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Post by Dawnmist on Feb 19, 2022 22:52:20 GMT -5
Shadow nodded in agreement and jumped down from the crates, making his way out of the alley. Although the cats in the group still seemed untrusting of them it seemed that they didn’t follow them anymore, which he liked. But he couldn’t be too sure, they would be sneaky and he just didn’t notice them. Regardless, Frost was going to be on him about getting a better reputation in the group. Which he believed would be difficult by the way they all look at him. Shadow looked over to Frost as she caught up next to him, “what did he say to you?” He asked her in a whisper and walked closer to her. What could he have possibly wanted from her?
——
As soon as Aspenheart caught Morningstream’s eye she jumped up off her haunches, she was eager to speak with him. She trotted over to him and gave him a sweet smile, “good morning.. Do you think we could talk?” She asked him with a hopeful gaze, she really just hoped that he felt the need to talk it out as well. “If you don’t have time I understand…” she then added and trailed off, looking down to the side.
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Post by Reden on Feb 19, 2022 23:48:49 GMT -5
When they were a good distance away, the she-cat looked up to her brother, "he was asking about you. He's trying to get information and seemed frustrated. It looks like he is realizing that you are someone he can't ignore. That's good. It means that cats are talking about you and Henry will want to keep you on his side." She told him quietly, her eyes shifting as she spoke, looking out for any dangers. She noticed that more of the cats were not good at following or tracking, but then again, there could be cats so good that they never noticed them. She sighed, this was becoming a pain, clearly there was a lot more going on in the group than initially thought. "I think he was also trying to gauge how loyal I am to you. I'll start acting like I'm wavering a little so that he doesn't give up. He is clever but short sighted; arrogant too."
--
Aspenheart smiled when he saw his sister, though he felt some anxiety as well. Part of him was worried that she was still upset, she was acting so sad that it made his chest hurt a little. He nodded, "yeah, of course." He said in a gentle tone, she looked like if he was too loud, she would break. "Oh, but I do have to meet Redclaw at Sunhigh." He told her, glancing up, they should have plenty of time. "We've been training a lot, that's all. Where do you want to talk?" He added, nudging his sister to go. He didn't want the others to see her like this. She was a medicine cat after all, she had an image to up hold.
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Post by Dawnmist on Feb 20, 2022 0:38:36 GMT -5
Shadow listened closely as they walked, directing them towards the alley flooded with mice. He was sick of them, but the pigeons were worse. “I see..” he mewed and thought for a moment, “I think I’ll go hint to Henry to let us do patrol, I think it’s a good place to start for now.” He replied to her in a whisper, wanting to share his plan that he had. “I can also tell that Brick doesn't like me and I don’t like him either,” he mewed disgustingly. Something about that tom wasn’t right, but Shadow shrugged it off. “Are you hungry?” He asked her once they were approaching the alleyway.
——
Morningstream smiled happily at Aspenhearts response, “let’s go to the twoleg bridge,” she suggested softly and led the way there. Once they got to the bridge she sat down facing Aspenheart, “I mostly just want to say that I’m sorry for keeping so much from you, it’s not like I like not having anyone to talk to about it…” she explained to him and took a small breath, “I would never purposely hurt you, or leave you out. Because I know how that feels, that’s how it’s felt ever since I became medicine cat apprentice. But that’s not the point.. And lastly I'm sorry for always crying instead of talking to you.” She admitted and put her ears back, remembering everything that Owlwing had said to her. It was all true with no doubt.
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Post by Reden on Feb 20, 2022 1:22:47 GMT -5
Frost nodded, "I think that's a good idea. We need to start becoming more active in the group. Make sure that they know your value." She told him, happy that Dusk was actively trying to think of what their next steps could be. "I know, I don't fancy him either but he is in a high position. It would be best to not argue with him. The less of an issue you seem to be, the less likely he is to interfere with our plans." She advised him, hoping that Dusk would be able to keep his head on straight. She knew he didn't tend to lose his temper, but honestly she wouldn't be surprised if Brick would be enough to push him over the edge. "I'm not hungry. Brick gave me some pigeon to eat." She explained casually, "I think it was to soften me up, but I'm not sure."
--
Aspenheart relaxed a little when Morningstream seemed happy with his response. The dark tabby nodded and followed her closely, feeling a little nervous again. What is something had happened to his siblings? Or what if Silvermist had found out about them? He shook his head, he couldn't think of such things. He knew that Frostpaw and Duskpaw were tough but he still couldn't help but worry. He sat down when they reached the twoleg bride, watching Morningstream with a steady gaze, placing his full attention on her. When she started to speak, his ears pinned back for a moment. He had to admit that he still felt a sting from be excluded from what had been happening, even though he knew that Morningsteam meant well. "It's fine, I mean, it's not- it wasn't. I was really shocked to see them like that. It was terrible. Frostpaw seems so tiny and weak- and Duskpaw had that nasty scar." The tom shook his head at the vision of his two siblings, "they didn't look like themselves. It was like they had been struggling so badly but I was unable to protect them."
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Post by Dawnmist on Feb 20, 2022 15:04:11 GMT -5
Shadow stopped when they reached the middle of the alleyway, where he could see and hear the squeaks of the small mice. “I won’t argue with him, or at least I won’t start it.” He mewed and gave Frost a teasing smile, “I’m joking, I know. This plan has to work, I don’t plan on eating mice for the rest of my life.” He added and softened his expression as he watched the mice running around on the asphalt. Shadow almost shuddered when Frost mentioned pigeon, “I hate the pigeons, and I can’t find one finch out here.” He mewed irritatingly and rolled his eyes.
——
Morningstream nodded as Aspenheart spoke, listening to every word that she had already expected. She shifted awkwardly for a moment and watched out into the water, looking for the right words that wouldn’t upset either of them. “I know.. I don’t even know why I’m apologizing because no matter how much I do it won’t fix everything.” She sighed feeling crushed, not being able to find the words even though she spent days thinking about what she would say. “But I hope apologizing fixes our relationship, we have each other yet…” she trailed off and bit her tongue, those words weren’t necessary. “I just don’t want us to fight.. or whatever this is going on between us. I did what I could for Duskpaw and Frostpaw, we can’t do anything more for them.” Morningstream finished and looked back to Aspenheart, hoping her choice of words were right.
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Post by Reden on Feb 20, 2022 15:31:34 GMT -5
Frost released a small laugh, "don't tell me you're actually starting to miss shrew?" She teased, climbing on top of a box to stay out of his way. She drew her head back when he mentioned pigeon, her nose wrinkling, "yeah, they taste like crow food- nothing like wood pigeon, that's for sure." She told him in agreement, her small tail flicking. She laid down and rested her head on her paw, looking down at Shadow as he hunted. The one nice thing was that talking didn't seem to scare off the mice at all. "When we have Henry's trust, I'm sure we would be able to venture back to the forest, and I'll catch you a shrew or two." She said, her voice almost a giggle as she looked at him with a sly smile. "We will just have to be careful that no one else figures it out. The last thing we want is probably with Forestclan because some kittypet got too bold and wandered into their territory."
--
"We aren't fighting, Morningstream." He told her quickly, almost cutting her off. He shifted on his paws, she looked so sad again- it really made him feel like a terrible brother for making her like this. "I just don't want you to hide things from me anymore. That's all. Even if Owlwing tells you to. I know he means well but so do I." He told her, leaning his head down to be eye level with her. He mentally begged her not to cry again, he couldn't bare it if she did. She seemed so small and fragile, like a breeze would make her shatter like ice. "I'll bring them home. I promise. They are clan cats, that's were they need to be. I will train harder than any cat and become strong enough to protect all of you." he vowed, giving the silver tabby a gentle nudge.
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Post by Dawnmist on Feb 20, 2022 17:11:49 GMT -5
Shadow nodded, “I actually do miss shrew!” He let out a giggle, thinking back to how tired he got from shrews because he didn’t want to leave Frost alone. “But I miss fish more, it’s been more than a moon since I’ve had a fish!” He exclaimed to her before he jumped to the side and caught a mouse with his paws. They were so easy to catch in this alleyway, they practically ran into his paws. As he caught a few mice he looked down the alleyway and noticed a familiar figure, the figure of his embarrassment of a mother. His fur stood on end and he arched his back, rage flooding through his veins. Ever since that moment he watched her push his sister off the fence into those dogs he wanted to rip her pelt off, and he’d have to try not to.
Azreal trotted down the sidewalk, ignoring the roaring sound of the monsters next to her. She glanced down the alleyway she was trotting past, to see both of her children. Duskpaw and Frostpaw.. She was stunned to see that Frostpaw had survived the dog attack, Azreal was almost sure that she would’ve been gone. But she broke into a small run towards them, “children! I’ve been looking for you everywhere!”
——
Morningstream let out a sigh at Aspenhearts words, but she didn’t want to argue with him. She would discuss it with him later, now wasn’t the time. She let out a purr as he nudged her, and she rubbed her muzzle on his flank. “I promise I won’t keep anything from you anymore,” she looked up to him, “I was going to run them herbs tonight, do you want to go with me?” Morningstream asked him with a sweet smile, hoping they could put all of this behind them. Also so that Aspenheart could have a better encounter with them than he had previously.
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Post by Reden on Feb 20, 2022 19:05:50 GMT -5
"I'll catch you all the fish you can eat when we're out of here." She told him with a smile, watching as he caught the mice with ease. The mice were under paw all of the time, it made her wonder what they had been eating to be so plentiful. Her ears perked when she spotted a mouse acting odd. It's movements were unnatural as it scampered away- she recognized it from when they first came to the twoleg place. Mice like that were deadly, poisoned by the twolegs. She had seen what happened to cats that fed on them. Quickly, she jumped down and caught it, killing it with her claws. "Watch out, there's poison here." She advised Dusk, looking at his mice. Starclan only knew if any of them were also poisoned. Almost as soon as she was done talking, she caught a familiar scent...Azreal... Her ears pinned back as she looked to the end of the alley, seeing the shocked expression on her mother's face. She had expected Frost to be dead, not a doubt about it. "Mother, there you are." She said, her voice not changing much from how she had been talking to Dusk. "We thought you were killed. How could you leave us like that?" She asked, feigning ignorance to what really happened. "You just disappeared!" She added with a slight hiss. She couldn't act as if she was sweet- Azreal would never buy it.
--
Aspenheart sighed, relieved that his sister was not upset with him, even after how harsh he had been. The tom knew that he could be bold, and he didn't always think before speaking. "Yes, of course. I need to apologize to Duskpaw. I never should have said what I did." He said quietly, looking at his paws. He and Duskpaw used to be so close, now it felt like they were complete strangers. "I will make it up to him. I'll even catch him a fish on our way there- they were always his favorite after all. No way can he be mad after I give him one!" Aspenheart added with a cheery tone, pulling away from his sister. "I'll be free tonight, so I'll wait by the stone path for you at moon high, okay?"
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Post by Dawnmist on Feb 20, 2022 19:32:10 GMT -5
Shadow watched his despiteful mother trot up to them faking her excitement, he pinned his ears back as she approached. But he looked at Frost with shock at the way she was acting, she knew that Azreal tried to kill her.
Azreal let out a nervous laugh at Frosts comments, “yea I thought you were killed too!” She half smiled and looked at Shadow as he took a few steps towards her. “Plenty of mice over here right?” She asked them sweetly, trying to cover the nervousness that swelled inside of her. She no longer wanted to speak of what happened, maybe they would forgive her? But not likely with the way Shadow was acting.
Shadow let out a growl, “Frostpaw might be nice to you but I’ll rip your pelt off with one wrong word or move,” he growled while taking a step towards Azreal. She already boiled every inch of his flesh and her ignorance made it worse for him. He laid awake for nights feeling guilty over everything that was her fault, he would never forgive her.
Sabrina was on her way to get a few mice for herself, but she liked to take the rooftops so that’s where she found herself. As she trotted at the edge of the rooftop she heard voices below her, she looked down to see Frost, Shadow, and Azreal? She widened her eyes when she realized that it was Azreal, why would they be speaking to the disdainful she-cat.
——
Morningstream stood up with Aspenheart, happy that he agreed to meet her to check on their siblings. “Okay meet you there, I have a few things to do. Have fun training with Redclaw!” She mewed gave him a loving nudge before heading off to the medicine den. She wanted to prepare a sack of herbs that Duskpaw and Frostpaw would need from simple scratches and other things. Anything could happen with them living out in the forest alone.
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Post by Reden on Feb 20, 2022 19:49:24 GMT -5
Frostpaw pinned her ears back and nodded, giving the she-cat a skeptical look, "I see." She said quietly, looking to Dusk as she spoke, "I guess that makes, sense; so Duskpaw, don't." She urged him quietly, looking back to her mother. "Like I said before I fell. I'm sorry that I treated you so harshly...Foxspots...He didn't make it. I don't remember what happened but he's dead from what we know." She added, looking at her paws. "It's harder here than we expected. I almost died more times than I can count." Frost unsheathed her claws, digging them into the poisoned mouse as she spoke, "you were right. We should have stayed with you...It was just...I was so angry." She mewed, almost a whisper, her pride feeling torn apart with her words. She looked up at her mother, "how about you have my mouse. I'm not that hungry and I really do feel guilty for what I had said. I know that you and I don't see eye to eye but..." She looked away again, pushing the poisoned mouse to her mother. Silently begging for Dusk to forgive her. She couldn't let this cat live...not after what she had done to her. She took away her father, siblings, tail, ability to hunt and climb. She felt angry all of the time and it was all her fault. She deserved to die.
--
Aspenheart nodded, "oh right, I guess you are busy all of the time now. Sorry for taking up so much of your time." He looked up and nearly jumped to his feet. "Oh fox dung! Redclaw is going to kill me!' He exclaimed, only now realizing how late it was. He gave the she-cat a nudge back and raced ahead of her top the entrance, looking around for his friend. Hopefully Redclaw would be understanding, he always was.
Silvermist watched at Aspenheart raced past him, turning his head to see Morningstream. He walked over to her with a smile, "I'm glad you two aren't fighting anymore." He said with a gentle tone, giving his daughter a loving nudge as he spoke. "I don't know what it was about, but you two were very mature to talk it over. I was hardly getting a wink of sleep worrying about you two." He purred, a slight laugh to his tone. Since when were his kits so grown up? It made him feel so old to see them act so maturely. He couldn't help but be proud of them.
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Post by Dawnmist on Feb 20, 2022 20:04:12 GMT -5
Shadow widened his eyes a bit when Frost insisted for Azreal to eat the poisoned mouse, would she eat it? He silently hoped she did, she deserved to die. After everything she had done to both of them, it was unfair for her to live her life with no consequences. He quietly watched, eager to watch Azreal eat the mouse.
Azreal put her ears back as Frost offered her the mouse, she gave her daughter a smile and scooted the mouse closer to her. “Thank you sweetie,” she mewed softly and bent down to take a bite.
Sabrina was shocked at what she was seeing and quickly jumped down from the rooftop. She walked up behind Shadow and Frost and grabbed the mouse with her paw, “you don’t deserve to eat, not even poison,” she mewed harshly to Azreal.
Azreal looked up to see Sabrina, her ears immediately pinned back and her fur stood on end. She quickly backed up and took off quickly out of the alleyway. Her heart beating out of her chest, she couldn’t believe she had faced Sabrina. Why were they with her? Frustration flooded over her and she thought of something, something that may or may not be a good idea.
Sabrina took a few steps forward and turned around towards Frost and Shadow, “how do you know Azreal?” She asked confrontationally, worried that it had to do with the other rogue group. But she would never see them as the type to be associated with Azreal, regardless of their future plans.
——
Redclaw jumped up when he saw Aspenheart, “there you are! What held you back?” He asked him curiously. Aspenheart was never late when they were leaving to train, or even go on patrol. It didn’t bother him though, and he was ready to train. “Let’s go!” He mewed happily and nudged his friend and began walking towards the forest.
Mornignstream let out a purr when her father came up to her, she was always happy in his presence. “Oh father, thank you,” she mewed softly and pressed her flank back against his. “How have you been feeling? I’m sorry I’ve been busy lately,” she mewed but gave him a smile
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Post by Reden on Feb 20, 2022 20:38:42 GMT -5
(Confirming that Frost is calling Dusk by Duskpaw when she speaks. Also My poor kitty- I got sad while writing this!)
Frost's jaw unhinged as she watched Azreal run away, it took a while to process what had happened. She glanced to Sabrina, first overwhelmed with shock which soon became rage. Without a second to think, she lunged herself at the calico, pinning her down onto the hard ground beneath them. Her claws her unsheathed but she did not pierce the she-cat's pelt. "What in Starclan is wrong with you!" She yelled, her face twisted with rage, her face a whisker length from Sabrina's. "She deserves to die! She deserves it!" She added desperately, her emotions taking a hold of her as she screamed at the she-cat. "After what she did to me..." Tears began to flood Frost's pale eyes, the fears and emotions of that day washing over her like a flood. "After what she did, why right do you have to stop me? What....what gives you the right to let her live?" The pale cat's voice cracked as she spoke, unable to remain steady as she found herself overwhelmed. Frost's tears fell onto Sabrina's calico coat as she cried for the first time since the day she had left the clan. She had been so strong, why was she being weak now? She couldn't be weak, she had to protect Duskpaw, she had to; it was the last thing she promised her father. She continued crying, her throat and eyes growing sore, "Duskpaw...I almost killed her, I almost killed our mother...I almost killed her." She cried, still hovering over Sabrina as she wept.
--
Aspenheart smiled as they left the camp. It was only when they were a good distance away that he spoke, "well, you know how Morningstream and I had been....distant. We talked about it. We talked about everything that had happened." He explained, not clarifying what he meant exactly, but he was sure Redclaw would assume it was about Frostpaw and Duskpaw leaving. He wanted to tell Redclaw everything but he felt it was best not to. He couldn't betray the trust that Morningstream gave him in regards to this secret. He wanted to help his siblings, and to do that, he need to train and work hard. "How was hunting by the way?" He asked as they were nearing the training area. He was feeling extra motivated to train hard today. He was determined to bring Frostpaw and Duskpaw home tonight, no matter what. He wanted his family back!
Silvermist shook his head, "it's fine. Owlwing give me updates all of the time. He's really proud of you- I'm glad my daughter is so talented." He purred, sitting down, taking a moment to lay some of his fur flat with a few quick licks. "He did say that he thinks Aspenheart has been training too much recently and I agree. I'll talk to him about it. I'm sure you are worried about it too." He added, his tone gentle but there was some concern in his voice. He worried that Aspenheart was trying to prove himself after Frostpaw and Duskpaw left- maybe he would even try to find them. As much as Silvermist would love to have them home, he hadn't had any luck when he searched for them in his spare time. It was as though they vanished. Sadness appeared on his face for a moment before he corrected it, he had to remember that there were two kits with him that needed him to be present. "He has been like that since he was a kit though, go, go, go." He mewed with a slight laugh at the memories of Aspenheart trying to join patrols when he was still in the nursery. "He was so mad when you became a medicine cat apprentice two moons early and left the nursery. He used to try to sneak after the patrol and go hunting so that he would be an apprentice too- Frostpaw always found out and told on him though. I remember one day, I couldn't find any of you. It was like you all disappeared. I was about to make Owlwing go to moonstone to ask Starclan when Oakpelt found you all sleeping in Moonstar's den. He was so mad but you all just wanted to sleep together again, just one last time, so Moonstar slept with the warriors that night, haha!"
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Post by Dawnmist on Feb 20, 2022 21:18:21 GMT -5
Sabrina watched Frost with shock as she hovered over her with claws digging her flank. All while that hurt she was more hurt that she had hurt Frost, it was entirely unintentional. She grabbed Frost and brought her to her chest, hugging her whether she liked it or not. “I’m so sorry I- I didn’t mean to Frost.” She mewed apologetically, hoping the she-cat would calm down so that she could explain her reason for stopping her. “I’m sorry..” she whispered and licked Frosts fur.
Shadow was shocked as he watched his sister pin Sabrina down, but he was also shocked that Azreal had run as soon as she saw Sabrina. Which made him curious about the ties that they had, but besides that his sister was a mess at the moment. He stepped closer to her as Sabrina forced a hug on her, and he pressed his pelt against Frost. “It will be okay, we will get her one way or another.” He mewed and began to groom her fur. The hurt in her voice made the guilt flood back to him, Azreal had hurt them both so much and she was so close to killing her. But he couldn’t make himself blame Sabrina, she probably had her own reasons for stopping them from giving her the mouse.
——
Redclaw nodded at Aspenheart, “that’s good, I’m glad you guys worked things out,” he mewed happily as they trotted into the forest. His thoughts ran, wondering why they weren’t getting along in the first place. But he knew if Aspenheart wanted him to know then he would’ve told him. “Hunting was good! I caught a few birds and a nice squirrel,” he mewed proudly, “I’ve been trying to get one of the rabbits that stay near where the trees begin but they’re too fast, so I’m determined now,” Redclaw mewed and let out a small giggle. He had been chasing those rabbits like he was chasing his own tail.
Morningstream smiled when Silvermist praised her, she loved nothing more but making him proud. After everything that had happened to him, he deserved so much more and kits to be proud of. “Aspenheart will be okay, but I do think it would be a good idea for you to talk to him.” She replied to him as she discussed Aspenheart. She didn’t realize how much he was training but now that her father brought it up she was thinking about it. Morningstream giggled as he reminded her of when her siblings wanted to sleep together once more, it was a memory she looked back on often. “I miss that,” she mewed with a smile as she thought about it. She was so happy then. “Owlwings always done sweet stuff for us, but he just has to cover it up with some attitude,” she joked with a smile.
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Post by Reden on Feb 20, 2022 22:32:32 GMT -5
Frost took a moment to gather herself. When she did, her ears pinned back in realization. She slowly got off of Sabrina and gave her face a quick wash. She sat down as if nothing had happened, though her reddened eyes where a reminder of it. She straightened herself out, feeling embarrassed, "I'm sorry, that wasn't appropriate." She said quickly, her voice stuffy, briefly glancing to her brother; he looked so sad, it broke her heart. She was suppose to be his protector and instead she was acting like a little kit. To be honest though, she was glad that Sabrina had stopped her. She would have regretted it if she had become a murderer- even if it was a cat that had tried to kill her first. "Forget what just happened. Thank you for intervening." She said quietly, standing up. She looked to Dusk, "how.." She cleared her throat to fix her voice, "How do you know Azreal."
--
"I know right! They just sit there begging you to catch them then they run off the moment you put a paw on the ground!" He purred in agreement. "I think that they are super smart for rabbits, compared to the ones that hang around here." He said, looking around to see if any rabbits were in the clearing, none. The tom sighed, feeling happy, like a burden was lifted from him. "Anyways, what do you need to practice?" He asked, tilting his head as he spoke.
Silvermist nodded in agreement, knowing that talking to Aspenheart would be for the best. "I will, he is young and I would hate to see him over train." He told her, looking a little proud as he spoke. His son was a perfect warrior, kind, brave and smart- he just got a little excited sometimes. He was glad that Morningstream remembered his story, the memory was always one of his favorites. "Yes, he cares for all of you very much. He has always been like that, even when we were kits; he'd say one thing but do something else." He told her, glad that she realized how Owlwing really was. Many misjudged him due to his standoffish nature. "I remember him and Frostpaw used to bicker all of the time- I think she was mad that he 'stole' you from her. Duskpaw would always sneak into the medicine cat den to play pranks on you too. Sometimes if I wasn't sure where they were I would find them in the medicine cat den 'visiting' you. Poor Owlwing was always watching you all when I was away."
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Post by Dawnmist on Feb 21, 2022 1:41:05 GMT -5
Sabrina let out a sigh of relief when the she-cat stood up and seemed less upset, she had felt so badly for making the small she-cat feel the way she felt. She stood up and brushed herself off, “don’t apologize I’m sorry.” She mewed to her after regaining herself. She took a moment before answering Frost's question, thinking back to what happened with Azreal. “Well… she played a big role in everything that happened between the rogue groups. She was part of our group, but worked with the other group to take more territory by telling them everything. What patrols would be out with who, it was complete betrayal. And Henry didn’t know, he never found out. I only know because I… may have followed her and watched her because she was always shady.” Sabrina explained, and took a deep breath before continuing. “Anyways, once they were successful with taking the territory Azreal disappeared and went to the other group. Whatever happened with that.. I don’t know. But she’s undeserving of anything, that’s why I stopped you from giving her the mouse. Only I didn’t know it was poisonous, so…” Sabrina finished and trailed off, thinking back to Frost's outburst. She poked the dead poisoned mouse in front of her with her paw, everything was slowly beginning to make sense, Azreal was their mother and they are clearly both clan cats. Any cat involved with Azreal had a complicated life, she couldn’t imagine being one of her children.
Shadow listened closely as Sabrina spoke, realizing she was much like him and his sister. Maybe more so his sister, she was the one always getting the inside information that most wouldn’t know. She was good at being the observer, and not the one being observed. He let out a small sigh and looked over to Frost, who had tried to pull herself together but Shadow could still see sadness in her eyes. He stepped close to her and pressed his side against hers, he knew that whatever Azreal had done to others wasn’t pretty. But purposely getting her own killed? She almost killed her own child as well, Azreal was ruthless and deserved nothing more than the dead mouse Frost had tried to feed her.
——
Redclaw shrugged, thinking about what he would want to practice training. He didn’t really think about ever being in a battle, so he tried to think about what he would do in a moment of a battle. “We should just try to make our own battle moves, I don’t know how but let’s just fight and see where it goes!” He mewed excitedly, showing his carefree attitude happily. They reached the clearing and he looked around like he did everyday, surprised like usual that no one else was training.
Morningstream giggled a bit, “I’m sure Owlwing enjoyed it, as stubborn as he is I know he loves us,” she mewed and gave Silvermist another smile. “I actually remember one time when you were away he laid in the nest with us… I don’t know how I remember that- we were so little we couldn’t leave the nest.” She shrugged a bit after she spoke, she was sure her other siblings probably don’t remember that. But she knew Owlwing loved them ever since that moment, and how he took care of Frost without a question in the world. Morningstream smiled again, “I’m glad you had such a good friend given the circumstances,” she purred.
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Post by Reden on Feb 21, 2022 2:21:59 GMT -5
Frost nodded as Sabrina spoke, taking in all the information she could. It was helping her get over what had just happened, but her pelt still felt hot from embarrassment. She glanced to Dusk, everything made sense to her, it all fitted Azreal's character. She felt like the calico was telling the truth. She looked back to Sabrina, "I think it would be best if we told you everything. I'm sure you have come to your own conclusions anyways." She told her, looking to Dusk one last time for permission before speaking to Sabrina some more. She looked around and scented the air, it seemed like there were no cats nearby. She jumped up onto the crates at the end of the alley, motioning for the two to follow with her ear. Once everyone was seated, she spoke, providing the calico with all of the details of their lives. Who they were, their heritage, how they came to the twoleg place, how Azreal tried to have her killed and most importantly, their plan to over throw Henry and disband the group. They wanted to live a peaceful life, and as long as Henry and his group existed, they would never have that.
---
(Aspen does some training lol)
Silvermist's ears pinned back for a moment, visible confusion on his face, "what? Where was Az..." He trailed off, his eyes seemed to be searching for answer on the ground. Why would Owlwing have to take care of their kits like that? Every time he saw them, Azreal was always doting on them, she only became distant when they became apprentices- he had always assumed that she was just trying to respect the clan culture. He wanted her to be more involved but... What was she doing to his kits when he was away? He looked up after some time. "I'm glad that he was there for you." He said as he stood, anger in his eyes, though he tried to hide it with a gentle smile. "I actually have to talk to Owlwing about something, but I think Briarshine's kits would love to see you. You deserve a break." He told her, though his tone was rather stern, clearly not wanting her to refuse his offer. "I'll share a meal with you and Aspenheart tonight." He added, walking towards the medicine cat den quickly.
Owlwing was eating when Silvermist entered the den, he flicked his ear in greeting, "she's not here." He mewed through bites of his finch, not looking up to his friend.
"I'm here to see you actually..."
Owlwing glanced over and stopped eating, seeing how distraught Silvermist looked, he released a quiet mew, standing up. "Nightmares again?" He asked, frowning when Silvermist shook his head. "It's about the kits..."
"What did Azreal do to them?"
Owlwing had a look of panic for a moment, did Aspenheart tell Silvermist about Frostpaw and Duskpaw? He opened his mouth to speak but closed it when Silvermist continued to talk.
"Morningstream told me that she remembers you laying in a nest with them when they were only a moon old. Where was Azreal?" He asked, his voice a bit stern, "what was she doing to them when I wasn't around? Why were you always hiding them here?"
Owlwing stayed silent for a moment before speaking, "it wasn't what she was doing, it's what she wasn't. She would only nurse them, nothing else. She would make them leave the nursery when it was freezing out so she could sleep, she would leave camp without telling anyone. She hated them. She hated them and the whole clan. So I would take them with me to the medicine cat den whenever I could." He explained, feeling guilt for keeping this from his friend for so long. "She said that if I ever told you or anyone, that she would drown them. I was young and stupid. I don't doubt that she would have tried but I should have told someone, anyone. I didn't though. I was scared that you would side with her and then you and the kits would leave; or she would hurt one of them." He added, clearing his throat. He couldn't be emotional, not now. He felt his chest hurt but he kept it in. "I didn't mean to betray your trust. I'm sorry."
Silvermist nodded, what Owlwing said made sense, but he still felt angered. Why hadn't he seen it? Why did he think that Azreal was just a fish out of water, she was evil, pure evil. "I see." He said quietly, quickly turning and leaving the den. He was a terrible father, he was so blind by what he wanted to see. She was a monster and now two of his kits are out there with her.
"Silvermist I-...I'm sorry..."
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Post by Dawnmist on Feb 21, 2022 14:40:18 GMT -5
Sabrina followed Frost and Shadow quickly to the crates at the end of the alleyway, they sat down and she listened tentatively as Frost gave her every detail about their lives. At first she was shocked by the story about their lives, they really never had a dull moment. But then it did make sense, she had been curious as to why two loners well enough to be on their own would join the group. “Interesting..” she mewed and gave them both a smile, she was happy to finally find friends who trust her. Which gave her a sense of trust within them, and it was a strange feeling to her. “I’d tell you my life story, but it’s not as interesting as yours so,” Sabrina teased, suddenly giving them both a serious gaze, “so, what’s the next plan with overthrowing Henry?” She asked curiously as she slowly smiled. The thought of Henry being gone made her excited, which sounds ruthless but everything was so messed up because of him.
(Shadow just listening like he does cx )
——
Morningstream watched her father with a confused gaze as he almost fumbled his words, she stepped forward as she was about to say something but he quickly turned and trotted away. She was a bit baffled for a moment before she decided to follow him, she quietly approached the medicine den and creeped into the fern beside the den, where she used to play hide and seek with her siblings. It was her favorite hiding spot, which ended up being obvious after time. But she listened closely as she heard Silvermist and Owlwing begin to talk. She was perplexed to say the least as she listened to their words, why would it concern Silvermist so much, didn’t he know Azreal was never there?
Frustration clouded Morningstreams confusion quickly, why was he questioning Owlwing that way? And why was Azreal so cruel? She jumped out of the fern after her father, trotting in front of him to stop him from walking. “Father I-“ she tried to mew sternly but the sadness in his eyes made her soften, “why are you questioning him that way? He loved us more than she did, why does that make you angry?” She asked him, feeling a bit hurt that she would even have to say that. How could she ever look over all of the moments Owlwing was there when neither of her parents were there? Silvermist raised them but Owlwing played a big role as well- she almost felt guilty from looking past it all.
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Post by Reden on Feb 21, 2022 20:23:27 GMT -5
Frost shifted slightly, looking at Dusk one last time before speaking again, "Shado- uh, Duck, will work to go up the ranks, I've been helping from the shadows- spreading stories and collecting information. I'm also trying to get close to Brick to gain Henry's trust. Once Dusk proves himself to be the better leader, it would simply be a numbers game. A few of the strong cannot compete against the majority. It isn't perfect, but if we don't over throw him and disband the group, we will never be left alone. Henry made that perfectly clear..." She sighed, this was becoming more than she had expected. Azreal's involvement with the group could pose as a danger. "I expect that you will not share our background with anyone, even your den mates. In exchange, we will protect you as much as we can. If you are friends with us, you will be less likely to have problems with the others. You saw how that one tom reacted when Dusk intervened." She looked back to Dusk again, "I believe that is a fair trade, no?"
--
Silvermist shook his head when he saw his daughter, his heart dropping. Had she heard everything that they just said? Everything about their mother hating them? He stumbled on his words, "d-did you hear all of that?" He asked, stepping towards her, but he stopped when she started to question him. The silver tom sighed deeply, trying his best to keep himself calm. He knew Morningstream was just trying to help but he felt so overwhelmed that he had almost found himself snapping at her. He couldn't do that, he couldn't do that to any of them. "I'm not mad at Owlwing, Morningstream." He told her, his voice a bit unsteady. "I just wor- I think that I sh-... I'm sorry that I wasn't the one who protected you. Owlwing should have never had to shoulder that burden." He explained, trying to word his explanation carefully. Of course he felt betrayed by Owlwing, he wished that his friend would have said something. If he had....Maybe Frostpaw and Duskpaw would still be here. "Morningstream, I'm so sorry. I wasn't there for you and your siblings; but I am know." He told her quietly, nudging her, "if there is anything, anything at all that is hurting you. Even something from when you were a tiny kit, I want you to tell me. I will help you and support you. Okay?"
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Post by Dawnmist on Feb 21, 2022 21:14:10 GMT -5
Dusk nodded at Frost, “sounds fine to me,” he mewed and gave Sabrina a smile. He was still surprised that Frost had told her everything, he would’ve never suspected her giving into trusting anybody. But Sabrina was kind and clever, he had come to that conclusion long ago. “We should probably get back soon, but I need to eat still,” he mewed and jumped down from the crates to grab the mice he had caught earlier.
Sabrina shrugged at Frost, “I guess we have a deal then, and let me know if I can help in any way,” she mewed with a smile. As Dusk jumped down she looked up to Frost, “you mentioned Mara was the one coming to talk to you guys, is she in on this?” She asked her curiously, it could be important in the future. “She has to hate her father.”
——
Morningstream fought her tears, not letting it get to her until she was done facing Silvermist. “Yes I heard it all,” she said, silently wishing she hadn’t. She didn’t mean to bring up anything of the past that upset Silvermist, yet here she was. Morningstream was surprised by the words coming out of Silvermists mouth, now he wanted to hear her feelings? After so long.. She stepped away from and locked his gaze, “you want me to tell you? I’ll tell you then. Everything hurts, and even if I told you everything… It still hurts. Now if you’ll excuse me.” She mewed bluntly and took off for the entrance of the clan.
Morningstream made her way to the training area in the forest, that’s where Aspenheart and Redclaw liked to train. She always had strange dreams, but one dream she had the night before didn’t make sense to her until now. It had to do with their siblings being out of their den, and she had to see it for herself. Once she reached the clearing she quit running, wanting to catch her breath so she could talk to Aspenheart. “Aspenheart!”
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Post by Reden on Feb 21, 2022 21:45:16 GMT -5
"Don't eat that, flea-brain!" Frost hissed, knocking the mouse away from him, "these could be poisoned too, we can grab you a mouse on our way back. Starclan knows that their everywhere." She told him sternly, taking a moment to look at Sabrina, shifting uncomfortably. She felt awkward to be like this in front of anyone outside of Isletclan. Bossy and stern- a wannabe leader was what Aspenheart always called her. She cleared her voice, unsure which to use now that Sabrina knows everything. "Sorry." She said softly, hoping to save face. She looked back to her brother and nudged him towards the exit, urging him to hurry. If they are gone for too long, the group would assume that they ran away. "We need to make sure the group knows that the mice may be poisoned here. They just might not be showing it yet." She mumbled, narrowing her eyes as she thought. She stopped for a moment and returned to the alley, emerging after some time with a live mouse hanging from her mouth. The mouse's unnatural movements would provide evidence that they are being truthful.
"Morningstream..." Silvermist called, taking a step to follow her until deciding it was best to give her some time. Morningstream was always emotional. She wouldn't listen, not now. As much as he wanted to chase after her and let her cry on his shoulder, he knew he shouldn't. He sighed and looked back to the medicine cat den, seeing Owlwing standing there. "I'll give her some time." He explained quietly.
Owlwing nodded, "I'll give you some poppy seeds. Go relax. We can talk later." He said, unsure of what else to say to his friend. He could tell that Silvermist was enraged, even though others would be ignorant to it. He disappeared into the den for a moment before emerging again with seeds in a leaf. He said nothing as Silvermist wordlessly took them before leaving for the warriors den.
Aspenheart nearly jumped out of his pelt when he heard Morningstream, she looked mad- more mad than he had ever seen her. "W-what is it?" He asked with a confused face, pulling away from Redclaw as he spoke. Was she still upset about earlier? She seemed fine not too long ago. "Why are you so upset?" He asked quietly, rushing over to her, leaning his head down to look at her properly. He looked to Redclaw, unsure of what to do. "How about we end training here? I'll take Morningstream back to camp after we talk." He suggested, assuming that Morningstream would not want an audience.
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Post by Dawnmist on Feb 21, 2022 22:14:06 GMT -5
Dusk scoffed at Frost, “I’m starving!” He complained as she knocked the mice out of his paws. He rolled his eyes and led the way out of the alleyway, he looked back to Frost for a moment, “you show me where to find some more mice,” he mewed and put his nose in the air.
Sabrina followed the two siblings, feeling a bit hungry herself. She picked up her pace to make it in front of the two, “I know a place, follow me,” she mewed and led the way. They came to a stoplight and she waited for the light to turn, then she led the way across the street, and down the sidewalk passing twoleg nests that lingered sweet smells. She turned into an alleyway, but an alleyway nicer than they usually see. “This place is good for mice too,” she mewed and gave them a smile.
——
Redclaw froze when he heard Morningstream yell for Aspenheart, he stood up and looked at her, angry but also upset. He nodded to Aspenheart and dipped his head at Morningstream as he began his journey back to camp.
Morningstream stepped forward towards Aspenheart, “I’ll get into detail in a minute, but I had a strange dream that just made sense. We need to go check on Duskpaw and Frostpaw,” she mewed and nudged him into the direction of the fox den. She looked over to him a bit and took a small breath, “Do you remember being in the nest when we were kits, and Owlwing came and laid with us?” She asked him, wondering if her memory was even correct. Either way it could’ve been a dream, which would still make sense. Owlwing was always there, and he probably always will be.
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Post by Reden on Feb 21, 2022 23:40:59 GMT -5
Frost pinned her ears back for a second, wordlessly telling her brother that he was going to listen whether he liked it or not. She followed Sabrina without a word, taking the time to glance around to make sure they weren't being followed. The she-cat found herself walking a bit behind as Sabrina raced to go ahead. She followed the she-cat and looked around again. "I'll head for the alley. If this mouse dies it won't sure as decent proof." She told the two cats, unworried about the trip home. If cats are hungry enough, they may go for any mouse that seemed like easy prey. "I'll be fine." She added to Dusk though gritted teeth, having a firm hold on the mouse's tail. Dusk would be right behind her always, she didn't foresee any issues. With a nod to Sabrina, she began her trip to the alley.
--
AAspenheart tilted his head, unsure of what she was talking about, "not that I remember." He said, sitting down as he tried to remember. "I remember him taking us into the den for a night. It was that really cold night in leaf fall or leaf-bare. Azreal had told us to go try hunting in the clearing. I remember Frostpaw was so bossy. She wouldn't let us try hunting- she was so scary haha. You were crying because it was so dark. Starclan, Duskpaw and I were so mad at you two; we thought you were ruining our hunt." He recalled, a bit of sadness in his voice. Now he knew what Azreal's intentions were. She probably wanted a nest to herself and lied about hearing a mouse outside. "Father was out of camp and we were scared to be caught by whoever was on guard duty because Azreal said we would get in trouble. Owlwing found us and he was so mad, he wouldn't stop scolding us. We slept in the medicine cat den that night. I don't remember him ever sharing a nest with us, though. He would just scold us all day in the medicine cat den. He would lecture us over the tiniest things. Frostpaw would always tattle on us! You were just as bad though. You would go to him crying over a prank." He told her, his eyes drifting as he tried to recall the memory, it was hard to think that far back. "Maybe Duskpaw or Frostpaw would remember? We can ask them tonight."
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Post by Dawnmist on Feb 22, 2022 0:04:38 GMT -5
Sabrina nodded at Frost, “be safe,” she mewed and watched the she-cat make her way back where they came. She turned towards Dusk and followed him down the alleyway, “so Duskpaw, I guess we should fetch some mice,” she teased as she went to catch a mouse.
Dusk rolled his eyes playfully, “we should,” he replied to her as he effortlessly caught the mice as he did in the other alleyway. Except he could see the difference between the mice, these ones were quicker than the other sluggish poisoned mice. “Is there anything more to this life than mice and pigeons that taste like rubbish?” He asked her bluntly, curious as to how she had lived her whole life this way.
Sabrina giggled as his question, “not really, besides the occasional prey I’ll sneak to the forest for. Oh and the views from the rooftops, there’s this one you can watch the sunrise or sunset and it’s so pretty,” she explained, thinking of the specific building she was talking about. It was her favorite place, but she returned her attention to her hunting. “Let’s eat before we take any back,” Sabrina suggested to Dusk as she quickly ate a mouse.
Dusk nodded and slurped down a few mice before grabbing the few extras, “ready?” He mewed and looked at Sabrina, once she nodded he led the way towards the alley.
-
Azreal was trotting down the sidewalk again, she had been in deep thought about her next moves. She turned into the rogue alleyway, feeling nervous but she kept her head high as all the cats looked over to her. She trotted over to Henry and looked up to him, as he was on the stack of crates at the end of the alleyway, “hey Henry!” She mewed nervously, she wouldn’t be surprised if he had found out what she had done and ripped her pelt off, but she stood her ground and waited for his response.
——
Morningstream listened to Aspenheart closely and nodded a bit, but she then nudged him again, “that’s what I’m saying Aspenheart, we need to go check the fox den now. I have a bad feeling,” she mewed honestly to her brother, he was in a whirl of thoughts and she was about to unload more onto him. “Let’s go, there’s no time,” she urged him. She began to walk towards the fox den, not looking back to see if he was following. “Silvermist and Owlwing just got into an argument because I told father about that, Owlwing getting into the nest with us. We were only about a moon old, I may be the only one who remembers..” she explained as she kept her gaze on the path in front of her. “Anyways, I heard the whole thing. Owlwing saying that Azreal hated us, and Silvermist was mad at Owlwing over it..” Morningstream added and shook her head in frustration. The fox den was in sight but there was no other cat to be seen, her stomach felt like it twisted but she kept on, giving Aspenheart a worried look.
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Post by Reden on Feb 22, 2022 1:18:00 GMT -5
Frost walked down the small path toward the alley, keeping an eye out for any trouble. After some time, she caught a familiar scent...Azreal... The she-cat pinned her ears back and crept forward, stopping just before the alley, looking in- seeing Azreal walk in with confidence.
"What are you sneaking around for?" Brick growled, walking towards Frost. He paused when he saw who it was. Maybe the siblings were up to no good after all- why else would Frost be sneaking around? Shadow was probably making her do his dirty work- he knew that Frost would just blindly follow her brother. Something he was planning on changing.
Frost forced herself to relax, looking up at Brick. "That cat- my brother just chased her off." She said through the mouse tail, placing the mouse down after a moment. "We found her hunting in the mouse alley and he chased her off. Afterwards we found out a bunch of the mice were poisoned. Shadow told me to tell everyone!"
Bricked looked at the mouse- it was clearly poisoned, that much was true. He looked around, other cats had overheard what she said, chatting to each other with widened eyes. Ratdung! He had to hold back a growl. Poisoned mice were always a good way to weed out the stupid and weak. Shadow was growing to be a pain. He heard cats whisper his name all of the time- but at least Brick had one advantage- his sister seemed to like him. If he turned her on Shadow, he was sure the mysterious, black tom would fall apart. He picked up the mouse and motioned for Frost to follow him to Henry.
Frost had to stop herself from releasing a deep breath, she had been worried that he would see resemblance, what in Starclan was Azreal doing here. Instead of following Brick, she walked beside him, close to his flank, trying to mimic how Briarshine was with Shadowtail.
When they arrived at the clearing, they sat down by the entrance, out of sight of Azreal, watching the event unfold.
--
Henry waved his tail to stop his guards from attack her. He stood up, staying high above her as he spoke, "Azreal. It has been a while." He said, his tone blunt and irritated. This traitor had no right to come crawling back. "why have you decided to grace us with your presence? It has been some time- since the battle for the piers if I recall..."
--
Aspenheart was confused but nodded, following his sister as they moved towards the fox den. "Well, she did. Father knew that didn't he? She would just leave sometimes. She clearly didn't like being a mother." He said with a slight laugh, finding the idea ridiculous. Any cat could see that Azreal hated them, she would look at them like they were less than crow food, especially when their father was gone....but when he was around the. "Actually, he wouldn't have none. She used to be really nice when he was visiting the nursery. She would call us 'Sweetheart' and stuff. He wouldn't have a clue about how she was. Owlwing probably knew though." He said, thinking about their past, not able to remember Owlwing treating them like how Morningstream described though. "I would be mad to- why didn't Owlwing say anything. If he had, maybe Frostpaw and Duskpaw would have never left." He told her, getting passionate, but that passion stopped when he saw the den. The once neat ferns in front of the entrance were trampled, the scent of badger was heavy in the air. "No." He whispered, racing to the den. The scent of his siblings was almost completely gone. The inside of the den was destroyed completely. The herbs that were being used on Frost were flattened to the ground. The moss was torn to shreds. "No. No. NO!"
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Post by Dawnmist on Feb 22, 2022 13:59:38 GMT -5
Sabrina led the way back the way they came, crossing the street and making their way down the sidewalk, where they then turned down a pathway to make it to the alleyway. She looked back to see where Dusk was, but he was practically walking beside her. “I’m sorry Azreal has made your life so difficult, it seems to be her thing,” she mewed and focused her gaze on the path in front of her.
Dusk smiled at Sabrina when she looked back at him, “yeah I guess so,” he mewed with a small giggle. They were getting close to the alleyway, and he could immediately scent Azreal. His fur stood on end and he gave Sabrina a surprised gaze, after what she had done to them it was a surprise she’d show her face. They entered the alleyway and he caught a glimpse of Frost and Brick, he fought back the irritation and glanced over to Sabrina. He signaled for her to wait back for him, then he trotted over towards Azreal and Henry.
Sabrina nodded at Dusk as he directed her to stay back, she glanced over to Frost and gave her a teasing smile. She quickly changed her expression and moved her attention to Dusk once Brick looked over to her.
Azreal shifted nervously, she had never felt so anxious before. She tried to think of why she came down to the alleyway, it was a fox brain decision with no reason behind it. “I just came t-“
“To what? Didn’t I just run you off our territory?” Dusk interrupted her and let out a growl, it didn’t help that he already wanted to rip her pelt off. The she-cat had some nerve coming to the alleyway, if Henry didn’t know about her betrayal Dusk would make it clear for him.
——
Morningstream felt herself freeze when Aspenheart checked the den, her stomach twisted and she put her head down. Her dream was right, the dream where there was an empty den. It only didn’t make sense at first because the den was different, but she straightened up and walked over to Aspenheart. She pressed her pelt against his, trying to comfort him. Something wasn’t right, she didn’t feel as though something had killed them. “Aspenheart, listen to me,” Morningstream pleaded and tried to look him in the eyes, “there’s no way they are dead, I have a plan, but first we’ll have to tell Owlwing. And he’s going to assume they are dead and then he’s going to tell Silvermist, okay?” She mewed seriously, trying to keep her emotions under control. She had to stop crying every time something went wrong, she needed to think clearly and show everyone she wasn’t just a crying kit.
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Post by Reden on Feb 22, 2022 14:51:09 GMT -5
Whispers erupted around the cats as Shadow spoke, all eyes landing on him. Frost glanced around, trying to hear what they were saying, however, Henry's booming voice silenced them.
"Quiet!" Henry shouted, causing the entire alley to grow silence, only the sound of the distant monsters remained. After a moment, Henry jumped down, looking at Shadow for a moment before glancing to Brick, "is this true?" He asked his son, speaking to him as if he was just another worthless cat. To have some newbie chase off Azreal was telling of Brick's laziness.
Brick had to refrain from growling at the implication that he had been neglectful; he held it in but a glare he shot to Shadow made it clear that he felt the black tom was to blame. He dropped the twitching mouse before he spoke, "I think it's odd that he showed up to play the hero right after Azreal arrived. It's almo-"
"I showed up first though." Frost quickly argue with a squeaky voice, heavy with feigned emotion. "My brother would never do that! He chased her off then discovered all of the mice were poisoned where she was!" She told brick, picking up the mouse quickly. She trotted over to Henry, placing it down where everyone could see. "See! Big brother said it was poisoned." She said, looking to the crowd with a worried expression- thankful for all of the times she had to comfort Morningstream as kits- she would not be able to do this without such an experience. She looked to Azreal, her expression the same but there was a coldness to her gaze- confirming that she had intended to kill her. "Every single mouse there was poisoned..." She looked to Brick as if to gain confidence from him, causing him to shift with wide eyes- clearly he had been caught off guard. The way he nodded confirmed that her embarrassing act was working. She had to fight not to give Dusk a deadly look- to remind him not to tease her later- she felt so embarrassed by the act but it was clearly moving the crowd. She looked back to Henry, "coul-could a cat use twoleg poison? She was acting so strange and offered me one, and I almost ate..... if it wasn't for my big brother....So many cats could have died." She said, growing more quiet as she spoke, she bite her tongue to force tears.
--
Aspenheart looked at her in disbelief, what was she saying. He shook his head, "wh-what? Why would we want Owlwing to tell him. Are you trying to make them to fight?" He questioned. If anything, he would want to tell Silvermist first, he's their father- not Owlwing. "Father deserves to know, but we should be the ones to tell him. Not the clan's medicine cat!" He added, feeling a little angry by her suggestion- why was she undermining their father so much. "He is a good dad, why are you treating him like this? Cool it with your obsession about Owlwing. I get he's you mentor but Silvermist is our father. He needs to hear it from us!" He told her, tearing welling up. Their siblings are dead and she is making plans? Has being a medicine cat caused her to become desensitized to death- even if it is her won family? He took a deep breath, this was Morningstream, she would never do anything to hurt anyone. She was his sweet and kind little sister... He had to remember that. "I need you to explain. I can't just blindly agree to this." He told her, lowering his voice as he nudged her out of the den. He didn't want to be here. "Let's go to the river...I- I can't stomach it here. I just can't."
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Post by Dawnmist on Feb 22, 2022 15:40:32 GMT -5
Dusk watched his sister step forward and speak up for him, even though she was acting ridiculous he was thankful she spoke. Henry would’ve scratched his nose off if she hadn’t. He noticed Brick’s glare at the corner of his eye and Dusk shot a glare back, the useless tom wasn’t going to make him look like a mouse brain. He focused his attention back to Henry and Azreal, “see, it is true. At least some cat was protecting their own,” he mewed, referring to Brick, but he kept his gaze forward at Henry.
Azreal put her ears back at Frost’s comment, panic rushing through her body. Who would’ve known they were a part of Henry’s group? She panicked, knowing something bad was going to happen. Surely Henry wouldn’t give her a chance, but she wasn’t going to run off yet. She kept her posture and appearance normal, hiding the nervousness she felt. “How was I supposed to know it was poisoned?” Azreal tried to mew kindly.
——
Morningstream let out a low growl as Aspenheart yelled at her, she didn’t even feel like crying, she was too angered from everything that was happening that day. “That’s why I said just listen to me, but you never do! I’m just your little sister who cries all the time right!” She snapped and stepped away from him, her pelt began to feel hot and she put her ears back. “Well I’m not, I’m your medicine cat. And regardless of who we tell first it’s going to be a fight, so pick your poison,” she spat and began walking towards the river. “Now listen to me without speaking for two minutes,” she ordered him as they approached the river. Morningstream sat down and faced him, “I have a feeling they aren’t dead, and I also have never had a feeling that was wrong. We need to go to camp and tell father, or Owlwing, or both of them at the same time I don’t care. But I have to make sure that they aren’t dead, and I assume I’ll need to go to the moonstone to do that. I also need some cat that's in a good state of mind to make this trip with me,” she ordered again, not taking no or any argument as an answer. She knew why he was angry with the way she was acting, but when she had a feeling it was like it was real. They weren’t dead, and that was that, but she had to find out where they were.
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Post by Reden on Feb 22, 2022 18:06:20 GMT -5
Frost took the opportunity to step back once Henry inspected the mouse. She stood slightly behind Dusk, pressing to his flank. She wanted to watch Azreal but she knew that she would have a hard time hiding her contempt towards her. She had to keep up her act. She did relax slightly though, glad that Azreal was smart enough to not call her out in front of the crowd.
Henry pawed at the mouse. "It is poisoned." He confirmed, causing whispers to erupt again before they were silenced by his deadly glare- he has been too soft on the group. He needed to make an example. Killing Azreal would be too easy and would be quickly forgotten. Many would see it as a mercy. He was tempted to feed her the mouse, but that would not set the warning he wanted. Surely she was still working with the other group, what other reason would she have to sulking back here. She was arrogant but not stupid. "I am a merciful cat, Azreal. I remembered that you served me well many moons ago." He said, the silence was filled with tension. He knew that many cats were ready to see him do something. He always got what he wanted and rarely showed mercy to those who stole from him. As far as he was concerned, Azreal was nothing but a traitorous thief. He walked over to her. "You leak information to another group, you hunt on our territory and you try to kill my son's mate." He hissed.
Frost's ears pinned back for a moment, she looked to Dusk and shook her head, surprise clear on her face. Some anger could be seen in her pale eyes. She was no cat's mate, especially not Brick's but she knew what Henry was doing. No cat would approach her now that he said that. He was both solidifying her and Dusk's status as higher rank than others while also locking them within the group. He staked his claim on the siblings and the group now knew that; she and Dusk were now his to own, a valuable asset that he had sunk his dirty claws into. Any hope- no matter how slim- they had of leaving peacefully was nowgone. Though it was never really there in the first place.
"You then come here, I'm assuming to beg for me to take you in. Perhaps to spy?" He asked, his voice growing harsher with each word. "I am merciful so I will let you live. However, I do have one request." He told her, closing in on Azreal as he spoke. He brought up his paw and raked her across the left side of her face, digging his claws deep into her flesh. Many cats looked away or winced at the harsh, painfully slow attack. "Show your face to that group's leader. Let them see what happens to cat's that take what's mine." He hissed, shaking his paw to remove the blood that clung to it. He turned away, "force her out, give her something to remember not to come back here." He ordered. As soon as he spoke, two cats emerged from the crowd, roughly grabbing Azreal by the tail and scruff while they dragged her away and out of the alley. "You are all dismissed." Henry purred as he climbed back to the top of his tower, looking down at all of the cat's with a fierce gaze.
--
Aspenheart reared his head back, a bit upset at her reaction. He just found out that their siblings were dead, of course he was going to be emotional. He opened his mouth to speak but held his tongue. It was a rare sight to see Morningstream angry, but Starclan knows how scary it was. He took a deep breath and sat down, watching her carefully, almost scared to make a noise. Does being a medicine cat cause a bad temper or something? He perked up though when she revealed that she did not believe the to be dead. Once he was sure she was done speaking, he spoke, "well, if you think they aren't dead, why tell Silvermist or Owlwing? Couldn't we just keep it a secret. They don't know that they are out here anyways. It's just you and me." He asked, tilting his head, hope and relief heavy in his voice. He hoped she was right, the idea of Frostpaw and Duskpaw dying before he could apologized made his heart feel heavy. "Of course I'll go with you. You know I will. I told you that I want to be here and part of this. I'll do whatever I can to bring them home. SO we can be a family again."
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Post by Dawnmist on Feb 22, 2022 19:16:53 GMT -5
Dusk stood quietly with Frost next to her as Henry spoke, but the surprise got to him once Henry said that Frost was Brick's mate. He shot another glare at Brick, who looked amused at this point. Thankfully Henry put on a show by kicking Azreal out that distracted him from Brick And Frost.
Azreal put her ears back in fear as Henry stepped closer to her, she knew he was either going to kill her or hurt her and in that moment she couldn’t tell which one. But he raked her across the face, and she winced hard, as his claws went in deep. Once he was done the guards forced her out, and she didn’t fight them. They reached the end of the alleyway and she booked it, before they could get another claw onto her. If Henry knew of her betrayal, so did the others, and they probably wanted to kill her too. And deep down, she never really wanted to see her children ever again.
Dusk smiled from amusement when Henry clawed Azreal, it gave him a sense of amusement to see the mouse brain get hurt. She doesn’t deserve anything, not even the poison mouse that Frost tried to kill her with. But he turned around once Henry announced the dismissal, he nudged Frost towards the entrance where he told Sabrina to wait up, and she was right where he left her. “What a show,” he mewed cheerfully.
Sabrina giggled, “I just can’t believe Henry called you Bricks mate,” she mewed in surprise to Frost. She mewed softly so the she-cat would know she wasn’t teasing her, but that was the strangest thing for Henry to say. “Anyways, I’m sure we won’t see anymore of Azreal.” She mewed in relief, the she-cat was always stirring up issues.
——
Morningstream nodded slowly as Aspenheart spoke, she looked up into the sky to where the sun was at. If they left to the moonstone now they’d make perfect timing, but if they went back to camp they wouldn’t. “Okay then, let’s just go to the moonstone.” She stood up but paused for a moment, she sighed deeply and looked back up at Aspenheart, “thank you for listening to me,” she mewed before jumping into the water to swim to the other side, once she pulled herself onto the shore she looked back to Aspenheart, waiting for the tom to cross after her.
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Post by Reden on Feb 22, 2022 19:58:42 GMT -5
Frost scoffed, "yeah, maybe I should go steal a bite of that mouse." She joked, though her tone was flat. She glanced around to make sure there were no cats near enough to overhear her. "Brick probably implied he was interested. It forces Shadow to be loyal and keeps me from running off. So long as one of us is stuck here for some reason, the other will not leave- he was clever enough to see that. He will probably treat it as if it was a reward for Shadow and I- an acknowledgment of our contributions to the group. It's not but that's how others will see it." She explained quickly and quietly, "We have to be loyal now, we will be caught quickly if we aren't, then Starclan knows what he will say or do." She released a sigh, this was troublesome. She had hoped that he would have had the chance to string Brick along a little longer before the group caught on- now she would be drawing much more attention. "Brick will use this as a way to get me away from Shadow- he see's him as a threat after all; he's been asking me for information every chance he gets. I also will have a harder time sneaking around. So, Sabrina, you will have to help me with gathering information and spreading rumors. You'll also have to act as way for Shadow and I to talk- I'll be under careful watch for now." She told the calico in a quick, hushed whisper, frustration clear in her tone. They were lucky that they allied themselves with Sabrina already or they will be in trouble. She looked to Dusk, it will be difficult for them to get one on one time, but with Sabrina going back and forth, she believed it would work out.
--
Aspenheart looked up as well before looking back at Morningstream and nodding. He followed her quickly, having to force himself to slow down to not out pace her. When they were young, there was not much of a difference but the moons of different types of training showed. He looked down at her as they walked, "didn't you get in a fight with Father? He's going to assume that we ran off or something. You know how he's been since...that day." He told her, not indicating that they should go back to camp but simply letting her know what was to come. Like Morningstream, their father was rarely angry, but it was scary when he was. He had only seen him truly angry twice- he was not interested in seeing a third. He sighed and looked ahead. "I really hope that you're right about them. I regret how- I regret what I said to them. I know that they are both strong but... I wish I could have protected them better. You tried to warn me about them leaving and I just brushed it off."
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