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Post by frosty on Mar 5, 2011 22:44:00 GMT -5
A fire burned in the bottomless pits of Flickerstorm's blue eyes. Her heart felt like a cinder block, lower than a worm's belly as it beat slowly in her chest. Her thoughts were twisted and manipulated, until she convinced herself her belly was as large as the whole of the Appalachians. She squeezed her eyes shut as she forced herself to pad forward, the ground beneath her paws nothing more than a sheet of ice. Her movements were sluggish, as if she were trailing through mud. Exhaustion aching and expending every aspect of her body, she dragged herself onwards. Pain marred her often clear mind. But nine lifetimes of love pushed her onwards, as if her paws were possessed by wings. Time seemed to stretch out into a painful, never-ending line. It seemed as though she would never reach her destination; the MarshClan border. She swallowed hard, plotting the words that would shape her future.
You see, Flickerstorm had known she was pregnant for a good few weeks. But she had guarded this secret like a dog guards its Twoleg garden. In truth, the tricolored she-cat had been in denial. She had prayed and prayed each night to her father in StarClan that it weren't true. But alas, even Sootstorm couldn't reverse his daughter's unfortunate actions. Whether or not she was ready, here came a litter of kits that never should have been conceived. Finally, Flickerstorm was forced to accept the truth when she dreamt about Shellfang. Her youngest daughter had sent her the moments in which she had kitted young Carminekit. It was a horrible sight to see, but Flickerstorm knew her daughter had purposely shown her the soul-wrenching scene. Starlingstorm had to know the truth. And he could perhaps even help her. Wait, of course he would help her. He was her mate after all. But she would never ask him to leave his Clan. No, she would raise these kits as DustClan. He would have to let her go. He would have to move on. He would have to watch his kits grow up from the other side of the Meadow, occasionally seeing them at Gatherings or on border patrols. Never would he be able to claim them as his own. Never would he be able to share fresh-kill with them. Never would he be able to teach them morals, manners, respect, or wisdom. But Flickerstorm could do that. She would be a good mother to these kits. She had mothered Cougarheart and Beechtail without a father, even after Blizzardclaw had "adopted" them. But he, too, had died and she still was able to bring up her sons in a no-less-than-perfect way.
Starlingstorm would just have to accept this.
But yet something. didn't feel right. It was as if the devil were stalking her paw prints tonight. Moonlight permeated the forest, gleaming off the ice and bleaching the forest in an eerie light. Dread was creeping up on her, and a nostalgic feeling consumed Flickerstorm, washing over her like a wave. Oh, how she wished she could go back to the simple days, when she had no children. The days when she was an apprentice, before her father died. Even before her mother was leader. She missed those days. But StarClan had given her this destiny because they knew she was the only cat strong enough to endure it. And that she would do. She would blaze through the dark times, like a lone flame. Because Flickerstorm knew, that after three mates and three litters of kits that she was destined to walk alone. She needed no tom in her life to make her happy. All she needed was herself and her kits.
Without realizing it, she she-cat had padded to the very edge of the DustClan territory. She was just millimeters from entering MarshClan territory, but she wouldn't dare venture any further. Hawkstar would be at her throat if he found any DustClan scent on his side. Things were still tense between the two Clans, ever since Pantherfoot had been murdered. Flickerstorm scowled at the thought of him. Actually, it wasn't him that had triggered the rage. It was Batstream, the overly arrogant she-cat who got away with murder. No cat could fathom the immensity of hatred she had for the MarshClan fleabag. The stupid, fox-hearted, spineless, disrespectful, crowfood-eating, mangy, shady piece of mouse dung who dared call herself a warrior. It was her fault that Cougarheart and Beechtail grew up without a father. Although it taught Flickerstorm she was strong enough to raise kits by herself, she was furious regardless.
Throwing her head away from the border in disgust, Flickerstorm laid down carefully onto the ice, awaiting Starlingstorm. This would be the last time she would meet him, she vowed. One last, simple, painless time.
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Post by Dawn on Mar 6, 2011 1:38:06 GMT -5
Batstream padded along through MarshClan territory alone, unaware of the hatred focused directly on her, not too far away. She had no idea that at that very moment, Flickerstorm stood gazing across the border with scorching hatred burning her heart.
Hatred for her. For Batstream. For "murdering" her mate Pantherfoot. But it had not been murder, no no. Batstream would never kill out of cold blood. She had felt her life was in immediate danger, what with the tom's jaws mere millimeters from her throat. She had acted on instinct and struck a blow that, had not meant to kill, but rather to stun. She had never meant to kill Pantherfoot, oh StarClan no.
Her own thoughts wandered to the dark tom cat as they had so often for the past moons. She felt horrible about killing him. She had not meant to at all! It had been self defense. She had been aiming to stun him so she could wriggle out of his grip. Meant to push him back so that he did not kill her.
With a faint sigh, Batstream paused in her constant treading and looked around. All was quiet. A soft breeze ruffled the marshy grass, newly sprouting with the aid of the warming air. There were still patches of snow here and there, but it definitely looked and felt more like new-leaf every day.
She opened her jaws and scented the air. A specific scent that was drawn toward her by the breeze made her freeze. She felt her body go rigid and her eyes darted around her nervously. She knew that scent. That scent had been carried by her attacker at the last gathering... by Flickerstorm. That cat who hated her. Who despised her. Who probably wanted nothing more than Batstream's death.
---
A muscular brown tabby tom exited the MarshClan camp, squeezing through the rattling branches down the path that lead into the territory. What a tense place to be. The camp hardly felt like home anymore. He dreaded returning there each evening and had done his best to spend as much time away as possible.
What with all that had happened, it was hardly surprising that the camp was so uncomfortable, but that didn't mean he had to like it. Everything was going downhill, and fast. Hawkstar had pretty much lost it, and no cat seemed to be able to talk any sense into him. Not that that was surprising of course, Hawkstar could be very stubborn.
Where Starlingstorm really wanted to be was DustClan with Flickerstorm. Every time he entered the territory, he felt an itching in his paws to run toward the moorland and go to her. He dreamed about leaving MarshClan for DustClan sometimes, but he knew he couldn't.
It would cause a whole new set of incidents between MarshClan and DustClan, incidents they would probably all be better without. That and he couldn't leave Batstream. She was like his sister, and she had been slowly declining mentally as well.
The death of Pantherfoot on her paws, even though it had been an accident, had been weighing down upon her mind so heavily that there had been more times than one that Starlingstorm had forced her into Ilexflower's den to get something to calm her.
She had gone off this morning before he woke up and he hoped she was alright. He was becoming seriously worried about her, mentally distressed as she was. He just hoped beyond hope that she had not done anything stupid.
---
Batstream stood frozen for a moment longer, then forced herself back into motion. Flickerstorm's scent that strong meant that she was close. Over the border close?
Taking another nervous glance around where she stood, Batstream padded as silently as possible toward the scent. Luckily she was downwind, she would spot Flickerstorm before the latter noticed her.
The scent was becoming stronger and stronger. The grass beneath her paws was soft, wet and cold but she hardly felt it. Her steps made no sound as she crept steadily closer, finally bringing the large she-cat into view.
She was laying, just laying there, by the border, staring across silently. What was she doing? This was rather odd behavior. Should she run and fetch help or risk confronting Flickerstorm right here. She might be gone if she left to get help, but then again, what if she attacked?
Was Batstream strong enough to take her? She honestly wasn't sure. Probably to hold her off, but not win. Flickerstorm was larger than she, and from what Batstream had heard, a pretty developed fighter.
After another moment of hesitation, Batstrem stepped out from behind the tall strands of grass and padded forward, her eyes on Flickerstorm. "Can I help you, Flickerstorm?"
[/color] She asked, her voice even and steady despite the adrenaline pumping through her limbs. She stood across from where the she-cat lay though far enough within the border that Flickerstorm had no reason to attack her that would be supported by the warrior code or her Clan. [/blockquote][/blockquote][/size] |
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Post by frosty on Mar 6, 2011 11:57:30 GMT -5
"Can I help you, Flickerstorm?"
Flickerstorm looked up. The cat whom had greeted her had been none other than the hell-sent MarshClan she-cat, Batstream. But the DustClan queen was tired. She met the dark-furred cat's glare with a hollow stare, drained of any life. She blinked slowly, trying to comprehend what was standing right in front of her. "You..." she murmured slowly, unable to decipher whether or not she was dreaming or not. Flickerstorm inclined her head closer, sniffing the air as if for more proof that Batstream was standing there. The peaty scent of MarshClan washed over the scent glands, but Flickerstorm didn't recoil from the odor as she would've done a while ago. She had grown used to the scent since meeting with Starlingstorm so often. Shaking her head slowly, Flickerstorm stood up to Batstream's challenge. But her body felt heavy with the kits that were due in no more than a quarter moon. Adrenaline pumped through her veins, heating her body until it felt like fire ran beneath her fur. The bottoms of her paws were wet, but they felt no cold. Oblivious to the freezing temperature, Flickerstorm curled her lip to reveal teeth to the smaller warrior.
"What do you want? I'm not on your territory; you have no right to challenge me," she hissed, scraping at the ice with uncurled claws. "If you want a fight, you can have one."
She lowered her head, allowing her hackles to raise and her tail to fluff out. Flickerstorm didn't want to fight Batstream, because she knew it would harm her unborn kits. Of course, if she wasn't pregnant there would be no doubt she would've attacked the brown-black she-cat. She prayed Batstream didn't realize the change in her attitude, or how heavily pregnant she was. That would only raise suspicion and further questions that Flickerstorm didn't want to answer. Never would she reveal that these kits were fathered by the cat close enough to be her brother. Not unless Starlingstorm wished it so.
Speaking of the sand-colored tom, where was he? He knew they were meeting tonight. Starlingstorm was usually punctual whenever Flickerstorm needed him, and right now, she needed him more than ever. If her kits came early, she would want him, not Batstream by her side. Flickering her tail, she threw Batstream a warning growl, narrowing her blue eyes to burning sky-colored slits, hoping with every fiber of her being that she wouldn't have to fight Batstream and that Starlingstorm would hurry.
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Post by Dawn on Mar 7, 2011 0:43:55 GMT -5
As she spoke, Batstream saw Flickerstorm's eyes turn towards her. But there was something different in them than usual. They seemed somehow blank and less fiery than usual.
"You..." She seemed disoriented. It was almost as though she was partially asleep. She looked as thought she thought this scent may not even be truly happening. What was with her? On any other day, she probably would have sprang across the border and tried to tear Batstream's throat out without hesitation.
As she stood, her reason became readily apparent. Batstream's eyes were immediately drawn to her swollen belly, fat with kits. She was pregnant again, how fitting. She seemed to pop them out all the time. But why would a heavily pregnant DustClan queen be laying right beside the border, staring across it? It didn't make sense. Unless of course... but no, Flickerstorm would never take a MarshClan mate. She hated the lot too much.
But then again, Batstream couldn't help thinking about possible mates in MarshClan that Flickerstorm may have taken. Who had been acting differently lately... Starlingstorm for sure. He had been more flighty and less likely to stay in the camp if he could help it. He had denied accompaniment on patrols and just gone off on his own a lot... but no, it couldn't be Starlingstorm, could it?
Batstream surpressed a shudder. The thought was haunting. Starlingstorm was like a brother to her, the cat who had leapt to her defence at the gathering when Flickerstorm had leapt forward to launch an attack. There had been hatred in Flickerstorm's eyes then, was it likely that the two had somehow fallen for one another?
"What do you want? I'm not on your territory; you have no right to challenge me. If you want a fight, you can have one."
Pushing her thoughts aside, Batstream looked back into Flickerstorm's eyes. She allowed a moment of silence to stretch between herself and the DustClan queen, her eyes calculating. "You're close enough to the border to make any cat suspicious."
[/color] She meowed evenly, her eyes flickering towards the border that stood a mere four fox lengths before her. "Anyway, you don't look in any condition to be fighting with anyone, Flickerstorm. Why did they let you out of camp, as far along as you are?"[/color] She asked, keeping her voice as even as ever. 'Especially you, being the leader's dear daughter and all.' She thought to herself. She hadn't thought it best to mention that out loud. It was probably best not to open pure hostility with Flickerstorm, she was volitile enough without it. --- Starlingstorm padded along through the marshy territory, making his way towards the border with DustClan where he had met with Flickerstorm so many times before. He knew he was later than usual, but that had just been because Daisykit had wanted to know how to preform a hunting crouch and wouldn't let him go until he demonstrated it to her enough times for it to stick. A faint smile lit his maw at the thought of his little neice. He envied Tigerflower for that reason. She was able to have kits she could show off and be openly proud of. If only Flickerstorm was a MarshClan cat, then they could have their own kits and he could be a true father. He wished that things were not so complicated, but of course that's how life works. He considered having kits with Flickerstorm, but it would cause so many problems in their already feuding Clans. If it did happen though, Starlingstorm would want to be with his mate and kits, no matter what. If that meant that he had to join DustClan, then so be it. The thought of leaving his Clan though... it was a difficult one. Well, no, not his Clan, he would gladly forego the tense place right now, but he didn't like considering leaving his family. Tigerflower and her kits, and Batstream. They needed him too. Such decisions... he should not think about this now. He would be in a distracted mood when he reached Flickerstorm. --- Batstream raised an eyebrow as Flickerstorm glared and growled at her. She was attempting to look as fierce as usual, or so it seemed, but she looked somehow diminished. Belly swollen with kits, paired with a certain change in her that Batstream couldn't quite place. She was acting strangely, there was no denying it. --- Little did Batstream know, another pair of eyes watched the situation from a tree branch above and to the left of the two she-cats. Pale, narrowed blue eyes were fixed upon them, a slight smirk placed artfully upon a black and white face. The daughter of Adanna had come across this situation on her way home from a hunt in MarshClan territiory. A couple of mice were draped across the branch beside her. She just hadn't been able to resist watching this amusing situation. Such a trivial matter. Stupid Clan cats, did they think that they were safe enough to sit around and gaze into space within their own territories? Perhaps she ought to teach them something... for their own good of course. Standing gracefully and without a sound, Irkalla flexed her legs and paused a moment longer. Which to attack first? Possibly the pregnant one. If she dropped down from her branch, she would be directly to the left of her. From the sound of the confrontation, the brown one may or may not help. It didn't matter either way. She watched the situation for a moment longer, then leapt down into the small clearing, fangs bared and claws extended. Her light body hit the ground with a soft thud and her malicious blue eyes were fixed upon the two she-cats. "What an interesting little squabble you're having here, Clannies. Mind if I cut in though?"[/color] She asked, advancing threatingly towards Flickerstorm, her shoulders flexed dangerously. --- Batstream turned sharply as another cat dropped into the clearing and her hackles rose. She was a rogue, that much was apparent. Well muscled despite her lithe build. She had dangerous blue eyes... they somehow seemed familiar. How? Shoving her curiousity aside, Batstream stepped forward without any thought. "Leave here rogue, you're not welcome here."[/color] She growled, extending her own claws and sinking them into the soft earth beneath her paws. Her fangs were also bared, though she thought that she could not have the startling effect that the rogue had. Irkalla turned her eyes to Batstream and let out a cackle of mad laughter. "What, are you going to make me leave? You, warrior built for swimming, along with the pregnant queen? Please."[/color] She hissed the last word and her eyes turned back to Flickerstorm. Without another word, Irkalla leapt forward towards the queen, landing at her side and aiming a blow at her swollen belly. Before she could land her blow however, Batstream had leapt forward and bowled the she-cat off of her paws, putting herself between Flickerstorm and Irkalla on the DustClan side of the border. [/blockquote][/blockquote][/size] |
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Post by frosty on Mar 7, 2011 16:08:15 GMT -5
"You're close enough to the border to make any cat suspicious. Anyway, you don't look in any condition to be fighting with anyone, Flickerstorm. Why did they let you out of camp, as far along as you are?"
Big blue eyes blinked slowly, almost as fast as the moon wanes then waxes. Time lapsed slower than a herd of turtles stampeding through peanut butter. Her tail weaved through the air carefully, her heart pounding in her chest loud enough to disturb all the prey from here to the Clearing. Flickerstorm was trying to grasp words that weren't there, like a clumsy kit trying to catch butterflies. She gaped, waiting for a sound that wasn't there.
What could she possibly to say to Batstream? From the knowing, suspicious looked plastered into the MarshClan cat's contours, Flickerstorm assumed the brown-black she-cat had already guessed the father of her kits. She tried to swallow her fears, but her throat was too dry. Pressing her ears flat against her skull, she lowered her head submissively. She wanted Batstream to leave, without asking another question she couldn't answer. Or, wouldn't answer. No, no, some things were better left unsaid indeed.
Flickerstorm looked beyond Batstream's shoulders, praying with all her heart that Starlingstorm would leap out of the bushes and save her from his meddling friend. Her conscious mind faltered off, disappearing to be replaced by her subconscious mind that was quickly taking over. Her eyes became hollow as Flickerstorm became lost in her own worries, consumed by her fear but driven by her hope. The tricolored she-cat stared off in the distance, her focal point nothing in particular. However, she couldn't help but notice the bare branches of the mighty oaks in the distance, tracing delicate patterns against the black night sky. Eyes wide, she didn't dare to blink.
"What an interesting little squabble you're having here, Clannies. Mind if I cut in though?"
A long shudder passed through the length of Flickerstorm's body, startling her back into reality. A small black and white she-cat with oddly familiar blue eyes descended upon them, as if she had fallen from Silverpelt. Was she a StarClan warrior? Had Batstream killed her? Adjusting her eyes, Flickerstorm realized she could still feel the cold in her paws and her breath was billowing in the night air. A rogue had simply leaped down from the tree above them, hoping they'd be easy prey. But as flame washed over her vision, Flickerstorm let out a long, threatening hiss. A stupid rogue should know better than to mess with a mother defending her kits. Even though unborn, they were as precious as gold to her. She parted her jaws, ready to spit venom at the advancing she-cat, but Batstream cut in.
"Leave here rogue, you're not welcome here."
"What, are you going to make me leave? You, warrior built for swimming, along with the pregnant queen? Please."
Flickerstorm hung on the black and white she-cat's words, her reaction time off as the rogue leaped at her. Yowling she ducked, trying to shield her belly from the blow. Dark fur blurred her peripheral vision, then appeared between her unborn kits and the rogue's claws.
"Batstream, what are you doing?" Flickerstorm hissed, more shocked than angry. Did the MarshClan warrior think she couldn't handle herself? Who was she trying to convince? There was no way in StarClan she was in any state to be fighting off this rogue. But why would Batstream take the blow for her? That's when the idea struck her like an oncoming monster. Batstream must have guessed that the father of these kits was Starlingstorm. And the sand-colored tom meant more to Batstream than almost any ther cat alive. So, she was protecting her best friend's children. Flickerstorm's heart swelled, eyes wide as moons, as she watched Batstream brave up against her foe. Paralyzed with fear, she crouched, whimpering, and dug her claws into the thin sheet of ice. Should she run? Should she go back to DustClan? Should she help Batstream fight? Should she find Starlingstorm? Questions fizzed in her head like a swarm of angry bees, clouding her judgment.
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Post by Dawn on Mar 10, 2011 20:58:53 GMT -5
"Batstream, what are you doing?"
Batstream heard Flickerstorm hiss, but did not reply. Instead she bared her fangs and placed her body fully between Flickerstorm and the rogue who leered and let out another cackle of laughter. ”I see we are playing the hero today. If you want to die in her place, then so be it.”
[/color] She snarled, her own fangs bared and her mad blue eyes sparkling with intensity. Batstream, though frightened by the rogue’s words, did not back down. She had come to the conclusion that Flickerstorm was carrying Starlingstorm’s kits and she would rather die than let them die. Even if the mother carrying them was not her favorite cat. That didn’t matter, not at all. Besides, Flickerstorm had kits of her own to care for, plus those that were on the way. She was much more valuable than she, as much as she hated to admit it. ”You’re making a mistake in coming here. I will not let you kill Flickerstorm and the innocent kits she carries.”[/color] Batstream replied, and she was amazed at how calm her voice was. She felt as though it surely must have been shaking at least a little. Perhaps acceptance of your fate caused you to become less afraid on the outside. Not on the inside though… on the inside she was terrified. But she must face this foe, for Starlingstorm. The black and white she-cat bared her fangs even wider in a sneer but did not answer. She was not striking, why? Why was she waiting? Batstream could not understand it… she had to attack soon, she wouldn’t just sit there forever. She must be trying to lull them into a false sense o- and then she jumped. Leapt herself forward and barreled into Batstream. She could feel thorn sharp claws digging into her sides and lashed out as best she could at her attacker, wanting to injure her as much as possible before she died. That way, the odds of Flickerstorm and the kits escaping were better. Starlingstorm’s children, whom he had secretly longed for for moons would come into being and be a gift for all the Clans. Batstream rolled to one side, still placing herself between Flickerstorm and the rogue. The she-cat was still on her paws, though it looked as though some of Batstream’s flailing had worked. She had a long scratch down one shoulder and looked more angry than arrogant now. Batstream could feel blood pulsing from several scratches on her flank, but she didn’t feel energy draining. Adrenaline pumped through her, giving her the strength to battle on. The rogue leapt again and Batstream felt claws tearing at her shoulder and neck. She lashed out quickly once more and felt her claws connect with the same shoulder she had injured before. She heard the she-cat let out a screech of anger or pain and then the killing blow came. --- Starlingstorm stopped where he stood, his ears pricked. He could hear the sounds of fighting cats and scented the air. He was close enough to scent Batstream… and Flickerstorm… and blood. He felt a thrill of fear. Had Batstream come across Flickerstorm and the two started fighting? He started running towards the sound of fighting, panic fueling his paw steps. He shot into the clearing, sending leaves flying from the bush he had run through. The sight that met his eyes had not been what he had expected or wanted to see. Batstream was feebly lashing at an unfamiliar she-cat’s shoulder, which was already injured. The she-cat let out a shriek and clamped her jaws down onto Batstream’s neck. ”No!”[/color] He yowled and flung himself forward, completely unaware that he had crossed the border into DustClan territory. She she-rogue looked around at his cry, made an ugly face and leapt away before Starlingstorm could lay a paw on her. ”Fox dung.”[/color] She spat, then leapt out of the clearing, only slightly hindered by her bleeding shoulder. Apparently the knowledge of her injury and the fact that Starlingstorm’s vast figure gave such an impression of power had scared her off. The large tom considered for a moment going after her, but there were more pressing matters at hand. Turning back to his fallen friend, he felt his blood freeze. She was motionless and blood was slowly draining from her neck. Batstream was dead. The cat who had long been like a sister to him was gone. As the clearing came back to him and his immediate disorientation faded, he saw Flickerstorm. He padded towards her and nudged her ear with his nose. ”Flickerstorm, are you alright? Flickerstorm?”[/color] He asked, his voice strained and cracked. [/blockquote][/blockquote][/size] |
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Post by frosty on Apr 8, 2011 22:35:35 GMT -5
The tricolored she-cat crouched, completely paralyzed with fear. Terror danced in her eyes and played in her fur. Even the tip of her tail was still as stone, as the queen watched in horror as the scene unfolded before her.
Batstream's defiance, the rogue stalling until the perfect moment, the raging yet short-lived battle, the MarshClan cat's undying strength, and finally the killing blow. Never in her life would she ever forget the scene of the black and white rogue sinking her teeth deep into Batstream's throat, ending her life almost instantly. The look in her eyes before she was murdered would haunt her for the rest of her life. Never would Batstream know Flickerstorm's eternal gratefulness for saving both her and her unborn kits' life. Never would the two she-cats make peace... Flickerstorm pondered on that idea with half her mind, her thoughts both sluggish and racing at the same time as if in a blur. The two she-cat's had never got on, not since Pantherfoot had died at her claws. But that fresh-kill was killed and eaten. It was assumed that Batstream had guessed the father of her litter was Starlingstorm, her lifelong friend. The MarshClan she-cat had given her life for him, for his kits, and for the cat he loved. But why would she go as far to give her only life? Was there something deeper than friendship tht twined her to him? Flickerstorm felt extreme guilt when she realized that she truly had the last life. She flushed out her toxic thoughts, giving thanks to StarClan for the life of Batstream. She silently vowed that her kits would never forget the cat that would've been their aunt, regardless of blood. Flickerstorm hoped that Batstream's spirit heard her promise.
"Flickerstorm, are you alright? Flickerstorm?"
Flickerstorm flinched, the voice of her mate startling her. She didn't hear Starlingstorm approaching, as she had been lost in a trance of sorts. She blinked swiftly, almost hoping that this was just a bad nightmare. Turning her wide, sad, blue gaze on the tabby tom, she whimpered.
"I'm so sorry I didn't prevent this..." she whispered.
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Post by Dawn on Apr 9, 2011 9:29:38 GMT -5
"I'm so sorry I didn't prevent this..."
Starlingstorm gently butted his head against her shoulder, trying to calm her though his insides were still frozen with shock and grief. "It's not your fault, it's that rogue's. Her intentions were perfectly clear when she came here and there was no stopping it."
[/color] He meowed, doing his best to keep his voice from trembling as his eyes moved to rest upon his fallen friend. Batstream lay still and silent, her face faced away from Starlingstorm and Flickerstorm. A pool of blood pooled around her, the source her open neck wound inflicted by the rogue. Her chestnut brown fur was sleek and shiny despite the fight she had just been in, though her outstretched claws and paw fur were sticky and stained with the blood of the rogue. She had put up her fair share of the fight, that was apparent. If only he had reached this place sooner! Perhaps then Batstream would still be alive and the rogue dead instead. A swoop of remorse and guilt swept over him strongly at that moment and he had to look away from the cat who had been as close as his sister. He looked back at Flickerstorm, his beloved mate. He let out a small gasp and his eyes widened slightly. A starry figure stood very close to the pair, her head tipped slightly to one side and a small smile on her muzzle. It was Batstream, without a doubt, even if the dappled sunlight made her disappear from view in places as she moved closer to the couple. "I heard, Flickerstorm."[/color] She whispered to the other she-cat, her pale green eyes sparkling with stars. She then turned her head towards Starlingstorm. "Starlingstorm, there was no stopping this, it was meant to be. Don't feel guilt, feel joy for the life you have ahead of you and the joys still to come. Live for the future, not the past, and do what you feel is right even if it is not what everyone else thinks is right."[/color] She told him simply, her eyes conveying her seriousness to the large brown tom cat. The starry outline then turned her head to the sky and was gone. Starlingstorm stared at the spot for another few moments, not sure if he had truly seen Batstream's starry spirit or if it had been his imagination. He looked towards Flickerstorm, wondering if she had seen Batstream as well. The two had never been fans of one another, but things seemed to have changed in those short moments. [/blockquote][/blockquote][/size] |
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Post by frosty on Apr 9, 2011 14:19:30 GMT -5
"It's not your fault, it's that rogue's. Her intentions were perfectly clear when she came here and there was no stopping it."
Flickerstorm bowed her head, struggling to accept his words, to see any truth in them. Studying a broken fragment of rock caught in between her claws, she ran through her thoughts as if they were on file. She could have prevented this - all of this - from happening. If only she hadn't crossed the MarshClan border that fateful day, and truly recognized Starlingstorm as an individual. If only she hadn't opened up so much, they wouldn't be here, standing over the body of Batstream as blood pooled around her neck. If only she hadn't fallen in love with Blizzardclaw all those seasons ago, when she was just a young warrior. Then tragedy wouldn't have snowballed, and many cats would still be alive. Was it her poor decisions that killed Shellfang, Flurryfoot, Featherstorm, Brightkit, Hollowkit, Stormkit, Barkkit, Drizzlekit, Pantherfoot, Blizzardclaw, and Batstream? What sort of queen mothered three litters, all of which were fathered by three different toms? Flickerstorm hated the feeling in her chest that seemed to pound guilt through her body and the voice in her head that screamed the truth at her. It really was her fault that ten DustClan cats and one MarshClan cat was dead. What sick, twisted game was StarClan playing at? Why hadn't her father, Sootstorm, or her aunt, Amberheart, done anything to prevent all the mistakes she had made? What had she ever done to deserve such a horrible fate? All she ever wanted was to be loved, and to be a good mother to her three living sons and her three dead daughters. But, of course, she couldn't do that right either. Had been such a horrible mother that Featherstorm had been driven to insanity? That Flurryfoot hadn't the strength to live through her kitbirth? That Shellfang had betrayed and lied to her Clan about taking a PineClan cat as a mate? What were Beechtail, Cougarheart, and Gravelpelt in for? And what about the unborn kits she had been carrying? What kind of future would they have, being born in such a cursed way into such a complex family?
"I heard, Flickerstorm."
Her head shot bolt upright. Standing just in front of her was a transparent outline of a cat. But there was no mistaking the new life in her yellow eyes or the stars that studden her dark fur. Batstream had come to share a few words with the one cat that meant more to her than any other - Starlingstorm. Maybe, just maybe, if Flickerstorm hadn't stumbled across the frozen border then it would have been Batstream in the nursery, her belly swollen with Starlingstorm's kits. Bleak eyes stretched wide, Flickerstorm strained to listen to the StarClan warrior's final words before she departed to tread the swirling path of stars in the sky. She wanted to cling onto the dead she-cat's last words, to know that Starlingstorm was going to be okay. After all, the two cats had been friends since they were kits. What right did Flickerstorm have, tearing them apart? A new anger burned in her blue eyes. She hated StarClan for choosing her to walk such a selfish path, full of hardships she would have to endure countless times over. It seemed like she were walking in a circle, and this circle never ended.
"Starlingstorm, there was no stopping this, it was meant to be. Don't feel guilt, feel joy for the life you have ahead of you and the joys still to come. Live for the future, not the past, and do what you feel is right even if it is not what everyone else thinks is right."
Flickerstorm wanted to yowl her disagreement. It could have been preventing! Batstream was not just another cat who's death was caused by her chain reaction. She was one of the most important cats in Starlingstorm's life, and she had died to preserve the bond between him and his mate. Wincing at her words, Flickerstorm felt a pit of despair yawn in her heart. The two couldn't be together, especially not after the events that had taken place. They would each have to move on, to find new life within their own Clans. Closing her eyes, Flickerstorm struggled to form the words that would put an end to this dark chapter. When she blinked her optics open, Batstream was gone like the wind. She had faded, her spirit gone to join the ranks of StarClan, the Clan that had caused her more pain than anything else. Would Batstream continue to hold her grudge, even in death, to alter Flickerstorm's fate into something even more cruel? Pressing herself to the ground, she saw that Starlingstorm was looking at her with a questioning look in his amber eyes.
She nodded slowly, answering the question she guessed was swarming in his mind. "Starlingstorm," she whispered. "Where do you go from here?" Flickerstorm wondered if he had noticed that she had used the word 'you' instead of 'we'. She hoped he would understand. But it would do no good for them to continue their secret relationship. It was time to end her bad behavior, and focus on being a mother to Gravelpelt, Beechtail, and Cougarheart, and to the kits that would be born within the next half moon. Motherhood left no room for mistakes or secrets or old scores. They would both have to take Batstream's words to heart, and look to the future, not the past. Although the past would bond them together for eternity, they would have to approach it casually and leave old feelings behind. There was simply nothing good that would ever come out of it.
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Post by Dawn on Apr 9, 2011 22:59:46 GMT -5
"Starlingstorm, where do you go from here?"
Starlingstorm tipped his head slightly to one side, considering her. "What do you mean, where do I go from here?"
[/color] He asked warily, having a bad feeling about her singular meaning within the question. "I go where you go, simple as that. Batstream would have wanted that, and I know I do. It won't be popular with everyone else, but as Batstream said, I have to do what I think is right, not what anyone else thinks is right."[/color] He meowed firmly. "Besides, we have a family to raise together. I won't abandon my kits."[/color] He added, glancing down at her obviously swollen belly. He paused a moment longer, a shadow flickering into his eyes. "When were you going to tell me?"[/color] He asked quietly, his eyes once again meeting hers. He wasn't blaming her and had been sure to keep any tone that may have been taken the wrong way out of his voice, but he couldn't help becoming more wary at the fact that she had not shared this important information with him. He thought back to Batstream's words. 'Feel joy for the life you have ahead of you and the joys still to come. Live for the future, not the past, and do what you feel is right even if it is not what everyone else thinks is right.' He would do as his old friend had asked of him. He would live for the future and the joys still to come - including his unborn kits. He knew that those in his Clan and outside would not approve or understand for the most part, but he wouldn't let that worry him. Everything happened for a reason and he would do what he thought or knew was right despite what or who may stand in his way. He thought of Tigerflower and her kits and he was torn. They needed him, though not as much as his kits and mate. They would be taken care of and kept safe even if they did not like his choice. He knew that he could never bring Flickerstorm to MarshClan and also that she would never come. She had her mother and sons in DustClan who relied upon her and Hawkstar would sooner claw off all the fur on his tail than allow Flickerstorm, the daughter of his rival Birchstar, join the Clan. The only sensible option in his mind was leaving MarshClan to join DustClan, if they would have him. Granted, Hawkstar would want his blood but at the moment, he pretty much wanted every DustClan cat's blood anyway. "Do what you know to be right. One way or another, it will work out."[/color] Batstream's voice once again drifted to him on the wind and he knew that his oldest and dearest friend approved of he and Flickerstorm and wanted him to be happy. --- "Flickerstorm, everything happens for a reason. StarClan doesn't have control over everything though we try. Don't feel guilt for those things you cannot control, allow yourself forgiveness."[/color] Batstream attempted to throw her words down through the skies to the DustClan she-cat. She felt no hatred towards her now, only compassion. She knew what she meant to Starlingstorm and therefore she felt compelled to forgive Flickerstorm for all that had gone on between them. Sitting up among the stars was a curious thing. Batstream looked around the otherworldly place through calm yet curious eyes. How strange. Nothing seemed all that different than in the real forest aside from the stars glittering from every surface and the calm, peaceful feel to the place. There was no evil here to disturb the atmosphere and it was a welcome change from the tense territory she had left behind. The thought made her think about Pantherfoot, the tom she had killed during the MarshClan DustClan battle. The cat who had been Flickerstorm's mate before Starlingstorm and had been the cause of the two she-cat's dislike of one another. She needed to find him. To find him and to apologize to him. Where to start though? This was such a huge place and she couldn't even begin to guess at where any of the cats hung around. Standing up, she decided to try something simple. "Pantherfoot? A-are you here?"[/color] She called, her voice shaking slightly. Would he too be angry with her? What would he say? What would she say? She just wanted to beg for his forgiveness for snuffing out his life even if she hadn't meant to do so. She wanted forgiveness. [/blockquote][/blockquote][/size] |
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Post by frosty on Apr 10, 2011 0:33:11 GMT -5
"What do you mean, where do I go from here? I go where you go, simple as that. Batstream would have wanted that, and I know I do. It won't be popular with everyone else, but as Batstream said, I have to do what I think is right, not what anyone else thinks is right. Besides, we have a family to raise together. I won't abandon my kits. When were you going to tell me?"
Flickerstorm flicked her ears dismissevly. You aren't a newborn kit, so stop acting like one! she thought to herself. With a new air, the she-cat bore her sky-colored eyes into his amber ones. "Starlingstorm," she started, fighting to keep her voice even."I came here tonight to tell you. But look what happened. StarClan must have sent that rogue as an evil omen of some sort. I don't know how we can be together... We live in two different worlds, with different loyalties and different problems. We never should've met because I never should've crossed the border. And now look - that one mistake snowballed into an even bigger one. I already struggle to prove myself to my Clan, after the controversy with Featherstorm. They can't know about us. They can't know how we broke the warrior code. They can't know the father of our kits. I have to raise them as DustClan cats - loyal DustClan cats. They can't have a paw in MarshClan. We can at least agree that we want the best for our children. Under no circumstances can they know that they're half-Clan, even if you join DustClan. Besides, Birchstar would never allow it. You know how hot headed and stubborn she is, and she's under even more pressure from Hawkstar. She resents MarshClan the most right now. And I could never ask you to leave your birth Clan. There are cats there that need you more than I do. How would Brownkit, Lilykit, and Daisykit feel if you left them for DustClan? It's not fair to take away the kin they've grown up with so he can be with kits that never should've been..." Her voice trailed off as she tried to make him understand..
"How would you feel if you were a kit, and your uncle had always been there for you - playing with you every day, teaching you hunting crouches, bringing you back fresh-kill every day - and then all of a sudden her just abandoned you? And not only that, but he abandoned you to be with another set of kits. Would you feel betrayed, replaced? I would never in nine lifetimes ask you to do anything like that. Tigerflower must be so used to depending on you to help with her kits. You can't just leave everything you've ever known and grown up with."
Brushing her pelt against his and forcing her tail to twine with his, she continued, "Starlingstorm, I promise you that I will raise these kits as best as I can. I will take them to meet you at Gatherings, but they cannot know of their half-Clan heritage. I will simply tell them that their father was a wonderful warrior but he had other commitments and that you are an old friend of mine. Please understand that this is for the best..."
"Flickerstorm, everything happens for a reason. StarClan doesn't have control over everything though we try. Don't feel guilt for those things you cannot control, allow yourself forgiveness."
The queen strained to listen to the muffled words. They sounded choppy and muffled, but Flickerstorm could make them out and guess the source of the voice. Oh, Batstream... How can I allow myself forgiveness? I can't ask Starlingstorm to leave MarshClan. But I can't love him either. Am I doing the right thing? Will my kits forgive me? Will Starlingstorm forgive me? Please tell me what to do! she pleaded.
- - -
"Pantherfoot? A-are you here?"
A bulky almost black tabby padded out from a clump of ferns, stars flashing like lightning on his dark fur. His eyes were gentle and clear and bore no trace of anger in their ghostly yellow depths. His tail was straight up and his ears were pricked. The tom walked with a commanding, dignified, proud gait as he padded across the clearing to meet Batstream. His pawprints left puddles of starshine behind on the grass, glittering for only a few heartbeats before fading.
"]Greetings, Batstream. Welcome to StarClan. I am sorry you had to join us the way you did," he meowed formally, his voice soft and sympathetic as if he were talking to a wounded kit. Though he dare not call Batstream a kit, it was the only measurement of vocal tone he could compare it to. The DustClan tom rested his tail-tip on her shoulder. "Do not worry, dearest Batstream. You do not have to ask for my forgiveness. I never did blame you. It was simply an accident and I apologize that Flickerstorm caused you so much anger and caused a long feud between you two. I do not hold any type of grudge against you, I promise you that. My only regret is that I was not alive to watch my sons grow up. But I was priviledged to watch them from StarClan. I am so proud of Cougarheart and Beechtail - I think they knew I was with them while they were sitting vigil. But enough about me. Tell me about yourself. I can see you have taken on Starlingstorm's problems as your own[/color\."
He padded towards a triangular shaped patch of sunlight and settled down. Beckoning Batstream over to him, he mewed, "Come and lay down. I know you want to watch Starlingstorm and Flickerstorm right now, but let it lie. You can speak to your friend tonight in his dream. Give your mind a break and let's talk."
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Post by Dawn on Apr 10, 2011 19:43:17 GMT -5
"Starlingstorm, I came here tonight to tell you. But look what happened. StarClan must have sent that rogue as an evil omen of some sort. I don't know how we can be together... We live in two different worlds, with different loyalties and different problems. We never should've met because I never should've crossed the border. And now look - that one mistake snowballed into an even bigger one. I already struggle to prove myself to my Clan, after the controversy with Featherstorm. They can't know about us. They can't know how we broke the warrior code. They can't know the father of our kits. I have to raise them as DustClan cats - loyal DustClan cats. They can't have a paw in MarshClan. We can at least agree that we want the best for our children. Under no circumstances can they know that they're half-Clan, even if you join DustClan. Besides, Birchstar would never allow it. You know how hot headed and stubborn she is, and she's under even more pressure from Hawkstar. She resents MarshClan the most right now. And I could never ask you to leave your birth Clan. There are cats there that need you more than I do. How would Brownkit, Lilykit, and Daisykit feel if you left them for DustClan? It's not fair to take away the kin they've grown up with so he can be with kits that never should've been..."
Starlingstorm stared at her, unable to comprehend a reply for a moment as her monologue sunk in. She didn't give him a chance to reply though, as she spoke again before he could even open his mouth.
"How would you feel if you were a kit, and your uncle had always been there for you - playing with you every day, teaching you hunting crouches, bringing you back fresh-kill every day - and then all of a sudden her just abandoned you? And not only that, but he abandoned you to be with another set of kits. Would you feel betrayed, replaced? I would never in nine lifetimes ask you to do anything like that. Tigerflower must be so used to depending on you to help with her kits. You can't just leave everything you've ever known and grown up with."
"Flickerstorm, I know Tigerflower and her kits and I know that more than anything, they would flay my guts if they knew that I had abandoned my own kits for them. Especially Tigerflower; she is one of the most stubborn she-cats I have ever met and I know for a fact that she would never let me forget it, as if I myself could ever forget. They would miss me I am sure, but they would understand. You don't know them, you haven't grow up with them - they think of others before themselves without any hesitation. They would not want our kits to grow up without a father and neither do I."
[/color] He meowed, staring at her through eyes swirling with multiple emotions. He could feel grief for Batstream still pounding through his heart, sadness at Flickerstorm's dismissal of him and anger at her dismissal of him. He felt her pelt brush against his and her tail twine around his. "Starlingstorm, I promise you that I will raise these kits as best as I can. I will take them to meet you at Gatherings, but they cannot know of their half-Clan heritage. I will simply tell them that their father was a wonderful warrior but he had other commitments and that you are an old friend of mine. Please understand that this is for the best..."Starlingstorm pulled away from her and turned to stand in front of her, his eyes blazing. "They would not need to have a paw in MarshClan, I would not push that upon anyone let alone my own kits. But I will not allow them to grow up away from me. They are not just your kits Flickerstorm, they are our kits and I can't just sit back and watch them grow up from a distance!"[/color] He meowed stiffly, anger now pulsing through his body. He would not allow her to take his kits away from him, he would not allow her to just shove him away. "Flickerstorm, you care so much about things that can't be changed and about what other's think of you. In the long run though, it's not worth it. How would you feel if I said that I wanted to take our kits to MarshClan and raise them as loyal MarshClan warriors and that you could visit them from time to time at gatherings but never let them know that you are their mother and that you are proud of them and that you love them?"[/color] He asked, trying to force her to see the situation through his eyes. - - - "Greetings, Batstream. Welcome to StarClan. I am sorry you had to join us the way you did," Batstream's head jerked around upon hearing the voice of the dead tom cat. He looked strong and healthy and his pawsteps sparkled with starlight. His voice was soft as were his eyes and she felt some of her worries fade merely at the sight of his imposing yet gentle figure. She felt his tail tip rest upon her shoulder then, and it caused her to feel even less worried than she had before somehow. "Do not worry, dearest Batstream. You do not have to ask for my forgiveness. I never did blame you. It was simply an accident and I apologize that Flickerstorm caused you so much anger and caused a long feud between you two. I do not hold any type of grudge against you, I promise you that. My only regret is that I was not alive to watch my sons grow up. But I was priviledged to watch them from StarClan. I am so proud of Cougarheart and Beechtail - I think they knew I was with them while they were sitting vigil. But enough about me. Tell me about yourself. I can see you have taken on Starlingstorm's problems as your own."Batstream shook her head slightly as he spoke. Of course she needed to ask for his forgiveness, she had stolen his one and only life, even if it had been on accident. She had ripped him away from his sons and friends. She couldn't say any of this though, for he continued to talk over her and she did not want to be rude and interrupt him. "But I do have to ask for your forgiveness Pantherfoot, I do. I stole you from your family and friends for no reason and even though it was an accident, I can't just pretend it's all alright. Flickerstorm had a right to hate me, I took you from her and from your kits all on the words of my mad leader."[/color] She had almost slapped her tail across her mouth after insulting Hawkstar but remembered that she was in StarClan now and the brown tabby had no power over her. She then wondered why StarClan had done nothing to stop Hawkstar's madness but decided against going off on that tangent. Pantherfoot then moved and settled in a patch of sunlight, beckoning her towards him. Come and lay down. I know you want to watch Starlingstorm and Flickerstorm right now, but let it lie. You can speak to your friend tonight in his dream. Give your mind a break and let's talk." Batstream paused a moment longer then moved to follow the dark tom cat towards the sunlight, sitting down a few fox-lenghts in front of him. At his words, she was reminded of the scene with Starlingstorm and Flickerstorm and felt a tug to go and attempt to help, but his words kept her still. "They are being mouse-brains."[/color] She meowed quietly. "I threw myself before that rogue in order to save their kits and preserve their love, but nothing's going right!"[/color] She meowed exasperatedly, casting another glance towards where she had just been standing, observing her old friend and his mate. [/blockquote][/blockquote][/size] |
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Post by frosty on Apr 10, 2011 21:02:04 GMT -5
"Flickerstorm, I know Tigerflower and her kits and I know that more than anything, they would flay my guts if they knew that I had abandoned my own kits for them. Especially Tigerflower; she is one of the most stubborn she-cats I have ever met and I know for a fact that she would never let me forget it, as if I myself could ever forget. They would miss me I am sure, but they would understand. You don't know them, you haven't grow up with them - they think of others before themselves without any hesitation. They would not want our kits to grow up without a father and neither do I. They would not need to have a paw in MarshClan, I would not push that upon anyone let alone my own kits. But I will not allow them to grow up away from me. They are not just your kits Flickerstorm, they are our kits and I can't just sit back and watch them grow up from a distance!"
Flickerstorm flinched as he pulled away from her, burning his blazing eyes into hers. Rising to his challenge, she stretched herself up higher and held her ears and tail high.
"Flickerstorm, you care so much about things that can't be changed and about what other's think of you. In the long run though, it's not worth it. How would you feel if I said that I wanted to take our kits to MarshClan and raise them as loyal MarshClan warriors and that you could visit them from time to time at gatherings but never let them know that you are their mother and that you are proud of them and that you love them?"
She hissed in his face, drawing her lips back in the beginnings of a snarl. "Kits belong with their mother's Clan. There are things that cannot be prevented, and this is one of them. You take care of yourself, and I'll take care of the kits. You don't belong to DustClan, I don't belong to MarshClan, but these kits belong to DustClan. We both knew there would be sacrifices when we mated, and this is one of them," she growled, prepared to turn tail and walk away then and there. "We are no longer mates, Starlingstorm. You know that as well as I do. Find a mate in MarshClan who you can love unconditionally, who will give you full MarshClan kits. Forget about these kits; they can't be a part of your life and that's that."
Why couldn't he just understand? Maybe it was because this was his first litter of kits. This was Flickerstorm's third. Twitching the tip of her tail irritably, she tried to form words that would turn him off so bad that he wouldn't want to raise their kits. But she couldn't be that cold hearted. There had to be a way to convince him to move on, so she could move on too.
Anger blazed through her mind. Why was he being so stubborn? Stupid, clingy tom. MarshClan scum. How had she allowed herself to fall in love so quickly? She spat fury. She knew she was being unfair, but she had to convince herself as much as she was trying to convince him. They both had to move on with their lives, and leave each other in the past.
- - -
"But I do have to ask for your forgiveness Pantherfoot, I do. I stole you from your family and friends for no reason and even though it was an accident, I can't just pretend it's all alright. Flickerstorm had a right to hate me, I took you from her and from your kits all on the words of my mad leader."
Pantherfoot shook his head slowly. "Batstream, I forgive you. Not even StarClan can turn aside the paws of fate. It was my destiny to die for my Clan, protecting my sons and Flickerstorm from the attack. It was no cat's fault," he tried to assure her.
"They are being mouse-brains. I threw myself before that rogue in order to save their kits and preserve their love, but nothing's going right!"
"You know Flickerstorm. Whatever she wants, she gets. And she'll hurt whoever she has to in order to get her way. That's just how she is. But they are being mouse brains. They never should have been so stupid to fall in love with each other. And now they must suffer the consequences," he meowed, trying to hide his stress.
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