Post by Xx.Blackness.xX on Sept 26, 2011 18:50:05 GMT -5
Ok. Now is the time of the special Plot and Characters. This is their first appearance in the story to us, and the second to our cats. These cats deal a great amount of power and such on this site, so I can't just have anybody claiming them. Each cat will have try-outs. Try-out for as many as you like, but you will only get One at the most, if any.
Post a long story from whoever you are trying to get's point of view. Show whatever you want, and what you think this character is like. Show as much of their past as you want, but be detailed, and show what's been happening as you gather from the plot, use what you know of him from the books, them from the descriptions, and show why they are here. You may or may not be chosen. Give your best audition, and the best of luck to you.
The main character for this, of course, is RiverClan's Hawkfrost. He will have the most power, be practically unbeatable in battle, and very persuasive and charming. One person's view on him doesn't have to be everyone's, though what I give you here isn't a view. He has come once before and stumbled upon the Clans here. He stayed a short amount of time and the cats only knew him vaguely for his time he stayed in DuskClan, while Rockstar was leader. He left again under mysterious circumstances, around the time one DuskClan cat was found dead, and another went missing. One cat seemed to know more than the rest, and was never the same afterwards. One appearance changed everything for the Clans. Now this dashing mysterious Tom is back, but what for? One cat is more unsettled than the rest, and Hawkfrost isn't alone. This also isn't the last time he will be here. Why has he come back?
The first time he came was around the Great Journey for the Clans. Anyone wondered where he was then? Why, sneaking off and exploring of course! He returned afterwards to his Clan, a changed cat, with a bogus story of were he had been. This is before he dies, and when he disappears again. Leopardstar kept the fact that he said he needed to go for awhile a secret. But were is he going this time?
Hawkfrost has returned to the Comet Clans... But none besides Hawkfrost know the purpose.
(Feel free to message Blackstar at any time for hints and tips on what he's like, for help on your audition. The finalists will each receive 50 WLZ Dollars, and the winner, 100. Watch Blackstar around for her dropping hints as the time grows near, about what happened the first time....)
"I am Hawkfrost. No, don't be afraid. No doubt you have heard of me, and my ruthless bloody ways, and cold black heart like my fathers. But those are lies. I wouldn't be surprised those fox-hearts would spread rumors about me. You see, I wasn't always this way. I'm like any other warrior. I have secret ambitions, want my Clan safe and healthy and happy, and to be the best warrior I can be. I just had a different perspective than everyone else. I reached higher than they did. It's no surprise the mousebrains couldn't handle the thought of this. But they see me quite different than I am. I have hope and dreams and a heart, like everyone else. I'm just willing to risk more to get it. You see, I'm not used to failing, or not getting my way. I succeed in all I do. Why? Because I can. Perhaps I could teach you sometime, if you have the determination and ambition, and all it takes. But you see, hear me out... I wasn't all they made me out to be. I bet you don't even know half of what you could know about me. You see, I think you would be sympathetic if you heard my story, from MY point of view. It starts as a kit... A innocent kit, born into a twisted plan..."
(Pay one WLZ Dollar for each paragraph of the story to be messaged to you, if you need ideas on what's going on, or just plain love the story i warn, its long but theres always more WLZ dollars were they came from. It will no doubt help your audition to know a bit of background from his point, but it's up to you. Be creative and show me what you think Hawkfrost would be like)
I was born as Hawk, with my sister Moth. Our mother was beautiful, and our father unbeatable. Or so I thought. I was trained early on to fight and win, and told great glorious stories of these amazing Clans... I remember tumbling about pretending to claw an enemy Clan cat to pieces, while Moth would always stalk away disgustedly. I don't think she ever really had what it takes to be a warrior...
Mother was always insecure. She depended alot on my father, and worried over me and Moth. I couldn't understand it. Then of course...
She took us to the clans. Imagine my excitement! The actual Forest Clans! The ones of Father's stories! It was amazing...
I didn't understand why they didn't accept us at first. They always seemed wary of us, but mostly me. But then again, as father says, fear is another form of power, and a sign of greatness. After sometime though, they did accept me. Trusted me. I could see it in their eyes. My pride was immense! My father just had to see me! I was going to be a warrior! And of course, he never left me, just like the best of fathers. But my mouse-hearted mother did. We begged her to stay, and Mothkit fell into tears... I hated seeing her so upset. See? I'm a great brother.
I think I clawed my mother... No one hurts Mothkit. She just stared at me, backed away, and left. I almost felt as if I'd done something wrong.... But then again, she was running away wasn't she? The coward. And hurting Mothkit too. She deserved it. Father was proud anyways. That's all that mattered. Father taught me when none was around, and I learned well. Believe me, all the cats wanted to be my mentor. I don't blame them. Heh... I was amazing. The kits all admired me, and I led them on many a great mission to the water and even once to ThunderClan land to take on the KittyPet loving idiots! Bet they didn't tell ya about that, did they? Not surprised. I felt no guilt no matter what they tried to make me feel. It was the right thing to do. But, as father says, there's better ways to take down a Clan than fighting...
Soon I was to be an apprentice. Amazing right!?! I told Mothkit how excited I was, but she never seemed truly excited... Did she even want to be a warrior? What's better!?!?! And then she told me. I was shocked. But then again.. A sister as a medicine cat gains you alot of respect, and maybe I would be more respected. And she'd be happy! While I became a great warrior(I could always beat the other apprentices. It's not my fault they didn't train extra like I did... I worked harder you see) and Mothpaw was happy too. But... He never was really convinced... So... I helped him along a bit. He couldn't just shirk my sister like that! She deserved to be one! So I generously laid out my own sign for him. I'm still the best brother. Who needs StarClan? Ha. Fools, that's who.
Well, not much else to say. I realized later, with a bit of help, that being a warrior wasnt the best thing... As I looked at Leopardstar, I knew what it was. Not surprising I became deputy right? Toldya I get anything I want. You just have to work for it...
Mothwing became more distant though... I couldn't understand why she always argued with me. After a while me and father decided she had fallen into the Clan Cat's trap. She'd been brainwashed. She was a full Clan Cat. I turned away from her right there. Perhaps he's right... Maybe you can't trust anyone. Not even kin. ...
I was great in war though, protected my Clan, hunted for them, gave Leopardstar ingenious plans.. None can say I wasn't a great Clanmate and addition to my Clan. Because I was. But.. That's were my story goes a bit off...
I am just like every cat. Please don't judge me just yet. I watched as my part brother was chosen as the special one to go on the journey. And from my own Clan, those half-clan furballs. They weren't even pure RiverClan! Their father was alive somewhere, probably as a kittypet! Was I chosen? No. Just those furballs and my own brother. ... But I hid my jealousy well. Letting others see how you truly feel is a weakness.
Watching him set out with that little red furball... It was strange for me. Seeing how she adored him and he adored her.... Love? What was that strange feeling.... Jealousy? No. I can't be jealous... Not over such a stupid thing. Love! The biggest fool's feeling ever felt. Weakness above all others. And he was falling for it! I could laugh out loud. Perhaps I was better than him. Firestar's precious little deputy... but yet, that feeling persisted inside of me. Why...
The journey came around. Trust me, I'm not stupid enough to stay in a place being eaten up by two-leg monsters, but the plan my 'precious' brother came up with... I can't say I trusted it to much. Journey across the mountains? Seriously? (As a side note, he seemed even closer with that overly-perky ball of fuzz..)
I went. But only because father told me too, and to protect my Clan. Even if they grew soft to the other Clans, I wouldn't. They could attack RiverClan any second! Oh no. They needed me to keep an eye on the other Clans.
But along the way I fell back into my thoughts. Why go this way? To see savage cats and so many dangers? There must be some better way...
So I took off by myself. And I found something the other Clans will never believe, and I will never tell them. But wow... As they struggled through the mountains, I sat here and gathered what I could. But a complication came up.
So I took my shortcut I'd found. Leopardstar allowed me too. Told you she trusted me...
Now I wasn't gone from the Forest Clans long. Perhaps about what you two-legs would call a week. But that was all it took.
"I stumbled upon a scent. Clan Markers? Why in the name of StarClan would there be Clan Border Markers way out here? So I stepped over them to find out, and padded a ways forward into this ancient-looking forest. It reminded me a bit of ShadowClan... When a rustling of a bush startled me."
"Out of the darkness shot this dark brown Tom, yowling, claws out, right onto me! He latched himself to my back in a move I had never encountered and we went rolling into a tree with a thud. While he was gasping on the ground I had time to scramble to my paws and get a glimpse of amber eyes and white and a noticeable black nose, before a black cat shot onto me from another place, her yellow eyes narrowed in fury, and claws slicing at me. A gray she-cat came racing back from a shadowy part of the woods as a long-haired pale she-cat tried to knock my paws out from under me, and a light Ginger Tom came racing out after her. I don't remember much of the words, but a few names, and many a glare. After I got my barrings back however I was able to fight them off, and talk. Imagine the surprise of finding another Clan Cat. They thought I was a spy sent from this Clan called IceClan, because of my thick fur smelling of fish... I couldn't stop the laughter. I could see the cats freeze as my cold glare sweeped over them, and a thrilling surge of power jolted through me. But in all cases, I'll stop talking for a moment and let you watch for yourself."
The scene takes on a dream-like quality as you peer through almost foggy scapes, to look down on a striking tabby tom, surrounded by much of what you know as StormClan. He is looking at the shocked cats in contempt, a challenging smirk upon his muzzle, and as all cats relax, he still keeps his fearful claws out.
The black she-cat growled and stepped forward. "There are no other Clans!" she said with a hiss, the fur along her back visibly bristling, as the Ginger tom glared at her to be silent, and the brown Tom sat licking his wounds. "Why are you here." challenged the ginger tom, as the tabby continued to laugh. "No concern of yours, 'Sharpstar'." he meowed back in insolent terms, but dipped his head in respect. "I was merely passing through. I had no idea other Clans lived here. I will leave your territory if you like." and with that the brown and white tabby turned to leave, but the gray she-cat stopped him. "You will be escorted out. We don't want you causing trouble..." she trailed off weakly, seemingly frozen by his gaze. The toms felt greatly unnerved by this strange cat, and the affect he seemed to have on the she's.
Hawkfrost shook his head with a laugh. "If you need to, then by all means, come with me." and with that he padded off, the shocked cats right behind him. They left him at the DuskClan border, still shocked. From there the handsome Tom padded into the brush, only to be met by yet another patrol there. A patrol of one...
Here we resume Hawkfrost's point of view, and the scene sharpens.
"I was still laughing over the incident before this, when once again I was tackled. I looked up, spitting away dust and struggling to regain my feet, into a pair of bright blue eyes, and a shadowed face, as a young she-cat clawed at me wildly, and I felt my fur pulled out and skin rip. I reared up, my training coming back in, as I clawed right back at her, and satisfiedly ripped at her right ear. She stumbled back but was soon at me again, fighting wildly with large claws I was shocked to see from such dainty paws, and she clawed across my nose hard, so I jumped back.
We both took a moment, panting and looking at the other, sizing each other up. I could see she was analyzing me just as I analyzed her, and I watched for her next move. It was hard to catch and very sudden, but her eyes gave it away, so I had time to dodge the death blow. Good StarClan! This cat was trying to kill me! Not even take me hostage, just kill me!
And I felt real fear, for she did not back off, and would not be stopped. Fear is a terrible thing. Nothing I did would buy me more than a moment, and she would not be stopped. This cat needed a lesson in fear. She seemed to have none of it at all. It annoyed me greatly.
So I reared up and slammed her to the ground, momentarily knocking the breath from her lungs, and held my prisoner locked in an icy stare, as I raised a broad paw to finish her off. But I hesitated. I had a good look at my opponent.
Sleek, soft black fur was tearing under my claws, razor claws weakly flailing for purchase, a sweet jet-black head facing me, trying in vain to cover it's vulnerable throat, and defiant challenging icy-blue eyes glaring up at me. It unsettled me. I was going to kill her. Why was she not scared to death, or even whimpering. It sucked all the fun out of what I was about to do. This apprentice was too young to die. And something about her sent my stomach churning. I decided right there I hated her.
In that moment I leaned in close, but not too much, for something made me not trust myself, as I hissed in her ear. "Be grateful I spare your life today." and raised my head. But as I was about to let her go, suddenly she whipped out from under me, knocking me over with a well-aimed blow and slamming me down, and leaned in in turn, her silky voice murmuring against my sensitive ear. "No. Be glad I spare yours." she almost purred, with her claws to my throat, and backed away, her claws still out.
Well... That was an insult to my pride. I could practically feel the blow. Why did I let her go!?! No... Why DID I let her go?
I picked myself up from the ground, arrogantly licking the dust and leaves and blood away from my pelt, trying to regain my dignity. And I heard a sound. What was that.. Was she LAUGHING at me? I whipped my head around, and there she was, a grin upon that prideful face, as she laughed quietly and blood trickled from the wounds I had given her. She should be licking her own wounds! Instead she sat there mocking me, and acting as if she didn't even care she was wounded. I was quite unnerved. I think it was just a bad day for me...
But something in me admired the fearlessness. Relaxing, and showing some form of dominance by not leaving, I turned to the pretty young she-cat. "What's your name you prideful little kit?" now I know she wasn't a kit and I didn't need to call her names... But I needed to in a way.
And there went that grin again, and that weird voice. "I'm Blackfur. Deputy of DuskClan. And no more a kit than you are!" she retorted. But I realized she was laughing. What the heck!?! But confusion doesn't suite me, so I don't show it. I let my gaze bore into her. She gazed right back. Why was she not crumbling like the others? I felt very unsettled, and in the silence I spoke. "Well... BlackFUR, don't you want to know my name, the name of the cat that just almost killed you?" okay... I can't help it. I felt alot less smooth than usual.
Her eyes sparked with humor, as she tilted her head almost sweetly. "Why would I? You won't be here again, I can tell, or we shall have a repeat of this lesson. And I would think you would say, of the cat I almost killed, correct?"
Here she was just being plain rude... It's like she meant to stab my pride. I couldn't stand it. I stood and paced forward, letting my huge form tower over her threateningly. "I would watch your tongue kit. You have no idea who you are talking to." and there went the insults again...
"Yes. I do. I'm talking to an insecure, arrogant, conceited tom who is used to fear and always winning. Am I right?" she said, rising to meet me, and in spite of myself, backed a step. Thank StarClan Tigerstar couldn't see me now...
"No. You are speaking to Hawkfrost, thank you very much. And I do usually win. Today is just an off day for me." I raised my head indignantly, while she looked me over.
"Of course..." was she being sarcastic?
And after a few moments of awkward silence on my part, she said something random.
"Your side swipe was off. You aimed too low, when you should go for the chin. If you had perhaps you might have won." she sat gazing up at me calmly. Was she saying my fighting was off? All the Forest Clans knew I could not be beaten. I actually felt myself smiling. Now here was were I could beat her...
"I'm afraid your wrong. And who are you to be giving me instruction? Your tumble was late, your fake was poor, your eyes give away everything, your back arched too much and your leap too high, and besides this, you look as if your barely older than an apprentice. How could you possibly be a deputy?"
She actually paused. I had gotten her! I felt my pride returning quickly, and my coolness coming back as she stammered, searching for words. "How would you know? And I am 2 moons from being an apprentice... I admit. But I have an apprentice, and have proven myself over and over. I worked for my spot, and it has been earned well. Rockstar chose me. I plan to show he was right."
Here I won't bore you. We talked for some time. We actually both relaxed, and talked openly, if a bit warily. We fought a couple times as well, but mostly mock battles, to prove that one or the other was right in battle moves. She was so eager to learn, and perfected what I showed her without pause. And I admit, some of her moves were good as well. The strange feeling was back... And her grin was catching. Her words wise for so young. It was... Weird.
I asked about her Clan. A 'DuskClan' she answered. Soon, looking up from her side, the sun was setting. She jumped to her paws, looking around. "Mouse dung. I have to go. Bye!" and just like that she raced off, but not before I could lunge after her. "Wait! Aren't you going to take me to your leader? After all, I trespassed...." there was something wrong with me, and once again she laughed. "I'll tell him a rogue passed through, I drove him off. I'm sure you can show yourself out, elder." Now she was insulting ME... What was going on here?
I followed after her. "I don't know what code you follow, but you should take me in." something in my serious tone swayed her, and she looked around and nodded. I was surprised to see her sober so fast.
Through a thick stony, thorny barrier I walked behind her, into a large sandy clearing with a small stream. The cats around me looked at me in shock, as she walked forward confidently. I glimpsed how she could be a leader. I decided right then to stop being so clumsy. It was time she saw I wasnt an apprentice. I walked up beside her, our pelts brushing, and raised my head high, challengingly glancing around. She seemed surprised, and it gave me pleasure. But she stopped before a dark gray Tom with bright blue eyes. He reminded me of the stories of what Bluestar had looked like. He stood, looking slightly angry, and glared at me. I took on Tigerstar's lessons once again.
"Who are you and what are you doing here." he growled. I opened my mouth to speak, but Blackfur cut in.
"I found him wandering around, and I attacked him. It's my fault we are injured father."
Father? Seriously? But I took on a serious air and refused to step away. I was going to show my power again. No more being made a fool of...
The rest was a bit of a blur. I was resentful she spoke for me, but it wasn't too terrible. In the end I was allowed to stay, after showing an interest in the Clan's life. I mentioned how I had much too learn, and I would show them what moves and techniques I knew. I saw they had fish in the stream, and quickly showed them a new way to flip them out and get more prey. The cats gathered around me with a million questions, and my pride returned, seeing a pretty golden she-cat asking to be taught to do that, and as I showed her I noticed the black cat padding off with two toms I remember glaring at me when I entered. For some reason I didn't like it but I continued.
The time I was there I spent studying and analyzing their hunting and fighting and techniques in everything. It was a great opportunity actually. They showed me some amazing moves I couldnt wait to impress the others with, and some new ways for weaving brambles for barricades and such. I in turn taught them moves I had learned and gave them stories. They all hung on my words, as many cats do. Only a few didn't come. Including the leader, deputy, and two toms I had seen before. During a particular day I caught her walking away with them again, and using my Tigerstar-learned ShadowClan moves, I snuck after them.
I watched, and she was using the moves I had taught her, and some of he own Clan's on her teammates. And she was adapting them! Pulling them together for sharp, hard, perfected blows, and going over and over until she had them to her liking. I was... Impressed. Soon I padded out, pushing my way past the sleek gray and black toms, to face her with a grin. She jumped and just stared at me. It gave me confidence. "Been a while... I was wondering why you never came around." and she shook her head, fur ruffled and casting quick glances at the other toms quickly, who's claws had unsheathed and were glaring me down. I ignored them like the pests they were.
"Stormleap, Raventhorn, it's just Hawkfrost... Please don't..." she trailed off. She shook her head and padded in between me and them, and I felt our fur brush for a moment, and she glanced back at me silently. "Coming?" and headed off.
I found my paws involuntarily moving in her wake, while the black tom with the dark blue eyes and grey tom with the glaring green eyes seethed in anger, I laughed and lifted my head with a smirk at them, and padded after her. "Show me that move you did?"
More days passed. We were drawn together. She tried to avoid me, but I could find her quite quickly, and once with me, she wouldn't leave. I later found that those were her brothers, and actually found myself somehow relieved, but dismayed secretly to hear she had many lovers in other Clans as well.
I would find mouse bile in my prey, and glance over to hear the snickering of those toms, or a thorn in my nest as their eyes peered at me in the darkness, or an 'accidentally' unsheathed claw while practicing with them. I was always close to blowing. I think that's the most self-control I have ever had. But she would always give them a sharp word, me a hard then helpless one, and my anger was kicked out to make room for that weird feeling, which seemed to be taking over.
We would chase each other through the woods laughing, or go into mock battles to prove who was better, and I was impressed to see her skills improving rapidly. I never wanted to fight her for real. But I found it wasn't just because of how skilled she was becoming.
The she-cats vied for my attention, as did the cats at home, but that one young leader drew my attention away, and I could see the way it unsettled her.
I think it was dawning even on her. I grew more confident by the day, and she more nervous. As I lured her out for walks she didn't want to go on in the night, she would jump at every crack of every twig, and her attention fell to me in practice so a paw would knock her over while she was distracted. She began stubbornly to resist me and tell me to go somewhere I was actually wanted. But I knew I was wanted there, no matter what she said. She struggled to continue her duties well, and keep on top, but I was slowly drawing her in. I knew I could do it. But I liked drawing it out, Like playing with the mouse struggling for life, before you destroy any chances of it ever escaping, and it's life is yours. Told you I can get anything I wanted.
I would bring up strange subjects as I drew her away right in front of those two morons with a laugh, and she would answer accordingly, but always contrarily. "No. Kits drag a cat down. You have to watch over them and spend time away from your duties. I want to give every breathe to my Clan." or "Mates are unnecessary, and a weakness in battle and a distraction. What need is there? And if you want to be great, you can't have your attentions diverted." The same words i found that i would have said but a couple sunrises ago. For some reason it was amazingly frustrating to me. She always fought me, and yet she always called after me. It was terribly confusing, but I found I enjoyed it.
In a night by the water, I always felt most at ease by it, we would sit up talking quietly, and watching the stars, guessing about what one was who. When I pointed out a bright star, and mentioned the name Tigerstar, I looked at her expectantly. But she didn't even flinch. It was so wonderful to be in a place were I could forget about what he had done, because no one else knew.
And she turned to me. "Hawkfrost...." and something in how she said my name made me lean forward. "Yes?" I whispered.
And she took a breath, then said bluntly "You distract me. This must stop."
I blinked in surprise, my head jerking back in surprise, but as she moved to get up I kept near her, refusing to let her leave me. "Why?"
"Whatever you are looking for, you won't find it here. You speak of all these cats at home. You need to go back. And I need to focus on my Clan. Leaf-bare is coming and we need focused cats. I have ambition. I will be the greatest leader ever."
I blinked warmly, leaning to nuzzle her, but she pulled away. "No doubt you will be. Once that old tom finally steps down. How many lives does he have left anyways?"
Here her eyes flashed in anger. "That old tom you speak about is my father, and one of the greatest leaders ever to live. And he has only told me how many..."
My fur grew hot with embarrassment, and I shrugged it off. "Don't you want to be leader though? They shouldn't be able to lead forever."
She looked at me. "They won't. And I appreciate every moment I get to watch him and learn about how to be the best I can be. I will lead one day, and I am perfectly happy to wait till then."
I doubted that but didn't say so. "But why must I leave... I actually was thinking of asking Rockstar to stay....." and my voice trailed off. Tigerstar never trained me for this...
"Hawkfrost." she looked at me quietly, trying again to pull away, but I held her down. "I have duties to fulfill. This story you told me of Bluestar scares me. I don't want a mate or kits to come between me and my ambitions. I don't have to save a Clan, but I want to be great. Goldenbreeze was almost picked before me. I have no doubt she would do well, but I don't want to let those that think I was too young to be proved right. I can do this! And you must leave. Stop coming to me. Go away. Far away. And be a good deputy to your Clan. You are here to visit. It's not going to be to stay. What about your Clan? What about mine? Cats depend on me, and I'm not going to let them down. Now get away!" and with a soft hiss she jerked away, as I failed to hold her down, and raced away. I shot after her, but when she wants she can be very fast, and I soon lost her. And was left with an empty feeling. As I glanced aside I saw two pairs of eyes peering at me in scorn from the shadows. "Spying on us? Really? Come out. Did you put her up to this?" I growled, my claws unsheathing as her littermate and her older brother stepped out.
"You just don't get it do you? You can't have everything you want. She just doesn't feel the way you do. She's too young. And with too much. She isn't just going to follow you around and love you. No one has ever succeeded that way with my sister. And she's to strong to ever let that happen. Just leave her alone won't you? She's asked you again and again. But I think she meant it this time. Now respect that, or I will kill you."
Stepping back with my fur bristling, I hissed back. "Not if I kill you first..." but turned and raced back to their camp. There was nothing I could do there. But I held that moment close to me. Can't can I? He obviously didn't know me. I felt my icy eyes hardening, and stalking in the shadows, my cold eyes glowing from the shadows and large frame outlined by dusk, unsheathed claws clicking on the atone, I must have been a terrible site. And it sent a ripple of satisfaction up my spine.
I never did leave her alone. I don't think I ever will. Not while I'm Here. She resisted me all the way, but yet she came to me, no matter how guilty she felt or how she cried out that this was wrong, I could subdue her, and I felt, if perhaps she had just been a warrior...
We continued to sneak out, and I knew she hated every moment of it. But I also sensed she loved it. I was addicted. It was a habit I couldn't break away from. But I didn't want too.
Until one faltering step I took. I still remember the battle. But then again, how could I forget, it's the first time I've regretted killing.
While sneaking out with her again, curled under a willow by a river, soaked from shoving each other in, and out of breath from showing off, we curled under the willow and talked softly, the air chilling our damp fur to the bone, but our breath warming the air. I had whispers of the stories Brambleclaw had told me from Firestar, told to him by Bluestar herself running through my head. Was this like that? What would they think of the mighty Hawkfrost if they could see him now? But he couldn't be bothered. He could have stayed there forever, talking about everything and anything. And laughing just to laugh.
Just then they heard a crack, and Blackfur, as always, leaped to her paws. I remember laughing, resting my head back into the grass. "Scared of rabbits again Blackfur? I thought we talked about this." and she stood there, hair on end, staring across the border into the bushes in dread. I rolled my eyes and finally heaved myself to my paws, lapping at her damp shoulder, as she flinched away. I blinked in confusion and glanced around, to stop, gaze fixed on a gray and white Tom with blue eyes, staring wide eyed across the border. It took a moment to understand, before I realized he was no longer across the border, as he stalked towards us, eyes now narrowed, and cats padded from the brush on the other side in shock, as he faced us. "What are you doing!" Blackfur yowled in shock, as he suddenly lashed his claws at me. I jumped back just in time as his claws sliced the air a whiskers breath away from my nose, and a growl rumbled from me, as my claws immediately unsheathed and I stepped in front of the young cat. This was obviously battle.
I had forgotten how much I wanted to tear fur for a while, and it felt good to slash his hateful face. "Tresspasser!" I yowled as I would if I were in RiverClan, and glared down the IceClan Tom. Paws were heard as more IceClan padded forward, and three sets of paws were heard behind us. I glanced back briefly to see Raventhorn and Stormleap and Petalstripe thundering up. Blackfur shoved me aside to face the Tom with a growl. He glared past her at me, and I smirked stepping up beside her, making a point as I rested my muzzle on her head. He ignored that she shook me off with a growl, and lost it right there.
I laughed tauntingly as he leaped at me, side-stepped neatly and turned raking my claws down his haunches. Blackfur shouted at Petalstripe to get the others as IceClan cats swarmed forward to defend the cat. I for a moment didn't know who she would help, but as her brothers launched onto the attacking cats, she leaped at a speckled white she-cat leaping for my back, I cracked up laughing and reared by her, and we double-teamed the she, till she raced off, blood running from her legs. It was amazing! We turned as one and battled our way through, to the pounding of our hearts and the pumping of blood in our ears and the scent of hot blood and feel of skin ripping under our claws. We used battle tactics brilliantly, and managed to hold them off until the other cats arrived, and I admit once again, her brothers weren't too bad...
Rockstar charged in yowling, and the cats tumbled about in screeching masses of fur and blood, and I couldn't help but laugh. It was exciting. I had missed it so much. She dodged blows neatly as I bluntly charged through, fearing not a claw, and she charged right into the middle of a screeching knot of cats. I smelled no RiverClan cats, and my vision tinted red, I fought blindly, my claws slashing at anything that moved. Soon I came upon a light gray tom and was satisfied by his surprise. "Told you I'd get you." and clawing at him wildly, I was soon knocked over as a dark gray Tom hissing in fury shoved me over. I hissed and slashed at him blindly, managing to pin him and sink my teeth into his throat as his body convulsed under me.
A cry screeched behind me as another cat flew onto me, and I turned to fight. Soon I was looking up into the shocked blue eyes of Blackfur, and glanced over to see the coughing form of her father spitting up blood, as a white Tom raced forward to lick at the blood pouring from his muzzle and throat rapidly. My eyes widened as the red haze faded.
"Rockstar.." I whispered, looking at the valiant tom I had grown to respect, who had knocked me away from his son. I turned to Blackfur wildly. "I.. I... Blackfur I didn't mean to!" but she backed away, ears pinned and eyes wide in shock, and for the first time.. Fear. She turned running to her fathers side, yowling "Milkfur save him! He's on his last life!" and blood stained the border. His last life...
I stumbled wearily to my paws, a wince showing that I had received wounds, and the shocked look and glares from the cats around, as both Clans stood watching in shock. I tried to move forward to tell the medicine cat and Blackfur and Rockstar how sorry I was, but a black tom moved to block me with a growl. "You've done enough Hawkfrost. Leave. Now. Go back to your Clan, and don't come back. You've done enough to DuskClan, and Blackfur. Get out." hissed Raventhorn. "Before I kill you." my fur rised at the challenge, and I glared him down ready to fight, but a mournful piercing cry rang out right then. "Daddy!! No! You have a Clan to lead! Get up! Get UP!" and I looked over to a sobbing black cat fallen over a gray and red Tom, as the white tom turned away. Shock clawed at me, as I saw I had killed him. DuskClan cats stepped forward, Goldenbreeze starring in shock at everything, and IceClan cats slowly stepped up after the DuskClan cats. I realized the threat and my stained paws scrabbled at the loose earth, as I turned and raced away.
Only a day passed, before, pulling myself away from wallowing in grief, some words whispered to my ears across the light wind. "Go back..." and I looked up to see a full moon, my eyes widening as a memory flashed before me, of a excited young she-cat bubbling with energy, happily going on and on about the Gathering and everyone there and all the friends she had. I turned from my rocky make-shift den and started back.
It was easy to get there, but hard to find my way through those blasted tunnels. Luckily I followed the scents and sounds of many voices, until I could sneak out and hide. Those cats are so easy to sneak up on at gatherings...
I looked up at the moonlight bathed rock, to see five cats, one wincing in injuries, and one in the back I couldn't quite make out. I watched as each cat gave their report, recognizing quite a few, and snickering under my breath to see a few I had clawed very well, or heard a nasty rumor about. The wounded tom moved forward to speak.
"Talonpaw is dead from the border fight. He died last night under Dovecloud's eye, from wounds from the fight." I saw angry DuskClan cats leaping up to defend their Clan, but the tom shook his head. "IceClan does not blame DuskClan. It was That Rouge that inflicted the wounds on Talonpaw."
Outraged howls echoed around as all cats growled that I should die. News travels fast it seems. However, I didn't feel that bad. They should train their apprentices better, not to take on someone like me all alone. Or to cross the border like that. DuskClan should thank me that I made that point. And then, the last cat to speak, I watched as the final leader stepped forward.
It was Blackfur! Then.. Rockstar was dead. I felt a sick feeling deep inside me.
She still looked barely older than an apprentice, but her air was decidedly older. She seemed moons older now.
She looked around slowly as every cat hushed, and raised her mournful head high, standing tall, and spoke.
"DuskClan is sorry for ever taking in That Rouge." my heart plummeted. "He brought us into a battle unneeded, and we are sorry for Talonpaw's death. DuskClan is mourning, as Rock..." her voice choked here, and she shook her head hard. "Rockstar died shortly after the battle. I have traveled to the moon river and have received my lives, and am now Blackstar." warm meows rose to welcome her, and I felt warm. "Tigerpaw was made a warrior last night for his great moves in the sad battle, and is now Tigerfang. DuskClan is strong however, and Petalstripe is expecting a litter with Brambletalon." I purred quietly seeing how well she handled everything and carefully she worded what she said, with the warm approving meows rising to meet her. I looked at the wise brilliant she-cat standing there, every inch a leader, and compared it with the wild she-cat I had seen clawing everything in her way in battle, and gave a small soft chuckle, quickly ducking back into the shadows as a curious eye peered in my direction. Right at the end of the gathering, as they were leaving the tunnels, I made my move.
I stood in front of her as she wearily walked a few pages behind her Clan, and she stopped and starred at me. "Tell them you will be right there in a while." I told her. And as if in a daze she meowed the words to her patrol, and followed after me. We walked all the way to my makeshift den, as I turned to face her. I tried to search her gaze to read her emotions, but I saw she had taken what I said to heart, and you could no longer see what she was thinking by those windows.
"Blackfur..." I started.
"Blackstar." she corrected me, cutting in sharply. I nodded in respect, but she stayed stiff and starring. "Why am I here? No.. WHY am I here? Why would I even follow you. What have you done to me? Besides try to kill my brother then killed my father then attack me. What did you come here for! To ruin everything!"
I gave her a few moments to rant and hiss and curse(I never knew she knew those words...) and growl and cry. Soon her anger gave way to sadness, and as she sobbed I moved forward to let her lean against me, and so weak and terrible she felt, she had no choice but to cry to me. I took the moment to try to comfort her, and I think the rhythmic stroking of my tongue quieted her after a time.
"Blackstar.. I'm so sorry.. I never meant... I thought he was an IceClan cat. My father...." I didn't want her to think bad of me as all the others did because of who my father was. "Taught me early on to fight, and fighting and power is all I have ever known. Please... I am so sorry..." I struggled not to break down, for I must always be strong. But amazingly I felt her tongue flicking over a torn ear, and I glanced at her in surprise.
We must have spent hours together, two broken cats huddled close in the windy cold cliffs, keeping each other warm and comforting one another just by being there. I could no longer tell what she felt for me. It was all a blur, and I can only remember feelings now. Up until a time, her finally asleep, my thick tail wrapped around her and head over her, glaring into the shadows around us. And then a tumbling rock was heard. And I watched as a panting black Tom made his way up onto the cliff, his fur fully on end. "You!" he shouted.
Blackstar slowly lifted her head with a yawn, looking up at me then to him, and her eyes flew open as she shot to her feet, and the spot were she had rested against me felt cold.
"Raventhorn!" she cried. But he had eyes only for me, as I stood proudly. He growled "You! I told you never to come back. And your trying to take my sister Again! How dare you come here! I said if you came I would kill you, and I will! You took my father, you won't have her, or touch my Clan again!" and with that the black Tom lunged at me, and shoved me back towards the cliffs, my claws skidding to keep me away from the steep plummet to the ground, and ever inch of strength I had poured out against the wild tom. Blackstar yowled behind us and raced forward but neither of us listened, locked in a death combat. We had hated each other for too long. And hate unresolved tends to build up. I clawed at him with everything I had. I was much more powerful and trained than him, but he was fighting with pure hatred, and that lends an edge. Locked together in a screeching tumble we flew across the cliff, always a tails length from the edge, somehow managing to keep our paw holds. When suddenly with a surge, he shoved at me and I yowled, falling back to the cliff. I grabbed his tail dragging him back with me as he spat in fury, and turned to claw me. I turned to claw him hard across the head, but right then I felt a quake under our paws, as the edge of the cliff gave way. Blackstar raced forward with a yowl, as Raventhorn shrieked and was plunged over the side with the rock. I got one glance of the dark blue eyes, widened in shock, hate and battle forgotten, as he looked at were he had been standing and looked up at me, and his flailing paws disappeared over the edge. Blackstar raced forward and grabbed my scruff as I was almost neck, and dragged me back frantically. We both stood panting for a moment, as she raced back to the edge. I blocked her before she could, her sobbing echoing from the cliff walls as she screamed his name over and over again. "He's dead. No cat could survive that..." I whispered, trying to calm her. "Raventhorn! No!" she yowled. "Its my fault! He came looking for me! I said I would be right there!" her grief raged and was unstoppable. "Black..." "No!" and once again she lunged for the cliff but I stopped her. Whirling frantically for words, I found some. "Thank you for saving me." you must understand how lake those words would sound in that moment. But slowly she sobered, and turned to look at me. I could feel it hadn't registered with her that he was gone yet. "Leave. Now." my eyes widened and I took a step back.
"Black.." she stopped me. "Go." the hurt flickered in my eyes, as I looked at her turning away, and forced my wounded voice into a growl. "Are you telling me to leave? What if I don't want to?" I stepped forward menacingly.
She glanced back at me silently, her words clear. "Go home Hawkfrost. Now. And never come back." and with that she padded over the ridge, as the rising sun filtered around her slender form. I stood in shock for a moment, before racing after her. No thoughts passed in my head. I acted. That's all.
Stopping, I saw her talking with a light gray tom. He was growling, and soon his growling turned to shock, and he bowed his head in sorrow. I watched him reach out to nuzzle her in comfort, but she moved away, and even I was shocked. She padded on without a word, and he moved to follow, before turning away. He obviously said something to her, and she said no or something, but he turned and started coming my way. Right then I turned and raced back, my paws flailing as I streaked away, powerful shoulders sending my paws churning up gravel as I raced down and away, back the way I had come. I heard paws scrabbling after me, and glanced back to see Stormleap following, before his form disappeared as I rounded a bend. And I ran.
"That is all I will tell you. The rest is my business and mine alone, although I'm sure you know about it. Told you I have a heart. Please... Leave me. I don't want to think of this anymore. It's time I acted, not sat here. Leave me to think."
It's now time for you to think. What else might he not have shared here? What other secrets did he not speak of? Fill in the gaps, add were you think things might have happened, how he felt, how they felt, etc. Tell us what's happening now, and why he's coming back. Be creative, and use this as a guide line. Don't tell it in a story view, but as if it's actually happening right then. There's much still to be told, and much left untold. Most cats have forgotten him, but he hasn't forgotten them. Good luck.)
Post a long story from whoever you are trying to get's point of view. Show whatever you want, and what you think this character is like. Show as much of their past as you want, but be detailed, and show what's been happening as you gather from the plot, use what you know of him from the books, them from the descriptions, and show why they are here. You may or may not be chosen. Give your best audition, and the best of luck to you.
The main character for this, of course, is RiverClan's Hawkfrost. He will have the most power, be practically unbeatable in battle, and very persuasive and charming. One person's view on him doesn't have to be everyone's, though what I give you here isn't a view. He has come once before and stumbled upon the Clans here. He stayed a short amount of time and the cats only knew him vaguely for his time he stayed in DuskClan, while Rockstar was leader. He left again under mysterious circumstances, around the time one DuskClan cat was found dead, and another went missing. One cat seemed to know more than the rest, and was never the same afterwards. One appearance changed everything for the Clans. Now this dashing mysterious Tom is back, but what for? One cat is more unsettled than the rest, and Hawkfrost isn't alone. This also isn't the last time he will be here. Why has he come back?
The first time he came was around the Great Journey for the Clans. Anyone wondered where he was then? Why, sneaking off and exploring of course! He returned afterwards to his Clan, a changed cat, with a bogus story of were he had been. This is before he dies, and when he disappears again. Leopardstar kept the fact that he said he needed to go for awhile a secret. But were is he going this time?
Hawkfrost has returned to the Comet Clans... But none besides Hawkfrost know the purpose.
(Feel free to message Blackstar at any time for hints and tips on what he's like, for help on your audition. The finalists will each receive 50 WLZ Dollars, and the winner, 100. Watch Blackstar around for her dropping hints as the time grows near, about what happened the first time....)
"I am Hawkfrost. No, don't be afraid. No doubt you have heard of me, and my ruthless bloody ways, and cold black heart like my fathers. But those are lies. I wouldn't be surprised those fox-hearts would spread rumors about me. You see, I wasn't always this way. I'm like any other warrior. I have secret ambitions, want my Clan safe and healthy and happy, and to be the best warrior I can be. I just had a different perspective than everyone else. I reached higher than they did. It's no surprise the mousebrains couldn't handle the thought of this. But they see me quite different than I am. I have hope and dreams and a heart, like everyone else. I'm just willing to risk more to get it. You see, I'm not used to failing, or not getting my way. I succeed in all I do. Why? Because I can. Perhaps I could teach you sometime, if you have the determination and ambition, and all it takes. But you see, hear me out... I wasn't all they made me out to be. I bet you don't even know half of what you could know about me. You see, I think you would be sympathetic if you heard my story, from MY point of view. It starts as a kit... A innocent kit, born into a twisted plan..."
(Pay one WLZ Dollar for each paragraph of the story to be messaged to you, if you need ideas on what's going on, or just plain love the story i warn, its long but theres always more WLZ dollars were they came from. It will no doubt help your audition to know a bit of background from his point, but it's up to you. Be creative and show me what you think Hawkfrost would be like)
I was born as Hawk, with my sister Moth. Our mother was beautiful, and our father unbeatable. Or so I thought. I was trained early on to fight and win, and told great glorious stories of these amazing Clans... I remember tumbling about pretending to claw an enemy Clan cat to pieces, while Moth would always stalk away disgustedly. I don't think she ever really had what it takes to be a warrior...
Mother was always insecure. She depended alot on my father, and worried over me and Moth. I couldn't understand it. Then of course...
She took us to the clans. Imagine my excitement! The actual Forest Clans! The ones of Father's stories! It was amazing...
I didn't understand why they didn't accept us at first. They always seemed wary of us, but mostly me. But then again, as father says, fear is another form of power, and a sign of greatness. After sometime though, they did accept me. Trusted me. I could see it in their eyes. My pride was immense! My father just had to see me! I was going to be a warrior! And of course, he never left me, just like the best of fathers. But my mouse-hearted mother did. We begged her to stay, and Mothkit fell into tears... I hated seeing her so upset. See? I'm a great brother.
I think I clawed my mother... No one hurts Mothkit. She just stared at me, backed away, and left. I almost felt as if I'd done something wrong.... But then again, she was running away wasn't she? The coward. And hurting Mothkit too. She deserved it. Father was proud anyways. That's all that mattered. Father taught me when none was around, and I learned well. Believe me, all the cats wanted to be my mentor. I don't blame them. Heh... I was amazing. The kits all admired me, and I led them on many a great mission to the water and even once to ThunderClan land to take on the KittyPet loving idiots! Bet they didn't tell ya about that, did they? Not surprised. I felt no guilt no matter what they tried to make me feel. It was the right thing to do. But, as father says, there's better ways to take down a Clan than fighting...
Soon I was to be an apprentice. Amazing right!?! I told Mothkit how excited I was, but she never seemed truly excited... Did she even want to be a warrior? What's better!?!?! And then she told me. I was shocked. But then again.. A sister as a medicine cat gains you alot of respect, and maybe I would be more respected. And she'd be happy! While I became a great warrior(I could always beat the other apprentices. It's not my fault they didn't train extra like I did... I worked harder you see) and Mothpaw was happy too. But... He never was really convinced... So... I helped him along a bit. He couldn't just shirk my sister like that! She deserved to be one! So I generously laid out my own sign for him. I'm still the best brother. Who needs StarClan? Ha. Fools, that's who.
Well, not much else to say. I realized later, with a bit of help, that being a warrior wasnt the best thing... As I looked at Leopardstar, I knew what it was. Not surprising I became deputy right? Toldya I get anything I want. You just have to work for it...
Mothwing became more distant though... I couldn't understand why she always argued with me. After a while me and father decided she had fallen into the Clan Cat's trap. She'd been brainwashed. She was a full Clan Cat. I turned away from her right there. Perhaps he's right... Maybe you can't trust anyone. Not even kin. ...
I was great in war though, protected my Clan, hunted for them, gave Leopardstar ingenious plans.. None can say I wasn't a great Clanmate and addition to my Clan. Because I was. But.. That's were my story goes a bit off...
I am just like every cat. Please don't judge me just yet. I watched as my part brother was chosen as the special one to go on the journey. And from my own Clan, those half-clan furballs. They weren't even pure RiverClan! Their father was alive somewhere, probably as a kittypet! Was I chosen? No. Just those furballs and my own brother. ... But I hid my jealousy well. Letting others see how you truly feel is a weakness.
Watching him set out with that little red furball... It was strange for me. Seeing how she adored him and he adored her.... Love? What was that strange feeling.... Jealousy? No. I can't be jealous... Not over such a stupid thing. Love! The biggest fool's feeling ever felt. Weakness above all others. And he was falling for it! I could laugh out loud. Perhaps I was better than him. Firestar's precious little deputy... but yet, that feeling persisted inside of me. Why...
The journey came around. Trust me, I'm not stupid enough to stay in a place being eaten up by two-leg monsters, but the plan my 'precious' brother came up with... I can't say I trusted it to much. Journey across the mountains? Seriously? (As a side note, he seemed even closer with that overly-perky ball of fuzz..)
I went. But only because father told me too, and to protect my Clan. Even if they grew soft to the other Clans, I wouldn't. They could attack RiverClan any second! Oh no. They needed me to keep an eye on the other Clans.
But along the way I fell back into my thoughts. Why go this way? To see savage cats and so many dangers? There must be some better way...
So I took off by myself. And I found something the other Clans will never believe, and I will never tell them. But wow... As they struggled through the mountains, I sat here and gathered what I could. But a complication came up.
So I took my shortcut I'd found. Leopardstar allowed me too. Told you she trusted me...
Now I wasn't gone from the Forest Clans long. Perhaps about what you two-legs would call a week. But that was all it took.
"I stumbled upon a scent. Clan Markers? Why in the name of StarClan would there be Clan Border Markers way out here? So I stepped over them to find out, and padded a ways forward into this ancient-looking forest. It reminded me a bit of ShadowClan... When a rustling of a bush startled me."
"Out of the darkness shot this dark brown Tom, yowling, claws out, right onto me! He latched himself to my back in a move I had never encountered and we went rolling into a tree with a thud. While he was gasping on the ground I had time to scramble to my paws and get a glimpse of amber eyes and white and a noticeable black nose, before a black cat shot onto me from another place, her yellow eyes narrowed in fury, and claws slicing at me. A gray she-cat came racing back from a shadowy part of the woods as a long-haired pale she-cat tried to knock my paws out from under me, and a light Ginger Tom came racing out after her. I don't remember much of the words, but a few names, and many a glare. After I got my barrings back however I was able to fight them off, and talk. Imagine the surprise of finding another Clan Cat. They thought I was a spy sent from this Clan called IceClan, because of my thick fur smelling of fish... I couldn't stop the laughter. I could see the cats freeze as my cold glare sweeped over them, and a thrilling surge of power jolted through me. But in all cases, I'll stop talking for a moment and let you watch for yourself."
The scene takes on a dream-like quality as you peer through almost foggy scapes, to look down on a striking tabby tom, surrounded by much of what you know as StormClan. He is looking at the shocked cats in contempt, a challenging smirk upon his muzzle, and as all cats relax, he still keeps his fearful claws out.
The black she-cat growled and stepped forward. "There are no other Clans!" she said with a hiss, the fur along her back visibly bristling, as the Ginger tom glared at her to be silent, and the brown Tom sat licking his wounds. "Why are you here." challenged the ginger tom, as the tabby continued to laugh. "No concern of yours, 'Sharpstar'." he meowed back in insolent terms, but dipped his head in respect. "I was merely passing through. I had no idea other Clans lived here. I will leave your territory if you like." and with that the brown and white tabby turned to leave, but the gray she-cat stopped him. "You will be escorted out. We don't want you causing trouble..." she trailed off weakly, seemingly frozen by his gaze. The toms felt greatly unnerved by this strange cat, and the affect he seemed to have on the she's.
Hawkfrost shook his head with a laugh. "If you need to, then by all means, come with me." and with that he padded off, the shocked cats right behind him. They left him at the DuskClan border, still shocked. From there the handsome Tom padded into the brush, only to be met by yet another patrol there. A patrol of one...
Here we resume Hawkfrost's point of view, and the scene sharpens.
"I was still laughing over the incident before this, when once again I was tackled. I looked up, spitting away dust and struggling to regain my feet, into a pair of bright blue eyes, and a shadowed face, as a young she-cat clawed at me wildly, and I felt my fur pulled out and skin rip. I reared up, my training coming back in, as I clawed right back at her, and satisfiedly ripped at her right ear. She stumbled back but was soon at me again, fighting wildly with large claws I was shocked to see from such dainty paws, and she clawed across my nose hard, so I jumped back.
We both took a moment, panting and looking at the other, sizing each other up. I could see she was analyzing me just as I analyzed her, and I watched for her next move. It was hard to catch and very sudden, but her eyes gave it away, so I had time to dodge the death blow. Good StarClan! This cat was trying to kill me! Not even take me hostage, just kill me!
And I felt real fear, for she did not back off, and would not be stopped. Fear is a terrible thing. Nothing I did would buy me more than a moment, and she would not be stopped. This cat needed a lesson in fear. She seemed to have none of it at all. It annoyed me greatly.
So I reared up and slammed her to the ground, momentarily knocking the breath from her lungs, and held my prisoner locked in an icy stare, as I raised a broad paw to finish her off. But I hesitated. I had a good look at my opponent.
Sleek, soft black fur was tearing under my claws, razor claws weakly flailing for purchase, a sweet jet-black head facing me, trying in vain to cover it's vulnerable throat, and defiant challenging icy-blue eyes glaring up at me. It unsettled me. I was going to kill her. Why was she not scared to death, or even whimpering. It sucked all the fun out of what I was about to do. This apprentice was too young to die. And something about her sent my stomach churning. I decided right there I hated her.
In that moment I leaned in close, but not too much, for something made me not trust myself, as I hissed in her ear. "Be grateful I spare your life today." and raised my head. But as I was about to let her go, suddenly she whipped out from under me, knocking me over with a well-aimed blow and slamming me down, and leaned in in turn, her silky voice murmuring against my sensitive ear. "No. Be glad I spare yours." she almost purred, with her claws to my throat, and backed away, her claws still out.
Well... That was an insult to my pride. I could practically feel the blow. Why did I let her go!?! No... Why DID I let her go?
I picked myself up from the ground, arrogantly licking the dust and leaves and blood away from my pelt, trying to regain my dignity. And I heard a sound. What was that.. Was she LAUGHING at me? I whipped my head around, and there she was, a grin upon that prideful face, as she laughed quietly and blood trickled from the wounds I had given her. She should be licking her own wounds! Instead she sat there mocking me, and acting as if she didn't even care she was wounded. I was quite unnerved. I think it was just a bad day for me...
But something in me admired the fearlessness. Relaxing, and showing some form of dominance by not leaving, I turned to the pretty young she-cat. "What's your name you prideful little kit?" now I know she wasn't a kit and I didn't need to call her names... But I needed to in a way.
And there went that grin again, and that weird voice. "I'm Blackfur. Deputy of DuskClan. And no more a kit than you are!" she retorted. But I realized she was laughing. What the heck!?! But confusion doesn't suite me, so I don't show it. I let my gaze bore into her. She gazed right back. Why was she not crumbling like the others? I felt very unsettled, and in the silence I spoke. "Well... BlackFUR, don't you want to know my name, the name of the cat that just almost killed you?" okay... I can't help it. I felt alot less smooth than usual.
Her eyes sparked with humor, as she tilted her head almost sweetly. "Why would I? You won't be here again, I can tell, or we shall have a repeat of this lesson. And I would think you would say, of the cat I almost killed, correct?"
Here she was just being plain rude... It's like she meant to stab my pride. I couldn't stand it. I stood and paced forward, letting my huge form tower over her threateningly. "I would watch your tongue kit. You have no idea who you are talking to." and there went the insults again...
"Yes. I do. I'm talking to an insecure, arrogant, conceited tom who is used to fear and always winning. Am I right?" she said, rising to meet me, and in spite of myself, backed a step. Thank StarClan Tigerstar couldn't see me now...
"No. You are speaking to Hawkfrost, thank you very much. And I do usually win. Today is just an off day for me." I raised my head indignantly, while she looked me over.
"Of course..." was she being sarcastic?
And after a few moments of awkward silence on my part, she said something random.
"Your side swipe was off. You aimed too low, when you should go for the chin. If you had perhaps you might have won." she sat gazing up at me calmly. Was she saying my fighting was off? All the Forest Clans knew I could not be beaten. I actually felt myself smiling. Now here was were I could beat her...
"I'm afraid your wrong. And who are you to be giving me instruction? Your tumble was late, your fake was poor, your eyes give away everything, your back arched too much and your leap too high, and besides this, you look as if your barely older than an apprentice. How could you possibly be a deputy?"
She actually paused. I had gotten her! I felt my pride returning quickly, and my coolness coming back as she stammered, searching for words. "How would you know? And I am 2 moons from being an apprentice... I admit. But I have an apprentice, and have proven myself over and over. I worked for my spot, and it has been earned well. Rockstar chose me. I plan to show he was right."
Here I won't bore you. We talked for some time. We actually both relaxed, and talked openly, if a bit warily. We fought a couple times as well, but mostly mock battles, to prove that one or the other was right in battle moves. She was so eager to learn, and perfected what I showed her without pause. And I admit, some of her moves were good as well. The strange feeling was back... And her grin was catching. Her words wise for so young. It was... Weird.
I asked about her Clan. A 'DuskClan' she answered. Soon, looking up from her side, the sun was setting. She jumped to her paws, looking around. "Mouse dung. I have to go. Bye!" and just like that she raced off, but not before I could lunge after her. "Wait! Aren't you going to take me to your leader? After all, I trespassed...." there was something wrong with me, and once again she laughed. "I'll tell him a rogue passed through, I drove him off. I'm sure you can show yourself out, elder." Now she was insulting ME... What was going on here?
I followed after her. "I don't know what code you follow, but you should take me in." something in my serious tone swayed her, and she looked around and nodded. I was surprised to see her sober so fast.
Through a thick stony, thorny barrier I walked behind her, into a large sandy clearing with a small stream. The cats around me looked at me in shock, as she walked forward confidently. I glimpsed how she could be a leader. I decided right then to stop being so clumsy. It was time she saw I wasnt an apprentice. I walked up beside her, our pelts brushing, and raised my head high, challengingly glancing around. She seemed surprised, and it gave me pleasure. But she stopped before a dark gray Tom with bright blue eyes. He reminded me of the stories of what Bluestar had looked like. He stood, looking slightly angry, and glared at me. I took on Tigerstar's lessons once again.
"Who are you and what are you doing here." he growled. I opened my mouth to speak, but Blackfur cut in.
"I found him wandering around, and I attacked him. It's my fault we are injured father."
Father? Seriously? But I took on a serious air and refused to step away. I was going to show my power again. No more being made a fool of...
The rest was a bit of a blur. I was resentful she spoke for me, but it wasn't too terrible. In the end I was allowed to stay, after showing an interest in the Clan's life. I mentioned how I had much too learn, and I would show them what moves and techniques I knew. I saw they had fish in the stream, and quickly showed them a new way to flip them out and get more prey. The cats gathered around me with a million questions, and my pride returned, seeing a pretty golden she-cat asking to be taught to do that, and as I showed her I noticed the black cat padding off with two toms I remember glaring at me when I entered. For some reason I didn't like it but I continued.
The time I was there I spent studying and analyzing their hunting and fighting and techniques in everything. It was a great opportunity actually. They showed me some amazing moves I couldnt wait to impress the others with, and some new ways for weaving brambles for barricades and such. I in turn taught them moves I had learned and gave them stories. They all hung on my words, as many cats do. Only a few didn't come. Including the leader, deputy, and two toms I had seen before. During a particular day I caught her walking away with them again, and using my Tigerstar-learned ShadowClan moves, I snuck after them.
I watched, and she was using the moves I had taught her, and some of he own Clan's on her teammates. And she was adapting them! Pulling them together for sharp, hard, perfected blows, and going over and over until she had them to her liking. I was... Impressed. Soon I padded out, pushing my way past the sleek gray and black toms, to face her with a grin. She jumped and just stared at me. It gave me confidence. "Been a while... I was wondering why you never came around." and she shook her head, fur ruffled and casting quick glances at the other toms quickly, who's claws had unsheathed and were glaring me down. I ignored them like the pests they were.
"Stormleap, Raventhorn, it's just Hawkfrost... Please don't..." she trailed off. She shook her head and padded in between me and them, and I felt our fur brush for a moment, and she glanced back at me silently. "Coming?" and headed off.
I found my paws involuntarily moving in her wake, while the black tom with the dark blue eyes and grey tom with the glaring green eyes seethed in anger, I laughed and lifted my head with a smirk at them, and padded after her. "Show me that move you did?"
More days passed. We were drawn together. She tried to avoid me, but I could find her quite quickly, and once with me, she wouldn't leave. I later found that those were her brothers, and actually found myself somehow relieved, but dismayed secretly to hear she had many lovers in other Clans as well.
I would find mouse bile in my prey, and glance over to hear the snickering of those toms, or a thorn in my nest as their eyes peered at me in the darkness, or an 'accidentally' unsheathed claw while practicing with them. I was always close to blowing. I think that's the most self-control I have ever had. But she would always give them a sharp word, me a hard then helpless one, and my anger was kicked out to make room for that weird feeling, which seemed to be taking over.
We would chase each other through the woods laughing, or go into mock battles to prove who was better, and I was impressed to see her skills improving rapidly. I never wanted to fight her for real. But I found it wasn't just because of how skilled she was becoming.
The she-cats vied for my attention, as did the cats at home, but that one young leader drew my attention away, and I could see the way it unsettled her.
I think it was dawning even on her. I grew more confident by the day, and she more nervous. As I lured her out for walks she didn't want to go on in the night, she would jump at every crack of every twig, and her attention fell to me in practice so a paw would knock her over while she was distracted. She began stubbornly to resist me and tell me to go somewhere I was actually wanted. But I knew I was wanted there, no matter what she said. She struggled to continue her duties well, and keep on top, but I was slowly drawing her in. I knew I could do it. But I liked drawing it out, Like playing with the mouse struggling for life, before you destroy any chances of it ever escaping, and it's life is yours. Told you I can get anything I wanted.
I would bring up strange subjects as I drew her away right in front of those two morons with a laugh, and she would answer accordingly, but always contrarily. "No. Kits drag a cat down. You have to watch over them and spend time away from your duties. I want to give every breathe to my Clan." or "Mates are unnecessary, and a weakness in battle and a distraction. What need is there? And if you want to be great, you can't have your attentions diverted." The same words i found that i would have said but a couple sunrises ago. For some reason it was amazingly frustrating to me. She always fought me, and yet she always called after me. It was terribly confusing, but I found I enjoyed it.
In a night by the water, I always felt most at ease by it, we would sit up talking quietly, and watching the stars, guessing about what one was who. When I pointed out a bright star, and mentioned the name Tigerstar, I looked at her expectantly. But she didn't even flinch. It was so wonderful to be in a place were I could forget about what he had done, because no one else knew.
And she turned to me. "Hawkfrost...." and something in how she said my name made me lean forward. "Yes?" I whispered.
And she took a breath, then said bluntly "You distract me. This must stop."
I blinked in surprise, my head jerking back in surprise, but as she moved to get up I kept near her, refusing to let her leave me. "Why?"
"Whatever you are looking for, you won't find it here. You speak of all these cats at home. You need to go back. And I need to focus on my Clan. Leaf-bare is coming and we need focused cats. I have ambition. I will be the greatest leader ever."
I blinked warmly, leaning to nuzzle her, but she pulled away. "No doubt you will be. Once that old tom finally steps down. How many lives does he have left anyways?"
Here her eyes flashed in anger. "That old tom you speak about is my father, and one of the greatest leaders ever to live. And he has only told me how many..."
My fur grew hot with embarrassment, and I shrugged it off. "Don't you want to be leader though? They shouldn't be able to lead forever."
She looked at me. "They won't. And I appreciate every moment I get to watch him and learn about how to be the best I can be. I will lead one day, and I am perfectly happy to wait till then."
I doubted that but didn't say so. "But why must I leave... I actually was thinking of asking Rockstar to stay....." and my voice trailed off. Tigerstar never trained me for this...
"Hawkfrost." she looked at me quietly, trying again to pull away, but I held her down. "I have duties to fulfill. This story you told me of Bluestar scares me. I don't want a mate or kits to come between me and my ambitions. I don't have to save a Clan, but I want to be great. Goldenbreeze was almost picked before me. I have no doubt she would do well, but I don't want to let those that think I was too young to be proved right. I can do this! And you must leave. Stop coming to me. Go away. Far away. And be a good deputy to your Clan. You are here to visit. It's not going to be to stay. What about your Clan? What about mine? Cats depend on me, and I'm not going to let them down. Now get away!" and with a soft hiss she jerked away, as I failed to hold her down, and raced away. I shot after her, but when she wants she can be very fast, and I soon lost her. And was left with an empty feeling. As I glanced aside I saw two pairs of eyes peering at me in scorn from the shadows. "Spying on us? Really? Come out. Did you put her up to this?" I growled, my claws unsheathing as her littermate and her older brother stepped out.
"You just don't get it do you? You can't have everything you want. She just doesn't feel the way you do. She's too young. And with too much. She isn't just going to follow you around and love you. No one has ever succeeded that way with my sister. And she's to strong to ever let that happen. Just leave her alone won't you? She's asked you again and again. But I think she meant it this time. Now respect that, or I will kill you."
Stepping back with my fur bristling, I hissed back. "Not if I kill you first..." but turned and raced back to their camp. There was nothing I could do there. But I held that moment close to me. Can't can I? He obviously didn't know me. I felt my icy eyes hardening, and stalking in the shadows, my cold eyes glowing from the shadows and large frame outlined by dusk, unsheathed claws clicking on the atone, I must have been a terrible site. And it sent a ripple of satisfaction up my spine.
I never did leave her alone. I don't think I ever will. Not while I'm Here. She resisted me all the way, but yet she came to me, no matter how guilty she felt or how she cried out that this was wrong, I could subdue her, and I felt, if perhaps she had just been a warrior...
We continued to sneak out, and I knew she hated every moment of it. But I also sensed she loved it. I was addicted. It was a habit I couldn't break away from. But I didn't want too.
Until one faltering step I took. I still remember the battle. But then again, how could I forget, it's the first time I've regretted killing.
While sneaking out with her again, curled under a willow by a river, soaked from shoving each other in, and out of breath from showing off, we curled under the willow and talked softly, the air chilling our damp fur to the bone, but our breath warming the air. I had whispers of the stories Brambleclaw had told me from Firestar, told to him by Bluestar herself running through my head. Was this like that? What would they think of the mighty Hawkfrost if they could see him now? But he couldn't be bothered. He could have stayed there forever, talking about everything and anything. And laughing just to laugh.
Just then they heard a crack, and Blackfur, as always, leaped to her paws. I remember laughing, resting my head back into the grass. "Scared of rabbits again Blackfur? I thought we talked about this." and she stood there, hair on end, staring across the border into the bushes in dread. I rolled my eyes and finally heaved myself to my paws, lapping at her damp shoulder, as she flinched away. I blinked in confusion and glanced around, to stop, gaze fixed on a gray and white Tom with blue eyes, staring wide eyed across the border. It took a moment to understand, before I realized he was no longer across the border, as he stalked towards us, eyes now narrowed, and cats padded from the brush on the other side in shock, as he faced us. "What are you doing!" Blackfur yowled in shock, as he suddenly lashed his claws at me. I jumped back just in time as his claws sliced the air a whiskers breath away from my nose, and a growl rumbled from me, as my claws immediately unsheathed and I stepped in front of the young cat. This was obviously battle.
I had forgotten how much I wanted to tear fur for a while, and it felt good to slash his hateful face. "Tresspasser!" I yowled as I would if I were in RiverClan, and glared down the IceClan Tom. Paws were heard as more IceClan padded forward, and three sets of paws were heard behind us. I glanced back briefly to see Raventhorn and Stormleap and Petalstripe thundering up. Blackfur shoved me aside to face the Tom with a growl. He glared past her at me, and I smirked stepping up beside her, making a point as I rested my muzzle on her head. He ignored that she shook me off with a growl, and lost it right there.
I laughed tauntingly as he leaped at me, side-stepped neatly and turned raking my claws down his haunches. Blackfur shouted at Petalstripe to get the others as IceClan cats swarmed forward to defend the cat. I for a moment didn't know who she would help, but as her brothers launched onto the attacking cats, she leaped at a speckled white she-cat leaping for my back, I cracked up laughing and reared by her, and we double-teamed the she, till she raced off, blood running from her legs. It was amazing! We turned as one and battled our way through, to the pounding of our hearts and the pumping of blood in our ears and the scent of hot blood and feel of skin ripping under our claws. We used battle tactics brilliantly, and managed to hold them off until the other cats arrived, and I admit once again, her brothers weren't too bad...
Rockstar charged in yowling, and the cats tumbled about in screeching masses of fur and blood, and I couldn't help but laugh. It was exciting. I had missed it so much. She dodged blows neatly as I bluntly charged through, fearing not a claw, and she charged right into the middle of a screeching knot of cats. I smelled no RiverClan cats, and my vision tinted red, I fought blindly, my claws slashing at anything that moved. Soon I came upon a light gray tom and was satisfied by his surprise. "Told you I'd get you." and clawing at him wildly, I was soon knocked over as a dark gray Tom hissing in fury shoved me over. I hissed and slashed at him blindly, managing to pin him and sink my teeth into his throat as his body convulsed under me.
A cry screeched behind me as another cat flew onto me, and I turned to fight. Soon I was looking up into the shocked blue eyes of Blackfur, and glanced over to see the coughing form of her father spitting up blood, as a white Tom raced forward to lick at the blood pouring from his muzzle and throat rapidly. My eyes widened as the red haze faded.
"Rockstar.." I whispered, looking at the valiant tom I had grown to respect, who had knocked me away from his son. I turned to Blackfur wildly. "I.. I... Blackfur I didn't mean to!" but she backed away, ears pinned and eyes wide in shock, and for the first time.. Fear. She turned running to her fathers side, yowling "Milkfur save him! He's on his last life!" and blood stained the border. His last life...
I stumbled wearily to my paws, a wince showing that I had received wounds, and the shocked look and glares from the cats around, as both Clans stood watching in shock. I tried to move forward to tell the medicine cat and Blackfur and Rockstar how sorry I was, but a black tom moved to block me with a growl. "You've done enough Hawkfrost. Leave. Now. Go back to your Clan, and don't come back. You've done enough to DuskClan, and Blackfur. Get out." hissed Raventhorn. "Before I kill you." my fur rised at the challenge, and I glared him down ready to fight, but a mournful piercing cry rang out right then. "Daddy!! No! You have a Clan to lead! Get up! Get UP!" and I looked over to a sobbing black cat fallen over a gray and red Tom, as the white tom turned away. Shock clawed at me, as I saw I had killed him. DuskClan cats stepped forward, Goldenbreeze starring in shock at everything, and IceClan cats slowly stepped up after the DuskClan cats. I realized the threat and my stained paws scrabbled at the loose earth, as I turned and raced away.
Only a day passed, before, pulling myself away from wallowing in grief, some words whispered to my ears across the light wind. "Go back..." and I looked up to see a full moon, my eyes widening as a memory flashed before me, of a excited young she-cat bubbling with energy, happily going on and on about the Gathering and everyone there and all the friends she had. I turned from my rocky make-shift den and started back.
It was easy to get there, but hard to find my way through those blasted tunnels. Luckily I followed the scents and sounds of many voices, until I could sneak out and hide. Those cats are so easy to sneak up on at gatherings...
I looked up at the moonlight bathed rock, to see five cats, one wincing in injuries, and one in the back I couldn't quite make out. I watched as each cat gave their report, recognizing quite a few, and snickering under my breath to see a few I had clawed very well, or heard a nasty rumor about. The wounded tom moved forward to speak.
"Talonpaw is dead from the border fight. He died last night under Dovecloud's eye, from wounds from the fight." I saw angry DuskClan cats leaping up to defend their Clan, but the tom shook his head. "IceClan does not blame DuskClan. It was That Rouge that inflicted the wounds on Talonpaw."
Outraged howls echoed around as all cats growled that I should die. News travels fast it seems. However, I didn't feel that bad. They should train their apprentices better, not to take on someone like me all alone. Or to cross the border like that. DuskClan should thank me that I made that point. And then, the last cat to speak, I watched as the final leader stepped forward.
It was Blackfur! Then.. Rockstar was dead. I felt a sick feeling deep inside me.
She still looked barely older than an apprentice, but her air was decidedly older. She seemed moons older now.
She looked around slowly as every cat hushed, and raised her mournful head high, standing tall, and spoke.
"DuskClan is sorry for ever taking in That Rouge." my heart plummeted. "He brought us into a battle unneeded, and we are sorry for Talonpaw's death. DuskClan is mourning, as Rock..." her voice choked here, and she shook her head hard. "Rockstar died shortly after the battle. I have traveled to the moon river and have received my lives, and am now Blackstar." warm meows rose to welcome her, and I felt warm. "Tigerpaw was made a warrior last night for his great moves in the sad battle, and is now Tigerfang. DuskClan is strong however, and Petalstripe is expecting a litter with Brambletalon." I purred quietly seeing how well she handled everything and carefully she worded what she said, with the warm approving meows rising to meet her. I looked at the wise brilliant she-cat standing there, every inch a leader, and compared it with the wild she-cat I had seen clawing everything in her way in battle, and gave a small soft chuckle, quickly ducking back into the shadows as a curious eye peered in my direction. Right at the end of the gathering, as they were leaving the tunnels, I made my move.
I stood in front of her as she wearily walked a few pages behind her Clan, and she stopped and starred at me. "Tell them you will be right there in a while." I told her. And as if in a daze she meowed the words to her patrol, and followed after me. We walked all the way to my makeshift den, as I turned to face her. I tried to search her gaze to read her emotions, but I saw she had taken what I said to heart, and you could no longer see what she was thinking by those windows.
"Blackfur..." I started.
"Blackstar." she corrected me, cutting in sharply. I nodded in respect, but she stayed stiff and starring. "Why am I here? No.. WHY am I here? Why would I even follow you. What have you done to me? Besides try to kill my brother then killed my father then attack me. What did you come here for! To ruin everything!"
I gave her a few moments to rant and hiss and curse(I never knew she knew those words...) and growl and cry. Soon her anger gave way to sadness, and as she sobbed I moved forward to let her lean against me, and so weak and terrible she felt, she had no choice but to cry to me. I took the moment to try to comfort her, and I think the rhythmic stroking of my tongue quieted her after a time.
"Blackstar.. I'm so sorry.. I never meant... I thought he was an IceClan cat. My father...." I didn't want her to think bad of me as all the others did because of who my father was. "Taught me early on to fight, and fighting and power is all I have ever known. Please... I am so sorry..." I struggled not to break down, for I must always be strong. But amazingly I felt her tongue flicking over a torn ear, and I glanced at her in surprise.
We must have spent hours together, two broken cats huddled close in the windy cold cliffs, keeping each other warm and comforting one another just by being there. I could no longer tell what she felt for me. It was all a blur, and I can only remember feelings now. Up until a time, her finally asleep, my thick tail wrapped around her and head over her, glaring into the shadows around us. And then a tumbling rock was heard. And I watched as a panting black Tom made his way up onto the cliff, his fur fully on end. "You!" he shouted.
Blackstar slowly lifted her head with a yawn, looking up at me then to him, and her eyes flew open as she shot to her feet, and the spot were she had rested against me felt cold.
"Raventhorn!" she cried. But he had eyes only for me, as I stood proudly. He growled "You! I told you never to come back. And your trying to take my sister Again! How dare you come here! I said if you came I would kill you, and I will! You took my father, you won't have her, or touch my Clan again!" and with that the black Tom lunged at me, and shoved me back towards the cliffs, my claws skidding to keep me away from the steep plummet to the ground, and ever inch of strength I had poured out against the wild tom. Blackstar yowled behind us and raced forward but neither of us listened, locked in a death combat. We had hated each other for too long. And hate unresolved tends to build up. I clawed at him with everything I had. I was much more powerful and trained than him, but he was fighting with pure hatred, and that lends an edge. Locked together in a screeching tumble we flew across the cliff, always a tails length from the edge, somehow managing to keep our paw holds. When suddenly with a surge, he shoved at me and I yowled, falling back to the cliff. I grabbed his tail dragging him back with me as he spat in fury, and turned to claw me. I turned to claw him hard across the head, but right then I felt a quake under our paws, as the edge of the cliff gave way. Blackstar raced forward with a yowl, as Raventhorn shrieked and was plunged over the side with the rock. I got one glance of the dark blue eyes, widened in shock, hate and battle forgotten, as he looked at were he had been standing and looked up at me, and his flailing paws disappeared over the edge. Blackstar raced forward and grabbed my scruff as I was almost neck, and dragged me back frantically. We both stood panting for a moment, as she raced back to the edge. I blocked her before she could, her sobbing echoing from the cliff walls as she screamed his name over and over again. "He's dead. No cat could survive that..." I whispered, trying to calm her. "Raventhorn! No!" she yowled. "Its my fault! He came looking for me! I said I would be right there!" her grief raged and was unstoppable. "Black..." "No!" and once again she lunged for the cliff but I stopped her. Whirling frantically for words, I found some. "Thank you for saving me." you must understand how lake those words would sound in that moment. But slowly she sobered, and turned to look at me. I could feel it hadn't registered with her that he was gone yet. "Leave. Now." my eyes widened and I took a step back.
"Black.." she stopped me. "Go." the hurt flickered in my eyes, as I looked at her turning away, and forced my wounded voice into a growl. "Are you telling me to leave? What if I don't want to?" I stepped forward menacingly.
She glanced back at me silently, her words clear. "Go home Hawkfrost. Now. And never come back." and with that she padded over the ridge, as the rising sun filtered around her slender form. I stood in shock for a moment, before racing after her. No thoughts passed in my head. I acted. That's all.
Stopping, I saw her talking with a light gray tom. He was growling, and soon his growling turned to shock, and he bowed his head in sorrow. I watched him reach out to nuzzle her in comfort, but she moved away, and even I was shocked. She padded on without a word, and he moved to follow, before turning away. He obviously said something to her, and she said no or something, but he turned and started coming my way. Right then I turned and raced back, my paws flailing as I streaked away, powerful shoulders sending my paws churning up gravel as I raced down and away, back the way I had come. I heard paws scrabbling after me, and glanced back to see Stormleap following, before his form disappeared as I rounded a bend. And I ran.
"That is all I will tell you. The rest is my business and mine alone, although I'm sure you know about it. Told you I have a heart. Please... Leave me. I don't want to think of this anymore. It's time I acted, not sat here. Leave me to think."
It's now time for you to think. What else might he not have shared here? What other secrets did he not speak of? Fill in the gaps, add were you think things might have happened, how he felt, how they felt, etc. Tell us what's happening now, and why he's coming back. Be creative, and use this as a guide line. Don't tell it in a story view, but as if it's actually happening right then. There's much still to be told, and much left untold. Most cats have forgotten him, but he hasn't forgotten them. Good luck.)