The Journey

[tails//]

WOLFSTRIKE||THUNDERCLAN||LEADER||

Muscular gray tabby limbs pressed solidly against the earth, churning the hardened, dry clay underpaw into muck. The feline, Wolfstrike, was padding at a determined, quick pace. He hardly took time to make sure that the cast of characters following him had managed to keep up. A small glance over his shoulders and a sweep of his brooding yellow gaze was all he offered the other cats.

Wolfstrike's mood wasn't a result of his travels, nor the pain he felt against his paws, but because of his present company. Wolfstrike's decision to travel out to Moonstone had been met with more dissent than he had expected and the only way that his hard-headed fellow leaders had allowed him to pass through their clans(save for Hailstorm) had been if volunteers from each clan had joined with him. Those volunteers had met with him at ThunderClan borders after he had just scarfed down the herb cocktail Patchwhisker had prepared his tired bones. Wolfstrike hardly could stand the smell of them, let alone the sight of them. The ShadowClanners reeked especially and made his stomach churn unendingly.

Unfortunately and as tired as he was, Wolfstrike had far to go. The group was now trekking through WindClan territory and there was no sign of StarClan ahead. The tabby could only hope that the day's events proved fruitful in terms of reconnecting with his ancestors. He certainly didn't want all this effort to have been for nothing and something itching at his paws told him that they would need StarClan's guidance sooner than he thought.

With a twitch of his tail, the ashen tabby noted the pinkish-orange tint to the usually blue sky. Those sorts of colors, he knew, meant that night would be upon them soon -- and much sooner than he had thought. Somewhere along their journey, the clanners had clearly lost time. At the rate that they were going, the cats would have to sleep for the night before they could try to reconnect with their warrior ancestors. "Hurry up, we need to make it to MotherMouth before the night comes," the leader meowed gruffly, still refusing to look those accompanying him in the eyes. Wolfstrike's haste to reach his destination could be seen as somewhat ill-advised, especially given the tom's unhealthy stress levels and his history with fainting.

Despite his health, the leader felt invincible. Nothing and no one could stop Wolfstrike's energy.

[~Nighthunter~]

Lionmask - Borderline...~

The dark russet colored tabby scoured the land on there side of the border. His bulk resting at the top of one of Windclan's many grassy hills. His eyes were scouring the land looking for many things, the prey that could be infected was a second nature to keep and eye out for at this point. Now he was more concerned with those crossing his borders. Riverclan had said they were not coming, Hailstorm seemingly uninterested, though he trusted them little to keep there word with the icy leader. It would be acceptable to him only once the task was done and they had kept it. He did not relish the idea of having two clans on there land, even if they were permitted passage to moonstone through these means. This was unusual circumstances, and he was forced to let more then would normally enter, pass by to search for answers.

Questions were what caused this need to travel, he of all probably realizing his clan needed them the most. He was accompanying the group for as much to watch his land, as for a chance to seek out protection from the disease. Nine lives would be a help that was certain, but what good was he if he died nine times and still left an incurable disease to attack Windclan. This was a battle that could not be won through physical effort alone, and grudgingly he might need the other clans aid.

Scowling, he looked down into Thunderclan land, and saw Wolfstrike there amongst the trees. It was obvious he had slid across the border. He knew it was necessary but he couldn't help feel uneasy, Lionmask still was uncertain of the truth behind the Thunderclan leader's intentions. Still he hated it when the grey tom and other warriors started to walk closer to him. He knew his clan was just behind him waiting to start on this mission, a warrior and a medicine cat apprentice among his tight knit group. Letting a rumbling growl vibrate in his throat, he stalked along side the Thunderclan leader careful not to make it seem like Wolfstrike was leading him through his own territory.

Wolfstrike wasn't thus far one that openly and aggressively sought power, at least in his experience. So hesitant as he was, Lionmask hoped that this would go well. Allies would be needed, and he had better get a more decent hold on being nicer, and in part resembling how he used to behave when he was younger. Innocent days long gone now... " What do you think we will find, my bet is a pile of rock. I do hope they glow though." His attempt at humor, to hopefully convey a sense of ease to the other leaders. He was no back stabber, and would not attack them on his land unless provoked, he had more honor then that in the code and his integrity. Keeping his spirits positive, and trying not to worry about the fact that he was essentially removing his only medical source from his camp, he nodded to his choice cats accompanying him to fall in as he walked in stride with the others.

[Deleted]

And when the day comes that I don't wake up
I'll float away full of love
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Shadowclan territory left far behind, it was her first time in Windclan territory. She's patrolled the border many times, and looked in across their territory. It had always held a certain amount of intrigue for her. Now that she was here, however, she was finding it was as barren as many other parts of the clan lands. She loved the clan lands... But there just wasn't enough there.

The small white she-cat had been nervous about going on this trek. She was young, it was true, but she'd long since lost that sense of adventure she'd noticed in other cats. She'd had so much anxiety about this. Having not been at the gathering, it had been quite a surprise when the call came out for cats to volunteer. But she wanted to please her clan mates. She wanted to show them that she could be just as strong and daring as they were.

Snowfox was not a brave cat, but she was quick and intelligent and very useful in a fight. That was the only reason she'd been allowed to go along with the group. She was younger then most of the warriors, and didn't have very much battle experience. But the young blood was good for the group. This was obvious enough from looking at the Thunderclan leader. Wolfstrike was looking old, and his weakness showed. She was scouting the other cats carefully, suspicious as ever. She wouldn't let any of them get the jump on her clan.

Putting her nose to the wind, she was astounded by how much easier the various scents were able to travel. No wonder they were called Windclan. She'd seen their warriors before. Lean and strong, but fast. Just like the wind. She had to admire them a bit.

NOTES Finally got internet again!
MUSIC All Eyes - Imagine Dragons

[Shimmerz*]

x.and the air is thin and it blows through your skin.x
x.x.and you feel like something is about to begin.x.x

Dustyshade followed along the others silently, ignoring any attempts at conversation. Why in StarClan Lionmask had ever chosen the him to accompany the party was beyond him. Furthermore, why were all the clans so hyped up about this? Yes, yes, nine lives. Fantastic, but why all the drama? At the Gathering cats had been yowling about it constantly. Afterwards, it was all he could do to try to tune out the constant drabble about it. Some probably feared betrayal, but it was foolish to worry about such things. Leave it to the leaders and deputies. Regular cats, as he'd learned long ago, rarely had a paw in these affairs.

Amber eyes surveyed the group's surroundings. They were in WindClan territory, his home. That much was agreeable. The cats around him though, not so much. There were so many important cats around him, leaders and medicine cats alike. If he screwed up here, everyone would know. Well, not everyone. As he'd observed earlier, RiverClan was strangely absent. He'd expected every clan to show up. Still, he didn't let it bother him too much. Each clan had their ways. Many moons ago, when he was but a kit, he'd been told about the Battle of Sunningrocks, about how RiverClan and ThunderClan had always fought for that patch of land. This wasn't to say the other clans didn't have histories--no, everyone had history with everyone; however, the memory of that fray was far fresher than most. It was a very likely conclusion that RiverClan had stayed back to keep a close eye on what they considered their land.

He wasn't too worried about WindClan's safety though. The deputy and medicine cat had stayed behind along with all the other warriors. If anything happened, surely WindClan would pull through fine. Maybe that is why he was chosen for this journey. He was a good senior warrior, but not the best. They wouldn't miss him much if there was a battle.

x.x.but you don't know what and you don't know when.x.x
x.so you tear at your hair and you scratch at your skin.x

Word Count: 324
Song: "Wishing Well" by the Airborne Toxic Event.

[STREAKZ]

owlpaw
and all the stars and boulevards

An uncharacteristic excitement had taken hold of Owlpaw from the moment he opened his eyes in the nest this morning. The apprentice hadn't felt like this in moons -- not since before the incident with the cutter that is. There was nearly a spring in his step, and despite the mounting tensions of the uneasy truce that had settled upon the clan cats making this journey he didn't find his enjoyment to be quashed or squandered.

The sun was beginning to set as the cats made their way for the stones that had once held so much symbolism for the Four Clans -- Owlpaw had to wonder what lay in wait for them. He angled his ears toward his leader as he spoke, what would be waiting for them? Were the rumors of old true?

They were nothing more than that to a cat like Owlpaw, born after StarClan's presence had faded almost into mere memory. "Maybe there will still be tunnels to explore!"

The medicine cat apprentice purred -- even his normally sleepy tone had a little more pep in it. He felt more like himself, the potential of some kind of discovery livened him up like nothing else ever had. Owlpaw had to resist the urge to bat playfully at the long-furred tail of his ginger pelted leader -- he wasn't even that close to Lionmask. Besides, he wasn't a kit.

Still his whiskers were trembling with excitement, and he cast a friendly glance to the ThunderClan leader Wolfstrike. "If we find StarClan do you think they'll give you all your names? Oops, sorry I know you might not want to discuss that with me," Owlpaw meowed. He bounded around the group until he was standing at Lionmask's shoulder, a little purr rasped out of his throat. "Do you Lionmask? Think you'll get nine-lives? Are the stories true? Your father had nine lives didn't he? That's what some cats said anyways."

The normally mellow apprentice could hardly contain his excitement, and he didn't seem to even notice the tension among the other cats. No, today was a good day. They'd find things. He could feel it to the very tips of his claws.

ain't close enough for you

[.THEPREDATOR&&]

Fire.

It burned through her veins, leaving the she-cat lying out on the open stones, twitching, her body convulsing as she desperately tried to draw air into her lungs. Blue eyes that had perhaps once been beautiful rolled back into her head, revealing whites that were tainted red. Her mouth opened in a silent scream, choked out by a gurgling sound and a slick trail of spit, whitened into a sickening foam. When the blue color of her eyes became visible again, her pupils contracted, desperately trying to bring the world back into focus. And yet, it seemed to escape her, remaining just out of reach. An orange tabby paw reached out, clawing at nothing as she dragged her body over the stones, feeling the occasional one dig into her skin and tear it open. 

Ice.

Suddenly, the pain was sucked away, replaced by a numbness that washed over her exhausted and battered tabby frame. After a moment, she was able to slowly roll onto her paws, her strong back legs doing most of the work to support her small frame. She wasn't necessarily a large she-cat, and looked less adept at fighting than she did leaping into the air. Yet in that moment, she looked prepared to faint, losing herself to blessed blackness. Anything other than that pain... She thought to herself. The only feeling in her body was a heat centered at her shoulder. When she glanced slowly over to see it, she noticed distinct bite marks. It looked as though they hadn't healed properly. Smelled like it too. Staggering on unsteady paws, the she-cat wanted nothing more than to go home. But that fire... It was beginning to burn again, originating from that heated spot on her shoulder. All she could manage was a groan before it engulfed her again. It ripped through her frame for the second time, taking no prisoners and targeting her mind. She could hear herself scream within her victimized mind, but it was no use. It's trying to drive me crazy!

Blood.

Her lips peeled back into a snarl and a sickening, cackling sound emanated from somewhere. Her ears pinned against her head, fear sneaking forth from some sane corner of her mind. Of course, it wouldn't last long. It was quickly sought out by that burning fire. By the time the orange tabby she-cat began stalking forward, her paws leading her in no particular direction, staggering and stumbling to begin, there was nothing left of the cat she'd once been. Now there was only madness. Her clumsy steps soon strengthened as the she-cat began to understand her new self. Her blue eyes were aglow, lit up by a sickening light, her pupils nothing more than tiny slits in her crazed eyes. She was being taken somewhere, by some power she could not place. All she knew was that she was going. It was then that she spotted them. She had no recollection of how far she'd travelled from the great stone place, but it couldn't have been too far. Her pads were only a little raw. Her claws slid out from their sheaths, and with a wicked, cackling hiss, the orange tabby she-cat's pace quickened, until she was charging towards the mass of cats that seemed to march her way. White foam dripped from her jaws, spattering the ground below her with every jarring stride her body made. Her sights were set upon a large gray tom who appeared to be leading the party. It didn't matter that she was tiny, and he seemed as large as a wolf. She would fight him. As her powerful back legs launched her high into the air, and the ill she-cat let out a cracked, shrieking caterwaul, there was only one thought that crossed her mind.

Kill.

[Shimmerz*]

x.and the air is thin and it blows through your skin.x
x.x.and you feel like something is about to begin.x.x

Dustyshade's hackles rose as the monstrous tabby cat bolted towards them, bringing the stink of sickness and death with her. Immediately, he recognized he was at a disadvantage, his mangled leg preventing him from fast attack, but if only he could catch her off-guard for a mere moment, he would snap her neck with a hard swat to the spine. Any cat who had sunk to this level of filth, of degradation, was condemned. Not a cat could lift this disease from her if she had become so frenzied and murderous. Perhaps some cats thought Starclan still had some form of salvation for her after death, but he believed in neither grace nor the spirits, leaving himself absorbed in the present.

When he was an apprentice such a circumstance might have sent him into one of his moments of hysteria, but he was past that now. He was sick of dreams and their lies. All he wanted was reality: peaceful and long or violent and short, it mattered little to the tom.

As if prompted by some innate energy, Dustyshade abandoned his first plan. Now the amber-eyed Windclanner found himself barreling towards the crazed feline, a hiss emanating from his throat. He would not let this fool claim innocent cats, still dreamers themselves. If a cat could manage to dream, then perhaps this life was still worth living, but for him, he was so disillusioned it was lost.

Looking eyes with the creature for one moment, he felt a slight terror gnawing at his mind. If he became ill, he would be just as bad as this...thing. Though honestly, if he ever did became terribly infected he would probably just end it himself. He truly disliked having a negative effect on other cat's lives. To become this rabid monster would mean the end of him.

Angrily, he lunged at the cat, paw directed firmly at it's spine. "Die, foxdung."

x.x.but you don't know what and you don't know when.x.x
x.so you tear at your hair and you scratch at your skin.x

Word Count: 315
Song: "Wishing Well" by the Airborne Toxic Event.

[Deleted]

And when the day comes that I don't wake up
I'll float away full of love
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The small white she-cat froze. She was certain she'd heard some terrifying sound. Surely... Surely that was no cat. But when she turned her head, her large eyes grew even wider. The massive, disgusting tabby was looming down on them. Snowfox jumped, dodging away from it in surprise. She tried to hold her breath against the acrid scent of death and sickness. How could such a filthy thing even exist in this world?

As her hazel eyes took in the wretched sight, she could not help but think it reminded her of the tales she'd heard of Tigerclan. Though this creature was not the strong and noble thing she would have thought them to be. This creature was pitiable. Surely this cat, if you could call it that, would nearly be dead?

She knew she was a coward for moving away from it. She felt a twinge in her heart for the fear she felt. Everything about this beast reeked of despair. Every bit of her body longed to turn tail and run. She would not let herself be caught in the fearsome claws. She would not allow herself to become infected. She was stronger and smarter. She was better.

As she did her best to stay her ground, a shape moved past her. It was one of the Windclan warriors that had joined them. Snowfox scrunched herself down as the tom raced past her. He was heading right for the wretched cat. Snowfox shivered. How could someone be so bold, or perhaps insane. They could outrun the thing. She was certain they could. So why weren't they running?

NOTES Finally got internet again!
MUSIC None.

[tails//]

WOLFSTRIKE||THUNDERCLAN||LEADER||

What had begun as a day filled with promise and excitement boiled down to nightmare. Wolfstrike stood, his brawny limbs shaking despite their strength. Before him was a cat crazed in a way he had never seen before. Wolfstrike stared the creature down, wary of every shift the creature made that suggested the beginning of an attack. Despite his watchfulness, Wolfstrike couldn't help the fear that made his eyes want to dart away from the strange cat to anything else. Something in the creatures's eyes scared him -- but not only in the sense that he feared for his life. Beneath the wild, yet glazed over sheen to the creature's eyes was was the same frantic fear Wolfstrike was having -- accompanied by monstrous pain. Despite the creature's wild, ragged look, Wolfstrike felt he had an understanding with the beast.

The creature ran forward towards them just as Wolfstrike began to think straight. The tall gray tabby bolted backwards, his eyes darting from the other journeyers as he waited to see if they would run -- or if they would stay to fight. Wolfstrike figured running and avoiding injury was wise, but he had no doubt in his mind that the patrol could win a battle with one measly (though deranged) cat.

As his eyes moved back and forth, the ThunderClanner spied the cat getting dangerously close to a WindClanner -- the one Wolfstrike had noticed previously with a limp. This can't be good! With the WindClanner being disabled, he's at a disadvantage! the dark colored tom thought -- and spent no further time assessing the scenario and standing by. The tomcat darted forward, racing in between Dustyshade and the attacker before the WindClanner could complete his attack and swiftly shot his claws at the insane cat, hoping to wound the cat enough to allow for a getaway.