The Beginning Is The End Is The Beginning [Open]

[Shadow Da Smiffster]

HIDDEN
My Heart's A Battleground

Dogstar let a smirk grace his maw as he moved his large frame up the to the top of the highrock. This was the first time he was going to address his Clan as a true leader.... One gifted with nine lives. Or... so he thought. In the back of his mind, the omen StarClan had given to both him and Sunstorm played in his mind. He knew what he had to do... He had to get rid of Earthpaw.

However, he couldn't kill an apprentice unjustified. So he had set out on a long walk alone to think things through. He had his full-proof plan now, of course, so there was nothing to worry about. And he even had the lab rat he needed to make his plan go into action.

However, he hadn't expected the one he was going to use to carry out his plans was going to be his own little brother. In all honesty, he had forgotten his days with Blackkit... or formerly Blackkit....

Finally, Dogstar came to the top of the rock, looking over his shoulder with a malicious smirk for his younger brother to follow him to the top, "Come on Blackkit."

Chazz, who was standing a few feet down from his brother, let out a hiss of disdain, "My name is no longer one of a kitten brother. You may only address me as Black Thunder, just as every other cat must."

Dogstar snorted, his eyes narrowing on the little brother he had struck a deal with. "Listen up you snot nosed brat. If you truly want to make me proud, then you'd better do exactly as I say. Besides, I remember Thornclaw's wishes well. He would have wanted you to rule alongside me. Shame he died almost right after you did... I mean, when you vanished."

Chazz said nothing in response, instead using his brother's jabbering time to come climb up next to him. At the top, he took in the view of the camp he used to know. Parts of it were the same, but many things were different. There was not one face among the crowd that he recognized from when he was a kit. So... it really was just him and Dogstar. The large tom next to him was his only last connection to this place....

Something about that thought left a sour taste in The Black Thunder's mouth.

"Let all cats old enough to hunt prey gather before the highrock for a clan meeting!" Dogstar yowled, breaking Chazz's thoughts. Immediately, cats from all around the camp started to converge towards Dogstar. A vague memory of this action rekindled itself in Chazz's head, but still, he was impressed with how easily the Clan responded to his brother. The younger tom stole a glance at Dogstar, trying to analyze him after all this time. He seemed... completely uninterested in Chazz's return. Though, The Black Thunder supposed that was to be expected... Dogstar was the leader and had many things to attend to before he could rekindle any kind of relationship with his kin.

"Who's that?" a voice called from across the camp. Chazz's eyes flared in anger at that simple question. How dare they not know who he was! His gaze landed on two small kits poking their heads out of the nursery, and the mother standing over them with orbs filled with fear. At once, Chazz felt guilty, and he looked away from the small ones and down at the Clan below.

"Those two kits are your kin," Dogstar whispered in Chazz's ear. A shiver ran down The Black Thunder's spine as he realized that those two were the kits of his brother. For some reason, this once again bothered the younger tom. Something about Dogstar was much different then he remembered him from back then....

But they hadn't seen each other in moons. He was a different cat too, as Dogstar would soon find out.

"ThunderClan!" the leader yowled. "I was out hunting and I stumbled upon a treasured old member of our Clan. Moons ago, when I was a young warrior, my younger brother, Blackkit, was stolen by twolegs and taken away from the Clan. He has returned to us at long last to help me lead ThunderClan in these dark times. He has been through much to get himself back here, so I demand you treat him with respect!!"

Chazz put a paw in front of his older brother's face, letting him know that he'd said quite enough. His black claws glowed in the sunlight as he stared down at the cats below him, "As you can all see I am no longer a kit, and I am not one of you. Because I am not, I will not be taking a Warrior name. I am only here to help my brother, Dogstar. Is that clear? I don't serve you, and you don't serve me unless I ask it of you. You will address me as The Black Thunder, and only as that. Understood? Good. Glad we could make this introduction."

With that, Chazz leapt off the highrock in front of the clan, his unsheathable claws digging into the earth as he padded away to isolate himself and watch as Dogstar made the rest of his announcements. He curled himself up in the shade by the nursery, and glanced at the home he used to live in out of the corner of his eye....

It doesn't feel like I'm home....

"In any case!" Dogstar continued. "I have another announcement to make. Because both Barkstar and Wingedheart were given the justice they deserved, I have thought long and hard about who I want to mentor Earthpaw. I cannot think of a more fitting mentor then myself in these dark times, as I know it is difficult for him more then anyone right now. Earthpaw.... please come forward."

I NEED TRUE EMOTIONS
I Need More Affection Then You Know

((OOC: Anyone from ThunderClan can post here. As soon as the apprentice ceremony is done, anyone can chat with Dogstar or Chazz. This is basically where the plot is going to move along, so any of Dogstar's lackies should probably make their move to impress him now. As for Chazz... well.... he may not seem very nice... and he's not :3. He's fun though. Promise.))

[♥Rösε]

Earthpaw walked slowly through ThunderClan's forest. The canopy of leaves above gave shade to the senior apprentice. He was now 14 moons and still carrying the apprentice name, though it didn't really bother him. With his past mentor gone, well, he didn't properly finish his training yet. He still needed his final assessment before he was able to take on awarrior name. He could not believe that his own father hid from him that he was only his last life. It seemed everyone was just lying to him over and over again and he was sick of it. He froze letting his body tense before swiping out in front of him, sending up grass blades and dirt flying up, some clinging to his claws. The handsome earthy brown tabby kept on walking, well more like stomping through the forest. For once he didn't care if he scared off the prey, he lost everything. His mother, his father, his mentor. Nothing mattered anymore. Stop moping like a pathetic kit! he snapped mentally at himself before he let out a loud sigh. Rolling his sholders he tried to relax himself before turning around an heading back for camp.

His ears drooped back like a scolded dog, but he did not allow himself to release any tears. He was stronger than that, plus he'd rather keep his pride. The birds hardly sang much since the leader and deputy passed on, was it a sign? Stopping he lifted his head to glance around at the trees. Ever since Dogstar took over the forest seemed less full of life, it was a bit creepy. But if StarClan accepted him then who were they to judge? His body shivered with the chills of the thought of Dogstar, something about him seemed wrong. The tom cat picked up his pace into a soft trot, his sea green optics glowed dimly with his mood as he practically dragged himself towards the Clan camp entrance. His paws thudded spftly on the pillowed surface of the floor, still full with lushious green grass that was soft to the touch. His tail swished back and forth like an agitated snake, curling and uncurling. His ears flciked forward as he was nearing camp, he could not afford to soil his fathers good name by looking like a lost kit. Straightening his posture the tabby walked into camp, head held high though his eyes gave way to his grief and anger, with a hint of confusion behind it all.

"Let all cats old enough to hunt prey gather before the highrock for a clan meeting!"

Earthpaw stopped in place and looked up to see Dogstar's muscular form on top of highrock. His gaze narrowed slightly as it landed on a tom cat next him, unease prickled through the toms fur and turning he noticed that Lilybreeze had poked her head out to see what this was all about. Seeing young Icekit and Cinderkit flinch he suddenly felt a little protective of his fathers best and most trusted friend. Lilybreeze caught his gaze and she gave him a weak but sympathetic smile, though her eyes seemed to be seeing him as someone else, Barkstar perhaps? Now that he was older and more filled out now. He dipped his head lightly to her before turning and heading towards the center of the clearing. Sitting down he rested his tail over his larger paws. His ears flciked forward to catch what Dogstar had to say, though just the sight of highrock made him think about Barkstar and a sharp pain entered his stomach, he did miss his father despite the being lied to all these moons.

"I was out hunting and I stumbled upon a treasured old member of our Clan....."

He tilted his gaze back up to the two cats, and Earthpaw was quiet as Dogstar explained the unfamiliar cat. His eyes widened ever so slightly, his brother? Running his gaze over te other tom cat, he shifted on his paws a bit in thought. He didn't seem like Dogstar, he seemed, well different not fully shadowed if that made any sense at all. Turning his gaze away he licked at his chest fur which now fluffed out slightly like a mane, his muscle rippled beneath his coat, though the thin tom cat stood tall, when he raised his head back up towards the toms. He heard the other cat speak to them, and he lowered his head slightly. How did he benefit them as a clan if he didn't want to really contribute? Blood is thicker than water he guessed though that still didn't mean much, weren't leaders supposed to think of the clans well being and how things owuld benefit them all, not just him?

"I have another announcement to make. Because both Barkstar and Wingedheart were given the justice they deserved, I have thought long and hard about who I want to mentor Earthpaw. I cannot think of a more fitting mentor then myself in these dark times, as I know it is difficult for him more then anyone right now. Earthpaw.... please come forward."

Justice? What justice was in slaughtering them? He didn't know, he didn't know anything anymore. Nothing seemed right in his world and he felt like an empty shell out here. No soul, no nothing. Upon hearing the last part of the speech his ears flicked forward and his stormy green eyes shifted to Dogstar. He wanted to finish off his training? He glanced around at the clan for a mometn before getting to his paws, he slowly made his way forward. Larger wolf like paws pressed into the ground as he paused just before high rock. His eyes were level, calm but his gaze seemed to swirl with mixed and dangerous emotion, it left him vulnerable. He pressed his lips together, waiting for whateer was to take place, though he didnt think a whole ceremony was necessary.



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

Lilybreeze was asleep when Dogstars voice rang through the nursery. The pretty cream and grey female lifted her head slowly, she took in a breath. What did he want now? He slowly took over the clan, it was as he wanted she was sure now. He killed off the only remaining cats that knew of his dark thoughts, luckily he did not know of her own suspicions and things remained relativly normal for them two. Stretchingo ut her legs, her bodice now completly slender and shaped before her pregnancy she pushed herself to her paws. Leaning down she nussled her children awake. "Come on dears, time to wake up. Dogstar has called the clan together."

she mewed sweetly before licking there heads. She waited until they started to walk out of the den before following. Poking her head out, she noticed another cat on the ledge with Dogstar. His stare seemed to frighten her kits and her striking blue eyes narrowed. Before she swiped her tail over them quickly.

Turning her head she noticed a lean and thin shape emerge into camp. Her heart soared, Barkstar?! Her blue optics landed on Earthpaw, and her gaze softened lightly, but a little disappointed. He turned to look at her and she smiled lightly, her eyes blinked a silent greeting to the tom that resembled his father so much. He nodded simply to her, always so nolbe Earthpaw was. Turning her gaze back towards Dogstar and his guest she stepped out the den fully , sitting just outside the milk scented den. Quickly using her pink tongue to lick at her fur she turned to groom her tail. Hearing Dogstars bellowing voice she turned her attention back to him. When he explained the cat she flicked her ears forward. Black-kit? She vaguely remember the tom cat, but he was somewhere in her memories. Tilting her head slightly to the side she listened to the rest of his little annoucement. Gasping lightly she turned to see Earthpaw tense, he must be thinking the same thing as her right now. Flicking her gaze back to the 'leader' she just stared silently up at him, no comment about the whole Black Thunder thing.

When he started to talk about Barkstar and Wingedheart she pursed her lips together. And when she mentioned Earthpaw her eyes widened, a bit frightened. Not Earthpaw! He was so fragile! Adult or not, he was still hurting inside, and she knew his intention right away. She knew Dogstar far to well. By why? Why would he take the time to train Earthpaw? He was no threat to him. She felt a bit protective over the handsome earthy tabby and she put her face back into a calm enpression. Maybe Sunstorm would have an answer to this strange taking to Earthpaw? Her striking blue gaze flicked around to find the medicine cat, but found her no where. Turning back she oculd see as Earthpaw stepped forward, and lightly bit her lip.[/blockquote][/blockquote][/color][/sub]

[Shadow Da Smiffster]

A LONG DAY ALONE
The Emptiness Is So Real

Dogstar smiled genuinely as Earthpaw came towards him. He could feel the mixed emotions seeping off his pelt, and he loved it. Not only would Barkstar suffer on the other side, but he would watch helplessly as his son was manipulated by his own mighty paws. He stared at the apprentice before him a for a few moments, his eyes searching for any signs of malice that might lead to his demise in the future. Thankfully, no such thing existed within Earthpaw. He was young and ready for manipulation.... and so was his so called 'brother' standing by the nursery.

"Earthpaw," Dogstar started, wondering how to put this so he would not come off as vile as he was actually going to be. "You are a strong, powerful cat already, and a son to a cat we all, even myself, loved dearly at some time. Both I and your father would be proud to see you become a Warrior, and today, I will bring you one step closer to that. Let today be the day of truth... no longer will any lies hold you back from being the cat you are meant to be! Earthpaw! I am honored to have you as my apprentice!"

His yowl echoed into the clearing, causing a small murmur, and then a yowl of approval back from a large chunk of the Clan. Dogstar inwardly smirked. He'd moved them somehow with complete bull, and only few in the entire Clan could tell. Soon, the forest would be under his paws... not just ThunderClan....

He bent down to touch noses with Earthpaw, and whispered, "You have so many great things to look forward to... I'm going to make sure that things are better for you from now on...." With that, he lifted his head, and bounded off of the highrock towards the fresh kill pile. It was filled, much to his pleasure, and he was about ready to pig out to reward himself for a successful plan.

He selfishly chose the biggest most juicy piece of prey in the pile, a rabbit, and walked towards his den for a bit of solitude. It didn't even pass his mind once to go and talk to his younger brother. He didn't give a damn after all.

***

Chazz watched Dogstar walk into his den, and rolled his eyes. It was both something to be disgusted and admired for, the way he carried himself. He was strong. He had the makings of a leader.... but a good one? That Chazz didn't know, and he didn't think he wanted to know any time soon. With any luck, he would gain the approval he wanted from Dogstar and then leave to go back to the city, which in his opinion, was already ten times more hospitable then what his brother had shown him thus far.

"Lowlife, selfish, pig-faced moron," he muttered to himself as he stood up and flexed his claws into the ground. The combined feeling of insulting others and the earth between his toes managed to hold Chazz back from going completely insane right then and there, but he was already beginning to doubt his place here. "Sure, ignore your own kin," he muttered. "Pay more attention to your little apprentice. I had to learn how to survive alone...."

"Woah, you survived the wilderness alone?" a small voice asked beneath him. Chazz looked down at his paws to see the two kits from earlier, the ones he had scared. He scowled at them, and lifted his clawed feet away from them so they wouldn't get his paws dirty with their irritating behaviors. "Mr. Black-kit, sir!" one of them continued. "Aren't you a bit too old to be in the nursery?!"

That was it.

"That's Black Thunder to you!" he growled at them. "The Black Thunder!" The kits shrunk back, trying to make themselves as small as possible, as if they would get away from Chazz's gaze if they could become tiny enough. The tom sighed and looked around, wondering if anyone had heard his little outburst. Thankfully, no one seemed to give a shit about him, so he settled back down and took a deep breath, "Actually kits, I didn't survive in the wilderness. I survived in a place much different. I was in a place called the city. Twolegs live their with their monsters, and you constantly have to watch out for dogs, and probably other creatures you've never even heard of. Compared to where I live, you guys are in a luxury home! Be thankful for what you have."

The kits stared at Chazz for a few moments, their eyes still as wide and fearful as before... until....

"Woah! Cool! I wanna be a tough city cat! Tell us more Black-kit--"

"THUNDER. BLACK THUNDER!" Chazz yelled. The kits laughed at him as he got agitated and told them to buzz off in words that they probably wouldn't understand (however, you and I reading this... probably would).

NEVER HAVING PEACE OF MIND
Running From What I Can't See...

[..:Spotts:..]

++S P O T T E D P E L T++

A Battlefield
_{Both hand tied behind my back with nothin
These times when we climb so fast we fall again}

Spottedpelt sat under the highrock, glaring hatefully at her leader. She sat there and listened to the cold hearted tom take Earthpaw on as his own apprentice.

"You are a strong, powerful cat already, and a son to a cat we all, even myself, loved dearly at some time. Both I and your father would be proud to see you become a Warrior, and today, I will bring you one step closer to that. Let today be the day of truth... no longer will any lies hold you back from being the cat you are meant to be! Earthpaw! I am honored to have you as my apprentice!"

As he yowled to the clan she heard a few uncertain murmers flow around her, but a large chunck of the clan howled with approval! 'His father would be proud if Earthpaw was being trained by a murderer?' she thought 'yeah right' Spottedpelt was also unsure of the leaders tom brother Black Thunder. But even so, Black Thunder didnt seem so enthusiastic to be here, helping his brother. Maybe there is hope. She watched Dogstar jump down and join his other evil little minions. Starclan what has he done she said painfully, hoping no other cat heard her disloyalness to the leader. But she was worried that Black Thunder had heard her, she had said it just as he came near her.

Spottedpelt looked around hoping to see her apprentice Swiftpaw. She had wanted to tell her to watch Earthpaw carefully, just to be on the safe side. Spottedpelt didnt see her right away, but she did see and hear the comotion going on near the nursery. As she turned to look she saw two small kits laughing and heard Black Thunder yowl loudly at them. She decited to be helpful, hoping that she looked loyal by helping him. Spottedpelt padded up to them, and she let out a honey coated laugh. "Why dont you two stop bothering our.. guest and go help some of the apprentices." she said firmly letting the guest part slide over her tongue like jelly. Hopefully he knew that he was only a guest in the clan, he wouldnt be staying for long. She watched the kits run off before turning to him. "Kits.. cant live with, cant live without them" she purred nicely. Suddenly a thought hit her, she knew other cats from the other clans were joining Dogstars ranks. She prayed to starclan that Thornmask hadnt decited to do that. "So Black... Thunder... you dont have another name do you?" she asked "Ah gezz sorry, what i wanted to really ask was, do you ever plan on staying here?... long term?"

[/sub]


A Battlefield
_{I never meant to start a war
Dont even know what we're fightin for}[/sub]

_Words
502

[,, CHISA ,,]

"So Black... Thunder... you dont have another name do you?" a female voice meowed. "Ah gezz sorry, what i wanted to really ask was, do you ever plan on staying here?... long term?" Brownwhisper dropped her catch on the fresh-kill pile and trotted towards Spottedpelt and this new character, Black Thunder? Nodding respectfully, Brownwhisper looked on puzzled for a moment, his black and white pelt. Her eyes glazed over as she studied her memory for the slightly unmistakable, and noticable black and white with blue eyes. 'What was it... Blackkit or was it Brokenkit? Urge memory work.' Blinking silently she studied the tom's face and then a shy, but bright smile lit her face as a kit mumbled something a long the lines of Blackkit in the background. "Your Dogstar's missing brother!" Her voice didn't rise but there was the excitment in it. "You might not remember me, but I was the new cat, Chisa, Brownpaw, remember?" Her curious nature sturing up a whirlwind of emotions, and yet her voice was a whisper. This cat was a kit when she had meet him and she had seen him vanish, had felt lost with the the clan that adopted her. "Do you know where your brother is? I've been meaning to tell him about this trace of Shadowclan along the border." A pointed look was scent towards Spottedpelt, two things could of been the answer to this look, one could of been that Brownwhisper surpected her, which was not the case. The second was that Spottedpelt didn't know when to stop hinting at cats. "I'm Brownwhisper." She added shyly.

(o.o I am so tired..... muse is dead)

[Shadow Da Smiffster]

LOOKING INSIDE
Digging In Deep...

"Kits.. cant live with, cant live without them" she purred nicely, to which Chazz rolled his eyes. He was still seething with anger at the little pricks running off to go do who-knows-what now. An irritated sigh escaped his lips as he shifted his gaze towards Spottedpelt, his eyes staring at her skeptically. She didn't seem at all happy to see him, not that Chazz was surprised. He wasn't exactly happy to be here either.


"So Black... Thunder... you don't have another name do you?" she asked suddenly, causing Chazz's eyes to go wide. How... how could she know about his life previous to this? That would make no sense! His eyes narrowed on Spottedpelt for a few quick moments, but instantly went back to their normal, cold and calm demeanor when the she-cat spoke up again: "Ah gezz sorry, what i wanted to really ask was, do you ever plan on staying here?... long term?"

"That depends how long Dogstar requires my assistance. I don't have a lot of interest in staying here, but I'm pretty sure my display proved that. Also, isn't it rude to demand my name when you yourself haven't told me yours? The truth is, yes, I have another name, but I threw it away long ago. It's not worth mentioning anymore. I only will respond to Black Thunder, not Black-kit or any other ridiculous name. I don't care if it's a kit joking around or no--."

"Your Dogstar's missing brother!" an excited voice chimed in, cutting Chazz off. He closed his eyes in annoyance and his lip curled up a bit, but he stayed quiet as Brownwhisper walked up to their little 'party,' if you could call it that. "You might not remember me, but I was the new cat, Chisa, Brownpaw, remember?"

Chazz relaxed a bit, his own curiosity getting the best of him. He stared at Brownwhisper for a while, trying to recall his memories from so long ago. Really, the only clear things in his mind were his mother, the nursery, and his two older brothers. Not exactly the fondest of things to remember about his brief life in ThunderClan. "No, I don't remember you at all," he concluded finally. He didn't bother to add an apology at the end. He felt like it wasn't needed. He also didn't bother to re-introduce himself. By now, if everyone didn't know to call him Black Thunder, they would get cuffed upside the ear with his unsheathable claws.

"Do you know where your brother is? I've been meaning to tell him about this trace of Shadowclan along the border....I'm Brownwhisper," she added shyly.

"If you're looking for captain asshole, he went to his den," Chazz responded snidely. When the cats around him gave him blank looks at the insult, he sighed. Did these cats not even understand common slang? His raked his mind for distant memories in an attempt to recall Clan language. Thankfully, he didn't have to think for long, because a couple of apprentices shot out insults at each other.

"Piece of Fox-dung?" he grumbled aloud. That's stupid, he finished off in his mind. Eventually he stared back at Brownwhisper, wondering why she hadn't left for Dogstar's den yet. Did she want him to introduce himself again? Well, whatever, so long as he got to be alone sooner, "I'm Black Thunder...." he trailed off, switching his gaze to Spottedpelt. "Just Black Thunder."

With that, Chazz got to his four, and walked towards the nursery on instinct, slipping away into its secluded space.

***

Swiftpaw cast her worried gaze over towards her mentor, wondering why she had decided to talk to someone as awful as Dogstar's younger brother. She didn't like the vibe she got from the odd cat, and Swiftpaw couldn't shake the ominous feeling from her pelt. Her dreams had continuously gotten worse and worse... and now, even part of it was coming true! Dogstar was taking Earthpaw as an Apprentice. A sour taste entered Swiftpaw's mouth at the thought, and she searched around the camp for the apprentice in question.

Finally, she saw him standing alone, looking somewhat shocked.

Augh, who do I go to?! she panicked. Spottedpelt or Earthpaw? Oh, StarClan, I can't do this alone!

***

Dogstar finished his meal rather quickly, licking his massive maw clean of any prey staining his beautiful fur. He was beside himself with joy, and because of his success, he was tempted to do something rash. No, something crazy. He wanted the feeling of blood on his claws soon, and tonight, his next victim would bleed crimson justice for their dis-faithfulness to their mates.

"You're not going to win this Dogstar," a voice hissed from the back of his den. "Earthpaw will soon retaliate against you, no matter how hard you try to deny it. StarClan has already warned you, so you may as well step down while you can, and take your filthy brother with you."

"Sunstorm," Dogstar snarled. "I did not give you permission to come into my den, nor did I ask you to give me your 'supreme judgment'. StarClan has granted me my nine lives, and I will lead ThunderClan into a new era."

"Did you not hear their warning to you?" Sunstorm hissed back. "You are hopeless. Fine! I don't know why I bothered giving sympathy to the devil. Your time will come, and I will be watching, waiting for it to happen."

Dogstar merely chuckled as Sunstorm trudged out of his den in a huff, muttering who-knows-what to herself. She was wrong, and clearly, corrupted by twolegs from her horrid past life that even Dogstar wouldn't question. Perhaps, his next victim would not be an unfaithful cat, but one that was not sane enough to commit their duty to the Clan. Yes, he would strike down Sunstorm in her sleep tonight....

HOLDING ON TIGHT
To All That Is Me
I'M NOT GOING DOWN,
I'M NOT GOING DOWN....

[♥Rösε]

Earthpaw shifted a bit back and forth on his paws as he waited for the leader to say whatever it was he was going to say. Part of him just hoped that they would just give him his warrior name, he was already past apprentices age. Though of course he wasnt good enough yet, he wouldn't be surprised if Dogstar gave him another mentor, for what? One final assessment? Earthpaw kept his body posture calm and relaxed letting his stormy colored eyes land on the leader. As he straightened his lithe body was visible and his muscles rippled under his glossy coat. Earthpaw snuck a quick glance around at his clanmates for a few moments. His gaze ran towards Lilybreeze, she looked terrified, but for what? Why was everyone always looking at him weirdly, like if they expected him to do some sort of back flip or something! It like they expected him to be more than what he was, an ex leaders fragile son. A to old apprentice that lost it all, yea he was going to amount to a lot after all that.

A sudden yowl caused Earthpaw to shatter out of his thoughts and they fell into a thoudans tiny pieces in his brain. Forgotten for a moment as he tried to listen to what Dogstar was going to say. He ran his gaze along the tom cat and narrowed his gaze ever so slightly. He didn't know why but he felt sort of uneasy about the leader, something just didn't seem right. But StarClan did accept him...right? He kept telling hismelf this and quickly turned to lick at his chest fur to lick away any un nerving thoughts. His tabby pelt glistened against the sun light, at least he didn't let his pelt go along with his mood.

"Earthpaw,"

Earthpaws gaze slide up back towards Dogstar, he kept his face calm and bold as he listened to the leader. Flicking his ears forward to angle beter and hear what he had to say more clearly. After Dogstar finished his eyes went wide, why would he want him as an apprentice? He really didn't know how he felt about it at all, was his disappointed or proud? Really he didn't feel either one in him right now. His stormy blue green gaze watched as the tom bounded off of high rock and strolled towards him. His face remained serious and emotionless as he leaned to whisper in his ear. His fur prickled as he could feel the larger toms breath on his neck as he spoke. He didn't react to anything he said and just watched plainly as he went and took prey for himself, then retreated into his den.

Earthpaw sat there for a moment, perplexed, why had this happend? Shaking his head he stood on all fours again, turning to see Cinderkit and Icekit bounded aorund Black Thunder. He narrowed his gaze slightly, he also wasn't sure what he felt about this Black Thunder either. Part of him wanted to go over there and move the kits away and back with Lilybreeze, but before he could do anything, or think of anything Spottedpelt showed u and sent the kits to do something else. They quickly raced over to him, dancing around his longer legs. He pressed his lips into a small but warm smile, for the kits alone. "Hey there Cinderkit, Icekit."[/color] he mewed warmly as they went on gushing about how he had their father for a mentor. Earthpaw chuckled almost fakly and shifted on his paws a bit. "Yes, how...fortunate for me."[/color] he mewed telling them what they wanted to here. They purred and bounded off the play fight. Taking a inward breath he shook his pelt, lifting his head to see Sunstorm, fuming into Dogstars den. He tilted his head slightly wondering what that was all about.

When he turned back around he noticed Swiftpaw come in, she seemed a bit distressed as she looked at him. Great another one of those looks. He watched as she looked from Spottedpelt ot him, he dipped his head in greeting before starting to walk towards the apprentices den.



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

Lilybreeze was absolutly terrifed about what was taking place. She knew that whatever it was Dogstar was planning was not going to end happy. Shifting a bit on her paws she watched as he concluded the meeting, Earthpaw seemed so unfazed by Dogstar that she almost felt hopeful, she wondered why. Her striking blue gaze followed Dogstar to the fresh kill pile, narrowing her gaze distainfully as he took a larger piece and retreated into his den. He never came to see her now that the kits were born, and almost ready to be apprenticed. Nice to know he was only around if she was producing more of his little heirs, the thought made her sick to her stomach. Flicked his ears forward she could hear as the kits greeting the new, or rather returning cat of ThunderClan.

When he spoke harshly to them her gaze narrowed protectivly and she was about to stop him from harassing her kits. She relaxed at once when Spottedpelt stepped in and sent the kits to go badger someone else, she pressed her lips into a soft smile. Followingh er kits with her eyes she saw as they danced around Earthpaw. At first she was worried he'd give them the cold shoulder and walk away but when he smiled and spoke to them she purred and turned to head back into the nursery. Her slender form disappearing behind the bracken.

Making her way towards her nest she lowered her body into her nest. Stretching out her forepaws she gave a low and soft yawn. Curling her body into a semi ball shape she relaxed a moment, letting the silence refresh her mind. It felt nice. Hearing pawsteps she lifted her striking blue gaze towards the entrance. Tilting her head slightly to see who would be coming in the nursery now. Her eyebrows lifted as Black Thunder came trotting in, she blinked silently wondering why he was there. To get away from the excitement perhaps? She flicked her tailaround her slender bodice as the pretty feline stared gently up at his face. There was something about him and she wasn;t sure what it was or what kind of emotion his prescence was trying to trigger in her mind or body. It was weird.

"I like to et away from it all sometimes to."

she mewed her voice was gentle as she stared pointedly at him. She turned to lick at her chest fur a few times so it turned glossy and soft. Turning her attention back to the tom cat, she pressed her lips into a smile. "You can stay in here if you like, no one will bother you. Well at least for awhile."[/color] she mewed and tucked her legs under her rame to get comfortible. She wasn't sure if she cared or not if he stayed in here, really it was his choice.[/blockquote][/blockquote][/color][/sub]

[..:Spotts:..]

A Battlefield
_{Both hand tied behind my back with nothin
These times when we climb so fast we fall again}

"Just Black Thunder."

Spottedpelt nodded quietlly, noticing Brownwhispers look. Spottedpelt turned away from the filthy tom just to see the two kits she had shooed away danceing around Earthpaw. 'Better him than Black Thunder' she thought. Spottedpelt kept an eye out for her apprentice when she saw Sunstorm enter Dogstars den, then leave looking frazzled. She finally spotted Swiftpaw looked oddly between her and Earthpaw. She decited to make up her apprentices mind for her. Spottedpelt padded calmly up to Swiftpaw. "Dont worry, he'll be fine for now" she purred sweetly, flicking Swiftpaws ear with her tail tip. she sat down next to her apprentice, glaring at both Black Thunder and Dogstars den. "You understand everything thats going on huh?" she said, her voice blank and emotionless. "Swiftpaw, im adding an assignment to your training" she paused and looked down at Swiftpaw with a serious expression. "Keep a close eye on Earthpaw and Dogstar, watch their training closely. Tell me if anything seems odder than usually. Okay, can you do that?"

[/sub]

A Battlefield
_{I never meant to start a war
Dont even know what we're fightin for}

Words
211

sorry muse dangerously low

[Possk]

Everything felt wrong. The air felt tense, hot, and stuffy; stuck in a small place with too many things going on, too crowded an area with too little space, the ginger she-cat was on her last nerves. Fur standing on end, Rowanheart shuffled her paws irritably. Can't they hurry up already? I have better things to do than stand around with a bunch of fluff brained idiots, she hissed silently. Yes, Rowanheart was in an even worse mood than usual. Some would call it insane to say, but the she-cat felt--there was no other word for it--uncomfortable amidst her Clanmates. She spent so little time with anyone that when they all got together for meetings, she couldn't help but fluff her fur out and feel wary. Not to mention we're all packed together like this. Hasn't anyone heard of moving over?

A low growl entering her throat, the tabby snapped her head to the right, glaring daggers at an apprentice that had gotten too close. Startled, amber eyes wide, he jumped back, colliding with another warrior. This caused a sort of chain reaction as the poor apprentice continued to leap back after each collision, accidentally knocking into several other felines. Despite it feeling as if ants were crawling around in her pelt, Rowanheart inwardly smirked. It was entertaining to make idiots dance like the fools they were.

Still. Rowanheart turned her attention back to the Highrock. She narrowed her eyes as Dogstar, newly appointed leader of ThunderClan, finally managed to heave his huge frame on top of the rock. If all had gone accordingly, he would have been granted nine lives by StarClan the night before; the deputy always became the leader after the former’s death, so there should be no exception. Though StarClan have shown themselves to be fox hearted cowards, the she-cat reflected bitterly. Who knows when they’ll support you—or leave you hanging. Though it had been moons since the incident, her mother and sibling had been claimed by StarClan. Claimed far, far too early, especially for poor Hawkpaw. StarClan had merely sat by and watched as her family was brutally slain. If StarClan were benevolent and generous like all the Clan cats suggested, they would’ve done something.

“The only cat you can trust is yourself,” she muttered under her breath, ignoring the ongoing meeting around her. “Everyone else will either break your heart or break your sense.” How could anyone think being devoted to StarClan was sensible? Didn’t they get it? Even if they could do something, they refused to, instead sitting around like a huge, ugly spider as they watched their former loved ones deal with the terrors of daily life. No, StarClan could not be trusted—it was only the living who could. Even then though, weren’t relationships painful enough? Everything that lived had to die; it was a fact of life. But the pain of losing loved ones was unbearable, so why bother with them at all?

“Rowanheart!” The she-cat blinked, snapping out of her less than cheery thoughts. “Pay attention. Dogstar’s announcing a new arrival to the Clan, so you had better at least act like you’re listening,” the senior warrior in front of her growled. Rowanheart flattened her ears against her head but made no response. Rather, after shooting him a steely glare, she did as he suggested. Surprisingly. A new arrival would be far more interesting than listening to the old fleabag lecture her anyways.

A rather large black and white tomcat stood up top with Dogstar. While still not as large as the leader himself, there was something about him that made him seem...different than the rest of them, yet quite familiar at the same time. Rowanheart twitched her whiskers. He wasn’t from any of the Clans, she was sure of that. The stench of Twolegs and crowfood clung to his fur, making it obvious. The she-cat wrinkled her nose in disgust. Do loners ever wash themselves? She thought dryly.

“ThunderClan!” her leader yowled. “I was out hunting and I stumbled upon a treasured old member of our Clan. Moons ago, when I was a young warrior, my younger brother, Blackkit, was stolen by Twolegs and taken away from the Clan. He has returned to us at long last to help me lead ThunderClan in these dark times. He has been through much to get himself back here, so I demand you treat him with respect!"

Blackkit? Rowanheart flicked her right ear slowly. Yes, she had heard of the kit. Her mother had warned her and her brother over and over that they must never venture too far from her side until they were warriors, else they might end up like the poor kit taken by Twolegs. The she-cat snorted. Was she really expected to believe that this huge loner was the same tiny scrap stolen from the nursery all those moons ago?

From the look on Dogstar’s smug face, apparently so. Blackkit (or as he had referred to himself, the ‘Black Thunder’) looked about as happy as Rowanheart felt as he stood and delivered his speech. He must be feeling out of place if he hasn’t been here in so long. Lost in her thoughts, Rowanheart almost completely ignored Earthpaw’s apprentice ceremony. Some cats shot her dirty looks, sure, but why should she care to pay attention? It’s not like they’d ever had or ever would have any positive thoughts of her.

As soon as the cats began to disperse, Rowanheart, an extra burst of speed in her paws, immediately sprang away from the crowd. Shaking slightly, she rasped her tongue over chest, trying to settle the unease burning there. No, she’d never do well in places with lots of cats, not even among her own Clan. It was pitiful really. She knew that much. “I have to wonder if I’m even welcome here,” she sighed, setting her paw down in the dirt.

Her nose twitched as the scent of fear hit her nostrils. Startled, the she-cat turned around. Swiftpaw, one of the younger apprentices, seemed panic stricken as she looked around the camp.
“What’s up with her?” Rowanheart mumbled. What was she so nervous about? Had the newcomer really spooked her all that much? Sure, he looked like a pain in the tail, but seemed cooperative enough. Or had Swiftpaw been scared of Dogstar and his sudden mentorship of Earthpaw?

“Well that’s strange.” It was true that old Dogbreath could cause a few shudders every now and then, but he was a loyal cat at heart. Wasn’t he? Rowanheart narrowed her eyes. Against her better judgment, she found her paws carrying her towards the young apprentice and her mentor. Oh boy…what am I getting myself into now?

“Dog got your tongue?” she snorted, taking a seat in front of the two. “What’s with that gloom and doom expression?”

(I hate hate hate hate HAAAAATE this post. *throws it out window*)

[Shadow Da Smiffster]

NO TIME FOR GOODBYE,
She Said,
As She Faded Away....

Swiftpaw stared up at her mentor after she gave her new orders. A prickle of excitement washed over the apprentice as she realized that she really wasn't alone in this battle. Perhaps, if she could gather the correct information from watching Dogstar, she would be able to convince others in the Clan of his sinister demeanor, "Always, Spottedpelt," she started. "Earthpaw is my friend. I wouldn't let him get hurt because of some leader who can't even lead--" but Swiftpaw was cut off as a third cat came into the scene.

Rowanheart, not her favorite cat... but was she anyone's favorite cat? Swiftpaw doubted it. She was always alone, and so so... nasty... but at the bottom of her heart, the apprentice felt bad for the young Warrior. She knew Rowanheart wasn't always this way. It was the death of her family that caused her to become as twisted as she was now.

“Dog got your tongue?” she snorted, taking a seat in front of the two. “What’s with that gloom and doom expression?”

Swiftpaw looked at her paws, wondering if it was wise to share her suspicions with the rest of the Clan. Her mentor was one thing, but Rowanheart? She wasn't sure. She pleadingly looked up at her mentor for guidance and for wisdom which she had yet to gain. What was the right thing to do in this situation?

***

Chazz found himself staring off at the walls of the nursery with an intense focus. So much so that he could make out every small scratch and pawprint from the moons of rough play and god knows what else in here. He remembered, once, he had also been a kit here... with his mother.

An unfamiliar feeling entered his chest as he walked towards the corner, checking for the one pawprint on the wall that could only belong to him. The one with claws.... he looked for it for what felt like seasons, trying to find a trace of his life and finally feel... at home....

"I like to get away from it all sometimes too," a gentile voice called out, breaking the Black Thunder's focus. He whipped his head around to see Dogstar's mate, Lilybreeze. Thankfully, neither of her kits were in sight.... "You can stay in here if you like, no one will bother you. Well at least for awhile." she mewed as she tucked her paws underneath her body to make herself more comfortable. Chazz merely grunted in response, and went back to looking for the pawprint that once marked his place in ThunderClan.

But nothing was there.

Idly, Chazz wondered if his life as a kit was a dream, and if all he really knew was the harsh life of the streets. Even his time with his twolegs... were they real? Was any of this real? Did he even exist? Chazz found himself sighing as he brought a paw out and touched the wall. It was unfamiliar... foreign....

It was then he remembered that he had company, and in a futile attempt to get any attention that may have wandered onto him off of him, he suddenly said, "So, you're my brother's mate...." he trailed off, bringing his paw back underneath him as he turned his head slightly so he could see Lilybreeze in his peripheral vision.

As to be expected, Dogstar had chosen quite a beautiful mate for himself, not that Chazz would expect any less from a soul like his brother... however, it didn't feel right. He didn't at all seem attached to Lilybreeze, and she seemed much too fragile to deal with a personality like Dogstar. "Weird," he concluded before turning his attention back to the wall.

Obviously, he wasn't much of a conversation starter....

DON'T PUT YOUR LIFE
In Someone's Hands
They're Bound To Steal It Away....