What I've Done (Foxcloud, Firemist, Moonlitice)

[lakeripple]

OOC: I am intending this thread for FOXCLOUD, FIREMIST, and MOONLITICE, so please ask before joining if you do not have any of the above.

The sun was hot and heavy in the sky, giving out humidity like it could do nothing else. You could see the moisture in the air, tiny rainbows crisscrossing in catastrophic beauty. The bird song was tired and strained without any of the usual boisterous happiness. No, today was a tired, awful day and you could feel it in the air.

Moonlitice sat upon one of the Sunning Stones, her tail draped delicately over her paws. Finally, her winter coat had fallen out and she could sit here relatively comfortably, at least in body. It seemed like these days she was a buzzing cloud of depression, so different from the vain young apprentice she had once been. She felt like a failure.

As an apprentice, Moonlitice knew that her mentor, Firemist, had tried to teach her well and put her on the right path. But Foxcloud, the deputy, had always wanted Moonlitice for herself. Because of this, Foxcloud had decided to hate Firemist with a vengence fueled by jealousy. And Moonlitice had never seen what a monster Foxcloud was, had only seen her strong friend, had only seen a great warrior that had everything she could ever want. Except for two things, of course. The leadership and Moonlitice.

Now Moonlitice realized what Foxcloud was, but couldn't take back their friendship. Deep inside, Moonlitice knew that Foxcloud had a heart, but it was buried and broken. She was deputy, and Burningstar was almost like her puppet. It was wrong and cruel and Moonlitice knew that Foxcloud was trying to lead her down the wrong path, but she admired and loved her. Foxcloud had been her friend when she had none. Foxcloud had been all that she had had.

Leaves fell unto Moonlitpaw's nose and she squealed. Reaching up, she snagged one and, hooking her claw into it, she pulled it down. The mighty hunter prevailed again. Glancing up at Foxcloud, she felt embarrassment turn inside of her. Had the deputy seen that? If she had, she was pretending not to notice. Leaving the dismantled leaf, Moonlitpaw daintily ran up next to Foxcloud.

"We are hunting, not playing Moonlitpaw," Foxcloud mused. Beneath the thorny burr of her outward nonchalance, Foxcloud's voice was thick with warmth. Unable to see this and blind to the love that Foxcloud had towards her, Moonlitpaw dipped her head in shame. "I'm sorry Foxcloud, it won't happen again," Moonlitpaw whispered.

Foxcloud turned her head and fixed Moonlitpaw in her gaze. For a second Moonlitpaw couldn't move, that was the strength of this look. But Foxcloud merely nodded and turned back toward the path. "Now, Moonlitpaw, shall we see what Firemist has taught you?" Foxcloud nearly spit out Firemist's name, but Moonlitpaw didn't notice. She just bobbed her head eagerly and started smelling the air. Falling into the hunter's crouch, she wriggled her rump and drew herself forward on quiet paws.

CRUNCH! A leaf broke beneath Moonlitpaw's feet and scared away the thrush she had been stalking. Launching herself into the air in desperation, her claws sliced through empty air just behind the thrush. She landed hard on the ground and a thorn buried deep into her pad. "Mouse dung!" she whimpered.

Next to her, Moonlitpaw could hear Foxcloud's hollow chuckles. She blushed hot beneath her fur and busied herself with pulling out the thorn. It came out easily, but blood flowed freely from the wound and it was painful to step on. She whimpered again and turned pleadingly to Foxcloud.

"That is what Firemist has taught you?" Foxcloud rasped. "To go jumping into the air after a lost catch? Really Moonlitpaw, you should know better!" Foxcloud fell into laughter again and Moonlitpaw dipped her head in shame. Firemist had told her not to go after a hopeless catch, and that is exactly what she had done. She had been injured from it as well! But the pain was subsiding and the blood lessening. Moonlitpaw put her weight on her paw and winced, but didn't pull away.

"Well, now that you are injured, let's see how fast you can run in pain." Foxcloud took a step toward Moonlitpaw, the warmth in her eyes masked by curiosity. "You always were a fast one, let's see just how swiftly you can go!"

Moonlitpaw nodded. Here was her chance to impress Foxcloud. She readied herself and took off, fast as a rabbit. The pain didn't hamper her and she could feel Foxcloud's praise now. Someday she wanted to be just like her, strong and ambitious enough to push herself to her limits. Foxcloud was her hero.

Moonlitice blinked out of the flashback and sighed. She had disobeyed Foxcloud at the battle with EarthClan and had let that warrior go instead of killing her. Somehow, she could bring herself to kill any cat, not even for Foxcloud. No, not even for that cat she had once thought of as hero.

Not even for her.

[~*Pikeru]

OOC: Okay, who else thought of the song when they saw the title? xD

REP POINT FOR LAKERIPPLE OH YEAH! *dances*




IC: Foxcloud padded slowly through through the underbrush. A small mouse within her strong jaws. Though the Fireclan deputy could care less, she needed the HHB kits alive. Luckily she had found out about the kits, and taken them at the right time. They were off milk, and ready for meat.

The fox-red she-cat paused. A new scent other then the blood of the mouse came to the Fireclanner. Moonlitice? "Do you not have something to do?" the deputy purred playfully to the young warrior. Placing the mouse to her paws. The annoying kits could wait for ther next meal.





OOC: Bah my muse is dead today e_e

[lakeripple]

OOC: Twas the point! *hugs rep point*

Moonlitice didn't realize Foxcloud was coming towards her until the deputy was right next to her. She purred lightly. Foxcloud was in a good mood, she could tell that from her voice. She had long since cast off her apprenticeship insolence and knew Foxcloud's voice as well as her own scent. She knew that Foxcloud cared for her in ways she never could for others. Moonlitice didn't know why, it just was this way. She wouldn't worry herself over it.

Puzzled, she glanced at the mouse. "No, I am free for now. Of course, if you need me to do something, I'll be right on it." Moonlitice looked up, hoping her confusion didn't show in her eyes. Foxcloud wasn't offering the mouse to her, was she? Had that ever happened? Was it even possible? No matter her mixed feelings toward Foxcloud, she couldn't shake off the fact that they had a bond. She knew that Foxcloud had some good in her, no matter how deep, it was there. But, just to be on the safe side, she didn't go to take the mouse. It was probably for the Clan.

[~*Pikeru]

"No." Foxcloud simply replied. Lazily stretching and taking a seat on the warm rocks. "The others take care of the other chores well. There isn't even much of a need to hunt for the clan right now." the Fireclan deputy added. Giving a sideways glance to the mouse. The she-cat gave a sigh of disapointment as she saw Moonlitice's uneasy interest with it. Did even the young warrior not trust her? A flash of rage tensed through her body at this thought. Claws clinging to the smooth rocks breifly before it passed.

[lakeripple]

Moonlitice relaxed and lay down. She pulled the mouse towards her and dug in. She knew that Foxcloud had been angry a second before, probably because she thought Moonlitice didn't trust her. Well, what was to trust? Moonlitice didn't have any trust, but she didn't mistrust anyone. Foxcloud was pretty messed up, but she had never done anything to harm Moonlitice. She owed Foxcloud what trust she could give, no matter if she agreed with everything the deputy asked of her or not.

It was still humid and Moonlitice shook the moisture from her fur. The day was sort of beautiful, in a stinky, wet kind of way. And if Foxcloud wasn't asking Moonlitice to do anything, well, then, she didn't have anything to be worried about. She could just be lazy for a while, perhaps have a bit of fun. Fun...

Dusk was coming up quickly and the first stars were appearing. Moonlitice was out hunting with Foxcloud. It was good to hunt at dusk, the prey was off their guard and not yet in their nests. Both cats had built up quite a pile of prey and were near the Lake of Fire. Moonlitice made to turn back, but Foxcloud raised up her tail "Wait, she mewed softly.

Moonlitice froze and breathed in deeply. There was a strange scent in the air. She whipped around and caught sight of an orange she-cat peering at her. Foxcloud's growl split the air. There was something familiar about that cat, but Moonlitice couldn't quite put her paw on it... Deep hatred shone in the cat's bright blue eyes, but she backed away and fled. Soon, only her scent remained.

Foxcloud drew herself up and nearly spat out the word, "Sunset!" before turning on her heel and sprinting into the darkness. "Wait here Moonlitice!" the deputy called back.

It was night by the time Foxcloud returned. A faint scent not unlike the one around the she-cat clung to her fur, but Moonlitice knew better than to ask about it. Foxcloud stalked past her and in the direction of camp. Quickly, Moonlitice followed.

"There will be a time, Moonlitice, when I will be leader of FireClan, but not only that, but much more. FireClan will rule and be the sole Clan and no intruder will come in unchallenged. Those who do will have consequences... and that cat you saw has had her consequence already. She has paid dearly, and, eventually, she will do anything to get a refund. She just better choose the right thing or payment will be harsher." Foxcloud licked her lips and looked Moonlitice right in the eyes. "Now won't that be fun?"

Not even.

[Spottedshadow]

Firemist ear twitched slightly. She was asleep, Foxcloud avoided giving her things to do. Apparently she was incapable of doing anything. But that didn't really matter right now. Right now, Firemist was enjoying her dreams.

She was dreaming of hunting mice with Moonlitice. She knew that that would never happen, Foxcloud would avoid having the two together at all cost, but still it was a nice dream. She smiled at her former apprentice. Moonlitice had just caught a fat rabit. "Good job," Firemist's dream-self congratulated. Moonlitice purred. But then, the corners of her vision turned black.

Firemist was transported into a new dream. This one not so good. The forest was on fire, and she could see nobody. Firemist ran toward the river, but suddenly she was trapped. Trapped in a complete circle of fire. It raged around her, and Firemist couldn't even see her own pelt in the inferno. She curled up on the ground to accept her fate. Death. Two yowls sounded in the distance. One triumphant, but the other distressed. Who is that? Firemist wondered to herself. The fire inched closer to her. This is it...

The ginger cat lurched awake. She wailed in terror. Oops... she thought, and licked her fiery chest embarrassed.

[~*Pikeru]

OOC: GEEZE LAKEY! Nuther rep point for you! =3



IC: The Fireclan deputy gazed lazily to the tree-tops. The sun warmed rocks were soothing. When she was an apprentice, the fox-red she-cat would always enjoy a snooze here. Foxcloud narrowed her eyes.

"I don't want you to fight this war, Moonlitice. You could get a scar across that pretty face of yours." the she-cat suddenly purred in a slightly dark way. It wasn't a threat, but it wasn't worded the gentlest it could have been.



OOC: *strangles Muse Fairy for more muse*

[lakeripple]

Foxcloud's tone of voice confused Moonlitice. Was the deputy saying that she didn't want her to be hurt? Or was she saying that she didn't trust her? As far as she knew, Foxcloud had never found out about letting that EarthClan warrior go... No one had ever found out. She had merely said that she had been outrun. Moonlitice knew that it was almost impossible. Running was as much a part of her as her beauty. But if she was against a sprinter... Moonlitice didn't spring, she just ran fast at an even pace.

But what did Foxcloud mean? Of course she would fight! She had a duty to her Clan, no matter what she thought of the fight. She would follow Burningstar and Foxcloud's orders as long as they were within the warrior code. She would fight.

"I am sure that I can keep any stray claws away from my face," Moonlitice purred. "I haven't learned nothing." She turned her light amber eyes to Foxcloud. If she couldn't read the deputy's voice, then something was wrong. And Moonlitice would find out what.

She had to.

[lakeripple]

OOC: Come on people, don't let this die!

[Spottedshadow]

ooc: I can't do much, until Firemist gets noticed...

[~*Pikeru]

Foxcloud was silent for a while. Her eyes drifting about the cool, light filled forest. "For some reason, Moonlitice..." the deputy began, her voice slightly hushed. Lighter too. Almost as if, if who she was now was only a horrid mask; A black creature that slithered about the truth, and soiled the lighter reality with its dark tar; That such creature or mask had vanished for a moment.

Only a moment.

"...scent test, my dear. What do you smell?" Foxcloud suddenly added, cutting off her hushed words, and snapping out of the tranced state. A small smile formed, for she had a good hunch of what Fireclanner she was scenting. Yet, then it also vanished. Must that she-cat be everywhere? No matter how much work I give her, she still finds a way into my presence! Foxcloud snarled inwardly, as she awaited Moonlitice to notice their guest as well.

[lakeripple]

Moonlitice finished off the mouse in a few quick bites before looking up quizzically. Foxcloud had meant to say something, then changed her mind. Shaking her head, she looked at the carcass of the mouse. It was better not to bring it up.

Lifting her nose at Foxcloud's question, Moonlitice wondered why she was still being tested like an apprentice. But the scent in the air gave her the answer. It wasn't a test, Foxcloud just wanted her to realize something. Her heart sank, so much for a peaceful afternoon. This did not bode well... "Firemist," she murmured. "Firemist is near."

Trying to shake off the fact that a fight was sure to follow, one buzzing with harsh words and anger, she looked to Foxcloud. She saw how the deputy's jaw curled up in a malicious smile, showing her sharp teeth. Foxcloud's eyes were identical beacons of ambition, lean muscles showed under her pelt. It was hard not to be in awe of Foxcloud, but it was also hard to not be afraid.

Was this fight between Foxcloud and Firemist truly because of her, Moonlitice? Could one cat truly be the reason of this drawn out hate? Moonlitice didn't exactingly question that it was possible, but wondered if it was just part of the reason. She was just one cat, and though Foxcloud hated many cats, there was nothing like her dislike of Firemist.

Moonlitpaw trotted after her mentor, her paws digging into the soft ground. She was purring quietly, it was a beautiful spring morning, the birds were out, the sun was shining, dew glinted off the leaves, and she was going to do some battle training.

Firemist led her into a secluded clearing surrounded by trees. Lush foliage surrounded her, purple buds getting ready to blossom, waxy leaves bursting with life. Moonlitpaw gasped at the beauty. Turning to her mentor, Moonlitpaw beamed. Firemist always knew how to make a good day even better.

"Ready?" Firemist asked, licking one paw. Moonlitpaw nodded and prepared for the mock spar. Yet Firemist suddenly sat up and sniffed the air. Whirling around, she faced a bush. Moonlitpaw scented around her and purred even louder at what she found.

Foxcloud pushed through the bush, two mice dangling by their tails from her mouth. She took one look at Firemist before letting her gaze travel to Moonlitpaw. The deputy's eyes flashed.

Setting down the mice, Foxcloud stepped forward. "Oh dear, have I interrupted a sparring session?" Though her words were apologetic, her tone of voice was not, and instead was teasing.

Firemist took a deep breath before nodding and loosening her position. "It is quite all right Foxcloud, we haven't even started yet."

Foxcloud purred. "Good, I was going to suggest a demonstration. Perhaps you and I could show Moonlitpaw how it is done?" Innocence dripped from her honey-coated words, and Moonlitpaw believed it. Firemist's eyes narrowed in distrust, but she nodded again.

The two warriors circled each other, and it wasn't until she leaped that Moonlitpaw saw that Foxcloud's claws were unsheathed...

Moonlitice quickly shook free of the flashback. No, no...

[~*Pikeru]

OOC: As your rep points slowly climb higher and higher... x3 Gunna wait for Spotty here. ^^

[Spottedshadow]

Firemist looked up. She hadn't even known that there were cats here. Smells like Moonlitice, and Foxcloud, she thought, after scenting the air. What are they doing out here? Firemist knew the old expression, 'Curiosity killed the cat' but she never paid much attention to it. She was always curious, and she almost always explored what made her curious. The flame-colored she -cat padded towards the two cats.

Firemist grey eyes narrowed at the agitated face worn by Foxcloud. What did I ever do to make her hate me? If it has to do with Moonlitice, I don't choose who mentors apprentices... she thought. "Nice to see you to Foxcloud," she said, with a false sincerity. "Yes, the prey's been running, how about for you?" Firemist held in a laugh. Well, I can hold a conversation without another cat answering, she thought with pride.

[~*Pikeru]

"A pleasure..." Foxcloud hissed lowly, without giving Firemist the slightest glance. The she-cat hated gazing upon the warrior, for quite a few secret reasons. Ones she rarely even admitted to herself.

Slight added annoyance flashed across the she-cat's yellow eyes, as Firemist added that brief one-sided conversation. To her it was a pointless waste of the warrior's words, and she was sure the deputy made it clear once she was a strait-to-the-point sorta cat. "Glad to hear." Foxcloud pitched it sarcastically, annoyance lacing her words. As the Fireclan deputy briefly half-heard what the others may have been saying, she focused more upon the warmth of the stones under her pads. Even catching herself making small kneading gestures upon its warm surface. The claws only getting slight screen time within this action.

"Re-OW!" a sharp yowl smacked the fox-red she-cat from the depths of her mind. Letting herself wander, Foxcloud began to see a tabby shadow before her. The warm scent of milk was the strongest of anything, for the Fireclan deputy could hardly see through the darkness of what seemed to be a nursery. "What is it, Willowstream? Don't tell me another kit is on the way." This voice was playful, and from a tom. It was clearly tired, and Foxcloud knew it well. It was the voice of her past father. "No worries, my dear. It just seems Foxkit got a little frisky while nuzzling. She used her claws for a bit..." The voice of her mother again, who seemed to be the owner of that yelp. Foxcloud never payed much attention to her mother, which explains her delayed recognition upon the sound of her voice. The dark Fireclan deputy had always been daddy's little girl...to his end. "Foxkit will learn in time, when to keep use her claws. Don't they all?" Haunting words that echoed only once more, as the voices vanished along with the unnoticed warm body of her sibling did as well.

Glancing to her paws, Foxcloud purred darkly to herself. "Really, father? Did I learn? Did I learn...'correctly'?" the deputy's blank expression remained as she carelessly slid her claws in and out of their sheaths. Almost tauntingly, to her father.



OOC: Hey look! I HAD MUSE FOR A WHILE!

[Spottedshadow]

ooc: Gotta wait for Lakey, Yay for Pik!!! Sadly, my muse likes Foxx's site better... I rattle off 400 words and even a 600 word post, yet my muse runs and hides for this site...

[lakeripple]

OOC: That first post there was 821 words, my third was 445, my fifth is 518 and this one... I don't know... Haven't written it yet. I LOVE FLASHBACKS!!! They are fun...

IC: Moonlitice's ears flicked in worry as she listened to Firemist's one-sided conversation and the response Foxcloud gave it. She noticed the relentless kneading of the ground, and the way Foxcloud's claws slid out. She winced and once again wondered why the two most important cats in her life hated each other so, and once again hoped that it wasn't her.

A hot, moist wind made Moonlitice's fur ripple. She glanced up at the leaves caught in the breeze. Tears threatened to come from her eyes and her throat felt choked up. Looking back down, she stared at the ground with her head throbbing and her pain showing clearly on her face.

It felt like a hot wave of blood and screams was trying to pull Moonlitice down. She wailed and started to run away. Climbing a tree, she stared down at the destruction. "Great StarClan!" she gasped. "What caused this?"

Suddenly, another cat was sitting on the branch with her. She had silver fur and blue eyes and shone like stars. Turning, she fixed Moonlitice with her piercing star-struck gaze. "Never forget Moonlitice, between the Fox and the Fire only one can win." Then she starry cat turned away and fixed the forest floor with her scrutiny.

Moonlitice woke with a jolt in the warrior's den, breathing heavily. Shaking her head, she realized that it was just a dream. She glanced around, realizing that she was nested in the center of an unbreakable line again. On one side, about five tail-lengths away, was Foxcloud, and on the other, the same distance, was Firemist. They were both facing opposite directions and the words of the StarClan cat came back to Moonlitice.

"Never forget, between the Fox and the Fire only one can win..."

Moonlitice squeezed her eyes shut in pain. No, she couldn't mean...

OOC: Ah, 303, oh well

[~*Pikeru]

OOC: I think its Spotty's turn? o.O *waits*

[lakeripple]

OOC: SPOTTY!!!

[Spottedshadow]

ooc: Death! My Firemist muse died yesterday, but I'll try, later though, not now, I'm still grieving for that muse...