that, although she knew it was true. She knew there was nothing she could have said to stop him. Most likely, at least. That moment would haunt her dreams, giving her nightmares, for good. The feline's ears twitched at the sudden voice-- though since Azulpaw remained calm, she imagined it was nothing to be worried about. Or was he only being still because he was worried something might happen to him?
　
Asterpaw looked from one to the other, hearing Silverpaw's comments and watching Azulpaw's reactions. Until Silverpaw asked her a question. Something that, although she had been realizing for a long time, somehow sounded more painful when the she cat asked it out loud. "Yes..." She whispered in a quiet voice, her ears going back. It wasn't her fault. She was determined not to put the blame for this on herself, and yet she had. As though she thought it would protect her, she began to back up. Away from the two of them. It was a natural protection she had developed when she found things getting uncomfortable, a natural protection that kept other cats from asking further questions. Most of the time. If they could tell that she was uncomfortable, or uncertain about this-- they would stop. However, this didn't always work, in which case Asterpaw had a tendancy to act somewhat like a trapped prey animal-- which wasn't considered a good thing on any level.
　
The she cat bit her lip. What they were speaking of now didn't sound like a joke to her. You're going to get yourself killed. And, you're going to get him killed. It was true. It was true, wasn't it? Alabasterpaw was going to kill him and it would be her fault. But she didn't want to put distance between them. He was the last thing in her life that remained steadfast, comfortable, and never changing. The one thing in her life that remained for sure. She wanted it to stay that way forever. Never changing, always sure. But that wasn't a part of life. Maybe if she were in StarClan, she could have that perfect life. But now? No way. "S-sorry. I would...I don't really...rather not talk about it." Asterpaw's ears flicked backwards again and she was now almost out of sight, she was so close to disappearing into the bushes. But she didn't. She was still visible. "M-maybe some other time when it's not so soon..." She added in a more apologetic voice, giving the silver she cat a slight smile.
　
The blue feline made her way back to Azulpaw, an apologetic expression on her features and she sighed. It was hard for her to believe that she did things right. Especially when she was so nervous all the time, and now...what if she made a fool of herself? Why had Silverpaw shown up now? Asterpaw shifted her weight, an uneasy purr rumbling in her chest as she retook her spot next to the grey tom. She looked down at her paws, staring at them very hard as though she expected them to start doing something extraordinary. She didn't-- but it definitely appeared that way from how fiercely she was looking at them. She couldn't bring herself to so much as look at him. You're going to get yourself killed. And, you're going to get him killed. She was. She was going to end up getting Azulpaw killed. Murdered would be more like it-- definitely, definitely murdered. I wouldn't have it any other way. It all sounded too serious to be a joke to the blue she cat.
　
Which was odd, because normally she would be laughing at something like that. But right now? No. It just seemed a bad time, that was all. And as usual, she knew that she cared too much. His offer surprised her a little, and she cocked her head to the side. Sleep? Now? Her? Well-- she was tired. Exhausted, to be exact. But it wasn't a good idea. What if Alabasterpaw or Bluepaw returned? In his weakened condition, they could easily finish him off...and Silverpaw didn't look like much of a match for the much stronger cats. They were cruel. Conniving. And together, were the most deadly duo that Asterpaw was sure had ever walked through the Clans. What if...what if...she thought, trying to think of a reason to stay awake. Other then those, because he had said they probably wouldn't return. Just in case, should she move away? Without her being there, no one would have anything to attack. But then again, she didn't know if that would really solve the problem.
　
"But...aren't you tired too?" She asked, looking at him quizzically. Surely he must be exhausted. It was tiring, wasn't it? Staying up? And yet, he was offering to do this for her. The she cat curled up against him, just so she could feel him nearby-- because she felt safe. As she had realized before, Azulpaw was the only steady thing in her life right now. And she would hold on for as long as she could. Just until he grew annoyed or accepted it, either one would work. "I could keep watch...you should probably get some sleep, you've been through way more..." She murmured drowsily, her eyelids fluttering open and she raised her head to look at him. It was funny-- Asterpaw wasn't a fan of true younger love. Or physical contact, for that matter. And yet she was okay with it. She had the feeling that the adventure of a lifetime was about to start.
　
Either that-- or the nightmare of a lifetime.


Silverpaw watched the two felines with steady eyes. Though they hadn’t told her exactly what she wanted to her, she simply twitched her nose, but kept her delicate green eyes on them, observing their next moves. They both seemed tired. Exhausted. Especially Azulpaw. The poor tom who was constantly getting abused--though it only happened twice, which was enough. All for the same reason! She did not understand what was so special about the blue she-cat. She did not understand why ever would Azulpaw want to lay down his life just so he could protect her. It wasn’t as if he were carrying out that job. Once he was dead...she was alone. He wouldn’t be able to protect her if he were dead, right? Though the silver apprentice believed in starclan...she was influenced that they hardly came into contact with the real world. Something she picked up from Azulpaw a few moons ago. Those moons where he was that sardonic tom before he met the white and blue cats. That satirical tom she’s grown to love and care for.

Now look at him...seeming hopeless, but smiling all the same as if he’s never been hurt. Silverpaw really did wish she could applaud him on his hard work. On his determination of believing he was doing the right thing. Silverpaw didn’t think anything negative of the blue cat. In fact, she didn’t know her that well to have a viewpoint on her. However, she did consider Asterpaw as a distant friend. She could see that the blue cat held a genuine care for Azulpaw--something they had in common, and she was thankful that there was another cat that cared for the tom. ‘’As far as I’m concerned, why don’t the two of you just go to the apprentices’ den to sleep? Nestle up together and take a nap...or something.’’ The feline gave a nervous laugh. She knew that Azulpaw was hurt, and that he could barely walk. She didn’t want him to go a distance--the thought of carrying him made her own body ache! He was, indeed, a heavy cat. Though he would get larger, only being so young, but she wondered how large would he grow out to be?

‘’It doesn’t sound like a bad idea.’’ The tom mewed, growing quiet once more. It would be better to be out of the inquiring eyes. Especially if Alabasterpaw or Bluepaw were still lurking in the shadows, blending in like they fit the puzzle piece in a perfect manner. Just the thought made his fur bristle to no end, but he felt at ease upon feeling Asterpaw against him. His breathing slowed down, and he pulled his head up, tilting it a bit as he stared at the silver feline. ‘’But, I don’t know if I could walk the distance.’’ And, to prove himself, he tried to stand up, but he almost toppled over the blue she-cat, and he mumbled an apology and settled back down again. ‘’Yup. Still as useless as I can be.’’ Silverpaw snorted and rolled her eyes. She knew that one thing that would never die, was his sarcasm. And, she was thankful for that, earnestly. Her ears pinned thinking back to earlier, that he almost looked dead with a haunted look in his eye. She would have no idea what would happen if this grey tom left her...on her own...in this world...without any of his magnificent lectures. Though she could stand without the lectures, she couldn’t stand without him. As much as he hate to admit it, she would had blamed Asterpaw for everything. For his death. For toying with him. For getting to know him. Though as selfish as it seemed, the silver feline believed that Azulpaw would be better having to not know about Asterpaw and her sister---what was her name? The white feline.

‘’Well,’’ Silverpaw begins. ‘’At least you’re good for one thing; dying for someone.’’ though her voice carried a chirpiness of light tone, it dawned on her that she said it in a disturbing manner. She didn’t want to annoy them or constantly remind them of the endangerment Azulpaw was going through. She also meant for it to be a joke. A twisted cruel joke was what came out. Not even deserving the title of a joke. The she-cat gave a sheepish grin, and she pinned her ears, ‘’Sorry! I-I didn’t...mean for it to come out in that way.’’

‘’Well, heh.’’ Azulpaw shakes off her comment with a flick of his ears. It wasn’t the first time that the she-cat had said something out of line, and he knew it wouldn’t be the last time. The only thing he did care about is if her little comment offended the blue cat next to him. To him, he shook it off. This was because he new the silver feline. He knew the way her mind worked, he knew the way how she would react at certain situations, he knew what annoyed her, made her agitated, he knew what made her happy, cheerful. He knew what hurt her, what she treasured, what she loathed. He knew all these things about her because he knew...her. ‘’Besides, I don’t like to think that I’m just dying. I mean, come on, I’m like a hero.’’ The tom gave a haughty laugh with a shrug. ‘’You should be thankful that I’ll be willing to save your behind whenever you’re in trouble.’’ He says. The tom was speaking in general, though he was addressing Silverpaw. He wanted them both to know that he would always be there for them, no matter if the mountains are in his way, or the rivers are flooding. He would make a way there to be the rock they leaned on. Because everyone needed someone to lean on. ‘’Just askin’ that the two of you don’t go ‘round looking for trouble. I don’t have that much energy in me as I had before.’’ He told them, adding authority to his voice, with a taint of playfulness. The tom rolled onto his side, grunting in the process. He let out a content sigh, and blinked his eyes a few times.

Where had the time gone? First it was morning. The sun at its highest point, and he had been doing fine that morning. He woke up, decided he would train, went hunting...bumped into Silverpaw and Asterpaw. He had a pleasurable time with the blue cat until Bluepaw showed up. Then, the whole thing with Alabasterpaw. The way he was ready to lay down his life, and give it to the paws, greedy to take them. Other than that, it was still morning! The sun was up, it was a bit chilly, but it was still morning! Had everything happened so fast? His life flashed before his eyes? The day truly had gone by slow, and his eyes weigh heavily. It would be nice to sleep, but he wouldn’t want to sleep knowing Asterpaw was tired and willing to stay up and keep guard. As for Silverpaw, he doubted the small she-cat could even stand up for herself, let alone them. Yet, she did throw herself at Bluepaw, which Azulpaw was not happy to hear. Silverpaw did have a spark in her, that was for sure, but he couldn’t risk her getting hypnotized by Alabasterpaw. That was the last thing he needed in his life.

‘’I’m…’’Azulpaw yawned softly, dropping his head. He laid them silently on his paws, blinking per usual. ‘’I’ll stay…’’He yawned once more, getting annoyed with himself. Was he that tired? Of course he was. He dealt with some killing blows, and his body ached everywhere. He deserved a little break. He promised himself that he wouldn’t sleep that long. Just a small cat nap would do, and he’ll be better in when he awoke--yup! That was the plan. He would be much better when he awoke. ‘’Ah, screw it. I need a little bit of sleep. Sorry, gals, but this tom is ready to drop.’’ Though he could had used a more sensible saying than ‘’ready to drop’’ the meaning sounded harsh-like. As if he were ready to drop dead. He once more blinked his eyes towards Asterpaw, providing her with a sleepy smile. ‘’Wake me up soon. If I don’t awake, pound me into oblivion.’’ He said, joking tiredly. And, he curled himself into a tight ball, allowing his tail to gently lay upon the blue-cat so that he could feel her near. Silverpaw watched the scene played out, and a smile crossed her muzzle. The moment would had been perfect with it just being them three, but she got the abnormal feeling that someone was nearby. A scent she knew all too well, but she flicked her tail, ignoring it. Perhaps, she had been wrong.

And, perhaps she haven’t seen those blue icy hues laughing in the shadows.

[Tundra]

Nighty

Goldenpaw led the way out of the entrance and into the territory. She glanced over her shoulder to make sure that Chirppaw was following. Where to go.. Where to go...

[goddess of ducks]

Nighty

Goldenpaw led the way out of the entrance and into the territory. She glanced over her shoulder to make sure that Chirppaw was following. Where to go.. Where to go...
Chirppaw had never been on an actual hunting session before, only practicing in the training plateau. Of course, she was only six and a half moons, but still. This was her first real hunting session in the territory. She glanced around, getting her bearings. Auroraflame had at least shown her the basics of the territory. "Want to head towards the trees? There could be some mice there?" She said, her voice sounding mature and professionalized now. She was acting serious, like a warrior, except for the fact that she still had hits of her squeaky kit voice.

[Ludicrous Lunacy]

[cont.]
...he remembered the blood on his paw... not just his paw, all over his fur. He was pretty sure it was his own blood. Wait, that meant he was bleeding. Staring at her he stumbled back, unconsciously going deeper into SkyClan territory. Pardus blinked and shut his eyes, over and over, but he could not get the image from his mind. Shaking himself, he straightened. What was he, a kit? Blubbing about a dead enemy? You should be happy she's dead.
[ fenic! ]

[Fel]

[cont.]
...he remembered the blood on his paw... not just his paw, all over his fur. He was pretty sure it was his own blood. Wait, that meant he was bleeding. Staring at her he stumbled back, unconsciously going deeper into SkyClan territory. Pardus blinked and shut his eyes, over and over, but he could not get the image from his mind. Shaking himself, he straightened. What was he, a kit? Blubbing about a dead enemy? You should be happy she's dead.
[ @fenic! (http://warriorcatsonline.com/forums/member.php?u=21) ]
Cinderpaw could still remember the attack. It was when him and Ashenpaw were younger, when they'd tried to go off by themselves without a warrior escort, and they'd been ambushed- they were bloodthirsty rogues, and they'd been attacked, having to retreat to Stormlight's den after they were all cut up, broken. But they had each other, and that was what mattered. Cinderpaw loved her, and they were about to become warriors together, days from getting their full names. He wanted to spend his life with her, making sure she was okay, that they'd never be as vulnerable as they once were ever again. That won't ever happen again, huh? She's gone. It was only a few moments ago that he'd seen her body. The patrol was already gone, but her killer was slinking away, and a flash of rage tore through his mind as he raced after him, green eyes lighting up with absolute hatred. "You... you just killed my best friend." He snarled behind the tom, tears staining his fur as Cinderpaw growled. "I hope you remember her face when I do the same to you."

[spade]

((*sniffs* they never got to admit their love for each other we nEED to do really in depth dream rp's with them where they finally admit their feelings okay? okay.c: ))

[Ludicrous Lunacy]

Cinderpaw could still remember the attack. It was when him and Ashenpaw were younger, when they'd tried to go off by themselves without a warrior escort, and they'd been ambushed- they were bloodthirsty rogues, and they'd been attacked, having to retreat to Stormlight's den after they were all cut up, broken. But they had each other, and that was what mattered. Cinderpaw loved her, and they were about to become warriors together, days from getting their full names. He wanted to spend his life with her, making sure she was okay, that they'd never be as vulnerable as they once were ever again. That won't ever happen again, huh? She's gone. It was only a few moments ago that he'd seen her body. The patrol was already gone, but her killer was slinking away, and a flash of rage tore through his mind as he raced after him, green eyes lighting up with absolute hatred. "You... you just killed my best friend." He snarled behind the tom, tears staining his fur as Cinderpaw growled. "I hope you remember her face when I do the same to you."

The dull-furred silver tom whipped around, startled. His eyes darkened slightly at the word "killed". Tail lashing, Pardus responded, "There isn't just one cat dead, you selfish little fleabag! You have another Clanmate lying dead, but no, all that matters is one cat. One, single, pathetic cat." The trainee's olive eyes glinted with an emotion hard to identify, for he hid it so quickly. "And," he added, voice dangerously quiet, "If I killed her, why do you think I can't kill you?"

(Gtg, can respond later)

[lone]

Silverpaw watched the two felines with steady eyes. Though they hadn’t told her exactly what she wanted to her, she simply twitched her nose, but kept her delicate green eyes on them, observing their next moves. They both seemed tired. Exhausted. Especially Azulpaw. The poor tom who was constantly getting abused--though it only happened twice, which was enough. All for the same reason! She did not understand what was so special about the blue she-cat. She did not understand why ever would Azulpaw want to lay down his life just so he could protect her. It wasn’t as if he were carrying out that job. Once he was dead...she was alone. He wouldn’t be able to protect her if he were dead, right? Though the silver apprentice believed in starclan...she was influenced that they hardly came into contact with the real world. Something she picked up from Azulpaw a few moons ago. Those moons where he was that sardonic tom before he met the white and blue cats. That satirical tom she’s grown to love and care for.

Now look at him...seeming hopeless, but smiling all the same as if he’s never been hurt. Silverpaw really did wish she could applaud him on his hard work. On his determination of believing he was doing the right thing. Silverpaw didn’t think anything negative of the blue cat. In fact, she didn’t know her that well to have a viewpoint on her. However, she did consider Asterpaw as a distant friend. She could see that the blue cat held a genuine care for Azulpaw--something they had in common, and she was thankful that there was another cat that cared for the tom. ‘’As far as I’m concerned, why don’t the two of you just go to the apprentices’ den to sleep? Nestle up together and take a nap...or something.’’ The feline gave a nervous laugh. She knew that Azulpaw was hurt, and that he could barely walk. She didn’t want him to go a distance--the thought of carrying him made her own body ache! He was, indeed, a heavy cat. Though he would get larger, only being so young, but she wondered how large would he grow out to be?

‘’It doesn’t sound like a bad idea.’’ The tom mewed, growing quiet once more. It would be better to be out of the inquiring eyes. Especially if Alabasterpaw or Bluepaw were still lurking in the shadows, blending in like they fit the puzzle piece in a perfect manner. Just the thought made his fur bristle to no end, but he felt at ease upon feeling Asterpaw against him. His breathing slowed down, and he pulled his head up, tilting it a bit as he stared at the silver feline. ‘’But, I don’t know if I could walk the distance.’’ And, to prove himself, he tried to stand up, but he almost toppled over the blue she-cat, and he mumbled an apology and settled back down again. ‘’Yup. Still as useless as I can be.’’ Silverpaw snorted and rolled her eyes. She knew that one thing that would never die, was his sarcasm. And, she was thankful for that, earnestly. Her ears pinned thinking back to earlier, that he almost looked dead with a haunted look in his eye. She would have no idea what would happen if this grey tom left her...on her own...in this world...without any of his magnificent lectures. Though she could stand without the lectures, she couldn’t stand without him. As much as he hate to admit it, she would had blamed Asterpaw for everything. For his death. For toying with him. For getting to know him. Though as selfish as it seemed, the silver feline believed that Azulpaw would be better having to not know about Asterpaw and her sister---what was her name? The white feline.

‘’Well,’’ Silverpaw begins. ‘’At least you’re good for one thing; dying for someone.’’ though her voice carried a chirpiness of light tone, it dawned on her that she said it in a disturbing manner. She didn’t want to annoy them or constantly remind them of the endangerment Azulpaw was going through. She also meant for it to be a joke. A twisted cruel joke was what came out. Not even deserving the title of a joke. The she-cat gave a sheepish grin, and she pinned her ears, ‘’Sorry! I-I didn’t...mean for it to come out in that way.’’

‘’Well, heh.’’ Azulpaw shakes off her comment with a flick of his ears. It wasn’t the first time that the she-cat had said something out of line, and he knew it wouldn’t be the last time. The only thing he did care about is if her little comment offended the blue cat next to him. To him, he shook it off. This was because he new the silver feline. He knew the way her mind worked, he knew the way how she would react at certain situations, he knew what annoyed her, made her agitated, he knew what made her happy, cheerful. He knew what hurt her, what she treasured, what she loathed. He knew all these things about her because he knew...her. ‘’Besides, I don’t like to think that I’m just dying. I mean, come on, I’m like a hero.’’ The tom gave a haughty laugh with a shrug. ‘’You should be thankful that I’ll be willing to save your behind whenever you’re in trouble.’’ He says. The tom was speaking in general, though he was addressing Silverpaw. He wanted them both to know that he would always be there for them, no matter if the mountains are in his way, or the rivers are flooding. He would make a way there to be the rock they leaned on. Because everyone needed someone to lean on. ‘’Just askin’ that the two of you don’t go ‘round looking for trouble. I don’t have that much energy in me as I had before.’’ He told them, adding authority to his voice, with a taint of playfulness. The tom rolled onto his side, grunting in the process. He let out a content sigh, and blinked his eyes a few times.

Where had the time gone? First it was morning. The sun at its highest point, and he had been doing fine that morning. He woke up, decided he would train, went hunting...bumped into Silverpaw and Asterpaw. He had a pleasurable time with the blue cat until Bluepaw showed up. Then, the whole thing with Alabasterpaw. The way he was ready to lay down his life, and give it to the paws, greedy to take them. Other than that, it was still morning! The sun was up, it was a bit chilly, but it was still morning! Had everything happened so fast? His life flashed before his eyes? The day truly had gone by slow, and his eyes weigh heavily. It would be nice to sleep, but he wouldn’t want to sleep knowing Asterpaw was tired and willing to stay up and keep guard. As for Silverpaw, he doubted the small she-cat could even stand up for herself, let alone them. Yet, she did throw herself at Bluepaw, which Azulpaw was not happy to hear. Silverpaw did have a spark in her, that was for sure, but he couldn’t risk her getting hypnotized by Alabasterpaw. That was the last thing he needed in his life.

‘’I’m…’’Azulpaw yawned softly, dropping his head. He laid them silently on his paws, blinking per usual. ‘’I’ll stay…’’He yawned once more, getting annoyed with himself. Was he that tired? Of course he was. He dealt with some killing blows, and his body ached everywhere. He deserved a little break. He promised himself that he wouldn’t sleep that long. Just a small cat nap would do, and he’ll be better in when he awoke--yup! That was the plan. He would be much better when he awoke. ‘’Ah, screw it. I need a little bit of sleep. Sorry, gals, but this tom is ready to drop.’’ Though he could had used a more sensible saying than ‘’ready to drop’’ the meaning sounded harsh-like. As if he were ready to drop dead. He once more blinked his eyes towards Asterpaw, providing her with a sleepy smile. ‘’Wake me up soon. If I don’t awake, pound me into oblivion.’’ He said, joking tiredly. And, he curled himself into a tight ball, allowing his tail to gently lay upon the blue-cat so that he could feel her near. Silverpaw watched the scene played out, and a smile crossed her muzzle. The moment would had been perfect with it just being them three, but she got the abnormal feeling that someone was nearby. A scent she knew all too well, but she flicked her tail, ignoring it. Perhaps, she had been wrong.

And, perhaps she haven’t seen those blue icy hues laughing in the shadows.

Asterpaw definitely could have gone for a nap in the apprentices' den. But it was obvious Azulpaw was still too weak to walk that far-- and so she was willing to stay here. It was somewhat comfortable here. And, after all, she was fine to stay awake. She glanced over at Silverpaw... sure, the cat was pretty friendly. Helpful. She cared about Azulpaw. The blue feline was exhausted, and felt like she could have slept forever, but she needed to stay up. Needed to keep guard. Just by looking at Silverpaw, not to mention having seeing Bluepaw slam her into a tree earlier, she could tell that the younger cat wasn't strong enough to keep them at bay. Was she? Possibly-- then again, maybe not. It would all depend on how determined they were...she would just have to rely on her speed. Her agility. Which would probably be down because she was so tired. Was that how Alabasterpaw had gotten ahold of her earlier?
　
If she had just been a moment quicker...just a flicker of a second swifter...she could have avoided the she cat altogether. And none of this would be happening. Then again, she might still be with Bluepaw... well, one good thing came out of it. This would be the first time she had ever broken her word. She just couldn't stay with a cat like Bluepaw, though...he was pure evil. And she'd thought he was such a great tom, truly thought that maybe she could grow to love him. But now? The thought was sickening. Horrible. She was glad Azulpaw was nearby now, and it was almost comforting to feel his tail on her. Something rustled in the bushes, making Asterpaw's ears flick in that direction.
　
"I'll...be right back..." She spoke in a low tone, her eyes narrowing at the bush and she glanced back at the now-asleep Azulpaw. Honestly, she would have preferred to curl up with him-- it really didn't sound too bad right now...but she had already said she would keep guard. Which meant checking out this rustling in the bushes. Stepping over them, she saw a flash of fur and the next minute was staring into a familiar face, one that was grinning down at her. "Asty! Did you miss me? I know you did. I missed you!" The overeager tom laughed, looking as though he were going to touch noses with her. She groaned and pushed him off her, rolling her eyes as she got to her paws. "Good grief, Foxpaw." She sighed.
　
It had been forever since Foxpaw had been around Asterpaw. And he had missed the blue feline-- though he didn't truly love her in that way. It was fun to mess with her, though. "And if you ever call me 'Asty' again, I'll tell everyone your name is Squeakaroo." She snapped. That was a nickname that Foxpaw had recieved from Asterpaw for his higher pitched voice when he was younger. And he hated it. A shudder went down the tom's spine at the memory of the awful nickname. "Don't you dare!" He mewed, his voice coming out in a true squeak. She laughed and pushed him. Foxpaw knew the two of them had their differences-- his personality annoyed her, and she tended to make fun of him too much-- but they were close. "C'mon, Squeaky. You know Silverpaw, don't you?" She asked with a snort. Silverpaw. The name rang a bell, Foxpaw knew a lot of cats-- did he know her? Oh yeah! Now he was sure of it.
　
"Oh yeah! I definitely know Silverpaw." He mewed confidently, glancing at Asterpaw again. Since her sister called her 'Ast,' he had taken to calling her 'Asty' just to annoy her-- and he would constantly flirt with her. Sometimes underhandedly, which was the most fun of all, and sometimes straight out. He was always flirting. No matter who it was, even if it was obvious someone else was in love with them or they were in love with someone else, he would go ahead. It didn't have a boundary to him. It was love! Well-- one sided, most of the time. "Hey...Asty, you want to make me look good, don't you?" He asked, stopping her before she left the bushes. "That depends. Keep calling me Asty, and I promise you you won't get another chance. The day you break a heart is the day you get a smack in the face." She told him, narrowing her eyes.
　
While Asterpaw liked Foxpaw, she didn't like his flirting. And while he hadn't had much luck-- yet-- he seemed to remain optimistic. Very, very optimistic. Too much for her to deal with, at any rate. "Pleaasee?" He begged, looking at her and making his hues very, very big. Ugh. She thought, flicking him lightly with her tail. "Fine..." She growled. In the next moment, she and Foxpaw stepped out of the bushes, her with a disgusted expression on her features, and him with a bright smile as he headed over towards Silverpaw, Asterpaw trailing behind. "Oh, Foxpaw! Your eyes sparkle like--" She stopped, making a face when he turned the other way. "A thousand stars. You're so strong, and handsome..." Her voice trailed off for effect, but instead of making the shining, warm smile she was supposed to, she began shaking her head and mouthing the word 'no' to Silverpaw.
　
Now was the part she was dreading most. The tom came and brushed himself along her, winking at her and glancing at Silverpaw. StarClan help me. She thought, pretending to swoon. "And your pelt! It's so soft, like--" She cut herself off and stopped. "Forget it, Squeakaroo. I'm not doing this." She mewed, pulling away from him and sitting down, beginning to clean her pelt. Well, he had certainly woken her up. He seemed to have that effect on she cats. "No fair calling me Squeakaroo, Asty!" Foxpaw complained. Her hues snapped and she got to her paws, glaring at him. Good grief, she thought as he ducked and ran around beside Silverpaw.
　
"Silvster wants me to stay with her. Don't you, Silvy dear?" He asked, peeking around anxiously at Asterpaw. His green hues looked so pathetic that she began to laugh, backing away. "Next time you need someone to build you up, let me know. This is hilarious." She snorted, before stepping away from him with an amused expression. Part of her wanted Silverpaw to get away from him as fast as he could, and the other part wanted to see how she would react to this. The funniest thing was, Foxpaw thought he was being cool when he did all this. He thought he was StarClan's gift to every she cat around the Clans. Stupid. She thought. He probably would end up being quite handsome when he was older, but right now? Nah. Not her type at all.
　
Foxpaw looked at Silverpaw, his green hues as pleading as he could make them. "Aw, c'mon, Asty. Tell her I'm not so bad. Remember?" He asked, winking at her. Him and his flirting. She thought with a roll of her eyes, but figured she owed him at least one favor. He was a source of amusement and cheer for her-- someone she hadn't seen since she had first become an apprentice. "He's really not bad, Silverpaw." Stupid, but not bad. A complete idiot, but not bad. A terrible flirt, but not bad. She thought. She could have added all of that, but she didn't. "You did it! You do love me, I totally knew that!" He mewed happily, bounding towards her, but she pushed him away. "Take it easy there, dude. This she cat is not available." She laughed, while the tom pouted.
　
"So you're taken? By Nightpaw?" He teased, with a smirk. Nightpaw. Asterpaw had seen him more recently, but hadn't heard his name in all that time... what had happened? "Absolutely not. And no, I'm not taken." She growled, glaring at him. "Well you can't be neither!" Foxpaw exclaimed in frustration. Asterpaw knew that he wasn't that annoyed. She knew he didn't actually care that much whether she loved him or not, or he wouldn't go off and flirt with other she cats-- then get shot down. Part of her wondered if that was what he loved about it, getting shot down. "Oh yes I can, Squeakaroo. I'm on reserve. For the one who deserves my heart." Not even realizing it, she glanced over at Azulpaw.
　
Foxpaw saw this and glanced at Silverpaw with a questioning look. The last time he had seen Asterpaw, she had looked ready to swear that toms were bad news. Except for Nightpaw. But what had happened, anyways? They'd been so close-- and then just sort of fell apart. And now she was looking at Azulpaw like he was the best thing ever... which Foxpaw didn't understand at all. "I missed something, didn't I?" He asked Silverpaw in a low voice. He did like the she cat. Just...no more then any other pretty, fiesty, interesting cat that crossed his path. He absolutely loved some she cats. In a friendly way, of course. They were interesting, and fun... and Silverpaw was one of them. "Nightpaw's not going to be happy," He warned. And it was true. The black tom was selfish, like he had always been...constantly angry until he met someone he loved. Which had been Asterpaw. Growing up as kits together... he wondered if she had mentioned that at all.
　
Of course Asterpaw hadn't mentioned it. What reason did she have to? "I don't want to hear that name aga-" The blue feline took a step back and felt herself bump into something soft. And big. And it had a familiar feel to it. Foxpaw was staring at her as though she had just walked into Alabasterpaw. Or Bluepaw. But considering he had rarely seen either one of the felines since he had always been hanging around with her and Nightpaw, she doubted it was them. "What were you saying about my name?" A quiet voice asked from behind her. Now, despite her being older, Nightpaw had constantly been her companion. Her shadow. And... they had quite the history, some good, some bad. He had been her best friend. And he had... broken her heart. First him, then Lionpaw. Though not quite in the same way. Or maybe she had loved Nightpaw, she wasn't sure. "You." She spoke in a cold, quiet voice.
　
"Who's he?" Nightpaw's hues narrowed in the direction of Azulpaw. "A better cat then you." She retorted, her own hues snapping like miniature grey-green flames. She looked like Alabasterpaw... quite a bit, to be honest. She had never wanted to see the tom again. Not after the awkward history the two had. A bad history. A history that she hoped would never be repeated. "Oh come on now, Ast. You don't mean that." He purred in a rich, deep voice. Nightpaw always had been more mature then most of the others around his age.
　
"I do. Please, Nightpaw, just leave me alone."
　
"Can't we at least discuss this?" He took a step closer to her, looking as though he wanted to brush himself up against her and just be around her...but Asterpaw stepped back again.
　
"There's nothing to discuss. You left. I stayed. You moved on, and I didn't. It's your fault I'm like this now." She snapped back angrily. She hated him. Everything about him. And yet, he had been her first friend. Even before Alabasterpaw. In the nursery, he had always been there. Grumpy, but willing to talk. And he'd shown her the stars, the sky...he'd been the one to get her into all of that.
　
"Well you aged nicely." He purred, looking her over. "Can't we be friends again?" He asked, taking another step closer to her. Please. I'm asking you to give me a chance. He thought. Nightpaw hadn't spoken a word to the silver cat or the grey one, or given so much as a friendly nod. Because he was afraid of losing Asterpaw to them. He'd lost her to Lionpaw before, and what had the stupid tom done? Gotten rid of her. She had been his treasure, and now she was reduced to...whatever this was. Hanging on to a shadow of a tom that looked pretty beat up to him.
　
"Get away from me."
　
"That wasn't what you were saying before. You used to care. So much. We could be like that again, Ast! Remember?" He asked, searching her face for any sign of recognition.
　
"I remember." Her voice was soft, and worried.
　
"So come on, then! What are you waiting for?"
　
Asterpaw glanced back at Azulpaw, and her expression looked as though it were going to crumple. Would Nightpaw have done anything remotely like what Azulpaw had done? No. He would have stood by her, but not in front of her. He wouldn't have blocked her. He wouldn't have come running. He would have already been there, and he would have gone to get help. Leaving her behind...as usual. "I'm staying with Azulpaw, Nightpaw. You left when I needed you the most. You just walked away. We can be friends...but it won't be the same." She told him. Nightpaw continued to nod, listening to her words, and then sighed.
　
"I understand. But I'm not giving up."
　
Foxpaw, his timing as perfect as always, chimed in. "Awkward!" The tom crowed. Asterpaw's grey-green eyes fixating on him, looking as though she were getting ready to give him a well timed slap, or perhaps just pin him down, made him uncomfortable and he slunk behind Silverpaw again. "Uh, then again, uh... maybe it's totally normal. Long lost friends meeting, third wheels... Silvster, you want to be a fourth wheel? I was always a third wheel. Oh hey, but if you and I are third and fourth wheels, we have each other! Sorry, whatever-your-name-is... looks like you're left out!" He called back, smiling at Silverpaw and then turning his gaze to Asterpaw and Nightpaw.
　
Asterpaw was furious. How dare he, even after everything she had said, believe that she would just discard Azulpaw? "No. He's not left out, I told you before." She growled, and moved back towards Azulpaw, around the black tom, careful not to touch him at all. Asterpaw had no idea what she was getting herself into, but she hoped it was good...for everyone's sake. She didn't want this to have an unhappy ending.

[Brilliance]

Asterpaw definitely could have gone for a nap in the apprentices' den. But it was obvious Azulpaw was still too weak to walk that far-- and so she was willing to stay here. It was somewhat comfortable here. And, after all, she was fine to stay awake. She glanced over at Silverpaw... sure, the cat was pretty friendly. Helpful. She cared about Azulpaw. The blue feline was exhausted, and felt like she could have slept forever, but she needed to stay up. Needed to keep guard. Just by looking at Silverpaw, not to mention having seeing Bluepaw slam her into a tree earlier, she could tell that the younger cat wasn't strong enough to keep them at bay. Was she? Possibly-- then again, maybe not. It would all depend on how determined they were...she would just have to rely on her speed. Her agility. Which would probably be down because she was so tired. Was that how Alabasterpaw had gotten ahold of her earlier?
　
If she had just been a moment quicker...just a flicker of a second swifter...she could have avoided the she cat altogether. And none of this would be happening. Then again, she might still be with Bluepaw... well, one good thing came out of it. This would be the first time she had ever broken her word. She just couldn't stay with a cat like Bluepaw, though...he was pure evil. And she'd thought he was such a great tom, truly thought that maybe she could grow to love him. But now? The thought was sickening. Horrible. She was glad Azulpaw was nearby now, and it was almost comforting to feel his tail on her. Something rustled in the bushes, making Asterpaw's ears flick in that direction.
　
"I'll...be right back..." She spoke in a low tone, her eyes narrowing at the bush and she glanced back at the now-asleep Azulpaw. Honestly, she would have preferred to curl up with him-- it really didn't sound too bad right now...but she had already said she would keep guard. Which meant checking out this rustling in the bushes. Stepping over them, she saw a flash of fur and the next minute was staring into a familiar face, one that was grinning down at her. "Asty! Did you miss me? I know you did. I missed you!" The overeager tom laughed, looking as though he were going to touch noses with her. She groaned and pushed him off her, rolling her eyes as she got to her paws. "Good grief, Foxpaw." She sighed.
　
It had been forever since Foxpaw had been around Asterpaw. And he had missed the blue feline-- though he didn't truly love her in that way. It was fun to mess with her, though. "And if you ever call me 'Asty' again, I'll tell everyone your name is Squeakaroo." She snapped. That was a nickname that Foxpaw had recieved from Asterpaw for his higher pitched voice when he was younger. And he hated it. A shudder went down the tom's spine at the memory of the awful nickname. "Don't you dare!" He mewed, his voice coming out in a true squeak. She laughed and pushed him. Foxpaw knew the two of them had their differences-- his personality annoyed her, and she tended to make fun of him too much-- but they were close. "C'mon, Squeaky. You know Silverpaw, don't you?" She asked with a snort. Silverpaw. The name rang a bell, Foxpaw knew a lot of cats-- did he know her? Oh yeah! Now he was sure of it.
　
"Oh yeah! I definitely know Silverpaw." He mewed confidently, glancing at Asterpaw again. Since her sister called her 'Ast,' he had taken to calling her 'Asty' just to annoy her-- and he would constantly flirt with her. Sometimes underhandedly, which was the most fun of all, and sometimes straight out. He was always flirting. No matter who it was, even if it was obvious someone else was in love with them or they were in love with someone else, he would go ahead. It didn't have a boundary to him. It was love! Well-- one sided, most of the time. "Hey...Asty, you want to make me look good, don't you?" He asked, stopping her before she left the bushes. "That depends. Keep calling me Asty, and I promise you you won't get another chance. The day you break a heart is the day you get a smack in the face." She told him, narrowing her eyes.
　
While Asterpaw liked Foxpaw, she didn't like his flirting. And while he hadn't had much luck-- yet-- he seemed to remain optimistic. Very, very optimistic. Too much for her to deal with, at any rate. "Pleaasee?" He begged, looking at her and making his hues very, very big. Ugh. She thought, flicking him lightly with her tail. "Fine..." She growled. In the next moment, she and Foxpaw stepped out of the bushes, her with a disgusted expression on her features, and him with a bright smile as he headed over towards Silverpaw, Asterpaw trailing behind. "Oh, Foxpaw! Your eyes sparkle like--" She stopped, making a face when he turned the other way. "A thousand stars. You're so strong, and handsome..." Her voice trailed off for effect, but instead of making the shining, warm smile she was supposed to, she began shaking her head and mouthing the word 'no' to Silverpaw.
　
Now was the part she was dreading most. The tom came and brushed himself along her, winking at her and glancing at Silverpaw. StarClan help me. She thought, pretending to swoon. "And your pelt! It's so soft, like--" She cut herself off and stopped. "Forget it, Squeakaroo. I'm not doing this." She mewed, pulling away from him and sitting down, beginning to clean her pelt. Well, he had certainly woken her up. He seemed to have that effect on she cats. "No fair calling me Squeakaroo, Asty!" Foxpaw complained. Her hues snapped and she got to her paws, glaring at him. Good grief, she thought as he ducked and ran around beside Silverpaw.
　
"Silvster wants me to stay with her. Don't you, Silvy dear?" He asked, peeking around anxiously at Asterpaw. His green hues looked so pathetic that she began to laugh, backing away. "Next time you need someone to build you up, let me know. This is hilarious." She snorted, before stepping away from him with an amused expression. Part of her wanted Silverpaw to get away from him as fast as he could, and the other part wanted to see how she would react to this. The funniest thing was, Foxpaw thought he was being cool when he did all this. He thought he was StarClan's gift to every she cat around the Clans. Stupid. She thought. He probably would end up being quite handsome when he was older, but right now? Nah. Not her type at all.
　
Foxpaw looked at Silverpaw, his green hues as pleading as he could make them. "Aw, c'mon, Asty. Tell her I'm not so bad. Remember?" He asked, winking at her. Him and his flirting. She thought with a roll of her eyes, but figured she owed him at least one favor. He was a source of amusement and cheer for her-- someone she hadn't seen since she had first become an apprentice. "He's really not bad, Silverpaw." Stupid, but not bad. A complete idiot, but not bad. A terrible flirt, but not bad. She thought. She could have added all of that, but she didn't. "You did it! You do love me, I totally knew that!" He mewed happily, bounding towards her, but she pushed him away. "Take it easy there, dude. This she cat is not available." She laughed, while the tom pouted.
　
"So you're taken? By Nightpaw?" He teased, with a smirk. Nightpaw. Asterpaw had seen him more recently, but hadn't heard his name in all that time... what had happened? "Absolutely not. And no, I'm not taken." She growled, glaring at him. "Well you can't be neither!" Foxpaw exclaimed in frustration. Asterpaw knew that he wasn't that annoyed. She knew he didn't actually care that much whether she loved him or not, or he wouldn't go off and flirt with other she cats-- then get shot down. Part of her wondered if that was what he loved about it, getting shot down. "Oh yes I can, Squeakaroo. I'm on reserve. For the one who deserves my heart." Not even realizing it, she glanced over at Azulpaw.
　
Foxpaw saw this and glanced at Silverpaw with a questioning look. The last time he had seen Asterpaw, she had looked ready to swear that toms were bad news. Except for Nightpaw. But what had happened, anyways? They'd been so close-- and then just sort of fell apart. And now she was looking at Azulpaw like he was the best thing ever... which Foxpaw didn't understand at all. "I missed something, didn't I?" He asked Silverpaw in a low voice. He did like the she cat. Just...no more then any other pretty, fiesty, interesting cat that crossed his path. He absolutely loved some she cats. In a friendly way, of course. They were interesting, and fun... and Silverpaw was one of them. "Nightpaw's not going to be happy," He warned. And it was true. The black tom was selfish, like he had always been...constantly angry until he met someone he loved. Which had been Asterpaw. Growing up as kits together... he wondered if she had mentioned that at all.
　
Of course Asterpaw hadn't mentioned it. What reason did she have to? "I don't want to hear that name aga-" The blue feline took a step back and felt herself bump into something soft. And big. And it had a familiar feel to it. Foxpaw was staring at her as though she had just walked into Alabasterpaw. Or Bluepaw. But considering he had rarely seen either one of the felines since he had always been hanging around with her and Nightpaw, she doubted it was them. "What were you saying about my name?" A quiet voice asked from behind her. Now, despite her being older, Nightpaw had constantly been her companion. Her shadow. And... they had quite the history, some good, some bad. He had been her best friend. And he had... broken her heart. First him, then Lionpaw. Though not quite in the same way. Or maybe she had loved Nightpaw, she wasn't sure. "You." She spoke in a cold, quiet voice.
　
"Who's he?" Nightpaw's hues narrowed in the direction of Azulpaw. "A better cat then you." She retorted, her own hues snapping like miniature grey-green flames. She looked like Alabasterpaw... quite a bit, to be honest. She had never wanted to see the tom again. Not after the awkward history the two had. A bad history. A history that she hoped would never be repeated. "Oh come on now, Ast. You don't mean that." He purred in a rich, deep voice. Nightpaw always had been more mature then most of the others around his age.
　
"I do. Please, Nightpaw, just leave me alone."
　
"Can't we at least discuss this?" He took a step closer to her, looking as though he wanted to brush himself up against her and just be around her...but Asterpaw stepped back again.
　
"There's nothing to discuss. You left. I stayed. You moved on, and I didn't. It's your fault I'm like this now." She snapped back angrily. She hated him. Everything about him. And yet, he had been her first friend. Even before Alabasterpaw. In the nursery, he had always been there. Grumpy, but willing to talk. And he'd shown her the stars, the sky...he'd been the one to get her into all of that.
　
"Well you aged nicely." He purred, looking her over. "Can't we be friends again?" He asked, taking another step closer to her. Please. I'm asking you to give me a chance. He thought. Nightpaw hadn't spoken a word to the silver cat or the grey one, or given so much as a friendly nod. Because he was afraid of losing Asterpaw to them. He'd lost her to Lionpaw before, and what had the stupid tom done? Gotten rid of her. She had been his treasure, and now she was reduced to...whatever this was. Hanging on to a shadow of a tom that looked pretty beat up to him.
　
"Get away from me."
　
"That wasn't what you were saying before. You used to care. So much. We could be like that again, Ast! Remember?" He asked, searching her face for any sign of recognition.
　
"I remember." Her voice was soft, and worried.
　
"So come on, then! What are you waiting for?"
　
Asterpaw glanced back at Azulpaw, and her expression looked as though it were going to crumple. Would Nightpaw have done anything remotely like what Azulpaw had done? No. He would have stood by her, but not in front of her. He wouldn't have blocked her. He wouldn't have come running. He would have already been there, and he would have gone to get help. Leaving her behind...as usual. "I'm staying with Azulpaw, Nightpaw. You left when I needed you the most. You just walked away. We can be friends...but it won't be the same." She told him. Nightpaw continued to nod, listening to her words, and then sighed.
　
"I understand. But I'm not giving up."
　
Foxpaw, his timing as perfect as always, chimed in. "Awkward!" The tom crowed. Asterpaw's grey-green eyes fixating on him, looking as though she were getting ready to give him a well timed slap, or perhaps just pin him down, made him uncomfortable and he slunk behind Silverpaw again. "Uh, then again, uh... maybe it's totally normal. Long lost friends meeting, third wheels... Silvster, you want to be a fourth wheel? I was always a third wheel. Oh hey, but if you and I are third and fourth wheels, we have each other! Sorry, whatever-your-name-is... looks like you're left out!" He called back, smiling at Silverpaw and then turning his gaze to Asterpaw and Nightpaw.
　
Asterpaw was furious. How dare he, even after everything she had said, believe that she would just discard Azulpaw? "No. He's not left out, I told you before." She growled, and moved back towards Azulpaw, around the black tom, careful not to touch him at all. Asterpaw had no idea what she was getting herself into, but she hoped it was good...for everyone's sake. She didn't want this to have an unhappy ending.


Silverpaw nodded towards the blue cat as she watched her be off. She also wondered what could had been behind that bush, but she let the thought go. One of them needed to stay and watch Azulpaw. One of them being, Asterpaw. In her opinion. She was sure Azulpaw would catch a fit if the feline got anymore hurt. But Asterpaw was already gone before Silverpaw came to this conclusion and tried to object her. The silver apprentice slowly approached the grey tom, watching him breathe at a steady pace. She sat down, curling her tail around him and silently stroked the fur down his neck. Peaceful, he looked to be. Just sleeping normally, no signs of pain could be found.

‘’It’s going to be okay…’’The silver tabby purred, quietly.

‘’I agree…’’ A chilling voice came from behind her. Silverpaw felt her fur bristling and she jumped away from Azulpaw to see the voice that spoke. Though she already knew who it was. ‘’Hi, Silverpaw.’’

‘’Bluepaw...what do you want?’’ She snarled, obviously displeased at his presence. The way the blue-eyed tom made himself welcoming towards her, brushing his pelt alongside her, causing her to want to curl up. Bluepaw looked down at a sleeping Azulpaw, a growl rumbling in his throat. ‘’Don’t even think about it.’’ Silverpaw warned.

‘’Oh? You’re going to stop me?’’ The piebald tom let out an obnoxious laugh, shaking hiss head at his humor. Silverpaw was puny in size. The best way she would get things out of life was based on her appearance. A lot similar to Alabasterpaw. She had no strength in her. She was all mew, but no claws. What was he to worry about her? Silverpaw did not answer his question. In response, she simply pinned down her ears and looked away. Bluepaw felt a piece of confidence finding its way back into him. ‘’That’s exactly what I thought. Although I wasn’t looking for you. I wanted to know where my love went...Asterpaw…’’

‘’She’s over there in the bush.’’ Silverpaw quietly mewed.

‘’Oh, was she hiding from me?’’

Silverpaw didn’t answer the question. Why did he need to know? As far as she was concerned, it was none of his business, so he might as well be on his way. The more he lingered around, the greater she sensed an aura around him. A pure evilness that’s been building up--since when? Bluepaw nodded at the silver feline’s silence. His eyes casted on Azulpaw, and he leaned in to whisper. ‘’The last day for you...will be ceremonial.’’ The piebald tom brought his head up from the sleeping tom. The tom only managed to move a bit, and let out a whimper of pain. Silverpaw was sure that he would wake up, but he didn’t. He continued to peacefully sleep. Though she didn’t hear what Bluepaw had told the grey tom, she managed to sneer, ‘’Get out of here. You’re not welcomed.’’

‘’Oh, calm down. I’m leaving, I’m leaving.’’ Bluepaw says and brushes himself against the silver she-cat to rile her, and lastly he sauntered away before Silverpaw heard two more known voices. One was definitely Asterpaw and the other? Well, well, well, wasn’t it the too friendly Foxpaw she knew all too well. She found it amusing that Asterpaw was giddying him up, as if he truly need the confidence with as much flirting as he did. Truth be told, the silver bengal thought his flirting was flattering--to an extent. She also thought he was annoying, but she couldn’t fight him off. His annoyance was amusing in a manner.

Silverpaw let out a gentle giggled, and got up, swishing her tail. ‘’You sure are a charmer...Squeakaroo.’’ She purred, teasingly. After hearing that name come out Asterpaw’s mouth, she knew she would never let Foxpaw live that down. From all the times he would flirt with other she-cats, including herself, though he would constantly be pushed down. Sometimes figuratively. Sometimes literally. As the sly tom made himself comfortable around her, Silverpaw gave him a fleeting glance from her green eyes, turning away from him with a roll of them. ‘’Of course, I would love for you to stay! You’re the best company in the world!’’ The silver bengal shot Asterpaw a look of desperation and mouthed no to her, adding a small laugh. And, as the two continued to talk, her thoughts wavered to Bluepaw. She wanted to know what he was thinking, what he mouthed to Azulpaw, was it a threat? Or a...promise? The silver bengal heard her name being called, and she turned to look at Asterpaw, tilting her head to what she said. ‘’Huh?...oh, umm...I know he’s not that bad.’’ She answered, glancing at the corners of her eyes to stare at the tom. ‘’Aggravating...but not bad.’’ She smiled.

Silverpaw gave a small snicker at Foxpaw’s praise towards Asterpaw. When the name Nightpaw left Foxpaw’s muzzle, she suddenly felt uncomfortable. The she-cat sat down, curling her tail around her as she listened to the two. Asterpaw was right about being taken. Wasn’t she with Bluepaw?...Bluepaw...that was the last thing she needed to be thinking about. Her eyes flickered towards Azulpaw, who moved a little in his sleep. He whimpered quietly, but continued on dreaming. She hoped it was a good dream. After a day like this, she hoped that is all he will be receiving; good dreams.

Silverpaw watched as Asterpaw looked towards Azulpaw. To the one who deserves my heart. A slight smile appeared on her maw as she started to piece the puzzle together. Just as she was about to comment on this, she heard Foxpaw addressing her. She gave him a sly smile, ‘’I know as much as you do, Squeaky.’’ Silverpaw said, giving him a curt nod. ‘’Besides, it’s not for us to know, anyway. It’s their business. Just let...things happen.’’ She gradually accepted this saying. Another thing she learned from Azulpaw. She was learning a lot from him lately. Maybe even picking up his bad habits. No, no, no, no...she wasn’t that bad. She wasn’t extremely annoying, or a jerk, or conceited, or impatient, or rude, or anything of the sort.

The silver bengal stood up in alert at another voice. She narrowed her eyes once she noticed it was the black tom. Great...could this day get anymore worse? She had nothing against him, only that he acted like a big-headed jerk. Yet, she should be used to those. After all, Azulpaw was the same way, but at least she knew Azulpaw cared and would travel through mountains just to get to her if he needed to. And, if that wasn’t enough, Nightpaw completely disregarded her as if she weren’t there! Silverpaw could stand his rudeness, but his ignorance? That was definitely too much for her. She could had growl at hearing the venom in his voice at seeing Azulpaw. She was going to answer, but Asterpaw beat her to it.

And, as the two continued to bicker, Silverpaw made her way towards the grey tom, brushing up against him to help him feel safe. He must had been cold at not having Asterpaw by his side. His little movements made her think otherwise if he were dreaming. Maybe it was a nightmare.

‘’Don’t you understand the word no?’’ Silverpaw asked, her voice thickening. ‘’She doesn’t want anything to do with you. You can’t force her to.’’ She gave Nightpaw a slight glare, but focused on her attention on the grey tom, patting him with a paw, gently. Silverpaw knew it wasn’t her situation to interfere in, but it seemed like Nightpaw didn’t quite understand the concept of no. The concept of she wanted nothing to do with him any longer. He snoozed, he losed. Silverpaw had rolled her eyes once more at her friend, Foxpaw. One thing he always did was make a situation even more awkward...but in a more funny manner. She stifled in a giggle as she heard him. Her ears flickered. ‘’Sorry, Foxpaw, but if my friend, Azulpaw is left out, then so am I. Where he goes, I follow. So, it looks like you’ll be the third wheel!’’ She says in her perky, bubbling voice with a large bright smile. ‘’But, that shouldn’t bother you...since you’re so used to it and all.’’ The silver bengal looked down at Azulpaw, her face expression softened, and she looked up a bit startled at Asterpaw’s comment. She seemed furious, on the verge of breaking down. The silver bengal had nothing to say, so she didn’t. She continued to gently touch Azulpaw to lessen his movements, but his eyes fluttered open. He slowly brought up his head, looking around at the new company around him. He saw Silverpaw and Asterpaw beside him, a light smile came onto his maw, but who were the other two...toms?

‘’Morning, sleepyhead. You okay?’’ Silverpaw leaned her head down to examine him further. Azulpaw gave her a small nod. The last day for you...will be ceremonial.

‘’I just..had a weird dream,’’ He would had loved to have shared it, but thought best not to. He looked at the two toms with a quizzical look, and stared up at Asterpaw. ‘’Who are they?’’ Not that he wasn’t welcoming to them. It was always hard for him to accept new cats and new friends. It wasn’t his forte to be friendly. Granted, he gave that chance to Asterpaw. She was a she-cat that annoyed him at first, but he found her pleasant to be around, and annoyed her back. The two worked well together, in his opinion. But, the dream he had was on his mind. He dreamt of Alabasterpaw, finding him when he was all alone. Tempting him, calling out for him as if she were Asterpaw. And, he went to her because he would always go to Asterpaw. It was like she carried strings around him, pulling him in whenever she needed him. So, he went to the siren’s voice, only to be knocked down. He imagined her saying those words to him, and it made him curled slightly. Bluepaw was there...his brother...his best friend...watching, helping, laughing.

The only thing he was glad to have was Asterpaw. She was the only sun he had on cloudy, rainy, storming days. She would never know how much she made him feel whole. She made him feel brand new, and as he tried to move a bit, he whimpered once more, and settled down. How could he ever thank her spirit for soothing him? Only words could do so much...and his actions always seemed to make him get hurt in some way. But, what other way was there to tell her how much he wanted to thank her?

As much as he wished that they were alone, so he could thank her properly, he was glad to have Silverpaw by his side. Perhaps, later he could. It wasn’t as if he were going to die pretty soon...

[BEAR.]

Brooklyn Trees

"Quite!" he confirmed her suspicions, drawing back from beneath the bush. "It can kill a cat if they eat the berries - which look blood-red. It's especially dangerous if a kit eats them; a berry or two won't kill a full grown cat provided they're healthy, but a kit won't stand a chance if left untreated. The leaves have a sort of .. jagged edge to them, they feel almost sharp to the touch, and can be used to soften paws if they're cracked. I would suggest shredding the leaf before you try to chew it into a poultice to avoid your mouth being injured by the points. Wild parsnip is also poisonous - I haven't heard a cat try to eat it, but contact with it causes the skin to burn. There's .. not a lot we can do about these burns, but butterfly weed - which is another poisonous plant, but it only applies to consumption - can be used to alleviate the afflicted areas. You can't expel it from the system like you can with holly. You need to be careful with handling that, as you do need to chew it to a paste and thoroughly wash your mouth out after. Swallowing a small amount probably won't kill you, but it's better to be safe than sorry."

[lone]

Silverpaw nodded towards the blue cat as she watched her be off. She also wondered what could had been behind that bush, but she let the thought go. One of them needed to stay and watch Azulpaw. One of them being, Asterpaw. In her opinion. She was sure Azulpaw would catch a fit if the feline got anymore hurt. But Asterpaw was already gone before Silverpaw came to this conclusion and tried to object her. The silver apprentice slowly approached the grey tom, watching him breathe at a steady pace. She sat down, curling her tail around him and silently stroked the fur down his neck. Peaceful, he looked to be. Just sleeping normally, no signs of pain could be found.

‘’It’s going to be okay…’’The silver tabby purred, quietly.

‘’I agree…’’ A chilling voice came from behind her. Silverpaw felt her fur bristling and she jumped away from Azulpaw to see the voice that spoke. Though she already knew who it was. ‘’Hi, Silverpaw.’’

‘’Bluepaw...what do you want?’’ She snarled, obviously displeased at his presence. The way the blue-eyed tom made himself welcoming towards her, brushing his pelt alongside her, causing her to want to curl up. Bluepaw looked down at a sleeping Azulpaw, a growl rumbling in his throat. ‘’Don’t even think about it.’’ Silverpaw warned.

‘’Oh? You’re going to stop me?’’ The piebald tom let out an obnoxious laugh, shaking hiss head at his humor. Silverpaw was puny in size. The best way she would get things out of life was based on her appearance. A lot similar to Alabasterpaw. She had no strength in her. She was all mew, but no claws. What was he to worry about her? Silverpaw did not answer his question. In response, she simply pinned down her ears and looked away. Bluepaw felt a piece of confidence finding its way back into him. ‘’That’s exactly what I thought. Although I wasn’t looking for you. I wanted to know where my love went...Asterpaw…’’

‘’She’s over there in the bush.’’ Silverpaw quietly mewed.

‘’Oh, was she hiding from me?’’

Silverpaw didn’t answer the question. Why did he need to know? As far as she was concerned, it was none of his business, so he might as well be on his way. The more he lingered around, the greater she sensed an aura around him. A pure evilness that’s been building up--since when? Bluepaw nodded at the silver feline’s silence. His eyes casted on Azulpaw, and he leaned in to whisper. ‘’The last day for you...will be ceremonial.’’ The piebald tom brought his head up from the sleeping tom. The tom only managed to move a bit, and let out a whimper of pain. Silverpaw was sure that he would wake up, but he didn’t. He continued to peacefully sleep. Though she didn’t hear what Bluepaw had told the grey tom, she managed to sneer, ‘’Get out of here. You’re not welcomed.’’

‘’Oh, calm down. I’m leaving, I’m leaving.’’ Bluepaw says and brushes himself against the silver she-cat to rile her, and lastly he sauntered away before Silverpaw heard two more known voices. One was definitely Asterpaw and the other? Well, well, well, wasn’t it the too friendly Foxpaw she knew all too well. She found it amusing that Asterpaw was giddying him up, as if he truly need the confidence with as much flirting as he did. Truth be told, the silver bengal thought his flirting was flattering--to an extent. She also thought he was annoying, but she couldn’t fight him off. His annoyance was amusing in a manner.

Silverpaw let out a gentle giggled, and got up, swishing her tail. ‘’You sure are a charmer...Squeakaroo.’’ She purred, teasingly. After hearing that name come out Asterpaw’s mouth, she knew she would never let Foxpaw live that down. From all the times he would flirt with other she-cats, including herself, though he would constantly be pushed down. Sometimes figuratively. Sometimes literally. As the sly tom made himself comfortable around her, Silverpaw gave him a fleeting glance from her green eyes, turning away from him with a roll of them. ‘’Of course, I would love for you to stay! You’re the best company in the world!’’ The silver bengal shot Asterpaw a look of desperation and mouthed no to her, adding a small laugh. And, as the two continued to talk, her thoughts wavered to Bluepaw. She wanted to know what he was thinking, what he mouthed to Azulpaw, was it a threat? Or a...promise? The silver bengal heard her name being called, and she turned to look at Asterpaw, tilting her head to what she said. ‘’Huh?...oh, umm...I know he’s not that bad.’’ She answered, glancing at the corners of her eyes to stare at the tom. ‘’Aggravating...but not bad.’’ She smiled.

Silverpaw gave a small snicker at Foxpaw’s praise towards Asterpaw. When the name Nightpaw left Foxpaw’s muzzle, she suddenly felt uncomfortable. The she-cat sat down, curling her tail around her as she listened to the two. Asterpaw was right about being taken. Wasn’t she with Bluepaw?...Bluepaw...that was the last thing she needed to be thinking about. Her eyes flickered towards Azulpaw, who moved a little in his sleep. He whimpered quietly, but continued on dreaming. She hoped it was a good dream. After a day like this, she hoped that is all he will be receiving; good dreams.

Silverpaw watched as Asterpaw looked towards Azulpaw. To the one who deserves my heart. A slight smile appeared on her maw as she started to piece the puzzle together. Just as she was about to comment on this, she heard Foxpaw addressing her. She gave him a sly smile, ‘’I know as much as you do, Squeaky.’’ Silverpaw said, giving him a curt nod. ‘’Besides, it’s not for us to know, anyway. It’s their business. Just let...things happen.’’ She gradually accepted this saying. Another thing she learned from Azulpaw. She was learning a lot from him lately. Maybe even picking up his bad habits. No, no, no, no...she wasn’t that bad. She wasn’t extremely annoying, or a jerk, or conceited, or impatient, or rude, or anything of the sort.

The silver bengal stood up in alert at another voice. She narrowed her eyes once she noticed it was the black tom. Great...could this day get anymore worse? She had nothing against him, only that he acted like a big-headed jerk. Yet, she should be used to those. After all, Azulpaw was the same way, but at least she knew Azulpaw cared and would travel through mountains just to get to her if he needed to. And, if that wasn’t enough, Nightpaw completely disregarded her as if she weren’t there! Silverpaw could stand his rudeness, but his ignorance? That was definitely too much for her. She could had growl at hearing the venom in his voice at seeing Azulpaw. She was going to answer, but Asterpaw beat her to it.

And, as the two continued to bicker, Silverpaw made her way towards the grey tom, brushing up against him to help him feel safe. He must had been cold at not having Asterpaw by his side. His little movements made her think otherwise if he were dreaming. Maybe it was a nightmare.

‘’Don’t you understand the word no?’’ Silverpaw asked, her voice thickening. ‘’She doesn’t want anything to do with you. You can’t force her to.’’ She gave Nightpaw a slight glare, but focused on her attention on the grey tom, patting him with a paw, gently. Silverpaw knew it wasn’t her situation to interfere in, but it seemed like Nightpaw didn’t quite understand the concept of no. The concept of she wanted nothing to do with him any longer. He snoozed, he losed. Silverpaw had rolled her eyes once more at her friend, Foxpaw. One thing he always did was make a situation even more awkward...but in a more funny manner. She stifled in a giggle as she heard him. Her ears flickered. ‘’Sorry, Foxpaw, but if my friend, Azulpaw is left out, then so am I. Where he goes, I follow. So, it looks like you’ll be the third wheel!’’ She says in her perky, bubbling voice with a large bright smile. ‘’But, that shouldn’t bother you...since you’re so used to it and all.’’ The silver bengal looked down at Azulpaw, her face expression softened, and she looked up a bit startled at Asterpaw’s comment. She seemed furious, on the verge of breaking down. The silver bengal had nothing to say, so she didn’t. She continued to gently touch Azulpaw to lessen his movements, but his eyes fluttered open. He slowly brought up his head, looking around at the new company around him. He saw Silverpaw and Asterpaw beside him, a light smile came onto his maw, but who were the other two...toms?

‘’Morning, sleepyhead. You okay?’’ Silverpaw leaned her head down to examine him further. Azulpaw gave her a small nod. The last day for you...will be ceremonial.

‘’I just..had a weird dream,’’ He would had loved to have shared it, but thought best not to. He looked at the two toms with a quizzical look, and stared up at Asterpaw. ‘’Who are they?’’ Not that he wasn’t welcoming to them. It was always hard for him to accept new cats and new friends. It wasn’t his forte to be friendly. Granted, he gave that chance to Asterpaw. She was a she-cat that annoyed him at first, but he found her pleasant to be around, and annoyed her back. The two worked well together, in his opinion. But, the dream he had was on his mind. He dreamt of Alabasterpaw, finding him when he was all alone. Tempting him, calling out for him as if she were Asterpaw. And, he went to her because he would always go to Asterpaw. It was like she carried strings around him, pulling him in whenever she needed him. So, he went to the siren’s voice, only to be knocked down. He imagined her saying those words to him, and it made him curled slightly. Bluepaw was there...his brother...his best friend...watching, helping, laughing.

The only thing he was glad to have was Asterpaw. She was the only sun he had on cloudy, rainy, storming days. She would never know how much she made him feel whole. She made him feel brand new, and as he tried to move a bit, he whimpered once more, and settled down. How could he ever thank her spirit for soothing him? Only words could do so much...and his actions always seemed to make him get hurt in some way. But, what other way was there to tell her how much he wanted to thank her?

As much as he wished that they were alone, so he could thank her properly, he was glad to have Silverpaw by his side. Perhaps, later he could. It wasn’t as if he were going to die pretty soon...

"Oh, come on! Two against one isn't fair, Silvster!" He complained, pinning his ears back. It seemed Foxpaw's luck hadn't changed. He was used to most of this by now, but it was still annoying. How come he wasn't seen as a real flirt, the handsomest cat of all? Because he was young, maybe. He'd grow. He'd become better. And then he could do this. It was going to be so much fun! Wasn't it? I think so...Foxpaw thought, glancing at Silverpaw with a happy smirk on his maw. "Really?" He asked, a more excited expression coming onto his features before he stopped himself. "I mean, uh...I know I am, Silvster. Knew you'd come around." He purred, although his voice was still high pitched.
　
Asterpaw leaned over to Silverpaw, giving Foxpaw a sly look. "Squeakaroo looooves you," She purred in a quiet voice, an amused expression on her features. Squeakaroo. She knew Foxpaw hated it, but that was her way of showing how much she liked him. He just...didn't necessarily...understand or like it. She couldn't help that! He would always be her Squeakaroo, though; and she knew she would always be little 'Asty' to him. She watched Foxpaw's expression change to a more excited one at Silverpaw's words. "Not bad? I'll take it!" He mewed with an excited purr rumbling in his throat. The blue feline glanced over at Azulpaw, a worried expression coming over her features for a moment before she realized he was still asleep. When Nightpaw approached, and the two began to argue, she slipped into her own world. Away from Foxpaw and Silverpaw, and...even Azulpaw.
　
The black tom was stunned. Angry. How dare she do this? And worst of all, how dare the miniscule silver one talk to him like that. What was her name? Don't care. He thought with a shrug. "She thinks she doesn't. Ast doesn't know what she wants. And, I absolutely can force her to, mouse." He snapped. Nightpaw was making two mistakes that he wasn't aware of; for one thing, he was talking about Asterpaw like she wasn't there. Which he should have known she hated. And, for another-- he was being a jerk to Silverpaw, which he should have known would rile Foxpaw up. "Not cool, shadow-boy," Fox snapped to the tom, standing protectively by Silverpaw.
　
The fur along Asterpaw's spine stood up. "I think you should go. Like, right now. Your company is not appreciated." She hissed in a low voice, hues snapping angrily. She was done with Nightpaw. He was one of the most annoying cats that she had seen in a long time, and she was absolutely done.
　
Foxpaw, on the other hand, looked okay with Silverpaw's words. "Whatever you say, Silvster. You know you want me." He purred, glancing down at her more gentle movements with Azulpaw. Unlike Silverpaw, he had missed the earlier connection. And all he could think was Asterpaw being back with Nightpaw, while he snatched Silverpaw away and they all ended up living together. In SkyClan, of course-- the thought of being a loner and being away from dozens of cats scared Foxpaw. He had always lived in SkyClan. And he was hoping he always would. That was possible, right? He wouldn't ever have to leave his home, would he? Not unless I do something reaaal stupid. He thought with a twitch of his tail, hues darkening. But he brightened up in a moment. No matter what happened, it seemed Foxpaw always bounced back if it was something bad.
　
Nightpaw could hardly believe the way the blue feline was acting. He would have argued with her further, except the sleeping tom awoke. A dark expression crossed his eyes and he took another step closer to Asterpaw until he was standing right beside her. Doesn't she remember anything? He thought for a second, missing the angered and disgusted expression on her features. She obviously wasn't happy. "Are you deaf now as well as stupid? The past is over, Nightpaw. Over. We're NOT the same as we used to be, and we never will be. So stop acting like we are!" She snapped, jerking away from him. He was now in front of the three cats, watching them with dark hues. A dark laugh escaped him as the grey tom asked about them. "Ast didn't tell you?" He asked, and Foxpaw fixed Asterpaw with a confused expression.
　
Asterpaw's ears went back. She hadn't been trying to keep them secret, but they were kithood friends and she didn't really hang out with them much...anymore, at least. They just hadn't seemed really important. Realizing how that would sound, she tried to think of a better answer. "Just some old friends." She mewed, making it sound as casual as possible. She completely missed the flash of mischief that crossed Nightpaw's features.
　
Foxpaw, on the other hand, looked satisfied. "Silvster, you didn't tell him we're together? I'm so hurt!" He exclaimed dramatically, winking at her at the same time. Foxpaw tended to do stupid things like that. He'd never been the smartest cat. And he'd certainly never been the most charming. But he was at least some sort of comic relief, a cat who was able to make any situation seem less serious.
　
"Old friends? Don't be so vague, Ast, dear." He purred, before turning to Azulpaw. "She and I did everything together. We were very close-- who would have guessed? I know, I know... we don't look like a couple." At this, Nightpaw came to stand beside her, smiling broadly as he pressed up against her. "But we were! You know, the problem with her is that she never, ever knows what she wants. I mean, you have to talk her into everything! It's worth it, though...she's a special cat." He purred, looking hard at Azulpaw. Hopefully this cat wasn't who she was ditching him for. That would be horrible. Maybe she had been playing some sort of a joke on him...maybe. Oh well. Maybe the other cat would leave-- if he bought the fact that he and Asterpaw had been a couple.
　
Asterpaw rolled her eyes. "I'm not being vague, we were not a couple, and I do know what I want! Don't you dare talk me into anything, Nightpaw." She snapped, her hues flashing. Don't believe a word he says. She tried to send a message to Azulpaw, wishing she could send him her thoughts. Then again, he might have been able to hear more, and she didn't want him to. All she wanted was for the jerk of a tom to get out of her face and leave her alone. Nothing less, and nothing more.

[Brilliance]

"Oh, come on! Two against one isn't fair, Silvster!" He complained, pinning his ears back. It seemed Foxpaw's luck hadn't changed. He was used to most of this by now, but it was still annoying. How come he wasn't seen as a real flirt, the handsomest cat of all? Because he was young, maybe. He'd grow. He'd become better. And then he could do this. It was going to be so much fun! Wasn't it? I think so...Foxpaw thought, glancing at Silverpaw with a happy smirk on his maw. "Really?" He asked, a more excited expression coming onto his features before he stopped himself. "I mean, uh...I know I am, Silvster. Knew you'd come around." He purred, although his voice was still high pitched.
　
Asterpaw leaned over to Silverpaw, giving Foxpaw a sly look. "Squeakaroo looooves you," She purred in a quiet voice, an amused expression on her features. Squeakaroo. She knew Foxpaw hated it, but that was her way of showing how much she liked him. He just...didn't necessarily...understand or like it. She couldn't help that! He would always be her Squeakaroo, though; and she knew she would always be little 'Asty' to him. She watched Foxpaw's expression change to a more excited one at Silverpaw's words. "Not bad? I'll take it!" He mewed with an excited purr rumbling in his throat. The blue feline glanced over at Azulpaw, a worried expression coming over her features for a moment before she realized he was still asleep. When Nightpaw approached, and the two began to argue, she slipped into her own world. Away from Foxpaw and Silverpaw, and...even Azulpaw.
　
The black tom was stunned. Angry. How dare she do this? And worst of all, how dare the miniscule silver one talk to him like that. What was her name? Don't care. He thought with a shrug. "She thinks she doesn't. Ast doesn't know what she wants. And, I absolutely can force her to, mouse." He snapped. Nightpaw was making two mistakes that he wasn't aware of; for one thing, he was talking about Asterpaw like she wasn't there. Which he should have known she hated. And, for another-- he was being a jerk to Silverpaw, which he should have known would rile Foxpaw up. "Not cool, shadow-boy," Fox snapped to the tom, standing protectively by Silverpaw.
　
The fur along Asterpaw's spine stood up. "I think you should go. Like, right now. Your company is not appreciated." She hissed in a low voice, hues snapping angrily. She was done with Nightpaw. He was one of the most annoying cats that she had seen in a long time, and she was absolutely done.
　
Foxpaw, on the other hand, looked okay with Silverpaw's words. "Whatever you say, Silvster. You know you want me." He purred, glancing down at her more gentle movements with Azulpaw. Unlike Silverpaw, he had missed the earlier connection. And all he could think was Asterpaw being back with Nightpaw, while he snatched Silverpaw away and they all ended up living together. In SkyClan, of course-- the thought of being a loner and being away from dozens of cats scared Foxpaw. He had always lived in SkyClan. And he was hoping he always would. That was possible, right? He wouldn't ever have to leave his home, would he? Not unless I do something reaaal stupid. He thought with a twitch of his tail, hues darkening. But he brightened up in a moment. No matter what happened, it seemed Foxpaw always bounced back if it was something bad.
　
Nightpaw could hardly believe the way the blue feline was acting. He would have argued with her further, except the sleeping tom awoke. A dark expression crossed his eyes and he took another step closer to Asterpaw until he was standing right beside her. Doesn't she remember anything? He thought for a second, missing the angered and disgusted expression on her features. She obviously wasn't happy. "Are you deaf now as well as stupid? The past is over, Nightpaw. Over. We're NOT the same as we used to be, and we never will be. So stop acting like we are!" She snapped, jerking away from him. He was now in front of the three cats, watching them with dark hues. A dark laugh escaped him as the grey tom asked about them. "Ast didn't tell you?" He asked, and Foxpaw fixed Asterpaw with a confused expression.
　
Asterpaw's ears went back. She hadn't been trying to keep them secret, but they were kithood friends and she didn't really hang out with them much...anymore, at least. They just hadn't seemed really important. Realizing how that would sound, she tried to think of a better answer. "Just some old friends." She mewed, making it sound as casual as possible. She completely missed the flash of mischief that crossed Nightpaw's features.
　
Foxpaw, on the other hand, looked satisfied. "Silvster, you didn't tell him we're together? I'm so hurt!" He exclaimed dramatically, winking at her at the same time. Foxpaw tended to do stupid things like that. He'd never been the smartest cat. And he'd certainly never been the most charming. But he was at least some sort of comic relief, a cat who was able to make any situation seem less serious.
　
"Old friends? Don't be so vague, Ast, dear." He purred, before turning to Azulpaw. "She and I did everything together. We were very close-- who would have guessed? I know, I know... we don't look like a couple." At this, Nightpaw came to stand beside her, smiling broadly as he pressed up against her. "But we were! You know, the problem with her is that she never, ever knows what she wants. I mean, you have to talk her into everything! It's worth it, though...she's a special cat." He purred, looking hard at Azulpaw. Hopefully this cat wasn't who she was ditching him for. That would be horrible. Maybe she had been playing some sort of a joke on him...maybe. Oh well. Maybe the other cat would leave-- if he bought the fact that he and Asterpaw had been a couple.
　
Asterpaw rolled her eyes. "I'm not being vague, we were not a couple, and I do know what I want! Don't you dare talk me into anything, Nightpaw." She snapped, her hues flashing. Don't believe a word he says. She tried to send a message to Azulpaw, wishing she could send him her thoughts. Then again, he might have been able to hear more, and she didn't want him to. All she wanted was for the jerk of a tom to get out of her face and leave her alone. Nothing less, and nothing more.



The tom was practically still tired. Drained of energy as he looked at Asterpaw, then to Nightpaw. He stared at them for a moment, nothing coming out his maw. As he heard Nightpaw speak, a sudden known emotion made itself known into him. Yet, he was drained of everything...well, everything except his witty remarks. ‘’Oh, I understand...the two of you had history,’’ He made a slightly movement and flinched. He tried to stand up, but he was still too weak. His back was his main problem. The pain of those starclan forsaken claws is what got to him. ‘’And, by all means, I don’t want to interfere with that.’’ His voice was low, sullen, defeated. But, his eyes shown otherwise. Silverpaw gave him a questioning look. Azulpaw made himself firmly stand up, so he could look at them all. The tom gave a soft look towards Asterpaw, catching on to what she was saying.

‘’I agree, Asterpaw is definitely special. But she seems to have her head screwed on right…’’ The tom gently stated as he gave a stern look at Nightpaw. The other tom was sending off negative stands. Something that Azulpaw refused to deal with at the moment being. It occurred to him that they both wanted the same thing.

Asterpaw.

Yet, it also reminded him that Bluepaw wanted her as well. It unsettled him as he remembered the memories of his own best friend attacking him for being near the feline. He didn’t know--nor, did he trust the intentions Nightpaw had. When he heard Asterpaw, he gave a simple nod. Of course, he would believe her. Asterpaw was not a liar. At least, he hoped she wasn’t. But, he could tell that Nightpaw was opening up some closed wounds, and he was afraid he was going to lose her again to this tom. And, to add in on the humor, the other tom spoke up. Azulpaw flickered his ears towards Silverpaw, hinting at her if it were true or not. Silverpaw could had gone a solid blushing pink, but instead she slightly turned away and lashed her tail. ‘’Silvy, darling. You didn’t tell me you had an eye for someone?’’ Azulpaw teased.

Silverpaw shook her head, and she batted a paw at Foxpaw. ‘’Don’t be so delusional, Squeakaroo. That will never happen in a million years!’’ She shied away, almost wanting to hide her tail in front of her maw; which she did. Azulpaw knew exactly that weird quirk she had whenever she was nervous or did like someone. Azulpaw then slowly turned his way back towards Nightpaw and Asterpaw. He didn’t like the close comfort that Nightpaw had allowed himself to do.

‘’Well, as I was saying earlier,’’ Azulpaw begin, throwing his head back to look up at the sky. The sky wasn’t that fully up anymore, which was good. He could curl up once more and go for a nice nap. He brought his eyes down to look at them once more. ‘’The past is the past. It means it’s been done, it’s over with. And, you...whatever your name is, is apart of that past. And, as far as I’m concerned...we’re in the present. And, I am her present. And, I will guarantee you, that I will be in her future.’’ The grey tom did not truly believed the last line, but he was hoping. He was hoping hard that he would be in her future. For the rest of his life, he hoped hard. Just like Nightpaw had stated before, Asterpaw was a very special cat. A cat he held dearly to his heart, and he wasn’t going to lose her to some...young-life, wannabe tough tom.

‘’He’s living in his own world,’’ Silverpaw snickered, taking a glance at Nightpaw. She felt a confidence all of a sudden. She did think it was a sweet thing for Foxpaw to stand up for her like that--it was his job. Well, not his job, but she expected him to. They were friends after all, and she would had done the same thing for him. ‘’Get your head outta your tail, Nightpaw, and get with the present!’’ She removed her tail from her maw and gave a gentle swish. Azulpaw looked back at her, narrowing his eyes. She immediately sunk back.

‘’I don’t need your professional help, Silverpaw.’’ The tom told her, sarcastically. He made a slight grunting noise before he limped towards Asterpaw, and the tom that made himself comfortable near her. He would had ran him off, snarled at him, sneered at him, and if those didn’t work, he would had attacked him, but that wasn’t his catch of prey. He wasn’t Bluepaw. He would never attack a cat that was a friend of Asterpaw’s. But, he wasn’t afraid to use powerful words to hurt them. He definitely found it amusing when it came to bickering. Something that he loved doing with Asterpaw. She brought a thrill to his life.

As he came closer to her, he allowed his tail to curl around her, gently pushing the other tom aside--at least tried to be gentle. ‘’As she said before. Get away from her, she doesn’t want you near her.’’ He says, brushing his pelt against her as he swiveled his head to look at the other tom, daring him to say anything out of the line. Azulpaw may have been hurt, but he still wasn’t afraid to stand up for the ones he cared deeply for.

Silverpaw let out a slight squeak, finding the scene amusing. Azulpaw was becoming overprotective...or was he just playing along? Whatever it was, it made the she-cat proud. She disliked the other tom, and hoped that he would be on his way to ruin other cats’ lives. She wanted to snap at him, but she also knew Azulpaw. He would handle everything there was to handle.

After all, the tom finally landed her attention. At first, she was guarded. Then, she went off with Bluepaw. After a moon of not speaking to her, avoiding her, and he was not going to allow this tom to take her away--just as Bluepaw done. He went through too freaking much to lose her to some dark headed jerk! And, truth be told, he was quite the jerk himself, and perhaps they two would had made best friends...if they weren’t into the same she-cat. And, besides! Azulpaw remembered claiming her for himself that moon ago. She was only experiencing a pre-love from Bluepaw, the way he liked to think about it. He didn’t know what the two did while they were together and he was handling his own business. Frankly he didn’t care. He didn’t need his heart to be broken more than his body was.

‘’Old friends? A couple?’’ Azulpaw questioned, a smirk placed firmly on his maw. He edged himself closer to Asterpaw, pressing himself against her. ‘’Were a couple, you had said? Isn’t that...a past tense? As in...no longer?’’ He says, tilting his head a bit. The universe must had really had it for him, especially since it was throwing obstacles in every way for him to stop getting to Asterpaw. It was enough that he had to deal with Bluepaw...but now this black furball? The tom knew he would explode at any point if this dared continued.

Azulpaw didn’t want to do it, but he had to. He was furious at the wrong cat. Well, he wasn’t furious. He had no need to be. He gently untangled himself from the blue she-cat and looked her deep into the eyes. Her greenish hues lighting up warmth inside him. ‘’I...I believe everything you say.’’ He gave a ghost of a smile, and turned away. Silverpaw looked at him, a flash of worriness appeared on her face. It dawned on the grey tom that he was acting selfish. They weren’t officially together. But it was pretty clear, all feelings thrown out in front of them when he was supposed to die...but didn’t.

Why didn’t he die?

...why didn’t he die?

Now, the grey tom didn’t know what to believe, but he stood by what he said. He would not allow Bluepaw, Nightpaw--any other tom to be near or take advantage of Asterpaw. The thought made the tom scowl. What did they take the blue cat as? Sure, Alabasterpaw seemed to have deterred her level of confidence, but that was exactly why Azulpaw was there. To build it up. To build it up to the point where no one--no matter what they say--would allow her to believe otherwise.

Asters were his favorite flowers for now on. ‘’I would leave, and say...oh, okay the two of you are together. But...no, it doesn’t roll that way. In fact, I’m staying. I’m not going anywhere. You’ll have to kill me in order for me to vanish.’’ He says, growling lowly at the tom, as if daring him. Azulpaw, in that moment, was pretty stupid if he was asking for a fight. He was in no condition to fight, but in that moment, he was serious.

‘’Or, Asterpaw can tell us what she wants,’’ The tom glared. ‘’Because, she knows exactly what she wants.’’ He flicked his tail her way, motioning for her to tell him what she truly wanted. Though he never wanted her to feel pressure, so he wouldn’t blame her for not answering the question. He would be able to wait for as long as he could. They were still pretty young, and he certainly thought of her as a second best friend he could count on. Even if she chose to not stand by him...where would he go? Would he be able to still stand for her...die for her?

Maybe.

Maybe not.

Perhaps it was an answer he didn’t want to find out. They got this far in life, and it was the only thing that kept him going. She was a steady part, a steady rock to lean on when no one else was there. Besides Silverpaw. Silverpaw was always there, but Azulpaw craved Asterpaw to be there more. He was sure that Silverpaw would understand, and as he took a quick glance at her, he noticed the slight annoyance on her face at Foxpaw. The interaction was amusing. Kinda reminded him of Asterpaw and him, when he would annoy her to no end. Although he wasn’t as...cheeky, or squeaky as the other apprentice.

Azulpaw sat down, inwardly flinching as his pain heightened. He quietly waited for the two to answer, an unreadable expression placed on his face. If Nightpaw considered him as competition, so be that one-sidedness. Azulpaw never thought of anyone as competition, and he didn’t need to. As far as he knew, he already won the affections of the she-cat, and that sat well with him.

[lone]

The tom was practically still tired. Drained of energy as he looked at Asterpaw, then to Nightpaw. He stared at them for a moment, nothing coming out his maw. As he heard Nightpaw speak, a sudden known emotion made itself known into him. Yet, he was drained of everything...well, everything except his witty remarks. ‘’Oh, I understand...the two of you had history,’’ He made a slightly movement and flinched. He tried to stand up, but he was still too weak. His back was his main problem. The pain of those starclan forsaken claws is what got to him. ‘’And, by all means, I don’t want to interfere with that.’’ His voice was low, sullen, defeated. But, his eyes shown otherwise. Silverpaw gave him a questioning look. Azulpaw made himself firmly stand up, so he could look at them all. The tom gave a soft look towards Asterpaw, catching on to what she was saying.

‘’I agree, Asterpaw is definitely special. But she seems to have her head screwed on right…’’ The tom gently stated as he gave a stern look at Nightpaw. The other tom was sending off negative stands. Something that Azulpaw refused to deal with at the moment being. It occurred to him that they both wanted the same thing.

Asterpaw.

Yet, it also reminded him that Bluepaw wanted her as well. It unsettled him as he remembered the memories of his own best friend attacking him for being near the feline. He didn’t know--nor, did he trust the intentions Nightpaw had. When he heard Asterpaw, he gave a simple nod. Of course, he would believe her. Asterpaw was not a liar. At least, he hoped she wasn’t. But, he could tell that Nightpaw was opening up some closed wounds, and he was afraid he was going to lose her again to this tom. And, to add in on the humor, the other tom spoke up. Azulpaw flickered his ears towards Silverpaw, hinting at her if it were true or not. Silverpaw could had gone a solid blushing pink, but instead she slightly turned away and lashed her tail. ‘’Silvy, darling. You didn’t tell me you had an eye for someone?’’ Azulpaw teased.

Silverpaw shook her head, and she batted a paw at Foxpaw. ‘’Don’t be so delusional, Squeakaroo. That will never happen in a million years!’’ She shied away, almost wanting to hide her tail in front of her maw; which she did. Azulpaw knew exactly that weird quirk she had whenever she was nervous or did like someone. Azulpaw then slowly turned his way back towards Nightpaw and Asterpaw. He didn’t like the close comfort that Nightpaw had allowed himself to do.

‘’Well, as I was saying earlier,’’ Azulpaw begin, throwing his head back to look up at the sky. The sky wasn’t that fully up anymore, which was good. He could curl up once more and go for a nice nap. He brought his eyes down to look at them once more. ‘’The past is the past. It means it’s been done, it’s over with. And, you...whatever your name is, is apart of that past. And, as far as I’m concerned...we’re in the present. And, I am her present. And, I will guarantee you, that I will be in her future.’’ The grey tom did not truly believed the last line, but he was hoping. He was hoping hard that he would be in her future. For the rest of his life, he hoped hard. Just like Nightpaw had stated before, Asterpaw was a very special cat. A cat he held dearly to his heart, and he wasn’t going to lose her to some...young-life, wannabe tough tom.

‘’He’s living in his own world,’’ Silverpaw snickered, taking a glance at Nightpaw. She felt a confidence all of a sudden. She did think it was a sweet thing for Foxpaw to stand up for her like that--it was his job. Well, not his job, but she expected him to. They were friends after all, and she would had done the same thing for him. ‘’Get your head outta your tail, Nightpaw, and get with the present!’’ She removed her tail from her maw and gave a gentle swish. Azulpaw looked back at her, narrowing his eyes. She immediately sunk back.

‘’I don’t need your professional help, Silverpaw.’’ The tom told her, sarcastically. He made a slight grunting noise before he limped towards Asterpaw, and the tom that made himself comfortable near her. He would had ran him off, snarled at him, sneered at him, and if those didn’t work, he would had attacked him, but that wasn’t his catch of prey. He wasn’t Bluepaw. He would never attack a cat that was a friend of Asterpaw’s. But, he wasn’t afraid to use powerful words to hurt them. He definitely found it amusing when it came to bickering. Something that he loved doing with Asterpaw. She brought a thrill to his life.

As he came closer to her, he allowed his tail to curl around her, gently pushing the other tom aside--at least tried to be gentle. ‘’As she said before. Get away from her, she doesn’t want you near her.’’ He says, brushing his pelt against her as he swiveled his head to look at the other tom, daring him to say anything out of the line. Azulpaw may have been hurt, but he still wasn’t afraid to stand up for the ones he cared deeply for.

Silverpaw let out a slight squeak, finding the scene amusing. Azulpaw was becoming overprotective...or was he just playing along? Whatever it was, it made the she-cat proud. She disliked the other tom, and hoped that he would be on his way to ruin other cats’ lives. She wanted to snap at him, but she also knew Azulpaw. He would handle everything there was to handle.

After all, the tom finally landed her attention. At first, she was guarded. Then, she went off with Bluepaw. After a moon of not speaking to her, avoiding her, and he was not going to allow this tom to take her away--just as Bluepaw done. He went through too freaking much to lose her to some dark headed jerk! And, truth be told, he was quite the jerk himself, and perhaps they two would had made best friends...if they weren’t into the same she-cat. And, besides! Azulpaw remembered claiming her for himself that moon ago. She was only experiencing a pre-love from Bluepaw, the way he liked to think about it. He didn’t know what the two did while they were together and he was handling his own business. Frankly he didn’t care. He didn’t need his heart to be broken more than his body was.

‘’Old friends? A couple?’’ Azulpaw questioned, a smirk placed firmly on his maw. He edged himself closer to Asterpaw, pressing himself against her. ‘’Were a couple, you had said? Isn’t that...a past tense? As in...no longer?’’ He says, tilting his head a bit. The universe must had really had it for him, especially since it was throwing obstacles in every way for him to stop getting to Asterpaw. It was enough that he had to deal with Bluepaw...but now this black furball? The tom knew he would explode at any point if this dared continued.

Azulpaw didn’t want to do it, but he had to. He was furious at the wrong cat. Well, he wasn’t furious. He had no need to be. He gently untangled himself from the blue she-cat and looked her deep into the eyes. Her greenish hues lighting up warmth inside him. ‘’I...I believe everything you say.’’ He gave a ghost of a smile, and turned away. Silverpaw looked at him, a flash of worriness appeared on her face. It dawned on the grey tom that he was acting selfish. They weren’t officially together. But it was pretty clear, all feelings thrown out in front of them when he was supposed to die...but didn’t.

Why didn’t he die?

...why didn’t he die?

Now, the grey tom didn’t know what to believe, but he stood by what he said. He would not allow Bluepaw, Nightpaw--any other tom to be near or take advantage of Asterpaw. The thought made the tom scowl. What did they take the blue cat as? Sure, Alabasterpaw seemed to have deterred her level of confidence, but that was exactly why Azulpaw was there. To build it up. To build it up to the point where no one--no matter what they say--would allow her to believe otherwise.

Asters were his favorite flowers for now on. ‘’I would leave, and say...oh, okay the two of you are together. But...no, it doesn’t roll that way. In fact, I’m staying. I’m not going anywhere. You’ll have to kill me in order for me to vanish.’’ He says, growling lowly at the tom, as if daring him. Azulpaw, in that moment, was pretty stupid if he was asking for a fight. He was in no condition to fight, but in that moment, he was serious.

‘’Or, Asterpaw can tell us what she wants,’’ The tom glared. ‘’Because, she knows exactly what she wants.’’ He flicked his tail her way, motioning for her to tell him what she truly wanted. Though he never wanted her to feel pressure, so he wouldn’t blame her for not answering the question. He would be able to wait for as long as he could. They were still pretty young, and he certainly thought of her as a second best friend he could count on. Even if she chose to not stand by him...where would he go? Would he be able to still stand for her...die for her?

Maybe.

Maybe not.

Perhaps it was an answer he didn’t want to find out. They got this far in life, and it was the only thing that kept him going. She was a steady part, a steady rock to lean on when no one else was there. Besides Silverpaw. Silverpaw was always there, but Azulpaw craved Asterpaw to be there more. He was sure that Silverpaw would understand, and as he took a quick glance at her, he noticed the slight annoyance on her face at Foxpaw. The interaction was amusing. Kinda reminded him of Asterpaw and him, when he would annoy her to no end. Although he wasn’t as...cheeky, or squeaky as the other apprentice.

Azulpaw sat down, inwardly flinching as his pain heightened. He quietly waited for the two to answer, an unreadable expression placed on his face. If Nightpaw considered him as competition, so be that one-sidedness. Azulpaw never thought of anyone as competition, and he didn’t need to. As far as he knew, he already won the affections of the she-cat, and that sat well with him.
For all this time of Azulpaw speaking, Nightpaw had remained silent, just waiting for him to go too far. And then he was finished. Now, Nightpaw normally stayed fairly calm-- only getting worked up over a few things. But Asterpaw was one of them. And she had always stayed with him, but now? This cat was claiming her acceptance, her approval, her love? No. That couldn't be right. Asterpaw had never liked arrogance-- and he hadn't been! Not around her, anyways. Until now. Maybe that was what he was doing wrong. "Maybe you will be in her future. But I can guarantee you that it will only be as someone in the background. Just another cat begging for her attention." He retorted to the first statement, though it had long since been spoken. "And as for you--" He turned to Silverpaw, glaring at her fiercely-- "Stay out of this. You have no business speaking to me at all." He growled.
　
"He's not going to be begging for my attention, Nightpaw. I give it to those who deserve it. And leave her alone-- or I won't so much as look at you again." Asterpaw growled through gritted teeth. She was beside Azulpaw still, there to help if he were to fall-- or to somehow forget that he was hurt, threatening Nightpaw again. Although the Maine Coon was younger, he was the size of Azulpaw and right now? Stronger. "You have to be careful, darling. I need you in full health so you can go jump out of a tree for me," Her tone was teasing, and light. The tension was rough, and Foxpaw's stupid remarks weren't going to fix that. She hadn't said anything either-- though this certainly involved her, she hadn't needed to. Though now she would have to deal with Nightpaw's rudeness and annoying personality, retorting to every single thing he had said. Because that was who Nightpaw was. Asterpaw did it as well sometimes, but at least she wasn't him.
　
Foxpaw couldn't believe Nightpaw would say something like that. Especially since all the silver cat had been trying to do was help. "I told you, it's not cool to say stuff like that! She can talk to you whenever she wants." He snapped at his brother, ears going back. He was the stronger of the two, despite his higher pitched voice, and he knew it. Nightpaw, though he would never admit it-- was scared of him. And Foxpaw? Well, he knew this, but he wouldn't tell his brother that. He was afraid of what Nightpaw might do or say.
　
Being ganged up on was probably one of Nightpaw's least favorite things. And here he was, trying to do this, while everyone was ganging up on him. Ignoring everything they had just said, he moved on to speak again. "You really think I would be here, trying to get her back if I thought we were in the past tense?" He asked with a snort. "And if that's the way it is...that could easily be arranged." A dark chuckle slipped through the tom's maw, and he unsheathed his claws. This cat looked like an easy target. A very easy target. How was Asterpaw even interested? "This is who you spend your time with these days, Ast? A cat who can barely stand up and a miniscule apprentice?" Nightpaw asked, glancing first at Azulpaw and then Silverpaw. True, she had never been popular. There'd been him, and Foxpaw when she was younger...then Lionpaw when she was older...now she was hanging out with them. The misfits, as far as he could tell. "I told you before, she doesn't know what she wants. You know nothing about her. Nothing about who she is." Nightpaw's hues flashed with triumph.
　
"Enough."
　
Asterpaw's voice was quiet, and her eyes were closed as though she thought she could stop everything just by ceasing to look at them. She had had enough of this. Enough of them. Of all of this. The blue she cat looked as though she wanted to say something to Nightpaw, and then thought better of it. "He's right-- I don't know exactly what I want." Asterpaw looked down at her paws, knowing that she was probably letting him down. This was where she was supposed to step up. To know exactly what she wanted, come back with some smart remark, and Nightpaw would stop. I...I believe everything you say.
　
Everything you say.
　
Those words, even now, impacted her strongly. He believed her. Whatever she said, he believed her. And Asterpaw didn't have a need to lie to him. So she would always tell the truth, and he would believe her. He was here for her. Helping her. She didn't have to be scared, to feel rejected, worried, nervous...to feel like she was messing up. To feel like she wasn't good enough.
　
You're not good enough.
　
You're a failure.
　
You're messing this up, do it this way.
　
You're worthless.
　
I believe everything you say.
　
In the middle of her thoughts, jumbled and memorized as they were, as though they had been running on a well worn track, his words came into her mind again. "But I don't have to. Not yet. I don't know what the future's going to be like. Maybe I want you in it-- I'm still figuring that out." Her eyes hardened in Nightpaw's direction before she glanced over at Silverpaw and Foxpaw still standing beside her, a look of surprise on his features. "I am sure of one thing. I want these cats in my future. In my life. I don't know Silverpaw too well yet, but so far? She's one of the sweetest, kindest, most cheerful cats I've ever met. And Foxpaw? He's hilarious! Everyone needs a Squeakaroo in their life." She stopped, glancing over at Azulpaw, and her gaze instantly became warmer.
　
"And Azulpaw's the greatest friend I've ever had. I don't know what I would do without him. Maybe I could survive without Silverpaw and my little Squeakaroo-- it'd be hard, but I could do it-- but without Azulpaw? No. I probably wouldn't be alive right now if it weren't for him." Her expression was now completely soft, her voice down to a gentle whisper. She knew she wouldn't be able to survive without Azulpaw. And why? Because he was the greatest friend she had-- just like she said. Probably the greatest friend she would ever have. Though that would be in the future, and if there was one thing she had learned, the future was uncertain. She wanted him in it. But would he be? Moving over towards Azulpaw, the she cat curled her tail around him and leaned in.
　
"Thank you. I really don't know what I would do without you." She whispered in a soft voice.
　
Nightpaw was hurt. Furious. First this tom had come, pushing him out of the way and claiming Asterpaw-- that wasn't fair! He'd known her first. He'd been there for her first. He'd been there when Lionpaw left, when she first became an apprentice, cheering her on-- and she'd done the same for him. He'd been there when Alabasterpaw tore her down every time, and although he hadn't built her back up, he'd kept the wound from growing. It had been him. Not this cat-- whatever his name was. Azulpaw, was that it? Azulpaw. He didn't like the tom. He'd taken Asterpaw from him. "I knew her first. I was there for her first. It's first come, first serve... and since it appears you haven't claimed her yet, I claim her now. Nothing you can do about that, Azulpaw." He sneered, coming to sit beside her.
　
That was the last straw for Asterpaw. She'd had enough. "Excuse me, oh great one, do I get a say in any of this?" She asked sarcastically, her tail lashing back in forth in the traditional way of saying-- I'm upset. Nightpaw looked at her with a smile, brushing himself against her again. And something inside her seemed to snap. All of the frustration, the anger, the worry and sadness she'd wanted to take out on Alabasterpaw came out now. "I told you not to touch me!" She snapped, her ears going back, eyes becoming cold and hard-- and then stopped as her voice cracked. She was crying.
　
Why was she crying?
　
What did Nightpaw do now, some sort of magic thing?
　
She wouldn't put it past him, he always had been quite a trickster. "Just...leave me alone." She whispered, brushing past him and heading back into the bushes. She didn't want anyone to see her cry. She'd cried enough, and yet she seemed to have more tears. What was wrong with her? Before now, she hadn't cried-- not much, at any rate. When she was badly hurt, or scared. That was it. Those two things. She wasn't hurt. And she didn't know if she was scared. She didn't feel scared. Just-- frustrated. Why wouldn't Nightpaw leave her alone? Maybe she was worthless. If she couldn't handle this little thing without breaking, how was she supposed to deal with life?
　
Why didn't I just make Alabasterpaw kill me?
　
Why did I go with Alabasterpaw to the Training Plateau that day?
　
Why didn't I just move on from Lionpaw and spend the rest of my time with Nightpaw?
　
Why can't I do anything right?
　
She was broken down now. Completely broken. She could feel the tears streaming down her face, never seeming to stop, always going on in a never-ending river. What was wrong with her? Why couldn't she do anything right? She couldn't even stay there and deal with Nightpaw. He'd touched her, and she'd freaked out about it. That was enough to tell her she wasn't as strong as she thought. Whatever Alabasterpaw had done to her in her younger moons...she could vaguely remember things...but the majority of it was lost to her memory. Gone.
　
Nightpaw watched her go, a pained expression on his features and then he turned back to glare at the older tom. He didn't say anything-- he just glared, his eyes hardening until they were dark. Cold. He didn't like this cat... because if there was one thing he knew, it was that Asterpaw hadn't been a crier. Or complainer. She wouldn't cry, complain, or do anything else around him. And now all of a sudden she was bursting into tears at a single touch? That definitely had something to do with this cat. Whatever he had done was wrong.
　
Foxpaw, on the other hand, was perfectly fine. He'd seen Asterpaw cry before-- twice. So he guessed this was perfectly normal, she would be fine in a few minutes. He didn't like it when she cats cried, though... it made him feel like he'd done something wrong. A well timed comment from him might have done everyone some good here, but for once the chipper young cat who always had something to say was speechless. A moment later, when he'd gotten his speech back, he turned to Silverpaw. "Uh-- Silvster, you want to go check on her? I don't know much about this, but, uh...I think Asty would do better with a she cat then with, uh..." His voice trailed off and he glanced over at Nightpaw, who was still looking furiously at Azulpaw. Still glaring at him. As though he could have killed him right then.

[Tundra]

Goldenpaw flicked her tail. "Has your mentor taught you how to defend yourself yet?" She asked. "Do you know how to hunt?"

[Brilliance]

For all this time of Azulpaw speaking, Nightpaw had remained silent, just waiting for him to go too far. And then he was finished. Now, Nightpaw normally stayed fairly calm-- only getting worked up over a few things. But Asterpaw was one of them. And she had always stayed with him, but now? This cat was claiming her acceptance, her approval, her love? No. That couldn't be right. Asterpaw had never liked arrogance-- and he hadn't been! Not around her, anyways. Until now. Maybe that was what he was doing wrong. "Maybe you will be in her future. But I can guarantee you that it will only be as someone in the background. Just another cat begging for her attention." He retorted to the first statement, though it had long since been spoken. "And as for you--" He turned to Silverpaw, glaring at her fiercely-- "Stay out of this. You have no business speaking to me at all." He growled.
　
"He's not going to be begging for my attention, Nightpaw. I give it to those who deserve it. And leave her alone-- or I won't so much as look at you again." Asterpaw growled through gritted teeth. She was beside Azulpaw still, there to help if he were to fall-- or to somehow forget that he was hurt, threatening Nightpaw again. Although the Maine Coon was younger, he was the size of Azulpaw and right now? Stronger. "You have to be careful, darling. I need you in full health so you can go jump out of a tree for me," Her tone was teasing, and light. The tension was rough, and Foxpaw's stupid remarks weren't going to fix that. She hadn't said anything either-- though this certainly involved her, she hadn't needed to. Though now she would have to deal with Nightpaw's rudeness and annoying personality, retorting to every single thing he had said. Because that was who Nightpaw was. Asterpaw did it as well sometimes, but at least she wasn't him.
　
Foxpaw couldn't believe Nightpaw would say something like that. Especially since all the silver cat had been trying to do was help. "I told you, it's not cool to say stuff like that! She can talk to you whenever she wants." He snapped at his brother, ears going back. He was the stronger of the two, despite his higher pitched voice, and he knew it. Nightpaw, though he would never admit it-- was scared of him. And Foxpaw? Well, he knew this, but he wouldn't tell his brother that. He was afraid of what Nightpaw might do or say.
　
Being ganged up on was probably one of Nightpaw's least favorite things. And here he was, trying to do this, while everyone was ganging up on him. Ignoring everything they had just said, he moved on to speak again. "You really think I would be here, trying to get her back if I thought we were in the past tense?" He asked with a snort. "And if that's the way it is...that could easily be arranged." A dark chuckle slipped through the tom's maw, and he unsheathed his claws. This cat looked like an easy target. A very easy target. How was Asterpaw even interested? "This is who you spend your time with these days, Ast? A cat who can barely stand up and a miniscule apprentice?" Nightpaw asked, glancing first at Azulpaw and then Silverpaw. True, she had never been popular. There'd been him, and Foxpaw when she was younger...then Lionpaw when she was older...now she was hanging out with them. The misfits, as far as he could tell. "I told you before, she doesn't know what she wants. You know nothing about her. Nothing about who she is." Nightpaw's hues flashed with triumph.
　
"Enough."
　
Asterpaw's voice was quiet, and her eyes were closed as though she thought she could stop everything just by ceasing to look at them. She had had enough of this. Enough of them. Of all of this. The blue she cat looked as though she wanted to say something to Nightpaw, and then thought better of it. "He's right-- I don't know exactly what I want." Asterpaw looked down at her paws, knowing that she was probably letting him down. This was where she was supposed to step up. To know exactly what she wanted, come back with some smart remark, and Nightpaw would stop. I...I believe everything you say.
　
Everything you say.
　
Those words, even now, impacted her strongly. He believed her. Whatever she said, he believed her. And Asterpaw didn't have a need to lie to him. So she would always tell the truth, and he would believe her. He was here for her. Helping her. She didn't have to be scared, to feel rejected, worried, nervous...to feel like she was messing up. To feel like she wasn't good enough.
　
You're not good enough.
　
You're a failure.
　
You're messing this up, do it this way.
　
You're worthless.
　
I believe everything you say.
　
In the middle of her thoughts, jumbled and memorized as they were, as though they had been running on a well worn track, his words came into her mind again. "But I don't have to. Not yet. I don't know what the future's going to be like. Maybe I want you in it-- I'm still figuring that out." Her eyes hardened in Nightpaw's direction before she glanced over at Silverpaw and Foxpaw still standing beside her, a look of surprise on his features. "I am sure of one thing. I want these cats in my future. In my life. I don't know Silverpaw too well yet, but so far? She's one of the sweetest, kindest, most cheerful cats I've ever met. And Foxpaw? He's hilarious! Everyone needs a Squeakaroo in their life." She stopped, glancing over at Azulpaw, and her gaze instantly became warmer.
　
"And Azulpaw's the greatest friend I've ever had. I don't know what I would do without him. Maybe I could survive without Silverpaw and my little Squeakaroo-- it'd be hard, but I could do it-- but without Azulpaw? No. I probably wouldn't be alive right now if it weren't for him." Her expression was now completely soft, her voice down to a gentle whisper. She knew she wouldn't be able to survive without Azulpaw. And why? Because he was the greatest friend she had-- just like she said. Probably the greatest friend she would ever have. Though that would be in the future, and if there was one thing she had learned, the future was uncertain. She wanted him in it. But would he be? Moving over towards Azulpaw, the she cat curled her tail around him and leaned in.
　
"Thank you. I really don't know what I would do without you." She whispered in a soft voice.
　
Nightpaw was hurt. Furious. First this tom had come, pushing him out of the way and claiming Asterpaw-- that wasn't fair! He'd known her first. He'd been there for her first. He'd been there when Lionpaw left, when she first became an apprentice, cheering her on-- and she'd done the same for him. He'd been there when Alabasterpaw tore her down every time, and although he hadn't built her back up, he'd kept the wound from growing. It had been him. Not this cat-- whatever his name was. Azulpaw, was that it? Azulpaw. He didn't like the tom. He'd taken Asterpaw from him. "I knew her first. I was there for her first. It's first come, first serve... and since it appears you haven't claimed her yet, I claim her now. Nothing you can do about that, Azulpaw." He sneered, coming to sit beside her.
　
That was the last straw for Asterpaw. She'd had enough. "Excuse me, oh great one, do I get a say in any of this?" She asked sarcastically, her tail lashing back in forth in the traditional way of saying-- I'm upset. Nightpaw looked at her with a smile, brushing himself against her again. And something inside her seemed to snap. All of the frustration, the anger, the worry and sadness she'd wanted to take out on Alabasterpaw came out now. "I told you not to touch me!" She snapped, her ears going back, eyes becoming cold and hard-- and then stopped as her voice cracked. She was crying.
　
Why was she crying?
　
What did Nightpaw do now, some sort of magic thing?
　
She wouldn't put it past him, he always had been quite a trickster. "Just...leave me alone." She whispered, brushing past him and heading back into the bushes. She didn't want anyone to see her cry. She'd cried enough, and yet she seemed to have more tears. What was wrong with her? Before now, she hadn't cried-- not much, at any rate. When she was badly hurt, or scared. That was it. Those two things. She wasn't hurt. And she didn't know if she was scared. She didn't feel scared. Just-- frustrated. Why wouldn't Nightpaw leave her alone? Maybe she was worthless. If she couldn't handle this little thing without breaking, how was she supposed to deal with life?
　
Why didn't I just make Alabasterpaw kill me?
　
Why did I go with Alabasterpaw to the Training Plateau that day?
　
Why didn't I just move on from Lionpaw and spend the rest of my time with Nightpaw?
　
Why can't I do anything right?
　
She was broken down now. Completely broken. She could feel the tears streaming down her face, never seeming to stop, always going on in a never-ending river. What was wrong with her? Why couldn't she do anything right? She couldn't even stay there and deal with Nightpaw. He'd touched her, and she'd freaked out about it. That was enough to tell her she wasn't as strong as she thought. Whatever Alabasterpaw had done to her in her younger moons...she could vaguely remember things...but the majority of it was lost to her memory. Gone.
　
Nightpaw watched her go, a pained expression on his features and then he turned back to glare at the older tom. He didn't say anything-- he just glared, his eyes hardening until they were dark. Cold. He didn't like this cat... because if there was one thing he knew, it was that Asterpaw hadn't been a crier. Or complainer. She wouldn't cry, complain, or do anything else around him. And now all of a sudden she was bursting into tears at a single touch? That definitely had something to do with this cat. Whatever he had done was wrong.
　
Foxpaw, on the other hand, was perfectly fine. He'd seen Asterpaw cry before-- twice. So he guessed this was perfectly normal, she would be fine in a few minutes. He didn't like it when she cats cried, though... it made him feel like he'd done something wrong. A well timed comment from him might have done everyone some good here, but for once the chipper young cat who always had something to say was speechless. A moment later, when he'd gotten his speech back, he turned to Silverpaw. "Uh-- Silvster, you want to go check on her? I don't know much about this, but, uh...I think Asty would do better with a she cat then with, uh..." His voice trailed off and he glanced over at Nightpaw, who was still looking furiously at Azulpaw. Still glaring at him. As though he could have killed him right then.


Azulpaw...Azulpaw in the background? The tom would had burst out laughing if he weren’t in so much pain. The thought was hilarious! This black furball coming at him, threatening him, as if the grey tom would be scared. What did he take him as? He certainly didn’t know him. The things he could be capable of, but he did not show. He did snarl, however, when Nightpaw addressed Silverpaw. ‘’Don’t talk to her like that!’’ The words were already coming out with his fur standing on end. The tom’s ears flickered when he heard Foxpaw as well, standing up for the silver bengal. Silverpaw only allowed her tail to cover her muzzle, thinking it was best to stay within the background. This wasn’t her battle. Azulpaw instantly felt comfort when Asterpaw came by his side. A look of triumph displayed on his muzzle, as he closed his eyes for a bit and heard her. The tom let out a low husked chuckle. ‘’Oh, of course, master. I would do anything to be in pain for you.’’ He purred, teasingly. Jumping out of a tree sounded fun right about now. Anything sounded fun right about now instead of being glared at like some unwanted company.

Azulpaw rolled his eyes once more upon hearing Nightpaw’s voice. The tom got up, flinching, but he stood as tall as he could, eyeing the other tom. ‘’First, of all,’’ his voice was calm. It was steady, not faltering. He breathed at a slow pace, blinking his eyes. ‘’Don’t address Silverpaw as such. I honestly don’t care what you say about me, but her,’’ He flicked his tail towards the silver bengal. ‘’I will address the issue...and you will not like what I would do to you. As far as I’m concern, your threats are empty. I’ve been through worse--much more worse pain than you ever been in your life, I bet. And, this pain? It made me stronger because I realize why I would go through it constantly.’’ He says, snarling a bit.

At the tom’s next words, he was about to respond further, but Asterpaw beat him to it. Azulpaw was ready to just walk off. Why was he fighting with a little kit that acted like he lost his favorite moss ball? Azulpaw didn’t have time for this. Time was precious to him and currently it was being wasted! But as he listened to Asterpaw, his ears fell back. He knew she was being honest. The abnormal part was that she didn’t know what she wanted. He remembered her exact words that moon ago of what she wanted. Did she forget? Per se, it probably wasn’t what she exactly wanted, but it was tidbit of what she would like to have in the future. And, as he heard her next words, his heart felt as if it would shatter and reclaim itself. He truly felt loved, and no matter how much he wanted to nuzzle her, despite his pain, his heart felt at ease, and a tender look crossed his face. ‘’I love you.’’ He looked down, mouthing the words. Surely to the ground because he was too afraid of what her reaction would had been.

‘’Wow, Asterpaw...I don’t know what to say.’’ The tom smiled, ‘’I mean, you already know how much I care about you. I showed it to you.’’ He says, practically referring to the events of him laying down his life for her. ‘’And, you already must know that I would do it over and over if I had to.’’ He says, feeling a profound amount of appreciation. He didn’t know Asterpaw felt that way towards him, a longing for him to stay in her life. And to think he was going to die for her...what had happened to her? Azulpaw knew that heartbreak led to death as well. The only thing he didn’t know was if Asterpaw would be heartbroken if he died. But, after hearing her speech, he nodded his head. She would be. Not that it was something for him to celebrate, but it made him feel...useful. ‘’You don’t need to thank me.’’ He tells her, his voice low. Why ever would she?

Then, Nightpaw had to ruin everything. It was only a first meeting, and Azulpaw felt a powerful feeling to knock the black cat down. The way he viciously claimed Asterpaw as his own--was quite hilarious. Azulpaw could not blame him. He claimed her in his head, yet he lost her to Bluepaw. Now, Nightpaw was claiming her, and he wondered if he would lose her again. This did not worry him however, especially after the heart wrenching speech the blue cat gave. Azulpaw did not feel worry, and he allowed Nightpaw to claim something that was...unattainable. If Asterpaw wanted, she didn’t need anybody. Certainly no toms, yet she was right by Azulpaw’s side, slightly giving him affection and dotting on him in a worried manner. If that wasn’t love, then what was? Just as the grey tom was about to shoot Nightpaw down again, Asterpaw had cut in, and she had every right to. But, just to play along, the grey tom stood, ‘’Sorry, buddy, but I’m learning about her everyday. Besides, I already claimed her. But, you can go ahead and chase heartbreak because one thing I’m certain of?’’ Azulpaw stared the tom down, giving him a charming grin, one full of confidence and mischief. ‘’She’s going to be running back to me.’’ He snickered. He had hoped that the black tom had something snappy to say. He had hoped that the black tom learned a lesson and would stop arguing and just grow up! Better yet, leave. All he needed to do was walk away.

But the black tom stayed. And, the blue cat was the one who left. There was only so much she could take, and as Azulpaw sat there calling for her, wanting to go to her, Foxpaw had spoken. Azulpaw agreed that it would be best for the two females to talk. A little girl talk would do them no harm, so he sat back down in the presence of a squeak toy and a black furball. Silverpaw removed her tail from her maw, and silently stood up. She gave a small shrug, ‘’I suppose, I could try to comfort her.’’

‘’Just remember what I used to tell you...when you would cry.’’ Azulpaw answered her. His eyes landed on the black tom, staring him down as if he were prey. Azulpaw only snickered. He had nothing to worry about, so he wouldn’t allow the black tom to regard him, negatively. In fact, he would ignore him. One thing Azulpaw learned: Ignorance was blissful. And, indeed it was.

Silverpaw trudged her way to the bush, stopping for a moment and inhaling before continuing on. She walked around until she could see the blue she-cat, and she sat by her, listening to her cries. It was a sad sight. Truly. A jerkish tom couldn’t leave her alone...allow her to be happy because he was ridden by his selfish thoughts and need. There was so much a she-cat could take. Silverpaw gently allowed her tail to curl around Asterpaw, as she looked into the distance, not saying anything and allowing the blue cat to cry. When she was younger, and she would be crying, Azulpaw was there. He used to tell her, ‘’It’s alright to cry. Holding things in would only cause a large hurricane that will sweep everything away eventually.’’ And, it was true. She learned that awhile ago when she was bullied for following ambitious, for being to perky, for being too nice, and recalling everyone telling her to grow a backbone and defend herself.

‘’Asterpaw…’’Silverpaw slowly mewed the name, her ears twitching. She, at first didn’t know what to say. Azulpaw was usually good at comforting cats--though he would deny this. Silverpaw never paid heed to comforting someone. It wasn’t her business, but Asterpaw was her friend, so it was her business. She was present at the event, so it was her business. ‘’I’m not going to sugarcoat anything, but...you want to hear that everything will be alright? It won’t.’’ The silver feline says, her eyes half-lidding and her face becoming serious. ‘’In fact, life will throw a lot of obstacles in your way, and you choose how you react. You know how Azulpaw can be...when he’s furious, he’ll lash out. The tom could only take so much, but whenever he’s calm, and he wants to lash out. Do you notice what he does?’’ She paused, giving the feline a quick glance. ‘’He acts witty...sarcastic...a jerk.’’ She gave a quiet giggle. ‘’And, that’s how he believes he should react to a situation because he never wants anyone to see or hear that side of him...and the thing with Nightpaw...reminded me of that.’’ She trails off thinking of what else there was to say. It was so hard for her. She hated tears. It was never her piece of prey to console anyone, but she was here, and she hoped it was helping. If not at all, then at least a tadbit. She was doing everything she could.

‘’Honestly, the only thing you really need to do is cry.’’ She gulped, thinking further on what to say. ‘’Azulpaw used to tell me all the time that if I allow my tears to be held back, it will create a hurricane eventually and wash everything away. The point of the matter is--cry. Just...cry. Let everything out because crying can make you feel better.’’ The she-cat says, smiling a bit. Crying, in her opinion, did make her feel better. Whenever she did cry, Azulpaw would be there, quiet himself, and watched as she cried. She would cry her heart out at times, and other times it would be small sniffles. She haven’t cried in a while...a long while.

‘’Don’t allow Nightpaw to take what makes you happy, Asterpaw. Besides, don’t listen to him at all. He can only say things that he can’t do. If he’s smart, he won’t mess with you. And, I doubt Zul will allow him to mess with you, anyway.’’ She giggles a bit, and stared up at the blue apprentice. It did feel nice to have a girl talk. It was something she rarely did. As far as she knew, her eldest sister was a loner, perhaps maybe even dead. She didn’t know her father, and her mother hardly paid any heed to her, so she only had Azulpaw, and Bluepaw-

Bluepaw…

He was still lurking out there somewhere, and from earlier...Silverpaw didn’t tell anyone of his surprised visit. She didn’t feel as if she had to. His threat was empty, so what could he had done? As of the moment, Azulpaw was safe and that was good enough for her. Silverpaw blinked her eyes to put herself back in reality and she addressed the feline once again, ‘’Between you and me, I think we can gang up on Nightpaw and mess him up abit. Whaddya think?’’

Azulpaw was tired of the glowing eyes of the black tom. It was already awkward that he was left in the two’s presence. He didn’t think Foxpaw was all that bad, but he had iffy intentions on him. Flirting with a she-cat that was like his younger sister...and what if the young she-cat did catch feelings towards the tom? It was probably only a light crush anyway, but it still bothered him to the point that he was afraid that Silverpaw might go through the same thing he’s going through. Conflicted, disturbed, yet in love that he’s willing to lose his life for her. Then again, the tom was probably good company. Silverpaw was happy to be his friend, minus his flirting habits with her, she was proud to hang out with him, and she appreciated that he constantly took up for her. It was endearing. As for Nightpaw...she wished she could had made friends with him, but he was such a jerk! And, even if Azulpaw took awhile to warm up to her, Nightpaw was no Azulpaw. He was worse. A tad worse.

Azulpaw glanced at the tom for a moment, and sighed obnoxiously, rolling his eyes. ‘’Staring at me will not help me poof out of existence, buddy.’’ His voice was careless, and so was his posture. He seemed bored, agitated that the black furball was still in his presence. ‘’I would prefer you do some action instead of acting like a rock. Bored, and ready to be thrown away.’’ The tom snickered, and showed his fangs in a threatening manner. One thing Azulpaw found about his new enemies; they were fun to bother. Fun to a max, and Azulpaw didn’t mind the glares or the threats that came from their mouths. He was ready to fulfill their desires--then, they would be exhausted. Because he knew how to tire them out quickly. ‘’Why don’t you go make yourself useful and stop acting like you know every single thing about Asterpaw. You think you love her. You say you love her, but are you showing that you love her? Do you even know what love is? Would you be willing to go through extreme measures of pain if you loved her? Would you be willing to travel distances if she called your name--even if it wasn’t anything serious she wanted to tell you? Would you tolerate her maniacal sister if you loved her? Would you stand in front of her--beside her--not behind her if you loved her? Would you be willing to lay down your life without a second thought...if you loved her? If you can’t do any of those things, get your head out of your tail because you don’t love her.’’ Azulpaw felt relieved to get all that out, maintaining his cool, calm voice as he said it. This time, his hues grew darker and stared with as much intensity as he could at the black tom. ‘’It’s easy to say yes to all this...but when the time comes, would you be able to show?’’ The grey tom tilted his head slightly, and gave him a questioning glare.

[Jingle]

Cliffheart nodded kindly as the other tom spoke. Seemed similar to his situation, just minus the kits part. They were coming they just weren't here yet.... So know that he knew Jigglefoot was a father, maybe he could continue his thoughts. "I don't have much. Just my mate Scorchedpetal. Soon though we'll be having our kits." He said a bit awkwardly. Cliffheart still couldn't get over the thoughts that he didn't know how to be a father, what to do, what to say. He had never known or seen his own father, so he was clueless in this area. "Say, uh, Jigglefoot, mind if I ask you something?" Then without really waiting for him to respond, he continued. "So I never knew my father as a kit. He was a loner or something. I don't really know. He might have died before I was born, or he just never cared enough to talk to me. What is it like? Being a father? I've never been one, never had one. I don't want to fail my kits like my father did me." He stopped, sighing, the self doubts swirling aimlessly in his mind, all demanding answers, but none of them were received. "I just don't want to fail Scorched." He said again, almost defeatedly. He couldn't, wouldn't, be a failure. He had to figure this out, but it is hard to figure anything out when you have no idea where to begin.


Jigglefoot looked at the other cat and gave him a large grin while listening, "Vell (well)... it's very odd at first.. like vatching (watching) some kits from another she-cat- jou (you) have no clue vhat (what) to even do. But zen (then) jou (you) realize zhat (that)...they are jour (your) own kin." He said, continuing at a somewhat steady pace.

"It come's naturally to ze (the) mother... she vill (will) help jou (you). Just...do as she says- she vill (will) know vhat (what) will work best for jour (your) kits." The munchkin spoke, German accent thick as he continued with words of wisdom.

[goddess of ducks]

Jigglefoot looked at the other cat and gave him a large grin while listening, "Vell (well)... it's very odd at first.. like vatching (watching) some kits from another she-cat- jou (you) have no clue vhat (what) to even do. But zen (then) jou (you) realize zhat (that)...they are jour (your) own kin." He said, continuing at a somewhat steady pace.

"It come's naturally to ze (the) mother... she vill (will) help jou (you). Just...do as she says- she vill (will) know vhat (what) will work best for jour (your) kits." The munchkin spoke, German accent thick as he continued with words of wisdom.

Great..more awkwardness and uncertainty. Just what Cliffheart needed. Sure he was comforted by the words, at least a little. He still wasn't certain how he would even begin to cope with the thought of having little Cliffs running around the camp. One of m was enough, he didn't need more. The thought made him shudder, especially when he realized that some of them would most likely take after their crazy, amazing mither. That too was a scary thought. "Thanks. It helps, especially since I have no clue what I'm about to walk into." He said with a kind smile. Listen to the mother, that was a good idea. Scorched petal was better at calling shots anyways. Cliffheart had a tendency to get flustered and aggravated sometimes and basically became useless when it happened. So letting Scorched help him was a really good plan. "So, would you uh, like to do some actual hunting now? I think we hit a little off topic." He said with a small chuckle. He would figure this whole Fathering thing out...eventually.

[lone]

Azulpaw...Azulpaw in the background? The tom would had burst out laughing if he weren’t in so much pain. The thought was hilarious! This black furball coming at him, threatening him, as if the grey tom would be scared. What did he take him as? He certainly didn’t know him. The things he could be capable of, but he did not show. He did snarl, however, when Nightpaw addressed Silverpaw. ‘’Don’t talk to her like that!’’ The words were already coming out with his fur standing on end. The tom’s ears flickered when he heard Foxpaw as well, standing up for the silver bengal. Silverpaw only allowed her tail to cover her muzzle, thinking it was best to stay within the background. This wasn’t her battle. Azulpaw instantly felt comfort when Asterpaw came by his side. A look of triumph displayed on his muzzle, as he closed his eyes for a bit and heard her. The tom let out a low husked chuckle. ‘’Oh, of course, master. I would do anything to be in pain for you.’’ He purred, teasingly. Jumping out of a tree sounded fun right about now. Anything sounded fun right about now instead of being glared at like some unwanted company.

Azulpaw rolled his eyes once more upon hearing Nightpaw’s voice. The tom got up, flinching, but he stood as tall as he could, eyeing the other tom. ‘’First, of all,’’ his voice was calm. It was steady, not faltering. He breathed at a slow pace, blinking his eyes. ‘’Don’t address Silverpaw as such. I honestly don’t care what you say about me, but her,’’ He flicked his tail towards the silver bengal. ‘’I will address the issue...and you will not like what I would do to you. As far as I’m concern, your threats are empty. I’ve been through worse--much more worse pain than you ever been in your life, I bet. And, this pain? It made me stronger because I realize why I would go through it constantly.’’ He says, snarling a bit.

At the tom’s next words, he was about to respond further, but Asterpaw beat him to it. Azulpaw was ready to just walk off. Why was he fighting with a little kit that acted like he lost his favorite moss ball? Azulpaw didn’t have time for this. Time was precious to him and currently it was being wasted! But as he listened to Asterpaw, his ears fell back. He knew she was being honest. The abnormal part was that she didn’t know what she wanted. He remembered her exact words that moon ago of what she wanted. Did she forget? Per se, it probably wasn’t what she exactly wanted, but it was tidbit of what she would like to have in the future. And, as he heard her next words, his heart felt as if it would shatter and reclaim itself. He truly felt loved, and no matter how much he wanted to nuzzle her, despite his pain, his heart felt at ease, and a tender look crossed his face. ‘’I love you.’’ He looked down, mouthing the words. Surely to the ground because he was too afraid of what her reaction would had been.

‘’Wow, Asterpaw...I don’t know what to say.’’ The tom smiled, ‘’I mean, you already know how much I care about you. I showed it to you.’’ He says, practically referring to the events of him laying down his life for her. ‘’And, you already must know that I would do it over and over if I had to.’’ He says, feeling a profound amount of appreciation. He didn’t know Asterpaw felt that way towards him, a longing for him to stay in her life. And to think he was going to die for her...what had happened to her? Azulpaw knew that heartbreak led to death as well. The only thing he didn’t know was if Asterpaw would be heartbroken if he died. But, after hearing her speech, he nodded his head. She would be. Not that it was something for him to celebrate, but it made him feel...useful. ‘’You don’t need to thank me.’’ He tells her, his voice low. Why ever would she?

Then, Nightpaw had to ruin everything. It was only a first meeting, and Azulpaw felt a powerful feeling to knock the black cat down. The way he viciously claimed Asterpaw as his own--was quite hilarious. Azulpaw could not blame him. He claimed her in his head, yet he lost her to Bluepaw. Now, Nightpaw was claiming her, and he wondered if he would lose her again. This did not worry him however, especially after the heart wrenching speech the blue cat gave. Azulpaw did not feel worry, and he allowed Nightpaw to claim something that was...unattainable. If Asterpaw wanted, she didn’t need anybody. Certainly no toms, yet she was right by Azulpaw’s side, slightly giving him affection and dotting on him in a worried manner. If that wasn’t love, then what was? Just as the grey tom was about to shoot Nightpaw down again, Asterpaw had cut in, and she had every right to. But, just to play along, the grey tom stood, ‘’Sorry, buddy, but I’m learning about her everyday. Besides, I already claimed her. But, you can go ahead and chase heartbreak because one thing I’m certain of?’’ Azulpaw stared the tom down, giving him a charming grin, one full of confidence and mischief. ‘’She’s going to be running back to me.’’ He snickered. He had hoped that the black tom had something snappy to say. He had hoped that the black tom learned a lesson and would stop arguing and just grow up! Better yet, leave. All he needed to do was walk away.

But the black tom stayed. And, the blue cat was the one who left. There was only so much she could take, and as Azulpaw sat there calling for her, wanting to go to her, Foxpaw had spoken. Azulpaw agreed that it would be best for the two females to talk. A little girl talk would do them no harm, so he sat back down in the presence of a squeak toy and a black furball. Silverpaw removed her tail from her maw, and silently stood up. She gave a small shrug, ‘’I suppose, I could try to comfort her.’’

‘’Just remember what I used to tell you...when you would cry.’’ Azulpaw answered her. His eyes landed on the black tom, staring him down as if he were prey. Azulpaw only snickered. He had nothing to worry about, so he wouldn’t allow the black tom to regard him, negatively. In fact, he would ignore him. One thing Azulpaw learned: Ignorance was blissful. And, indeed it was.

Silverpaw trudged her way to the bush, stopping for a moment and inhaling before continuing on. She walked around until she could see the blue she-cat, and she sat by her, listening to her cries. It was a sad sight. Truly. A jerkish tom couldn’t leave her alone...allow her to be happy because he was ridden by his selfish thoughts and need. There was so much a she-cat could take. Silverpaw gently allowed her tail to curl around Asterpaw, as she looked into the distance, not saying anything and allowing the blue cat to cry. When she was younger, and she would be crying, Azulpaw was there. He used to tell her, ‘’It’s alright to cry. Holding things in would only cause a large hurricane that will sweep everything away eventually.’’ And, it was true. She learned that awhile ago when she was bullied for following ambitious, for being to perky, for being too nice, and recalling everyone telling her to grow a backbone and defend herself.

‘’Asterpaw…’’Silverpaw slowly mewed the name, her ears twitching. She, at first didn’t know what to say. Azulpaw was usually good at comforting cats--though he would deny this. Silverpaw never paid heed to comforting someone. It wasn’t her business, but Asterpaw was her friend, so it was her business. She was present at the event, so it was her business. ‘’I’m not going to sugarcoat anything, but...you want to hear that everything will be alright? It won’t.’’ The silver feline says, her eyes half-lidding and her face becoming serious. ‘’In fact, life will throw a lot of obstacles in your way, and you choose how you react. You know how Azulpaw can be...when he’s furious, he’ll lash out. The tom could only take so much, but whenever he’s calm, and he wants to lash out. Do you notice what he does?’’ She paused, giving the feline a quick glance. ‘’He acts witty...sarcastic...a jerk.’’ She gave a quiet giggle. ‘’And, that’s how he believes he should react to a situation because he never wants anyone to see or hear that side of him...and the thing with Nightpaw...reminded me of that.’’ She trails off thinking of what else there was to say. It was so hard for her. She hated tears. It was never her piece of prey to console anyone, but she was here, and she hoped it was helping. If not at all, then at least a tadbit. She was doing everything she could.

‘’Honestly, the only thing you really need to do is cry.’’ She gulped, thinking further on what to say. ‘’Azulpaw used to tell me all the time that if I allow my tears to be held back, it will create a hurricane eventually and wash everything away. The point of the matter is--cry. Just...cry. Let everything out because crying can make you feel better.’’ The she-cat says, smiling a bit. Crying, in her opinion, did make her feel better. Whenever she did cry, Azulpaw would be there, quiet himself, and watched as she cried. She would cry her heart out at times, and other times it would be small sniffles. She haven’t cried in a while...a long while.

‘’Don’t allow Nightpaw to take what makes you happy, Asterpaw. Besides, don’t listen to him at all. He can only say things that he can’t do. If he’s smart, he won’t mess with you. And, I doubt Zul will allow him to mess with you, anyway.’’ She giggles a bit, and stared up at the blue apprentice. It did feel nice to have a girl talk. It was something she rarely did. As far as she knew, her eldest sister was a loner, perhaps maybe even dead. She didn’t know her father, and her mother hardly paid any heed to her, so she only had Azulpaw, and Bluepaw-

Bluepaw…

He was still lurking out there somewhere, and from earlier...Silverpaw didn’t tell anyone of his surprised visit. She didn’t feel as if she had to. His threat was empty, so what could he had done? As of the moment, Azulpaw was safe and that was good enough for her. Silverpaw blinked her eyes to put herself back in reality and she addressed the feline once again, ‘’Between you and me, I think we can gang up on Nightpaw and mess him up abit. Whaddya think?’’

Azulpaw was tired of the glowing eyes of the black tom. It was already awkward that he was left in the two’s presence. He didn’t think Foxpaw was all that bad, but he had iffy intentions on him. Flirting with a she-cat that was like his younger sister...and what if the young she-cat did catch feelings towards the tom? It was probably only a light crush anyway, but it still bothered him to the point that he was afraid that Silverpaw might go through the same thing he’s going through. Conflicted, disturbed, yet in love that he’s willing to lose his life for her. Then again, the tom was probably good company. Silverpaw was happy to be his friend, minus his flirting habits with her, she was proud to hang out with him, and she appreciated that he constantly took up for her. It was endearing. As for Nightpaw...she wished she could had made friends with him, but he was such a jerk! And, even if Azulpaw took awhile to warm up to her, Nightpaw was no Azulpaw. He was worse. A tad worse.

Azulpaw glanced at the tom for a moment, and sighed obnoxiously, rolling his eyes. ‘’Staring at me will not help me poof out of existence, buddy.’’ His voice was careless, and so was his posture. He seemed bored, agitated that the black furball was still in his presence. ‘’I would prefer you do some action instead of acting like a rock. Bored, and ready to be thrown away.’’ The tom snickered, and showed his fangs in a threatening manner. One thing Azulpaw found about his new enemies; they were fun to bother. Fun to a max, and Azulpaw didn’t mind the glares or the threats that came from their mouths. He was ready to fulfill their desires--then, they would be exhausted. Because he knew how to tire them out quickly. ‘’Why don’t you go make yourself useful and stop acting like you know every single thing about Asterpaw. You think you love her. You say you love her, but are you showing that you love her? Do you even know what love is? Would you be willing to go through extreme measures of pain if you loved her? Would you be willing to travel distances if she called your name--even if it wasn’t anything serious she wanted to tell you? Would you tolerate her maniacal sister if you loved her? Would you stand in front of her--beside her--not behind her if you loved her? Would you be willing to lay down your life without a second thought...if you loved her? If you can’t do any of those things, get your head out of your tail because you don’t love her.’’ Azulpaw felt relieved to get all that out, maintaining his cool, calm voice as he said it. This time, his hues grew darker and stared with as much intensity as he could at the black tom. ‘’It’s easy to say yes to all this...but when the time comes, would you be able to show?’’ The grey tom tilted his head slightly, and gave him a questioning glare.

The she cat looked at Silverpaw in something resembling surprise. She didn't want to be treated like a young cat, and yet that was what she had been expecting. So the silver feline had surprised her. Quite a bit, honestly. She had stopped crying-- something she was thankful for-- and her ears were pricked up attentively, listening. "I've noticed that." Asterpaw's voice was soft, and gentle-- the type of voice she generally used after crying, because it physically hurt to try and speak louder. Her vocal cords wouldn't allow her to. And neither would her mind...it seemed to be taunting her by forcefully keeping her volume down, trying to make her do as it wished. And she always did. Listening to her head seemed to be what Asterpaw did best. And yet, she hadn't been recently. She'd been listening to her heart. Maybe that was what was getting her in all this trouble. But she never would have wanted to hurt Alabasterpaw if she'd listened to her head. Her head had been telling her to keep quiet. To stay down, stay safe. But her heart? Had told her to go. To go, and to hope that it wasn't too late.
　
Asterpaw's ears flicked fowards in mild surprise. Looks like you really do learn something new every day, she thought with interest. "Huh. That cat is never going to stop surprising me." She laughed with a soft chuckle. Thinking back to earlier, after she had thanked him-- you don't need to thank me. That had been his response. But she did; she owed Azulpaw her life. And, while she would have preferred it had been her...while that had given her an overwhelming amount of emotional pain where she couldn't do anything, she couldn't even move for fear that she would just stumble and fall right down-- it hadn't been her. It had been him. If it weren't for him, she would probably be dead. So what did he mean, 'you don't need to thank me?' It was nice of him. Maybe he thought she didn't really want to? But she did have to thank him. That was the way she had been brought up.
　
Her ears went back and she looked somewhat miserable. No-- really miserable. "I-- I know. It's just, Nightpaw's an old friend, like he said....and we were close. I know he wants to be close again, but I don't trust him and it's only more confusing that he shows up now of all times, when he wasn't there before..." Her voice trailed off. True, she would have been fine telling Azulpaw all this. But there was something about talking to another she cat, like she would Alabasterpaw, that made her feel secure. She'd grown up around toms. First Foxkit and Nightkit, both apprentices now, and now she was around Azulpaw-- and up until earlier that day, Bluepaw. The day was still fairly young. Odd. She felt like she'd just been through a lifetime of emotions. A literal lifetime. But she supposed that was how it was. Love seemed to be fickle, constantly changing, always shifting, never the same day to day. The only way you knew? Because you would feel the same, that underlying feeling no matter what.
　
Asterpaw's hues gleamed for a moment and then she let out a short laugh. "Sure, why not? He deserves it, the arrogant idiot." Her voice became somewhat darker at the last two words, and then brightened again. "Besides, I'm guessing Squeakaroo will be pretty impressed, Silvster." She smirked, glancing over at Silverpaw. Of course, she wasn't quite sure whether the smaller cat liked Foxpaw or not. He was mostly annoying, and yet-- he could be charming! When he wanted to be. She'd seen him win over she cats before, but couldn't help wondering if it was just because they felt sorry for her. Had it been up to her to guess, she would have said definitely. But since it wasn't? Who knew? The she cat got to her paws slowly, shaking a little as she normally did after she'd been crying a lot-- the last time being just earlier that day. What is with me today? She thought with a shake of her head. "C'mon. We'd better get back before Squeakaroo talks Azulpaw's ears off and Nightpaw ends up getting himself killed." The way she said 'killed' sounded almost as though she would have liked to do it herself. But-- she wouldn't. She didn't, at least. The she cat headed back out of the bushes, back to where she knew the three toms to be. "Thank you for coming." She turned back and smiled at Silverpaw briefly before they arrived. She was grateful to the younger feline. Honestly? She hadn't expected anyone to come. And yet, Silverpaw had.
　
"I'm surprised she hangs around you." The black tom's voice was frustrated, and showed his anger at having this cat's words directed at him. He didn't like Azulpaw at all. And he didn't understand why. Why? That was a question that seemed to be popping into the other tom's head normally.
　
"Beats the alternative," Foxpaw piped up. He didn't like the way his brother was acting right now. And he certainly didn't like the fact that he was forcing himself on her. Plus, being such a jerk to Silverpaw? Definitely a no, in his book. Nightpaw ignored him, which annoyed the ginger cat-- but he kept silent anyways. "I mean, cats call me a jerk, but you? You make me look like I have an angelic personality next to yours. So I guess I should be thanking you for that." He sneered, and Foxpaw's emerald green hues narrowed. He was furious. But what could he do? He was stronger, yes-- but Nightpaw? Nightpaw was almost as strong, not to mention he was Foxpaw's size.
　
"Sounds like a bodyguard. Ast doesn't need someone standing by her and walking with her every step of the way." His eyes became more serious and he got to his paws. Even at his young age, with his breed, he was almost the size of Azulpaw. He was going to be quite a large warrior. "Now let me ask you something. Do you love her? Or do you just want her because she's helped you, now she's moving on and you want her back? Do you want her in your life, to take things in her own time? Or do you want to rush her into something that's never going to happen?" Nightpaw asked, his own eyes narrowing.
　
Alabasterpaw knew she had messed up. She knew she'd done this wrong. But this time? She wasn't going to mess up. She was going to do it right, and this time? She'd get the job done. All she needed was a new plan of action. Raised voices led her in the direction of a ginger cat, a black cat, and her target. The ginger and black cats looked familiar, probably the losers that used to hang out with her sister. Were they? She hoped not. Then again-- that black one had been hanging out with her sister more. Perhaps there was a way to use him. Perhaps there was a way to use all of them. And the best part? She could get her own sister and that silver cat to partake in this, without either one of them noticing. Alabasterpaw needed to meet up with Bluepaw. A new plan was in order. A wonderful, magnificent new plan, the beginnings of which were already turning in her head.

[Brilliance]

The she cat looked at Silverpaw in something resembling surprise. She didn't want to be treated like a young cat, and yet that was what she had been expecting. So the silver feline had surprised her. Quite a bit, honestly. She had stopped crying-- something she was thankful for-- and her ears were pricked up attentively, listening. "I've noticed that." Asterpaw's voice was soft, and gentle-- the type of voice she generally used after crying, because it physically hurt to try and speak louder. Her vocal cords wouldn't allow her to. And neither would her mind...it seemed to be taunting her by forcefully keeping her volume down, trying to make her do as it wished. And she always did. Listening to her head seemed to be what Asterpaw did best. And yet, she hadn't been recently. She'd been listening to her heart. Maybe that was what was getting her in all this trouble. But she never would have wanted to hurt Alabasterpaw if she'd listened to her head. Her head had been telling her to keep quiet. To stay down, stay safe. But her heart? Had told her to go. To go, and to hope that it wasn't too late.
　
Asterpaw's ears flicked fowards in mild surprise. Looks like you really do learn something new every day, she thought with interest. "Huh. That cat is never going to stop surprising me." She laughed with a soft chuckle. Thinking back to earlier, after she had thanked him-- you don't need to thank me. That had been his response. But she did; she owed Azulpaw her life. And, while she would have preferred it had been her...while that had given her an overwhelming amount of emotional pain where she couldn't do anything, she couldn't even move for fear that she would just stumble and fall right down-- it hadn't been her. It had been him. If it weren't for him, she would probably be dead. So what did he mean, 'you don't need to thank me?' It was nice of him. Maybe he thought she didn't really want to? But she did have to thank him. That was the way she had been brought up.
　
Her ears went back and she looked somewhat miserable. No-- really miserable. "I-- I know. It's just, Nightpaw's an old friend, like he said....and we were close. I know he wants to be close again, but I don't trust him and it's only more confusing that he shows up now of all times, when he wasn't there before..." Her voice trailed off. True, she would have been fine telling Azulpaw all this. But there was something about talking to another she cat, like she would Alabasterpaw, that made her feel secure. She'd grown up around toms. First Foxkit and Nightkit, both apprentices now, and now she was around Azulpaw-- and up until earlier that day, Bluepaw. The day was still fairly young. Odd. She felt like she'd just been through a lifetime of emotions. A literal lifetime. But she supposed that was how it was. Love seemed to be fickle, constantly changing, always shifting, never the same day to day. The only way you knew? Because you would feel the same, that underlying feeling no matter what.
　
Asterpaw's hues gleamed for a moment and then she let out a short laugh. "Sure, why not? He deserves it, the arrogant idiot." Her voice became somewhat darker at the last two words, and then brightened again. "Besides, I'm guessing Squeakaroo will be pretty impressed, Silvster." She smirked, glancing over at Silverpaw. Of course, she wasn't quite sure whether the smaller cat liked Foxpaw or not. He was mostly annoying, and yet-- he could be charming! When he wanted to be. She'd seen him win over she cats before, but couldn't help wondering if it was just because they felt sorry for her. Had it been up to her to guess, she would have said definitely. But since it wasn't? Who knew? The she cat got to her paws slowly, shaking a little as she normally did after she'd been crying a lot-- the last time being just earlier that day. What is with me today? She thought with a shake of her head. "C'mon. We'd better get back before Squeakaroo talks Azulpaw's ears off and Nightpaw ends up getting himself killed." The way she said 'killed' sounded almost as though she would have liked to do it herself. But-- she wouldn't. She didn't, at least. The she cat headed back out of the bushes, back to where she knew the three toms to be. "Thank you for coming." She turned back and smiled at Silverpaw briefly before they arrived. She was grateful to the younger feline. Honestly? She hadn't expected anyone to come. And yet, Silverpaw had.
　
"I'm surprised she hangs around you." The black tom's voice was frustrated, and showed his anger at having this cat's words directed at him. He didn't like Azulpaw at all. And he didn't understand why. Why? That was a question that seemed to be popping into the other tom's head normally.
　
"Beats the alternative," Foxpaw piped up. He didn't like the way his brother was acting right now. And he certainly didn't like the fact that he was forcing himself on her. Plus, being such a jerk to Silverpaw? Definitely a no, in his book. Nightpaw ignored him, which annoyed the ginger cat-- but he kept silent anyways. "I mean, cats call me a jerk, but you? You make me look like I have an angelic personality next to yours. So I guess I should be thanking you for that." He sneered, and Foxpaw's emerald green hues narrowed. He was furious. But what could he do? He was stronger, yes-- but Nightpaw? Nightpaw was almost as strong, not to mention he was Foxpaw's size.
　
"Sounds like a bodyguard. Ast doesn't need someone standing by her and walking with her every step of the way." His eyes became more serious and he got to his paws. Even at his young age, with his breed, he was almost the size of Azulpaw. He was going to be quite a large warrior. "Now let me ask you something. Do you love her? Or do you just want her because she's helped you, now she's moving on and you want her back? Do you want her in your life, to take things in her own time? Or do you want to rush her into something that's never going to happen?" Nightpaw asked, his own eyes narrowing.
　
Alabasterpaw knew she had messed up. She knew she'd done this wrong. But this time? She wasn't going to mess up. She was going to do it right, and this time? She'd get the job done. All she needed was a new plan of action. Raised voices led her in the direction of a ginger cat, a black cat, and her target. The ginger and black cats looked familiar, probably the losers that used to hang out with her sister. Were they? She hoped not. Then again-- that black one had been hanging out with her sister more. Perhaps there was a way to use him. Perhaps there was a way to use all of them. And the best part? She could get her own sister and that silver cat to partake in this, without either one of them noticing. Alabasterpaw needed to meet up with Bluepaw. A new plan was in order. A wonderful, magnificent new plan, the beginnings of which were already turning in her head.

Silverpaw let out a sigh of relief. She was glad that Asterpaw stopped crying, it made her own heart lightweight. It was just something about tears that made the small she-cat sad, depressed in a way. Depressed was the last emotion she wanted to be. ‘’I understand about the thing with Nightpaw. After all, nothing could break a bond between old friends--especially close ones at that.’’ Though the she-cat never liked the black tom, she respected that he was a friend of Asterpaw and the brother of Foxpaw. It was the only thing that she took acknowledgement of him. The silver cat allowed a giggle to escape her maw, ‘’I agree. I think he and Azulpaw both need to be brought down a couple notches.’’ At her next words, however, the silver bengal looked away slightly, her tail coming in contact with her mouth. She had a tendency of doing that whenever she felt nervous or sheepish in a manner. It became a habit, as if her smooth tail could hide her from the rest of the world. ‘’Squeakaroo is annoying. I don’t like him, Asty.’’ She answered after some time, rolling her eyes, and adding a soft laughter. She allowed her tail to swish behind her as she followed Asterpaw back to the toms. She was happy that she helped soothe another cat. She thought she wouldn’t get anywhere, but it turned out that Azulpaw’s boring lectures did come in handy.

The silver feline was happy to trot back with a more mellow blue cat. As long as she wasn’t entirely stressed, Azulpaw wouldn’t question them. The silver feline could almost imagine the look of gratefulness crossing his features for not only helping, but as well listening--to him, and remembering the quotes he used to tell them both all the time.

‘’What matters to you may not always matters to others. Instead of being offended by this, take in consideration that what’s important to them--may not be important to you.’’

‘’Think before you act. There’s a reaction to every action. And, most times it may not be what you plan it out to be.’’

‘’Just because you don’t like them, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t respect them. We’re all the same, no need to think of yourself as something perfect.’’

The grey tom was wise...in a sense. But, he also had his crude humor moments, which were both sickening and funny at the same time.

‘’Mouse-brain! Sometimes I wonder how come your mother didn’t give you up, upon first seeing you.’’

‘’Make my day by leaving. And, please never return. If I do hear from you again, it better be someone else telling me that you are dead.’’

‘’Sorry if you’re offended by my comment. Frankly, I don’t care, but I’ll say sorry if it keeps you from whining.’’

Silverpaw continued on with a light shake of her head. The tom sure had some problems, but he would never understand how truly loved he was. Not only in her eyes, but she could see it as well in Asterpaw’s eyes. The way she defended him at Foxpaw’s comment. No. He's not left out, I told you before. Indeed, the grey tom could never be left out. He was greatly appreciated, and Silverpaw was happy that he learned to accept new cats.

Only, he wasn’t accepting the one cat that kept staring him down. Staring him down as if he were ready to kill him. And, perhaps he was. Azulpaw snickered, ‘’Kill me if you must. No need to keep me waiting around playing off as bait.’’ The tom says, and he turned his head hoping that the two she-cats would make their way back. Azulpaw tried to maintain his calm posture, but Nightpaw’s gaze made him want to lash out. The tom thumped his tail against the ground lightly in anticipation. His mind was ready to lunge forward, but his body stated otherwise.

And, as he listened intently to the tom, Azulpaw rolled his eyes. Honestly, who did this tom think he was? Some leader of an imaginary clan? Azulpaw didn’t have to take nonsense from a kit. Should he waste his time just to answer the black tom’s question? Well, since he was already wasting his time, he might as well waste it even further. ‘’Listen here, kit. Why don’t you go to Asterpaw and ask her why she wants to hang out with me? You know, I agree with you because she’s lowering her standards hanging around me. It’s a shame--really, it is.’’ He mewed, solemnly, and sarcastically. He truly didn’t know how Asterpaw felt while hanging around him. He knew...as of today, that she had other friends that enjoyed her company--that wanted her company and for him to be out of the picture. Azulpaw knew that the time would be inevitable. That she’ll realize she had feelings for this old friends of hers and go back to them. Go off to lalaland, where they would live happily. Just don’t forget to make Alabasterpaw tag-a-long. He let out a chuckle.

At hearing the next words of the other feline, Azulpaw gave him a silent stare, nodding his head aimlessly as if he were ignoring him. ‘’Oh, yes. Angelic personality--Mhm, whatever you say, pipsqueak. And, jerk is a pretty strong word, don’t you think? I prefer tough, edgy, cool. You know anything along those lines, and as far as I can tell...Asterpaw isn’t making any adjustments to it--in fact, she seems to enjoy it.’’ A charming smile placed on the tom’s muzzle, his mind going back to the unbalanced fight he shared with Asterpaw those moons ago. Maybe I like pompous jerks! Which...in his opinion he was. Upon looking at Nightkit, the grey feline assumed he wasn’t her type at all. In fact, what did she see in him again? Whether they were close friends or not.

Upon his next words, the grey tom tried to stand up. To stand tall, but he grimaced, and sat back down, way too weak to do anything. ‘’I didn’t say anything about a bodyguard, idiot.’’ He said calmly, sneering. ‘’It’s nothing wrong with having support--someone to lean on, and that cares about you to stand beside you or in front of you to protect you.’’ The tom’s yellow hues narrowed slightly. He had to shake his head, vigorously. What did the black tom know anyway? Nothing in Azulpaw’s opinion. Azulpaw wanted to yell: Where were you when Alabasterpaw attacked her sister? Where were you when she felt down on herself? Where were you?...not beside her, not in front of her...or not even in back of her. You weren’t there. Face the fact, and either cheer, or stand on the side because you’re in my way. But the grey tom kept his calm. He was not going to fight for Asterpaw’s affection. He done enough of this already. In a sense, he already won. It was definitely a one-sided competition.

Azulpaw was furious. Furious was an understatement. But his level of anger reached its point where he was ready to lash out at any and everything. The tom got to his paws, glaring Nightpaw in the face, eyeing him a yellow milky haze, and his breathing staggered. How dare he say that? How dare he jump to these conclusions as if he knew him personally!?

Do you love her? Or do you just want her because she's helped you, now she's moving on and you want her back? Do you want her in your life, to take things in her own time? Or do you want to rush her into something that's never going to happen?

‘’You’re even dumber than you look, huh!?’’ The words that were supposed to stay hidden, tumbled out his mouth from frustration. Before he could continue, Silverpaw happily trotted, looking back to glance at Asterpaw. She turned quickly to Azulpaw, brushing against his side. ‘’What happened?’’ His fur was on end; bristling. An eerie gaze was on his features, but he didn’t even look back at Silverpaw, but lingered longer onto Nightpaw.

‘’First of all, you will not ask me a question, you can’t even answer yourself.’’ Was his simple answer. He was done. He was finished. But he would never allow for the black tom to get under his pelt. He just...couldn’t.

Or do you just want her because she’s helped you, now she’s moving on and you want her back?

Who was she moving on to? Who was this other that he was speaking up. Clearly, it couldn’t be him. Even Azulpaw expected better expectations from Asterpaw. In the first place, the tom never had her. Sure, they were...friends, at least, but she was always tottering around with Bluepaw. He was never hers. She was never his.

Do you want her in your life, to take things in her own time?

Why wouldn’t he? He would remain patient for her, despite his impatience in the first place, but as long as she kept a steady pace, he would wait for her for a lifetime. He knew that the she-cat took things slowly. Her mind was always wavering to something else, and he was fine with that. He was fine with a lot of things she done. He was especially satisfied with her playful side. It seemed like it was all she wanted to be. Have a kit hood, have fun, enjoy life. Frankly, he wanted that as well.

Or do you want to rush her into something that’s never going to happen?

What! He would never. He knew Asterpaw was somewhat delicate, that she took her time, and that she appreciated the good in life. He would never force her into a commitment she did not want. Unlike Nightpaw, who practically claimed her aloud as if she didn’t have a choice or say in the manner.

That’s never going to happen.

Perhaps, the future could not be told. And, most likely a future he could envision well would never happen. He wasn’t the strongest as of now, and he dotted that Asterpaw needed someone strong. Someone who would protect her. He could only do so much to protect her--almost dying twice, but once he was gone...her protection was gone. He would had died for everything. And, she would had died for nothing. That was the only good point Nightpaw made, and it made Azulpaw growled under his breath. It was not something he wanted to think about. The tom never held much optimism, so he believed that whatever was going on between them--whether they were friends, or more than friends--it was never going to last.

‘’First love always win.’’ He mumbled lowly, sighing.

Silverpaw did not quite hear him and she dipped her head down to make him repeat what he said. ‘’Zul…’’

The grey tom looked back up, and he flickered his eyes towards the blue she-cat, and then towards the black tom. Why did it feel like a large boulder was crushing him every time he thought about the blue cat? As the tom staggered to his paws, Silverpaw was there to be the support he leaned on. It was something he wanted Nightpaw to take in consideration. Azulpaw knew he didn’t need no bodyguard, but he knew that he could never shake Silverpaw off him. She was always standing in front, beside--or even behind as backup to make sure he was alright. No matter what he would also do the same for Asterpaw.

‘’I need a few moments to think--sort my thoughts out.’’ He gave Silverpaw a simple look that told her to stay behind. The grey tom limped on, passing Nightpaw as he gave him a hard, glaring stare until he was a good distance away from them. The tom looked up at the sky, his tail wrapped around his claws in a gentle manner. Craning his neck was hard--as the wounds down his back were sharp and painful. But as of now, the pain was the only thing that made him numb.

As for Bluepaw, the piebald tom traveled around a bit, looking to see what else there were to do. He hate the fact that Alabasterpaw was no where need as he needed someone to talk to. As he needed someone to confide in. The white demon was the perfect company for him to be around...at least until he was ready to deal with Asterpaw. It seemed like she was ignoring him. That she knew of something which lead her into being annoyed with him. But, he didn’t know what it was. The tom truly did not want to lose the blue feline. She was...everything to him. He was emotionally and physically attached, and he would not be afraid to attack anyone who got in his way. As he kicked a pebble with his paw, he trotted on, a smile on his face as he watched others around him. As long as they still saw him as that generous tom that he’s always been, then he was good. Everything was fine.

[lone]

Silverpaw let out a sigh of relief. She was glad that Asterpaw stopped crying, it made her own heart lightweight. It was just something about tears that made the small she-cat sad, depressed in a way. Depressed was the last emotion she wanted to be. ‘’I understand about the thing with Nightpaw. After all, nothing could break a bond between old friends--especially close ones at that.’’ Though the she-cat never liked the black tom, she respected that he was a friend of Asterpaw and the brother of Foxpaw. It was the only thing that she took acknowledgement of him. The silver cat allowed a giggle to escape her maw, ‘’I agree. I think he and Azulpaw both need to be brought down a couple notches.’’ At her next words, however, the silver bengal looked away slightly, her tail coming in contact with her mouth. She had a tendency of doing that whenever she felt nervous or sheepish in a manner. It became a habit, as if her smooth tail could hide her from the rest of the world. ‘’Squeakaroo is annoying. I don’t like him, Asty.’’ She answered after some time, rolling her eyes, and adding a soft laughter. She allowed her tail to swish behind her as she followed Asterpaw back to the toms. She was happy that she helped soothe another cat. She thought she wouldn’t get anywhere, but it turned out that Azulpaw’s boring lectures did come in handy.


The silver feline was happy to trot back with a more mellow blue cat. As long as she wasn’t entirely stressed, Azulpaw wouldn’t question them. The silver feline could almost imagine the look of gratefulness crossing his features for not only helping, but as well listening--to him, and remembering the quotes he used to tell them both all the time.

‘’What matters to you may not always matters to others. Instead of being offended by this, take in consideration that what’s important to them--may not be important to you.’’

‘’Think before you act. There’s a reaction to every action. And, most times it may not be what you plan it out to be.’’

‘’Just because you don’t like them, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t respect them. We’re all the same, no need to think of yourself as something perfect.’’

The grey tom was wise...in a sense. But, he also had his crude humor moments, which were both sickening and funny at the same time.

‘’Mouse-brain! Sometimes I wonder how come your mother didn’t give you up, upon first seeing you.’’

‘’Make my day by leaving. And, please never return. If I do hear from you again, it better be someone else telling me that you are dead.’’

‘’Sorry if you’re offended by my comment. Frankly, I don’t care, but I’ll say sorry if it keeps you from whining.’’

Silverpaw continued on with a light shake of her head. The tom sure had some problems, but he would never understand how truly loved he was. Not only in her eyes, but she could see it as well in Asterpaw’s eyes. The way she defended him at Foxpaw’s comment. No. He's not left out, I told you before. Indeed, the grey tom could never be left out. He was greatly appreciated, and Silverpaw was happy that he learned to accept new cats.

Only, he wasn’t accepting the one cat that kept staring him down. Staring him down as if he were ready to kill him. And, perhaps he was. Azulpaw snickered, ‘’Kill me if you must. No need to keep me waiting around playing off as bait.’’ The tom says, and he turned his head hoping that the two she-cats would make their way back. Azulpaw tried to maintain his calm posture, but Nightpaw’s gaze made him want to lash out. The tom thumped his tail against the ground lightly in anticipation. His mind was ready to lunge forward, but his body stated otherwise.

And, as he listened intently to the tom, Azulpaw rolled his eyes. Honestly, who did this tom think he was? Some leader of an imaginary clan? Azulpaw didn’t have to take nonsense from a kit. Should he waste his time just to answer the black tom’s question? Well, since he was already wasting his time, he might as well waste it even further. ‘’Listen here, kit. Why don’t you go to Asterpaw and ask her why she wants to hang out with me? You know, I agree with you because she’s lowering her standards hanging around me. It’s a shame--really, it is.’’ He mewed, solemnly, and sarcastically. He truly didn’t know how Asterpaw felt while hanging around him. He knew...as of today, that she had other friends that enjoyed her company--that wanted her company and for him to be out of the picture. Azulpaw knew that the time would be inevitable. That she’ll realize she had feelings for this old friends of hers and go back to them. Go off to lalaland, where they would live happily. Just don’t forget to make Alabasterpaw tag-a-long. He let out a chuckle.

At hearing the next words of the other feline, Azulpaw gave him a silent stare, nodding his head aimlessly as if he were ignoring him. ‘’Oh, yes. Angelic personality--Mhm, whatever you say, pipsqueak. And, jerk is a pretty strong word, don’t you think? I prefer tough, edgy, cool. You know anything along those lines, and as far as I can tell...Asterpaw isn’t making any adjustments to it--in fact, she seems to enjoy it.’’ A charming smile placed on the tom’s muzzle, his mind going back to the unbalanced fight he shared with Asterpaw those moons ago. Maybe I like pompous jerks! Which...in his opinion he was. Upon looking at Nightkit, the grey feline assumed he wasn’t her type at all. In fact, what did she see in him again? Whether they were close friends or not.

Upon his next words, the grey tom tried to stand up. To stand tall, but he grimaced, and sat back down, way too weak to do anything. ‘’I didn’t say anything about a bodyguard, idiot.’’ He said calmly, sneering. ‘’It’s nothing wrong with having support--someone to lean on, and that cares about you to stand beside you or in front of you to protect you.’’ The tom’s yellow hues narrowed slightly. He had to shake his head, vigorously. What did the black tom know anyway? Nothing in Azulpaw’s opinion. Azulpaw wanted to yell: Where were you when Alabasterpaw attacked her sister? Where were you when she felt down on herself? Where were you?...not beside her, not in front of her...or not even in back of her. You weren’t there. Face the fact, and either cheer, or stand on the side because you’re in my way. But the grey tom kept his calm. He was not going to fight for Asterpaw’s affection. He done enough of this already. In a sense, he already won. It was definitely a one-sided competition.

Azulpaw was furious. Furious was an understatement. But his level of anger reached its point where he was ready to lash out at any and everything. The tom got to his paws, glaring Nightpaw in the face, eyeing him a yellow milky haze, and his breathing staggered. How dare he say that? How dare he jump to these conclusions as if he knew him personally!?

Do you love her? Or do you just want her because she's helped you, now she's moving on and you want her back? Do you want her in your life, to take things in her own time? Or do you want to rush her into something that's never going to happen?

‘’You’re even dumber than you look, huh!?’’ The words that were supposed to stay hidden, tumbled out his mouth from frustration. Before he could continue, Silverpaw happily trotted, looking back to glance at Asterpaw. She turned quickly to Azulpaw, brushing against his side. ‘’What happened?’’ His fur was on end; bristling. An eerie gaze was on his features, but he didn’t even look back at Silverpaw, but lingered longer onto Nightpaw.

‘’First of all, you will not ask me a question, you can’t even answer yourself.’’ Was his simple answer. He was done. He was finished. But he would never allow for the black tom to get under his pelt. He just...couldn’t.

Or do you just want her because she’s helped you, now she’s moving on and you want her back?

Who was she moving on to? Who was this other that he was speaking up. Clearly, it couldn’t be him. Even Azulpaw expected better expectations from Asterpaw. In the first place, the tom never had her. Sure, they were...friends, at least, but she was always tottering around with Bluepaw. He was never hers. She was never his.

Do you want her in your life, to take things in her own time?

Why wouldn’t he? He would remain patient for her, despite his impatience in the first place, but as long as she kept a steady pace, he would wait for her for a lifetime. He knew that the she-cat took things slowly. Her mind was always wavering to something else, and he was fine with that. He was fine with a lot of things she done. He was especially satisfied with her playful side. It seemed like it was all she wanted to be. Have a kit hood, have fun, enjoy life. Frankly, he wanted that as well.

Or do you want to rush her into something that’s never going to happen?

What! He would never. He knew Asterpaw was somewhat delicate, that she took her time, and that she appreciated the good in life. He would never force her into a commitment she did not want. Unlike Nightpaw, who practically claimed her aloud as if she didn’t have a choice or say in the manner.

That’s never going to happen.

Perhaps, the future could not be told. And, most likely a future he could envision well would never happen. He wasn’t the strongest as of now, and he dotted that Asterpaw needed someone strong. Someone who would protect her. He could only do so much to protect her--almost dying twice, but once he was gone...her protection was gone. He would had died for everything. And, she would had died for nothing. That was the only good point Nightpaw made, and it made Azulpaw growled under his breath. It was not something he wanted to think about. The tom never held much optimism, so he believed that whatever was going on between them--whether they were friends, or more than friends--it was never going to last.

‘’First love always win.’’ He mumbled lowly, sighing.

Silverpaw did not quite hear him and she dipped her head down to make him repeat what he said. ‘’Zul…’’

The grey tom looked back up, and he flickered his eyes towards the blue she-cat, and then towards the black tom. Why did it feel like a large boulder was crushing him every time he thought about the blue cat? As the tom staggered to his paws, Silverpaw was there to be the support he leaned on. It was something he wanted Nightpaw to take in consideration. Azulpaw knew he didn’t need no bodyguard, but he knew that he could never shake Silverpaw off him. She was always standing in front, beside--or even behind as backup to make sure he was alright. No matter what he would also do the same for Asterpaw.

‘’I need a few moments to think--sort my thoughts out.’’ He gave Silverpaw a simple look that told her to stay behind. The grey tom limped on, passing Nightpaw as he gave him a hard, glaring stare until he was a good distance away from them. The tom looked up at the sky, his tail wrapped around his claws in a gentle manner. Craning his neck was hard--as the wounds down his back were sharp and painful. But as of now, the pain was the only thing that made him numb.


As for Bluepaw, the piebald tom traveled around a bit, looking to see what else there were to do. He hate the fact that Alabasterpaw was no where need as he needed someone to talk to. As he needed someone to confide in. The white demon was the perfect company for him to be around...at least until he was ready to deal with Asterpaw. It seemed like she was ignoring him. That she knew of something which lead her into being annoyed with him. But, he didn’t know what it was. The tom truly did not want to lose the blue feline. She was...everything to him. He was emotionally and physically attached, and he would not be afraid to attack anyone who got in his way. As he kicked a pebble with his paw, he trotted on, a smile on his face as he watched others around him. As long as they still saw him as that generous tom that he’s always been, then he was good. Everything was fine.


Nightpaw already hated this cat. Everything about him. How could he not? The tom was so annoying. Just listening to him talk, chattering on aimlessly gave Nightpaw a headache. Sickened him. Made him feel like this cat was going to end up ruining his life. What he had wanted was gone-- disappeared into the bushes, and now he was left with his brother and this frustrating tom. "I wouldn't say it's a strong word. I would say it's definitely a word to describe you, however. Not to mention obnoxious and irritating." He growled. Why was this cat getting under his fur? It felt like there were thousands of ants crawling in his fur, and yet he could do nothing to stop them. Irritation spread through the tom like a flame, and it was apparent he was close to just-- leaving. If Asterpaw wanted to keep company with this, that was fine by him. And if she didn't? Even more fine by him. Maybe she would change her mind sometime, and maybe she wouldn't... it effected him either way.
　
"Of course there's not. But she doesn't need support. She has to learn to do things on her own." He growled back, hues narrowing. Was this what Asterpaw liked? Having someone to be there, taking everything for her, someone she could order around...be a sort of boss to? That didn't seem like her. And yet, he was certain she couldn't be with him because she truly liked him...no. No, no, no, that wasn't happening. And yet, snapping at him like that? She never had done that to him before. Nightpaw had thought she would have been thrilled. But she had been angry, angrier then he had ever seen her. Before she had just walked away. Not bothering to so much as look at them. And now? She was furious, the angriest cat Nightpaw had seen in a long time. But why? What had he done to make her so angry? Surely it wasn't anything he'd said. Maybe he was just rushing her-- that had to be it. Dumber then I look? The words had seemed to come too fast for Nightpaw to process them.
　
For a moment, he blinked in surprise and then his cutting yellow hues narrowed. He was-- furious. Furious. Angrier then he had been in a long, long time. "No. I'm not. Are you?" He asked before he could stop, his voice remaining level and calm, that same voice that he always used. The point? Well, he was doing his best to get under this cat's fur while getting him out from under his own. But it wasn't working. He was still here, as bothersome as ever. Maybe he should just leave. Come back some other time when Asterpaw was alone-- right? Right. Definitely. Even from her spot in the bushes, before stepping out, Asterpaw had heard the tom. Both of them. Great. More fighting. Over me? Or just because they're toms and they have to fight over something? She thought, the tip of her tail twitching thoughtfully. It had to be one or the other. And frankly, Asterpaw preferred the latter. The blue cat had seen enough fighting to last her a lifetime. But there would always be more.
　
Always and forever. Was that just something toms felt like they had to do, fight? Fighting over any and every pretty she cat that walked their way. Fighting over friends. And they think she cats are dramatic. Geez. She thought with a roll of her eyes. Still, she probably should do something. But Silverpaw was already by Azulpaw's side before she moved again, so she glanced at him curiously. A...question you can't answer yourself? What...? She thought, her eyes flashing questioningly, but she kept silent. Now was probably not a good time for her to say anything. And yet, her eyes still flashed questioningly...worriedly...nervously. Nightpaw glanced over at her, giving her a look that clearly meant she was to stay out of it. I don't answer to you. She wanted to snap back, but realizing that probably would have been strange, came to stand by Azulpaw's other side. And then in the next moment he was gone, while Silverpaw was still there.
　
Foxpaw was there too, brushing himself alongside her and giving her a sly smirk that Asterpaw knew all too well. Oh StarClan, no...she thought, looking as though she were about to join Azulpaw. But-- he wanted to be alone. She respected that. And, while she would have liked to get away from Squeakaroo and his flirtatious tactics, not to mention the sullen black tom, she didn't want to leave the silver feline with them. So she was here as well. "Silvster! You're back! I mean, I know you weren't gone that long, but I seriously thought the claws were gonna come out pretty soon! Thank StarClan you showed up when you did, huh? Stopped 'em from messin' each other up pretty bad." His eyes were sparkling in the mischievous way that they always did. Foxpaw loved to flirt-- play around, joke around, nothing could be taken seriously when he said it. Not only because of the still-squeak in his voice, but because of his actions as well. "Hey Squeakaroo, what exactly happened?" Asterpaw asked him.
　
What happened? What-- oh that's right, you weren't here to see your loves going head to head. Foxpaw thought with a snort. Though he knew that Nightpaw was definitely Asterpaw's past now. "Wel-l...Silvs, you want to know this too? Or would you rather leave well enough alone?" He asked, cocking his head to one side. Please just leave it alone, because I can't remember half of what happened...his thoughts, of course, did not project themselves as he would have liked them to do, but he hoped Silverpaw would understand his stress and leave well enough alone. Besides, he was pretty tensed against her. Though that might have just been him planning his next move. Foxpaw's emerald hues glanced directly at her, and he swallowed slightly. Don't mess this up, Foxy, boy. He thought, giving her a beaming smile. Oh yeah. Charming as ever. He thought with an equally happy smirk, turning around and secretly grinning. This was going wonderfully.
　
Just as he had planned it. She was totally in love with him!! Wasn't she? She had to be. He was the most handsome, the greatest, the one and only...right? Just like every other time, huh, Fox boy? Foxpaw thought to himself. Maybe Asterpaw had messed it up by calling him Squeakaroo. Annoying... but not intolerable. He was mature! He could handle this in a mature, great, sophisticated way. Couldn't he? Of course! I'm Foxpaw, the handsomest, most charming, most amazing tom of all time! Every she cat in the Clans wants me...but not all can have me. What a dilemma, huh? He thought, the tip of his tail twitching as he smirked again. Yes. What a dilemma. That was what he always told himself, building up his confidence-- and from the looks of things, Asterpaw could have used some building up. She looked horrible. "Say, uh...Silvster, what do you say to a little time to ourselves? I think we could use a walk. C'mon now, what do you say?" He asked.
　
What? It was time to put pressure on. Maybe he could use just a little jealousy tactic... one he'd learned a long time ago... "...but of course, if you don't want to, I'm sure Asty here would love to come with me. Wouldn't you, darling?" He asked, looking at her pleadingly with his eyes. Sure, it wasn't really dignified. But Foxpaw didn't have much dignity left, flirting had taken it all away. Did he care? Of course not. He was Foxpaw, Squeakaroo, the Foxy boy...Fox boy...whatever someone saw fit to call him, that was what he was. Except of course for Nightpaw. Who tended to call him ruder things then he was allowed to repeat. Well, then he allowed himself to repeat, anyways. "I don't know, Squeakaroo. I think Silvster would be much better company for you then me." She shrugged, glancing at Silverpaw with a mischievous smile. "Go on, Silvsy! Have fun with Squeaky, now. Oh, and Squeakaroo? Better have her back here before Azulpaw comes back, pretty sure he's gonna need his Silvster back." She waved goodbye with a paw.
　
Foxpaw was grateful to her, of course-- and he drew his tail tightly around Silverpaw so that there was hardly any way for her to move away from him. There was nothing wrong with taking Silverpaw into the forest! Was there? Nah. He thought, shrugging off whatever doubt he might have had and grinning at the young she cat again. "Sooo...you and me, Silvster?" He asked, his emerald hues gleaming again as he looked at her. Asterpaw glanced somewhat worriedly over into the bushes. Was he okay? Oh no...a sudden thought came to her mind. What if Alabasterpaw returned? Not even her sister was so stupid as to plan another attack so soon, right? She would wait a while. Unless she was planning on finishing Azulpaw off now, planning on killing him while he was weakened...oh why, why hadn't she just followed anyways? She was now. "Got to go. Stuff to do. See ya!" She called back to them, darting into the trees. She should have gone with her gut instinct.
　
She knew it. Listening to her head was what she should have done, not her heart. Her head was always right. Wasn't it? If she had just listened to her head, she would have been safe and well and out of all this mess. She would still be with Lionpaw, with him showing her everything there was around the territory. She would still be the wide-eyed, wonderstruck kit that she had been, amazed at everything she saw. She would still have Nightpaw as a best friend, and she'd be sneaking Foxpaw out into the territory...she would have never met Azulpaw. She would have tagged along with her sister, trailing behind the whole time, and just said hello before leaving him alone. They might never have been friends. He never would have gotten hurt. Alabasterpaw would have left him alone. She would have stayed with Bluepaw, and even if things still turned out the way she did, Azulpaw wouldn't be hurt. He would have been fine. But no-- she'd listened to her heart.
　
Her heart had gotten her into all this. The question was...could it get her out of it? "Azulpaw! Are you okay?!" She called in the loudest voice she could manage. If he were hurt...if Alabasterpaw had...no! No, that's not going to happen. You're going to find him, and he's going to be fine. And Alli won't be anywhere in sight. But Bluepaw's betrayal was bothering her as well, and she was unsure whether she should say anything or not. Was she being overprotective? Clingy? That was the last thing she wanted, of course, but...she was scared. She didn't want anything to happen to him. All she wanted to do was be a friend, was protect him from Alabasterpaw's evil spirit, and yet he had been the one doing that to her. Protecting her. Always with her. Please, don't let me be too late...she thought, closing her eyes and gritting her teeth. The blue cat was almost afraid of what she might find. But Bluepaw wouldn't hurt him. Or her. He wouldn't dare touch either of them, would he?
　
Surely not. That would just be stupid. That would be absolutely, positively stupid. She wouldn't mind so much if it was her. She could fight him off. Sure, he might be stronger-- but if he relied on his strength in battle, as Alabasterpaw did-- she could do it. However...her sister also fought dirty. Meaning she would drag in any weakness, even the smallest one...and use it to her advantage. Especially using someone the other cared about. She should have seen that coming earlier. But maybe there was a way to fight that off as well... Alabasterpaw didn't often bluff, but Bluepaw? Maybe he did. Maybe he wouldn't really hurt anyone. Surely not Foxpaw, no one would hurt that little Squeakaroo... he was the least threatening cat in the world. For real. "If you're jumping out of a tree, wait for me!" She called jokingly, despite the slight twinge of worry that she could feel. He better not be...Asterpaw thought. All he was going to do was hurt himself. And that wouldn't be good at all.
　
Especially because she could see Alabasterpaw pushing him out of that tree...funny, just a moon ago, that would have been her. And maybe she still would. A lower branch, where he'd be fine. She thought with a shrug. It might be fun. But definitely not right now-- right now that would almost surely kill him. He could break his neck...spine...crack his skull...I sound like his Mother, she thought with a snicker. Though Asterpaw didn't know what Azulpaw's relationship with his Mom had been, most kits' experience was a cat who often was worrying over them and making sure they were alright. She could almost see a little Azulpaw getting ready to jump, and a larger, more feminine version of him hovering around worriedly, calling instructions up or glowering fiercely and waiting for him to jump so she could get him back in the nursery, or climbing up the tree to get him, calling to him not to move. And a little Bluepaw pushing him out of that tree...but they had been best friends!
　
Surely nothing like that would have happened. Shaking the thought off, the blue feline continued on her path to find Azulpaw...and trying to remain confident that he would be okay. That everything was going to be fine. It wasn't necessarily true, but she could hope that it was. The tip of Asterpaw's tail twitched as she tried to think of a solution-- one that would settle this once and for all. She could always go to Grousestar... but what then? Would he believe her? And, even if he did, did she want him to? After all, this was her sister. Whatever she had done, they needed to work it out...they needed to fight to bring Bluepaw and Alabasterpaw back from whatever they had become. She wanted her sister back, the cheerful, somewhat airheaded kit that she had been before. She wanted to be able to trust Alabasterpaw with everything, for them to be able to be as close as they were. Oh well-- she still had other siblings. And her Mom. But her Dad, whoever and wherever he was...was not to be trusted. She had learned that much from her Mom.
　
Alabasterpaw was bored. And annoyed. Where was Bluepaw, anyways? Wherever the piebald tom was, she needed to speak with him-- as soon as possible. There was trouble...danger...and they needed to act quickly before someone decided to go to Grousestar and tell on them. They'll never reach the den. She thought with a dark chuckle, claws unsheathing and digging into the ground as she did so. The white cat twisted around the trees in the thicker part of the woods, a purr rumbling in her throat as she did so, hues glancing around for Bluepaw. Wherever the piebald tom was, as soon as she found him she needed to talk to him. Her plan wasn't in action yet, she wanted to make sure it was alright with him-- make sure he would allow her to do whatever she needed to. Besides that, the white feline needed his services. All of their services, to be exact... though most would never know it. And if things went well, by the end of the plan? No one would be left alive to tell the tale.

[Brilliance]

Nightpaw already hated this cat. Everything about him. How could he not? The tom was so annoying. Just listening to him talk, chattering on aimlessly gave Nightpaw a headache. Sickened him. Made him feel like this cat was going to end up ruining his life. What he had wanted was gone-- disappeared into the bushes, and now he was left with his brother and this frustrating tom. "I wouldn't say it's a strong word. I would say it's definitely a word to describe you, however. Not to mention obnoxious and irritating." He growled. Why was this cat getting under his fur? It felt like there were thousands of ants crawling in his fur, and yet he could do nothing to stop them. Irritation spread through the tom like a flame, and it was apparent he was close to just-- leaving. If Asterpaw wanted to keep company with this, that was fine by him. And if she didn't? Even more fine by him. Maybe she would change her mind sometime, and maybe she wouldn't... it effected him either way.
　
"Of course there's not. But she doesn't need support. She has to learn to do things on her own." He growled back, hues narrowing. Was this what Asterpaw liked? Having someone to be there, taking everything for her, someone she could order around...be a sort of boss to? That didn't seem like her. And yet, he was certain she couldn't be with him because she truly liked him...no. No, no, no, that wasn't happening. And yet, snapping at him like that? She never had done that to him before. Nightpaw had thought she would have been thrilled. But she had been angry, angrier then he had ever seen her. Before she had just walked away. Not bothering to so much as look at them. And now? She was furious, the angriest cat Nightpaw had seen in a long time. But why? What had he done to make her so angry? Surely it wasn't anything he'd said. Maybe he was just rushing her-- that had to be it. Dumber then I look? The words had seemed to come too fast for Nightpaw to process them.
　
For a moment, he blinked in surprise and then his cutting yellow hues narrowed. He was-- furious. Furious. Angrier then he had been in a long, long time. "No. I'm not. Are you?" He asked before he could stop, his voice remaining level and calm, that same voice that he always used. The point? Well, he was doing his best to get under this cat's fur while getting him out from under his own. But it wasn't working. He was still here, as bothersome as ever. Maybe he should just leave. Come back some other time when Asterpaw was alone-- right? Right. Definitely. Even from her spot in the bushes, before stepping out, Asterpaw had heard the tom. Both of them. Great. More fighting. Over me? Or just because they're toms and they have to fight over something? She thought, the tip of her tail twitching thoughtfully. It had to be one or the other. And frankly, Asterpaw preferred the latter. The blue cat had seen enough fighting to last her a lifetime. But there would always be more.
　
Always and forever. Was that just something toms felt like they had to do, fight? Fighting over any and every pretty she cat that walked their way. Fighting over friends. And they think she cats are dramatic. Geez. She thought with a roll of her eyes. Still, she probably should do something. But Silverpaw was already by Azulpaw's side before she moved again, so she glanced at him curiously. A...question you can't answer yourself? What...? She thought, her eyes flashing questioningly, but she kept silent. Now was probably not a good time for her to say anything. And yet, her eyes still flashed questioningly...worriedly...nervously. Nightpaw glanced over at her, giving her a look that clearly meant she was to stay out of it. I don't answer to you. She wanted to snap back, but realizing that probably would have been strange, came to stand by Azulpaw's other side. And then in the next moment he was gone, while Silverpaw was still there.
　
Foxpaw was there too, brushing himself alongside her and giving her a sly smirk that Asterpaw knew all too well. Oh StarClan, no...she thought, looking as though she were about to join Azulpaw. But-- he wanted to be alone. She respected that. And, while she would have liked to get away from Squeakaroo and his flirtatious tactics, not to mention the sullen black tom, she didn't want to leave the silver feline with them. So she was here as well. "Silvster! You're back! I mean, I know you weren't gone that long, but I seriously thought the claws were gonna come out pretty soon! Thank StarClan you showed up when you did, huh? Stopped 'em from messin' each other up pretty bad." His eyes were sparkling in the mischievous way that they always did. Foxpaw loved to flirt-- play around, joke around, nothing could be taken seriously when he said it. Not only because of the still-squeak in his voice, but because of his actions as well. "Hey Squeakaroo, what exactly happened?" Asterpaw asked him.
　
What happened? What-- oh that's right, you weren't here to see your loves going head to head. Foxpaw thought with a snort. Though he knew that Nightpaw was definitely Asterpaw's past now. "Wel-l...Silvs, you want to know this too? Or would you rather leave well enough alone?" He asked, cocking his head to one side. Please just leave it alone, because I can't remember half of what happened...his thoughts, of course, did not project themselves as he would have liked them to do, but he hoped Silverpaw would understand his stress and leave well enough alone. Besides, he was pretty tensed against her. Though that might have just been him planning his next move. Foxpaw's emerald hues glanced directly at her, and he swallowed slightly. Don't mess this up, Foxy, boy. He thought, giving her a beaming smile. Oh yeah. Charming as ever. He thought with an equally happy smirk, turning around and secretly grinning. This was going wonderfully.
　
Just as he had planned it. She was totally in love with him!! Wasn't she? She had to be. He was the most handsome, the greatest, the one and only...right? Just like every other time, huh, Fox boy? Foxpaw thought to himself. Maybe Asterpaw had messed it up by calling him Squeakaroo. Annoying... but not intolerable. He was mature! He could handle this in a mature, great, sophisticated way. Couldn't he? Of course! I'm Foxpaw, the handsomest, most charming, most amazing tom of all time! Every she cat in the Clans wants me...but not all can have me. What a dilemma, huh? He thought, the tip of his tail twitching as he smirked again. Yes. What a dilemma. That was what he always told himself, building up his confidence-- and from the looks of things, Asterpaw could have used some building up. She looked horrible. "Say, uh...Silvster, what do you say to a little time to ourselves? I think we could use a walk. C'mon now, what do you say?" He asked.
　
What? It was time to put pressure on. Maybe he could use just a little jealousy tactic... one he'd learned a long time ago... "...but of course, if you don't want to, I'm sure Asty here would love to come with me. Wouldn't you, darling?" He asked, looking at her pleadingly with his eyes. Sure, it wasn't really dignified. But Foxpaw didn't have much dignity left, flirting had taken it all away. Did he care? Of course not. He was Foxpaw, Squeakaroo, the Foxy boy...Fox boy...whatever someone saw fit to call him, that was what he was. Except of course for Nightpaw. Who tended to call him ruder things then he was allowed to repeat. Well, then he allowed himself to repeat, anyways. "I don't know, Squeakaroo. I think Silvster would be much better company for you then me." She shrugged, glancing at Silverpaw with a mischievous smile. "Go on, Silvsy! Have fun with Squeaky, now. Oh, and Squeakaroo? Better have her back here before Azulpaw comes back, pretty sure he's gonna need his Silvster back." She waved goodbye with a paw.
　
Foxpaw was grateful to her, of course-- and he drew his tail tightly around Silverpaw so that there was hardly any way for her to move away from him. There was nothing wrong with taking Silverpaw into the forest! Was there? Nah. He thought, shrugging off whatever doubt he might have had and grinning at the young she cat again. "Sooo...you and me, Silvster?" He asked, his emerald hues gleaming again as he looked at her. Asterpaw glanced somewhat worriedly over into the bushes. Was he okay? Oh no...a sudden thought came to her mind. What if Alabasterpaw returned? Not even her sister was so stupid as to plan another attack so soon, right? She would wait a while. Unless she was planning on finishing Azulpaw off now, planning on killing him while he was weakened...oh why, why hadn't she just followed anyways? She was now. "Got to go. Stuff to do. See ya!" She called back to them, darting into the trees. She should have gone with her gut instinct.
　
She knew it. Listening to her head was what she should have done, not her heart. Her head was always right. Wasn't it? If she had just listened to her head, she would have been safe and well and out of all this mess. She would still be with Lionpaw, with him showing her everything there was around the territory. She would still be the wide-eyed, wonderstruck kit that she had been, amazed at everything she saw. She would still have Nightpaw as a best friend, and she'd be sneaking Foxpaw out into the territory...she would have never met Azulpaw. She would have tagged along with her sister, trailing behind the whole time, and just said hello before leaving him alone. They might never have been friends. He never would have gotten hurt. Alabasterpaw would have left him alone. She would have stayed with Bluepaw, and even if things still turned out the way she did, Azulpaw wouldn't be hurt. He would have been fine. But no-- she'd listened to her heart.
　
Her heart had gotten her into all this. The question was...could it get her out of it? "Azulpaw! Are you okay?!" She called in the loudest voice she could manage. If he were hurt...if Alabasterpaw had...no! No, that's not going to happen. You're going to find him, and he's going to be fine. And Alli won't be anywhere in sight. But Bluepaw's betrayal was bothering her as well, and she was unsure whether she should say anything or not. Was she being overprotective? Clingy? That was the last thing she wanted, of course, but...she was scared. She didn't want anything to happen to him. All she wanted to do was be a friend, was protect him from Alabasterpaw's evil spirit, and yet he had been the one doing that to her. Protecting her. Always with her. Please, don't let me be too late...she thought, closing her eyes and gritting her teeth. The blue cat was almost afraid of what she might find. But Bluepaw wouldn't hurt him. Or her. He wouldn't dare touch either of them, would he?
　
Surely not. That would just be stupid. That would be absolutely, positively stupid. She wouldn't mind so much if it was her. She could fight him off. Sure, he might be stronger-- but if he relied on his strength in battle, as Alabasterpaw did-- she could do it. However...her sister also fought dirty. Meaning she would drag in any weakness, even the smallest one...and use it to her advantage. Especially using someone the other cared about. She should have seen that coming earlier. But maybe there was a way to fight that off as well... Alabasterpaw didn't often bluff, but Bluepaw? Maybe he did. Maybe he wouldn't really hurt anyone. Surely not Foxpaw, no one would hurt that little Squeakaroo... he was the least threatening cat in the world. For real. "If you're jumping out of a tree, wait for me!" She called jokingly, despite the slight twinge of worry that she could feel. He better not be...Asterpaw thought. All he was going to do was hurt himself. And that wouldn't be good at all.
　
Especially because she could see Alabasterpaw pushing him out of that tree...funny, just a moon ago, that would have been her. And maybe she still would. A lower branch, where he'd be fine. She thought with a shrug. It might be fun. But definitely not right now-- right now that would almost surely kill him. He could break his neck...spine...crack his skull...I sound like his Mother, she thought with a snicker. Though Asterpaw didn't know what Azulpaw's relationship with his Mom had been, most kits' experience was a cat who often was worrying over them and making sure they were alright. She could almost see a little Azulpaw getting ready to jump, and a larger, more feminine version of him hovering around worriedly, calling instructions up or glowering fiercely and waiting for him to jump so she could get him back in the nursery, or climbing up the tree to get him, calling to him not to move. And a little Bluepaw pushing him out of that tree...but they had been best friends!
　
Surely nothing like that would have happened. Shaking the thought off, the blue feline continued on her path to find Azulpaw...and trying to remain confident that he would be okay. That everything was going to be fine. It wasn't necessarily true, but she could hope that it was. The tip of Asterpaw's tail twitched as she tried to think of a solution-- one that would settle this once and for all. She could always go to Grousestar... but what then? Would he believe her? And, even if he did, did she want him to? After all, this was her sister. Whatever she had done, they needed to work it out...they needed to fight to bring Bluepaw and Alabasterpaw back from whatever they had become. She wanted her sister back, the cheerful, somewhat airheaded kit that she had been before. She wanted to be able to trust Alabasterpaw with everything, for them to be able to be as close as they were. Oh well-- she still had other siblings. And her Mom. But her Dad, whoever and wherever he was...was not to be trusted. She had learned that much from her Mom.
　
Alabasterpaw was bored. And annoyed. Where was Bluepaw, anyways? Wherever the piebald tom was, she needed to speak with him-- as soon as possible. There was trouble...danger...and they needed to act quickly before someone decided to go to Grousestar and tell on them. They'll never reach the den. She thought with a dark chuckle, claws unsheathing and digging into the ground as she did so. The white cat twisted around the trees in the thicker part of the woods, a purr rumbling in her throat as she did so, hues glancing around for Bluepaw. Wherever the piebald tom was, as soon as she found him she needed to talk to him. Her plan wasn't in action yet, she wanted to make sure it was alright with him-- make sure he would allow her to do whatever she needed to. Besides that, the white feline needed his services. All of their services, to be exact... though most would never know it. And if things went well, by the end of the plan? No one would be left alive to tell the tale.

Silverpaw wanted to know what had happened. She wanted to know what the black furball done now. She could tell that her friend was agitated, and quite frankly, she was as well. Her ears perked at hearing Foxpaw saying something. The she-cat gave a delicate roll of her eyes, turning to him with an half-amused, half-alerted expression. Claws come out!? What did he mean by that? The she-cat brushed it off, saying. ‘’Well...I suppose that’s good. But, I think it would be better if Asterpaw went after him. He needs someone to talk to. Even if he says he want to be alone--he needs someone to talk to.’’ She gave Nightpaw a disapproving looking,glaring at him hoping that he would disappear into oblivion, but she didn’t have that type of power. She wished she did though. Every cat that caused her pain or Azulpaw pain, would be gone. Vanished. She wanted to infuriate the black tom longer, but decided against it. He definitely weren’t worth her time, or anybody’s for that matter. As Asterpaw spoke to Squeaky, Silverpaw was curious as well. Well, what did happen? What did he mean by the claws coming out? Then again...maybe it would only cause more drama if they inquired to know. Silverpaw knew she would react in a cynical way if Squeaky told them what happened. The silver bengal knew that claws would be coming out and landing on Nightpaw’s face, scratching him until he was ready to join Starclan.

The silver feline let out a defeated sigh, shaking her head. ‘’Might as well leave it alone. I mean… what can we do about two headstrong toms anyway?’’ She looked into the distance Azulpaw had left to, then she turned her head to glare at Nightpaw once more. Who did he truly think he were? If words could kill, she would be considered a murderer of all sorts. Deep down in her heart she couldn’t hate Nightpaw. He truly didn’t do anything to her--besides act like a jerk, which she never understood why he had a problem with her. Foxpaw was different. A bit annoying, but he was more friendly and she felt welcomed around him. And, at that very moment he wanted to get her alone. The feline had to use all her strength to not pull her tail in front of her maw out of nervousness, something she always did when she felt overwhelmed. ‘’I-I-I haven’t I sp-spent enough time with you, Squeaky?’’ She teased, her voice brittling up a bit. Why did he want to be alone with her? Was he just pulling her whiskers, wishing for her to snap at him? All of a sudden, he asked Asterpaw to go on the walk with him! The silver feline pulled back, displeased. ‘’I mean, if you want Asterpaw to go with you, fine by me! But, I doubt she’ll want to be bothered with your antics.’’ She remarked, swishing her tail lightly. As she turned her head slightly, she gave the tom a look out the corner of her eye, somewhat soft and amusing.

Just as Asterpaw answered, the silver feline pinned her ears back in embarrassment. ‘’I guess.’’ She gave a meek answer, and suddenly felt a wash of anticipation come over her as Foxpaw pulled her closer to him with his tail. What a discomforting move! She not only was surprised, but she was surprised that she didn’t expect this to happen. This was Foxpaw she was talking about. He was flirty wherever he went, whoever he was with. The feline rolled her eyes, and shook her head. She was too busy organizing her messy thoughts to pay attention to what he was saying. The silver cat looked down at her paws, a lump forming in her throat. She will not allow this ginger cat the victory of thinking she liked him. Nope, nope. She was far too worthy of some worthless flirty acts. ‘’Oh, sure.’’ She mewed, with a slight roll of her eyes. As she tried to move a couple spaces from him, his tail was wrapped too tight around her--not that she minded. That much, at least. ‘’We can go on a walk, I don’t mind. What we going to do with grumpy over there?’’ She used her own tail to flicked it towards Nightpaw. Asterpaw has left...to do something, and she silently hoped that the feline was going after Azulpaw to check on him. Silverpaw doubted that Nightpaw would want to go with them. He seemed to not stand her. She giggled.

Azulpaw looked down at his tail, thumping it against his paws. His thoughts were disheveled. His mind was in a frizzy state, and he was unhappy. Though the the black tom didn’t get under his fur. At all. In fact, Azulpaw could had handled that situation a lot..aggressive. That’s what the black tom was doing after all. For some odd reason, he developed the sense of responding to a dispute more calmly and well-mannered. It was rare that a cat got under his skin...and well, Asterpaw seemed to crack that code. She got under his skin, sinking into his fur like ticks. She got under his skin, that she made it crawl as if he had ants. She got under his fur constantly--and she may not have known it, but she did. And, it scared him. He was never the cat to allow anyone to deter him or his state. He was headstrong. He carried his own opinion. The tom felt weak. Not only physically weak, but mentally and emotionally as well. ‘’I wonder who else I’ll have to deal with.’’ Azulpaw rolled his eyes and snorted, before he heard a voice he knew all too well. The she-cat that he grown to care for very much. He would had answered her, but he sat there a while longer. He didn’t feel like going to anybody in that moment. He just wanted to be alone.

Loneliness was something he was quite used to. Though he was best friends with Bluepaw and Silverpaw, the two always had other friends. As far as Azulpaw knew, he only had them. They were his only true friends. And perhaps it was his fault for not wanting to get to know other cats. He always thought he was better than a lot of them anyway; anyday. If they didn’t live up to his expectations what was the use of keeping them around? Bluepaw was usually annoyed with Azulpaw’s high standards. Putting him into a kindness lesson, that Azulpaw hardly listened to, didn’t work at all. Even Silverpaw tried to help him out, and granted he did meet a few great friends from having her guidance...but he was still lacking. Lacking in everything.

‘’What if I’m approaching this all the wrong way?’’ He contemplated, and shifted his tail to move it away from his paws. Recalling to when he heard Asterpaw’s voice--or was that Asterpaw? Surely, nothing could had gone wrong when he left them behind. Then again, what if it were Alabasterpaw that had striked? And, she was calling his name for him to help her. To come back to her. Was he willing to die again? Without a second thought, the tom shot up despite his current state. He ran after the direction of the voice. He knew it had to be Alabasterpaw. The white demon was slick. She knew her sister like the back of her paws, and she knew that she was one of his weaknesses.

As he tried his best to run, half-limping and staggering, he called out, ‘’Asterpaw!’’ I’m coming, I’m coming. His mind rushed with the possibility that something bad could be happening to her. He didn’t want it happening again, and by this point he knew that Alabasterpaw would not stop until he was dead. It was her passion in life. A sick, demented sort of passion that made her heart content. And, as the tom was running--or trying to, he didn’t realize that he bumped into the blue she-cat, until he fell over.

‘’Asterpaw!’’ He pants, getting to his paws. ‘’I thought…’’the tom sighed and shook his head. It was no use of telling her what he thought because what he thought didn’t happen. No need for her to worry over something even more. ‘’Nevermind. What are you doing here? I thought I told you I wanted to be alone.’’ He groaned, but more into a positive, frustrating manner. The one cat he knew could cheer him up was Asterpaw. She was able to do that nowadays, other than Silverpaw. The tom then let out a deep resonated purr, ‘’I knew I was irresistible. Couldn’t stay away from me that long, could you?’’ He teased, chuckling. His mood seemed to already lightened up just from her presence. The tom slowly got up and limped closer to her. He stopped in his tracks, lifting up one paw to examine it before stomping it down. The pain brought a shock into him. One of exhilaration. Even though Asterpaw might get on him about causing himself more pain--would she ever understand what pain does to him? Would she ever understand how much he felt numb whenever physical pain was brought to him? He doubt she would understand, but she should know how he worked. No matter how worried she would be for him, Azulpaw couldn’t help, but enjoy the feeling of some shock that pain caused. It was a weird thing about him, but it was a truthful thing about him. Perhaps it had something to do with being alone as a kit, or having his father leave him and his mother behind. Or having his mother shun him for being the doppelganger of his father. ‘’It seems as if your little tag-a-long doesn’t like seeing us together. Not that his opinion matters anyway, but he could at least wait until I’m well-enough to kick his tail.’’ Azulpaw grunted as he thought out the scenario of Nightpaw getting the fight he deserved. The little runt would had been learned a lesson by then, and Azulpaw could soak into the victory of not only having Asterpaw, but also putting a black furball in his place. ‘’And, you seem to have opened some scarred wounds into the past, miss pretty. I don’t know how you’re going to fix it, but apparently you don’t need anyone standing behind you or beside you because you have to learn to do things on your own. Apparently, you are brave enough to fight your own troubles--though that may be true. Apparently you don’t need anyone, so why do we stick around? Why am I sticking around since I’m not needed? Holding onto something that will never happen? At least, that’s what your good friend, blackball--or whatever his name said about you. Because apparently, he know every single detail about you!’’ The tom spoke, quietly and firmly. His frustration was to a minimum, but his voice held a coldness he hardly used. He had to calm himself further down because he didn’t want to be this way with Asterpaw. It was like he was losing her all over again...for the what? Third, fourth time?

Bluepaw traveled through the woods, following a scent he knew all too well. A scent he longed to pin down and set straight. The fact that she disappeared made him angry. The fact that she didn’t tell him where she was going, alarmed him. How could she just leave without telling him her whereabouts? He thought they were partners. They were suppose to do everything together, but she was a failure. The grey tom was still alive, breathing, and with the she-cat he longed to be by his side. He had a bone to pick with Alabasterpaw, and he hoped that she had a good explanation as to why she did what she did.

As he continued to stalk that heavenly scent--no doubt, he could make out her white devilish form against a tree. He stopped to admire her from a distance, his thoughts becoming filled with her in them. As he shook his head, he focused himself on Asterpaw, as he stealthy followed after Alabasterpaw--the demon that drained him. Besides, if she were a demon...who was he? The devil? The tom made a dark, quiet chuckle, and he stopped in his tracks as he quietly whispered, ‘’Boo.’’ Close to her body, to her scent, before he jumped in front of her, narrowing his eyes. ‘’Look what the cat brought in. Another failure, huh? I should had expected this. You’re all talk, but you could never get anything done.’’ He lashed his tail, snarling. ‘’What is the explanation this time? I want an explanation by the way. Not an excuse.''’’

[lone]

Silverpaw wanted to know what had happened. She wanted to know what the black furball done now. She could tell that her friend was agitated, and quite frankly, she was as well. Her ears perked at hearing Foxpaw saying something. The she-cat gave a delicate roll of her eyes, turning to him with an half-amused, half-alerted expression. Claws come out!? What did he mean by that? The she-cat brushed it off, saying. ‘’Well...I suppose that’s good. But, I think it would be better if Asterpaw went after him. He needs someone to talk to. Even if he says he want to be alone--he needs someone to talk to.’’ She gave Nightpaw a disapproving looking,glaring at him hoping that he would disappear into oblivion, but she didn’t have that type of power. She wished she did though. Every cat that caused her pain or Azulpaw pain, would be gone. Vanished. She wanted to infuriate the black tom longer, but decided against it. He definitely weren’t worth her time, or anybody’s for that matter. As Asterpaw spoke to Squeaky, Silverpaw was curious as well. Well, what did happen? What did he mean by the claws coming out? Then again...maybe it would only cause more drama if they inquired to know. Silverpaw knew she would react in a cynical way if Squeaky told them what happened. The silver bengal knew that claws would be coming out and landing on Nightpaw’s face, scratching him until he was ready to join Starclan.

The silver feline let out a defeated sigh, shaking her head. ‘’Might as well leave it alone. I mean… what can we do about two headstrong toms anyway?’’ She looked into the distance Azulpaw had left to, then she turned her head to glare at Nightpaw once more. Who did he truly think he were? If words could kill, she would be considered a murderer of all sorts. Deep down in her heart she couldn’t hate Nightpaw. He truly didn’t do anything to her--besides act like a jerk, which she never understood why he had a problem with her. Foxpaw was different. A bit annoying, but he was more friendly and she felt welcomed around him. And, at that very moment he wanted to get her alone. The feline had to use all her strength to not pull her tail in front of her maw out of nervousness, something she always did when she felt overwhelmed. ‘’I-I-I haven’t I sp-spent enough time with you, Squeaky?’’ She teased, her voice brittling up a bit. Why did he want to be alone with her? Was he just pulling her whiskers, wishing for her to snap at him? All of a sudden, he asked Asterpaw to go on the walk with him! The silver feline pulled back, displeased. ‘’I mean, if you want Asterpaw to go with you, fine by me! But, I doubt she’ll want to be bothered with your antics.’’ She remarked, swishing her tail lightly. As she turned her head slightly, she gave the tom a look out the corner of her eye, somewhat soft and amusing.

Just as Asterpaw answered, the silver feline pinned her ears back in embarrassment. ‘’I guess.’’ She gave a meek answer, and suddenly felt a wash of anticipation come over her as Foxpaw pulled her closer to him with his tail. What a discomforting move! She not only was surprised, but she was surprised that she didn’t expect this to happen. This was Foxpaw she was talking about. He was flirty wherever he went, whoever he was with. The feline rolled her eyes, and shook her head. She was too busy organizing her messy thoughts to pay attention to what he was saying. The silver cat looked down at her paws, a lump forming in her throat. She will not allow this ginger cat the victory of thinking she liked him. Nope, nope. She was far too worthy of some worthless flirty acts. ‘’Oh, sure.’’ She mewed, with a slight roll of her eyes. As she tried to move a couple spaces from him, his tail was wrapped too tight around her--not that she minded. That much, at least. ‘’We can go on a walk, I don’t mind. What we going to do with grumpy over there?’’ She used her own tail to flicked it towards Nightpaw. Asterpaw has left...to do something, and she silently hoped that the feline was going after Azulpaw to check on him. Silverpaw doubted that Nightpaw would want to go with them. He seemed to not stand her. She giggled.

Azulpaw looked down at his tail, thumping it against his paws. His thoughts were disheveled. His mind was in a frizzy state, and he was unhappy. Though the the black tom didn’t get under his fur. At all. In fact, Azulpaw could had handled that situation a lot..aggressive. That’s what the black tom was doing after all. For some odd reason, he developed the sense of responding to a dispute more calmly and well-mannered. It was rare that a cat got under his skin...and well, Asterpaw seemed to crack that code. She got under his skin, sinking into his fur like ticks. She got under his skin, that she made it crawl as if he had ants. She got under his fur constantly--and she may not have known it, but she did. And, it scared him. He was never the cat to allow anyone to deter him or his state. He was headstrong. He carried his own opinion. The tom felt weak. Not only physically weak, but mentally and emotionally as well. ‘’I wonder who else I’ll have to deal with.’’ Azulpaw rolled his eyes and snorted, before he heard a voice he knew all too well. The she-cat that he grown to care for very much. He would had answered her, but he sat there a while longer. He didn’t feel like going to anybody in that moment. He just wanted to be alone.

Loneliness was something he was quite used to. Though he was best friends with Bluepaw and Silverpaw, the two always had other friends. As far as Azulpaw knew, he only had them. They were his only true friends. And perhaps it was his fault for not wanting to get to know other cats. He always thought he was better than a lot of them anyway; anyday. If they didn’t live up to his expectations what was the use of keeping them around? Bluepaw was usually annoyed with Azulpaw’s high standards. Putting him into a kindness lesson, that Azulpaw hardly listened to, didn’t work at all. Even Silverpaw tried to help him out, and granted he did meet a few great friends from having her guidance...but he was still lacking. Lacking in everything.

‘’What if I’m approaching this all the wrong way?’’ He contemplated, and shifted his tail to move it away from his paws. Recalling to when he heard Asterpaw’s voice--or was that Asterpaw? Surely, nothing could had gone wrong when he left them behind. Then again, what if it were Alabasterpaw that had striked? And, she was calling his name for him to help her. To come back to her. Was he willing to die again? Without a second thought, the tom shot up despite his current state. He ran after the direction of the voice. He knew it had to be Alabasterpaw. The white demon was slick. She knew her sister like the back of her paws, and she knew that she was one of his weaknesses.

As he tried his best to run, half-limping and staggering, he called out, ‘’Asterpaw!’’ I’m coming, I’m coming. His mind rushed with the possibility that something bad could be happening to her. He didn’t want it happening again, and by this point he knew that Alabasterpaw would not stop until he was dead. It was her passion in life. A sick, demented sort of passion that made her heart content. And, as the tom was running--or trying to, he didn’t realize that he bumped into the blue she-cat, until he fell over.

‘’Asterpaw!’’ He pants, getting to his paws. ‘’I thought…’’the tom sighed and shook his head. It was no use of telling her what he thought because what he thought didn’t happen. No need for her to worry over something even more. ‘’Nevermind. What are you doing here? I thought I told you I wanted to be alone.’’ He groaned, but more into a positive, frustrating manner. The one cat he knew could cheer him up was Asterpaw. She was able to do that nowadays, other than Silverpaw. The tom then let out a deep resonated purr, ‘’I knew I was irresistible. Couldn’t stay away from me that long, could you?’’ He teased, chuckling. His mood seemed to already lightened up just from her presence. The tom slowly got up and limped closer to her. He stopped in his tracks, lifting up one paw to examine it before stomping it down. The pain brought a shock into him. One of exhilaration. Even though Asterpaw might get on him about causing himself more pain--would she ever understand what pain does to him? Would she ever understand how much he felt numb whenever physical pain was brought to him? He doubt she would understand, but she should know how he worked. No matter how worried she would be for him, Azulpaw couldn’t help, but enjoy the feeling of some shock that pain caused. It was a weird thing about him, but it was a truthful thing about him. Perhaps it had something to do with being alone as a kit, or having his father leave him and his mother behind. Or having his mother shun him for being the doppelganger of his father. ‘’It seems as if your little tag-a-long doesn’t like seeing us together. Not that his opinion matters anyway, but he could at least wait until I’m well-enough to kick his tail.’’ Azulpaw grunted as he thought out the scenario of Nightpaw getting the fight he deserved. The little runt would had been learned a lesson by then, and Azulpaw could soak into the victory of not only having Asterpaw, but also putting a black furball in his place. ‘’And, you seem to have opened some scarred wounds into the past, miss pretty. I don’t know how you’re going to fix it, but apparently you don’t need anyone standing behind you or beside you because you have to learn to do things on your own. Apparently, you are brave enough to fight your own troubles--though that may be true. Apparently you don’t need anyone, so why do we stick around? Why am I sticking around since I’m not needed? Holding onto something that will never happen? At least, that’s what your good friend, blackball--or whatever his name said about you. Because apparently, he know every single detail about you!’’ The tom spoke, quietly and firmly. His frustration was to a minimum, but his voice held a coldness he hardly used. He had to calm himself further down because he didn’t want to be this way with Asterpaw. It was like he was losing her all over again...for the what? Third, fourth time?

Bluepaw traveled through the woods, following a scent he knew all too well. A scent he longed to pin down and set straight. The fact that she disappeared made him angry. The fact that she didn’t tell him where she was going, alarmed him. How could she just leave without telling him her whereabouts? He thought they were partners. They were suppose to do everything together, but she was a failure. The grey tom was still alive, breathing, and with the she-cat he longed to be by his side. He had a bone to pick with Alabasterpaw, and he hoped that she had a good explanation as to why she did what she did.


As he continued to stalk that heavenly scent--no doubt, he could make out her white devilish form against a tree. He stopped to admire her from a distance, his thoughts becoming filled with her in them. As he shook his head, he focused himself on Asterpaw, as he stealthy followed after Alabasterpaw--the demon that drained him. Besides, if she were a demon...who was he? The devil? The tom made a dark, quiet chuckle, and he stopped in his tracks as he quietly whispered, ‘’Boo.’’ Close to her body, to her scent, before he jumped in front of her, narrowing his eyes. ‘’Look what the cat brought in. Another failure, huh? I should had expected this. You’re all talk, but you could never get anything done.’’ He lashed his tail, snarling. ‘’What is the explanation this time? I want an explanation by the way. Not an excuse.''
’’
The blue feline drew back in something resembling surprise. For a moment she was scared-- then realized he was fine. At least, he didn't look hurt. Any more then usual. "Take it easy. You don't have to come running, I was just making sure you were alright. I thought something might have happened to you. I thought--" She shook her head as though to clear it. "It doesn't matter. Sorry to bother you." Her voice became slightly colder, frostier, as though she had just realized something important and she had decided that her voice needed a chill in it. Not that it did. When had she ever needed something like that? The last time had been, oh... quite a while ago if she were being honest. Asterpaw looked him over for a moment, checking to make sure she wasn't wrong-- and she hoped she wasn't-- before backing away a little.

Like she was afraid to be anywhere near him, though that wasn't the case. And while it may have appeared somewhat harsh, considering that he hadn't even done anything, Asterpaw was honestly afraid-- afraid that Alabasterpaw might show back up, or Nightpaw, or Bluepaw... every one of them had bad intentions. And they all wished to hurt Azulpaw more then he already was. She didn't know what to do about it! She wasn't strong enough to take them all on. Especially her sister, she didn't know how the others fought. Nightpaw was generally about her strength, maybe she could deal with him-- but from the looks of how Bluepaw fought, she'd be dead in about two minutes. Thank goodness he actually cared about her...maybe she'd be able to do something without having to fight? Words had always been her weapons, and she'd been able to wield them successfully.

As long as she didn't get lost for words, she'd be alright. "Whatever you say." She shrugged, a smile tugging at the corners of her maw. Irresistible. Riiiight. she thought, though Asterpaw knew she would always come back to him. Whatever happened-- Nightpaw, Bluepaw-- she would be coming back to the one tom who seemed to have a positive impact on her life. Sure, she had Squeakaroo-- but the thought of hanging around him for more then a day or so made her sick. The two would be constantly trying to get along, with him always flirting and her always trying to stay out of his way. Ugh, he was such a jerk sometimes-- well, maybe jerk wasn't really the right word to describe him. Annoying? Certainly, that was the perfect word for the somewhat handsome, and yet incredibly irritating tom who had somehow become her friend.

How? Why would be a better question, one that constantly entered her life as well. "Hey, Nightpaw's a friend of mine-- an annoying friend, almost as annoying as Squeakaroo-- but still my friend. And you'd better be careful what you say about stuff like that, Nightpaw's not one to wait-- if he thinks you want to hurt him, he's going to strike first. And right now you aren't in much of a condition to take him on." She scolded lightly, before realizing she should probably stop sounding like a Mother scolding a kit for sneaking out of the nursery or something. "But, you want to give it a try-- I'm not going to stop you." Asterpaw shrugged. Him, I can stop. You? Nah. She thought with an amused twitch of her tail. Sometimes she felt like he didn't really want to listen to a word she said, and other times it was like talking to the best friend she'd ever had.

True, he was a jerk-- maybe I like pompous jerks. Why had she said that? It'd kind of left her maw before she could even think about it. That was one of those times I should have thought before I spoke. Asterpaw was annoyed with herself, but as he wasn't bringing it up, she wouldn't either. What was there to bring up, anyways? Just some drama that was in the past. Or getting more heated for the present. Either way she was going to be ready for it, ready to fight for what she knew she needed to, and ready to hurt someone if needed... though killing? Never. She would never kill. Fighting was alright, but in her opinion, there wasn't really a valid excuse to kill someone. His words surprised her, coming so suddenly like that... and for a moment there wasn't anything she could say. So, like the feline she was, she went with whatever she did when things were awkward.

"Miss pretty?" She repeated with a smirk before her expression grew serious. "Shh. It's okay. He doesn't know everything about me, and frankly, I'm surprised you would believe that for a second. Okay, so maybe I should have told you about them. But it wasn't important! The past doesn't matter. There's nothing to fix. He'll go away like he did before, because all he can do is stick around until things get real, and then he leaves. Okay? Nothing to worry about." She paused for a moment and thought, her eyes snapping for a moment before the blue feline sighed. "As far as what he said about-- you not being needed, or whatever-- he was wrong. How many times do you want to hear me say it? He was wrong." Her voice was soft, and held a worried note to it as though she were becoming more desperate.

I need you more then you know. But she wouldn't say that. Maybe she was too proud too, or maybe it was just her frustration that he had actually believed the little black tom when he had obviously just been trying to annoy him. What did he want? A heartfelt apology from her, her everlasting promise? Is that what Azulpaw wanted? I'm so sorry, I'll never make another friend, I'll just stay here with you for the rest of my life and ignore everyone else. Was that what he wanted to hear from her? Because that wasn't friendship, or love; that was a servant. And while they had joked around about that, she wasn't bound to him. They had their separate lives, and their life together. Both were equally important to her, though if it came to breaking one off...it would be her life with him. She couldn't just give up everything to stay with the tom forever. She couldn't. And she wouldn't. She'd come too close to doing that with Bluepaw.
*****
Foxpaw was thrilled. Absolutely, positively thrilled. At last it seemed he had gotten what he wanted-- his time with Silverpaw. And the pretty silver feline actually seemed to have agreed to this, without much encouragement from Asterpaw...that's right. No encouragement needed her, that's right. He thought with a smirk, the tip of his tail twitching back and forth as he glanced around looking for the other cats. No one else was around. Perfect, it was just him and Silverpaw-- as he had wanted it. Silvster. She was a pretty cat, certainly... and yes, he was somewhat surprised that she was actually here...tolerating him...allowing him to be in her presence without freaking out or backing away or doing something else that would result in him ending up alone. Why, oh why did she cats have to be so difficult? He was handsome! And charming!

So what was he doing wrong? "Hey Silvster, can I ask you something?" He mewed. Without really waiting for an answer, the ginger tom went on to speak-- "Why don't she cats like me? I mean, is it my looks? My charm? Do I intimidate them? Or..." His voice trailed off and he searched her face for an answer. Hopefully she wouldn't be scared to tell him the truth. Please be an honest cat, don't worry if the truth hurts, just please tell it to me... his hues were squeezed shut and he thought for a moment, wondering how he was supposed to make this work without accidentally messing it up. Though he was constantly 'accidentally' messing things up, and of course he never meant to... who wanted to mess things up? But he tended to do it wrong anyways. To be honest, Foxpaw was scared of she cats. He flirted around them to keep them from realizing this.

Sometimes they intimidated him. But Silverpaw-- or Silvster, as he thought of her-- had just the right amount of sweetness to make him feel more confident around her. Which was nice, considering he was used to being more terrified then anything else...but with the she cat? She was comfortable to be around, just like Asterpaw. Except better, cause she's actually going to react when I flirt with her. That's right, Foxpaw-- you're so smooth. You can do this, boy. He thought, smirking to himself. Foxpaw was not exactly what would be known as exactly... smooth. Or smart at all. And yet, the ginger tom seemed to love to think this about himself even though he knew it wasn't really true. And why? Maybe he just needed a little self confidence, and this seemed to work just fine for him. Or maybe all he needed was a boost of confidence every once in a while.
*****
Nightpaw was furious. No-- furious wasn't a good word for it. Right now, he was seriously doubting that his position here was a good idea. Maybe he should move on, come back later when she was alone...give a little more thought to his approach, some thoughtfulness might be nice. Flowers? Nah, cliché and boring. An apology? Might work, she'd probably swallow that quickly. She'd be cool with an apology. And Nightpaw? Well, he would be off the hook and into dating town. And that other cat? Headed straight for Heartbreak City, where Nightpaw believed he should live the rest of his life. After all, no one liked a jerk. Know it all's were alright, but a downright jerk like that one? No, Asterpaw would be over him within two days. That wasn't going to last very long at all. There could always be something he could do about it...maybe.

The black tom slipped into the shadows, looking almost like a darker furred version of Alabasterpaw as he did so. In all honesty, the two could have been related-- except Alabasterpaw was more diabolical then the tom. "Say your prayers, grey cat. Oh wait-- I don't think you would." He snickered, before darting off in the direction he had seen the blue one disappear. She had a distinctive scent that stood out from the SkyClan territory, a curious one, and one that he had constantly been tracking. Maybe he wanted to hurt the grey tom. But Asterpaw would probably get in the way...talk him out of it...she'd always been good at that kind of thing, which was depressing to the black cat knowing that she would probably be better even when they were both warriors. Always and forever, she would be able to use words in a unique way. And yet he still tracked her down. Tracked the tom down. He was going to pay.
*****
The white feline didn't even jump this time, a chuckle escaping her maw followed by a dryer laugh, anger showing in her hues as she did so. Alabasterpaw was normally good at hiding her emotions, but the fact that he was blaming her when he hadn't even been there bothered her very much. "You specifically instructed me not to touch Asterpaw. So unless you wanted two dead cats on your paws, you had better not be blaming me for this. Go talk to your love or something, I'm busy." She snapped, her eyes blazing furiously. She was done with being blamed when she was trying to figure out a new plan. He didn't control this operation. Technically, she hadn't needed his permission in the first place-- and she was beginning to wish she had never bothered to try and get it. What did she want with permission from a cat like him, anyways?

Honestly, he probably would have been thrilled if she had killed him without the tom ever knowing it. And yet she was still bothered. "And unless you want a third failure, I suggest you stop making smart remarks and listen to my plan." She added in a low hiss, her hues snapping again. She'd had enough with his remarks, and his ignorance. Maybe he should try just killing the cat. "And if you're so smart-- then why haven't you killed him yourself?" She added, glancing up at him with true curiosity. In all honesty, she really wanted to know why the piebald tom hadn't killed Azulpaw if he thought it was so easy. If he believed that it was really that simple to kill another cat... then why didn't he just go ahead and figure a way to do it himself? What, choke him? Let him bleed to death, as she would have preferred? Or just break his neck and make it quick and painless? That was a boring way to kill someone. Pain was all part of the fun. Part of what made her love torturing the grey tom so much, was that she got to see him in so much pain. Agony. Isn't life-- and death-- funny? She thought, a smirk coming onto her maw.

[Jingle]

Great..more awkwardness and uncertainty. Just what Cliffheart needed. Sure he was comforted by the words, at least a little. He still wasn't certain how he would even begin to cope with the thought of having little Cliffs running around the camp. One of m was enough, he didn't need more. The thought made him shudder, especially when he realized that some of them would most likely take after their crazy, amazing mither. That too was a scary thought. "Thanks. It helps, especially since I have no clue what I'm about to walk into." He said with a kind smile. Listen to the mother, that was a good idea. Scorched petal was better at calling shots anyways. Cliffheart had a tendency to get flustered and aggravated sometimes and basically became useless when it happened. So letting Scorched help him was a really good plan. "So, would you uh, like to do some actual hunting now? I think we hit a little off topic." He said with a small chuckle. He would figure this whole Fathering thing out...eventually.


Jigglefoot nodded and chuckled, his multicolored eyes watching the emotions of the other cat. "Of course, Cliffheart." he said, accent slowly fading away to it's 'normal' tone of only part German.

"We should be here by now." The warrior mewed, crouching down and gazing about the new territory they just recently started calling home.

[Brilliance]

The blue feline drew back in something resembling surprise. For a moment she was scared-- then realized he was fine. At least, he didn't look hurt. Any more then usual. "Take it easy. You don't have to come running, I was just making sure you were alright. I thought something might have happened to you. I thought--" She shook her head as though to clear it. "It doesn't matter. Sorry to bother you." Her voice became slightly colder, frostier, as though she had just realized something important and she had decided that her voice needed a chill in it. Not that it did. When had she ever needed something like that? The last time had been, oh... quite a while ago if she were being honest. Asterpaw looked him over for a moment, checking to make sure she wasn't wrong-- and she hoped she wasn't-- before backing away a little.

Like she was afraid to be anywhere near him, though that wasn't the case. And while it may have appeared somewhat harsh, considering that he hadn't even done anything, Asterpaw was honestly afraid-- afraid that Alabasterpaw might show back up, or Nightpaw, or Bluepaw... every one of them had bad intentions. And they all wished to hurt Azulpaw more then he already was. She didn't know what to do about it! She wasn't strong enough to take them all on. Especially her sister, she didn't know how the others fought. Nightpaw was generally about her strength, maybe she could deal with him-- but from the looks of how Bluepaw fought, she'd be dead in about two minutes. Thank goodness he actually cared about her...maybe she'd be able to do something without having to fight? Words had always been her weapons, and she'd been able to wield them successfully.

As long as she didn't get lost for words, she'd be alright. "Whatever you say." She shrugged, a smile tugging at the corners of her maw. Irresistible. Riiiight. she thought, though Asterpaw knew she would always come back to him. Whatever happened-- Nightpaw, Bluepaw-- she would be coming back to the one tom who seemed to have a positive impact on her life. Sure, she had Squeakaroo-- but the thought of hanging around him for more then a day or so made her sick. The two would be constantly trying to get along, with him always flirting and her always trying to stay out of his way. Ugh, he was such a jerk sometimes-- well, maybe jerk wasn't really the right word to describe him. Annoying? Certainly, that was the perfect word for the somewhat handsome, and yet incredibly irritating tom who had somehow become her friend.

How? Why would be a better question, one that constantly entered her life as well. "Hey, Nightpaw's a friend of mine-- an annoying friend, almost as annoying as Squeakaroo-- but still my friend. And you'd better be careful what you say about stuff like that, Nightpaw's not one to wait-- if he thinks you want to hurt him, he's going to strike first. And right now you aren't in much of a condition to take him on." She scolded lightly, before realizing she should probably stop sounding like a Mother scolding a kit for sneaking out of the nursery or something. "But, you want to give it a try-- I'm not going to stop you." Asterpaw shrugged. Him, I can stop. You? Nah. She thought with an amused twitch of her tail. Sometimes she felt like he didn't really want to listen to a word she said, and other times it was like talking to the best friend she'd ever had.

True, he was a jerk-- maybe I like pompous jerks. Why had she said that? It'd kind of left her maw before she could even think about it. That was one of those times I should have thought before I spoke. Asterpaw was annoyed with herself, but as he wasn't bringing it up, she wouldn't either. What was there to bring up, anyways? Just some drama that was in the past. Or getting more heated for the present. Either way she was going to be ready for it, ready to fight for what she knew she needed to, and ready to hurt someone if needed... though killing? Never. She would never kill. Fighting was alright, but in her opinion, there wasn't really a valid excuse to kill someone. His words surprised her, coming so suddenly like that... and for a moment there wasn't anything she could say. So, like the feline she was, she went with whatever she did when things were awkward.

"Miss pretty?" She repeated with a smirk before her expression grew serious. "Shh. It's okay. He doesn't know everything about me, and frankly, I'm surprised you would believe that for a second. Okay, so maybe I should have told you about them. But it wasn't important! The past doesn't matter. There's nothing to fix. He'll go away like he did before, because all he can do is stick around until things get real, and then he leaves. Okay? Nothing to worry about." She paused for a moment and thought, her eyes snapping for a moment before the blue feline sighed. "As far as what he said about-- you not being needed, or whatever-- he was wrong. How many times do you want to hear me say it? He was wrong." Her voice was soft, and held a worried note to it as though she were becoming more desperate.

I need you more then you know. But she wouldn't say that. Maybe she was too proud too, or maybe it was just her frustration that he had actually believed the little black tom when he had obviously just been trying to annoy him. What did he want? A heartfelt apology from her, her everlasting promise? Is that what Azulpaw wanted? I'm so sorry, I'll never make another friend, I'll just stay here with you for the rest of my life and ignore everyone else. Was that what he wanted to hear from her? Because that wasn't friendship, or love; that was a servant. And while they had joked around about that, she wasn't bound to him. They had their separate lives, and their life together. Both were equally important to her, though if it came to breaking one off...it would be her life with him. She couldn't just give up everything to stay with the tom forever. She couldn't. And she wouldn't. She'd come too close to doing that with Bluepaw.
*****
Foxpaw was thrilled. Absolutely, positively thrilled. At last it seemed he had gotten what he wanted-- his time with Silverpaw. And the pretty silver feline actually seemed to have agreed to this, without much encouragement from Asterpaw...that's right. No encouragement needed her, that's right. He thought with a smirk, the tip of his tail twitching back and forth as he glanced around looking for the other cats. No one else was around. Perfect, it was just him and Silverpaw-- as he had wanted it. Silvster. She was a pretty cat, certainly... and yes, he was somewhat surprised that she was actually here...tolerating him...allowing him to be in her presence without freaking out or backing away or doing something else that would result in him ending up alone. Why, oh why did she cats have to be so difficult? He was handsome! And charming!

So what was he doing wrong? "Hey Silvster, can I ask you something?" He mewed. Without really waiting for an answer, the ginger tom went on to speak-- "Why don't she cats like me? I mean, is it my looks? My charm? Do I intimidate them? Or..." His voice trailed off and he searched her face for an answer. Hopefully she wouldn't be scared to tell him the truth. Please be an honest cat, don't worry if the truth hurts, just please tell it to me... his hues were squeezed shut and he thought for a moment, wondering how he was supposed to make this work without accidentally messing it up. Though he was constantly 'accidentally' messing things up, and of course he never meant to... who wanted to mess things up? But he tended to do it wrong anyways. To be honest, Foxpaw was scared of she cats. He flirted around them to keep them from realizing this.

Sometimes they intimidated him. But Silverpaw-- or Silvster, as he thought of her-- had just the right amount of sweetness to make him feel more confident around her. Which was nice, considering he was used to being more terrified then anything else...but with the she cat? She was comfortable to be around, just like Asterpaw. Except better, cause she's actually going to react when I flirt with her. That's right, Foxpaw-- you're so smooth. You can do this, boy. He thought, smirking to himself. Foxpaw was not exactly what would be known as exactly... smooth. Or smart at all. And yet, the ginger tom seemed to love to think this about himself even though he knew it wasn't really true. And why? Maybe he just needed a little self confidence, and this seemed to work just fine for him. Or maybe all he needed was a boost of confidence every once in a while.
*****
Nightpaw was furious. No-- furious wasn't a good word for it. Right now, he was seriously doubting that his position here was a good idea. Maybe he should move on, come back later when she was alone...give a little more thought to his approach, some thoughtfulness might be nice. Flowers? Nah, cliché and boring. An apology? Might work, she'd probably swallow that quickly. She'd be cool with an apology. And Nightpaw? Well, he would be off the hook and into dating town. And that other cat? Headed straight for Heartbreak City, where Nightpaw believed he should live the rest of his life. After all, no one liked a jerk. Know it all's were alright, but a downright jerk like that one? No, Asterpaw would be over him within two days. That wasn't going to last very long at all. There could always be something he could do about it...maybe.

The black tom slipped into the shadows, looking almost like a darker furred version of Alabasterpaw as he did so. In all honesty, the two could have been related-- except Alabasterpaw was more diabolical then the tom. "Say your prayers, grey cat. Oh wait-- I don't think you would." He snickered, before darting off in the direction he had seen the blue one disappear. She had a distinctive scent that stood out from the SkyClan territory, a curious one, and one that he had constantly been tracking. Maybe he wanted to hurt the grey tom. But Asterpaw would probably get in the way...talk him out of it...she'd always been good at that kind of thing, which was depressing to the black cat knowing that she would probably be better even when they were both warriors. Always and forever, she would be able to use words in a unique way. And yet he still tracked her down. Tracked the tom down. He was going to pay.
*****
The white feline didn't even jump this time, a chuckle escaping her maw followed by a dryer laugh, anger showing in her hues as she did so. Alabasterpaw was normally good at hiding her emotions, but the fact that he was blaming her when he hadn't even been there bothered her very much. "You specifically instructed me not to touch Asterpaw. So unless you wanted two dead cats on your paws, you had better not be blaming me for this. Go talk to your love or something, I'm busy." She snapped, her eyes blazing furiously. She was done with being blamed when she was trying to figure out a new plan. He didn't control this operation. Technically, she hadn't needed his permission in the first place-- and she was beginning to wish she had never bothered to try and get it. What did she want with permission from a cat like him, anyways?

Honestly, he probably would have been thrilled if she had killed him without the tom ever knowing it. And yet she was still bothered. "And unless you want a third failure, I suggest you stop making smart remarks and listen to my plan." She added in a low hiss, her hues snapping again. She'd had enough with his remarks, and his ignorance. Maybe he should try just killing the cat. "And if you're so smart-- then why haven't you killed him yourself?" She added, glancing up at him with true curiosity. In all honesty, she really wanted to know why the piebald tom hadn't killed Azulpaw if he thought it was so easy. If he believed that it was really that simple to kill another cat... then why didn't he just go ahead and figure a way to do it himself? What, choke him? Let him bleed to death, as she would have preferred? Or just break his neck and make it quick and painless? That was a boring way to kill someone. Pain was all part of the fun. Part of what made her love torturing the grey tom so much, was that she got to see him in so much pain. Agony. Isn't life-- and death-- funny? She thought, a smirk coming onto her maw.


The grey tom gave her a look of desperation--a pleading one as if his heart had been more shattered than it already had been. He quickly blinked his eyes and looked away for a second. He could detect the coldness in her voice, yet a teasing-like one. It was hard to get her. It was hard to understand her because one moment she made him leap for joy and the next moment she was digging a hole to throw him in. This made him pin his ears to his head. It wasn’t something he truly wanted to think about. ‘’Yeah, I figured they are some old friends, but it would had been nice if you gave me a heads up.’’ He snorted, still looking away from her. His words seemed to have taken a mind of it’s own. Somethings were meant to be thoughts, but were pouring out in the opening. ‘’I’m sure Nightpaw would love to lose his life for you.’’ The tom did not know why he said it. He was just frustrated, and he was angry at her for some odd reason. Per se, not angry, but more on the lines of irritated. It was greatly hinted in his voice.

‘’It’s okay. Maybe you’re right. You don’t think I can’t take him on, so I won’t.’’ He gave a tender shrug, looking down at his paws. It hurt him greatly to keep being reminded of the condition he was in. Of the weakness he carried. He pained him to know that he wouldn’t be able to protect all that he wanted. He knew he would die someday. The only things he didn’t know was how, when, and where. His tail lashed a bit, but he flinched from the sudden pain. At her next words, he could almost detect a plea. Was she begging him to forgive her? It sounded like it, but Asterpaw never begged to anyone. It wasn’t her forte. The tom wanted to listen to her, his ears sagging down, but faintly opened to know what she was saying. He didn’t dare look at her, but he sighed. ‘’Okay, I get it he was wrong. I don’t see why you have to prove yourself to me. I’m nobody special. Just let it go. It doesn’t matter anymore.’’ The tom says, and he slowly gets up. His mood had faltered, and he felt like he was ready to cry as she had done earlier. He wouldn’t cry, he was too prideful for that.

Just cry. If you hold back your tears, a hurricane will eventually tear everything away.

No.

He wouldn’t cry. How hypocritical he had been. Telling others these wise suggestions, and yet could never follow them himself. The tom hated himself at times--and it was one of these times he hated himself. ‘’Besides, this isn’t information I need to know. You’re not with me. You’re with Bluepaw last I remembered. Does Nightpaw know about him? The tom you swore you’d never leave until he was fully healed from your maniacal sister’s ways?...Or did you forget?’’ This time he did look at her. He stared her straight into her green orbs, waiting for her to answer. Though he knew how he felt about the blue cat, he knew he was not going to get her the easy way. He would travel through mountains, go through tunnels, swimming through large bodies of water--and he’d not be halfway there. There was always something in the way when it came to her. When it came to them. Even if she was the steady part in his life--and he loved her dearly, his thoughts--his mind--his brain makes him realize how easy it would be to give up.

As far as he knew, he didn’t see no other toms wanting to die for her. No other toms running and obeying to be in the clutches of her sister. He didn’t see any other toms wanting to be tortured just to keep her from pain and misery. He didn’t see any of that. He felt like he was in second place, that he was losing her to what it was, and what was to come. Why was she here right now then? Why wasn’t she with Bluepaw...Nightpaw, or any other friends she forgot to mention she had?

‘’Listen,’’ he says, taking in a deeper sigh before straining his neck into an uncomfortable position just to look up at the sky. Azulpaw wondered what he was doing. In this exact moment. In his exact life. He was young, yet mature, and he was ready. At least he thought he was ready. One of his most treasured memories was meeting Asterpaw. One of his worst memories was meeting Asterpaw. It was certainly a catch-22 for him, not that she would ever known it. Of course, she wouldn’t care about it, but she was always worried about him. Dotting on him as if she were his mother. His mother hardly dotted on him. So, he didn’t know how to take heed to this. It bothered him to his core, but his feelings was never something he would talk about. She wasn’t his. And, he wasn’t hers. This was life. Their life that he needed to understand.

Holding on to something that will never happen.

In that moment, he felt a sudden pain of paralysis. Something was wrong with his feelings. They were either scattered all over the place or they weren’t there. Where are my feelings? I no longer feel things...I know I should. That was a silly thought--evidently his feelings were there, but they were numb. ‘’You really need to get Nightpaw straight. After all, he’s not my problem to worry about. We’re not together, and I’m afraid that’s what he thinks. You need to tell him about Bluepaw so he can get off my back. It’ll be greatly appreciated if you do...master.’’ The tom says, his expression held no emotions, but he allowed a sudden smirk to appear on his maw. As he turned away, he was ready to walk off...but no matter how much he tried, he couldn’t leave that aggravating feline alone.

‘’You better be lucky you mean so freaking much to me. I swear.’’ He says softly to her, and closed his eyes for a second to shake his head lightly. He was frustrated with her at the moment, but he still cared greatly for her. He just needed to learn how to keep his...distance is all. It should be easy. She would be busy with Bluepaw. Or Nightpaw. Or whoever found her catching to the eye. And, he would be called if Alabasterpaw decided to come back. He would lay down his life for her once again. When it felt like he was already dying inside, from her taking it. That was okay though. He was a loyal servant, in a sense.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Silverpaw looked around the great forest, admiring the trees and the pretty day it was. Though it was a bit cool, the she-cat allowed her paws to lightly graze the ground. They were small and soft. Not exactly to describe a great warrior--something she promised to be. The one good thing that came from out all this was the fact that her claws were incredibly sharp. She used to always sharpen them by a nearby tree. It gave her a sense of relief until she met a new friend. Which had been...the one standing next to her. As she heard his voice, she was about to answer his question...until he went on to ask her another. The silver feline gave a roll of her eyes, looking away from him and again at the trees that surrounded them. Out the corner of her eyes, she stared at him, smirking. ‘’Well, we she-cats can tell which toms are worth our time and which ones are simply..wasting it.’’ She says, putting her head and her tail high as she trotted a bit in front of him.

‘’I mean, you are incredibly annoying, Squeakaroo.’’ She giggled at his nickname--it was far too cute, not that she would tell him that. ‘’Your flirting needs to be a tad more...dropping. As in don’t flirt at all.’’ She shrugged, and looked away from him. ‘’And do you want to know what else?...oh, nahh, I shouldn’t tell you. I don’t want to drop your self-esteem down even more!’’ She let out a light giggle, feeling a sense of pride swell into her.

Though all this stuff she said was somewhat true, she knew a lot of it was exaggeration. As she waited, looking far more interested in their surroundings, the she-cat flicked her tail, and trotted back towards him, bumping her side into his. ‘’I’m kidding with you, Foxy. In fact, you’re extremely charming, I’ll give you that, but...it wouldn’t hurt if you allowed yourself to not...you.’’ She gave the tom a gentle look, a soft smile forming on his maw. She knew that he wasn’t fully being himself. Though he was quite the flirt--it was more to him than just looking for eye candy. And, she didn’t want to partake in being his eye candy. ‘’You are handsome, very, and you’re extremely hilarious! You just need to...be patient. I know there’s a she-cat out there for you. That can actually stand you, Squeakaroo.’’ She says brightly, and gently grazed her tail along his side to reassure him that what she was saying was true.

Silverpaw was an incredibly sweet cat, but she was never afraid to let honesty show through. She had no reason to lie, so what she said to Foxpaw, came from her heart. She didn’t want him to feel as if everything was lost. She knew he was young. He was going to flirt, and at this point, it was alright. She just hoped that he could find a female that could tame his ways before he get too lost on his path to know where he wants to end up.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

‘’I know what I told you,’’ Bluepaw sneered. ‘’But what does that have to do with killing Azulpaw? You didn’t even had to use Asterpaw as some form of bait--and because of you, I lost her!’’ He yelled in desperation as if everything was lost. ‘’I lost my significant other because you don’t know how to carry out a job right!’’ He snarled, and lashed his tail. She was angry at him, no doubt, and he was furious at her. He had a right to be. He felt that she never did anything right. It was a simple move. Why couldn’t she just do it the easier way? Like he had told her? Alabasterpaw was always a complicated kitty. The white demon loved her cunning ways.

At her next words, the tom snorted. ‘’Oh, yeah? You’re busy? Doing what? Planning your next failure?’’ He asked, a smirk forming on his maw. All he could see was failure planted onto her white pelt. Maybe that ought to be her new name. Failure. It seemed to fit her well.

But at her next words, the blue-eyed tom sunk down, feeling a heavy pressure on him. How dare she asked him a question like that? As he got his posture back up, he stared the demon in her eyes. ‘’I haven’t killed him yet because you wanted to do it for yourself, genius. See where that got you? If I were to do it, he would had been done and over with. Besides, I’m not finished with Asterpaw--yet. The only problem I have is finding her. I need to get her alone--if your plan doesn’t work, we’re going with mine, so I better start planning out because I know this failure will be coming soon.’’ He says, confidently. He certainly knew she would fail--like the other three times she had in the past. She was such an amatuer in his eyes, and he wondered why ever he agreed to work with her. Then again, he remembered how much he longed for her--loathed her--found her attractive. Her looks played well for her, and it brought Bluepaw back in as if he never left. He braced himself for this plan, ready to hear what part he was going to have to take in order to put it in action. ‘’As long as Asterpaw doesn’t get hurt will be the only way I partake in this...new way to fail plan of yours.’’ The piebald tom groans, but inwardly, he hoped that her plan would take a new turn for them all. That it would work, and that Azulpaw will be the main one gone. Silverpaw could join. He didn’t care much.

[lone]

The grey tom gave her a look of desperation--a pleading one as if his heart had been more shattered than it already had been. He quickly blinked his eyes and looked away for a second. He could detect the coldness in her voice, yet a teasing-like one. It was hard to get her. It was hard to understand her because one moment she made him leap for joy and the next moment she was digging a hole to throw him in. This made him pin his ears to his head. It wasn’t something he truly wanted to think about. ‘’Yeah, I figured they are some old friends, but it would had been nice if you gave me a heads up.’’ He snorted, still looking away from her. His words seemed to have taken a mind of it’s own. Somethings were meant to be thoughts, but were pouring out in the opening. ‘’I’m sure Nightpaw would love to lose his life for you.’’ The tom did not know why he said it. He was just frustrated, and he was angry at her for some odd reason. Per se, not angry, but more on the lines of irritated. It was greatly hinted in his voice.

‘’It’s okay. Maybe you’re right. You don’t think I can’t take him on, so I won’t.’’ He gave a tender shrug, looking down at his paws. It hurt him greatly to keep being reminded of the condition he was in. Of the weakness he carried. He pained him to know that he wouldn’t be able to protect all that he wanted. He knew he would die someday. The only things he didn’t know was how, when, and where. His tail lashed a bit, but he flinched from the sudden pain. At her next words, he could almost detect a plea. Was she begging him to forgive her? It sounded like it, but Asterpaw never begged to anyone. It wasn’t her forte. The tom wanted to listen to her, his ears sagging down, but faintly opened to know what she was saying. He didn’t dare look at her, but he sighed. ‘’Okay, I get it he was wrong. I don’t see why you have to prove yourself to me. I’m nobody special. Just let it go. It doesn’t matter anymore.’’ The tom says, and he slowly gets up. His mood had faltered, and he felt like he was ready to cry as she had done earlier. He wouldn’t cry, he was too prideful for that.

Just cry. If you hold back your tears, a hurricane will eventually tear everything away.

No.

He wouldn’t cry. How hypocritical he had been. Telling others these wise suggestions, and yet could never follow them himself. The tom hated himself at times--and it was one of these times he hated himself. ‘’Besides, this isn’t information I need to know. You’re not with me. You’re with Bluepaw last I remembered. Does Nightpaw know about him? The tom you swore you’d never leave until he was fully healed from your maniacal sister’s ways?...Or did you forget?’’ This time he did look at her. He stared her straight into her green orbs, waiting for her to answer. Though he knew how he felt about the blue cat, he knew he was not going to get her the easy way. He would travel through mountains, go through tunnels, swimming through large bodies of water--and he’d not be halfway there. There was always something in the way when it came to her. When it came to them. Even if she was the steady part in his life--and he loved her dearly, his thoughts--his mind--his brain makes him realize how easy it would be to give up.

As far as he knew, he didn’t see no other toms wanting to die for her. No other toms running and obeying to be in the clutches of her sister. He didn’t see any other toms wanting to be tortured just to keep her from pain and misery. He didn’t see any of that. He felt like he was in second place, that he was losing her to what it was, and what was to come. Why was she here right now then? Why wasn’t she with Bluepaw...Nightpaw, or any other friends she forgot to mention she had?

‘’Listen,’’ he says, taking in a deeper sigh before straining his neck into an uncomfortable position just to look up at the sky. Azulpaw wondered what he was doing. In this exact moment. In his exact life. He was young, yet mature, and he was ready. At least he thought he was ready. One of his most treasured memories was meeting Asterpaw. One of his worst memories was meeting Asterpaw. It was certainly a catch-22 for him, not that she would ever known it. Of course, she wouldn’t care about it, but she was always worried about him. Dotting on him as if she were his mother. His mother hardly dotted on him. So, he didn’t know how to take heed to this. It bothered him to his core, but his feelings was never something he would talk about. She wasn’t his. And, he wasn’t hers. This was life. Their life that he needed to understand.

Holding on to something that will never happen.

In that moment, he felt a sudden pain of paralysis. Something was wrong with his feelings. They were either scattered all over the place or they weren’t there. Where are my feelings? I no longer feel things...I know I should. That was a silly thought--evidently his feelings were there, but they were numb. ‘’You really need to get Nightpaw straight. After all, he’s not my problem to worry about. We’re not together, and I’m afraid that’s what he thinks. You need to tell him about Bluepaw so he can get off my back. It’ll be greatly appreciated if you do...master.’’ The tom says, his expression held no emotions, but he allowed a sudden smirk to appear on his maw. As he turned away, he was ready to walk off...but no matter how much he tried, he couldn’t leave that aggravating feline alone.

‘’You better be lucky you mean so freaking much to me. I swear.’’ He says softly to her, and closed his eyes for a second to shake his head lightly. He was frustrated with her at the moment, but he still cared greatly for her. He just needed to learn how to keep his...distance is all. It should be easy. She would be busy with Bluepaw. Or Nightpaw. Or whoever found her catching to the eye. And, he would be called if Alabasterpaw decided to come back. He would lay down his life for her once again. When it felt like he was already dying inside, from her taking it. That was okay though. He was a loyal servant, in a sense.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Silverpaw looked around the great forest, admiring the trees and the pretty day it was. Though it was a bit cool, the she-cat allowed her paws to lightly graze the ground. They were small and soft. Not exactly to describe a great warrior--something she promised to be. The one good thing that came from out all this was the fact that her claws were incredibly sharp. She used to always sharpen them by a nearby tree. It gave her a sense of relief until she met a new friend. Which had been...the one standing next to her. As she heard his voice, she was about to answer his question...until he went on to ask her another. The silver feline gave a roll of her eyes, looking away from him and again at the trees that surrounded them. Out the corner of her eyes, she stared at him, smirking. ‘’Well, we she-cats can tell which toms are worth our time and which ones are simply..wasting it.’’ She says, putting her head and her tail high as she trotted a bit in front of him.

‘’I mean, you are incredibly annoying, Squeakaroo.’’ She giggled at his nickname--it was far too cute, not that she would tell him that. ‘’Your flirting needs to be a tad more...dropping. As in don’t flirt at all.’’ She shrugged, and looked away from him. ‘’And do you want to know what else?...oh, nahh, I shouldn’t tell you. I don’t want to drop your self-esteem down even more!’’ She let out a light giggle, feeling a sense of pride swell into her.

Though all this stuff she said was somewhat true, she knew a lot of it was exaggeration. As she waited, looking far more interested in their surroundings, the she-cat flicked her tail, and trotted back towards him, bumping her side into his. ‘’I’m kidding with you, Foxy. In fact, you’re extremely charming, I’ll give you that, but...it wouldn’t hurt if you allowed yourself to not...you.’’ She gave the tom a gentle look, a soft smile forming on his maw. She knew that he wasn’t fully being himself. Though he was quite the flirt--it was more to him than just looking for eye candy. And, she didn’t want to partake in being his eye candy. ‘’You are handsome, very, and you’re extremely hilarious! You just need to...be patient. I know there’s a she-cat out there for you. That can actually stand you, Squeakaroo.’’ She says brightly, and gently grazed her tail along his side to reassure him that what she was saying was true.

Silverpaw was an incredibly sweet cat, but she was never afraid to let honesty show through. She had no reason to lie, so what she said to Foxpaw, came from her heart. She didn’t want him to feel as if everything was lost. She knew he was young. He was going to flirt, and at this point, it was alright. She just hoped that he could find a female that could tame his ways before he get too lost on his path to know where he wants to end up.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

‘’I know what I told you,’’ Bluepaw sneered. ‘’But what does that have to do with killing Azulpaw? You didn’t even had to use Asterpaw as some form of bait--and because of you, I lost her!’’ He yelled in desperation as if everything was lost. ‘’I lost my significant other because you don’t know how to carry out a job right!’’ He snarled, and lashed his tail. She was angry at him, no doubt, and he was furious at her. He had a right to be. He felt that she never did anything right. It was a simple move. Why couldn’t she just do it the easier way? Like he had told her? Alabasterpaw was always a complicated kitty. The white demon loved her cunning ways.

At her next words, the tom snorted. ‘’Oh, yeah? You’re busy? Doing what? Planning your next failure?’’ He asked, a smirk forming on his maw. All he could see was failure planted onto her white pelt. Maybe that ought to be her new name. Failure. It seemed to fit her well.

But at her next words, the blue-eyed tom sunk down, feeling a heavy pressure on him. How dare she asked him a question like that? As he got his posture back up, he stared the demon in her eyes. ‘’I haven’t killed him yet because you wanted to do it for yourself, genius. See where that got you? If I were to do it, he would had been done and over with. Besides, I’m not finished with Asterpaw--yet. The only problem I have is finding her. I need to get her alone--if your plan doesn’t work, we’re going with mine, so I better start planning out because I know this failure will be coming soon.’’ He says, confidently. He certainly knew she would fail--like the other three times she had in the past. She was such an amatuer in his eyes, and he wondered why ever he agreed to work with her. Then again, he remembered how much he longed for her--loathed her--found her attractive. Her looks played well for her, and it brought Bluepaw back in as if he never left. He braced himself for this plan, ready to hear what part he was going to have to take in order to put it in action. ‘’As long as Asterpaw doesn’t get hurt will be the only way I partake in this...new way to fail plan of yours.’’ The piebald tom groans, but inwardly, he hoped that her plan would take a new turn for them all. That it would work, and that Azulpaw will be the main one gone. Silverpaw could join. He didn’t care much.


I'm sure Nightpaw would just love to lose his life for you.
　
Wherever the words had come from, they stung Asterpaw-- badly. She felt as though everything in her wanted to scream, but she kept still. And it wasn't because he had just been rude to a cat who had been her friend for so long. That much was completely understandable. But he was just...confusing her. Making her feel like she didn't know what right and wrong were anymore. Was she doing the right thing or the wrong thing by being here with him? Those words, those words that he had spoken earlier were still turning around in her head.
　
I don't see why you have to prove yourself to me.

She wasn't trying to prove herself to him. Was she? Maybe that was the problem, had she found the root cause? Was she really trying so hard to prove herself to him? Asterpaw didn't really try all that hard, at least she thought she didn't. But apparantly things were different.
　
I'm nobody special.
　
What did special mean? Incredibly strong, fast, intelligent, or attractive? Did special mean having a high rank, or commanding respect and attention wherever you went? Making friends easily or having some sort of ability? Because in that case, she was definitely not a special cat. But Azulpaw? He was intelligent. Perhaps special did define him after all. So why did he think that he wasn't? Or, if special meant important... then he was indeed a special cat to her. But Asterpaw, always awkward and forever unable to figure out what to say at the right times, kept silent. It was as though she didn't think one kind word could make a difference. Like she didn't think one more thing could change what he was thinking or feeling about himself. You are special, though! After all she had said, why was it so hard to say those four little words? Four words that could have made a difference.
　
Except she hadn't.
　
She'd kept quiet. And for a moment, she didn't say anything. Asterpaw avoided his gaze as he asked her, feeling as though everything in her was numb. Emotional pain was sharp, and yet dull at the same time-- like the moment it tried to get through it was cut off by the sharpest of stings followed by a numbness that could never be outdone. She was completely and utterly numb. As in, trying to figure out where she belonged and what she should be doing with her life right about now numb. What was she supposed to do? And then, it was as though something inside her snapped. Whether she was just done hiding, or done with questions, or whether the numbness had finally given way to her emotional pain, something snapped. And something had to snap it.
　
But whether he had said something to trigger that-- which was likely-- or whether she had just decided to go off on her own was unknown. "I didn't forget." She spoke through gritted teeth, as though she were trying to hide something. And then? All bets were off. Nothing was hidden...everything came flying out of her maw at once, as though she were trying to keep talking until he stopped her.
　
"I watched my sister-- the cat I trusted, cared about more then anyone else in the world-- torture someone I care about very much. I watched your best friend just stand there and do nothing. Watch. Just watch you. And I couldn't do anything about it. Do you know the feeling where everything in you wants to move, but you're physically unable to? How about when you're crying so hard every time you try to move you end up falling? Or what about when you know you can't get away and you're just stuck there, just having to watch because it's the worst thing you've ever seen and you can't look away and you know it should have been you in the first place...because it was your fault... or what about when you think someone's going to die and there's nothing you can do about it? When you're exhausted and drained and all you can do is sit there because you're weak and powerless--" Her voice cracked and she stopped. There was nothing more to say. There was nothing else that she could think of to say. She didn't want to.
　
He wasn't going to care. This wasn't relevant. "It doesn't matter. I just don't want to be with a cat who's a part of something like that, that's the point." The she cat closed her eyes. That was the point. She didn't want to do this, she hadn't wanted to in the first place... and now she was breaking her word. She had sworn she wouldn't but she was. It hurt...it made her feel like the worst cat alive, especially since Bluepaw had no idea she knew about this. He had no idea that she wasn't planning on being anywhere near him ever again. He had no idea that she wasn't planning on spending time with him, or so much as giving him an acknowledging nod of her head. How could he? He hadn't known she was even there. As far as she knew, at least...unless Alabasterpaw had let him know. But as far as she knew, her sister hadn't done anything remotely of the kind.
　
We're not together.
　
For some reason, those three words hit her harder then any other she had ever experienced, and she stared at him for a moment like he was crazy. She knew it was true. But she didn't understand why he had to make a point of it. Everything else seemed to be fuzzy, and it felt like he had just stabbed her in the back. Why? She didn't know. And she wasn't sure whether she liked or loathed him right then. For a moment, the she cat closed her eyes again and turned away. She thought she was going to cry again. And then stopped-- no. No, that would give him satisfaction. What he wanted. He probably was wanting to see her cry... why, so he could see her begging for him to go away? To see her broken? If that's what he wanted, that's what he would get. But not right here. Not right now. It wasn't the time, nor place for either one of those things to happen. If that was something he wished to see, then there were plenty of other ways to do it.
　
"You're right. We're not together." Her voice held a chill to it, and it was softer then it had ever been before. Almost inaudible, but as long as he had good hearing, he would be able to understand what it was she was saying. She was sick of exhaustion, and lies, and trying to make something work. Sick of everything.
　
I hope you're happy.
　
And she did. That wasn't sarcasm, or anger-- she wanted him to be happy. She'd always heard that loving someone meant letting them go. And while she wasn't quite sure if love was the appropriate word to describe her feelings towards Azulpaw-- she knew that she cared. A lot. And that was probably the same thing. His words felt as though he had just stabbed her in the back, now he was offering to get Ebonypaw. Or like he was drowning her and saving her at the same time, playing with her like she had seen her sister doing so many times before. A cat and mouse game, drawing her out and pouncing, then releasing her just to see her run out again. And it wasn't funny to her. So if a cat and mouse game was what he was playing, he was about to be very disappointed. But instead of telling him exactly what she thought, one word came out instead:
　
"Stay."
　
That one word held so much emotion she could physically feel her vocal cords trembling, and yet she stayed completely still, still shaking, but her hues revealed the pain she was feeling. So much. Almost too much for her to stand, but she managed to stay still anyways. Asterpaw might not have been able to look at the tom, but she could still think... in a manner.
　
Stay.
*****
The ginger flirt seemed to be hanging on Silverpaw's every word as though it might be the last one he would hear in his lifetime. She was a female, after all. And who better to understand female felines then others? This was a genius idea. Foxpaw didn't know why he hadn't thought of it before. You're a genius, Foxpaw. He congratulated himself, before listening to her again. Everything she had said made sense, but the things that he heard most were her sweet compliments that seemed to ring in his ears. Of course they would. Foxpaw was too full of himself to hear critiquing, even if the she cat did mean well. Even if she wanted to help him, he still couldn't hear it-- because the ginger tom was quite the ignorant cat. It seemed as though he didn't really understand anything. He wasn't the smartest or the quickest. The strongest or the handomest-- no matter what he might tell himself-- and he definitely wasn't the greatest.
　
"Oh please. Every she cat can stand me-- it's just a matter of finding one who can deal with all of my epicness, Silvster. What do you say?" He asked, giving her a charming smile. The most beaming one he could muster at the moment. It wasn't the best, but it was all he could do. He had never been much of a cat for sincere compliments-- but at this moment, his mind was racing to find something...anything... nice to say about the silver she cat next to him. "So, do you have a sweetheart all picked out yet? Crushing on anyone--" The tom looked around, then brought his maw closer to her ear-- "special?" He finished with the slightest of smiles.
　
It was just barely the ghost of a smile, but he hoped it was enough to get her at least laughing or something. He didn't like seeing the pretty silver cat depressed, especially since she was such a sweetheart sometimes-- which made him feel guilty at flirting with her. But Silverpaw was much too clever to allow herself to just be flirted with like that! She would probably end up with a minor crush on him at the most, something that he could easily fix if needed-- after all, minor crushes only lasted a moon or two. A pretty she cat or a handsome tom said a single word to a cat and they were convinced they were in love. Thankfully Foxpaw was sensitive enough to realize when someone actually liked him and when they were just playing around. He was thankful to have Silverpaw with him right now.
　
"Thank you for your company, Silvster. And your...information, I suppose...I'll use it wisely." Foxpaw mewed after a moment, glancing up at the sky. For some reason, he had almost seemed to think the brilliant green of Silverpaw's hues would be reflected there. But they weren't-- it was the same shade of blue that it always was, and Foxpaw almost felt dumb for expecting anything else.
*****
The she cat's hues gleamed for a moment and then she sighed. "Boring, but alright. Here's the plan: Foxpaw and Nightpaw-- those are two of Ast's friends-- don't know about either one of us. Silverpaw doesn't know about me. Asterpaw doesn't know about you. They're all going to help in this. You're going to tell Nightpaw you have a proposition for him-- to get rid of Azulpaw. And help him be with Asterpaw. Don't worry-- she'll get rid of him just like that, just leave the little squirt alone. I'm going to tell Foxpaw and Silverpaw both that I'm planning a surprise for him and need their help. Nightpaw's going to be on our side, but as for the three of them? They're going to lure him right to us. Or you, I should say... since you apparently know better then me how to kill someone. Or, you know... you could always just kill him now. Up to you whether you want to have fun or whether you want him out of the way now." The white feline shrugged. Maybe she was done playing her part in this. And if she was? Too bad for him, he was going to be losing an excellent helper. It was still up to him. After all...what was revenge without a brother?

[~Masked~]

Cloudpaw picked his prey up and began to wander back towards where he had started.
( Aashka )

[Empress Of Evil]

Paws thudded softly against the ground as an ebony figure walked around. It was still quite early in the morning and Auroraflame had decided to take Chirppaw out for a hunting lesson. The cats of SkyClan had had several moons to settle into the new territory so Auroraflame knew the territory quite well now.
The deputy quickly glanced behind to check that her apprentice was following. Whilst the ebony feline was well acquainted with the territory, Chirppaw might not. She refocused her icy blue gaze on the path ahead and continued to walk at a brisk pace.
Auroraflame finally stopped as she reached a spot where there were more bushes than trees. She settled down on the soft grass and turned around to face Chirppaw. "As you know, last time we practiced perfecting the hunting crouch, and leaping. This time, we're going to put those skills to the test," Auroraflame started in a cheerful manner. "I hope you've been practicing since our last training session, because it'll really help you," the deputy continued, hushing her voice. "Right, now when you're hunting, you first need to find the prey. Use your senses and tell me what you can find," Auroraflame said, her tone of voice close to a whisper.

Nighty

[Brilliance]

I'm sure Nightpaw would just love to lose his life for you.
　
Wherever the words had come from, they stung Asterpaw-- badly. She felt as though everything in her wanted to scream, but she kept still. And it wasn't because he had just been rude to a cat who had been her friend for so long. That much was completely understandable. But he was just...confusing her. Making her feel like she didn't know what right and wrong were anymore. Was she doing the right thing or the wrong thing by being here with him? Those words, those words that he had spoken earlier were still turning around in her head.
　
I don't see why you have to prove yourself to me.

She wasn't trying to prove herself to him. Was she? Maybe that was the problem, had she found the root cause? Was she really trying so hard to prove herself to him? Asterpaw didn't really try all that hard, at least she thought she didn't. But apparantly things were different.
　
I'm nobody special.
　
What did special mean? Incredibly strong, fast, intelligent, or attractive? Did special mean having a high rank, or commanding respect and attention wherever you went? Making friends easily or having some sort of ability? Because in that case, she was definitely not a special cat. But Azulpaw? He was intelligent. Perhaps special did define him after all. So why did he think that he wasn't? Or, if special meant important... then he was indeed a special cat to her. But Asterpaw, always awkward and forever unable to figure out what to say at the right times, kept silent. It was as though she didn't think one kind word could make a difference. Like she didn't think one more thing could change what he was thinking or feeling about himself. You are special, though! After all she had said, why was it so hard to say those four little words? Four words that could have made a difference.
　
Except she hadn't.
　
She'd kept quiet. And for a moment, she didn't say anything. Asterpaw avoided his gaze as he asked her, feeling as though everything in her was numb. Emotional pain was sharp, and yet dull at the same time-- like the moment it tried to get through it was cut off by the sharpest of stings followed by a numbness that could never be outdone. She was completely and utterly numb. As in, trying to figure out where she belonged and what she should be doing with her life right about now numb. What was she supposed to do? And then, it was as though something inside her snapped. Whether she was just done hiding, or done with questions, or whether the numbness had finally given way to her emotional pain, something snapped. And something had to snap it.
　
But whether he had said something to trigger that-- which was likely-- or whether she had just decided to go off on her own was unknown. "I didn't forget." She spoke through gritted teeth, as though she were trying to hide something. And then? All bets were off. Nothing was hidden...everything came flying out of her maw at once, as though she were trying to keep talking until he stopped her.
　
"I watched my sister-- the cat I trusted, cared about more then anyone else in the world-- torture someone I care about very much. I watched your best friend just stand there and do nothing. Watch. Just watch you. And I couldn't do anything about it. Do you know the feeling where everything in you wants to move, but you're physically unable to? How about when you're crying so hard every time you try to move you end up falling? Or what about when you know you can't get away and you're just stuck there, just having to watch because it's the worst thing you've ever seen and you can't look away and you know it should have been you in the first place...because it was your fault... or what about when you think someone's going to die and there's nothing you can do about it? When you're exhausted and drained and all you can do is sit there because you're weak and powerless--" Her voice cracked and she stopped. There was nothing more to say. There was nothing else that she could think of to say. She didn't want to.
　
He wasn't going to care. This wasn't relevant. "It doesn't matter. I just don't want to be with a cat who's a part of something like that, that's the point." The she cat closed her eyes. That was the point. She didn't want to do this, she hadn't wanted to in the first place... and now she was breaking her word. She had sworn she wouldn't but she was. It hurt...it made her feel like the worst cat alive, especially since Bluepaw had no idea she knew about this. He had no idea that she wasn't planning on being anywhere near him ever again. He had no idea that she wasn't planning on spending time with him, or so much as giving him an acknowledging nod of her head. How could he? He hadn't known she was even there. As far as she knew, at least...unless Alabasterpaw had let him know. But as far as she knew, her sister hadn't done anything remotely of the kind.
　
We're not together.
　
For some reason, those three words hit her harder then any other she had ever experienced, and she stared at him for a moment like he was crazy. She knew it was true. But she didn't understand why he had to make a point of it. Everything else seemed to be fuzzy, and it felt like he had just stabbed her in the back. Why? She didn't know. And she wasn't sure whether she liked or loathed him right then. For a moment, the she cat closed her eyes again and turned away. She thought she was going to cry again. And then stopped-- no. No, that would give him satisfaction. What he wanted. He probably was wanting to see her cry... why, so he could see her begging for him to go away? To see her broken? If that's what he wanted, that's what he would get. But not right here. Not right now. It wasn't the time, nor place for either one of those things to happen. If that was something he wished to see, then there were plenty of other ways to do it.
　
"You're right. We're not together." Her voice held a chill to it, and it was softer then it had ever been before. Almost inaudible, but as long as he had good hearing, he would be able to understand what it was she was saying. She was sick of exhaustion, and lies, and trying to make something work. Sick of everything.
　
I hope you're happy.
　
And she did. That wasn't sarcasm, or anger-- she wanted him to be happy. She'd always heard that loving someone meant letting them go. And while she wasn't quite sure if love was the appropriate word to describe her feelings towards Azulpaw-- she knew that she cared. A lot. And that was probably the same thing. His words felt as though he had just stabbed her in the back, now he was offering to get Ebonypaw. Or like he was drowning her and saving her at the same time, playing with her like she had seen her sister doing so many times before. A cat and mouse game, drawing her out and pouncing, then releasing her just to see her run out again. And it wasn't funny to her. So if a cat and mouse game was what he was playing, he was about to be very disappointed. But instead of telling him exactly what she thought, one word came out instead:
　
"Stay."
　
That one word held so much emotion she could physically feel her vocal cords trembling, and yet she stayed completely still, still shaking, but her hues revealed the pain she was feeling. So much. Almost too much for her to stand, but she managed to stay still anyways. Asterpaw might not have been able to look at the tom, but she could still think... in a manner.
　
Stay.
*****
The ginger flirt seemed to be hanging on Silverpaw's every word as though it might be the last one he would hear in his lifetime. She was a female, after all. And who better to understand female felines then others? This was a genius idea. Foxpaw didn't know why he hadn't thought of it before. You're a genius, Foxpaw. He congratulated himself, before listening to her again. Everything she had said made sense, but the things that he heard most were her sweet compliments that seemed to ring in his ears. Of course they would. Foxpaw was too full of himself to hear critiquing, even if the she cat did mean well. Even if she wanted to help him, he still couldn't hear it-- because the ginger tom was quite the ignorant cat. It seemed as though he didn't really understand anything. He wasn't the smartest or the quickest. The strongest or the handomest-- no matter what he might tell himself-- and he definitely wasn't the greatest.
　
"Oh please. Every she cat can stand me-- it's just a matter of finding one who can deal with all of my epicness, Silvster. What do you say?" He asked, giving her a charming smile. The most beaming one he could muster at the moment. It wasn't the best, but it was all he could do. He had never been much of a cat for sincere compliments-- but at this moment, his mind was racing to find something...anything... nice to say about the silver she cat next to him. "So, do you have a sweetheart all picked out yet? Crushing on anyone--" The tom looked around, then brought his maw closer to her ear-- "special?" He finished with the slightest of smiles.
　
It was just barely the ghost of a smile, but he hoped it was enough to get her at least laughing or something. He didn't like seeing the pretty silver cat depressed, especially since she was such a sweetheart sometimes-- which made him feel guilty at flirting with her. But Silverpaw was much too clever to allow herself to just be flirted with like that! She would probably end up with a minor crush on him at the most, something that he could easily fix if needed-- after all, minor crushes only lasted a moon or two. A pretty she cat or a handsome tom said a single word to a cat and they were convinced they were in love. Thankfully Foxpaw was sensitive enough to realize when someone actually liked him and when they were just playing around. He was thankful to have Silverpaw with him right now.
　
"Thank you for your company, Silvster. And your...information, I suppose...I'll use it wisely." Foxpaw mewed after a moment, glancing up at the sky. For some reason, he had almost seemed to think the brilliant green of Silverpaw's hues would be reflected there. But they weren't-- it was the same shade of blue that it always was, and Foxpaw almost felt dumb for expecting anything else.
*****
The she cat's hues gleamed for a moment and then she sighed. "Boring, but alright. Here's the plan: Foxpaw and Nightpaw-- those are two of Ast's friends-- don't know about either one of us. Silverpaw doesn't know about me. Asterpaw doesn't know about you. They're all going to help in this. You're going to tell Nightpaw you have a proposition for him-- to get rid of Azulpaw. And help him be with Asterpaw. Don't worry-- she'll get rid of him just like that, just leave the little squirt alone. I'm going to tell Foxpaw and Silverpaw both that I'm planning a surprise for him and need their help. Nightpaw's going to be on our side, but as for the three of them? They're going to lure him right to us. Or you, I should say... since you apparently know better then me how to kill someone. Or, you know... you could always just kill him now. Up to you whether you want to have fun or whether you want him out of the way now." The white feline shrugged. Maybe she was done playing her part in this. And if she was? Too bad for him, he was going to be losing an excellent helper. It was still up to him. After all...what was revenge without a brother?




Azulpaw was sure he was going to hear a mouth load from whatever came from her. His ears were already tilted forward, awaiting for her to say something. Say anything. The tom knew--somehow that he hit a personal spot. A delicate spot that may have angered her. He always have done so in their past fights, so he embraced himself for the inevitable. He was ready for her retort--her battle against him. Yet, it never came, and the tom felt dumbfounded for even believing that it would be there. Her next words brought his heart into misery. Hearing her say those things, made him realize that maybe...just by a little chance, that he were special to her. He never truly felt special to anyone. He was just another cat, doing his duty of being a patriot for his clan. A patriot for the she-cat he seemed to have liked...more than he should had. What stunned him the most was that she had seen Bluepaw. She had seen him standing above, watching him being choked to death by her ever-so-lovely-sister. Asterpaw was there.


I watched your best friend just stand there and do nothing. Watch. Just watch you. And I couldn't do anything about it.

She was there. But how? He specifically told her that he didn’t want her near when he was dead. He couldn’t risk seeing her cry while his spirit left his flesh. It would bring him into tears for leaving her. Thinking he was protecting her, but in reality, he was leaving her vulnerable. He was allowing danger to harm her. He wasn’t protecting her. He was simply asking for an easier way out as if he were helping her. The tom was frustrated. He wanted to yell at her for being disobedient. For not listening to him, but he couldn’t stay mad at her for long. He was lost for words.

Speechless.

The tom just sat there, looking at his paws, as his ears stayed forward to listen to her words. He felt bad inside, as if his insides were churning up. He felt like he wanted to cry, but he didn’t. Perhaps she wanted to see that satisfaction of him crying. Of him bowing down to her, admitting he was wrong. Azulpaw only did so much, but begging? That wasn’t his forte. Whether he loved her or not. Which, he was still figuring that out. He knew that he liked her a lot, but love was such a strong word.

A delicate word. A fragile word that so many used, and abused. Azulpaw knew that love was a special feeling. A special emotion from deep within. It was more than having a kitty crush on someone, like he had with...some she-cats in the past that he got over pretty quickly. He wondered Asterpaw would end up like those she-cats. Floating in his past once he moved on to the next pretty thing that caught his eye.

Things were different. With those other she-cats, he would had never laid his life on the line for them. He would never pry into their business, or see what they needed for him to help. He would never allow himself to annoy them because it wasn’t his intentions to annoy acquaintances. Now, thinking back on it. He got himself into this mess. He should had never annoyed Asterpaw.

‘’I...um…’’ He was speechless. There was absolutely nothing to say. Everything he wanted to say, to scream, to shout, washed away at the crack of her voice. Did he really let her down? He felt like he did from the way she was sounding. The tom couldn’t stand it, so he took a few steps closer to her and sat down, brushing his pelt against hers. There was nothing to say. Just let the silence soak in. He knew they weren’t together. Fate shall never allow them to be. They were too stuck in helping others in order to focus on themselves. The coldness in her voice made him falter his next moves. Should he just up and leave? Should he allow her to be with herself, to calm down, and soak in everything that was happening between them? Maybe he should go. Forever. Leave her be. She didn’t need him. Nor, did she associate herself with Bluepaw. She still had that black furball though. And the chirpy tom that had a pitched voice. She still had both of them, so why was he still stringing along?

He knew why he was still tagging along. He just wasn’t sure of how he should cut himself off.

Stay.

Had he heard that correctly? Did she want him to stay? Was his mind playing tricks on him, or did she ever-so-silently, tell him to stay?

Stay.

And, that’s exactly what he did. He leaned into her, hoping to find some type of support to help his pain, and he turned his head to her. ‘’Heh, did you really think I would leave you?’’ He says quietly, swallowing a lump in his throat. He would never leave her. Unless it was to protect her. Asterpaw should know these things about him. Sure, he got hot-headed with her, but that was simply him being a jerk. Him being obnoxious. Him being selfish. He couldn’t help himself for who he was. As long as she wanted him to stay. Where else would he go?

‘’I can’t believe that you would ever think I would leave you in the first place. You may get on my nerves. You may want me to ram my head into a tree over and over...but I’m staying. Right here. And, even if I were far away from you, all you have to do is call my name and I’ll be right there for you. It’s what friends are for, sweetheart.’’ The tom gently nudged her in her side, and he brought his head to look above at the sky, soaking in the pretty blueness of it. Though he still felt pretty tense about the whole situation. He did not know how to feel about. He did not know how to feel about her. But, he kept silent. There was already enough confusion going on in their lives, and he didn’t want to add to her uneasiness. Though he was in...a terrible amount of pain. Asterpaw deserved a break. From everything. The tom gave her glance from the corner of his eyes, a smirk curled its way onto his maw as he told her, ‘’Remember that break I owe you? Don’t know when it’s coming, but it’s coming soon. Wish I could provide you some entertainment, but hey! I’ll probably die if I even try. Wouldn’t that just be awesome?’’ The tom gave a dark chuckle. Though it wasn’t a nice time to joke about in such a serious manner, but he had to find some way to lighten up the situation. He didn’t want her to be tensed, or be mad, or better yet...act like his mother. He enjoyed her caring. He loved it, but the fact that she was treating him as a kit, did not fit well with him. She only cared, and that’s wonderful, he told himself, wrapping his tail behind her.

Now, his day would be even more perfect if that black furball came along and seen their position. It would surely cause a riot, and Azulpaw was known to get on other’s nerves. The tom wrapped his tail tighter around Asterpaw, pulling her extremely close to him, so there was no room between them.

This wasn’t a game. Nor was it a competition. It was simply a tom protecting what was rightfully his in the first place.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The silver feline trotted up, taking more speed in her gait as she heard the flirt behind her. She felt like everything she said was being thrown out the other end of his ear. This made her annoyed because he asked for her opinion, but he was too conceited to even notice what she was saying. Why had it mattered at all what she thought? The silver feline knew that Foxpaw would definitely not be her type if she hadn’t gotten to know him as a good friend. Though she handled his motives well, buying into them, and helping him build up his confidence. Truth be told, she had a small crush on him. She thought he was cute. She thought he was funny. Especially with the way he brought himself out there, playing off as fearless and brave. And, the way he took up for her? Talk about wanting to swoon! Again, she felt like putting her tail in her mouth to bite down her nervous state.

As soon as the tom spoke, she felt like every piece of being inside her crumbled, replaced by a stoic expression. It was certainly a kitty crush, and she would get over it soon once they were warriors. He was simply just another tom in the clan. ‘’I feel like you weren’t listening to a thing I said, but that is alright. You’ll learn someday, foxy boy. And, that is a promise guaranteed.’’ She gave him a playful nod, hoping to put some water on opened wounds. ‘’Of course, every she-cat can stand you, you’re awesome.’’ She replied, distantly. A somewhat monotone accent taking over her sweet voice. She was staring blankly, just daydreaming as she tried to listen to what Foxpaw was saying. Deep down, Silverpaw had a feeling that the ginger tom had some insecurity issues. Why ever would he ask her all these irrelevant things? She hadn’t cared so much about crushes. She knew she could wait. After all, it was every she-cat’s dream to find their tom and to marry them and have kits. No doubt, Silverpaw wanted that, but she was far too young. Even having a crush felt like it was far too young for her.

As Foxpaw next words made chills go down her spine, the silver feline forced her tongue to go into her maw, a sudden wash of shyness over taking her. The ginger tom had to know what he was doing in order to make her react to that. What answer would satisfy him? Why was she acting like this in the first place, as if it had surprised her. Slowly, she removed her tail from her maw, swishing it behind her as she circled around him, thinking. She wasn’t exactly paying any heed to him, just looking at her surroundings. ‘’I’m not interested in anybody. Crushes are way to overrated, in my opinion. Why waste my time having interest in something that won’t last long?’’ She finally says, her answer a bit rushed as she tried to find the right words to provide him. Yet, she felt her heart beating as if she ran a few miles.

‘’Oh, I hope you do take everything I said in consideration. It seemed as if it went out the other side of that air-head of yours, Squeakaroo.’’ She joked, and lightly bumped into him. She then settled herself down near him, watching as he looked up at the sky. Instead of admiring the pretty blue, Silverpaw looked around at the forest. Admiring the wilting green.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Bluepaw listened to her plan--attentively as he could. He yawned a couple times, hoping to set the white demon off, but he thought her plan held some good standing to it. It would be the final line before he go do his own thing. Yet, they worked together. They were suppose to be partners in crime. ‘’I’ll see who this Nightpaw is. I never seen him before, but if he wants to help me get rid of Azulpaw...I say, let’s do it.’’ The piebald tom nodded, once again thinking of the plan. It was definitely a plausible plan after all, and he hoped--he prayed to starclan to get ready to open their paws to welcome an apprentice home. Azulpaw would be joining them soon, and Bluepaw couldn’t wait until he watched the grey tom whimper in pain, falling over in agony, dying from torture. ‘’You really are a bad influence.’’ The tom remarked, thinking however did Alabasterpaw get so evil. It had to be more than being envious of her half sister--Asterpaw. Had this come from her family? Her mom side? Or her dad side? He had so many questions to ask her, but figured it would come later.

When they were all out celebrating.

A life that was short lived.

[goddess of ducks]

Paws thudded softly against the ground as an ebony figure walked around. It was still quite early in the morning and Auroraflame had decided to take Chirppaw out for a hunting lesson. The cats of SkyClan had had several moons to settle into the new territory so Auroraflame knew the territory quite well now.
The deputy quickly glanced behind to check that her apprentice was following. Whilst the ebony feline was well acquainted with the territory, Chirppaw might not. She refocused her icy blue gaze on the path ahead and continued to walk at a brisk pace.
Auroraflame finally stopped as she reached a spot where there were more bushes than trees. She settled down on the soft grass and turned around to face Chirppaw. "As you know, last time we practiced perfecting the hunting crouch, and leaping. This time, we're going to put those skills to the test," Auroraflame started in a cheerful manner. "I hope you've been practicing since our last training session, because it'll really help you," the deputy continued, hushing her voice. "Right, now when you're hunting, you first need to find the prey. Use your senses and tell me what you can find," Auroraflame said, her tone of voice close to a whisper.

Nighty
Chirppaw was following silently, she was remembering Aurorafalmes remark from last session about cleaning her pelt. She itched and felt strongly inclined to just bend down and start cleaning herself, the loose dust working its way into her fur. She hated the feeling of being dirty, it disgusted her. She was able to control her self though, forcing her honey brown hues to watch the trail, to busy her tongue, she kept licking her lips, or biting her tongue, anything to keep from cleaning her pelt. She didn't want to disrespect the deputy in not listening. She had to act mature. She was so focused on trying not to lick her fur, that she nearly crashed into her mentor when she stopped. She pulled up short, and whipped her head up to see what was up. "Practicing? Yeah, totally." She said, only telling half the truth. Sure she had been talking about training, and done some play stalking, but nothing too grand. But she didn't feel like telling that to the deputy. She moved on though, her nose flaring, taking in deep breaths to smell the scents. She sniffed high, and she sniffed low, trying to find a trace of something....anything. A small scent caught her nose. It was a squirrel, one. That had passed around the time of the dawn patrol. "I think..." She sniffed again. "I think I smell a vole." She said, her voiced hushed. She hoped though she was right, oh how embarrassing if she was wrong....

[Empress Of Evil]

Chirppaw was following silently, she was remembering Aurorafalmes remark from last session about cleaning her pelt. She itched and felt strongly inclined to just bend down and start cleaning herself, the loose dust working its way into her fur. She hated the feeling of being dirty, it disgusted her. She was able to control her self though, forcing her honey brown hues to watch the trail, to busy her tongue, she kept licking her lips, or biting her tongue, anything to keep from cleaning her pelt. She didn't want to disrespect the deputy in not listening. She had to act mature. She was so focused on trying not to lick her fur, that she nearly crashed into her mentor when she stopped. She pulled up short, and whipped her head up to see what was up. "Practicing? Yeah, totally." She said, only telling half the truth. Sure she had been talking about training, and done some play stalking, but nothing too grand. But she didn't feel like telling that to the deputy. She moved on though, her nose flaring, taking in deep breaths to smell the scents. She sniffed high, and she sniffed low, trying to find a trace of something....anything. A small scent caught her nose. It was a squirrel, one. That had passed around the time of the dawn patrol. "I think..." She sniffed again. "I think I smell a vole." She said, her voiced hushed. She hoped though she was right, oh how embarrassing if she was wrong....

The ebony feline felt a faint smile growing on her maw as Chirppaw said she had been practising. However, she did sense something in her tone of voice that made her sound like she wasn't telling the whole truth. She shrugged it off though, knowing that whether she had been practising or not, would show in today's training session. Auroraflame watched her apprentice curiously as she started sniffing the air.
The moment that the deputy had reached this particular part of the territory, she had smelt a squirrel. It was rather faint unfortunately, but if they were lucky, perhaps they could practise tracking and try track down the furry creature. The she-cat remembered learning how to track things as an apprentice herself. Rainpebble had been a good mentor. The deputy was suddenly brought back out of her thoughts as Chirppaw spoke. Auroraflame listened with interest and curiousity, keen to know if the persian could correctly identify the animal. A vole. No signs of disappointment were displayed, rather, a bigger smile grew on her maw. "Well, it's great that you were able to detect something, however, it wasn't a vole. It was a squirrel," Auroraflame corrected, her voice sounding rather cheerful. "After a bit more practise, i'm sure you'll be able to identify all the species of prey correctly," Auroraflame continued. After that, the deputy decided to ask the apprentice a question. "So how long ago do you think the squirrel was here?" She asked, tilting her head slightly to the side.

[lone]

The grey tom gave her a look of desperation--a pleading one as if his heart had been more shattered than it already had been. He quickly blinked his eyes and looked away for a second. He could detect the coldness in her voice, yet a teasing-like one. It was hard to get her. It was hard to understand her because one moment she made him leap for joy and the next moment she was digging a hole to throw him in. This made him pin his ears to his head. It wasn’t something he truly wanted to think about. ‘’Yeah, I figured they are some old friends, but it would had been nice if you gave me a heads up.’’ He snorted, still looking away from her. His words seemed to have taken a mind of it’s own. Somethings were meant to be thoughts, but were pouring out in the opening. ‘’I’m sure Nightpaw would love to lose his life for you.’’ The tom did not know why he said it. He was just frustrated, and he was angry at her for some odd reason. Per se, not angry, but more on the lines of irritated. It was greatly hinted in his voice.

‘’It’s okay. Maybe you’re right. You don’t think I can’t take him on, so I won’t.’’ He gave a tender shrug, looking down at his paws. It hurt him greatly to keep being reminded of the condition he was in. Of the weakness he carried. He pained him to know that he wouldn’t be able to protect all that he wanted. He knew he would die someday. The only things he didn’t know was how, when, and where. His tail lashed a bit, but he flinched from the sudden pain. At her next words, he could almost detect a plea. Was she begging him to forgive her? It sounded like it, but Asterpaw never begged to anyone. It wasn’t her forte. The tom wanted to listen to her, his ears sagging down, but faintly opened to know what she was saying. He didn’t dare look at her, but he sighed. ‘’Okay, I get it he was wrong. I don’t see why you have to prove yourself to me. I’m nobody special. Just let it go. It doesn’t matter anymore.’’ The tom says, and he slowly gets up. His mood had faltered, and he felt like he was ready to cry as she had done earlier. He wouldn’t cry, he was too prideful for that.

Just cry. If you hold back your tears, a hurricane will eventually tear everything away.

No.

He wouldn’t cry. How hypocritical he had been. Telling others these wise suggestions, and yet could never follow them himself. The tom hated himself at times--and it was one of these times he hated himself. ‘’Besides, this isn’t information I need to know. You’re not with me. You’re with Bluepaw last I remembered. Does Nightpaw know about him? The tom you swore you’d never leave until he was fully healed from your maniacal sister’s ways?...Or did you forget?’’ This time he did look at her. He stared her straight into her green orbs, waiting for her to answer. Though he knew how he felt about the blue cat, he knew he was not going to get her the easy way. He would travel through mountains, go through tunnels, swimming through large bodies of water--and he’d not be halfway there. There was always something in the way when it came to her. When it came to them. Even if she was the steady part in his life--and he loved her dearly, his thoughts--his mind--his brain makes him realize how easy it would be to give up.

As far as he knew, he didn’t see no other toms wanting to die for her. No other toms running and obeying to be in the clutches of her sister. He didn’t see any other toms wanting to be tortured just to keep her from pain and misery. He didn’t see any of that. He felt like he was in second place, that he was losing her to what it was, and what was to come. Why was she here right now then? Why wasn’t she with Bluepaw...Nightpaw, or any other friends she forgot to mention she had?

‘’Listen,’’ he says, taking in a deeper sigh before straining his neck into an uncomfortable position just to look up at the sky. Azulpaw wondered what he was doing. In this exact moment. In his exact life. He was young, yet mature, and he was ready. At least he thought he was ready. One of his most treasured memories was meeting Asterpaw. One of his worst memories was meeting Asterpaw. It was certainly a catch-22 for him, not that she would ever known it. Of course, she wouldn’t care about it, but she was always worried about him. Dotting on him as if she were his mother. His mother hardly dotted on him. So, he didn’t know how to take heed to this. It bothered him to his core, but his feelings was never something he would talk about. She wasn’t his. And, he wasn’t hers. This was life. Their life that he needed to understand.

Holding on to something that will never happen.

In that moment, he felt a sudden pain of paralysis. Something was wrong with his feelings. They were either scattered all over the place or they weren’t there. Where are my feelings? I no longer feel things...I know I should. That was a silly thought--evidently his feelings were there, but they were numb. ‘’You really need to get Nightpaw straight. After all, he’s not my problem to worry about. We’re not together, and I’m afraid that’s what he thinks. You need to tell him about Bluepaw so he can get off my back. It’ll be greatly appreciated if you do...master.’’ The tom says, his expression held no emotions, but he allowed a sudden smirk to appear on his maw. As he turned away, he was ready to walk off...but no matter how much he tried, he couldn’t leave that aggravating feline alone.

‘’You better be lucky you mean so freaking much to me. I swear.’’ He says softly to her, and closed his eyes for a second to shake his head lightly. He was frustrated with her at the moment, but he still cared greatly for her. He just needed to learn how to keep his...distance is all. It should be easy. She would be busy with Bluepaw. Or Nightpaw. Or whoever found her catching to the eye. And, he would be called if Alabasterpaw decided to come back. He would lay down his life for her once again. When it felt like he was already dying inside, from her taking it. That was okay though. He was a loyal servant, in a sense.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Silverpaw looked around the great forest, admiring the trees and the pretty day it was. Though it was a bit cool, the she-cat allowed her paws to lightly graze the ground. They were small and soft. Not exactly to describe a great warrior--something she promised to be. The one good thing that came from out all this was the fact that her claws were incredibly sharp. She used to always sharpen them by a nearby tree. It gave her a sense of relief until she met a new friend. Which had been...the one standing next to her. As she heard his voice, she was about to answer his question...until he went on to ask her another. The silver feline gave a roll of her eyes, looking away from him and again at the trees that surrounded them. Out the corner of her eyes, she stared at him, smirking. ‘’Well, we she-cats can tell which toms are worth our time and which ones are simply..wasting it.’’ She says, putting her head and her tail high as she trotted a bit in front of him.

‘’I mean, you are incredibly annoying, Squeakaroo.’’ She giggled at his nickname--it was far too cute, not that she would tell him that. ‘’Your flirting needs to be a tad more...dropping. As in don’t flirt at all.’’ She shrugged, and looked away from him. ‘’And do you want to know what else?...oh, nahh, I shouldn’t tell you. I don’t want to drop your self-esteem down even more!’’ She let out a light giggle, feeling a sense of pride swell into her.

Though all this stuff she said was somewhat true, she knew a lot of it was exaggeration. As she waited, looking far more interested in their surroundings, the she-cat flicked her tail, and trotted back towards him, bumping her side into his. ‘’I’m kidding with you, Foxy. In fact, you’re extremely charming, I’ll give you that, but...it wouldn’t hurt if you allowed yourself to not...you.’’ She gave the tom a gentle look, a soft smile forming on his maw. She knew that he wasn’t fully being himself. Though he was quite the flirt--it was more to him than just looking for eye candy. And, she didn’t want to partake in being his eye candy. ‘’You are handsome, very, and you’re extremely hilarious! You just need to...be patient. I know there’s a she-cat out there for you. That can actually stand you, Squeakaroo.’’ She says brightly, and gently grazed her tail along his side to reassure him that what she was saying was true.

Silverpaw was an incredibly sweet cat, but she was never afraid to let honesty show through. She had no reason to lie, so what she said to Foxpaw, came from her heart. She didn’t want him to feel as if everything was lost. She knew he was young. He was going to flirt, and at this point, it was alright. She just hoped that he could find a female that could tame his ways before he get too lost on his path to know where he wants to end up.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

‘’I know what I told you,’’ Bluepaw sneered. ‘’But what does that have to do with killing Azulpaw? You didn’t even had to use Asterpaw as some form of bait--and because of you, I lost her!’’ He yelled in desperation as if everything was lost. ‘’I lost my significant other because you don’t know how to carry out a job right!’’ He snarled, and lashed his tail. She was angry at him, no doubt, and he was furious at her. He had a right to be. He felt that she never did anything right. It was a simple move. Why couldn’t she just do it the easier way? Like he had told her? Alabasterpaw was always a complicated kitty. The white demon loved her cunning ways.

At her next words, the tom snorted. ‘’Oh, yeah? You’re busy? Doing what? Planning your next failure?’’ He asked, a smirk forming on his maw. All he could see was failure planted onto her white pelt. Maybe that ought to be her new name. Failure. It seemed to fit her well.

But at her next words, the blue-eyed tom sunk down, feeling a heavy pressure on him. How dare she asked him a question like that? As he got his posture back up, he stared the demon in her eyes. ‘’I haven’t killed him yet because you wanted to do it for yourself, genius. See where that got you? If I were to do it, he would had been done and over with. Besides, I’m not finished with Asterpaw--yet. The only problem I have is finding her. I need to get her alone--if your plan doesn’t work, we’re going with mine, so I better start planning out because I know this failure will be coming soon.’’ He says, confidently. He certainly knew she would fail--like the other three times she had in the past. She was such an amatuer in his eyes, and he wondered why ever he agreed to work with her. Then again, he remembered how much he longed for her--loathed her--found her attractive. Her looks played well for her, and it brought Bluepaw back in as if he never left. He braced himself for this plan, ready to hear what part he was going to have to take in order to put it in action. ‘’As long as Asterpaw doesn’t get hurt will be the only way I partake in this...new way to fail plan of yours.’’ The piebald tom groans, but inwardly, he hoped that her plan would take a new turn for them all. That it would work, and that Azulpaw will be the main one gone. Silverpaw could join. He didn’t care much.


A soft laugh left the she cat's maw at the tom's words, and she stayed completely still, allowing the contact to be made. Right now? She didn't want to pull away. Contact was not her biggest thing, she was willing to do it but enjoying it? No. However, right now...Asterpaw felt happier then she had in a long time. "Well, I was hoping you wouldn't." She answered, her voice lighter then it had been before. Though there was no trick in it, no hidden laughter, no purring... nothing. Because she really meant what she said. Sure, she might have been able to purr some-- except she didn't feel like it. This can't be...wrong, can it? Asterpaw thought with a sudden twinge of worry. She didn't want it to be wrong. And besides, when things felt so perfect, like she could be like this forever, like this moment would never end-- it couldn't be wrong.
　
But like everything else, it would. Some things were too good to be true, even though they were-- or at least seemed as though they were. Was this a dream? Why would this be in her dreams? That was honestly, truly... scary? No, more messed up. That meant it was real life, and after everything happening...one of these moments was very much needed. It would end; but hopefully not for a while. She wanted to stay here for a while, for as long as she could before she would have to leave. Before things would get in the way again as they always did. It seemed like no matter what they were doing, there was always some cat who didn't like it. Maybe I just have too many friends or-- something. She shrugged, the tip of her tail twitching. The feline kept herself close, though her pelt was just barely touching his now.
　
Without even realizing it she had moved. His next words did bring a purr rumbling in her throat, and her eyes-- which just moments before had been soft, worried, and held more depth to them then they should have-- lightened and showed more love. "Well, I guess that means I'm doing my job right. If it makes you feel like that." She laughed, her expression becoming much lighter then before. She wanted to say she would do the same. And she would! But again, her vocal cords stopped working although she tried to force them. Once she could feel that they would work again, she smiled just a little. "I'd do the same." Her voice was lower, which she didn't like, considering she was trying to make things better, not awkward-- but for whatever reason it seemed the strain from her earlier breakdown had messed with her voice.
　
That was alright. As she had said before, as she knew would always be the case in life, it would pass. And so would all of this. Just hang in there. It'll end, I know it. You're so much stronger then you look...I believe in you. But Asterpaw wouldn't say that aloud. There were so many things she thought that she would never say. She'd never had a friend tell her something like what he had. Never before, not even Alabasterpaw had said something like that...though, at this point, that really didn't surprise her. She wouldn't want the bloodthirsty devil to say something like that to her. And, a moon ago, if anyone had dared refer to Alabasterpaw as a 'bloodthirsty devil' she would have clawed their ears off. Now? She would most certainly believe them.
　
And probably have a thing or two to say herself about her bloodthirsty sister. The she cat followed his gaze up to the sky and just stared at it. For a long while. When she was younger, she had used to think that the clouds were birds-- she'd used to try and catch them. Alabasterpaw had done so as well, and the two of them had had quite a good relationship. That was in the past now. What had happened to her sweet, precious sister? The kit who was always there, fluffed up and would yell at her whenever a speck of dust got on her pelt? True; Asterpaw didn't miss that. But it had been better then looking fowards to her claws being covered in blood! How could she possibly...? Asterpaw didn't understand it. She had never minded blood, or dying cats, which was why her mentor had told her she'd do fine in battle as long as she didn't freak out, but now?
　
She was seriously reconsidering her outlook on that. Memories darted through her head, so many that it was almost impossible to count... and each one was just a piece of a puzzle that she couldn't put together, but she knew somewhere along the way Alabasterpaw must have gone bad. Some in particular seemed to stand out to her, the best memories that she had from her younger moons with her sister....
　
"Run, run, run!" Asterkit chased Nightkit around and around, Alabasterkit sitting on the sidelines and watching beetles crawl across the ground. The blue feline went over to the white one, pinning her down. Instantly the she cat's expression changed to one of surprise...
　
The two kits were a blur of blue and white, their pelts almost blending together. It was Alabasterkit's first night with her half sister, and they seemed to have hit it off instantly. Staying together as though they would never be seperated. Asterkit had made a promise to herself, and to the small white fluffball before her, that she would always stay with Alabasterkit...always protect her...it was the first time she'd ever made a promise. And while she wasn't sure whether she could keep it up, she would at least try.
　
The day they became apprentices. Alabasterkit had been terrified, cowering behind Asterkit and waiting to be led up. As a kit she had been so outgoing-- but now? She was timid. Scared. Alabasterkit had never broken the rules before, she had been a strict rule-follower... Asterkit? Not so much. Alabasterkit had been more frightened that Lemonstar would be angry with her, telling her that she wasn't a good cat or-- something. Asterkit had reassured her...
　
As new apprentices, Asterpaw and Alabasterpaw had constantly been training together. They were always training together, having their mentors annoyed every single day because they wouldn't be seperated. Eventually Asterpaw broke off the connection, but Alabasterpaw would still whine about it for a while afterwards...at least, that was her recollection of the event.
　
As older apprentices, Asterpaw and Alabasterpaw had hidden in the territory so many times before. But this time seemed different, since there were cats actually calling their names and looking for them... "Should we go back?" Alabasterpaw asked, her expression worried. "Nah. They're not going to care." Asterpaw had answered, her eyes sparkling with mischief, her paws dancing with excitement and carrying her further into the territory, Alabasterpaw following behind with a worried expression...
　
The day that Alabasterpaw had found out she could flirt. That she was a flirt. The day that she had broken her first heart, the day all of this had first started. "Please don't do this..." Asterpaw remembered telling her when she had approached the tom. The one who was soon to be her future-- or that was what she thought. "P-please..." She stammered as Alabasterpaw approached him. And that was the end of it, she and Lionpaw were no longer friends and he broke it off from her. She would never see the tom again.
　
Her and Alabasterpaw's biggest fight. "I hate you!" That was the first time those words had escaped either maw, and it had stunned both of them. Asterpaw's words seemed to hang in the air between them. But she didn't care. Her sister had taken Lionpaw from her, had been acting like a diva and being a jerk for most of her apprenticeship. So what-- why-- did she feel like she had needed to take this from Asterpaw? The answer was unknown at the moment. But a few days later, Alabasterpaw had come to her with an answer-- and even after a hundred moons, Asterpaw doubted she would find the answer Alabasterpaw had given her satisfactory. "I don't know why I did it." If she didn't know, then why had she done it? Why had she done something if she didn't know why?
　
And then came a memory that was the closest to Asterpaw's heart.
　
The night sky had never looked prettier. And Asterkit was thankful that her sister had shown her this. She hadn't known that Alabasterkit had such an appreciation for the stars until now. "Thanks for bringing me out here," She mewed with a smile. "You're welcome. Oh, oh, oh, look!" Alabasterkit used her tail to bring Asterkit's head up to look at the sky. It looked like the stars were...falling. "Is this the end of the world?" Asterkit asked fearfully, and Alabasterkit shook her head. "Nah. It's happened before. I guess it's just some sort of sign from StarClan." Alabasterkit told her, and they looked back up at the sky...
　
She and her sister had used to watch the stars every night, waiting for a message from StarClan to reveal itself in the stars. None ever had-- but it was a good memory all the same, one that Asterpaw missed very much. None of her memories seemed to show when Alabasterpaw might have gone bad. Sighing, the feline's ears pricked up when she heard the tom begin to speak again. "Hey, to be fair, I do owe you my life. Don't know when I'll be giving that to you, but I assure you it will be well worth your time." She mewed with an exaggerated bow. "You better not die! This is one girl who can't do without her servant." Asterpaw nudged him lightly, a smile fixed on her features. It seemed the moment before had passed, but she was okay with it-- there would always be others. And even if there weren't, she would have the memory to keep...to treasure forever.
　
Oh! A shock of surprise shot though the young feline as Azulpaw drew her closer to him. To be honest, it had come as a surprise-- and she wasn't sure whether she liked it or not, just because of the fear it had caused to ripple through her. But then she changed her mind...she did like it. It was comfortable, and it made her feel safe. Like he would be the one constant thing in her life. She should have known nothing was constant, but she chose to ignore that fact because she wanted to stay like this. She wanted to believe that this would be constant.
*****
Foxpaw hadn't been expecting the she cat to say something like that. Sure, he was surprised...somewhat lost for words...and amused at her own words, but at the same time he was scared. To be honest he hadn't really been trying to get Silverpaw's attention in that way, no matter how flirty he was being. "Uhh...Silvster, you okay there? You seem kinda, I don't know... off today." He mewed, cocking his head to the side. He liked Silverpaw, of course. Who wouldn't? She was a sweet cat, but he wasn't quite sure if he had been wanting her to say that. Ohh she was kidding! Of course. Duh, Foxy-- there's no way she would mean that, he thought with a snort. "Nevermind. I knew you'd come around, Silvy Silvster-- you're such a sweetheart." He purred, emerald hues flashing with laughter as he did so. She really was a sweetheart, though... one of the nicest cats he'd had the pleasure of meeting in a long time. Asterpaw was alright, but she was no desert flower-- like the pretty gem he had with him.
　
Score, Foxy boy! He thought with a smirk. And just like that, his worry had worn off, going back to the somewhat conceited airhead that he had always been. Foxpaw wasn't really that full of himself. He liked to pretend he was, but in reality? Nah. If something was really wrong with Silverpaw, he would have figured it out in a flash and been there to help. He wouldn't have wanted to wait around until he was sure. But she seemed alright. He hoped she was. Whatever the waiting cats would do to him if he messed Silverpaw up wasn't confirmed, but he was sure it wouldn't be anything like throwing him a super awesome party. Or helping him feel like he belonged with the other cats. It was probably going to be something more like Asterpaw yelling at him while the other grey cat tried to claw his ears off. A shudder went down the tom's spine at the thought. He didn't want those dangerous-looking claws to be directed at slicing him open and killing him.
　
Thank goodness she seemed fine now. Her answer sounded as though she were back to normal, the same old Silvster she had always been. True-- they were a little young to be thinking about crushes, and yet Foxpaw was already considering how many kits he would want in his future, what he wanted his relationship with his future mate to be like, whether or not he would stop flirting... that last one was questionable, though he was sure he would have to. No she cat was going to want to be in second place when it came to him. He was sure of that much, at least. That might have sounded more stuck up then he meant it, but when it came to Foxpaw? He was sure his future was going to be a blast. After all, he was the handsomest-- at least partly handsome-- the most charming-- at least somewhat charming-- and the greatest tom in the Clans. Maybe not in the Clans, but the idea was a nice one to have anyways. The tom tilted his ears backwards a little bit, thinking.
　
"Well you don't know that it won't last long. Hey, who knows? You could meet your future mate through a little crush. And besides, there are always cats out there who are meeting others every single day. You could be one of them!" He mewed, jumping to his paws with an excited gleam in his eye. Foxpaw wasn't really known as a calm cat in the first place, but the fact that he looked so happy about Silverpaw settling down-- maybe because he wanted to say I told you so or maybe because he genuinely wanted the she cat to have a good life...predictable, but good-- was unusual. After all, no one was that happy about another's future. Except for Foxpaw, it would appear. "I have some friends. I could totally set you up! What kind of tom do you think you'd be into?" He asked, launching right into questions. It seemed as though he had ignored her statement about not being interested. He was positive that he could get her interested in someone.
　
I mean, I could always-- nah. That's ridiculous. He thought with a snort. But still, if he was unsucessful, he'd give it a shot. Why not? Like she had said... it wasn't as though it would last long. But like he had said-- you could meet your future mate through a little crush. That's sick, he thought with a grimace. He loved Silverpaw-- just not really in that way. Sure, there were always those little kitty-crush moments, but it wasn't a big deal. Not to him, at any rate. "I do not have an airhead! My head is just very...full! Of...other things." The last part was mumbled slightly, and he lowered his head so that it would be harder for her to catch the words he was speaking. The tom wasn't quite used to actually being by himself with a she cat. He turned his eyes towards the foliage, looking up at the pieces of blue through the greenery that seemed to fit together like miniature puzzle pieces. It really was quite pretty... he had to admire that color, though admiration seemed to come naturally to the ginger apprentice.
*****
Alabasterpaw's hues twinkled and sparked, her expression changing slightly as she stared at the tom before her. "Am I changing you for the better, darling? After all-- we are on the right side here. Fighting for what's rightfully yours? I would say I've been more of a good influence." She purred, brushing her tail alongside him. Slowly, she was sure she was reeling him back in. This was all working splendidly. And Alabasterpaw herself? Well-- technically she did feel a bit of attachment to the tom before her. That was natural, wasn't it? To feel a little confused, perhaps just the slightest bit attached to the object of your previous affections? She was certain she wasn't the one falling in love here. No, no, no-- Alabasterpaw didn't do love. It was something that always led to heartbreak, as her mindless test subjects had proved time and time again, constantly working to make themselves better as though they thought that would change something somehow.
　
And as Alabasterpaw had proved time and time again? Love was nothing but waiting for someone to break your heart, grasping endlessly at straws that only broke off in your paws, or chasing that one pretty butterfly that would constantly be out of reach, never landing. And yet they never learned. Now he was chasing another 'pretty' butterfly, her sister-- who, as Alabasterpaw knew all too well-- would not want to land for him either. Asterpaw didn't land for anyone, as far as she knew. And Alabasterpaw? She just didn't allow herself to be caught. She'd landed, sure-- but being caught was far from being landed. She had caught quite a few toms in her lifetime, and from her personal experience, it was just stupid to try and go chasing after the dream that never happened...the dream that would never happen... and the dream that would constantly be broken in two. She was certain this would happen to Bluepaw again, and then what? Would he kill her sister?
　
Or perhaps just maul her and leave her to die? The thought of that was exciting-- but blood would always be thick between the two sisters. Despite their differences, perhaps Alabasterpaw did care...just a little. She still would allow Bluepaw to do as he wished with her sweet, sometimes tempermental sister. "So what are your stages of attack? We have a plan-- how should we carry this out most effectively. I want to hear your thoughts on this, my darling partner." She mewed, a purr of amusement rumbling in her throat as she did so.

[goddess of ducks]

The ebony feline felt a faint smile growing on her maw as Chirppaw said she had been practising. However, she did sense something in her tone of voice that made her sound like she wasn't telling the whole truth. She shrugged it off though, knowing that whether she had been practising or not, would show in today's training session. Auroraflame watched her apprentice curiously as she started sniffing the air.
The moment that the deputy had reached this particular part of the territory, she had smelt a squirrel. It was rather faint unfortunately, but if they were lucky, perhaps they could practise tracking and try track down the furry creature. The she-cat remembered learning how to track things as an apprentice herself. Rainpebble had been a good mentor. The deputy was suddenly brought back out of her thoughts as Chirppaw spoke. Auroraflame listened with interest and curiousity, keen to know if the persian could correctly identify the animal. A vole. No signs of disappointment were displayed, rather, a bigger smile grew on her maw. "Well, it's great that you were able to detect something, however, it wasn't a vole. It was a squirrel," Auroraflame corrected, her voice sounding rather cheerful. "After a bit more practise, i'm sure you'll be able to identify all the species of prey correctly," Auroraflame continued. After that, the deputy decided to ask the apprentice a question. "So how long ago do you think the squirrel was here?" She asked, tilting her head slightly to the side.

And she messed up. That seemed to be her life story for the time being. Screw up after screw up. Why couldn't she do anything right? All she wanted was to show the deputy, her mentor that she was not completely useless. She had to try harder. She could not make a fool of herself again. The blood had pulsed to her cheeks, making her warm with embarrassment. Quickly, and distractedly, she bent her head, smoothing out her chest fur. Mouse dung! There she had gone, messing up again! Why could she get this right? It was so frustrating, and she was sure that Auroraflame only saw her as a little apprentice, nothing more. Why was she having such a hard time proving that she could be so much more, if only given the chance.

She sniffed around, following Auroraflame's instruction. Her fiat, braid face was close the the ground, hovering right above the place where she had caught a whiff of the squirrel. It was a squirrel. This was the scent of a squirrel.... She kept sniffing, the scent wasn't very strong, weaker than most of the fresh kill in the pile back at camp. "Ummm." He moved her head around in circles a little and responded without looking. "Sometime early this morning....I think. I also think it went this way." She spoke firmly. Trying to gain confidence in herself. She sniffed, her nose leading her right. "Yeah, this way!" She remarked happily. a

[Brilliance]

A soft laugh left the she cat's maw at the tom's words, and she stayed completely still, allowing the contact to be made. Right now? She didn't want to pull away. Contact was not her biggest thing, she was willing to do it but enjoying it? No. However, right now...Asterpaw felt happier then she had in a long time. "Well, I was hoping you wouldn't." She answered, her voice lighter then it had been before. Though there was no trick in it, no hidden laughter, no purring... nothing. Because she really meant what she said. Sure, she might have been able to purr some-- except she didn't feel like it. This can't be...wrong, can it? Asterpaw thought with a sudden twinge of worry. She didn't want it to be wrong. And besides, when things felt so perfect, like she could be like this forever, like this moment would never end-- it couldn't be wrong.
　
But like everything else, it would. Some things were too good to be true, even though they were-- or at least seemed as though they were. Was this a dream? Why would this be in her dreams? That was honestly, truly... scary? No, more messed up. That meant it was real life, and after everything happening...one of these moments was very much needed. It would end; but hopefully not for a while. She wanted to stay here for a while, for as long as she could before she would have to leave. Before things would get in the way again as they always did. It seemed like no matter what they were doing, there was always some cat who didn't like it. Maybe I just have too many friends or-- something. She shrugged, the tip of her tail twitching. The feline kept herself close, though her pelt was just barely touching his now.
　
Without even realizing it she had moved. His next words did bring a purr rumbling in her throat, and her eyes-- which just moments before had been soft, worried, and held more depth to them then they should have-- lightened and showed more love. "Well, I guess that means I'm doing my job right. If it makes you feel like that." She laughed, her expression becoming much lighter then before. She wanted to say she would do the same. And she would! But again, her vocal cords stopped working although she tried to force them. Once she could feel that they would work again, she smiled just a little. "I'd do the same." Her voice was lower, which she didn't like, considering she was trying to make things better, not awkward-- but for whatever reason it seemed the strain from her earlier breakdown had messed with her voice.
　
That was alright. As she had said before, as she knew would always be the case in life, it would pass. And so would all of this. Just hang in there. It'll end, I know it. You're so much stronger then you look...I believe in you. But Asterpaw wouldn't say that aloud. There were so many things she thought that she would never say. She'd never had a friend tell her something like what he had. Never before, not even Alabasterpaw had said something like that...though, at this point, that really didn't surprise her. She wouldn't want the bloodthirsty devil to say something like that to her. And, a moon ago, if anyone had dared refer to Alabasterpaw as a 'bloodthirsty devil' she would have clawed their ears off. Now? She would most certainly believe them.
　
And probably have a thing or two to say herself about her bloodthirsty sister. The she cat followed his gaze up to the sky and just stared at it. For a long while. When she was younger, she had used to think that the clouds were birds-- she'd used to try and catch them. Alabasterpaw had done so as well, and the two of them had had quite a good relationship. That was in the past now. What had happened to her sweet, precious sister? The kit who was always there, fluffed up and would yell at her whenever a speck of dust got on her pelt? True; Asterpaw didn't miss that. But it had been better then looking fowards to her claws being covered in blood! How could she possibly...? Asterpaw didn't understand it. She had never minded blood, or dying cats, which was why her mentor had told her she'd do fine in battle as long as she didn't freak out, but now?
　
She was seriously reconsidering her outlook on that. Memories darted through her head, so many that it was almost impossible to count... and each one was just a piece of a puzzle that she couldn't put together, but she knew somewhere along the way Alabasterpaw must have gone bad. Some in particular seemed to stand out to her, the best memories that she had from her younger moons with her sister....
　
"Run, run, run!" Asterkit chased Nightkit around and around, Alabasterkit sitting on the sidelines and watching beetles crawl across the ground. The blue feline went over to the white one, pinning her down. Instantly the she cat's expression changed to one of surprise...
　
The two kits were a blur of blue and white, their pelts almost blending together. It was Alabasterkit's first night with her half sister, and they seemed to have hit it off instantly. Staying together as though they would never be seperated. Asterkit had made a promise to herself, and to the small white fluffball before her, that she would always stay with Alabasterkit...always protect her...it was the first time she'd ever made a promise. And while she wasn't sure whether she could keep it up, she would at least try.
　
The day they became apprentices. Alabasterkit had been terrified, cowering behind Asterkit and waiting to be led up. As a kit she had been so outgoing-- but now? She was timid. Scared. Alabasterkit had never broken the rules before, she had been a strict rule-follower... Asterkit? Not so much. Alabasterkit had been more frightened that Lemonstar would be angry with her, telling her that she wasn't a good cat or-- something. Asterkit had reassured her...
　
As new apprentices, Asterpaw and Alabasterpaw had constantly been training together. They were always training together, having their mentors annoyed every single day because they wouldn't be seperated. Eventually Asterpaw broke off the connection, but Alabasterpaw would still whine about it for a while afterwards...at least, that was her recollection of the event.
　
As older apprentices, Asterpaw and Alabasterpaw had hidden in the territory so many times before. But this time seemed different, since there were cats actually calling their names and looking for them... "Should we go back?" Alabasterpaw asked, her expression worried. "Nah. They're not going to care." Asterpaw had answered, her eyes sparkling with mischief, her paws dancing with excitement and carrying her further into the territory, Alabasterpaw following behind with a worried expression...
　
The day that Alabasterpaw had found out she could flirt. That she was a flirt. The day that she had broken her first heart, the day all of this had first started. "Please don't do this..." Asterpaw remembered telling her when she had approached the tom. The one who was soon to be her future-- or that was what she thought. "P-please..." She stammered as Alabasterpaw approached him. And that was the end of it, she and Lionpaw were no longer friends and he broke it off from her. She would never see the tom again.
　
Her and Alabasterpaw's biggest fight. "I hate you!" That was the first time those words had escaped either maw, and it had stunned both of them. Asterpaw's words seemed to hang in the air between them. But she didn't care. Her sister had taken Lionpaw from her, had been acting like a diva and being a jerk for most of her apprenticeship. So what-- why-- did she feel like she had needed to take this from Asterpaw? The answer was unknown at the moment. But a few days later, Alabasterpaw had come to her with an answer-- and even after a hundred moons, Asterpaw doubted she would find the answer Alabasterpaw had given her satisfactory. "I don't know why I did it." If she didn't know, then why had she done it? Why had she done something if she didn't know why?
　
And then came a memory that was the closest to Asterpaw's heart.
　
The night sky had never looked prettier. And Asterkit was thankful that her sister had shown her this. She hadn't known that Alabasterkit had such an appreciation for the stars until now. "Thanks for bringing me out here," She mewed with a smile. "You're welcome. Oh, oh, oh, look!" Alabasterkit used her tail to bring Asterkit's head up to look at the sky. It looked like the stars were...falling. "Is this the end of the world?" Asterkit asked fearfully, and Alabasterkit shook her head. "Nah. It's happened before. I guess it's just some sort of sign from StarClan." Alabasterkit told her, and they looked back up at the sky...
　
She and her sister had used to watch the stars every night, waiting for a message from StarClan to reveal itself in the stars. None ever had-- but it was a good memory all the same, one that Asterpaw missed very much. None of her memories seemed to show when Alabasterpaw might have gone bad. Sighing, the feline's ears pricked up when she heard the tom begin to speak again. "Hey, to be fair, I do owe you my life. Don't know when I'll be giving that to you, but I assure you it will be well worth your time." She mewed with an exaggerated bow. "You better not die! This is one girl who can't do without her servant." Asterpaw nudged him lightly, a smile fixed on her features. It seemed the moment before had passed, but she was okay with it-- there would always be others. And even if there weren't, she would have the memory to keep...to treasure forever.
　
Oh! A shock of surprise shot though the young feline as Azulpaw drew her closer to him. To be honest, it had come as a surprise-- and she wasn't sure whether she liked it or not, just because of the fear it had caused to ripple through her. But then she changed her mind...she did like it. It was comfortable, and it made her feel safe. Like he would be the one constant thing in her life. She should have known nothing was constant, but she chose to ignore that fact because she wanted to stay like this. She wanted to believe that this would be constant.
*****
Foxpaw hadn't been expecting the she cat to say something like that. Sure, he was surprised...somewhat lost for words...and amused at her own words, but at the same time he was scared. To be honest he hadn't really been trying to get Silverpaw's attention in that way, no matter how flirty he was being. "Uhh...Silvster, you okay there? You seem kinda, I don't know... off today." He mewed, cocking his head to the side. He liked Silverpaw, of course. Who wouldn't? She was a sweet cat, but he wasn't quite sure if he had been wanting her to say that. Ohh she was kidding! Of course. Duh, Foxy-- there's no way she would mean that, he thought with a snort. "Nevermind. I knew you'd come around, Silvy Silvster-- you're such a sweetheart." He purred, emerald hues flashing with laughter as he did so. She really was a sweetheart, though... one of the nicest cats he'd had the pleasure of meeting in a long time. Asterpaw was alright, but she was no desert flower-- like the pretty gem he had with him.
　
Score, Foxy boy! He thought with a smirk. And just like that, his worry had worn off, going back to the somewhat conceited airhead that he had always been. Foxpaw wasn't really that full of himself. He liked to pretend he was, but in reality? Nah. If something was really wrong with Silverpaw, he would have figured it out in a flash and been there to help. He wouldn't have wanted to wait around until he was sure. But she seemed alright. He hoped she was. Whatever the waiting cats would do to him if he messed Silverpaw up wasn't confirmed, but he was sure it wouldn't be anything like throwing him a super awesome party. Or helping him feel like he belonged with the other cats. It was probably going to be something more like Asterpaw yelling at him while the other grey cat tried to claw his ears off. A shudder went down the tom's spine at the thought. He didn't want those dangerous-looking claws to be directed at slicing him open and killing him.
　
Thank goodness she seemed fine now. Her answer sounded as though she were back to normal, the same old Silvster she had always been. True-- they were a little young to be thinking about crushes, and yet Foxpaw was already considering how many kits he would want in his future, what he wanted his relationship with his future mate to be like, whether or not he would stop flirting... that last one was questionable, though he was sure he would have to. No she cat was going to want to be in second place when it came to him. He was sure of that much, at least. That might have sounded more stuck up then he meant it, but when it came to Foxpaw? He was sure his future was going to be a blast. After all, he was the handsomest-- at least partly handsome-- the most charming-- at least somewhat charming-- and the greatest tom in the Clans. Maybe not in the Clans, but the idea was a nice one to have anyways. The tom tilted his ears backwards a little bit, thinking.
　
"Well you don't know that it won't last long. Hey, who knows? You could meet your future mate through a little crush. And besides, there are always cats out there who are meeting others every single day. You could be one of them!" He mewed, jumping to his paws with an excited gleam in his eye. Foxpaw wasn't really known as a calm cat in the first place, but the fact that he looked so happy about Silverpaw settling down-- maybe because he wanted to say I told you so or maybe because he genuinely wanted the she cat to have a good life...predictable, but good-- was unusual. After all, no one was that happy about another's future. Except for Foxpaw, it would appear. "I have some friends. I could totally set you up! What kind of tom do you think you'd be into?" He asked, launching right into questions. It seemed as though he had ignored her statement about not being interested. He was positive that he could get her interested in someone.
　
I mean, I could always-- nah. That's ridiculous. He thought with a snort. But still, if he was unsucessful, he'd give it a shot. Why not? Like she had said... it wasn't as though it would last long. But like he had said-- you could meet your future mate through a little crush. That's sick, he thought with a grimace. He loved Silverpaw-- just not really in that way. Sure, there were always those little kitty-crush moments, but it wasn't a big deal. Not to him, at any rate. "I do not have an airhead! My head is just very...full! Of...other things." The last part was mumbled slightly, and he lowered his head so that it would be harder for her to catch the words he was speaking. The tom wasn't quite used to actually being by himself with a she cat. He turned his eyes towards the foliage, looking up at the pieces of blue through the greenery that seemed to fit together like miniature puzzle pieces. It really was quite pretty... he had to admire that color, though admiration seemed to come naturally to the ginger apprentice.
*****
Alabasterpaw's hues twinkled and sparked, her expression changing slightly as she stared at the tom before her. "Am I changing you for the better, darling? After all-- we are on the right side here. Fighting for what's rightfully yours? I would say I've been more of a good influence." She purred, brushing her tail alongside him. Slowly, she was sure she was reeling him back in. This was all working splendidly. And Alabasterpaw herself? Well-- technically she did feel a bit of attachment to the tom before her. That was natural, wasn't it? To feel a little confused, perhaps just the slightest bit attached to the object of your previous affections? She was certain she wasn't the one falling in love here. No, no, no-- Alabasterpaw didn't do love. It was something that always led to heartbreak, as her mindless test subjects had proved time and time again, constantly working to make themselves better as though they thought that would change something somehow.
　
And as Alabasterpaw had proved time and time again? Love was nothing but waiting for someone to break your heart, grasping endlessly at straws that only broke off in your paws, or chasing that one pretty butterfly that would constantly be out of reach, never landing. And yet they never learned. Now he was chasing another 'pretty' butterfly, her sister-- who, as Alabasterpaw knew all too well-- would not want to land for him either. Asterpaw didn't land for anyone, as far as she knew. And Alabasterpaw? She just didn't allow herself to be caught. She'd landed, sure-- but being caught was far from being landed. She had caught quite a few toms in her lifetime, and from her personal experience, it was just stupid to try and go chasing after the dream that never happened...the dream that would never happen... and the dream that would constantly be broken in two. She was certain this would happen to Bluepaw again, and then what? Would he kill her sister?
　
Or perhaps just maul her and leave her to die? The thought of that was exciting-- but blood would always be thick between the two sisters. Despite their differences, perhaps Alabasterpaw did care...just a little. She still would allow Bluepaw to do as he wished with her sweet, sometimes tempermental sister. "So what are your stages of attack? We have a plan-- how should we carry this out most effectively. I want to hear your thoughts on this, my darling partner." She mewed, a purr of amusement rumbling in her throat as she did so.


Silverpaw gave her friend an odd look. She had sat down on her haunches, tilting her head up to stare at him, not even knowing what to say. She was speechless, that was for sure. Speechless, and at the same time...offended. Did she have a reason to feel offended? Have he not heard a word she told him about crushes, or did he choose to just ignore it? Whatever the cause may have been, Silverpaw decided to override it. She didn’t feel like arguing with Foxpaw. It would be like arguing with a stone statue. ‘’I told you already. I’m not interested in anyone. And, I do not need your services in case I do become interested in someone.’’ Her voice held desperation, hoping that it will get through to the tom. She honestly was scared if she ever found another tom interested in her. The fact if she found out, she would try in every way to avoid the tom. She would become anxious and vulnerable. The silver bengal was not ready to deal with crushes. She rather hold onto those small crushes, because she knew they wouldn’t last long. ‘’It’s inevitable.’’ The she-cat says, grazing her paw along the ground while wrapping her tail around her. ‘’I mean, I don’t know if it might blossom into something much more, but I’m not going to count on it.’’ She didn’t know what it was with Foxpaw trying to set her up. Why did it matter so much to him if she would have a love interest. The feline paid no heed to such things. Sure, she had small crushes like the on the ginger tom before her, or on Hawkpaw, but they honestly...didn’t mean anything. They would go away as the sun rose the next day. She wasn’t depending on becoming mates with either of her crushes or having kits or expecting to be with them forever. No, Silverpaw was not expecting any of that. In fact, the thought repulsed her. She knew she wasn’t ready for it. At all.

Perhaps when she became a warrior then things would be different. Or probably not. Silverpaw could imagine herself--a new name, maybe some more friends, and loving the feel of finally growing up and becoming an adult. She embraced the feeling of meeting new toms--within her own clan, within other clans, whatever. Then, she could imagine Foxpaw--a new name, having to still chase after she-cats who are bound to shoot him down. Or, maybe it would be the other way around. Maybe the tom will catch a few eyes and they’ll be chasing after him. Whatever may happen, the possibilities were endless. The feline only prayed to starclan that their friendship would never diminish.

The silver bengal let out a sigh, and she looked up to the sky, hoping to see a good amount of blueness through greenery. She thought about his question: What tom would you be into?

That was a first that she ever been asked that question. And, in the past she would had answer: I want a strong and brave warrior that will love me for the rest of my life. She had been a kit then, and just like every she-kit, she would dream of her future. Now, though she was still young, the answer was far more complex than that simple one. ‘’Well, I think I would love a tom that could...take action. Maybe, be protective and sweet, yet…’’ Silverpaw trailed off, knowing exactly who came to mind when she was naming all those things. Though she would never find herself in love with Azulpaw, she knew he influenced her greatly on what she wanted in a tom. So, the answer was complex because Azulpaw was a complex cat. And, if you took the time to get to know him, you would know he was quite simple. ‘’Nevermind.’’ The silver bengal says, flicking her eyes to look at Foxpaw, and a soft smile on her face. ‘’I don’t ask for much. In fact, I’m just going to wing out life. You know, see what may surprise me.’’ She clears her throat, and proceeds to stretch her body, emitting out a yawn before coming back to sitting down. ‘’And, I think you should leave my love life alone. I don’t see how come you’re so interested in it.’’ She giggled lightly. Honestly, she kinda expected him to be. The sly fox was a bit flirtatious himself, which was why she would never believe anything he tell her.

Nevermind. I knew you'd come around, Silvy Silvster-- you're such a sweetheart.

Clearly, she was a sweetheart. And, clearly, she responded positively and playfully to his actions. How else would there be a way to respond? It wasn’t in her likelihood to ever do anything negative--unless she was really mad. It was hard setting her mad. She was a total sweetheart. Sweetness to her core.

Did...did...she want to be known as something sweet though?

Silverpaw delicately lifted a paw to start cleaning it, while peering at Foxpaw. ‘’I would love to still meet these friends that you claim--but please no playing matchmaker. But, what about you? What’s your type?’’ The feline doubt that the ginger tom did have a type. Especially since he would flirt with any she-cat that passed his way.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Bluepaw rolled his eyes, shaking his head at her advancement. He was greatly tensed at the moment. The moment of thinking he lost Asterpaw. The moment of thinking he were about to lose Azulpaw--that thought right there. Made him feel loved once again, but what about Asterpaw? He was sure that the she-cat grew a close bond to the male. Especially since he was about to die...twice for her. The final one shall be their victory. Bluepaw knew--hoped that it would work. That he would be able to cut the line of his best friend. His once brother. It was weird how life worked. How a moon ago, this white demon changed who he was. As a young kit, he would had done absolutely everything in his power to protect Azulpaw. Now, he resented the tom.

‘’You’re definitely an influence, alright.’’ He comments. ‘’Not a good influence, but an influence.’’ He purrs and eyes her attentively with his blue eyes. He eyed her up and down, in an attempt to check her out. Yup, he noted. She’s not a good influence at all...yet I found it endearing. The tom chuckled to himself before focusing on the plan once again. Who was this...Nightpaw and Foxpaw that Alabasterpaw was speaking of? More friends of Asterpaw? More tom friends specifically. That did not settle well with him. ‘’I need to meet this...Nightpaw.’’ He said, the name sounded bitter on his tongue. ‘’Do you know anything more about him? I’m sure he’ll be willing to help us with getting Azulpaw. The main thing we need to focus on is how...are we going to plan an attack on Azulpaw. I’m positive that Asterpaw knows about us--our partnership. I’m positive she’s not going to leave Azulpaw alone.’’ Bluepaw settled on wanting to meet Nightpaw first. He would have to get to know the tom’s attention before they put the plan in action. Perhaps, they could ambush Azulpaw. Maybe they could get Azulpaw and Asterpaw to argue to the point where Asterpaw stomps off, leaving the grey tom for bait.

That sounded good. At least in his mind it did. ‘’Yeah, we have a plan, but we have to get accomplices first. Let’s set up a meeting with this...Nightpaw.’’ He says, scrunching up his nose while looking into the distance. The distant displayed a light at the end of the tunnel.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Everything seemed to be changing. All the time. Every second. The only problem was: Azulpaw never wanted anything to change. He wanted to be sitting high in a tree, looking down to see Bluepaw trying to coax him out of it. He wanted to be having a race with his brother. He wanted to go to his favorite tree and watched as the birds sing--with Silverpaw by his side. He wanted to climb trees and jump out of them, perfecting his landings. He wanted to be able to joke around with the brother he grew up with. He wanted to give boring lectures to give the two advice for the future.

Never in his life the grey tom would find himself betrayed. Tortured. Broken. Hardened, yet..perhaps...maybe. In love. The tom never would had found himself underneath paws that wished him dead. Nor, a brother he trusted with his life. The thoughts made him depressed, and further pressed himself into Asterpaw, looking slightly away from her and at the ground. With one paw, he extended a claw and aimlessly begin picking at the dirt, drawing distant shapes. ‘’I can’t find myself leaving when you practically begged me to stay. It’s not in my nature to abandon my master.’’ He jokes, a small smile coming onto his maw. He still refused to look at her, not wanting to acknowledge their closeness. He was tensed from the movement as he did not believe he would actually keep her this close to him. Truthfully, he was a smooth flirter. He didn’t mind a little bit of contact--whether on his end or the receiver’s end. He liked when females brushed themselves against him. It made the game a lot fun and worthwhile.

It made him respond with utmost satisfaction, but Asterpaw was different. He could already tell that she didn’t care much for affection. He had to gently nudged her in the direction. Not that he wanted to force her or anything. Just a small push. Not a giant leap that Bluepaw done. In all honesty, the tom wanted Asterpaw to feel safe around him. He wanted her to trust him. Though that shouldn’t be a problem between them. Everything was based on trust. Trust was a valuable foundation to building up a strong relationship.

Relationship?

Relationship.

What was this...relationship?

In a sigh of regret, the tom untangled himself from the female, and edged a couple steps away. He cleared his throat. ‘’Sorry...I don’t want to make you feel uncomfortable.’’ He says after some time, and offers her a small smile. It was great that the two didn’t argue like they always done in the past. It felt nice to him to be able to talk to her, be alone with her again without the eyes of Silverpaw--or the other two. Although, he would had enjoyed seeing the look on Nightpaw’s face knowing he was with the blue she-cat. Someone very special he wanted. Yet, could never have.

Even if the tom knew it ‘’would never happen’’ that did not deter him from spending time with her. The future did not matter. What mattered at this exact moment was the presence. He was here. She was here. It was morning. They both were alive.

‘’It’s funny, really,’’ He begins, not knowing why he was talking in the first place. The silence felt nice to him. He enjoyed the silence knowing he was with her. ‘’How...things change so quickly. And, I hope that we never change. But, if we do change, it will be for the better. I wouldn’t be able to live knowing...you would turn against me too.’’ His voice was quiet, inaudible to hear unless one strained their ears in order to clearly hear what he was saying. The tom was quite scared that one day he would lose Asterpaw just as he had lost Bluepaw. Though he never been actual friends with Alabasterpaw, she turned on him as well. Thinking he was an enemy. And, for what reason? He never would know the answer. Silverpaw was steady friend in his life. No matter what happened, he knew he would never lose the silver bengal. She thought he was far too precious to allow him to slip away from her paws. Then there was Asterpaw. As of the moment, she was a steady beat to his heart. A lie. More like an erratic beat to his heart. She made it slow down. She made it speed up. But, she was a steady friend in his life.

‘’I don’t know what I…’’ He paused, allowing a lump in his throat to be swallowed. It was bitter and thick. It made his throat burn. ‘’I know I’m a hard to handle at times, but...I didn’t think I seriously offended anyone..’’

Was he seriously about to break down in front of Asterpaw? Right now? All he wanted to do was show bravery, but he felt like a small kit. Unguarded, unsafe. Then he got up and walked away until he was far in front of her. The tom sat down, and looked up to the sky. How many times have he done that already? The sky was beautiful. The color made him happy, but he still felt an incomplete feeling in his heart. Colors could only do so much.

What would Asterpaw think of him? The thought made him shudder, his eyes widened, but he still could not look at her. His body was still sore, but the emotional pain was the cure to his physical state. A feeling of numbness took over. The tom curled his tail around him, allowing it to cover his paws, keeping them warm. ‘’I wish you would leave me...here on my own. Just please go before I get completely attached and unwilling to let you go? Leave like the rest of them.’’ He mewed, sighing deeply. ‘’Just, please. I don’t know what to do anymore. I’m lost out here. I’m sad. I feel so alone. I just...I can’t believe I lost the one best friend that meant my entire life.’’

Why was he telling her all this? Perhaps he thought she would care. She proved to care a lot for him, and he cared a lot for her. He was glad to have her in his life, even if she would never know how much he appreciated everything she has done for him. He was hoping it would stay like that. Get better. Grow. Be nurtured. And, love.

Love was all they need in that moment.

I'd do the same.

The tom looked back at her for the first time. His yellow hues flashing, and a friendly smile placed on his maw. ‘’It’s nice to know.’’ He says before he let out a sigh of relief, knowing that the future may be alright. The future was tough to predict, and all they could do was hang on to hope as much as possible. Because that’s what they needed right now. Hope. Even if it’s just a drop. A little drop of hope.

‘’But, don’t get used to me being all sappy with you. Once I get back to normal, expect my infamous attitude, love.’’ His eyes glowered at her, and he puffed out his chest in the slightest, feeling the pride swell within him.

Everything was going to be alright. Just hanging on to that drop of hope.

[doghouse]

Ivypaw purred at Shadepaw's muttered comment, trotting in the direction of Twolegplace. She felt happy, like nothing could bring her down. A smile stretched across her grey muzzle and she looked back at Shadepaw, who was hopping from shadow to shadow. Slowing down, Ivypaw padded beside her friend. "So, what are we going to do once we get there? I heard Twolegplace is really easy to get lost in. We need a way to keep track of where we are." Ivypaw tilted her head, thinking. "Maybe we could mark certain objects to show that was where we were?" Ivypaw was slightly doubting her own idea, but she couldn't think of anything else at the moment.

(Oh no! Why?)
Shadepaw blinked, hurrying after Ivypaw. Ivypaw was the only cat she didn't lie to, and that was because she liked Ivypaw as a friend, and thought of her as her best and only friend really. Almost like family to her. Twitching her tall white ears, she forced herself to stand at Ivypaw's shoulder. “Well, we'll explore . . . . And see what we can find. And oh, yeah that might work.” she replied happily, her odd reddish pale blue hues glittering with anticipation and excitement. Today, she was gonna have an adventure she doubted that she would quickly forget.
(Never mind. I have a better way to kill her off later. But it's because she's just hard to RP)

[lone]

Silverpaw gave her friend an odd look. She had sat down on her haunches, tilting her head up to stare at him, not even knowing what to say. She was speechless, that was for sure. Speechless, and at the same time...offended. Did she have a reason to feel offended? Have he not heard a word she told him about crushes, or did he choose to just ignore it? Whatever the cause may have been, Silverpaw decided to override it. She didn’t feel like arguing with Foxpaw. It would be like arguing with a stone statue. ‘’I told you already. I’m not interested in anyone. And, I do not need your services in case I do become interested in someone.’’ Her voice held desperation, hoping that it will get through to the tom. She honestly was scared if she ever found another tom interested in her. The fact if she found out, she would try in every way to avoid the tom. She would become anxious and vulnerable. The silver bengal was not ready to deal with crushes. She rather hold onto those small crushes, because she knew they wouldn’t last long. ‘’It’s inevitable.’’ The she-cat says, grazing her paw along the ground while wrapping her tail around her. ‘’I mean, I don’t know if it might blossom into something much more, but I’m not going to count on it.’’ She didn’t know what it was with Foxpaw trying to set her up. Why did it matter so much to him if she would have a love interest. The feline paid no heed to such things. Sure, she had small crushes like the on the ginger tom before her, or on Hawkpaw, but they honestly...didn’t mean anything. They would go away as the sun rose the next day. She wasn’t depending on becoming mates with either of her crushes or having kits or expecting to be with them forever. No, Silverpaw was not expecting any of that. In fact, the thought repulsed her. She knew she wasn’t ready for it. At all.

Perhaps when she became a warrior then things would be different. Or probably not. Silverpaw could imagine herself--a new name, maybe some more friends, and loving the feel of finally growing up and becoming an adult. She embraced the feeling of meeting new toms--within her own clan, within other clans, whatever. Then, she could imagine Foxpaw--a new name, having to still chase after she-cats who are bound to shoot him down. Or, maybe it would be the other way around. Maybe the tom will catch a few eyes and they’ll be chasing after him. Whatever may happen, the possibilities were endless. The feline only prayed to starclan that their friendship would never diminish.

The silver bengal let out a sigh, and she looked up to the sky, hoping to see a good amount of blueness through greenery. She thought about his question: What tom would you be into?

That was a first that she ever been asked that question. And, in the past she would had answer: I want a strong and brave warrior that will love me for the rest of my life. She had been a kit then, and just like every she-kit, she would dream of her future. Now, though she was still young, the answer was far more complex than that simple one. ‘’Well, I think I would love a tom that could...take action. Maybe, be protective and sweet, yet…’’ Silverpaw trailed off, knowing exactly who came to mind when she was naming all those things. Though she would never find herself in love with Azulpaw, she knew he influenced her greatly on what she wanted in a tom. So, the answer was complex because Azulpaw was a complex cat. And, if you took the time to get to know him, you would know he was quite simple. ‘’Nevermind.’’ The silver bengal says, flicking her eyes to look at Foxpaw, and a soft smile on her face. ‘’I don’t ask for much. In fact, I’m just going to wing out life. You know, see what may surprise me.’’ She clears her throat, and proceeds to stretch her body, emitting out a yawn before coming back to sitting down. ‘’And, I think you should leave my love life alone. I don’t see how come you’re so interested in it.’’ She giggled lightly. Honestly, she kinda expected him to be. The sly fox was a bit flirtatious himself, which was why she would never believe anything he tell her.

Nevermind. I knew you'd come around, Silvy Silvster-- you're such a sweetheart.

Clearly, she was a sweetheart. And, clearly, she responded positively and playfully to his actions. How else would there be a way to respond? It wasn’t in her likelihood to ever do anything negative--unless she was really mad. It was hard setting her mad. She was a total sweetheart. Sweetness to her core.

Did...did...she want to be known as something sweet though?

Silverpaw delicately lifted a paw to start cleaning it, while peering at Foxpaw. ‘’I would love to still meet these friends that you claim--but please no playing matchmaker. But, what about you? What’s your type?’’ The feline doubt that the ginger tom did have a type. Especially since he would flirt with any she-cat that passed his way.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Bluepaw rolled his eyes, shaking his head at her advancement. He was greatly tensed at the moment. The moment of thinking he lost Asterpaw. The moment of thinking he were about to lose Azulpaw--that thought right there. Made him feel loved once again, but what about Asterpaw? He was sure that the she-cat grew a close bond to the male. Especially since he was about to die...twice for her. The final one shall be their victory. Bluepaw knew--hoped that it would work. That he would be able to cut the line of his best friend. His once brother. It was weird how life worked. How a moon ago, this white demon changed who he was. As a young kit, he would had done absolutely everything in his power to protect Azulpaw. Now, he resented the tom.

‘’You’re definitely an influence, alright.’’ He comments. ‘’Not a good influence, but an influence.’’ He purrs and eyes her attentively with his blue eyes. He eyed her up and down, in an attempt to check her out. Yup, he noted. She’s not a good influence at all...yet I found it endearing. The tom chuckled to himself before focusing on the plan once again. Who was this...Nightpaw and Foxpaw that Alabasterpaw was speaking of? More friends of Asterpaw? More tom friends specifically. That did not settle well with him. ‘’I need to meet this...Nightpaw.’’ He said, the name sounded bitter on his tongue. ‘’Do you know anything more about him? I’m sure he’ll be willing to help us with getting Azulpaw. The main thing we need to focus on is how...are we going to plan an attack on Azulpaw. I’m positive that Asterpaw knows about us--our partnership. I’m positive she’s not going to leave Azulpaw alone.’’ Bluepaw settled on wanting to meet Nightpaw first. He would have to get to know the tom’s attention before they put the plan in action. Perhaps, they could ambush Azulpaw. Maybe they could get Azulpaw and Asterpaw to argue to the point where Asterpaw stomps off, leaving the grey tom for bait.

That sounded good. At least in his mind it did. ‘’Yeah, we have a plan, but we have to get accomplices first. Let’s set up a meeting with this...Nightpaw.’’ He says, scrunching up his nose while looking into the distance. The distant displayed a light at the end of the tunnel.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Everything seemed to be changing. All the time. Every second. The only problem was: Azulpaw never wanted anything to change. He wanted to be sitting high in a tree, looking down to see Bluepaw trying to coax him out of it. He wanted to be having a race with his brother. He wanted to go to his favorite tree and watched as the birds sing--with Silverpaw by his side. He wanted to climb trees and jump out of them, perfecting his landings. He wanted to be able to joke around with the brother he grew up with. He wanted to give boring lectures to give the two advice for the future.

Never in his life the grey tom would find himself betrayed. Tortured. Broken. Hardened, yet..perhaps...maybe. In love. The tom never would had found himself underneath paws that wished him dead. Nor, a brother he trusted with his life. The thoughts made him depressed, and further pressed himself into Asterpaw, looking slightly away from her and at the ground. With one paw, he extended a claw and aimlessly begin picking at the dirt, drawing distant shapes. ‘’I can’t find myself leaving when you practically begged me to stay. It’s not in my nature to abandon my master.’’ He jokes, a small smile coming onto his maw. He still refused to look at her, not wanting to acknowledge their closeness. He was tensed from the movement as he did not believe he would actually keep her this close to him. Truthfully, he was a smooth flirter. He didn’t mind a little bit of contact--whether on his end or the receiver’s end. He liked when females brushed themselves against him. It made the game a lot fun and worthwhile.

It made him respond with utmost satisfaction, but Asterpaw was different. He could already tell that she didn’t care much for affection. He had to gently nudged her in the direction. Not that he wanted to force her or anything. Just a small push. Not a giant leap that Bluepaw done. In all honesty, the tom wanted Asterpaw to feel safe around him. He wanted her to trust him. Though that shouldn’t be a problem between them. Everything was based on trust. Trust was a valuable foundation to building up a strong relationship.

Relationship?

Relationship.

What was this...relationship?

In a sigh of regret, the tom untangled himself from the female, and edged a couple steps away. He cleared his throat. ‘’Sorry...I don’t want to make you feel uncomfortable.’’ He says after some time, and offers her a small smile. It was great that the two didn’t argue like they always done in the past. It felt nice to him to be able to talk to her, be alone with her again without the eyes of Silverpaw--or the other two. Although, he would had enjoyed seeing the look on Nightpaw’s face knowing he was with the blue she-cat. Someone very special he wanted. Yet, could never have.

Even if the tom knew it ‘’would never happen’’ that did not deter him from spending time with her. The future did not matter. What mattered at this exact moment was the presence. He was here. She was here. It was morning. They both were alive.

‘’It’s funny, really,’’ He begins, not knowing why he was talking in the first place. The silence felt nice to him. He enjoyed the silence knowing he was with her. ‘’How...things change so quickly. And, I hope that we never change. But, if we do change, it will be for the better. I wouldn’t be able to live knowing...you would turn against me too.’’ His voice was quiet, inaudible to hear unless one strained their ears in order to clearly hear what he was saying. The tom was quite scared that one day he would lose Asterpaw just as he had lost Bluepaw. Though he never been actual friends with Alabasterpaw, she turned on him as well. Thinking he was an enemy. And, for what reason? He never would know the answer. Silverpaw was steady friend in his life. No matter what happened, he knew he would never lose the silver bengal. She thought he was far too precious to allow him to slip away from her paws. Then there was Asterpaw. As of the moment, she was a steady beat to his heart. A lie. More like an erratic beat to his heart. She made it slow down. She made it speed up. But, she was a steady friend in his life.

‘’I don’t know what I…’’ He paused, allowing a lump in his throat to be swallowed. It was bitter and thick. It made his throat burn. ‘’I know I’m a hard to handle at times, but...I didn’t think I seriously offended anyone..’’

Was he seriously about to break down in front of Asterpaw? Right now? All he wanted to do was show bravery, but he felt like a small kit. Unguarded, unsafe. Then he got up and walked away until he was far in front of her. The tom sat down, and looked up to the sky. How many times have he done that already? The sky was beautiful. The color made him happy, but he still felt an incomplete feeling in his heart. Colors could only do so much.

What would Asterpaw think of him? The thought made him shudder, his eyes widened, but he still could not look at her. His body was still sore, but the emotional pain was the cure to his physical state. A feeling of numbness took over. The tom curled his tail around him, allowing it to cover his paws, keeping them warm. ‘’I wish you would leave me...here on my own. Just please go before I get completely attached and unwilling to let you go? Leave like the rest of them.’’ He mewed, sighing deeply. ‘’Just, please. I don’t know what to do anymore. I’m lost out here. I’m sad. I feel so alone. I just...I can’t believe I lost the one best friend that meant my entire life.’’

Why was he telling her all this? Perhaps he thought she would care. She proved to care a lot for him, and he cared a lot for her. He was glad to have her in his life, even if she would never know how much he appreciated everything she has done for him. He was hoping it would stay like that. Get better. Grow. Be nurtured. And, love.

Love was all they need in that moment.

I'd do the same.

The tom looked back at her for the first time. His yellow hues flashing, and a friendly smile placed on his maw. ‘’It’s nice to know.’’ He says before he let out a sigh of relief, knowing that the future may be alright. The future was tough to predict, and all they could do was hang on to hope as much as possible. Because that’s what they needed right now. Hope. Even if it’s just a drop. A little drop of hope.

‘’But, don’t get used to me being all sappy with you. Once I get back to normal, expect my infamous attitude, love.’’ His eyes glowered at her, and he puffed out his chest in the slightest, feeling the pride swell within him.

Everything was going to be alright. Just hanging on to that drop of hope.

Foxpaw listened to how desperate the she cat's words sounded. Why did she seem to be so scared? What was there to be scared of in the first place? But he didn't want to push it further and get clawed in the face. Though he doubted she would do something like that. This was Silverpaw! The Silvster, Silvy...she would never claw him in the face. Would she? "Aw c'mon, Silvster. You make it sound like it's going to be a funeral or something! Love's the most magical thing in the world, or so I've been told-- and you'd better be nice to me, I might end up being your sweetheart someday." The ginger tom winked at her, the tip of his tail twitching back and forth. The thought of that was utterly ridiculous, of course... he and Silverpaw? Sweethearts? To him, there was nothing more strange then seeing a she cat throw their life away because they didn't want to be with a tom. There wouldn't be she cats and toms if they weren't meant to be together!
　
There would just be... one or the other, not both. Foxpaw didn't understand why some felt that way. But then again, it wasn't his place to judge them. He was supposed to be the tom making 'stupid' remarks, apparently, and sitting in a corner flirting with she cats. There was more to Foxpaw then that. Most cats just didn't have the time or patience to sit and figure it out. Not to mention that they were annoyed by his presence, he wasn't the easiest cat to be around. Foxpaw could understand that, and in a way, he could even sympathize with that...after all, no one had ever said that friendship with a flirt was easy. And Foxpaw? Well, he liked to think of himself as the most flirtatious flirt of all. Then again, Foxpaw thought of himself as a lot of things, the majority of which were untrue and the minority of which were greatly exaggerated. But deep in his thoughts, he was just another cat in the Clan. A face in the crowd. Another apprentice to someday become a warrior, to someday live and die for SkyClan, fighting off intruders and hunting to feed himself, the kits, the elders, and the warriors.
　
To someday become deputy or leader, if he was lucky-- medicine cat if he wasn't. There was nothing worse then being medicine cat in Foxpaw's mind. Who wanted to sit and sort out herbs all day, then come out smelling like they'd just spent their life wasting away in a den? Not Foxpaw, that was for sure. He'd rather die then be medicine cat. And he would rather spend the rest of his life being a kit then be medicine cat. Yes, there was definitely nothing worse... oh, of course he thought of Ebonypaw with respect. She took care of the Clan all on her own, healing them when they needed it...she was certainly skilled and intelligent. And yet Foxpaw still wouldn't want to try and do that, not only because he didn't like being medicine cat but because it would freak him out taking care of a bunch of injured cats all day long. That would definitely, definitely be one of the scariest things he could do was taking care of dead cats. A shudder went down the tom's spine at the very thought of it, but he managed to stay still anyways as he glanced over towards his silvery, almost ghost-like companion.
　
She was innocent looking as well... sometimes Foxpaw wondered if she understood all the heartache and worry that other cats went through every day. Of course! She's not stupid, he thought with a snort. Foxpaw felt bad for ever believing that she might not have been the most brilliant or intelligent of she cats. She wasn't-- but she was definitely not stupid. Or ignorant. Sweet, and innocent, maybe...but ignorant, now that was something that Silverpaw probably wasn't. Foxpaw hadn't gotten a chance to fight in the liberation battles. He wished he had been older, even just by a little bit, and was looking fowards to his own first battle...wishing and hoping that he would be able to do so. But maybe someday he would. He would get to fight in a real battle. Though he knew it was selfish and horrible to wish for war, Foxpaw couldn't help it-- he so badly wanted to be in a battle! He had been waiting for that opportunity for a long time. There would be at least one battle in his lifetime, that he was perfectly sure of.
　
Maybe more. Maybe he wouldn't live through the first one, but at least he would have the knowledge that he had died bravely and that he had died serving his Clan and his memory would hopefully be honored by his friends who were still alive. The ginger tom's ears pricked up at the sound of his friend's voice. Protective and sweet, huh? Sounds like Silvster has a little kitty crush on someone. Time to put the heat on this sweetheart. He thought, the tip of his tail twitching as a smirk appeared on his maw. There was no way she would know exactly what she wanted and yet not have a crush. That was just impossible! And yet it was happening right here and now, before his very eyes. He wanted to know who Silverpaw had a crush on, who she might be choosing in the future-- though knowing her, probably nobody. She'd probably end up alone and chasing butterflies, Foxpaw chasing after her and trying to get her to pay attention to him. Because the ginger tom was never satisfied until the end of the hunt.
　
The hunt sounding somewhat violent, but that was what he thought of it as-- a hunt to capture someone's heart, waiting until just the right moment to pounce and trap it, getting ready to devour them until they were nothing but a shell of what they had been. And, while Foxpaw got no delight from seeing a she cat cry, he did get quite a bit from watching them fall for him. Though what Silverpaw had said stuck in his mind, staying there like an annoying bug that just wouldn't go away. He couldn't get rid of it. So, he did the next best thing-- ignored it. "I'm offended! You don't know why your own friend wouldn't want to invest in your love life? For shame, Silvster! For shame." Foxpaw lifted one of his paws, placing it against his chest in a sign that he was offended-- though not really, he was more bothered then anything else. And not so much bothered by her as those little bug-words that she had spoken still buzzing around in his head, leaving him with an extreme vibrating in his mind.
　
Annoying, but tolerable. Unlike Silverpaw. She was sweet, definitely tolerable, and even enjoyable company. "But I wouldn't be so sure about 'winging the future' if I were you, little flower. A pretty flower could get crushed if she's not careful." He told her, thrusting his face into hers with a coy smile before withdrawing it, padding away from her a little. At her question, the tom froze up. His type? He was too young to know that! Pretty much any pretty thing that caught his eye had his attention-- friendly cats, shy cats, mean cats, flirts, the popular cats, unpopular ones... any cat who had a pretty pelt and sparkling hues would catch his fancy. Not to mention any cat who had an attitude. Now that was attractive to him. Personality wise? He liked sweet cats like Silverpaw, and shy ones...they were always special to him. Cats with an attitude? Oh yes, they were absolutely his favorite. Mean cats? Not his forte, but if they were pretty, he'd deal with them.
　
Flirts? He seemed to get the furthest with those, but they would leave before he was ready more often then not. Popular cats? They sort of brushed him off as adorable, most of them being older. Unpopular ones? It lowered his chance of ever finding a special she cat. "Um-m... why, interested in knowing if I'm single? I'm all yours, Silvy Silvster." He joked with an uneasy laugh while his mind raced. "I like sweet cats, kind of like you-- that little 'desert flower' type. And shy cats, those are always fun... but cats with an attitude are by far my favorite. They're the greatest." He laughed, the tip of his tail twitching back and forth, a smile fixed firmly on his features as he did so. It was pretty funny, knowing that they normally shot him down and yet he still came back every time.
*****
Not a good influence, but an influence. Those words seemed to hang in the air with Alabasterpaw, and her hues narrowed. So she was an influence. A bad one? He hadn't really said that again. She was just an influence, just like everything else around the Clans. Around the cats in the Clans. Pretty much everything counted as an influence, unless you were some sort of... something. The white feline glanced over at her piebald companion, her hues gleaming with mischief and excitement. She didn't notice the black tom slinking through the shadows, a part of the shadows, blending with them perfectly as he approached. Eyes dark and cold, his pelt almost ratty looking though he was very well fed and he was definitely a Clan cat as he carried the scent of SkyClan with him. Alabasterpaw's back was turned, facing the piebald feline before her, her own brilliant blue hues completely fixed on him. Definitely-- definitely the type of cat that she liked to have as a partner.
　
At least he wasn't trying to kill her, which was something she valued in a partnership. He wasn't blaming her at the moment, either... a change that she considered to be nice. "Just that he and Asterpaw had a close relationship when they were younger. She was always hanging around him. Creepy, if you ask me. He would almost stalk her, I'm surprised she didn't drop him like that. It was obvious he worshipped her, the little brat-- spoiled and bad to the core, that one." She answered in response to his question, and then thought about the other statements he had made. Meeting Nightpaw was definitely a good idea. Just because she wasn't sure what the black tom's intentions might be if a plan were to be made with him in it. He might just steal Asterpaw away anyways, the jerk. He wasn't the smartest of cats. And he definitely wasn't Alabasterpaw's favorite cat in the world, though she liked him better then the other ginger one-- Foxpaw.
　
Ugh, he was annoying. She was still unaware of two glowing hues watching her from the shadows, narrowing and widening respectively as she made each comment. "You know, you could be right. But if Asterpaw knows-- then how are you planning on getting her back? If she's stuck to that jerk's side, then how are you going to pry her away?" Alabasterpaw asked. All of this was supposed to be so that Bluepaw could be with Asterpaw. And if her sister knew... what was she supposed to do? What reason was there to kill? Other then the fact that she despised the tom with everything in her... he didn't deserve Asterpaw. That was a good enough reason for her, just that the tom didn't deserve the flower that was her sister. Though her sister didn't deserve anyone, so that was practically referring to him as a nobody. And maybe he was. Maybe he was just a nobody that she couldn't stand, a cat to be picked off like just another one of the idiots in the Clan.
　
"That can be arranged." A low voice spoke from the shadows and a black tom with glowing yellow hues stepped out. Hatred was obvious in his expression as he approached Bluepaw. "Nightpaw. You wanted to meet me? Well here I am." He growled in his most defiant voice. Despite the fact that they seemed to be sharing a common goal here, he still wasn't going to trust them that easily. He needed to know more first. And hopefully, the information would be coming within a few moments.
*****
When Azulpaw had pressed himself further against her, to tell the truth, the blue feline had felt somewhat... violated. Like she wasn't comfortable with having him touch her, like she would have much preferred for him to leave her alone. And yet he was here, against her, while she flinched slightly. A moment later when he pulled away, she took a deep breath, not even realizing she had been holding her own breath until it was too late. Why had she been holding her breath? That was strange. At his apology, a more comfortable expression spread over her features. She felt a little worried, considering that hadn't been the nicest thing she had ever done, but she had stayed. That was the important thing, wasn't it? She had stayed. She hadn't left him, even though her comfort had been violated just the slightest bit. And yet she had liked it. She had liked being beside him, though she knew it was wrong. They could never be together. There would always be a conflict, something keeping them apart.
　
They could never be real friends, hanging out all the time and being able to play around...they would never be able to just sit and relax, because there would always be someone lurking in the shadows, ready to pounce at a moment's notice. Asterpaw didn't understand how there was so much jealousy involved when it came to this. Jealousy. The blue feline wasn't jealous often. She remembered there had been a few times, but more then that? No, that was just crazy. There was no reason to be jealous. Unless, of course... there was some cat that you wanted to talk to and couldn't because they were always with another. That was a fairly good reason to be jealous. But Asterpaw was never jealous over something like that-- what reason did she have to be? Love was a stronger pull then friendship, and friendship was a stronger pull then just knowing someone. Having them as an acquaintance. The she cat's ears pricked upwards as she heard his voice sounding again.
　
Softly, quietly... almost as though he weren't able to speak. Sort of like her own voice had been moments before. But the words he said scared her. He doesn't think...her thoughts trailed off and she smiled a little, though her hues were glassier looking with tears. She couldn't think of a single thing to say. Being lost for words was not an often occurance with Asterpaw, she usually had a retort for everything... or at least some sort of a comment. There was no way for her to turn this back to a more lighthearted discussion, and she knew it. That was painful, but what was she going to do about it? Just sit there and wait, the tip of her tail twitching, hues fixed on him with a sympathetic look but never doing anything about it? Waiting for something to happen, something that she might be able to cause but she wouldn't because she didn't know how? The she cat bit her lip and paused for a moment. She wasn't quite sure how to go about saying anything at this point, especially something comforting.
　
"Change is...inevitable. Both good and bad. I-I can't promise anything. I can't promise that I'll ever see you again after today, I can't promise that we'll be friends for another day, I can't even promise that I won't turn against you. I can... tell you that it wouldn't be my choice. If I could see into the future, I would change whatever I had to right now to stop anything bad from happening to you. Whatever it was, I would do it." She stopped. That had hurt to say, but it was all she knew. The truth was important. And that was the truth, her truth, no matter how reassuring or not reassuring it sounded. She didn't know. Honestly? Asterpaw didn't feel like she knew very much anymore. She knew a few things, but that was it. Everything seemed to be blurry and mixed up in her head, putting right and wrong together as though they were partners. Partners like she now was aware Alabasterpaw and Bluepaw were. She'd never seen it coming.
　
Was she really blind? To not have realized this before? She'd shut it out once. Turned her back on the truth, and she felt horrible for it. The truth was so, so important to her. But she'd shut it out because she didn't want to believe what she knew must be true. Her ears pricked up at his next words and she glanced over at him in surprise and worry. Was he crying? Right now? Oh no...no, no, no, no...please don't cry... was something wrong? What happened? What had she done? Was it what I said before? She thought, her tail beginning to twitch back and forth anxiously, her eyes gleaming and snapping as she glanced at the tom before her, waiting and wondering what she had done to make things go downhill so quickly. Nothing! She hadn't done anything, had she? As far as she knew, she hadn't. As far as she knew, she'd been a perfect angel... right? That's right, I'm such an angel, she thought with the smallest of smiles, but it faded in the next instant.
　
"You didn't do anything wrong. I don't know what's going on, but I'm positive you didn't do anything wrong." She curled her own tail around her paws and closed her eyes, turning her face away, her equivalent to curling up into a ball and shutting the world out. Something that she needed very much right now. Maybe she could make it stop by leaving. Maybe she could make it stop by going to be with the traitor, the murderer, Bluepaw... maybe Alabasterpaw would be fine then. She would go away, and leave him alone. They both would. They would just leave him alone. She didn't want to leave. She didn't like the thought of going to spend the rest of her life with him, word given or not... but she might not have a choice. Did it really matter, anyways? Did it matter who she ended up with, Bluepaw or someone else? What about him? She thought, glancing over towards the tom. No. That was definitely impossible. Maybe someday, with time...as they both grew up...maybe Bluepaw would move on to someone else that was a murderer and a sneak like he was.
　
Like her sister was. Wouldn't that be a turn of events, she thought with a snort. But most of all, she just wanted to make all of this stop. She had been telling the truth-- if she could look into the future and see any way to stop this, she would. Was she just avoiding the truth again? That the only way to stop it was to go and be with Bluepaw, avoiding him for the rest of her life? That thought was not the best one she had ever had. And there were a lot of holes in the plan as well. Such as what would happen to Alabasterpaw. Nightpaw, Foxpaw, Silverpaw... was she supposed to avoid everyone? Just staying with Bluepaw all the time as she had tried to do before? That hadn't worked very well, seeing as now Alabasterpaw had half-killed the cat she cared about more... more then Bluepaw, at least. And although she knew why, she didn't understand. She had never wanted this to happen. And now she felt guilty, horrible... she should have been more careful!
　
Clumsy-- stupid-- shouldn't have let myself be caught-- careless-- she thought, wrapping her tail more tightly around her paws. Leave like the rest of them? His words played back in her head, and her hues flashed for a moment, worry and fear written all over her features. Leave like the rest of them. His words seemed to cut right thought her, frightening her, making her feel like she had done something wrong-- had she? Oh no, she'd done something wrong, hadn't she? She was constantly doing things wrong. She knew it. And now he wanted her to leave, before he got too attached... now that was something Asterpaw could relate to. She'd wanted to be alone before. She'd never wanted to get attached. But she'd never dreamed something like this might happen over one simple-- well, more complicated, really-- attachment. And now? Again, she didn't know what to say. Should she do as he asked? Leave? Get up and go, not looking back...just going.
　
A surge of anger went through her. How dare Bluepaw do this? They were-- no, had been-- best friends. So, so close from what she had seen. And now, Bluepaw was trying to kill him like they had been enemies their whole lives. But if that wasn't enough, he was using her sister too-- or was Alabasterpaw the one using him? Either way it was equally bad and she hated the thought of it. A low growl emitted from her maw and her hues narrowed, the tip of her tail twitching furiously as she did so. She was angrier then she had been in a long time, and yet she was still thinking of what to do. Slowly the feline got to her paws and padded over towards him, sitting down beside the tom and putting her own tail around him as well. As gently as she could-- and she was careful not to brush up against him, now was probably not the right time. "I don't know why Bluepaw did what he did. It was wrong, and selfish, and he's not the cat I thought he was. Neither is my sister." She couldn't so much as bring herself to say Alabasterpaw's name.
　
She hated the feline. And yes, hate was a strong way of putting it-- but Alabasterpaw had destroyed her kithood, despite how close they had been, and now had turned her safe world upside down. Her safe, safe world. She'd been fine. Except for a few little incidents, nothing this serious, however... but she had been fine. "If you really want me to go, I will. Look me in the eyes and tell me you want me to leave, and I'll do it." Her voice became somewhat firmer and she uncurled her tail from around him. In her experience, it was harder to lie while looking directly at someone then it was while looking away from them. It was always harder to lie that way. Unless, of course, you were a cat like Alabasterpaw. His next words put a smile on her features and she took a few steps away from him. "Oh of course. I wouldn't expect anything else from you, darling." She purred, her hues gleaming with mischief as she did so. Maybe things were going to get back to-- as normal as they got. She hoped so. After all of this, they could use a few rays of sunshine coming through here.

[appariitiion]

Blizzardsnow followed Goldenpaw to the territory. He looked at her and stopped. "I smell prey, this should be a good place to stop." He listened closely and found the noise of rustling in the bushes. Prey scent came strongly from them, so he crouched down and got ready to pounce. He leaped and swiftly killed his prey. He looked at the plump vole and silently thanked StarClan for it.

[Tundra]

Goldenpaw twitched an ear and looked up in a tree. She spotted a squirrel scampering along a branch. Goldenpaw darted up the tree and stopped on the branch that the squirrel was on. Goldenpaw killed it with a blow to it's back. She picked it up and scampered down the tree again.

[Brilliance]

Foxpaw listened to how desperate the she cat's words sounded. Why did she seem to be so scared? What was there to be scared of in the first place? But he didn't want to push it further and get clawed in the face. Though he doubted she would do something like that. This was Silverpaw! The Silvster, Silvy...she would never claw him in the face. Would she? "Aw c'mon, Silvster. You make it sound like it's going to be a funeral or something! Love's the most magical thing in the world, or so I've been told-- and you'd better be nice to me, I might end up being your sweetheart someday." The ginger tom winked at her, the tip of his tail twitching back and forth. The thought of that was utterly ridiculous, of course... he and Silverpaw? Sweethearts? To him, there was nothing more strange then seeing a she cat throw their life away because they didn't want to be with a tom. There wouldn't be she cats and toms if they weren't meant to be together!
　
There would just be... one or the other, not both. Foxpaw didn't understand why some felt that way. But then again, it wasn't his place to judge them. He was supposed to be the tom making 'stupid' remarks, apparently, and sitting in a corner flirting with she cats. There was more to Foxpaw then that. Most cats just didn't have the time or patience to sit and figure it out. Not to mention that they were annoyed by his presence, he wasn't the easiest cat to be around. Foxpaw could understand that, and in a way, he could even sympathize with that...after all, no one had ever said that friendship with a flirt was easy. And Foxpaw? Well, he liked to think of himself as the most flirtatious flirt of all. Then again, Foxpaw thought of himself as a lot of things, the majority of which were untrue and the minority of which were greatly exaggerated. But deep in his thoughts, he was just another cat in the Clan. A face in the crowd. Another apprentice to someday become a warrior, to someday live and die for SkyClan, fighting off intruders and hunting to feed himself, the kits, the elders, and the warriors.
　
To someday become deputy or leader, if he was lucky-- medicine cat if he wasn't. There was nothing worse then being medicine cat in Foxpaw's mind. Who wanted to sit and sort out herbs all day, then come out smelling like they'd just spent their life wasting away in a den? Not Foxpaw, that was for sure. He'd rather die then be medicine cat. And he would rather spend the rest of his life being a kit then be medicine cat. Yes, there was definitely nothing worse... oh, of course he thought of Ebonypaw with respect. She took care of the Clan all on her own, healing them when they needed it...she was certainly skilled and intelligent. And yet Foxpaw still wouldn't want to try and do that, not only because he didn't like being medicine cat but because it would freak him out taking care of a bunch of injured cats all day long. That would definitely, definitely be one of the scariest things he could do was taking care of dead cats. A shudder went down the tom's spine at the very thought of it, but he managed to stay still anyways as he glanced over towards his silvery, almost ghost-like companion.
　
She was innocent looking as well... sometimes Foxpaw wondered if she understood all the heartache and worry that other cats went through every day. Of course! She's not stupid, he thought with a snort. Foxpaw felt bad for ever believing that she might not have been the most brilliant or intelligent of she cats. She wasn't-- but she was definitely not stupid. Or ignorant. Sweet, and innocent, maybe...but ignorant, now that was something that Silverpaw probably wasn't. Foxpaw hadn't gotten a chance to fight in the liberation battles. He wished he had been older, even just by a little bit, and was looking fowards to his own first battle...wishing and hoping that he would be able to do so. But maybe someday he would. He would get to fight in a real battle. Though he knew it was selfish and horrible to wish for war, Foxpaw couldn't help it-- he so badly wanted to be in a battle! He had been waiting for that opportunity for a long time. There would be at least one battle in his lifetime, that he was perfectly sure of.
　
Maybe more. Maybe he wouldn't live through the first one, but at least he would have the knowledge that he had died bravely and that he had died serving his Clan and his memory would hopefully be honored by his friends who were still alive. The ginger tom's ears pricked up at the sound of his friend's voice. Protective and sweet, huh? Sounds like Silvster has a little kitty crush on someone. Time to put the heat on this sweetheart. He thought, the tip of his tail twitching as a smirk appeared on his maw. There was no way she would know exactly what she wanted and yet not have a crush. That was just impossible! And yet it was happening right here and now, before his very eyes. He wanted to know who Silverpaw had a crush on, who she might be choosing in the future-- though knowing her, probably nobody. She'd probably end up alone and chasing butterflies, Foxpaw chasing after her and trying to get her to pay attention to him. Because the ginger tom was never satisfied until the end of the hunt.
　
The hunt sounding somewhat violent, but that was what he thought of it as-- a hunt to capture someone's heart, waiting until just the right moment to pounce and trap it, getting ready to devour them until they were nothing but a shell of what they had been. And, while Foxpaw got no delight from seeing a she cat cry, he did get quite a bit from watching them fall for him. Though what Silverpaw had said stuck in his mind, staying there like an annoying bug that just wouldn't go away. He couldn't get rid of it. So, he did the next best thing-- ignored it. "I'm offended! You don't know why your own friend wouldn't want to invest in your love life? For shame, Silvster! For shame." Foxpaw lifted one of his paws, placing it against his chest in a sign that he was offended-- though not really, he was more bothered then anything else. And not so much bothered by her as those little bug-words that she had spoken still buzzing around in his head, leaving him with an extreme vibrating in his mind.
　
Annoying, but tolerable. Unlike Silverpaw. She was sweet, definitely tolerable, and even enjoyable company. "But I wouldn't be so sure about 'winging the future' if I were you, little flower. A pretty flower could get crushed if she's not careful." He told her, thrusting his face into hers with a coy smile before withdrawing it, padding away from her a little. At her question, the tom froze up. His type? He was too young to know that! Pretty much any pretty thing that caught his eye had his attention-- friendly cats, shy cats, mean cats, flirts, the popular cats, unpopular ones... any cat who had a pretty pelt and sparkling hues would catch his fancy. Not to mention any cat who had an attitude. Now that was attractive to him. Personality wise? He liked sweet cats like Silverpaw, and shy ones...they were always special to him. Cats with an attitude? Oh yes, they were absolutely his favorite. Mean cats? Not his forte, but if they were pretty, he'd deal with them.
　
Flirts? He seemed to get the furthest with those, but they would leave before he was ready more often then not. Popular cats? They sort of brushed him off as adorable, most of them being older. Unpopular ones? It lowered his chance of ever finding a special she cat. "Um-m... why, interested in knowing if I'm single? I'm all yours, Silvy Silvster." He joked with an uneasy laugh while his mind raced. "I like sweet cats, kind of like you-- that little 'desert flower' type. And shy cats, those are always fun... but cats with an attitude are by far my favorite. They're the greatest." He laughed, the tip of his tail twitching back and forth, a smile fixed firmly on his features as he did so. It was pretty funny, knowing that they normally shot him down and yet he still came back every time.
*****
Not a good influence, but an influence. Those words seemed to hang in the air with Alabasterpaw, and her hues narrowed. So she was an influence. A bad one? He hadn't really said that again. She was just an influence, just like everything else around the Clans. Around the cats in the Clans. Pretty much everything counted as an influence, unless you were some sort of... something. The white feline glanced over at her piebald companion, her hues gleaming with mischief and excitement. She didn't notice the black tom slinking through the shadows, a part of the shadows, blending with them perfectly as he approached. Eyes dark and cold, his pelt almost ratty looking though he was very well fed and he was definitely a Clan cat as he carried the scent of SkyClan with him. Alabasterpaw's back was turned, facing the piebald feline before her, her own brilliant blue hues completely fixed on him. Definitely-- definitely the type of cat that she liked to have as a partner.
　
At least he wasn't trying to kill her, which was something she valued in a partnership. He wasn't blaming her at the moment, either... a change that she considered to be nice. "Just that he and Asterpaw had a close relationship when they were younger. She was always hanging around him. Creepy, if you ask me. He would almost stalk her, I'm surprised she didn't drop him like that. It was obvious he worshipped her, the little brat-- spoiled and bad to the core, that one." She answered in response to his question, and then thought about the other statements he had made. Meeting Nightpaw was definitely a good idea. Just because she wasn't sure what the black tom's intentions might be if a plan were to be made with him in it. He might just steal Asterpaw away anyways, the jerk. He wasn't the smartest of cats. And he definitely wasn't Alabasterpaw's favorite cat in the world, though she liked him better then the other ginger one-- Foxpaw.
　
Ugh, he was annoying. She was still unaware of two glowing hues watching her from the shadows, narrowing and widening respectively as she made each comment. "You know, you could be right. But if Asterpaw knows-- then how are you planning on getting her back? If she's stuck to that jerk's side, then how are you going to pry her away?" Alabasterpaw asked. All of this was supposed to be so that Bluepaw could be with Asterpaw. And if her sister knew... what was she supposed to do? What reason was there to kill? Other then the fact that she despised the tom with everything in her... he didn't deserve Asterpaw. That was a good enough reason for her, just that the tom didn't deserve the flower that was her sister. Though her sister didn't deserve anyone, so that was practically referring to him as a nobody. And maybe he was. Maybe he was just a nobody that she couldn't stand, a cat to be picked off like just another one of the idiots in the Clan.
　
"That can be arranged." A low voice spoke from the shadows and a black tom with glowing yellow hues stepped out. Hatred was obvious in his expression as he approached Bluepaw. "Nightpaw. You wanted to meet me? Well here I am." He growled in his most defiant voice. Despite the fact that they seemed to be sharing a common goal here, he still wasn't going to trust them that easily. He needed to know more first. And hopefully, the information would be coming within a few moments.
*****
When Azulpaw had pressed himself further against her, to tell the truth, the blue feline had felt somewhat... violated. Like she wasn't comfortable with having him touch her, like she would have much preferred for him to leave her alone. And yet he was here, against her, while she flinched slightly. A moment later when he pulled away, she took a deep breath, not even realizing she had been holding her own breath until it was too late. Why had she been holding her breath? That was strange. At his apology, a more comfortable expression spread over her features. She felt a little worried, considering that hadn't been the nicest thing she had ever done, but she had stayed. That was the important thing, wasn't it? She had stayed. She hadn't left him, even though her comfort had been violated just the slightest bit. And yet she had liked it. She had liked being beside him, though she knew it was wrong. They could never be together. There would always be a conflict, something keeping them apart.
　
They could never be real friends, hanging out all the time and being able to play around...they would never be able to just sit and relax, because there would always be someone lurking in the shadows, ready to pounce at a moment's notice. Asterpaw didn't understand how there was so much jealousy involved when it came to this. Jealousy. The blue feline wasn't jealous often. She remembered there had been a few times, but more then that? No, that was just crazy. There was no reason to be jealous. Unless, of course... there was some cat that you wanted to talk to and couldn't because they were always with another. That was a fairly good reason to be jealous. But Asterpaw was never jealous over something like that-- what reason did she have to be? Love was a stronger pull then friendship, and friendship was a stronger pull then just knowing someone. Having them as an acquaintance. The she cat's ears pricked upwards as she heard his voice sounding again.
　
Softly, quietly... almost as though he weren't able to speak. Sort of like her own voice had been moments before. But the words he said scared her. He doesn't think...her thoughts trailed off and she smiled a little, though her hues were glassier looking with tears. She couldn't think of a single thing to say. Being lost for words was not an often occurance with Asterpaw, she usually had a retort for everything... or at least some sort of a comment. There was no way for her to turn this back to a more lighthearted discussion, and she knew it. That was painful, but what was she going to do about it? Just sit there and wait, the tip of her tail twitching, hues fixed on him with a sympathetic look but never doing anything about it? Waiting for something to happen, something that she might be able to cause but she wouldn't because she didn't know how? The she cat bit her lip and paused for a moment. She wasn't quite sure how to go about saying anything at this point, especially something comforting.
　
"Change is...inevitable. Both good and bad. I-I can't promise anything. I can't promise that I'll ever see you again after today, I can't promise that we'll be friends for another day, I can't even promise that I won't turn against you. I can... tell you that it wouldn't be my choice. If I could see into the future, I would change whatever I had to right now to stop anything bad from happening to you. Whatever it was, I would do it." She stopped. That had hurt to say, but it was all she knew. The truth was important. And that was the truth, her truth, no matter how reassuring or not reassuring it sounded. She didn't know. Honestly? Asterpaw didn't feel like she knew very much anymore. She knew a few things, but that was it. Everything seemed to be blurry and mixed up in her head, putting right and wrong together as though they were partners. Partners like she now was aware Alabasterpaw and Bluepaw were. She'd never seen it coming.
　
Was she really blind? To not have realized this before? She'd shut it out once. Turned her back on the truth, and she felt horrible for it. The truth was so, so important to her. But she'd shut it out because she didn't want to believe what she knew must be true. Her ears pricked up at his next words and she glanced over at him in surprise and worry. Was he crying? Right now? Oh no...no, no, no, no...please don't cry... was something wrong? What happened? What had she done? Was it what I said before? She thought, her tail beginning to twitch back and forth anxiously, her eyes gleaming and snapping as she glanced at the tom before her, waiting and wondering what she had done to make things go downhill so quickly. Nothing! She hadn't done anything, had she? As far as she knew, she hadn't. As far as she knew, she'd been a perfect angel... right? That's right, I'm such an angel, she thought with the smallest of smiles, but it faded in the next instant.
　
"You didn't do anything wrong. I don't know what's going on, but I'm positive you didn't do anything wrong." She curled her own tail around her paws and closed her eyes, turning her face away, her equivalent to curling up into a ball and shutting the world out. Something that she needed very much right now. Maybe she could make it stop by leaving. Maybe she could make it stop by going to be with the traitor, the murderer, Bluepaw... maybe Alabasterpaw would be fine then. She would go away, and leave him alone. They both would. They would just leave him alone. She didn't want to leave. She didn't like the thought of going to spend the rest of her life with him, word given or not... but she might not have a choice. Did it really matter, anyways? Did it matter who she ended up with, Bluepaw or someone else? What about him? She thought, glancing over towards the tom. No. That was definitely impossible. Maybe someday, with time...as they both grew up...maybe Bluepaw would move on to someone else that was a murderer and a sneak like he was.
　
Like her sister was. Wouldn't that be a turn of events, she thought with a snort. But most of all, she just wanted to make all of this stop. She had been telling the truth-- if she could look into the future and see any way to stop this, she would. Was she just avoiding the truth again? That the only way to stop it was to go and be with Bluepaw, avoiding him for the rest of her life? That thought was not the best one she had ever had. And there were a lot of holes in the plan as well. Such as what would happen to Alabasterpaw. Nightpaw, Foxpaw, Silverpaw... was she supposed to avoid everyone? Just staying with Bluepaw all the time as she had tried to do before? That hadn't worked very well, seeing as now Alabasterpaw had half-killed the cat she cared about more... more then Bluepaw, at least. And although she knew why, she didn't understand. She had never wanted this to happen. And now she felt guilty, horrible... she should have been more careful!
　
Clumsy-- stupid-- shouldn't have let myself be caught-- careless-- she thought, wrapping her tail more tightly around her paws. Leave like the rest of them? His words played back in her head, and her hues flashed for a moment, worry and fear written all over her features. Leave like the rest of them. His words seemed to cut right thought her, frightening her, making her feel like she had done something wrong-- had she? Oh no, she'd done something wrong, hadn't she? She was constantly doing things wrong. She knew it. And now he wanted her to leave, before he got too attached... now that was something Asterpaw could relate to. She'd wanted to be alone before. She'd never wanted to get attached. But she'd never dreamed something like this might happen over one simple-- well, more complicated, really-- attachment. And now? Again, she didn't know what to say. Should she do as he asked? Leave? Get up and go, not looking back...just going.
　
A surge of anger went through her. How dare Bluepaw do this? They were-- no, had been-- best friends. So, so close from what she had seen. And now, Bluepaw was trying to kill him like they had been enemies their whole lives. But if that wasn't enough, he was using her sister too-- or was Alabasterpaw the one using him? Either way it was equally bad and she hated the thought of it. A low growl emitted from her maw and her hues narrowed, the tip of her tail twitching furiously as she did so. She was angrier then she had been in a long time, and yet she was still thinking of what to do. Slowly the feline got to her paws and padded over towards him, sitting down beside the tom and putting her own tail around him as well. As gently as she could-- and she was careful not to brush up against him, now was probably not the right time. "I don't know why Bluepaw did what he did. It was wrong, and selfish, and he's not the cat I thought he was. Neither is my sister." She couldn't so much as bring herself to say Alabasterpaw's name.
　
She hated the feline. And yes, hate was a strong way of putting it-- but Alabasterpaw had destroyed her kithood, despite how close they had been, and now had turned her safe world upside down. Her safe, safe world. She'd been fine. Except for a few little incidents, nothing this serious, however... but she had been fine. "If you really want me to go, I will. Look me in the eyes and tell me you want me to leave, and I'll do it." Her voice became somewhat firmer and she uncurled her tail from around him. In her experience, it was harder to lie while looking directly at someone then it was while looking away from them. It was always harder to lie that way. Unless, of course, you were a cat like Alabasterpaw. His next words put a smile on her features and she took a few steps away from him. "Oh of course. I wouldn't expect anything else from you, darling." She purred, her hues gleaming with mischief as she did so. Maybe things were going to get back to-- as normal as they got. She hoped so. After all of this, they could use a few rays of sunshine coming through here.



‘’Heh, sweetheart...funny.’’ Silverpaw replied, distantly. His other words somehow made her feel nervous. Of course, she believed love was the most magical feeling in the world. It was the most powerful weapon as well, in her opinion. Though she was staring at him, it was like she was looking through to him. What was the exact form of love? Did love carry an exact form? Better yet, why was she beating herself over it? Silverpaw was young, she knew that much. She didn’t want to focus on if the next tom was looking at her, or her next moves to try in flirt with him. The silver bengal never found herself as a true flirt. Every once in awhile for the fun of it, but she never truly viewed herself as a good flirt--or good company. The she-cat was always able to easily make friends. Something she never quite understood. She was sweet, that was one thing. Others liked the peaceful aura that surrounded her, and her helpful nature. Silverpaw never thought she would ever be friendly especially with the bullying she went through as a kit.

As of now she was still frightened. She felt uncomfortable whenever someone flirted with her--intentionally or unintentionally. Like Foxpaw was doing now. She enjoyed his company, no doubt about it, but the way he could freely flirt...with her, unsettled her. However she maintained a friendly smile and a sweet expression to let him know that she was alright. She doubted whatever he said about her. After all, they were young. She wasn’t holding onto anything he told her. Being her sweetheart? Pfft, right. Perhaps when they were older, she would had gave him a chance. A slight chance. But, she couldn’t waiver their friendship. The silver cat loved being his friend. She could never see herself being anything more to him. Similar to Azulpaw--though he wasn’t Azulpaw. He was a young apprentice seeking attention from the opposite gender that keeps shooting him down. The sudden thought made SIlverpaw laughed.

Then, her ears twitched at his next words. The female rolled her eyes, finding his nonsense funny in a way. Her expression was thoughtful, as if she were pondering hard on how to answer it. But, she wasn’t. She wanted to wait as long as she could before she even talked to him again. She loved Foxpaw, she really did, but how come he had to be so...persistent?

‘’Well, I don’t want to invest in your love life.’’ She shrugged, casually, not finding it as a big deal. Why was is so important to him anyway? ‘’I don’t think I have time to remember all the she-cats you’re chasing after, and all of them running away from you, you know?’’ She giggled, pulling her tail in front of her maw out of nervousness. Why was she washed with nervousness all of a sudden? Maybe it was because she felt like she was saying the wrong thing. But, wasn’t it true?...In a sense? The silver bengal slightly pulled her tail away, and said, ‘’But I’m sure you’re going to have plenty of she-cat running after you!’’ She quickly added. Her earlier response sounded a bit cruel. Even though she was being playful with him.

He was flirty with her.

She was playful with him.

It worked hand and hand.

She didn’t know if what he said was anything serious. She brushed it off like he was kidding--which he was, wasn’t he? Even if he wasn’t, she wouldn’t know. Not that it mattered much to her. She was pleasant with the way their relationship worked. As long as they were still friends, she was fine. At his next words, she once again laughed. What did he take her as? Dense-minded? She felt tensed when he came too near for her. Did he not believe in personal space? Of course not, this was Foxpaw. When it came to she-cats, he didn’t mind comfort level. She leaned back, but established herself when he padded away. Clearing her throat, she said, ‘’Well, this little flower carries thorns. It may not be noticeable, but it’s there. This little flower won’t allow herself to get crushed. Anyone who tries to pick at her will be pricked.’’ ‘Cause this little flower is not delicate, nor is she innocent. Just because she was sweet, did not mean she..fragile-like. She wasn’t broken easily. She seen it all, perhaps not all, but enough. She heard the stories. She didn’t want to live the lives. ‘’That is why it’s better to not have a crush. That way you wouldn’t have to worry about being...crushed.’’ She says once more, and shrugged lightly. ‘’But it’s like you’re so used to having your heart broken! It’s like...you don’t have one. Unless you’re heart is so big that it hardly gets broken! I admire you for that, really, I do. I just can’t find myself chasing after the toms I like. I’m afraid of rejection.’’ She giggled sheepishly, and once again pulled her tail in front of her maw, hoping it would be a shield to hide her.

Rejection was something most were afraid of. Silverpaw was most afraid of rejection. Despite her outstanding sweet-natured state, this she-cat feared rejection. Anything when it comes for rejection. Whether she asks a friend to talk, or she asks to hang out, or even when she wants to ask a certain question to her mentor, she was afraid of rejection. Yet, the tom in front of her was indeed a brave warrior. He wasn’t afraid of the word no, and he was brave enough to go chasing after it again. She felt like she was going to crumble from a simple negative answer. Yet, it never have come. Her sweetness played a huge role in obtaining good answers.

‘’Oh?’’ Silverpaw made a curious face. She scrunched her nose from keeping herself from laughing. The tom looked like he was having a smooth nervous time. Was that he possible for Foxpaw? Real smooth, Squeakaroo. Real smooth. ‘’It’s nice to know you’re all mine, but I would never be yours.’’ Wait--woah...why did she say that? The words seemingly left her maw before she could stop them. The silver bengal shook her head. Azulpaw wasn’t growing on her...was he? ‘’Not that it’s not possible! I mean, l-l-like you sa-said. We don’t know the f-f-future. I’m just not ready. I’m literally a furball of a mess.’’ She let out another nervous giggle. As she heard him continue on, she nodded her head. That was understandable. She assumed that he didn’t have a type, considering he flirt with half the clan cats in Skyclan. But, who knew? He did have a type. Surprising. ‘’I honestly don’t think we would ever work out. I’m not a cat with an attitude--I’m much too sweet for that.’’ It sounded conceited, but wasn’t it true? The silver bengal sat down on her haunches and gave her fur a nice grooming. She began by licking her paws, delicately and quickly. She thought she said enough for the day. She didn’t want to sound like a babbling idiot. Probably what he thought she was at the moment. ‘’Well, cats with an attitude can definitely be a real kicker. So, you’re just a tom that loves a challenge, huh? Understandable.’’ She nods, and stops her grooming. Silverpaw looked into the distance, but she gets up and begin trotting further into the woods. ‘’Attitudes can only take you so far!...but you want to know what’s better? A cat that loves exploring. A cat that isn’t afraid for adventures.’’ A glint appeared in her eyes as she started walking around and taking a notice to her surroundings. She glanced back at Foxpaw to make sure he was following her. ‘’Azulpaw and I love going to this special tree where the birds sing. I suppose he’ll be taking Asterpaw there soon. Especially at night. It’s romantic.’’ She snickered. She knew that the two cats were close friends, but there was some feeling lingering there that was unspoken. They either knew it and chose not to acknowledge, or they were simply oblivious. The latter didn’t make any sense. They were both smart, Silverpaw knew this. Even she could sense it, but it wasn’t her problem to deal with anyway, so she left it alone.

‘’And, the starry filled sky. And moonhigh? Just sitting under the stars, tangled into each other, and...happy.’’ Why was she swooning? Silverpaw never allowed her romantic side to pull through. She was all for the romance, not that most of her friends knew. She shut her maw, pulling onto a different topic. ‘’You know what I also wonder? I want to know about the dusk syndicate toms. Or any other clan toms, not that skyclan toms are bad or anything...but I just want to get to know others. Like you said before…’’ She trailed off. For some odd reason she felt a longing to see what it would be like to arrive at the dusk syndicate, but she felt as if she were betraying Grousestar. Which she was. The silver bengal pinned her ears, and sighed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

‘’Beginning to like this tom already.’’ Bluepaw rolls his eyes, sighing. The piebald tom let out a quick stretch as he slowly bring himself back up and stare into the hues of his partner in crime. He let out a scoff, a smile forming on his maw. ‘’I mean, I don’t blame him though. Asterpaw is someone you must worshipped.’’ He says, casually. He had a feeling that it was going to get under her pelt. Maybe that was what he wanted. For her to get jealous, and be riled up to continue the plan. It was nothing wrong with egging her on. ‘’You should be studying her on lessons of how to get toms to focus on you like that.’’ He brought himself to her ears, whispering in them, before drawing himself back.

Bluepaw thought about the next words she said, and tilted his head a bit, a thoughtful expression. Once again, he let out a bored sigh. He wanted to get this over with. To feel his former best friend squirming under him while Asterpaw watched. Yes, he loved her. He was infatuated with her. He wanted her to hurt. So, they could hurt together. So, they could comfort each other. But, this Nightpaw seemed to take interest in his Asterpaw as well. That did not settle within him...at all. ‘’Well, I’m not the one she’s going to be after--maybe it’ll be this Nightpaw that she will run to once I get rid of that...thing. Then, I could simply just get rid of Nightpaw. Simple as that.’’ He brushed himself against her, purring. ‘’Then Asterpaw would be mine. I don’t know what you’ll get out of this, but hey! I’ll be happy.’’ Bluepaw snickered as he passed her along again.

Before the tom could continue what he was thinking, the darkness seeped out the shadows. Was this the cat they were looking for? Well, who would have known that it would be a white demon and a black demon. Bluepaw chuckled, shaking his head. ‘’Nightpaw, is it?’’ He says going up to the tom and looking him over. He was a good size, a deep voice. He didn’t even looked as if he could had been an apprentice. Then again, nor did Azulpaw. Maybe...just maybe, Bluepaw didn’t have to do anything to Azulpaw. That job could be for Nightpaw.

‘’Listen here, buddy.’’ Bluepaw sits down on his haunches and motions for Nightpaw to do the same. ‘’We need help getting rid of...bad company. I’m sure you know of him. Azulpaw. He’s just...terrible, and the fact that he took m--your Asterpaw from you? Shame!’’ Bluepaw slightly look in the direction of Alabasterpaw, giving her a wink. He then turned back to Nightpaw. ‘’Don’t you want to seek revenge? For him to pay for making Asterpaw..act differently towards you? Because, I know I would. But, that’s just me. And, you are different.’’ The blue-eyed tom says, hoping to convince the black tom. He brought up valid points in his argument. They could really discuss the plan without him agreeing to join in. All the while that Nightpaw gets rid of Azulpaw, perhaps Asterpaw would get rid of him--for killing a cat she cared about. Bluepaw would make everything right between them, and she would be his. Not that he would ever tell anyone this. It was every cat for themselves. And, his selfish state grew by a whole knew level. As bitter as he was, the only cat he truly cared about was his partner in crime--Alabasterpaw. She was helping him through thick and thin. She was tolerating him, and he was grateful for her. Even though he was making her do the dirty work.

But...isn’t it about time that she finally had dirt on her pelt?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

‘’Well, that’s reassuring. It’ll certainly be a turn of events if you traded on me as well. Then again, I really wouldn’t be surprised. I’m shocked that you dealt with me longer than you should had.’’ Azulpaw says, giving a deep laugh. It was okay though because it was true. He could say the same thing for her. He didn’t know how long things were going to last. Was this some fleeting type of crush? It had to been. Azulpaw wasn’t sure if anything was ever going to last. If something was going to last though. At least knowing her name. Having it imprinted in his mind so that he could remember it whenever he needed. He didn’t even care if she left him the next minute. He didn’t care if she turned into his sole enemy. As long as he remembered the way her name was and the way he rolled it off his tongue, would keep him satisfied.

He thought the same thing with Bluepaw. The friend that looked down on him when he was about to meet his creator at the time. But, the grey tom survived. Barely, but he was there. Yet, he still held love for his brother. That was never changing. He stopped trusting Bluepaw, but he still loved him. He would still protect him, and perhaps die for him. Which was a problem. Whenever Azulpaw got completely attached to someone, he never could let them go. Even if they were a bad, rotten seed. He would do everything in his power to continue to care for them. It was just who he was when he allowed a cat to break through to him. Something that he allowed himself to do with Asterpaw. Something that he had regretted deeply, but could never talk about it.

‘’Question though,’’ He says, looking at the ground. He felt comforted that the she-cat wrapped herself around him in a smaller manner. He didn’t expect anything more from her. He also noted that he would limit his touching around Asterpaw because he didn’t want her to feel uncomfortable. He had to keep reminding himself that she wasn’t that type. She was different. Different than all his other crushes. A sudden thought popped into his head: How were they doing at the moment?

‘’You say that if you could, you would stop anything bad from happening to me...so, would you stop me from feeling any emotion at all?’’ He says, and slowly brought his head to look back up at her. ‘’Would you stop me from feeling hurt, pain, depression, happiness, sadness, love?’’ He asked, his eyes and voice calm as he awaited her answer. ‘’Is love even an emotion?’’ He asked, more so to himself. It was odd to think if love was an emotion, but if it weren’t, how would a cat describe how they felt towards one another?

Love was difficulty.

Love was a weapon.

Love was magical.

Was it a feeling?

Maybe. Perhaps. He didn’t know. And, if it were...how would you know that you were feeling it?

‘’Ah, silly question, but it’s just something I wish to know.’’ Azulpaw knew that he didn’t need to know the answer. He was afraid of the answer, yet he was ready to embrace it. However she would reply to him. As he looked ahead of him, he wondered what SIlverpaw was doing. And, who she was with. He felt bad that he left her in the company of Nightpaw, but that other ginger apprentice wasn’t that bad. They seemed like a nice fit of friends. His ears slightly perked at her next words. He felt his guard let down, but he couldn’t bring himself to believe her. ‘’No, no, no, you’re wrong. Somewhere along these lines I had messed up. I don’t know where it happened, but I would love to find out. Was it that time when we went on that walk? When Bluepaw suddenly attacked me because I offended your sister?’’ He asked, more to himself. He was contemplating on what could had happened. Anything could had started his misery. The cause had to be at the start of the line. From when they first met to when Alabasterpaw broke Bluepaw’s heart. Somewhere along the lines where Asterpaw comforted Bluepaw, and Alabasterpaw wanting to work with Azulpaw. Somewhere along those lines. ‘’I guess, I’ll never find out. It’s useless. But even if I did die today, I think you know what I would use my last breath to say...come to my funeral? ’’ He admits, and slowly pads away from her. Her comfort was good, but it was cold. It felt empty. Or was it him that felt cold? That felt empty? ‘’Bluepaw does what he needs to do. So, does your sister. Perhaps they won’t stop until they both get what they want. And, we both know what that is.’’ The tom closes his eyes for a second, trying to imagine what it was like when Bluepaw and himself were younger. How they ran through fields, chasing any insect they could find. Where they would play fight, and Bluepaw always winning. Those times were good. They were precious to him.

Then, she said it. Azulpaw looked back at her, his eyes alerted. Then, he allowed himself to calm. If you really want me to go, I will. Look me in the eyes and tell me you want me to leave, and I'll do it. He put on a stoic expression, his gaze boring into her. He didn’t want her to leave. He wanted to challenge her. Would she actually leave if he asked her to? Or would she be stubborn, and stay anyway? The latter was what he wanted. If she left just because he asked her to, he would feel triggered. He would feel vulnerable. Bluepaw and Alabasterpaw would have the victory of taking his life because he took his own. He wasn’t afraid to jump off a ledge, let alone a tree. He wasn’t afraid to end it all if she left him. Cruel, brutal as it sounded, but in his heart, in his mind, Nothing more was true.

When others say they want to be left alone...don’t leave them alone. Never leave them alone. Sit, and talk to them, make them whole again. Give them half of yourself, so they can get a hint of that happiness. That piece of you.

‘’I want you to leave.’’ He calmly states. His gaze never wavered, and he waited until she was ready to make her move. He embraced himself for her stalking off. He embraced the idea that she would go and never come back. She would leave him exposed to the world, away from warmth, and the love of friendship that he had experienced. He waited for her to leave. When she left, he would do the same thing. Only far more literal than she would have to take it to heart.

Azulpaw longed for her to stay. He longed to be happy again, and perhaps that was what they needed. They could meet up with Silverpaw and Foxpaw and see what they were up to. Azulpaw could keep an eye on Foxpaw just to make sure Silverpaw was doing alright. Though he hardly knew the ginger tom, he did enjoy his presence and thought of it being better than the black furball.

[~Masked~]

( Aashka )
(Bump!)

[Empress Of Evil]

And she messed up. That seemed to be her life story for the time being. Screw up after screw up. Why couldn't she do anything right? All she wanted was to show the deputy, her mentor that she was not completely useless. She had to try harder. She could not make a fool of herself again. The blood had pulsed to her cheeks, making her warm with embarrassment. Quickly, and distractedly, she bent her head, smoothing out her chest fur. Mouse dung! There she had gone, messing up again! Why could she get this right? It was so frustrating, and she was sure that Auroraflame only saw her as a little apprentice, nothing more. Why was she having such a hard time proving that she could be so much more, if only given the chance.

She sniffed around, following Auroraflame's instruction. Her fiat, braid face was close the the ground, hovering right above the place where she had caught a whiff of the squirrel. It was a squirrel. This was the scent of a squirrel.... She kept sniffing, the scent wasn't very strong, weaker than most of the fresh kill in the pile back at camp. "Ummm." He moved her head around in circles a little and responded without looking. "Sometime early this morning....I think. I also think it went this way." She spoke firmly. Trying to gain confidence in herself. She sniffed, her nose leading her right. "Yeah, this way!" She remarked happily. a

Despite the thoughts of Chirppaw, Auroraflame seemed to be paying no attention to the fact that the apprentice had messed up. Her own apprenticehood had taught her that you learn from your mistakes. There was nothing wrong with messing up, it was just about learning from them. Plus, the black she-cat much preferred to look at the positives. She could never seem to ignore the truth, and would often admit that things were the way they were. However, despite the occasional negative thoughts, Auroraflame was mostly positive and she always tried to have an affect on others that made them want to be positive too.

The deputy listened with interest at what the apprentice had to say. She nodded in agreement. "That's correct!" Auroraflame praised, grinning widely at the apprentice. Pride swelled within her for the persian. For a young apprentice, she was very intelligent, she could be certain about that. "Right, now that you know where it went, let's try track it! Well to be more specific, you'll be the one leading but i'll be right behind you!" Auroraflame said cheerfully, excitement and joy dancing in her icy hues. It was always exciting for the deputy to see what others could do. After all, she knew what she could do but she was curious to know what others knew. Plus anyway, she just enjoyed letting others take the lead sometimes. She was deputy, so she had plenty of opportunities, but some others weren't so fortunate. So she liked letting others show her the way.

[lone]

‘’Heh, sweetheart...funny.’’ Silverpaw replied, distantly. His other words somehow made her feel nervous. Of course, she believed love was the most magical feeling in the world. It was the most powerful weapon as well, in her opinion. Though she was staring at him, it was like she was looking through to him. What was the exact form of love? Did love carry an exact form? Better yet, why was she beating herself over it? Silverpaw was young, she knew that much. She didn’t want to focus on if the next tom was looking at her, or her next moves to try in flirt with him. The silver bengal never found herself as a true flirt. Every once in awhile for the fun of it, but she never truly viewed herself as a good flirt--or good company. The she-cat was always able to easily make friends. Something she never quite understood. She was sweet, that was one thing. Others liked the peaceful aura that surrounded her, and her helpful nature. Silverpaw never thought she would ever be friendly especially with the bullying she went through as a kit.

As of now she was still frightened. She felt uncomfortable whenever someone flirted with her--intentionally or unintentionally. Like Foxpaw was doing now. She enjoyed his company, no doubt about it, but the way he could freely flirt...with her, unsettled her. However she maintained a friendly smile and a sweet expression to let him know that she was alright. She doubted whatever he said about her. After all, they were young. She wasn’t holding onto anything he told her. Being her sweetheart? Pfft, right. Perhaps when they were older, she would had gave him a chance. A slight chance. But, she couldn’t waiver their friendship. The silver cat loved being his friend. She could never see herself being anything more to him. Similar to Azulpaw--though he wasn’t Azulpaw. He was a young apprentice seeking attention from the opposite gender that keeps shooting him down. The sudden thought made SIlverpaw laughed.

Then, her ears twitched at his next words. The female rolled her eyes, finding his nonsense funny in a way. Her expression was thoughtful, as if she were pondering hard on how to answer it. But, she wasn’t. She wanted to wait as long as she could before she even talked to him again. She loved Foxpaw, she really did, but how come he had to be so...persistent?

‘’Well, I don’t want to invest in your love life.’’ She shrugged, casually, not finding it as a big deal. Why was is so important to him anyway? ‘’I don’t think I have time to remember all the she-cats you’re chasing after, and all of them running away from you, you know?’’ She giggled, pulling her tail in front of her maw out of nervousness. Why was she washed with nervousness all of a sudden? Maybe it was because she felt like she was saying the wrong thing. But, wasn’t it true?...In a sense? The silver bengal slightly pulled her tail away, and said, ‘’But I’m sure you’re going to have plenty of she-cat running after you!’’ She quickly added. Her earlier response sounded a bit cruel. Even though she was being playful with him.

He was flirty with her.

She was playful with him.

It worked hand and hand.

She didn’t know if what he said was anything serious. She brushed it off like he was kidding--which he was, wasn’t he? Even if he wasn’t, she wouldn’t know. Not that it mattered much to her. She was pleasant with the way their relationship worked. As long as they were still friends, she was fine. At his next words, she once again laughed. What did he take her as? Dense-minded? She felt tensed when he came too near for her. Did he not believe in personal space? Of course not, this was Foxpaw. When it came to she-cats, he didn’t mind comfort level. She leaned back, but established herself when he padded away. Clearing her throat, she said, ‘’Well, this little flower carries thorns. It may not be noticeable, but it’s there. This little flower won’t allow herself to get crushed. Anyone who tries to pick at her will be pricked.’’ ‘Cause this little flower is not delicate, nor is she innocent. Just because she was sweet, did not mean she..fragile-like. She wasn’t broken easily. She seen it all, perhaps not all, but enough. She heard the stories. She didn’t want to live the lives. ‘’That is why it’s better to not have a crush. That way you wouldn’t have to worry about being...crushed.’’ She says once more, and shrugged lightly. ‘’But it’s like you’re so used to having your heart broken! It’s like...you don’t have one. Unless you’re heart is so big that it hardly gets broken! I admire you for that, really, I do. I just can’t find myself chasing after the toms I like. I’m afraid of rejection.’’ She giggled sheepishly, and once again pulled her tail in front of her maw, hoping it would be a shield to hide her.

Rejection was something most were afraid of. Silverpaw was most afraid of rejection. Despite her outstanding sweet-natured state, this she-cat feared rejection. Anything when it comes for rejection. Whether she asks a friend to talk, or she asks to hang out, or even when she wants to ask a certain question to her mentor, she was afraid of rejection. Yet, the tom in front of her was indeed a brave warrior. He wasn’t afraid of the word no, and he was brave enough to go chasing after it again. She felt like she was going to crumble from a simple negative answer. Yet, it never have come. Her sweetness played a huge role in obtaining good answers.

‘’Oh?’’ Silverpaw made a curious face. She scrunched her nose from keeping herself from laughing. The tom looked like he was having a smooth nervous time. Was that he possible for Foxpaw? Real smooth, Squeakaroo. Real smooth. ‘’It’s nice to know you’re all mine, but I would never be yours.’’ Wait--woah...why did she say that? The words seemingly left her maw before she could stop them. The silver bengal shook her head. Azulpaw wasn’t growing on her...was he? ‘’Not that it’s not possible! I mean, l-l-like you sa-said. We don’t know the f-f-future. I’m just not ready. I’m literally a furball of a mess.’’ She let out another nervous giggle. As she heard him continue on, she nodded her head. That was understandable. She assumed that he didn’t have a type, considering he flirt with half the clan cats in Skyclan. But, who knew? He did have a type. Surprising. ‘’I honestly don’t think we would ever work out. I’m not a cat with an attitude--I’m much too sweet for that.’’ It sounded conceited, but wasn’t it true? The silver bengal sat down on her haunches and gave her fur a nice grooming. She began by licking her paws, delicately and quickly. She thought she said enough for the day. She didn’t want to sound like a babbling idiot. Probably what he thought she was at the moment. ‘’Well, cats with an attitude can definitely be a real kicker. So, you’re just a tom that loves a challenge, huh? Understandable.’’ She nods, and stops her grooming. Silverpaw looked into the distance, but she gets up and begin trotting further into the woods. ‘’Attitudes can only take you so far!...but you want to know what’s better? A cat that loves exploring. A cat that isn’t afraid for adventures.’’ A glint appeared in her eyes as she started walking around and taking a notice to her surroundings. She glanced back at Foxpaw to make sure he was following her. ‘’Azulpaw and I love going to this special tree where the birds sing. I suppose he’ll be taking Asterpaw there soon. Especially at night. It’s romantic.’’ She snickered. She knew that the two cats were close friends, but there was some feeling lingering there that was unspoken. They either knew it and chose not to acknowledge, or they were simply oblivious. The latter didn’t make any sense. They were both smart, Silverpaw knew this. Even she could sense it, but it wasn’t her problem to deal with anyway, so she left it alone.

‘’And, the starry filled sky. And moonhigh? Just sitting under the stars, tangled into each other, and...happy.’’ Why was she swooning? Silverpaw never allowed her romantic side to pull through. She was all for the romance, not that most of her friends knew. She shut her maw, pulling onto a different topic. ‘’You know what I also wonder? I want to know about the dusk syndicate toms. Or any other clan toms, not that skyclan toms are bad or anything...but I just want to get to know others. Like you said before…’’ She trailed off. For some odd reason she felt a longing to see what it would be like to arrive at the dusk syndicate, but she felt as if she were betraying Grousestar. Which she was. The silver bengal pinned her ears, and sighed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

‘’Beginning to like this tom already.’’ Bluepaw rolls his eyes, sighing. The piebald tom let out a quick stretch as he slowly bring himself back up and stare into the hues of his partner in crime. He let out a scoff, a smile forming on his maw. ‘’I mean, I don’t blame him though. Asterpaw is someone you must worshipped.’’ He says, casually. He had a feeling that it was going to get under her pelt. Maybe that was what he wanted. For her to get jealous, and be riled up to continue the plan. It was nothing wrong with egging her on. ‘’You should be studying her on lessons of how to get toms to focus on you like that.’’ He brought himself to her ears, whispering in them, before drawing himself back.

Bluepaw thought about the next words she said, and tilted his head a bit, a thoughtful expression. Once again, he let out a bored sigh. He wanted to get this over with. To feel his former best friend squirming under him while Asterpaw watched. Yes, he loved her. He was infatuated with her. He wanted her to hurt. So, they could hurt together. So, they could comfort each other. But, this Nightpaw seemed to take interest in his Asterpaw as well. That did not settle within him...at all. ‘’Well, I’m not the one she’s going to be after--maybe it’ll be this Nightpaw that she will run to once I get rid of that...thing. Then, I could simply just get rid of Nightpaw. Simple as that.’’ He brushed himself against her, purring. ‘’Then Asterpaw would be mine. I don’t know what you’ll get out of this, but hey! I’ll be happy.’’ Bluepaw snickered as he passed her along again.

Before the tom could continue what he was thinking, the darkness seeped out the shadows. Was this the cat they were looking for? Well, who would have known that it would be a white demon and a black demon. Bluepaw chuckled, shaking his head. ‘’Nightpaw, is it?’’ He says going up to the tom and looking him over. He was a good size, a deep voice. He didn’t even looked as if he could had been an apprentice. Then again, nor did Azulpaw. Maybe...just maybe, Bluepaw didn’t have to do anything to Azulpaw. That job could be for Nightpaw.

‘’Listen here, buddy.’’ Bluepaw sits down on his haunches and motions for Nightpaw to do the same. ‘’We need help getting rid of...bad company. I’m sure you know of him. Azulpaw. He’s just...terrible, and the fact that he took m--your Asterpaw from you? Shame!’’ Bluepaw slightly look in the direction of Alabasterpaw, giving her a wink. He then turned back to Nightpaw. ‘’Don’t you want to seek revenge? For him to pay for making Asterpaw..act differently towards you? Because, I know I would. But, that’s just me. And, you are different.’’ The blue-eyed tom says, hoping to convince the black tom. He brought up valid points in his argument. They could really discuss the plan without him agreeing to join in. All the while that Nightpaw gets rid of Azulpaw, perhaps Asterpaw would get rid of him--for killing a cat she cared about. Bluepaw would make everything right between them, and she would be his. Not that he would ever tell anyone this. It was every cat for themselves. And, his selfish state grew by a whole knew level. As bitter as he was, the only cat he truly cared about was his partner in crime--Alabasterpaw. She was helping him through thick and thin. She was tolerating him, and he was grateful for her. Even though he was making her do the dirty work.

But...isn’t it about time that she finally had dirt on her pelt?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

‘’Well, that’s reassuring. It’ll certainly be a turn of events if you traded on me as well. Then again, I really wouldn’t be surprised. I’m shocked that you dealt with me longer than you should had.’’ Azulpaw says, giving a deep laugh. It was okay though because it was true. He could say the same thing for her. He didn’t know how long things were going to last. Was this some fleeting type of crush? It had to been. Azulpaw wasn’t sure if anything was ever going to last. If something was going to last though. At least knowing her name. Having it imprinted in his mind so that he could remember it whenever he needed. He didn’t even care if she left him the next minute. He didn’t care if she turned into his sole enemy. As long as he remembered the way her name was and the way he rolled it off his tongue, would keep him satisfied.

He thought the same thing with Bluepaw. The friend that looked down on him when he was about to meet his creator at the time. But, the grey tom survived. Barely, but he was there. Yet, he still held love for his brother. That was never changing. He stopped trusting Bluepaw, but he still loved him. He would still protect him, and perhaps die for him. Which was a problem. Whenever Azulpaw got completely attached to someone, he never could let them go. Even if they were a bad, rotten seed. He would do everything in his power to continue to care for them. It was just who he was when he allowed a cat to break through to him. Something that he allowed himself to do with Asterpaw. Something that he had regretted deeply, but could never talk about it.

‘’Question though,’’ He says, looking at the ground. He felt comforted that the she-cat wrapped herself around him in a smaller manner. He didn’t expect anything more from her. He also noted that he would limit his touching around Asterpaw because he didn’t want her to feel uncomfortable. He had to keep reminding himself that she wasn’t that type. She was different. Different than all his other crushes. A sudden thought popped into his head: How were they doing at the moment?

‘’You say that if you could, you would stop anything bad from happening to me...so, would you stop me from feeling any emotion at all?’’ He says, and slowly brought his head to look back up at her. ‘’Would you stop me from feeling hurt, pain, depression, happiness, sadness, love?’’ He asked, his eyes and voice calm as he awaited her answer. ‘’Is love even an emotion?’’ He asked, more so to himself. It was odd to think if love was an emotion, but if it weren’t, how would a cat describe how they felt towards one another?

Love was difficulty.

Love was a weapon.

Love was magical.

Was it a feeling?

Maybe. Perhaps. He didn’t know. And, if it were...how would you know that you were feeling it?

‘’Ah, silly question, but it’s just something I wish to know.’’ Azulpaw knew that he didn’t need to know the answer. He was afraid of the answer, yet he was ready to embrace it. However she would reply to him. As he looked ahead of him, he wondered what SIlverpaw was doing. And, who she was with. He felt bad that he left her in the company of Nightpaw, but that other ginger apprentice wasn’t that bad. They seemed like a nice fit of friends. His ears slightly perked at her next words. He felt his guard let down, but he couldn’t bring himself to believe her. ‘’No, no, no, you’re wrong. Somewhere along these lines I had messed up. I don’t know where it happened, but I would love to find out. Was it that time when we went on that walk? When Bluepaw suddenly attacked me because I offended your sister?’’ He asked, more to himself. He was contemplating on what could had happened. Anything could had started his misery. The cause had to be at the start of the line. From when they first met to when Alabasterpaw broke Bluepaw’s heart. Somewhere along the lines where Asterpaw comforted Bluepaw, and Alabasterpaw wanting to work with Azulpaw. Somewhere along those lines. ‘’I guess, I’ll never find out. It’s useless. But even if I did die today, I think you know what I would use my last breath to say...come to my funeral? ’’ He admits, and slowly pads away from her. Her comfort was good, but it was cold. It felt empty. Or was it him that felt cold? That felt empty? ‘’Bluepaw does what he needs to do. So, does your sister. Perhaps they won’t stop until they both get what they want. And, we both know what that is.’’ The tom closes his eyes for a second, trying to imagine what it was like when Bluepaw and himself were younger. How they ran through fields, chasing any insect they could find. Where they would play fight, and Bluepaw always winning. Those times were good. They were precious to him.

Then, she said it. Azulpaw looked back at her, his eyes alerted. Then, he allowed himself to calm. If you really want me to go, I will. Look me in the eyes and tell me you want me to leave, and I'll do it. He put on a stoic expression, his gaze boring into her. He didn’t want her to leave. He wanted to challenge her. Would she actually leave if he asked her to? Or would she be stubborn, and stay anyway? The latter was what he wanted. If she left just because he asked her to, he would feel triggered. He would feel vulnerable. Bluepaw and Alabasterpaw would have the victory of taking his life because he took his own. He wasn’t afraid to jump off a ledge, let alone a tree. He wasn’t afraid to end it all if she left him. Cruel, brutal as it sounded, but in his heart, in his mind, Nothing more was true.

When others say they want to be left alone...don’t leave them alone. Never leave them alone. Sit, and talk to them, make them whole again. Give them half of yourself, so they can get a hint of that happiness. That piece of you.

‘’I want you to leave.’’ He calmly states. His gaze never wavered, and he waited until she was ready to make her move. He embraced himself for her stalking off. He embraced the idea that she would go and never come back. She would leave him exposed to the world, away from warmth, and the love of friendship that he had experienced. He waited for her to leave. When she left, he would do the same thing. Only far more literal than she would have to take it to heart.

Azulpaw longed for her to stay. He longed to be happy again, and perhaps that was what they needed. They could meet up with Silverpaw and Foxpaw and see what they were up to. Azulpaw could keep an eye on Foxpaw just to make sure Silverpaw was doing alright. Though he hardly knew the ginger tom, he did enjoy his presence and thought of it being better than the black furball.



"I would do everything in my power to... but I can't stop what you feel." Her voice was quiet, soft. It sounded like she wished she hadn't answered in the first place. Why were emotions always so confusing? Was anything in life simple? Well, there was always walking-- but even that hadn't always been simple. It took time, time to learn and to perfect things. She supposed to senior warriors, fighting was simple. That it got easier over time. But she doubted that she would be able to stop her sister even if she became a senior warrior. Would Azulpaw live to see that day? When he would be able to beat her sister at something? When I'll be able to? Though in Asterpaw's mind, that was the definition of impossible. How could you beat what you couldn't even imagine yourself beating? And how could you beat something you couldn't even think about being able to beat? You couldn't. It would be physically impossible, and you would end up beating yourself up trying to figure out how you could do the impossible.
　
How you would be able to beat what you couldn't. So yes-- definitely the impossible. The feline's ears perked up at his next question. Is love even an emotion? A while back she would have said yes. But now? It was more of a choice, to her. A choice that varied all the time. "No. I don't believe it's an emotion. It's a choice that you make that's somewhere in between a blessing and a curse. The best thing that will ever happen to you, and sometimes the worst. It can make you smile and cry at the same time. It's the most powerful thing, and at the same time a weakness. The scariest and the most amazing thing. Turn your whole life upside down. And you'll still want it. Make you feel like you're drowning, flying, jumping, dying... everything at once. But you'll still want it. The choice you make to love someone can make you feel emotions like whatever all of those would be, but in itself it's not one." She told him, her ears going back.
　
She had answered the question before she really knew what she was doing. She knew now, of course-- maybe it hadn't been a question asked to her. Asterpaw knew the power of words to change someone's mind. To turn them from one side to another, whether through threats, manipulation, or a good case. She knew the power of words to take something horrible and turn it into something beautiful, and unfortunately vice versa. She knew that they could tear someone down until they felt about as small as a bug-- or build them up until they felt as though they were soaring through the skies. Either make them want to die or live. And she had just used words that could start something more serious. Something she didn't want. Arguments were fun, true-- she was ok at winning them-- but she wasn't wonderful. Her words were her claws, fangs, and strength. Her whole mind was like a weapon when directed at someone. She could learn things about them. Body language was important when saying something.
　
You wanted to make sure that the other cat could tell there was no way that you could be keeping the truth from them. And Asterpaw's body language normally matched her speech. Just from her observations, she'd learned this-- and she wanted to make sure that no one else had the power to say something about her that was untrue because they got a bad impression from her movements. It was always easy to tell when Asterpaw was playing. Because of her body language, no matter how serious she tried to make herself, there was always that twinkle in one of her greyish green hues or a shift of her weight to show that she was uncomfortable with the way she was positioned. Uncomfortable because she felt as though she were lying? Or because she didn't want to be positioned that way? That, on the other paw, was unknown to the young apprentice. "Sorry. Sometimes I just start-- talking." The feline's voice became more guarded, that familiar tone coming back to it.
　
A careless air in her words that showed she didn't really care whether he liked that or not. Come to my funeral? The words were thrown around so carelessly, as though a funeral weren't that serious. Like it was some sort of a party. Like there wouldn't be cats sad. Her expression changed, saddening slightly like she wasn't quite sure whether or not she wanted to laugh or cry. That seemed to be a problem with Asterpaw a lot. But in the next second, her expression brightened and she laughed a little. "I'll bring flowers." She told him. It wasn't a joke. She had meant it to be, but if that were to happen? She would. After all, Asterpaw kept to her word, though this might have been a joke. "Which ones are your favorites?" She asked in a more curious tone of voice, cocking her head to one side. It made her look so young and innocent. Like when she was that young. When she had first met the two toms, that day in the Training Plateau... that day had been one of the best and worst days of her life.
　
It had been the day things had switched so quickly, she'd never seen it coming. Who would have thought she'd end up with Bluepaw, and now? No one. She was alone. She'd never felt so alone in her life, and yet she was alone. Not really. She had Azulpaw. But it wasn't the same as truly having someone to be with, because after all... nothing beat that. Asterpaw wasn't exactly a romantic. She thought of more sensible things in romances, and she definitely didn't pad after toms starry-eyed. Giggling like it was the funniest thing anytime they said something witty. It wasn't to her. She was just as smart, or witty, or... 'awesome,' as some starstruck apprentices might put it... as they were. His next words seemed to hit her harder then any blow he could have struck her. Any cut Alabasterpaw might have given her. Anything. To be honest, Asterpaw hadn't been expecting him to actually look her right in the eyes. But he had been able to. He wasn't lying.
　
His body language was serious, as serious as his expression. So he really did want her to go. He wanted her to leave. And she hadn't been expecting that. And it had come so suddenly... just a moment before she had been laughing. Now her expression became as serious as his own, and she carefully sealed off the hurt in her eyes. That was a victory he wasn't going to get. But, she had told him she would go. If he could look her in the eyes and tell her he wanted her to leave. And, he had done just that. So it was time for Asterpaw to take her leave of his company. "If that's what you want." She managed to keep her voice calm and controlled, although there was a tinge of fear in it. Getting to her paws, the blue feline cast a look of hurt over at the tom before she padded away. Her head was held high-- there was no regret showing in her expression. She headed over towards another part of the territory, away from the tom. Away from him as quickly as she could.
　
She didn't want to be anywhere near Azulpaw at the moment-- had he really wanted her to leave? He must have. There must have been a good reason, too... maybe something was horribly wrong. What had happened? Between the time Nightpaw had argued with him and she had come to get him, it would have had to be something... she tried to think. Alabasterpaw hadn't attacked again. Bluepaw hadn't attacked again. Must have been something I said. The feline waited for what seemed like hours. Unmoving. She didn't want to say anything, and she didn't want to do anything. Asterpaw had never thought he actually wanted her to leave, but it appeared she had been wrong. But, she had done as he had asked. Because there hadn't been any sign of regret. A while back, perhaps Asterpaw's spirit wouldn't have allowed her to listen to him. She would have stayed anyways, stubbornly refusing to leave. She would have stayed until she thought it was time for her to leave. And now? Now she had changed her mind.
*****
Nightpaw liked the words that came from Bluepaw's maw. They sounded right. They sounded good. They sounded like words that he himself would speak. Like the words of someone who knew how to get things done. Like the words of someone who would get things done. A dark, almost cruel smirk spread across Nightpaw's features. "I'm with you." He didn't even know this cat. He had no idea who they were, or why they had any idea who Asterpaw was-- both of which made him suspicious. And yet he was so desperate to get back at the tom who had taken Asterpaw from him-- so desperate to do that that he would team up with a complete stranger. A cat who had no business asking him anything in the first place, and yet here Nightpaw was, teaming up with them. Whoever they were, after all... they seemed to really know what they were doing. What they wanted. And that was the type of confidence that Nightpaw liked to see in a cat. His small size was not to be confused with weakness.
　
Oh no, Nightpaw used this to his advantage. A slimmer build-- a more tiny appearance-- his ears pricked up and pointed directly at you as though he were a curious kit-- all of these things built Nightpaw's strength. Without his small size? What use was the fight then, the element of surprise-- seeing their faces... was his favorite thing. And he was confident he would get a battle soon. Oh yes, Nightpaw was going to get what he wanted. Exactly what he wanted. To be honest, Alabasterpaw was not used to being out of the spotlight. She wasn't used to not being the center of attention. The one cat that everyone's eyes were upon, the one cat that others thought they couldn't live without. A cat who certainly commanded and drove others to look at her. And yet here was Asterpaw, with toms circling her like vultures-- toms who Alabasterpaw would get rid of in an instant. Her plan was already set into action. Azulpaw would be dead, and Bluepaw? Well... if Asterpaw really had seen him, there was no way that she would ever be with the piebald tom.
　
And, while the white devil was completely open to allowing herself to be put under the spell of a bad influence... or to influence someone badly... she wasn't willing to open Asterpaw to that same risk. What if her sister ended up like her? Her sweet, darling... and honestly completely naive little sister. The sweetheart who had always been wide-eyed and never failed to make a witty or sharp remark, or to gently heal the wound of heartbreak. Even for the first time, she'd known that was what Asterpaw was meant to do; heal these wounds, the heartbreak that was constantly killing her inside, though she would never allow anyone to see it. Yes, Alabasterpaw knew her half-sister inside and out. Her naive-- and unfortunately very pretty, though Alabasterpaw had taken care of her knowing that long ago-- sister. "Oh boys? Shouldn't we better come up with some sort of a strategy? Like, say... who's going to be a lure, who's going to be the bait, and who's going to be the attack?" Alabasterpaw asked, her eyes annoyed and her expression bored.
　
They needed a lure. Bait. An attack plan. Without those three things, what good was any death plot? What good was any plot at all if there wasn't a plan? Alabasterpaw knew all these things, but the question was-- did the two toms? She knew there were times when toms weren't the smartest. They also weren't always the fastest, bravest, or wittiest. And yet she cats were supposed to allow them to believe this? For a natural-born liar and flirt like Alabasterpaw, that was no big deal. Easy. Very, very easy. But for anyone else? It might be more difficult. Just because they weren't as naturally deceitful as the feline before the two. "Any ideas?" She asked after a moment. While Bluepaw thought he was using her-- he wasn't. She wasn't as stupid as she appeared. She wasn't just any attractive feline who bat her eyelashes at every handsome tom who went padding by her. And she wasn't any starstruck apprentice, either. She was a deceitful, horrible cat who she knew deserved to die. And yet this was the path she had chosen. It was too late to go back now. She would be stuck on it forever, and while she was-- what was wrong with embracing it a little? After all, having fun was having fun. And killing?
　
Well, to Alabasterpaw, that was the most fun of all.
*****
"For your information, Silvster, I actually have a few of them wrapped around my paw. They'll do whatever I want. So, ha!" Foxpaw thrust his face into hers again before smirking slyly. His eyelids drooped a little as he did so, giving him the expression of someone who was up to no good. A sneak. A thief. Someone who was absolutely, positively a jerk. And yet Foxpaw wasn't really a jerk. He was just young-- young and foolish, and someone who could really use a reality check. Except every time it seemed Silverpaw was trying to do that very thing, Foxpaw was ignoring it and skipping away to chase butterflies like the ignorant tom that he was. Was there something wrong with that? Technically, no... not until he grew up and was forced to face the real world. For whatever reason, it seemed Foxpaw had the idea he could have his pick of any feline he wanted. She cat or tom. Though Foxpaw would always choose the she cats-- they were much prettier.
　
And they smelled better, too. Silverpaw had her own distinct scent, though he couldn't pick it out-- the tom himself smelled almost like berries. And a rosy scent that had probably come from brushing himself up against so many she cats. It smelled like he had decided to roll around in a nest that normally belonged to an attractive, sweet smelling female, whether they be a warrior or apprentice. And yes, Foxpaw often went into the warriors' den. While he certainly was not big enough to pass himself off as a warrior, he was big enough to look like he could be looking for someone. Unlike poor Nightpaw, who had nearly been thrown out of the apprentices' den because they thought he was a kit. While Foxpaw didn't always agree with his brother's rough treatment of his friend, he could understand where the harsh, closed off, and night-looking tom was coming from. After all, if the ginger one had been as reserved and rude as the black one, he probably wouldn't have had friends either.
　
And yet, he didn't know how you could not like Silverpaw. She was sweet... different from other cats... and at least she played along. It was nice to have someone play along for once instead of viewing him with disgust and worry, as though he had a mental illness when he tried to flirt with them. What was wrong with having a little fun! She cats never fell for it. Toms didn't seem to care whether he hung around their sweethearts or not. They sort of just gave him a look that clearly meant 'don't get too serious' and backed off. He never understood why. Foxpaw was a handsome tom, by general standards; at least he believed himself to be. He had a thick, ginger coat with a white chest... green hues... and he looked to be older then he was, which gave him a wider selection of felines to flirt with. After all, no one really payed much attention when an older cat flirted with a younger one, but if it was the other way around... things tended to get messy real quick. "Hey, some cats don't mind thorns. I've seen desert flowers like you get ripped apart-- by cats like Nightpaw, and even by cats like Asty. It's the classic case of rejection." Foxpaw shrugged.
　
It was true-- he'd seen very delicate looking cats be rejected so harshly it hurt him to think about it... and not to mention even if they did have thorns, as Silverpaw was claiming, those thorns barely pricked at these cats. They were tough. Brutal. And acted like they could do whatever they wanted. Wherever did they get that idea? That they could do what they wanted, when they wanted, and pretend like they owned everyone. Something was seriously wrong with a cat who decided they wanted to act like that. He wasn't that bad! He just... occasionally flirted with a feline, caught their eye or they caught his... but he wouldn't rip someone apart like some of the flirts he had seen. Crashing cats to the ground and dashing them to pieces once they were through. What happened when you decided you didn't like a cat anymore? At least, not in that way. "That's right. My heart's so big, it has room for all of you guys in it. It just has a bunch of little cracks from all the rejections," He laughed.
　
The tom cocked his head to the side and examined Silverpaw. Her? Afraid of rejection? The thought was almost laughable, had it not been so serious. Rejection was no laughing matter, but Silverpaw being rejected? That didn't even make sense. The silver feline seemed to be one of the most popular cats in his small group of friends, with Kestrelpaw...Silverpaw...Asterpaw... and now he would add that other cat, what was his name? Azulpaw? That had probably been it, but Foxpaw didn't really care much for toms in the first place. They weren't as interesting, pretty, or sweet-smelling as she cats. Nor were they as flower-like. "Getting nervous, are we, Silvy Silvster? Well, don't worry. I, sweetheart, do not give up easily. Persistence pays off." He laughed, and listened to her next words. Persistence had always payed off for him-- well, semi-payed off. Some she cats were giving him at least a second look at this point. Some even a third.
　
Which was nice, but looks weren't what Foxpaw was aiming for. He wanted more then that. Much, much more. And yet Foxpaw sincerely doubted that he would ever get much more then that. Looks were what the tom was getting at the moment, and even if he did become more handsome and stopped flirting so much with age, he might still be unpopular with the females. What was it? Did he come on too strong? Or was he not worth their time, like Silverpaw had said-- they could tell. With their built in radars and laser eyes and sparkling smiles. How was a gender so gorgeous so powerful at the same time? And was she sure that desert flowers like her had thorns? Because he was pretty sure thorns could be torn off one by one until it was just a tender stem that could be snapped like a twig. Though sometimes they just bent, as he had also seen. But any experience like that definitely left them bruised. Ah well. He couldn't control her life, but perhaps he could guide it in the right direction.
　
Oh, he wasn't really thinking about ending up with Silverpaw in the future. She was the best friend he would ever have, but as far as being his type? Nah. They were both a little young for that, weren't they? Her next words put a smile on his maw. "Eh, maybe you're right. But hey-- I'll take it, attitude isn't everything." He told her, grinning like he had something important to say but wasn't going to say it. Silverpaw was a pretty cat... that much was undeniable. But as far as personality went, she wasn't exactly his type. Sweet cats were great...they were wonderful, beautiful, special silver beings, but they just weren't the type of cat that he would want to be with for the rest of his life. That was just him talking, though. Some cats loved other sweet cats, or they just loved sweethearts in general. Foxpaw? He took what he would get. When she started talking about how romantic this tree was, Foxpaw wasn't sure what she wanted-- was she thinking about them, or herself?
　
He'd never thought of the little silver cat as a romantic. Especially since she just... didn't really seem like she should be. She seemed like a more sensible type in Foxpaw's mind. Sensible and to the point, at least. "Never thought of you as such a sucker for romance, Silvster." He purred, emerald hues flashing. Sure, maybe he did flirt with her a little... but was he really that interested? That devoted? Nah. This would pass just like everything else, and pretty soon? It would pass right on to be over. He just knew it. At her remark about Dusk Syndicate cats, his eyes grew wide, but he didn't address it. That seemed more personal then he would have cared to get into. Personal things were not Foxpaw's forte when it came to conversation. He preferred a nice, long talk about nothing rather then a short one about something that would really matter.

[Brilliance]

"I would do everything in my power to... but I can't stop what you feel." Her voice was quiet, soft. It sounded like she wished she hadn't answered in the first place. Why were emotions always so confusing? Was anything in life simple? Well, there was always walking-- but even that hadn't always been simple. It took time, time to learn and to perfect things. She supposed to senior warriors, fighting was simple. That it got easier over time. But she doubted that she would be able to stop her sister even if she became a senior warrior. Would Azulpaw live to see that day? When he would be able to beat her sister at something? When I'll be able to? Though in Asterpaw's mind, that was the definition of impossible. How could you beat what you couldn't even imagine yourself beating? And how could you beat something you couldn't even think about being able to beat? You couldn't. It would be physically impossible, and you would end up beating yourself up trying to figure out how you could do the impossible.
　
How you would be able to beat what you couldn't. So yes-- definitely the impossible. The feline's ears perked up at his next question. Is love even an emotion? A while back she would have said yes. But now? It was more of a choice, to her. A choice that varied all the time. "No. I don't believe it's an emotion. It's a choice that you make that's somewhere in between a blessing and a curse. The best thing that will ever happen to you, and sometimes the worst. It can make you smile and cry at the same time. It's the most powerful thing, and at the same time a weakness. The scariest and the most amazing thing. Turn your whole life upside down. And you'll still want it. Make you feel like you're drowning, flying, jumping, dying... everything at once. But you'll still want it. The choice you make to love someone can make you feel emotions like whatever all of those would be, but in itself it's not one." She told him, her ears going back.
　
She had answered the question before she really knew what she was doing. She knew now, of course-- maybe it hadn't been a question asked to her. Asterpaw knew the power of words to change someone's mind. To turn them from one side to another, whether through threats, manipulation, or a good case. She knew the power of words to take something horrible and turn it into something beautiful, and unfortunately vice versa. She knew that they could tear someone down until they felt about as small as a bug-- or build them up until they felt as though they were soaring through the skies. Either make them want to die or live. And she had just used words that could start something more serious. Something she didn't want. Arguments were fun, true-- she was ok at winning them-- but she wasn't wonderful. Her words were her claws, fangs, and strength. Her whole mind was like a weapon when directed at someone. She could learn things about them. Body language was important when saying something.
　
You wanted to make sure that the other cat could tell there was no way that you could be keeping the truth from them. And Asterpaw's body language normally matched her speech. Just from her observations, she'd learned this-- and she wanted to make sure that no one else had the power to say something about her that was untrue because they got a bad impression from her movements. It was always easy to tell when Asterpaw was playing. Because of her body language, no matter how serious she tried to make herself, there was always that twinkle in one of her greyish green hues or a shift of her weight to show that she was uncomfortable with the way she was positioned. Uncomfortable because she felt as though she were lying? Or because she didn't want to be positioned that way? That, on the other paw, was unknown to the young apprentice. "Sorry. Sometimes I just start-- talking." The feline's voice became more guarded, that familiar tone coming back to it.
　
A careless air in her words that showed she didn't really care whether he liked that or not. Come to my funeral? The words were thrown around so carelessly, as though a funeral weren't that serious. Like it was some sort of a party. Like there wouldn't be cats sad. Her expression changed, saddening slightly like she wasn't quite sure whether or not she wanted to laugh or cry. That seemed to be a problem with Asterpaw a lot. But in the next second, her expression brightened and she laughed a little. "I'll bring flowers." She told him. It wasn't a joke. She had meant it to be, but if that were to happen? She would. After all, Asterpaw kept to her word, though this might have been a joke. "Which ones are your favorites?" She asked in a more curious tone of voice, cocking her head to one side. It made her look so young and innocent. Like when she was that young. When she had first met the two toms, that day in the Training Plateau... that day had been one of the best and worst days of her life.
　
It had been the day things had switched so quickly, she'd never seen it coming. Who would have thought she'd end up with Bluepaw, and now? No one. She was alone. She'd never felt so alone in her life, and yet she was alone. Not really. She had Azulpaw. But it wasn't the same as truly having someone to be with, because after all... nothing beat that. Asterpaw wasn't exactly a romantic. She thought of more sensible things in romances, and she definitely didn't pad after toms starry-eyed. Giggling like it was the funniest thing anytime they said something witty. It wasn't to her. She was just as smart, or witty, or... 'awesome,' as some starstruck apprentices might put it... as they were. His next words seemed to hit her harder then any blow he could have struck her. Any cut Alabasterpaw might have given her. Anything. To be honest, Asterpaw hadn't been expecting him to actually look her right in the eyes. But he had been able to. He wasn't lying.
　
His body language was serious, as serious as his expression. So he really did want her to go. He wanted her to leave. And she hadn't been expecting that. And it had come so suddenly... just a moment before she had been laughing. Now her expression became as serious as his own, and she carefully sealed off the hurt in her eyes. That was a victory he wasn't going to get. But, she had told him she would go. If he could look her in the eyes and tell her he wanted her to leave. And, he had done just that. So it was time for Asterpaw to take her leave of his company. "If that's what you want." She managed to keep her voice calm and controlled, although there was a tinge of fear in it. Getting to her paws, the blue feline cast a look of hurt over at the tom before she padded away. Her head was held high-- there was no regret showing in her expression. She headed over towards another part of the territory, away from the tom. Away from him as quickly as she could.
　
She didn't want to be anywhere near Azulpaw at the moment-- had he really wanted her to leave? He must have. There must have been a good reason, too... maybe something was horribly wrong. What had happened? Between the time Nightpaw had argued with him and she had come to get him, it would have had to be something... she tried to think. Alabasterpaw hadn't attacked again. Bluepaw hadn't attacked again. Must have been something I said. The feline waited for what seemed like hours. Unmoving. She didn't want to say anything, and she didn't want to do anything. Asterpaw had never thought he actually wanted her to leave, but it appeared she had been wrong. But, she had done as he had asked. Because there hadn't been any sign of regret. A while back, perhaps Asterpaw's spirit wouldn't have allowed her to listen to him. She would have stayed anyways, stubbornly refusing to leave. She would have stayed until she thought it was time for her to leave. And now? Now she had changed her mind.
*****
Nightpaw liked the words that came from Bluepaw's maw. They sounded right. They sounded good. They sounded like words that he himself would speak. Like the words of someone who knew how to get things done. Like the words of someone who would get things done. A dark, almost cruel smirk spread across Nightpaw's features. "I'm with you." He didn't even know this cat. He had no idea who they were, or why they had any idea who Asterpaw was-- both of which made him suspicious. And yet he was so desperate to get back at the tom who had taken Asterpaw from him-- so desperate to do that that he would team up with a complete stranger. A cat who had no business asking him anything in the first place, and yet here Nightpaw was, teaming up with them. Whoever they were, after all... they seemed to really know what they were doing. What they wanted. And that was the type of confidence that Nightpaw liked to see in a cat. His small size was not to be confused with weakness.
　
Oh no, Nightpaw used this to his advantage. A slimmer build-- a more tiny appearance-- his ears picked up and pointed directly at you as though he were a curious kit-- all of these things built Nightpaw's strength. Without his small size? What use was the fight then, the element of surprise-- seeing their faces... was his favorite thing. And he was confident he would get a battle soon. Oh yes, Nightpaw was going to get what he wanted. Exactly what he wanted. To be honest, Alabasterpaw was not used to being out of the spotlight. She wasn't used to not being the center of attention. The one cat that everyone's eyes were upon, the one cat that others thought they couldn't live without. A cat who certainly commanded and drove others to look at her. And yet here was Asterpaw, with toms circling her like vultures-- toms who Alabasterpaw would get rid of in an instant. Her plan was already set into action. Azulpaw would be dead, and Bluepaw? Well... if Asterpaw really had seen him, there was no way that she would ever be with the piebald tom.
　
And, while the white devil was completely open to allowing herself to be put under the spell of a bad influence... or to influence someone badly... she wasn't willing to open Asterpaw to that same risk. What if her sister ended up like her? Her sweet, darling... and honestly completely naive little sister. The sweetheart who had always been wide-eyed and never failed to make a witty or sharp remark, or to gently heal the wound of heartbreak. Even for the first time, she'd known that was what Asterpaw was meant to do; heal these wounds, the heartbreak that was constantly killing her inside, though she would never allow anyone to see it. Yes, Alabasterpaw knew her half-sister inside and out. Her naive-- and unfortunately very pretty, though Alabasterpaw had taken care of her knowing that long ago-- sister. "Oh boys? Shouldn't we better come up with some sort of a strategy? Like, say... who's going to be a lure, who's going to be the bait, and who's going to be the attack?" Alabasterpaw asked, her eyes annoyed and her expression bored.
　
They needed a lure. Bait. An attack plan. Without those three things, what good was any death plot? What good was any plot at all if there wasn't a plan? Alabasterpaw knew all these things, but the question was-- did the two toms? She knew there were times when toms weren't the smartest. They also weren't always the fastest, bravest, or wittiest. And yet she cats were supposed to allow them to believe this? For a natural-born liar and flirt like Alabasterpaw, that was no big deal. Easy. Very, very easy. But for anyone else? It might be more difficult. Just because they weren't as naturally deceitful as the feline before the two. "Any ideas?" She asked after a moment. While Bluepaw thought he was using her-- he wasn't. She wasn't as stupid as she appeared. She wasn't just any attractive feline who bat her eyelashes at every handsome tom who went padding by her. And she wasn't any starstruck apprentice, either. She was a deceitful, horrible cat who she knew deserved to die. And yet this was the path she had chosen. It was too late to go back now. She would be stuck on it forever, and while she was-- what was wrong with embracing it a little? After all, having fun was having fun. And killing?
　
Well, to Alabasterpaw, that was the most fun of all.
*****
"For your information, Silvster, I actually have a few of them wrapped around my paw. They'll do whatever I want. So, ha!" Foxpaw thrust his face into hers again before smirking slyly. His eyelids drooped a little as he did so, giving him the expression of someone who was up to no good. A sneak. A thief. Someone who was absolutely, positively a jerk. And yet Foxpaw wasn't really a jerk. He was just young-- young and foolish, and someone who could really use a reality check. Except every time it seemed Silverpaw was trying to do that very thing, Foxpaw was ignoring it and skipping away to chase butterflies like the ignorant tom that he was. Was there something wrong with that? Technically, no... not until he grew up and was forced to face the real world. For whatever reason, it seemed Foxpaw had the idea he could have his pick of any feline he wanted. She cat or tom. Though Foxpaw would always choose the she cats-- they were much prettier.
　
And they smelled better, too. Silverpaw had her own distinct scent, though he couldn't pick it out-- the tom himself smelled almost like berries. And a rosy scent that had probably come from brushing himself up against so many she cats. It smelled like he had decided to roll around in a nest that normally belonged to an attractive, sweet smelling female, whether they be a warrior or apprentice. And yes, Foxpaw often went into the warriors' den. While he certainly was not big enough to pass himself off as a warrior, he was big enough to look like he could be looking for someone. Unlike poor Nightpaw, who had nearly been thrown out of the apprentices' den because they thought he was a kit. While Foxpaw didn't always agree with his brother's rough treatment of his friend, he could understand where the harsh, closed off, and night-looking tom was coming from. After all, if the ginger one had been as reserved and rude as the black one, he probably wouldn't have had friends either.
　
And yet, he didn't know how you could not like Silverpaw. She was sweet... different from other cats... and at least she played along. It was nice to have someone play along for once instead of viewing him with disgust and worry, as though he had a mental illness when he tried to flirt with them. What was wrong with having a little fun! She cats never fell for it. Toms didn't seem to care whether he hung around their sweethearts or not. They sort of just gave him a look that clearly meant 'don't get too serious' and backed off. He never understood why. Foxpaw was a handsome tom, by general standards; at least he believed himself to be. He had a thick, ginger coat with a white chest... green hues... and he looked to be older then he was, which gave him a wider selection of felines to flirt with. After all, no one really payed much attention when an older cat flirted with a younger one, but if it was the other way around... things tended to get messy real quick. "Hey, some cats don't mind thorns. I've seen desert flowers like you get ripped apart-- by cats like Nightpaw, and even by cats like Asty. It's the classic case of rejection." Foxpaw shrugged.
　
It was true-- he'd seen very delicate looking cats be rejected so harshly it hurt him to think about it... and not to mention even if they did have thorns, as Silverpaw was claiming, those thorns barely picked at these cats. They were tough. Brutal. And acted like they could do whatever they wanted. Wherever did they get that idea? That they could do what they wanted, when they wanted, and pretend like they owned everyone. Something was seriously wrong with a cat who decided they wanted to act like that. He wasn't that bad! He just... occasionally flirted with a feline, caught their eye or they caught his... but he wouldn't rip someone apart like some of the flirts he had seen. Crashing cats to the ground and dashing them to pieces once they were through. What happened when you decided you didn't like a cat anymore? At least, not in that way. "That's right. My heart's so big, it has room for all of you guys in it. It just has a bunch of little cracks from all the rejections," He laughed.
　
The tom cocked his head to the side and examined Silverpaw. Her? Afraid of rejection? The thought was almost laughable, had it not been so serious. Rejection was no laughing matter, but Silverpaw being rejected? That didn't even make sense. The silver feline seemed to be one of the most popular cats in his small group of friends, with Kestrelpaw...Silverpaw...Asterpaw... and now he would add that other cat, what was his name? Azulpaw? That had probably been it, but Foxpaw didn't really care much for toms in the first place. They weren't as interesting, pretty, or sweet-smelling as she cats. Nor were they as flower-like. "Getting nervous, are we, Silvy Silvster? Well, don't worry. I, sweetheart, do not give up easily. Persistence pays off." He laughed, and listened to her next words. Persistence had always payed off for him-- well, semi-payed off. Some she cats were giving him at least a second look at this point. Some even a third.
　
Which was nice, but looks weren't what Foxpaw was aiming for. He wanted more then that. Much, much more. And yet Foxpaw sincerely doubted that he would ever get much more then that. Looks were what the tom was getting at the moment, and even if he did become more handsome and stopped flirting so much with age, he might still be unpopular with the females. What was it? Did he come on too strong? Or was he not worth their time, like Silverpaw had said-- they could tell. With their built in radars and laser eyes and sparkling smiles. How was a gender so gorgeous so powerful at the same time? And was she sure that desert flowers like her had thorns? Because he was pretty sure thorns could be torn off one by one until it was just a tender stem that could be snapped like a twig. Though sometimes they just bent, as he had also seen. But any experience like that definitely left them bruised. Ah well. He couldn't control her life, but perhaps he could guide it in the right direction.
　
Oh, he wasn't really thinking about ending up with Silverpaw in the future. She was the best friend he would ever have, but as far as being his type? Nah. They were both a little young for that, weren't they? Her next words put a smile on his maw. "Eh, maybe you're right. But hey-- I'll take it, attitude isn't everything." He told her, grinning like he had something important to say but wasn't going to say it. Silverpaw was a pretty cat... that much was undeniable. But as far as personality went, she wasn't exactly his type. Sweet cats were great...they were wonderful, beautiful, special silver beings, but they just weren't the type of cat that he would want to be with for the rest of his life. That was just him talking, though. Some cats loved other sweet cats, or they just loved sweethearts in general. Foxpaw? He took what he would get. When she started talking about how romantic this tree was, Foxpaw wasn't sure what she wanted-- was she thinking about them, or herself?
　
He'd never thought of the little silver cat as a romantic. Especially since she just... didn't really seem like she should be. She seemed like a more sensible type in Foxpaw's mind. Sensible and to the point, at least. "Never thought of you as such a sucker for romance, Silvster." He purred, emerald hues flashing. Sure, maybe he did flirt with her a little... but was he really that interested? That devoted? Nah. This would pass just like everything else, and pretty soon? It would pass right on to be over. He just knew it. At her remark about Dusk Syndicate cats, his eyes grew wide, but he didn't address it. That seemed more personal then he would have cared to get into. Personal things were not Foxpaw's forte when it came to conversation. He preferred a nice, long talk about nothing rather then a short one about something that would really matter.

Silverpaw threw Foxpaw an incredulous look as if he completed the worst crime yet. She gave him a simple roll of her eyes, before laughing. ‘’Oh, forgive me, great one. I forget how you get all the she-cats attention.’’ She tried to say in her utmost sweet voice, but failed in the process of doing so, which meant that she sounded sarcastic than any other. The she-cat cleared her throat. Sarcasm was not her forte. She liked to believe that cats admired her sweet natured because she was an easy feline to talk to. To discuss problems with. To help someone else. Whenever she was with her friends, she couldn’t help, but laugh and act witty--sarcastic like. It was like they brought out another side to her, something she hated, but could stand at the same time. Who would want to be stuck with a sweet and tensed feline for a friend? Silverpaw surely wouldn’t. However, she was accepting to all cats, which made it easy for her to be friends with many.

Starclan forbid her to choose a best friend. Many would think that Azulpaw was her best friend, but she never associated the grey tom as a best friend. Clearly, she thought of him as her brother, and close friend. Kestrelpaw and her brother, Hawkpaw were her best friends. Kestrelpaw was awesome to get along with, and Silverpaw found herself addicted to the she-cat. Her brother, Hawkpaw reminded Silverpaw of Azulpaw, which automatically got her attached to him quickly. Foxpaw was also good friend. A tinge too flirty with many--and all. Though she endearly enjoyed his company because he was comical! She loved laughing at his antics, and rooting him on like a true friend. Asterpaw seemed like a great friend as well. Though they were only friends and still getting to know each other. Coconutpaw was great company to have, Silverpaw enjoyed talking to her. Jadekit was another close friend. Silverpaw felt strongly protective of her. But the question was: Who do she consider as a best friend?

Usually, when she thought of the word best friend, she thought of someone who was funny. Hilarious. Always willing to make her laugh. Someone she could confide in whenever she was sad or emotional. Someone she could joke with, and get into playful fights. Someone she could be playfully mean to. Someone who cared for her, and she cared for them. Someone who pushed her forward, believed in her, and she would do the same for them. Did she have anyone that she could amount this to? Of course! Most of her friends were like this with her. It was like the whole world was her best friend. The world was her oyster.

‘’Persistence do pay off. Sometimes it’s even a waste. Don’t you ever wonder if you’re wasting your time just chasing after something...that will never happen?’’ Silverpaw tilts her head forward to look at the sky. Since she was a young kit, she patiently waited for her mother to provide her with love. The silver bengal was persistent. She did not stop to try and impress her mother. Hunting, pouncing, climbing; anything to land the older queen’s attention. Silverpaw even went through extreme measures of rolling around in field of flowers to get a desired scent, one that stuck to her for the longest just to make sure her mother would notice her. Her mother loved flowers, and perhaps she would love the little flower that she birthed. However it never came, and she wondered why. Yet, she ran after her mother, hoping to her friend. She was flicked off with a tail, or snarled at to stay away. Persistence pays off. Hardly. Silverpaw had enough patience, and that’s what made her withdrew from others. Her innocent act was tough to crack through, but she earnestly wished she could snap at others and lash out her fury. Just like what Azulpaw used to tell her when she refused to cry: Just let it out. Eventually a hurricane will wipe everything away. Well, was it possible with her anger as well? Was it possible that a tornado will wipe everything away?

The she-cat slowly came back to reality, and she snapped at Foxpaw, ‘’Tell anyone and you won’t see another day.’’ Her voice was playful, but she was serious. He was never suppose to be exposed to that..side of her. Evidently, she was a she-cat! Just like others, she thought of romantic things, though she never believed she would take part into them. It was one thing about promoting such things, and another about living it. Silverpaw was too young to express her desires, but as far as she knew: she didn’t want anything to do with the love nature. After hearing the depressing story of how her dad left her mom, leaving her bitter state for Silverpaw to cope with. Did she really want to allow herself to go through with what her mother did? No. Not at all. This whole crush thing and meeting new toms did not settle well within her. It was different when they were flirting. She would play along with them because she didn’t want them to feel hurt. Silverpaw would never find herself anybody. As much as she would had loved to chase Foxpaw off deep within her, she couldn’t do that to the sly fox.

‘’Oh,’’ She gave him a prideful look, her ears picking. ‘’You have some wrapped around your paw, huh? You know family members don’t count.’’ She gives him a wink, and begins to start laughing. Remembering what he said earlier, had her thinking a lot. Foxpaw...have she-cats wrapped around his paw? What a funny thing to say! Yet, what else did she expect from the tom? She literally had to keep reminding herself that he was Foxpaw. The wannabe charmer. The wannabe every she-cat’s crush. He was a wannabe when it came to love. After she was finished with her giggling fest, the she-cat lightly nudged him with her paw, backing up a good distance from him. ‘’Let me rephrase what I said, attitude is everything. Just depends on what type of attitude you’re looking for.’’

The feline did not want him to feel different because of what she thought. Their interests conflicted in a way, and they were both seeking different things. Foxpaw loved a she-cat with a fire to her. Silverpaw did not know what she had liked. Sure, she loved adventure, but who didn’t? Was a love for adventure even a type? But as she had told him earlier: I’m going to wing life. And, that’s exactly what she was willing to do. Wing life, and see where it would take her. Perhaps, she wouldn’t even live to have a mate and bear kits. Maybe she would die in a major battle, allowing her name to be forever remembered. ‘’Foxy, one day...I hope to see you around. Because when the day comes that you finally caught yourself a good desert flower,’’ She rolled her eyes at this point, but smiled on, ‘’It will be funny. I will be cheering you on, but just letting you know that I’ll also be embarrassing. Not that I would need to, since you clearly can do that on your own.’’ She says, and brushed her tail along his side in a friendly manner.

In six more moons that would be warriors. Well, that would only be going for Foxpaw and her. Six more moons to wait of what the future holds for both of them. She didn’t expect them to change that much. Foxpaw would still be flirting with any she-cat that passed his way, and she...well, what would she be doing? Admiring her new name? Chasing after butterflies? Helping out in the medicine den because she was too coward to go to war? The future brought worries, which was why Silverpaw found herself not thinking much on the issue. Somethings could not be help, however. The past make you bitter, the future make you worry. But, the present? That seems to make you anxious for the future. Right now, that’s what she was, and as if on cue a small butterfly landed on her nose, yellow wings. She crossed her eyes to look at it with a smile, which made her look weird. As the butterfly flew up, Silverpaw swished her tail fascinated by its every move.

Nature. It was what she was into. More of the living surroundings that moved around was what she was interested in. They were free, and decorated to a pretty core. She wanted to be pretty as a butterfly. She wondered how come cats were dazzled like the flying creatures with the exotic wings. How come cats couldn’t get their pelts to be those pastel colors? They were alluring, addicting, and different. Silverpaw wanted to be different.

Silverpaw had cleared her throat, seeming to be quiet for a while. She got up, stretched her limbs before giving a gentle lick at her maw. ‘’So, how have you been lately? Other than trying to score one with the she-cats.’’ She laughed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Did she really just...leave?

Just like that?

Like that?

That?

‘’W-...’’Azulpaw stopped himself from going after all. He had been the one to tell her to leave, but he didn’t mean it. Did she not understand the concept of staying when someone...someone in need, needed someone the most? Did she take no heed to that? If it were him, he would had stayed. He would had remained stubborn until he knew she would be able to handle her own.

But, she left.

She didn’t turn back. She didn’t see the anxious look he held on his face as he saw her leaving. Azulpaw broke down, allowing his pain ridden body to collapse on the floor, fatigued. The pain shot them him, but quickly faded away as a new emotional pain settled within him. Emotional pain was the worst type of pain felt. It messed with your feelings and ate at your heart. It wouldn’t stop until your heart was devoured whole, nothing was left--not even shattered pieces. Though the grey tom did not blame her for leaving. He blamed himself for allowing her to leave. It was what she wanted to do, and did he have the strength to stop her? Of course not. Maybe, he did, but he refused to act on it. He thought with all his heart--the piece he had left, that she would stay. That she would reply with something sarcastic, but stayed.

She would stay.

She was a reason why he wanted to die.

She was the reason why he needed to live.

No. I don't believe it's an emotion. It's a choice that you make that's somewhere in between a blessing and a curse. The best thing that will ever happen to you, and sometimes the worst. It can make you smile and cry at the same time. It's the most powerful thing, and at the same time a weakness. The scariest and the most amazing thing. Turn your whole life upside down. And you'll still want it. Make you feel like you're drowning, flying, jumping, dying... everything at once. But you'll still want it. The choice you make to love someone can make you feel emotions like whatever all of those would be, but in itself it's not one.

The tom looked into the distance, rolling his eyes to stare at her retreating form. She was gone, out of sight, leaving him to actually commit what he was willing to do. ‘’It would be nice if Alabasterpaw came out at this time to finish her job.’’ He grunts, and forces himself on his side, closing his eyes. The grey tom thought about the earlier input that Asterpaw answered to his rhetorical question. He was surprised that she even answered it, but he was satisfied with what she was saying. It was true. Love was a blessing and a curse. Only...he didn’t receive a blessing. Only.... it was the worst thing that happened to him. Only...it made him frown more than he smiled. Only… it’s been a weakness to him. Only...it was the scariest thing that happened to him.

So far, he wanted to scream. He wanted to let out his frustration. Why did she leave? Why did she leave! What did she leave? WHY DID SHE LEAVE! Had it not occurred to her how exposed he was to this outside world? That she left when he needed her the most? ‘’It was test.’’ He quietly mewed to himself, sniffling. It was a simple test to see if she would stay even if he told her to leave, but she failed it. In an odd way, the tom felt like he failed her.

Now, he was alone. Looking around the territory and sighing at seeing no one around to help him. Notice his lack of hope. The tom pushed himself up, grunting in the process, but continued on. At this moment, he wished to never had emotions. He wished he carried no feelings for anyone or anything around them. He wished he never let the blue cat in. When he died, who would she blame? Him for leaving her? Her sister for attacking him? Would she blame herself? She was the most accurate answer to why he left. Again, why did she leave? He understood that she felt stressed, but why would she leave him? Was her brain or her heart talking? If her heart allowed her to leave, he was never in it anyway.

The tom stopped in his tracks, closing his eyes and bowing his head. Small breaths came in and out, but he staggered along. He looked up, going to a nearby tree, and with all his might he tried to climb it. He wanted to stick his claws into the bark and force himself up--and he tried, but failed multiple times. He clawed at the bark, praying to Starclan to go easy on him. The tom made it up halfway, but immediately fell onto his back. He let out a sharp yowl, but quickly covered his mouth from the pain. As he laid there for a few moments, hoping to allow his breathing to reciprocate.

The tom stumbled to get up, leaning on his side and giving the the tree a horrid look. He was depleted of everything. Yet he continued,and failed once again, landing on his side in an uncomfortable way. A small whimper escaped his maw, and he stayed down for the time being. ‘’I mean, I can’t blame her for leaving. I told her to leave and she was only doing exactly what I asked. I was hoping she would go against what I said. That she would stay...but they always leave. Why did I not see this coming?’’ He held in a shaky breath, maintaining his tears.

Azulpaw was already in more pain than he was in before. Falling down a tree a couple times may have landed him more broken bones that he would had liked. Besides that, the wounds on his back were making themselves at home. He looked terrible. That much he knew.

One last time, the tom limped towards the tree, and hooked his laws into the bark. He made a heavy grunting noise as he hoisted himself up, and up, and up, having the tiniest piece of hope that he had left to use it to climb to the highest branch. Each branch he passed, he felt a wave of victory, and finally landed on the highest one he could. He crawled towards the end of the branch, and at the last minute did he notice that it was unstable. He had to be still in order to not fall.

Yet.

Maybe he wanted to fall.

Azulpaw peeked down at the ground, and gulped. That would be a fall he most likely wouldn’t survive. The tom looked up at the sky, noticing a cloudless appearance. The sky was always pretty and calm. Every emotion he felt, it left him numbed. Feeling too many things at once...was that even possible? Pain depression, sadness, hopelessness...all the negative emotions? Where were the positive ones? Not that he needed to be positive at this point. He was left by the one friend he thought would never leave me. He was left with pride in her eyes. She didn’t look back at him, or look deperately in his eyes to notice he was trembling as he awaited her answer. She didn’t notice the clouded depression that seeped into his expression when she turned to leave. She didn’t notice the stammering words he said as he told her.

All she noticed was her chance to leave. Azulpaw felt that she wanted to leave. Asterpaw didn’t want to be bothered with him. She had other important matters to take care of. Nightpaw, being one of them. Maybe that’s where she was, lollygagging off with Nightpaw, laughing and joking with the black furball. Maybe, she did know that he wanted her to stay, but used it as an good excuse to leave. Asterpaw was a lot smarter than he took for granted. If the matters were different. If Alabasterpaw had a heart...would Asterpaw leave her sister after Alabasterpaw told her to? Of course, she wouldn’t. Asterpaw loved her sister, and she didn’t care if Alabasterpaw told her to go. Asterpaw wouldn’t go. Would she?

The tom shifted his weight a bit, feeling something pick him in the side. He made the wrong move, causing the branch to to snap, and making Azulpaw fall to the ground. He landed roughly on the ground, not having enough balance to land safely. Instead, he was crushed into an awkward position, and never in his life did he have so much fear for trees. Yet, it was exhilarating because it felt like death made love into his heart.

The tom did not dare to move. He simply laid there, his eyes blinking slowly. Other cats around him didn’t notice him--nor did they cared. He laid in a heap of pain, wincing slowly.

I'll bring flowers. Which ones are your favorites?

Flowers. Azulpaw never truly been a flower guy. He was attracted to the scent of the lovely plants, but flowers weren’t his forte to woo a she-cat. He liked to do things his own way when it came to romance. Flowers weren’t only thought of as sign of likeness, of affection. Flowers were treated as a sign for any occasion. The main occasion that allowed him to leave the world, and never getting to tell Asterpaw what type of flowers he liked.

The tom liked all types of flowers.

But, Asterpaw. Asters were his favorite.

‘’Asters are my favorite.’’ His breathing was rapid until his heart began beating at a normal, slow pace. The tom closed his eyes, allowing the darkness to consume him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

‘’Glad to hear it, pal! You’re going to enjoy this plan.’’ Bluepaw snickered, feeling a slight swell of pride inside his chest. The tom flickered his ears wondering what else they needed. He heard Alabasterpaw’s voice, and distantly tried to pay attention to her. The tom nodded at her before standing to his paws and stretching. The plan had to be simple. Yet, effective. The three things they needed: Lure, bait, and attack. Bluepaw did not trust Alabasterpaw to deliver a good attack. She had two chances to mess up the grey tom and missed out on both of them. He was heavily disappointed when he found that Azulpaw was alive, and Asterpaw did not look too happy with him.

Bluepaw couldn’t allow his hope to deter if he wanted to be with the blue cat. She was astounding to him, perfect for him. Truth was, they both were, but Asterpaw was currently on his mind. The piebald tom was still hurt with how Alabasterpaw played with his feelings, and even if she still had the tiniest bit control over him, he wouldn’t allow herself to get victory from all the broken hearts she broke.

Sometimes he wondered if he was fighting against the wrong enemy. Maybe, it should had been Alabasterpaw he was up against instead of Azulpaw. Maybe he should be taking her down since she caused all this to happen. Bluepaw swallowed a hiss, but he carried on with the plan. There was no backing out now. His heart was consumed in the darkness, and the once naive, generous tom that everyone knew...found himself gone. Disappeared. Vanished.

Bluepaw looked Nightpaw over, checking to see what role he would fit in their plan. ‘’How much on a level does..Asterpaw mean to you? How much do you hate this Azulpaw?’’ He asked. First thing he needed to know was how far was Nightpaw willing to take things. He wanted to feel the determination from the black tom. Determination was key to anything. If they were going to get things right this time, they all lacked determination. Build up that determination.

Bluepaw noticed his companion’s lack of interest, and he gently brushed his tail alongside her. ‘’No rushing, Alabasterpaw. Things like this take time. And, in the end it will be worth it.’’ Bluepaw knew that the three of them would be too obvious in Asterpaw’s eyes, so he was willing to approach a new plan. One that included two more that were missing from their ultimate goal.

Silverpaw...and this other feline that Alabasterpaw did not currently like very much--found him annoying. Bluepaw forgot his name quickly because it never matter to him who they were. Once he was done with this plan, he could simply discard them all. Except Alabasterpaw. He felt that he would never be fully finished with her. As for the other three, Silverpaw would most likely be joining Azulpaw in his grave, Nightpaw would be clawed off by Asterpaw herself, and that sweet other one would run away from the rest of his life. Nowhere to be seen.

Bluepaw could see the future. It was...bright. First he would need to handle Nightpaw’s part before he allowed himself to settle Silverpaw and this other tom into the plan. In the end, it would be worth the wait.

[BluBunnie]

Noire

Mousefur's yellow hues landed on his crush, Cloudriver. He wasn't sure what to say, not that he could say anything in the first place. His voice box got injured as a kit and all he could make were strange gargles. He looked ahead of him and observed the territory carefully. He enjoyed being with Cloudriver even if they didn't talk. He smiled to himself and picked up his pace before looking back at his crush with a smirk.

[Brilliance]

Noire

Mousefur's yellow hues landed on his crush, Cloudriver. He wasn't sure what to say, not that he could say anything in the first place. His voice box got injured as a kit and all he could make were strange gargles. He looked ahead of him and observed the territory carefully. He enjoyed being with Cloudriver even if they didn't talk. He smiled to himself and picked up his pace before looking back at his crush with a smirk.

Cloudriver padded after Mousefur, a gentle smile on her maw. The only reason she became friends with him was because they both--at first, seemed to be quiet. Cloudriver always been quiet but Mousefur was...mute. It was sad that she would never get to hear her best friend's crushes, but over the moons, she had gotten to know him well, to understand him and what he wanted or needed. The she-cat trotted until she was on the side of him, and she put on an amused grin. ''Why are you looking at me like that, Mousy?'' She teased, using the nickname she gave him a while ago. Her thoughts wavered to her brother, wondering what he was up to. She haven't seen him in a while and she supposed that he was busy. He could at least seen her! It wasn't hard to pay her a simple visit every once and a while! Then again, the black she-cat had Mouseful--Mousy, and she was happy with who she could be with. Without even knowing, she brushed herself alongside him, feeling the softness of his fur before she sped up in her steps, throwing him back a grin. She was grateful to have him.

[BluBunnie]

Cloudriver padded after Mousefur, a gentle smile on her maw. The only reason she became friends with him was because they both--at first, seemed to be quiet. Cloudriver always been quiet but Mousefur was...mute. It was sad that she would never get to hear her best friend's crushes, but over the moons, she had gotten to know him well, to understand him and what he wanted or needed. The she-cat trotted until she was on the side of him, and she put on an amused grin. ''Why are you looking at me like that, Mousy?'' She teased, using the nickname she gave him a while ago. Her thoughts wavered to her brother, wondering what he was up to. She haven't seen him in a while and she supposed that he was busy. He could at least seen her! It wasn't hard to pay her a simple visit every once and a while! Then again, the black she-cat had Mouseful--Mousy, and she was happy with who she could be with. Without even knowing, she brushed herself alongside him, feeling the softness of his fur before she sped up in her steps, throwing him back a grin. She was grateful to have him.

Mousefur smiled at Cloudrivers question, he liked the nickname she gave him. The last time some cat had given him a nickname was his brother, who called him Tiny. His eyes glazed over as he thought about his brother, he was a loner now but was an old member of Skyclan. The spotted cat was brought back to reality when the she-cat brushed against him. He smiled gently and watched her with bright eyes as she sped up. 'She think she can beat me?' he thought. He turned his gait into a slow run, passing his friend.

[Brilliance]

Mousefur smiled at Cloudrivers question, he liked the nickname she gave him. The last time some cat had given him a nickname was his brother, who called him Tiny. His eyes glazed over as he thought about his brother, he was a loner now but was an old member of Skyclan. The spotted cat was brought back to reality when the she-cat brushed against him. He smiled gently and watched her with bright eyes as she sped up. 'She think she can beat me?' he thought. He turned his gait into a slow run, passing his friend.

''Hey, slow down! It's not a race, you know.'' The she-cat slightly purred at her friend as she lagged behind. They were simply out for a walk. After she was cooped up in the warrior's den, she decided to pay her good friend a visit. She needed some sunshine in her life, and no doubt that he needed it as well. The she-cat,continued to pad forward, emitting out a small sigh. One thing she did know was that sh enjoyed talking to Mousefur. She could tell him secret without them ever getting out--literally! Though as cruel as it may sounded, Cloudriver felt very safe around the tom. Whenever she was depressed or sad, who did she go to? Mousefur. Why? Because his simple comfort of allowing her to cuddle within him, made her better alone. ''Although, even if it were a race, I could still beat you.'' She remarked playfully. ''After all, I'm the best and you know it!'' She giggled.

[lone]

Silverpaw threw Foxpaw an incredulous look as if he completed the worst crime yet. She gave him a simple roll of her eyes, before laughing. ‘’Oh, forgive me, great one. I forget how you get all the she-cats attention.’’ She tried to say in her utmost sweet voice, but failed in the process of doing so, which meant that she sounded sarcastic than any other. The she-cat cleared her throat. Sarcasm was not her forte. She liked to believe that cats admired her sweet natured because she was an easy feline to talk to. To discuss problems with. To help someone else. Whenever she was with her friends, she couldn’t help, but laugh and act witty--sarcastic like. It was like they brought out another side to her, something she hated, but could stand at the same time. Who would want to be stuck with a sweet and tensed feline for a friend? Silverpaw surely wouldn’t. However, she was accepting to all cats, which made it easy for her to be friends with many.

Starclan forbid her to choose a best friend. Many would think that Azulpaw was her best friend, but she never associated the grey tom as a best friend. Clearly, she thought of him as her brother, and close friend. Kestrelpaw and her brother, Hawkpaw were her best friends. Kestrelpaw was awesome to get along with, and Silverpaw found herself addicted to the she-cat. Her brother, Hawkpaw reminded Silverpaw of Azulpaw, which automatically got her attached to him quickly. Foxpaw was also good friend. A tinge too flirty with many--and all. Though she endearly enjoyed his company because he was comical! She loved laughing at his antics, and rooting him on like a true friend. Asterpaw seemed like a great friend as well. Though they were only friends and still getting to know each other. Coconutpaw was great company to have, Silverpaw enjoyed talking to her. Jadekit was another close friend. Silverpaw felt strongly protective of her. But the question was: Who do she consider as a best friend?

Usually, when she thought of the word best friend, she thought of someone who was funny. Hilarious. Always willing to make her laugh. Someone she could confide in whenever she was sad or emotional. Someone she could joke with, and get into playful fights. Someone she could be playfully mean to. Someone who cared for her, and she cared for them. Someone who pushed her forward, believed in her, and she would do the same for them. Did she have anyone that she could amount this to? Of course! Most of her friends were like this with her. It was like the whole world was her best friend. The world was her oyster.

‘’Persistence do pay off. Sometimes it’s even a waste. Don’t you ever wonder if you’re wasting your time just chasing after something...that will never happen?’’ Silverpaw tilts her head forward to look at the sky. Since she was a young kit, she patiently waited for her mother to provide her with love. The silver bengal was persistent. She did not stop to try and impress her mother. Hunting, pouncing, climbing; anything to land the older queen’s attention. Silverpaw even went through extreme measures of rolling around in field of flowers to get a desired scent, one that stuck to her for the longest just to make sure her mother would notice her. Her mother loved flowers, and perhaps she would love the little flower that she birthed. However it never came, and she wondered why. Yet, she ran after her mother, hoping to her friend. She was flicked off with a tail, or snarled at to stay away. Persistence pays off. Hardly. Silverpaw had enough patience, and that’s what made her withdrew from others. Her innocent act was tough to crack through, but she earnestly wished she could snap at others and lash out her fury. Just like what Azulpaw used to tell her when she refused to cry: Just let it out. Eventually a hurricane will wipe everything away. Well, was it possible with her anger as well? Was it possible that a tornado will wipe everything away?

The she-cat slowly came back to reality, and she snapped at Foxpaw, ‘’Tell anyone and you won’t see another day.’’ Her voice was playful, but she was serious. He was never suppose to be exposed to that..side of her. Evidently, she was a she-cat! Just like others, she thought of romantic things, though she never believed she would take part into them. It was one thing about promoting such things, and another about living it. Silverpaw was too young to express her desires, but as far as she knew: she didn’t want anything to do with the love nature. After hearing the depressing story of how her dad left her mom, leaving her bitter state for Silverpaw to cope with. Did she really want to allow herself to go through with what her mother did? No. Not at all. This whole crush thing and meeting new toms did not settle well within her. It was different when they were flirting. She would play along with them because she didn’t want them to feel hurt. Silverpaw would never find herself anybody. As much as she would had loved to chase Foxpaw off deep within her, she couldn’t do that to the sly fox.

‘’Oh,’’ She gave him a prideful look, her ears picking. ‘’You have some wrapped around your paw, huh? You know family members don’t count.’’ She gives him a wink, and begins to start laughing. Remembering what he said earlier, had her thinking a lot. Foxpaw...have she-cats wrapped around his paw? What a funny thing to say! Yet, what else did she expect from the tom? She literally had to keep reminding herself that he was Foxpaw. The wannabe charmer. The wannabe every she-cat’s crush. He was a wannabe when it came to love. After she was finished with her giggling fest, the she-cat lightly nudged him with her paw, backing up a good distance from him. ‘’Let me rephrase what I said, attitude is everything. Just depends on what type of attitude you’re looking for.’’

The feline did not want him to feel different because of what she thought. Their interests conflicted in a way, and they were both seeking different things. Foxpaw loved a she-cat with a fire to her. Silverpaw did not know what she had liked. Sure, she loved adventure, but who didn’t? Was a love for adventure even a type? But as she had told him earlier: I’m going to wing life. And, that’s exactly what she was willing to do. Wing life, and see where it would take her. Perhaps, she wouldn’t even live to have a mate and bear kits. Maybe she would die in a major battle, allowing her name to be forever remembered. ‘’Foxy, one day...I hope to see you around. Because when the day comes that you finally caught yourself a good desert flower,’’ She rolled her eyes at this point, but smiled on, ‘’It will be funny. I will be cheering you on, but just letting you know that I’ll also be embarrassing. Not that I would need to, since you clearly can do that on your own.’’ She says, and brushed her tail along his side in a friendly manner.

In six more moons that would be warriors. Well, that would only be going for Foxpaw and her. Six more moons to wait of what the future holds for both of them. She didn’t expect them to change that much. Foxpaw would still be flirting with any she-cat that passed his way, and she...well, what would she be doing? Admiring her new name? Chasing after butterflies? Helping out in the medicine den because she was too coward to go to war? The future brought worries, which was why Silverpaw found herself not thinking much on the issue. Somethings could not be help, however. The past make you bitter, the future make you worry. But, the present? That seems to make you anxious for the future. Right now, that’s what she was, and as if on cue a small butterfly landed on her nose, yellow wings. She crossed her eyes to look at it with a smile, which made her look weird. As the butterfly flew up, Silverpaw swished her tail fascinated by its every move.

Nature. It was what she was into. More of the living surroundings that moved around was what she was interested in. They were free, and decorated to a pretty core. She wanted to be pretty as a butterfly. She wondered how come cats were dazzled like the flying creatures with the exotic wings. How come cats couldn’t get their pelts to be those pastel colors? They were alluring, addicting, and different. Silverpaw wanted to be different.

Silverpaw had cleared her throat, seeming to be quiet for a while. She got up, stretched her limbs before giving a gentle lick at her maw. ‘’So, how have you been lately? Other than trying to score one with the she-cats.’’ She laughed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Did she really just...leave?

Just like that?

Like that?

That?

‘’W-...’’Azulpaw stopped himself from going after all. He had been the one to tell her to leave, but he didn’t mean it. Did she not understand the concept of staying when someone...someone in need, needed someone the most? Did she take no heed to that? If it were him, he would had stayed. He would had remained stubborn until he knew she would be able to handle her own.

But, she left.

She didn’t turn back. She didn’t see the anxious look he held on his face as he saw her leaving. Azulpaw broke down, allowing his pain ridden body to collapse on the floor, fatigued. The pain shot them him, but quickly faded away as a new emotional pain settled within him. Emotional pain was the worst type of pain felt. It messed with your feelings and ate at your heart. It wouldn’t stop until your heart was devoured whole, nothing was left--not even shattered pieces. Though the grey tom did not blame her for leaving. He blamed himself for allowing her to leave. It was what she wanted to do, and did he have the strength to stop her? Of course not. Maybe, he did, but he refused to act on it. He thought with all his heart--the piece he had left, that she would stay. That she would reply with something sarcastic, but stayed.

She would stay.

She was a reason why he wanted to die.

She was the reason why he needed to live.

No. I don't believe it's an emotion. It's a choice that you make that's somewhere in between a blessing and a curse. The best thing that will ever happen to you, and sometimes the worst. It can make you smile and cry at the same time. It's the most powerful thing, and at the same time a weakness. The scariest and the most amazing thing. Turn your whole life upside down. And you'll still want it. Make you feel like you're drowning, flying, jumping, dying... everything at once. But you'll still want it. The choice you make to love someone can make you feel emotions like whatever all of those would be, but in itself it's not one.

The tom looked into the distance, rolling his eyes to stare at her retreating form. She was gone, out of sight, leaving him to actually commit what he was willing to do. ‘’It would be nice if Alabasterpaw came out at this time to finish her job.’’ He grunts, and forces himself on his side, closing his eyes. The grey tom thought about the earlier input that Asterpaw answered to his rhetorical question. He was surprised that she even answered it, but he was satisfied with what she was saying. It was true. Love was a blessing and a curse. Only...he didn’t receive a blessing. Only.... it was the worst thing that happened to him. Only...it made him frown more than he smiled. Only… it’s been a weakness to him. Only...it was the scariest thing that happened to him.

So far, he wanted to scream. He wanted to let out his frustration. Why did she leave? Why did she leave! What did she leave? WHY DID SHE LEAVE! Had it not occurred to her how exposed he was to this outside world? That she left when he needed her the most? ‘’It was test.’’ He quietly mewed to himself, sniffling. It was a simple test to see if she would stay even if he told her to leave, but she failed it. In an odd way, the tom felt like he failed her.

Now, he was alone. Looking around the territory and sighing at seeing no one around to help him. Notice his lack of hope. The tom pushed himself up, grunting in the process, but continued on. At this moment, he wished to never had emotions. He wished he carried no feelings for anyone or anything around them. He wished he never let the blue cat in. When he died, who would she blame? Him for leaving her? Her sister for attacking him? Would she blame herself? She was the most accurate answer to why he left. Again, why did she leave? He understood that she felt stressed, but why would she leave him? Was her brain or her heart talking? If her heart allowed her to leave, he was never in it anyway.

The tom stopped in his tracks, closing his eyes and bowing his head. Small breaths came in and out, but he staggered along. He looked up, going to a nearby tree, and with all his might he tried to climb it. He wanted to stick his claws into the bark and force himself up--and he tried, but failed multiple times. He clawed at the bark, praying to Starclan to go easy on him. The tom made it up halfway, but immediately fell onto his back. He let out a sharp yowl, but quickly covered his mouth from the pain. As he laid there for a few moments, hoping to allow his breathing to reciprocate.

The tom stumbled to get up, leaning on his side and giving the the tree a horrid look. He was depleted of everything. Yet he continued,and failed once again, landing on his side in an uncomfortable way. A small whimper escaped his maw, and he stayed down for the time being. ‘’I mean, I can’t blame her for leaving. I told her to leave and she was only doing exactly what I asked. I was hoping she would go against what I said. That she would stay...but they always leave. Why did I not see this coming?’’ He held in a shaky breath, maintaining his tears.

Azulpaw was already in more pain than he was in before. Falling down a tree a couple times may have landed him more broken bones that he would had liked. Besides that, the wounds on his back were making themselves at home. He looked terrible. That much he knew.

One last time, the tom limped towards the tree, and hooked his laws into the bark. He made a heavy grunting noise as he hoisted himself up, and up, and up, having the tiniest piece of hope that he had left to use it to climb to the highest branch. Each branch he passed, he felt a wave of victory, and finally landed on the highest one he could. He crawled towards the end of the branch, and at the last minute did he notice that it was unstable. He had to be still in order to not fall.

Yet.

Maybe he wanted to fall.

Azulpaw peeked down at the ground, and gulped. That would be a fall he most likely wouldn’t survive. The tom looked up at the sky, noticing a cloudless appearance. The sky was always pretty and calm. Every emotion he felt, it left him numbed. Feeling too many things at once...was that even possible? Pain depression, sadness, hopelessness...all the negative emotions? Where were the positive ones? Not that he needed to be positive at this point. He was left by the one friend he thought would never leave me. He was left with pride in her eyes. She didn’t look back at him, or look deperately in his eyes to notice he was trembling as he awaited her answer. She didn’t notice the clouded depression that seeped into his expression when she turned to leave. She didn’t notice the stammering words he said as he told her.

All she noticed was her chance to leave. Azulpaw felt that she wanted to leave. Asterpaw didn’t want to be bothered with him. She had other important matters to take care of. Nightpaw, being one of them. Maybe that’s where she was, lollygagging off with Nightpaw, laughing and joking with the black furball. Maybe, she did know that he wanted her to stay, but used it as an good excuse to leave. Asterpaw was a lot smarter than he took for granted. If the matters were different. If Alabasterpaw had a heart...would Asterpaw leave her sister after Alabasterpaw told her to? Of course, she wouldn’t. Asterpaw loved her sister, and she didn’t care if Alabasterpaw told her to go. Asterpaw wouldn’t go. Would she?

The tom shifted his weight a bit, feeling something piick him in the side. He made the wrong move, causing the branch to to snap, and making Azulpaw fall to the ground. He landed roughly on the ground, not having enough balance to land safely. Instead, he was crushed into an awkward position, and never in his life did he have so much fear for trees. Yet, it was exhilarating because it felt like death made love into his heart.

The tom did not dare to move. He simply laid there, his eyes blinking slowly. Other cats around him didn’t notice him--nor did they cared. He laid in a heap of pain, wincing slowly.

I'll bring flowers. Which ones are your favorites?

Flowers. Azulpaw never truly been a flower guy. He was attracted to the scent of the lovely plants, but flowers weren’t his forte to woo a she-cat. He liked to do things his own way when it came to romance. Flowers weren’t only thought of as sign of likeness, of affection. Flowers were treated as a sign for any occasion. The main occasion that allowed him to leave the world, and never getting to tell Asterpaw what type of flowers he liked.

The tom liked all types of flowers.

But, Asterpaw. Asters were his favorite.

‘’Asters are my favorite.’’ His breathing was rapid until his heart began beating at a normal, slow pace. The tom closed his eyes, allowing the darkness to consume him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

‘’Glad to hear it, pal! You’re going to enjoy this plan.’’ Bluepaw snickered, feeling a slight swell of pride inside his chest. The tom flickered his ears wondering what else they needed. He heard Alabasterpaw’s voice, and distantly tried to pay attention to her. The tom nodded at her before standing to his paws and stretching. The plan had to be simple. Yet, effective. The three things they needed: Lure, bait, and attack. Bluepaw did not trust Alabasterpaw to deliver a good attack. She had two chances to mess up the grey tom and missed out on both of them. He was heavily disappointed when he found that Azulpaw was alive, and Asterpaw did not look too happy with him.

Bluepaw couldn’t allow his hope to deter if he wanted to be with the blue cat. She was astounding to him, perfect for him. Truth was, they both were, but Asterpaw was currently on his mind. The piebald tom was still hurt with how Alabasterpaw played with his feelings, and even if she still had the tiniest bit control over him, he wouldn’t allow herself to get victory from all the broken hearts she broke.

Sometimes he wondered if he was fighting against the wrong enemy. Maybe, it should had been Alabasterpaw he was up against instead of Azulpaw. Maybe he should be taking her down since she caused all this to happen. Bluepaw swallowed a hiss, but he carried on with the plan. There was no backing out now. His heart was consumed in the darkness, and the once naive, generous tom that everyone knew...found himself gone. Disappeared. Vanished.

Bluepaw looked Nightpaw over, checking to see what role he would fit in their plan. ‘’How much on a level does..Asterpaw mean to you? How much do you hate this Azulpaw?’’ He asked. First thing he needed to know was how far was Nightpaw willing to take things. He wanted to feel the determination from the black tom. Determination was key to anything. If they were going to get things right this time, they all lacked determination. Build up that determination.

Bluepaw noticed his companion’s lack of interest, and he gently brushed his tail alongside her. ‘’No rushing, Alabasterpaw. Things like this take time. And, in the end it will be worth it.’’ Bluepaw knew that the three of them would be too obvious in Asterpaw’s eyes, so he was willing to approach a new plan. One that included two more that were missing from their ultimate goal.

Silverpaw...and this other feline that Alabasterpaw did not currently like very much--found him annoying. Bluepaw forgot his name quickly because it never matter to him who they were. Once he was done with this plan, he could simply discard them all. Except Alabasterpaw. He felt that he would never be fully finished with her. As for the other three, Silverpaw would most likely be joining Azulpaw in his grave, Nightpaw would be clawed off by Asterpaw herself, and that sweet other one would run away from the rest of his life. Nowhere to be seen.

Bluepaw could see the future. It was...bright. First he would need to handle Nightpaw’s part before he allowed himself to settle Silverpaw and this other tom into the plan. In the end, it would be worth the wait.



The white feline was well aware that Bluepaw was beginning to lose confidence in her. And maybe, maybe that was the way she wanted it. Now maybe there wouldn't be too much expected of her. As long as there was no confidence, there was no way they would give her a big part in this plan. Bait was the most important part. Something that the tom cared about, luring him in as she had done before. But you couldn't have bait without a lure, and you couldn't have a lure without a plan.
　
And besides-- bait was no good without an attack! She wanted to play again. Playing was fun-- especially when it was claws out, no rules playing. And yet the feline had still failed her attack.
　
Kill him!
　
How simple had those orders been? And somehow, she just... couldn't. Oh she had tried, but then... she hadn't. She'd wanted more playtime. But playtime was over now. If Alabasterpaw got another chance... his death definitely wouldn't be quick and painless.
　
It would be slow. Painful. Harsh. Cruel. Everything that Alabasterpaw would look fowards to doing. The slower, more painful and cruel a death was, the more entertaining it was. That just hadn't been fun enough for her. He hadn't so much as tried to defend himself! Because of her sister? She still didn't understand the idea of dying for someone. No matter how much you cared about them.
　
Would I do that?
　
No-- she would never do that, not for anyone at any time. It was... crazy. Crazy to think that someone might die for another, just because they were... different? Was that what caused that? Thinking that someone was different, special, and that they were more unique then someone else? Thinking that someone was going to be there forever, that they were going to be the one for life? Ridiculous. Anyone who thinks along those lines is a fool. She thought with a snort, the tip of her tail twitching.
　
She was ready for all of this to be over. So life could go back to normal. Once this was over, she would bid farewell to Bluepaw and she would be on her way. Technically there might be a way she could do that now. Except she felt like she was too far in. Maybe she knew she was too far in. Maybe she just thought she was. Either way, the feline got the feeling that things were never going to be the same if things worked out during this plan and Azulpaw was killed.
　
Would her sister ever be the same?
　
Judging by the way she had looked before-- no, probably not. Though she didn't want to bring it up, she doubted that Asterpaw would so much as look Bluepaw's way after that. After all, if he got that idea-- her plan might be over. She might never get to get rid of that cat. He was going to ruin her sister's life. Asterpaw needed to stay away. But she apparantly wasn't getting the message, so... it looked like she was going to have to give her sister a reality check.
　
Nightpaw watched the cat with growing interest. Yes, everything he said seemed to have a certain ring to it. And then he would be able to stay with Asterpaw forever-- he would be able to be around her for the rest of his life. It would be him and Asterpaw together, forever, just like he had always planned. Just like he would always hope. Although he knew there was always some cat wanting her attention, like Lionpaw-- Foxpaw-- previously there had been Alabasterpaw-- and all the other cats that she had been friends with. She was just too nice!
　
That was the problem. Nightpaw couldn't remember a time when she had actually refused to be friends with someone. Except for right then. She had refused him. Of all the cats in the Clan, why did he have to be the one to feel how angry she was? And why was she so angry with him? Just because he had moved on when she did. Just because he'd been a tiny, tiny bit upset didn't mean that she had to snap at him so harshly.
　
"She means a lot. Enough to the point where I would definitely work to get her friendship back." He mewed, with a shrug. What did it matter? Sure, she meant a lot, and sure, he would work-- but if he could tell it wasn't going to happen, he wouldn't push it. She didn't like to be pushed. Everything Nightpaw remembered about the blue feline was from when they were kits. And while she had obviously changed in the moons he hadn't seen her... she couldn't possibly be that different.
　
"Hate's a strong word." He laughed, before his eyes became more serious. "Enough to want to do anything I can to hurt him. It's his fault." Nightpaw's voice became rougher, darker, and his hues flashed angrily. What he didn't know was that Asterpaw's change was not due to the tom he had seen, but to the white feline before him. Her change was not Azulpaw's fault. And it wasn't even entirely Alabasterpaw's fault, either.
　
It was partly her own.
*****
She'd left.
　
Why had she left?
　
She shouldn't have done that-- but she'd given her word! Her word was important. Extremely important, to everyone. Without her word, Asterpaw was nothing. Nothing at all. She would be broken without her word, it had been the one thing holding her together all this time. Now she was just barely dangling, holding on to that one truth she knew. Because she had broken her word to Bluepaw. Had she broken her word to Azulpaw? Hadn't she told him before she wouldn't leave?
　
But...he asked me to.
　
Tests had never been Asterpaw's strong point. She was dreading her assessment because of that. A test. A simple, easy thing. And yet she was dreading it, all because of an irrational fear. The feline's hues seemed to be almost glowing as she sat down. Still in shock over what she had done. She'd just walked away when he needed help. Maybe he hadn't wanted her to go. And yet, he hadn't been kidding-- she'd heard that much. She knew when she wasn't wanted. She knew when she was meant to leave, when she wasn't wanted. But had she gotten it wrong? Had she messed this up, too? I'm so sorry... and she didn't know what else to think. What else to say, or do. If Asterpaw had known for sure that he would still be there, she would have gone back.
　
But he had told her to go. And, she would stay away. She'd given him her word, told him she would go. A yowl split the silence and the she cat jerked her head up. She knew something was wrong. She could feel it. Silence fell afterwards, and the feline's heart rate quickened. Surely-- no-- it couldn't be... could it? He was safe! He was fine! He would be absolutely fine, nothing wrong, nothing at all. Asterpaw tensed, and her ears picked as she tried to find another sound. Any other sound. Anything at all that would lead her in the direction of the tom. Where was he? Her heart rate seemed to continuely be speeding up, and it wouldn't slow.
　
Again, she was scared.
　
She'd wanted to keep anything bad from happening to the tom. To stop it. And yet, this was happening again... something bad. Her whole chest hurt with a burning that she knew could only have come from that intense pain. The most pain she'd felt in a long time, and it was all burning inside of her, making her chest feel like it was on fire. Trying to walk, and struggling... stumbling, as though she were in a dream, Asterpaw made her way over towards where she had heard the yowl. What had happened? It had only been a few minutes, what possibly could have happened in that amount of time? I want you to leave. Why, oh why hadn't she just said no? Because of her word. Because of her stupid innocence that she thought he meant what he said.
　
What have I done?
　
What had she done? What had he done, too, to deserve this awful thing? He hadn't done anything. And yet here he was, enduring all of this. What had he done? What had she done to deserve any of this? She didn't deserve it. She wasn't worth it. And yet, he thought she was. Or was there some other reason? Surely there had to be. No one did this for another cat. They just wouldn't, it was... unbearable. And she wished she could just remove herself from his mind, from his life, but she knew she wouldn't be able to get rid of him. What would I do without you? Her question was teasing, and yet serious at the same time. She wouldn't be able to manage without the tom who had done so much for her. Come to my funeral? Such innocent words, at first. Now they held darker meaning then she wished to think about. This was her fault. Again, it was always her fault. It would always be her fault. She couldn't escape it, it was embracing her like the darkness, suffocating her.
　
She was drowning, but she couldn't call out.
　
She was in darkness, and there was no light anywhere.
　
She was falling, falling, but she would never hit bottom.
　
She was dying-- bleeding out, and everyone was just watching her.
　
All she'd ever wanted to do was help. To make it better for everyone; for Azulpaw, for Alabasterpaw, for Bluepaw-- but she had made things worse. This was all her fault, and nothing was going to help it. A shudder went down her spine as she continued to stumble onwards, blindly, desperately, trying to find where he was. But she could hardly see, she was so lost in her thoughts. Before now, Asterpaw had definitely known what emotional pain was. She had forgotten how much stronger it was, how much more potent it was, and how heavily it rested on your chest and mind. More so on your mind. Had she been listening to her head or heart?
　
Her head had said go. Do what you've always done. Run, get away, follow your word.
　
But her heart had said stay.
　
Stay.
　
Her heart had been right, she should have stayed. Her head had been wrong. She couldn't remember the last time she had been so wrong. Maybe she should have let her heart lead her through life instead of her head. Maybe then she would have stronger friendships, and would she have met Azulpaw? Probably so. But she might have been more polite about it. It was always her heart that led her to reach out towards the cats that Alabasterpaw ended up toying with and then discarding. It was always her heart that let her do anything kind. Her head was that sarcastic, closed off, part of her that told her to stay closed off. Stay inside her own mind. Never outside. Never, ever trust. Not until they've earned it. And she knew she'd been wrong to think that. Sometimes cats just needed some trust themselves in order to trust others. But she hadn't given them that trust. She'd had them trust her blindly. And now? Now she was just as blind as they were, wandering in the dark, so to speak.
　
And then she saw what she knew she was going to, but what she hoped she wouldn't. A figure. On the ground. Completely still. He wasn't moving. He wasn't moving. A thousand thoughts went through Asterpaw's head at once, shooting through her and causing her to stumble sideways. It felt like something had just struck her in the head. Like it was trying to kill her, just by beating her on the side of the head over and over again. And she could feel it quite clearly. It was strong, and painful, and Asterpaw gave a soft whimper. Though she didn't know why she was crying. She wasn't the one who was dead. He was dead. Gone. "What have I done?" Asterpaw asked herself, her ears pinned backwards against her head.
　
She had done this.
　
She had done this.
　
Intentionally or not, she had caused this. And now Alabasterpaw was definitely going to have to pay. So was Bluepaw. No amount of crying, or wishing, or praying was going to bring Azulpaw back. Come to think of it, neither was getting rid of Alabasterpaw and Bluepaw. "What kind of flowers do you want?" She asked softly, although she knew he couldn't hear her. Was he breathing? She thought she could see him breathing, but then it seemed to flicker like her imagination as she glanced up at the sky. She was just dreaming. Dreaming about having him back and what she would do differently. He'd already done so much for her. He'd survived her monster of a sister.
　
Once.
　
But she hadn't been there this time. She hadn't seen anything. She couldn't even prove that it was her sister, but what else could have happened. Asterpaw didn't touch him at all. She didn't want to. If there was even a chance he was still alive, she needed to get Ebonypaw... needed to have her come and help him.
　
"Please come back..."
　
But she knew he couldn't. Not if he really were dead. Asterpaw wanted to cry, but she couldn't. She was completely drained, just a hollow shell. There was nothing left in her to say, to cry, she couldn't-- everything was gone from her. She didn't have the willpower to say anything. If Bluepaw had come by then, she probably would have welcomed him. Everything felt so messed up right now. Darker then anything she had ever been apart of. This was bigger then just some jealousy/rivalry. What was going on? What type of mental illness would allow you to do this? To actually want to kill another cat. Though, she had wanted to kill him when she first met him. That she remembered quite distinctly, and even now, a smile came onto her maw at the thought. That had been one of the brightest days she'd seen in a long time.
　
And all that time spent with Bluepaw... never knowing the truth... how could she be blind? Was she being blind now, was there something going on here she didn't see? I never should have left. The fact that he was near the tree bothered her. Had someone pushed him out of it? And, while she remembered pushing him-- she wouldn't have actually allowed him to fall. That would just be pure evil. But was her sister really that cruel? Come on, Asterpaw! You saw her do-- she shut her thoughts off, shaking her head to get rid of the memory. She knew what Alabasterpaw had done. She had seen it. A shudder went down her spine, and her breath caught in her throat momentarily. Uncomfortably. Like she couldn't breathe very well, and then she lay down. Curling her tail around herself, she put one paw over her face as though blocking everything out from the world around her. Asterpaw couldn't cry, she knew that. She wasn't able to. The best that she could manage were shuddering breaths, sending small shock waves down her spine, and causing her to flinch every few moments. And she lay there beside him. If he were dead, she couldn't bring him back.
　
But if he wasn't...
　
Then she could stay.
*****
The way the silver feline had spoken to him had surprised Foxpaw, before he had heard the teasing note in her tone. Were they both growing up? Part of him just wanted to stay this way forever, never serious and always hitting on she cats until he decided that it was time for him to move on. He could do what he wanted. He was Foxpaw! The mightiest apprentice of all. True, maybe some humility wouldn't do the ginger tom bad; but if he did act strangely, it was more because of his insecurities. And he had flinched-- actually flinched back and his expression had changed. Like he was suddenly rethinking the whole 'flirting and playing around' thing. Maybe it was time for him to take a more serious outlook on the situation. And then her voice had sounded so cheerful, and happy-- what else could he do but play along? That was the only thing that Foxpaw knew. The only thing he would ever know. And, he would always keep it, because it was a part of who he was.
　
His playfulness, his innocence... it was all part of his personality and instead of rejecting it, the tom chose to embrace it. He was innocent for a young apprentice. Having not seen death or the destruction cats could do to one another, he chose to live in a fantasy world. Live in a place where death didn't exist. Foxpaw barely even believed in StarClan, he was that wrapped up in his own world. It was odd, yes, for a tom who seemed to have been raised with good faith in StarClan to have his own fantasy world. And yet that was Foxpaw's way. He was always surprising other cats, always doing something that he thought would really shock others. Why? Maybe it had something to do with being younger. When he was younger-- there had always been more popular cats. Handsomer cats. Prettier cats. More flirtatious cats. More interesting cats. Cats who were sadder, happier, friendlier, grumpier... and Foxpaw was just average. He was the one kit who could never seem to fit in with a group because he was average.
　
There were the friendly cats, the popular cats, flirts and the good looking cats normally hung out together, always playing, the ambitious cats... and Foxpaw was just your average, innocent kit. He'd tried each group. But each time he'd never really found himself fitting in. Until he'd learned how to flirt, and then he had been welcomed into the flirts' group. They had been so kind to him. Manipulators hung out in that group too, so Foxpaw had learned a little of everything. It's where he got his love for cats with an attitude. Where he got his amusement for sweethearts, desert flowers like Silverpaw. Why did he hang around her? Why didn't he go look up the rest of those cats? He knew the answer. Because she was like a desert flower. Whether she wanted to admit it or not, getting crushed even though you had thorns was all too easy. It was all too easy to see a handsome tom or a pretty she cat, not knowing how delicate they were, and break them. And yes-- Foxpaw knew first hand that toms were delicate.
　
Nightpaw had always been hanging out with the 'grumpy' group of kits in the nursery. "Hey! They definitely aren't my family members, they're my... friends, I guess you would call them. But they're great! And they're super friendly!" He mewed, his voice going up a little at the end to make it more squeaky then before. Was he just trying to make Silverpaw jealous? Well, partly, yes. He liked to watch jealous females. They were fun, especially when the real type of jealousy started. But no, Silverpaw didn't seem like the likely type to get jealous. Maybe he was just grasping at random things here, trying to get a hold on something that was completely out of his reach. Wait-- was it his imagination, or was she smiling at him again? Hmm, it seemed the funny toms got all the luck. Good thing Foxpaw was one of the funniest toms around. At least, that was his personal opinion on the matter. Then again-- he might have been bias, who knew?
　
"Gee, thanks for being there for me," He mewed in a more sarcastic tone of voice at her next remark. Cheering him on? Huh, that was something he definitely hadn't expected. And it didn't give him the result he would have liked to have either. Looked like there were some females that you just couldn't make jealous. But wait... there was always a chance. The tom stifled a laugh as he watched the she cat cross her eyes to look at the butterfly... Foxpaw had always admired their coloring. Not the way they flew, and he certainly wouldn't want to be soaring up there... just the thought gave him a stomachache and a headache, but he would want to see a feline with those types of colors. From the bright blue, to the golden yellow, or even the exotic reds and pinks, oranges and purples. Those were some beautiful colors. His pelt was almost the right shade to be a monarch butterfly's-- wasn't that what his Mom had always called them? Monarchs? They rule the skies, Foxy. He remembered her telling him, and she had always been watching the small, fragile looking butterflies flutter on their way.
　
He'd never understood why they were called 'monarchs.' If they ruled the skies, shouldn't they be called 'leader butterflies?' Like a leader led the Clans? That made much more sense then monarch, in Foxpaw's small mind. But then again, he was Foxpaw-- some things made sense to him that ordinary cats would have looked at and scoffed. Things like those hurt Foxpaw's feelings, but he payed no attention-- after all, they were just jealous. Jealous of the amazingness that was himself, and jealous that they would never get to be the tom whose spirits seemed to soar above the clouds. Of course, getting to know Foxpaw, it was pretty obvious that his spirits didn't 'soar.' They plumetted, down to the ground whenever anyone said an unkind word or laughed at something he hadn't done on purpose. But Foxpaw was always able to brush it off. What was the use of dwelling on things like that? Nothing. That was what, nothing. There was no point in dwelling on the past, only going to the future would help.
　
He knew this all too well. At her question, a look of confusion came over the tom's features before he gave a nod of realization and something resembling amusement. "Oh, you mean in my free time! Well, Silvster, I've just been hanging around. Waiting for desert flowers to come by. And I believe I've found one." Giving her a look of triumph and with a mischievious twinkle in his eyes, Foxpaw once again intruded on her personal space, using his tail to draw her closer and then twirling it around her own in that one symbol that some cats used to show love. And, while Foxpaw most certainly didn't love Silverpaw in that way-- he was very fond of her. She was-- well, not like a sister, but like a real friend. Someone he knew he would be able to count on, and someone he hoped would be able to count on him. That was all anyone ever needed, wasn't it? Just someone to count on and someone that you knew could count on you. And he hoped that he had that in Silverpaw-- both ways. Then again, he wasn't too sure. Did she trust him? He knew he was goofy and joked around a lot, but she could trust him. He hoped she knew that.

[BluBunnie]

''Hey, slow down! It's not a race, you know.'' The she-cat slightly purred at her friend as she lagged behind. They were simply out for a walk. After she was cooped up in the warrior's den, she decided to pay her good friend a visit. She needed some sunshine in her life, and no doubt that he needed it as well. The she-cat,continued to pad forward, emitting out a small sigh. One thing she did know was that sh enjoyed talking to Mousefur. She could tell him secret without them ever getting out--literally! Though as cruel as it may sounded, Cloudriver felt very safe around the tom. Whenever she was depressed or sad, who did she go to? Mousefur. Why? Because his simple comfort of allowing her to cuddle within him, made her better alone. ''Although, even if it were a race, I could still beat you.'' She remarked playfully. ''After all, I'm the best and you know it!'' She giggled.

Mousefur slowed down a bit and fell neck to neck with Cloudriver. He watched the sky for a few moments, he enjoyed his time with Cloudriver. He liked a cat who didn't talk much, some cats would talk his ear off and expect an answer. Most cats just couldn't believe he could be mute. He shook his head to wipe the memory away, he smiled a bit as Cloudriver talked. He also enjoyed the sound of her voice, it calmed him. He opened his mouth to laugh and let out a loud gargle sound. He closed his mouth and came to a dead stop, his heart raced. He was usually really good at controlling what noises he made but he had gotten so comfortable around Cloudriver so he didn't even think about it. He stared at the ground, heat rising underneath his pelt. Cloudriver had never really heard him make his "noises" before.

[Brilliance]

Mousefur slowed down a bit and fell neck to neck with Cloudriver. He watched the sky for a few moments, he enjoyed his time with Cloudriver. He liked a cat who didn't talk much, some cats would talk his ear off and expect an answer. Most cats just couldn't believe he could be mute. He shook his head to wipe the memory away, he smiled a bit as Cloudriver talked. He also enjoyed the sound of her voice, it calmed him. He opened his mouth to laugh and let out a loud gargle sound. He closed his mouth and came to a dead stop, his heart raced. He was usually really good at controlling what noises he made but he had gotten so comfortable around Cloudriver so he didn't even think about it. He stared at the ground, heat rising underneath his pelt. Cloudriver had never really heard him make his "noises" before.


Cloudriver was in a content state, just enjoying her time with a good friend. It was until she heard an awkward noise that made her ears picked. She turned to Mousefur, tilting her head. ''Did that come from you?'' She asked him, softly. It didn't bother her. It delighted her that he at least tried to talk. It took effort for many other to do it. ''Do I really have to keep reminding you that you're not the only mute around here?'' She stopped in her tracks and turned around to go up to him. She didn't want him to feel insecure around her, so she gently nuzzled her head against his, sitting down on her haunches and let out a steady purr. Cloudriver was never truly affectionate unless it was someone she cared for deeply, and the tom in front of her was whom she cared for deeply. She also cared for her brother deeply, but she hadn't seen him in a while. The black she-cat pulled back, mustering a bright smile for him. ''You don't ever have to feel alone in this, okay?'' She told him before getting up to trot away and flickering her tail for him to follow.

[BluBunnie]

Cloudriver was in a content state, just enjoying her time with a good friend. It was until she heard an awkward noise that made her ears picked. She turned to Mousefur, tilting her head. ''Did that come from you?'' She asked him, softly. It didn't bother her. It delighted her that he at least tried to talk. It took effort for many other to do it. ''Do I really have to keep reminding you that you're not the only mute around here?'' She stopped in her tracks and turned around to go up to him. She didn't want him to feel insecure around her, so she gently nuzzled her head against his, sitting down on her haunches and let out a steady purr. Cloudriver was never truly affectionate unless it was someone she cared for deeply, and the tom in front of her was whom she cared for deeply. She also cared for her brother deeply, but she hadn't seen him in a while. The black she-cat pulled back, mustering a bright smile for him. ''You don't ever have to feel alone in this, okay?'' She told him before getting up to trot away and flickering her tail for him to follow.

Mousefur was so embarrassed he twitched his ears nervously, he could hear Cloudriver but was too nervous to look into her eyes. He felt her fur against his and he let out a loud sigh. He listened to her purr and began to feel better. He closed his eyes as she pulled away and watched her for a few moments. He gave her a weak smile and nodded slowly, he followed his crush slowly. He caught up to her and brushed his side against her.

[Brilliance]

Mousefur was so embarrassed he twitched his ears nervously, he could hear Cloudriver but was too nervous to look into her eyes. He felt her fur against his and he let out a loud sigh. He listened to her purr and began to feel better. He closed his eyes as she pulled away and watched her for a few moments. He gave her a weak smile and nodded slowly, he followed his crush slowly. He caught up to her and brushed his side against her.

Cloudriver looked around, noticing her surroundings. She felt Mousefur brushing against her, and she gave him a faint smile. She was still getting used to giving affection, and receiving it. She didn't mind the tom walking closely next to her. She liked it actually. ''So...I was thinking,'' Cloudriver begins as they continued to walk. She knew she would only be able to ask him yes or no questions. He would not be able to give her a full explanation, and that was alright with her. She never talked much herself, and it was good for the silence to roam through every once in a while. ''...maybe we could watch the stars tonight?'' She asked, shyly. Cloudriver loved watching stars. It was one of her favorite things to do when he brother was around. Now, he was too busy for her, and Cloudriver missed having a companion to snuggled with at night while looking at the brilliant covered skies. ''But, if you don't want to go, that'll be fine. I could always ask someone else.'' Her tail lashed once in slight anticipation t his answer.

[BluBunnie]

Cloudriver looked around, noticing her surroundings. She felt Mousefur brushing against her, and she gave him a faint smile. She was still getting used to giving affection, and receiving it. She didn't mind the tom walking closely next to her. She liked it actually. ''So...I was thinking,'' Cloudriver begins as they continued to walk. She knew she would only be able to ask him yes or no questions. He would not be able to give her a full explanation, and that was alright with her. She never talked much herself, and it was good for the silence to roam through every once in a while. ''...maybe we could watch the stars tonight?'' She asked, shyly. Cloudriver loved watching stars. It was one of her favorite things to do when he brother was around. Now, he was too busy for her, and Cloudriver missed having a companion to snuggled with at night while looking at the brilliant covered skies. ''But, if you don't want to go, that'll be fine. I could always ask someone else.'' Her tail lashed once in slight anticipation t his answer.

Mousefur tilted his head, his ear perked forward as he listened to the she-cat. He smiled slowly after she asked her question, he bumped her after she lashed her tail. He nodded as an answer to her question, he let out a strange sounding purr. Other areas of his throat were also injured so his purrs sounded a bit strange, he didn't make many sounds but he was comfortable around Cloudriver, especially after what just happened.

[Brilliance]

Mousefur tilted his head, his ear perked forward as he listened to the she-cat. He smiled slowly after she asked her question, he bumped her after she lashed her tail. He nodded as an answer to her question, he let out a strange sounding purr. Other areas of his throat were also injured so his purrs sounded a bit strange, he didn't make many sounds but he was comfortable around Cloudriver, especially after what just happened.

''Good. I think you will enjoy it.'' The black she-cat was satisfied with his answer, and stepped closer to him, feeling comfortable. ''My brother and I used to do it all the time. Then, again star gazing is amazing. It's absolute the best.'' It was one of Cloudriver's favorite activities and she wondered if Mousefur liked it as well. She knew a lot of things about him through observation since he could not talk. Everything he did, she analyzed it carefully because it was her job to get to know him without him telling her.

[BluBunnie]

''Good. I think you will enjoy it.'' The black she-cat was satisfied with his answer, and stepped closer to him, feeling comfortable. ''My brother and I used to do it all the time. Then, again star gazing is amazing. It's absolute the best.'' It was one of Cloudriver's favorite activities and she wondered if Mousefur liked it as well. She knew a lot of things about him through observation since he could not talk. Everything he did, she analyzed it carefully because it was her job to get to know him without him telling her.

Mousefur smiled at Cloudriver, she seemed to be really passionate about star gazing and he would do anything with her if it made her happy. He caught himself staring at his crush for a bit too long and quickly moved his gaze to the sky. He had never really been out at night, he was exploring camp at night as a kit when he was attack and when his vocals got injured. He had gotten over his fear of the dark a long time ago but still didn't travel at night much. It seemed like this night was much more brighter then the night he was attacked, he couldn't even remember if there was stars out that night. As the memories came flooding back and he made a strange growl and flicked his ears nervously. He didn't like thinking about that night and he wasn't going to ruin Cloudrivers star gazing. He pushed the memories from his head and nuzzled his friends side before looking at the sky once more.

[Brilliance]

The white feline was well aware that Bluepaw was beginning to lose confidence in her. And maybe, maybe that was the way she wanted it. Now maybe there wouldn't be too much expected of her. As long as there was no confidence, there was no way they would give her a big part in this plan. Bait was the most important part. Something that the tom cared about, luring him in as she had done before. But you couldn't have bait without a lure, and you couldn't have a lure without a plan.
　
And besides-- bait was no good without an attack! She wanted to play again. Playing was fun-- especially when it was claws out, no rules playing. And yet the feline had still failed her attack.
　
Kill him!
　
How simple had those orders been? And somehow, she just... couldn't. Oh she had tried, but then... she hadn't. She'd wanted more playtime. But playtime was over now. If Alabasterpaw got another chance... his death definitely wouldn't be quick and painless.
　
It would be slow. Painful. Harsh. Cruel. Everything that Alabasterpaw would look fowards to doing. The slower, more painful and cruel a death was, the more entertaining it was. That just hadn't been fun enough for her. He hadn't so much as tried to defend himself! Because of her sister? She still didn't understand the idea of dying for someone. No matter how much you cared about them.
　
Would I do that?
　
No-- she would never do that, not for anyone at any time. It was... crazy. Crazy to think that someone might die for another, just because they were... different? Was that what caused that? Thinking that someone was different, special, and that they were more unique then someone else? Thinking that someone was going to be there forever, that they were going to be the one for life? Ridiculous. Anyone who thinks along those lines is a fool. She thought with a snort, the tip of her tail twitching.
　
She was ready for all of this to be over. So life could go back to normal. Once this was over, she would bid farewell to Bluepaw and she would be on her way. Technically there might be a way she could do that now. Except she felt like she was too far in. Maybe she knew she was too far in. Maybe she just thought she was. Either way, the feline got the feeling that things were never going to be the same if things worked out during this plan and Azulpaw was killed.
　
Would her sister ever be the same?
　
Judging by the way she had looked before-- no, probably not. Though she didn't want to bring it up, she doubted that Asterpaw would so much as look Bluepaw's way after that. After all, if he got that idea-- her plan might be over. She might never get to get rid of that cat. He was going to ruin her sister's life. Asterpaw needed to stay away. But she apparantly wasn't getting the message, so... it looked like she was going to have to give her sister a reality check.
　
Nightpaw watched the cat with growing interest. Yes, everything he said seemed to have a certain ring to it. And then he would be able to stay with Asterpaw forever-- he would be able to be around her for the rest of his life. It would be him and Asterpaw together, forever, just like he had always planned. Just like he would always hope. Although he knew there was always some cat wanting her attention, like Lionpaw-- Foxpaw-- previously there had been Alabasterpaw-- and all the other cats that she had been friends with. She was just too nice!
　
That was the problem. Nightpaw couldn't remember a time when she had actually refused to be friends with someone. Except for right then. She had refused him. Of all the cats in the Clan, why did he have to be the one to feel how angry she was? And why was she so angry with him? Just because he had moved on when she did. Just because he'd been a tiny, tiny bit upset didn't mean that she had to snap at him so harshly.
　
"She means a lot. Enough to the point where I would definitely work to get her friendship back." He mewed, with a shrug. What did it matter? Sure, she meant a lot, and sure, he would work-- but if he could tell it wasn't going to happen, he wouldn't push it. She didn't like to be pushed. Everything Nightpaw remembered about the blue feline was from when they were kits. And while she had obviously changed in the moons he hadn't seen her... she couldn't possibly be that different.
　
"Hate's a strong word." He laughed, before his eyes became more serious. "Enough to want to do anything I can to hurt him. It's his fault." Nightpaw's voice became rougher, darker, and his hues flashed angrily. What he didn't know was that Asterpaw's change was not due to the tom he had seen, but to the white feline before him. Her change was not Azulpaw's fault. And it wasn't even entirely Alabasterpaw's fault, either.
　
It was partly her own.
*****
She'd left.
　
Why had she left?
　
She shouldn't have done that-- but she'd given her word! Her word was important. Extremely important, to everyone. Without her word, Asterpaw was nothing. Nothing at all. She would be broken without her word, it had been the one thing holding her together all this time. Now she was just barely dangling, holding on to that one truth she knew. Because she had broken her word to Bluepaw. Had she broken her word to Azulpaw? Hadn't she told him before she wouldn't leave?
　
But...he asked me to.
　
Tests had never been Asterpaw's strong point. She was dreading her assessment because of that. A test. A simple, easy thing. And yet she was dreading it, all because of an irrational fear. The feline's hues seemed to be almost glowing as she sat down. Still in shock over what she had done. She'd just walked away when he needed help. Maybe he hadn't wanted her to go. And yet, he hadn't been kidding-- she'd heard that much. She knew when she wasn't wanted. She knew when she was meant to leave, when she wasn't wanted. But had she gotten it wrong? Had she messed this up, too? I'm so sorry... and she didn't know what else to think. What else to say, or do. If Asterpaw had known for sure that he would still be there, she would have gone back.
　
But he had told her to go. And, she would stay away. She'd given him her word, told him she would go. A yowl split the silence and the she cat jerked her head up. She knew something was wrong. She could feel it. Silence fell afterwards, and the feline's heart rate quickened. Surely-- no-- it couldn't be... could it? He was safe! He was fine! He would be absolutely fine, nothing wrong, nothing at all. Asterpaw tensed, and her ears pricked as she tried to find another sound. Any other sound. Anything at all that would lead her in the direction of the tom. Where was he? Her heart rate seemed to continuely be speeding up, and it wouldn't slow.
　
Again, she was scared.
　
She'd wanted to keep anything bad from happening to the tom. To stop it. And yet, this was happening again... something bad. Her whole chest hurt with a burning that she knew could only have come from that intense pain. The most pain she'd felt in a long time, and it was all burning inside of her, making her chest feel like it was on fire. Trying to walk, and struggling... stumbling, as though she were in a dream, Asterpaw made her way over towards where she had heard the yowl. What had happened? It had only been a few minutes, what possibly could have happened in that amount of time? I want you to leave. Why, oh why hadn't she just said no? Because of her word. Because of her stupid innocence that she thought he meant what he said.
　
What have I done?
　
What had she done? What had he done, too, to deserve this awful thing? He hadn't done anything. And yet here he was, enduring all of this. What had he done? What had she done to deserve any of this? She didn't deserve it. She wasn't worth it. And yet, he thought she was. Or was there some other reason? Surely there had to be. No one did this for another cat. They just wouldn't, it was... unbearable. And she wished she could just remove herself from his mind, from his life, but she knew she wouldn't be able to get rid of him. What would I do without you? Her question was teasing, and yet serious at the same time. She wouldn't be able to manage without the tom who had done so much for her. Come to my funeral? Such innocent words, at first. Now they held darker meaning then she wished to think about. This was her fault. Again, it was always her fault. It would always be her fault. She couldn't escape it, it was embracing her like the darkness, suffocating her.
　
She was drowning, but she couldn't call out.
　
She was in darkness, and there was no light anywhere.
　
She was falling, falling, but she would never hit bottom.
　
She was dying-- bleeding out, and everyone was just watching her.
　
All she'd ever wanted to do was help. To make it better for everyone; for Azulpaw, for Alabasterpaw, for Bluepaw-- but she had made things worse. This was all her fault, and nothing was going to help it. A shudder went down her spine as she continued to stumble onwards, blindly, desperately, trying to find where he was. But she could hardly see, she was so lost in her thoughts. Before now, Asterpaw had definitely known what emotional pain was. She had forgotten how much stronger it was, how much more potent it was, and how heavily it rested on your chest and mind. More so on your mind. Had she been listening to her head or heart?
　
Her head had said go. Do what you've always done. Run, get away, follow your word.
　
But her heart had said stay.
　
Stay.
　
Her heart had been right, she should have stayed. Her head had been wrong. She couldn't remember the last time she had been so wrong. Maybe she should have let her heart lead her through life instead of her head. Maybe then she would have stronger friendships, and would she have met Azulpaw? Probably so. But she might have been more polite about it. It was always her heart that led her to reach out towards the cats that Alabasterpaw ended up toying with and then discarding. It was always her heart that let her do anything kind. Her head was that sarcastic, closed off, part of her that told her to stay closed off. Stay inside her own mind. Never outside. Never, ever trust. Not until they've earned it. And she knew she'd been wrong to think that. Sometimes cats just needed some trust themselves in order to trust others. But she hadn't given them that trust. She'd had them trust her blindly. And now? Now she was just as blind as they were, wandering in the dark, so to speak.
　
And then she saw what she knew she was going to, but what she hoped she wouldn't. A figure. On the ground. Completely still. He wasn't moving. He wasn't moving. A thousand thoughts went through Asterpaw's head at once, shooting through her and causing her to stumble sideways. It felt like something had just struck her in the head. Like it was trying to kill her, just by beating her on the side of the head over and over again. And she could feel it quite clearly. It was strong, and painful, and Asterpaw gave a soft whimper. Though she didn't know why she was crying. She wasn't the one who was dead. He was dead. Gone. "What have I done?" Asterpaw asked herself, her ears pinned backwards against her head.
　
She had done this.
　
She had done this.
　
Intentionally or not, she had caused this. And now Alabasterpaw was definitely going to have to pay. So was Bluepaw. No amount of crying, or wishing, or praying was going to bring Azulpaw back. Come to think of it, neither was getting rid of Alabasterpaw and Bluepaw. "What kind of flowers do you want?" She asked softly, although she knew he couldn't hear her. Was he breathing? She thought she could see him breathing, but then it seemed to flicker like her imagination as she glanced up at the sky. She was just dreaming. Dreaming about having him back and what she would do differently. He'd already done so much for her. He'd survived her monster of a sister.
　
Once.
　
But she hadn't been there this time. She hadn't seen anything. She couldn't even prove that it was her sister, but what else could have happened. Asterpaw didn't touch him at all. She didn't want to. If there was even a chance he was still alive, she needed to get Ebonypaw... needed to have her come and help him.
　
"Please come back..."
　
But she knew he couldn't. Not if he really were dead. Asterpaw wanted to cry, but she couldn't. She was completely drained, just a hollow shell. There was nothing left in her to say, to cry, she couldn't-- everything was gone from her. She didn't have the willpower to say anything. If Bluepaw had come by then, she probably would have welcomed him. Everything felt so messed up right now. Darker then anything she had ever been apart of. This was bigger then just some jealousy/rivalry. What was going on? What type of mental illness would allow you to do this? To actually want to kill another cat. Though, she had wanted to kill him when she first met him. That she remembered quite distinctly, and even now, a smile came onto her maw at the thought. That had been one of the brightest days she'd seen in a long time.
　
And all that time spent with Bluepaw... never knowing the truth... how could she be blind? Was she being blind now, was there something going on here she didn't see? I never should have left. The fact that he was near the tree bothered her. Had someone pushed him out of it? And, while she remembered pushing him-- she wouldn't have actually allowed him to fall. That would just be pure evil. But was her sister really that cruel? Come on, Asterpaw! You saw her do-- she shut her thoughts off, shaking her head to get rid of the memory. She knew what Alabasterpaw had done. She had seen it. A shudder went down her spine, and her breath caught in her throat momentarily. Uncomfortably. Like she couldn't breathe very well, and then she lay down. Curling her tail around herself, she put one paw over her face as though blocking everything out from the world around her. Asterpaw couldn't cry, she knew that. She wasn't able to. The best that she could manage were shuddering breaths, sending small shock waves down her spine, and causing her to flinch every few moments. And she lay there beside him. If he were dead, she couldn't bring him back.
　
But if he wasn't...
　
Then she could stay.
*****
The way the silver feline had spoken to him had surprised Foxpaw, before he had heard the teasing note in her tone. Were they both growing up? Part of him just wanted to stay this way forever, never serious and always hitting on she cats until he decided that it was time for him to move on. He could do what he wanted. He was Foxpaw! The mightiest apprentice of all. True, maybe some humility wouldn't do the ginger tom bad; but if he did act strangely, it was more because of his insecurities. And he had flinched-- actually flinched back and his expression had changed. Like he was suddenly rethinking the whole 'flirting and playing around' thing. Maybe it was time for him to take a more serious outlook on the situation. And then her voice had sounded so cheerful, and happy-- what else could he do but play along? That was the only thing that Foxpaw knew. The only thing he would ever know. And, he would always keep it, because it was a part of who he was.
　
His playfulness, his innocence... it was all part of his personality and instead of rejecting it, the tom chose to embrace it. He was innocent for a young apprentice. Having not seen death or the destruction cats could do to one another, he chose to live in a fantasy world. Live in a place where death didn't exist. Foxpaw barely even believed in StarClan, he was that wrapped up in his own world. It was odd, yes, for a tom who seemed to have been raised with good faith in StarClan to have his own fantasy world. And yet that was Foxpaw's way. He was always surprising other cats, always doing something that he thought would really shock others. Why? Maybe it had something to do with being younger. When he was younger-- there had always been more popular cats. Handsomer cats. Prettier cats. More flirtatious cats. More interesting cats. Cats who were sadder, happier, friendlier, grumpier... and Foxpaw was just average. He was the one kit who could never seem to fit in with a group because he was average.
　
There were the friendly cats, the popular cats, flirts and the good looking cats normally hung out together, always playing, the ambitious cats... and Foxpaw was just your average, innocent kit. He'd tried each group. But each time he'd never really found himself fitting in. Until he'd learned how to flirt, and then he had been welcomed into the flirts' group. They had been so kind to him. Manipulators hung out in that group too, so Foxpaw had learned a little of everything. It's where he got his love for cats with an attitude. Where he got his amusement for sweethearts, desert flowers like Silverpaw. Why did he hang around her? Why didn't he go look up the rest of those cats? He knew the answer. Because she was like a desert flower. Whether she wanted to admit it or not, getting crushed even though you had thorns was all too easy. It was all too easy to see a handsome tom or a pretty she cat, not knowing how delicate they were, and break them. And yes-- Foxpaw knew first hand that toms were delicate.
　
Nightpaw had always been hanging out with the 'grumpy' group of kits in the nursery. "Hey! They definitely aren't my family members, they're my... friends, I guess you would call them. But they're great! And they're super friendly!" He mewed, his voice going up a little at the end to make it more squeaky then before. Was he just trying to make Silverpaw jealous? Well, partly, yes. He liked to watch jealous females. They were fun, especially when the real type of jealousy started. But no, Silverpaw didn't seem like the likely type to get jealous. Maybe he was just grasping at random things here, trying to get a hold on something that was completely out of his reach. Wait-- was it his imagination, or was she smiling at him again? Hmm, it seemed the funny toms got all the luck. Good thing Foxpaw was one of the funniest toms around. At least, that was his personal opinion on the matter. Then again-- he might have been bias, who knew?
　
"Gee, thanks for being there for me," He mewed in a more sarcastic tone of voice at her next remark. Cheering him on? Huh, that was something he definitely hadn't expected. And it didn't give him the result he would have liked to have either. Looked like there were some females that you just couldn't make jealous. But wait... there was always a chance. The tom stifled a laugh as he watched the she cat cross her eyes to look at the butterfly... Foxpaw had always admired their coloring. Not the way they flew, and he certainly wouldn't want to be soaring up there... just the thought gave him a stomachache and a headache, but he would want to see a feline with those types of colors. From the bright blue, to the golden yellow, or even the exotic reds and pinks, oranges and purples. Those were some beautiful colors. His pelt was almost the right shade to be a monarch butterfly's-- wasn't that what his Mom had always called them? Monarchs? They rule the skies, Foxy. He remembered her telling him, and she had always been watching the small, fragile looking butterflies flutter on their way.
　
He'd never understood why they were called 'monarchs.' If they ruled the skies, shouldn't they be called 'leader butterflies?' Like a leader led the Clans? That made much more sense then monarch, in Foxpaw's small mind. But then again, he was Foxpaw-- some things made sense to him that ordinary cats would have looked at and scoffed. Things like those hurt Foxpaw's feelings, but he payed no attention-- after all, they were just jealous. Jealous of the amazingness that was himself, and jealous that they would never get to be the tom whose spirits seemed to soar above the clouds. Of course, getting to know Foxpaw, it was pretty obvious that his spirits didn't 'soar.' They plumetted, down to the ground whenever anyone said an unkind word or laughed at something he hadn't done on purpose. But Foxpaw was always able to brush it off. What was the use of dwelling on things like that? Nothing. That was what, nothing. There was no point in dwelling on the past, only going to the future would help.
　
He knew this all too well. At her question, a look of confusion came over the tom's features before he gave a nod of realization and something resembling amusement. "Oh, you mean in my free time! Well, Silvster, I've just been hanging around. Waiting for desert flowers to come by. And I believe I've found one." Giving her a look of triumph and with a mischievious twinkle in his eyes, Foxpaw once again intruded on her personal space, using his tail to draw her closer and then twirling it around her own in that one symbol that some cats used to show love. And, while Foxpaw most certainly didn't love Silverpaw in that way-- he was very fond of her. She was-- well, not like a sister, but like a real friend. Someone he knew he would be able to count on, and someone he hoped would be able to count on him. That was all anyone ever needed, wasn't it? Just someone to count on and someone that you knew could count on you. And he hoped that he had that in Silverpaw-- both ways. Then again, he wasn't too sure. Did she trust him? He knew he was goofy and joked around a lot, but she could trust him. He hoped she knew that.

Oh, gee...that nickname again. This tom is really getting ahead of himself. Should I...should I knock him down a peg or two--three-four--ten? Or, should I just continue to play along and give him a taste of his own medicine? Oh, no I could never find myself being too flirty with him. I mean, he do need to be scared. Haha, that would be funny! A sudden change in his mood because I was returning his affections...maybe it will stop him from flirting with me all the time? Should I try it...or…? It could work. What do I got to lose? I don’t know how good my acting is...but I can try...maybe. As long as he learns to back off from touching me all the time. I like him and all, but personal space is a must when it comes to me! Well...here it comes. Time to put the freeze on this sweetheart.

Silverpaw stood tense for a moment, allowing Foxpaw to pull her closer. Most of it surprised her, and she wasn’t sure if she liked the comfort or thought it was too much. With his tail intertwined with her own, she gave him a look. Her mouth slightly gaped, before she quickly closed it, and wished that she could pull her own tail in front of her maw to hide her shy state. However, she already agreed to herself that she would handle Foxpaw as best as she could. He was a sly one, a devious one, but he was also a good one. Not like most of the toms. His innocence intrigued her in the slightest, but she was overwhelmed with his confidence, and his lack of knowledge for comfort zone. So, she agreed she would play along. Long enough for him to get a hint to calm down a couple notches. How was she actually suppose to be a flirt? The she-cat was never known to flirt knowingly. She never had to. She was always too busy chasing after insects or hanging with friends. And, of course, she hung out with a lot of toms nowadays, but she never flirted with them! She wanted to hyperventilate, but she couldn’t at this moment. She had to play hard, and long enough for Foxpaw to believe her.

The key to flirting, start with fleeting touches. Words were a lot better in her opinion, but when it came to her, words were foreign. She had to get the basis of touching before she could allow sweet nothings to appear out her maw. So, she copied his moves, being attentive to what she was doing. She was nervous as ever. She felt her fur shiver as she allowed her tail to curl around his own, and she pulled herself closer to him, making sure their pelts was brushing. ‘’Oh, yeah, heh. You found one alright. You’re not planning on letting her go are you?’’ Never had Silverpaw felt disgusted with herself. She had to simply remind herself that she was teaching Foxpaw an important lesson. One that she hoped he would take a final heed to since her words seemed to be coming through one ear and leaving out the other. She tried to make her voice sweet. Even though she didn’t have to try too hard. Her voice was already sweet, she just needed some honey, syrup anything to make it coated with lovings.

Silverpaw gave him a quick look before burying her head under his chin to nuzzle him. She slightly flinched at herself for doing so, but he needed to learn. Maybe he would feel violated as she had been. Harassed as she had been. Constantly, he would play these games with her, and she allowed him to take control as if she didn’t have a mind of her own. To perfect her acting, she emitted out a soft purr. A deep vibration in her throat. She couldn’t deny the feeling was great, but it felt so wrong. Maybe because they were young...or maybe it was something else. Whatever it was, she brought her head up and brushed her pelt against his.

‘’Who are these other friends you speak of? You’re telling me that I’m not the only friend you have!’’ She gasped, then snorted. ‘’I’m offended, really. And, you haven’t even began to introduce to these new friends that’s going to replace me?’’ She stated, but it came out more as a question. How did he expect her to handle that situation? The feline knew that he had more friends than her. That didn’t bother her at all! She had other friends than him. She just wanted to be playful, but it seemed like he was asking for a reaction out of her--begging for her to give him one. He wanted one, so here it was.

‘’I hope these aren’t she-cats you’re friends with. I’m the only she-cat you should be letting into your life, mister Foxpaw.’’ Silverpaw wanted to laugh, but she allowed a stoic expression to stay on her face. Though sniffling of laughter could be heard from her maw, and she accidentally tumbled over laughing in a fit of giggles. ‘’I’m sorry!’’ She piped, still laughing. ‘’I can’t do this though. I just can’t.’’ She continued to laugh, her eyes closed for a second before she finally got up, her laughing fit coming to a minimum.

The silver bengal trotted around the feline, brushing her tail along him. ‘’Was that good enough for you?’’ She asked, coming close beside him, lowering her voice to a whisper. ‘’I tried to be convincing, but I can’t just take you seriously. Not in a bad way, you know I love you.’’ She smiles sweetly at him, before giving another small giggled.

Silverpaw tried to act convincing, tried to give him what he wanted...but she could never find herself doing that. Maybe it was because they shared so much platonic love for each other, she brushed it off like it was a game. Perhaps, things would be different as they got older, but as far as Silverpaw knew, she didn’t think anything was going to change between them. The ginger tom, she did admire him. For a lot of unnamed reasons she didn’t need for him to know or for her to remember. One thing she did admire about him was the fact that he stuck up for her...even against his own brother. Blood was suppose to be thicker for water...yet, he picked at the blood, protecting the water. Silverpaw knew that--even as a warrior--Foxpaw would still be there for her whenever she needed him. She felt that Azulpaw would do the same. Silverpaw was happy to have friends such as them. They made her heart whole, something that her own mother could never fulfill.

The silver feline held a strange feeling that he might be mad at her--but this was Foxpaw. Would he ever find himself angry with her? Even if she decided to ‘’explore’’ something that she felt didn’t go right? How long was she going to be playing along until they both knew it wasn’t a game anymore? Her eyes clouded over in worry, but after blinking them, she smiled at the tom across from her. ‘’Maybe, one day I’ll get jealous. You never know, sweetheart.’’ She rolled her eyes, joking. The silver bengal doubted she would feel jealous of whatever attention he was giving to another she-cat. It wasn’t her job to feel a certain envious tension, and she bluntly did not care who he flirted with or paid attention to. She was glad that he remained her friend, and that was all she was thanking Starclan for.

Another thing that bothered her was the term he used for her. Desert flower. Was it a term he defined as a certain group of she-cats? Silverpaw had noted that the ginger tom would define sweet and innocent beings as a desert flower, but what about the others. Being curious, she piped up, ‘’Hey, Squeaky. I’m curious, but...if I’m a desert flower,’’ she almost giggled once again. ‘’What types of flowers are the other she-cats? The ones with the attitudes? The ones who are mean? The ones who are flirtatious? What type of flowers are those?’’ Silverpaw didn’t mind being a desert flower. The term would make her blush at being called any type of flower at all.

Though teasing him was fun. They both had boundaries--and she hoped that Foxpaw knew his.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

‘’You’re right!’’ Bluepaw shot up, hoping that if he kissed up to the younger tom then their plan would do significantly in order--right this time. Where hearts would be broken, and lives would be taken. Yet, no one would ever know what ever happened. What if Grousestar came around? Asking them where the other apprentices were? Then, Bluepaw figured Grousestar wouldn’t know them. The leader was heavily busy with duties of his own, and their consequences would be unknown. ‘’Hate is definitely a strong word. Perhaps...dislike would work…?’’ He smiled, albeit a sinister creepy smile. The tom had to flinch at himself from thinking so evilly. He shot Alabasterpaw a look, knowing it was her fault.

What else could he do? Who else could he blame? Other than Alabasterpaw, the tom did not want to admit the blame on himself. A moon ago, he was a generous soul--too generous that it made him seem weak and easy to pry on. Just a moon ago...he was happy. Before he met Alabasterpaw, he was happy. He was free, and he had the world in his paws. Now, all that was gone, and the only thing he wanted was revenge.

Revenge for what exactly? What did Azulpaw do in order to make Bluepaw hold such a strong amount of animosity towards the grey tom? Even Bluepaw couldn’t answer the questions. He didn’t want to because deep in the heart he had left, he knew he never would find an answer. The answer was vanquished. Destroyed, and no longer wanted. ‘’And, you will get your revenge on him. I promise you will land your share.’’ The blue-eyed tom slitted his eyes, turning towards Alabasterpaw. He wanted to say something to her, but shook his head and thought best not to. The white demon seemed worn out, not too focus, didn’t really care. She seemed like she didn’t mind anything, that she was just strolling on the path that she turned in life. So, instead the tom let out a deep sigh. ‘’Lure, bait, and attack. We can use Silverpaw--and whatever that other tom’s name is for luring. They don’t need to know of anything. The only thing we need to do is get them to go towards Azulpaw and Asterpaw--wherever they may be.’’ Now, that Bluepaw was actually thinking, he wondered where they had gone. They all had splittin up. Azulpaw and Asterpaw. Foxpaw and Silverpaw.

And, that was where it came. The light bulb. Bluepaw hopped to his paws, a new smile on his face. He stared at his companions, giving them a knowing look. A look of victory. This down would go down in history. At least to him it would, but would anyone actually care if the grey tom lost his life? To Bluepaw no one would. Sure, they would pay their respects, but if the grey tom died, no mourning would be held for more than the same day. By the end of that day, everyone would had moved on by then. A tiny part of him knew that saved Asterpaw, who would be in complete grief. Even to him, that wouldn’t last long. The piebald tom would get his life together, he would do anything get her back, and just love on her. As for the black tom? Bluepaw wouldn’t need him any longer after this plan settled. He could be good as dead and Bluepaw still wouldn’t care. As for Alabasterpaw? She seemed to surprise him most of all. He knew she would be able to handle herself quite well.

‘’I don’t know how much Silverpaw mean to this--other tom, but if she means a lot to him...maybe we can use her as our bait to get him to lure Asterpaw away? Maybe, it’s just a thought. I wouldn’t rough Silverpaw up or anything. Just give her a few shudders and shivers here and there, but if he doesn’t, then we can still go through with the plan. Only the other way around.’’ Bluepaw figured that if the other tom didn’t care about Silverpaw, then he would be easy bait to get Silverpaw to do whatever he wanted. The silver bengal was known for caring for her friends too much--an annoying trait she picked up from Azulpaw. Though he doubt that silver bengal would...die for anyone. The poor feline was scared of death--rejection--small spaces--oh! And, his favorite--fish. As for this other tom, he didn’t know much about him. Not even his name he could remember.

‘’Once we get Asterpaw alone... that’s where you, buddy,’’ Bluepaw says, flicking his tail towards Nightpaw. ‘’Will be able to hold Azulpaw down as long as often. And, as for Alabasterpaw,’’ He turned to the white demon, giving her a hardened glare. He didn’t want her to do the job, afraid that she would mess up again, but he had no other choice. If they were to follow out with the plan, it would be best if he stayed away from Asterpaw--and played hero at the end. Besides, he would have Silverpaw held hostage until this other tom did as he was told: Get Asterpaw away.

‘’You’re going to attack. No fooling around. No playing around. Make it quick and simple because we’re living on the earth’s time, not on Alabasterpaw’s time. Is that clear?’’ He emitted a growl as he faced her. The white demon seem to always take her precious time, and it sickened Bluepaw. Especially with this plan, the tom knew that everything had to work out precisely. Any wrong move, any timed-move that should had happen could be a complete lost. And, everything they strived for, would be the end.

Forever.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Azulpaw laid in a staggering mess, breathing slowly, abnormally, eyes closed, darkness enveloped. He was dead, that much he knew. But, he wished he was. As his pain was numb, why would he go and get himself into more pain? Whenever was anything going to be enough? Nothing was ever enough. Nothing would never be enough. Right now, he was content. He was alone. He felt like he could welcome in sleep, but even that would hurt him. Falling out a tree a couple times was not his best choice. Something he was so good at even left him; like everything else did. Like everyone else.

Part of it was his fault. He knew he could had done better choices like not get attached to anyone he passed. Caring was tough--who knew? Now, he did. Now he understood that caring and loving on someone was...terrifying. He didn’t think he would be able to do it again. No. He couldn’t. Last moon was flimsy to him, but he still had cared. Now, this moon everything is repeating, and what about the next ones? Will everything be a cycle, repeating itself in an never ending circle? At this point, Azulpaw was sure that was true. Why couldn’t he have any regular friendships? Like the simple one he shared with SIlverpaw. Or Kestrelpaw. Or Hawkpaw. Or Coconutpaw. Anything along those lines.

The tom blamed himself. Who else was there to blame? He held a feeling that Asterpaw blamed herself, but it wasn’t her fault. It was his fault. Everything was his fault. From as far as he could tell, Azulpaw figured everything started out with his attitude. That attitude problem that he used whenever new cats found themselves approaching him.

We're not desperate if that's what you're thinking!

My, you are quite the feisty one, aren't you? And handsome, too; that'll get you places.

Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't hear anyone asking whether you were 'desperate' or not.

Azulpaw could had smiled at the memory if it didn’t make him cringe as much. Those first words he said to them a moon ago...was his fault. Whereas, Asterpaw wasn’t extremely nice as well. Alabasterpaw was seemingly her flirty self. Everything had been okay then because he didn’t like them. In fact, he disliked them to the point where he allowed himself to admit that he hated them. Bluepaw was head-over-paws for the white feline. Azulpaw didn’t think anything was special about her. Other than that she was pretty. He didn’t think much of Asterpaw at the time.

Being sardonic and uncaring at first sight was embedded into the grey tom. He never liked other cats to invade his company. It took him time to make friends and to trust others. Silverpaw was helping him with his aggressive state, trying to help him make new friends so that he didn’t always have to hang around Bluepaw. Bluepaw...the one friend that he missed. The company that the two shared. Hidden jokes that was shared. And, awaiting everyday just to start some type of trouble.

Life had a way of changing things. Changing everything. Relationships, paths in life, attitudes--everything. Many would say life was cruel. That life let them down, that life made them the way they were. Azulpaw, on the other paw, believed that what you throw at life, life was either going to make it ten times worse or ten times better. Azulpaw was never a ‘’good’’ tom, but he also weren’t a bad one. He had his moments where he bickered with life. And, life bickered with him, showing that it was too powerful for him to control. At this rate...life would be apart of his past, and he would never have to worry about his best friend--worst nemesis; Life.

The tom was enervated. A type of weakness, where he couldn’t move a single bone in his body, afraid that he might had broken them all, but he heard a voice. That tiny voice, he knew all too well. And, his eyes quickly blinked open.

Just staring at her.

So many thing he wished he could say to her. He wished he could yell at her, but he was fatigued. He felt like he was already dying. When was that time coming again? So the only thing he could do was stare. His eyes continued to blink slowly, almost as if they weren’t moving at all, but he solemnly stared at her. His eyes roamed over her pelt, the way she was curled up. The way she looked sad, desperate like. He hate that he had the feeling she put the blame on herself.

She wasn’t the one who told him to actually jump out a tree. Though she was joking, he felt that she cared more about him than she let it. It was present in her voice constantly.

Don't-- don't talk like that! Of course you're going to make it. I believe in you.

It's not funny! Of all the stupid...immature...crazy...insane things to do, that was just-- what did you-- what were you trying to do?

No. No, I wouldn't have liked it at all. I thought you actually were going to fall...I thought you were actually going to die. And you scared me! What if you had fallen, what do you think--

Please...you have to go...we're family, she wouldn't-- she wouldn't hurt me. You're in a lot of danger.

Those were only some of the things he remembered, and loved about her. The way she cared about him was evident in her tone. There were so many other hints that indicated that the blue feline cared for him. He cared about her too. After all, he wouldn’t be in this painful mess if he didn’t care about her. And, just to think that earlier that day she would had been the one to die...by her own sister’s claws. It was pretty tense, but like a hero...he jumped in. He saved her.

Come to my funeral?

Come to your funeral? Nah, it might be boring. But mines? It’s going to be the life of the party.

The tom let out a deep sigh, closing his eyes once more, heaving his breaths. Everything was so simple earlier today! Everything was great with the two earlier today. Why couldn’t they just be friends? Just play together like old friends? Why did his worst nemesis--Life decide to cut in and take every treasured feeling away?

As the tom opened his eyes once more, he only looked at the blue she-cat across from him. She was the only one he could see. It was as if the whole world around them had lost color, meaning, and surroundings. Asterpaw was the only feline with the beautiful coloring, and her greyish green hues lit up the darkness around them. Only he couldn’t see her eyes. She laid in a ball, protecting herself. Perhaps crying, thinking she lost him. Only she didn’t know that he lost her. He was the one who told her to leave, and she was the one who listened to him. Why did she listen to him? Why didn’t she stay? All he wanted was some support to lean on, yet he didn’t have anyone standing beside him, next to him, or in front of him. He was alone in the world as he was alone from the beginning. Ever since he was born the only kit in the litter of his mother. The loneliness was something that he gradually accepted. It wasn’t something he wanted, but it was something that continued to plagued through, bothering him, and awaited to be accepted as a friend.

Everyone was lonely in their own way, right? Why couldn’t all the lonely cats gather together and form their own social group? Their own lonely clique? Azulpaw was sure that he would have been accepted into that. Only he didn’t want to. He wanted friend he could count on. Ones that supported him, and allowed him to lean on in desperate times. But, every friend he had would walk away; sooner or later. Asterpaw had walked away. She had. That was something he couldn’t forgive because he knew if he asked her to do it again, she would walk away. Next time, she wouldn’t return. Then, what?

He would be alone. Once again. Why did it all surprise him? It was nothing new. It was something expected. It was something inevitable. At this point the least thing he did was care. And, the only words he managed to say:

‘’Thank you for leaving me.’’




-FOR LOST ILLUSION- Lost Illusion

Cloudriver giggled, enjoying the affection that the tom was displaying for her. ''Well, aren't you more affection today,'' she says, before continuing to pad forward, thinking of what else the two could do together. It had been a rather pleasant day, something she was used to. She woke up, she hunted, she ate, she spent time with her dear friend, Mousefur...what else could she ask for? Cloudriver ears pricked up, hearing another sound come from Mousefur. She lightly grazed him with her tail, and smiled at him. She had to be tender with him. She thought of Mousefur as delicate, someone she had to protect. She knew the tom could stand up for himself, but that was not the point. The she-cat wanted to protect him because he was one of her best friends, and she knew how hard it must have been for him to lose his voice box--for him to go mute. It made her sad about his accident, but everyday he had lived, and she was thankful to still have him around. Words were little between them, but actions always spoke the most, haven't it?

[BluBunnie]

Noire

Mousefur smiled a bit, Cloudriver seemed to make all his troubles go away. He noticed a large rock a few fox lengths away. He nodded towards it, he began to trot towards it and laid on the rock. The stars reflected against his yellow hues, the rock felt cold against but he didn't mind it. He actually really enjoyed the cold, he wasn't sure if Cloudriver would find the rock comfortable but if she didn't then they could always move. He waved his tail at his friend, as if to tell her to 'Hurry up!'

[Brilliance]

Noire

Mousefur smiled a bit, Cloudriver seemed to make all his troubles go away. He noticed a large rock a few fox lengths away. He nodded towards it, he began to trot towards it and laid on the rock. The stars reflected against his yellow hues, the rock felt cold against but he didn't mind it. He actually really enjoyed the cold, he wasn't sure if Cloudriver would find the rock comfortable but if she didn't then they could always move. He waved his tail at his friend, as if to tell her to 'Hurry up!'

Cloudriver tilted her head wondering what Mousefur was up to before it clicked in her head that he was going near the rock. The black she-cat followed him, hopping onto the rock, trying not to fall. Cloudriver laid herself against him, trying to find some warmth. She looked up at the sky, sighing. ''It's nice out. A bit chilly, but eh.'' She commented. The she-cat enjoyed when little words were exchanged between them. It brought a feeling of peace within her, and it made her happy. ''You make me very happy.I just want you to know that, Mousy.''

[BluBunnie]

Cloudriver tilted her head wondering what Mousefur was up to before it clicked in her head that he was going near the rock. The black she-cat followed him, hopping onto the rock, trying not to fall. Cloudriver laid herself against him, trying to find some warmth. She looked up at the sky, sighing. ''It's nice out. A bit chilly, but eh.'' She commented. The she-cat enjoyed when little words were exchanged between them. It brought a feeling of peace within her, and it made her happy. ''You make me very happy.I just want you to know that, Mousy.''

Mousefur nuzzled Cloudrivers cheek. Cloudriver made him happy as well and he wasn't sure how else to show it. His thick pelt kept him warm and he curled his long, thick tail around Cloudriver. He was trying to keep her warm, her pelt wasn't as thick as his and he knew as the night went on it would get colder. It wasn't quite new-leaf yet so it was still pretty chilly, even during the day. Not to mention, it was raining a lot during this time as well.

[Brilliance]

Mousefur nuzzled Cloudrivers cheek. Cloudriver made him happy as well and he wasn't sure how else to show it. His thick pelt kept him warm and he curled his long, thick tail around Cloudriver. He was trying to keep her warm, her pelt wasn't as thick as his and he knew as the night went on it would get colder. It wasn't quite new-leaf yet so it was still pretty chilly, even during the day. Not to mention, it was raining a lot during this time as well.

Cloudriver purred at his touch, and nosed his cheek. He was slightly more affectionate today...which was weird. She enjoyed his company, very much. She liked to greet him daily, see how he was doing, and perhaps hang out with him whenever she wasn't busy. Not that she ever was busy that much. One thing she did enjoy doing was watching the stars. It was her time of content and peace, and she tried to do it every night. At feeling the tom's tail wrapped around her, she leaned in closer to him, as if she were falling. She was glad that she had him to support on, and the feline tenderly gave his cheek a lick to let him know that she appreciated everything that he helped her do.

[BluBunnie]

Cloudriver purred at his touch, and nosed his cheek. He was slightly more affectionate today...which was weird. She enjoyed his company, very much. She liked to greet him daily, see how he was doing, and perhaps hang out with him whenever she wasn't busy. Not that she ever was busy that much. One thing she did enjoy doing was watching the stars. It was her time of content and peace, and she tried to do it every night. At feeling the tom's tail wrapped around her, she leaned in closer to him, as if she were falling. She was glad that she had him to support on, and the feline tenderly gave his cheek a lick to let him know that she appreciated everything that he helped her do.


Mousefur watched the stars carefully, a question popped into his head. He sighed to himself, all he could do was answer yes or no questions. He could never ask them, he looked at Cloudriver for a few moments. He shrugged the question away, he would never be able to ask it. He closed his eyes as the chilly air brushed through his fur, he took in the scents around him and smiled as the first scent that hit him was the one of his closest friend. He wondered what their other two friends would say if they saw them here. He shrugged a bit and watched the stars once more.

[Brilliance]

Mousefur watched the stars carefully, a question popped into his head. He sighed to himself, all he could do was answer yes or no questions. He could never ask them, he looked at Cloudriver for a few moments. He shrugged the question away, he would never be able to ask it. He closed his eyes as the chilly air brushed through his fur, he took in the scents around him and smiled as the first scent that hit him was the one of his closest friend. He wondered what their other two friends would say if they saw them here. He shrugged a bit and watched the stars once more.

The black feline could feel a slight hesitation within her friend, and she gently bumped him as if asking what was wrong. ''Are you alright?'' The black she-cat asked him, and with her own tail, she wrapped it around him in a comfortable position. She could tell whenever something was bothering him, and she did her absolute best to figure out what she could do to stop him from feeling down all the time. She mainly wanted him to focus on other things instead of his lost of voice. ''I love you.'' She purred in a friendly manner. Of course she loved him, that was her friend. And, she would do anything to cheer him up.

[BluBunnie]

The black feline could feel a slight hesitation within her friend, and she gently bumped him as if asking what was wrong. ''Are you alright?'' The black she-cat asked him, and with her own tail, she wrapped it around him in a comfortable position. She could tell whenever something was bothering him, and she did her absolute best to figure out what she could do to stop him from feeling down all the time. She mainly wanted him to focus on other things instead of his lost of voice. ''I love you.'' She purred in a friendly manner. Of course she loved him, that was her friend. And, she would do anything to cheer him up.

Mousefur pelt heat rise under his pelt, he licked in between the black she-cats ears. He wish he could say he loved her back, but he would probably mean in a different way then she does.

{Sorry for all the short replies..}

[Brilliance]

Mousefur pelt heat rise under his pelt, he licked in between the black she-cats ears. He wish he could say he loved her back, but he would probably mean in a different way then she does.

{Sorry for all the short replies..}

{WOMAN If you Give me another short reply!!!!---Nahh, just kidding. You good <3 }

Cloudriver shuddered at the feel of the tom's tongue a top her head. For a few moments, she only simply stared at the stars, not replying. Why would she have to reply? He couldn't say anything back. She also knew that the affectionate lick he gave her was his way of replying back to her ''I love you'', and that was great to her. It meant that he loved her too, and valued their friendship. Cloudriver wouldn't change it for the world. She was content where she was, and she laid herself against him, falling into his pelt, while her eyes stayed within the sky, wondering about the dazzled lights.

[BluBunnie]

{WOMAN If you Give me another short reply!!!!---Nahh, just kidding. You good <3 }

Cloudriver shuddered at the feel of the tom's tongue a top her head. For a few moments, she only simply stared at the stars, not replying. Why would she have to reply? He couldn't say anything back. She also knew that the affectionate lick he gave her was his way of replying back to her ''I love you'', and that was great to her. It meant that he loved her too, and valued their friendship. Cloudriver wouldn't change it for the world. She was content where she was, and she laid herself against him, falling into his pelt, while her eyes stayed within the sky, wondering about the dazzled lights.

{xD I'll give you much more short replies. I have an amazing headache ;-;}

Mousefur smiled as he felt the she-cat against him. He enjoyed the fact she was so quiet, she was sweet and caring and never got frustrated with him because he couldn't speak. He was glad he met her, he wasn't sure where he would be without her. Before they met each other, his brother had left and he was alone. Cloudriver came at the right time, tears began to form and he quickly blinked them away. He sighed a bit, he didn't like being emotional.

[Brilliance]

{xD I'll give you much more short replies. I have an amazing headache ;-;}

Mousefur smiled as he felt the she-cat against him. He enjoyed the fact she was so quiet, she was sweet and caring and never got frustrated with him because he couldn't speak. He was glad he met her, he wasn't sure where he would be without her. Before they met each other, his brother had left and he was alone. Cloudriver came at the right time, tears began to form and he quickly blinked them away. He sighed a bit, he didn't like being emotional.

{How dare youuuuu!!!! Maybe that's why you have a headache because you're giving these short replies xD But, no honestly headaches suck and I hope it leaves you alone <3 }

Feeling more comfortable, the she-cat let out a small yawn, and she rolled onto her back, snuggled closer to her mute friend. Her eyes never leaving the stars. Usually, when a night this beautiful was out, she would sleep outside until morning. She wouldn't even settle herself inside that warriors' den. She never really told anybody, but she hated sleeping alone. Whenever her brother was around, they would share the same nest. Cloudriver didn't know why she was afraid to sleep alone, but she never told anyone because she didn't want to be mistaken for weakness. Weakness never stood with her well. But, where was her brother now? Who did she cuddle with now when she was alone and scared? Maybe, that was what the sky was for. ''I enjoy looking at the sky. It brings me peace.'' She told him, starting a little bit of conversation. ''It's like... millions of little friends watching down on you because you're not alone.'' She says, shrugged, but she continued to relax, her back against the rock, and her paws sticking up in front of her in a calm manner.

[BluBunnie]

{How dare youuuuu!!!! Maybe that's why you have a headache because you're giving these short replies xD But, no honestly headaches suck and I hope it leaves you alone <3 }

Feeling more comfortable, the she-cat let out a small yawn, and she rolled onto her back, snuggled closer to her mute friend. Her eyes never leaving the stars. Usually, when a night this beautiful was out, she would sleep outside until morning. She wouldn't even settle herself inside that warriors' den. She never really told anybody, but she hated sleeping alone. Whenever her brother was around, they would share the same nest. Cloudriver didn't know why she was afraid to sleep alone, but she never told anyone because she didn't want to be mistaken for weakness. Weakness never stood with her well. But, where was her brother now? Who did she cuddle with now when she was alone and scared? Maybe, that was what the sky was for. ''I enjoy looking at the sky. It brings me peace.'' She told him, starting a little bit of conversation. ''It's like... millions of little friends watching down on you because you're not alone.'' She says, shrugged, but she continued to relax, her back against the rock, and her paws sticking up in front of her in a calm manner.

{maybe that is why ;-;}

Mousefur laid his head on the rock, he was getting a bit sleepy but enjoyed watching the stars with the she cat. Mousefur nodded in agreement with her statement, it was certainly peaceful out here. He nuzzled against Cloudriver, a deep purr in his throat. After a few moments the Tom decided to roll on his back as well, the watched the stars carefully while keeping his tail intertwined with Cloudriver.

[Brilliance]

{maybe that is why ;-;}

Mousefur laid his head on the rock, he was getting a bit sleepy but enjoyed watching the stars with the she cat. Mousefur nodded in agreement with her statement, it was certainly peaceful out here. He nuzzled against Cloudriver, a deep purr in his throat. After a few moments the Tom decided to roll on his back as well, the watched the stars carefully while keeping his tail intertwined with Cloudriver.

{of course it is!!!! XD}

Cloudriver scent a smile at her friend, and she squinted her eyes at him. "You're not getting sleepy are you?" Her ears pricked and she giggled. "I don't mind you going back to the Warriors den." She says, but she knew she couldn't follow. She was scared of sleeping alone. Even if she were surrounded by her fellow clan mates, they weren't her brother. The black she-car enjoyed cuddling while sleep. She enjoyed feeling something warmth while she sleep. It was apart of who she was, and she did not care if anyone though wrong of her because she did it. "I can stay out here with the stars." The stars were her company. Every night since her brother suddenly...disappeared. Without even a goodbye. She watched as Mousefur laid next to her, and slightly almost emitted out an embarrassed squeak at the sudden affection between the two of them. That should not have surprised her though. She wrapped her tail tightly against his. This position alone would be able to help her sleep.

[lone]

Oh, gee...that nickname again. This tom is really getting ahead of himself. Should I...should I knock him down a peg or two--three-four--ten? Or, should I just continue to play along and give him a taste of his own medicine? Oh, no I could never find myself being too flirty with him. I mean, he do need to be scared. Haha, that would be funny! A sudden change in his mood because I was returning his affections...maybe it will stop him from flirting with me all the time? Should I try it...or…? It could work. What do I got to lose? I don’t know how good my acting is...but I can try...maybe. As long as he learns to back off from touching me all the time. I like him and all, but personal space is a must when it comes to me! Well...here it comes. Time to put the freeze on this sweetheart.

Silverpaw stood tense for a moment, allowing Foxpaw to pull her closer. Most of it surprised her, and she wasn’t sure if she liked the comfort or thought it was too much. With his tail intertwined with her own, she gave him a look. Her mouth slightly gaped, before she quickly closed it, and wished that she could pull her own tail in front of her maw to hide her shy state. However, she already agreed to herself that she would handle Foxpaw as best as she could. He was a sly one, a devious one, but he was also a good one. Not like most of the toms. His innocence intrigued her in the slightest, but she was overwhelmed with his confidence, and his lack of knowledge for comfort zone. So, she agreed she would play along. Long enough for him to get a hint to calm down a couple notches. How was she actually suppose to be a flirt? The she-cat was never known to flirt knowingly. She never had to. She was always too busy chasing after insects or hanging with friends. And, of course, she hung out with a lot of toms nowadays, but she never flirted with them! She wanted to hyperventilate, but she couldn’t at this moment. She had to play hard, and long enough for Foxpaw to believe her.

The key to flirting, start with fleeting touches. Words were a lot better in her opinion, but when it came to her, words were foreign. She had to get the basis of touching before she could allow sweet nothings to appear out her maw. So, she copied his moves, being attentive to what she was doing. She was nervous as ever. She felt her fur shiver as she allowed her tail to curl around his own, and she pulled herself closer to him, making sure their pelts was brushing. ‘’Oh, yeah, heh. You found one alright. You’re not planning on letting her go are you?’’ Never had Silverpaw felt disgusted with herself. She had to simply remind herself that she was teaching Foxpaw an important lesson. One that she hoped he would take a final heed to since her words seemed to be coming through one ear and leaving out the other. She tried to make her voice sweet. Even though she didn’t have to try too hard. Her voice was already sweet, she just needed some honey, syrup anything to make it coated with lovings.

Silverpaw gave him a quick look before burying her head under his chin to nuzzle him. She slightly flinched at herself for doing so, but he needed to learn. Maybe he would feel violated as she had been. Harassed as she had been. Constantly, he would play these games with her, and she allowed him to take control as if she didn’t have a mind of her own. To perfect her acting, she emitted out a soft purr. A deep vibration in her throat. She couldn’t deny the feeling was great, but it felt so wrong. Maybe because they were young...or maybe it was something else. Whatever it was, she brought her head up and brushed her pelt against his.

‘’Who are these other friends you speak of? You’re telling me that I’m not the only friend you have!’’ She gasped, then snorted. ‘’I’m offended, really. And, you haven’t even began to introduce to these new friends that’s going to replace me?’’ She stated, but it came out more as a question. How did he expect her to handle that situation? The feline knew that he had more friends than her. That didn’t bother her at all! She had other friends than him. She just wanted to be playful, but it seemed like he was asking for a reaction out of her--begging for her to give him one. He wanted one, so here it was.

‘’I hope these aren’t she-cats you’re friends with. I’m the only she-cat you should be letting into your life, mister Foxpaw.’’ Silverpaw wanted to laugh, but she allowed a stoic expression to stay on her face. Though sniffling of laughter could be heard from her maw, and she accidentally tumbled over laughing in a fit of giggles. ‘’I’m sorry!’’ She piped, still laughing. ‘’I can’t do this though. I just can’t.’’ She continued to laugh, her eyes closed for a second before she finally got up, her laughing fit coming to a minimum.

The silver bengal trotted around the feline, brushing her tail along him. ‘’Was that good enough for you?’’ She asked, coming close beside him, lowering her voice to a whisper. ‘’I tried to be convincing, but I can’t just take you seriously. Not in a bad way, you know I love you.’’ She smiles sweetly at him, before giving another small giggled.

Silverpaw tried to act convincing, tried to give him what he wanted...but she could never find herself doing that. Maybe it was because they shared so much platonic love for each other, she brushed it off like it was a game. Perhaps, things would be different as they got older, but as far as Silverpaw knew, she didn’t think anything was going to change between them. The ginger tom, she did admire him. For a lot of unnamed reasons she didn’t need for him to know or for her to remember. One thing she did admire about him was the fact that he stuck up for her...even against his own brother. Blood was suppose to be thicker for water...yet, he picked at the blood, protecting the water. Silverpaw knew that--even as a warrior--Foxpaw would still be there for her whenever she needed him. She felt that Azulpaw would do the same. Silverpaw was happy to have friends such as them. They made her heart whole, something that her own mother could never fulfill.

The silver feline held a strange feeling that he might be mad at her--but this was Foxpaw. Would he ever find himself angry with her? Even if she decided to ‘’explore’’ something that she felt didn’t go right? How long was she going to be playing along until they both knew it wasn’t a game anymore? Her eyes clouded over in worry, but after blinking them, she smiled at the tom across from her. ‘’Maybe, one day I’ll get jealous. You never know, sweetheart.’’ She rolled her eyes, joking. The silver bengal doubted she would feel jealous of whatever attention he was giving to another she-cat. It wasn’t her job to feel a certain envious tension, and she bluntly did not care who he flirted with or paid attention to. She was glad that he remained her friend, and that was all she was thanking Starclan for.

Another thing that bothered her was the term he used for her. Desert flower. Was it a term he defined as a certain group of she-cats? Silverpaw had noted that the ginger tom would define sweet and innocent beings as a desert flower, but what about the others. Being curious, she piped up, ‘’Hey, Squeaky. I’m curious, but...if I’m a desert flower,’’ she almost giggled once again. ‘’What types of flowers are the other she-cats? The ones with the attitudes? The ones who are mean? The ones who are flirtatious? What type of flowers are those?’’ Silverpaw didn’t mind being a desert flower. The term would make her blush at being called any type of flower at all.

Though teasing him was fun. They both had boundaries--and she hoped that Foxpaw knew his.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

‘’You’re right!’’ Bluepaw shot up, hoping that if he kissed up to the younger tom then their plan would do significantly in order--right this time. Where hearts would be broken, and lives would be taken. Yet, no one would ever know what ever happened. What if Grousestar came around? Asking them where the other apprentices were? Then, Bluepaw figured Grousestar wouldn’t know them. The leader was heavily busy with duties of his own, and their consequences would be unknown. ‘’Hate is definitely a strong word. Perhaps...dislike would work…?’’ He smiled, albeit a sinister creepy smile. The tom had to flinch at himself from thinking so evilly. He shot Alabasterpaw a look, knowing it was her fault.

What else could he do? Who else could he blame? Other than Alabasterpaw, the tom did not want to admit the blame on himself. A moon ago, he was a generous soul--too generous that it made him seem weak and easy to pry on. Just a moon ago...he was happy. Before he met Alabasterpaw, he was happy. He was free, and he had the world in his paws. Now, all that was gone, and the only thing he wanted was revenge.

Revenge for what exactly? What did Azulpaw do in order to make Bluepaw hold such a strong amount of animosity towards the grey tom? Even Bluepaw couldn’t answer the questions. He didn’t want to because deep in the heart he had left, he knew he never would find an answer. The answer was vanquished. Destroyed, and no longer wanted. ‘’And, you will get your revenge on him. I promise you will land your share.’’ The blue-eyed tom slitted his eyes, turning towards Alabasterpaw. He wanted to say something to her, but shook his head and thought best not to. The white demon seemed worn out, not too focus, didn’t really care. She seemed like she didn’t mind anything, that she was just strolling on the path that she turned in life. So, instead the tom let out a deep sigh. ‘’Lure, bait, and attack. We can use Silverpaw--and whatever that other tom’s name is for luring. They don’t need to know of anything. The only thing we need to do is get them to go towards Azulpaw and Asterpaw--wherever they may be.’’ Now, that Bluepaw was actually thinking, he wondered where they had gone. They all had splittin up. Azulpaw and Asterpaw. Foxpaw and Silverpaw.

And, that was where it came. The light bulb. Bluepaw hopped to his paws, a new smile on his face. He stared at his companions, giving them a knowing look. A look of victory. This down would go down in history. At least to him it would, but would anyone actually care if the grey tom lost his life? To Bluepaw no one would. Sure, they would pay their respects, but if the grey tom died, no mourning would be held for more than the same day. By the end of that day, everyone would had moved on by then. A tiny part of him knew that saved Asterpaw, who would be in complete grief. Even to him, that wouldn’t last long. The piebald tom would get his life together, he would do anything get her back, and just love on her. As for the black tom? Bluepaw wouldn’t need him any longer after this plan settled. He could be good as dead and Bluepaw still wouldn’t care. As for Alabasterpaw? She seemed to surprise him most of all. He knew she would be able to handle herself quite well.

‘’I don’t know how much Silverpaw mean to this--other tom, but if she means a lot to him...maybe we can use her as our bait to get him to lure Asterpaw away? Maybe, it’s just a thought. I wouldn’t rough Silverpaw up or anything. Just give her a few shudders and shivers here and there, but if he doesn’t, then we can still go through with the plan. Only the other way around.’’ Bluepaw figured that if the other tom didn’t care about Silverpaw, then he would be easy bait to get Silverpaw to do whatever he wanted. The silver bengal was known for caring for her friends too much--an annoying trait she picked up from Azulpaw. Though he doubt that silver bengal would...die for anyone. The poor feline was scared of death--rejection--small spaces--oh! And, his favorite--fish. As for this other tom, he didn’t know much about him. Not even his name he could remember.

‘’Once we get Asterpaw alone... that’s where you, buddy,’’ Bluepaw says, flicking his tail towards Nightpaw. ‘’Will be able to hold Azulpaw down as long as often. And, as for Alabasterpaw,’’ He turned to the white demon, giving her a hardened glare. He didn’t want her to do the job, afraid that she would mess up again, but he had no other choice. If they were to follow out with the plan, it would be best if he stayed away from Asterpaw--and played hero at the end. Besides, he would have Silverpaw held hostage until this other tom did as he was told: Get Asterpaw away.

‘’You’re going to attack. No fooling around. No playing around. Make it quick and simple because we’re living on the earth’s time, not on Alabasterpaw’s time. Is that clear?’’ He emitted a growl as he faced her. The white demon seem to always take her precious time, and it sickened Bluepaw. Especially with this plan, the tom knew that everything had to work out precisely. Any wrong move, any timed-move that should had happen could be a complete lost. And, everything they strived for, would be the end.

Forever.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Azulpaw laid in a staggering mess, breathing slowly, abnormally, eyes closed, darkness enveloped. He was dead, that much he knew. But, he wished he was. As his pain was numb, why would he go and get himself into more pain? Whenever was anything going to be enough? Nothing was ever enough. Nothing would never be enough. Right now, he was content. He was alone. He felt like he could welcome in sleep, but even that would hurt him. Falling out a tree a couple times was not his best choice. Something he was so good at even left him; like everything else did. Like everyone else.

Part of it was his fault. He knew he could had done better choices like not get attached to anyone he passed. Caring was tough--who knew? Now, he did. Now he understood that caring and loving on someone was...terrifying. He didn’t think he would be able to do it again. No. He couldn’t. Last moon was flimsy to him, but he still had cared. Now, this moon everything is repeating, and what about the next ones? Will everything be a cycle, repeating itself in an never ending circle? At this point, Azulpaw was sure that was true. Why couldn’t he have any regular friendships? Like the simple one he shared with SIlverpaw. Or Kestrelpaw. Or Hawkpaw. Or Coconutpaw. Anything along those lines.

The tom blamed himself. Who else was there to blame? He held a feeling that Asterpaw blamed herself, but it wasn’t her fault. It was his fault. Everything was his fault. From as far as he could tell, Azulpaw figured everything started out with his attitude. That attitude problem that he used whenever new cats found themselves approaching him.

We're not desperate if that's what you're thinking!

My, you are quite the feisty one, aren't you? And handsome, too; that'll get you places.

Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't hear anyone asking whether you were 'desperate' or not.

Azulpaw could had smiled at the memory if it didn’t make him cringe as much. Those first words he said to them a moon ago...was his fault. Whereas, Asterpaw wasn’t extremely nice as well. Alabasterpaw was seemingly her flirty self. Everything had been okay then because he didn’t like them. In fact, he disliked them to the point where he allowed himself to admit that he hated them. Bluepaw was head-over-paws for the white feline. Azulpaw didn’t think anything was special about her. Other than that she was pretty. He didn’t think much of Asterpaw at the time.

Being sardonic and uncaring at first sight was embedded into the grey tom. He never liked other cats to invade his company. It took him time to make friends and to trust others. Silverpaw was helping him with his aggressive state, trying to help him make new friends so that he didn’t always have to hang around Bluepaw. Bluepaw...the one friend that he missed. The company that the two shared. Hidden jokes that was shared. And, awaiting everyday just to start some type of trouble.

Life had a way of changing things. Changing everything. Relationships, paths in life, attitudes--everything. Many would say life was cruel. That life let them down, that life made them the way they were. Azulpaw, on the other paw, believed that what you throw at life, life was either going to make it ten times worse or ten times better. Azulpaw was never a ‘’good’’ tom, but he also weren’t a bad one. He had his moments where he bickered with life. And, life bickered with him, showing that it was too powerful for him to control. At this rate...life would be apart of his past, and he would never have to worry about his best friend--worst nemesis; Life.

The tom was enervated. A type of weakness, where he couldn’t move a single bone in his body, afraid that he might had broken them all, but he heard a voice. That tiny voice, he knew all too well. And, his eyes quickly blinked open.

Just staring at her.

So many thing he wished he could say to her. He wished he could yell at her, but he was fatigued. He felt like he was already dying. When was that time coming again? So the only thing he could do was stare. His eyes continued to blink slowly, almost as if they weren’t moving at all, but he solemnly stared at her. His eyes roamed over her pelt, the way she was curled up. The way she looked sad, desperate like. He hate that he had the feeling she put the blame on herself.

She wasn’t the one who told him to actually jump out a tree. Though she was joking, he felt that she cared more about him than she let it. It was present in her voice constantly.

Don't-- don't talk like that! Of course you're going to make it. I believe in you.

It's not funny! Of all the stupid...immature...crazy...insane things to do, that was just-- what did you-- what were you trying to do?

No. No, I wouldn't have liked it at all. I thought you actually were going to fall...I thought you were actually going to die. And you scared me! What if you had fallen, what do you think--

Please...you have to go...we're family, she wouldn't-- she wouldn't hurt me. You're in a lot of danger.

Those were only some of the things he remembered, and loved about her. The way she cared about him was evident in her tone. There were so many other hints that indicated that the blue feline cared for him. He cared about her too. After all, he wouldn’t be in this painful mess if he didn’t care about her. And, just to think that earlier that day she would had been the one to die...by her own sister’s claws. It was pretty tense, but like a hero...he jumped in. He saved her.

Come to my funeral?

Come to your funeral? Nah, it might be boring. But mines? It’s going to be the life of the party.

The tom let out a deep sigh, closing his eyes once more, heaving his breaths. Everything was so simple earlier today! Everything was great with the two earlier today. Why couldn’t they just be friends? Just play together like old friends? Why did his worst nemesis--Life decide to cut in and take every treasured feeling away?

As the tom opened his eyes once more, he only looked at the blue she-cat across from him. She was the only one he could see. It was as if the whole world around them had lost color, meaning, and surroundings. Asterpaw was the only feline with the beautiful coloring, and her greyish green hues lit up the darkness around them. Only he couldn’t see her eyes. She laid in a ball, protecting herself. Perhaps crying, thinking she lost him. Only she didn’t know that he lost her. He was the one who told her to leave, and she was the one who listened to him. Why did she listen to him? Why didn’t she stay? All he wanted was some support to lean on, yet he didn’t have anyone standing beside him, next to him, or in front of him. He was alone in the world as he was alone from the beginning. Ever since he was born the only kit in the litter of his mother. The loneliness was something that he gradually accepted. It wasn’t something he wanted, but it was something that continued to plagued through, bothering him, and awaited to be accepted as a friend.

Everyone was lonely in their own way, right? Why couldn’t all the lonely cats gather together and form their own social group? Their own lonely clique? Azulpaw was sure that he would have been accepted into that. Only he didn’t want to. He wanted friend he could count on. Ones that supported him, and allowed him to lean on in desperate times. But, every friend he had would walk away; sooner or later. Asterpaw had walked away. She had. That was something he couldn’t forgive because he knew if he asked her to do it again, she would walk away. Next time, she wouldn’t return. Then, what?

He would be alone. Once again. Why did it all surprise him? It was nothing new. It was something expected. It was something inevitable. At this point the least thing he did was care. And, the only words he managed to say:

‘’Thank you for leaving me.’’




-FOR LOST ILLUSION- @Lost Illusion (http://warriorcatsonline.com/forums/member.php?u=130)


Cloudriver giggled, enjoying the affection that the tom was displaying for her. ''Well, aren't you more affection today,'' she says, before continuing to pad forward, thinking of what else the two could do together. It had been a rather pleasant day, something she was used to. She woke up, she hunted, she ate, she spent time with her dear friend, Mousefur...what else could she ask for? Cloudriver ears pricked up, hearing another sound come from Mousefur. She lightly grazed him with her tail, and smiled at him. She had to be tender with him. She thought of Mousefur as delicate, someone she had to protect. She knew the tom could stand up for himself, but that was not the point. The she-cat wanted to protect him because he was one of her best friends, and she knew how hard it must have been for him to lose his voice box--for him to go mute. It made her sad about his accident, but everyday he had lived, and she was thankful to still have him around. Words were little between them, but actions always spoke the most, haven't it?
Everything felt cold and dark. But she knew she wasn't dead. It wasn't possible. And yet, she wanted to join him... to say she was sorry... she shouldn't have left. Because of her word, she had gone. Because of her head. Her mind told her her word was all she had-- if she didn't stick to her word, she was nothing. She was just a sad, worthless cat without her word. All her worth rested on keeping her word, saying she would do something and then doing it. And yet-- she had broken her word to Bluepaw. So technically, she was already worth nothing. And she knew this. Stupid, stupid, why me, my fault, all my fault, I did this... she wanted to cry. But she couldn't. Unless...
　
Pain. Physical pain, depending on how sharp, had never failed to make Asterpaw cry. She knew she would feel better. She would just keep it to herself, away from the world, and she would cry. Because when nobody saw her-- it was better. The feline unsheathed her claws, her paws shaking, and sat up. He was gone. What was she supposed to do? Just wait for Bluepaw to come and claim her as he had done before, come and keep her shut off from the world, shut off on her own with just the two of them? And she dug her claws into her front leg. A yowl of pain erupted from her maw, and yet no tears sprang to her eyes.
　
So she continued.
　
The pain shot through her leg, feeling as though fire were licking at it, slicing through it and cutting it up until she could barely stand it, and still she didn't cry. What was wrong with her? Why wasn't this making her cry? And so she kept going, until finally, tears began to trickle down her face. And then they came faster, and faster, a choked yowl of pain coming from her before she stopped, removing her claws. They had blood on them. Her own blood. She deserved to endure so much more then that, but this was all she could do for the moment being. She had done this, and now? Now she would allow herself to pay the price. She wasn't dying for him-- she had missed her chance. She owed him everything, and yet she had walked away so easily.
　
She'd walked away like he meant nothing. Her now bleeding leg was shaking, and yet she sank her claws into it again. She allowed her claws to sink into it, feeling the pain it brought. Why wasn't there somewhere here to kill her now? Because she had left him, and now he was gone from her. More blood stained her fur, giving it a rusted look. And finally, finally Asterpaw allowed herself to stop. Now she collapsed, weak from doing that to herself and still feeling a sense of satisfaction, like she had righted some great wrong. Her hues flashed and she curled back up in the ball, only this time her blood was getting all over her fur. And yet it didn't hurt her. She felt as though this was the least she deserved. Why wasn't someone here to give her the mental and physical torture that she needed? She was a horrible, horrible cat. And she needed to be punished. A shudder ran down her spine, and fear stabbed at her heart again.
　
She wanted him back. Asterpaw wanted him back. But no, he was gone from her and it was her fault. She moved over, half dragging herself so she wouldn't trip on her cut leg and gingerly curled up, more of against then away from him. Azulpaw's body was still warm-- it felt as though there was life in it. She would stay until that left. Maybe even after. He had stayed for her, and then she had turned around and like a traitor, left. Gone. Because of her word. That was her only justification, the only thing making her struggle to decide whether she had done the right or wrong thing. It had felt right at the time-- and now she knew, now she was sure it was wrong. She couldn't remember the last time when anything felt so wrong. And then she heard a voice. One she had heard many times, and at first she wondered if it was in her imagination.
　
Thank you for leaving me.
　
"You're alive." Her voice shook, and for a moment she just stared at him. He was alive. She had thought he was gone from her, but no-- thank StarClan. There was nothing she could think of to do. To say, for the moment being. She uncurled herself out of the ball, looking directly at him with her grey-green eyes. To say that she was relieved would be an understatement. Asterpaw was absolutely thrilled, though her energy was too drained to reveal this in her expression. Instead she just stared at him like he was the best thing that ever happened to her. Before she realized the extent of what she had done. What she had been doing, all this time. It was her. She'd been killing him.
　
"I'm so sorry--" She began, and then stopped as she tried to get up, promptly falling over onto her side-- though thankfully avoiding falling on top of Azulpaw in the process. She felt horrible. "No, actually... sorry can't fix this. I can't just tell you I'm sorry and expect that everything's going to be fine. I need to be punished, and I've already tried, but I can't do good enough.... please, just finish it for me. I deserve to die." Her voice shook and her hues flashed with worry. She was... scared. So, so very scared. But she had to do this. It wasn't just leaving him, either... she was the problem here. No matter what she did, she was a curse. She needed to be removed from the world where no one could be harmed by her nature. And yet, her personality seemed to change the more you got to know her. She would guard herself first. Letting her guard down was never easy, but she'd already done it with the tom.
　
And then you would really get to know her. She staggered upwards, keeping her injured leg off the ground and looked him directly in the eye. "Finish it. You don't understand... I'm the root of the problem here. I'm making your life worse. That's all I'm good for, don't you see? If you get rid of me, the problem's gone. You won't ever have to go through that again. You'll be safe." Her voice softened completely. He would be safe, he would be fine... Bluepaw would have no reason to attack him, hopefully would remove whatever relation he had with Alabasterpaw, and protect Azulpaw from her sharp, deadly claws. Maybe she was asking the wrong cat. She should be asking her sister. She knew that the tom cared about her, but he had to take care of himself. He's dying. He's dying slowly and I can't stop it unless I die. A shock of realization went through her.
　
All of these things adding up would take all of his strength. "I can't let you die." She didn't know what else to say. What else to do. She needed him with her-- that much she was sure of, but she had walked away when she knew she shouldn't have. If he thought all of this was about her walking away, that would definitely be overdramatic. She was saying those things because it was the right thing to do. And, while Asterpaw didn't necessarily want to die... sometimes sacrifices were necessary for a greater good. She knew this all too well. Asterpaw couldn't stand it any more. She could barely even look at him, knowing that there was a chance he wouldn't do it. She might have to find someone else. Someone who would kill without a moment's hesitation.
　
Once the root was gone? Bye bye problem. Asterpaw knew that, however much this might hurt, it was going to be worth it in the end. It was going to be okay. Her leg still felt like it was on fire, felt like she still had her claws dug into it and was ripping them through, tearing through everything in her leg. And yet she unsheathed her claws again and nervously sank them into her paw. Forgetting where she was, and what she was doing. A sharp cry of pain emitted from her maw again as she felt her claws lodge themselves into the deeper flesh of her paw, but she didn't take them out. She twisted them. This was one way to die-- from blood loss. Though her own injuries were not severe enough to allow her to actually die from them. And she knew this. Maybe she was just playing with herself, adding some more pain to the mix because she knew she deserved it.
　
And, she wanted him to believe it too. All it would take was a single blow, to the throat... head... stomach... or he could cut her open and leave her to die, as she would most certainly prefer. There would be all the pain she deserved there. Perhaps more, but she doubted it. Considering she deserved to die, she must imagine that she would be in quite a bit of pain. Gently, softly, Asterpaw ran her tail over him, not quite sure what she was trying to do. She wanted to take this from him. To make it her instead. Crimson blood was staining her fur more rapidly then she had thought. It hurt, of course-- but it was also weakening her. She was tired, now... more tired then she had been in a long time. "Forgive me..." Her voice was quiet, and she curled her tail around herself before she promptly collapsed-- onto her side, her injured leg the one most visible.

[BluBunnie]

{of course it is!!!! XD}

Cloudriver scent a smile at her friend, and she squinted her eyes at him. "You're not getting sleepy are you?" Her ears pricked and she giggled. "I don't mind you going back to the Warriors den." She says, but she knew she couldn't follow. She was scared of sleeping alone. Even if she were surrounded by her fellow clan mates, they weren't her brother. The black she-car enjoyed cuddling while sleep. She enjoyed feeling something warmth while she sleep. It was apart of who she was, and she did not care if anyone though wrong of her because she did it. "I can stay out here with the stars." The stars were her company. Every night since her brother suddenly...disappeared. Without even a goodbye. She watched as Mousefur laid next to her, and slightly almost emitted out an embarrassed squeak at the sudden affection between the two of them. That should not have surprised her though. She wrapped her tail tightly against his. This position alone would be able to help her sleep.

Mousefur shook his head, he would stay out here with her tonight. He was enjoying his time with her and he was sure she wouldn't mind it if he accidentally passed out while cuddling with her. He pressed his muzzle against her cheek and closed his eyes for a few moments, as he kept his eyes closed he began to doze off a bit. He realized what he was doing and quickly opened his eyes once more, he turned his head towards the sky and prayed he would stay awake for Blackcrystal.

[Brilliance]

Mousefur shook his head, he would stay out here with her tonight. He was enjoying his time with her and he was sure she wouldn't mind it if he accidentally passed out while cuddling with her. He pressed his muzzle against her cheek and closed his eyes for a few moments, as he kept his eyes closed he began to doze off a bit. He realized what he was doing and quickly opened his eyes once more, he turned his head towards the sky and prayed he would stay awake for Cloudriver.

Cloudriver tilted her head up further to look at the sky. Her eyes scanned everywhere, a proud smile on her face. Everything was great in her opinion. Everything was quiet. Everything that she liked. She had her loving friend, Mousefur on the side of her, and that made her content. She felt him press his muzzle against her, and the she-cat swallowed a nervous lump in her throat. ''I love you too, Mousy.'' She told him gently, before turning her body towards him, scooting herself next to him, and brushing her pelt against his. This alone could make her sleep. As long as she was pressed against something or someone she loved dearly, she would be able to dream sweet dreams. ''Thank you for this, Mousy. It means so much to me, and I want to thank you.'' She gently lifted her muzzle and gave his cheek a tender lick before settling herself down, and curling into a ball, pressed against him.



Everything felt cold and dark. But she knew she wasn't dead. It wasn't possible. And yet, she wanted to join him... to say she was sorry... she shouldn't have left. Because of her word, she had gone. Because of her head. Her mind told her her word was all she had-- if she didn't stick to her word, she was nothing. She was just a sad, worthless cat without her word. All her worth rested on keeping her word, saying she would do something and then doing it. And yet-- she had broken her word to Bluepaw. So technically, she was already worth nothing. And she knew this. Stupid, stupid, why me, my fault, all my fault, I did this... she wanted to cry. But she couldn't. Unless...
　
Pain. Physical pain, depending on how sharp, had never failed to make Asterpaw cry. She knew she would feel better. She would just keep it to herself, away from the world, and she would cry. Because when nobody saw her-- it was better. The feline unsheathed her claws, her paws shaking, and sat up. He was gone. What was she supposed to do? Just wait for Bluepaw to come and claim her as he had done before, come and keep her shut off from the world, shut off on her own with just the two of them? And she dug her claws into her front leg. A yowl of pain erupted from her maw, and yet no tears sprang to her eyes.
　
So she continued.
　
The pain shot through her leg, feeling as though fire were licking at it, slicing through it and cutting it up until she could barely stand it, and still she didn't cry. What was wrong with her? Why wasn't this making her cry? And so she kept going, until finally, tears began to trickle down her face. And then they came faster, and faster, a choked yowl of pain coming from her before she stopped, removing her claws. They had blood on them. Her own blood. She deserved to endure so much more then that, but this was all she could do for the moment being. She had done this, and now? Now she would allow herself to pay the price. She wasn't dying for him-- she had missed her chance. She owed him everything, and yet she had walked away so easily.
　
She'd walked away like he meant nothing. Her now bleeding leg was shaking, and yet she sank her claws into it again. She allowed her claws to sink into it, feeling the pain it brought. Why wasn't there somewhere here to kill her now? Because she had left him, and now he was gone from her. More blood stained her fur, giving it a rusted look. And finally, finally Asterpaw allowed herself to stop. Now she collapsed, weak from doing that to herself and still feeling a sense of satisfaction, like she had righted some great wrong. Her hues flashed and she curled back up in the ball, only this time her blood was getting all over her fur. And yet it didn't hurt her. She felt as though this was the least she deserved. Why wasn't someone here to give her the mental and physical torture that she needed? She was a horrible, horrible cat. And she needed to be punished. A shudder ran down her spine, and fear stabbed at her heart again.
　
She wanted him back. Asterpaw wanted him back. But no, he was gone from her and it was her fault. She moved over, half dragging herself so she wouldn't trip on her cut leg and gingerly curled up, more of against then away from him. Azulpaw's body was still warm-- it felt as though there was life in it. She would stay until that left. Maybe even after. He had stayed for her, and then she had turned around and like a traitor, left. Gone. Because of her word. That was her only justification, the only thing making her struggle to decide whether she had done the right or wrong thing. It had felt right at the time-- and now she knew, now she was sure it was wrong. She couldn't remember the last time when anything felt so wrong. And then she heard a voice. One she had heard many times, and at first she wondered if it was in her imagination.
　
Thank you for leaving me.
　
"You're alive." Her voice shook, and for a moment she just stared at him. He was alive. She had thought he was gone from her, but no-- thank StarClan. There was nothing she could think of to do. To say, for the moment being. She uncurled herself out of the ball, looking directly at him with her grey-green eyes. To say that she was relieved would be an understatement. Asterpaw was absolutely thrilled, though her energy was too drained to reveal this in her expression. Instead she just stared at him like he was the best thing that ever happened to her. Before she realized the extent of what she had done. What she had been doing, all this time. It was her. She'd been killing him.
　
"I'm so sorry--" She began, and then stopped as she tried to get up, promptly falling over onto her side-- though thankfully avoiding falling on top of Azulpaw in the process. She felt horrible. "No, actually... sorry can't fix this. I can't just tell you I'm sorry and expect that everything's going to be fine. I need to be punished, and I've already tried, but I can't do good enough.... please, just finish it for me. I deserve to die." Her voice shook and her hues flashed with worry. She was... scared. So, so very scared. But she had to do this. It wasn't just leaving him, either... she was the problem here. No matter what she did, she was a curse. She needed to be removed from the world where no one could be harmed by her nature. And yet, her personality seemed to change the more you got to know her. She would guard herself first. Letting her guard down was never easy, but she'd already done it with the tom.
　
And then you would really get to know her. She staggered upwards, keeping her injured leg off the ground and looked him directly in the eye. "Finish it. You don't understand... I'm the root of the problem here. I'm making your life worse. That's all I'm good for, don't you see? If you get rid of me, the problem's gone. You won't ever have to go through that again. You'll be safe." Her voice softened completely. He would be safe, he would be fine... Bluepaw would have no reason to attack him, hopefully would remove whatever relation he had with Alabasterpaw, and protect Azulpaw from her sharp, deadly claws. Maybe she was asking the wrong cat. She should be asking her sister. She knew that the tom cared about her, but he had to take care of himself. He's dying. He's dying slowly and I can't stop it unless I die. A shock of realization went through her.
　
All of these things adding up would take all of his strength. "I can't let you die." She didn't know what else to say. What else to do. She needed him with her-- that much she was sure of, but she had walked away when she knew she shouldn't have. If he thought all of this was about her walking away, that would definitely be overdramatic. She was saying those things because it was the right thing to do. And, while Asterpaw didn't necessarily want to die... sometimes sacrifices were necessary for a greater good. She knew this all too well. Asterpaw couldn't stand it any more. She could barely even look at him, knowing that there was a chance he wouldn't do it. She might have to find someone else. Someone who would kill without a moment's hesitation.
　
Once the root was gone? Bye bye problem. Asterpaw knew that, however much this might hurt, it was going to be worth it in the end. It was going to be okay. Her leg still felt like it was on fire, felt like she still had her claws dug into it and was ripping them through, tearing through everything in her leg. And yet she unsheathed her claws again and nervously sank them into her paw. Forgetting where she was, and what she was doing. A sharp cry of pain emitted from her maw again as she felt her claws lodge themselves into the deeper flesh of her paw, but she didn't take them out. She twisted them. This was one way to die-- from blood loss. Though her own injuries were not severe enough to allow her to actually die from them. And she knew this. Maybe she was just playing with herself, adding some more pain to the mix because she knew she deserved it.
　
And, she wanted him to believe it too. All it would take was a single blow, to the throat... head... stomach... or he could cut her open and leave her to die, as she would most certainly prefer. There would be all the pain she deserved there. Perhaps more, but she doubted it. Considering she deserved to die, she must imagine that she would be in quite a bit of pain. Gently, softly, Asterpaw ran her tail over him, not quite sure what she was trying to do. She wanted to take this from him. To make it her instead. Crimson blood was staining her fur more rapidly then she had thought. It hurt, of course-- but it was also weakening her. She was tired, now... more tired then she had been in a long time. "Forgive me..." Her voice was quiet, and she curled her tail around herself before she promptly collapsed-- onto her side, her injured leg the one most visible.




You're alive.

Was the first words the greeted his ears. Azulpaw tried to lift his head from the ground, but grunted from the pain. He laid there, not saying anything, but looking at her. His eyes constantly roamed her blue pelt, and a sight of blood made him flinch. Did she get into a fight? Was Alabasterpaw lurking around in the shadows? Since he couldn’t get up, the grey tom mustered a bright grin--a tad bright. ‘’Of course, I’m alive. I hope you weren’t waiting for me to die.’’ However, his eyes never left her leg. The one that was wobbling; bleeding. When she apologized, he forced himself to look up at her. Why was she apologizing? Azulpaw felt that the blue feline had nothing to apologize for. It was his fault for being insensitive...so clingy. Azulpaw shuddered at the words. He never wanted to be clingy. Yet, he felt like he had been.

As he was about to reply, she started speaking again. He strained his ears to hear her well. His head was pounding, and it felt like he could hear his own heart thumping in his mind. Parts of what she was saying was mumbling to him. He shook his head once, ‘’Huh?’’ He wanted her to repeat what she said, but he have caught the more tantalizing part. The disturbing part.

I need to be punished.

I deserve to die.

The grey tom grunted, and with one paw, he pressed it into the ground, pushing himself up. His head leaned to one side, feeling heavy, and for a second he felt dizzy. He sat there for a couple moments, closing his eyes before he allowed himself to say anything. He had to think about what he said. What was she proposing? He knew what she was proposing. Something stupid. Something that made his head pound even harder. Azulpaw lifted his head slowly, staring down at her. ‘’You sound stupid. Are you hearing yourself right now?’’ The grey tom knew that Asterpaw most likely wanted to hear something sweet from her. She probably needed something sweet to her--everything’s going to be alright, that type of sweet stuff. The type of sweet stuff that allowed her to continue to grasp onto hope...that type of sweet stuff.

The tom was tired of depending on hope. The only thing he had left was his faith, and he was slowly losing that in starclan. Azulpaw let out a frustrated growl. She really was losing her game, wasn’t she? What tree did she climb up and fall down to knock some sense out of her. The grey tom knew that he shouldn’t have been the one talking...climbing up that tree in his condition. Again, what was he thinking? He was thinking in the heat of the moment. He was thinking that he lost everything and everyone dear to him. After she left, what did he have to live for? They had left, and they weren’t coming back. She did come back though, and she would never know how much that meant to him that she came back, and she cried for him. That she cared about him.

Yet, he did love her. This he came to know as it slowly dawned on her. Though it wasn’t the type of love that two mate’s shared. This love ran much deeper than that and it solely did not just depend on affection. This love meant he cared about her--her feelings and emotions on happiness, pain, hurt-- anything. This love meant that he would be there for her just like he was with Silverpaw. This love meant that she was apart of his world. Being apart of his world meant he would have to nurse her and watch her blossom until she was strong enough to hold her on. ‘’If you really think I’m going to help you kill yourself, you must have your tail crossed. As much as I would love to help, darling. I’m in no condition to help you end your life. Besides, ending your life doesn’t cause problems to cease. You think dropping dead going to fix everything?’’ He stared at her. His eyes bored into her own, hoping that she was listening to everything he was saying. He thought she was delusional. She was being crazy! Something had to happen to her while he was unresponsive.

Azulpaw wished he could had batted at her with his paw, but he was in no condition to move. His bones ached, and he felt his body ready to give up on him. He knew Asterpaw, if she had the power, she would take his pain away. Only, he didn’t want her to. The grey tom learned that he carried scared on his back. Claw wounds from the white demon, and if he were honest with himself. He was pretty proud of him. It would remind him how brave he was being in the clutches of the devil. He thought about little versions of him running around and asking about how scars, and he would be able to tell them the story. Even at his age now, the apprentice did not feel that he would want his own kits--if he had any, to follow in his pawprints. He also didn’t want them to be selfish, nor reckless. Some friends were meant to let go. And, others. Azulpaw studied Asterpaw, his heart stopping as he laid his eyes on her. We’re meant to die for.

‘’You cannot make my life worse than it already is.’’ He tells her, coolly. He felt like he was already living the worst life possible. Sure, immediate problems had arisen when they wanted to be friends, but that was alright. Azulpaw got this far, why go back? In fact, he did not feel that she made his life worse. ‘’I like to believe--no, it’s a proven fact, that you have sprinkled a lot hope in my life. You made it a lot better. If I were to die, my hope would be gone. And, it would never come back. Do you really want me to stop believing in hope?’’ He tilted his head, slowly, quietly questioning her.

What she explained to him, he felt a flame of fury building up inside of him. Everyone knew that he was an impatient cat. An impatient, yet a calm one. As much as he wanted to lash out at Asterpaw, he understood where she was coming from. The poor girl been through so much. Not only being betrayed by her sister, but the fact that she was also betrayed by Bluepaw. Azulpaw figured that Asterpaw was stressed. She was struggling. She needed someone to lean on. As she finished, Azulpaw stared absently at her leg. He swallowed a lump in his throat, being weak minded around blood. He brought his eyes back up to look at her, and he shook his head out of frustration. ‘’Asterpaw...I’m going to say this once. You better listen to me.’’ He told her, looking straight into her eyes. The tom had to stop playing around. He had to be serious. He had to be aggressive. The feline in front of him was headstrong. She thought she was right. She was insecure. She thought she was wrong.

‘’If you think leaving this world will stop the problem...I’m afraid to tell you that you are deadly wrong. I believe you have your heads in the clouds and that you need to hop off cloud nine and get back on this earth, and realize that you are most definitely not the problem. At all. If you leave, right now. What do you think going to happen to everyone who do care about you? Do you not believe Foxpaw going to mourn you? And Silverpaw? And even that tom that you’ve been friends with since kithood? I’m sure he’s going to lose it as well. And, what about me? Yeah, sure I almost died for you because I felt like I had no choice. You have so much to live for. Me? I probably seen it all and don’t want to see it again. If you left here...now...you’re killing my heart as well. You’re murdering my heart and bringing it with you. Without you, I have no beat to give. I realize that I was selfish too. I thought the same way, I believed the same things, Asterpaw.’’ Now, his voice was on the brink of desperation. He wanted her to understand where he was coming from. His heart felt heavy, but with each word, he noticed his heart stopped pounding irregularly.

‘’It’s not true. It’s definitely not true, love. You need a reality check. The reality that we’re in this together. If you want to leave this world, might as well take me with you. Maybe we’re both the problems and the solution to this chaos.’’ He shifted his position, so that he was closer to her. The tom stared down at her paw once more. He didn’t even have to ask. He knew what happened, and he didn’t want to hear aloud that she had done this to harm herself. The tom looked away uncomfortably, afraid of what to say to her. He pinned his ears to his head, knowing that he was the cause of everything. Snifling, he told her, ‘’I know how much you enjoy the spotlight, darling, but you have to understand that I am the star of this show.’’ He tried to joke, but his voice cracked. All he wanted was a little bit of humor, but at her next words, he flinched slightly. Did she really think he was going to die? After all that he survived...did she truly think he was going to die? What makes her think that dying was going to help him live? Even if he wasn’t the victim of Alabasterpaw, Azulpaw knew that if Asterpaw died...he would be a victim to heart break. Grief would overtake him, and the ligaments in his heart would unattach itself, and he would find himself joining her. Perhaps...it would be fun to be in starclan together, without the worries of anyone trying to stop or get in the way of their friendship. No. He couldn’t allow himself to think like that.

‘’After everything I survived. Do you really believe I’m going to die, just like that?’’ He turned back to her, a softness in his tone. Once again, he turned away, and dragged himself up. His body was in heavy pain, but he was happy that he could move around a lot more. It made him feel brand new. An out of shape brand new, but it was there. It was then that he heard a yowl in the air, and he rapidly turned his head back to look at his companion. Her leg was bleeding, and he yelled at her, ‘’What is your problem!?’’ He dragged himself to sit next to her, but she already apologized and collapsed. What was he suppose to do? With his eyes widening, he began to cry silent tears as he stood over her body. With one good paw, he prodded her, ‘’Get up. Get up.’’ Tears. Tears were never his favorite thing, but they were there. The tom prodded at her roughly, ‘’Get up!’’ He screamed. Why did he not pay attention to that bloody leg? With it sticking out, the tom took a look at it. He laid himself down to began cleaning the blood off, hoping that her pain would cease with whatever he could do. He wished they could go see Ebonypaw. Maybe that was who they needed at the moment, but he doubt he would be able to make it that far to her den. So, he laid himself on top of her, gently, hoping to keep her warm. At this point, his tears were covering her pelt, and he prayed to starclan that they wouldn’t take the one last piece of hope he had in his life. ‘’I can’t forgive you! You’re an idiot for doing this! But, I can’t leave you...I...I love you so much. You’re the best friend I never had.’’ He cried, burying his nose into her blue pelt, hoping to make his mind run in circles at her pleasant scent.

All hope was gone. For, he lost his last string of hope.

[seasalt]

turtle
The egyptian mau slinked through the territory, ears flicking as she trotted through the trees, eyes darting left and right. She still wasn't used to the new territory, and 100% of the time, she was on edge, waiting for something, or someone to pounce out of no where and attack her. The molly couldn't help being on edge, but something today made her extra wary, what it was, she had no idea, but it couldn't be anything good, not at all. She trudged on, ears perked up for a little sound, any pitter patter of paws, anything to alert her of any danger. Her optics glistened with worry and paranoia, she didn't like it when they moved, not at all. All she knew, and held dear was left behind, familiar spots, trees, and everything to remind her that she was in her home, was gone. The territory did look a little like her old one, but still, it wasn't the same, it wasn't at all. The molly lifted her muzzle up to the sky, pupils widening slightly, clouds were rolling in above her, and she knew what that would lead to, rain, and at times, with rain, came thunder, and lighting. A small, quiet whimper escaped the warrior, and she slowly continued on, shaking her head slightly, trying to reassure herself.
Owlwing...its going to be o-okay, it might just be a normal d-down pour, no l-lightning and thunder at all! A whimper escaped her maw as she tried calmed herself down, her heart pounding at the memories of one night that terrified her still. Then, a flash of light engulfed the area, and a rumbling sounded in her ears. Her ears shot up at the sound instantly, her heart pounding intensively in her chest. Trying to calm herself, Owlwing's ears flattened against her head, looking to the left, and then to the right, rain falling from the sky, and the molly was instantly thankful for the trees sheltering her from the rain as she quickened her pace, continuing on through the trees, tail twitching as she went, rain splashing on her pelt. She hissed in annoyance, her fur plastered against her body. Another flash of lightning, followed by a big, nasty rumble, sending a whimper coming out of the molly's mouth, and another flash of lightning passed.
Why did it have to storm today...of all days! She thought, eyes glistening as she darted to a tree, to hide, to stay away from the memories of what happened to her sister, and the memories of her father, even though she thought it had left her when they left for their new territory. The white tabby's head shook, fur bristling as another rumble sounded. She hated thunderstorms, they reminded her of terrifying events in the past, and she hated remembering them, it made her scared, scared that it would play out again before her eyes, again, leaving her helplessly watching the death of her..dear..sister. Her poor, poor sister, it was sickening to think of her death, even now. She sniffed, sitting down, wrapping her tail around her paws, optics shining with emotion, so much emotion.

[lone]

Cloudriver tilted her head up further to look at the sky. Her eyes scanned everywhere, a proud smile on her face. Everything was great in her opinion. Everything was quiet. Everything that she liked. She had her loving friend, Mousefur on the side of her, and that made her content. She felt him press his muzzle against her, and the she-cat swallowed a nervous lump in her throat. ''I love you too, Mousy.'' She told him gently, before turning her body towards him, scooting herself next to him, and brushing her pelt against his. This alone could make her sleep. As long as she was pressed against something or someone she loved dearly, she would be able to dream sweet dreams. ''Thank you for this, Mousy. It means so much to me, and I want to thank you.'' She gently lifted her muzzle and gave his cheek a tender lick before settling herself down, and curling into a ball, pressed against him.







You're alive.

Was the first words the greeted his ears. Azulpaw tried to lift his head from the ground, but grunted from the pain. He laid there, not saying anything, but looking at her. His eyes constantly roamed her blue pelt, and a sight of blood made him flinch. Did she get into a fight? Was Alabasterpaw lurking around in the shadows? Since he couldn’t get up, the grey tom mustered a bright grin--a tad bright. ‘’Of course, I’m alive. I hope you weren’t waiting for me to die.’’ However, his eyes never left her leg. The one that was wobbling; bleeding. When she apologized, he forced himself to look up at her. Why was she apologizing? Azulpaw felt that the blue feline had nothing to apologize for. It was his fault for being insensitive...so clingy. Azulpaw shuddered at the words. He never wanted to be clingy. Yet, he felt like he had been.

As he was about to reply, she started speaking again. He strained his ears to hear her well. His head was pounding, and it felt like he could hear his own heart thumping in his mind. Parts of what she was saying was mumbling to him. He shook his head once, ‘’Huh?’’ He wanted her to repeat what she said, but he have caught the more tantalizing part. The disturbing part.

I need to be punished.

I deserve to die.

The grey tom grunted, and with one paw, he pressed it into the ground, pushing himself up. His head leaned to one side, feeling heavy, and for a second he felt dizzy. He sat there for a couple moments, closing his eyes before he allowed himself to say anything. He had to think about what he said. What was she proposing? He knew what she was proposing. Something stupid. Something that made his head pound even harder. Azulpaw lifted his head slowly, staring down at her. ‘’You sound stupid. Are you hearing yourself right now?’’ The grey tom knew that Asterpaw most likely wanted to hear something sweet from her. She probably needed something sweet to her--everything’s going to be alright, that type of sweet stuff. The type of sweet stuff that allowed her to continue to grasp onto hope...that type of sweet stuff.

The tom was tired of depending on hope. The only thing he had left was his faith, and he was slowly losing that in starclan. Azulpaw let out a frustrated growl. She really was losing her game, wasn’t she? What tree did she climb up and fall down to knock some sense out of her. The grey tom knew that he shouldn’t have been the one talking...climbing up that tree in his condition. Again, what was he thinking? He was thinking in the heat of the moment. He was thinking that he lost everything and everyone dear to him. After she left, what did he have to live for? They had left, and they weren’t coming back. She did come back though, and she would never know how much that meant to him that she came back, and she cried for him. That she cared about him.

Yet, he did love her. This he came to know as it slowly dawned on her. Though it wasn’t the type of love that two mate’s shared. This love ran much deeper than that and it solely did not just depend on affection. This love meant he cared about her--her feelings and emotions on happiness, pain, hurt-- anything. This love meant that he would be there for her just like he was with Silverpaw. This love meant that she was apart of his world. Being apart of his world meant he would have to nurse her and watch her blossom until she was strong enough to hold her on. ‘’If you really think I’m going to help you kill yourself, you must have your tail crossed. As much as I would love to help, darling. I’m in no condition to help you end your life. Besides, ending your life doesn’t cause problems to cease. You think dropping dead going to fix everything?’’ He stared at her. His eyes bored into her own, hoping that she was listening to everything he was saying. He thought she was delusional. She was being crazy! Something had to happen to her while he was unresponsive.

Azulpaw wished he could had batted at her with his paw, but he was in no condition to move. His bones ached, and he felt his body ready to give up on him. He knew Asterpaw, if she had the power, she would take his pain away. Only, he didn’t want her to. The grey tom learned that he carried scared on his back. Claw wounds from the white demon, and if he were honest with himself. He was pretty proud of him. It would remind him how brave he was being in the clutches of the devil. He thought about little versions of him running around and asking about how scars, and he would be able to tell them the story. Even at his age now, the apprentice did not feel that he would want his own kits--if he had any, to follow in his pawprints. He also didn’t want them to be selfish, nor reckless. Some friends were meant to let go. And, others. Azulpaw studied Asterpaw, his heart stopping as he laid his eyes on her. We’re meant to die for.

‘’You cannot make my life worse than it already is.’’ He tells her, coolly. He felt like he was already living the worst life possible. Sure, immediate problems had arisen when they wanted to be friends, but that was alright. Azulpaw got this far, why go back? In fact, he did not feel that she made his life worse. ‘’I like to believe--no, it’s a proven fact, that you have sprinkled a lot hope in my life. You made it a lot better. If I were to die, my hope would be gone. And, it would never come back. Do you really want me to stop believing in hope?’’ He tilted his head, slowly, quietly questioning her.

What she explained to him, he felt a flame of fury building up inside of him. Everyone knew that he was an impatient cat. An impatient, yet a calm one. As much as he wanted to lash out at Asterpaw, he understood where she was coming from. The poor girl been through so much. Not only being betrayed by her sister, but the fact that she was also betrayed by Bluepaw. Azulpaw figured that Asterpaw was stressed. She was struggling. She needed someone to lean on. As she finished, Azulpaw stared absently at her leg. He swallowed a lump in his throat, being weak minded around blood. He brought his eyes back up to look at her, and he shook his head out of frustration. ‘’Asterpaw...I’m going to say this once. You better listen to me.’’ He told her, looking straight into her eyes. The tom had to stop playing around. He had to be serious. He had to be aggressive. The feline in front of him was headstrong. She thought she was right. She was insecure. She thought she was wrong.

‘’If you think leaving this world will stop the problem...I’m afraid to tell you that you are deadly wrong. I believe you have your heads in the clouds and that you need to hop off cloud nine and get back on this earth, and realize that you are most definitely not the problem. At all. If you leave, right now. What do you think going to happen to everyone who do care about you? Do you not believe Foxpaw going to mourn you? And Silverpaw? And even that tom that you’ve been friends with since kithood? I’m sure he’s going to lose it as well. And, what about me? Yeah, sure I almost died for you because I felt like I had no choice. You have so much to live for. Me? I probably seen it all and don’t want to see it again. If you left here...now...you’re killing my heart as well. You’re murdering my heart and bringing it with you. Without you, I have no beat to give. I realize that I was selfish too. I thought the same way, I believed the same things, Asterpaw.’’ Now, his voice was on the brink of desperation. He wanted her to understand where he was coming from. His heart felt heavy, but with each word, he noticed his heart stopped pounding irregularly.

‘’It’s not true. It’s definitely not true, love. You need a reality check. The reality that we’re in this together. If you want to leave this world, might as well take me with you. Maybe we’re both the problems and the solution to this chaos.’’ He shifted his position, so that he was closer to her. The tom stared down at her paw once more. He didn’t even have to ask. He knew what happened, and he didn’t want to hear aloud that she had done this to harm herself. The tom looked away uncomfortably, afraid of what to say to her. He pinned his ears to his head, knowing that he was the cause of everything. Snifling, he told her, ‘’I know how much you enjoy the spotlight, darling, but you have to understand that I am the star of this show.’’ He tried to joke, but his voice cracked. All he wanted was a little bit of humor, but at her next words, he flinched slightly. Did she really think he was going to die? After all that he survived...did she truly think he was going to die? What makes her think that dying was going to help him live? Even if he wasn’t the victim of Alabasterpaw, Azulpaw knew that if Asterpaw died...he would be a victim to heart break. Grief would overtake him, and the ligaments in his heart would unattach itself, and he would find himself joining her. Perhaps...it would be fun to be in starclan together, without the worries of anyone trying to stop or get in the way of their friendship. No. He couldn’t allow himself to think like that.

‘’After everything I survived. Do you really believe I’m going to die, just like that?’’ He turned back to her, a softness in his tone. Once again, he turned away, and dragged himself up. His body was in heavy pain, but he was happy that he could move around a lot more. It made him feel brand new. An out of shape brand new, but it was there. It was then that he heard a yowl in the air, and he rapidly turned his head back to look at his companion. Her leg was bleeding, and he yelled at her, ‘’What is your problem!?’’ He dragged himself to sit next to her, but she already apologized and collapsed. What was he suppose to do? With his eyes widening, he began to cry silent tears as he stood over her body. With one good paw, he prodded her, ‘’Get up. Get up.’’ Tears. Tears were never his favorite thing, but they were there. The tom prodded at her roughly, ‘’Get up!’’ He screamed. Why did he not pay attention to that bloody leg? With it sticking out, the tom took a look at it. He laid himself down to began cleaning the blood off, hoping that her pain would cease with whatever he could do. He wished they could go see Ebonypaw. Maybe that was who they needed at the moment, but he doubt he would be able to make it that far to her den. So, he laid himself on top of her, gently, hoping to keep her warm. At this point, his tears were covering her pelt, and he prayed to starclan that they wouldn’t take the one last piece of hope he had in his life. ‘’I can’t forgive you! You’re an idiot for doing this! But, I can’t leave you...I...I love you so much. You’re the best friend I never had.’’ He cried, burying his nose into her blue pelt, hoping to make his mind run in circles at her pleasant scent.


All hope was gone. For, he lost his last string of hope.
"Oh whatever. If I can't be the star here, then I'll be the co-star." For a moment it looked like she actually might laugh before she remembered the severity of the situation. She didn't understand him telling her she was wrong. How was she wrong? She was the problem when it came to Bluepaw, and Alabasterpaw. If she seperated herself from him, surely the two of them would leave him alone. He would be safe, and she? Well... she would be... okay. Safe and okay. Those were the two things that mattered to her, as long as she remained safe and he was safe. Then she would be-- well, not necessarily happy, since she was losing a close friend, but she would be okay. She would survive. And she was absolutely positive that he would too. In a moment, her expression changed completely. She looked... miserable. And that was right before she collapsed. A lot of thoughts went through her head, but she couldn't pin one down. The most obvious one was 'I'm sorry.'
　
She was sorry. For everything. The damage she had caused would be there forever. This, she knew all too well. It was her fault. He was wrong-- she had done this, and she knew it. She did deserve to be punished. Look at this! Anytime she looked at him, she could see those stab wounds in his back. The ones that she wished had been her. And he had almost died... for her. Asterpaw knew why. But whether she was happy about it was highly questionable. A shudder went through her pelt as she heard him yelling at her. I have a lot of problems. Which one do you mean? She wanted to ask, but she couldn't. Her throat felt tight, constricted, and it was hard for her to breathe. So her breath came out in ragged, almost non-existent gasps. "I-I c...c-can't." She mewed in response to his command. She couldn't get up. She couldn't get up. What did that mean? Was she dying? Was this it for her? No-- surely not! That wasn't even possible, and yet she felt light and as though she were already being taken from the world.
　
Her eyes flickered closed, and the last thing she felt was him gently cleaning her bleeding leg. That was it. Everything was dark, and silent... and while her world before had seemed dark and silent, this one really was. She couldn't speak, either. This wasn't-- StarClan, was it? Where were the starry cats that she had heard about, or were those a legend? She wanted to speak. But she couldn't. Nothing was there, her paws were just...suspended. In mid air, along with the rest of her. And then, she could see. Was that her? No-- it wasn't. It wasn't! It didn't look like her at all, and she was terrified that she was wrong. Was she blind too? Like he had accused her of being? Blind. Yes, she was blind. And deaf, too. And nothing was there for her to stand on. She was weightless. All of her problems were now her own, because she was gone... there was nothing to worry about. But... she also had no one to lean on. No one to count on. It was just herself, and she was beginning to realize, even after a few moments, what a lonely existence it was.
　
The picture from below her faded. An illusion. That was all it had been... where was she? She wasn't in StarClan. And yet this place felt familiar, and she realized it was where she had been when she was knocked out. A place where she was waiting to die. And she wouldn't wake up. She had before, but she was afraid this time she was stuck there for good. Maybe, maybe she would be able to see Azulpaw again at some point. It was a disappointment to her that she had died. She had been hoping to stay alive, and yet... had she succeeded? She wasn't dead yet. It would all depend. The feline sighed, trying to move around, but she couldn't. She was trapped where she was suspended, in mid air where no one would be able to reach her. And the she cat sighed. Something was very, very wrong, but she didn't know what it was quite yet. She could feel things again... water. Splashing on her pelt. Was it raining? When did it start raining? And she heard no thunder, either.
　
Odd. Very, very odd-- but there was nothing she could do about it. And yet there was warmth, too... and a softness, a tenderness that she had felt before. She knew it. And suddenly the darkness was receding, and her eyes flickered back open. She could see. And hear. And she was alive... she hadn't really realized how being so close to death was so scary until now. And now she knew how scary it was. Or had she been? Was she in some sort of other place, a limbo state that she went to when she was knocked out? Or was it all in her imagination? "When did it start raining?" She asked, more to herself then anything else. But the sky was blue-- was he... actually crying? Asterpaw had never thought she would see, or hear that. And now she was. She felt horrible, awful, like she were the worst cat alive... and at the same time, a sense of relief. At least now she knew she wasn't crazy or worse, that it really had been raining. She hated rain. But if she had thought it had been raining before, it had never been sunnier now.
　
Asterpaw was glad to have him with her. The feline twisted her head around so that she could look at him, hear what he was saying better. A gentle, soft light entered her hues. "I love you too." She mewed in a voice just as soft and gentle as before. Her leg hurt. But she could barely feel it because of the warmth that was coming from the tom. He was the one thing in her life that made it brighter. That made every blow gentler, except when she saw him hurt. She couldn't stand it. The one thing that Asterpaw wished more then anythng else was that she could take it from him, make it her that went through the pain. But she couldn't. She knew that she couldn't. She wouldn't be able to take care of him forever, and she knew that they would never have any sort of a future-- friendship or otherwise. Alabasterpaw would make sure of that, one way or another. Her hues flashed worriedly, and she tried to swallow the lump that was beginning to well up in her throat.
　
"I'm so scared--" She began, before her throat choked up again. She didn't know what to do. The feline was truly terrified that something might happen to the tom, and she would never get to see him again. He would be taken from her. "Alli-- Bluepaw-- they... they won't let us be like this. They're going to kill you." Her voice cracked. She knew it. She knew that they probably didn't have much longer. She didn't know what her demon of a sister and the tom she thought she could trust were planning, but she knew it couldn't be anything good for Azulpaw. He meant a lot to her. Being a light in the darkness, being the one voice of reason in whispers of lies and betrayal, that meant so much to Asterpaw. And yet she was scared, too... of the future between them. What was going to happen? Were they going to strike now, or later? Was she going to end up being a victim, the bait as she had been before? The bait. She had just been a pawn. She knew Alabasterpaw would never kill her.
　
But Azulpaw hadn't known that. Either he hadn't believed her or she had once again been blind to something-- seen something she missed. She knew there was some light, somewhere that she was missing. "I can't lose you." She didn't know what else to say, what else to do... she was terrified that she would end up losing him. And what if she did? What would happen, would she end up alone or would she have to be with Bluepaw? She would have no reason to avoid him. The one cat that meant so much to her would be gone. She would barely have a reason to stay alive. Promise me you won't go looking for trouble. She couldn't say anything else, because she felt her throat choke up again and a few tears sprang to her hues. She didn't quite know what to do, or what to think... she just knew that she cared so deeply for Azulpaw that she would do almost anything.

[lilith]

turtle
The egyptian mau slinked through the territory, ears flicking as she trotted through the trees, eyes darting left and right. She still wasn't used to the new territory, and 100% of the time, she was on edge, waiting for something, or someone to pounce out of no where and attack her. The molly couldn't help being on edge, but something today made her extra wary, what it was, she had no idea, but it couldn't be anything good, not at all. She trudged on, ears perked up for a little sound, any pitter patter of paws, anything to alert her of any danger. Her optics glistened with worry and paranoia, she didn't like it when they moved, not at all. All she knew, and held dear was left behind, familiar spots, trees, and everything to remind her that she was in her home, was gone. The territory did look a little like her old one, but still, it wasn't the same, it wasn't at all. The molly lifted her muzzle up to the sky, pupils widening slightly, clouds were rolling in above her, and she knew what that would lead to, rain, and at times, with rain, came thunder, and lighting. A small, quiet whimper escaped the warrior, and she slowly continued on, shaking her head slightly, trying to reassure herself.
Owlwing...its going to be o-okay, it might just be a normal d-down pour, no l-lightning and thunder at all! A whimper escaped her maw as she tried calmed herself down, her heart pounding at the memories of one night that terrified her still. Then, a flash of light engulfed the area, and a rumbling sounded in her ears. Her ears shot up at the sound instantly, her heart pounding intensively in her chest. Trying to calm herself, Owlwing's ears flattened against her head, looking to the left, and then to the right, rain falling from the sky, and the molly was instantly thankful for the trees sheltering her from the rain as she quickened her pace, continuing on through the trees, tail twitching as she went, rain splashing on her pelt. She hissed in annoyance, her fur plastered against her body. Another flash of lightning, followed by a big, nasty rumble, sending a whimper coming out of the molly's mouth, and another flash of lightning passed.
Why did it have to storm today...of all days! She thought, eyes glistening as she darted to a tree, to hide, to stay away from the memories of what happened to her sister, and the memories of her father, even though she thought it had left her when they left for their new territory. The white tabby's head shook, fur bristling as another rumble sounded. She hated thunderstorms, they reminded her of terrifying events in the past, and she hated remembering them, it made her scared, scared that it would play out again before her eyes, again, leaving her helplessly watching the death of her..dear..sister. Her poor, poor sister, it was sickening to think of her death, even now. She sniffed, sitting down, wrapping her tail around her paws, optics shining with emotion, so much emotion.

The small two toned molly had been set to the task of collecting moss for the elders nest. Having a few small bundles tucked under her chin. Her soft green eyes scanned the area in hopes of finding more places in which the moss could be ridden in its area. The scent of the possibility of rain laid thickly in the surrounding area. Glancing up she noticed the dark looming clouds above. Sighing she began to quicken her pace not wanting the freshly clawed moss to get wet. She would probably never hear the end of it if it were to come to that. The faster she padded the more she had to pause to situate the bundles under her chin dropping a few on the dusted ground. Grumbling she picked it up, that's when she started to feel the light patter of the rain on her back. If she couldn't make it home quicker she might as well find a dry area in order to save her hard work getting the moss. Now turning course she began to make her way towards the try keeping up with her fast pace. Her ears folded back as her fur slowly began to get plastered to her skin. Sighing in annoyance she finally made it to the trees. Her pace slowed as she was drawing closer her ears perked when the loud clashing began to occur. Turning her head around she also caught a nother sound.... whimpering.. Feeling the need to find the source she began to look around for the source of the noise. With what seemed forever and the amount of jumping with each clapping in the sky she finally found it. A whimpering molly hidden under the tree, dropping the bundles she padded closer to her. "Are.... are you alright? Are you hurt?" She asked her eyes wide with worry for the stranger.

[seasalt]

The small two toned molly had been set to the task of collecting moss for the elders nest. Having a few small bundles tucked under her chin. Her soft green eyes scanned the area in hopes of finding more places in which the moss could be ridden in its area. The scent of the possibility of rain laid thickly in the surrounding area. Glancing up she noticed the dark looming clouds above. Sighing she began to quicken her pace not wanting the freshly clawed moss to get wet. She would probably never hear the end of it if it were to come to that. The faster she padded the more she had to pause to situate the bundles under her chin dropping a few on the dusted ground. Grumbling she picked it up, that's when she started to feel the light patter of the rain on her back. If she couldn't make it home quicker she might as well find a dry area in order to save her hard work getting the moss. Now turning course she began to make her way towards the try keeping up with her fast pace. Her ears folded back as her fur slowly began to get plastered to her skin. Sighing in annoyance she finally made it to the trees. Her pace slowed as she was drawing closer her ears perked when the loud clashing began to occur. Turning her head around she also caught a another sound.... whimpering.. Feeling the need to find the source she began to look around for the source of the noise. With what seemed forever and the amount of jumping with each clapping in the sky she finally found it. A whimpering molly hidden under the tree, dropping the bundles she padded closer to her. "Are.... are you alright? Are you hurt?" She asked her eyes wide with worry for the stranger.

( This is probably gonna be super short ;2; )
The Egyptian Mau seemed to be lost in her own thoughts, a sea of memories of endless horror and sadness, with the memories haunting her every single time she thought about them, every..single time... Why she thought about them, she didn't know why, honestly. They were her worst nightmares repeating, over and over. And her father...was her father in the Dark Forest? She was certain he was, and ready to get at her again, and make her life a living nightmare, and it seemed to be working, it really was. The wet molly sniffed slightly, ears twitching as she sat in the darkness, only flashes of lightning lighting up the sky. Her optics glistened as she thought about how her sister was doing in Starclan, she begged to know, every single day she hoped to see her in dreams, or...something. But alas, Owlwing didn't seem to be getting her wishes granted. Blinking away her tears, she lifted her head to the apprentice, a flash of surprise in her yellow optics.
"O-Oh!" The molly exclaimed, ears flattened against her rain batted fur, she didn't realize she wouldn't be alone out in the territory. "Me...hurt? I don't believe so...why..?" Owlwing gave an awkward smile, looking down at the ground, lowering her head as she did so. Ugh..Owlwing, this is why you shouldn't whimper like a coward... "I was just, reliving some memories...its really no big deal..." She replied, tail lashing as she spoke again, embarrassment slightly radiating off of her instantly after she spoke, she didn't mean to cause such concern, not a all, no cat was ever concerned about her often, and this had surprised her greatly, no cat even noticed her at all at times, maybe for patrols but nothing else than that, friends sure but they were often busy, so she was often alone, and that was fine with her. A cautious expression was lit on her face as she studied the apprentice closer. It was one of her clanmates alright, but her name, she didn't really know. It would all come in time, but Owlwing didn't want to bother her and ask, she didn't feel like talking much anyways, the grief she had relived made it difficult to anyways.

[lilith]

( This is probably gonna be super short ;2; )
The Egyptian Mau seemed to be lost in her own thoughts, a sea of memories of endless horror and sadness, with the memories haunting her every single time she thought about them, every..single time... Why she thought about them, she didn't know why, honestly. They were her worst nightmares repeating, over and over. And her father...was her father in the Dark Forest? She was certain he was, and ready to get at her again, and make her life a living nightmare, and it seemed to be working, it really was. The wet molly sniffed slightly, ears twitching as she sat in the darkness, only flashes of lightning lighting up the sky. Her optics glistened as she thought about how her sister was doing in Starclan, she begged to know, every single day she hoped to see her in dreams, or...something. But alas, Owlwing didn't seem to be getting her wishes granted. Blinking away her tears, she lifted her head to the apprentice, a flash of surprise in her yellow optics.
"O-Oh!" The molly exclaimed, ears flattened against her rain batted fur, she didn't realize she wouldn't be alone out in the territory. "Me...hurt? I don't believe so...why..?" Owlwing gave an awkward smile, looking down at the ground, lowering her head as she did so. Ugh..Owlwing, this is why you shouldn't whimper like a coward... "I was just, reliving some memories...its really no big deal..." She replied, tail lashing as she spoke again, embarrassment slightly radiating off of her instantly after she spoke, she didn't mean to cause such concern, not a all, no cat was ever concerned about her often, and this had surprised her greatly, no cat even noticed her at all at times, maybe for patrols but nothing else than that, friends sure but they were often busy, so she was often alone, and that was fine with her. A cautious expression was lit on her face as she studied the apprentice closer. It was one of her clanmates alright, but her name, she didn't really know. It would all come in time, but Owlwing didn't want to bother her and ask, she didn't feel like talking much anyways, the grief she had relived made it difficult to anyways.

Sensing something was off about the molly she took a seat in front of her lowering her head slightly. "Are you sure? Is there anything I can do to help? I think we'll be stuck out here for a little while... or I will anyways" She said, her voice was a more calm and quiet tone nothing seemed to make it more uneasy to hear. She knew that if the molly was telling the truth she might as well continue to talk in a more friendly tone seeing as no reason to be rude by any means. She studied the soaked molly through what little light that was shown through the loud flashing and banging noises that ranged in the sky. She had seen her around the camp before but she never had a need to go up to them as the older cat had their own duties to attend then. Ears twitching she cleared her throat slightly as she began a small introduction, she wasn't entirely sure what the mollys knowledge she may posses so she deiced to clarify with herself anyways. "The names Olivepaw, and who may you be....? If I can know of course" She asked closing her eyes as she dipped her head in a more polite greeting. The worse she could possibly want is to offend this stranger let alone scare them off. As they seem to be in the worse of state currently. "Are.. these memories bad? You don't have to say anything to that of course you have your right to your privacy" She mumbled flattening her ears to her damp fur.

[Brilliance]

"Oh whatever. If I can't be the star here, then I'll be the co-star." For a moment it looked like she actually might laugh before she remembered the severity of the situation. She didn't understand him telling her she was wrong. How was she wrong? She was the problem when it came to Bluepaw, and Alabasterpaw. If she seperated herself from him, surely the two of them would leave him alone. He would be safe, and she? Well... she would be... okay. Safe and okay. Those were the two things that mattered to her, as long as she remained safe and he was safe. Then she would be-- well, not necessarily happy, since she was losing a close friend, but she would be okay. She would survive. And she was absolutely positive that he would too. In a moment, her expression changed completely. She looked... miserable. And that was right before she collapsed. A lot of thoughts went through her head, but she couldn't pin one down. The most obvious one was 'I'm sorry.'
　
She was sorry. For everything. The damage she had caused would be there forever. This, she knew all too well. It was her fault. He was wrong-- she had done this, and she knew it. She did deserve to be punished. Look at this! Anytime she looked at him, she could see those stab wounds in his back. The ones that she wished had been her. And he had almost died... for her. Asterpaw knew why. But whether she was happy about it was highly questionable. A shudder went through her pelt as she heard him yelling at her. I have a lot of problems. Which one do you mean? She wanted to ask, but she couldn't. Her throat felt tight, constricted, and it was hard for her to breathe. So her breath came out in ragged, almost non-existent gasps. "I-I c...c-can't." She mewed in response to his command. She couldn't get up. She couldn't get up. What did that mean? Was she dying? Was this it for her? No-- surely not! That wasn't even possible, and yet she felt light and as though she were already being taken from the world.
　
Her eyes flickered closed, and the last thing she felt was him gently cleaning her bleeding leg. That was it. Everything was dark, and silent... and while her world before had seemed dark and silent, this one really was. She couldn't speak, either. This wasn't-- StarClan, was it? Where were the starry cats that she had heard about, or were those a legend? She wanted to speak. But she couldn't. Nothing was there, her paws were just...suspended. In mid air, along with the rest of her. And then, she could see. Was that her? No-- it wasn't. It wasn't! It didn't look like her at all, and she was terrified that she was wrong. Was she blind too? Like he had accused her of being? Blind. Yes, she was blind. And deaf, too. And nothing was there for her to stand on. She was weightless. All of her problems were now her own, because she was gone... there was nothing to worry about. But... she also had no one to lean on. No one to count on. It was just herself, and she was beginning to realize, even after a few moments, what a lonely existence it was.
　
The picture from below her faded. An illusion. That was all it had been... where was she? She wasn't in StarClan. And yet this place felt familiar, and she realized it was where she had been when she was knocked out. A place where she was waiting to die. And she wouldn't wake up. She had before, but she was afraid this time she was stuck there for good. Maybe, maybe she would be able to see Azulpaw again at some point. It was a disappointment to her that she had died. She had been hoping to stay alive, and yet... had she succeeded? She wasn't dead yet. It would all depend. The feline sighed, trying to move around, but she couldn't. She was trapped where she was suspended, in mid air where no one would be able to reach her. And the she cat sighed. Something was very, very wrong, but she didn't know what it was quite yet. She could feel things again... water. Splashing on her pelt. Was it raining? When did it start raining? And she heard no thunder, either.
　
Odd. Very, very odd-- but there was nothing she could do about it. And yet there was warmth, too... and a softness, a tenderness that she had felt before. She knew it. And suddenly the darkness was receding, and her eyes flickered back open. She could see. And hear. And she was alive... she hadn't really realized how being so close to death was so scary until now. And now she knew how scary it was. Or had she been? Was she in some sort of other place, a limbo state that she went to when she was knocked out? Or was it all in her imagination? "When did it start raining?" She asked, more to herself then anything else. But the sky was blue-- was he... actually crying? Asterpaw had never thought she would see, or hear that. And now she was. She felt horrible, awful, like she were the worst cat alive... and at the same time, a sense of relief. At least now she knew she wasn't crazy or worse, that it really had been raining. She hated rain. But if she had thought it had been raining before, it had never been sunnier now.
　
Asterpaw was glad to have him with her. The feline twisted her head around so that she could look at him, hear what he was saying better. A gentle, soft light entered her hues. "I love you too." She mewed in a voice just as soft and gentle as before. Her leg hurt. But she could barely feel it because of the warmth that was coming from the tom. He was the one thing in her life that made it brighter. That made every blow gentler, except when she saw him hurt. She couldn't stand it. The one thing that Asterpaw wished more then anythng else was that she could take it from him, make it her that went through the pain. But she couldn't. She knew that she couldn't. She wouldn't be able to take care of him forever, and she knew that they would never have any sort of a future-- friendship or otherwise. Alabasterpaw would make sure of that, one way or another. Her hues flashed worriedly, and she tried to swallow the lump that was beginning to well up in her throat.
　
"I'm so scared--" She began, before her throat choked up again. She didn't know what to do. The feline was truly terrified that something might happen to the tom, and she would never get to see him again. He would be taken from her. "Alli-- Bluepaw-- they... they won't let us be like this. They're going to kill you." Her voice cracked. She knew it. She knew that they probably didn't have much longer. She didn't know what her demon of a sister and the tom she thought she could trust were planning, but she knew it couldn't be anything good for Azulpaw. He meant a lot to her. Being a light in the darkness, being the one voice of reason in whispers of lies and betrayal, that meant so much to Asterpaw. And yet she was scared, too... of the future between them. What was going to happen? Were they going to strike now, or later? Was she going to end up being a victim, the bait as she had been before? The bait. She had just been a pawn. She knew Alabasterpaw would never kill her.
　
But Azulpaw hadn't known that. Either he hadn't believed her or she had once again been blind to something-- seen something she missed. She knew there was some light, somewhere that she was missing. "I can't lose you." She didn't know what else to say, what else to do... she was terrified that she would end up losing him. And what if she did? What would happen, would she end up alone or would she have to be with Bluepaw? She would have no reason to avoid him. The one cat that meant so much to her would be gone. She would barely have a reason to stay alive. Promise me you won't go looking for trouble. She couldn't say anything else, because she felt her throat choke up again and a few tears sprang to her hues. She didn't quite know what to do, or what to think... she just knew that she cared so deeply for Azulpaw that she would do almost anything.




The grey tom pushed himself off Asterpaw, feeling her stirring. He tried to clear his tears away, but they were flowing freely, and he threw himself back on top of her, soaking in her scent, being happy that she was alive again. At her words, he had to hush her. ‘’Don’t bring it up.’’ He softly mews, picking himself up--or at least tried, as he used one paw to caress her cheek for a quick second. ‘’For now...we’re alone. No fighting. No one bothering us,’’ The tom gave a light chuckle. ‘’Even, if it’s in my last days, allow me to be happy where I am right now.’’ And, he was with her.

Azulpaw didn’t want to hurt the blue feline, so he shifted his weight to be next to her. He forgot how she was about physical contact, and reminded himself to not be so demanding of her attention. After all, the tom had her attention right now. As long as her eyes were open, her breathing was steady, and her voice made sound; he was happy. The tom tried not to focus on her words. For he knew that they may be true. He didn’t want to lose her either, if he were being honest, but he also knew that fate was out of his hands. Whatever happened, it happened. He wished he could change that, but the tom couldn’t. He believed that everyone wanted to change fate, and if they had a chance, then all the cats would travel through rigorous conditions in order to get a hint of it.

Remembering what she said, Azulpaw looked down at the feline, giving her a faint smile. ‘’You don’t have to be afraid of anything, Asterpaw. I promise.’’ It was the only thing he could do. He didn’t want her to be afraid. He was afraid. He didn’t want her to be worried. He was worried. He didn’t want her to feel anxious. He was anxious. He was scared because he didn’t know when Alabasterpaw or Bluepaw would strike. And, what about Silverpaw and Foxpaw? What would happen to them? The tom felt heavy. It wasn’t a conversation he wished to think about. Everything was already drowning his attention.

So, he laid down. Put his head on her her back, curled into a ball. Her back was a bit damp from his tears, but that was alright. He just wanted to rub the tears away. Rub his sorrows away, and she was the only thing that allowed him to do so. ‘’If you want...we can just...we can drop everything.’’ It pained him to say this, but if she felt that she was going to lose him--too scared to be his friend, it was the only option they had. It was the only thing they could do. And, it pained him. It made him depression, but he was ready if she wanted it to happen. ‘’We can stop seeing each other...and we can act like we never met.’’ He shrugged, lightly. His head still on her back, in content. If she agreed to this plan, he wanted to feel close to her as much as possible.

‘’I don’t want you to go through life being scared of what might happen. I’ll be okay. I’ll...live.’’ His eyes blinked in front of him. Even though he was faced away from her, he stared at the tree he had climbed. The many failed attempts he tried, and the one successful attempt, he had nearly fallen to his death. He wondered if he would climb trees ever again with an experience like that. Naturally, he was great at climbing rough surfaces. It was in his blood. Most likely from his father since he recalled how his mother hated climbing. That tree--to him, would be a memory of a downfall. Not his, but of his friendship with the one she-cat that...evolved him. Sure, he had Silverpaw, but the silver bengal was always there. But, Asterpaw was the one who evolved him. She accepted him for who he was. Even played along with him.

The tom longed for the earlier moments where they were joking around and being themselves. No one had to worry about Alabasterpaw or Bluepaw. They were simply pleased to be with each other. That made him happy, but breaking it off would do them some good. Enough space set between them, and Azulpaw could be alone. She would find new friends, and be happy once again. Azulpaw would have Silverpaw, and she would most likely help him be friendly to accept more cats.

A sudden thought occurred to the grey tom, and he shifted himself, picking his head up from Asterpaw. ‘’Sorry. Personal space, got it.’’ He didn’t want her to feel uncomfortable, so he dragged himself off of her. Yet, he was still close by to her, only a good distance, and he curled around himself once more, grunting in pain. Pain that would soon past. ‘’Think of it as...letting your slave go, master.’’ He joked, albeit a sad joke. ‘’And, you’re allowing that slave to live their life of freedom.’’ It wasn’t a sentence he wanted to add. It brought too much sadness, but he said it anyway because he wanted her to understand. He didn’t want to let her go. He didn’t have a choice.

He needed to let her go.

If she was so worried that he was going to die, he shouldn’t allow her to become attached. In case he did die. The tom knew that they were never promised tomorrow. They’re not even promised for the next second. One of them could drop dead right now, and Alabasterpaw and Bluepaw would be innocent. Anything could happen, but he needed her to hear this. Remembering her words:

I love you too.

How was he suppose to let her go after hearing that? After it touched his heart in a million ways more than one? How could he let her go at this point when all he wanted to do was make her happy and protect her until the end of her days? Sure, Azulpaw was young, but he would grow older. He knew mistakes happened to every age, and he was prone to make mistakes in the future. The tom was never the clingy type, like Bluepaw was. The tom liked when others became clingy to him. It was an indication that he was needed, that he was loved. Though he did have boundaries when it came to such things, but his heart was soft. Still, guarded, but soft. And, it was only soft for the apprentice next to him. ‘’If you love someone, you let them go, right?’’ He said, bringing his head up. And, if they love you back, they’ll return. Only he didn’t voice this thought aloud. He didn’t know if he truly believed it. Love was unpredictable. Unpredictable as other cats were. Just like how emotions were. Just like how everything was. Two moons in a row he had got himself injured. Though the first moon he was lucky to not obtain any scared. The second moon? Not so lucky. Now he had stab wound in the middle of his back, and he flinched every time he was reminded of it.

He looked ugly. Hideous. A tragic. He didn’t want other cats to look at him when he was in this mood. He was suppose to be a confident, cocky, arrogant tom that knew he was handsome and, at times, obnoxious. But...he wasn’t. It dawned on him that he wanted to hide from the world. He wanted to protect himself from ever feeling such a way again. It was never a good feeling. And, it made him shudder. Why all of a sudden he felt insecure about himself?

Those scars...they would be with him for the rest of his life. The tom blinked his eyes, and he turned his head to look once more back at Asterpaw. ‘’Even though I’m letting you go, my paws will always be open whenever you’re ready to return.’’ Azulpaw felt like he was leaving a beautiful home and venturing out on his own as he said this to her. Everyone that lived in a clan, noticed that Skyclan was their home. Azulpaw never felt this. Whenever he was near the paws that cared for him, that loved him, he felt like he was at home. It was the greatest feeling ever. But, now he was a rogue. He just lost his home. He walked away from it, and allowed her to be free. Hopefully, she’ll be a new shelter to sad paws that will need her.

[BluBunnie]

Cloudriver tilted her head up further to look at the sky. Her eyes scanned everywhere, a proud smile on her face. Everything was great in her opinion. Everything was quiet. Everything that she liked. She had her loving friend, Mousefur on the side of her, and that made her content. She felt him press his muzzle against her, and the she-cat swallowed a nervous lump in her throat. ''I love you too, Mousy.'' She told him gently, before turning her body towards him, scooting herself next to him, and brushing her pelt against his. This alone could make her sleep. As long as she was pressed against something or someone she loved dearly, she would be able to dream sweet dreams. ''Thank you for this, Mousy. It means so much to me, and I want to thank you.'' She gently lifted her muzzle and gave his cheek a tender lick before settling herself down, and curling into a ball, pressed against him.
[/CENTER]

Mousefur smiled sleepily, he was enjoying this night so much and hoped they would do it again soon. His heart raced as she scooted closer to him, Mousefur let out another one of his strange, lovable purrs. He closed his eyes as she licked his cheek and wrapped himself around Cloudriver. He soon began to fall asleep, with a light smile on his face.

{So freaking cute}

[lone]

The grey tom pushed himself off Asterpaw, feeling her stirring. He tried to clear his tears away, but they were flowing freely, and he threw himself back on top of her, soaking in her scent, being happy that she was alive again. At her words, he had to hush her. ‘’Don’t bring it up.’’ He softly mews, picking himself up--or at least tried, as he used one paw to caress her cheek for a quick second. ‘’For now...we’re alone. No fighting. No one bothering us,’’ The tom gave a light chuckle. ‘’Even, if it’s in my last days, allow me to be happy where I am right now.’’ And, he was with her.

Azulpaw didn’t want to hurt the blue feline, so he shifted his weight to be next to her. He forgot how she was about physical contact, and reminded himself to not be so demanding of her attention. After all, the tom had her attention right now. As long as her eyes were open, her breathing was steady, and her voice made sound; he was happy. The tom tried not to focus on her words. For he knew that they may be true. He didn’t want to lose her either, if he were being honest, but he also knew that fate was out of his hands. Whatever happened, it happened. He wished he could change that, but the tom couldn’t. He believed that everyone wanted to change fate, and if they had a chance, then all the cats would travel through rigorous conditions in order to get a hint of it.

Remembering what she said, Azulpaw looked down at the feline, giving her a faint smile. ‘’You don’t have to be afraid of anything, Asterpaw. I promise.’’ It was the only thing he could do. He didn’t want her to be afraid. He was afraid. He didn’t want her to be worried. He was worried. He didn’t want her to feel anxious. He was anxious. He was scared because he didn’t know when Alabasterpaw or Bluepaw would strike. And, what about Silverpaw and Foxpaw? What would happen to them? The tom felt heavy. It wasn’t a conversation he wished to think about. Everything was already drowning his attention.

So, he laid down. Put his head on her her back, curled into a ball. Her back was a bit damp from his tears, but that was alright. He just wanted to rub the tears away. Rub his sorrows away, and she was the only thing that allowed him to do so. ‘’If you want...we can just...we can drop everything.’’ It pained him to say this, but if she felt that she was going to lose him--too scared to be his friend, it was the only option they had. It was the only thing they could do. And, it pained him. It made him depression, but he was ready if she wanted it to happen. ‘’We can stop seeing each other...and we can act like we never met.’’ He shrugged, lightly. His head still on her back, in content. If she agreed to this plan, he wanted to feel close to her as much as possible.

‘’I don’t want you to go through life being scared of what might happen. I’ll be okay. I’ll...live.’’ His eyes blinked in front of him. Even though he was faced away from her, he stared at the tree he had climbed. The many failed attempts he tried, and the one successful attempt, he had nearly fallen to his death. He wondered if he would climb trees ever again with an experience like that. Naturally, he was great at climbing rough surfaces. It was in his blood. Most likely from his father since he recalled how his mother hated climbing. That tree--to him, would be a memory of a downfall. Not his, but of his friendship with the one she-cat that...evolved him. Sure, he had Silverpaw, but the silver bengal was always there. But, Asterpaw was the one who evolved him. She accepted him for who he was. Even played along with him.

The tom longed for the earlier moments where they were joking around and being themselves. No one had to worry about Alabasterpaw or Bluepaw. They were simply pleased to be with each other. That made him happy, but breaking it off would do them some good. Enough space set between them, and Azulpaw could be alone. She would find new friends, and be happy once again. Azulpaw would have Silverpaw, and she would most likely help him be friendly to accept more cats.

A sudden thought occurred to the grey tom, and he shifted himself, picking his head up from Asterpaw. ‘’Sorry. Personal space, got it.’’ He didn’t want her to feel uncomfortable, so he dragged himself off of her. Yet, he was still close by to her, only a good distance, and he curled around himself once more, grunting in pain. Pain that would soon past. ‘’Think of it as...letting your slave go, master.’’ He joked, albeit a sad joke. ‘’And, you’re allowing that slave to live their life of freedom.’’ It wasn’t a sentence he wanted to add. It brought too much sadness, but he said it anyway because he wanted her to understand. He didn’t want to let her go. He didn’t have a choice.

He needed to let her go.

If she was so worried that he was going to die, he shouldn’t allow her to become attached. In case he did die. The tom knew that they were never promised tomorrow. They’re not even promised for the next second. One of them could drop dead right now, and Alabasterpaw and Bluepaw would be innocent. Anything could happen, but he needed her to hear this. Remembering her words:

I love you too.

How was he suppose to let her go after hearing that? After it touched his heart in a million ways more than one? How could he let her go at this point when all he wanted to do was make her happy and protect her until the end of her days? Sure, Azulpaw was young, but he would grow older. He knew mistakes happened to every age, and he was prone to make mistakes in the future. The tom was never the clingy type, like Bluepaw was. The tom liked when others became clingy to him. It was an indication that he was needed, that he was loved. Though he did have boundaries when it came to such things, but his heart was soft. Still, guarded, but soft. And, it was only soft for the apprentice next to him. ‘’If you love someone, you let them go, right?’’ He said, bringing his head up. And, if they love you back, they’ll return. Only he didn’t voice this thought aloud. He didn’t know if he truly believed it. Love was unpredictable. Unpredictable as other cats were. Just like how emotions were. Just like how everything was. Two moons in a row he had got himself injured. Though the first moon he was lucky to not obtain any scared. The second moon? Not so lucky. Now he had stab wound in the middle of his back, and he flinched every time he was reminded of it.

He looked ugly. Hideous. A tragic. He didn’t want other cats to look at him when he was in this mood. He was suppose to be a confident, cocky, arrogant tom that knew he was handsome and, at times, obnoxious. But...he wasn’t. It dawned on him that he wanted to hide from the world. He wanted to protect himself from ever feeling such a way again. It was never a good feeling. And, it made him shudder. Why all of a sudden he felt insecure about himself?

Those scars...they would be with him for the rest of his life. The tom blinked his eyes, and he turned his head to look once more back at Asterpaw. ‘’Even though I’m letting you go, my paws will always be open whenever you’re ready to return.’’ Azulpaw felt like he was leaving a beautiful home and venturing out on his own as he said this to her. Everyone that lived in a clan, noticed that Skyclan was their home. Azulpaw never felt this. Whenever he was near the paws that cared for him, that loved him, he felt like he was at home. It was the greatest feeling ever. But, now he was a rogue. He just lost his home. He walked away from it, and allowed her to be free. Hopefully, she’ll be a new shelter to sad paws that will need her.


Ever since she was a kit, Asterpaw had heard cats saying 'If you love someone, you let them go.' Did she believe that? Well, it depended on what the definition of letting go was. Leaving them to fend for themselves, on their own-- no. But letting them do as they wished? Perhaps. Depending on what that thing was. Or, leaving for a little while and knowing you would return when things were better... that was also possible. Asterpaw wasn't quite sure whether she wanted to be let go or not. "M-maybe... but is that the answer? If I go... or if you let me go... is that going to stop all this?" She was used to fending for herself, she had done so for a while... without other cats. Except in the past couple of moons, what with Bluepaw always doting on her, she hadn't been able to really get away. Does he actually love me? She thought-- meaning Bluepaw-- as she struggled to her paws. Her one leg hurt, of course-- but she let it be. Not moving it would only make it stiffen up and then it might end up being useless, which was the last thing the feline wanted.
　
She was... scared. Really and truly scared. Not only of the future, which was so uncertain she wasn't sure whether to scream or worry until she faded away, but also of the past. The past had so much effect over the future. So much power. Look at all the ways the past had effected the things they did now. Such as the Warrior Code-- it hadn't been there originally! And now? Asterpaw was scared that she might end up breaking it one day, whether for her own good or the good of someone else. Something that she really didn't want to do, considering she'd broken it enough as a kit. Now was her time to grow up. Everything wasn't about her... or her sister, no matter what the cat she used to think was so fluff-brained thought. It had used to be her. Protecting her sister. Just a couple of moons ago, it might have been her who was trying to hurt Azulpaw for doing something to Alabasterpaw. But instead, it was Alabasterpaw... and she still didn't understand what was going on.
　
Was her sister just a pawn? Was Bluepaw the one behind all of this, and Alabasterpaw carrying out his bloody orders? That was surprising. She thought her sister hated to get dirty. But, she supposed anyone could change. Even the feline who used to shriek at her if even the tiniest bit of dust got on her pelt. And now? Now she had blood on her claws, that triumphant expression... Asterpaw shook her head. No. She didn't know whether seperating herself from Azulpaw was the answer to this. Apparently killing herself-- or having someone else do it-- wasn't the answer here. But... was leaving? If she were to walk away right here, right now, and he let her... was that going to keep the vultures from swooping in and finishing him off? She knew if a rogue-- there were sometimes a few hanging around-- were to come by, he wouldn't stand a chance. He'd be dead within a minute, no questions asked, and his body would probably be thrown in the bushes somewhere.
　
Either that or mangled up and left as a warning. The thought of that had her pinning her ears back. Why, oh why didn't she have the ability to stop all of this? Why couldn't she have the power to just take all of this away and make it so that he would be able to survive. He'd been through a lot, but... Asterpaw got the uneasy feeling that there was always going to be more. No one was going to let him live in peace. Before now, Asterpaw had always thought of SkyClan as a safe place. But now? It seemed there were hidden traitors, hidden demons everywhere. And she didn't know how to get rid of them. When she was a kit, she was always terrified of thunder. Now? She disliked it, yes, but she wasn't truly terrified of it. Her Mom used to tell her to close her eyes and go to sleep, and when she woke up it would be gone. If I do that now, will that be true? She thought. When she was younger, her Mom had always been right about that. Asterpaw remembered thinking her Mom had powers, and that she was magical.
　
She remembered being scared of offending her because she thought that her Mom might strike her down with her magical powers. The memory brought a smile to Asterpaw's face, but it wasn't one that could help them at the moment. No, they needed a plan. But right now? He was right, maybe she shouldn't be thinking about that. She wished she could say they had some sort of a future. Whether as friends, or even just knowing each other. But at the rate things were escalating? She doubted he would ever get to see the day they would become warriors. And, even if he did... would they let him live to celebrate it? She knew that her sister fought dirty. Using her like that had not been fair at all. And, she also seemed to rejoice in others' pain. Asterpaw didn't understand that at all... or maybe she was just choosing not to. Either way, she couldn't see how her sister would enjoy seeing others in pain so much. It ripped her heart in half, and she thought about digging her claws into her leg again-- then thought better of it.
　
It distracted her from the present. It put her in another world. A world where she was the only one there, and there was no confusion. Everything was clear to her. She liked going to that world... the only problem was, things were more painful. A lot, lot more painful. Sighing, Asterpaw felt like curling up in a ball and shutting the world out as she normally did when things got complicated. I wish we could start over. If they could, there were a lot of things she would do differently. Like keeping a close eye on Alabasterpaw. Like never putting on that act with Bluepaw. Like making sure that he wasn't hurt. Like being more careful when Alabasterpaw had knocked her out. Like just forcing her sister to kill her. Like staying with him, even when he told her to go. All of those things, and there were probably more. But those were the key points that she would change. The past might not be able to be changed, and because it effected the future so strongly? The future was going to be messed up.
　
More messed up then Asterpaw wanted to admit. A slight shudder went down her spine, but she brushed it aside as nothing. There was nothing wrong with her. The blood left on her leg had already caked it and given it a slightly rusted look. Not one that Asterpaw particuarly appreciated, but one that at least meant it was going to heal. She could practically hear the whispers now, though she tried to shut them out of her mind the best she could. Gossip had never been a part of Asterpaw's life that she liked. It was rude, and disgusting... who cared what was going on in so-and-so's lives? Unless they were your friends, and they had told you it themselves... or their lives were in danger... it didn't matter. You had no right to spread the news around, all over the Clan to the individual groups of friends that hung around all the time. To the cats who were more suspicious looking and appeared as though they wouldn't have a single good thing to say, and to the more friendly looking ones.
　
Though it didn't make much difference to Asterpaw. She didn't really talk to much of either group. She had her own friends, that was good enough for her. And she loved her friends... they were special, unique in their own ways. The she cat lifted her head at his next words and looked at him. Thoughts ran through her head, some along the lines of-- 'no, please don't' and some 'okay. Just be safe.' But most of all, she was wondering why. Why, all of a sudden, did he seem as though he were content to let her go? Whatever had happened... and by now Asterpaw was beginning to put the pieces together, and her expression flickered with anger as she realized what he must have done... she didn't know whether he was being serious or if he was 'testing' her again. Was this the part where she walked away? Or the part where she swore loyalty, allegiance... whatever it might be called to the other tom? Or perhaps she was supposed to just sit there and stare.
　
A lot of possibilities. Some she liked better then others. Perhaps she should just sit here for the moment being. But, after a few seconds of silence and the uncomfortable shuffling movements of her paws, Asterpaw sighed and lowered her gaze. "Thank you. But... don't let go just yet." Maybe she wanted the comfort of knowing that he was there. Maybe she just wanted someone to be holding on to her. Perhaps she wanted a friend there at the moment. Maybe she just wasn't ready to be let go of, to be given a freedom that she hadn't really had before. And even if Azulpaw let her go-- Bluepaw wouldn't. That much, she was certain of. But what he was planning, she either really didn't know or didn't care to know. The options were clear-- she was either avoiding the truth or looking for it in places that she knew it wouldn't be. Unnatural, but not unheard of. The tip of her tail twitched uncomfortably. Her hues scanned the area, looking around for any signs of the two conniving felines.
　
They could be anywhere by now. They could be plotting another attack, or lying low for the moment. And, either way? Asterpaw didn't like it. She was beginning to get the feeling that she was either being watched, or kept under control... both of which put a sinking feeling in her stomach. And, both of which seemed to give her a certain amount of dread. Slowly, carefully, she made her way over to the tom, half-limping. And, she sat there beside him. More then anything, Asterpaw wished that this would end soon. That this would end and they could go back to normal. In a half teasing tone of voice, she asked: "So, I never got to know what kind of flowers you like. Want to tell me that now?" There was a certain amount of lightness to her tone that made it sound as though flowers were the last thing on her mind, but like this was a joke she was very much enjoying. Asterpaw loved to play around with the tom. It was almost like she had another brother, but... different.
　
And, if anyone had asked her how it was different, she wouldn't have been able to answer. To her, it just felt that way. As though Azulpaw was both her brother and the best friend she had ever had. Which, while both were possible... there was a difference between the type of feeling for a brother/best friend and a true best friend. She'd thought Alabasterpaw was. Now? She was quickly changing her mind, believing that Azulpaw was one of the best friends she would ever have.

[seasalt]

Sensing something was off about the molly she took a seat in front of her lowering her head slightly. "Are you sure? Is there anything I can do to help? I think we'll be stuck out here for a little while... or I will anyways". She said, her voice was a more calm and quiet tone nothing seemed to make it more uneasy to hear. She knew that if the molly was telling the truth she might as well continue to talk in a more friendly tone seeing as no reason to be rude by any means. She studied the soaked molly through what little light that was shown through the loud flashing and banging noises that ranged in the sky. She had seen her around the camp before but she never had a need to go up to them as the older cat had their own duties to attend then. Ears twitching she cleared her throat slightly as she began a small introduction, she wasn't entirely sure what the molly's knowledge she may posses so she deiced to clarify with herself anyways. "The names Olivepaw, and who may you be....? If I can know of course" She asked closing her eyes as she dipped her head in a more polite greeting. The worse she could possibly want is to offend this stranger let alone scare them off. As they seem to be in the worse of state currently. "Are.. these memories bad? You don't have to say anything to that of course you have your right to your privacy." She mumbled flattening her ears to her damp fur.

turtle
She lifted her head to look at the apprentice, trying to give a reassuring look to the molly. "I'm sure I'm fine, and..theirs nothing you can do to change your past..." Owlwing replied, her tail tip twitching slightly as she spoke. The past, something Owlwing hated to talk about, and she didn't enjoy her past all that well, it had too many bad memories and Owlwing usually avoided them, and that was what she was trying to do, during this storm. Lightning flashed, and the white tabby flinched slightly at the rumble of thunder, a very unpleasant memory threatening to appear in her mind, she shook her head a bit, trying to keep herself from reminding herself of its existence. Closing her eyes shut for a moment, Owlwing opened them back when the molly introduced herself. Olivepaw hmm? An apprentice, she should be worrying about her training, not about my...personal problems... "You may, its Owlwing.." The Egyptian Mau introduced herself, a more calmer tone, but cautious one.
Thunder boomed, and lightning flashed again, more used to the storm, Owlwing didn't really flinch as bad as before, but she still did flinch. At least its not as bad as that one day... She hated thunderstorms, and she was scared of them too, as you must know. The molly's tail twitched, turned to look at the apprentice. "Yes, they very much are." The tabby gave a sigh, curling her tail around her paws. "Its a memory, I don't like talking about, and I don't want to talk about it, at all... It's not really something you should be worrying about, its me who should...get over it...as it were..."

[Brilliance]

Ever since she was a kit, Asterpaw had heard cats saying 'If you love someone, you let them go.' Did she believe that? Well, it depended on what the definition of letting go was. Leaving them to fend for themselves, on their own-- no. But letting them do as they wished? Perhaps. Depending on what that thing was. Or, leaving for a little while and knowing you would return when things were better... that was also possible. Asterpaw wasn't quite sure whether she wanted to be let go or not. "M-maybe... but is that the answer? If I go... or if you let me go... is that going to stop all this?" She was used to fending for herself, she had done so for a while... without other cats. Except in the past couple of moons, what with Bluepaw always doting on her, she hadn't been able to really get away. Does he actually love me? She thought-- meaning Bluepaw-- as she struggled to her paws. Her one leg hurt, of course-- but she let it be. Not moving it would only make it stiffen up and then it might end up being useless, which was the last thing the feline wanted.
　
She was... scared. Really and truly scared. Not only of the future, which was so uncertain she wasn't sure whether to scream or worry until she faded away, but also of the past. The past had so much effect over the future. So much power. Look at all the ways the past had effected the things they did now. Such as the Warrior Code-- it hadn't been there originally! And now? Asterpaw was scared that she might end up breaking it one day, whether for her own good or the good of someone else. Something that she really didn't want to do, considering she'd broken it enough as a kit. Now was her time to grow up. Everything wasn't about her... or her sister, no matter what the cat she used to think was so fluff-brained thought. It had used to be her. Protecting her sister. Just a couple of moons ago, it might have been her who was trying to hurt Azulpaw for doing something to Alabasterpaw. But instead, it was Alabasterpaw... and she still didn't understand what was going on.
　
Was her sister just a pawn? Was Bluepaw the one behind all of this, and Alabasterpaw carrying out his bloody orders? That was surprising. She thought her sister hated to get dirty. But, she supposed anyone could change. Even the feline who used to shriek at her if even the tiniest bit of dust got on her pelt. And now? Now she had blood on her claws, that triumphant expression... Asterpaw shook her head. No. She didn't know whether seperating herself from Azulpaw was the answer to this. Apparently killing herself-- or having someone else do it-- wasn't the answer here. But... was leaving? If she were to walk away right here, right now, and he let her... was that going to keep the vultures from swooping in and finishing him off? She knew if a rogue-- there were sometimes a few hanging around-- were to come by, he wouldn't stand a chance. He'd be dead within a minute, no questions asked, and his body would probably be thrown in the bushes somewhere.
　
Either that or mangled up and left as a warning. The thought of that had her pinning her ears back. Why, oh why didn't she have the ability to stop all of this? Why couldn't she have the power to just take all of this away and make it so that he would be able to survive. He'd been through a lot, but... Asterpaw got the uneasy feeling that there was always going to be more. No one was going to let him live in peace. Before now, Asterpaw had always thought of SkyClan as a safe place. But now? It seemed there were hidden traitors, hidden demons everywhere. And she didn't know how to get rid of them. When she was a kit, she was always terrified of thunder. Now? She disliked it, yes, but she wasn't truly terrified of it. Her Mom used to tell her to close her eyes and go to sleep, and when she woke up it would be gone. If I do that now, will that be true? She thought. When she was younger, her Mom had always been right about that. Asterpaw remembered thinking her Mom had powers, and that she was magical.
　
She remembered being scared of offending her because she thought that her Mom might strike her down with her magical powers. The memory brought a smile to Asterpaw's face, but it wasn't one that could help them at the moment. No, they needed a plan. But right now? He was right, maybe she shouldn't be thinking about that. She wished she could say they had some sort of a future. Whether as friends, or even just knowing each other. But at the rate things were escalating? She doubted he would ever get to see the day they would become warriors. And, even if he did... would they let him live to celebrate it? She knew that her sister fought dirty. Using her like that had not been fair at all. And, she also seemed to rejoice in others' pain. Asterpaw didn't understand that at all... or maybe she was just choosing not to. Either way, she couldn't see how her sister would enjoy seeing others in pain so much. It ripped her heart in half, and she thought about digging her claws into her leg again-- then thought better of it.
　
It distracted her from the present. It put her in another world. A world where she was the only one there, and there was no confusion. Everything was clear to her. She liked going to that world... the only problem was, things were more painful. A lot, lot more painful. Sighing, Asterpaw felt like curling up in a ball and shutting the world out as she normally did when things got complicated. I wish we could start over. If they could, there were a lot of things she would do differently. Like keeping a close eye on Alabasterpaw. Like never putting on that act with Bluepaw. Like making sure that he wasn't hurt. Like being more careful when Alabasterpaw had knocked her out. Like just forcing her sister to kill her. Like staying with him, even when he told her to go. All of those things, and there were probably more. But those were the key points that she would change. The past might not be able to be changed, and because it effected the future so strongly? The future was going to be messed up.
　
More messed up then Asterpaw wanted to admit. A slight shudder went down her spine, but she brushed it aside as nothing. There was nothing wrong with her. The blood left on her leg had already caked it and given it a slightly rusted look. Not one that Asterpaw particuarly appreciated, but one that at least meant it was going to heal. She could practically hear the whispers now, though she tried to shut them out of her mind the best she could. Gossip had never been a part of Asterpaw's life that she liked. It was rude, and disgusting... who cared what was going on in so-and-so's lives? Unless they were your friends, and they had told you it themselves... or their lives were in danger... it didn't matter. You had no right to spread the news around, all over the Clan to the individual groups of friends that hung around all the time. To the cats who were more suspicious looking and appeared as though they wouldn't have a single good thing to say, and to the more friendly looking ones.
　
Though it didn't make much difference to Asterpaw. She didn't really talk to much of either group. She had her own friends, that was good enough for her. And she loved her friends... they were special, unique in their own ways. The she cat lifted her head at his next words and looked at him. Thoughts ran through her head, some along the lines of-- 'no, please don't' and some 'okay. Just be safe.' But most of all, she was wondering why. Why, all of a sudden, did he seem as though he were content to let her go? Whatever had happened... and by now Asterpaw was beginning to put the pieces together, and her expression flickered with anger as she realized what he must have done... she didn't know whether he was being serious or if he was 'testing' her again. Was this the part where she walked away? Or the part where she swore loyalty, allegiance... whatever it might be called to the other tom? Or perhaps she was supposed to just sit there and stare.
　
A lot of possibilities. Some she liked better then others. Perhaps she should just sit here for the moment being. But, after a few seconds of silence and the uncomfortable shuffling movements of her paws, Asterpaw sighed and lowered her gaze. "Thank you. But... don't let go just yet." Maybe she wanted the comfort of knowing that he was there. Maybe she just wanted someone to be holding on to her. Perhaps she wanted a friend there at the moment. Maybe she just wasn't ready to be let go of, to be given a freedom that she hadn't really had before. And even if Azulpaw let her go-- Bluepaw wouldn't. That much, she was certain of. But what he was planning, she either really didn't know or didn't care to know. The options were clear-- she was either avoiding the truth or looking for it in places that she knew it wouldn't be. Unnatural, but not unheard of. The tip of her tail twitched uncomfortably. Her hues scanned the area, looking around for any signs of the two conniving felines.
　
They could be anywhere by now. They could be plotting another attack, or lying low for the moment. And, either way? Asterpaw didn't like it. She was beginning to get the feeling that she was either being watched, or kept under control... both of which put a sinking feeling in her stomach. And, both of which seemed to give her a certain amount of dread. Slowly, carefully, she made her way over to the tom, half-limping. And, she sat there beside him. More then anything, Asterpaw wished that this would end soon. That this would end and they could go back to normal. In a half teasing tone of voice, she asked: "So, I never got to know what kind of flowers you like. Want to tell me that now?" There was a certain amount of lightness to her tone that made it sound as though flowers were the last thing on her mind, but like this was a joke she was very much enjoying. Asterpaw loved to play around with the tom. It was almost like she had another brother, but... different.
　
And, if anyone had asked her how it was different, she wouldn't have been able to answer. To her, it just felt that way. As though Azulpaw was both her brother and the best friend she had ever had. Which, while both were possible... there was a difference between the type of feeling for a brother/best friend and a true best friend. She'd thought Alabasterpaw was. Now? She was quickly changing her mind, believing that Azulpaw was one of the best friends she would ever have.

Azulpaw didn’t have an exact answer right away. He didn’t even try to think about it. The answer seemed to be right in front of them. Lingering around, hiding around every corner, only every corner was transparent, so the answer was in front of their face. The grey tom believed that if the two stopped seeing each other, everything would be at peace. She would be safe. Not to mention, happy. He would be safe. Maybe not as happy, considering he lost a good friend. Above all, the tom did not know if it would exactly stop the problem. Possibly, it wouldn’t, but at least she wouldn’t get attached in case something did happen. Something drastic happened to him. That wouldn’t be good, now would it? Azulpaw did not want Asterpaw to go through life feeling sad all the time. Feeling as if the world depended heavily on her. Like she could solve every problem.

No.

He wanted Asterpaw to go through life being happy-go-lucky. Being an apprentice. Being a kit who just wanted to have fun. He did not want her to embrace the worries in the world, knowing it was easy to stress many out. The tom himself was stressed to the point where he was ready to give up. He felt that he was growing too fast, not embracing his apprenticehood. Before he knows it, more moons would past and he would be a full time warrior. His heart would lose the love it gave after a while. His wisdom would start sinking, vanishing into the ground. What if that happened to Asterpaw? The tom knew he didn’t want that. It was too...much. Even for her to handle. And, looking down at her caked paw, he saw that she would crumble under the stress, and ultimately end herself.

He stiffened at her question, and for a while he didn’t say anything. He allowed it to linger into the air until the wind blew it away. False hope was something he didn’t want her ears to hear. He didn’t want Asterpaw to grasp onto it, believing that nothing would happen if they chose to end what they most desired: A friendship. What was so wrong about what they were seeking? To Azulpaw it wasn’t going against the warrior code. They were both affiliated in the same clan, so what was the problem? Ah, yes, Bluepaw’s self-proclaimed affections for the blue cat. That was the problem. Azulpaw understood, and if he weren’t so beaten up, he would had the desire to fight for her affections, but he gave up. There was nothing more he could do. He practically died twice for her because she was one of his greatest friends. That was enough for him. He didn’t feel like competing with anyone for her attention.

Why did he have to? If he was someone important to her, he didn’t have to fight for her affections. It worked vice versa. The she-cat shouldn’t have to fight for his attention as well if he found her important. It was nice that Asterpaw and himself worked hand in hand. He was happy that she was someone he could joke around with, tease, play with. Only, he couldn’t allow himself to do much of it anymore. Specifically, to keep them both safe. As his eyes fell upon the blue she-cat he couldn’t help, but smile. Smile at her because she was the only good thing that made him happy.

Well, her, and how dare he forget, little Silverpaw. The sweetheart of a gem that seemed to make everyone happy. They were both great friends of his, and even though he lost his greatest friend. The best company. Bluepaw. The tom’s heart was quickly patched up by the silver bengal and the blue feline. Once again, the tom thought how funny it was that everything turned upside down. That everything changed.

For the better..or for the worse?

The tom seen the anger in her eyes. The hesitation of leaving. He didn’t understand at first until it clicked that she thought it might be another one of his tests. Confusing, wasn’t he? Misunderstanding was what he played off of. He also didn’t answer on this. From what he said, was the truth. He hadn’t asked her to walk away. In all truth, he would had been the first to walk away if they were to follow through with it. The tom was ready to drag himself away, flickering his ears just in case she changed her mind and called him back. Only, she wasn’t allowed to call his name back. Only he wasn’t allowed to drag himself back. At her next words, he tilted his head, staring at her.

But... don't let go just yet.

So, he stayed planted to his spot, looking around the area. Words seemed foreign to him at the moment, for he didn’t know what to say. He was ready to respond with something witty; Ah, I know you’ll miss me and all, I’m quite irresistible. Or; if you allow me to stay much longer, you have to promise yourself to not get attach. He didn’t voice his thoughts, however. In such a serious, sad moment, why would he? He was already regretting a lot of his decisions in the past. As of now, the tom was debating if she were one of them.

Asterpaw did not want him to leave just yet. So, when was she ready for him to leave? When was she ready to let go? He was positive that she would still have Bluepaw and come to love him if she allowed herself to do so. For him? He would have Silverpaw. He was quite afraid if the silver bengal developed a closer relationship with another tom friend and decided to dump him in the process as well. As he looked away, he had to keep remind himself that cats left. They left, and new ones enter their lives. Only, he didn’t want the ones he loved to leave him. Azulpaw was scared to be alone. For such an aggressive kitty, he allowed his guard to be down whenever he was with others that he truly cared about.

Asterpaw was a witnessed to this. She was experiencing this. And, he the same for her. He could tell that she allowed her guard to be down around him. To show him a sweet, loving, young girl that was strong, and possibly needed to find a steady path in life. Wherever she ended up, the tom only prayed that starclan follow her ways and bless her in more ways than one. Sure, they were dead cats, but to Azulpaw they were powerful as well.

The grey tom looked with a sad expression when Asterpaw limped her way to him. She was ever supposed to feel pain. She was never supposed to go through with what he was going through. He knew that she was hurting herself. Only, she wasn’t. He was hurting her. He allowed himself to destroy himself, leaving her desperate in the need of longing, and failure. So, far the tom knew he failed Asterpaw...yet, she didn’t want him to leave as of the moment. When was the right time to leave? When was it the right time to let him go before he became clingy and refused to let her go? Woah...clingy? That did not sound like him. That was Bluepaw’s forte, not his. The grey tom would never find himself becoming clingy to anywhere. Sure, he would care alot for them, but clingyness? No. Not his specialty.

At her words though, he gave a soft smile, and looked above, thinking on the answer. He wasn’t a flower’s guy, but he did find them pretty to look at. There were many of them that he liked, but could never name one of his favorites. Though, he knew exactly which ones that would never tire him out, and looking at her, he answered, ‘’I think Asters are beautiful.’’ It was simple response, but because he wanted some lightweight humor, he decided to play along. It was nice to not talk about emotions or the future. The future was a scary thing. An inevitable thing. Some were better than others. He did hoped that Asterpaw’s was better than his ending. The tom knew he wouldn’t have a future. He doubt he would make it past his warrior ceremony. And, truthfully? He seem to not mind wanting to join starclan. ‘’So are chrysanthemums, roses, tulips, and umm...umm...any type of wildflower really, but you know what else?’’ He leaned in close to her, his voice lowering as if he were telling her a secret. ‘’If there were flowers known as Azuls then those would be the most incredible of them all!’’ He chuckled, feeling a slight sense of pride in him.

Slowly, he began to come back to his old self, and he was happy that they were alone. This way they could joke and play, and not worry about anyone wanting to murder or separate them. Separation was inevitable between them. Once they drifted apart, Bluepaw and Alabasterpaw wouldn’t have to worry about anything. The tom only hoped that he could get his time with her now before he was called to come home to the above. Oh why, oh why had the tom had to think about death often?

Come to my funeral?

Please bring flowers.

What are your favorites?

As the grey tom stared at Asterpaw, he felt the rush of memories between them. It wasn’t sad, it kind of made him want to laugh. The words they threw around for humor took on a dark turn and became a reality. Wow. Such sadness. Who would had known? Azulpaw thought that if he ever lived to become a senior, he would had loved to tell the story to the future kits about what he endured, and what he survived. Maybe it would amaze them, teach them a lesson, or they would find it boring, and thus, leave him alone.

Breathing in deeply, the tom playfully states, ‘’Not trying to brag or anything, but it’s a proven fact that I am the best at everything I do. I don’t know why, but it seems like I’m popular! I mean, everyone wants to take a gander at me; your sister, my best friend, your kit-hood friend! I feel the love being thrown around.’’ He smiled brightly, not a hint of sarcasm in his tone. Which should had been sarcasm, but the tom was tired, and he was happy to finally be able to joke around without being severely punished or pounced on. ‘’Bet you can’t reach my level.’’

A good. And, cautious one.


Mousefur smiled sleepily, he was enjoying this night so much and hoped they would do it again soon. His heart raced as she scooted closer to him, Mousefur let out another one of his strange, lovable purrs. He closed his eyes as she licked his cheek and wrapped himself around Cloudriver. He soon began to fall asleep, with a light smile on his face.

{So freaking cute}

{Hehe, they are!!!}

Cloudriver giggled lightly as she heard her mute friend. She was quite used to his strange sounds, and they didn't bother as much to her as they used to. She gradually accepted them as apart of his life and she loved him for it. As she stared at the stars, she felt the tom wrap around her, and she allowed herself to snuggle deeper into him. His warmth was making her sleepy, but she didn't want to sleep just yet. She wanted to continue to watch the amazing sky. The sky was beautiful. Like every night, but as she wrapped herself around the tom, she felt a heavy exhaustion wash over her, and she buried her head into the crook of his neck, purring before she eventually closed her eyes to sleep.

[BluBunnie]

{Hehe, they are!!!}

Cloudriver giggled lightly as she heard her mute friend. She was quite used to his strange sounds, and they didn't bother as much to her as they used to. She gradually accepted them as apart of his life and she loved him for it. As she stared at the stars, she felt the tom wrap around her, and she allowed herself to snuggle deeper into him. His warmth was making her sleepy, but she didn't want to sleep just yet. She wanted to continue to watch the amazing sky. The sky was beautiful. Like every night, but as she wrapped herself around the tom, she felt a heavy exhaustion wash over her, and she buried her head into the crook of his neck, purring before she eventually closed her eyes to sleep.

(Timeskippppp??)

[Brilliance]

(Timeskippppp??)

{Yesssss, I'll start}

Cloudriver fluttered her eyes open, entangled in the tom next to her. She had a good dream last night since she was cuddling someone that she loved dearly. It wasn't her brother, but it was her dear friend. As she opened her eyes, she was buried in his fur, and the she-cat chuckled. She gave him a soft lick to the cheek to wake him up so that they could start the day.

[BluBunnie]

{Yesssss, I'll start}

Cloudriver fluttered her eyes open, entangled in the tom next to her. She had a good dream last night since she was cuddling someone that she loved dearly. It wasn't her brother, but it was her dear friend. As she opened her eyes, she was buried in his fur, and the she-cat chuckled. She gave him a soft lick to the cheek to wake him up so that they could start the day.

Mousefur woke up slowly as he felt a cold, wet tongue against his cheek. He chuckled a bit and opened his eyes slightly, he rolled over and let out a strange whining sound as if to say: "Just a few more moments!" He smiled as he waited for Cloudrivers reaction, he was just playing with her but he loved joking with his friend.

[Brilliance]

Mousefur woke up slowly as he felt a cold, wet tongue against his cheek. He chuckled a bit and opened his eyes slightly, he rolled over and let out a strange whining sound as if to say: "Just a few more moments!" He smiled as he waited for Cloudrivers reaction, he was just playing with her but he loved joking with his friend.

Cloudriver heard his grunting, and she gave a gentle laugh, but continued to wash him with rasp licks hoping to awake the tom. ''Come on, Mousy! You're already wasting the day!'' She exclaimed before her licks. ''If you don't wake up now, I'll start biting your tail.'' She teased, continuing to shower him in licks. The female was greatly ready to have something for breakfast, and she hoped that something of her favorite was at the kill pile. However, she didn't want to enter the clearing without her best friend beside her.

[BluBunnie]

Cloudriver heard his grunting, and she gave a gentle laugh, but continued to wash him with rasp licks hoping to awake the tom. ''Come on, Mousy! You're already wasting the day!'' She exclaimed before her licks. ''If you don't wake up now, I'll start biting your tail.'' She teased, continuing to shower him in licks. The female was greatly ready to have something for breakfast, and she hoped that something of her favorite was at the kill pile. However, she didn't want to enter the clearing without her best friend beside her.

He rolled his eyes playfully and rolled over to face his friend. He stood up and shook his long spotted pelt. He nodded his head in the direction of camp and waited for her to take the lead.

[lone]

Azulpaw didn’t have an exact answer right away. He didn’t even try to think about it. The answer seemed to be right in front of them. Lingering around, hiding around every corner, only every corner was transparent, so the answer was in front of their face. The grey tom believed that if the two stopped seeing each other, everything would be at peace. She would be safe. Not to mention, happy. He would be safe. Maybe not as happy, considering he lost a good friend. Above all, the tom did not know if it would exactly stop the problem. Possibly, it wouldn’t, but at least she wouldn’t get attached in case something did happen. Something drastic happened to him. That wouldn’t be good, now would it? Azulpaw did not want Asterpaw to go through life feeling sad all the time. Feeling as if the world depended heavily on her. Like she could solve every problem.

No.

He wanted Asterpaw to go through life being happy-go-lucky. Being an apprentice. Being a kit who just wanted to have fun. He did not want her to embrace the worries in the world, knowing it was easy to stress many out. The tom himself was stressed to the point where he was ready to give up. He felt that he was growing too fast, not embracing his apprenticehood. Before he knows it, more moons would past and he would be a full time warrior. His heart would lose the love it gave after a while. His wisdom would start sinking, vanishing into the ground. What if that happened to Asterpaw? The tom knew he didn’t want that. It was too...much. Even for her to handle. And, looking down at her caked paw, he saw that she would crumble under the stress, and ultimately end herself.

He stiffened at her question, and for a while he didn’t say anything. He allowed it to linger into the air until the wind blew it away. False hope was something he didn’t want her ears to hear. He didn’t want Asterpaw to grasp onto it, believing that nothing would happen if they chose to end what they most desired: A friendship. What was so wrong about what they were seeking? To Azulpaw it wasn’t going against the warrior code. They were both affiliated in the same clan, so what was the problem? Ah, yes, Bluepaw’s self-proclaimed affections for the blue cat. That was the problem. Azulpaw understood, and if he weren’t so beaten up, he would had the desire to fight for her affections, but he gave up. There was nothing more he could do. He practically died twice for her because she was one of his greatest friends. That was enough for him. He didn’t feel like competing with anyone for her attention.

Why did he have to? If he was someone important to her, he didn’t have to fight for her affections. It worked vice versa. The she-cat shouldn’t have to fight for his attention as well if he found her important. It was nice that Asterpaw and himself worked hand in hand. He was happy that she was someone he could joke around with, tease, play with. Only, he couldn’t allow himself to do much of it anymore. Specifically, to keep them both safe. As his eyes fell upon the blue she-cat he couldn’t help, but smile. Smile at her because she was the only good thing that made him happy.

Well, her, and how dare he forget, little Silverpaw. The sweetheart of a gem that seemed to make everyone happy. They were both great friends of his, and even though he lost his greatest friend. The best company. Bluepaw. The tom’s heart was quickly patched up by the silver bengal and the blue feline. Once again, the tom thought how funny it was that everything turned upside down. That everything changed.

For the better..or for the worse?

The tom seen the anger in her eyes. The hesitation of leaving. He didn’t understand at first until it clicked that she thought it might be another one of his tests. Confusing, wasn’t he? Misunderstanding was what he played off of. He also didn’t answer on this. From what he said, was the truth. He hadn’t asked her to walk away. In all truth, he would had been the first to walk away if they were to follow through with it. The tom was ready to drag himself away, flickering his ears just in case she changed her mind and called him back. Only, she wasn’t allowed to call his name back. Only he wasn’t allowed to drag himself back. At her next words, he tilted his head, staring at her.

But... don't let go just yet.

So, he stayed planted to his spot, looking around the area. Words seemed foreign to him at the moment, for he didn’t know what to say. He was ready to respond with something witty; Ah, I know you’ll miss me and all, I’m quite irresistible. Or; if you allow me to stay much longer, you have to promise yourself to not get attach. He didn’t voice his thoughts, however. In such a serious, sad moment, why would he? He was already regretting a lot of his decisions in the past. As of now, the tom was debating if she were one of them.

Asterpaw did not want him to leave just yet. So, when was she ready for him to leave? When was she ready to let go? He was positive that she would still have Bluepaw and come to love him if she allowed herself to do so. For him? He would have Silverpaw. He was quite afraid if the silver bengal developed a closer relationship with another tom friend and decided to dump him in the process as well. As he looked away, he had to keep remind himself that cats left. They left, and new ones enter their lives. Only, he didn’t want the ones he loved to leave him. Azulpaw was scared to be alone. For such an aggressive kitty, he allowed his guard to be down whenever he was with others that he truly cared about.

Asterpaw was a witnessed to this. She was experiencing this. And, he the same for her. He could tell that she allowed her guard to be down around him. To show him a sweet, loving, young girl that was strong, and possibly needed to find a steady path in life. Wherever she ended up, the tom only prayed that starclan follow her ways and bless her in more ways than one. Sure, they were dead cats, but to Azulpaw they were powerful as well.

The grey tom looked with a sad expression when Asterpaw limped her way to him. She was ever supposed to feel pain. She was never supposed to go through with what he was going through. He knew that she was hurting herself. Only, she wasn’t. He was hurting her. He allowed himself to destroy himself, leaving her desperate in the need of longing, and failure. So, far the tom knew he failed Asterpaw...yet, she didn’t want him to leave as of the moment. When was the right time to leave? When was it the right time to let him go before he became clingy and refused to let her go? Woah...clingy? That did not sound like him. That was Bluepaw’s forte, not his. The grey tom would never find himself becoming clingy to anywhere. Sure, he would care alot for them, but clingyness? No. Not his specialty.

At her words though, he gave a soft smile, and looked above, thinking on the answer. He wasn’t a flower’s guy, but he did find them pretty to look at. There were many of them that he liked, but could never name one of his favorites. Though, he knew exactly which ones that would never tire him out, and looking at her, he answered, ‘’I think Asters are beautiful.’’ It was simple response, but because he wanted some lightweight humor, he decided to play along. It was nice to not talk about emotions or the future. The future was a scary thing. An inevitable thing. Some were better than others. He did hoped that Asterpaw’s was better than his ending. The tom knew he wouldn’t have a future. He doubt he would make it past his warrior ceremony. And, truthfully? He seem to not mind wanting to join starclan. ‘’So are chrysanthemums, roses, tulips, and umm...umm...any type of wildflower really, but you know what else?’’ He leaned in close to her, his voice lowering as if he were telling her a secret. ‘’If there were flowers known as Azuls then those would be the most incredible of them all!’’ He chuckled, feeling a slight sense of pride in him.

Slowly, he began to come back to his old self, and he was happy that they were alone. This way they could joke and play, and not worry about anyone wanting to murder or separate them. Separation was inevitable between them. Once they drifted apart, Bluepaw and Alabasterpaw wouldn’t have to worry about anything. The tom only hoped that he could get his time with her now before he was called to come home to the above. Oh why, oh why had the tom had to think about death often?

Come to my funeral?

Please bring flowers.

What are your favorites?

As the grey tom stared at Asterpaw, he felt the rush of memories between them. It wasn’t sad, it kind of made him want to laugh. The words they threw around for humor took on a dark turn and became a reality. Wow. Such sadness. Who would had known? Azulpaw thought that if he ever lived to become a senior, he would had loved to tell the story to the future kits about what he endured, and what he survived. Maybe it would amaze them, teach them a lesson, or they would find it boring, and thus, leave him alone.

Breathing in deeply, the tom playfully states, ‘’Not trying to brag or anything, but it’s a proven fact that I am the best at everything I do. I don’t know why, but it seems like I’m popular! I mean, everyone wants to take a gander at me; your sister, my best friend, your kit-hood friend! I feel the love being thrown around.’’ He smiled brightly, not a hint of sarcasm in his tone. Which should had been sarcasm, but the tom was tired, and he was happy to finally be able to joke around without being severely punished or pounced on. ‘’Bet you can’t reach my level.’’

A good. And, cautious one.




{Hehe, they are!!!}


Cloudriver giggled lightly as she heard her mute friend. She was quite used to his strange sounds, and they didn't bother as much to her as they used to. She gradually accepted them as apart of his life and she loved him for it. As she stared at the stars, she felt the tom wrap around her, and she allowed herself to snuggle deeper into him. His warmth was making her sleepy, but she didn't want to sleep just yet. She wanted to continue to watch the amazing sky. The sky was beautiful. Like every night, but as she wrapped herself around the tom, she felt a heavy exhaustion wash over her, and she buried her head into the crook of his neck, purring before she eventually closed her eyes to sleep.
A smile broke out across the blue colored feline's face. I think asters are beautiful. Asterpaw had seen a few of the flowers for which she was named, and they were pretty-- but they definitely weren't her favorites. She loved sunflowers. They seemed to be almost an inspiration to her, growing upwards to the sky, never letting anything stand in their way... and, she loved roses. Most were a rich, velvety red, but she had seen a few that were an absolutely stunning yellow. She would always love roses. Her ears flicked as he continued. So much for a simple answer, she thought, a smile playing at the corners of her maw. But, perhaps these really were all his favorites. That was nice. Those were a lot of flowers, Asterpaw wasn't even sure she'd ever seen all of them in one place before... looks like I'll have to find some, she thought. Though neither of them said it, Asterpaw was confident they both knew he might not live too much longer. Not with her conniving, assassin sister and the mastermind of Bluepaw both out to kill him.
　
Perhaps, just for a little while, they could stay like this. Maybe she didn't have to let go just yet. As she had requested... and he had stayed. Which she was thankful for, but at the same time, confused... why had he stayed? Didn't he want to get away while he still could, before someone came and got mad? Before someone decided that they didn't belong together, decided that they should get out of here while they had a chance? Well, the thought of that absolutely frustrated Asterpaw. They had as much right as anybody else to be friends! And yet, someone was trying to take that away from them. Because apparently now they weren't even allowed to decide their own future. The thought left her angry, but what was she going to do about it? Nothing, that was what. She didn't really have any way to fight against them, not right now... at the moment... which was annoying. Perhaps later she would. Playfully swatting him away at his next words, the feline rolled over onto her back.
　
When she was younger, she watched the sky for hours. She watched the way it changed, and the way that it stayed the same... and she loved the sky. But now, with everything growing so complicated, Asterpaw hadn't had time to just sit back and look at the sky. Right here and now was the perfect time for that, apparently. A pleased purr rumbled in her throat as she glanced over at him and rolled her eyes. "Yeah, yeah, yeah." She grumbled before she rolled back over, sitting up in a more attentive manner. "Betcha I could collect more scars, though. I'd be twice as popular as you." She mewed, a light chirp in her tone as she did so. She could probably mess herself up pretty bad-- who knew? She might end up with more scars then the grey tom. Though, she wasn't quite sure how he would react to that. I'd win the competition, though! She half-argued with herself. When it came to a competition, Asterpaw became... like another cat. Overcompetitive, almost.
　
She would do anything to win. Anything within the lines of reason, and anything that wasn't cheating, that was. She wanted the feeling that she had won fair and square without the help of cheating. And, most of the time? She was able to win. Through fairness, through talent... whatever it might be, Asterpaw won. So if she were to collect scars by hurting herself, would that be considered cheating? Oh, I could probably rile a few cats up. The she cat thought with a chuckle. Her sister, for one. If the demon wasn't too afraid of being punished by Bluepaw, but considering she had knocked her out, the blue cat sincerely doubted it. After all... she'd had her pinned down. She could still feel Alabasterpaw's claws lightly pressing against her neck, that smirk... it should have been her. She knew it. Alabasterpaw knew it. Did Azulpaw? Maybe he did, but either he had been stubborn about it and decided to take her place anyways, or he had just refused to see the truth.
　
Neither of which she blamed him for. She was actually quite grateful, but, at the same time she was frustrated. He had gotten hurt! He could have been killed. Over what, a stupid... grudge? Argument? That wasn't worth killing for. And yet, that seemed to be how all wars started. Over grudges, arguments, disagreements, misunderstandings... but by then it was too late. By then both sides could have suffered great losses. And, in the end, what was the loss they were going to have to pay? Was it going to take someone's life, or more lives? Or would they figure out that this wasn't fighting over? Is it me? She thought. This was bigger then just some sibling rivalry, if that was what was going on. Alabasterpaw wanted attention, that she was aware of. Bluepaw was jealous. She knew that as well, it was pretty obvious. But Azulpaw... didn't need attention. And he wasn't jealous. He wasn't even the one keeping this war going on. So why were they bothering to attack if their target wasn't going to fight back?
　
I am the best at everything I do. Azulpaw's words played again in her head and she thought for a moment, thinking if there was something she could beat him at. Ohhh... a sudden thought came into her head, and a smirk lit up her features. It was a pretty low blow, and one that Asterpaw didn't care at all for, but it just might be the only way for her to win here. After a moment, the she cat's hues became softer-- wider-- and they looked almost innocent, in a sort of doe-like state. Her expression became one that was very much like her sister's-- an innocent, interested, almost too soft one that showed she was up to no good. Over the moons she had perfected it. Now it was time to put it to work. Asterpaw's thoughts began to race as she checked her posture, expression... everything had to be just perfect or she would look creepier then anything else. And, creepy was not what she wanted to pull off. Pretty. Elegant. Willow-like movements, almost too soft to believe that they were actually coming from her.
　
Tail hanging low, swishing gently? Check. Eyes soft and doe-like? Check. Expression gentle and innocent, with just a touch of mischief? Check. Uhh... I can't check my voice right now, hopefully it comes out right, but... check? This wouldn't be hard. She would just have to use the same tone of voice she used while playing, but infuse it with a bunch of sugar. Ugh, she felt like she was going to throw up. But hey-- no way he was better at this then her. She had learned from the best. Her sister. The queen of flirting, the queen of... well, pretty much everything she decided she was going to do. Alabasterpaw was quite a cat. That much was for sure. Too bad she was evil on top of everything else, that part was pretty annoying... but Asterpaw didn't have time to think about that right now. She needed to concentrate at the task at hand. Showing him that she was better at this. Good luck trying to beat me here, treeboy. The blue feline thought with a suppressed laugh.
　
Concentration was key. She had never really known how hard this could be until Alabasterpaw insisted on giving her 'lessons.' And, she had learned it was about fifty times more difficult then she had thought it was. Before now, Asterpaw had always thought you just sat around looking pretty and waited for the toms to swarm around you like flies. But, she had been wrong. Getting to her paws, she took on the most vulnerable position she could. It wasn't easy for her-- not only did her leg sting when she did so, but she wasn't used to this. "So, you say you're the best?" She asked in the softest, sweetest voice she could muster. Ugh. She felt like sinking her claws into her leg again, but for the sake of her act, she didn't. "Big, strong, handsome tom like you must be. I can't believe I didn't notice how amazing you were before," She purred. This was the most sickening experience of her life. Her stomach felt like it were being tied in knots, whole body tingling with electricity.
　
Even Alabasterpaw wouldn't lower herself down this far. Should I back it up a little? She thought for a moment, before shrugging. Nah. He knows I'm not serious. The thought that he would believe her-- I mean sure, he was a great friend, and she cared about him a lot. Loved him. But not in that way, and she hoped he knew that. Had she done something wrong? Said something wrong to make him believe that? No! Absolutely not. She quickly shook the thought aside and continued. "And, I'm certain that Alabasterpaw will reconsider when she sees how obviously in love we are. Wouldn't you agree?" She asked with a purr. Them? In love? No. Way. It was enough to make anyone sick, and almost too much for the she cat who was generally able to deal with stuff like this. After all, she had to watch her sister playing around with toms that she was going to destroy. And, of course, she never warned them. Not unless she wanted to get smacked in the face by Alabasterpaw's big fluffy tail.
　
Or, worse. Besides... up until now she'd figured she'd fix it all up later. A broken heart wasn't easily healed unless it was never that broken in the first place. Most cats were just taken in by Alabasterpaw's appearance. And they were fine when it was all over. Interesting, and something that Asterpaw would never understand very well. "Don't you want to be together, love? We could spend the rest of our lives just like this. And I'm sure such a strong and handsome tom would be able to protect me." Again, she took on a vulnerable position. That should get under his fur, she thought with a secret smirk. Perhaps she had found a new way to annoy him. Oh, then she would win! That would be perfect. Asterpaw loved to win. She'd been able to beat her sister at a lot of things, but Azulpaw? He was a much tougher opponent then she had signed up for. "I... wanted to tell you earlier. I really meant it when I said I loved you. And, I'm sure you meant it too... didn't you?" Now this was a lie.
　
But what was flirting, really, but just a bunch of lies? Little white ones, sure. But they were still lies. Asterpaw's tail swished back and forth gently, at a slow pace, her hues downcast in the most vulnerable and gentle way she could imagine. Ugh, this was sickening. But, if it was working? So be it. "But, maybe I don't deserve you. After all, the most handsome tom of all needs the most beautiful she cat. I don't have that, but I do have..." she stopped for a moment, thinking. That was a line she had gotten herself into that she couldn't get herself out of. Think, think, think! She practically mewed aloud, and yet her expression never changed. He would think she was just stopping for suspense. "I can love you. More then anyone else. Because that's what you deserve, darling." What she was saying was so cliche, so cheesy, that she almost felt like she was done trying to win. But, Asterpaw was an actress. It was one of the things she did well.
　
And it was time for her to put on a show. A show that probably wasn't going to go over very well to be honest. That didn't matter. She was winning. That was all that mattered. Laying down next to him, she nuzzled up lightly in the softest manner imaginable. "You'll protect me, won't you?" She asked in a gentle, small voice. Protection. It was what everyone wanted, security... protection... help... but she was taking this whole thing to another level. I have more. She thought defiantly. No matter what he came back with, she would be able to have a retort. It was almost like they were bickering, only... different. Much, much different. It might give her an unpleasant feeling in the pit of her stomach but hey, if it worked the way she wanted it to? Then so be it. Anything to win. She would literally walk through the greatest fires, the largest lakes, through the hottest deserts and the coldest leaf-bares to win. But, she wouldn't cheat... and since this was the category? She technically wasn't cheating in this competition. She was going to win. And then? He couldn't say he was the best at everything.

[Brilliance]

A smile broke out across the blue colored feline's face. I think asters are beautiful. Asterpaw had seen a few of the flowers for which she was named, and they were pretty-- but they definitely weren't her favorites. She loved sunflowers. They seemed to be almost an inspiration to her, growing upwards to the sky, never letting anything stand in their way... and, she loved roses. Most were a rich, velvety red, but she had seen a few that were an absolutely stunning yellow. She would always love roses. Her ears flicked as he continued. So much for a simple answer, she thought, a smile playing at the corners of her maw. But, perhaps these really were all his favorites. That was nice. Those were a lot of flowers, Asterpaw wasn't even sure she'd ever seen all of them in one place before... looks like I'll have to find some, she thought. Though neither of them said it, Asterpaw was confident they both knew he might not live too much longer. Not with her conniving, assassin sister and the mastermind of Bluepaw both out to kill him.
　
Perhaps, just for a little while, they could stay like this. Maybe she didn't have to let go just yet. As she had requested... and he had stayed. Which she was thankful for, but at the same time, confused... why had he stayed? Didn't he want to get away while he still could, before someone came and got mad? Before someone decided that they didn't belong together, decided that they should get out of here while they had a chance? Well, the thought of that absolutely frustrated Asterpaw. They had as much right as anybody else to be friends! And yet, someone was trying to take that away from them. Because apparently now they weren't even allowed to decide their own future. The thought left her angry, but what was she going to do about it? Nothing, that was what. She didn't really have any way to fight against them, not right now... at the moment... which was annoying. Perhaps later she would. Playfully swatting him away at his next words, the feline rolled over onto her back.
　
When she was younger, she watched the sky for hours. She watched the way it changed, and the way that it stayed the same... and she loved the sky. But now, with everything growing so complicated, Asterpaw hadn't had time to just sit back and look at the sky. Right here and now was the perfect time for that, apparently. A pleased purr rumbled in her throat as she glanced over at him and rolled her eyes. "Yeah, yeah, yeah." She grumbled before she rolled back over, sitting up in a more attentive manner. "Betcha I could collect more scars, though. I'd be twice as popular as you." She mewed, a light chirp in her tone as she did so. She could probably mess herself up pretty bad-- who knew? She might end up with more scars then the grey tom. Though, she wasn't quite sure how he would react to that. I'd win the competition, though! She half-argued with herself. When it came to a competition, Asterpaw became... like another cat. Overcompetitive, almost.
　
She would do anything to win. Anything within the lines of reason, and anything that wasn't cheating, that was. She wanted the feeling that she had won fair and square without the help of cheating. And, most of the time? She was able to win. Through fairness, through talent... whatever it might be, Asterpaw won. So if she were to collect scars by hurting herself, would that be considered cheating? Oh, I could probably rile a few cats up. The she cat thought with a chuckle. Her sister, for one. If the demon wasn't too afraid of being punished by Bluepaw, but considering she had knocked her out, the blue cat sincerely doubted it. After all... she'd had her pinned down. She could still feel Alabasterpaw's claws lightly pressing against her neck, that smirk... it should have been her. She knew it. Alabasterpaw knew it. Did Azulpaw? Maybe he did, but either he had been stubborn about it and decided to take her place anyways, or he had just refused to see the truth.
　
Neither of which she blamed him for. She was actually quite grateful, but, at the same time she was frustrated. He had gotten hurt! He could have been killed. Over what, a stupid... grudge? Argument? That wasn't worth killing for. And yet, that seemed to be how all wars started. Over grudges, arguments, disagreements, misunderstandings... but by then it was too late. By then both sides could have suffered great losses. And, in the end, what was the loss they were going to have to pay? Was it going to take someone's life, or more lives? Or would they figure out that this wasn't fighting over? Is it me? She thought. This was bigger then just some sibling rivalry, if that was what was going on. Alabasterpaw wanted attention, that she was aware of. Bluepaw was jealous. She knew that as well, it was pretty obvious. But Azulpaw... didn't need attention. And he wasn't jealous. He wasn't even the one keeping this war going on. So why were they bothering to attack if their target wasn't going to fight back?
　
I am the best at everything I do. Azulpaw's words played again in her head and she thought for a moment, thinking if there was something she could beat him at. Ohhh... a sudden thought came into her head, and a smirk lit up her features. It was a pretty low blow, and one that Asterpaw didn't care at all for, but it just might be the only way for her to win here. After a moment, the she cat's hues became softer-- wider-- and they looked almost innocent, in a sort of doe-like state. Her expression became one that was very much like her sister's-- an innocent, interested, almost too soft one that showed she was up to no good. Over the moons she had perfected it. Now it was time to put it to work. Asterpaw's thoughts began to race as she checked her posture, expression... everything had to be just perfect or she would look creepier then anything else. And, creepy was not what she wanted to pull off. Pretty. Elegant. Willow-like movements, almost too soft to believe that they were actually coming from her.
　
Tail hanging low, swishing gently? Check. Eyes soft and doe-like? Check. Expression gentle and innocent, with just a touch of mischief? Check. Uhh... I can't check my voice right now, hopefully it comes out right, but... check? This wouldn't be hard. She would just have to use the same tone of voice she used while playing, but infuse it with a bunch of sugar. Ugh, she felt like she was going to throw up. But hey-- no way he was better at this then her. She had learned from the best. Her sister. The queen of flirting, the queen of... well, pretty much everything she decided she was going to do. Alabasterpaw was quite a cat. That much was for sure. Too bad she was evil on top of everything else, that part was pretty annoying... but Asterpaw didn't have time to think about that right now. She needed to concentrate at the task at hand. Showing him that she was better at this. Good luck trying to beat me here, treeboy. The blue feline thought with a suppressed laugh.
　
Concentration was key. She had never really known how hard this could be until Alabasterpaw insisted on giving her 'lessons.' And, she had learned it was about fifty times more difficult then she had thought it was. Before now, Asterpaw had always thought you just sat around looking pretty and waited for the toms to swarm around you like flies. But, she had been wrong. Getting to her paws, she took on the most vulnerable position she could. It wasn't easy for her-- not only did her leg sting when she did so, but she wasn't used to this. "So, you say you're the best?" She asked in the softest, sweetest voice she could muster. Ugh. She felt like sinking her claws into her leg again, but for the sake of her act, she didn't. "Big, strong, handsome tom like you must be. I can't believe I didn't notice how amazing you were before," She purred. This was the most sickening experience of her life. Her stomach felt like it were being tied in knots, whole body tingling with electricity.
　
Even Alabasterpaw wouldn't lower herself down this far. Should I back it up a little? She thought for a moment, before shrugging. Nah. He knows I'm not serious. The thought that he would believe her-- I mean sure, he was a great friend, and she cared about him a lot. Loved him. But not in that way, and she hoped he knew that. Had she done something wrong? Said something wrong to make him believe that? No! Absolutely not. She quickly shook the thought aside and continued. "And, I'm certain that Alabasterpaw will reconsider when she sees how obviously in love we are. Wouldn't you agree?" She asked with a purr. Them? In love? No. Way. It was enough to make anyone sick, and almost too much for the she cat who was generally able to deal with stuff like this. After all, she had to watch her sister playing around with toms that she was going to destroy. And, of course, she never warned them. Not unless she wanted to get smacked in the face by Alabasterpaw's big fluffy tail.
　
Or, worse. Besides... up until now she'd figured she'd fix it all up later. A broken heart wasn't easily healed unless it was never that broken in the first place. Most cats were just taken in by Alabasterpaw's appearance. And they were fine when it was all over. Interesting, and something that Asterpaw would never understand very well. "Don't you want to be together, love? We could spend the rest of our lives just like this. And I'm sure such a strong and handsome tom would be able to protect me." Again, she took on a vulnerable position. That should get under his fur, she thought with a secret smirk. Perhaps she had found a new way to annoy him. Oh, then she would win! That would be perfect. Asterpaw loved to win. She'd been able to beat her sister at a lot of things, but Azulpaw? He was a much tougher opponent then she had signed up for. "I... wanted to tell you earlier. I really meant it when I said I loved you. And, I'm sure you meant it too... didn't you?" Now this was a lie.
　
But what was flirting, really, but just a bunch of lies? Little white ones, sure. But they were still lies. Asterpaw's tail swished back and forth gently, at a slow pace, her hues downcast in the most vulnerable and gentle way she could imagine. Ugh, this was sickening. But, if it was working? So be it. "But, maybe I don't deserve you. After all, the most handsome tom of all needs the most beautiful she cat. I don't have that, but I do have..." she stopped for a moment, thinking. That was a line she had gotten herself into that she couldn't get herself out of. Think, think, think! She practically mewed aloud, and yet her expression never changed. He would think she was just stopping for suspense. "I can love you. More then anyone else. Because that's what you deserve, darling." What she was saying was so cliche, so cheesy, that she almost felt like she was done trying to win. But, Asterpaw was an actress. It was one of the things she did well.
　
And it was time for her to put on a show. A show that probably wasn't going to go over very well to be honest. That didn't matter. She was winning. That was all that mattered. Laying down next to him, she nuzzled up lightly in the softest manner imaginable. "You'll protect me, won't you?" She asked in a gentle, small voice. Protection. It was what everyone wanted, security... protection... help... but she was taking this whole thing to another level. I have more. She thought defiantly. No matter what he came back with, she would be able to have a retort. It was almost like they were bickering, only... different. Much, much different. It might give her an unpleasant feeling in the pit of her stomach but hey, if it worked the way she wanted it to? Then so be it. Anything to win. She would literally walk through the greatest fires, the largest lakes, through the hottest deserts and the coldest leaf-bares to win. But, she wouldn't cheat... and since this was the category? She technically wasn't cheating in this competition. She was going to win. And then? He couldn't say he was the best at everything.



The grey tom let out a joyous laughter, snorting in the process. Did the blue feline really think she could be more popular than him? Sure, she could. She could be more popular than him in an alternative way though. He was more popular when it came to screeching and terror. She was the type of popular that came with butterflies and fireflies. The thought was laughable, and at the same time scary. Scars displayed bravery, had fun stories to tell, but he never wanted to envision the she-cat having any of them. She didn't need any of them. But, even with them, it wouldn't make her any different. Possibly--he knew, that she would still be as beautiful without them. Aside from her leg, he was happy that she hardly had any scars. Or, bruises. ''Right. I believe that. Just face it, you can be second best, but first?'' He pointed a paw to himself, albeit weakly. ''I am the first. Always and forever. Even after my body is lifeless--just know, I'm still number one, sweetheart.'' He winked.

Number one. The best of the best. Always on top. All the above. Azulpaw knew he was on top of the world. Even after the abuse and the torment he went through. It was such a surprise that his confidence haven't changed a bit. Sure, it changed slightly, but it would be alright. One thing Azulpaw knew...everything was going to be alright. He would enjoy his time with his close friend before he knew that he would never see her again. Of course, he would see her around, probably offer her a smile, and engage in small talk before he found himself off, but to keep shadows off his back, the tom would have to leave. He could never stay and just..hang about with her. Enjoying their playful bickering and competitions.

She was a competitive one. This he came to know...plenty of times before. It was always in front of his eyes. The way she would retort with careless in her voice, the way she tried to perfect moves. Always there! The thought would had frustrated him, but he understood. Just like the change in her demeanor. In her actions. What was the tricky feline up to now? Azulpaw stared at her with amusement in her eyes, first widened, then half-lidded. What exactly was she playing at? When it came to things like this, Azulpaw knew well how the game worked. Not only was he accomplished in this field of art, but judging from Alabasterpaw, the queen of flirts, he picked up instantly that the sister caught on quickly. Evidently, she would. She was the white demon's sister. As her sweet words flowed out, playing on a new type of tune, Azulpaw smirked. ''Finally that you noticed that. I was beginning to think that you'd never come around, love.'' He says, lowering his voice as he stared at her.

The key to flirting was eye sight. It was the main component of looking interested, and having your partner reeled in deeply. Once the eye sight was accomplished, it was expressions. What expressions made another look cute? Handsome? Attractive? Azulpaw knew that Asterpaw was good at it. She would had him hooked, if it weren't for the fact that he already knew much about her. He knew the way she played, and her acting like this with him? That was completely out of line. Not to mention, awkward. A fun type of awkward, because he was ready to knock her down before she even got started.

Might as well let her have her fun though. When will the next time she express herself like this to me? Azulpaw let out a low purr, but he kept his eyes on Asterpaw, in a trance. She was the only object in front of him, around him as everything appeared darker. With his head tilted slightly, he gave her a once over looks, hearing the next words tumble out her maw. ''In love?'' He perked, bringing his head back up. Honestly, he wasn't expecting the she-cat to say something like that. Them? In love? She had got to be kidding him. The tom didn't believe he was in love with Asterpaw--he do like her, and he was trying to figure out a way to extinguish that fire, but love? That was another level, and quite too quickly for him.

Through it all, he gave a charming smile, ''Now, now, now, Asterpaw. We don't want your envious sister getting into this. You know how irresistible I am. Don't you think it would be tough if you had to share me with your sister?'' He shook his head, adding to his dramatic effect, and held in a chuckle from blowing his cover. Lowly, he whispered. ''Though, I would choose you over her any day. You bring a certain...thrill, to my life, love.'' He looked up at her, making sure to stare into her eyes. The greenish grey hues that were being a fleet flirt with him. Honestly, he liked it. Seeing her flirty? That was something that amazed him. Who knew that she had the compatibilities?

His ears twitched at Asterpaw's words. Was she hearing herself at the moment? The tom didn't think she was focused on that. From the many arguments they had, and the many insults they threw at each other. That was what their relationship was based on. Usually, Azulpaw would one-sidedly flirt with her, and she would shoot him down. Though this did little to deter his actions. He liked the challenge that Asterpaw gave him. If she was exactly like Alabasterpaw? Now...he wouldn't even think about being interested in her. Furthermore, the tom remembered an earlier conversation the two had. It replayed in the back of his mind. The one where he knew that if he wanted, he could swipe her away from Bluepaw, to which she replied that he was too late, and that she wasn't a prize to be displayed.

The tom smirked once more, lightly touching the female with his tail. ''Aw, sweet love, why have you come around when it was too late?'' He feigned a hurt sigh, shaking his head. ''You lost your chance, my love. I'm afraid we can't be together.'' As he said this, his eyes were looking at his paws, just so she couldn't see the smile on his face. The smile of amusement. He then looked back up at her, his expression soft and head tilted. ''I don't want to leave the other she-cats waiting for their chance with me. Because,, y'know how irresistible I am.'' He flashed her a brilliant smile, wanting to laugh, but knew he couldn't. It wouldn't be right at the moment because he knew she was playing him.

Half of him felt hurt that she was toying with him. Why did she feel that she needed to do that? Earlier that day, the two literally poured out their feelings to each other...thinking they were going to die. Thinking that it would be the end of them...but they lived on. Life moved on, and maybe she had forgotten everything he said, and maybe it was best for him to forget everything she said. He did have love for her, that was true. Very much true. Very much a lot. As he thought about this, he said, ''I'm sure Bluepaw--or that other tom,'' Que the roll of his eyes, ''or even Foxpaw could be much of a strong and handsome tom to protect you. I mean, look at me. If I could protect you, would you be in this condition? Would I be in this condition? I think not. I'm not as strong as you think, love. I'm sorry for disappointing you. '' What was suppose to be flirty and light weighted came deeper than he expected. The words just flowed out, but a smile stayed on his maw as he said it. He didn't believe that he was strong. He would had messed up--stopped Alabasterpaw from hurting him--hurting her. He would had stopped Bluepaw from hurting him. He was weak. That's all he knew, and he was good-for-nothing. Just a piece of crowfood. Just bait used to die for someone.

At her next words, the tom stared at her quizzically, trying to study her movements, the tone of her voice, anything that could give away lies. She was a good actress, this much he knew. It was just hard to know if she were lying or telling the true. She had meant she loved him? Did she really? The tom knew he loved her. She was the best friend he never had. And, for once, he couldn't even keep up his expression as he allowed it to linger on the ground, looking at his paws. ''Why wouldn't I mean it? Oh, yes, because I randomly throw out I love yous to every cat I walk past, love. I'm sure you meant it. Love is a strong word just like hate. You shouldn't spew it around for your own desires, am I right? Or, am I right? Of course, I'm right. You don't even need to answer it.'' he purred once more, louder and deeper. He felt a good rush of euphoria enter into him. He felt good. That's all he knew.

As the next words rolled off her tongue, the tom tilted his head slightly, shifting, and letting out low grunts. He stared at Asterpaw in silence, taking in every aspect as her, as his eyes started from the top of her head to the bottom, where her paws were. He couldn't bring himself to look at her leg, but from what he can see was a complete set of beauty. And, yet, she didn't think she was one at all. He didn't know why she felt down on herself...but the way she was playing with him was different. ''Well, I believe you have your tail cross, love. You are the most beautiful she-cat I have ever laid my eyes upon. And, to be honest, you have kept my attention longer than the other...she-cats around here. I don't deserve you. Definitely not. Why would you ever want intertwine yourself with a beaten, ragged, weak link? You can do way better than me.'' He purred. This was sincere, even if his voice didn't hint to it. He didn't know if Asterpaw would believe it--but knowing her? She probably wouldn't. She would think he was kidding with her, and to play along, he would agree. He would be kidding. It was already enough that the two was dealing with, and he didn't want to add on to the misery.

Right now. He was content. No misery, just a little pain from his current condition, but everything would pass. And, once it did, he would no longer see Asterpaw. She would be on her own, and his name would be a memory in the back of her mind. The tom pinned his ears to his head, knowing what she said was true. Everyone needed love, and that was desperately what he wanted. Not the feeling of romantically, but the feeling of caring. Knowing someone was there for him. Azulpaw knew that Asterpaw was playing, so he nodded his head at her, his eyes continued to be half-lidded, staring at her in pure interest. He had to mock her. Show her that what she was doing...was useless. And, quite offending.

Azulpaw felt all playfulness wash away from him at the feeling of her light nuzzles. He let out content purrs, and a small smile. Now, this was something that he could get used to. And, by chance he almost missed her next words, being too enticed with the treatment he was getting from her. Asterpaw wasn't the type to be affectionate. That was a red flag. What was she planning? As he brought himself to reality, he cleared his throat and pulled away from her a bit. ''Is that even a question? Tsk, I always protected you, and you know that I always will.'' He says, and threw his face in front of her, bringing it closer until the tip of his nose touched hers. ''Making you uncomfortable, huh?'' He smiled, and lingered a little longer before he eventually pulled away, chuckling deeply.

Azulpaw sat up, looking down at Asterpaw, a satisfied look of triumph settled onto his face. He felt like he was practically glowing, before he told her, ''Remember, my love, I know your sister. The games you play?'' He leaned down once more, ''Is a reflection of her, and maybe...you need to try something differently to up your game?'' He says, his yellow eyes flashing before he pulled himself away once more. ''Remember. Always remember that I am the best. At everything.'' He chuckled, feeling pride inside him as he looked down at her once more. Why couldn't she accept that he was better than her? She should had known flirting with him would had landed her in the hole she dug up, and quite frankly, he enjoyed playing around with the blue feline.

[lone]

The grey tom let out a joyous laughter, snorting in the process. Did the blue feline really think she could be more popular than him? Sure, she could. She could be more popular than him in an alternative way though. He was more popular when it came to screeching and terror. She was the type of popular that came with butterflies and fireflies. The thought was laughable, and at the same time scary. Scars displayed bravery, had fun stories to tell, but he never wanted to envision the she-cat having any of them. She didn't need any of them. But, even with them, it wouldn't make her any different. Possibly--he knew, that she would still be as beautiful without them. Aside from her leg, he was happy that she hardly had any scars. Or, bruises. ''Right. I believe that. Just face it, you can be second best, but first?'' He pointed a paw to himself, albeit weakly. ''I am the first. Always and forever. Even after my body is lifeless--just know, I'm still number one, sweetheart.'' He winked.

Number one. The best of the best. Always on top. All the above. Azulpaw knew he was on top of the world. Even after the abuse and the torment he went through. It was such a surprise that his confidence haven't changed a bit. Sure, it changed slightly, but it would be alright. One thing Azulpaw knew...everything was going to be alright. He would enjoy his time with his close friend before he knew that he would never see her again. Of course, he would see her around, probably offer her a smile, and engage in small talk before he found himself off, but to keep shadows off his back, the tom would have to leave. He could never stay and just..hang about with her. Enjoying their playful bickering and competitions.

She was a competitive one. This he came to know...plenty of times before. It was always in front of his eyes. The way she would retort with careless in her voice, the way she tried to perfect moves. Always there! The thought would had frustrated him, but he understood. Just like the change in her demeanor. In her actions. What was the tricky feline up to now? Azulpaw stared at her with amusement in her eyes, first widened, then half-lidded. What exactly was she playing at? When it came to things like this, Azulpaw knew well how the game worked. Not only was he accomplished in this field of art, but judging from Alabasterpaw, the queen of flirts, he picked up instantly that the sister caught on quickly. Evidently, she would. She was the white demon's sister. As her sweet words flowed out, playing on a new type of tune, Azulpaw smirked. ''Finally that you noticed that. I was beginning to think that you'd never come around, love.'' He says, lowering his voice as he stared at her.

The key to flirting was eye sight. It was the main component of looking interested, and having your partner reeled in deeply. Once the eye sight was accomplished, it was expressions. What expressions made another look cute? Handsome? Attractive? Azulpaw knew that Asterpaw was good at it. She would had him hooked, if it weren't for the fact that he already knew much about her. He knew the way she played, and her acting like this with him? That was completely out of line. Not to mention, awkward. A fun type of awkward, because he was ready to knock her down before she even got started.

Might as well let her have her fun though. When will the next time she express herself like this to me? Azulpaw let out a low purr, but he kept his eyes on Asterpaw, in a trance. She was the only object in front of him, around him as everything appeared darker. With his head tilted slightly, he gave her a once over looks, hearing the next words tumble out her maw. ''In love?'' He perked, bringing his head back up. Honestly, he wasn't expecting the she-cat to say something like that. Them? In love? She had got to be kidding him. The tom didn't believe he was in love with Asterpaw--he do like her, and he was trying to figure out a way to extinguish that fire, but love? That was another level, and quite too quickly for him.

Through it all, he gave a charming smile, ''Now, now, now, Asterpaw. We don't want your envious sister getting into this. You know how irresistible I am. Don't you think it would be tough if you had to share me with your sister?'' He shook his head, adding to his dramatic effect, and held in a chuckle from blowing his cover. Lowly, he whispered. ''Though, I would choose you over her any day. You bring a certain...thrill, to my life, love.'' He looked up at her, making sure to stare into her eyes. The greenish grey hues that were being a fleet flirt with him. Honestly, he liked it. Seeing her flirty? That was something that amazed him. Who knew that she had the compatibilities?

His ears twitched at Asterpaw's words. Was she hearing herself at the moment? The tom didn't think she was focused on that. From the many arguments they had, and the many insults they threw at each other. That was what their relationship was based on. Usually, Azulpaw would one-sidedly flirt with her, and she would shoot him down. Though this did little to deter his actions. He liked the challenge that Asterpaw gave him. If she was exactly like Alabasterpaw? Now...he wouldn't even think about being interested in her. Furthermore, the tom remembered an earlier conversation the two had. It replayed in the back of his mind. The one where he knew that if he wanted, he could swipe her away from Bluepaw, to which she replied that he was too late, and that she wasn't a prize to be displayed.

The tom smirked once more, lightly touching the female with his tail. ''Aw, sweet love, why have you come around when it was too late?'' He feigned a hurt sigh, shaking his head. ''You lost your chance, my love. I'm afraid we can't be together.'' As he said this, his eyes were looking at his paws, just so she couldn't see the smile on his face. The smile of amusement. He then looked back up at her, his expression soft and head tilted. ''I don't want to leave the other she-cats waiting for their chance with me. Because,, y'know how irresistible I am.'' He flashed her a brilliant smile, wanting to laugh, but knew he couldn't. It wouldn't be right at the moment because he knew she was playing him.

Half of him felt hurt that she was toying with him. Why did she feel that she needed to do that? Earlier that day, the two literally poured out their feelings to each other...thinking they were going to die. Thinking that it would be the end of them...but they lived on. Life moved on, and maybe she had forgotten everything he said, and maybe it was best for him to forget everything she said. He did have love for her, that was true. Very much true. Very much a lot. As he thought about this, he said, ''I'm sure Bluepaw--or that other tom,'' Que the roll of his eyes, ''or even Foxpaw could be much of a strong and handsome tom to protect you. I mean, look at me. If I could protect you, would you be in this condition? Would I be in this condition? I think not. I'm not as strong as you think, love. I'm sorry for disappointing you. '' What was suppose to be flirty and light weighted came deeper than he expected. The words just flowed out, but a smile stayed on his maw as he said it. He didn't believe that he was strong. He would had messed up--stopped Alabasterpaw from hurting him--hurting her. He would had stopped Bluepaw from hurting him. He was weak. That's all he knew, and he was good-for-nothing. Just a piece of crowfood. Just bait used to die for someone.

At her next words, the tom stared at her quizzically, trying to study her movements, the tone of her voice, anything that could give away lies. She was a good actress, this much he knew. It was just hard to know if she were lying or telling the true. She had meant she loved him? Did she really? The tom knew he loved her. She was the best friend he never had. And, for once, he couldn't even keep up his expression as he allowed it to linger on the ground, looking at his paws. ''Why wouldn't I mean it? Oh, yes, because I randomly throw out I love yous to every cat I walk past, love. I'm sure you meant it. Love is a strong word just like hate. You shouldn't spew it around for your own desires, am I right? Or, am I right? Of course, I'm right. You don't even need to answer it.'' he purred once more, louder and deeper. He felt a good rush of euphoria enter into him. He felt good. That's all he knew.

As the next words rolled off her tongue, the tom tilted his head slightly, shifting, and letting out low grunts. He stared at Asterpaw in silence, taking in every aspect as her, as his eyes started from the top of her head to the bottom, where her paws were. He couldn't bring himself to look at her leg, but from what he can see was a complete set of beauty. And, yet, she didn't think she was one at all. He didn't know why she felt down on herself...but the way she was playing with him was different. ''Well, I believe you have your tail cross, love. You are the most beautiful she-cat I have ever laid my eyes upon. And, to be honest, you have kept my attention longer than the other...she-cats around here. I don't deserve you. Definitely not. Why would you ever want intertwine yourself with a beaten, ragged, weak link? You can do way better than me.'' He purred. This was sincere, even if his voice didn't hint to it. He didn't know if Asterpaw would believe it--but knowing her? She probably wouldn't. She would think he was kidding with her, and to play along, he would agree. He would be kidding. It was already enough that the two was dealing with, and he didn't want to add on to the misery.

Right now. He was content. No misery, just a little pain from his current condition, but everything would pass. And, once it did, he would no longer see Asterpaw. She would be on her own, and his name would be a memory in the back of her mind. The tom pinned his ears to his head, knowing what she said was true. Everyone needed love, and that was desperately what he wanted. Not the feeling of romantically, but the feeling of caring. Knowing someone was there for him. Azulpaw knew that Asterpaw was playing, so he nodded his head at her, his eyes continued to be half-lidded, staring at her in pure interest. He had to mock her. Show her that what she was doing...was useless. And, quite offending.

Azulpaw felt all playfulness wash away from him at the feeling of her light nuzzles. He let out content purrs, and a small smile. Now, this was something that he could get used to. And, by chance he almost missed her next words, being too enticed with the treatment he was getting from her. Asterpaw wasn't the type to be affectionate. That was a red flag. What was she planning? As he brought himself to reality, he cleared his throat and pulled away from her a bit. ''Is that even a question? Tsk, I always protected you, and you know that I always will.'' He says, and threw his face in front of her, bringing it closer until the tip of his nose touched hers. ''Making you uncomfortable, huh?'' He smiled, and lingered a little longer before he eventually pulled away, chuckling deeply.


Azulpaw sat up, looking down at Asterpaw, a satisfied look of triumph settled onto his face. He felt like he was practically glowing, before he told her, ''Remember, my love, I know your sister. The games you play?'' He leaned down once more, ''Is a reflection of her, and maybe...you need to try something differently to up your game?'' He says, his yellow eyes flashing before he pulled himself away once more. ''Remember. Always remember that I am the best. At everything.'' He chuckled, feeling pride inside him as he looked down at her once more. Why couldn't she accept that he was better than her? She should had known flirting with him would had landed her in the hole she dug up, and quite frankly, he enjoyed playing around with the blue feline.

Asterpaw was stunned.
　
She was shocked.
　
She should have expected this.
　
Ugh, he was annoying. Why did he always have to be 'better' then her? Why did he feel like that was important? While this aggravated her to no end, she decided to play along. All she wanted to do was knock him out of the game. But, of course, this tom would never be knocked out. He had too big of a spirit. Which, while Asterpaw had to agree was interesting, it was also aggravating. There were a lot of things about Azulpaw that she disliked, and at the same time there were lots of things that she liked. Though the she cat was definitely sure about one thing: she wanted him in her life. That was the most certain thing she knew, something that she was confident wouldn't change. Why would it? Azulpaw had been there for her recently. That made her feel warm.
　
He got under her fur, but he had saved her life.
　
He was always there, bothering her... but he was always there for her.
　
She didn't know whether she wanted to scream or whether she wanted to continue her game. Either way would probably equally confuse him. Except, now he wasn't confused. He seemed to have caught on. At his words, she felt just the slightest sting of worry. You think you disappointed me? Was he serious, or playing? This was the problem with a game. Everything was supposed to be taken as though he were joking. However, since she was supposed to be flirting... perhaps there was a way to word this so that she would actually mean it, and yet he wouldn't know that. Win-win for her. Perfect. "Oh come now, love. You think they could replace you? You could never disappoint me. You know that." Keeping her voice sugary sweet so it wouldn't come off as more serious then she meant it to be, she added in a light nuzzle. Soft. Gentle. As softly and gently as she could, in a way that wasn't at all like her. So there, that was nothing like her-- there was no way he would think she was serious. I'm not as strong as you think, love. I'm sorry for disappointing you. But he hadn't disappointed her. Had she made him believe that he had? Had she forced him to think that?
　
The thought that she had done something like that was rough. On her mind, on her heart... she couldn't believe it. Surely she hadn't... right? Unless through her game that had happened. She doubted it. He wasn't that insecure; to her, he was quite full of himself. A pompous jerk. Maybe I like pompous jerks. Spoken in the heat of the moment, were those words more true then she had thought? Doubtful. She wasn't the type of cat to like pompous jerks. But, Azulpaw wasn't just some jerk. He wasn't just some cat she'd decided to hang out with one d-- oh wait. That was exactly what he was. But, what did it matter? She didn't have to say anything about that. She didn't even have to admit it to herself. His next words sent a flash of anger through her at the end, but while he was talking the feline appeared to be absolutely mesmerized.
　
There was nothing she could say, until her personality seemed to return. Indecisive as to whether continue flirting or change the game on him, Asterpaw shrugged and decided to change. Flirting was sickening, and she was tired of being so nice. Going back and forth would keep him on his paws, anyways. There was no way he could keep up with her there. She had to beat him at something, she just had to. "Shh, you don't know everything love. And, no one's always right. You're no exception." Leaning her head fowards until she was nearly touching her nose to his, she smirked before pulling away. There was no way that she wanted to touch the tom. Not like that, not right now, no way. Uh uh. It would completely destroy this-- when she was like this, she was supposed to hate physical contact. She'd have to be careful not to get her own personality mixed up with her Alabaster-like one. Alabasterpaw treated everything as though it were a joke. Asterpaw? She took everything and tried to analyze it. And, she analyzed everything that she said very carefully. Unless she was caught up in the heat of a moment.
　
And, at his next words, she seemed to forget this was a game. The fact that he thought that about himself? It angered her. "You think I could do better? You think you don't deserve me? Azulpaw, no one has ever deserved another cat more. And, you think you're a weak link? Look at me. You're not what I would call a weak link. Weakness is linked to cowardice. You're the last cat anyone would call a coward. Bluepaw is a coward. Alabasterpaw is a coward. You're the bravest cat I know." Her voice shook a little, but she kept her head up. Oh well -- this would throw more confusion in there, right? Sincerity along with everything else? Why not, just piling the confusion up. Her ears flicked backwards and a growl of frustration escaped her, but stopped as she then went back to a sugary sweet expression. Her posture was a little off... but that didn't matter. She didn't care. As long as her voice remained sugary sweet, there was no way that he would be able to suspect her of being sincere. A sweet voice was never used when she was serious. Calm, sincere, gentle, and soft. Never sweet.
　
Sweetness was not what Asterpaw dealt with. Sometimes it was annoying, Alabasterpaw's constantly sweet voice. Perhaps that was her real voice, but if it was, then the blue feline disliked her sister's voice very much. His next words and actions put a smile on her features, and eventually she leaned fowards until her nose was touching his completely. Ugh, it was uncomfortable and made her feel sick and weird all over... but, at the same time, if this caused him an equal amount of discomfort? Or confused him? Then it would definitely, definitely be worth it. "On the contrary, love." She chuckled, before pulling away. "I feel right at home." More lies, but oh well. Lies were a part of life. Sometimes. It sort of depended on what the lie was, if it was to save a life... then it was necessary. Otherwise? Meh, not so much. But this was a game, so the whole thing was sort of like a lie. While honesty was important, fun was as well... and Asterpaw would prefer one above the other, though if she were going to live in a world with one or the other she would pick honesty.
　
His next words had her right up against him and once again, she nuzzled him. "Oh? Everything?" She asked in a soft, sincere sounding voice. And yet she kept her actions flirtatious. Her key objective? To confuse the tom. To confuse him any way she could. That was all she wanted to do. A purr escaped her and she lightly nuzzled him with a smile on her maw. Teasing, sincere, and flirtatious. Perfect. The perfect combination that was sure to have him confused about which one she meant. To be honest-- she was confused. She had tied herself up into a knot, which bothered her... but she would figure it out by the time he knew how to respond.

[Brilliance]

Asterpaw was stunned.
　
She was shocked.
　
She should have expected this.
　
Ugh, he was annoying. Why did he always have to be 'better' then her? Why did he feel like that was important? While this aggravated her to no end, she decided to play along. All she wanted to do was knock him out of the game. But, of course, this tom would never be knocked out. He had too big of a spirit. Which, while Asterpaw had to agree was interesting, it was also aggravating. There were a lot of things about Azulpaw that she disliked, and at the same time there were lots of things that she liked. Though the she cat was definitely sure about one thing: she wanted him in her life. That was the most certain thing she knew, something that she was confident wouldn't change. Why would it? Azulpaw had been there for her recently. That made her feel warm.
　
He got under her fur, but he had saved her life.
　
He was always there, bothering her... but he was always there for her.
　
She didn't know whether she wanted to scream or whether she wanted to continue her game. Either way would probably equally confuse him. Except, now he wasn't confused. He seemed to have caught on. At his words, she felt just the slightest sting of worry. You think you disappointed me? Was he serious, or playing? This was the problem with a game. Everything was supposed to be taken as though he were joking. However, since she was supposed to be flirting... perhaps there was a way to word this so that she would actually mean it, and yet he wouldn't know that. Win-win for her. Perfect. "Oh come now, love. You think they could replace you? You could never disappoint me. You know that." Keeping her voice sugary sweet so it wouldn't come off as more serious then she meant it to be, she added in a light nuzzle. Soft. Gentle. As softly and gently as she could, in a way that wasn't at all like her. So there, that was nothing like her-- there was no way he would think she was serious. I'm not as strong as you think, love. I'm sorry for disappointing you. But he hadn't disappointed her. Had she made him believe that he had? Had she forced him to think that?
　
The thought that she had done something like that was rough. On her mind, on her heart... she couldn't believe it. Surely she hadn't... right? Unless through her game that had happened. She doubted it. He wasn't that insecure; to her, he was quite full of himself. A pompous jerk. Maybe I like pompous jerks. Spoken in the heat of the moment, were those words more true then she had thought? Doubtful. She wasn't the type of cat to like pompous jerks. But, Azulpaw wasn't just some jerk. He wasn't just some cat she'd decided to hang out with one d-- oh wait. That was exactly what he was. But, what did it matter? She didn't have to say anything about that. She didn't even have to admit it to herself. His next words sent a flash of anger through her at the end, but while he was talking the feline appeared to be absolutely mesmerized.
　
There was nothing she could say, until her personality seemed to return. Indecisive as to whether continue flirting or change the game on him, Asterpaw shrugged and decided to change. Flirting was sickening, and she was tired of being so nice. Going back and forth would keep him on his paws, anyways. There was no way he could keep up with her there. She had to beat him at something, she just had to. "Shh, you don't know everything love. And, no one's always right. You're no exception." Leaning her head fowards until she was nearly touching her nose to his, she smirked before pulling away. There was no way that she wanted to touch the tom. Not like that, not right now, no way. Uh uh. It would completely destroy this-- when she was like this, she was supposed to hate physical contact. She'd have to be careful not to get her own personality mixed up with her Alabaster-like one. Alabasterpaw treated everything as though it were a joke. Asterpaw? She took everything and tried to analyze it. And, she analyzed everything that she said very carefully. Unless she was caught up in the heat of a moment.
　
And, at his next words, she seemed to forget this was a game. The fact that he thought that about himself? It angered her. "You think I could do better? You think you don't deserve me? Azulpaw, no one has ever deserved another cat more. And, you think you're a weak link? Look at me. You're not what I would call a weak link. Weakness is linked to cowardice. You're the last cat anyone would call a coward. Bluepaw is a coward. Alabasterpaw is a coward. You're the bravest cat I know." Her voice shook a little, but she kept her head up. Oh well -- this would throw more confusion in there, right? Sincerity along with everything else? Why not, just piling the confusion up. Her ears flicked backwards and a growl of frustration escaped her, but stopped as she then went back to a sugary sweet expression. Her posture was a little off... but that didn't matter. She didn't care. As long as her voice remained sugary sweet, there was no way that he would be able to suspect her of being sincere. A sweet voice was never used when she was serious. Calm, sincere, gentle, and soft. Never sweet.
　
Sweetness was not what Asterpaw dealt with. Sometimes it was annoying, Alabasterpaw's constantly sweet voice. Perhaps that was her real voice, but if it was, then the blue feline disliked her sister's voice very much. His next words and actions put a smile on her features, and eventually she leaned fowards until her nose was touching his completely. Ugh, it was uncomfortable and made her feel sick and weird all over... but, at the same time, if this caused him an equal amount of discomfort? Or confused him? Then it would definitely, definitely be worth it. "On the contrary, love." She chuckled, before pulling away. "I feel right at home." More lies, but oh well. Lies were a part of life. Sometimes. It sort of depended on what the lie was, if it was to save a life... then it was necessary. Otherwise? Meh, not so much. But this was a game, so the whole thing was sort of like a lie. While honesty was important, fun was as well... and Asterpaw would prefer one above the other, though if she were going to live in a world with one or the other she would pick honesty.
　
His next words had her right up against him and once again, she nuzzled him. "Oh? Everything?" She asked in a soft, sincere sounding voice. And yet she kept her actions flirtatious. Her key objective? To confuse the tom. To confuse him any way she could. That was all she wanted to do. A purr escaped her and she lightly nuzzled him with a smile on her maw. Teasing, sincere, and flirtatious. Perfect. The perfect combination that was sure to have him confused about which one she meant. To be honest-- she was confused. She had tied herself up into a knot, which bothered her... but she would figure it out by the time he knew how to respond.

Disappointment...

The tom knew it was a game, but he did feel like a disappointment. The fact that he couldn't change whatever had consumed his best friend to go to the dark side. The fact that he couldn't overpower the white demon to keep his friends safe. The disappointment when his mother used to look down at him and saw that he looked just like his father. The disappointment when he felt that everything he thought would make her proud, backfired on him. The tom wanted to laugh. Disappointment played a large part in his life. He was surprised that he was the tom that he...was. Maybe, that came from his father side. Not having to know him, but being his exact doppelganger, and taking on his traits? Azulpaw could be lovable, after all, didn't his mother love a jerk of his father? So, maybe the tom was capable of being loved by someone. Like the very moment as Asterpaw nuzzled him, he stayed tensed, becoming aloof. The thought was alarming. Unpleasant, but the female next to him might think she won. At first, he couldn't move a muscle, but gradually he slowly returned her affections. Pulling away, ''I don't know what tree you climbed up and decided to jump off, but you're definitely having some personality disorder.'' He remarked, checking her out from top to bottom. She appeared fine on the outside, aside from her leg, but the thought of her being affectionate towards him?

That sent him into a state of wonder. There were many things about Asterpaw that wondered him, and he haven't unlocked yet. As her words left her maw, he rolled his eyes, laughing a bit. Was she being serious? It would had been ashamed if she were and he was just playing along like it was some game. It was. It was a game. The tom tilted his head, allowing a smirk to grace his face. ''Good to know that I'm not a disappointment to everyone. Though we both know that those little white lies that you're telling---you're Asterpaw, you have two incredible strong toms that will be willing to love and cherish, and...oh look at that...protect you until the end of your days.'' He states, his voice on the edge of sarcasm. He doubted she needed the protection. The feline was capable of protecting herself, and he knew this--she had to know this. And, even if she did, he believed that the last tom she needed protecting her was him. He would had snorted, but the that would had been rude. However, the thought counted and that touched his heart enough.

The tom wanted to know that. He wanted to believe her, but he couldn't. This was a game of fair play. A game she seemed desperate to win, and a game he...practically being himself at. What was better than being himself? He was already awesome. So, why change anything? He knew this. Everyone else seemed to know why, so why didn't Asterpaw grasped this idea?

As his eyes settled back onto the feline next to him, he gave a haughty laugh at her words. No one's right? Sure! If she wanted to play this game, he was able to come back ten times worse. He was able to nitpick at her, getting under her fur. It was the best that he could do. She seemed to enjoy the attention. Especially since she often did the same with him. ''Au contraire, sweetheart. I'm the only exception. Have you forgotten? Am I right, or am I right? Of course, I am.'' Gently, the tom laid the tip of his tail along her back, sliding it down until it hit the ground, and grazed her backside.

However, at her next words, his eyes widened. At her speech, he couldn't even look her straight in the eye as she said that about him. It was very complex how he worked. One moment he was arrogant--and he only did this because he knew it would set her on fire. Then, the next he was self-discouraging. This was half-true. He did feel vulnerable--with his new scars and wounds, but that did not stop him from being that cocky minded apprentice that he was. It was weird that she even allowed herself to care about him in such a manner. She could be doing better things other than talking to him. Other than associating herself with him. Just then, he remembered. How long was it going to be before he found himself leaving? Before they both departed to different ways? As the tom looked at his paws, extending his claws and retracting them, he had nothing to say. Though, he knew that he should back it up with something conceited before she noticed his weak side. Hah, like she haven't already.

What was he suppose to say? What was he supposed to do? He couldn't just stand there letting her think that she had won. He still reminded himself that this was a game. And what she said? Possibly all lies just to twist his brain and make him confused. So, the tom took note of what she said first.

You think I could do better?
You think you don't deserve me?

Ah, yes. Did she even noticed that she said that? That she gave him the upper paw in the situation? Smirking, the tom allowed himself to look back up at her until he was staring into her eyes. ''Oh? Are you,'' he paused, purring deeply, ''I find it very soothing that you're already foreshadowing our future. It gives me hope that you're already mine.'' He shrugged, as if it were no big deal. ''Especially since I claimed you already.'' It sucked that he had obstacles in his way. Whether it be toms or demons lurking about. He felt that it was a good comeback to her heart wrenching speech. She flickered a small light of hope inside his chest. Remembering that moon ago when he actually did claim her before she made it her job to help Bluepaw--brushing herself against him, loving on him. And, how did that turn out for her? Worse than she expected, huh? Though, he felt a slight shade of envious towards the piebald tom. He was receiving her affection from free will. Yet, he was receiving her affection because it was either a game or she pitied him.

The tom knew she was right. He still didn't think he was strong, or brave. He thought he was a coward, that she mixed Bluepaw and him up. To Azulpaw, fighting was bravery. Being able to handle a battle without giving up. Something he haven't yet accomplished. If he did, would he be in this condition now? Now, he would not. Though sincerely, he added, ''I guess your definition of bravery and mine are something we look at differently.'' It could be true. Everyone had an interpret way of comprehending words. Perhaps Asterpaw thought a brave soul was someone who acted like...him. Whereas, Azulpaw believed that a brave soul was someone who acted like Bluepaw.

Not his evil way at least, but the way Bluepaw fought well. His battle skills. That's the way Azulpaw wanted to be. How he wanted to fight, but at this rate, the tom knew he was a long way off. ''Glad to know you look up to me. I try to impress.'' He shrugged off his earlier sense of doubting, and decided to switch on that personality that Asterpaw dearly loved. Just because she knew that she was annoyed by it. It brought a smile to his face as he looked at her again. The way she brought herself close to him.

On the contrary.
It feels like home.

''Home...huh?'' He was left in a daze for a few moments. The thought recurring in his head about why she did that. That wasn't something that she allowed herself to do often...touch others. Yet, she brushed her nose against his. The state was confusing, leaving him tensed, but he kept his posture. And, slowly, he smirked at her. Oh, how he enjoyed her little games of sweet nothings. They were endearing to him, and he wondered how far she was going to go before she was in far too deep, and the two of them would argue?

Instead, the tom let out out a deep chuckle. ''It's not nice to play upon your future mate's feelings now.'' The tom didn't really believe that the two would become mates someday. But, it was in the heat of the moment, and he wanted to see what retort she had for him. Besides that, the two would never be able to stay friends. There would always be someone around, staring them down, hating them, and hating their relationship. It was not a happy thought that he would be losing her soon, but it was a thought he had to embrace. Keeping her safe was his main priority. Might as well have some fun while it lasted.

As the feline nuzzled him again, he paused for a second, enjoying the feel of her pelt. He didn't say anything, only allowing his throat to rumble for him. The tom could sense what she was doing to him, but he refused to give in. Simply because she was Asterpaw. And, Asterpaw was a feline that he enjoyed toying with. As he pulled himself away from the blue feline once more, he cleared his throat, coming back to reality. He purred, ''Yes. Everything. This should not come off as a surprise to you.'' He smirked. Oh, how he loved to speak confidently at himself one moment and shoot himself down the next. Lastly, he added, hesitating for a moment, but he gingerly rested one of his paws atop the paw that was okay. That wasn't suffering. Atop the paw that was soft and gentle. Asterpaw's untouched paw. To Azulpaw, this paw would always remain a type of purity that he couldn't grasp. He hated how she had done this to herself, and he hated himself for not being able to stop it. Bravest, she said? Right. The tom continued on with his act, mustering a brilliant smile. ''Don't worry, my love. Once we be together you can be great at everything too.'' He purred, and pulled his paw away, laughing at the predicament. Funny. Yep. It was endearingly funny.

[lone]

Disappointment...

The tom knew it was a game, but he did feel like a disappointment. The fact that he couldn't change whatever had consumed his best friend to go to the dark side. The fact that he couldn't overpower the white demon to keep his friends safe. The disappointment when his mother used to look down at him and saw that he looked just like his father. The disappointment when he felt that everything he thought would make her proud, backfired on him. The tom wanted to laugh. Disappointment played a large part in his life. He was surprised that he was the tom that he...was. Maybe, that came from his father side. Not having to know him, but being his exact doppelganger, and taking on his traits? Azulpaw could be lovable, after all, didn't his mother love a jerk of his father? So, maybe the tom was capable of being loved by someone. Like the very moment as Asterpaw nuzzled him, he stayed tensed, becoming aloof. The thought was alarming. Unpleasant, but the female next to him might think she won. At first, he couldn't move a muscle, but gradually he slowly returned her affections. Pulling away, ''I don't know what tree you climbed up and decided to jump off, but you're definitely having some personality disorder.'' He remarked, checking her out from top to bottom. She appeared fine on the outside, aside from her leg, but the thought of her being affectionate towards him?

That sent him into a state of wonder. There were many things about Asterpaw that wondered him, and he haven't unlocked yet. As her words left her maw, he rolled his eyes, laughing a bit. Was she being serious? It would had been ashamed if she were and he was just playing along like it was some game. It was. It was a game. The tom tilted his head, allowing a smirk to grace his face. ''Good to know that I'm not a disappointment to everyone. Though we both know that those little white lies that you're telling---you're Asterpaw, you have two incredible strong toms that will be willing to love and cherish, and...oh look at that...protect you until the end of your days.'' He states, his voice on the edge of sarcasm. He doubted she needed the protection. The feline was capable of protecting herself, and he knew this--she had to know this. And, even if she did, he believed that the last tom she needed protecting her was him. He would had snorted, but the that would had been rude. However, the thought counted and that touched his heart enough.

The tom wanted to know that. He wanted to believe her, but he couldn't. This was a game of fair play. A game she seemed desperate to win, and a game he...practically being himself at. What was better than being himself? He was already awesome. So, why change anything? He knew this. Everyone else seemed to know why, so why didn't Asterpaw grasped this idea?

As his eyes settled back onto the feline next to him, he gave a haughty laugh at her words. No one's right? Sure! If she wanted to play this game, he was able to come back ten times worse. He was able to nitpick at her, getting under her fur. It was the best that he could do. She seemed to enjoy the attention. Especially since she often did the same with him. ''Au contraire, sweetheart. I'm the only exception. Have you forgotten? Am I right, or am I right? Of course, I am.'' Gently, the tom laid the tip of his tail along her back, sliding it down until it hit the ground, and grazed her backside.

However, at her next words, his eyes widened. At her speech, he couldn't even look her straight in the eye as she said that about him. It was very complex how he worked. One moment he was arrogant--and he only did this because he knew it would set her on fire. Then, the next he was self-discouraging. This was half-true. He did feel vulnerable--with his new scars and wounds, but that did not stop him from being that cocky minded apprentice that he was. It was weird that she even allowed herself to care about him in such a manner. She could be doing better things other than talking to him. Other than associating herself with him. Just then, he remembered. How long was it going to be before he found himself leaving? Before they both departed to different ways? As the tom looked at his paws, extending his claws and retracting them, he had nothing to say. Though, he knew that he should back it up with something conceited before she noticed his weak side. Hah, like she haven't already.

What was he suppose to say? What was he supposed to do? He couldn't just stand there letting her think that she had won. He still reminded himself that this was a game. And what she said? Possibly all lies just to twist his brain and make him confused. So, the tom took note of what she said first.

You think I could do better?
You think you don't deserve me?

Ah, yes. Did she even noticed that she said that? That she gave him the upper paw in the situation? Smirking, the tom allowed himself to look back up at her until he was staring into her eyes. ''Oh? Are you,'' he paused, purring deeply, ''I find it very soothing that you're already foreshadowing our future. It gives me hope that you're already mine.'' He shrugged, as if it were no big deal. ''Especially since I claimed you already.'' It sucked that he had obstacles in his way. Whether it be toms or demons lurking about. He felt that it was a good comeback to her heart wrenching speech. She flickered a small light of hope inside his chest. Remembering that moon ago when he actually did claim her before she made it her job to help Bluepaw--brushing herself against him, loving on him. And, how did that turn out for her? Worse than she expected, huh? Though, he felt a slight shade of envious towards the piebald tom. He was receiving her affection from free will. Yet, he was receiving her affection because it was either a game or she pitied him.

The tom knew she was right. He still didn't think he was strong, or brave. He thought he was a coward, that she mixed Bluepaw and him up. To Azulpaw, fighting was bravery. Being able to handle a battle without giving up. Something he haven't yet accomplished. If he did, would he be in this condition now? Now, he would not. Though sincerely, he added, ''I guess your definition of bravery and mine are something we look at differently.'' It could be true. Everyone had an interpret way of comprehending words. Perhaps Asterpaw thought a brave soul was someone who acted like...him. Whereas, Azulpaw believed that a brave soul was someone who acted like Bluepaw.

Not his evil way at least, but the way Bluepaw fought well. His battle skills. That's the way Azulpaw wanted to be. How he wanted to fight, but at this rate, the tom knew he was a long way off. ''Glad to know you look up to me. I try to impress.'' He shrugged off his earlier sense of doubting, and decided to switch on that personality that Asterpaw dearly loved. Just because she knew that she was annoyed by it. It brought a smile to his face as he looked at her again. The way she brought herself close to him.

On the contrary.
It feels like home.

''Home...huh?'' He was left in a daze for a few moments. The thought recurring in his head about why she did that. That wasn't something that she allowed herself to do often...touch others. Yet, she brushed her nose against his. The state was confusing, leaving him tensed, but he kept his posture. And, slowly, he smirked at her. Oh, how he enjoyed her little games of sweet nothings. They were endearing to him, and he wondered how far she was going to go before she was in far too deep, and the two of them would argue?

Instead, the tom let out out a deep chuckle. ''It's not nice to play upon your future mate's feelings now.'' The tom didn't really believe that the two would become mates someday. But, it was in the heat of the moment, and he wanted to see what retort she had for him. Besides that, the two would never be able to stay friends. There would always be someone around, staring them down, hating them, and hating their relationship. It was not a happy thought that he would be losing her soon, but it was a thought he had to embrace. Keeping her safe was his main priority. Might as well have some fun while it lasted.


As the feline nuzzled him again, he paused for a second, enjoying the feel of her pelt. He didn't say anything, only allowing his throat to rumble for him. The tom could sense what she was doing to him, but he refused to give in. Simply because she was Asterpaw. And, Asterpaw was a feline that he enjoyed toying with. As he pulled himself away from the blue feline once more, he cleared his throat, coming back to reality. He purred, ''Yes. Everything. This should not come off as a surprise to you.'' He smirked. Oh, how he loved to speak confidently at himself one moment and shoot himself down the next. Lastly, he added, hesitating for a moment, but he gingerly rested one of his paws atop the paw that was okay. That wasn't suffering. Atop the paw that was soft and gentle. Asterpaw's untouched paw. To Azulpaw, this paw would always remain a type of purity that he couldn't grasp. He hated how she had done this to herself, and he hated himself for not being able to stop it. Bravest, she said? Right. The tom continued on with his act, mustering a brilliant smile. ''Don't worry, my love. Once we be together you can be great at everything too.'' He purred, and pulled his paw away, laughing at the predicament. Funny. Yep. It was endearingly funny.
Especially since I claimed you already? What was that supposed to mean? For a moment, Asterpaw was caught off guard. Claimed her. So... like she had said she was going to be with Bluepaw? He just... decided that? Decided that. She wondered whether to be angry or flattered-- yes, flattered-- but she didn't really have time to react in a way she would have liked to as she continued with the game. "You flatter me, love. But, you didn't have to do that. Besides; I'm not an object you can just decide that you want, and claim it. This is a two way thing, darling." That much was true; she wasn't just something you could claim. She had feelings as well, and she deserved to be respected. While that might be true, she was still secretly flattered by that. Though, she would never let him know....seriously. She would never, ever hear the end of it if she did, and that would be quite annoying to her. A flash of frustration crossed her features and she curled her own tail around her paws.
　
She didn't really like the thought of being 'claimed.' It scared her, if she were being honest. Yes, scared her. That might seem strange, coming from the she cat who had been through much worse, but it was the truth. Why did he think that he could just claim her like that? Was that some sort of a tom thing, where they thought they could lay eyes on a she cat and think 'yep, I claim this one?' Or was that just another one of Azulpaw's quirks? To be honest, Asterpaw would have liked to ask, had they not been in the middle of their game. But, his next words stunned her... and that was the point when she was done playing. At least, for the moment being. So he didn't think he was brave? What, did he think he was a coward? A worthless cat? "Sorry to put your delusional fantasies down, love, but I believe the title of 'worthless coward' goes to me. Hey, you can't win at everything." Her voice was teasing, but her expression was more serious then she realized at the moment.
　
Then, it became completely serious. "I'm going to be serious here, because this is important. Look at me." Gently, she moved until she was standing directly in his line of vision. Looks like his ego needs some help. Never thought I would ever believe that. A flash of annoyance crossed her features for a moment before she shook it away. Oh well. If he decided to be a jerk again, she would just slap him. It was easy and it probably wouldn't hurt-- much. Then again, she was pretty strong for a she cat. It wouldn't hurt nearly as much as what he had already been through, however. Every time she thought about that it made her want to find some place to keep him where he couldn't be hurt. But, he definitely wouldn't appreciate that. In her opinion, Azulpaw was the type of cat who wouldn't want to be monitored, taken care of every second of every day. She didn't need someone who would protect her, if she were being perfectly honest. It wasn't their battle to fight.
　
"I know I'm going to be feeding your huge ego, but oh well." She paused for a moment before continuing: "Do you even know how special you are? How loved you are? Do you have any idea how much I, and Silverpaw, and I don't know who your other friends are-- care about you? You might not believe me, or we might still have different opinions, but this is still important for you to hear. Bravery is not always fighting and winning, or being the fastest, strongest, smartest, most heroic cat there is." She stopped again and glanced at him. At this point, he was probably doubtful; from the way he had reacted, she guessed that was exactly what he thought bravery was. "Bravery is fighting even when you know you don't have to. Not like, in the way Alabasterpaw does... but fighting even when there are plenty of cats fighting, you have a choice, and you do it anyways. You go even though you could easily be hurt because you know it could help your side." She paused for a second.
　
"You fight because you want to help, not because you want to kill. You don't fight just because of a...a grudge, or to prove something; you fight because you know that you could save someone's life, just by being there." Again, the blue feline stopped. "Sometimes bravery is not fighting. Like you did with Alli. That? That took some serious courage. I never, ever would have been able to do that. And yes, I wish it were me-- and it should have been, I hope you realize that too-- but I wouldn't have taken it half as well as you did. The way Alabasterpaw fights? That's a coward's move. She's scared of what you could do if she doesn't have the upper hand. She's not brave at all. The way Bluepaw pins you down and chokes you? That's a coward's move too. He doesn't have to do that. He knows you're competition. And he's scared of that; not necessarily in a 'run away, I'm shaking with terror' kind of scared. It's a different kind of scared." What she was saying was the truth to her.
　
It made lots of sense... to her. To Azulpaw? Maybe toms' minds were different. Well, obviously they were... at least his mind was different then hers, and she would never understand it. But, that was a good thing. She didn't want to understand it. She didn't need to understand it. The only thing she needed was to know that he was different, and that was okay. The only thing she had to do was accept it. "But, you don't have to believe me. I just wanted you to know that no matter what anyone else says? I think you are brave. A lot more then you think." Why, with his personality, he wouldn't accept that, she didn't know. Unless he thought she was lying. Why would she be? She had said she was serious. She wished he would believe that, because although she never would have thought it, she wanted the more arrogant tom to be confident in his abilitites. He was going to need all the confidence he could get when Alabasterpaw attacked again. Her sister was definitely a coward.
　
The way she fought. That was a coward's move, the only way to describe it. No one, no one would make that sort of a movement unless they were scared. Using her? Her sister using her as bait, threatening her, knocking her out had been one of the worst experiences of Asterpaw's life. And then he had come. Saved her life. Azulpaw hadn't had to do that. Why did he think she was worth this? Why did he think she was worth going through torture to save her? Would he do that for any clanmate, or was there something special that she was missing? Probably. There most likely was. She had found herself to be oblivious to some facts; facts that she didn't so much as care to think about. The tip of her tail twitched thoughtfully, and her whiskers seemed to quiver a little. What she had said had probably sounded pretty stupid to Azulpaw; she realized that now. Of course it would. She had just spoken probably the worst speech any cat had ever heard.
　
At least it wasn't cliche. Or too cheesy, that would be... rough on her. His next words gave her a start until she realized that he was kidding... wasn't he? Sure, she cared for him, but future mates was... that was taking it a little too far. Especially since as far as she knew, she hadn't quite developed feelings for him yet. He was an awesome cat. Though admitting that to him would be like saying he had won, and she would never say that. It would again, be taking it too far. And she wouldn't want his massive ego to get much bigger, it would swallow everything in it's path. Not like it didn't already. At the moment, she was pretty sure the only thing bigger then her friend's ego were his words. Sometimes she liked to brag, but him? He seemed to take pleasure in reminding her how much better he was. Annoying, but tolerable... sometimes. She would have to learn to tolerate it. If she wanted to figure out a way for the two of them to remain friends throughout all of this drama.
　
Before now, the most drama Asterpaw had ever had in her life was the occasional fight with her sister. But, everybody had those. Now? She was facing a friend being taken from her. Ripped from her. "Maybe not. But I'm not a nice cat-- shouldn't you have realized this by now?" She asked with a laughing purr. At least it was still easy to joke around. With a cat who might be dead by tomorrow, but she wouldn't worry about that now. Right here. Right now. That was what needed to be handled, was the moment. Tomorrow could always wait. Tomorrow was constantly waiting. But here and now was important, as Asterpaw was all too aware. She knew that it was important. A purr rumbled in her throat once more-- purring was not too common of a sincere occurance with the she cat, as it generally resembled pleasure... and, while she was often pleased, she normally voiced her pleasure aloud rather then allowing noises to do it for her. But right now, she didn't feel much like speaking.
　
As much as she hated to so much as even think of admitting it, Bluepaw was right to be worried. It wasn't him she wanted to give her time and attention to now. At his touch, the she cat started... and then relaxed. It was so gentle. And strong. And everything she remembered Alabasterpaw talking about-- no! The she cat jerked her paw away, right after he had removed his and gave a weak smile. "I'll be looking fowards to that." Her voice seemed to crack a little, and go up at the same time, turning into a half-happy, half-terrified voice. She didn't like letting her guard down. Always, always, always keep the guard up. That was what Asterpaw had learned. Letting it down ended in heartbreak. Letting it down ended in pain. So, especially around this cat-- she would keep her guard up. She'd let it slip before, it'd turned out okay... but that's what she'd thought with Lionpaw. And then what had the tom done? Turned around to be with her sister. While Asterpaw was completely sure that Azulpaw wouldn't do that, there were always other cats around. Predators. And, most of them were not the most obvious... they were hiding in all places. Waiting to spring. A tom like Azulpaw? Well, he could easily get preyed on.

[Brilliance]

Especially since I claimed you already? What was that supposed to mean? For a moment, Asterpaw was caught off guard. Claimed her. So... like she had said she was going to be with Bluepaw? He just... decided that? Decided that. She wondered whether to be angry or flattered-- yes, flattered-- but she didn't really have time to react in a way she would have liked to as she continued with the game. "You flatter me, love. But, you didn't have to do that. Besides; I'm not an object you can just decide that you want, and claim it. This is a two way thing, darling." That much was true; she wasn't just something you could claim. She had feelings as well, and she deserved to be respected. While that might be true, she was still secretly flattered by that. Though, she would never let him know....seriously. She would never, ever hear the end of it if she did, and that would be quite annoying to her. A flash of frustration crossed her features and she curled her own tail around her paws.
　
She didn't really like the thought of being 'claimed.' It scared her, if she were being honest. Yes, scared her. That might seem strange, coming from the she cat who had been through much worse, but it was the truth. Why did he think that he could just claim her like that? Was that some sort of a tom thing, where they thought they could lay eyes on a she cat and think 'yep, I claim this one?' Or was that just another one of Azulpaw's quirks? To be honest, Asterpaw would have liked to ask, had they not been in the middle of their game. But, his next words stunned her... and that was the point when she was done playing. At least, for the moment being. So he didn't think he was brave? What, did he think he was a coward? A worthless cat? "Sorry to put your delusional fantasies down, love, but I believe the title of 'worthless coward' goes to me. Hey, you can't win at everything." Her voice was teasing, but her expression was more serious then she realized at the moment.
　
Then, it became completely serious. "I'm going to be serious here, because this is important. Look at me." Gently, she moved until she was standing directly in his line of vision. Looks like his ego needs some help. Never thought I would ever believe that. A flash of annoyance crossed her features for a moment before she shook it away. Oh well. If he decided to be a jerk again, she would just slap him. It was easy and it probably wouldn't hurt-- much. Then again, she was pretty strong for a she cat. It wouldn't hurt nearly as much as what he had already been through, however. Every time she thought about that it made her want to find some place to keep him where he couldn't be hurt. But, he definitely wouldn't appreciate that. In her opinion, Azulpaw was the type of cat who wouldn't want to be monitored, taken care of every second of every day. She didn't need someone who would protect her, if she were being perfectly honest. It wasn't their battle to fight.
　
"I know I'm going to be feeding your huge ego, but oh well." She paused for a moment before continuing: "Do you even know how special you are? How loved you are? Do you have any idea how much I, and Silverpaw, and I don't know who your other friends are-- care about you? You might not believe me, or we might still have different opinions, but this is still important for you to hear. Bravery is not always fighting and winning, or being the fastest, strongest, smartest, most heroic cat there is." She stopped again and glanced at him. At this point, he was probably doubtful; from the way he had reacted, she guessed that was exactly what he thought bravery was. "Bravery is fighting even when you know you don't have to. Not like, in the way Alabasterpaw does... but fighting even when there are plenty of cats fighting, you have a choice, and you do it anyways. You go even though you could easily be hurt because you know it could help your side." She paused for a second.
　
"You fight because you want to help, not because you want to kill. You don't fight just because of a...a grudge, or to prove something; you fight because you know that you could save someone's life, just by being there." Again, the blue feline stopped. "Sometimes bravery is not fighting. Like you did with Alli. That? That took some serious courage. I never, ever would have been able to do that. And yes, I wish it were me-- and it should have been, I hope you realize that too-- but I wouldn't have taken it half as well as you did. The way Alabasterpaw fights? That's a coward's move. She's scared of what you could do if she doesn't have the upper hand. She's not brave at all. The way Bluepaw pins you down and chokes you? That's a coward's move too. He doesn't have to do that. He knows you're competition. And he's scared of that; not necessarily in a 'run away, I'm shaking with terror' kind of scared. It's a different kind of scared." What she was saying was the truth to her.
　
It made lots of sense... to her. To Azulpaw? Maybe toms' minds were different. Well, obviously they were... at least his mind was different then hers, and she would never understand it. But, that was a good thing. She didn't want to understand it. She didn't need to understand it. The only thing she needed was to know that he was different, and that was okay. The only thing she had to do was accept it. "But, you don't have to believe me. I just wanted you to know that no matter what anyone else says? I think you are brave. A lot more then you think." Why, with his personality, he wouldn't accept that, she didn't know. Unless he thought she was lying. Why would she be? She had said she was serious. She wished he would believe that, because although she never would have thought it, she wanted the more arrogant tom to be confident in his abilitites. He was going to need all the confidence he could get when Alabasterpaw attacked again. Her sister was definitely a coward.
　
The way she fought. That was a coward's move, the only way to describe it. No one, no one would make that sort of a movement unless they were scared. Using her? Her sister using her as bait, threatening her, knocking her out had been one of the worst experiences of Asterpaw's life. And then he had come. Saved her life. Azulpaw hadn't had to do that. Why did he think she was worth this? Why did he think she was worth going through torture to save her? Would he do that for any clanmate, or was there something special that she was missing? Probably. There most likely was. She had found herself to be oblivious to some facts; facts that she didn't so much as care to think about. The tip of her tail twitched thoughtfully, and her whiskers seemed to quiver a little. What she had said had probably sounded pretty stupid to Azulpaw; she realized that now. Of course it would. She had just spoken probably the worst speech any cat had ever heard.
　
At least it wasn't cliche. Or too cheesy, that would be... rough on her. His next words gave her a start until she realized that he was kidding... wasn't he? Sure, she cared for him, but future mates was... that was taking it a little too far. Especially since as far as she knew, she hadn't quite developed feelings for him yet. He was an awesome cat. Though admitting that to him would be like saying he had won, and she would never say that. It would again, be taking it too far. And she wouldn't want his massive ego to get much bigger, it would swallow everything in it's path. Not like it didn't already. At the moment, she was pretty sure the only thing bigger then her friend's ego were his words. Sometimes she liked to brag, but him? He seemed to take pleasure in reminding her how much better he was. Annoying, but tolerable... sometimes. She would have to learn to tolerate it. If she wanted to figure out a way for the two of them to remain friends throughout all of this drama.
　
Before now, the most drama Asterpaw had ever had in her life was the occasional fight with her sister. But, everybody had those. Now? She was facing a friend being taken from her. Ripped from her. "Maybe not. But I'm not a nice cat-- shouldn't you have realized this by now?" She asked with a laughing purr. At least it was still easy to joke around. With a cat who might be dead by tomorrow, but she wouldn't worry about that now. Right here. Right now. That was what needed to be handled, was the moment. Tomorrow could always wait. Tomorrow was constantly waiting. But here and now was important, as Asterpaw was all too aware. She knew that it was important. A purr rumbled in her throat once more-- purring was not too common of a sincere occurance with the she cat, as it generally resembled pleasure... and, while she was often pleased, she normally voiced her pleasure aloud rather then allowing noises to do it for her. But right now, she didn't feel much like speaking.
　
As much as she hated to so much as even think of admitting it, Bluepaw was right to be worried. It wasn't him she wanted to give her time and attention to now. At his touch, the she cat started... and then relaxed. It was so gentle. And strong. And everything she remembered Alabasterpaw talking about-- no! The she cat jerked her paw away, right after he had removed his and gave a weak smile. "I'll be looking fowards to that." Her voice seemed to crack a little, and go up at the same time, turning into a half-happy, half-terrified voice. She didn't like letting her guard down. Always, always, always keep the guard up. That was what Asterpaw had learned. Letting it down ended in heartbreak. Letting it down ended in pain. So, especially around this cat-- she would keep her guard up. She'd let it slip before, it'd turned out okay... but that's what she'd thought with Lionpaw. And then what had the tom done? Turned around to be with her sister. While Asterpaw was completely sure that Azulpaw wouldn't do that, there were always other cats around. Predators. And, most of them were not the most obvious... they were hiding in all places. Waiting to spring. A tom like Azulpaw? Well, he could easily get preyed on.

Amusement settled into the tom's eyes as she took his comment. All he could do was give her a charming smile, and allow her to think whatever she liked. Of course, she was right. She wasn't someone a tom could just claim, to have for themselves. Only, Azulpaw knew he wasn't just some tom. He took it upon himself to know that he was her savior. That she owed him her life. Literally. Since he almost died twice for her. Though, he was only kidding, and he didn't want to rile the female up...wait a minute...did he want to rile her up? Seeing her act so...flipped with him made him want to bicker with her more. Though, he never understood why it intrigued him to hear her next remark or her next moved. It was something that he did like to see though. Whether she was being bashful, or being snappy, or even plain right sarcastic. So, the tom took it upon himself to answer her, ''I think you're wrong there, sweetheart. After all, don't you think you owe me your life?'' He leaned in close to her, before pulling himself away quickly, and looking around at their surroundings. A frown replaced a smile on his maw, as he half-lidded his eyes, he replied more seriously, ''I'm kidding, darling. I know I can't claim you. So, eh, you're not mine.'' That's what he wanted her to think. As long as she believed that, she would get off his case. It wasn't something they should be discussing at this moment, and he didn't want her to be uncomfortable. Friends, first...though how long would that last?

Azulpaw wished that he could believe her. He wished that her words whispered encouragement to him, but he couldn't find himself believing that bravery wasn't about fighting. When he were a kit, he remembered Bluekit always saying that fighting was everything. Fighting showed how fearless you were. At that age, both toms wanted to be fearless, brave. Only one of them succeeded in that category though, and Azulpaw wished that it had been him. But, it wasn't, and he was simply a grey, beaten to piece cat that had scars running along his body and stab wounds, most likely caked with blood. Another thought popped into the tom's head...why was Asterpaw still here? The tom was full of himself. A good show of entertainment he liked to display, but deep down he needed a large patch to heal his broken ego. So, her speech had done something to him. Not much. Another thing that he was. Stubborn. And, wasn't she as well?

The grey tom knew he was loved--at least that's what he forced himself to believe. The little silver kitty showed so much compassion towards him, making him feel accepted. Asterpaw was different. She was complicated to figure out, and Azulpaw didn't know whether he wanted to figure out that puzzle. And, she most likely viewed him the same way. How pathetic had he been? Saying he's on top of the world, and yet she's trying to fix his ego? It made him pin his ears back, and look away from her. He couldn't look at her. As he looked down, pawing at the ground, he concentrated on that motive. That was the only thing he could focus on at the moment, because he was afraid to admit that she had...been right. Not that she wasn't right on multiple occasions, but those were playful ones. This was a serious matter. Where there were no games. No walls around them. As he quickly noticed this, the tom built them back up, turning back to her.

''You don't have to feed my ego. I can do that on my own.'' He says, trying to smile, but having it faltered. ''And, I get what you're saying. I do....I just...'' Don't want to believe it. Sure, he understood that bravery wasn't always about fighting or the strongest or the swiftest or anything that included skill. He didn't want to believe it. Not while he was influenced greatly with the skill Bluepaw carried. Asterpaw was talking about protection. Wasn't that the type of bravery she wanted?

''Listen, I understand what you're talking about. But, did you not ask for protection?'' He perked his ears, as he looked at her. ''What you need is a strong cat that can fight. That won't only die for you, but that will fight and win against the problems--frankly, I'm not that type of cat. Do you see what had happened to me!?'' He shrieked, losing his edge. His tone went up, and he didn't want to find himself yelling. She managed to get under his fur, and if she did...she would realize that she won. And, she didn't. That's what he knew. His fur stopped bristling, and he took in a deep breath, closing his eyes.

He wasn't that cat. She could find someone to be better than him. Isn't that what she was going to do anyway..when they both went their separate ways? The tom loved playing with the female, and she loved playing with him. The two had their decent amount of arguing back and forth--shoving hurtful words down each other's throat. The subject of bravery made him a bit depressed. It made him weak, because he knew he was. The powerful thing he had on him was his mind and knowledge. The mind he used to usually insult others and admire himself. That was the powerful mind. It was where his bravery resided.

I think you are brave. A lot more then you think.

No matter what he said. No matter what he thought...she would think he was brave. Why had his heart broken at that? Why did he feel such a familiar pang of sharpness, stinging at his heart--his soul. Why did she believe that? It wasn't true. It was a game. She was playing. She was only getting under his pelt. She was only trying to win whatever competition she dubbed this as. Azulpaw wouldn't allow himself to fall under that trap. No. No. No.

Never had the tom wanted to walk away as quick as he did in his life. Though, he knew he couldn't just leave her. This would be the last time he would see her, and he would love to end it on a positive note. Instead, he swallowed an uneven lump in his throat, and told her, ''I wish I could believe that.'' He said quieter than he intended. Maybe, he didn't intend for her to hear it. She would probably try to sway his mind, give him another speech. That would surely make him go nuts, and he didn't have time to go bonkers at the moment. He simply just wanted to reach a level of peacefulness and sit and talk about nothing. What was she getting at, anyway? What was she trying to unlock from him? Prove to him?

The tom had chuckled at hearing the slight raise of her voice, finding it comical. He looked at her skeptically, just to make sure she was doing alright. ''Are you...okay, sweetheart?'' He asked, taking a few steps back himself. Though it was still painful, he felt that he did something wrong, and he didn't want to hurt her. He remembered her leg, and a frown came to his maw. As he looked down at it, he felt the strong desire to put a paw on it, and run it down. He still wondered why she did. She still wondered why he jumped out that tree.

You walked away.

He remembered those words he had said. What a tragic that the two were facing! Oh, how he felt incredibly pathetic at the moment. Thinking pain was going to solve everything...when it hadn't. Not only was he suffering, but she was.

No, he couldn't think about those problems at the moment.

The tom wanted to play. He wanted to be in a light, humorous conversation, and he felt that his mood was depleting. Was that her plan all along? No, of course not. She didn't want to make his mood deplete. The only cat he allowed to do it was himself. No one could falter his mood if he didn't allow it. Besides, wasn't ignorance blissful? Asterpaw woudn't allow him to ignore her. he doubted. He also knew he wouldn't be giving her attention anymore after this moment between them. Ugh, why was the tom thinking about the mess they were in? This inevitable mess that he dug them into?

Was it his fault?
Of course. It was his fault. Everything was his fault when he started bad-mouthing the white demon. Everything could had been avoided if he were an obedient grey tom while they took that walk. Allowed the lovebirds--at the time to flirt and whatever not. Of course, Asterpaw and himself would had never became...friends? Were they friends? Yes, definitely were friends. She was an important piece to him.

One that he was ready to let go.

As he took notice of this, he let out a deeper sigh, but he looked at her with a spark in his eyes. ''What's the used of looking forward to something if we're swimming in dangerous waters?'' He asked, his tone calm and teasing. She looked forward to being great with him. Oh, come on? Who wouldn't want to be great with him? Azulpaw knew he was an amazing cat from the get-go...but he also knew that she was one too. Did she notice that herself? Oh, he hoped that she did. She wondered how she would live her life without him...that was an exaggeration as if she actually needed him. Like she needed oxygen to breathe. She didn't need him. He wasn't her guardian, and he knew that whatever tom she met in the near future would do him well. But still, he was Azulpaw, and he believed that she would find no greater companion than the tom that was next to her. Of course, he believed this. It was true, after all.

''The one thing you need to go through in this life, is learning how to be independent.'' He told her, as if he were the adult and she was the kit. ''It's a shame that we can't even trust...our own family. And, that we have to watch our backs, checking around every corner in case something strike. You know I won't be there. And, I know you won't be there. So, please. Just please, be more alert, look, pay attention, listen; be safe.'' What he said sounded like a goodbye. And, he didn't want to go down that path, but the tom felt an overwhelming sadness of emotion overcoming him. Maybe, it was because he was having a marvelous time with the feline next to him...and he would leave and never come back. It was funny how the tables were switching on them. At first she walked away, and now he was...only, what would happen if he did? He didn't think she was dumb enough to commit what he had did. She was smarter than him--not that he would ever admit it to her. Some things he kept to himself, and he didn't know why. Maybe because he felt that she already knew...?

Lastly, he knew he had to address something. He knew she hadn't had the best type of self-esteem. She was modest, and that was good, but he also knew that it was better to know your self-worth as well. Not how he displayed it, boasting it and such. She didn't seem like the kind unless she teasing. ''You're not a coward either, Asterpaw. I don't know what you had done, but Alabasterpaw had ran away, and when I woke up...you were there. You're very brave. And, you're also very. very. very. And listen to me,'' He paused, giving a dramatic effect, before saying, ''Annoying.'' A light smirk entered onto his maw as he let out a soft laugh. ''I'm kidding. Though you are annoying, but you're very beautiful. And, you need to know it. And, accept you. You probably believe that Alabasterpaw is...gorgeous. No doubt, she is, but you're more...pure, and that's the best type of beauty out there. If you want me to accept that I'm brave, you have to accept that you're beautiful. No ands, ors, or, buts about it.'' He stated, confidently, his voice on a playful hint of stern. It felt nice, feeling that breeze brush up against him. He would never fully feel the way that he used to, but he accepted everything that was apart of him. Like the scars that would never leave. They were apart of him, and he dearly would learn to accept them and protect them. Just like no matter where he was, how far he was, how deep he was in, he would run to her if she called his name.

[Empress Of Evil]

Icy blue hues scanned the territory eagerly, intent on searching for prey. It had been quite a while since Auroraflame had hunted something, as duties had been keeping her occupied in camp, giving her little time to do anything else. Today, she had just managed to find some time for a hunt, and had decided to take this time of day to do so. Glancing up at the sky, the sun was close to reaching sun high, with only a few minutes before it did so. Silently, the deputy padded through the territory, her eyes and ears alert and attentive, ready for anything to jump out at her. Parting her jaws slightly, Auroraflame quickly tasted the air for any scents of prey. A faint scent lingered on the breeze, and the ebony she-cat could just taste it. Feeling determined, the female continued on through the territory, glancing to the sides every now and again, but mainly focused on the path ahead. If she was lucky, the deputy would be able to catch up to it before it when out of the territory. As she kept on padding forward, the scent became stronger and stronger. She could smell it quite well. The deputy suddenly came to a halt as she reached a particular part of the forest. Ducking behind some bushes and crouching down, she peered out, looking to see if she had really found what she'd been looking for. Bingo. A rabbit was sniffing curiously at some sort of food source, from where she was standing Auroraflame couldn't tell. Getting into a hunters crouch, the deputy started sneaking forward, being careful of her surroundings and where she was stepping.

The Eye Of The Storm

[lone]

Disappointment...

The tom knew it was a game, but he did feel like a disappointment. The fact that he couldn't change whatever had consumed his best friend to go to the dark side. The fact that he couldn't overpower the white demon to keep his friends safe. The disappointment when his mother used to look down at him and saw that he looked just like his father. The disappointment when he felt that everything he thought would make her proud, backfired on him. The tom wanted to laugh. Disappointment played a large part in his life. He was surprised that he was the tom that he...was. Maybe, that came from his father side. Not having to know him, but being his exact doppelganger, and taking on his traits? Azulpaw could be lovable, after all, didn't his mother love a jerk of his father? So, maybe the tom was capable of being loved by someone. Like the very moment as Asterpaw nuzzled him, he stayed tensed, becoming aloof. The thought was alarming. Unpleasant, but the female next to him might think she won. At first, he couldn't move a muscle, but gradually he slowly returned her affections. Pulling away, ''I don't know what tree you climbed up and decided to jump off, but you're definitely having some personality disorder.'' He remarked, checking her out from top to bottom. She appeared fine on the outside, aside from her leg, but the thought of her being affectionate towards him?

That sent him into a state of wonder. There were many things about Asterpaw that wondered him, and he haven't unlocked yet. As her words left her maw, he rolled his eyes, laughing a bit. Was she being serious? It would had been ashamed if she were and he was just playing along like it was some game. It was. It was a game. The tom tilted his head, allowing a smirk to grace his face. ''Good to know that I'm not a disappointment to everyone. Though we both know that those little white lies that you're telling---you're Asterpaw, you have two incredible strong toms that will be willing to love and cherish, and...oh look at that...protect you until the end of your days.'' He states, his voice on the edge of sarcasm. He doubted she needed the protection. The feline was capable of protecting herself, and he knew this--she had to know this. And, even if she did, he believed that the last tom she needed protecting her was him. He would had snorted, but the that would had been rude. However, the thought counted and that touched his heart enough.

The tom wanted to know that. He wanted to believe her, but he couldn't. This was a game of fair play. A game she seemed desperate to win, and a game he...practically being himself at. What was better than being himself? He was already awesome. So, why change anything? He knew this. Everyone else seemed to know why, so why didn't Asterpaw grasped this idea?

As his eyes settled back onto the feline next to him, he gave a haughty laugh at her words. No one's right? Sure! If she wanted to play this game, he was able to come back ten times worse. He was able to nitpick at her, getting under her fur. It was the best that he could do. She seemed to enjoy the attention. Especially since she often did the same with him. ''Au contraire, sweetheart. I'm the only exception. Have you forgotten? Am I right, or am I right? Of course, I am.'' Gently, the tom laid the tip of his tail along her back, sliding it down until it hit the ground, and grazed her backside.

However, at her next words, his eyes widened. At her speech, he couldn't even look her straight in the eye as she said that about him. It was very complex how he worked. One moment he was arrogant--and he only did this because he knew it would set her on fire. Then, the next he was self-discouraging. This was half-true. He did feel vulnerable--with his new scars and wounds, but that did not stop him from being that cocky minded apprentice that he was. It was weird that she even allowed herself to care about him in such a manner. She could be doing better things other than talking to him. Other than associating herself with him. Just then, he remembered. How long was it going to be before he found himself leaving? Before they both departed to different ways? As the tom looked at his paws, extending his claws and retracting them, he had nothing to say. Though, he knew that he should back it up with something conceited before she noticed his weak side. Hah, like she haven't already.

What was he suppose to say? What was he supposed to do? He couldn't just stand there letting her think that she had won. He still reminded himself that this was a game. And what she said? Possibly all lies just to twist his brain and make him confused. So, the tom took note of what she said first.

You think I could do better?
You think you don't deserve me?

Ah, yes. Did she even noticed that she said that? That she gave him the upper paw in the situation? Smirking, the tom allowed himself to look back up at her until he was staring into her eyes. ''Oh? Are you,'' he paused, purring deeply, ''I find it very soothing that you're already foreshadowing our future. It gives me hope that you're already mine.'' He shrugged, as if it were no big deal. ''Especially since I claimed you already.'' It sucked that he had obstacles in his way. Whether it be toms or demons lurking about. He felt that it was a good comeback to her heart wrenching speech. She flickered a small light of hope inside his chest. Remembering that moon ago when he actually did claim her before she made it her job to help Bluepaw--brushing herself against him, loving on him. And, how did that turn out for her? Worse than she expected, huh? Though, he felt a slight shade of envious towards the piebald tom. He was receiving her affection from free will. Yet, he was receiving her affection because it was either a game or she pitied him.

The tom knew she was right. He still didn't think he was strong, or brave. He thought he was a coward, that she mixed Bluepaw and him up. To Azulpaw, fighting was bravery. Being able to handle a battle without giving up. Something he haven't yet accomplished. If he did, would he be in this condition now? Now, he would not. Though sincerely, he added, ''I guess your definition of bravery and mine are something we look at differently.'' It could be true. Everyone had an interpret way of comprehending words. Perhaps Asterpaw thought a brave soul was someone who acted like...him. Whereas, Azulpaw believed that a brave soul was someone who acted like Bluepaw.

Not his evil way at least, but the way Bluepaw fought well. His battle skills. That's the way Azulpaw wanted to be. How he wanted to fight, but at this rate, the tom knew he was a long way off. ''Glad to know you look up to me. I try to impress.'' He shrugged off his earlier sense of doubting, and decided to switch on that personality that Asterpaw dearly loved. Just because she knew that she was annoyed by it. It brought a smile to his face as he looked at her again. The way she brought herself close to him.

On the contrary.
It feels like home.

''Home...huh?'' He was left in a daze for a few moments. The thought recurring in his head about why she did that. That wasn't something that she allowed herself to do often...touch others. Yet, she brushed her nose against his. The state was confusing, leaving him tensed, but he kept his posture. And, slowly, he smirked at her. Oh, how he enjoyed her little games of sweet nothings. They were endearing to him, and he wondered how far she was going to go before she was in far too deep, and the two of them would argue?

Instead, the tom let out out a deep chuckle. ''It's not nice to play upon your future mate's feelings now.'' The tom didn't really believe that the two would become mates someday. But, it was in the heat of the moment, and he wanted to see what retort she had for him. Besides that, the two would never be able to stay friends. There would always be someone around, staring them down, hating them, and hating their relationship. It was not a happy thought that he would be losing her soon, but it was a thought he had to embrace. Keeping her safe was his main priority. Might as well have some fun while it lasted.


As the feline nuzzled him again, he paused for a second, enjoying the feel of her pelt. He didn't say anything, only allowing his throat to rumble for him. The tom could sense what she was doing to him, but he refused to give in. Simply because she was Asterpaw. And, Asterpaw was a feline that he enjoyed toying with. As he pulled himself away from the blue feline once more, he cleared his throat, coming back to reality. He purred, ''Yes. Everything. This should not come off as a surprise to you.'' He smirked. Oh, how he loved to speak confidently at himself one moment and shoot himself down the next. Lastly, he added, hesitating for a moment, but he gingerly rested one of his paws atop the paw that was okay. That wasn't suffering. Atop the paw that was soft and gentle. Asterpaw's untouched paw. To Azulpaw, this paw would always remain a type of purity that he couldn't grasp. He hated how she had done this to herself, and he hated himself for not being able to stop it. Bravest, she said? Right. The tom continued on with his act, mustering a brilliant smile. ''Don't worry, my love. Once we be together you can be great at everything too.'' He purred, and pulled his paw away, laughing at the predicament. Funny. Yep. It was endearingly funny.
Asterpaw nodded, the hint of a smile crossing her features. "Oh, I know. Everyone needs a little... boost now and then, though. Even you, Great One." Her voice was teasing, but she was serious. Everyone did need some help. You couldn't just tell yourself you were great all the time like Foxpaw did-- you needed some help every once in a while, which was why even though Asterpaw knew she would be fueling his drive to flirt and act like a complete idiot, she would give him a rare compliment every few moons or so. It seemed to make the problem worse; but at least, for the moment being, it put the most real of smiles on his features that gave Asterpaw a warm feeling inside. A very, very warm feeling. Pleasure, perhaps... she was used to feeling good when others felt good. As long as they weren't pestering her about it, forcing their greatness down her throat like she remembered Lionpaw doing-- what had she seen in that cat, anyways? Perhaps it was a blessing that Alabasterpaw had stolen him from her.
　
If he would run away so easily after a pretty face, then it was never meant to be in the first place. His next words had a coy expression crossing over her features. Oh, so he had taken her seriously? Good. Very, very good. Confusion was key for the she cat's advances, and she had just learned that she'd confused the heck out of this poor tom. "Aww, you thought I was serious? Whoa, whoa, whoa... back it up, bud. I don't need protection. Or is that not obvious to you already? Do you really think I would seriously be asking for protection against my insane sister and her delusions that she's actually going to kill me? Nah. If anyone needs protection, I would say it would be you." Her voice was calm, though she had been laughing at first. The thought of her needing protection was funny, and she wondered why he had actually believed her. Did that make her a liar? No... it just makes him guillible, she told herself as firmly as possible.
　
Or was that what she wanted to believe? That he was guillible so that she wouldn't have to make a fool of herself? His next words made her flinch backwards, and she pinned her ears down, her expression that of... fear. She was scared. He frightened her. More startled then anything else, since she hadn't been expecting it, but still... she hadn't been expecting it. She realized the fur along her spine was standing up again and felt those familiar pinpricks radiating down it, bothering her to no end; but what was she supposed to do about it? For a second, all she could do was stare at him in something resembling disbelief. Like she'd never, ever thought he would actually crack so easily. But, now she was beginning to realize just how fragile he was. It was like navigating the busiest of Thunderpaths; you had to be careful, or you would get hurt. Or, he could get hurt... which was the last thing Asterpaw wanted. And still, she said nothing, just looking at him for another moment with a quiet type of pain gleaming in her grey-green hues.
　
A soft type of pain. His words hurt, they had stung her to the core... but she wouldn't let him see that. She didn't have to. He could probably tell by her expression. "I--" There was nothing that Asterpaw could think of to say. The blue feline was lost for words. She curled her tail around her paws, and looked at him once more. A gentle expression was written on her features now. "I don't need someone to fight for me. What I need someone to be there for me." Her voice was gentle, quiet, as soft as she could make it. The blue feline didn't want him feeling like he was worthless all because he couldn't 'fight for her.' That wasn't what she wanted. She didn't need someone to protect her, she wasn't strong, but she was strong enough to take care of her own problems. She didn't even need someone to die for her. While it set him apart from all the other cats she had ever met, it also almost always brought up a frightening flashback in her mind. Why, why hadn't she just looked away?
　
His next words were so quiet she almost missed them. It was the faintest whisper, something that sounded like she would have spoken it, and it broke her heart in two. I wish I could believe that. Why couldn't he? What was so hard about believing that he was brave? But, she didn't feel like saying anything else. Everything she could have said, she had already poured out. It had been her best; but it would appear that her best wasn't enough. A sense of discomfort settled heavily over the she cat who believed herself to be so unpopular, so unattractive. Truth be told, she was somewhat pretty; though she chose to overlook this fact. Especially with her new injury; that was probably going to seriously destroy her chances in the future. Not that she had much of a future, since she didn't quite know how to reject Bluepaw. She knew she didn't want to be around him, but did he? And, if he truly loved her, wouldn't he just let her go in favor of making her comfortable?
　
Was that what Azulpaw was doing? Letting her go for both of their safety, for both of their comfort? Though she wasn't sure how safe she would really be. It seemed Bluepaw was dangerous. Dangerous to be around. Suddenly changing to attack his best friend; even with Alabasterpaw, the feline had choked his best friend. Why? What would drive a tom to do that, desperation so strong that even a close friendship was broken by a pretty face? And, Asterpaw didn't have a pretty face. Her personality was alright; apparently it was to Bluepaw. Tolerable to her sister, Foxpaw, Nightpaw, Azulpaw... and several others. A couple of other cats that she had known since she was a kit. Special friends, cats whom she cared about just as much. And, cats that she hadn't seen in quite a while. His next words made her start, shifting her weight as quickly as possible, and she allowed her softer paw to come out from behind her scarred one, once again revealing itself.
　
"Fine. Just startled." She answered, a little too quickly. And, she had forgotten to acknowledge his teasing 'sweetheart' that normally set her teeth on edge and had her fur standing upwards. An expression of worry crossed over her features. To be honest, she wasn't really looking fowards to leaving this moment. Though, right now? She wouldn't have minded it quite as much. If she hadn't known she would be seeking out Bluepaw, going to find the tom and having to break the news as gently as she could to him. His next words made her laugh a little, although she knew the severity and truth in the statement. They were swimming in dangerous waters. There were problems going on. Hopefully the waters would start calming soon and wouldn't be as dangerous if she agreed to stay with Bluepaw... despite the dangers and unhappiness it could cause, would it mean safety for everyone? For her, and for Azulpaw? Oh, she hoped so. She very much hoped so.
　
"Oh, I think I know how to calm the waters." Her voice was teasing, but her hues showed a sadness that hadn't been there before. Desperation, as well. She had no idea whether or not he would catch this, but perhaps she wanted him to. Maybe she wanted to let him know she could fix this... though last time she had tried, it had gone badly downhill. Ending in a near-death experience. And, a betrayal she had never seen coming. So if she did try to fix things, she was terrified of messing them up worse. That would be too much for her to stand. Her ears perked up and she listened intently to what he was saying. What.... was he saying goodbye? Was this it, their final moment before they would have to part ways? While Asterpaw was not looking fowards to it, she knew that it would come eventually. It seemed fate was interfering in her life once again, and while it had entwined their lives for the moment being, now it was unraveling them and leaving them to chance.
　
He had Silverpaw. Silverpaw would always be there, that she was sure of. The bond between the two was strong. "Don't worry about me. And stop taking my jobs; you're already the best at everything you do, so just don't do my jobs." The last part of her voice was joking, and she started to laugh. Even though this wasn't the least bit funny, she was finding herself laughing. What was so funny about the situation? Perhaps she just needed to laugh, and a little bit of laughter never did anyone harm. A gentle smile spread over her features afterwards. "But I promise I'll be careful, Azulpaw. You have to promise me to do the same. Don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it, okay?" It was her turn to gently put her paw on top of his. The contact was fleeting, and she locked eyes with him for a minute before she drew back. Physical contact was something she was never able to hold for very long. Irritating, though Asterpaw wasn't sure how much she really minded it.
　
"Independance is important, but don't make the mistake of thinking you can go through life all on your own. Please." She wasn't begging; as it had already been established, the blue feline completely hated to beg. Especially before this tom. She'd done it once... twice, three times? Was it two or three times? She wasn't quite sure. Beautiful? He wanted her to accept that she was beautiful. Her. The she cat had no idea whether he was being serious or not, but she decided to accept it anyways. She wanted to contradict him, but at the same time, she wanted him to believe in himself. So, she was going to say that she believed him after all. But... when she opened her maw to speak, she found much different words coming out then the ones she had planned. "Look, I want to believe you. I really do. But I'm... not a beautiful cat. Not like my sister. Not like anyone else." A sudden anger cut through her. Why was he playing with her in this manner?
　
"Do you even hear yourself? Why are you playing with me like that? I love a good game as much as the next cat, but this... this is going too far. I'm not even the least bit pretty, let alone beautiful. And, I think you know that." Her voice was colder then it had been before, and she settled down into a laying position. At least she could calm herself here. She just needed to get her thoughts together and figure them out. I tried to be serious. I tried to. And what does he do? Start up a game again with me. Beautiful, ha. I don't think he even realized what he was saying. She grumbled in her thoughts, her expression flashing with frustration for a moment. This was extremely angering to her. But what could she do? She didn't want to hurt him. What she had just said was the closest she could get to telling him she didn't appreciate this little game and would like him to stop. Curling her tail tightly around herself as she always did when she was scared, or felt like she needed to be shut off from the world, Asterpaw tried her best to get those words out of her head. You're very beautiful. And you need to know it, were the ones that came to mind.
　
No. I don't. And, I won't.

[Momotaro]

Icy blue hues scanned the territory eagerly, intent on searching for prey. It had been quite a while since Auroraflame had hunted something, as duties had been keeping her occupied in camp, giving her little time to do anything else. Today, she had just managed to find some time for a hunt, and had decided to take this time of day to do so. Glancing up at the sky, the sun was close to reaching sun high, with only a few minutes before it did so. Silently, the deputy padded through the territory, her eyes and ears alert and attentive, ready for anything to jump out at her. Parting her jaws slightly, Auroraflame quickly tasted the air for any scents of prey. A faint scent lingered on the breeze, and the ebony she-cat could just taste it. Feeling determined, the female continued on through the territory, glancing to the sides every now and again, but mainly focused on the path ahead. If she was lucky, the deputy would be able to catch up to it before it when out of the territory. As she kept on padding forward, the scent became stronger and stronger. She could smell it quite well. The deputy suddenly came to a halt as she reached a particular part of the forest. Ducking behind some bushes and crouching down, she peered out, looking to see if she had really found what she'd been looking for. Bingo. A rabbit was sniffing curiously at some sort of food source, from where she was standing Auroraflame couldn't tell. Getting into a hunters crouch, the deputy started sneaking forward, being careful of her surroundings and where she was stepping.

The Eye Of The Storm

Joystrike raced through the trees, his tail streaming behind him and his yellow eyes narrowed, yellow, was not a good enough word, they were like lightning, harsh, but fizzing with energy. Most would see this reckless waste of energy as pointless, but Joystrike had a particular skill. The ability and strength, to catch large birds, such as pheasants and chickens. Today he was chasing an escapee chicken, as they were easier to kill. Unfortunately, the tom was heading strait towards to Aurorflame. "Get out the way!" He yowled, still chasing after the prey, "This prey is more important than yours!" The tan warrior continued, misdirected anger flaring at the deputy. The tom was actually quite nervous, with Skyclan being the other clans now, and when he was nervous, he was short and irritable. Well... More short and irritable then normal. He thrashed his tail n anger and turned his face to Aurorflame, "Well?"

{Sorry this is short :<}

[Empress Of Evil]

Joystrike raced through the trees, his tail streaming behind him and his yellow eyes narrowed, yellow, was not a good enough word, they were like lightning, harsh, but fizzing with energy. Most would see this reckless waste of energy as pointless, but Joystrike had a particular skill. The ability and strength, to catch large birds, such as pheasants and chickens. Today he was chasing an escapee chicken, as they were easier to kill. Unfortunately, the tom was heading strait towards to Aurorflame. "Get out the way!" He yowled, still chasing after the prey, "This prey is more important than yours!" The tan warrior continued, misdirected anger flaring at the deputy. The tom was actually quite nervous, with Skyclan being the other clans now, and when he was nervous, he was short and irritable. Well... More short and irritable then normal. He thrashed his tail n anger and turned his face to Aurorflame, "Well?"

{Sorry this is short :<}

Alarm buzzed through the she-cat as a warrior came charging through the trees. The deputy shot back and braced for any impact. Luckily, she hadn't been hit. However, as she looked back up to see if the rabbit was still there, a frown of dismay quickly grew on her maw. It was gone. On the inside, Auroraflame could feel anger bubbling within her but it quickly died down. Her icy blue hues narrowed but nothing came out of her jaws. The deputy was one with patience. She might be one to get angry, however she always managed to keep it in. The ebony feline would then respond with curt yet polite responses until it lasted long enough for her to tell them what they were doing. That normally took a long time though. Auroraflame didn't like making others feel hurt by any angry words that came from her mouth, so she kept it on the inside until she needed to make them understand that it couldn't continue to go on. "Every piece of prey is equaly important," Auroraflame reasoned. There was no resent or anger in her voice. It was calm and as friendly as she could make it, despite how she felt on the inside. "Well what?" the deputy asked. When she was angered, the ebony she-cat tended to be rather literal with each word said. She knew that he was most likely wanted an apology, however the deputy saw no reason for her to. Auroraflame had apologised many times in the past for things that she hadn't done. She had learnt to stand up and not say sorry for nothing. After all, how would that be fair?

-----------------------------

A black and white apprentice ran through the trees, his eyes scanning the territory for any signs of danger. Hawkpaw loved being in the territory. He felt free and it was a chance for him to just take his mind off everything. There was nothing that he enjoyed more than relaxing and feeling like there was no care in the world. He would always go into the territory in his free time. And if he wasn't in the territory, he would be practicing any new moves that his mentor had taught him. Hawkpaw was a very eager and dedicated learner. He was always ready to learn something new and always wanted to know more and more about whatever there was to learn about. Many wondered how he could be so eager about it all, constantly spending his time practicing of blabbering something smart, not only was he an eager learner, he was very intelligent his intelligence was a bonud to his want for knowledge. Hawkpaw didn't really have many friends, that mostly came from the fact that he was too honest and lacked an imagination. He couldn't help it, he just found comfort in reality. Reality was where his head always was.

Brooklyn Trees

[Brooklyn Trees]

A black and white apprentice ran through the trees, his eyes scanning the territory for any signs of danger. Hawkpaw loved being in the territory. He felt free and it was a chance for him to just take his mind off everything. There was nothing that he enjoyed more than relaxing and feeling like there was no care in the world. He would always go into the territory in his free time. And if he wasn't in the territory, he would be practicing any new moves that his mentor had taught him. Hawkpaw was a very eager and dedicated learner. He was always ready to learn something new and always wanted to know more and more about whatever there was to learn about. Many wondered how he could be so eager about it all, constantly spending his time practicing of blabbering something smart, not only was he an eager learner, he was very intelligent his intelligence was a bonud to his want for knowledge. Hawkpaw didn't really have many friends, that mostly came from the fact that he was too honest and lacked an imagination. He couldn't help it, he just found comfort in reality. Reality was where his head always was.

Brooklyn Trees




Silence. That was what the tuxedo cat heard upon first settling where she was — Perched lightly on the low hanging branch of a tree.
One of her favorite places to be was settled on the branch of a tree, her long tail hanging off the edge and dangling down towards the earth below, paws pressed against cool wood.

Here — held in the arms of a tree — Ebonypaw could remain for hours, and sometimes did.
She remained unmoving in the silence of the territory until she heard a rustling sound and scented the scent of a clanmate in the air.

Curious, she raised herself up slightly from her perched position in anticipation of who it was who was running through the trees nearby.
As she saw the pelt of the feline approaching between the foliage she realized that both the cat and the scent were unfamiliar in most aspects. Ebonypaw knew that this cat belonged to her own clan, yet she had never really spoken to this feline and — against what she generally would have done had it been any other time — crouched against the branch, bunching her muscles, and leapt forwards into the path of the oncoming tom.

[Brilliance]

Asterpaw nodded, the hint of a smile crossing her features. "Oh, I know. Everyone needs a little... boost now and then, though. Even you, Great One." Her voice was teasing, but she was serious. Everyone did need some help. You couldn't just tell yourself you were great all the time like Foxpaw did-- you needed some help every once in a while, which was why even though Asterpaw knew she would be fueling his drive to flirt and act like a complete idiot, she would give him a rare compliment every few moons or so. It seemed to make the problem worse; but at least, for the moment being, it put the most real of smiles on his features that gave Asterpaw a warm feeling inside. A very, very warm feeling. Pleasure, perhaps... she was used to feeling good when others felt good. As long as they weren't pestering her about it, forcing their greatness down her throat like she remembered Lionpaw doing-- what had she seen in that cat, anyways? Perhaps it was a blessing that Alabasterpaw had stolen him from her.
　
If he would run away so easily after a pretty face, then it was never meant to be in the first place. His next words had a coy expression crossing over her features. Oh, so he had taken her seriously? Good. Very, very good. Confusion was key for the she cat's advances, and she had just learned that she'd confused the heck out of this poor tom. "Aww, you thought I was serious? Whoa, whoa, whoa... back it up, bud. I don't need protection. Or is that not obvious to you already? Do you really think I would seriously be asking for protection against my insane sister and her delusions that she's actually going to kill me? Nah. If anyone needs protection, I would say it would be you." Her voice was calm, though she had been laughing at first. The thought of her needing protection was funny, and she wondered why he had actually believed her. Did that make her a liar? No... it just makes him guillible, she told herself as firmly as possible.
　
Or was that what she wanted to believe? That he was guillible so that she wouldn't have to make a fool of herself? His next words made her flinch backwards, and she pinned her ears down, her expression that of... fear. She was scared. He frightened her. More startled then anything else, since she hadn't been expecting it, but still... she hadn't been expecting it. She realized the fur along her spine was standing up again and felt those familiar pinpricks radiating down it, bothering her to no end; but what was she supposed to do about it? For a second, all she could do was stare at him in something resembling disbelief. Like she'd never, ever thought he would actually crack so easily. But, now she was beginning to realize just how fragile he was. It was like navigating the busiest of Thunderpaths; you had to be careful, or you would get hurt. Or, he could get hurt... which was the last thing Asterpaw wanted. And still, she said nothing, just looking at him for another moment with a quiet type of pain gleaming in her grey-green hues.
　
A soft type of pain. His words hurt, they had stung her to the core... but she wouldn't let him see that. She didn't have to. He could probably tell by her expression. "I--" There was nothing that Asterpaw could think of to say. The blue feline was lost for words. She curled her tail around her paws, and looked at him once more. A gentle expression was written on her features now. "I don't need someone to fight for me. What I need someone to be there for me." Her voice was gentle, quiet, as soft as she could make it. The blue feline didn't want him feeling like he was worthless all because he couldn't 'fight for her.' That wasn't what she wanted. She didn't need someone to protect her, she wasn't strong, but she was strong enough to take care of her own problems. She didn't even need someone to die for her. While it set him apart from all the other cats she had ever met, it also almost always brought up a frightening flashback in her mind. Why, why hadn't she just looked away?
　
His next words were so quiet she almost missed them. It was the faintest whisper, something that sounded like she would have spoken it, and it broke her heart in two. I wish I could believe that. Why couldn't he? What was so hard about believing that he was brave? But, she didn't feel like saying anything else. Everything she could have said, she had already poured out. It had been her best; but it would appear that her best wasn't enough. A sense of discomfort settled heavily over the she cat who believed herself to be so unpopular, so unattractive. Truth be told, she was somewhat pretty; though she chose to overlook this fact. Especially with her new injury; that was probably going to seriously destroy her chances in the future. Not that she had much of a future, since she didn't quite know how to reject Bluepaw. She knew she didn't want to be around him, but did he? And, if he truly loved her, wouldn't he just let her go in favor of making her comfortable?
　
Was that what Azulpaw was doing? Letting her go for both of their safety, for both of their comfort? Though she wasn't sure how safe she would really be. It seemed Bluepaw was dangerous. Dangerous to be around. Suddenly changing to attack his best friend; even with Alabasterpaw, the feline had choked his best friend. Why? What would drive a tom to do that, desperation so strong that even a close friendship was broken by a pretty face? And, Asterpaw didn't have a pretty face. Her personality was alright; apparently it was to Bluepaw. Tolerable to her sister, Foxpaw, Nightpaw, Azulpaw... and several others. A couple of other cats that she had known since she was a kit. Special friends, cats whom she cared about just as much. And, cats that she hadn't seen in quite a while. His next words made her start, shifting her weight as quickly as possible, and she allowed her softer paw to come out from behind her scarred one, once again revealing itself.
　
"Fine. Just startled." She answered, a little too quickly. And, she had forgotten to acknowledge his teasing 'sweetheart' that normally set her teeth on edge and had her fur standing upwards. An expression of worry crossed over her features. To be honest, she wasn't really looking fowards to leaving this moment. Though, right now? She wouldn't have minded it quite as much. If she hadn't known she would be seeking out Bluepaw, going to find the tom and having to break the news as gently as she could to him. His next words made her laugh a little, although she knew the severity and truth in the statement. They were swimming in dangerous waters. There were problems going on. Hopefully the waters would start calming soon and wouldn't be as dangerous if she agreed to stay with Bluepaw... despite the dangers and unhappiness it could cause, would it mean safety for everyone? For her, and for Azulpaw? Oh, she hoped so. She very much hoped so.
　
"Oh, I think I know how to calm the waters." Her voice was teasing, but her hues showed a sadness that hadn't been there before. Desperation, as well. She had no idea whether or not he would catch this, but perhaps she wanted him to. Maybe she wanted to let him know she could fix this... though last time she had tried, it had gone badly downhill. Ending in a near-death experience. And, a betrayal she had never seen coming. So if she did try to fix things, she was terrified of messing them up worse. That would be too much for her to stand. Her ears perked up and she listened intently to what he was saying. What.... was he saying goodbye? Was this it, their final moment before they would have to part ways? While Asterpaw was not looking fowards to it, she knew that it would come eventually. It seemed fate was interfering in her life once again, and while it had entwined their lives for the moment being, now it was unraveling them and leaving them to chance.
　
He had Silverpaw. Silverpaw would always be there, that she was sure of. The bond between the two was strong. "Don't worry about me. And stop taking my jobs; you're already the best at everything you do, so just don't do my jobs." The last part of her voice was joking, and she started to laugh. Even though this wasn't the least bit funny, she was finding herself laughing. What was so funny about the situation? Perhaps she just needed to laugh, and a little bit of laughter never did anyone harm. A gentle smile spread over her features afterwards. "But I promise I'll be careful, Azulpaw. You have to promise me to do the same. Don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it, okay?" It was her turn to gently put her paw on top of his. The contact was fleeting, and she locked eyes with him for a minute before she drew back. Physical contact was something she was never able to hold for very long. Irritating, though Asterpaw wasn't sure how much she really minded it.
　
"Independance is important, but don't make the mistake of thinking you can go through life all on your own. Please." She wasn't begging; as it had already been established, the blue feline completely hated to beg. Especially before this tom. She'd done it once... twice, three times? Was it two or three times? She wasn't quite sure. Beautiful? He wanted her to accept that she was beautiful. Her. The she cat had no idea whether he was being serious or not, but she decided to accept it anyways. She wanted to contradict him, but at the same time, she wanted him to believe in himself. So, she was going to say that she believed him after all. But... when she opened her maw to speak, she found much different words coming out then the ones she had planned. "Look, I want to believe you. I really do. But I'm... not a beautiful cat. Not like my sister. Not like anyone else." A sudden anger cut through her. Why was he playing with her in this manner?
　
"Do you even hear yourself? Why are you playing with me like that? I love a good game as much as the next cat, but this... this is going too far. I'm not even the least bit pretty, let alone beautiful. And, I think you know that." Her voice was colder then it had been before, and she settled down into a laying position. At least she could calm herself here. She just needed to get her thoughts together and figure them out. I tried to be serious. I tried to. And what does he do? Start up a game again with me. Beautiful, ha. I don't think he even realized what he was saying. She grumbled in her thoughts, her expression flashing with frustration for a moment. This was extremely angering to her. But what could she do? She didn't want to hurt him. What she had just said was the closest she could get to telling him she didn't appreciate this little game and would like him to stop. Curling her tail tightly around herself as she always did when she was scared, or felt like she needed to be shut off from the world, Asterpaw tried her best to get those words out of her head. You're very beautiful. And you need to know it, were the ones that came to mind.
　
No. I don't. And, I won't.


''Wow. How hypocritical are you.''

Those were the first words that appeared out of the grey tom's maw. He looked at her as if he was disappointed, which he was. His eyes down casted, and he shook his head. Here, he was trying to help uplift her spirits as she tried to do for him. She wasn't accepting the fact of what he said, so why should he accept the fact at what she said? Now, he understood the annoyance of the situation, but this was down right unacceptable. Unacceptable--and dare he admit? Heartbreaking. Look how fragile she was, even if she told herself that she was strong. He could see past the toughness, the way she guarded herself. Her heart was purely corrupted by the white demon. And, this thought would had completely surpassed him if he had not remembered every time he did compliment her, she compared herself to Alabasterpaw. The white demon. The white phantom, and why? Because, she believed that she was not as good enough as her half sister. Truth be told, Azulpaw felt the same way when it came to Bluepaw, and he felt jealous at times when everyone found the piebald tom endearing to get to know. He even felt this way about Silverpaw at times, but Azulpaw learned to accept who he was. He knew he wouldn't be able to help or please every cat--including the she-cat in front of him, who snapped at him for complimenting her.

And, if she wanted to be like that? Fine. He wasn't going to help someone who clearly did not need the help. His tail twitched with annoyance, for her having to believe he was playing with her. Had everything had to be a game to her? The tom had to stop himself from hissing, and if he wasn't in bad condition, he would had loved to bop her head to put some right sense into it, but to each it's own. She had her own opinion of herself, as he did of himself. Within time, he knew perspectives would change, and hopefully the way she viewed herself would blossom into something that was actually...truly, beautiful. Azulpaw hoped the same with himself. Being a weak tom did not land him anywhere, although he's been training more since the past moon, he still was able to get knocked down. He was sure that he could had handled Alabasterpaw if she hadn't threatened to hurt Asterpaw. It was as if he didn't have a choice, and he was forced into the same position that he was used to.

Used to...

Even if he had a low viewpoint on himself, and told others--usually boasted about how great he was,,. the tom knew exactly how he felt about himself. Nothing bad at all, nothing great either. He was a simple tom that enjoyed nature and peace. He was a complicated tom when it came to meeting others. He was an amusing and loving tom when a cat truly got to know him. One thing that Azulpaw knew was to never let anyone know your weakness. Even if you had to display a pretend power to stay on top. And, he forgot that when Asterpaw tried to convince him what bravery truly was. He should had answered that better, but he hadn't. He let his guard down and dropped his act. And, she?... she was broken. Even if she looked strong, to Azulpaw she appeared broken and fatigued. Modest wasn't even a good term for her any longer. The tom used to think that she was modest. Humble, to her core for not thinking highly of herself. Now? He just sees she's a broken hollow of corrupted sense.

What a shame. It was such a tragedy, and yet, he could do nothing about it to change her mind. This is what triggered the tom. How come he could not have the ability to morph others' minds to believe what was said to them? Why was it so hard for them to accept that the latter was simply helping in the case. True, he had bickered with her about the whole bravery act, and now he wished he hadn't. It seems like this last meeting wasn't going to end on a good note. The tom let out a bitter, humorless laugh thinking about this. The two of them synced well together, but like a yin and a yang. Completely different, but enjoyed the other's company more than others. It did not cease to surprise them if they ended in another argument. It's all they were known for, anyway. Especially when it came to deep moments such as this, and the way they viewed the world differently. And, of course, their experiences played along well with this too. Azulpaw didn't know if the blue feline dealt with other toms that corrupted her mind also. One thing he did know was that Alabasterpaw played a large role in her life, and what about Foxpaw? Did he influence her in any way? Or, starclan forbid, that black fur ball influenced her life in any way?

Azulpaw picked himself up, putting pressure on one of his paws to stand upright. He had been sitting for a while, and the pain settled into his lower body, so when he got up, he clenched his teeth to suppress a yelp, or whimper of any sort. A game. Clearly, she thought it was a game. And, maybe that's what it was. A game of prey and predator between them. A game of pick up or leave behind between them. A game of all sorts--of shattered pieces laying around them. A game of broken thoughts and harsh tone. It was all a game. A game of swimming around in dangerous waters until their dragged into the hurricane. A game of hoping to get to shore, but being pulled back because the current wasn't through with you. A game of going under water, and breathing in too much, losing your life in the process. This game. She wanted a game? Is that the games she was aiming for? Fine. He was good at playing games. And, she? She was good at play acting.

''I think I do hear myself loud and clear.'' He says, calmly, then paused. ''Yup. That's my voice.'' He said, before letting out a deep sigh. ''I suppose you're right. I seen far more prettier she-cats than you. Beautiful, if I dare admit myself.'' If he couldn't convince her, he might as well join her. There was no use in trying to convince the kitty to take a belief in him. But, to him it wasn't exactly all about looks--and why couldn't she just accept the compliment? It would be harder for him to leave her for good knowing this would be the last memory shared between the two. ''All sorts of colors, nice voices too. I can't believe that I'm not even flirting with them right at this moment. It's a shame, because I'm wasting my time with you.'' He says, his voice on a harsh tone. He felt himself clogging up, knowing what he said wasn't true, but his feelings was hurt. And, when his feelings was hurt, he wanted to hurt the opposite. ''I'm sorry for having you believe such a thing. I thought we were simply still playing this little game that you started up, darling.'' He mused, his eyes narrowed as he look at her.

Then, he looked away, grunting as he did so. There was so much on his mind that he wanted to say to her, wanted her to drill in her mind before he decided to leave it be and move on. Move on...that would be hard to do, and easy to say. Though he believed that it would be easy for the both of them as long as they stayed away from each other. Soon, they'll be a lost name in the back of the other's mind. Truthfully, a part of Azulpaw wanted that to happen,while another part of him never wanted to see the day. But, it was inevitable. Tomorrow would come anyway, and it would be the day...they forget each other. Or, at least try to. Trying wasn't hard, right? Just taking your time to deliver your best shot?

Then, there was no use of playing along. This was either a get right or depend on the answers in your head. This was going to be his last bittersweet moment with her, and he would be darn if he didn't get it right. He would be angry with himself if he didn't allow her to know how he felt. He was positive that she wouldn't be able to make him right, and he was most certain that he wouldn't get through her head. ''Listen, Asterpaw, I don't know what you're trying to seek out in life, but beating yourself down isn't going to help you achieve whatever goal, and I dare you to compare yourself to Alabasterpaw once again. You think this is a game? Well it's not, Asterpaw, and I'm highly annoyed that you think I'm playing with you--that you believe this is a game. Do you seriously believe that I like my feelings being toyed with? Because I don't. And, frankly, you're getting on my nerves, and this is our last time we're spending together, and you're obviously making it worse-- or, should I say easy? I'm positive that you're going to be the first to walk away again.'' He says, his chest feeling a deep pain. He didn't know the feeling he was obtaining--guilt, triumph, or sadness? Something along those lines, and the tom did not want to feel any of that. He just wanted Asterpaw to heed in what he said. He wanted her to believe him, what did he have to lie about when it came to her?

''I'm not going to force it down your throat if you don't want to believe what I said, but take in consideration if you're trying to pump someone else up, and they try to do the same for you, but you can't accept it? Please learn how to keep your maw shut. It would only be a waste of time.'' The tom may had sounded harsh, and he prepared himself for the immediate defense that Asterpaw was going to survive. One thing he did learn was that not every cat was easy to please, nor could you help a cat who didn't want help. With Asterpaw, it worked hand-in-hand. She helped him, and he tried to help her. Helping her was like helping a rock try to move. It made no sense. It was hard to do, and bluntly, he considered giving up at one point, but she was Asterpaw. He couldn't give up on her. It was like he was giving up on Silverpaw--a feline he would die for in a nanosecond, and Asterpaw was the same way. He would still have a soft part for her, and he hoped that she knew that.

Above all, tough love was still a love. Tough love was the strongest to Azulpaw because pushing others to be their best and watching them prosper was the greatest accomplishment of all. Sure, the other loves were great, but tough love provided a sense of longing. A longing of trust. Azulpaw wished that his mother provided him with that type of love, but now he was exerting it to his close friends, hoping they would believe him--and more importantly, believe in themselves.

Then, the tom's voice grew quiet, taking on the calm tone he always carried. It was funny how one she-cat could rile him up, making his fur prickled at the slightest discomfort she gave him. He did not like that feeling at all. When with others, his argument always managed to annoy them, believing they couldn't get through to him, but with Asterpaw, fighting with her made him truly angry, and his voice would harden, become annoyed. Why was she allowed to do this to him? Simple fact that he let her in. The worse thing he did.

''I don't know if you remember, but I recall telling you that the heart is what makes someone beautiful. And, your heart is pure--it's good--it's gorgeous. Believe it or not, I don't really care. I can tell that you're going to say something about Alabasterpaw and we'll be back to square one, and to put it frank. I'm finished with the subject. I'm finished with the game, and if you want to end it here, then go ahead; walk away, or do you prefer me to have the honor this time?'' He didn't want to leave, but he was fed up. Calmly fed up, and that was the worse type of fed up to be. He wasn't afraid to drag himself away and tend to his own wounds. He knew within another moon, he would be up and running. A smile on his face, and living in peace. He would avoid everyone at all cost, saved for Silverpaw. His little comrade that he loved, but annoyed him too no end.

Lastly, the tom let out a sigh, and closed his eyes for a long second, breathing in slowly, before reopening them and looking at the other feline. One thing he knew for sure that she would always remain a valuable piece in his life, but the problem was...did she believe it? ''Just know, I will always love you no matter what. You're a special cat, and you had impacted my life. I don't want us to leave on bad terms, but even if you don't believe. I'm all fight out, darling. So, at least take it into consideration. Please.'' He says, calmly as possible. Hopefully, she would believe him, and even if she didn't? Oh, well. He knew the truth.

[lone]

''Wow. How hypocritical are you.''

Those were the first words that appeared out of the grey tom's maw. He looked at her as if he was disappointed, which he was. His eyes down casted, and he shook his head. Here, he was trying to help uplift her spirits as she tried to do for him. She wasn't accepting the fact of what he said, so why should he accept the fact at what she said? Now, he understood the annoyance of the situation, but this was down right unacceptable. Unacceptable--and dare he admit? Heartbreaking. Look how fragile she was, even if she told herself that she was strong. He could see past the toughness, the way she guarded herself. Her heart was purely corrupted by the white demon. And, this thought would had completely surpassed him if he had not remembered every time he did compliment her, she compared herself to Alabasterpaw. The white demon. The white phantom, and why? Because, she believed that she was not as good enough as her half sister. Truth be told, Azulpaw felt the same way when it came to Bluepaw, and he felt jealous at times when everyone found the piebald tom endearing to get to know. He even felt this way about Silverpaw at times, but Azulpaw learned to accept who he was. He knew he wouldn't be able to help or please every cat--including the she-cat in front of him, who snapped at him for complimenting her.

And, if she wanted to be like that? Fine. He wasn't going to help someone who clearly did not need the help. His tail twitched with annoyance, for her having to believe he was playing with her. Had everything had to be a game to her? The tom had to stop himself from hissing, and if he wasn't in bad condition, he would had loved to bop her head to put some right sense into it, but to each it's own. She had her own opinion of herself, as he did of himself. Within time, he knew perspectives would change, and hopefully the way she viewed herself would blossom into something that was actually...truly, beautiful. Azulpaw hoped the same with himself. Being a weak tom did not land him anywhere, although he's been training more since the past moon, he still was able to get knocked down. He was sure that he could had handled Alabasterpaw if she hadn't threatened to hurt Asterpaw. It was as if he didn't have a choice, and he was forced into the same position that he was used to.

Used to...

Even if he had a low viewpoint on himself, and told others--usually boasted about how great he was,,. the tom knew exactly how he felt about himself. Nothing bad at all, nothing great either. He was a simple tom that enjoyed nature and peace. He was a complicated tom when it came to meeting others. He was an amusing and loving tom when a cat truly got to know him. One thing that Azulpaw knew was to never let anyone know your weakness. Even if you had to display a pretend power to stay on top. And, he forgot that when Asterpaw tried to convince him what bravery truly was. He should had answered that better, but he hadn't. He let his guard down and dropped his act. And, she?... she was broken. Even if she looked strong, to Azulpaw she appeared broken and fatigued. Modest wasn't even a good term for her any longer. The tom used to think that she was modest. Humble, to her core for not thinking highly of herself. Now? He just sees she's a broken hollow of corrupted sense.

What a shame. It was such a tragedy, and yet, he could do nothing about it to change her mind. This is what triggered the tom. How come he could not have the ability to morph others' minds to believe what was said to them? Why was it so hard for them to accept that the latter was simply helping in the case. True, he had bickered with her about the whole bravery act, and now he wished he hadn't. It seems like this last meeting wasn't going to end on a good note. The tom let out a bitter, humorless laugh thinking about this. The two of them synced well together, but like a yin and a yang. Completely different, but enjoyed the other's company more than others. It did not cease to surprise them if they ended in another argument. It's all they were known for, anyway. Especially when it came to deep moments such as this, and the way they viewed the world differently. And, of course, their experiences played along well with this too. Azulpaw didn't know if the blue feline dealt with other toms that corrupted her mind also. One thing he did know was that Alabasterpaw played a large role in her life, and what about Foxpaw? Did he influence her in any way? Or, starclan forbid, that black fur ball influenced her life in any way?

Azulpaw picked himself up, putting pressure on one of his paws to stand upright. He had been sitting for a while, and the pain settled into his lower body, so when he got up, he clenched his teeth to suppress a yelp, or whimper of any sort. A game. Clearly, she thought it was a game. And, maybe that's what it was. A game of prey and predator between them. A game of pick up or leave behind between them. A game of all sorts--of shattered pieces laying around them. A game of broken thoughts and harsh tone. It was all a game. A game of swimming around in dangerous waters until their dragged into the hurricane. A game of hoping to get to shore, but being pulled back because the current wasn't through with you. A game of going under water, and breathing in too much, losing your life in the process. This game. She wanted a game? Is that the games she was aiming for? Fine. He was good at playing games. And, she? She was good at play acting.

''I think I do hear myself loud and clear.'' He says, calmly, then paused. ''Yup. That's my voice.'' He said, before letting out a deep sigh. ''I suppose you're right. I seen far more prettier she-cats than you. Beautiful, if I dare admit myself.'' If he couldn't convince her, he might as well join her. There was no use in trying to convince the kitty to take a belief in him. But, to him it wasn't exactly all about looks--and why couldn't she just accept the compliment? It would be harder for him to leave her for good knowing this would be the last memory shared between the two. ''All sorts of colors, nice voices too. I can't believe that I'm not even flirting with them right at this moment. It's a shame, because I'm wasting my time with you.'' He says, his voice on a harsh tone. He felt himself clogging up, knowing what he said wasn't true, but his feelings was hurt. And, when his feelings was hurt, he wanted to hurt the opposite. ''I'm sorry for having you believe such a thing. I thought we were simply still playing this little game that you started up, darling.'' He mused, his eyes narrowed as he look at her.

Then, he looked away, grunting as he did so. There was so much on his mind that he wanted to say to her, wanted her to drill in her mind before he decided to leave it be and move on. Move on...that would be hard to do, and easy to say. Though he believed that it would be easy for the both of them as long as they stayed away from each other. Soon, they'll be a lost name in the back of the other's mind. Truthfully, a part of Azulpaw wanted that to happen,while another part of him never wanted to see the day. But, it was inevitable. Tomorrow would come anyway, and it would be the day...they forget each other. Or, at least try to. Trying wasn't hard, right? Just taking your time to deliver your best shot?

Then, there was no use of playing along. This was either a get right or depend on the answers in your head. This was going to be his last bittersweet moment with her, and he would be darn if he didn't get it right. He would be angry with himself if he didn't allow her to know how he felt. He was positive that she wouldn't be able to make him right, and he was most certain that he wouldn't get through her head. ''Listen, Asterpaw, I don't know what you're trying to seek out in life, but beating yourself down isn't going to help you achieve whatever goal, and I dare you to compare yourself to Alabasterpaw once again. You think this is a game? Well it's not, Asterpaw, and I'm highly annoyed that you think I'm playing with you--that you believe this is a game. Do you seriously believe that I like my feelings being toyed with? Because I don't. And, frankly, you're getting on my nerves, and this is our last time we're spending together, and you're obviously making it worse-- or, should I say easy? I'm positive that you're going to be the first to walk away again.'' He says, his chest feeling a deep pain. He didn't know the feeling he was obtaining--guilt, triumph, or sadness? Something along those lines, and the tom did not want to feel any of that. He just wanted Asterpaw to heed in what he said. He wanted her to believe him, what did he have to lie about when it came to her?

''I'm not going to force it down your throat if you don't want to believe what I said, but take in consideration if you're trying to pump someone else up, and they try to do the same for you, but you can't accept it? Please learn how to keep your maw shut. It would only be a waste of time.'' The tom may had sounded harsh, and he prepared himself for the immediate defense that Asterpaw was going to survive. One thing he did learn was that not every cat was easy to please, nor could you help a cat who didn't want help. With Asterpaw, it worked hand-in-hand. She helped him, and he tried to help her. Helping her was like helping a rock try to move. It made no sense. It was hard to do, and bluntly, he considered giving up at one point, but she was Asterpaw. He couldn't give up on her. It was like he was giving up on Silverpaw--a feline he would die for in a nanosecond, and Asterpaw was the same way. He would still have a soft part for her, and he hoped that she knew that.

Above all, tough love was still a love. Tough love was the strongest to Azulpaw because pushing others to be their best and watching them prosper was the greatest accomplishment of all. Sure, the other loves were great, but tough love provided a sense of longing. A longing of trust. Azulpaw wished that his mother provided him with that type of love, but now he was exerting it to his close friends, hoping they would believe him--and more importantly, believe in themselves.

Then, the tom's voice grew quiet, taking on the calm tone he always carried. It was funny how one she-cat could rile him up, making his fur prickled at the slightest discomfort she gave him. He did not like that feeling at all. When with others, his argument always managed to annoy them, believing they couldn't get through to him, but with Asterpaw, fighting with her made him truly angry, and his voice would harden, become annoyed. Why was she allowed to do this to him? Simple fact that he let her in. The worse thing he did.

''I don't know if you remember, but I recall telling you that the heart is what makes someone beautiful. And, your heart is pure--it's good--it's gorgeous. Believe it or not, I don't really care. I can tell that you're going to say something about Alabasterpaw and we'll be back to square one, and to put it frank. I'm finished with the subject. I'm finished with the game, and if you want to end it here, then go ahead; walk away, or do you prefer me to have the honor this time?'' He didn't want to leave, but he was fed up. Calmly fed up, and that was the worse type of fed up to be. He wasn't afraid to drag himself away and tend to his own wounds. He knew within another moon, he would be up and running. A smile on his face, and living in peace. He would avoid everyone at all cost, saved for Silverpaw. His little comrade that he loved, but annoyed him too no end.


Lastly, the tom let out a sigh, and closed his eyes for a long second, breathing in slowly, before reopening them and looking at the other feline. One thing he knew for sure that she would always remain a valuable piece in his life, but the problem was...did she believe it? ''Just know, I will always love you no matter what. You're a special cat, and you had impacted my life. I don't want us to leave on bad terms, but even if you don't believe. I'm all fight out, darling. So, at least take it into consideration. Please.'' He says, calmly as possible. Hopefully, she would believe him, and even if she didn't? Oh, well. He knew the truth.

Well, that wasn't necessarily true. If there had been any way for Asterpaw to accept this? She would have. But she was too scared to, too afraid of what her sister would do to the tom if she were to say anything. DO NOT CRY. That was the first thought that crossed her mind, and she obeyed it. "I-I w-want to accept it... b-but I'm no-not allowed to believe you..." Her voice kept catching in her throat. She was terrified to say anything about this. Nightmares... nightmares she'd purposely kept back were coming in again, whispering words of hatred and hissing at her as though she were the worst cat alive. Snarling at her like she had just killed every cat. Her sister had controlled her, using her as a puppet while her friends were the strings. Of course! She was doing the same thing here. But physically, and not mentally. She'd been doing it even when they first met the toms, Asterpaw was certain. She remembered now. She had let the memories in, and she realized.
　
Her sister had taken Lionpaw from her. Nightpaw from her. Foxpaw from her. He needed to know this, maybe... maybe there was still a way to turn this around. All he has to do is give Alli a whole bunch of compliments, and she'll quit. She's smitten with her compliments. I'm pretty sure they're the only things she loves in life, Asterpaw thought with a confident nod, before the nightmares returned and her expression with them. "Because... because she'll t-take you away. She'll t-take you aw-away and then kill you. If she kn-knows you think I-I-I'm better on any level. Smarter... stronger... faster... prettier, more beautiful... more fun... kinder... an-anything except b-broken." Because she knows that's what I am, and I can't help it. Technically the white feline had made her this way. She could still change it, but it was probably too late... too late for her, at any rate. Too much energy spent into other things, and now it was drained.
　
Had her sister had a part in that as well? Probably. Alabasterpaw could have controlled the sun and moon and still not surprised the blue cat. And no, it wasn't thinking highly of her sister. She dreaded that idea. The feline fixed her gaze on him and began to speak. He deserved to know the truth. This truth. And, it appeared she had to tell him. "Ever since I was a kit, Alli and I played games." The feline said the word games like she was talking about something very much undesired, or something that was so horrible she could barely even speak it. "Games where she would ask a question, and I would answer, or I would ask a question and she would answer. It was supposed to be a 'getting to know you' game, for when she first moved here, but we kept playing it her way." Asterpaw closed her eyes, trying to remember this exactly as it had happened. It'd been a turning point for her life. It had been the moment when she knew Alabasterpaw was in charge.
　
The moment when she knew that she was going to do everything her sister asked, because she loved her. And Alabasterpaw? Never even lifted so much as a claw to help her. Whatsoever."She'd ask questions like 'who's the best, prettiest, etc.' and I would always have to answer her. Then she'd ask 'who's the worst, ugliest, etc.' and I would have to answer me. There wasn't supposed to be any wrong or right answers, but she changed that... she doesn't have to play by the rules, apparently." Her voice was on the edge of sarcasm, but cracking at the same time. As painful as this was... since her sister wasn't around, and would hopefully never know, she'd be okay. And besides! Alabasterpaw never asked her not to tell anyone. His next words sent pain shooting through her. She wanted to answer softly. But she didn't have it in her. Everything she had was telling her to yell, to freak out, to tell him what he was doing and how he was hurting her. Much as it had earlier, but like then... there was nothing left in her.
　
"I thought that's what you wanted. Guess what? Maybe I can't read your mind, or whatever. You told me to go, and I said I would. All I wanted to do was do something right. Hope you're happy, you've proved I can't." Her voice was sarcastic, but her voice held a touch of the quiver from earlier in it. "Maybe you should go ahead and walk away. Go ahead and find my sister, tell her you want to be with her. It's just a matter of time, anyways. You might think it won't happen, but she plays mind games that are beyond anything else." This, in her mind, was true. Everyone, in the end... ended up either away from her or with Alabasterpaw. Sometimes another cat, though her sister normally saw to that just as well. I can't lose him... that was very much clear in her mind. She couldn't lose the tom who meant so very much to her, more then she could say. Right then, she wanted the physical contact. It was comforting. And had been so gentle earlier, but... she was afraid to ask.
　
To say anything. To so much as make a movement in that direction. Except for apologize. "I'm s-sorry... I can't do anything right... I'm just so s-scared..." Her voice trailed off and she lowered her head until she was positive she could speak again. "I'm scared to believe you, or to accept it. The last cat who told me that... she took him away. She took him away from me, and I never saw him again. He told me... I was beautiful. And I was so excited, because no one had ever thought of me like that before, so I went to tell my sister, and the next day he was brushing up against her, purring like she was a princess. I-I wouldn't t-tell her again, but... she finds out." Her voice lowered and now, now tears began to fill her grey-green hues. She didn't know if he even realized how much he broke her sometimes. Or, resurfaced memories that broke her. Not in the same way. It was more of like reopening old wounds... and every now and then, adding new ones.
　
New ones that weren't always as bad, they just scarred over, leaving imprints on her mind and on her heart. She swallowed, before going on. "She'll take you away from me." She'd said so before; just a few moments ago; but now she felt like it was necessary to repeat it. She didn't want him, a close friend and a cat that seemed to make everything brighter for her, to be ripped away just like everyone else. Was that what Alabasterpaw wanted? And now, she wanted the contact more then ever. Shifting her weight, she looked down at her paws. "I-I really c-c-can't lose you... I n-need you." Her voice was a quiet whisper, and she looked at him with the softest of expressions. Please don't leave me... they would have to say goodbye sometime, but she didn't want to. Despite what her first impression might have been, he was now the best friend she'd ever had, and probably would ever have. Slowly, cautiously, the feline began to move towards him.
　
Until her pelt was lightly touching his. Just so she could feel he was there, maybe. Slowly, softly, she moved a little closer until she was pressed up against him. And she stayed there. Perhaps she just needed the feeling right then, or maybe she just wanted him to understand. And, to be safe. If anything else happened to him... if she left, and something happened... it would be harder to forgive herself then the first time. After a moment, she gently pulled away. "You're so dirty," The she cat laughed a little, and then did something that surprised even her. Softly, as though she were afraid to touch him now, she began to clean his grey pelt. She was used to doing this with Alabasterpaw, so it wasn't as though it bothered her... but she was unsure about it all the same. Was he even going to appreciate this? Or, as she could imagine, would he be bothered by her? And she still wanted him to understand everything she had said earlier. She was half-expecting Alabasterpaw to jump out of nowhere.
　
She had awful experiences with her sister, and now, the cat was haunting her mind. When Alabasterpaw's demonic expression came into her mind, she jumped back with a yelp-- landing on her hurt paw-- and, for the second time, collapsed quickly. "I'm fine! Just... I thought I saw something," She was quick to speak just in case he thought she was actually hurt. And of course she wasn't... a little shaken, but not hurt again. A softer moment had been what she needed to get her thoughts back on track. Just as long as he were to go to her sister, and tell her everything that was amazing about her, perhaps Alabasterpaw would leave the grey tom alone. Though, she doubted he'd want to stoop that low. Please... it'll be alright, but y-you can't just hope that she'll leave you alone... you have to give her something... she did owe him her life. She owed him everything. And yet, her life wasn't even worth that. It had been to him, but she didn't understand why he cared so much about her.
　
And, the question left her maw before she had time to think. "Why did you think I was worth dying for?" She asked in a quiet voice, looking down at the ground. The subject hurt every time she thought about it, but she wanted to know. She wanted to know how come he believed she was worth paying the ultimate sacrifice for. Because, she didn't think she was. Especially for a problem that she still thought of herself as the root of. Asterpaw looked at him half expectantly, awaiting an answer that she wasn't sure whether it was coming or not. But, she could hope so. She wanted to know.

[~Masked~]

( Aashka )(Bump?)

[RedHead]

Lonestar23
Gingerblossom was out in the territory, like she always is. At this point,
the calico was standing at the bottom of a large tree, mint-green eyes focused up to the top-most branches. There was a big yellow flower in her fur, just behind her ear. The she-cat believed that today was a "yellow flower kind of day" hence, the yellow flower. Gingerblossom placed her paws on the trunk,
sinking her claws into it. "Soft enough to climb!" She purred softly. This time was one of the rare times you could find Gingerblossom alone, she usually surrounded herself with a whole lot of cats. The pale furred warrior started to climb the tree, skillfully placing her paws in crooks in the trunk, and digging her claws deep into the bark. She scaled the trunk swiftly, and you could clearly see the she-cat was built for climbing, even with her kittypet roots. Gingerblossom reached the lowest branch, and started padding along it, walking as if she were on the ground. The branches on the tree snagged on her flower, got it loose from her fur, and it fell to the ground. Gingerblossom turned her gaze to look at it. Most cats would be annoyed, but Ginger had never felt a negative feeling on purpose before. She smiled, then meowed to herself,
"If somebody finds that flower, and takes it, it's because they need it.
I can always get a new one." The warrior then continued to climb the tree,
her tail waving gently to keep her balance.

[lone]

@Lonestar23 (http://warriorcatsonline.com/forums/member.php?u=42)

Gingerblossom was out in the territory, like she always is. At this point,
the calico was standing at the bottom of a large tree, mint-green eyes focused up to the top-most branches. There was a big yellow flower in her fur, just behind her ear. The she-cat believed that today was a "yellow flower kind of day" hence, the yellow flower. Gingerblossom placed her paws on the trunk,
sinking her claws into it. "Soft enough to climb!" She purred softly. This time was one of the rare times you could find Gingerblossom alone, she usually surrounded herself with a whole lot of cats. The pale furred warrior started to climb the tree, skillfully placing her paws in crooks in the trunk, and digging her claws deep into the bark. She scaled the trunk swiftly, and you could clearly see the she-cat was built for climbing, even with her kittypet roots. Gingerblossom reached the lowest branch, and started padding along it, walking as if she were on the ground. The branches on the tree snagged on her flower, got it loose from her fur, and it fell to the ground. Gingerblossom turned her gaze to look at it. Most cats would be annoyed, but Ginger had never felt a negative feeling on purpose before. She smiled, then meowed to herself,
"If somebody finds that flower, and takes it, it's because they need it.
I can always get a new one." The warrior then continued to climb the tree,

her tail waving gently to keep her balance.
Blazingcomet didn't normally venture into the territory. There were always plenty of cats in the clearing; and after all, he didn't really need to go hunting or anything. There was always prey on the fresh kill pile! But, the tom thought he might as well. His bright orange pelt had made him an easy sight for any sort of prey in the moons of leaf-bare, sprinkled with white from snowflakes, and it had annoyed him to no end. Thank goodness green-leaf was here now. He would blend in... perhaps a little better with the different colors. A yellow flower fell to the ground, landing on his nose. Crossing his eyes, the ginger tom looked at it with a puzzled expression. Odd, he thought.
The trees normally didn't sport yellow flowers, it was generally the bushes and vines that did. Glancing upwards, he caught sight of movement in the tree. A smile spread over his maw and he quickly scaled it, grasping the tiny stalk of the flower gently between his teeth. He would return it to it's owner; probably a she cat, if that was the owner of the pretty yellow bloom. Blazingcomet was a skilled climber; his speed and agility were his strongest points, making him better at climbing then anything else. While he was grateful for this, at the same time it was very much a blessing and a curse scenerio.
After all; he didn't exactly love the thought of being helpless in battle. Reaching the feline, he placed the flower gently on the nearest branch. "I believe you dropped this." He told her in a quiet voice, still keeping a friendly smile on his maw. He scanned her carefully, watching her movements. She was pretty. Thank goodness. Looks like I won't be bored today after all, he thought with a smirk. It was hidden from her, however, covered up by him turning his head away as he did so. After all, the chase was part of the fun. The flower looked like it would have been pretty in her fur. He hoped she would put it back, he was half looking fowards to seeing it there. The orange tom awaited her response, his eyes sparkling happily as he watched her.

[RedHead]

Blazingcomet didn't normally venture into the territory. There were always plenty of cats in the clearing; and after all, he didn't really need to go hunting or anything. There was always prey on the fresh kill pile! But, the tom thought he might as well. His bright orange pelt had made him an easy sight for any sort of prey in the moons of leaf-bare, sprinkled with white from snowflakes, and it had annoyed him to no end. Thank goodness green-leaf was here now. He would blend in... perhaps a little better with the different colors. A yellow flower fell to the ground, landing on his nose. Crossing his eyes, the ginger tom looked at it with a puzzled expression. Odd, he thought.
The trees normally didn't sport yellow flowers, it was generally the bushes and vines that did. Glancing upwards, he caught sight of movement in the tree. A smile spread over his maw and he quickly scaled it, grasping the tiny stalk of the flower gently between his teeth. He would return it to it's owner; probably a she cat, if that was the owner of the pretty yellow bloom. Blazingcomet was a skilled climber; his speed and agility were his strongest points, making him better at climbing then anything else. While he was grateful for this, at the same time it was very much a blessing and a curse scenerio.
After all; he didn't exactly love the thought of being helpless in battle. Reaching the feline, he placed the flower gently on the nearest branch. "I believe you dropped this." He told her in a quiet voice, still keeping a friendly smile on his maw. He scanned her carefully, watching her movements. She was pretty. Thank goodness. Looks like I won't be bored today after all, he thought with a smirk. It was hidden from her, however, covered up by him turning his head away as he did so. After all, the chase was part of the fun. The flower looked like it would have been pretty in her fur. He hoped she would put it back, he was half looking fowards to seeing it there. The orange tom awaited her response, his eyes sparkling happily as he watched her.


Gingerblossom turned as she heard a voice behind her. Her face brightened at seeing a ginger tom there. Ooo yay! Someone I can talk to! The warrior wasn't at all bothered by the fact that her alone time had been interrupted. In fact, she was quite glad, as she would rather be talking to someone than spending time alone anyways. She looked at her flower at his paws, slightly crumpled, but still beautiful. She dropped down to the branch the tom was on, then gently walked across it to pick up the flower. "Isn't it just beautiful?" She asked him, more of a rhetorical question than genuine though,
as she continued on talking. "Today's a yellow flower kind of day, so that's why I have a yellow flower today!" She purred as she placed the flower back in her fur, securing the stem more tightly this time. "Thanks for bringing it back up the tree! I wasn't too lazy to fetch it, I just knew there were other flowers!"
A bright smile spread across her face, her mint colored eyes sparkling with her their normal sparkle. 'What's your name again? I've seen you around, I just can't remember. I'm a little forgetful sometimes." Gingerblossom's voice was still light and cheerful, no resent or discouragement there at all.

[lone]

Gingerblossom turned as she heard a voice behind her. Her face brightened at seeing a ginger tom there. Ooo yay! Someone I can talk to! The warrior wasn't at all bothered by the fact that her alone time had been interrupted. In fact, she was quite glad, as she would rather be talking to someone than spending time alone anyways. She looked at her flower at his paws, slightly crumpled, but still beautiful. She dropped down to the branch the tom was on, then gently walked across it to pick up the flower. "Isn't it just beautiful?" She asked him, more of a rhetorical question than genuine though,

as she continued on talking. "Today's a yellow flower kind of day, so that's why I have a yellow flower today!" She purred as she placed the flower back in her fur, securing the stem more tightly this time. "Thanks for bringing it back up the tree! I wasn't too lazy to fetch it, I just knew there were other flowers!"

A bright smile spread across her face, her mint colored eyes sparkling with her their normal sparkle. 'What's your name again? I've seen you around, I just can't remember. I'm a little forgetful sometimes." Gingerblossom's voice was still light and cheerful, no resent or discouragement there at all.
A yellow flower kind of day? The way she had described that made the tom purr. That sounded interesting. But, interesting cats were the type that made life worth it to Blazingcomet. After all-- as much as he hated to admit it, he depended on other cats as he might oxygen or something else. He depended on them. It was an irritating conclusion, but one that the tom had come to time and time again. She was so cheerful! "You're quite welcome. Anything for a pretty girl." He mewed, a smile firmly on his maw. As he had imagined, the flower looked quite nice in the she cat's fur. It seemed to belong there, like the clouds in the sky or the birds in the trees. Well, in that case he was quite glad he had fetched the flower for her. "I do have to say, with that flower you're just about as pretty as it gets." A light chuckle emitted from the tom's maw. At her next question, the tom paused for a moment. In his haste, he realized he had neglected to remember her name. This was a key point; if he got it right, chances were she would be more open to him. Wrong? Well, some cats were quite picky about their names. "It's Blazingcomet," He told her. Thinking for a moment, he decided it would be better to ask and have it imprinted into his mind then try and guess and run the risk of getting it wrong. "Sorry. I'm not very good with names either, heh... I can't seem to remember yours." He laughed, a little embarassed but trying to play it off as though it were light. Nothing at all. Hopefully, she wouldn't be too annoyed.

[RedHead]

A yellow flower kind of day? The way she had described that made the tom purr. That sounded interesting. But, interesting cats were the type that made life worth it to Blazingcomet. After all-- as much as he hated to admit it, he depended on other cats as he might oxygen or something else. He depended on them. It was an irritating conclusion, but one that the tom had come to time and time again. She was so cheerful! "You're quite welcome. Anything for a pretty girl." He mewed, a smile firmly on his maw. As he had imagined, the flower looked quite nice in the she cat's fur. It seemed to belong there, like the clouds in the sky or the birds in the trees. Well, in that case he was quite glad he had fetched the flower for her. "I do have to say, with that flower you're just about as pretty as it gets." A light chuckle emitted from the tom's maw. At her next question, the tom paused for a moment. In his haste, he realized he had neglected to remember her name. This was a key point; if he got it right, chances were she would be more open to him. Wrong? Well, some cats were quite picky about their names. "It's Blazingcomet," He told her. Thinking for a moment, he decided it would be better to ask and have it imprinted into his mind then try and guess and run the risk of getting it wrong. "Sorry. I'm not very good with names either, heh... I can't seem to remember yours." He laughed, a little embarassed but trying to play it off as though it were light. Nothing at all. Hopefully, she wouldn't be too annoyed.


At his comments about how pretty she was, Gingerblossom's smile got a little brighter. "Oh why thank you, you are so sweet!" She purred good-naturedly. "It's good that there are cats who give compliments, it can always just brighten anyone's day! My day's already pretty great, but that made it even better!" Ginger was always the cat to give out compliments, but she didn't mind when others gave her some. That just proved to her how nice all cats were. When the tom told the pale-colored she-cat his name, her eyes widened,
it was surprising that they could even go that big. "Blazingcomet? That's such a cool name!" Gingerblossom said it a few more times, changing her tone each time she said it. "It's really unique, I'll definitely remember that one!" Of course, the unorganized she-cat wasn't that good with names, but there were certain ones that she knew she'd be able to remember. Such as "Blazingcomet." She just really liked the sound of it. When he asked her name,
she simply flicked her tail and meowed, "My name's Gingerblossom! Here's how I tell most cats to remember it." With her tail, the calico pointed a ginger spot on her fur. "Ginger spots all over my pelt." She then flicked her ear where the flower was. "Always wearing flowers in my fur." She then sat up straight, her tail swooping through the air with a graceful "swoosh." "So, Gingerblossom!" Gingerblossom announced loudly, and focused her mint-colored hues on Blazingcomet once more.

[lone]

At his comments about how pretty she was, Gingerblossom's smile got a little brighter. "Oh why thank you, you are so sweet!" She purred good-naturedly. "It's good that there are cats who give compliments, it can always just brighten anyone's day! My day's already pretty great, but that made it even better!" Ginger was always the cat to give out compliments, but she didn't mind when others gave her some. That just proved to her how nice all cats were. When the tom told the pale-colored she-cat his name, her eyes widened,

it was surprising that they could even go that big. "Blazingcomet? That's such a cool name!" Gingerblossom said it a few more times, changing her tone each time she said it. "It's really unique, I'll definitely remember that one!" Of course, the unorganized she-cat wasn't that good with names, but there were certain ones that she knew she'd be able to remember. Such as "Blazingcomet." She just really liked the sound of it. When he asked her name,

she simply flicked her tail and meowed, "My name's Gingerblossom! Here's how I tell most cats to remember it." With her tail, the calico pointed a ginger spot on her fur. "Ginger spots all over my pelt." She then flicked her ear where the flower was. "Always wearing flowers in my fur." She then sat up straight, her tail swooping through the air with a graceful "swoosh." "So, Gingerblossom!" Gingerblossom announced loudly, and focused her mint-colored hues on Blazingcomet once more.
The orange tom's hues widened. "Wh-- but--" He could hardly keep himself from mewing in surprise. Was she playing with him? Blazingcomet doubted it. He was used to she cats swooning and falling over their paws to get close to him, not.... doing whatever she was doing. What was she up to, anyways? Messing with his mind? Yes, yes, that sounded about right. She was playing some sort of a mind trick on him. Getting ready to completely destroy it. Am I even hearing myself? He thought with a shake of his head. There was no way the innocent-looking, sweet feline before him would do that. Then again-- he'd met some pretty manipulative cats. Cats who were great at this. But, she wasn't.
　
He normally had a feeling and he wasn't getting it at this moment. So, he supposed he must have been wrong... and there was no shame in that! After all, sometimes cats were just wrong. So what? As she complimented his own name, he looked surprised and then smiled. "Thank you!" His voice was happy, and interested as his grin only grew wider. After she had finished speaking again, he went over her words in his head. Ginger spots... always wearing flowers... huh, pretty cool! "I don't think I'll be likely to forget it now. You have a very pretty name, Gingerblossom... a pretty name for a pretty girl." He decided to try again. Maybe she was just confused or something. And this time, he brushed up against her lightly.
　
There! That should steer her in the right direction, show her what his intentions were. Well-- sort of, at least show her that he was interested. Trying to get her interested. Blazingcomet had played this game with hard-to-get cats before, but this was like playing keep-away on a whole new level. How strange it felt to have to try and gain a she cat's attention. He was used to just getting it, but now? He was having to work for it. And work very hard indeed. Was there something wrong with his tactics or her understanding? Either way, it looked like he was going to have to change his approach. Somehow.

[Brilliance]

Well, that wasn't necessarily true. If there had been any way for Asterpaw to accept this? She would have. But she was too scared to, too afraid of what her sister would do to the tom if she were to say anything. DO NOT CRY. That was the first thought that crossed her mind, and she obeyed it. "I-I w-want to accept it... b-but I'm no-not allowed to believe you..." Her voice kept catching in her throat. She was terrified to say anything about this. Nightmares... nightmares she'd purposely kept back were coming in again, whispering words of hatred and hissing at her as though she were the worst cat alive. Snarling at her like she had just killed every cat. Her sister had controlled her, using her as a puppet while her friends were the strings. Of course! She was doing the same thing here. But physically, and not mentally. She'd been doing it even when they first met the toms, Asterpaw was certain. She remembered now. She had let the memories in, and she realized.
　
Her sister had taken Lionpaw from her. Nightpaw from her. Foxpaw from her. He needed to know this, maybe... maybe there was still a way to turn this around. All he has to do is give Alli a whole bunch of compliments, and she'll quit. She's smitten with her compliments. I'm pretty sure they're the only things she loves in life, Asterpaw thought with a confident nod, before the nightmares returned and her expression with them. "Because... because she'll t-take you away. She'll t-take you aw-away and then kill you. If she kn-knows you think I-I-I'm better on any level. Smarter... stronger... faster... prettier, more beautiful... more fun... kinder... an-anything except b-broken." Because she knows that's what I am, and I can't help it. Technically the white feline had made her this way. She could still change it, but it was probably too late... too late for her, at any rate. Too much energy spent into other things, and now it was drained.
　
Had her sister had a part in that as well? Probably. Alabasterpaw could have controlled the sun and moon and still not surprised the blue cat. And no, it wasn't thinking highly of her sister. She dreaded that idea. The feline fixed her gaze on him and began to speak. He deserved to know the truth. This truth. And, it appeared she had to tell him. "Ever since I was a kit, Alli and I played games." The feline said the word games like she was talking about something very much undesired, or something that was so horrible she could barely even speak it. "Games where she would ask a question, and I would answer, or I would ask a question and she would answer. It was supposed to be a 'getting to know you' game, for when she first moved here, but we kept playing it her way." Asterpaw closed her eyes, trying to remember this exactly as it had happened. It'd been a turning point for her life. It had been the moment when she knew Alabasterpaw was in charge.
　
The moment when she knew that she was going to do everything her sister asked, because she loved her. And Alabasterpaw? Never even lifted so much as a claw to help her. Whatsoever."She'd ask questions like 'who's the best, prettiest, etc.' and I would always have to answer her. Then she'd ask 'who's the worst, ugliest, etc.' and I would have to answer me. There wasn't supposed to be any wrong or right answers, but she changed that... she doesn't have to play by the rules, apparently." Her voice was on the edge of sarcasm, but cracking at the same time. As painful as this was... since her sister wasn't around, and would hopefully never know, she'd be okay. And besides! Alabasterpaw never asked her not to tell anyone. His next words sent pain shooting through her. She wanted to answer softly. But she didn't have it in her. Everything she had was telling her to yell, to freak out, to tell him what he was doing and how he was hurting her. Much as it had earlier, but like then... there was nothing left in her.
　
"I thought that's what you wanted. Guess what? Maybe I can't read your mind, or whatever. You told me to go, and I said I would. All I wanted to do was do something right. Hope you're happy, you've proved I can't." Her voice was sarcastic, but her voice held a touch of the quiver from earlier in it. "Maybe you should go ahead and walk away. Go ahead and find my sister, tell her you want to be with her. It's just a matter of time, anyways. You might think it won't happen, but she plays mind games that are beyond anything else." This, in her mind, was true. Everyone, in the end... ended up either away from her or with Alabasterpaw. Sometimes another cat, though her sister normally saw to that just as well. I can't lose him... that was very much clear in her mind. She couldn't lose the tom who meant so very much to her, more then she could say. Right then, she wanted the physical contact. It was comforting. And had been so gentle earlier, but... she was afraid to ask.
　
To say anything. To so much as make a movement in that direction. Except for apologize. "I'm s-sorry... I can't do anything right... I'm just so s-scared..." Her voice trailed off and she lowered her head until she was positive she could speak again. "I'm scared to believe you, or to accept it. The last cat who told me that... she took him away. She took him away from me, and I never saw him again. He told me... I was beautiful. And I was so excited, because no one had ever thought of me like that before, so I went to tell my sister, and the next day he was brushing up against her, purring like she was a princess. I-I wouldn't t-tell her again, but... she finds out." Her voice lowered and now, now tears began to fill her grey-green hues. She didn't know if he even realized how much he broke her sometimes. Or, resurfaced memories that broke her. Not in the same way. It was more of like reopening old wounds... and every now and then, adding new ones.
　
New ones that weren't always as bad, they just scarred over, leaving imprints on her mind and on her heart. She swallowed, before going on. "She'll take you away from me." She'd said so before; just a few moments ago; but now she felt like it was necessary to repeat it. She didn't want him, a close friend and a cat that seemed to make everything brighter for her, to be ripped away just like everyone else. Was that what Alabasterpaw wanted? And now, she wanted the contact more then ever. Shifting her weight, she looked down at her paws. "I-I really c-c-can't lose you... I n-need you." Her voice was a quiet whisper, and she looked at him with the softest of expressions. Please don't leave me... they would have to say goodbye sometime, but she didn't want to. Despite what her first impression might have been, he was now the best friend she'd ever had, and probably would ever have. Slowly, cautiously, the feline began to move towards him.
　
Until her pelt was lightly touching his. Just so she could feel he was there, maybe. Slowly, softly, she moved a little closer until she was pressed up against him. And she stayed there. Perhaps she just needed the feeling right then, or maybe she just wanted him to understand. And, to be safe. If anything else happened to him... if she left, and something happened... it would be harder to forgive herself then the first time. After a moment, she gently pulled away. "You're so dirty," The she cat laughed a little, and then did something that surprised even her. Softly, as though she were afraid to touch him now, she began to clean his grey pelt. She was used to doing this with Alabasterpaw, so it wasn't as though it bothered her... but she was unsure about it all the same. Was he even going to appreciate this? Or, as she could imagine, would he be bothered by her? And she still wanted him to understand everything she had said earlier. She was half-expecting Alabasterpaw to jump out of nowhere.
　
She had awful experiences with her sister, and now, the cat was haunting her mind. When Alabasterpaw's demonic expression came into her mind, she jumped back with a yelp-- landing on her hurt paw-- and, for the second time, collapsed quickly. "I'm fine! Just... I thought I saw something," She was quick to speak just in case he thought she was actually hurt. And of course she wasn't... a little shaken, but not hurt again. A softer moment had been what she needed to get her thoughts back on track. Just as long as he were to go to her sister, and tell her everything that was amazing about her, perhaps Alabasterpaw would leave the grey tom alone. Though, she doubted he'd want to stoop that low. Please... it'll be alright, but y-you can't just hope that she'll leave you alone... you have to give her something... she did owe him her life. She owed him everything. And yet, her life wasn't even worth that. It had been to him, but she didn't understand why he cared so much about her.
　
And, the question left her maw before she had time to think. "Why did you think I was worth dying for?" She asked in a quiet voice, looking down at the ground. The subject hurt every time she thought about it, but she wanted to know. She wanted to know how come he believed she was worth paying the ultimate sacrifice for. Because, she didn't think she was. Especially for a problem that she still thought of herself as the root of. Asterpaw looked at him half expectantly, awaiting an answer that she wasn't sure whether it was coming or not. But, she could hope so. She wanted to know.


The tom stood tensed to his spot as Asterpaw poured out to him. He didn't think the she cat would be that extremely fragile. She was just strong-- just yelling at him for complimenting her, and now she's in her unguarded state? Warning him about Alabasterpaw's intentions? As if he hadn't known already. The white demon was too stuck in her own little lalaland. He wanted to laugh. The last time he said that, the cats around him got defensive, and he got knocked down by his best friend. But, wasn't it true? It's not like the tom ever spoke lies. From what Asterpaw was telling him, her sister enjoyed the light gleaming down on her alabaster pelt because she knew she was a pretty attractive, and possibly could have any tom in the clan if she wanted. This made him snort. Not any tom. At least, not one tom. Azulpaw found himself, rather...repulsed by the she cat. Though, yes, he believed she was, in fact, a pretty gem, but she wasn't the define of beauty he pondered about.

To Azulpaw beauty was more than a pelt style and eye color. Oh, yes, he have met many beauties, but he never got the courage to talk about them. When they were close, Bluepaw used to pick out different females in the clan and ask Azulpaw of an opinion of them. The grey tom would be uninterested, but if one did catch his eye, he would only simply nod, and turn away. Bluepaw always seeked Azulpaw's help when googling at the she cats. Azulpaw would often become annoyed, and snap at his best friend. He knew, at the time, the tom needed help talking to she cats. For Azulpaw he couldn't care any less. He could talk to any gender he wanted, but he never chose to, coming off as aggressive or unfriendly. And, he was. And, he was fine with what others thought of him. Those who he allowed under his skin saw the real him, anyway. Azulpaw was not known for putting up a front. He was rather blunt, rather quiet. Appeared cold when first staring at him. He never would smile or acknowledge anyone that he didn't know.

Yet, he was in a clan that he held respect for much cats. He held a profound respect for Auroraflame, the deputy. He seen her around a few times, giving humor to anyone's day, and he always found her as a pretty feline. Then he carried an exceeding amount of respect for Grousestar, the leader of Skyclan. This was being he was...the leader. He provided a home and shelter for their clan, and he always protected them. And, some cats the tom respected more than others,and as for others, such as Alabasterpaw, he did not respect at all. He wasn't even afraid of the hostile white cat. He was afraid for the blue feline around him. He was afraid that if Alabasterpaw didn't hurt him, he would hurt her. Did he want to risk that? Sure, she did provide a few bruises to the blue cat, but it wasn't as brutal as she had been with him. The tom wondered if it was because they were sisters. And, family--not matter what--hurt one another to the point where one would look half-dead. Azulpaw didn't have any siblings. At least, not that he knew of. As he grew up with Bluepaw, who became like a brother to him, he knew that eventually at one point in their lives, one of them would turn on each other. Bluepaw wouldn't mind hearing his killing squeal since he wasn't any part of kin to him.

''Games, huh?''Azulpaw asked, absently. He looked off into the distance, thinking about what the she cat said. Games were never fun when others decided to take over and not follow the rules. Rules were there for a reason.To keep others safe, to provide a fair play, to make sure no prissy cats got the bigger load of trying to take over. Azulpaw and Bluepaw played games all the time, but it was never depended solely on physical or mental stabilities. It was more the good-natured Race you to the to the tree line! Whoever loses is a fox-brain! Or How far do you think I can climb without falling off? Even so, the thought of the games made Azulpaw purr. How he missed times like those when Bluepaw was hardly interested in she cats and would prefer looking at the pretty beings from a distance. ''Those games don't sound fun.'' He mewed, at last coming back to reality. ''In fact, Silverpaw and I played the questions game when she was a kit and I recently turned into an apprentice. It was always innocent, though.'' He shrugged. He knew they were all different by a long shot, and Alabasterpaw was pretty predictable when it came to things such as beauty or being the best. She was fond of the compliments she received, and rolled herself around to get more. Azulpaw never much such a cat in vain. It honestly broke his heart. He didn't have time to feel remorse for her--and why should he? She almost killed him--twice. She left him was scars to remember forever, and a curled shell that cautiously looked around to avoid getting jumped on once more. This did not stop the tom for putting on a brave face. He was around Asterpaw, and as long as he was around her, he would, at least try to pretend that he was okay. That he was brave, and that he would get through anything.

Azulpaw felt like a broken hollow, tripped of a roof, and exposed to the cold. He wrapped his tail around him, and pinning his ears to his head, he curled his lip back in a snarl. ''You can believe you want to believe. If you continue allowing that wrenched half-sister of yours to plague your mind, then it's seriously something wrong with you.'' His tone was calm, not wanting to sound harsh. He could tell he had hit a nerve with her, and he didn't want to see glistening tears in her eyes. He had felt uncomfortable at the sweet words she said to him. She didn't want to lose him. She was genuinely scared for him, but even Azulpaw believed that she would do absolutely a lot better without him. Did she really need him? Or, did she want him? And, why did she assume that she needed him? So, in case Alabasterpaw came back and attacked, that Azulpaw would lay his life down on the life for her...once more? The tom shook his head. What selfish thoughts consumed him, as his feelings started to shatter apart. He has told her to leave, and she stood by her word. What a stupid word! He thought, believing that if he were in her shoes, he would betray his own word when a friend told him to leave, when they truly needed the company. And, though as he tried. He couldn't even blame her for that.

The tom sunk to the ground, a sudden wash of tiredness entered him, and he half-lidded his eyes. What were they going to do? How could they solve this issue, and stop all this chaos before...one of them did end up--No, he had to rephrase that. As long as he was prowling this earth, he wouldn't dare allow anything or anyone to hurt Asterpaw if it's not Starclan itself. So, what would they do? To stop all this chaos before he ended up in the ground?

As she said her next words, he felt his ears pricked, and his tail lashed once in annoyance. What did she take him as? Go, and be with her sister? Azulpaw felt his heart drop from the sudden tone of her voice, and he couldn't even look at her. So, he didn't. Instead, he clawed at the ground, his nose twitching. Now, he was agitated. Did Asterpaw seriously believe he would want to be with a demon that almost killed him? Twice!? The tom wanted to tell her off, but he didn't. Instead, he ignored what she said, but he kept his eyes off of her. Knowing if he did land them on her, they would be dangerous slits, and Azulpaw did not have time to tussle with the blue feline. He was already in pain, and not in the condition to prove his new combat moves he learned for the past moon of deliberately ignoring her. It also dawned on him that he didn't do a good job at ignoring her. If he did, this would had all be avoided, and he wouldn't be in this condition. And, she? She wouldn't be in pain. Emotionally or physically.

As his eyes stayed scanned on the ground, the tom twitched his ears once more as he heard Asterpaw's voice. Something about this other tom...who had called her beautiful, but ended up in the clutches of Alabasterpaw--the white cat instead. A thought loomed over him; would he be that way? The grey tom scoffed, of course he wouldn't. He did not know about this other time, or whatever happened to him, but he also knew he wasn't that tom. He felt that Asterpaw was questioning where his loyalties lie. Did she think he would abandon her because her sister sauntered around him, and made him feel like he was the best tom in the whole forest? That he was on top of the world? He didn't need Alabasterpaw for that type of thing. His confidence already soared, though it was rocking, swishing lightly as if it were a boat on the sail, going from side to side, from doubting to believing. That's exactly where his confidence level was. Not extremely high, the tom still felt boastful, but also not extremely low.

As she continued talking, Azulpaw silence grew on, but he let out a tiny sigh, and to his surprise, he felt her fur tickle his. He glanced up once, finding her closer than she was before, and she edged even closer to him to where their pelts were brushing. It didn't make him uncomfortable. In fact, it made him feel at peace, and whatever grudge he found himself holding against her, melted away. ''I'm not going to leave,'' He first says,emitting out a groan. ''I'm sorry about whatever happened between you and Alabasterpaw, but you should know that I'm fox-brained to leave fall for your sister. Did you forget that she almost sent me Starclan--twice?'' He snorted, though it made him laugh a bit, despite the painful memory. ''You don't have to allow yourself to be scared of what Alabasterpaw might do to you. As long as I'm here, I won't let anything happen to you. And, besides,'' He looked up into the distance, removing his tail from around himself, and putting it limply behind Asterpaw. ''I know...Bluepaw won't allow you to be hurt. He's quite...smitten to you.'' The tom quietly stated. Bluepaw was dangerously fond of Asterpaw, that the grey tom feared for her future with the piebald cat. He didn't know what extreme measures might Bluepaw pull if Asterpaw rejected him in any way. Azulpaw would not allow himself to see Asterpaw hurt at the paws of Bluepaw. His eyes clouded over, and he looked up towards the sky, and binked slowly, giving a wordless prayer to Starclan to keep the female safe beside him.

Soon, he heard her remark,and a small laugh escaped his maw, as she began grooming him. The didn't pull back, or bring himself closer as he felt her do her deed. He felt grateful because he knew he was dirty. His pelt didn't even look like the glossy grey it had been. Instead, it looked pretty dirty, mixed with dust and debris, and he was going to groom himself, but every part of his body hurt, so he was thankful to have a friend do it for him. As she was grooming, he felt a chill go down his spine, but he refused to move. He didn't have to because she was the one who stepped back first. He sharply turned towards her, as he seen her collapsed, and he got up, despite his own condition. His fur bristled, standing along his spine, until she got up and said that she was fine.

''Will be more careful, will you?'' He limped towards her slowly, and exaimed her leg, feeling a slight discomfort, knowing that he was the problem as to why she had done this to herself. He slowly blinked, turning his eyes to look up at her, and carefully scanned her body for anything else that might be hurting her. She did seem fine, so he sat down on his haunches,believing her, still wary of her, and still worried for her. ''You worry, I hope you know that.'' He mews, quietly. Aside from he sister's bad influence, he figured she was dealing with some inner guards as well. Not fully trusting herself, but having no choice. It was a sad sight. And, Azulpaw felt even more weaker that he could hardly help her. ''It'll make it harder for me to say goodbye...'' He trailed off, thinking. He didn't want to say goodbye. He wasn't looking forward to the sadness in their eyes, and the slouching of their position as they stalked off. He wasn't ready to start looking behind his shoulder at every step they took, tempting him to run back to her, but forcing himself to move on. He wasn't ready for that. ''I guess I'm going to be staying longer than I need to. I don't care about Bluepaw or Alabasterpaw. If they kill me, then so be it, but I can't say goodbye to you, Asterpaw.'' His voice was solemn, calm, truthful. He wasn't exactly afraid of the two other cats in themselves, but he was afraid of the trouble they would cause in the future moon. He couldn't bring himself to say goodbye to his dearest friend. Not now, not ever.

And, her last words hit him like a boulder, wiping him to the side. He blinked slowly, looking at her, his eyes wide as he couldn't exactly pinpoint an exact reason as to why he would do anything for her. Being apart of the clan meant he had to risk his life for all his clan mates, and his higher authority. If need be, he would have to put his life on the line for fellow clan mates, he could hardly stand. Asterpaw was on the lucky side when it came to how he felt about her. He would put his life on the line for feline in front of him. He would do the same for Silverpaw...maybe, even Bluepaw. Gently, he reached out to put a paw on top of hers, but flinched it away before it made complete contact. He slowly put it back down on his side, and lifted his head, clearing his throat. ''You are worth as much to me as the sun and the stars. I appreciate the sun for giving me light in the day, and silverpelt for the light at night. Without them, I would be tumbling around blindly, as everyone else. You may not know it, Astperaw, but it's there. That feeling of care and love--it's there. And, without you...?'' He trailed off, not knowing how he would finish it, but he hoped that she would understand what he meant by this.

No cat was an individual. As a clan, they lived as one, a family, all connected by different coloring and personalities. No matter what they did, each cat had their place, and each were loved in their own way. Protected in their own way. A warrior was expected to give his life on the line if a queen, kit, or elder--even their leader was in a threatening position. That's what Azulpaw knew for sure. He wanted to be that type of warrior. Not afraid to back down, and to kill if necessary. Only, if necessary, however. Alabasterpaw or Bluepaw did not get this.

As the tom sat there watching the blue cat in front of him, tried to small, albeit it was smile and weak. ''I'm sorry that you had to play such games with that tyrant sister of yours, but you don't have to believe them. Games are games, and that's all they will ever be. Don't go through life feeling insecure because of a stupid game. And, if your sister decides to find out, and try to take away every cat, just know that I would--and could never be tamed by her. Not while I remember what she done to me. And, though I forgive her,'' He gulped, looking away again, and aimlessly into the distance. He shuffled in his position, feeling tensed. ''I could never trust her.'' Azulpaw would keep a great distance from the piebald tom and the white she cat. He would not tolerate infighting in their clan. As much as he knew, Azulpaw believed that the other two cats were fighting a one-sided battle. Azulpaw was completely through, and he only would fight if he needed to protect the she cat in front of him. That was the only reason he would lay a paw upon them. Weak, or not. On the verge of dying, or not. Asterpaw did not deserve to be battled with by her sister. Asterpaw did not deserved to be harassed by Bluepaw. Though, she did deserve to be protected. Azulpaw knew full well that she would be able to handle herself, so he didn't tell her his thoughts specifically as to why he decided to not say goodbye. And, he hoped that she wouldn't ask questions. Possibly, if they were lucky, they would be able to meet in secret, and carry on little play sessions to be happy and be themselves without the fear of the other two breathing down their necks.

[lone]

The tom stood tensed to his spot as Asterpaw poured out to him. He didn't think the she cat would be that extremely fragile. She was just strong-- just yelling at him for complimenting her, and now she's in her unguarded state? Warning him about Alabasterpaw's intentions? As if he hadn't known already. The white demon was too stuck in her own little lalaland. He wanted to laugh. The last time he said that, the cats around him got defensive, and he got knocked down by his best friend. But, wasn't it true? It's not like the tom ever spoke lies. From what Asterpaw was telling him, her sister enjoyed the light gleaming down on her alabaster pelt because she knew she was a pretty attractive, and possibly could have any tom in the clan if she wanted. This made him snort. Not any tom. At least, not one tom. Azulpaw found himself, rather...repulsed by the she cat. Though, yes, he believed she was, in fact, a pretty gem, but she wasn't the define of beauty he pondered about.

To Azulpaw beauty was more than a pelt style and eye color. Oh, yes, he have met many beauties, but he never got the courage to talk about them. When they were close, Bluepaw used to pick out different females in the clan and ask Azulpaw of an opinion of them. The grey tom would be uninterested, but if one did catch his eye, he would only simply nod, and turn away. Bluepaw always seeked Azulpaw's help when googling at the she cats. Azulpaw would often become annoyed, and snap at his best friend. He knew, at the time, the tom needed help talking to she cats. For Azulpaw he couldn't care any less. He could talk to any gender he wanted, but he never chose to, coming off as aggressive or unfriendly. And, he was. And, he was fine with what others thought of him. Those who he allowed under his skin saw the real him, anyway. Azulpaw was not known for putting up a front. He was rather blunt, rather quiet. Appeared cold when first staring at him. He never would smile or acknowledge anyone that he didn't know.

Yet, he was in a clan that he held respect for much cats. He held a profound respect for Auroraflame, the deputy. He seen her around a few times, giving humor to anyone's day, and he always found her as a pretty feline. Then he carried an exceeding amount of respect for Grousestar, the leader of Skyclan. This was being he was...the leader. He provided a home and shelter for their clan, and he always protected them. And, some cats the tom respected more than others,and as for others, such as Alabasterpaw, he did not respect at all. He wasn't even afraid of the hostile white cat. He was afraid for the blue feline around him. He was afraid that if Alabasterpaw didn't hurt him, he would hurt her. Did he want to risk that? Sure, she did provide a few bruises to the blue cat, but it wasn't as brutal as she had been with him. The tom wondered if it was because they were sisters. And, family--not matter what--hurt one another to the point where one would look half-dead. Azulpaw didn't have any siblings. At least, not that he knew of. As he grew up with Bluepaw, who became like a brother to him, he knew that eventually at one point in their lives, one of them would turn on each other. Bluepaw wouldn't mind hearing his killing squeal since he wasn't any part of kin to him.

''Games, huh?''Azulpaw asked, absently. He looked off into the distance, thinking about what the she cat said. Games were never fun when others decided to take over and not follow the rules. Rules were there for a reason.To keep others safe, to provide a fair play, to make sure no prissy cats got the bigger load of trying to take over. Azulpaw and Bluepaw played games all the time, but it was never depended solely on physical or mental stabilities. It was more the good-natured Race you to the to the tree line! Whoever loses is a fox-brain! Or How far do you think I can climb without falling off? Even so, the thought of the games made Azulpaw purr. How he missed times like those when Bluepaw was hardly interested in she cats and would prefer looking at the pretty beings from a distance. ''Those games don't sound fun.'' He mewed, at last coming back to reality. ''In fact, Silverpaw and I played the questions game when she was a kit and I recently turned into an apprentice. It was always innocent, though.'' He shrugged. He knew they were all different by a long shot, and Alabasterpaw was pretty predictable when it came to things such as beauty or being the best. She was fond of the compliments she received, and rolled herself around to get more. Azulpaw never much such a cat in vain. It honestly broke his heart. He didn't have time to feel remorse for her--and why should he? She almost killed him--twice. She left him was scars to remember forever, and a curled shell that cautiously looked around to avoid getting jumped on once more. This did not stop the tom for putting on a brave face. He was around Asterpaw, and as long as he was around her, he would, at least try to pretend that he was okay. That he was brave, and that he would get through anything.

Azulpaw felt like a broken hollow, tripped of a roof, and exposed to the cold. He wrapped his tail around him, and pinning his ears to his head, he curled his lip back in a snarl. ''You can believe you want to believe. If you continue allowing that wrenched half-sister of yours to plague your mind, then it's seriously something wrong with you.'' His tone was calm, not wanting to sound harsh. He could tell he had hit a nerve with her, and he didn't want to see glistening tears in her eyes. He had felt uncomfortable at the sweet words she said to him. She didn't want to lose him. She was genuinely scared for him, but even Azulpaw believed that she would do absolutely a lot better without him. Did she really need him? Or, did she want him? And, why did she assume that she needed him? So, in case Alabasterpaw came back and attacked, that Azulpaw would lay his life down on the life for her...once more? The tom shook his head. What selfish thoughts consumed him, as his feelings started to shatter apart. He has told her to leave, and she stood by her word. What a stupid word! He thought, believing that if he were in her shoes, he would betray his own word when a friend told him to leave, when they truly needed the company. And, though as he tried. He couldn't even blame her for that.

The tom sunk to the ground, a sudden wash of tiredness entered him, and he half-lidded his eyes. What were they going to do? How could they solve this issue, and stop all this chaos before...one of them did end up--No, he had to rephrase that. As long as he was prowling this earth, he wouldn't dare allow anything or anyone to hurt Asterpaw if it's not Starclan itself. So, what would they do? To stop all this chaos before he ended up in the ground?

As she said her next words, he felt his ears pricked, and his tail lashed once in annoyance. What did she take him as? Go, and be with her sister? Azulpaw felt his heart drop from the sudden tone of her voice, and he couldn't even look at her. So, he didn't. Instead, he clawed at the ground, his nose twitching. Now, he was agitated. Did Asterpaw seriously believe he would want to be with a demon that almost killed him? Twice!? The tom wanted to tell her off, but he didn't. Instead, he ignored what she said, but he kept his eyes off of her. Knowing if he did land them on her, they would be dangerous slits, and Azulpaw did not have time to tussle with the blue feline. He was already in pain, and not in the condition to prove his new combat moves he learned for the past moon of deliberately ignoring her. It also dawned on him that he didn't do a good job at ignoring her. If he did, this would had all be avoided, and he wouldn't be in this condition. And, she? She wouldn't be in pain. Emotionally or physically.

As his eyes stayed scanned on the ground, the tom twitched his ears once more as he heard Asterpaw's voice. Something about this other tom...who had called her beautiful, but ended up in the clutches of Alabasterpaw--the white cat instead. A thought loomed over him; would he be that way? The grey tom scoffed, of course he wouldn't. He did not know about this other time, or whatever happened to him, but he also knew he wasn't that tom. He felt that Asterpaw was questioning where his loyalties lie. Did she think he would abandon her because her sister sauntered around him, and made him feel like he was the best tom in the whole forest? That he was on top of the world? He didn't need Alabasterpaw for that type of thing. His confidence already soared, though it was rocking, swishing lightly as if it were a boat on the sail, going from side to side, from doubting to believing. That's exactly where his confidence level was. Not extremely high, the tom still felt boastful, but also not extremely low.

As she continued talking, Azulpaw silence grew on, but he let out a tiny sigh, and to his surprise, he felt her fur tickle his. He glanced up once, finding her closer than she was before, and she edged even closer to him to where their pelts were brushing. It didn't make him uncomfortable. In fact, it made him feel at peace, and whatever grudge he found himself holding against her, melted away. ''I'm not going to leave,'' He first says,emitting out a groan. ''I'm sorry about whatever happened between you and Alabasterpaw, but you should know that I'm fox-brained to leave fall for your sister. Did you forget that she almost sent me Starclan--twice?'' He snorted, though it made him laugh a bit, despite the painful memory. ''You don't have to allow yourself to be scared of what Alabasterpaw might do to you. As long as I'm here, I won't let anything happen to you. And, besides,'' He looked up into the distance, removing his tail from around himself, and putting it limply behind Asterpaw. ''I know...Bluepaw won't allow you to be hurt. He's quite...smitten to you.'' The tom quietly stated. Bluepaw was dangerously fond of Asterpaw, that the grey tom feared for her future with the piebald cat. He didn't know what extreme measures might Bluepaw pull if Asterpaw rejected him in any way. Azulpaw would not allow himself to see Asterpaw hurt at the paws of Bluepaw. His eyes clouded over, and he looked up towards the sky, and binked slowly, giving a wordless prayer to Starclan to keep the female safe beside him.

Soon, he heard her remark,and a small laugh escaped his maw, as she began grooming him. The didn't pull back, or bring himself closer as he felt her do her deed. He felt grateful because he knew he was dirty. His pelt didn't even look like the glossy grey it had been. Instead, it looked pretty dirty, mixed with dust and debris, and he was going to groom himself, but every part of his body hurt, so he was thankful to have a friend do it for him. As she was grooming, he felt a chill go down his spine, but he refused to move. He didn't have to because she was the one who stepped back first. He sharply turned towards her, as he seen her collapsed, and he got up, despite his own condition. His fur bristled, standing along his spine, until she got up and said that she was fine.

''Will be more careful, will you?'' He limped towards her slowly, and exaimed her leg, feeling a slight discomfort, knowing that he was the problem as to why she had done this to herself. He slowly blinked, turning his eyes to look up at her, and carefully scanned her body for anything else that might be hurting her. She did seem fine, so he sat down on his haunches,believing her, still wary of her, and still worried for her. ''You worry, I hope you know that.'' He mews, quietly. Aside from he sister's bad influence, he figured she was dealing with some inner guards as well. Not fully trusting herself, but having no choice. It was a sad sight. And, Azulpaw felt even more weaker that he could hardly help her. ''It'll make it harder for me to say goodbye...'' He trailed off, thinking. He didn't want to say goodbye. He wasn't looking forward to the sadness in their eyes, and the slouching of their position as they stalked off. He wasn't ready to start looking behind his shoulder at every step they took, tempting him to run back to her, but forcing himself to move on. He wasn't ready for that. ''I guess I'm going to be staying longer than I need to. I don't care about Bluepaw or Alabasterpaw. If they kill me, then so be it, but I can't say goodbye to you, Asterpaw.'' His voice was solemn, calm, truthful. He wasn't exactly afraid of the two other cats in themselves, but he was afraid of the trouble they would cause in the future moon. He couldn't bring himself to say goodbye to his dearest friend. Not now, not ever.

And, her last words hit him like a boulder, wiping him to the side. He blinked slowly, looking at her, his eyes wide as he couldn't exactly pinpoint an exact reason as to why he would do anything for her. Being apart of the clan meant he had to risk his life for all his clan mates, and his higher authority. If need be, he would have to put his life on the line for fellow clan mates, he could hardly stand. Asterpaw was on the lucky side when it came to how he felt about her. He would put his life on the line for feline in front of him. He would do the same for Silverpaw...maybe, even Bluepaw. Gently, he reached out to put a paw on top of hers, but flinched it away before it made complete contact. He slowly put it back down on his side, and lifted his head, clearing his throat. ''You are worth as much to me as the sun and the stars. I appreciate the sun for giving me light in the day, and silverpelt for the light at night. Without them, I would be tumbling around blindly, as everyone else. You may not know it, Astperaw, but it's there. That feeling of care and love--it's there. And, without you...?'' He trailed off, not knowing how he would finish it, but he hoped that she would understand what he meant by this.

No cat was an individual. As a clan, they lived as one, a family, all connected by different coloring and personalities. No matter what they did, each cat had their place, and each were loved in their own way. Protected in their own way. A warrior was expected to give his life on the line if a queen, kit, or elder--even their leader was in a threatening position. That's what Azulpaw knew for sure. He wanted to be that type of warrior. Not afraid to back down, and to kill if necessary. Only, if necessary, however. Alabasterpaw or Bluepaw did not get this.


As the tom sat there watching the blue cat in front of him, tried to small, albeit it was smile and weak. ''I'm sorry that you had to play such games with that tyrant sister of yours, but you don't have to believe them. Games are games, and that's all they will ever be. Don't go through life feeling insecure because of a stupid game. And, if your sister decides to find out, and try to take away every cat, just know that I would--and could never be tamed by her. Not while I remember what she done to me. And, though I forgive her,'' He gulped, looking away again, and aimlessly into the distance. He shuffled in his position, feeling tensed. ''I could never trust her.'' Azulpaw would keep a great distance from the piebald tom and the white she cat. He would not tolerate infighting in their clan. As much as he knew, Azulpaw believed that the other two cats were fighting a one-sided battle. Azulpaw was completely through, and he only would fight if he needed to protect the she cat in front of him. That was the only reason he would lay a paw upon them. Weak, or not. On the verge of dying, or not. Asterpaw did not deserve to be battled with by her sister. Asterpaw did not deserved to be harassed by Bluepaw. Though, she did deserve to be protected. Azulpaw knew full well that she would be able to handle herself, so he didn't tell her his thoughts specifically as to why he decided to not say goodbye. And, he hoped that she wouldn't ask questions. Possibly, if they were lucky, they would be able to meet in secret, and carry on little play sessions to be happy and be themselves without the fear of the other two breathing down their necks.
If you allow that wretched half-sister of yours to plague your mind, then there is something seriously wrong with you. She didn't want Alabasterpaw to be in her head. But, she didn't know how to get the awful feline out. The harsh cruelty of what her beautiful, always noticed, always first place sister had told her before was forever in her head. And, perhaps she was right. Alabasterpaw was better in a lot of ways. If she wasn't, would she be the one who was being fawned over while Asterpaw was pushed to a corner until she was called to help the toms... only for Alabasterpaw to get a second chance?
　
That's when she'd begun warning them. At least they'd had the decency to believe her. And that was why Alabasterpaw had been so angry. At her. But, neither one had ever been able to stay angry at the other for long. Was her sister doing this to get back at her? Or Azulpaw? Or, both. Revenge was something that the blue feline had never really thought about before.
　
Even when her sister had taken Lionpaw.
　
Flirting with him, leading him on, and then ditching him, so broken that he wouldn't so much as look at her... say a single word to her... and left her in the dust, she hadn't thought about revenge. Though looking back she realized how much under her sister's spell she had honestly been. Alabasterpaw couldn't stand anyone else being better then her. Her games were rough. A shudder went down Asterpaw's spine as she envisioned them. She knew the types of games that Alabasterpaw was capable of... or at least, her sister called them games.
　
Asterpaw?
　
Well, she'd describe them more as torture. Mental and physical. Oh no, the white feline had never messed with someone physically before... as far as she knew. Was there something she was missing? Please don't let me be blind again. The she cat thought with a sigh as the tip of her tail twitched. After she had moved over to him, she heard him speak. His words both mended and cracked her heart. But... if his protection consists of what I've seen, then I don't want it. If Alabasterpaw did anything to her... would Bluepaw kill her own sister? And, the question that she was having to face... did she want Alabasterpaw dead?
　
Yes.
　
And no.
　
The she cat didn't deserve to live a happy life. She didn't deserve to live at all. But, buried in all her hidden feelings, where her worries and fears and secrets lay, was care for her sister. Love, even. How was it possible that she still loved the white feline? Because they were family. Nothing... nothing could break that, no matter how hard things might try. Even Alabasterpaw couldn't break the fact that they were family. And that Asterpaw was prepared to go to any length for her sister. Even if the she cat did eventually take away the cat that, at this point, was most important to her. Finally, feeling like she would be able to talk without her voice breaking, without the strain that she was constantly feeling pressing on her chest coming into her voice, Asterpaw spoke again.
　
"You don't have to remind me what she tried to do... believe me, I remember." Well, she thought she was ready, but her voice became softer anyways. More scared. Hurt and fear were the two things she could feel the strongest at this moment. They were choking her from the inside. But, those two things aside, a smile slowly lit up her grey-green hues and previously broken features.
　
"You'd do that even though I tried to push you out of a tree?" She asked, cocking her head to one side before her smile faded and her voice became much less confident. "I-I'm not scared of what she might do to me. She-- she wouldn't hurt me." I'm scared for what else she might do to you. That sounded unsure. And, in the previous moon? Asterpaw's voice would have been much more confident. Sounding as though it were beyond a shadow of a doubt that Alabasterpaw would never hurt her. Now she wasn't so sure. She knew Azulpaw-- and Bluepaw-- were both there, both trying to keep her from getting hurt.
　
Maybe that was why Alabasterpaw was so mad.
　
And, it was an easy fix! She knew it. That thought made her a little happier. Just a few little compliments and she would be fine again, she'd feel like she were on top of the world as Asterpaw remembered seeing her sister always acting. Or was it just that? Who knew. Either way, Alabasterpaw's anger would be gone, and she might even apologize... and then they would be fine! But... did she honestly want her sister to get those compliments? To be rewarded?
　
That's just SELFISH, Asterpaw. What is wrong with you? The blue feline was angry with herself that she wouldn't even tell him this to see if he would want to.
　
"I-I think... maybe... i-if she gets some attention, she'll... she'll calm down. And I know this is going to sound crazy, but..." Her voice trailed off and she sighed. "Maybe, maybe if you-- and Bluepaw-- both go give her some compliments, some attention, she'll calm down."
　
It was just a guess.
　
She knew how much her sister loved to be complimented, though. And she knew that Alabasterpaw generally would calm down if she was payed a few compliments, a flirtatious gesture here and there, and her sister would be as happy as ever. Going back to her 'stupid' self, living in her own world. But, she didn't live in her own world. She lived in the real world, and she hurt real cats.
　
Cats who were very close to Asterpaw. Either emotionally, or... physically. Either way she would do whatever it took to hurt them, to make them feel as pained as Asterpaw supposed she did when she didn't feel like a number one pretty feline.
　
"I do realize what I'm saying. Or... 'hear myself,' by the way." She added as quickly as she could. "But, here's why I'm saying this. Alabasterpaw says she's going to kill you, and then doesn't. I don't know why she was just p-" A pause as the she cat tried to get her thoughts back together, tried to mention the awful attack without feeling like she was a horrible cat.
　
Why did she feel like that?
　
Because with the games she used to play with her sister, everything had always been her fault. No matter what the rules of the game actually were. And the mind games Alabasterpaw used to play on her had added quite a bit to her guilt and her feeling useless. Of course they had. Wasn't that what they were for, to make the secondary player feel as though they were worthless... stupid... everything was their fault? Probably, knowing her sister.
　
"Why she was just playing around like that. I don't know if she even wants to kill, or if she's just interested in seeing you in pain, but if she is j-just interested in that, then she won't stop. She won't ever stop until she's either bored or she 'accidentally' kills you." Cue the faltering of her voice, fading out for just a moment. "Even if you don't want to do that, at least promise me you will fight back against her next time. Like I said, she's a coward. She uses manipulation to get her the upper hand. Call her bluff... she has to know you mean it. And she'll stop." Even if he did get hurt again, at least she would know that he wasn't just allowing her sister to play around.
　
Allowing her sister to try and kill him while he did nothing. Every time that memory showed up, it made her feel awful. She was scared at the same time that what she was asking would end up getting him killed. Again, selfish to ask that he do nothing.
　
Stupid.
　
A stupid thing to do. So she wasn't going to do that. Hopefully her sister wouldn't feel threatened and would believe him if he did call her bluff. That was the hopeful light that she was holding onto, the hope that eventually her sister would realize what she was doing.
　
She knew that Alabasterpaw was broken too.
　
She did things like this because of her brokenness. Having her mother leave her... never knowing her father... ohhh, such a harsh life for the young feline. But she hadn't needed to make herself feel better by putting Asterpaw down, and the blue feline was aware that Alabasterpaw knew it. Knew all of it. She knew she was prettier-- no, more beautiful... and better at flirting... and getting attention... and that she was more charming.
　
And Asterpaw? Average. Didn't get the point of flirting, she could use it, but seriously? She was terrible at getting attention. And charming wasn't a word that would ever be used to describe her. She was... nice, at least. Maybe. And when she was younger she hadn't even been nice, just cared about others' feelings. Well... that was nice, but not when someone first met her. Oh no, depending on how they treated her, she'd turn that treatment right back on them.
　
Even now, she attempted that. It didn't always work the way she hoped, but some of the time it did. Which gave her just the slightest bit of hope for the future... and the present as well. After she had already tripped and fallen, then gotten back up quickly-- not wanting him to worry too much, if at all-- she curled her tail around her paws and huffed slightly. "Yes. I'm the one who needs to be careful." Her voice was serious, but her hues sparked. She knew that he was just trying to look out for her, and she definitely appreciated that.
　
It was nice to have someone... well, besides Bluepaw... worried about her. But still, she didn't want him to worry right now. Right now, his focus needed to be on staying alive. Preferably forever-- well, no one lived forever, but at least for quite a while longer. Forever as long into the future as she could imagine, at any rate. Because that was her definition of forever. There was no guarantee of tomorrow, let alone that long, but Asterpaw could always hope. She'd always had hope.
　
Just a spark at times.
　
Just the slightest of glimmers, and yet it was still there for her even throughout all of this. Somehow Asterpaw had managed to hold onto it and somehow, she knew that she always would. There was no way for her not to. "Don't worry about me. I'm going to be fine... and I hope you know that." Carefully, Asterpaw allowed herself to make eye contact with the tom. Harder for you to say goodbye? Forgetting that they were, in fact, going to go their separate ways at some point, alarm spread through Asterpaw like a wildfire.
　
What did he mean, goodbye? What was going on? What was-- oh. Remembering seemed to send her spiraling back down to earth where her head had been in the clouds just moments before. She would be fine no matter what. She would survive. Learn to adapt, learn to deal with it. And, as long as she knew that he was safe... as long as she knew that he would live for a longer amount of time, perhaps find another cat who he would be able to play with as the two of them had done, well, she would be happy. When she thought of that at least. Happy and, though she didn't like the thought of it, jealous.
　
Jealousy bothered the blue feline. Jealousy, and anger, and hatred had sparked all of this. Those three feelings? Emotions? Whatever they were, they were now among the things she disliked most. Not hated. She didn't want to hate now, she was.... afraid to. Afraid it would drive her to the desperate measures it had driven her sister and previous friend.
　
Were they still friends?
　
One sided, at least-- just like their relationship. All one sided. And, as much as she hated to admit it, she might hate him. She strongly disliked him, at least. Very strongly. Strongly enough to the point where she might have been willing to say that she hated him, had she not been in Azulpaw's presence at that moment. If they kill me, so be it, but I can't say goodbye to you, Asterpaw. So... what-- what did that mean? He wasn't going to leave? He wouldn't... he would stay, even though it meant he could die? The ultimate sacrifice, Asterpaw had always been told.
　
She hadn't believed it before. Weren't there worse things? Technically yes. But she did not believe that he deserved to die. If they were going to kill him, they would be taking the life of a cat that had done nothing wrong. Nothing! So then, why? She still didn't understand how much jealousy, or anger, or hatred, or all three went into this. If it was all three, then... again, the feline wouldn't understand why.What kind of cat would hate/be angry with/be jealous of another so much that they would go to the extreme of taking their life? Taking it and making sure that they were dead for good.
　
Asterpaw had heard stories of cats coming back... whispered rumours around the clearing, and she didn't know if they were just rumours or something else entirely. Could there be a whisper of truth in those whispered rumors? No. Definitely not. If you were dead... you were dead. For good, that was it. "I can't say goodbye to you either..." Her voice was whispered, hushed, and she looked as though she were about to cry for a moment before she cleared her throat again and her voice became more playful. "So, no dying, okay? You're not allowed to. Okay? Okay. Glad you agree with me." And that was it, in her mind. He wasn't allowed to die.
　
He couldn't die.
　
Because she couldn't stand to have to say goodbye... not now, and not ever. She doubted she'd ever get any better at saying goodbyes.As annoying as that seemed, what other choice did she have but to make sure she didn't have to? Though she was saying goodbye to her close knit relationship with her sister. With Nightpaw. She'd said goodbye to Lionpaw. Not... to Bluepaw. Not quite yet. And she didn't know when she would be ready, but she was pretty confident it would be sometime soon.
　
It was time to end this once and for all. Make sure he knew that even if he were to snuff Azulpaw's life out, there was no way that she would be able to be with him. Breaking her word. She was going to break her word. Ugh, she hated the thought of that. It was better then the alternative, however, and that was the truth that she kept holding onto to keep her from backing out. His next words surprised her, and made her feel as though it would be ten times harder to let him go now. Eventually it would happen. If this carried on? It was only a matter of time, and she knew it, and she wondered if he did.
　
A heartbreak either way was the only way to stop this. She could go and be with Bluepaw. Cut off contact and break her own heart.... and from what he was telling her now, break his in the process. Or he would die. She bit her lip, trying to figure out if a lifetime of misery or a day of being with a friend was better. Safety and security had always been important to her. In the end, she supposed it was his choice... whatever he wanted, she would follow.
　
It was the only thing she had to give... her word.
　
It was the only thing of worth that she owned. The only thing that she would ever own. So, she had decided that it was better to realize this then to try and push it aside, risking the thought that she might turn into Alabasterpaw, thinking she was worth nothing more then appearance and toms.
　
Was she doing that now? No... she wasn't! That wasn't why Alabasterpaw was better then her! It couldn't be the only reason. There had to be others. Charm, for one thing. And... her attitude was better. She... got more attention? Was that it, besides pretty looks?
　
That couldn't be it. When he was finished speaking she held her breath for a moment and then carefully-- like she was scared to at all, like she normally was with contact-- she reached out her own paw and put it on top of his.
　
He was her north star.
　
The north star, Alabasterpaw had always told her-- her mother was from kittypet roots-- was something that had pointed 'sailors' home. Whatever sailors were. They used it to guide and direct them, and it was a source of comfort because they would follow it and no matter where they were, it would lead them back home. So Azulpaw was the north star in her life, and Alabasterpaw? It would seem the white feline didn't have one. What a surprise. Nothing guiding her back, she was just... drifting.
　
"You're my north star." Her voice was quiet, gentle, and she hoped he would understand.
　
It might sound like she was just babbling. North star? What does that mean, has she gone crazy? She could almost hear him thinking.
　
But, she would know. She would know that he was her guiding force, her north star... very important to her. She owed him everything. Everything she had. Which was just her word, and her trust... loyalty... and yes, love.
　
She loved him.
　
In a platonic way, but it was still there, and as far as she knew? It could continue to grow. It might. If it did she would have to be ready, and if it didn't, well... then she would still have to be just as ready. No matter what happened she'd have to be on her guard for whatever might go right or wrong in life. A moment later she removed her paw and curled her tail more tightly around herself. This had definitely become a barrier, a guard for her... a crutch. Something to lean on. Something to shut everything else out. She needed to learn to get along without it, but... did she want to?
　
Not really, no.
　
After all... how was she going to lose her tail? It would be weird and uncomfortable and strange if she did, and she would not only be losing her tail, but her security crutch along with it. Upon hearing his next words, a flash of alarm passed across her features. How can you forgive her? She wanted to ask, but she couldn't get the words out.
　
"Y-you... you... forgive her?" She asked, her voice scared and small.
　
Forgiveness was a strong thing to give Alabasterpaw. Even she was still working on forgiving the she cat. But, Azulpaw had somehow already forgiven her. And of course he wouldn't trust her. She wouldn't either. She would always be on guard around the feline now, wondering of her sister's true intentions. False or kind. Either way, she would be watching her back. Cautiously, she moved over to be beside him and gingerly rested her head on his shoulder. Thank you for being there for me. Thank you for understanding. Thank you for being my friend. Thank you for everything. All of those things were things she wanted to say, but when she opened her maw, only one came out:
　
"Thank you for being my north star."

[RedHead]

The orange tom's hues widened. "Wh-- but--" He could hardly keep himself from mewing in surprise. Was she playing with him? Blazingcomet doubted it. He was used to she cats swooning and falling over their paws to get close to him, not.... doing whatever she was doing. What was she up to, anyways? Messing with his mind? Yes, yes, that sounded about right. She was playing some sort of a mind trick on him. Getting ready to completely destroy it. Am I even hearing myself? He thought with a shake of his head. There was no way the innocent-looking, sweet feline before him would do that. Then again-- he'd met some pretty manipulative cats. Cats who were great at this. But, she wasn't.
　
He normally had a feeling and he wasn't getting it at this moment. So, he supposed he must have been wrong... and there was no shame in that! After all, sometimes cats were just wrong. So what? As she complimented his own name, he looked surprised and then smiled. "Thank you!" His voice was happy, and interested as his grin only grew wider. After she had finished speaking again, he went over her words in his head. Ginger spots... always wearing flowers... huh, pretty cool! "I don't think I'll be likely to forget it now. You have a very pretty name, Gingerblossom... a pretty name for a pretty girl." He decided to try again. Maybe she was just confused or something. And this time, he brushed up against her lightly.
　
There! That should steer her in the right direction, show her what his intentions were. Well-- sort of, at least show her that he was interested. Trying to get her interested. Blazingcomet had played this game with hard-to-get cats before, but this was like playing keep-away on a whole new level. How strange it felt to have to try and gain a she cat's attention. He was used to just getting it, but now? He was having to work for it. And work very hard indeed. Was there something wrong with his tactics or her understanding? Either way, it looked like he was going to have to change his approach. Somehow.


Gingerblossom's ears flicked as she heard the tom's slight surprise. Most cats would ask what it was about, but Gingerblossom didn't. It's not that she didn't care, it's just that she knew if they wanted to talk about it,
they would. If they didn't they wouldn't. That was just logic in the young warrior's mind.

As Blazingcomet called her pretty again, Gingerblossom got a little confused. He's already complimented me.... Her confusion instantly melted though. He's just SUCH a nice cat! The pale-colored warrior purred kindly,
showing her gratitude through her facial expressions. She did this often,
because she herself didn't like to repeat things she already said. So she would just show thanks through kind smiles and purrs. At this moment, that's what she was doing.

When the tom brushed up against her, Gingerblossom's face changed for a split-second. Her ears twitched, her eyes clouded over, and her smile grew into a confused grimace. It was gone as fast as it had come though, and the she-cat was smiling once again. I've felt this vibe in the air before.... The she-cat tried to pinpoint where she had felt it. She had felt this before, she was sure of it. Gingerblossom wasn't too good with emotions, but she felt sure that this vibe was a specific trait in certain cats. She now realized though, after having experienced it a few times, that they seemed to want something from her. What? What do I need to give them to make them happy? Gingerblossom wanted to know. Maybe, if she got to know Blazingcomet better, he might tell her what he wanted.

The gray-and-ginger warrior decided in her mind that it was okay to touch the tom now. He touched me, so I guess that must mean I can touch him now? This was another rule the female lived by. She shouldn't do anything to a cat unless they've done it to her before.

So, Gingerblossom turned her head and nudged Blazingcomet's shoulder playfully. "How about a race to the top of that tree?" She asked, pointing to a tree four trees away with her tail. "I bet you can do it, you look strong. And don't worry about me, I live to climb trees." And make others happy. Gingerblossom didn't voice that comment, but she supposed that most cats knew that by now.

The young warrior dug her claws into the bark, readying herself in a jumping position. "So Blazingcomet? What do you say?" She put an emphasis on the "z" in his name, as that made it sound quite nice to her. The sunlight showing through the trees was striking her fur, making it a dappled mess of gray, white, and ginger. Her mint-green eyes shone with happiness and excitment though, and the flower in her fur was glowing a golden color in the sunlight. If Gingerblossom was even a bit self-centered, she would realize the full truthfulness of her beauty, even though she kept her fur a mess all the time.

[lone]

Gingerblossom's ears flicked as she heard the tom's slight surprise. Most cats would ask what it was about, but Gingerblossom didn't. It's not that she didn't care, it's just that she knew if they wanted to talk about it,

they would. If they didn't they wouldn't. That was just logic in the young warrior's mind.

As Blazingcomet called her pretty again, Gingerblossom got a little confused. He's already complimented me.... Her confusion instantly melted though. He's just SUCH a nice cat! The pale-colored warrior purred kindly,
showing her gratitude through her facial expressions. She did this often,
because she herself didn't like to repeat things she already said. So she would just show thanks through kind smiles and purrs. At this moment, that's what she was doing.

When the tom brushed up against her, Gingerblossom's face changed for a split-second. Her ears twitched, her eyes clouded over, and her smile grew into a confused grimace. It was gone as fast as it had come though, and the she-cat was smiling once again. I've felt this vibe in the air before.... The she-cat tried to pinpoint where she had felt it. She had felt this before, she was sure of it. Gingerblossom wasn't too good with emotions, but she felt sure that this vibe was a specific trait in certain cats. She now realized though, after having experienced it a few times, that they seemed to want something from her. What? What do I need to give them to make them happy? Gingerblossom wanted to know. Maybe, if she got to know Blazingcomet better, he might tell her what he wanted.

The gray-and-ginger warrior decided in her mind that it was okay to touch the tom now. He touched me, so I guess that must mean I can touch him now? This was another rule the female lived by. She shouldn't do anything to a cat unless they've done it to her before.

So, Gingerblossom turned her head and nudged Blazingcomet's shoulder playfully. "How about a race to the top of that tree?" She asked, pointing to a tree four trees away with her tail. "I bet you can do it, you look strong. And don't worry about me, I live to climb trees." And make others happy. Gingerblossom didn't voice that comment, but she supposed that most cats knew that by now.


The young warrior dug her claws into the bark, readying herself in a jumping position. "So Blazingcomet? What do you say?" She put an emphasis on the "z" in his name, as that made it sound quite nice to her. The sunlight showing through the trees was striking her fur, making it a dappled mess of gray, white, and ginger. Her mint-green eyes shone with happiness and excitment though, and the flower in her fur was glowing a golden color in the sunlight. If Gingerblossom was even a bit self-centered, she would realize the full truthfulness of her beauty, even though she kept her fur a mess all the time.
Confusion was thick in Blazingcomet's expression. How... she didn't... what? How was she not understanding him right now? Okay. You can do this. You've dealt with hard to get cats before. All you have to do is show them you mean it. A sigh escaped Blazingcomet's maw as he thought about how best to do this. It was too early to just tell her 'I like you, wanna go out' and besides, those were words Blazingcomet used only when he already had a cat hooked. She wasn't even looking at his bait! But, the orange tom was always up to a challenge. He could get her padding in circles around him and asking for more. It was just a matter of a very, very long period of time. That and lots, and lots of very, very strong patience.
Good thing Blazingcomet had had some practice, otherwise he might just give up and get out, as quickly as he could. That would make the most sense at this point. Awe, but she's so cute! He thought with a purr, looking at the smiling feline. Most of the time he gave up the innocent ones. It was considered stupidity, but Blazingcomet? He thought it was absolutely precious, the most attractive thing he had seen in a long, long time. And he used to think hard to get was fun. Innocent was like that, but without the insults and constant 'stop flirting with me!' comments. He could definitely do without those, they tended to bother him quite a bit.
The jealousy game might work here. At least get her the slightest bit interested, then move on? That could definitely work. Upon hearing her comment, the tom sighed. It looked like the only sort of relationship Gingerblossom was interested in was a friendly one. Ouch. It did sting his pride a little, but the orange tom would get over it; he always did. "Well... alright. But I do have to warn you, I tend to get pretty competitive." Too bad he wasn't racing someone else, he might be able to impress her. Her?! His thoughts seemed to be scoffing at him, and for a moment, Blazingcomet realized that he probably sounded crazy. The she cat didn't seem like the impressible type. More of the type that would be showing him how to do something.
But not brag about it afterwards! "On your mark... get set..." Maybe he would take it easy on her. It could be interesting! Then again, she looked pretty determined. He'd go fast, then slow down if he thought losing would upset her. Competitiveness was strong in Blazingcomet's nature, and he hoped that it wouldn't act up right now. "Go!" With that one word, the tom half leapt, half climbed down the tree, leaving claw markings on the bark. He didn't even look back to see if Gingerblossom was alright; though in hindsight, he should have. Perhaps a gentlemanly approach was what this she cat needed. Darting towards the tree, he braced himself for either an angry or admiring she cat.

[RedHead]

Confusion was thick in Blazingcomet's expression. How... she didn't... what? How was she not understanding him right now? Okay. You can do this. You've dealt with hard to get cats before. All you have to do is show them you mean it. A sigh escaped Blazingcomet's maw as he thought about how best to do this. It was too early to just tell her 'I like you, wanna go out' and besides, those were words Blazingcomet used only when he already had a cat hooked. She wasn't even looking at his bait! But, the orange tom was always up to a challenge. He could get her padding in circles around him and asking for more. It was just a matter of a very, very long period of time. That and lots, and lots of very, very strong patience.
Good thing Blazingcomet had had some practice, otherwise he might just give up and get out, as quickly as he could. That would make the most sense at this point. Awe, but she's so cute! He thought with a purr, looking at the smiling feline. Most of the time he gave up the innocent ones. It was considered stupidity, but Blazingcomet? He thought it was absolutely precious, the most attractive thing he had seen in a long, long time. And he used to think hard to get was fun. Innocent was like that, but without the insults and constant 'stop flirting with me!' comments. He could definitely do without those, they tended to bother him quite a bit.
The jealousy game might work here. At least get her the slightest bit interested, then move on? That could definitely work. Upon hearing her comment, the tom sighed. It looked like the only sort of relationship Gingerblossom was interested in was a friendly one. Ouch. It did sting his pride a little, but the orange tom would get over it; he always did. "Well... alright. But I do have to warn you, I tend to get pretty competitive." Too bad he wasn't racing someone else, he might be able to impress her. Her?! His thoughts seemed to be scoffing at him, and for a moment, Blazingcomet realized that he probably sounded crazy. The she cat didn't seem like the impressible type. More of the type that would be showing him how to do something.
But not brag about it afterwards! "On your mark... get set..." Maybe he would take it easy on her. It could be interesting! Then again, she looked pretty determined. He'd go fast, then slow down if he thought losing would upset her. Competitiveness was strong in Blazingcomet's nature, and he hoped that it wouldn't act up right now. "Go!" With that one word, the tom half leapt, half climbed down the tree, leaving claw markings on the bark. He didn't even look back to see if Gingerblossom was alright; though in hindsight, he should have. Perhaps a gentlemanly approach was what this she cat needed. Darting towards the tree, he braced himself for either an angry or admiring she cat.

Gingerblossom was glad that Blazingcomet had agreed to her friendly little game. She did not, I repeat, DID NOT want to make him angry. She never wanted to make any cat angry, or offended, or sad. She still sensed that vibe in the air, and decided to try and find some time later in her day to ponder deeply about it. For now, she had to focus on what she was doing at this moment with Blazingcomet, as not to waste time. She hated having her mind on other things while she was supposed to be focusing on others. Great Starclan Gingerblossom! Stop being so selfish! The she-cat scolded herself.

As Blazingcomet made a statement about his competitiveness, Gingerblossom simply cocked her head, slight confusion running through her mind. "Competitive" was a pretty foreign word to the warrior, and she had to scour her brain to see if she could find the right definition on what it means. That's right. An unfriendly game. That was as close as Ginger would get to knowing what the word meant.

At that moment, Gingerblossom realized Blazingcomet was saying the words to start the race. On the word go, the large orange tom had leapt off of the branch, hurtling towards the ground below. The momentum of his jump had caused the branch they were standing on to sway, and it flung Gingerblossom,
who was much smaller in stature, into the air. She twisted and landed neatly on a branch, closer to the tree they were heading for. In a split-second,
she was on the move, quickly leaping from branch to branch like a squirrel.
The pale-furred she-cat could feel exhilaration running through her, as she pushed on quickly to reach the tree. This one one of those times where Gingerblossom's secret competitiveness came out, even though the warrior didn't realize it. There were many of these times when this happened to her,
when she felt something other than pure happiness and kindness.

Gingerblossom reached the tree, and she looked down to see Blazingcomet on the ground. It looked like he had reached the tree a little before her. Her heart was still pumping fast, and she bounded down the tree branches until she reached the lowest one, and hung her head upside down over it to face him,
face to face. "Good job Blazingcomet! You're really fast!" That was also really fun! And thanks for the lift you gave me back there! Gingerblossom smirked a little, cocking her head to the side. Her smirk soon broke away to her normal, bright smile though. Her heart was till pounding, and she sat there,
head hanging upside down, looking at Blazingcomet.

[Brilliance]

If you allow that wretched half-sister of yours to plague your mind, then there is something seriously wrong with you. She didn't want Alabasterpaw to be in her head. But, she didn't know how to get the awful feline out. The harsh cruelty of what her beautiful, always noticed, always first place sister had told her before was forever in her head. And, perhaps she was right. Alabasterpaw was better in a lot of ways. If she wasn't, would she be the one who was being fawned over while Asterpaw was pushed to a corner until she was called to help the toms... only for Alabasterpaw to get a second chance?
　
That's when she'd begun warning them. At least they'd had the decency to believe her. And that was why Alabasterpaw had been so angry. At her. But, neither one had ever been able to stay angry at the other for long. Was her sister doing this to get back at her? Or Azulpaw? Or, both. Revenge was something that the blue feline had never really thought about before.
　
Even when her sister had taken Lionpaw.
　
Flirting with him, leading him on, and then ditching him, so broken that he wouldn't so much as look at her... say a single word to her... and left her in the dust, she hadn't thought about revenge. Though looking back she realized how much under her sister's spell she had honestly been. Alabasterpaw couldn't stand anyone else being better then her. Her games were rough. A shudder went down Asterpaw's spine as she envisioned them. She knew the types of games that Alabasterpaw was capable of... or at least, her sister called them games.
　
Asterpaw?
　
Well, she'd describe them more as torture. Mental and physical. Oh no, the white feline had never messed with someone physically before... as far as she knew. Was there something she was missing? Please don't let me be blind again. The she cat thought with a sigh as the tip of her tail twitched. After she had moved over to him, she heard him speak. His words both mended and cracked her heart. But... if his protection consists of what I've seen, then I don't want it. If Alabasterpaw did anything to her... would Bluepaw kill her own sister? And, the question that she was having to face... did she want Alabasterpaw dead?
　
Yes.
　
And no.
　
The she cat didn't deserve to live a happy life. She didn't deserve to live at all. But, buried in all her hidden feelings, where her worries and fears and secrets lay, was care for her sister. Love, even. How was it possible that she still loved the white feline? Because they were family. Nothing... nothing could break that, no matter how hard things might try. Even Alabasterpaw couldn't break the fact that they were family. And that Asterpaw was prepared to go to any length for her sister. Even if the she cat did eventually take away the cat that, at this point, was most important to her. Finally, feeling like she would be able to talk without her voice breaking, without the strain that she was constantly feeling pressing on her chest coming into her voice, Asterpaw spoke again.
　
"You don't have to remind me what she tried to do... believe me, I remember." Well, she thought she was ready, but her voice became softer anyways. More scared. Hurt and fear were the two things she could feel the strongest at this moment. They were choking her from the inside. But, those two things aside, a smile slowly lit up her grey-green hues and previously broken features.
　
"You'd do that even though I tried to push you out of a tree?" She asked, cocking her head to one side before her smile faded and her voice became much less confident. "I-I'm not scared of what she might do to me. She-- she wouldn't hurt me." I'm scared for what else she might do to you. That sounded unsure. And, in the previous moon? Asterpaw's voice would have been much more confident. Sounding as though it were beyond a shadow of a doubt that Alabasterpaw would never hurt her. Now she wasn't so sure. She knew Azulpaw-- and Bluepaw-- were both there, both trying to keep her from getting hurt.
　
Maybe that was why Alabasterpaw was so mad.
　
And, it was an easy fix! She knew it. That thought made her a little happier. Just a few little compliments and she would be fine again, she'd feel like she were on top of the world as Asterpaw remembered seeing her sister always acting. Or was it just that? Who knew. Either way, Alabasterpaw's anger would be gone, and she might even apologize... and then they would be fine! But... did she honestly want her sister to get those compliments? To be rewarded?
　
That's just SELFISH, Asterpaw. What is wrong with you? The blue feline was angry with herself that she wouldn't even tell him this to see if he would want to.
　
"I-I think... maybe... i-if she gets some attention, she'll... she'll calm down. And I know this is going to sound crazy, but..." Her voice trailed off and she sighed. "Maybe, maybe if you-- and Bluepaw-- both go give her some compliments, some attention, she'll calm down."
　
It was just a guess.
　
She knew how much her sister loved to be complimented, though. And she knew that Alabasterpaw generally would calm down if she was payed a few compliments, a flirtatious gesture here and there, and her sister would be as happy as ever. Going back to her 'stupid' self, living in her own world. But, she didn't live in her own world. She lived in the real world, and she hurt real cats.
　
Cats who were very close to Asterpaw. Either emotionally, or... physically. Either way she would do whatever it took to hurt them, to make them feel as pained as Asterpaw supposed she did when she didn't feel like a number one pretty feline.
　
"I do realize what I'm saying. Or... 'hear myself,' by the way." She added as quickly as she could. "But, here's why I'm saying this. Alabasterpaw says she's going to kill you, and then doesn't. I don't know why she was just p-" A pause as the she cat tried to get her thoughts back together, tried to mention the awful attack without feeling like she was a horrible cat.
　
Why did she feel like that?
　
Because with the games she used to play with her sister, everything had always been her fault. No matter what the rules of the game actually were. And the mind games Alabasterpaw used to play on her had added quite a bit to her guilt and her feeling useless. Of course they had. Wasn't that what they were for, to make the secondary player feel as though they were worthless... stupid... everything was their fault? Probably, knowing her sister.
　
"Why she was just playing around like that. I don't know if she even wants to kill, or if she's just interested in seeing you in pain, but if she is j-just interested in that, then she won't stop. She won't ever stop until she's either bored or she 'accidentally' kills you." Cue the faltering of her voice, fading out for just a moment. "Even if you don't want to do that, at least promise me you will fight back against her next time. Like I said, she's a coward. She uses manipulation to get her the upper hand. Call her bluff... she has to know you mean it. And she'll stop." Even if he did get hurt again, at least she would know that he wasn't just allowing her sister to play around.
　
Allowing her sister to try and kill him while he did nothing. Every time that memory showed up, it made her feel awful. She was scared at the same time that what she was asking would end up getting him killed. Again, selfish to ask that he do nothing.
　
Stupid.
　
A stupid thing to do. So she wasn't going to do that. Hopefully her sister wouldn't feel threatened and would believe him if he did call her bluff. That was the hopeful light that she was holding onto, the hope that eventually her sister would realize what she was doing.
　
She knew that Alabasterpaw was broken too.
　
She did things like this because of her brokenness. Having her mother leave her... never knowing her father... ohhh, such a harsh life for the young feline. But she hadn't needed to make herself feel better by putting Asterpaw down, and the blue feline was aware that Alabasterpaw knew it. Knew all of it. She knew she was prettier-- no, more beautiful... and better at flirting... and getting attention... and that she was more charming.
　
And Asterpaw? Average. Didn't get the point of flirting, she could use it, but seriously? She was terrible at getting attention. And charming wasn't a word that would ever be used to describe her. She was... nice, at least. Maybe. And when she was younger she hadn't even been nice, just cared about others' feelings. Well... that was nice, but not when someone first met her. Oh no, depending on how they treated her, she'd turn that treatment right back on them.
　
Even now, she attempted that. It didn't always work the way she hoped, but some of the time it did. Which gave her just the slightest bit of hope for the future... and the present as well. After she had already tripped and fallen, then gotten back up quickly-- not wanting him to worry too much, if at all-- she curled her tail around her paws and huffed slightly. "Yes. I'm the one who needs to be careful." Her voice was serious, but her hues sparked. She knew that he was just trying to look out for her, and she definitely appreciated that.
　
It was nice to have someone... well, besides Bluepaw... worried about her. But still, she didn't want him to worry right now. Right now, his focus needed to be on staying alive. Preferably forever-- well, no one lived forever, but at least for quite a while longer. Forever as long into the future as she could imagine, at any rate. Because that was her definition of forever. There was no guarantee of tomorrow, let alone that long, but Asterpaw could always hope. She'd always had hope.
　
Just a spark at times.
　
Just the slightest of glimmers, and yet it was still there for her even throughout all of this. Somehow Asterpaw had managed to hold onto it and somehow, she knew that she always would. There was no way for her not to. "Don't worry about me. I'm going to be fine... and I hope you know that." Carefully, Asterpaw allowed herself to make eye contact with the tom. Harder for you to say goodbye? Forgetting that they were, in fact, going to go their separate ways at some point, alarm spread through Asterpaw like a wildfire.
　
What did he mean, goodbye? What was going on? What was-- oh. Remembering seemed to send her spiraling back down to earth where her head had been in the clouds just moments before. She would be fine no matter what. She would survive. Learn to adapt, learn to deal with it. And, as long as she knew that he was safe... as long as she knew that he would live for a longer amount of time, perhaps find another cat who he would be able to play with as the two of them had done, well, she would be happy. When she thought of that at least. Happy and, though she didn't like the thought of it, jealous.
　
Jealousy bothered the blue feline. Jealousy, and anger, and hatred had sparked all of this. Those three feelings? Emotions? Whatever they were, they were now among the things she disliked most. Not hated. She didn't want to hate now, she was.... afraid to. Afraid it would drive her to the desperate measures it had driven her sister and previous friend.
　
Were they still friends?
　
One sided, at least-- just like their relationship. All one sided. And, as much as she hated to admit it, she might hate him. She strongly disliked him, at least. Very strongly. Strongly enough to the point where she might have been willing to say that she hated him, had she not been in Azulpaw's presence at that moment. If they kill me, so be it, but I can't say goodbye to you, Asterpaw. So... what-- what did that mean? He wasn't going to leave? He wouldn't... he would stay, even though it meant he could die? The ultimate sacrifice, Asterpaw had always been told.
　
She hadn't believed it before. Weren't there worse things? Technically yes. But she did not believe that he deserved to die. If they were going to kill him, they would be taking the life of a cat that had done nothing wrong. Nothing! So then, why? She still didn't understand how much jealousy, or anger, or hatred, or all three went into this. If it was all three, then... again, the feline wouldn't understand why.What kind of cat would hate/be angry with/be jealous of another so much that they would go to the extreme of taking their life? Taking it and making sure that they were dead for good.
　
Asterpaw had heard stories of cats coming back... whispered rumours around the clearing, and she didn't know if they were just rumours or something else entirely. Could there be a whisper of truth in those whispered rumors? No. Definitely not. If you were dead... you were dead. For good, that was it. "I can't say goodbye to you either..." Her voice was whispered, hushed, and she looked as though she were about to cry for a moment before she cleared her throat again and her voice became more playful. "So, no dying, okay? You're not allowed to. Okay? Okay. Glad you agree with me." And that was it, in her mind. He wasn't allowed to die.
　
He couldn't die.
　
Because she couldn't stand to have to say goodbye... not now, and not ever. She doubted she'd ever get any better at saying goodbyes.As annoying as that seemed, what other choice did she have but to make sure she didn't have to? Though she was saying goodbye to her close knit relationship with her sister. With Nightpaw. She'd said goodbye to Lionpaw. Not... to Bluepaw. Not quite yet. And she didn't know when she would be ready, but she was pretty confident it would be sometime soon.
　
It was time to end this once and for all. Make sure he knew that even if he were to snuff Azulpaw's life out, there was no way that she would be able to be with him. Breaking her word. She was going to break her word. Ugh, she hated the thought of that. It was better then the alternative, however, and that was the truth that she kept holding onto to keep her from backing out. His next words surprised her, and made her feel as though it would be ten times harder to let him go now. Eventually it would happen. If this carried on? It was only a matter of time, and she knew it, and she wondered if he did.
　
A heartbreak either way was the only way to stop this. She could go and be with Bluepaw. Cut off contact and break her own heart.... and from what he was telling her now, break his in the process. Or he would die. She bit her lip, trying to figure out if a lifetime of misery or a day of being with a friend was better. Safety and security had always been important to her. In the end, she supposed it was his choice... whatever he wanted, she would follow.
　
It was the only thing she had to give... her word.
　
It was the only thing of worth that she owned. The only thing that she would ever own. So, she had decided that it was better to realize this then to try and push it aside, risking the thought that she might turn into Alabasterpaw, thinking she was worth nothing more then appearance and toms.
　
Was she doing that now? No... she wasn't! That wasn't why Alabasterpaw was better then her! It couldn't be the only reason. There had to be others. Charm, for one thing. And... her attitude was better. She... got more attention? Was that it, besides pretty looks?
　
That couldn't be it. When he was finished speaking she held her breath for a moment and then carefully-- like she was scared to at all, like she normally was with contact-- she reached out her own paw and put it on top of his.
　
He was her north star.
　
The north star, Alabasterpaw had always told her-- her mother was from kittypet roots-- was something that had pointed 'sailors' home. Whatever sailors were. They used it to guide and direct them, and it was a source of comfort because they would follow it and no matter where they were, it would lead them back home. So Azulpaw was the north star in her life, and Alabasterpaw? It would seem the white feline didn't have one. What a surprise. Nothing guiding her back, she was just... drifting.
　
"You're my north star." Her voice was quiet, gentle, and she hoped he would understand.
　
It might sound like she was just babbling. North star? What does that mean, has she gone crazy? She could almost hear him thinking.
　
But, she would know. She would know that he was her guiding force, her north star... very important to her. She owed him everything. Everything she had. Which was just her word, and her trust... loyalty... and yes, love.
　
She loved him.
　
In a platonic way, but it was still there, and as far as she knew? It could continue to grow. It might. If it did she would have to be ready, and if it didn't, well... then she would still have to be just as ready. No matter what happened she'd have to be on her guard for whatever might go right or wrong in life. A moment later she removed her paw and curled her tail more tightly around herself. This had definitely become a barrier, a guard for her... a crutch. Something to lean on. Something to shut everything else out. She needed to learn to get along without it, but... did she want to?
　
Not really, no.
　
After all... how was she going to lose her tail? It would be weird and uncomfortable and strange if she did, and she would not only be losing her tail, but her security crutch along with it. Upon hearing his next words, a flash of alarm passed across her features. How can you forgive her? She wanted to ask, but she couldn't get the words out.
　
"Y-you... you... forgive her?" She asked, her voice scared and small.
　
Forgiveness was a strong thing to give Alabasterpaw. Even she was still working on forgiving the she cat. But, Azulpaw had somehow already forgiven her. And of course he wouldn't trust her. She wouldn't either. She would always be on guard around the feline now, wondering of her sister's true intentions. False or kind. Either way, she would be watching her back. Cautiously, she moved over to be beside him and gingerly rested her head on his shoulder. Thank you for being there for me. Thank you for understanding. Thank you for being my friend. Thank you for everything. All of those things were things she wanted to say, but when she opened her maw, only one came out:
　
"Thank you for being my north star."


Azulpaw still stood by what he said, as he eyed her with a stern look. His fur was ragged, and he supposed that he should get it looked after, and clean it for himself. It was never ideal for him to pad around with dirty grey fur. His especially since his fur had color. Now, if he were a black cat, that would had been different. Other cats hardly knew if theirs was dirty or not--the tom had sigh. It was not the time to think about his own faults. Right now, he felt calm. A brooding storm that loomed over them, passed, and once again he knew why Asterpaw flt guarded. The only thing he could not bring himself to was the fact that she was comparing him to these other cats, these other toms that had left her to be with her ragged sister, Alabasterpaw! Azulpaw would never find himself intertwining with the she-devil. Not for as long as he lived. He felt that she was asking him to do too much, even though Asterpaw only asked him to do one simple thing. ‘’Why should I?’’ He felt that he was choking on his own words, ‘’Oh, I’ll compliment her alright.’’ He says, rolling his yellow eyes, and giving a lopsided grin that turned into a smirk. ‘’I’ll give her all the compliments she dreams of. Trust me, I can keep her at bay.’’ His voice was edgy, almost flirty-like, but he cleared his throat before he made himself seem awkward.

‘’I think you need to stop worrying about me.’’ He says, deadpanned. His tone was serious, and his eyes shone that he appreciated her caring for him, but he felt useless--more than he already was. Sure, Alabasterpaw had knocked him around a few times, but that was because he allowed her to do so. Foremost, Azulpaw could never see anyone laying a paw on Asterpaw. The way her sister did that moon ago, haunted him. The way he just stood there, couldn’t even do anything to stop the greedy beast. Azulpaw was worried for her, even though countless times he knew that kinship ran deeply, and Alabasterpaw wouldn’t want to hurt her sister, even if she tried. The tom wished friendships worked that way. But, they did not. He was positive that Bluepaw would kill him without a second glance because they weren’t kin. They were only friends, and Azulpaw was sure that the two weren’t even that anymore!

The tom wondered what the piebald tom was up to. And, where was Silverpaw? Unconsciously, he felt his claws sheathing and unsheathing knowing that Silverpaw was not around, her scent becoming faint. One thing he did know was that she wasn’t alone. She had to be with someone, and he hoped it wasn’t with that black furball. Of course, Silverpaw wouldn’t go off with that poor excuse of a tom. She was most likely with the ginger tom--the other one. What was his name again? Foxpaw, right. Azulpaw knew little of him, but he was okay with the ginger’s presence. The only thing he did not like was his flirtatious personality. The fact that he brushed himself along every female he walked past. Azulpaw shook his pelt. He knew that Silverpaw was a sweet, intellectual cat that paid no heed to the other tom apprentices within Skyclan. The naive, pretty bengal was too caught up with her head in the clouds!

Having that thought in his mind, wanting to believe that she was safe, Azulpaw flicked his ears towards Asterpaw. ‘’It’s good to know, sweetheart.’’ He lashed his tail once, and looked past Asterpaw’s shoulder. Nothing was there. ‘’Next time I have a date with your sister, I’ll remember her power of manipulation--thanks for warning me!” He mewed, clearly sarcastically, but an affectionate sarcasm that emitted a purr. He knew it wasn’t a joke when it came to dealing with the white demon--but she was...clearly, a joke herself. Oh, how rude he must have been! A pretty joke...there, that was one compliment for her. Purring once more, the tom added, ‘’I would still do it even if you didn’t push me out of a tree! Perhaps, a large rock? A mountain? Roll me down a hill? I’m always up to being pushed down something!’’ He gently nudged her with a paw, chuckling softly.

Ah, pain...that was never a satisfying thing. Never did he wish to go through it, but pain happened all the time. And, he had embraced it, like tomorrow was coming. Instead of thinking on its cruelty, the tom liked to push on the exhilaration it held. ‘’I’m serious, Asterpaw. Be careful.’’ He says, glancing down at her paw. ‘’Please, don’t destroy yourself. I’m going to be bored when you’re gone, and I won’t have anyone to annoy, and boast about how awesome I am!’’ His voice was heavy, and soon lightened up as he joked. He puffed out his chest to prove his confidence level, before sinking down again and feeling smaller than the rest of the world.

As he sunk down as low as he could, he looked at the female, his companion for the moment, his eyes roaming over her pelt. As he heard her before, a haunting look came onto his features, and he blinked his eyes to rid the emotion, before saying, ‘’A lot can change, Asterpaw, and we don’t know what those two are capable of. Basically, it’s my fault that they’re like this anyway.’’ His fault. His big mouth’s fault for offending them, for talking too much, or too vague. If he hadn’t, Azulpaw believed he would had been able to save Bluepaw to become that naive basic charmer that he was. That was who Azulpaw missed dearly at the moment, and even though Asterpaw wasn’t the company he truly needed, he knew that the blue cat was first place in his life. Aside from Silverpaw, evidently. And, Azulpaw was positive that Bluepaw would also be apart of his life for a long while. Eternally, maybe.

‘’Everyone has a stopping point,’’ the tom gets up, cautiously, blinking his eyes towards Asterpaw. From the tone of her voice, he could tell that she really cared, and he was highly grateful for that. She cared about him--really cared about him. Azulpaw slowly nodded, ‘’I don’t think I can fight back in this condition--I don’t even know if I’ll be able to fight a she cat, anyway.’’ Believe it or not, this feline had a great deal of respect for she cats, even if his own mother hardly paid attention to him. He noted that they were pretty little delicate things with a fiery attitude, and a determination like no other. A drive that goes on for countless days! Turning his eyes to stare at Asterpaw, he pondered whether she would grow up to be a strong she cat. She already had the attitude, that made him roll his eyes.

‘’I’ll look after myself.’’ He tells her. ‘’And, besides. What’s done in the dark eventually comes to the light. I’m sure Alabasterpaw--and Bluepaw will receive a good punishment, and I would be served the justice I longed for.’’ Oh, how he longed for the justice of knowing his new enemies would be taken care of, but how long would it be before they’re caught? Will they finally be caught while he’s looking down at his earthly pelt, and the sadness in his eyes? Or, would they be caught to the point where he’s badly injured; on the verge of death? If he were lucky, the two would be caught before any damage is inflicted upon either of them. Either way, he was sure that they would be caught. And, Azulpaw could live his life in peace without the fear of someone wanting him dead.

At her next words, the tom had froze to his spot. How was he suppose to say this without sounding too weak? Azulpaw was tired of being known as a weak link, but what she wanted him to promise was too much for him. His shoulders had tensed, ‘’Asterpaw,’’ he began, then paused to think before closing his eyes and saying, ‘’I can’t promise that. No matter what she’s your sister--half-sister, whatever. She’s your kin.’’ The tom stared at his paws, heaving in a deep sigh. ‘’I can’t hurt anyone who you love. And, I know you have a feeling of hate towards her, but that feeling will past if I fight back.’’ Azulpaw looked back into her hues, his yellow eyes hesitant for a moment, ‘’Face it, Asterpaw. If you seen one of us dangling from a ledge--which one would you save?’’ He already knew the answer. From his prime time as a kit, he would hear the gossip and chatter of the elders, and he remembered one of them, vividly saying, No matter what, you die for your kin. Family is important. And, Azulpaw knew that was true. He just found it unfair that he hardly had any kin he could die for. So, he chose his friends, the closest kin he would have. For the rest of his life, probably. Well, not probably. Maybe if he decided to take in a mate and have kits, but that was a long way off, and Azulpaw feared that he wouldn’t be ready to do...any of that.

The tom felt good. He knew that Asterpaw was good at taking care of herself, but Azulpaw would keep an extra eye on her just in case. As he glanced down at her leg once more, he feared that she had made herself her own worst enemy. Her paw was caked with blood, and limping on, and Azulpaw urged himself to not burst out at her, and yelling at her, and calling her stupid for doing such a thing. Then, she would rebuttal that he pushed himself out a tree. When really he hadn’t. As he was climbing the tree, he had slipped, making his body slip into more pain. It wasn’t a move he wanted to do, but his pain was numbed as the feelings inside him were.

There was nothing that he could do to change the past, and it was a pity that he could do nothing to change what happened. He drew his attention away from her leg, not wanting her to feel uncomfortable at his gaze. He felt his ears flatten at hearing her whisper, and perked at her next words. He gave her a smirk,’’I’ll try not to die, oh great one.’’ He teased, his eyes lighting up in mischief.

Then, clouded over into sadness. He didn’t know what the future might bring, or what might happen between them, but he only prayed to Starclan that everything good would happen. Haven’t they had enough heartbreak? What more could others want? Azulpaw had nothing to give. Want his life? Take it. The tom was exhausted, and frankly, he didn’t allow himself to care anymore. He only cared because of Silverpaw. He only cared because of Asterpaw.

He tensed up, feeling a jolt enter into him as he felt Asterpaw’s paw on top of his own. He looked up at her, his ears twitching. Was she touching him? On her own? He would had gasped and teased her, but this was a serious moment, so he kept his maw shut until he heard her words stumbling out.

North star?

What was she talking about?

Azulpaw looked up towards the sky. It wasn’t completely dark, so the stars weren’t out at the moment. ‘’North star?’’ He mewed, sitting down, and eyeing her confusingly. Then, it dawned on him as to what she meant. ‘’You’re calling me your home?’’ He purred, amused. One thing he did know was that North star was a compass. A guidance. A map to home.

Jokingly, he added, ‘’So, what would that make you to me? My South star?’’ He says, his voice on an eager note. It felt weird that being someone’s north star, but he liked the ring of it. He liked that Asterpaw called him that, and he could feel the hair on his pelt’s pick from the excitement.

As she asked her other question, the tom settled into a serious state. He blinked at her once more, unmoving. Then, slowly, he nodded. ‘’Yes...I do forgive Alabasterpaw. I also forgive Bluepaw. I don’t want to go through life having a grudge built up against the two for what they have done to me. It’s not how a warrior behaves.’’ He tells her, proudly. Then, he relaxed his shoulders, and said, ‘’I don’t want to be a bitter cat. I know I’m not the most friendly of cats when first meeting me--and, trust me, I have a lot to be bitter about, but I can’t allow the past to control what is happening now. It took me a long time to learn that. And, I bet you won’t be able to guess who taught me?’’ He raised his tail above his head, and quickly answered before she could throw out names. ‘’That’s right!...Silverpaw.’’ Surprise, surprise it had been to him. He figured his ‘’wise lessons’’ and ‘’lectures’’ had rubbed off on her, but she always seem to be his sunlight on a gloomy grey cloudy day.

Once that was said and done, Azulpaw felt another wave of tense coming upon him as Asterpaw rested herself against him. Again, he was surprised. Shell shocked, even, but he stayed there, slowly letting his guard down as he relaxed himself. Limply, he moved his tail around her, only having it brush along her back. The silence was good. The moment was good. And, good moments always had to find a way to be ruined, as annoying as that seemed. At hearing her voice again, Azulpaw felt a shudder flow through him.

What would happen if he couldn’t be her North star for long? What if he was forced to say goodbye to her, and she would never find herself at home? At peace again? These thoughts swirled around his head, making him angry and sad at the same time, but he couldn’t worry about them. Right now, he was in the present. The past made you bitter. The future made you worry. The presence was a gift, so soak in the moment while you were in it.

Azulpaw sighed, and he turned his muzzle once to graze Asterpaw’s ear. ‘’Of course, South star.’’ The tom knew it wasn’t a such thing as a South star, but he liked to think it were. Just because he had the honor of calling her it. And, for some odd reason...it fit just right.

[lone]

Gingerblossom was glad that Blazingcomet had agreed to her friendly little game. She did not, I repeat, DID NOT want to make him angry. She never wanted to make any cat angry, or offended, or sad. She still sensed that vibe in the air, and decided to try and find some time later in her day to ponder deeply about it. For now, she had to focus on what she was doing at this moment with Blazingcomet, as not to waste time. She hated having her mind on other things while she was supposed to be focusing on others. Great Starclan Gingerblossom! Stop being so selfish! The she-cat scolded herself.


As Blazingcomet made a statement about his competitiveness, Gingerblossom simply cocked her head, slight confusion running through her mind. "Competitive" was a pretty foreign word to the warrior, and she had to scour her brain to see if she could find the right definition on what it means. That's right. An unfriendly game. That was as close as Ginger would get to knowing what the word meant.

At that moment, Gingerblossom realized Blazingcomet was saying the words to start the race. On the word go, the large orange tom had leapt off of the branch, hurtling towards the ground below. The momentum of his jump had caused the branch they were standing on to sway, and it flung Gingerblossom,
who was much smaller in stature, into the air. She twisted and landed neatly on a branch, closer to the tree they were heading for. In a split-second,
she was on the move, quickly leaping from branch to branch like a squirrel.
The pale-furred she-cat could feel exhilaration running through her, as she pushed on quickly to reach the tree. This one one of those times where Gingerblossom's secret competitiveness came out, even though the warrior didn't realize it. There were many of these times when this happened to her,
when she felt something other than pure happiness and kindness.

Gingerblossom reached the tree, and she looked down to see Blazingcomet on the ground. It looked like he had reached the tree a little before her. Her heart was still pumping fast, and she bounded down the tree branches until she reached the lowest one, and hung her head upside down over it to face him,
face to face. "Good job Blazingcomet! You're really fast!" That was also really fun! And thanks for the lift you gave me back there! Gingerblossom smirked a little, cocking her head to the side. Her smirk soon broke away to her normal, bright smile though. Her heart was till pounding, and she sat there,

head hanging upside down, looking at Blazingcomet.
Blazingcomet had almost completely forgotten who he was racing. Or, that he was racing at all. It was just him and the sky and the ground. Trees seemed to be flying past him, or was it the other way around? Who knew. All Blazingcomet knew was that he was doing what he loved, and he was barely aware as he reached the tree. As a matter of fact, he almost ran past it before he realized what he was doing. How embarassing would that have been? Oh, pretty embarassing, in the tom's opinion. After all, it wasn't everyone who would just blindly... run right by a tree. Not everyone, just Blazingcomet. Because he got way, way too caught up in the moment. And that moment had given him a thrill that he wasn't likely to be forgetting... anytime soon, anyways.
Huh? The orange tom thought, starting as the she cat glanced down at him from her branch. O-kay... well. She seemed to like to climb. But that was nothing more then opinion and observation, perhaps she really hated it and was trying to get over her fear. If there was one thing that the tom had learned, it was not to make assumptions. Assumptions led to guessing games and while Blazingcomet loved a good guessing game, he didn't like to be on the guessing side. Looked like it was time to put a little pressure on this sweetheart. Turn her into a diamond. His diamond. See, the tom had some faults... he wasn't really greedy, though.
Maybe. Possibly. At least he didn't think of himself that way. Well, he wasn't! Not really, not truly, not... necessarily. "Oh, thank you!" He purred genuinely, glad she wasn't upset. Then again, he hadn't really expected her to be. He wasn't sure if he would be more surprised that she seemed so eager, or more surprised if she had been angry? Probably angry. Because this cat just didn't seem like the type to get jealous, mad, or anything else, for that matter. She was just an all around sweetheart, wasn't she? At least she seemed to be. But, again, Blazingcomet was going to have to be careful with the assumptions he was making. It could offend her. Perhaps she was really a manipulative, scheming-- what was he thinking? Forget assumptions.
It was pretty obvious she was a sweet cat. And if that was what she wanted him to think well, then, she was doing a good job of portraying it. "And you're welcome for the lift." Perhaps he should be apologizing instead. Had he known what she had meant, perhaps he would of. But since she was thanking him, and sounded genuine enough, he supposed that was his cue to act super happy and upbeat. Wasn't it? Or was he wrong? "Say, sweetheart... would you want to go out sometime?" There was no doubting the honey-coated purr in his voice. Definitely faked. But, faked so well that it sounded just like his real one, only much sweeter. Would she get what he meant? Or was she going to brush him off as she had been doing?
　
If so... looked like it was time to make this sweetheart a nice shade of envy.
　

[wickedvirtues]

Honeyblaze lay in the sunshine of SkyClan territory, her chest rising and falling slowly. Her eyes closed against the brightness as she slowly fell asleep, she ignored the thoughts in her mind telling her to get up. 'I've hunted and patrolled, time to relax, I don't have an apprentice!' She reminded herself, letting herself calmness in the comfortable warmth.

[lone]

Azulpaw still stood by what he said, as he eyed her with a stern look. His fur was ragged, and he supposed that he should get it looked after, and clean it for himself. It was never ideal for him to pad around with dirty grey fur. His especially since his fur had color. Now, if he were a black cat, that would had been different. Other cats hardly knew if theirs was dirty or not--the tom had sigh. It was not the time to think about his own faults. Right now, he felt calm. A brooding storm that loomed over them, passed, and once again he knew why Asterpaw flt guarded. The only thing he could not bring himself to was the fact that she was comparing him to these other cats, these other toms that had left her to be with her ragged sister, Alabasterpaw! Azulpaw would never find himself intertwining with the she-devil. Not for as long as he lived. He felt that she was asking him to do too much, even though Asterpaw only asked him to do one simple thing. ‘’Why should I?’’ He felt that he was choking on his own words, ‘’Oh, I’ll compliment her alright.’’ He says, rolling his yellow eyes, and giving a lopsided grin that turned into a smirk. ‘’I’ll give her all the compliments she dreams of. Trust me, I can keep her at bay.’’ His voice was edgy, almost flirty-like, but he cleared his throat before he made himself seem awkward.

‘’I think you need to stop worrying about me.’’ He says, deadpanned. His tone was serious, and his eyes shone that he appreciated her caring for him, but he felt useless--more than he already was. Sure, Alabasterpaw had knocked him around a few times, but that was because he allowed her to do so. Foremost, Azulpaw could never see anyone laying a paw on Asterpaw. The way her sister did that moon ago, haunted him. The way he just stood there, couldn’t even do anything to stop the greedy beast. Azulpaw was worried for her, even though countless times he knew that kinship ran deeply, and Alabasterpaw wouldn’t want to hurt her sister, even if she tried. The tom wished friendships worked that way. But, they did not. He was positive that Bluepaw would kill him without a second glance because they weren’t kin. They were only friends, and Azulpaw was sure that the two weren’t even that anymore!

The tom wondered what the piebald tom was up to. And, where was Silverpaw? Unconsciously, he felt his claws sheathing and unsheathing knowing that Silverpaw was not around, her scent becoming faint. One thing he did know was that she wasn’t alone. She had to be with someone, and he hoped it wasn’t with that black furball. Of course, Silverpaw wouldn’t go off with that poor excuse of a tom. She was most likely with the ginger tom--the other one. What was his name again? Foxpaw, right. Azulpaw knew little of him, but he was okay with the ginger’s presence. The only thing he did not like was his flirtatious personality. The fact that he brushed himself along every female he walked past. Azulpaw shook his pelt. He knew that Silverpaw was a sweet, intellectual cat that paid no heed to the other tom apprentices within Skyclan. The naive, pretty bengal was too caught up with her head in the clouds!

Having that thought in his mind, wanting to believe that she was safe, Azulpaw flicked his ears towards Asterpaw. ‘’It’s good to know, sweetheart.’’ He lashed his tail once, and looked past Asterpaw’s shoulder. Nothing was there. ‘’Next time I have a date with your sister, I’ll remember her power of manipulation--thanks for warning me!” He mewed, clearly sarcastically, but an affectionate sarcasm that emitted a purr. He knew it wasn’t a joke when it came to dealing with the white demon--but she was...clearly, a joke herself. Oh, how rude he must have been! A pretty joke...there, that was one compliment for her. Purring once more, the tom added, ‘’I would still do it even if you didn’t push me out of a tree! Perhaps, a large rock? A mountain? Roll me down a hill? I’m always up to being pushed down something!’’ He gently nudged her with a paw, chuckling softly.

Ah, pain...that was never a satisfying thing. Never did he wish to go through it, but pain happened all the time. And, he had embraced it, like tomorrow was coming. Instead of thinking on its cruelty, the tom liked to push on the exhilaration it held. ‘’I’m serious, Asterpaw. Be careful.’’ He says, glancing down at her paw. ‘’Please, don’t destroy yourself. I’m going to be bored when you’re gone, and I won’t have anyone to annoy, and boast about how awesome I am!’’ His voice was heavy, and soon lightened up as he joked. He puffed out his chest to prove his confidence level, before sinking down again and feeling smaller than the rest of the world.

As he sunk down as low as he could, he looked at the female, his companion for the moment, his eyes roaming over her pelt. As he heard her before, a haunting look came onto his features, and he blinked his eyes to rid the emotion, before saying, ‘’A lot can change, Asterpaw, and we don’t know what those two are capable of. Basically, it’s my fault that they’re like this anyway.’’ His fault. His big mouth’s fault for offending them, for talking too much, or too vague. If he hadn’t, Azulpaw believed he would had been able to save Bluepaw to become that naive basic charmer that he was. That was who Azulpaw missed dearly at the moment, and even though Asterpaw wasn’t the company he truly needed, he knew that the blue cat was first place in his life. Aside from Silverpaw, evidently. And, Azulpaw was positive that Bluepaw would also be apart of his life for a long while. Eternally, maybe.

‘’Everyone has a stopping point,’’ the tom gets up, cautiously, blinking his eyes towards Asterpaw. From the tone of her voice, he could tell that she really cared, and he was highly grateful for that. She cared about him--really cared about him. Azulpaw slowly nodded, ‘’I don’t think I can fight back in this condition--I don’t even know if I’ll be able to fight a she cat, anyway.’’ Believe it or not, this feline had a great deal of respect for she cats, even if his own mother hardly paid attention to him. He noted that they were pretty little delicate things with a fiery attitude, and a determination like no other. A drive that goes on for countless days! Turning his eyes to stare at Asterpaw, he pondered whether she would grow up to be a strong she cat. She already had the attitude, that made him roll his eyes.

‘’I’ll look after myself.’’ He tells her. ‘’And, besides. What’s done in the dark eventually comes to the light. I’m sure Alabasterpaw--and Bluepaw will receive a good punishment, and I would be served the justice I longed for.’’ Oh, how he longed for the justice of knowing his new enemies would be taken care of, but how long would it be before they’re caught? Will they finally be caught while he’s looking down at his earthly pelt, and the sadness in his eyes? Or, would they be caught to the point where he’s badly injured; on the verge of death? If he were lucky, the two would be caught before any damage is inflicted upon either of them. Either way, he was sure that they would be caught. And, Azulpaw could live his life in peace without the fear of someone wanting him dead.

At her next words, the tom had froze to his spot. How was he suppose to say this without sounding too weak? Azulpaw was tired of being known as a weak link, but what she wanted him to promise was too much for him. His shoulders had tensed, ‘’Asterpaw,’’ he began, then paused to think before closing his eyes and saying, ‘’I can’t promise that. No matter what she’s your sister--half-sister, whatever. She’s your kin.’’ The tom stared at his paws, heaving in a deep sigh. ‘’I can’t hurt anyone who you love. And, I know you have a feeling of hate towards her, but that feeling will past if I fight back.’’ Azulpaw looked back into her hues, his yellow eyes hesitant for a moment, ‘’Face it, Asterpaw. If you seen one of us dangling from a ledge--which one would you save?’’ He already knew the answer. From his prime time as a kit, he would hear the gossip and chatter of the elders, and he remembered one of them, vividly saying, No matter what, you die for your kin. Family is important. And, Azulpaw knew that was true. He just found it unfair that he hardly had any kin he could die for. So, he chose his friends, the closest kin he would have. For the rest of his life, probably. Well, not probably. Maybe if he decided to take in a mate and have kits, but that was a long way off, and Azulpaw feared that he wouldn’t be ready to do...any of that.

The tom felt good. He knew that Asterpaw was good at taking care of herself, but Azulpaw would keep an extra eye on her just in case. As he glanced down at her leg once more, he feared that she had made herself her own worst enemy. Her paw was caked with blood, and limping on, and Azulpaw urged himself to not burst out at her, and yelling at her, and calling her stupid for doing such a thing. Then, she would rebuttal that he pushed himself out a tree. When really he hadn’t. As he was climbing the tree, he had slipped, making his body slip into more pain. It wasn’t a move he wanted to do, but his pain was numbed as the feelings inside him were.

There was nothing that he could do to change the past, and it was a pity that he could do nothing to change what happened. He drew his attention away from her leg, not wanting her to feel uncomfortable at his gaze. He felt his ears flatten at hearing her whisper, and perked at her next words. He gave her a smirk,’’I’ll try not to die, oh great one.’’ He teased, his eyes lighting up in mischief.

Then, clouded over into sadness. He didn’t know what the future might bring, or what might happen between them, but he only prayed to Starclan that everything good would happen. Haven’t they had enough heartbreak? What more could others want? Azulpaw had nothing to give. Want his life? Take it. The tom was exhausted, and frankly, he didn’t allow himself to care anymore. He only cared because of Silverpaw. He only cared because of Asterpaw.

He tensed up, feeling a jolt enter into him as he felt Asterpaw’s paw on top of his own. He looked up at her, his ears twitching. Was she touching him? On her own? He would had gasped and teased her, but this was a serious moment, so he kept his maw shut until he heard her words stumbling out.

North star?

What was she talking about?

Azulpaw looked up towards the sky. It wasn’t completely dark, so the stars weren’t out at the moment. ‘’North star?’’ He mewed, sitting down, and eyeing her confusingly. Then, it dawned on him as to what she meant. ‘’You’re calling me your home?’’ He purred, amused. One thing he did know was that North star was a compass. A guidance. A map to home.

Jokingly, he added, ‘’So, what would that make you to me? My South star?’’ He says, his voice on an eager note. It felt weird that being someone’s north star, but he liked the ring of it. He liked that Asterpaw called him that, and he could feel the hair on his pelt’s pick from the excitement.

As she asked her other question, the tom settled into a serious state. He blinked at her once more, unmoving. Then, slowly, he nodded. ‘’Yes...I do forgive Alabasterpaw. I also forgive Bluepaw. I don’t want to go through life having a grudge built up against the two for what they have done to me. It’s not how a warrior behaves.’’ He tells her, proudly. Then, he relaxed his shoulders, and said, ‘’I don’t want to be a bitter cat. I know I’m not the most friendly of cats when first meeting me--and, trust me, I have a lot to be bitter about, but I can’t allow the past to control what is happening now. It took me a long time to learn that. And, I bet you won’t be able to guess who taught me?’’ He raised his tail above his head, and quickly answered before she could throw out names. ‘’That’s right!...Silverpaw.’’ Surprise, surprise it had been to him. He figured his ‘’wise lessons’’ and ‘’lectures’’ had rubbed off on her, but she always seem to be his sunlight on a gloomy grey cloudy day.

Once that was said and done, Azulpaw felt another wave of tense coming upon him as Asterpaw rested herself against him. Again, he was surprised. Shell shocked, even, but he stayed there, slowly letting his guard down as he relaxed himself. Limply, he moved his tail around her, only having it brush along her back. The silence was good. The moment was good. And, good moments always had to find a way to be ruined, as annoying as that seemed. At hearing her voice again, Azulpaw felt a shudder flow through him.

What would happen if he couldn’t be her North star for long? What if he was forced to say goodbye to her, and she would never find herself at home? At peace again? These thoughts swirled around his head, making him angry and sad at the same time, but he couldn’t worry about them. Right now, he was in the present. The past made you bitter. The future made you worry. The presence was a gift, so soak in the moment while you were in it.

Azulpaw sighed, and he turned his muzzle once to graze Asterpaw’s ear. ‘’Of course, South star.’’ The tom knew it wasn’t a such thing as a South star, but he liked to think it were. Just because he had the honor of calling her it. And, for some odd reason...it fit just right.

Asterpaw knew she needed to stop worrying about the tom. The problem with that? She couldn't seem to. He was constantly in her head. Not in the same way Alabasterpaw was... of course he annoyed her sometimes, but it was in a way that made her all the more fond of him. Like he was that one itchy spot that was hard to reach. The cat who was the absolute bane of her existence, but he was still there. Comforting her when she needed it. Annoying her both when she did and didn't. Just there for her... and it made her feel calm. And at the same time, it of course, annoyed her to no end. Why wouldn't it? Just because he was her friend didn't mean he was going to stop annoying her.
　
That was absolutely crystal clear to the female. "Oh no. You're not taking this role from me too, master of everything." She mewed, trying to make her voice light and airy, careless, make the situation as comfortable as possible. Truth be told, she had more energy to do this then to fight. Surprising? Of course. Unexpected? Naturally. But, also, it was a little bit to be expected. She was a cat who was always thinking on her paws. Change was to be expected, after all... change was one of the greatest things that there was in life. It was the adventure, journey, jump and dare of a lifetime. When Asterpaw was younger, she'd thought of life as an adventure. It was all just leading to the same road, where everyone was going to end up eventually.
　
This was before much knowledge of the dark forest had come to light for her. Her mother and siblings had been pretty good about keeping that sort of stuff away, and her father? Well, she'd never known him. Not that she could remember anyways. And even if she had, wasn't he just the cat who had left her and her mother? Her siblings, her half siblings, and Alabasterpaw's mother? After all, it wasn't her blood relation. She had no tie to the she cat, not technically, unless it was through whoever her father had been. A cat that she would never be able to forgive for doing this. Never. Not in a hundred moons would she forgive the tom who had done this.
　
After all, they had ruined an innocent cat's life and turned it into a nightmare. Shouldn't there be a punishment for that? Asterpaw was pretty sure that StarClan wouldn't be all too happy with a tom who decided he was going to date and drop she cats. She wished she knew who he was. Where he was. And what had caused him to just ditch both her and Alabasterpaw's mothers. All of those things were very, very fixed in her mind as 'bad things' and it would take a miracle to changer her mind from the good to the bad. After all, for her entire life she had lived this way. Nothing would change that... nothing much, that she could think of at the moment, anyways. Maybe she was just too angry to be able to think straight, as Alabasterpaw would put it.
　
The thought of her sister brought her thoughts back to the present and for a second, she stared at her friend before the realization that he was speaking sunk in. "Good." The she cat gave a definite nod, as though that were her last word on the subject, before a smile pulled at the corners of her maw. "But don't forget to bring her some pretty flowers... who knows, maybe she'll be at your funeral?" It was somewhat of a dark humored joke, but a joke nonetheless. At least she was lightening up a little. Some playful time was needed, very much... just in case it was the last that they ever got. As much as it pained her to think about that it could be.
　
He wasn't allowed to die. He couldn't. It was impossible, she... couldn't let go of him. As selfish as that sounded it was very much true. There was no way that she was going to allow the one cat that meant so much to her, the one cat who meant the very world to her, the sun and sky... there was no way that she was going to sit back and watch him die. That would break her. It would break her heart in two, and break her mind so that she would never be the same. Was that what Bluepaw wanted? To break her so she couldn't resist him? Because it wouldn't work. She would scream. Fight. Run away. Do everything in her power to bring their evil darkness to the light. But she would not kill... killing was wrong, even in self defense, and she knew it.
　
Asterpaw hated the thought of killing another cat. She hated the idea that she might be the reason their life blood would run out, and they would... be extinguished from the world. Not to mention it was the very thing that her lovely, but evil, sister was trying to do and she didn't want to be a part of anything like that. Not in a thousand moons. Not even in ten thousand. If she were to live that long, which the feline sincerely doubted. Out here with predators and diseases, cats rarely lived too long. Not to mention traps, other cats, and especially twolegs... once a cat was taken by a twoleg? They were never seen again. Or at least almost never seen again.
　
And monsters. Those huge, terrifying things that ran on the Thunderpath? Yeah. Those. Asterpaw had seen only one before; a monster. Standing right on the Thunderpath, staring at her with it's horrible yellow eyes. That was one of the things she feared most, was monsters. They were scary! No one could blame her for being afraid, right? There was no blame to be assigned. Everyone was frightened of monsters. No one liked the terrifying creatures. Except for maybe some sort of a sick cat who was insane or something, how was she supposed to know how their sick little minds worked? She wasn't. It wasn't her job to know this. A shudder went down her spine and she tried to breathe, realizing that if she were to freak out now it wouldn't help anyone.
　
A moment later she raised her head and calmed herself. Almost missing his next words, which made her laugh. "I can do all that when you're feeling better. So you have to promise to get better, okay? Otherwise you don't get to have the pleasure of being pushed down a mountain by yours truly." Her smile was large, and a purr emitted from her throat, making her sound like just about the happiest feline in the world at that moment. Asterpaw loved to play games. Not mind games, just basic games. They were so much fun for her! And she always knew exactly what to do in them... well, that was a lie, but she sometimes knew what to do.
　
Depending on the game. But this was one that the feline definitely knew how to play, and she played her part well. It was interesting, watching the she cat. Just by looking at her you might guess she was so easily broken that you could say a single word to her and it would snap her like a twig. Only a few cats knew this weakness. Only a few. Others? Nah, they could only pick and guess at things like that, which gave Asterpaw quite a bit of hope. After all, as long as her secret weakness was kept... well, a secret... she would be fine. But Azulpaw seemed to have figured that he was able to break her. Had he wanted to, he probably could have right at that moment. Alabasterpaw had exploited this and then used it for her own gain, her own selfish and horrible gain.
　
A trait that was less then desirable, and yet she still thought of herself as beautiful and wonderful and all of that. How absolutely rude of her! But she would still think it, because Alabasterpaw was just that full of herself. How Asterpaw hated that trait of her sister's, the way that she thought she was better then everybody... it was irritating. And she was glad that her sister wasn't going to be able to attack Azulpaw anymore, not under her watch... not as long as someone was with him at all times, surely Alabasterpaw wouldn't dare try and take on two cats at once... just as long as he fought back. I don't care if you hurt her, just please don't... don't let her do this again.
　
Fighting was not something that Asterpaw cared for too much, but when it came to her friends and previously, family... she would have fought forever. Perhaps even now she would do it for Alabasterpaw... but she doubted it. The she cat was trying to take something from her. It was like when they were kits all over again, only this time, it was much worse. Because she was trying to take an innocent life. Even if he had said some rude things, it wasn't enough to cost him the price of his life! What was wrong with her sister? Was she really that jealous, or desperate for attention, or angry that she would take the life of an innocent cat? Semi-innocent. The thought came into her head and she smiled at it, realizing how true it really was.
　
He wasn't really the most innocent of cats, after all. Semi, sure, but honestly... perhaps not even that. He fit a charming bad-boy stereotype that Asterpaw had hated for a long time, but at the same time, it was one that she couldn't help but love. Much to her annoyance and chagrin. And, he seemed to defy that very stereotype at the same time until Asterpaw wasn't sure whether he played the charming bad boy or the sarcastic, arrogant hero. Perhaps a little bit of both. There was a little of the sarcastic, arrogant hero and a little of the charming bad boy obvious in him, and both annoyed her to no end. And yet she was always coming back. She would always return to the tom who had saved her life before and had become a guiding force in her life.
　
He pushed her towards the right thing. And, his next words reminded her how arrogant he could really be. "Oh no? What about Silverpaw, or does she get tired of hearing how amazing you are all the time?" She asked with a snort. The thought of the friendly little cat getting tired of hearing the tom speak seemed impossible. She seemed to be his biggest fan. It certainly wasn't Asterpaw! Anyone who accused her of that was crazy, so far as she was concerned. What kind of cat thought she would be fawning over the tom anyways? Whoever thought they looked 'cute' together. No one. Absolutely no one at the moment, and she liked it that way.
　
Asterpaw had far too much on her mind to deal with more drama anyways, especially being accidentally called a couple with this tom. He was her best friend. Her guiding force. Someone she would always return to, but... having a crush on him was something she hadn't even considered. They'd known each other for a moon. Perhaps she would wait and see... wait and see how things went, and if things were going to go alright then she would consider this. I love you too. She'd meant it platonically. Love was a strong word, like he had told her... and Asterpaw certainly didn't love a lot of cats. He was the first to tell her this anyways.
　
Or had Bluepaw at some point? It was all running into each other, making her dizzy and feel as though she wasn't sure whether she was herself or her sister anymore. Polar opposites. And yet, opposites attracted... she and Azulpaw were so similar and at the same time, they couldn't be more different. It was like the sun and the moon. The ground and the sky. She didn't understand how they could be so close and yet have such different opinions, different views on life... so it wasn't exactly that they were that different. Their minds just worked in different ways, making it seem to her like they were extraordinarily different when they really weren't. But it's not your fault! She wanted to argue, and yet this time she couldn't. She'd been the one in the way.
　
She'd been the one that Bluepaw had kept persisting over. Was he just obsessed with her? If it were that simple she would just find him another she cat to love. Easy as that! He would get over her and leave her alone. Leave Azulpaw alone. The alternatives were worse; either she did stick to her word and go to be with Bluepaw, or she didn't and his anger might end up taking over him and making him kill Azulpaw. Neither of which she wanted. So, the first one might be the best option, right? You would think. But Asterpaw didn't want to play matchmaker either, she had to do something and she felt more lost then she had in a long, long time.
　
"I didn't mean... not... not now, but when you are strong enough, please don't let her do this. Don't let her win. She's getting satisfaction out of seeing you like this and she's only going to keep going..." A shudder went down her spine. Looked like she might have to beg again. No-- she would not. She hated it. Hated it more then anything else, it was like bending to someone's will and that was something she hated doing. And yet, she had done it for Bluepaw... for her sister... perhaps she could do it here as well. All she needed to do was swallow her pride. Her pride wasn't nearly as big as she had thought and was pretty easy to push aside. "I'm begging you." Again, her voice was soft. All she wanted was for this to end. And in order for that to happen?
　
He might have to fight her sister. And, hearing his next words, she close her eyes and shook her head weakly. How was she supposed to choose? She didn't have to. And so, she didn't answer, looking at the ground. He couldn't hurt anyone she loved... but he was hurting himself. Was it not obvious? That she loved him... that she didn't want to see him hurt? Maybe she would save him. But Alabasterpaw was her kin, her... her sister. She couldn't push that aside no matter how hard she tried. And yes, she might hate the white feline at the moment, but she would always return to her side when things came to the worst. He knew it. And she did too.
　
"You're asking me to choose between my sister and the cat I--" Her voice cut off and she shook her head again. Doesn't matter. And it didn't. It didn't matter who she would pick, she would never be put in that situation. She would never be around. Knowing Alabasterpaw she would have staged the whole thing, but also... her sister was an awful climber. So she would be in the most danger. But Azulpaw... was, at the moment, the only comfort she had. If she lost that, what was she supposed to do? She would be sad for a very long time. Sad might be too mild of a word, miserable was a better one. She would be miserable. Because, what else was there to think when a cat that she cared about so much was hurt? Like at this very moment.
　
He was hurt, but she was still happy. How? Perhaps because he was there with her. Just him being with her was making her feel better. "You've really grown up." The cat she had met a moon ago probably wouldn't have said anything remotely of the kind to her. Because that never would have had to happen a moon ago. No jealousy. She had gotten herself into this, her and her stupid trusting nature. So dumb. How dumb could she get? Apparently dumb enough to trust she'd be able to just push this whole thing aside. That was one of the worst mistakes of her life. And Asterpaw hated herself for it. A mistake that might cost someone else their life.
　
Going back to earlier, she found tears clouding her vision. "You shouldn't have to endure this because of a stupid mistake I made." It hurt. A lot. She'd trusted Bluepaw and it had backfired on her. Asterpaw wasn't known for her trusting nature but she had trusted this cat and now... now it was hurting her worse then a thousand stings. It was stabbing at her heart, telling her how stupid she was over and over again and hurting her so badly she doubted she would ever fully be 'okay' with it. Because it hurt so bad she didn't know what to do. South star. That nickname stuck in her mind... there was no south star, and yet... she got what he meant, somehow. South star. Oh, I dunno. Maybe the east star? The west star? She thought jokingly.
　
Though it was just that. A joke. She wouldn't have spoken those words aloud, after all. South star was perfect. Absolutely perfect. His tail brushing against her back sent the slightest of shudders down her spine, but it quickly stopped a moment later. And she was content. A smile stretched across her features, showing her pleasure at being around the tom. This was why he couldn't die. What would happen if she lost her north star? Her guiding force, her... match. Perfect match, friendship-wise. It seemed like he had been sent down from StarClan just for her. The thought made her smile, despite the worry that she was feeling. At least whatever happened, she would know he was there.
　
At least, even in StarClan... in a way he would still be her north star.

[RedHead]

Blazingcomet had almost completely forgotten who he was racing. Or, that he was racing at all. It was just him and the sky and the ground. Trees seemed to be flying past him, or was it the other way around? Who knew. All Blazingcomet knew was that he was doing what he loved, and he was barely aware as he reached the tree. As a matter of fact, he almost ran past it before he realized what he was doing. How embarassing would that have been? Oh, pretty embarassing, in the tom's opinion. After all, it wasn't everyone who would just blindly... run right by a tree. Not everyone, just Blazingcomet. Because he got way, way too caught up in the moment. And that moment had given him a thrill that he wasn't likely to be forgetting... anytime soon, anyways.
Huh? The orange tom thought, starting as the she cat glanced down at him from her branch. O-kay... well. She seemed to like to climb. But that was nothing more then opinion and observation, perhaps she really hated it and was trying to get over her fear. If there was one thing that the tom had learned, it was not to make assumptions. Assumptions led to guessing games and while Blazingcomet loved a good guessing game, he didn't like to be on the guessing side. Looked like it was time to put a little pressure on this sweetheart. Turn her into a diamond. His diamond. See, the tom had some faults... he wasn't really greedy, though.
Maybe. Possibly. At least he didn't think of himself that way. Well, he wasn't! Not really, not truly, not... necessarily. "Oh, thank you!" He purred genuinely, glad she wasn't upset. Then again, he hadn't really expected her to be. He wasn't sure if he would be more surprised that she seemed so eager, or more surprised if she had been angry? Probably angry. Because this cat just didn't seem like the type to get jealous, mad, or anything else, for that matter. She was just an all around sweetheart, wasn't she? At least she seemed to be. But, again, Blazingcomet was going to have to be careful with the assumptions he was making. It could offend her. Perhaps she was really a manipulative, scheming-- what was he thinking? Forget assumptions.
It was pretty obvious she was a sweet cat. And if that was what she wanted him to think well, then, she was doing a good job of portraying it. "And you're welcome for the lift." Perhaps he should be apologizing instead. Had he known what she had meant, perhaps he would of. But since she was thanking him, and sounded genuine enough, he supposed that was his cue to act super happy and upbeat. Wasn't it? Or was he wrong? "Say, sweetheart... would you want to go out sometime?" There was no doubting the honey-coated purr in his voice. Definitely faked. But, faked so well that it sounded just like his real one, only much sweeter. Would she get what he meant? Or was she going to brush him off as she had been doing?
　
If so... looked like it was time to make this sweetheart a nice shade of envy.
　

Gingerblossom slipped down from the tree, landing neatly on her paws next to the ginger tom. When he asked his question, Ginger froze.
She had no idea what was going on, her body just seemed to freeze up. She knew what those words meant, she'd heard them before. But never did she think she'd hear them directed at her. Gingerblossom was a very kind, lovely she-cat, but usually, most cats got bored with her attitude, were "friendzoned" by her without her knowledge, or simply just avoided her because she was too positive. I have no feelings for this tom... Do I? The pale-furred warrior honestly didn't know what feelings more than friends.... felt like.

Gingerblossom was able to quickly snap out of her frozen phase, although less efficiently this time. She could feel worry building up inside her, a feeling she was not familiar with. It's okay Ginger, you're... you're probably just hungry. She put a bright smile on her face, forcing down the negative feelings. "Yes, that would be nice, to be able to hang out more. We could get to know each other better!"

Gingerblossom still felt that nagging feeling inside of her. Oh please, not now... She begged herself. She knew what these random negative feelings led to. Her breaking down. She hated when it happened, and especially hated it when it happened in front of other cats. The last episode she had had was 5 moons ago, but she was alone in the territory. "Well, I'm pretty hungry now,
maybe we should head back? Gingerblossom had to make sure this tomcat saw nothing of her breaking down.

[lone]

Gingerblossom slipped down from the tree, landing neatly on her paws next to the ginger tom. When he asked his question, Ginger froze.

She had no idea what was going on, her body just seemed to freeze up. She knew what those words meant, she'd heard them before. But never did she think she'd hear them directed at her. Gingerblossom was a very kind, lovely she-cat, but usually, most cats got bored with her attitude, were "friendzoned" by her without her knowledge, or simply just avoided her because she was too positive. I have no feelings for this tom... Do I? The pale-furred warrior honestly didn't know what feelings more than friends.... felt like.

Gingerblossom was able to quickly snap out of her frozen phase, although less efficiently this time. She could feel worry building up inside her, a feeling she was not familiar with. It's okay Ginger, you're... you're probably just hungry. She put a bright smile on her face, forcing down the negative feelings. "Yes, that would be nice, to be able to hang out more. We could get to know each other better!"

Gingerblossom still felt that nagging feeling inside of her. Oh please, not now... She begged herself. She knew what these random negative feelings led to. Her breaking down. She hated when it happened, and especially hated it when it happened in front of other cats. The last episode she had had was 5 moons ago, but she was alone in the territory. "Well, I'm pretty hungry now,

maybe we should head back? Gingerblossom had to make sure this tomcat saw nothing of her breaking down.
Get to know each other better? He would take it. It was better then some comments he had recieved, and he supposed that it would slowly lead to her breaking down until she was ready to give in to the awesomeness that was himself. Of course! He was so awesome. Everyone loved Blazingcomet. Everyone wanted to be with Blazingcomet. He knew it. He was cool. Gingerblossom would be begging for his attention in a matter of time, no she cat could resist him for long. Especially no pretty one. All the pretty ones always wanted him! So why was this one so bent on pretending that he was... ordinary? Ugh, just the mention of the word sent shudders down Blazingcomet's spine. He was not ordinary! He was cool. Suave. Slick. He was amazing.
"Absolutely, sweetheart. I look fowards to it with pleasure." A purr rumbled in his throat at the last words and he touched her lightly with his tail. Hey, she seemed comfortable with it. She was always comfortable! No one was this sweet all the time. She had to have a weakness. What was it? He definitely didn't want to push her to a breaking point, an exploding point... the point of no return. Everyone heard of it but Blazingcomet had actually experienced it on multiple occasions, and quite scary ones at that. Oh, they were terrifying. It was when a she cat completely lost it and snapped at him... just the memory had him shaking.
"Hungry? Well alright, Gin. We can head on back then." Sometimes cats tended to get frustrated when they got hungry. Ooh, he did not want a frustrated Gingerblossom on his paws. She seemed like she would be one of those cats trying to hide her anger by smiling and covering up, so how was he supposed to know if she was feeling okay or if she was angry? Confusing, wasn't it. Then again, she cats were confusing creatures. The tom slowly padded back to the clearing, flicking his bushy tail for Gingerblossom to follow.

[Brilliance]

Asterpaw knew she needed to stop worrying about the tom. The problem with that? She couldn't seem to. He was constantly in her head. Not in the same way Alabasterpaw was... of course he annoyed her sometimes, but it was in a way that made her all the more fond of him. Like he was that one itchy spot that was hard to reach. The cat who was the absolute bane of her existence, but he was still there. Comforting her when she needed it. Annoying her both when she did and didn't. Just there for her... and it made her feel calm. And at the same time, it of course, annoyed her to no end. Why wouldn't it? Just because he was her friend didn't mean he was going to stop annoying her.
　
That was absolutely crystal clear to the female. "Oh no. You're not taking this role from me too, master of everything." She mewed, trying to make her voice light and airy, careless, make the situation as comfortable as possible. Truth be told, she had more energy to do this then to fight. Surprising? Of course. Unexpected? Naturally. But, also, it was a little bit to be expected. She was a cat who was always thinking on her paws. Change was to be expected, after all... change was one of the greatest things that there was in life. It was the adventure, journey, jump and dare of a lifetime. When Asterpaw was younger, she'd thought of life as an adventure. It was all just leading to the same road, where everyone was going to end up eventually.
　
This was before much knowledge of the dark forest had come to light for her. Her mother and siblings had been pretty good about keeping that sort of stuff away, and her father? Well, she'd never known him. Not that she could remember anyways. And even if she had, wasn't he just the cat who had left her and her mother? Her siblings, her half siblings, and Alabasterpaw's mother? After all, it wasn't her blood relation. She had no tie to the she cat, not technically, unless it was through whoever her father had been. A cat that she would never be able to forgive for doing this. Never. Not in a hundred moons would she forgive the tom who had done this.
　
After all, they had ruined an innocent cat's life and turned it into a nightmare. Shouldn't there be a punishment for that? Asterpaw was pretty sure that StarClan wouldn't be all too happy with a tom who decided he was going to date and drop she cats. She wished she knew who he was. Where he was. And what had caused him to just ditch both her and Alabasterpaw's mothers. All of those things were very, very fixed in her mind as 'bad things' and it would take a miracle to changer her mind from the good to the bad. After all, for her entire life she had lived this way. Nothing would change that... nothing much, that she could think of at the moment, anyways. Maybe she was just too angry to be able to think straight, as Alabasterpaw would put it.
　
The thought of her sister brought her thoughts back to the present and for a second, she stared at her friend before the realization that he was speaking sunk in. "Good." The she cat gave a definite nod, as though that were her last word on the subject, before a smile pulled at the corners of her maw. "But don't forget to bring her some pretty flowers... who knows, maybe she'll be at your funeral?" It was somewhat of a dark humored joke, but a joke nonetheless. At least she was lightening up a little. Some playful time was needed, very much... just in case it was the last that they ever got. As much as it pained her to think about that it could be.
　
He wasn't allowed to die. He couldn't. It was impossible, she... couldn't let go of him. As selfish as that sounded it was very much true. There was no way that she was going to allow the one cat that meant so much to her, the one cat who meant the very world to her, the sun and sky... there was no way that she was going to sit back and watch him die. That would break her. It would break her heart in two, and break her mind so that she would never be the same. Was that what Bluepaw wanted? To break her so she couldn't resist him? Because it wouldn't work. She would scream. Fight. Run away. Do everything in her power to bring their evil darkness to the light. But she would not kill... killing was wrong, even in self defense, and she knew it.
　
Asterpaw hated the thought of killing another cat. She hated the idea that she might be the reason their life blood would run out, and they would... be extinguished from the world. Not to mention it was the very thing that her lovely, but evil, sister was trying to do and she didn't want to be a part of anything like that. Not in a thousand moons. Not even in ten thousand. If she were to live that long, which the feline sincerely doubted. Out here with predators and diseases, cats rarely lived too long. Not to mention traps, other cats, and especially twolegs... once a cat was taken by a twoleg? They were never seen again. Or at least almost never seen again.
　
And monsters. Those huge, terrifying things that ran on the Thunderpath? Yeah. Those. Asterpaw had seen only one before; a monster. Standing right on the Thunderpath, staring at her with it's horrible yellow eyes. That was one of the things she feared most, was monsters. They were scary! No one could blame her for being afraid, right? There was no blame to be assigned. Everyone was frightened of monsters. No one liked the terrifying creatures. Except for maybe some sort of a sick cat who was insane or something, how was she supposed to know how their sick little minds worked? She wasn't. It wasn't her job to know this. A shudder went down her spine and she tried to breathe, realizing that if she were to freak out now it wouldn't help anyone.
　
A moment later she raised her head and calmed herself. Almost missing his next words, which made her laugh. "I can do all that when you're feeling better. So you have to promise to get better, okay? Otherwise you don't get to have the pleasure of being pushed down a mountain by yours truly." Her smile was large, and a purr emitted from her throat, making her sound like just about the happiest feline in the world at that moment. Asterpaw loved to play games. Not mind games, just basic games. They were so much fun for her! And she always knew exactly what to do in them... well, that was a lie, but she sometimes knew what to do.
　
Depending on the game. But this was one that the feline definitely knew how to play, and she played her part well. It was interesting, watching the she cat. Just by looking at her you might guess she was so easily broken that you could say a single word to her and it would snap her like a twig. Only a few cats knew this weakness. Only a few. Others? Nah, they could only pick and guess at things like that, which gave Asterpaw quite a bit of hope. After all, as long as her secret weakness was kept... well, a secret... she would be fine. But Azulpaw seemed to have figured that he was able to break her. Had he wanted to, he probably could have right at that moment. Alabasterpaw had exploited this and then used it for her own gain, her own selfish and horrible gain.
　
A trait that was less then desirable, and yet she still thought of herself as beautiful and wonderful and all of that. How absolutely rude of her! But she would still think it, because Alabasterpaw was just that full of herself. How Asterpaw hated that trait of her sister's, the way that she thought she was better then everybody... it was irritating. And she was glad that her sister wasn't going to be able to attack Azulpaw anymore, not under her watch... not as long as someone was with him at all times, surely Alabasterpaw wouldn't dare try and take on two cats at once... just as long as he fought back. I don't care if you hurt her, just please don't... don't let her do this again.
　
Fighting was not something that Asterpaw cared for too much, but when it came to her friends and previously, family... she would have fought forever. Perhaps even now she would do it for Alabasterpaw... but she doubted it. The she cat was trying to take something from her. It was like when they were kits all over again, only this time, it was much worse. Because she was trying to take an innocent life. Even if he had said some rude things, it wasn't enough to cost him the price of his life! What was wrong with her sister? Was she really that jealous, or desperate for attention, or angry that she would take the life of an innocent cat? Semi-innocent. The thought came into her head and she smiled at it, realizing how true it really was.
　
He wasn't really the most innocent of cats, after all. Semi, sure, but honestly... perhaps not even that. He fit a charming bad-boy stereotype that Asterpaw had hated for a long time, but at the same time, it was one that she couldn't help but love. Much to her annoyance and chagrin. And, he seemed to defy that very stereotype at the same time until Asterpaw wasn't sure whether he played the charming bad boy or the sarcastic, arrogant hero. Perhaps a little bit of both. There was a little of the sarcastic, arrogant hero and a little of the charming bad boy obvious in him, and both annoyed her to no end. And yet she was always coming back. She would always return to the tom who had saved her life before and had become a guiding force in her life.
　
He pushed her towards the right thing. And, his next words reminded her how arrogant he could really be. "Oh no? What about Silverpaw, or does she get tired of hearing how amazing you are all the time?" She asked with a snort. The thought of the friendly little cat getting tired of hearing the tom speak seemed impossible. She seemed to be his biggest fan. It certainly wasn't Asterpaw! Anyone who accused her of that was crazy, so far as she was concerned. What kind of cat thought she would be fawning over the tom anyways? Whoever thought they looked 'cute' together. No one. Absolutely no one at the moment, and she liked it that way.
　
Asterpaw had far too much on her mind to deal with more drama anyways, especially being accidentally called a couple with this tom. He was her best friend. Her guiding force. Someone she would always return to, but... having a crush on him was something she hadn't even considered. They'd known each other for a moon. Perhaps she would wait and see... wait and see how things went, and if things were going to go alright then she would consider this. I love you too. She'd meant it platonically. Love was a strong word, like he had told her... and Asterpaw certainly didn't love a lot of cats. He was the first to tell her this anyways.
　
Or had Bluepaw at some point? It was all running into each other, making her dizzy and feel as though she wasn't sure whether she was herself or her sister anymore. Polar opposites. And yet, opposites attracted... she and Azulpaw were so similar and at the same time, they couldn't be more different. It was like the sun and the moon. The ground and the sky. She didn't understand how they could be so close and yet have such different opinions, different views on life... so it wasn't exactly that they were that different. Their minds just worked in different ways, making it seem to her like they were extraordinarily different when they really weren't. But it's not your fault! She wanted to argue, and yet this time she couldn't. She'd been the one in the way.
　
She'd been the one that Bluepaw had kept persisting over. Was he just obsessed with her? If it were that simple she would just find him another she cat to love. Easy as that! He would get over her and leave her alone. Leave Azulpaw alone. The alternatives were worse; either she did stick to her word and go to be with Bluepaw, or she didn't and his anger might end up taking over him and making him kill Azulpaw. Neither of which she wanted. So, the first one might be the best option, right? You would think. But Asterpaw didn't want to play matchmaker either, she had to do something and she felt more lost then she had in a long, long time.
　
"I didn't mean... not... not now, but when you are strong enough, please don't let her do this. Don't let her win. She's getting satisfaction out of seeing you like this and she's only going to keep going..." A shudder went down her spine. Looked like she might have to beg again. No-- she would not. She hated it. Hated it more then anything else, it was like bending to someone's will and that was something she hated doing. And yet, she had done it for Bluepaw... for her sister... perhaps she could do it here as well. All she needed to do was swallow her pride. Her pride wasn't nearly as big as she had thought and was pretty easy to push aside. "I'm begging you." Again, her voice was soft. All she wanted was for this to end. And in order for that to happen?
　
He might have to fight her sister. And, hearing his next words, she close her eyes and shook her head weakly. How was she supposed to choose? She didn't have to. And so, she didn't answer, looking at the ground. He couldn't hurt anyone she loved... but he was hurting himself. Was it not obvious? That she loved him... that she didn't want to see him hurt? Maybe she would save him. But Alabasterpaw was her kin, her... her sister. She couldn't push that aside no matter how hard she tried. And yes, she might hate the white feline at the moment, but she would always return to her side when things came to the worst. He knew it. And she did too.
　
"You're asking me to choose between my sister and the cat I--" Her voice cut off and she shook her head again. Doesn't matter. And it didn't. It didn't matter who she would pick, she would never be put in that situation. She would never be around. Knowing Alabasterpaw she would have staged the whole thing, but also... her sister was an awful climber. So she would be in the most danger. But Azulpaw... was, at the moment, the only comfort she had. If she lost that, what was she supposed to do? She would be sad for a very long time. Sad might be too mild of a word, miserable was a better one. She would be miserable. Because, what else was there to think when a cat that she cared about so much was hurt? Like at this very moment.
　
He was hurt, but she was still happy. How? Perhaps because he was there with her. Just him being with her was making her feel better. "You've really grown up." The cat she had met a moon ago probably wouldn't have said anything remotely of the kind to her. Because that never would have had to happen a moon ago. No jealousy. She had gotten herself into this, her and her stupid trusting nature. So dumb. How dumb could she get? Apparently dumb enough to trust she'd be able to just push this whole thing aside. That was one of the worst mistakes of her life. And Asterpaw hated herself for it. A mistake that might cost someone else their life.
　
Going back to earlier, she found tears clouding her vision. "You shouldn't have to endure this because of a stupid mistake I made." It hurt. A lot. She'd trusted Bluepaw and it had backfired on her. Asterpaw wasn't known for her trusting nature but she had trusted this cat and now... now it was hurting her worse then a thousand stings. It was stabbing at her heart, telling her how stupid she was over and over again and hurting her so badly she doubted she would ever fully be 'okay' with it. Because it hurt so bad she didn't know what to do. South star. That nickname stuck in her mind... there was no south star, and yet... she got what he meant, somehow. South star. Oh, I dunno. Maybe the east star? The west star? She thought jokingly.
　
Though it was just that. A joke. She wouldn't have spoken those words aloud, after all. South star was perfect. Absolutely perfect. His tail brushing against her back sent the slightest of shudders down her spine, but it quickly stopped a moment later. And she was content. A smile stretched across her features, showing her pleasure at being around the tom. This was why he couldn't die. What would happen if she lost her north star? Her guiding force, her... match. Perfect match, friendship-wise. It seemed like he had been sent down from StarClan just for her. The thought made her smile, despite the worry that she was feeling. At least whatever happened, she would know he was there.
　
At least, even in StarClan... in a way he would still be her north star.


''Oh, I'm sorry,'' he purred. She had to know what was coming next. He always had a retort or annoying remark that got under her pelt, and frankly he enjoyed getting under her pelt. She was fun to bother--especially when she was mad. Depending on why she was mad. Azulpaw knew whenever he took things too far, and whenever he did, he tried to make it up to her. It was the type of cat he was. However, if she wasn't his friend, and he still made her mad? He would tell her to get over herself and to suck it up. Pretty harsh, and maybe one of the reasons as to why it was hard for him to make friends. ''But, you know these jobs require perfections--which I am.'' He tells her, smirking. Oh, how the tom enjoyed boasting about himself and his accomplishments to any ear willing to listen.

Oh, such lies! In fact, Azulpaw did rather enjoy proclaiming his confidence, but he did not enjoy gossiping about it to others. Anyone would hardly find Azulpaw discussing such matters. The tom tried to stay away from his other clan mates, enjoying the feeling of being alone. He tolerated the entire clan, but some cats he tolerated more than others. And, at the moment he sounded like a leader. Who was he to tolerate anyone? Tolerated...the words sounded harsh. It did not fit on how he wanted to describe of how he felt about his clan.

He didn't feel entirely indifferent towards them. Some he found a nuisance. Most he hardly cared for. And, few he allowed into his life. Being Asterpaw, Bluepaw, and Silverpaw as an example. Bluepaw had always been there, and the grey tom was certain that he always would, but as a moon went...things changed drastically, and their friendship was no more. Azulpaw did forgive the tom easily, because he could not fight with the fact that holding a grudge was never the answer. If he wanted to, Azulpaw would hold this grudge even beyond his own grave!

Which was why he found himself forgiving Alabasterpaw as well. The white feline had bruised him up pretty badly, but could he blame her? Some cat had to put him into a shut up mode, even if she didn't succeed. Azulpaw had his reasons for what he did, and why he did it. The grey tom wasn't perfect, nor did he feel as a hero. In fact, he felt like an actually normal cat. As normal as a cat could be. He didn't feel any disdain for what had happened. Everyone was safe. Everyone was happy--well...the grey tom couldn't speak for everyone. This made him glance towards Asterpaw, watching her intently. Was she happy? Despite everything that happened? Losing the tight knit relationship with her half-sister? The treasured demon?

Azulpaw let out a grim laugh towards Asterpaw's joke. The tom enjoyed dark, cruel humor at times, and he felt his yellow hues lighten up. ''Oh, yes! Definitely bring her all types of flowers, since she is one...practically herself.'' He mused, then added. ''In that case, she don't even need to bring me flowers! As long as she come to my funeral herself, she might as well be a whole banquet!'' He states, the side of his mouth curled into a weak lopsided grin.

Alabasterpaw was far from being a flower. Flowers were too innocent, too extraordinary, too exquisite for Alabasterpaw to be compared to them. Yes, Alabasterpaw was indeed as attractive as a flower, but she wasn't a flower. Azulpaw did not think Flowers killed others--well, unless they had thorns, and called themselves evil, but the tom was positive that flowers never intentionally would kill others off. And, if Alabasterpaw was a flower; she would be a deadly flower, a venomous one that soaked in others with her sweet tongue, and sugary movements.

His tail flickered at her next words, and he gave her an odd look. The tom had rolled his eyes, and if he weren't in such pain, he would had loved to leap at her and start tussling with her, but instead he gave a weak nudge. ''Make sure the mountain is very rocky when you decide to push me down. So, you know, the rocks would land on top of me, and instantly kill me with a single blow--this is if I survived the mountain fall.'' He snorted, with a hint of a lot of sarcasm rolling out his mew.

Mountains were never fun. Nor was falling off anything else. The tom always talked of death at some point, finding it an interesting topic, which was why he came up with the phrase Come to my funeral? It was a game that he and Silverpaw used to play. A harsh, silly game that did not mean anything at the time, but got worse as he introduced it to Asterpaw. Not the game, but the words. Azulpaw was scared to play the game with her for some odd reason. Asterpaw was extremely competitive, and he didn't want to hurt her feelings because he knew that he would win the game anyway. Only the game wasn't an actual game to win.

So, why would it be called a game when it was clearly not meant to be won? That...Azulpaw could not answer. Usually, questions were thrown around, and the other person had to answer with a yes or a no, and if they answered yes, they would have to decide on what they would bring to the funeral. With each turn, the sources became ridiculous, and thinking back on this, Azulpaw realized how much he missed playing the game with Silverpaw!

''Excuse me?!'' The tom shrieked, feigning a tone of shocked going through him. ''How dare you trigger me? You should enjoy hearing stories about me. I'm the best thing that ever happened to you!'' He shouted playfully at her, puffing out his chest to appear larger and more confident. He didn't truly believe he was the best thing that happened to her, but his playful side was pushing through. And, whenever this happened, the tom became a lot cocky, enjoying the sense of feeling going through his pelt like wild fire. His eyes light up, and he inhaled sharply, breathing at a regular pace. ''Face it, Asterpaw; Silverpaw stopped complaining a long time again, and you're either fore me or against me. So, you might as well join me, and get used to it as well.'' He says, brushing his pelt slightly against hers.

He knew the blue feline would never be against him. Would she? For a moment, he felt his fur pickle at the thought of her betraying him, but that was least likely. Asterpaw been there all the time, nothing would change between them. Fast forward in a couple years, and the two would be older, perhaps still friends with families of their own. It was a thought. It was a maybe. Only the higher power knew of the future, and all they could do as small beings on the earth was pray that everything would be good.

Who wouldn't want a good future? Azulpaw was dying for a good future where he would be pleased with himself, and find happiness that no other cat could experience because they weren't him. He wanted that type of happines, but as of the moment, he only needed to focus on training and keeping the friends he held close to him, safe. Out of enemies hands.

In this case, Bluepaw and Alabasterpaw.

No matter what, Azulpaw would always protect Asterpaw and Silverpaw. He vowed that no one would touch a single hair on their pelt. At all. The grey tom seldom became ferocious, but whenever he did; his teeth would be bared, his eyes wide, and ready for a fight. A fight he surely knew he would win. ''I won't let anyone hurt you.'' He didn't know why the words tumbled out, but he wanted her to know that. He had hoped that she would believe him. His voice was soft, losing all playfulness. It was something she needed to know. And, if she already did know. It was something that needed to be implanted in her mind so that she would remember it even if he was gone.

Gone...as in dead. Azulpaw didn't want to die, realizing he had so much to live for, but he also knew that within a heartbeat, he would lay his life on the line for Silverpaw or Asterpaw. From the dead state, he didn't believe that he would be able to protect her, screaming her name in case danger decided to play a little game. From beyond the earth's territories, Azulpaw hoped that he would be able to fend for her no matter what. Unconsciously, Azulpaw gave a quick lick at her ear, a friendly affection that he done to Silverpaw all the time. Either in an attempt to calm her down, or in a moment of having a memory with her. With Silverpaw, everything was a memory with her, and as he was with Asterpaw now.

Everything would be a memory with her.

The tom was quite surprised to see Asterpaw begging to him. Her voice soft and strained, and he knew that she wasn't begging. She was pleading to him that he needed to fight back. That he had a reason to live, and Azulpaw knew this. He didn't take it into consideration, but at seeing his friend in such distress, he gave a simple nod. A playful tone would had been ideal, but this was an important situation--not something to laugh at. ''I'm not going to let her hurt me, Asterpaw.'' He says, realizing that whenever he used her acutal name, he was being honest. Serious with her. ''And, I'm not going to allow her to hurt anyone else.'' He says, adding matter-of-factly.

What was that she was going to say? The cat that she what? Azulpaw twitched his ears, flicked his tail, wanting her to continue, but she dropped the topic. He took another glance at her, wondering why she was acting in such a way. Though, he was probably acting indifferent as well. And, he got her point. She couldn't choose. The whole reason why he asked the question was because he knew that she couldn't choose. If he were her, he doubt he would be able to choose as well. That's understandable to him, and he wasn't hurt, so he dropped the issue in order to keep her from discomfort. But, inwardly he felt--the tom knew that if a day as such would happen, Asterpaw would aim for her sister, saving her,and Azulpaw would be awaiting a perilous death, going deep into the abyss. And, yet, the tom knew he would forgive her. Forgive her because he understood.

His whiskers wiggled, and he looked at her once more. ''I've grown up, eh? I always thought I finished growing. I think I'm quite wise.'' He stated, a humorous purr escaping his muzzle. With the experiences he went through, a cat would think the tom had grown up. But, he knew deep down that he needed a lot of growing to do. He wanted to focus on himself, but Asterpaw was his main focus. Making sure she was safe. Making sure she was happy for the time being. He knew he wouldn't be able to hold her paw every step of the way, and he doubted she would need him to. Asterpaw was a well-balanced cat on the outside from his eyes.

''It seems like we both had grown up.'' He says, giving her a professional nod. He wasn't the only one who had to endured Bluepaw and Alabasterpaw's evil antics. Asterpaw was there every step of the way, and she remained constant as he got to know her farther. He thought she had everything under control, but she was breaking. And, as much as Azulpaw wished to yell, to break, to do anything, he reframed himself from doing such. One of them had to be the strong figure, and although Asterpaw was the much better actor, Azulpaw was just tired.

Tired and worn out.

From everything.

''Hey, don't beat yourself up over it.'' He waved the female off with a tip of his tail. It didn't matter much to him anymore. The past was the past, and they were forced to move on with their life. Azulpaw figured that if he were still alive, she would be alright, content that he was still her friend, despite her sister wanting him dead. Nothing would shake off this tom as he gazed at the greenish-grey hues of his companion next to him. ''We all make mistakes, and that's fine. I'm just glad you're okay. And, as I said before, please stop worrying about him.'' Possibly it was hard for her to stop worrying about him. She had seemed to care about him more, and he appreciated the gesture. It was nice to have other cats caring about you when you thought you were alone.

The tom had nuzzled her shoulder, bumping his head into her upper arm, purring. ''I'm far more worried about you. What's going on in your mind that you can't seem to let this..go?'' The fact that she was telling him constantly to defend himself, egging him on to fight her sister if the moment came, and the fact that she reminded herself and him of the mistake she made. Azulpaw knew that no one would know the consequences of their decisions, so he hardly blamed her for what had happened. He just hoped it wasn't eating her up from the inside, and leaving her an empty hollow shell. What could he do to make her whole again? He would do absolutely any and everything to make her forget and to never remember what he did and why he did it.

Once again, his voice was strained, and he feared if she heard it in his distress tone, ''I'm always going to be there for you, South star.'' He chuckled at the name, as it humored him. ''I just wish you would forgive it--like I had, and please try to forget it. I don't want anything weighing heavy on your mind. You have so much other things to worry about over--and me? I'm not one of them.'' He tells her, bringing up his eyes to look into hers. He was only being honest, and he knew things were easier said than done, but she had to do this. He had to be the one less thing she needed to worry over.

[BluBunnie]

Suspiciousmindz

Mousefur closed his eyes as he felt the fairly cool rock against his paw pads. New-leaf was just starting but it was raining quite a lot, luckily the toms thick and long pelt kept him pretty warm. That's why the spotted white and brown tom loved bare-leaf so much, he still stayed pretty warm but didn't get overheated like he does during green-leaf. The clouds were gray and you could smell rain in the air but he hoped it didn't rain anytime soon. The rain made his pelt feel even more heavier and he just wanted to lay on his rock for a few and relax. He let a light gargled purr, this was the only place he allowed himself to make his strange noises at. After his injury the tom couldn't really talk but his purrs sounded gargled and strange and when he did make any effort to speak they came out as wheezes rather then words. He kept quiet as much as possible and refused to even purr, he hated the pity looks he would get from others. There was nothing wrong with him, he had just had a injury thats all. He was still a a good warrior and he could fight, yeah he had to stay close to others since he couldn't yelp out for help or anything but he was still a good warrior. He flatten his ears for a moment as he forced the thoughts away. This rock was his peaceful place, he wasn't going to think about those things right now.

(ahhh wasn't sure where to start this one either)

[SuspiciousMindz]

Suspiciousmindz

Mousefur closed his eyes as he felt the fairly cool rock against his paw pads. New-leaf was just starting but it was raining quite a lot, luckily the toms thick and long pelt kept him pretty warm. That's why the spotted white and brown tom loved bare-leaf so much, he still stayed pretty warm but didn't get overheated like he does during green-leaf. The clouds were gray and you could smell rain in the air but he hoped it didn't rain anytime soon. The rain made his pelt feel even more heavier and he just wanted to lay on his rock for a few and relax. He let a light gargled purr, this was the only place he allowed himself to make his strange noises at. After his injury the tom couldn't really talk but his purrs sounded gargled and strange and when he did make any effort to speak they came out as wheezes rather then words. He kept quiet as much as possible and refused to even purr, he hated the pity looks he would get from others. There was nothing wrong with him, he had just had a injury thats all. He was still a a good warrior and he could fight, yeah he had to stay close to others since he couldn't yelp out for help or anything but he was still a good warrior. He flatten his ears for a moment as he forced the thoughts away. This rock was his peaceful place, he wasn't going to think about those things right now.

(ahhh wasn't sure where to start this one either)
Owlwing happened to be out and about in the territory. She was on a solo hunt, no recommended with all the tension between them and the Dusk Syndicate, but Owlwing wasn't one for making friends. In fact, she was seen alone more than ever with Shortcry's disappearance. It was truly heart-breaking, her past I mean, if you really got down to know her. She wasn't your typical Skyclan cat and there's nothing much that will change that. Her fear of toms especially. Shortcry had been helping her with that fear, but now that he was gone, she was getting worse and worse. She didn't think there was a good tom-cat out there anymore. Besides that point, the white tabby crept through the trees. Her golden hues were focused in all sorts of directions, although her mouth was partially opened to scent the slightest hints of prey. New-leaf was bringing plenty of prey, prey that the clan needed now more than ever. Grousestar was launching an attack so they needed every piece to keep their strength up. Luckily for her, she wouldn't be partaking in the attack, she'd be in camp defending if any Syndicate cat happened to stumble upon them. Otherwise, she'd be helping the wounded and hunting for those who wouldn't be able to after battle. She felt more helpful this way. Just as Owlwing was thinking to herself, a sparrow caught her attention. She hadn't paid enough attention and was already too close to the bird before it started to take off. Although, thankfully she was full-blooded Skyclan and her back legs were powerful. She shot forwards before her hind legs shot her into the air, her forepaws outstretched as her claws sank into the sparrow's wing. She brought it down and with a swift bite to the neck, the avian was dead. Once her head was lifted, she caught the scent of a fellow warrior. A tom.

[BluBunnie]

Owlwing happened to be out and about in the territory. She was on a solo hunt, no recommended with all the tension between them and the Dusk Syndicate, but Owlwing wasn't one for making friends. In fact, she was seen alone more than ever with Shortcry's disappearance. It was truly heart-breaking, her past I mean, if you really got down to know her. She wasn't your typical Skyclan cat and there's nothing much that will change that. Her fear of toms especially. Shortcry had been helping her with that fear, but now that he was gone, she was getting worse and worse. She didn't think there was a good tom-cat out there anymore. Besides that point, the white tabby crept through the trees. Her golden hues were focused in all sorts of directions, although her mouth was partially opened to scent the slightest hints of prey. New-leaf was bringing plenty of prey, prey that the clan needed now more than ever. Grousestar was launching an attack so they needed every piece to keep their strength up. Luckily for her, she wouldn't be partaking in the attack, she'd be in camp defending if any Syndicate cat happened to stumble upon them. Otherwise, she'd be helping the wounded and hunting for those who wouldn't be able to after battle. She felt more helpful this way. Just as Owlwing was thinking to herself, a sparrow caught her attention. She hadn't paid enough attention and was already too close to the bird before it started to take off. Although, thankfully she was full-blooded Skyclan and her back legs were powerful. She shot forwards before her hind legs shot her into the air, her forepaws outstretched as her claws sank into the sparrow's wing. She brought it down and with a swift bite to the neck, the avian was dead. Once her head was lifted, she caught the scent of a fellow warrior. A tom.

The tom had rolled onto his belly, not showing any concern about his surroundings. The tom knew in the back of his mind he should have his guard up, since the tensions between the clan and the Dusk Syndicate were higher then ever. He chose to sweep those thoughts away, he opened his mouth slightly and took in the scents around him. His eyes flew open as he smelt another cat, he quickly scrambled to stand up. His fur bristled and he looked around, he slowly began to realize it was a fellow clanmate. He cursed at himself mentally for being such a mousebrain, if it had been an enemy cat he would've been dead by now. He took in the scent once more, from what he could tell the scent was a she-cat. He wondered if he should follow the scent, it's not like the she-cat was far from him. Besides, cats weren't supposed to be by themselves out here anyway. He folded his ears back, well he couldn't confront her about that because he had been out here by myself as well. His eyes brighten as an idea flew into his head, maybe he can stay with the cat so both of them wouldn't have to get into trouble for being out here alone. He smiled at his bright idea and began to follow the scent of the she-cat, keeping his eyes open for any sign of her. She couldn't be that far off from him.

[SuspiciousMindz]

The tom had rolled onto his belly, not showing any concern about his surroundings. The tom knew in the back of his mind he should have his guard up, since the tensions between the clan and the Dusk Syndicate were higher then ever. He chose to sweep those thoughts away, he opened his mouth slightly and took in the scents around him. His eyes flew open as he smelt another cat, he quickly scrambled to stand up. His fur bristled and he looked around, he slowly began to realize it was a fellow clanmate. He cursed at himself mentally for being such a mousebrain, if it had been an enemy cat he would've been dead by now. He took in the scent once more, from what he could tell the scent was a she-cat. He wondered if he should follow the scent, it's not like the she-cat was far from him. Besides, cats weren't supposed to be by themselves out here anyway. He folded his ears back, well he couldn't confront her about that because he had been out here by myself as well. His eyes brighten as an idea flew into his head, maybe he can stay with the cat so both of them wouldn't have to get into trouble for being out here alone. He smiled at his bright idea and began to follow the scent of the she-cat, keeping his eyes open for any sign of her. She couldn't be that far off from him.
Owlwing hated toms. Oh, why'd it have to be a tom that she had to stumble upon. Before she could react properly, she was hearing the paw steps of the fellow warrior coming closer and closer to her. She clamped the sparrow tighter in her jaws and searched the undergrowth for any sign of him. Her golden hues picked up small movements in the blossoming undergrowth nearby as the tom made his way through. She couldn't run because she'd look suspicious and she couldn't hide because... well it was their territory. Why would she hide. She had to face up to this confrontation even if she didn't want to. Confrontation scared her and it was written all over her face as he neared. Her golden hues were dark with worry of being chewed out for being alone until it hit her. This warrior was alone as well therefore she couldn't get in trouble! Now she waited. Waited for him to say something or do something first so she could respond. If only she knew her fellow clan-mates better. Maybe she would've known he was mute.

[BluBunnie]

Owlwing hated toms. Oh, why'd it have to be a tom that she had to stumble upon. Before she could react properly, she was hearing the paw steps of the fellow warrior coming closer and closer to her. She clamped the sparrow tighter in her jaws and searched the undergrowth for any sign of him. Her golden hues picked up small movements in the blossoming undergrowth nearby as the tom made his way through. She couldn't run because she'd look suspicious and she couldn't hide because... well it was their territory. Why would she hide. She had to face up to this confrontation even if she didn't want to. Confrontation scared her and it was written all over her face as he neared. Her golden hues were dark with worry of being chewed out for being alone until it hit her. This warrior was alone as well therefore she couldn't get in trouble! Now she waited. Waited for him to say something or do something first so she could respond. If only she knew her fellow clan-mates better. Maybe she would've known he was mute.

The tom would smell the strong fear scent coming off his fellow warrior. He was very confused on why she was so scared, maybe it was because she knew she shouldn't be alone. He took a few moments to observe the she-cat, his yellow-green hues moved to the ground as he tried to figure out how to talk with her. He bowed his head slowly then waved his tail in a greeting while tilting his head to one side. The spotted cat gave off a friendly aura, he tried to show as much kindness as possible and he hoped the she-cats fear scent would go away.

[~Masked~]

Cloudpaw picked his prey up and began to wander back towards where he had started.
(@Aashka Just a little bump!)

[ladybugg03]

A tiny kit was gently set down by a small ragged queen. She queen looked down sadly at the kit. The she-cat licked the kit between the ears and turned around without a last glance.
The kit started to squirm. She was starting to get hungry and cold. She needed her mother. But her mother had just left. She started to whimper.
She was left there for hours, alone and growing increasingly hungry. She started to cry out. Screaming for someone's attention.

[Ripplekit]

A tiny kit was gently set down by a small ragged queen. She queen looked down sadly at the kit. The she-cat licked the kit between the ears and turned around without a last glance.
The kit started to squirm. She was starting to get hungry and cold. She needed her mother. But her mother had just left. She started to whimper.
She was left there for hours, alone and growing increasingly hungry. She started to cry out. Screaming for someone's attention.

Two kits, Whitekit and Sagekit, were out for a stroll. They didn't like being around other cats like the warriors, so they snuck away quite often. After a while, Whitekit heard the cries of another kit. "Sage, I hear something." "Are you sure? I don't hear anything." "Yes I'm sure," Whitekit then saw the little kit and rushed over to it. "Over here Sage, I told you I heard something. I wonder if it's lost." "Or maybe it was left here, can't really be sure"

[ladybugg03]

Two kits, Whitekit and Sagekit, were out for a stroll. They didn't like being around other cats like the warriors, so they snuck away quite often. After a while, Whitekit heard the cries of another kit. "Sage, I hear something."Are you sure? I don't hear anything." "Yes I'm sure," Whitekit then saw the little kit and rushed over to it. "Over here Sage, I told you I heard something. I wonder if it's lost." "Or maybe it was left here, can't really be sure"

The very young kit continued to cry. Her stomach rumbled. She began to wail louder. She blindly wandered toward the other two kits, thinking they were her mother. She flopped on the floor in front of them, her small legs sprawling out around her. Her tiny mouth opened in yet another cry.

[Ripplekit]

The very young kit continued to cry. Her stomach rumbled. She began to wail louder. She blindly wandered toward the other two kits, thinking they were her mother. She flopped on the floor in front of them, her small legs sprawling out around her. Her tiny mouth opened in yet another cry.

Whitekit looked at Sagekit, "Do you have any food with you?" "Um, let me think, no" "Dont be so cold Sage, you don't have to act like that" Sagekit then throws out a piece of meat he kept, "fine, geez, take a joke." Whitekit then gave the piece of meat to the little kit.

[ladybugg03]

Whitekit looked at Sagekit, "Do you have any food with you?" "Um, let me think, no" "Dont be so cold Sage, you don't have to act like that" Sagekit then throws out a piece of meat he kept, "fine, geez, take a joke." Whitekit then gave the piece of meat to the little kit.

The cream colored kit took a bit in her mouth and spat out the meat. She wailed again, Berstomach grumbling for her mothers milk. She began to wander again, crying.

[Ripplekit]

The cream colored kit took a bit in her mouth and spat out the meat. She wailed again, Berstomach grumbling for her mothers milk. She began to wander again, crying.

Whitekit watched the kit with great concern, "I don't know what we can do for it, it's not like we know any queens to take it to." "That's true"

[ladybugg03]

Whitekit watched the kit with great concern, "I don't know what we can do for it's not like we know any queens to take it to." "That's true"

She wobbled around and bumped into Sagekit. She fell with a thump. Her wailing started to cease. She found Sagekit again with her little nose and curled up next the other kit. She sighes, enveloped in warmth. She nuzzled into Sagekit's fur.

[Ripplekit]

She wobbled around and bumped into Sagekit. She fell with a thump. Her wailing started to cease. She found Sagekit again with her little nose and curled up next the other kit. She sighes, enveloped in warmth. She nuzzled into Sagekit's fur.

"Uh..." After the tiny kit snuggled into him, Sagekit didn't even move. Never had he ever had a cat do this to him.

[SuspiciousMindz]

The tom would smell the strong fear scent coming off his fellow warrior. He was very confused on why she was so scared, maybe it was because she knew she shouldn't be alone. He took a few moments to observe the she-cat, his yellow-green hues moved to the ground as he tried to figure out how to talk with her. He bowed his head slowly then waved his tail in a greeting while tilting his head to one side. The spotted cat gave off a friendly aura, he tried to show as much kindness as possible and he hoped the she-cats fear scent would go away.
Owlwing didn't exactly calm down as the other warrior came into view and stopped walking. Despite his already friendly nature, she shank back a little, though she did muster enough "courage" to reply a greeting. "H- hi... what are you doing o- out here?" she asked, her voice stuttering a bit as she tried to speak. Once again, the warrior didn't know any better about the other warrior's disability. In fact, when she did find out, she was going to be upset with herself and many apologies were already lining up to be spoken, but it was really up to how he reacted. Owlwing continued to wait, taking in a deep breath as she stood herself up to stand tall just like any other warrior normally would. Perhaps this warrior coming across her wasn't such a bad thing. Company was always better when the Dusk Syndicate could be around any tree and in any shadow. Just that thought scared her, as it would any sane cat. Especially when she was out and about on her own during these high tensions.

[ladybugg03]

"Uh..." After the tiny kit snuggled into him, Sagekit didn't even move. Never had he ever had a cat do this to him.

The tiny she-cat nuzzled farther into the warmth. For a second, she seemed to have forgotten her hunger. But her stomach grumbled and she began to wail. Her cries ringing through the forest.

[TheTalisman]

[Open]
Like a fireball, Dayfleck sped through the trees on a hunt. Okay, so far it was unsuccessful. But this time, he was sure that he'd get something decent. But with his pace, he was sure to bump into someone at some point.
Such recklessness was the norm for the tom. Always blazing from one place to the other, out of desire to see everything.

[Ripplekit]

The tiny she-cat nuzzled farther into the warmth. For a second, she seemed to have forgotten her hunger. But her stomach grumbled and she began to wail. Her cries ringing through the forest.

"I'm not really sure what to do right now." Sagekit was in a state of confusion, still shocked by the small kit. "Well, um, I don't think we know anybody at the nursery..."

[TheTalisman]

"I'm not really sure what to do right now." Sagekit was in a state of confusion, still shocked by the small kit. "Well, um, I don't think we know anybody at the nursery..."
Ah! Just below Dayfleck lay a squirrel, asleep, dead to the world. What an easy catch. He jumped down and caught it before it could wake and scurry away.
But before he could take it back to camp, he overheard a cry. Was someone lost? Tired? Hungry?
Curious, he padded over to find some kits, one looking rather weak.
"Hey there," he said, careful not to scare them, "You need this more than I do." He dropped the squirrel at the stronger kit's paws.

[Ripplekit]

Ah! Just below Dayfleck lay a squirrel, asleep, dead to the world. What an easy catch. He jumped down and caught it before it could wake and scurry away.
But before he could take it back to camp, he overheard a cry. Was someone lost? Tired? Hungry?
Curious, he padded over to find some kits, one looking rather weak.
"Hey there," he said, careful not to scare them, "You need this more than I do." He dropped the squirrel at the stronger kit's paws.

Sagekit took it gladly. "Thank you"

[TheTalisman]

Sagekit took it gladly. "Thank you"
"It's the least I could do for your friend," smiled Dayfleck. Hopefully the kit would regain her strength soon. "Take care of yourselves, and tell your old guys that Dayfleck said hi!"

[Ripplekit]

"It's the least I could do for your friend," smiled Dayfleck. Hopefully the kit would regain her strength soon. "Take care of yourselves, and tell your old guys that Dayfleck said hi!"

"Alright"

[BluBunnie]

Owlwing didn't exactly calm down as the other warrior came into view and stopped walking. Despite his already friendly nature, she shank back a little, though she did muster enough "courage" to reply a greeting. "H- hi... what are you doing o- out here?" she asked, her voice stuttering a bit as she tried to speak. Once again, the warrior didn't know any better about the other warrior's disability. In fact, when she did find out, she was going to be upset with herself and many apologies were already lining up to be spoken, but it was really up to how he reacted. Owlwing continued to wait, taking in a deep breath as she stood herself up to stand tall just like any other warrior normally would. Perhaps this warrior coming across her wasn't such a bad thing. Company was always better when the Dusk Syndicate could be around any tree and in any shadow. Just that thought scared her, as it would any sane cat. Especially when she was out and about on her own during these high tensions.

Mousefur took a bit longer this time to answer the she-cats question. She must've not known he was mute, but it's not like he could make it obvious anyway. All he could respond with was a shrug, he rose his paw and gestured to his throat. The she-cat needed to know he was mute, it would make communicating much easier. 'I can't talk.' He mouthed to her, this was the best he could do. He didn't need to ask her what she was doing, obviously been hunting.

[happycyanide]

Owlbreeze traversed with Pardusn through the territory. Owlbreeze looked at the cat inquisitively. "I guess you can hunt," he mewed. "But I will accompany you." He hated being rude and brisk to others, but he was watching a prisoner, after all. His ear flicked off a fly, and he wished he could be friends with this cat.

Ludicrous Lunacy

[Ludicrous Lunacy]

Owlbreeze traversed with Pardusn through the territory. Owlbreeze looked at the cat inquisitively. "I guess you can hunt," he mewed. "But I will accompany you." He hated being rude and brisk to others, but he was watching a prisoner, after all. His ear flicked off a fly, and he wished he could sushi bar friends with this cat.

Ludicrous Lunacy
Pardus snorted indifferently. He could certainly take this puny excuse of a cat down on his own, just as he had killed that apprentice... Although the very thought hurled him back into the memories of her blood on his paws, that one word that asked a million questions, and it was all he could do not to vomit, so he decided against this as he forced himself back into the present from his moment of weakness. "What-ever. Kittypet."

[happycyanide]

Pardus snorted indifferently. He could certainly take this puny excuse of a cat down on his own, just as he had killed that apprentice... Although the very thought hurled him back into the memories of her blood on his paws, that one word that asked a million questions, and it was all he could do not to vomit, so he decided against this as he forced himself back into the present from his moment of weakness. "What-ever. Kittypet."

Owlbreeze stifled a snort of laughter and briskly said "I apologize for making such a bad impression on you, but, to be honest, I don't think you should say that. Especially to a cat that is trying to show you some kindness. Because I know no other cat will put up with you." Owlbreeze opened his jaw to scent the area. He smelled a thrush, and hissed, "Shush. I smell something."

[Ludicrous Lunacy]

Owlbreeze stifled a snort of laughter and briskly said "I apologize for making such a bad impression on you, but, to be honest, I don't think you should say that. Especially to a cat that is trying to show you some kindness. Because I know no other cat will put up with you." Owlbreeze opened his jaw to scent the area. He smelled a thrush, and hissed, "Shush. I smell something."

He snorted again. How splendid, spending time with another mewling little warrior. At his final words, Pardus made an expression of mock enthusiasm. "No way!" squealed the tom, intentionally loudly. "You smelled something? Wow! I am so impressed!" Jumping around and creating as much noise as physically possible, he practically yowled, "I never knew you could do that! How incredible!" By now, the prey and anything else around it was probably long gone. "And to think I've been doubting you all this time!"

[happycyanide]

He snorted again. How splendid, spending time with another mewling little warrior. At his final words, Pardus made an expression of mock enthusiasm. "No way!" squealed the tom, intentionally loudly. "You smelled something? Wow! I am so impressed!" Jumping around and creating as much noise as physically possible, he practically yowled, "I never knew you could do that! How incredible!" By now, the prey and anything else around it was probably long gone. "And to think I've been doubting you all this time!"

Owlbreeze whirled around at Pardus, snarling. "If you WANT nothing to eat, then have fun. I'm TRYING to be nice to you, but if you don't care at all, then you can have fun starving. I don't have to put up with you. I have better things to do than to deal with a kit." Owlbreeze thought bitterly, Such an ungrateful little mange! He stood up, his tail twitching in annoyance. "Sorry. I'm not used to dealing with ungrateful cats." he mewed, his tone no longer friendly, it was filled with ice. "If you want to go back to camp and get another cat, then tell me."

[Ripplekit]

The tiny she-cat nuzzled farther into the warmth. For a second, she seemed to have forgotten her hunger. But her stomach grumbled and she began to wail. Her cries ringing through the forest.

"Kind of odd that out of all cats, I'm the one this little guy is doing this to. Wow."

[ladybugg03]

"Kind of odd that out of all cats, I'm the one this little guy is doing this to. Wow."
The kit mewed loudly. Her mouth opening and searching for food. In desperation, she began to wander away again, except she was going in the opposite direction of the other kits.

[Ripplekit]

The kit mewed loudly. Her mouth opening and searching for food. In desperation, she began to wander away again, except she was going in the opposite direction of the other kits.

Sagekit followed the kit, actually wanting to look out for it. He wasn't normally one to be friendly to others he didn't know, but this was different.

[lone]

The orange tom followed her into the territory, still partly in a daze from the beautiful sunset. That was one of the most amazing things he had seen in... in a long time. And he was still somewhat stunned that he'd gotten to be a part of it. Looking around, his expression was surprised and concerned. What had happened? Had that just been something out of a... a dream, or a fantasy? Or had he really seen that happen? The colors had stunned him for the moment being. Why, though... he didn't know. He'd lived in SkyClan all his life and seen sunsets. But none like that. It wasn't fair.
　
He didn't get it.
　
And perhaps that was what irritated him so much, was the fact that he didn't understand why. All his life Blazingcomet had gotten what he wanted. And then along came this she cat, who was... not rejecting him exactly, but she didn't seem to understand. Should he leave it alone? Nah. Blazingcomet wasn't the type to give up. If she didn't understand then he would wait until she did. He would come on as strong or as softly as he needed to until she understood what his intentions were. But at that moment all he could think was 'don't hurt her.' Why?

Maybe he didn't want to see her smile fading.

Maybe she was the first cat to show him so much kindness in a long time... the first cat who hadn't taken an interest in him to show him that she cared. Have you ever chased fireflies? Her question still rung in his head, the soft whisper from earlier-- 'watch'-- stuck alongside it like it was going to continue ringing forever. "I, uh... what are we out here for?" He asked. He'd just sort of followed her. No. I haven't chased fireflies. The answer he could have given, but the answer he had forgotten to give.

@RedHead (http://warriorcatsonline.com/forums/member.php?u=40)

[RedHead]

The orange tom followed her into the territory, still partly in a daze from the beautiful sunset. That was one of the most amazing things he had seen in... in a long time. And he was still somewhat stunned that he'd gotten to be a part of it. Looking around, his expression was surprised and concerned. What had happened? Had that just been something out of a... a dream, or a fantasy? Or had he really seen that happen? The colors had stunned him for the moment being. Why, though... he didn't know. He'd lived in SkyClan all his life and seen sunsets. But none like that. It wasn't fair.
　
He didn't get it.
　
And perhaps that was what irritated him so much, was the fact that he didn't understand why. All his life Blazingcomet had gotten what he wanted. And then along came this she cat, who was... not rejecting him exactly, but she didn't seem to understand. Should he leave it alone? Nah. Blazingcomet wasn't the type to give up. If she didn't understand then he would wait until she did. He would come on as strong or as softly as he needed to until she understood what his intentions were. But at that moment all he could think was 'don't hurt her.' Why?

Maybe he didn't want to see her smile fading.

Maybe she was the first cat to show him so much kindness in a long time... the first cat who hadn't taken an interest in him to show him that she cared. Have you ever chased fireflies? Her question still rung in his head, the soft whisper from earlier-- 'watch'-- stuck alongside it like it was going to continue ringing forever. "I, uh... what are we out here for?" He asked. He'd just sort of followed her. No. I haven't chased fireflies. The answer he could have given, but the answer he had forgotten to give.

@RedHead (http://warriorcatsonline.com/forums/member.php?u=40)

Gingerblossom looked back at the orange tom following her, excitement lighting up her gaze. She had never before had anyone who followed her out into the night to chase fireflies, but for some reason, she just had a strong feeling like Blazingcomet most certainly would. His question made her laugh, kindly of course, happiness dancing across her face like leaves waving in the wind. "Chasing fireflies silly!" She bounded over to him, brushing up against him, though in her mind, of course it was in a friendly manner. "Fireflies are probably one of the best things to chase, and the weather tonight is perfect for them to be out." Gingerblossom couldn't contain her own excitement, and she leaped forward, heading for a small field that she had found, earlier. In their old territory, there was this big clearing that was perfect for fireflies, but here, Ginger was still trying to find the best spot. She had tried somewhere new every night that it was warm enough for the little bugs to be out and about, so this night, it was a field she had stumbled upon.
Reaching the field, Gingerblossom crouched at the edge, her mint-green gaze scouring across the grass. It was still getting darker, and more stars were popping out on Silverpelt, but it was not the perfect time, just yet... She breathed in the night air, waiting patiently for Blazingcomet to catch up.

[lone]

Gingerblossom looked back at the orange tom following her, excitement lighting up her gaze. She had never before had anyone who followed her out into the night to chase fireflies, but for some reason, she just had a strong feeling like Blazingcomet most certainly would. His question made her laugh, kindly of course, happiness dancing across her face like leaves waving in the wind. "Chasing fireflies silly!" She bounded over to him, brushing up against him, though in her mind, of course it was in a friendly manner. "Fireflies are probably one of the best things to chase, and the weather tonight is perfect for them to be out." Gingerblossom couldn't contain her own excitement, and she leaped forward, heading for a small field that she had found, earlier. In their old territory, there was this big clearing that was perfect for fireflies, but here, Ginger was still trying to find the best spot. She had tried somewhere new every night that it was warm enough for the little bugs to be out and about, so this night, it was a field she had stumbled upon.

Reaching the field, Gingerblossom crouched at the edge, her mint-green gaze scouring across the grass. It was still getting darker, and more stars were popping out on Silverpelt, but it was not the perfect time, just yet... She breathed in the night air, waiting patiently for Blazingcomet to catch up.

"Fire...flies?" Blazingcomet was unsure whether he knew what a firefly was or not. But the fact that it had the word 'fire' in it made him the slightest bit nervous. Still, Gingerblossom was calm. And if the cheerful feline was calm then he probably should be too... surely if there was any real danger she wouldn't be so excited about this. "B-but... but I've never chased fireflies!" He exclaimed, suddenly worried. Where had his confidence gone? Was it really abandoning him now of all times? Such a twist of fate here. Whatever had happened to Blazingcomet's confidence, his strong position, his laughing remarks, they were gone for good now.
　
That much was absolutely clear.
　
Her touch had made him feel slightly better. At least she wasn't mad anymore. Whatever had happened, it was over, and Blazingcomet was thanking StarClan for that. He followed her uncertainly, crouching down next to her, glancing over at her with a semi-worried expression. He was quickly beginning to realize that, no matter what he tried, she might just friendzone him. See, Blazingcomet had never had a female "just friend" before. And the idea was worrying him, making him wonder if this was right. But, he was confident everything would turn out okay in the end.
　
It always did.

[RedHead]

"Fire...flies?" Blazingcomet was unsure whether he knew what a firefly was or not. But the fact that it had the word 'fire' in it made him the slightest bit nervous. Still, Gingerblossom was calm. And if the cheerful feline was calm then he probably should be too... surely if there was any real danger she wouldn't be so excited about this. "B-but... but I've never chased fireflies!" He exclaimed, suddenly worried. Where had his confidence gone? Was it really abandoning him now of all times? Such a twist of fate here. Whatever had happened to Blazingcomet's confidence, his strong position, his laughing remarks, they were gone for good now.
　
That much was absolutely clear.
　
Her touch had made him feel slightly better. At least she wasn't mad anymore. Whatever had happened, it was over, and Blazingcomet was thanking StarClan for that. He followed her uncertainly, crouching down next to her, glancing over at her with a semi-worried expression. He was quickly beginning to realize that, no matter what he tried, she might just friendzone him. See, Blazingcomet had never had a female "just friend" before. And the idea was worrying him, making him wonder if this was right. But, he was confident everything would turn out okay in the end.
　
It always did.


Gingerblossom was focused on the field, but at Blazingcomet's confused tone, she looked back at him. "Do you not know what a firefly is?" Her tone was not mocking, nor amused, but thoroughly confused. Then she simply just smiled and flicked her tail at him gently. "Don't worry, just watch." She then focused her gaze on the field again, sitting completely still as she gazed out into it. There was a small flicker of light, and Gingerblossom's ears perked. She then slowly started to creep out towards the field, and suddenly, pounced. The spot where she landed filled up with light, fireflies taking off and flickering through the night. Gingerblossom watched as they flickered upwards, her eyes sparkling with the light of countless fireflies. She then looked back at Blazingcomet, and waved her tail for him to come over. "Now we can chase them!" She meowed, smiling happily. Then she took off, leaping and trying to catch the fireflies between her paws. The pale ginger spots on her pelt were illuminated in the darkness, and her white paws could be seen trying to catch the fireflies. The feline was having an amazing time doing one of her favorite things in the world.

[lone]

Gingerblossom was focused on the field, but at Blazingcomet's confused tone, she looked back at him. "Do you not know what a firefly is?" Her tone was not mocking, nor amused, but thoroughly confused. Then she simply just smiled and flicked her tail at him gently. "Don't worry, just watch." She then focused her gaze on the field again, sitting completely still as she gazed out into it. There was a small flicker of light, and Gingerblossom's ears perked. She then slowly started to creep out towards the field, and suddenly, pounced. The spot where she landed filled up with light, fireflies taking off and flickering through the night. Gingerblossom watched as they flickered upwards, her eyes sparkling with the light of countless fireflies. She then looked back at Blazingcomet, and waved her tail for him to come over. "Now we can chase them!" She meowed, smiling happily. Then she took off, leaping and trying to catch the fireflies between her paws. The pale ginger spots on her pelt were illuminated in the darkness, and her white paws could be seen trying to catch the fireflies. The feline was having an amazing time doing one of her favorite things in the world.


The sparkling lights of the fireflies made Blazingcomet's own hues light up with surprise. Gingerblossom looked so pretty leaping among the glowing lights; but he already knew that she was most likely out of his league. Why? Because she just didn't get it. Either that or she did and she was toying with him, which just didn't seem like the type of thing that she would do. That was alright, perhaps sometime she would come around and then he could have some real fun. Honestly, it made him feel bad, thinking about flirting with her now. Maybe he should just-- give up. Not something he often did, but it seemed like the right thing to do in this case. "They're so pretty... it's like watching little rays of sunshine dancing," He mewed out loud. They were very pretty. He didn't even want to try to catch them, for fear that he might accidentally crush one of the delicate winged creatures beneath his paws. But, seeing that she wasn't hurting any of them, the tom bounded fowards beside her and began to bat at the smaller animals with his paws. They flickered and flashed in the sky, lighting up like stars or the sun... and then their tiny lights would go off and it would be hard to see them again. Sometimes he would come close to catching one, feeling it's tiny body brush across his pawpad, and in the next second it would be gone, flying away from him. He didn't even mind. He never wanted this to end... it was perfect.

[SuspiciousMindz]

Mousefur took a bit longer this time to answer the she-cats question. She must've not known he was mute, but it's not like he could make it obvious anyway. All he could respond with was a shrug, he rose his paw and gestured to his throat. The she-cat needed to know he was mute, it would make communicating much easier. 'I can't talk.' He mouthed to her, this was the best he could do. He didn't need to ask her what she was doing, obviously been hunting.
Owlwing's golden hues widened with surprise and her ears suddenly burned with embarrassment. She should've known! She should've learned more about her clan mates, just it was hard for her to when she was so skittish these days. "O-OH!" she blurted out, her gaze averting his suddenly in a flash of self-consciousness. She must look ridiculous to him right now! "I'm sorry! I didn't know!" she turned her white tabby pelt and started doing small paces, her delicate paws scraping the ground with disappointment in herself. "I should've known! I'm so sorry, I'm an awful clan mate! An awful warrior at that!" she scolded herself, almost forgetting who was around to hear here. Instantly, Owlwing stopped. She turned to look at the newcomer and half-flattened her ears. How could she even make up for such foolishness?

[RedHead]

The sparkling lights of the fireflies made Blazingcomet's own hues light up with surprise. Gingerblossom looked so pretty leaping among the glowing lights; but he already knew that she was most likely out of his league. Why? Because she just didn't get it. Either that or she did and she was toying with him, which just didn't seem like the type of thing that she would do. That was alright, perhaps sometime she would come around and then he could have some real fun. Honestly, it made him feel bad, thinking about flirting with her now. Maybe he should just-- give up. Not something he often did, but it seemed like the right thing to do in this case. "They're so pretty... it's like watching little rays of sunshine dancing," He mewed out loud. They were very pretty. He didn't even want to try to catch them, for fear that he might accidentally crush one of the delicate winged creatures beneath his paws. But, seeing that she wasn't hurting any of them, the tom bounded fowards beside her and began to bat at the smaller animals with his paws. They flickered and flashed in the sky, lighting up like stars or the sun... and then their tiny lights would go off and it would be hard to see them again. Sometimes he would come close to catching one, feeling it's tiny body brush across his pawpad, and in the next second it would be gone, flying away from him. He didn't even mind. He never wanted this to end... it was perfect.

Gingerblossom continued to bat at the little creatures, gently of course. She spotted Blazingcomet out of the corner of her eye, and turned her head to watch the tom follow her lead, batting at the fireflies and leaping through the field. She smiled, something in her heart fluttering at the sight of him, acting a lot like her, just being carefree and fun-filled. Gingerblossom then looked up at the sky, watching the fireflies flicker upwards, towards the night sky. It looks like they are becoming stars... The she-cat marveled. Suddenly a firefly came and landed on her nose, surprising the calico. SHe let out a small mrow of surprise, crossing her eyes to look at the firefly on her nose. It flickered it's light a few times before taking off again. Gingerblossom watched it go, then let out a happy sigh, and let herself fall onto the ground, on her back. She hadn't realized until now how exhausted she was. She had been running and jumping around all day, and for a feline as wild as Gingerblossom, she needed plenty of sleep to be able to help her to keep it going the next day. She rolled onto her belly and lifted her head, looking for Blazingcomet. "BlazinAHHHWWWNNN" Her call for Blazingcomet ended in a yawn, surprising her as well. She simply laughed though, thinking it was funny. Of course, to Ginger, it was.

[lone]

Gingerblossom continued to bat at the little creatures, gently of course. She spotted Blazingcomet out of the corner of her eye, and turned her head to watch the tom follow her lead, batting at the fireflies and leaping through the field. She smiled, something in her heart fluttering at the sight of him, acting a lot like her, just being carefree and fun-filled. Gingerblossom then looked up at the sky, watching the fireflies flicker upwards, towards the night sky. It looks like they are becoming stars... The she-cat marveled. Suddenly a firefly came and landed on her nose, surprising the calico. SHe let out a small mrow of surprise, crossing her eyes to look at the firefly on her nose. It flickered it's light a few times before taking off again. Gingerblossom watched it go, then let out a happy sigh, and let herself fall onto the ground, on her back. She hadn't realized until now how exhausted she was. She had been running and jumping around all day, and for a feline as wild as Gingerblossom, she needed plenty of sleep to be able to help her to keep it going the next day. She rolled onto her belly and lifted her head, looking for Blazingcomet. "BlazinAHHHWWWNNN" Her call for Blazingcomet ended in a yawn, surprising her as well. She simply laughed though, thinking it was funny. Of course, to Ginger, it was.


It was a few more minutes before Blazingcomet was able to tear his eyes away from the fireflies. This was, of course, a very strange way to act in front of other cats. He was normally flirty, flashing smiles and trying to impress every she cat who crossed his path. But this was something new. He felt like he didn't have to be with her. This was his first real female friend. His only one. And he was glad to have somebody be just a friend. Of course he wouldn't completely give up, oh no. He would never completely give up. A familiar call; or at least part of it; suddenly was heard.
Ginger? Blazing thought, his expression changing and flickering for a moment before he bounded towards it, glancing around for the source. Normally this wasn't something he would do-- trying to keep up whatever sort of appearance a she cat liked-- well, he might do it if he was keeping up a playful or mischievous appearance. But this was the real Blazingcomet. He loved to play. Creeping towards his friend, keeping his pawsteps silent so that not even the areas that still had the slightest bit of ice and snow on the ground crunched underneath, he suddenly leapt through the air.
This was, of course, aimed towards her-- aimed to pin her down, to be exact. "You called?!" He mrrowed with a playful smirk, his claws carefully sheathed. The only thing he was worried about was crushing the feline beneath him, but as long as he was careful, that wouldn't happen.

[BluBunnie]

Owlwing's golden hues widened with surprise and her ears suddenly burned with embarrassment. She should've known! She should've learned more about her clan mates, just it was hard for her to when she was so skittish these days. "O-OH!" she blurted out, her gaze averting his suddenly in a flash of self-consciousness. She must look ridiculous to him right now! "I'm sorry! I didn't know!" she turned her white tabby pelt and started doing small paces, her delicate paws scraping the ground with disappointment in herself. "I should've known! I'm so sorry, I'm an awful clan mate! An awful warrior at that!" she scolded herself, almost forgetting who was around to hear here. Instantly, Owlwing stopped. She turned to look at the newcomer and half-flattened her ears. How could she even make up for such foolishness?

Mousefur flatten his ears as the she-cat began to apologize. It wasn't really that big of a deal to him, he waited for the Owlwing to finish her apologizes for he opened his mouth again. 'It's alright.' he mouthed, he wanted to touch her shoulder to let her know it was okay but he wasn't sure how she would react to that. 'You aren't a awful warrior.' He felt bad that he made her feel that way, he didn't expect her to respond the way she did. Most cats just ask him a bunch of questions on how it happened and how can he be a warrior. He stepped only a bit closer to the she-cat, he wanted to see her reaction first before he made any more movements. It was obvious that Owlwing was nervous around him, he wasn't sure exactly why but he wanted to take his steps carefully.

[Rivergold]

Shinyrobin
Silverslash padded through the trees, lost in her own thoughts.

[Shinyrobin]

Shinyrobin
Silverslash padded through the trees, lost in her own thoughts.

The orange-red tabby laid down on a small branch, having easily climbed his way up and lazily rested on the tree, his fluffy fawn and orange tail swinging in the breeze. He watched as mouse began to make their dens, scurrying inside them as a silver cat padded near, walking as if she was deep in thought and had completely forgotten about the world. Scorchmask held back a giggle, a small part of him wanting to watch her walk into the tree in front of her, but the other part that was still paranoid about Thawedsnow watching him forced him to call out to silverslash. "I dont think headbutting that tree is going to catch you anything except a huge headache." He called out, standing up and jumping down from his perch, his orange and red stripes making his fur look like it had caught fire.

[Rivergold]

The orange-red tabby laid down on a small branch, having easily climbed his way up and lazily rested on the tree, his fluffy fawn and orange tail swinging in the breeze. He watched as mouse began to make their dens, scurrying inside them as a silver cat padded near, walking as if she was deep in thought and had completely forgotten about the world. Scorchmask held back a giggle, a small part of him wanting to watch her walk into the tree in front of her, but the other part that was still paranoid about Thawedsnow watching him forced him to call out to silverslash. "I dont think headbutting that tree is going to catch you anything except a huge headache." He called out, standing up and jumping down from his perch, his orange and red stripes making his fur look like it had caught fire. The silver tabby bristled as Scorchedmask dropped down, ears flattening and tail lashing. "Why don't you mind your own business?" She hissed, amber eyes staring him down.

[Shinyrobin]

The silver tabby bristled as Scorchedmask dropped down, ears flattening and tail lashing. "Why don't you mind your own business?" She hissed, amber eyes staring him down.

Scorchmask sighed, rolling his eyes. "I am. I was just stopping you from attacking that poor defenseless tree." He said, pointing to the tree. "And I'm not going to hurt you. Don't have to act like all the clan's are attacking at once..."

[Rivergold]

Scorchmask sighed, rolling his eyes. "I am. I was just stopping you from attacking that poor defenseless tree." He said, pointing to the tree. "And I'm not going to hurt you. Don't have to act like all the clan's are attacking at once..." "The Dusk Syndicate is." she retorted. And I don't know if Cucumberpickle is alright.

[Shinyrobin]

"The Dusk Syndicate is." she retorted. And I don't know if Cucumberpickle is alright.

"Well do I look like I'm one of those furballs?" He asked, siting down and showing off his extremely well groomed fur. He looked more like a well kept kitty pet than a warrior, and it was a miracle that he was made a warrior with how little he trained.

[Rivergold]

"Well do I look like I'm one of those furballs?" He asked, siting down and showing off his extremely well groomed fur. He looked more like a well kept kitty pet than a warrior, and it was a miracle that he was made a warrior with how little he trained. "You look like you're going to be killed by one of those furballs." She turned to stalk away.
(ehh, poor Silver. She don't like talking and I'm pretty much forcing her to stay here and chat.)

[Shinyrobin]

"You look like you're going to be killed by one of those furballs." She turned to stalk away.
(ehh, poor Silver. She don't like talking and I'm pretty much forcing her to stay here and chat.)

Scorchmask bounded after her, pouting. "Come on, I mightve just saved your life!" He whined. "You could at least repay the favor by not being all grumpy..."

[RedHead]

It was a few more minutes before Blazingcomet was able to tear his eyes away from the fireflies. This was, of course, a very strange way to act in front of other cats. He was normally flirty, flashing smiles and trying to impress every she cat who crossed his path. But this was something new. He felt like he didn't have to be with her. This was his first real female friend. His only one. And he was glad to have somebody be just a friend. Of course he wouldn't completely give up, oh no. He would never completely give up. A familiar call; or at least part of it; suddenly was heard.
Ginger? Blazing thought, his expression changing and flickering for a moment before he bounded towards it, glancing around for the source. Normally this wasn't something he would do-- trying to keep up whatever sort of appearance a she cat liked-- well, he might do it if he was keeping up a playful or mischievous appearance. But this was the real Blazingcomet. He loved to play. Creeping towards his friend, keeping his pawsteps silent so that not even the areas that still had the slightest bit of ice and snow on the ground crunched underneath, he suddenly leapt through the air.
This was, of course, aimed towards her-- aimed to pin her down, to be exact. "You called?!" He mrrowed with a playful smirk, his claws carefully sheathed. The only thing he was worried about was crushing the feline beneath him, but as long as he was careful, that wouldn't happen.

Gingerblossom let out a squeal of surprise as Blazingcomet appeared out of nowhere and pinned her to the ground. She laughed, then pushed him off with her paws. "Excuse me, but I was laying here first." She purred, flicking her tail at him. Gingerblossom then rolled over, watching as the fireflies flickered around her head, and all over the field. She then looked up, starlight reflecting in her eyes. "I promised my mother that I would always do this, no matter if she died or not. She said that it made me happy, and I should always do it, whenever possible." Gingerblossom closed her eyes, no sadness on her face, just pure happiness, remembering her mother's words. "She said to find someone to share this beauty with who truly made me happy." She opened her eyes and focused them on Blazingcomet. "You truly make me happy. I mean, all cats do, but there's something different about you." The feline laughed to herself a little, "when I find out what it is, I'll be sure to let you know." Gingerblossom of course thought her words meant something as friendship, as a close, family-like bond. What the she-cat didn't know though, was that what her feelings were for him, were more than her mind could process. She just didn't know what those feelings were. "I think my mom would like you too." Gingerblossom whispered, her eyes shining with happiness. "She'd say you were SUCH a nice cat as well."

[Rivergold]

Scorchmask bounded after her, pouting. "Come on, I mightve just saved your life!" He whined. "You could at least repay the favor by not being all grumpy..." She rounded on him and snarled. "Mewling like a lost kittypet is another thing that will get you killed." Her eyes narrowed as she growled lowly. "The Dusk Syndicate kills kits who don't look like they will be strong fighters." She cast a contemptuous glance over the tom. "How long do you think you will last? A heartbeat? Maybe half?" Her expression hardened as she lifted her lips in another snarl. "Leave me be if you kno what's good for you." she turned and stalked away. "Though I doubt you do."

[lone]

Gingerblossom let out a squeal of surprise as Blazingcomet appeared out of nowhere and pinned her to the ground. She laughed, then pushed him off with her paws. "Excuse me, but I was laying here first." She purred, flicking her tail at him. Gingerblossom then rolled over, watching as the fireflies flickered around her head, and all over the field. She then looked up, starlight reflecting in her eyes. "I promised my mother that I would always do this, no matter if she died or not. She said that it made me happy, and I should always do it, whenever possible." Gingerblossom closed her eyes, no sadness on her face, just pure happiness, remembering her mother's words. "She said to find someone to share this beauty with who truly made me happy." She opened her eyes and focused them on Blazingcomet. "You truly make me happy. I mean, all cats do, but there's something different about you." The feline laughed to herself a little, "when I find out what it is, I'll be sure to let you know." Gingerblossom of course thought her words meant something as friendship, as a close, family-like bond. What the she-cat didn't know though, was that what her feelings were for him, were more than her mind could process. She just didn't know what those feelings were. "I think my mom would like you too." Gingerblossom whispered, her eyes shining with happiness. "She'd say you were SUCH a nice cat as well."




"Well it's mine no-" Blazingcomet was cut off as Gingerblossom pushed him off with her paws, and a playful expression came over his features. "Didn't your Mom teach you to share?" He scolded lightly, batting at her before coming back to lay beside her. Her words surprised him. I... I make her happy? Really? He was still somewhat nervous, worried that if he got too attached it was bound to end badly. Of course she would make other friends. He'd run into cheerful cats like this before, didn't they think everyone made them happy? He glanced over at her with a semi-confused expression, and then realized what she was saying. There's something different about you. Him? The perfectly ordinary warrior? There was... something different? Semi-confused, and at the same time quite pleased, Blazingcomet's expression changed. "I could say the same about you." Because yes, most cats did make him happy. You could even say all. But, she was different. She did make him happy. A new kind of happy. "Well, I'm glad to have your Mom's approval too. And I'm glad you still think I'm a nice cat." He'd done some things that wouldn't exactly make him a 'nice cat.' He'd done lots of things that wouldn't, as a matter of fact. And yet she was still here. Calling him a nice cat. Perhaps it was time to pull back on the flirting. He was ready to give up. Because, if he were to succeed-- he didn't want to see the heartbroken look on her face when he told her goodbye.

[ladybugg03]

starfall

The tiny cream kit continued to wonder, wailing like a banshee. She was begining to shiver violently. Her stomach rumbled, causing her to cry out more than ever. Since she had been born mere hours ago and couldn't open her eyes, she bumped into a tree and fell. She was to weak to get up and lay there with her tiny mouth calling for milk.

[Starfall]

@starfall (http://warriorcatsonline.com/forums/member.php?u=72)

The tiny cream kit continued to wonder, wailing like a banshee. She was begining to shiver violently. Her stomach rumbled, causing her to cry out more than ever. Since she had been born mere hours ago and couldn't open her eyes, she bumped into a tree and fell. She was to weak to get up and lay there with her tiny mouth calling for milk.

The white warrior padded through the brush, her fur snagging on the branches that stretched out. She was hunting, she had nothing better to do, nothing other than sitting in clan, basking in the sun letting her wounds heal. She was still injured, but she couldn't just sit still, her paws itched to move, especially today, she couldn't quite explain it but she felt the strong need to come out here today. Starfall flicked her ear at the squeal of a kitten and let out a gasp, her blue orbs widened with horror 'Who in the name of Starclan would leave a kit out here?!' she thought as she began to frantically search for a small bundle. After a few moments she had finally found the poor thing, laying there crying, wailing. She let out a coo and curled herself around the small kit, her azure orbs flickered with worry and relief, hopefully the kit was safe, sound. The young warrior began to lick the kit, hoping that her rough tongue would warm the little one up "Do you have a name?" she asked quietly, careful as to not startle the young one.

[ladybugg03]

The white warrior padded through the brush, her fur snagging on the branches that stretched out. She was hunting, she had nothing better to do, nothing other than sitting in clan, basking in the sun letting her wounds heal. She was still injured, but she couldn't just sit still, her paws itched to move, especially today, she couldn't quite explain it but she felt the strong need to come out here today. Starfall flicked her ear at the squeal of a kitten and let out a gasp, her blue orbs widened with horror 'Who in the name of Starclan would leave a kit out here?!' she thought as she began to frantically search for a small bundle. After a few moments she had finally found the poor thing, laying there crying, wailing. She let out a coo and curled herself around the small kit, her azure orbs flickered with worry and relief, hopefully the kit was safe, sound. The young warrior began to lick the kit, hoping that her rough tongue would warm the little one up "Do you have a name?" she asked quietly, careful as to not startle the young one.

The newborn kit let out a tiny sigh as she was enveloped in warmth. She nuzzled into the whitefur and tried not to fall asleep. Instead, she tilted her head up and ,for the first time, opened her eyes. While most kits stares out with blue eyes, hers were tinted purple like an orchid. The cream kit blinked as she took in the other feline. She felt comforted by Starfall's smile and tongue. Her eyes closed again and she nuzzled back into the coat around her.
( Her name is Orchidkit but she is newborn and can't talk. When she was wandering, she was stumbling. Sorry if that was unclear XD)

[SuspiciousMindz]

Mousefur flatten his ears as the she-cat began to apologize. It wasn't really that big of a deal to him, he waited for the Owlwing to finish her apologizes for he opened his mouth again. 'It's alright.' he mouthed, he wanted to touch her shoulder to let her know it was okay but he wasn't sure how she would react to that. 'You aren't a awful warrior.' He felt bad that he made her feel that way, he didn't expect her to respond the way she did. Most cats just ask him a bunch of questions on how it happened and how can he be a warrior. He stepped only a bit closer to the she-cat, he wanted to see her reaction first before he made any more movements. It was obvious that Owlwing was nervous around him, he wasn't sure exactly why but he wanted to take his steps carefully.
Owlwing merely shook her head. Alas, the warrior couldn't quite catch was he was saying and flattened her ears a bit more. She felt bad, now he was trying to communicate and she couldn't read lips very well. This would never work! Why did she think it would in the first place? She didn't talk to enough cats to learn what words looked like on their mouths. This was useless. Although, her golden hues flashed fear the moment he took a step towards her. She took a pace backwards, but otherwise, she erased the fear from her features and returned to looking nervous. She couldn't help it though, if only he knew. If only she could tell him exactly what was going through her head, but alas, she couldn't. She'd get too choked up and when he did try to speak, she only feel bad for him and for not understanding what he was trying to say.

[RedHead]

"Well it's mine no-" Blazingcomet was cut off as Gingerblossom pushed him off with her paws, and a playful expression came over his features. "Didn't your Mom teach you to share?" He scolded lightly, batting at her before coming back to lay beside her. Her words surprised him. I... I make her happy? Really? He was still somewhat nervous, worried that if he got too attached it was bound to end badly. Of course she would make other friends. He'd run into cheerful cats like this before, didn't they think everyone made them happy? He glanced over at her with a semi-confused expression, and then realized what she was saying. There's something different about you. Him? The perfectly ordinary warrior? There was... something different? Semi-confused, and at the same time quite pleased, Blazingcomet's expression changed. "I could say the same about you." Because yes, most cats did make him happy. You could even say all. But, she was different. She did make him happy. A new kind of happy. "Well, I'm glad to have your Mom's approval too. And I'm glad you still think I'm a nice cat." He'd done some things that wouldn't exactly make him a 'nice cat.' He'd done lots of things that wouldn't, as a matter of fact. And yet she was still here. Calling him a nice cat. Perhaps it was time to pull back on the flirting. He was ready to give up. Because, if he were to succeed-- he didn't want to see the heartbroken look on her face when he told her goodbye.



Gingerblossom lay there for a few moments longer, watching the fireflies once more, lazily dancing through the air like tiny stars fallen out of the skies above. She didn't know what he meant by still think he's a nice cat, but she was way to tired to try and figure it out. "Wow, it's really late. I'm getting so...." Gingerblossom's voice trailed off as her head continued to bob, before it finally settled on the ground. The calico shifted a bit until she was comfortable, her fur brushing Blazingcomet's. The feline's mint colored eyes were closed to slits, and she sighed. "Today was really fun Blazingcomet." She mumbled, and then her breathing turned slow and steady as she fell asleep to dreams of flowers, sunshine, and beauty.

[Shinyrobin]

She rounded on him and snarled. "Mewling like a lost kittypet is another thing that will get you killed." Her eyes narrowed as she growled lowly. "The Dusk Syndicate kills kits who don't look like they will be strong fighters." She cast a contemptuous glance over the tom. "How long do you think you will last? A heartbeat? Maybe half?" Her expression hardened as she lifted her lips in another snarl. "Leave me be if you kno what's good for you." she turned and stalked away. "Though I doubt you do."

{{Sorry for the late reply, i swore i sent a response and i guess it never sent}}

"Well complaining about it isnt going to help either.
Besides, i dont have to be a good fighter to be of use. Ebonyfrost is the medicine cat, yet i dont see you complaining that she doesnt fight." He said, lashing his tail around, annoyed by her behavior. "Theres other things you can do instead of ripping your claws through flesh. You can hunt or help others. A war isnt always about the warriors fighting it, its about the cats who heal the wounded, feed the brave, stuff like that. At least im doing something instead of wandering about and complaining about how unfair life is and how everyone else isnt doing anything." he hissed, staring at her. "Maybe you should live with those kit killers. You'd fit right in..."

[BluBunnie]

Owlwing merely shook her head. Alas, the warrior couldn't quite catch was he was saying and flattened her ears a bit more. She felt bad, now he was trying to communicate and she couldn't read lips very well. This would never work! Why did she think it would in the first place? She didn't talk to enough cats to learn what words looked like on their mouths. This was useless. Although, her golden hues flashed fear the moment he took a step towards her. She took a pace backwards, but otherwise, she erased the fear from her features and returned to looking nervous. She couldn't help it though, if only he knew. If only she could tell him exactly what was going through her head, but alas, she couldn't. She'd get too choked up and when he did try to speak, she only feel bad for him and for not understanding what he was trying to say.

(Sorry its late)

Mousefur tilted he head as he studied the she-cats features. He had gotten good at reading cats expressions, he could tell what they were trying to say even if they didn't speak any words. He caught the flash of fear, his own eyes flashed with concern and confusion. He wondered why Owlwing seemed so scared of him. He wondered if he had done something to her in the past, the tom was always a sweet heart but maybe he did something by accident. He shuffled his paws for a few moments, the she-cat was very quiet and she had a hard time understanding what he was trying to say so he wasn't sure how to continue this conversion.

[Splash]

"Shall we be going, then?" The tom asked with a purr, his voice calm and careful. Some she cats could get "set off" at any moment, all of a sudden snapping at him and getting dangerously close to clawing him in the face. Yes, Gingerblossom was on his mind when he thought of that-- mainly because it had happened just the other day-- but at the same time he was classifying them as a whole. He was awaiting the delight that, in his own experience, came only from the attentions of a she cat. Jumping down from the tree and landing neatly on all four paws-- the twisted one bending uncomfortably, despite the smooth-looking landing-- Blazingcomet congratulated himself on this. He was doing great! And, had anyone been paying attention to the two flirts, they would have known it. At first he had thought of Drizzleshard as another flirt... but she seemed just as ready to drop the whole thing. Strange. Still, his mind was calm as he waited for Drizzleshard to jump down from the tree. Once she had done so he would lead her, calmly, into the territory and towards the spot he had mentioned before.
(would you mind posting in the territory and mentioning me since they're headed there?)Drizzleshard landed lightly next to Blazingcomet, her nimble paws barely making a noise as they hit the ground. "Lead the way." she said. Playing with fire indeed. Hopefully the dappled she-cat didn't get burned. After the pair left the camp, Drizzleshard glanced around with her indigo orbs, trying to decide what to talk about. What's your favorite prey?" she asked, knowing that this was a lame question. She was having a harder than usual time flirting. A teasing wisp of a thought entered her head- What if he's not falling for me, but I am for him?- but she pushed it away. Seize the moment!
(Just to be sure, they will be mates at some point, right? You mentioned dating her just to dump her, and that kinda confused me...)

[lone]

Drizzleshard landed lightly next to Blazingcomet, her nimble paws barely making a noise as they hit the ground. "Lead the way." she said. Playing with fire indeed. Hopefully the dappled she-cat didn't get burned. After the pair left the camp, Drizzleshard glanced around with her indigo orbs, trying to decide what to talk about. What's your favorite prey?" she asked, knowing that this was a lame question. She was having a harder than usual time flirting. A teasing wisp of a thought entered her head- What if he's not falling for me, but I am for him?- but she pushed it away. Seize the moment!
(Just to be sure, they will be mates at some point, right? You mentioned dating her just to dump her, and that kinda confused me...)
Favorite prey? Blazingcomet cocked his head to the side, giving Drizzleshard an odd look as he did so. "What's my favorite prey?" He repeated, his voice confused and having a hint of a laugh in it as he spoke. The one thing that he didn't want to do was make fun of her; that could too easily end in their outing being ruined. Flirting was a delicate process... you had to be sure that you were complimenting another cat and not speaking about anything sensitive towards them, or laughing at something that wasn't meant to be funny. Those things? They would easily break off the process. Blazingcomet was normally better then this.
　
He had to be sure to be careful around this she cat, if his fun was ruined, then he was going to be bored for the rest of the day. Such an annoying thought, that. "Sorry. Just... I wasn't expecting that." He quickly added. There, an explanation that he wasn't laughing at her-- not really, anyways-- was sure to be welcomed, wasn't it? "Any kind of bird, really. Some cats don't like to eat birds, they feel like it's weird, but I, personally, believe that they were intended for us to eat and we should be open to doing so." He told her with a shrug. "What about you?" The orange tom asked a moment later. Most of this time he'd stayed close to Drizzleshard, almost uncomfortably so, like it was awkward for him to move away from her.

{Yes. They will be mates for about a day and then he's going to find her with Tom 1}

[Splash]

Favorite prey? Blazingcomet cocked his head to the side, giving Drizzleshard an odd look as he did so. "What's my favorite prey?" He repeated, his voice confused and having a hint of a laugh in it as he spoke. The one thing that he didn't want to do was make fun of her; that could too easily end in their outing being ruined. Flirting was a delicate process... you had to be sure that you were complimenting another cat and not speaking about anything sensitive towards them, or laughing at something that wasn't meant to be funny. Those things? They would easily break off the process. Blazingcomet was normally better then this.
　
He had to be sure to be careful around this she cat, if his fun was ruined, then he was going to be bored for the rest of the day. Such an annoying thought, that. "Sorry. Just... I wasn't expecting that." He quickly added. There, an explanation that he wasn't laughing at her-- not really, anyways-- was sure to be welcomed, wasn't it? "Any kind of bird, really. Some cats don't like to eat birds, they feel like it's weird, but I, personally, believe that they were intended for us to eat and we should be open to doing so." He told her with a shrug. "What about you?" The orange tom asked a moment later. Most of this time he'd stayed close to Drizzleshard, almost uncomfortably so, like it was awkward for him to move away from her.

{Yes. They will be mates for about a day and then he's going to find her with Tom 1}
Drizzleshard looked slightly confused at Blazingcomet's response to her question. Great StarClan, was it that bad? she wondered self-consciously. The orange tom's laugh made her narrow her indigo eyes to slits. His explanation didn't help, really. At least it isn't me he's laughing at, she thought, still uneasy. The mottled feline made a mental note that he preferred birds, in case they ever shared prey. Yeah, we definitely should eat birds. SkyClan has the skills to catch them; it just makes sense. I prefer finches and squirrels to other prey, although I once caught a frog-" she lowered her voice "-on ShadowClan's territory. It was pretty good. Don't tell!" she said, ending on a playful note.

[lone]

Drizzleshard looked slightly confused at Blazingcomet's response to her question. Great StarClan, was it that bad? she wondered self-consciously. The orange tom's laugh made her narrow her indigo eyes to slits. His explanation didn't help, really. At least it isn't me he's laughing at, she thought, still uneasy. The mottled feline made a mental note that he preferred birds, in case they ever shared prey. Yeah, we definitely should eat birds. SkyClan has the skills to catch them; it just makes sense. I prefer finches and squirrels to other prey, although I once caught a frog-" she lowered her voice "-on ShadowClan's territory. It was pretty good. Don't tell!" she said, ending on a playful note.
"You caught a frog on ShadowClan's territory, huh?" The tom asked, a purr rumbling in his throat. ShadowClan was a ways away, Drizzleshard must have had some trouble getting over there. Had she crossed through any other Clan's territories? What about crossing through the Dusk Syndicate, one of the creepiest places-- in his opinion-- that existed? "So, there's something you should probably know about me... and that's the fact I can't keep a secret." The tom's face was completely serious, his hues sympathetic as though he was sorry that she had told him-- as though he were sorry because she had told him this, and now it would get out. It was a joke, of course. Blazingcomet kept secrets just as well as he could, but he figured it wouldn't do much harm to mess with her. Right? A moment later, his serious expression broke and gave way to a smile, followed by a laugh. "I'm sorry... just messing with you, heh... I can totally keep a secret. I won't tell anyone." He purred, batting at her with a paw. In the next moment, a sly expression crossed over his features and his hues sparked with laughter once more. It only took a few minutes before he brushed up against her in a friendly manner, once again purring. "We're almost there, pretty girl."

[Splash]

"You caught a frog on ShadowClan's territory, huh?" The tom asked, a purr rumbling in his throat. ShadowClan was a ways away, Drizzleshard must have had some trouble getting over there. Had she crossed through any other Clan's territories? What about crossing through the Dusk Syndicate, one of the creepiest places-- in his opinion-- that existed? "So, there's something you should probably know about me... and that's the fact I can't keep a secret." The tom's face was completely serious, his hues sympathetic as though he was sorry that she had told him-- as though he were sorry because she had told him this, and now it would get out. It was a joke, of course. Blazingcomet kept secrets just as well as he could, but he figured it wouldn't do much harm to mess with her. Right? A moment later, his serious expression broke and gave way to a smile, followed by a laugh. "I'm sorry... just messing with you, heh... I can totally keep a secret. I won't tell anyone." He purred, batting at her with a paw. In the next moment, a sly expression crossed over his features and his hues sparked with laughter once more. It only took a few minutes before he brushed up against her in a friendly manner, once again purring. "We're almost there, pretty girl."
"Yeah. I was just too curious, I guess. I had friend who li-" she cut herself off abruptly. "I mean, I was just curious. I had to go way out of territory to get there without going into another clan's, but I did.
It was like a slimy rabbit. Don't ask how I know what rabbit taste like!" she said playfully. "Don't worry. It was on our territory!" she finishes. The
she-cat froze at Blazingcomet's words. She'd get in SO much trouble! A slight whimper escaped her, to her dismay. Blazingcomet's eyes, filled with what appeared to be genuine sympathy, worried her further. Drizzleshard let out a sigh of relief as Blazingcomet announced that he was just kidding, but her relief was quickly overcome by fury. How dare he?! The gray she-cat was about to tell him what she thought of this, but was cut off by Blazingcomet saying that they were almost there. And that she was pretty. Her tail curled over her back happily.

[lone]

"Yeah. I was just too curious, I guess. I had friend who li-" she cut herself off abruptly. "I mean, I was just curious. I had to go way out of territory to get there without going into another clan's, but I did.
It was like a slimy rabbit. Don't ask how I know what rabbit taste like!" she said playfully. "Don't worry. It was on our territory!" she finishes. The
she-cat froze at Blazingcomet's words. She'd get in SO much trouble! A slight whimper escaped her, to her dismay. Blazingcomet's eyes, filled with what appeared to be genuine sympathy, worried her further. Drizzleshard let out a sigh of relief as Blazingcomet announced that he was just kidding, but her relief was quickly overcome by fury. How dare he?! The gray she-cat was about to tell him what she thought of this, but was cut off by Blazingcomet saying that they were almost there. And that she was pretty. Her tail curled over her back happily.
A friend who what? The tom thought, his expression changing slightly before he listened to her story. He could see the anger in her expression, and then just moments later he breathed a sigh of relief as he realized she was better. After calling her pretty. Good, now he had a disarming weapon; one that normally worked pretty well, she cats loved compliments. As far as he could tell. "Okay... close your eyes, and I'll lead you through." He mewed, putting his tail around her gently and smiling at her in a reassuring manner. Just as long as she was comfortable, he would be happy. That was the one thing he wanted. Because the more comfortable the she cat was, the more likely they were to respond in a positive manner to his flirting. Depending on whether they really understood it or not. Because, Gingerblossom was almost always comfortable-- or so it seemed-- and yet she hadn't really responded at all. "You can trust me. I don't bite." He added in a more teasing tone. "But seriously-- I wouldn't let something happen." Blazingcomet reassured her, his expression growing more serious as they continued on through the territory.

[Splash]

A friend who what? The tom thought, his expression changing slightly before he listened to her story. He could see the anger in her expression, and then just moments later he breathed a sigh of relief as he realized she was better. After calling her pretty. Good, now he had a disarming weapon; one that normally worked pretty well, she cats loved compliments. As far as he could tell. "Okay... close your eyes, and I'll lead you through." He mewed, putting his tail around her gently and smiling at her in a reassuring manner. Just as long as she was comfortable, he would be happy. That was the one thing he wanted. Because the more comfortable the she cat was, the more likely they were to respond in a positive manner to his flirting. Depending on whether they really understood it or not. Because, Gingerblossom was almost always comfortable-- or so it seemed-- and yet she hadn't really responded at all. "You can trust me. I don't bite." He added in a more teasing tone. "But seriously-- I wouldn't let something happen." Blazingcomet reassured her, his expression growing more serious as they continued on through the territory.Drizzleshard let out a soft purr and flicked her gray tail over her indigo orbs. She closed them, too, although she didn't want to. She wanted to keep looking at Blazingcomet, but knew that he wanted her to close her eyes. She let out a laugh at his words. "I'm glad. I didn't come for a makeover." The silver-gray cat felt very comfortable around Blazingcomet. Usually she wouldn't have complied with him to close her eyes so easily. His next words made her feel even more so, and she knew that she trusted the orange tom. After a hesitation, she responds. "I'm glad. Let's go now, shall we?" she says. The first part, almost a thank-you, was said seriously, however, the last part was very teasing, said like she couldn't wait to get away from Blazingcomet. The opposite was true, though.

[lone]

Drizzleshard let out a soft purr and flicked her gray tail over her indigo orbs. She closed them, too, although she didn't want to. She wanted to keep looking at Blazingcomet, but knew that he wanted her to close her eyes. She let out a laugh at his words. "I'm glad. I didn't come for a makeover." The silver-gray cat felt very comfortable around Blazingcomet. Usually she wouldn't have complied with him to close her eyes so easily. His next words made her feel even more so, and she knew that she trusted the orange tom. After a hesitation, she responds. "I'm glad. Let's go now, shall we?" she says. The first part, almost a thank-you, was said seriously, however, the last part was very teasing, said like she couldn't wait to get away from Blazingcomet. The opposite was true, though.
Glad that the silvery-grey feline had closed her own hues, Blazingcomet kept his tail around her, guiding her gently through the trees. Soon, they reached a spot where, at night, the moon rose over the trees, stars sparkling as though they went on forever. As far as the orange tom knew? They did. They were perfect. During the daytime, you had to go a little higher up to get the same beautiful effect; when you reached the top of the steep slope, you could see out over the territory. The trees looked like tiny saplings, and it felt as though you were touching the sky. This was the place Blazingcomet was taking Drizzleshard to. Once they had reached the top, he took his tail off of her. There had been a few moments where he wasn't quite sure if he was steering her wrong or not, but she appeared unharmed; he was happy. "Okay. You can open your eyes now," He mewed. His tail was twitching nervously behind him, unsure if this was her sort of thing or not. Gingerblossom would love it, he thought with a small smile. Maybe he would bring her here someday.

[Splash]

Glad that the silvery-grey feline had closed her own hues, Blazingcomet kept his tail around her, guiding her gently through the trees. Soon, they reached a spot where, at night, the moon rose over the trees, stars sparkling as though they went on forever. As far as the orange tom knew? They did. They were perfect. During the daytime, you had to go a little higher up to get the same beautiful effect; when you reached the top of the steep slope, you could see out over the territory. The trees looked like tiny saplings, and it felt as though you were touching the sky. This was the place Blazingcomet was taking Drizzleshard to. Once they had reached the top, he took his tail off of her. There had been a few moments where he wasn't quite sure if he was steering her wrong or not, but she appeared unharmed; he was happy. "Okay. You can open your eyes now," He mewed. His tail was twitching nervously behind him, unsure if this was her sort of thing or not. Gingerblossom would love it, he thought with a small smile. Maybe he would bring her here someday.
Drizzleshard padded cautiously forward, guided by Blazingcomet's tail. Soon, they stopped, and Blazingcomet pulled his tail away. Indigo splashed on Drizzleshard's face before the tom said to open her eyes, and she gasped. "Oh.. it's.." she trailed off. The she-cat was without words. Her tail curled over her back happily. "It's amazing! It feels like I'm flying. And the trees look so small!" she bursts out, her eyes wide. "It makes you really realize how lucky we are that StarClan gave us this territory. And... how lucky I am to have met you." Drizzleshard was back to her old tricks. She didn't know how many cats she'd said that to. But... Blazingcomet didn't know, either, so it didn't really matter if she used her trademark flirting line. Right?

[Starfall]

The newborn kit let out a tiny sigh as she was enveloped in warmth. She nuzzled into the whitefur and tried not to fall asleep. Instead, she tilted her head up and ,for the first time, opened her eyes. While most kits stares out with blue eyes, hers were tinted purple like an orchid. The cream kit blinked as she took in the other feline. She felt comforted by Starfall's smile and tongue. Her eyes closed again and she nuzzled back into the coat around her.
( Her name is Orchidkit but she is newborn and can't talk. When she was wandering, she was stumbling. Sorry if that was unclear XD)

[ (; That's part of her air-headedness and nope you're fine :heartbounce: ]

The cloud colored molly smiled sweetly when the kit opened their eyes, her own optics flickered with excitement. Although she had never thought about it in depth, she had always wanted a kit of her own, and now, maybe she had one. The warrior shook her head and giggled "That's right, you cant talk...not yet." she purred, which got louder as the kit snuggled back into her fur. Starfall flicked her ear and looked around, hoping to spot another cat, hoping that one would come looking for the little one. At the same time she hoped that no one would come looking, it pained her to think about giving up the little bundle so quickly. She lowered her muzzle and once again began to lick the kit "hm...I should give you name shouldn't I?" She asked aloud, although she didn't expect an answer back. After a few moments of contemplating she smiled and let out a purr "Orchidkit! You name is Orchidkit, how does that sound." she asked before she let out another giggle. After a few more moments the molly decided that it was time to head back to the camp, she gently clamped her maw around the kits scruff, careful not to use her teeth, and made her way back to camp with the little kit swinging from her maw.

[lone]

Drizzleshard padded cautiously forward, guided by Blazingcomet's tail. Soon, they stopped, and Blazingcomet pulled his tail away. Indigo splashed on Drizzleshard's face before the tom said to open her eyes, and she gasped. "Oh.. it's.." she trailed off. The she-cat was without words. Her tail curled over her back happily. "It's amazing! It feels like I'm flying. And the trees look so small!" she bursts out, her eyes wide. "It makes you really realize how lucky we are that StarClan gave us this territory. And... how lucky I am to have met you." Drizzleshard was back to her old tricks. She didn't know how many cats she'd said that to. But... Blazingcomet didn't know, either, so it didn't really matter if she used her trademark flirting line. Right?
That line was one that Blazingcomet recognized; something that was a well-known flirting line. He knew it when he heard it. It checked every box... cheesy, overrated, and something that he didn't think any other cat would say. Almost instantly, the tom's expression changed to his normal flirtatious smile, hints of amusement showing in his hues, not to mention his whiskers were twitching with amusement as well. "I would definitely have to agree. I was very lucky to meet you..." He purred, expression changing once more to be one of amusement, and he continued to purr, pleasure showing obviously in his eyes. "Saved me from a lifetime of boredom." Now, that was a suggestive comment; here he was hinting at the fact that they would be together for a while. And, while most she cats got "that talk," not all of them ended up staying for a while. In fact, it was just a select few.

[ladybugg03]

[ (; That's part of her air-headedness and nope you're fine :heartbounce: ]

The cloud colored molly smiled sweetly when the kit opened their eyes, her own optics flickered with excitement. Although she had never thought about it in depth, she had always wanted a kit of her own, and now, maybe she had one. The warrior shook her head and giggled "That's right, you cant talk...not yet." she purred, which got louder as the kit snuggled back into her fur. Starfall flicked her ear and looked around, hoping to spot another cat, hoping that one would come looking for the little one. At the same time she hoped that no one would come looking, it pained her to think about giving up the little bundle so quickly. She lowered her muzzle and once again began to lick the kit "hm...I should give you name shouldn't I?" She asked aloud, although she didn't expect an answer back. After a few moments of contemplating she smiled and let out a purr "Orchidkit! You name is Orchidkit, how does that sound." she asked before she let out another giggle. After a few more moments the molly decided that it was time to head back to the camp, she gently clamped her maw around the kits scruff, careful not to use her teeth, and made her way back to camp with the little kit swinging from her maw.
The newly named kit let out a tiny purr as she nuzzled in the soft white fur that enclosed her. This must have been her mother as she was the first cat she saw. The warmth around her began to fade and she tilted her head upwards in surprise. Orchidkit let out a tiny squeal as she was lifted from the ground. She swung as Starfall padded through the forest. Every now and then she would let out a mew, as if to ask 'What is happening?' The little cat's stomach began to rumble again and she let out a high pitched squeal.

[Splash]

That line was one that Blazingcomet recognized; something that was a well-known flirting line. He knew it when he heard it. It checked every box... cheesy, overrated, and something that he didn't think any other cat would say. Almost instantly, the tom's expression changed to his normal flirtatious smile, hints of amusement showing in his hues, not to mention his whiskers were twitching with amusement as well. "I would definitely have to agree. I was very lucky to meet you..." He purred, expression changing once more to be one of amusement, and he continued to purr, pleasure showing obviously in his eyes. "Saved me from a lifetime of boredom." Now, that was a suggestive comment; here he was hinting at the fact that they would be together for a while. And, while most she cats got "that talk," not all of them ended up staying for a while. In fact, it was just a select few.Drizzleshard felt a part of her snap at Blazingcomet's amusment. Her eyes narrowed with confusion, then, at that feeling. What just happened? she asked herself internally. Oddly, Blazingcomet seemed more than just a flirting partner now. Her eyes reflected hurt at the ginger tom's next statement. The gray she-cat took a deep breath. Time to get serious. No more games. "I-I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that. I.. you know why, I think, she said, internally surprised. Being a good speaker was one of her strong suits. Drizzleshard couldn't remember the last time she had been tounge-tied. "How many she-cats have you taken here, exactly?" she asked, her indigo eyes narrowed. She ignored Blazingcomet's comment about boredom- just a common flirting line. She had used that one herself. Well, not those exact words, but something along the lines of 'you saved me from the darkness', blah blah blah. Just a line, just an automatic response, no more heartfelt than speaking a few words to a cat you barely knew.

[AbsurdJinx]

Brooklyn Trees

Mousejump wove her way through the tangle of trees and other thick undergrowth that stood in her way. Her medium-length thick pelt would often snag on misplaced twigs and stuff, but she'd simply tug her fur free with ease. Her fur getting caught happened too many times to count, and she has learned to adapt to the obstacles the forest threw at her. Her paw steps were quiet, barely creating a sound except for when she nonchalantly stepped on littered leaves or sticks.

Once she decided they were far enough from camp, Mousejump slowed her pace from a breezy trot to a slow stroll. She looked over at Ebonyfrost, admiring her daughter and what she has grown to be. Mousejump was colorblind, and could only make out black and white. She wondered what her kits' eyes looked like, but she bet their eyes were the most gorgeous thing any cat would ever see. She smiled softly at Ebonyfrost, a gentle purr rumbling in her throat.

``Look at what you've become,`` Mousejump croaked, her voice laced with pride, but rasping with sadness at how quickly time went by. ``I am so proud of you, my daughter.`` She blinked slowly, clearing her amber eyes of any tears. She laughed softly, throwing her head back as she released the smooth sound. She flicked Ebonyfrost's flank good-naturedly with a simple lash of her tail-tip. ``Now tell me, Ebonyfrost, how have you been?``

[lone]

Drizzleshard felt a part of her snap at Blazingcomet's amusment. Her eyes narrowed with confusion, then, at that feeling. What just happened? she asked herself internally. Oddly, Blazingcomet seemed more than just a flirting partner now. Her eyes reflected hurt at the ginger tom's next statement. The gray she-cat took a deep breath. Time to get serious. No more games. "I-I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that. I.. you know why, I think, she said, internally surprised. Being a good speaker was one of her strong suits. Drizzleshard couldn't remember the last time she had been tounge-tied. "How many she-cats have you taken here, exactly?" she asked, her indigo eyes narrowed. She ignored Blazingcomet's comment about boredom- just a common flirting line. She had used that one herself. Well, not those exact words, but something along the lines of 'you saved me from the darkness', blah blah blah. Just a line, just an automatic response, no more heartfelt than speaking a few words to a cat you barely knew.

At her sudden inability to speak, Blazingcomet's hues widened. What was going on? Why was she acting like it was harder for her to talk now? Was she okay? Nervous, the ginger tom shifted his weight. She cats could be moody. Hopefully Drizzleshard wouldn't get too moody. He could still remember the look on Gingerblossom's face, the sudden breakdown... whatever had happened there, he didn't want to go through it again. Her question caught him off guard. That had happened a lot lately; am I losing my game? Blazingcomet thought. He'd always been able to do things perfectly. Losing his game wasn't possible. Oh no. The ginger tom was absolutely sure that he was just fine, right? He was doing perfectly fine. "You're the first." Blazingcomet mewed, in his special, smooth, sugary-sweet purr. It was demeaning, to be honest. He'd found with a couple it made them feel like they were stupid. But hopefully the grey feline wouldn't pick up on that too much. And the fact that it was a lie wouldn't help him whatsoever... she cats normally liked honesty.
　





The ginger tom had darted after her into the territory, and was now following her close behind, trying to catch up so that they would be going at the same pace. His expression was determined, hues focused straight ahead. Foxpaw still had some of his kit-fluff; it didn't help him when he was bragging about his good looks, since it gave him more of that sweet and innocent appearance. And yes, he was a handsome cat-- or at least, he would be once he grew up more. At times his fur wasn't even groomed completely, giving him even more of that 'irresponsible kit' look rather then a seven, almost eight moon old apprentice. Unfortunately for him. "So... when we get there, is it gonna be an 'on your mark, get set, go' kind of thing or just GO kind of thing?" Foxpaw asked, darting up so he was next to the pretty apprentice. Maybe she wasn't too much older then him.
　
Maybe it was time to get to know her better! Questions might be nice, like a getting to know you game... the tom thought about that for a moment before he grinned wider, glancing over at the she cat beside him. They could be friends! Best friends! Foxpaw needed more friends, honestly... something else he didn't like to admit. And he certainly didn't like to admit the fact that he wasn't as good of a flirt as he thought he was. The tom's expression changed slightly as he glanced around at the territory for a moment. "So, when do you become a warrior?" He asked. The tom himself wasn't going to be one for quite some time. Honestly, quite a bit of time. But, he was confident that he was going to speed through training and become a warrior super quickly. Then, he would be the most talented warrior of all. Right? Right. That was Foxpaw's outlook on pretty much the whole world.
　
If something existed, he could excel in it. Like this obstacle course. He was going to beat the she cat, and impress her at the same time. I'm super good at that. Super duper good. But what if you aren't? What if you fail and fall on your fluffy little face? Oh wait-- your baby fluff will protect you, don't worry, Squeakaroo. That stupid nickname. Now all this was in Foxpaw's head... and self-doubt was beginning to creep closer and closer to his confidence.
@RedHead (http://warriorcatsonline.com/forums/member.php?u=40)

[judas]

Thyme
Littlewing walked out, waving her tail as she walked to a nearby tree. Her pelt ruffled as she began to claw away the moss. The Queen rolled it all into neat balls to carry back. "Hey, I found a lot over here." She called, signaling her tail.
She showed the tom a large tree.

[RAT KING]

Thyme
Littlewing walked out, waving her tail as she walked to a nearby tree. Her pelt ruffled as she began to claw away the moss. The Queen rolled it all into neat balls to carry back. "Hey, I found a lot over here." She called, signaling her tail.
She showed the tom a large tree.

"O-Oh all right!" He scrambled over towards the tree Littlewing had motioned to. He unsheathed his claws and scraped away a few more bits of moss for her nest. "U-um, can I ask a question?" He asked-- even though that technically was a question. He shuffled his paws a little.