Far From A Wonderland (Open)

[Silentheart]

The broad-shouldered warrior was the only sign of life at the brink of dawn in the foreboding ShadowClan camp. The Sun didn't even wish to show itself behind a heavy fog of clouds, giving the pine forest an eerie bluish gray light. A cold wind ruffled Crookedfang's short, silver tabby fur, bringing with it a freezing scent of moisture, snow, rain, some hybrid mixture of slush that was sure to sink into everyone's pelt and freeze them to the bone. His ears twisted towards the warriors den from which he had emerged- the only sound, his clanmates breathing, the leader's den, just as quiet, and when he padded into the center of the camp, you would believe that there was nothing in the camp aside from the burly silver deputy with his long, protruding canine teeth. Judging by the lack of light, and the declining temperatures- as well as the snow that so dusted the ground in their camp, and filled the forests with white, the clan would do their best to stall leaving there nests, and he would be the only one out for awhile.

Snorting, he began taking long strides toward the entrance to the camp, slipping out and eying the white forest around him. Shadow clan's prey consisted of lizards, frogs, the occasional mouse or squirrel- but what reptile of amphibian would even consider attempting to live in this icy terrain? Pausing, he couldn't even catch a whiff, or a slight sound, of any warm blooded prey. It was instantly frustrating. How would his clan survive without any sort of food? Of course, they could always resort to carrion, but that always ended in more deaths from illness than it was worth, but a cat would do anything for a full belly, even if that meant facing death in order to get a few bites of rotting meat. Rats were a safer route- although they still were a hassle and a danger to keep around. He began to move again, silently, through the trees, praying to StarClan he'd find something, anything to bring back, something that would assure, if only him, that food was still available- but nothing showed up. He cursed slightly under his breath, moving back closer to camp. 'Leafbare is a harsh time for any clan,' he thought to himself, but his eyes flicked in the direction of the borders, 'But ThunderClan's forest provides more prey for them, and save the river doesn't freeze, RiverClan has it easy.' He flicked his tail, padding back into the camp and glaceing around. Cats would need to awaken soon, and he'd need to set up a hunting patrol, although he doubted they'd find anything, and if they didn't, he knew it was possible he may have to approach Rowanstar with a suggestion to find alternate sources of food for the remainder of leafbare.

[Kestrelflight]

Smokeshadow

&&. Smokeshadow shouldered her way out of the warriors den. She paused, looking around the empty clearing. The shadowed entry of the Leader's Den was impossible to see into, so Smokeshadow was unaware of whether Rowanstar was awake, asleep, or lurking somewhere in the darkness. Smokeshadow shivered slightly, looking around herself nervously. She had been aroused by the quiet pawsteps of a fellow warrior leaving the den. She had caught a wiff of Crookedfang's scent before he vanished. She looked around now, hoping to catch a glimpse of her deputy's silver tabby fur. She pinpointed him near the entrance, obviously about to leave. Smokeshadow bit her lip and hesitated slightly. Crookedfang was her senior in rank, age, and experiance. There wasn't a single reason for him to want her company this morning. She waited a moment, debating her choices. There weren't many. She took a backward glance at the silent Warrior's Den before padding with quick agile grace across the clearing. Her long thick fur was cleaned to perfection. She was a birman/ragdoll cross, giving her the smokey coloring as well as the thick luxurious fur.

&&."Crookedfang." She called his name softly, her high voice slightly musical. Her ears flicked and her tail swished against her hind legs. She was beginning to regret her decision ever so slightly. However, she realized if she went hunting or patroling or tagged along on whatever Crookedfang was doing, she would be less likely to run into Rowanstar. She withheld her chills this time when the urge came to shiver. She was deathly afraid of her leader. There was something about the glint hiding in his eyes, the way he looked at everyone as if imagining various ways to kill them. Everyone thought he was so brave and selfless. No one ever commented on the mysterious deaths of the previous deputy and leader. Of course, Smokeshadow herself had been just a young apprentice, but even she felt there was something wrong with the whole situation. Who knew, perhaps Crookedfang felt it too. Would this be a chance to discuss those thoughts? Maybe, maybe not.

&&."Would you object to some company?" She tilted her head softly, her bright blue eyes open and hopeful. She wasn't a stunner. She wasn't some rare abnormal or striking beauty. Her appearance was of a more subtle quality. She was graceful, agile, seemed both delicate and regal at the same time, but she was not breathtakingly beautiful. She shifted her paws, looking away from her deputy as she waited for his verdict. Both the apprentice den and the Nursery were depressingly empty. There should have been the quiet snores of tuckered out apprentices catching their last minutes of sleep before being roused at dawn by their mentors. There should have been the shushing of queens in the nursery and indignant mewls of young kittens, but there weren't. Shadowclan was eerily quiet and empty. The ranks of the Shadowclanners were despairingly low. Smokeshadow frowned slightly and looked back at Crookedfang expectantly.

Character: Smokeshadow
Tagged: Crookedfang
Word Count: 520
Comments: If this doesn't work well, I can bring in Rowanstar

[Silentheart]

Lost in his own musings, the tom hadn't even heard the young she-cat approach, not until he heard her voice, soft and meek, calling out to him. His ears twitched and he straightened himself, green eyes gazing at her curiously. She was delicate, although not necessarily small, her fur thick and smokey with cream and browns and grays. Her bright blue eyes seemed transfixed and almost nervous as she crossed the distance, seeming to shrink as she reached him, asking if he wanted her company. Her eyes darted away, fixing almost sadly on the Nursery and Apprentice's den. He understood her grief over it- sure, you wouldn't find many kits during leafbare, not new ones, but there should have at least been a older kit, bouncing around waiting to be an apprentice- in fact, there should have been apprentices... bustling, annoyed, excited all at the same time, grumpy as dawn approached, but there was nothing aside from the few.

He hardly suppressed a sigh. Leafbare was harsh, but never was camp this empty. Cold never had kept ranks so low before, not since Rowanstar had taken over, but no, he wouldn't go there, not now. He assured himself it was a cold winter, and it was, but yet... not bad enough. Eager to distract them both from their misgivings, he nodded, chuckling slightly, "No, I was going to set up a hunting patrol, but I doubt it'd be of much use, so if you'd like to come with me, I was just going to see if I could find anything, absolutely anything, farther from camp." He shrugged his broad shoulders, his eyes going dark and hopeless, "But we found nothing yesterday, I doubt today will be any better." As if, just to add to ShadowClan's helpless situation, the sky gave up its effort to keep back its winter woes, and snowflakes began drifting down, adding to the already dense snowfall. He glared up, his eyes narrowed, "If StarClan has any will for this Clan to survive, Newleaf better come soon. Really soon."

[Kestrelflight]

Smokeshadow

&&. Smokeshadow's eye lit up at Crookedfang's assent. Her tail flicked and curled against her hind legs with pleasure. Her lips twitched into a broad smile and she swallowed a purr. The utter emptiness of the camp gave her chills. It was only herself, Crookedfang and Rowanstar. Smokeshadow was petrified by her leader, somehow feeling that if anyone was to blame for the silence, it would be him. She thought back to his sister, Willowsong. She had died not long back, though no one quite knew what had killed her. She had always been in the Medicine Cat den with some injury or another. Rowanstar had always been there to look after her and care for her and seemed so concerned. He used to tease that she was chronically clumsy. Something always seemed wrong when he looked at Willowsong though. It was like every time he saw her injured, saw her in pain, he was pleased. Smokeshadow's spine went cold and she tried to shake off the shiver. The newly falling snowflakes weren't helping her at all and she hoped it would hide the true source of her shivers. Willowsong... The beautiful tabby she-cat had finally died and Smokeshadow had been the one to bury her. They had no elders for the task. Smokeshadow had sat a quiet vigil for the lost warrioress, all the while dissatisfied with what felt like an untimely death.

&&. Smokeshadow brought her attention back to Crookedfang who was saying something about hunting. "No, I was going to set up a hunting patrol, but I doubt it'd be of much use, so if you'd like to come with me, I was just going to see if I could find anything, absolutely anything, farther from camp. But we found nothing yesterday, I doubt today will be any better. If StarClan has any will for this Clan to survive, Newleaf better come soon. Really soon." Smokeshadow loathed the hopeless look in her deputy's eyes. He was supposed to lead them, under Rowanstar of course. If he had no hope, why should she? She shook her head slightly, slowly relaxing in the presence of the deputy. Her voice was soft, despairing. "Where are the kittens? The apprentices? The elders? The queens? The warriors? The Medicine Cat? We have become nothing." She shook her head. She should have had an apprentice by now. She wanted to keep being active. Part of her feared that if Rowanstar got desperate enough for new kittens, new apprentices, new warriors, he might look to the only she-cat in the clan. She shivered again as horror went through her at the thought of baring Rowanstar's kittens.

&&. "Starclan would not leave us to die here. They do nothing because they know we are strong enought to survive." She stepped forward on an impulse, pressing her flank against Crookedfang's and burying her face in his warm shoulder. He felt strong against her and she wanted to draw from his strength. "Right?" All she wanted was affirmation, some sign that all was not lost.

Character: Smokeshadow
Tagged: Crookedfang
Word Count: 526
Comments: X

[Silentheart]

He watched Smokeshadow as he forced the fear out of his eyes, listening to the she-cat run off the missing ranks- not even a medicine cat to share dreams with StarClan, or take care of them. There was more than nothing in this camp- Well, there was him, Smokeshadow, and Rowanstar, but upon the sudden distress in her eyes, he realized that ShadowClan would grow by only two ways. Rowanstar would either open the camp to kittypets, loners, and rogues- he didn't see that happening, if it did, he doubted it would go very well. The second chance, was re-population and poor Smokeshadow was the only she-cat left in the camp. If that was bad enough for her, if it came to that, he knew Rowanstar would father those kits. His eyes darted darkly to his leaders den, then away, unwilling to accept his lack of trust in his leader.

He allowed his gaze to wander the rest of the camp. The cold warriors den- empty now that they were awake, the nursery looking haunting and sad. The Medicine cat den, stale of any scent, unmoving, the apprentice den, all too eerily silent, and the elders- not an elder had lived in there for more moons than he could count. Most warriors had died before reaching elder status. He dimly wondered if he and Smokeshadow would ever make it to the Elders den- a coarse shiver snapped him back. He wouldn't. When Rowanstar died, he would take over as leader, and he would lead until he gave up his final life, and until something good happened, neither of them had a chance as it was.

Smokeshadow stepped forward, and he felt her thick pelt press into his, her face burying into his pale, broad shoulder, and she suddenly seemed all to frail, despite the reputation of ShadowClan. In fact, none of the three in the dead Clan seemed to live up to that reputation at all, aside from Rowarstar. He listened as she spoke, and, although he had his worries, he knew he could calmly answer her. "We have done nothing wrong. StarClan would never abandon us. They are still there, watching over us, and that is why we still survive. They do know we are strong enough, and that come Newleaf, we will be able to revive the Clan and all will be well." He assured her, and himself with his strong voice and hopeful words, although deep down, he wasn't so certain. Even if his ancestors were still watching over them, he doubted ShadowClan could survive until Newleaf, and he knew StarClan wouldn't help them, he just wasn't sure why. Carefully, he pressed his nose to her eartip, brushing her spine with his tail in a friendly, soothing manner, "All hope is not lost."

[Kestrelflight]

Smokeshadow

&&. Smokeshadow breathed in deeply, relaxing into Crookedfang as she felt his face at her ear and the soothing feeling of his tail stroking her back. He was what she needed right then, strength and confidence. He was her deputy and he would never leader her astray. She nodded her head, mostly to herself and stepped back. She didn't want to make him uncomfortable or give him the wrong impression. She wasn't looking for love, conciously. She was looking for safety. She knew if Rowanstar decided kittens were needed, she would have to yeild. In the meantime, she wanted to make herself as small and insignificant as possible. Unwanted, undesireable, inimportant, useless, perhaps even unattainable. She took a second look at Crookedfang from the corners of her eyes, a beginning of a fragile plan forming in her mind. A deep crimson blush rose to her cheeks and she quickly turned away, willing her skin to stop burning. She shook herself and dug her paws into the ground, quickly springing away from Crookedfang.

"Where were you intending to hunt?" She made her voice as light and professional as possible. There had been a moment, of security and assurance that she had needed, but it needed to be broken in order to not be overstepped. She shook herself slightly, blinking her large blue eyes at Crookedfang. Her treacherous mind continued to lay her feeble plan before her desperate eyes. Unattainable... She had options, she knew she had options. She could refuse Rowanstar. But that would mean...many things that Smokeshadow knew she couldn't face. She could leave Shadowclan, but she couldn't desert her clan. She could claim she was barren, but he would know better. Her last choice - she could find a mate and make herself untouchable. The problem? The only other tom in Shadowclan was Crookedfang. She shifted her paws. She could ask him to lie for her, but he never would. He would never go against his leader. She shouldn't have been going against the leader.

She turned swiftly away from Crookedfang and padded out of the camp and into the overhang of the trees. She breathed in, calming herself. What was she doing? She should have been honored to be the only choice for her leader. To be a possible mother to his kittens, should he need them. Then why did she only feel terror and revulsion? She shook her head. She was disloyal, weak, pathetic. She hardened her shoulders, putting them stiffly back and raising her head. Her eyes held hard determination and a slight icy cold tinge. So be it. She shook her head, still near enough to Crookedfang for her voice to be heard. "Rowanstar will lead us to prosperity, strength and a Newleaf of regrowth. He is our leader and Starclan stands behind him." She swallowed. "As do you and I. There will be kittens and apprentices soon, then warriors. Our camp will be bursting with life." Probably from my own stomach... She couldn't keep the bitterness and fear from her thoughts.

Character: Smokeshadow
Tagged: Crookedfang
Word Count: 520
Comments: X

[Silentheart]

Crookedfang snapped back to attentiveness as Smokeshadow finally pulled back, then took a few great steps to increase the distance between them. It shouldn't have bothered him, but it did, just a bit. Hunting. That was why he was awake. He nodded his silvery head, "Indeed. It would be nice if we could bring back something." It had been far too long since he had seen a good stock of prey left in the camp, and he knew it wouldn't be easy to do that. He eyes the shuffling, nervous she cat, until she finally seemed to pull herself out of her thoughts, and back together, darting off and seeming to steel herself before speaking again.

Her words seemed to be entirely in Rowanstar's defense, although she didn't seem so keen. He scoffed slightly, "Kits and apprentices you say? Mm, and I'll guess you'll be the one to bear them. Rowanstar would be pleased I suppose." He bounded after her, out of the camp, his paws sinking into the fresh snowfall, and once he was a few strides ahead of her, he looked back over his shoulder, "A good Newleaf would be a blessing- to be honest, I don't see Rowanstar leading us anywhere of the sort." He muttered, slightly cold now now in tone and motion. He wasn't disloyal, but even had his doubts. "I know nothing of what he plans for the future, hopefully it will be for the best. If my fears are correct, we may be behind him, I know not of StarClan." He waved his tail, not going further on the subject, becoming seemingly indifferent, "We won't find much around camp, but if we branch out further, to more dense forest areas, we may be able to find something, even if small."

[Kestrelflight]

Smokeshadow

&&. Smokeshadow lagged back as Crookedfang bounded ahead of her. It was only appropriate that he take the lead. He was deputy after all. She stared at the ground, still lost in thought and desperately trying to quiet the whispering plans in her mind. "Kits and apprentices you say? Mm, and I'll guess you'll be the one to bear them. Rowanstar would be pleased I suppose." Smokeshadow froze entirely at Crookedfang's words, the horror spreading across her features. It was one thing to think something, to acknowledge it to yourself as true. It was another entirely to hear someone else voice your fears. Smokeshadow shuddered, wrapping her tail around herself as if she could create a barrier between herself and the dim shadow of her leader. She bit her lip, keeping her treasonous words to herself. He wouldn't be kind to me. He wouldn't love me. He would hurt me. She was utterly sure of it. She shook herself. But it was what was required, for the clan. But aren't I allowed to love? To be loved? She took a trembling step forward, trying to harden her crumbling outward shield.

&&. Had she only imagined the scoff in Crookedfang's voice? What else was there? She chewed her lip nervously, her eyes darting to look at his broad shouldered form directly in front of her. She ventured quietly. "What makes you think he would be any more pleased with me than any other she-cat? I'm simply the only choice. Its..." She trailed off, finishing in a whisper. "my duty." She shook herself again, fighting in vain for something that could even resemble control. It was a thus-far losing battle. Crookedfang's next words were simultaneously a blessing and a blow for Smokeshadow. He had made himself an ally, but had fed her own fears and misgivings. She kept her voice even, reciting what she felt needed to be said. "Rowanstar would not be leader if Starclan did not intend it. He was meant to lead us to great heights and the clan should stand behind him." Her words sounded hollow even to herself.

&&. "We should check the Thunderclan border, they always seem to have enough." She suggested quietly, her mind still dwelling on Rowanstar. Would she stand behind him, or forced to stand beside him? She glanced at Crookedfang. He obviously had ill feelings towards the leader. From his words, he didn't seem fond of the idea of Smokeshadow bearing Rowanstar's kittens. Would he, could he really be an escape? Perhaps he could be convinced. It could all be a show. But either way I must bear kittens. It came down to this. Who's kittens did she want? And did she even have a choice?

No, no she didn't.

Character: Smokeshadow
Tagged: Crookedfang
Word Count: 490
Comments: X

[Silentheart]

He watched her with pale green eyes, unblinking as she made her hunting suggestion. He was lost in his own thoughts, past any thought of hunting. He knew that she was genuinely terrified, she had made it more than obvious. He felt pity for her, being the only she-cat, she was the only one to birth kits, whether or not she wanted to. Rowanstar so felt like it, he knew, no matter who protested or how they did, he would have his way with her, and he would be pleased by it. She didn't have a mate, so of course, it would please Rowanstar all the more to know that she really was his, even if she despised it. It made him want to retch, that egocentric claim to all that is now his, but Rowanstar was his leader, and he had to deal with it. And one day, I can take over. I can fix this mess. Staring at her calmly for a moment more, he nodded his head and blinked away, "I suppose, although I don't figure any clan is having it easy right now- aside from maybe RiverClan, since the river hasn't yet frozen over."

He turned and started toward ThunderClan border, chuckling to himself, "Although I can't quite see some of those warriors putting paw in the freezing cold water for a few slimy fish. Maybe I'm wrong." He didn't break stride, knowing Smokeshadow would follow, and therefore continuing to hold a conversation, changing to topic back to the main matter at hand, hardly able to keep the contempt from his voice, "I'm sure Rowanstar and you will have lovely kits- maybe he'll grow to care for you, maybe you could love him. Nonetheless, I don't believe hes making the right decisions for our clan, whether or not StarClan approves. WindClan has less prey than us, and they have cats- that proves its just not a lack of prey that keeps our ranks so empty." The ThunderClan border loomed ahead and he stopped, turning to face her , long silver tail still at his back legs, eyes locked onto her again. He almost faltered. The idea of Rowanstar having kits was bad enough, but from this pretty little she-cat? Oh StarClan. "Its one thing not to have apprentices or kits, but Warriors and a Medicine cat? I don't think Rowanstar understands the severity of ShadowClan's problem."

[Kestrelflight]

Smokeshadow

&&. Smokeshadow searched Crookedfang's pale green eyes. There were no traces of pity, only the same pensive gaze. They continued together on their charade, pretending they were hunting. They both knew they would catch nothing today. Smokeshadow couldn't call herself clear-minded. She was imagining her future kittens, little bracken tabbies like Rowanstar that unsheathed their claws and flew at her with snarls. Her tail flicked. She would fear her own kittens, loath them even, simply because of their father. She looked over at Crookedfang. You could do something about this. You could help me. He seemed to have made it clear that he had no intention of doing anything. It didn't matter. Perhaps he didn't have to father her kittens either. If she chose a tom from another clan, even a loner, no one would know - would they? Then if anyone asked, she could claim Crookedfang was the father. Perhaps he would go along with that plan. Am I really that detestable that even with three cats in the clan, no one wants me? She frowned again, staring at the ground under her paws.

&&. At this point, she didn't care about whether Riverclan wanted to get their paws wet or Windclanners were low on prey. They still had a clan, as Crookedfang pointed out. They were still growing and thriving simply with new life and family. Shadowclan was a lonely sad cruel place. But she had to beleive they could survive, Starclan wouldn't abandon them. "I'm sure Rowanstar and you will have lovely kits- maybe he'll grow to care for you, maybe you could love him. Nonetheless, I don't believe hes making the right decisions for our clan, whether or not StarClan approves. WindClan has less prey than us, and they have cats- that proves its just not a lack of prey that keeps our ranks so empty." Smokeshadow's claws nearly unsheathed. Crookedfang's voice was blatantly contemptuous. She hissed and picked up her pace, bounding a few steps and blocking his path. Her bright blue eyes were narrowed with annoyance.

&&. "Do you think I want this? I support Rowanstar because I have too. Whether we like it or not, he's our leader and for some reason - Starclan stands behind him. We won't survive with bitterness and contempt." She turned away from him, stalking closer to the Thunderclan border, her shoulders hunched angrily. Smokeshadow was very rarely this vocal about her opinions. She wasn't even a Shadowclan born cat. They had found her on the borders, abandoned and knocked over the head with no memories. Or that was the story told. The truth, which Crookedfang knew, was that she was a Thunderclanner. Kidnapped during a raid that went wrong. They should have killed her, but couldn't bring themselves to do it. Now here she was, nothing but a body to give new life to her clan. She shook her head angrily, turning roughly from the border. "I don't want to do this and I'm sure not going to do it with a smile on my face or a willing heart. I'll do it because I won't watch my clan die." She looked back at Crookedfang with narrowed eyes, her voice lowered. "While you will stand and watch." She turned her back and bounded into the trees along the border. Perhaps now she would get some hunting done.

Character: Smokeshadow
Tagged: Crookedfang
Word Count: 595
Comments: X

[Silentheart]

Crookedfang was taken aback as she bounded forward, eyes narrowed, anger clear. He didn't bristle, or hiss, or even show any fury- just a cold, even gaze as she snapped at him. Before she could bound away, he managed to speak in a cold, even tone. "Indeed, he is the leader after all. Besides, happy about it or not, if you're willing to take being his toy, be my guest. Oh, and you support him by choice, as I do. Its not hard to turn on him- I choose not to because I'm not a traitor."He listened to her continue and snorted, calling after her as she ran away, "Despite your efforts, they could be in vain. At this rate, kittens won't do much. Our clan may die anyway- even if we fight for it." She was quickly out of sight, and he finally again let the weight bear on his shoulder, and as if it was a legit burden on his back, he sat and his shoulders dropped, his eyes going dark.

He couldn't help but admire Smokeshadow's devotion to her clan, even though she wasn't naturally born into it. Part of him told him that she should know- maybe she would even take that chance to leave ShadowClan's dying ranks. At the same time, however, he knew that Rowanstar wouldn't just punish him for it. He would kill him. On top of it, he doubted he could possibly help her, save having kittens with her himself, but no matter what plans she had, she seemed to have no working plan on having kittens from any other tom, save Rowanstar. It was actually rather depressing, being one of three in a clan. If any other clan wanted to take over, now was their chance- dispose of Smokeshadow and Crookedfang quickly, gang up and tear into Rowanstar nine times, and it was over. As was ShadowClan. He shuddered, and lifted his head, listening intently and finding that Smokeshadow truly had wandered far.

Standing, he followed her tracks and scent, knowing it best not to leave her wandering around- and who knows, maybe it was even time to start hinting her to her ThunderClan blood. If he didn't tell her outright, Rowanstar couldn't shed Crookedfang's own ShadowClan blood and make a pretty piece of red art in the fresh snow. He picked up the pace as her scent grew stronger, coming to a halt some ways away downwind of her, hidden in undergrowth, watching her curiously. They wouldn't find anything unless they were lucky, and with a sense of finality that he had at least found her, he began to watch her curiously, wondering if her ThunderClan blood at all affected how she hunted and acted, or, if ShadowClan bringing her up from a kit decided how she was as a cat.

[Kestrelflight]

Smokeshadow

&&. Smokeshadow stalked angrily along the border. She didnt want Rowanstar's kittens. She wanted Shadowclan to survive, she was desperate for it. Crookedfang's words had bitten her, bitten her deeply. More than just the truth in them, but the mere fact that they had come from him. Smokeshadow had always admired the older tom, more than admired. His opinion meant everything. She would have been willing - more than willing really - to have his kittens. She was even leading up to telling him. But in his eyes, she was disgusting. She swallowed down the words that had risen to mind as his voice faded into the background. "Indeed, he is the leader after all. Besides, happy about it or not, if you're willing to take being his toy, be my guest. Oh, and you support him by choice, as I do. Its not hard to turn on him- I choose not to because I'm not a traitor. Despite your efforts, they could be in vain. At this rate, kittens won't do much. Our clan may die anyway- even if we fight for it."

&&. She hissed, more with emotional pain than anger. She was unaware of her deputy, crouched so close and observing her. She was no one's toy. He had called her a traitor. How was she a traitor? She was giving up everything - EVERYTHING - for the survival of her clan. She shook her head, unsheathing her claws and kneading the soft dirt. At least she was trying to do something. She whispered to herself under her breath. "No Crookedfang, it isn't becoming a traitor that keeps you from turning on him. You know he'll kill you, we both do. That's why I'll be his mate, and you'll stay loyal." Her tail drooped and her head hung. She was defeated, utterly defeated. "You wouldn't have wanted me anyways." Her ears flicked as she heard the chattering of a squirrel. Shadowclan cats didn't hunt squirrels. They escaped into the trees and Shadowclanners didn't climb like Thunderclanners. She dropped into a hunting crouch, eyes trained on the squirrel as it skittered from the bushes. She crept forward on light paws, staying downwind.

&&. At the last moment, she burst forward but the squirrel was faster. It bolted for a tree, scrambling up the branches. Without thinking, Smokeshadow bunched her powerful hind legs and sprang at the trunk. Her claws sank in and she pulled herself to the first branch. Her eyes were still on the squirrel as she leapt up another branch, extending her claws and hooking the squirrel by the tail. She yanked it down, delivering a quick nip to the neck. She sat panting, some fifteen feet in the air in the tree. She looked around herself in surprise, wondering exactly how she had managed to do that, no one had taught her.It had been instinct. She looked around, enjoying the view...until she spotted Crookedfang crouched in the bushes so close to where she had been. Her eyes blazed furiously.

Character: Smokeshadow
Tagged: Crookedfang
Word Count: 528
Comments: X

[Silentheart]

He peered from the bushes, watching the pretty she-cat as she caught sight of a squirrel. A lunge at it, as expected, startled the furry rodent, and it pelted up a tree, and for a second disappointment even flooded his own emotions, but she didn't give up, and a heartbeat later, with a powerful leap, she dragged it back down, and killed it with a swift bite. She looked around, shocked, but the second her eyes landed him, they turned to fury. Staying completely calm, he rose up, amusement actually lighting his eyes, his tail waving, "Bravo, that was quite a catch." He meowed, sitting back on his haunches, dipping his head apologetically, "I do apologize for spying, but I don't regret it. It was an amazing catch, truly." But deep down, his own thoughts were churning.

It was her instinct to hunt, and every motion she had used, her crouch, her amazing leap, was ThunderClan. He wanted to tell her, he did- and with the current circumstances, she'd be better off if she knew she wasn't tied down by blood to the dying Clan she was willing to sacrifice so much for. So very much- but at the same time, he was terrified to- not because he knew that Rowanstar would find out, and kill him, no. He didn't want her to leave. He would never admit it out loud, he didn't want to, but it was the way it was. He loathed himself for it, and a troubled look passed through his gaze as he watched her. He needed to tell her, he did, "Its in your blood, I suppose."

[Kestrelflight]

Smokeshadow

&&. Smokeshadow dug her claws into the bark of the branch, her fur standing on end. It soon flattened, even as angry as she was - she couldn't be mad at Crookedfang. She was angry with herself, with Starclan, with Rowanstar - but not Crookedfang. She sighed, bunching her muscles and leaping down through the branches to land lightly on the ground with a natural grace and agility attributed to her Thunderclan blood. She flicked her head, tossing the dead squirrel at his paws. She turned her back on him, unwilling to listen to his biting words. They had gone deeper than she wanted or cared to admit to him. She could take Rowanstar's abuse, anyone's, not Crookedfang's. She shook her fur, dislodging pine needles and bits of bark as she did. She kept her voice sarcastic to hide the fact that his previous words had hurt her deeply. She kept her back to him so he couldn't see her face and eyes. It was better that way, right?

&&. "Oh hoorah. Whatever loner birthed and abandoned me was good at climbing trees. Now should I feel enlightened or proud?" She snorted with scoff, shaking her head. "Okay I get your point. I'm not Shadowclan blood. Everyone knows it. So what, am I now not good enough to have Rowanstar's kittens even though I'm the only option? Are you afraid my impure blood will create imperfect Shadowclan kittens?" This time the pain was in her voice, she couldn't keep it out. "You've made your point, will you leave me alone?" She wasn't willing to stand and listen to him dash her dreams. Telling her why she wasn't good enough and could never have been good enough for him - let alone Rowanstar. Her tail curled tightly around herself for a moment before she started to walk away. She still hadn't turned to face him, she couldn't. She would just walk away, and leave him satisfied knowing he had proven his point.

Character: Smokeshadow
Tagged: Crookedfang
Comments: X

[Kestrelflight]

-Finished Post-

[Silentheart]

The squirrel landed with a still warm plop at his feet, but he paid no attention to it, listening to her speak, the pain in her voice causing him to ache with regret for his cold words earlier. He watched her turn away, refusing to face him, and begin to walk. She thought she was loner birthed? Far from it. His eyes darted to the squirrel, and he kicked snow of it, hiding it, before padding towards her quietly. His tail stroked over her back, both to comfort and to get her attention, "Smokeshadow, have I ever been one to male accusations like that? I believe you have me mixed up with Rowanstar." He stated, his voice taking on a rare tone of being soft and compassionate. He scrambled for words, and finally let out a heavy sigh, shaking his head.

His jaws parted, he wanted to tell her, but he knew something bad would happen. If he told her, she would probably leave, go be happy in ThunderClan, that was a good thing, but she would be gone. In that case, Rowanstar could kill him, it'd be fine. On the other hand, he could withhold the information from her, let her be used by Rowanstar, regret it for the rest of his life... Oh StarClan. He shuddered internally. He couldn't tell her, not yet. Instantly, he forced a peppier tone into his voice. "And being a loner isn't a bad thing, I think ShadowClan- that was once almost entirely composed of Loners and Rogues, is the only Clan who doesn't see that." He chuckled, glancing back over his shoulder at where the squirrel was, "Besides, you should be proud of that blood, if you get to hunt like that. I wasn't being sarcastic. It was truly a joy to watch."

[Kestrelflight]

Rowanstar had been silently watching Crookedfang and Smokeshadow for a short amount of time. Rowanstar wasn't one to be patient unless it was needed. In this case, it was not needed. It was a pathetic display really. Smokeshadow was obviously infatuated with Crookedfang who cared for Smokeshadow as well. They were both blind and idiots. Rowanstar loved blind idiots. They were so much easier to manipulate and control. He chuckled, watching the conversation. He knew they had no idea he was here. His eyes trained on Crookedfang. The tom wanted to tell the secret. Rowanstar bunched his muscles in case he would have to make his presence known. But no, Crookedfang had the sense to keep Smokeshadow in the dark. Rowanstar withheld a satisfied purr. That's right Crookedfang. Lie to her. Don't tell her how her mother screamed under the paws of your warriors. Don't tell her about her father's valient battle against us. And don't tell her about her brother who stood bravely in front of her while you and I together knocked them over the head. You're in this too, Crookedfang. You'll never be clean of her blood...

Rowanstar stretched and stood, pushing his way from the bushes and calling out. "Crookedfang! Smokeshadow! What use is lecturing on the talents of a loner when a clan goes hungry?" He grinned at the two cats. He had heard their earlier conversation. Smokeshadow was petrified of him, thought he would force her to have his kittens. He had considered it and long abandoned the idea. He detested kittens. Yet he knew their ranks needed to grow. He was going to let Crookedfang take care of that. But knowing what he now knew and watching them, he felt it would be more entertaining for him to interfere. He purred and came to stand beside Crookedfang and Smokeshadow. "Especially when our ranks are so low as they are presently. But we may have kittens yet, won't we Smokeshadow?" He tossed a knowing cruel glance at Crookedfang.

Smokeshadow

&&. Smokeshadow had been about to reply, touched by Crookedfang's kindness, when Rowanstar emerged. Her blood ran cold and she bit her lip with fear. What had he heard? Or more appropriately, what hadn't he heard? She shuffled her paws, pleading eyes trained on Crookedfang. Rowanstar had approached them, lecturing lightly on standing instead of hunting. But now he was near her, too near, and purring suggestively about kittens. All Smokeshadow could do was swallow and nod silently. This was her leader. She should be honored. She wasn't honored. She wanted Crookedfang to save her. She lowered her eyes. "It has long been a dream of mine to be a Queen, Rowanstar." But not your Queen. She shifted her paws, too frightened to back away from Rowanstar yet wanting nothing more than to flee his presence.

Character: Smokeshadow
Tagged: Crookedfang
Comments: X

[Silentheart]

He stiffened as Rowanstar came forward, speaking to them, his cruel, uncaring eyes locking on the silvery deputy as he spoke to Smokeshadow about kittens. Hatred burned in his belly, and his claws flexed slightly, but what could he do? Had it been any othert tom, he would have killed them where they stood. When he was an apprentice, and a younger warrior, Crookedfang had been known to kill, without mercy, if you so much as tread on his tail, that was why Rowanstar had used him in the battle, had made him fight, kill, and take Smokeshadow. His ears flicked, and he forced out a nonchalant tone, "Come now Rowanstar. I've never noted you to be any interested in kits."Unless you're having your warriors kill their parents and steal them. His eyes narrowed, his voice almost a challenge as he continued, "Not even while our Clan was dying, and there were pawfuls of she-cats willing to birth kits- but now that its almost dead and only Smokeshadow, you're interested? Mm, interesting." His gaze flicked to Smokeshadow, and he addressed her, "Smokeshadow, I left that squirrel you caught back where you killed it. How about you go fetch it." He suggested, although it was more of a statement then anything else. He was telling her to go, and if she was smart, to get away for a bit until Rowanstar was bored of his game.

He looked back to his leader, that cruel, sadistic cat that he entirely resented, "Prey isn't running, Rowanstar. Its the first bit of prey we've found in two days, and we had to come this close to ThunderClan just to find it." He announced, as if he respected his leader and was apt to make a report, but his contempt was obvious, even as he spoke so blatantly, and again, his eyes narrowed, "Have you attempted to hunt today, Rowanstar? Any luck?"

[Kestrelflight]

Rowanstar's eyes narrowed and he took a threatening step forward, shooting a growl at Smokeshadow as he moved in on Crookedfang. "Stay where you are, Smokeshadow." His claws silently unsheathed in warning, his ears twitching. His eyes were dangerously thin and his voice low as he adressed Crookedfang. "Come now Rowanstar. I've never noted you to be any interested in kits. Not even while our Clan was dying, and there were pawfuls of she-cats willing to birth kits- but now that its almost dead and only Smokeshadow, you're interested? Mm, interesting. Prey isn't running, Rowanstar. Its the first bit of prey we've found in two days, and we had to come this close to ThunderClan just to find it. Have you attempted to hunt today, Rowanstar? Any luck?" Rowanstar was not one to tolerate being mocked. Nor having his power challenged. His tail lashed against his legs. His voice was a snarl, he was begging for a fight. He and Crookedfang both knew who would win. There was a reason Rowanstar was leader after all. "Do you think you could do a better job, Crookedfang? Or are you lashing out at me to impress Smokeshadow? See I think it's a little bit of both. You're not subtle, Crookedfang. You're angry because you'd rather the kittens be hers. I'm not the only one who's only decided to display an interest once the clan dies, now am I?" He took another step forward to Crookedfang, tensing his muscles and imaging the different places he would slice into the other tom's skin. "You want a reason to justify your guilt." Rowanstar knew he would hit a nerve with that loaded comment.

Smokeshadow

&&. Smokeshadow's eyes darted between the two toms with unconcealed fear. She had started to back away but was stopped by Rowanstar's words. Her tail flicked nervously. It was her fault, all her fault. She should have just hunted on her own, brought back prey, had Rowanstar's kittens. Everything would have been okay. Crookedfang would be okay. She took a step towards the tom, her eyes still darting between them. She spoke in a small voice, trying to put herself between the toms. "Fighting amongst ourselves will solve nothing. We need to stand united," She finished "behind our leader." With a regretful glance at Crookedfang, she stepped away and moved to stand behind Rowanstar. She hoped Crookedfang understood. It was only for him. Rowanstar would kill him, he would. They both knew it. Her eyes were begging him. Crookedfang, back down.

[Silentheart]

Crookedfang bristled, a low snarl rising in his throat. If not for his belief in the warrior code, he would attack, try to kill his leader, with pleasure. He couldn't help but feel the wily traces of his youth boiling in his blood, the untamed urge to kill. With Rowanstar's final comment, his claws unsheathed, and sank into the dirt, his long, sharp fangs revealing as his mouth opened in a hiss. He wouldn't mind tasting Rowanstar's blood and ripping each of his lives from his still warm body, but Smokeshadow spoke up, stepping between them, but speaking to Crookedfang, saying that they had to stand behind their leader. Behind Rowanstar. His fur flattened, a pained look fogging his eyes as he watched Smokeshadow, the growls fading, and once again, he looked like the defeated deputy Rowanstar expected of him. He felt betrayed. For a moment.

His gaze, heated and venomous locked back on Rowanstar, "I can justify my guilt. You however, will never be able to justify why our Clan has died since you became leader." Suddenly, the warrior code was nothing to him. not when Rowanstar was involved. His voice went deadly low, his ears pinned, his fur bristled and his claws again unsheathed. He wasn't afraid to fight, or die, although he didn't expect Rowanstar to fight him. Not here, or now- possibly. "StarClan cannot back such a sadistic cat, and neither can I. I am a ShadowClan cat through and through, and that is the only loyalty I hold to this clan. Not to you," His eyes darted to Smokeshadow. How could she stand and watch Rowanstar's insanity? "Even if others do." He looked back to Rowanstar, again challenging him, head high, eyes locked, "What are you possibly trying to accomplish with your insanity?"

[Kestrelflight]

Rowanstar was no longer amused. He would not stand to be insulted. His own claws unsheathed and his eyes boiled dangerously. He lowered his head, taking a step towards Crookedfang. If the two toms fought, it would be a long bloody battle. Rowanstar wouldn't emerge unscathed, Crookedfang would land a few good blows. But both toms knew that Rowanstar would win. He had a soulless cruelty that Crookedfang didn't, that and eight more lives. Rowanstar snarled deep in his chest, his lips curling over his teeth. Plus, he had another secret weapon. His eyes darted to Smokeshadow. Yes, his little secret weapon. He turned, roughly shoving Smokeshadow away from him and Crookedfang. He turned back to Crookedfang, tensing his muscles.

"Unfortunately, I'm not one for apologies." He spoke simply and then, in a flash, he had lunged at Crookedfang. His fur was bristling and his claws extended. He snarled with satisfaction as he felt his claws connect with Crookedfang's fur. He tore savagely at the other tom.

Smokeshadow

&&. Smokeshadow stumbled as Rowanstar shoved her away. She lost her footing, falling hard with a thud. Her fur was rumpled and dirty. She picked herself up, biting her lip and moving away. She looked beaten and bruised, though barely a paw had been laid on her. Her eyes were shiny with tears as she gazed in horror at Rowanstar and Crookedfang. As Rowanstar barrelled into Crookedfang, Smokeshadow couldn't hold back a shriek. Fear kept her rooted in place.

[Silentheart]

Crookedfang's eyes never left Rowanstar, until he shoved Smokeshadow, and instantly, his eyes wandered to her. A foolish mistake, because she shrieked shrilly, and claws snagged, not only fur, but he felt his flesh pierce and tear. He yowled, a mixture of pain and fury. Rowanstar's burly body leaned over him, tearing into his skin, drawing blood, but only a moments hesitation followed before, Crookedfang let his own claws go flying, a will to flay fur and flesh off his cruel leader letting him blot out the pain from his own wounds. Jaws agape, he threw his head forward, knowing that sinking his too-long fangs into Rowanstar would do something decent to the other tom- a need to make the fight even before he focused on defense with only enough offense to win- he knew with eight lives within Rowanstar, there was no way to kill him.

Deep down, he knew however, it was well a hopeless fight. He could rip and tear into his leader all day, spill is blood, cause pain and inflict deadly wounds, but it wouldn't matter, for eventually, Rowanstar was almost guaranteed to prevail, possibly killing Crookedfang in the process, but in that moment, he didn't care. Rowanstar, simply to torture him, would have Smokeshadow as a mate, he would continue to kill the clan, and ShadowClan would be in ruins. Now, if he survived, if he managed to defeat Rowanstar, things could look up- or he could die another day, if he lost, he was dead anyway. A furious snarl ripped from his throat as his rage boiled over. He wasn't afraid to die, but he didn't wish to, but he didn't wish to live in defeat. He would win, or die trying.