[Hellion]

i'm headed straight for the castle

THEY WANNA MAKE ME THEIR QUEEN

It is time, Firestar's voice was flat as he turned to look at Nightstep before looking behind her to the other warriors ready to fight. They had all agreed to join her on her pursuit for justice over her daughter's death. The troop of eight cats were all chosen for their skill in battle training. Firestar wasn't playing nice, she was reacting purely on her emotions and the raw hurt of her loss. In her eyes, it was a wrong that needed to be paid in blood.

Without any signal, Firestar started to walk, slowly picking up speed until she was trotting. She had thought about stopping and waiting at the border, but instead, she bypassed it entirely and headed right into StoneClan territory.

Storm cloud raged above her head but she ignored them. The roaring in her ears drowned out most other sounds. As her party crested a small hill, she noticed a cat in the distance. The features weren't noticeable but Firestar knew by how quickly the cat ran back, that their presence was known. It would only be a matter of moments until StoneClan reacted. Realizing storming the camp wouldn't be wise, Firestar showed her pace but never stopped walking. She was prepared to meet them sooner rather than wait for them arrive. She was hell-bent on obtaining justice for her daughter.

FIRESTAR

background image | castle | table by phoenix

---

Fighting Match Ups

SC vs LC
Hawkstar vs Firestar
Slatescreech (NPC) vs Nightstep & Ravensky (NPC)
Mousestep (NPC) vs Harestrike
Redclaw (NPC) vs Shadewhisker (NPC)
Silentmaask & vs Robinwind (NPC) & Galestorm (NPC)
Ravenshade (NPC) vs Tallstrike (NPC)


all NPC will be controlled by the active person fighting against them. In the event it is two or more NPC characters fighting, it is a background battle. NPC can be killed, just PM Hellion so the change can be made.

Posting Order
Hellion
BlooRey DVD
Fawn

Leader lives Notes:
Firestar is reckless because of her grief, she will lose a life early on because of Hawkstar, Nightstep will later take one of Hawkstar's lives. 

Weather Notes
Two rounds of posting, then a lighting bolt will strike and start the fire. LightingClan will be forced to retreat to evacuate the camp. 

If anything is confusing PM me. 

[BlooRey DVD]

Hawkstar

may your dreams be larger than mountains

"..-wkstar! Hawkstar! DAD!"

Sandy ears flicked up as a voice filtered to them, almost shrill as a wave of panic rippled over its owner. His head snapped up in time for his daughter, Herondive to barrel through the den entrance. The great StoneClan figurehead was on his paws before he could think of moving, shoving away the clinging bits of sleep still fogging his mind. "Herondive..? What is it?" He rumbled, his voice still thick with his exhaustion. Behind him, he could hear his mate stirring, no doubt wearing an expression of concern similar to his; it wasn't often their daughter was so... Expressive.

Her coat was heavy with rain, and her breath came out in sharp pants, as though she'd just run from the Sky Springs without stopping (though he wasn't sure what in StarClan's name she would have been doing out there at this hour), and when she tried to speak again, she seemed to choke on the very air she was breathing. "F-Fire-" She stammered, gasping as her haunches folded beneath, unable to stand any longer. His head tipped fractionally atop his broad shoulders, jaws parting to question her further before she blurted out news he'd expected yet dreaded for several sunrises.

"Firestar is coming! LightningClan is attacking!"

Without skipping a beat, the large tom ducked around his daughter, launching himself down the Rock Pile. He could hear his heartbeat thundering in his ears, anticipation and dread clawing their way up from the pit of his stomach to pump adrenaline through his veins. By now, Herondive's screeching entrance had drawn some early risers from the confines of their dens. Those still asleep would not be asleep for long; the big tom bellowed, his voice carrying to the darkest corners of the dens.

"LightningClan is attacking! Slatescreech! Mousestep! Redclaw! Silentmask! Ravenshade! You are with me. Wolfclaw! I need you to begin organi-" His pale amber eyes landed upon the rather confused features of the gray tom-cat as he stepped stiffly out of the warrior's den. Hissing in annoyance at his momentary memory lapse, the large tom swung his gaze to the blue-eyed, silver she-cat exiting the warrior's den not far behind. "Mistpetal! Organize a secondary wave, and be prepared to jump in! Do not allow them through the entrance!" With that he spun on his paws, waving briskly to the members of his patrol with his tail before breaking into a loping run toward the camp entrance.

Heavy paws thundered over familiar territory, ears pivoting to catch the sound of the several sets of paws following closely. His jaw was tight, the big tom gritting his teeth as his mouth turned down in a frown. The LightningClan intruders quickly drew into view, prompting the StoneClan leader to slow his pace. Dark clouds concealed any evidence of a blazing sunrise, yet fire still flickered on the horizon as the enemy patrol advanced. Dead-center stood the calico pelt of LightningClan's leader; she was flanked to her left by a tuxedo tom with eerie yellow eyes, and to her right by a near-duplicate in the form of a black and white she-cat with blue eyes.

The patrol was completed by the presence of two to three other cats on each side, with trademark LightningClan builds and a fire in their gaze. Hawkstar wore only grim defiance, though he was certain other members of his patrol bore expressions mimicking the rage found in the LightningClan warriors. Raising his tail to halt his patrol a few fox lengths from the opposing one, the StoneClan leader met Firestar's gaze without hesitation. Though the air, already thick with the promise of more rain, cracked with tension he remained silent, waiting.

I have no words to share with you.

leader of stoneclan

and may you have the courage
to scale their summits

background image | harley king | Hellion @minxxy Fawn | table by phoenix

[Fawn]

28 MOONS LIGHTNINGCLAN WARRIOR

There was nothing like a battle. Fighting against predatory animals didn't have the same feeling; they were just hungry threats to LightningClan. But an enemy cat? A rival Clan? That was something Harestrike could really sink his claws into. The moment the tabby warrior stepped onto the battlefield, he was in his element. The sounds of fighting egged him on with every heartbeat, and he chose his target carelessly - preferring to surprise himself - a gray-furred StoneClan cat of no importance the one he locked gazes with.

The other tom's pelt fluffed out, but that couldn't hide how small he looked. Small and weak. Harestrike mentally scoffed. He'd have to make mousemeat of this one and then move on to another opponent; a battle wasn't just about winning. It was about improving, about challenging himself. How was he supposed to get any better if his opponents were no more interesting than sparring with his own apprentice?

Looks could be deceiving... But this was StoneClan.

Dirt and short scrubland plants were gouged by Harestrike's claws as he lunged for Mousestep. He wasn't stupid enough to try leaping on top of a StoneClan cat; that's about all they had going for them - their ability to leap up and catch large birds. I'd bet my bedding he's going to be slow. Harestrike had done everything he could to gain muscle, and while he had succeeded, he was still lean - built for speed - and he utilized that now with a barrage of strikes to the tom's face and chest.

Mousestep's eyes widened, but the warrior tried to fend him off, the sidewinding lash of a gray tail increasing when Mousestep realized he was badly outmatched. Harestrike grinned. Let's have a little fun, birdbrain.

Word Count: 288 Words
Tags: Hellion BlooRey DVD

I CAN'T SLOW DOWN, I WON'T BE WAITING FOR YOU

Notes:

[Hellion]

i'm headed straight for the castle

THEY WANNA MAKE ME THEIR QUEEN

The amber of her eyes had been replaced with a hate fueled blaze. The queen-leader of LightingClan didn't pause until she found Hawkstar across from her. Despite their size difference, the she-cat bore down on the pelt of StoneClan's leader. Her pelt had been unkempt and ratted, showing a lack of care for her own well being. The loss of her daughter had torn the she-cat from the inside out. Her stump of a tail swayed as her clanmates gathered at her side. Redscar, her deputy, had been asked to stay back at camp. Readying the second force if she gave word for reinforcements. However, she had a strong feeling that they wouldn't be needed. She'd lose every one of her extra lives to avenge her daughter.

Despite the energy pooling in every limb, the she-cat waited. She wanted Hawstar to see her face, read her expression to know why she was marching on his Clan. After a moment she felt her message was understood and now it was time for action.

Firestar offered no words to her clanmates, they already knew the plan. Attack with all their might, avenge the loss of life. She had chosen the warriors present for their skill in battle, she wanted to leave StoneClan as wounded as she felt. Rip into them as savagely as Mapleheart was ripped from her.

Almost without warning, the calico leader bolted forward, her clanmates joining her in their charge. Even with her moons of battle training and ample skill at tactics, Firestar let that all go and fully embraced instinct. Revenge followed no rules.

Using her speed, Firestar made right for Hawkstar. She dodged and ducked under larger StoneClan warriors. Darting forward Firestar skidded to a halt, stirring up dust as she stood before Hawkstar. Her hackles were raised as she stood only a tail length from Hawkstar.

There was a moment she considered the match up. He could easily over power her due to size alone, but that thought vanished. With the distraction gone, Firestar took a dive for his forepaws, attempting to knock him over.

FIRESTAR

background image | castle | table by phoenix

_{BlooRey DVD , you can be vague about their fight before Hawkstar tosses her or something to the point she loses a life.
Fawn
@poptart , for Redscar mention}

[BlooRey DVD]

Hawkstar

may your dreams be larger than mountains

He could read the rage boiling in Firestar's gaze, and somewhere beneath he could see the anguish that stoked the flame. Yet he met her with an even stare, for he still carried the heavy burden of StoneClan lives lost on his broad shoulders. He was regretful of the direction in which the skirmish from two days ago had gone, mourned the life that had been lost. But guilt was not present in the StoneClan figurehead's heart. Perhaps it was wrong of him, selfish even, but it was the truth.

You cannot begin to understand what StoneClan has lost at the paws of LightningClan's abhorrent conquest, Firestar. He thought to himself, only the tip of his tail betraying the sentiment. LightningClan has rejected peace one too many times. The thought had barely left his mind when the opposing figurehead only further proved his point, charging forth without warning. "Now." He instructed his patrol sharply, the smaller StoneClan force springing forward to meet their LightningClan foes. The big tom tried not to think about how some of his Clan members would be fighting two enemies; he had his own opponent to worry about.

Her first move aimed straight for his fore paws. Firestar's speed was her advantage, of this Hawkstar was certain. Although his first instinct had been to rear up and avoid her assault on his paws, the sand-colored tom knew he couldn't risk exposing his underbelly to her. Instead, he spun slightly, thrusting his broad shoulder into her forward motion. She collided with an irritated hiss, leaping away before his heavy paw could strike her. It became like a jarring dance, neither one content to allow the other to lead. Claws ripped at his muzzle, only for the smaller she-cat to be forced away from him or risk a blow from a colossal paw.

Though the territory was unfamiliar to her, she adapted well enough. Had it been a battle of endurance, Hawkstar's hardened paw-pads would have outlasted her moor-softened ones, but each leaders' many moons of skill drove the conflict into something more. A brief lapse in his judgement allowed the agile she-cat to dart around him, her claws lodging in his back. But he'd long since discerned how to handle an opponent on his back. Before Firestar's mind could flicker to her next move, the big tom's shoulder dropped and he collapsed into a roll to offer Firestar two choices; release him or be crushed by his weight.

Surprisingly, the calico's hold on him did not release as he'd expected. In a battle-hazy mind, the massive StoneClan leader failed to consider the smaller she-cat had been stunned by the impact, instead twisting to snap his teeth at whatever he could get a hold of. His jaw was met with fur, though he didn't pause to consider what he'd grabbed. With a mighty heave, he sought to tear her from his back.

Except there was no resistance.

The dazed she-cat's grip had been light, far lighter than he expected, and before he could adjust the momentum, he'd released her from his bite. His heart seized momentarily as Firestar twisted through the air, only to collide with an unforgiving rock wall. She fell limp at its base, and the claw strike of dread that tore through him suddenly told the StoneClan leader Firestar would be seeing StarClan in that moment. The tom swallowed, his throat burning with the tension radiating throughout his body. This was what he hated most about battles; the often unnecessary loss of life. The consequence seemed always to be death when words of peace fell upon deaf ears.

So wrapped up was the StoneClan figurehead in the events that had just unfolded, he failed to pick up on a hiss of annoyance from a nearby battle. A black and white tom, his tail tip twitching in irritation as he sidestepped his Clanmate's attack upon their StoneClan opponent, glanced toward Hawkstar in time to see the LightningClan leader's body crumble to the rock below. Without missing a beat, the tuxedo tom abandoned his battle companion in favor of much more interesting prey; the StoneClan figurehead himself. Nightstep would later claim it to have been revenge for Firestar's death.

Really, he just wanted to kill something.

A flicker of movement was Hawkstar's only warning of the impending attack, a shadow in his peripheral vision intent on destroying him. No matter how quickly he attempted to round on the new opponent, the lithe tom was faster, claws ripping into his haunches and springing away before Hawkstar had even thought about striking back. This tom's eyes sent a cold shiver along the sand colored leader's spine. Something wasn't quite right, though there was hardly time for the leader to consider just what it was. Another strike caught his shoulder, though he managed to retaliate with a blow of his own.

And then he understood.

Firestar's aggression had been rage-driven; her ferocity had been unquestionable, and his pelt still stung beneath the phantom pricks of her claws as she'd ripped at him. Her anger told him that she'd wanted him dead, and she intended to bring it. The tuxedo tom, however, was ice cold in his expression, and his fluid movements were a demonstration of moons of fine tuning, and the absence of judgment-clouding emotions such as anger or fear. This tom wanted nothing but to kill, and it didn't matter who his victim was.

Their brawl stretched on, and though Hawkstar managed to slow Nightstep fractionally with a wound to his hind leg, the StoneClan leader knew the advantage lay with the black and white tom. The LightningClan tom was not bound by the warrior code as Hawkstar was. StarClan, save us... He breathed to himself. What has happened to LightningClan... How much longer will this go on?

Nightstep darted toward him, prompting Hawkstar to drop a shoulder and lunge much like he'd done for Firestar. Yet, before the broad-shouldered tom could ram his frame into the smaller tom, the black and white senior warrior had shifted course. The minor adjustment allowed him to skirt around the brunt of Hawkstar's attack, scoring sharp claws along the leader's brown shoulder. With a hiss of pain, StoneClan's figurehead rounded on his opponent, only to glimpse the white tip of his tail as a weight landed on his back. Teeth buried into his scruff before he could register the tom's disappearance. Reacting as quickly as he could, Hawkstar dropped into a roll.

The weight disappeared, only to reappear as he righted himself once more. In a desperate attempt to dislodge Nightstep a second time, Hawkstar carried himself straight into another roll, and the sequence of events occurred much the same. Weight. No weight. Weight. As he came out of the second roll, he felt fangs bite into his scruff again, forcing his head up to leave the leader in a half-crouch. With his hind legs still folded beneath him, Hawkstar knew he was trapped even before a set of claws buried themselves in his chest.

A roar of agony tore from the big tom's jaws as Nightstep dragged his claws upward, following the curve of Hawkstar's shoulder. Blood welled along the wound path, soaking into the StoneClan leader's sand colored fur as his claw scraped uselessly on the rock surface below. Desperation flared in Hawkstar's belly, his body doing everything it could to get up, do something, get him off. It wasn't until the tuxedo tom's claws veered toward his throat that Hawkstar managed to wrench himself free of his opponents grasp, if only briefly. A jarring motion caused Nightstep's claws to slip, tearing along the side of Hawkstar's neck but missing the vital bloodways littering the leader's throat.

Victory was fleeting, however, for Nightstep's jaws quickly reinstated themselves over Hawkstar's neck, locking over muscle rather than simply skin. As the pressure increased, the broad-shouldered StoneClan leader began to thrash, his supply of air slipping away. Panic flickered behind pale amber eyes as his jaws parted in a silent howl, blood pooling on the rocks beneath him. Darkness flickered to existence in the farthest reaches of his vision, steadily increasing with every passing heartbeat. The sounds of battle grew muffled, as though his ears were filled to the brim with moss.

Eventually, stillness overtook him, the seemingly unconquerable mountain of a tom falling limp in the jaws of the lissome tuxedo warrior. What he would not see was the moment the black and white tom released him, forgoing his victorious position to circle him as any predator would their prey. Nightstep was waiting for the moment Hawkstar returned from StarClan so that he might watch the life leave Hawkstar's frame all over again.

leader of stoneclan

and may you have the courage
to scale their summits

background image | harley king | Hellion Fawn | table by phoenix

[Fawn]

28 MOONS LIGHTNINGCLAN WARRIOR

Mousestep wasn't enough of a real opponent that Harestrike couldn't keep at least semi-aware of his surroundings. Though on unfamiliar terrain, it was giving Mousestep little advantage over him; the warrior was probably a better hunter than he was a fighter, and Harestrike was making him pay for it. There was more to Clan life than just catching prey. Claws had to be kept sharp for moments like these too. Harestrike dodged a bold attack from the StoneClanner, rolling uncomfortably to the side, feeling the hard rock dig into his pelt as he went through the motion.

Harestrike was on his feet and retaliating in heartbeats, driving Mousestep back towards his own camp with a few unforgiving blows to the tom's head. Harestrike's gaze flitted to each of his Clanmates; Galestorm and Robinwind were making short work of the skinny warrior caught between them. Nightstep was prowling around the body of what could only be Hawkstar. Envy and awe stabbed him like thorns. Nightstep was an experienced warrior - a true champion, and Harestrike resented him for his success. I bet he got lucky, he thought darkly, not wanting to admit how skilled the black and white tom actually was.

A claw-strike to his chest wrenched his attention back onto Mousestep. With a snarl of renewed energy, Harestrike cast aside his desire to play with his opponent, and gave Mousestep a punishing strike to the snout. Mousestep staggered, Harestrike threw his weight into the lighter tom, knocking him off the rocks and into a messy roll. Mousestep was bleeding from a cut on the side of his face, and he had landed awkwardly on his right back leg. But the tom boldly tried to face him again, the hard breathing causing the rapid rise and fall of dark gray flanks.

Harestrike snorted. "You want to keep going? You'll regret it."

Mousestep spat on the ground. "Not as badly as you'll regret this battle, LightningClanner. We won the stones fair and square!"

The tabby tom hissed venom. "Killing Mapleheart was fair?" He didn't have to know her personally to be furious by the loss of life. She had been a Clanmate.

Mousestep winced. "That was an accident. These things happen!"

Harestrike shook his head. "Are you here to talk or are you here to fight?" His claws scratched messy lines into the sandstone under foot; he didn't give Mousestep the chance to decide. Harestrike gathered his strength in his haunches and leaped, ready to finish the battle.

Word Count: 421 Words
Tags: Hellion BlooRey DVD

I CAN'T SLOW DOWN, I WON'T BE WAITING FOR YOU

Notes:

[Hellion]

i'm headed straight for the castle

THEY WANNA MAKE ME THEIR QUEEN

Her body hit the wall first, forcing her head back with a crack! that was all it took. Firestar slumped to the ground, lifeless. Blood pooling from her wounds. Her eyes barely manged to close, all light fading away.

When she came to she wasn't in the mix of the battle. Instead, she was pushing herself to stand on a mist covered field. StarClan's forest. Checking her surroundings, Firestar sought out someone to help her get back. She needed to rejoin the fight. Firestar barely managed to stand, her body aching from dying. She instead decided to wait for her mother to find her, Willowfur had been the she-cat to greet her at each loss of life.

However, as Firestar noticed a coming from, her heart started to ache out of emotion. Racing toward her was her pretty daughter, painted in starlight.

"Mapleheart," Firestar whispered as she came closer. The she-cat flicked her ears in greeting, pausing just half a tail-length from her mother.

"Why are you doing this?' Mapleheart asked, her voice stern.

"I had to avenge your death!" Firestar replied, her short tail lashing.

"Now you are short one more life. Just because of me?" Mapleheart challenged, appearing to have changed since joining StarClan.

"I would lose a million lives for you," Firestar shot back, sadness and anger welling in her healing body.

"And leave Wildcall and father all alone! That foolish and you know it! The Clan needs you! You may have fought StoneClan to avenge me but you are only hurting yourself and LightingClan all over again," Mapleheart snapped back, surprising Firestar with her words. Perhaps it was the shock she needed. Firestar was finally seeing her actions for what they were, reckless and heart-driven. Dipping her head in respect to her daughter, Firestar felt a pulling sensation. Her body had healed enough for her to go back.

"I don't want to see you back in StarClan's forest for a long time mother. You need to stay with the living and make sure LightingClan survives," Mapleheart as parting words, finally stepping close enough to press her nose to her mother's cheek. Firestar attempted to drink in her daughter's scent on last time but she was met with such a mixture it was impossible to imprint it in her mind.

A sharp spasm shook her body forcing her eyes open to see the battle still going. Rising to shaky legs, Firestar noticed the clouds first, dark and heavy but strangely low to the ground. Something wasn't right. Turning to where she saw Nightstep standing over Hawkstar's body, Firestar ignored the scene in order to focus on climbing up the rock.

Once on top, Firestar looked back toward LightingClan territory and was met with such a sight, it forced the she-cat to cry out in anguish. The thunder that rumbled in the sky managed to send out lightning, striking the grass. A cruel irony to see her clan's territory ablaze. Realizing that her clan was being engulfed in flames, Firestar gave a cry, attempting to silence the battle.

"Fire! Retreat!" She yowled not waiting for her warriors to respond before leaping from the top of the rock. The she-cat with renewed vigor sprinted toward camp, expecting her warriors to be behind her.

She knew the war was lost. Maplehaert was not avenged but Firestar couldn't be bothered with the fact. Getting back to camp and helping everyone to safety was her main priority. Ensuring LightingClan survived was her prime objective now.

FIRESTAR

background image | castle | table by phoenix

@spottefawn
BlooRey DVD

everyone gets a final post. tis over

[BlooRey DVD]

The predator drifted over the stones, his circular patterns never ceasing as he waited rather impatiently for the sand-colored heap of fur to regain life. His impatience showed only in the rhythmic twitch of his white tipped tail, the remainder of his body attuned to the hunt. Dark clouds obscured much of the light tonight, providing rather fitting lighting for the battle; their only source was the forks of lightning snapping from the sky at seemingly random intervals. His white chin shifted, jaws parting to draw in the tantalizing scent of blood mixed with the heavy aroma of rain all around them. Another flash of light illuminated the sky, though he paid it little mind, not even as a crack of thunder reverberated deafeningly over the stony terrain. It would be Firestar's voice alone to reach passed the haze of battle. His black and white muzzle snapped up, irritation flashing behind a burning yellow gaze. 'Retreat' rang in his ears, as though he'd been struck over the muzzle with a rotting piece of carrion. A snarl of defiance began in his throat, until he registered the first word she'd spoken. Fire. If she was calling a retreat, then that meant LightningClan was in danger due to this fire, and that meant... "Palescreech!" He bellowed, abandoning the now-shifting StoneClan leader. Without waiting for the remainder of the patrol, he tore ahead, a new energy fueling him. He had to get to her. He had to make sure she was safe. They had more to be concerned about than their own lives now.

Hawkstar

may your dreams be larger than mountains

Slowly, his hearing returned. He was not greeted by the war cries of brawling Clan cats; instead, the air around him was peaceful, almost unnaturally so. As the rest of his senses crawled back to him, the StoneClan leader became acutely aware of the rawness in his throat. A groan escaped him as he stirred, swallowing with a more effort than usual. Forcing pale amber eyes open, the sandy furred tom exhaled slowly and allowed them time to focus. Atop his head, an ear twitched fractionally, drawn by an unfamiliar whisper not far off. "Oh, can we go meet him now Dawnshadow? Please?"

Dawnshadow... Mother? He thought to himself, heaving his tired body to a sit. Surprise flickered to life in his gaze as he noticed a total of six cats awaiting his attention. Two he recognized instantaneously; his mentor Breezeflight, and his mother Dawnshadow. Another moment passed, and he registered his mate's mother's presence. What confused his still-reeling mind, however, were the kits seated before the three she-cats. Questioning eyes alighted upon his mother, who stepped around the star-speckled frame of the misty-gray kitten before her. "You fought valiantly, Hawkstar." Purred his dark-coated mother, stretching up to touch her nose to his.

His ears pivoted back slightly, recalling the life he'd taken from Firestar. Dawnshadow seemed to pick up on his emotional shift, for she flicked his chin with her tail gently. "It was an unfortunate accident, my son." She told him sternly, her words of scolding comfort taken up by Frostface next. "A dark consequence of the war Firestar brought upon our Clan." Breezeflight stepped forward next, the smokey gray she-cat offering him one of her winning and patient smiles. "As awful as her death may be to you, Firestar has visited StarClan and returned. You might even say it was... A necessary development."

"Necessary..?" He rumbled quietly, his voice still raspy with exhaustion. Breezeflight only shrugged mysteriously, leaving him at a loss. And there were still those three mystery kits bouncing on their paw pads as though waiting was torture. What they could possibly be waiting for was unknown to him. Dawnshadow's subdued laughter pulled his focus again, despite her attention being on the other two full-grown cats present. "I think he's still recovering from his tussle. Perhaps we ought to lend him a paw?" Breezeflight was the first to step forward, amusement glittering behind her eyes as she guided the pale brown she-kit with her tail so the kitten stood before him.

"Hawkstar, we'd like to introduce you to Breezekit." Frostface motioned for the gray and white patched tom to step forward just as she cut in. "And Frostkit." His mate's voice suddenly slipped into his mind, the tom recalling a heart-wrenching conversation he'd had with her on the truth behind Frozenrain's supposed false pregnancy in the mountains. His eyes fell upon the misty gray she-kit and, just as his mother spoke her name, he whispered in disbelief. "D-Dawnkit. Oh stars, our kits.." His legs collapsed beneath him, the massive tabby sinking to a level much closer to that of the starry kittens.

A kaleidoscope of emotions exploded in his chest, joy and grief, heartache and relief. The three kits, however, were focused solely on him. With gleeful squeaks, they barreled their star-flecked coats into his sturdy frame, chattering excitedly over one another. In one sweeping motion, he tugged them all close to him, hearing their giggles as they thrashed about in his hold. His amber eyes were glued to the three other StarClan cats, gratitude shining in their midst. "They... You found them... They're here..." He choked. Though he and Frozenrain had grieved the loss of their lives, he had thought them too young to be brought to StarClan.

"They're here..." He whispered again, as though he were worried they might disappear should he look away. Following a silent exchange with his mother, the StoneClan figurehead lowered his head muzzle to bury it amongst the kittens. They purred, rubbing their cheeks to his as though it were something they'd done a thousand times. Before he could say a word, the tom kitten, Frostkit, propped his paws on Hawkstar's forehead and looked him dead in the eye. "Dad, you... You gotta tell mom to stop worrying 'bout us so much. Tell her we're good. And that we love her very much."

With a fierce nod of his head, Frostkit dismounted, returning to his sisters' sides. A distant pull, one he'd been trying to ignore for some time now, grew in strength; his body was calling him back. His heart tightened, the leader not wanting to leave his kits, not after finally meeting them. I'm sorry you never got to see the world... He thought somberly to himself. Despite never vocalizing the thought, he was left with the distinct sense that they knew, for Breezekit offered him a gentle smile and rested her paw on his comfortingly.

The moment dissolved as Dawnshadow stepped forward again. "Come, kittens. Your father must return to his Clan." Though they whined in kitten-like defiance, all three pulled away after a final farewell nuzzle, re-claiming their posts in front of their respective she-cats. Hawkstar rose much slower, his eyes drifting between each of the kittens. How can I leave them... He thought painfully, until his mother's nose pressed to his forehead. "They are with us in StarClan now, and they will await the day your time finally comes. You will see them again, my son. Now go. StoneClan needs you today."

She smiled almost regretfully, and as he felt himself slip away from StarClan, he heard her whisper to him. "You will need time to heal, for we could only do so much. You're in no danger of losing a second life, but the days to come will not be easy..."

Silence returned, not even his own breathing breaking through the heavy quiet.

And then his lungs burned, his body begging for air. With a shivering gasp, the sand-colord tom returned to the battlefield to an earsplitting crack of thunder overhead. He felt as though he'd swallowed a bramble bush, his neck and chest ablaze with pain as he struggled to pull himself to his mighty paws. Despite his best efforts, he was slow to grasp the situation and it wasn't until Eagletalon appeared at his side that he realized LightningClan had retreated.

The world tilted suddenly, but his brother was quick to right him, and Hawkstar didn't hesitate in taking the offered support. Dimly aware of Mistpetal's voice among the sounds of a storm, Hawkstar struggled to find the breath to speak. "We... Won..?" He questioned, grim relief flooding over him as Eagletalon nodded.

Hawkstar knew instantly the journey home how would be arduous and wracked with pain; standing alone brought searing agony up the jagged claw strikes marring his chest and neck. But it was necessary. He had to get back to Frozenrain.

I have to tell her.

leader of stoneclan

and may you have the courage
to scale their summits

background image | harley king | Hellion Fawn | table by phoenix