Muddy the Waters

[Ziera]

// @starry. - let me know if you'd like me to edit anything <3

It was earlier in the morning than Mudskip wished to be alive, but the mouthwatering scent of fresh-kill soothed his pain; he made quick work of a mouse before most cats stirred from their dens. Mudskip wasn’t in a hurry, exactly—rather he didn’t want to be caught mid-swallow by his former mentor. Snowstep should be up and about soon (if he wasn’t already.)

The guy was the epitome of what a warrior should be: strong, skilled in battle, principled. If Snow detested his time as Mudskip’s mentor, it would make perfect sense, considering how by the ‘what a warrior should be’ scale, Mud failed to measure up. Miserably. It wasn't even close. He often pondered the miracle of receiving his warrior name, wondered if perhaps Snowstep bribed their leader to grant him warriorhood (if only to be rid of Mudpaw’s ridiculous antics,) but Snow never admitted to it.

For his part, at least, Mudskip cared about his former mentor. He cared a lot. Sue him! Spending that much time with a cat, ah—it was challenging not to grow attached, despite Snowstep’s affinity for sober silences and their initial clash of wills. That was why whenever Mudskip wanted to talk, he had a sort of ritual. The tom woke early, ate something, then waited for Snowstep to slip out of the warrior’s den so that he might pounce on him before he got involved in one of his many other “more important than Mudskip” duties, whatever those were.

Speaking of. Tail swishing just above the ground, Mudskip tossed a look in the direction of the warrior’s den. Would Snowstep awaken soon?

[starry]

@Ziera

Snowstep lay cradled in his nest, fluffy white tail wrapped around his body. His dreams started out as bright, and through his closed eyes he entered a whole new world of peace and joy.

…But then the tables turned.

The tom was wrapped in his mother’s paws, but she didn’t see him. It was like they had never known each other, and love wouldn’t help now. Snowstep had not talked to her in so long, it came to his mind that she must have forgotten him. And now she was dying. An odd feeling spiralled through him as he watched her twisting in agony.

“Mom, I’ve always loved you.”

Gasping slightly, he opened his eyes, slowly drifting into consciousness. Her death was so long ago, he needed to stop thinking about it. Jayflower had been an amazing mother, and Snowstep missed her, but he did not let it show. He’d been the one to ignore her, almost forgetting he had family.

Slowly, he got to his paws, shaking out his white pelt. He scanned the warriors’ den with his usual calm gaze, checking if everyone was alright. It seemed that everyone was. Deciding he should go hunting, Snowstep exited the den, not noticing Mudskip prowling outside. Hm… there wasn’t much fresh-kill. Yep, hunting was certainly a good idea!

He got rid of his dream completely, briefly lingering in front of the warriors’ den to take in his surroundings. It was early morning, Snowstep’s usual waking time. The sound of cats sleeping was almost loud, which surprised him a little. Most likely, there wouldn’t be another cat up so early, Snowstep theorized, so maybe he could have a chill morning…

…Or maybe there was someone about to pounce.

[Ziera]

// @starry. - sorry this took so long & that it's short ;;

Large brown ears swiveled toward the warrior's den when Mudskip caught the sound of pawsteps. Was it..? Aha. Just like clockwork. These hardworking types were all the same, honestly - greeting the dawn before normal-minded cats had a chance to visit the dirt place; he loved and hated them for their predictability.

Mudskip smiled broadly at his former mentor in greeting, fully expecting to be seen any minute now. Any...second. His cheeks started to ache. Any - Snowstep didn't so much as look at him!! "Hey, wait!" The younger tom scrambled to his paws, abandoning the niceties. Snow was either still half asleep or just--ugh, he didn't know--hyper focused on something. Mudskip had to sacrifice a bunch of extra strides (his legs were small, okay?) to put himself in line with the guy. "Where are you off to in such a hurry? I was waiting for you!"