just like i'd imagined - [open]

[ℳintу]

^{¤
♂ Stonekit.
WindClan Kitten
¤}

[/sup]

<sup>The day was rather bleak in WindClan camp. The sun was overcast and, despite the temperature being quite comfortable, the humidity was almost unbearable. It was days like these that made camp life quite slow. Most cats attempted to take shelter in what they could find in the open campsite to try and avoid the heat. It was Greenleaf, after all. A very hot one, if I may.

Stonekit, the silver tabby tomcat fur almost sweating, rolled from side to side impatiently in the nursery. Oh, how he couldn't stand this place. He didn't want to be here - he wanted to be out there in camp. He wanted to be old and on his own - not relying on some snappy, know-it-all queen and her kittens. The light tabby tom rolled over onto his paws and began to groom, for he had just rolled around in a lot of dirt and was now covered. After a few moments of cleaning, his bright blue eyes stared out of the nursery at the camp. Cats were around, but not doing too much. Maybe he could actually get out without being noticed?

The queens, distracted by the uncomfortable heat, were bickering among their kittens - leaving his escape unnoticed. Swiftly and carefully, Stonekit casually rolled on his back out of the den, pretending to be playing. As soon as he made it outside, he looked back but the queens still had not noticed. He purred to himself, proud of himself for getting out of the nursery. He gave his pelt a few more licks and shook all around to make himself presentable. The few times he was out of the nursery he knew he wanted to look good.

He moved around the camp, awed by all of the large dens. He searched about until he found his desire - the apprentices' den. He smirked as he gandered inside, seeing several apprentices lazily sleeping the day away. Soon, he told himself, Soon I'll finally be in here.

Turning away, the curious silver tomcat bounded away to the center of camp. There wasn't much left of the fresh-kill pile at the moment, but Stonekit was amazed nonetheless. His mouth almost watered, despite never having tasted mouse before. He stared longingly at it, but dared not have a taste, for he knew he would be reprimanded. The silver tabby sat down on his haunches by the pile and instead attempted to look nonchalant as he slowly groomed one of his forepaws.</sup>

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[ravenclaw]

Smokepaw
Don't go where the path may lead,
Go instead where there is no path, and leave a trail

It had been a moon since Hawkfur died and Smokepaw was still finding it difficult to do things on his own. He still knew too little be of any use, but he was visited each night by Hawkfur and trained a little each night. But he always woke up exhausted and begging for more sleep. Hawkfur's scent still lingered in the medicine den, and in the former medicine cat's actual den. The apprentice sighed, pain and grief threatening to overwelm the young tom. He was only six moons old, seven moons now. He blinked open his sightless blue eyes, scenting the air and breathing in Hawkfur's stale scent. A breath caught in his throat as pain flickered in his icy eyes. Rising to his paws, the black apprentice made his way outside. Brambles swished across the clearing and Smokepaw opened his mouth to scent Stonekit coming out the nursery, slowly it seemed. Smokepaw flicked his tail with amusement. He adored kits and how this one seemed to like to break rules. He followed the kit's scent as the young tom seemed to be crossing the clearing. He focused his hearing on the kit. The fresh kill pile? He was probably staring at it now. 

Smokepaw sniffed the air and decided that Stonekit was facing his back to the black apprentice. Quiet as a snake, Smokepaw padded up behind Stonekit. "Hello Stonekit." Smokepaw was young, but his voice was already deep and powerful. A little grumble told Smokepaw that he himself was hungry. Sniffing out a fat rabbit, Smokepaw hooked the fresh kill with his long claws, they gleamed threateningly in the sun. Dragging the meal from the pile, the medicine cat apprentice flopped it down in front of Stonekit. "Share with me?" He asked the kit gently and took a bite from the rabbit. He chewed slowly, knowing the juicy meat of rabbit wouldn't last long when leaf fall and leaf bare came. 

He held back a snort of annoyance and waited for Stonekit to take his bite. "So are you supposed to be out of the nursery?" The black Tom was only half joking. Then he continued. "Hey Stonekit," Smokepaw mewed after a moment, "I know how it feels to not have a mother. I lost mine in a battle against ShadowClan. A warrior actually blinded me and Hawkfur was kind enough to take me in as his apprentice." Smokepaw sighed with grief. He drifted into memories when he woke up that night in the medicine den...

Dark, so very dark, and choking blackness. Smokepaw lifted his black head, startled by a movement to his left. Someone was touching him, brushing their pelt against his. He couldn't see anything and be felt overwhelmed by the confusion of not being able to see anything. A scent filled the air around Smokepaw. "Harkfur?" Smokepaw's voice was hoarse, as though he hadn't used it in days. The black apprentice struggled to stand on unsteady legs, only to be lowered again by Hawkfur's hefty paw. "Rest little one, you have lost much." Hawkfur mewed gently, circling Smokepaw's nest. "Hawkfur, I-I can't see! What is wrong?" Smokepaw's mew trembled with fear. "You were attacked by a warrior much larger than you. He bashed you in the head and the blow blinded you... Permanently ." The last word struck Smokepaw as hard as the blow that rendered him blind. "Blind?" The apprentice squeaked. "I'm afraid so. You would've been killed by him if I hadn't seen you in time. I nearly killed him myself, but he knew he was beaten and fled back to his own camp in ShadowClan. I immediately set to work, but there was nothing I can do." Hawkfur admitted.

"But that means..." Smokepaw couldn't bear to say it. "Yes, you can never be a warrior Smokepaw. I'm sorry. But Smokepaw, this doesn't mean you are useless to WindClan. I am coming of age and need an apprentice." Hawkfur mewed softly, rasping his tongue repeatedly between Smokepaw's ears. "So Smokepaw, will you be my apprentice?" Hawkfur asked. Smokepaw lifted his head high, hiding the pain welling up inside him though he was sure his sightless eyes gave it away. "I accept."

Smokepaw broke away from the memory and gazed blindly at Stonekit.

Notes: Not my best
Muse: Eh

 

[ℳintу]

^{¤
♂ Stonekit.
WindClan Kitten
¤}

[/sup]

Stonekit had been gently grooming his back legs, mind still buzzing from his journey out of the nursery, when he suddenly heard a booming voice. He immediately halted and looked around the clearing, turning his back to face the medicine cat apprentice. The small silver tabby took a moment to focus his delicate, bright blue orbs on the apprentice - after all, he still wasn't too familiar with all the cats in the Clan just yet. He had seen this cat visit the nursery a few times before, and after a moment of thought, his ears perked up as he realized exactly who it was - Smokepaw!

The apprentice already knew his name, and Stonekit felt a bit of pride deep inside his chest to learn this. He dipped his head in respect, but bit his lip in shame a moment later when he realized Smokepaw wouldn't have seen the gesture since he was blind. Stonekit liked Smokepaw and felt it was unfortunate for the tomcat to have suffered blindness, especially after living so long with sight. The tabby tom knew that Smokepaw took his disability in stride and was even more with it than cats with all their senses. This made Stonekit smile a bit.

"Hello, Smokepaw!" he meowed, his sounding so small compared to the apprentice's deep meow. As he watched the apprentice get the rabbit so easily, he was a bit envious - his blue eyes watching every moment. Suddenly his ears perked up once more, his face showing upmost delight. "Really? I'd love to!" he meowed to Smokepaw as he turned to sit in front of him down by the rabbit.

Stonekit sat down a piece of rabbit he managed to tear off, albeit a small one. His tail wagged from side to side, similar to a dog's in enjoyment, as he began to slowly devour the rabbit. Oh, it tasted like heaven! He had truly been missing out on such a delicious meal! As Stonekit finished up his small piece, he began to let out a slow, steady purring noise; he was certainly content now. A moment later, his heart sank as Smokepaw mentioned the nursery.

"Well, the queens were busy.. I figured it wasn't a big deal since it's so hot out today," he meowed, pawing at another bite of the rabbit, almost biting his lip in anticipation if Smokepaw was to call him out on his misdeed. As his sapphire-colored eyes met with Smokepaw's frame a moment later, Smokepaw had become serious. The mood had shifted, and Stonekit was unsure of how he felt about it. He listened to Smokepaw's story. It truly was tragic - losing both a mother and one's eyesight in a battle is horrible. Stonekit felt a bit guilty about his own circumstances - yes his mother had passed away, but he had been perfectly fine. Although he had never known his father - but that had never been an issue for the small silver tomcat.

"It does hurt," he meowed, his tone still high from his young age, but it was filled with some grief and pain. "… to know that she's really gone. But the important thing to remember is that they'll always watch over us in StarClan. Because they love us," his meow cracked at the end as he quickie looked to the side to compose himself. "And we love them," he meowed again, stronger this time as he stared up in the medicine cat's eyes with a smile.

After a moment of consideration, Stonekit swallowed the saliva in his throat and decided to ask a question on his mind. "Which hurt worse - losing her or becoming blind…?" he didn't mean the question in mean circumstances at all. He was being sincere and honest, which was evident in his naive tone. His blue eyes looked pleadingly up at Smokepaw, tail flicking in anticipation. Certainly becoming blind must have hurt, but what about losing someone close to you while you still had a chance to live? Stonekit couldn't figure out which could be worse, and after a moment realized how depressing of an atmosphere was around them now. "I-I mean, if you don't want to answer that's fine… that was fairly rude of me, I'm sorry," he quickly apologized, frantic enough to almost topple over the words as they came out. He never wanted to offend Smokepaw, but he also didn't want his curiosity to come out misunderstood.

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[ravenclaw]

Smokepaw
Don't go where the path may lead,
Go instead where there is no path, and leave a trail

Smokepaw purred with amusement. "Of course, being a medicine cat means I have to care for my clanmates and by the sound of it you were suffering hunger. It is my duty cure you of I'm-very-hungry-itis." Smokepaw mewed jokingly. He flicked his tail, letting it swish behind him. Smokepaw listened as flesh ripped. Stonekit had taken his bite. Smokepaw tore off another piece delicately with his sharp teeth, chewing and swallowing. "I suppose the nursery is busy, isn't it? And it can get a bit stuffy in here. And I hope no other warrior will be having kits soon. Hawkfur wasn't around long enough to teach me how to deliver kits." Smokepaw had always wanted to deliver his first kits when he realized he couldn't be a warrior. But he couldn't, he wanted the share the experience with Hawkfur. Now he never would.

Smokepaw forced himself not get drowned in his memories again. He had watched kits been born before. He had been in the nursery when Stonekit was born, but he was too excited to watch what Hawkfur was doing when he was delivering the kits. At the time, Smokepaw was planning to be a warrior, not a medicine cat. He shook his head as if shaking water from it. Stonekit started to talk about his pain, and losing his mother. He listened as he spoke of his mother watching him from Starclan. Warmth filled Smokepaw's chest like a fire blazing through the forest. "Yes, Starclan watch over us always. Our mothers and fathers and friends and ancestors watch over from StarClan. They are among us now, even if we don't see them they could be right next to us. They watch over us, and protect us. We don't always know why our loved ones join their ranks, but just remember Stonekit... Your mother will always be with you, even if you don't see her, like Hawkfur is always with me. He was my best friend..." Smokepaw paused. "He was my only friend." Pain swelled in Smokepaw, catching in his throat.

He shook his head with a sigh. "And besides, they leave us, but they don't really leave." Smokepaw knew he was just repeating himself, but it comforted himself to know that Hawkfur's spirit was probably right next to him. A soft voice filled his ears then, speaking words of comfort. No worries, Smokepaw. I will always be with you no matter where you go, even if you feel all alone in the world. I will always be with you. Hawkfur's scent filled the air around Smokepaw, only to disappear a heartbeat later. Smokepaw breathed in Hawkfur's familiar scent, his heart pounding in his chest. He silently pleaded for Hawkfur to come back. Suddenly, the world flashed open to Smokepaw and he could see again. Hawkfur was sitting behind Stonekit, his thick white tail curled neatly over his paws, his black-tipped ears perked forward and his amber eyes glistening with sadness. Smokepaw gasped quietly, staring at Hawkfur for the first time. Hawkfur was large for a WindClan cat, his thick pelt covered him well, but it was still easy to see the well-built muscles underneath the fur.

Smokepaw blinked his blue eyes, pain sparkling in their icy depths. "Hawkfur... I miss you." Smokepaw whispered. I know, my apprentice. But remember, I am always with you even if you can't see me. Hawkfur started to fade and Smokepaw's vision faded quickly to blackness again. Smokepaw's heart fluttered in his chest as Hawkfur's image burned in his mind. Courage and comfort warmed Smokepaw's body as he pictured Hawkfur. Strong, big, kind, gentle. I want to be just like him. Smokepaw thought. I'm going to make you proud of me, Hawkfur. I promise I will! Smokepaw could almost hear Hawkfur saying You already have. But the black apprentice knew Hawkfur was gone. Smokepaw took a bite from the rabbit, his thoughts filling with the image of Hawkfur. His long, muscular legs, broad chest and shoulders, his powerful head and thick tail. His gentle, amber eyes and his large paws. Smokepaw purred, knowing that he was the last cat Hawkfur ever saw. May you guide my paws wherever I go, Hawkfur.

Notes: A little better
Muse: Acceptable

[ℳintу]

^{¤
♂ Stonekit.
WindClan Kitten
¤}

[/sup]

The bright, silver tabby tomcat rested his paws gently beneath him as Smokepaw spoke of their ancestors watching over them. He knew this was true, or at least he believed it with all his heart could. To hold onto his young sanity, he felt that there must be something more than this life they were given - there had to be a place of eternal hunting, or of something like that. The fur that had been bristling on his shoulers in anticipation quickly died down as he listened to Smokepaw, an air of comfort reaching Stonekit's heart. He had never truly stopped to talk to the young medicine cat apprentice, but it seemed as though Smokepaw was much wiser beyond his years. Stonekit appreciated that; he needed something like this. He needed to be reassured that he wasn't alone, that there was someone out there watching over him, and that he was still loved, despite his mother not belonging to this world anymore. Yes, this is exactly what he needed.

Stonekit stared off into space while pondering these thoughts, oblivious to Smokepaw's blank-staring reaction. After all, Smokepaw had been alone for quite some time, except for his mentor Hawkfur, and had done quite well by himself. If Smokepaw could bounce back, then surely Stonekit had nothing to worry about. He was still young (despite a deep desire to grow up very quickly) and had time on his side to sort out his personal life. Pleased with these thoughts, Stonekit let out a rich purr, amazingly loud for his small stature. He was very pleased at the moment, and he could care less whether cats noticed he had escaped the nursery or ate a rabbit at this point.

It was then that the tomcat straightened himself out. With a jolt, his mind shifted to his escape - had the queens found out about his 'prison break' yet? He raised himself onto all fours, shaking away some dirt that clung to his pelt. With his worrisome blue eyes almost shaking, he scanned the scene. Some cats had come and gone, not paying him any heed. That wasn't what he was worried for, though - warriors didn't mind that he was out of his boundaries. He put his nose in the air, and his muscles softened. The queens hadn't moved out of the nursery, and he even thought he could hear one snoring in the nursery. He gave a quick sigh of relief, glad that he had suddenly been alarmed for nothing. That and because his thoughts had been shaken from the depressing topics.

He turned his small tabbed body to face the medicine cat apprentice once more, a smirk on his face this time. A slightly mischievous look came across the young, but mature, kitten's eyes. He was a curious kitten after all.

"Hey, Smokepaw, did you ever do anything crazy or bad when you were younger?" he meowed, excitement in his eyes. His tail flipped back and forth, once more like a canine's, in anticipation to see if Smokepaw had any funny or scary stories from his earlier years.

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[ravenclaw]

Smokepaw
Don't go where the path may lead,
Go instead where there is no path, and leave a trail

Paws shuffled on the ground with the swish of fur. Stonekit must've gotten up, and quickly. A little alarmed, Smokepaw's pelt bristled as he jumped to his paws as well with impressive speed, ears perked and mouth open to catch any strange scents. There were none to be found and Smokepaw let his fur lie flat. He sat down with a relieved sigh and heard Stonekit moving about again. The question he asked took Smokepaw by surprise, but the tom purred with amusement all the same. "Yes, I have gotten into my fair share of trouble." Smokepaw narrowed his eyes and laid down, curling his paws under his chest as he settled down to the tell the story. Smokepaw looked into Stonekit's eyes and began.

"When I was a kit, my father was Ashstar leader of WindClan before Stormstar. My mother was Daisyleaf. She was a beautiful ginger and white she-cat with the most beautiful blue eyes. I remember her scent, her soft, sweet voice. I remember how she said she would love me until the Clans were no more." Smokepaw's voice trailed as he thought of his beautiful mother. "She played with me every day, whether she wanted to or not. If I was happy, so was she. I loved her, and she loved me. Well, when I was five moons old I heard a border patrol report of a badger in WindClan, dangerously close to the camp. My father was so worried about such a dangerous creature so close to camp. I decided I wanted to help. The patrols set out and I snuck out of camp through dirtplace." Smokepaw's eyes flashed with his memories.

I didn't know what badger smelled like, but I heard warriors talking about how they stunk really bad. So I scented for anything foul. No such luck. But then the ground shook and I stumbled. And that's when I heard the most frightening snarl in my entire life! I scented the air, scared out of my fur at whatever was behind me. The most horrible smell was filling the air around me and I knew by instinct what the danger behind me was. Badger!" Smokepaw spat the name with fury. "I spun around with a squeal of terror as I faced the biggest, meanest, more terrifying looking badger the clans' have ever seen! What mesmerized me about the creature was the silver stripe from it's head to it's tail. And the beady eyes frightened me." Smokepaw suppressed a shiver, remembering the hatred in the badger's eyes.

"The search parties looking for the badger must've heard me, because suddenly my father was on the ferocious creature's back, clawing it with all the power of StarClan! I was frozen with terror as the badger shook my father off without any effort it seemed. Lionclaw, a senior warrior, scooped me up and got me a safe distance away. He hadn't time to take me to camp and get back to the fight without risking the life of his leader, my father. It was foolish, and brave. I got to watch the fight. And it was horrifying. Blood and fur were everywhere. Claws, teeth, and fur all flashing with the speed of the wind. Finally, the badger roared with defeat and lumbered away as quickly as it could. My father sent Lionclaw and another warrior named Sunstrike after the badger to make sure it left clan territory and didn't go into another clan's territory." Smokepaw purred at the thought of his father's courage.

"But when my father came to me after the fight, I knew he was furious, and his rage was fueled by his worry for what had become of me. He saw I was okay, but I knew he was scared beyond belief for me. He covered me with licks, scolding me and telling me how rabbit-brained I was, how I shouldn't have left camp. But I only wanted to help! My clan was in danger, Ashstar! I only wanted to protect them! I explained. My father sighed and said he admired my loyalty toward my friends and family and WindClan in general, but he made me promise not to do anything so foolish again. I agreed, for the sake of his sanity." Smokepaw joked.

"But a moon later I was made an apprentice and given Lionclaw as my mentor. That was when ShadowClan attacked. My father was on his last life and died fighting the Shadowclan leader, Badgerstar. I heard the next day that Badgerstar had died in the night of his injuries. I also learned my mother and mentor had been killed as well, and the reason for the battle was unknown to anyone except ShadowClan." Smokepaw sighed. "Since then, I haven't gotten into any trouble." Smokepaw finished his story. The rising temperature told Smokepaw that it was nearing sunhigh. He took a last bite of the rabbit, realizing it was the very last piece of meat on the prey.

"Here. You have it." Smokepaw offered the last chunk of meat to Stonekit. "And it is getting pretty hot, shall we retreat to my den? I have a nice, cool pool of water where you can drink from." Smokepaw stood up, shaking his pelt as if ridding it of water. He gave his chest a few licks and retreated into his den, sniffing along the far wall to see what herbs he needed. "Comfrey is low. I'll need catmint for leaf fall and leaf bare. Oh, and I need some more juniper berries." He mumbled to himself as he went down the line. Finally he got to a large crack in the stone wall. He stopped and flattened his ears, eyes closed. He padded into the den and stepped into a nest. It smelled of Hawkfur. Heart throbbing with sorrow, Smokepaw circled in the nest and laid down, He laid his black head on the rim of the nest, closing his pale blue eyes and thinking of Hawkfur.

Notes: Getting better
Muse: Good

[/quote]

[ℳintу]

^{¤
♂ Stonekit.
WindClan Kitten
¤}

[/sup]

Stonekit felt a bit ashamed at his kitten reflexes when he noticed Smokepaw had been mis-alarmed by his misunderstood actions. He had forgotten about it a moment as Smokepaw began to tell him a story. How Stonekit loved stories! Sadly, he never heard enough stories to satisfy him in the nursery since the queens were often much too busy (and much too boring as far as Stonekit was concerned) to give a moment of their 'precious' time. The silver tabby tomcat rested on his paws in front of Smokepaw, mesmerized by the story unfolding.

Stonekit smiled a bit, the silver fur on his lips curling in a happy manner, as Smokepaw talked of his mother. He could almost imagine her in front of him, and to see another cat speak dearly about their mother made him warm inside - as if Smokepaw really had understood exactly how Stonekit had felt when his mother had been by his side. Stonekit's ears perked up and he stared slightly in awe at the medicine cat apprentice as he spoke of sneaking out - while a badger was lose, nonetheless!

As Smokepaw began to talk about his hunt for the badger, Stonekit's tail began to lash back and forth with anticipation. This had turned out to be quite a story! Stonekit let out a gasp when Smokepaw mentioned stumbling. His eyes widened, shocked by the apprentice's experience. If he had been there, he knew he would have become frozen solid, scared for his life. Suddenly, Stonekit's body had life in it once again as he seemed to shake with excitement hearing about Smokepaw's father attacking the large badger. A bit of admiration shown in the young silver cat's eyes for the previous Clan leader he never had the chance to meet.

"Amazing," Stonekit meowed under his breath, his eyes dazed as stars in admiration - if only Smokepaw could see the kitten's face now, he would have surely been filled to the brim with pride.

There was a pang of sorrow in Stonekit's chest to hear of the grand leader's demise in a battle with ShadowClan. Ashstar had been such a courageous warrior, and to die by a cat named Badgerstar - how interesting! As Smokepaw finished his tale, Stonekit was already in his own world - imagining cats fighting giant badger-monsters and having wars. It took him a moment to regain his composure for him to realize that Smokepaw had offered him the chunk of rabbit. Smiling very wide, Stonekit thanked the apprentice for it and quickly began to bite at the small piece, trying his best to take his time since he knew he wouldn't get another rabbit in a long time. After he finished, giving his maw a lick as well as his paws, his attention turned to Smokepaw.

"Wait for me!" he meowed, quickly giving himself another lick of grooming before tumbling after the medicine cat apprentice toward the den.

As the small tabby kitten made his way into the medicine cat's den, his awe-struck eyes appeared once more. Staring around with precious blue orbs, he was astonished by all of the herbs that had been gathered. It was almost like a museum to him. The last time he had been here had been when his mother passed away, and Stonekit had not taken the time to clearly scope out the den for obvious reasons. He let out a short gasp as he glanced around him in either direction.

"There's so many things here! How do you remember everything?" his light meow rang throughout the den as he padded over to a bunch of cobwebs gathered, playfully sticking his paw on one. A moment later it was stuck to his forepaw, making him feel shocked. He shook for a moment before peeling the cobwebs off his paw onto the ground where they first were. He was secretly glad at this moment that Smokepaw couldn't see him - that would've been embarrassing for certain! Stonekit moved away from the cobweb and began to stare at all of the plants that were lined up, not knowing a thing about any of them.

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[ravenclaw]

Smokepaw
Don't go where the path may lead,
Go instead where there is no path, and leave a trail

The brambles to the den entrance swished. Smokepaw lifted his head and scented the air. He knew it was Stonekit, but he wanted to make sure. He could feel the kit's amazement and awe of all the herbs. Smokepaw remembered feeling the same way, excitement and anxiety. Excitement, because he knew what they all were. Anxious, because he was afraid he would forget. He remembered Hawkfur telling him that he would always help Smokepaw remember all the herbs names and uses. The ripping of cobweb jerked Smokepaw out of his thoughts. He leaped out from the nest and stood behind Stonekit, his pelt prickling. "Be careful with those please. Those are cobwebs, and they help stop bleeding on wounds. I know where there is plenty, but it is still good to have some on supply in case of an emergency." Smokepaw's deep mew echoed in the silent medicine clearing. The brambles swished again and Smokepaw flicked his ears up, jaws open to catch the scent of a warrior. "Yes, what can I do for you?" Smokepaw asked coolly.

The warrior looked straight at Smokepaw. "I have a thorn in my pad and it's in there really deep." The warrior mewed, his voice edged with pain. Smokepaw closed his eyes, ears back, as he tried hard to remember what Hawkfur told him. "I'll need... um..." Smokepaw's eyes squeezed shut tighter as he felt the warrior's eyes burning into him as if he expected the apprentice to already know everything. "Chervil and... Uh... Yarrow! Yes! Chervil and yarrow!" Smokepaw remembered as he spun around and walked along the stacks of herbs, tail flicking as he sniffed out yarrow and chervil. Locating them quickly, Smokepaw made a poultice and hobbled over to the warrior. He nosed the tom's pad until he hit the thorn. Grabbing it delicately in his teeth, Smokepaw hesitated. "This will sting, but only for a moment." He mumbled with the thorn between his teeth. He threw his black head backward, jerking the thorn out of the warrior's pad. The warrior yelped with pain and surprise.

Smokepaw could ear him bouncing around the clearing, hearing him shaking his paw vigorously. Smokepaw put the thorn down, placing his paw over it carefully. "I thought warriors were tough." Smokepaw joked. "Yeah, whatever apprentice. Just put the stuff on it." The warrior snapped. "Well, with that attitude, perhaps I should just let it go as is. You know, infections can be painful but warriors are tough, right? I'm sure you can do without," Smokepaw shrugged, his voice was calm and collected, but the challenge was clear enough. The warrior growled and thrust his paw at Smokepaw. "Very well. Again, this will sting, but only for a little bit. Don't lick it off and keep your paw off the ground until the poultice has had time to soak in." Smokepaw instructed and put the mixture on the tom's pad. The tom hissed with the sharp pain, but kept still. "There. All done, now get out of my clearing, I have other things to do." Smokepaw growled.

The warrior sighed with annoyance as he hobbled from the den. "Stupid, blind cat!" He muttered. Smokepaw's fur instantly bristled, his eyes blazing like blue fire. He drew his lips back into a snarl, revealing unusually long, sharp teeth. He lashed his thick tail, poofed out to twice its normal size, and stomped into Hawkfur's den, laying in the nest again. His anger quickly vanished to be replaced with grief. "Hawkfur. You say you saved me, but I guess you were wrong." Smokepaw sighed as he closed his eyes. Then he remembered Stonekit in the clearing. "Stonekit. Come to me." Smokepaw offered. "I want to share this nest with you." Smokepaw called out to the kit. "It was Hawkfur's." He added sadly. He sniffed the nest, his own scent mingling with Hawkfur's stale scent. It seemed as though a fox had taken a chunk out of Smokepaw's chest, leaving nothing but emptiness.

Notes: Could be better
Muse: Bleh

[ℳintу]

^{¤
♂ Stonekit.
WindClan Kitten
¤}

[/sup]

Stonekit jerked up as Smokepaw caught him in the web, feeling a rush of embarrassment wash over him. He really needed to keep his guard up around this cat - even though Smokepaw lost his sight, it seemed his other senses had increased. He sat down on his paws, watching his own tail flick back and forth as most kittens did. Although Stonekit tried to be older than his mere four moons, he still was a kitten at heart - at least for now.

After a moment of playing chase-his-tail, Stonekit reclined back onto his haunches in a sitting position to pant as Smokepaw went about the den, fixing things and organizing. A moment later Stonekit saw a warrior enter. He couldn't remember the warrior's name, and so he decided to quietly watch as if he were not there - he didn't want any attention or the tom might want to talk to him. Oh, how awkward that would be when he didn't even remember the unfamiliar face. However, the tomcat seemed to have other problems, one of which was a giant thorn in his paw pad.

He watched after the apprentice as he decided on the herbs that were required to treat the wound, awe-struck once more. Smokepaw certainly knew a lot even though he was only a few moons older than Stonekit. Certainly when the time came Stonekit would learn many ways of the warrior, but he had plenty of time left still.

His ears flew down on his head as the warrior let out a piercing yelp, making Stonekit cringe. There was no way he'd tolerate being a medicine cat, he suddenly decided; too many things to remember and too many yowls for him. The silver tabby tom gave a chuckle as Smokepaw teased the warrior, but attempted to hide it with an awkward cough a moment later. He didn't want the warrior to notice him and tell him to run back to the nursery - not at all!

Stonekit certainly liked Smokepaw - he was so strong, mentally and physically for his situation; he didn't let cats mess with him, and didn't care if they looked down on him. He had such a backbone to him that made Stonekit a bit envious. He really wanted to be like Smokepaw and not care what others think about him. Or at least that's the way it seemed to the small kitten.

As the warrior hobbled away, Stonekit couldn't help but let out a small hiss to the blind comment. He couldn't stand cats that were rude - sure, they probably had their own problems and were just displacing their anger on others, but that really wasn't an excuse as far as he was concerned. His fur bristled a bit, but then he calmed himself and began to groom once more. Stonekit's ears perked up once again at the mention of his name.

He padded forward, sniffing at the nest in front of him. It was well-worn, but the look in Smokepaw's dead eyes told him how important it was to the medicine cat apprentice. Offering a gentle smile, as Stonekit kept forgetting Smokepaw couldn't see, he let out a gentle purr. He sat down at the edge of the nest, feeling a strange sense of warmth. It was a very cozy nest, and he was sure now that Hawkfur left a large imprint on Smokepaw's life.

"What was Hawkfur like?" he meowed gently as he rolled onto his back, exposing his soft belly fur. This was certainly a comfortable spot.

[/color][/blockquote][/size]

[ravenclaw]

Smokepaw
Don't go where the path may lead,
Go instead where there is no path, and leave a trail

Smokepaw heard Stonekit approach and felt the nest twitch as the kit laid down beside it. Smokepaw smiled and picked the kit up by the scruff, placing Stonekit by his belly in the nest. "I've always liked Hawkfur's nest. I would sometimes sneak into this den and fall asleep in the nest when he was out collected herbs. He never scolded me for it, he always said how he liked my curiosity and excitement to be a medicine cat. He was always gentle and kind. He never yelled, or scolded me. He would simply tell me what I was doing wrong and ask politely that I don't do it again. He never hissed or fought with me. We had a pretty good relationship." Smokepaw mewed softly to Stonekit, wrapping his bushy, black tail around the kit like a mother would.

"He never let his temper get a hold of him, though it was always easy to tell when he was angry. He would just flick his tail and pin his ears. He never let his anger control his voice either. I envied him, because I wanted to claw that warrior's eyes and show him what it's like to be blind. But as a medicine cat, I cannot do that. I am supposed to help my clanmates, not bring them harm." Smokepaw explained. "And being a medicine cat taught just how much I love helping my clanmates. I no longer wish to fight, or charge into battle, or tear someone to pieces. I realized that when Hawkfur offered me to be his apprentice, this is what I really wanted to do." Smokepaw purred softly. He surprised himself as he licked Stonekit twice between the ears. "So you want to be a warrior?" Smokepaw asked, trying to cover his embarrassment.

Notes: Terrible post, I apologize.
Muse: Very suckish

[ℳintу]

^{¤
♂ Stonekit.
WindClan Kitten
¤}

[/sup]

Stonekit winced a bit as he was picked up by his scruff. It had been ages since someone had done that, despite his young age. The other queens in the nursery often had a handful with the other kits to notice him. Even if they did notice him and wanted to pull him back inside they could simply yell for him - he often obeyed blindlessly to their pleads and scowls. In fact, the last person to pick him up this way was his mother. Such a comforting feeling to the young tomcat.

"He sounds like my mother," Stonekit meowed playfully. How dear to his heart his mother was - and it pleased him to hear about Hawkfur. Certainly the two of them must have gotten along quite well. In fact, during her death in the medicine cat's den he was sure Hawkfur had tried his hardest to save her life - maybe they had been friends in a time before? In fact, he remembered a rumor that his mother had told the medicine cat who his father was, but that Hawkfur had refused to ever give up such precious and personal information. In Stonekit's mind, Hawkfur was suddenly in a new, golden light. He had admired the cat from before when Smokepaw spoke of him, but now it almost felt as if he knew him personally.

Stonekit's ears perked up and another smirk overcame his silver maw.

"Yes! Being a warrior would be the best, I think. Even though you don't like to fight… I think my mother will be so proud of me when she sees me getting my warrior name," he spoke as if his mother was still alive, but of course he meant in StarClan. "She always told me my father was a quick and strong-willed cat, and even though I don't know him, I have a feeling she expected me to be just the same. I really can't let her down, you know."

There was a slight purr to the small, silver tabby cat's tone. He loved to talk about anything to do with his mother, of course since he was still young, and it truly energized him.

"I wish I could be an apprentice tomorrow! But I guess I have to settle with waiting a few more moons," he said regretfully, playing with some random herb in his paw as he rolled onto his back in the nest. It truly was a comforting place.

[/color][/blockquote][/size]

[ravenclaw]

Smokepaw
Don't go where the path may lead,
Go instead where there is no path, and leave a trail

The black tom listened to Stonekit. "Yes, Hawkfur was like a Mr. Mom to be after my mother died. He cared about me as if I were actually his son." Smokepaw purred, thinking of Hawkfur. Then the kit said he couldn't wait to be an apprentice. Smokepaw's thoughts immediately flashed over to a cat he had heard of, an old leader of ShadowClan, who had broken the warrior code by apprenticing cats before they were six moons old. He loved to hear about it, and maybe Stonekit would too. "Let me tell you another story. This one is about a tom named Brokenstar." Smokepaw mewed, shifting in his nest to get comfortable. "See, Brokenstar was born outside of the camp in ShadowClan's territory. His mother was Yellowfang, and she was a medicine cat. Medicine cats are not allowed to fall in love, and they are absolutely forbidden to have kits! Well, Yellowfang had three kits, two daughters and a son. One daughter died before she was born, the other died shortly after entering the world. Now the tom, he was angry the moment he was born. As soon as Yellowfang touched him, he let out a fearsome yowl." Smokepaw began the story.

He gazed at Stonekit as if he could actually see him. "He was strong from the start and Yellowfang had considered killing the kit when she saw him. She didn't know a kit could hold so much anger, but then he purred and started to suckle. Yellowfang knew she couldn't kill him now that the kit was feeding. She named him Brokenkit because it felt like there was a hole in her chest when she realized she couldn't keep her son. But what made this situation all the more dreadful was that Raggestar, leader of ShadowClan, was Brokenkit's father!" Smokepaw blinked his eyes, trying to remember every detail of the story as he had been told in the nursery by his mother. "Well, Yellowfang buried her daughters and took Brokenkit back to the camp. Raggedstar was waiting in the clearing and raced over as soon as he saw Yellowfang. But he wasn't looking at her, he was looking at his son. He took the kit from her and they took him to the nursery where a queen named Lizardstripe was nursing her two kits." The black tom spoke softly.

"At first, Lizardstripe refused to nurse Brokenkit, but Raggedstar snarled, saying that it was an honor to care for a leader's kit. She seemed taken aback by his sudden ferocity and took the kit and nursed him. Yellowfang told her that the kit's name was Brokenkit. It suited him well, because his tail was crooked so the clan would think that he was named for his broken tail, not the broken heart he had forced upon Yellowfang. She had to watch him grow up from the other side of the clearing, knowing that she could never tell him who his mother was. Well, Brokenkit became Brokenpaw and was trained by Raggedstar. Then he became Brokentail and got his own apprentice. Brokentail then became deputy after killing Raggedstar's second command in the forest. Raggedstar was too proud of his son to see the murderous cat that Brokentail was. He didn't realize how treacherous his son was until it was too late. Brokentail lured his father into the forest and killed him and was named Brokenstar. Well, Brokenstar was very ambitious and started to break the warrior code. He started assigning kits to mentors before they were six moons old. Many kits died and he blamed Yellowfang for their deaths, claiming that she was killing them." Smokepaw growled. He had heard of Yellowfang, and knew she wasn't responsible for the kits' deaths.

"She was chased away from ShadowClan and found by Bluestar's warrior Fireheart. Fireheart was a kittypet, but because he was part of a prophecy from StarClan Bluestar had to let him into ThunderClan. Bluestar's deputy at the time was Tigerclaw, but I'll tell his story to you later if you want. Anyway, Fireheart found Yellowfang in the forest. She was sick, injured, ungroomed, and half starved. She and Fireheart fought, and Yellowfang was impressed. They were found by a patrol after Fireheart hunted for Yellowfang to keep her strength up. The patrol took them to the ThunderClan camp and Yellowfang was treated as a prisoner. Fireheart got into trouble for hunting for Yellowfang when he was supposed to be hunting for his own clan. As punishment, he had to look after Yellowfang until she was better. But this wasn't the end of Brokenstar's reign of trouble." Smokepaw mewed. The den was getting cooler, indicating that the sun was sinking. A terrified yowl rang out in the clearing.

Stonekit! Stonekit! Where are you!? It was one of the queens and she sounded frantic. "Uh oh..." Smokepaw muttered. "Stay here." He mewed and quickly leaped out of the nest, trotting into the clearing quickly. He scented out the queen and rushed over. "No need to worry! He is with me in my den." Smokepaw reassured her. He heard her gasp loudly. What's wrong with him!? She wailed. "Nothing is wrong, I am just telling him a few stories. I'll bring him to the nursery when the story is finished." Smokepaw promised. He turned his back on her then and returned to his nest. "All better." He mewed with an annoyed sigh. He climbed into the nest and continued. "Anyway, Brokenstar sent one of his elite warriors and stole kits from ThunderClan. Tigerclaw was quick to throw blame at Yellowfang and when the clan gathered around her nest, she was gone! Disappeared! The clan was more convinced now that she was the one who took the kits.

But that wasn't the case. She had gone out to look for the kits. Back at camp, however, Fireheart had found Spottedleaf, medicine cat of ThunderClan at the time, laying dead behind the nursery. He was outraged! He was in love with the medicine cat, and the medicine cat was in love with him! Furious, Fireheart prayed that Yellowfang hadn't been the one to kill Spottedleaf and take the kits. Bluestar knew that Fireheart had a bond with Yellowfang, so she sent him out with his best friend Graystripe to find the kits and to bring Yellowfang back to camp. It was stormy at the time, so it was hard for Fireheart to pick up her scent. He finally got it and traced her scent toward ShadowClan territory." Smokepaw took a quick breath and continued. "Back at camp, a warrior named Whitestorm declared that it couldn't have been Yellowfang, that she was under watch the entire time. The clan just growled and another warrior named Mousefur was sent to check Spottedleaf for gray fur between her claws. It was confirmed that it wasn't gray fur between the dead medicine cat's claws, but brown fur! It was one of Brokenstar's warriors!" Smokepaw growled. He himself was getting into the story.

"So, a patrol was sent out to find Yellowfang. The patrol included six warriors: Whitestorm, Mousefur, Dustpelt, Frostfur, Brackenfur, and Longtail. All were formidable warriors of ThunderClan. Bluestar was careful not to let Tigerclaw out of camp. She knew he was out for blood! She told him that she needed him to guard the camp in case ShadowClan attacked. Fireheart found Yellowfang along with the scent of blood from Frostfur's kits. It was her three kits that were stolen. The patrol met Yellowfang and confronted her. Fireheart told them that Yellowfang told him and Graystripe that it was Clawface, Brokenstar's warrior, that took the kits. Yellowfang came up with a plan to go to ShadowClan's camp and be taken in as a prisoner. She told them to wait for her yowl to attack the camp. The plan was set in motion and the fight was fierce! Kits of ShadowClan were forced to fight the ThunderClan warriors! But the warriors just flicked them away gently and told them that this wasn't their fight. One by one, Brokenstar and his guard of elite warriors were forced to retreat."

"Brokenstar declared that the fight wasn't over, that he would return and kill them all. He became a rogue with his band of warriors and a cat named Nightpelt became leader in Brokenstar's place. But because Brokenstar had most of his lives still, and was still alive in general, Nightpelt wasn't given any lives, but still took the name 'star'. Then one day, Brokenstar's rogues attacked the ThunderClan camp and were once again forced to retreat. Except this time, Brokenstar didn't go with them. Yellowfang had become ThunderClan's medicine cat in Spottedleaf's place. She blinded Brokenstar and he was put under close watch. The duty of guarding him was given to the strongest, bravest warriors of ThunderClan. However, Tigerclaw, who had become Bluestar's deputy after her other deputy, Lionheart, died in the battle against Brokenstar's rogues. Before him was Redtail, and he was killed by Tigerclaw. I'll you Tigerclaw's story tomorrow if you wish. Anyway, Tigerclaw plotted with Brokenstar's rogues and one day, Tigerclaw sent out as many warriors and apprentices for patrols as he could. It was a very well thought plan, because only three warriors were left to guard ThunderClan's camp. Fireheart himself was out assessing his apprentice Cinderpaw.

Tigerclaw led the rogues into the camp, making it look as though the rogues were chasing him. Fireheart saw Tigerclaw being chased and realized that Tigerclaw was leading the rogues to the camp. The fiery tom ran as fast as he could back to the camp! He needed to warn ThunderClan. He was too late! He heard Tigerclaw's battle cry. ThunderClan! On me! Attack! Tigerclaw yowled. Fireheart launched himself into battle, knowing that Tigerclaw had set up this attack on the camp. In the midst of the fighting, Fireheart found an apprentice named Thornpaw and ordered him to go find the patrols as fast as he could, tell them that the camp was under attack, and return to camp. Thornpaw was the fastest cat in ThunderClan and soon Whitestorm's hunting patrol of six were bearing down on the rogues. Heartbeats later, Sandstorm's border patrol of five arrived, and then Brackenfur's border patrol of seven. The rogues fought harder than ever. Fireheart realized, however, that Brokenstar was fighting as well despite his blindness. He had jumped on his guard, Dustpelt, and was fighting strongly. Blindness did not weaken Brokenstar in the slightest."

"Fireheart also realized he couldn't see Tigerclaw anywhere. Panicing, Fireheart raced to Bluestar's den, but stopped when he heard voices inside. Tigerclaw! What are you doing in here? The rogues are out... Tigerclaw! What are you doing? I am your leader, do as I say! Fireheart heard Bluestar growled. Not any more. Today is the day that you die, Bluestar. I'll kill you as many times as I need to until you hunt with StarClan! Tigerclaw snarled. Fireheart heard the sandy floor of Bluestar's den swish and heard an agonized yowl. He raced inside to see Tigerclaw bearing down on Bluestar, his sharp teeth only a whisker from her throat as she tried desperately to throw him off of her. His weight was too much. Fireheart laughed himself at Tigerclaw, Tigerclaw's teeth only just grazing Bluestar's exposed throat. The battle between Fireheart and Tigerclaw was fierce! But Tigerclaw was finally pinned down by Fireheart. He struggled against Tigerclaw's strength, but he was weak from his fight with Fireheart. Bluestar! You have to help me hold him down! Fireheart pleaded to Bluestar who had moved to the corner of the den, crouching on the sandy floor and trembling as if she were faced with rows and rows of enemy cats. She was still stunned, but she wobbled over to Tigerclaw and Fireheart in what seemed like slow motion.

She held him down and a few heartbeats later, Graystripe burst into the den. He was shocked to see Bluestar and Fireheart holding down the struggling Tigerclaw who was growing weaker because he was heavily injured, thanks to Fireheart. What happened in here!? Graystripe demanded. I'll explain later. Just help Bluestar hold down Tigerclaw! Fireheart mewed. Graystripe did as he was told and Fireheart rushed back into the clearing. The rogues had fled and the camp was half destroyed, blood, fur and parts of the dens scattered about. In the center of the camp, Brokenstar laid bleeding while the warriors of ThunderClan advanced toward him, snarling, hissing, and spitting at him, all their fur bristling as if he were a hoard of badgers. Fireheart quickly joined the warriors, stalking toward Brokenstar with fire in his eyes, and hatred for the tom in his heart. You treated you well, Brokenstar. We fed you, and treated your wounds! We kept you under guard, yes, but we took care of you! Why did you attack our camp!? Fireheart demanded, the other warriors surrounded Brokenstar, but kept behind Fireheart so the orange tom could question Brokenstar's motives." Smokepaw stifled a yawn, his whiskers trembling, as he continued.

"Brokenstar just struggled to his paws, staring defiantly at Fireheart with his sightless amber eyes. I don't want your kindness and care! You call yourself warriors!? I would've won this battle if not for my blindness! He struck out at Fireheart, but Fireheart swiped at Brokenstar's head, claws unsheathed, and swatted the former leader to the ground with a heavy thud. The ThunderClan warriors purred with laughter and stalked closer to Brokenstar, claws out and teeth bared. It was clear they all wanted to be part of Brokenstar's death. But then Yellowfang forced her way into the small clearing of cats where Fireheart held his paw up, claws gleaming in the pouring rain, yes it was storming again during the battle. It was new leaf when this happened. Fireheart's eyes were like green fire as he aimed another blow for Brokenstar's head. Yellowfang gasped and threw herself over Brokenstar, fur bristling and claws out with her teeth bared. Her eyes were blazing. Can't you see he is injured enough!? Leave him be and I'll deal with the rat! Yellowfang hissed and dragged Brokenstar carefully to her den in the medicine cat clearing. The cats of ThunderClan were puzzled by Yellowfang's fierce protectiveness over Brokenstar, but didn't object. Fireheart went to go make sure that Brokenstar didn't injure the medicine cat, but as he neared the bramble screen to enter, he heard Yellowfang talking to Brokenstar.

I can't believe my own son would do such a thing! She growled as she stared at Brokenstar. I gave birth to you thirty-three moons ago. Your sisters died, one before she was even born, and the other shortly after. I thought StarClan blessed me for you surviving, but I was wrong. You, my son, were a murderer, a monster, from the start! Yellowfang hissed quietly, careful not to let the other cats in the clearing hear her. You stupid flea-bag! I am not your son, I am Lizardstripe's son! Medicine cats can't have kits! Brokenstar spat at Yellowfang. That's why I had to give you up! Yellowfang snapped. It pained me deeply knowing you would never know you were my son, yet I had to watch you grow up big and strong from across the camp. Then you killed out deputy when you became a warrior and then you took his place. Soon after, you killed your own father! How could you? Yellowfang asked, her voice soft with grief for Raggestar. He was weak, like everyone else. He deserved to die. Brokenstar growled. Fireheart watched as Yellowfang pulled out a leaf wrap. Three objects shone in the dim light of the medicine clearing. Death berries!" Smokepaw paused. "Personally, I loathe death berries and will only use them if I really have to. But anyway, Fireheart watched as Yellowfang gave the death berries to Brokenstar. Here, she mewed, these will help ease the pain. She told him. Grumbling, Brokenstar ate the death berries.

A few heart beats passed before he started to make a horrible choking sound, his moth gaping open in a silent wail. His legs stretched as he struggled for breath. Fireheart was appalled! It seemed like several seasons passed before a massive shudder shook Brokenstar's body. No longer will cause any cat any pain. Yellowfang sighed, her voice tired and weary with grief. Then he lay still, his blind, amber eyes staring sightlessly at Fireheart as though the dead leader could see Fireheart in his last moments of life. Fireheart used his tail flick the bramble screen and walked in as though he had just arrived, and not witnessed Yellowfang killing Brokenstar, her own son. Yellowfang's head snapped up and she saw Fireheart. His wounds were to great. I couldn't save him..." Smokepaw looked at Stonekit. "And that is the story of Brokenstar, the most ruthless leader in all of clan history, except for... er... well, that's a story for another day." Smokepaw rose to his paws, not sure if Stonekit was still even awake. He picked up the kit carefully by the scruff in case he was asleep. Smokepaw backed out his den, so the brambles wouldn't touch Stonekit and wake him up if he was asleep. He padded to the nursery and set him down gently in the grassy clearing in front of the entrance. He stepped over Stonekit and poked his head into the nursery.

"I've finished my story. Stonekit is out here if you wish to gather him. I have to get a few things done in my den." He mewed softly to one of the queens. She rose to her paws, careful not to disturb her own sleeping kits, and picked up Stonekit outside of the nursery. She blinked her thanks to Smokepaw, who nodded in reply, and disappeared into the nursery. The black apprentice made his way back to his den. He sniffed along the rows of herbs in the medicine clearing, seeing what he needed more of. "Yarrow, catmint for leaf bare, water mint, juniper berries, and horsetail." He concluded before going to Hawkfur's nest and settling down for the night. He closed his eyes as sleep overtook him. But his dreams were filled with darkness.

The sun shone brightly in a clear, blue sky. The wind was a soft breeze, singing its beautiful song to Smokepaw. He discovered he could see. "I must be dreaming." He muttered. Smokepaw... A voice whispered softly in the breeze, echoing in his ears. Smokepaw... It sounded again. The black apprentice looked around, trying to find the source of the voice. He knew it was Hawkfur, and he longed to see his deceased mentor. Finally, he spotted the tom across the clearing, his snow white pelt shining like water under the sun. His black rimmed ears were perked forward and his amber eyes shone with happiness. Hawkfur was quickly closing the distance between himself and Smokepaw. "Hawkfur!" Smokepaw mewed joyfully. His his excitement turned to raw fear as Hawkfur leaped into the air in a wide arc. His white fur ripped off his body and he grew to five times his size, his muzzle growing in size, his lips drawn back, and large, white teeth glistened in the sun. Hawkfur had transformed into a large, furious dog. Smokepaw screeched with terror as the dog's teeth bit down deep into Smokepaw's foreleg. Pain surged through Smokepaw's body like a scorching fire.

Smokepaw jolted awake with a yowl of terror and found his world black once more. His foreleg still burned and he realized that the sun must've been shining through a hole in the ceiling of Smokepaw's stone den. He jumped to his paws, his leg already cooling in the shade. Heavy paw steps pounded in the medicine clearing and Smokepaw scented the air, realizing it was the warrior with a thorn in his pad yesterday. He could smell the warrior's fear scent and felt his breath hot on Smokepaw's face as the warrior thrust his head into Smokepaw's den. What happened!? Is there someone here? Are you okay? The warrior threw frantic questions at the Smokepaw. The apprentice felt his heart thudding in his chest loudly. He was sure the warrior could hear it. "I-I had a bad dream, that's all. I didn't mean to startle you." Smokepaw stuttered, still shaken from his dream. Smokepaw could hear the warrior let out a hefty breath of relief. Smokepaw realized that he too had been holding his breath, and released it as well. The black apprentice could feel the warrior's relief that all was well, but he could also feel him looking at Smokepaw with sympathy. It's okay, Smokepaw. It's not a big deal, I mean everyone has a nightmare sometimes, right? The warrior mewed, retreating into the clearing to let Smokepaw out of his den.

"I guess, but this one was... It was really scary. Anyway, I apologize again that I startled you. How many cats are out there waiting to hear that I was attacked?" Smoke joked. The warrior purred with amusement. Only the entire clan. Stormstar jumped from the tree stump so fast he practically left his entire pelt on it. The warriors raced out their dens thinking ShadowClan was among us, and the queens practically threw the kits into the nursery. The elders jumped out of their fur, and I, of course, came to save your pelt. The warrior flicked his tail. "Well, thanks for checking on me. But I'm fine." Smokepaw thanked the warrior and followed him out of the medicine clearing to the anxious WindClan beyond the brambles. Smokepaw's fine! He said it was just a horrible nightmare. The warrior assured the clan and they started to break up. Smokepaw headed for the nursery, poking his head inside and scenting Stonekit. "Hey Stonekit, may I have a word with you?" Smokepaw asked quietly, hearing the soft snores of the kits sleeping. He slipped out of the nursery and waited patiently for Stonekit.

Notes: Finally done!
Muse: Most excellent at 3,659 words.

[ℳintу]

^{¤
♂ Stonekit.
WindClan Kitten
¤}

[/sup]

Stonekit's eyes flew up at Smokepaw as he began his story of Brokenstar. His eyes went wide as he spoke of the leader's birth, fascinated already with the story. A cat born to the medicine cat by the leader? Oh, StarClan forbid! The young tomcat kept his gaze on Smokepaw as the story progressed, and he attempted to make his mind not wander. His eyes flashed up once more in horror as he learned Brokentail had murdered another cat to become deputy. 'I suppose it is good that I'm not an apprentice yet,' he thought to himself after hearing of the kittens' deaths from being apprenticed too early. It was so tragic, and even young Stonekit knew that.

As a queen seemed to finally notice that he was absent from the nursery, his attention shifted and his breathing halted. He didn't want to go back there yet. He crouched down, attempting to hide behind some herbs as Smokepaw covered for him. He gave the tom a whisper of thanks and a smile, though Smokepaw couldn't see it.

As Smokepaw's story progressed once again, Stonekiti found himself feeling very uncomfortable. What was wrong with ThunderClan and ShadowClan - warriors and leaders falling in love with Medicine Cats was forbidden. How could any cat willingly break the ancient code? He intently listened as the story began to get more intense, making him flex his claws in and out, digging up some of the ground beneath him. As time progressed, the young tomcat couldn't help but become tired at the end of the story. He wouldn't forget such a tale, but he couldn't help stifling a yawn. Picked up in Smokepaw's maw, he was delivered back to the nursery before he could protest.

After a quick nap, Stonekit was startled awake by a loud yowl. The queens complained about the noise as Stonekit sat in the corner, sniffing at the air in confusion. Almost as soon as he had woken, Smokepaw appeared at the nursery entrance. Stonekit's face seemed to brighten up, but quickly turned serious. It looked at though something was bothering Smokepaw.

"Mh-hmm," Stonekit meowed in his light, airy kitten voice. He didn't even give another thought as he got up from his spot and bounded out of the nursery after Smokepaw, eager to hear what was on the cat's mind.

[/color]

OOC| Sorry it took so long! xP But I finally replied [/blockquote][/size]