Abandoned and Alone

[Jack Lantern]

"Lets get out of here they said. Hell won't rain from the sky they said." Vince scoffed as three others along with himself trekked through the forest. "I swear I should have just stayed in Alexandria. At least the acid rain wasn't that bad if you didn't go outside. But now all of you guys!" he paused to catch for breath. "You guys just gotta drag me down with you. I hate you bastards." he sputtered leaning against a tree. The others took note of how tired they all were and began to stop. Nicholas fell to the ground to take his usual nap and Max just laughed. "Man, you never know when to stop do you?" he asked, slightly annoyed. Vince chuckled "You're just figuring that out?"he granted, taking note to stop and let everyone have a moment of peace.

Michael sitting near Nicholas began to think. It didn't take him long but he had an idea of what to do next. "Hey. We passed a highway not too long ago right?" he wondered. Vince looked at Max before turning to Michael "As far as I remember." he confirmed. Max rolled his eyes "If by a while ago you means literally hours. We can't go back now.". Michael narrowed his eyes in thought "Wasn't planning on it." he muttered.

Nicholas opened his eyes and nudged Michael while the others carried away. Michael met his gaze and finally noticed it. "Guys. There is a sand pit up ahead. A big one too. And another cat." Michael announced. They all went silent for a moment before getting back on their route and jogging forward to the sand hollow.

[Shadow]

.Ashpaw.

[/i][/u]

Ashpaw looked around. He was alone in the Sandy Hollow. He was small, and young, but stubborn and determined. He knew that he shouldn't be here alone, that he should be back as camp, but here he was. His soft, grey pelt standing out against the color of the sand. He looked like an odd shaped rock if he stood still, but he was never good at staying still. He had already caught a mouse, but he wanted to keep trying before returning to camp. He enjoyed the freedom he had found on their hunting trips, and was reluctant to give them up, even after nearly being caught once. He made sure that everyone thought he was around the camp before hiding, and slipping out alone. Getting back in was harder, but not impossible for the young tom.

As he looked around the Sandy Hollow, he realized that it was nearly silent, all the animal sounds had stopped. He turned in a slow circle looking for the reason. Nothing. Everything was silent, as if holding it's breath, but he saw nothing. No wait! There was something. An odd shape, one that had not been there before, and voices. Voices? Cats! He thought about running, but where? He couldn't just lead them to the camp. No, he would stay and see who they were first, then decide what he needed to do. He turned fully to face the approaching cats.

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[Jack Lantern]

Michael took the lead and jumped over a log, the others close behind. "Hey Mike, you think its a good idea to be running around asking all the cats we see for help?" Maxwell asked, expressing his doubts of really getting help from anyone else. Michael understood what he ment, but they didn't have much of a choice. "What the hell are you talking about? We haven't seen a single cat since we got past the last town." he responded, his voice agitated.

"You're forgetting those mountain idiots who we had to slip across." Vince noted. Michael didn't reply back, he wouldn't consider those animals to be cats considering how pissed they were at finding pawprints through their 'territory'. Stepping out into the hot sand the sun shined into his eyes causing him to hault to a stop. Getting used to the light he gazed around spotting the at they had smelled. "There." Michael pointed with his tail.

Vince became uneasy "Wow, he's small. He can't be that old. Should we really use the names? What could he do?" he meowed, not shaking his eyesight off the at. "Doesn't matter who we're talking to. Remember what he said. Anything can be a problem. Use the names." Michael ordered. With a sigh of annoyance from both Maxwell and Vince they all approached the cat without hesitation.

Michael flicked his tail for them to stop once there were close enough. "Hey, do you know where we can find a city or something? Civilization?" Michael called out. Vince and Maxwell looked at eachother and snickered. "We come in peace small one, take us to your leader!" Max demanded, laughing afterwards. Michael turned around raising a brow "Are you serious right now?" he growled. Vince rolled his eyes and stopped laughing "Oh come on Church. Its not like he'll do it. He's probably the only cat for miles."

[Shadow]

.Ashpaw.

[/i][/u]

He stood watching as the cats approached. Four, he counted four, but kept scanning the direction they were in for more. He couldn't place them. He was sure they were not clan cats, but they didn't appear to by like any kittypet or rouge he knew of. What were they? Where were they from? What was he to do? He stayed put, but desperately wanted to flee. They carried a scent of trouble and danger. As the toms drew nearer, he could make out parts of their conversation clearly. They seemed to disagree a lot, but he was unable to pick out a definite leader among them.

As they turned their attention to him, he thought as he listened. He knew that he couldn't get caught now. Not only were they trespassing, they posed a threat to his clan, and to all clans. He would also be in big trouble for leaving camp and talking to outsiders. Then again, would he get into more trouble if her brought them to Hawkstar, or told them to leave without telling his leader? He didn't know, but he didn't want to find out. They had to get of Thunderclan's land, and fast, before another cat came along.

By their words, he knew they were mocking him, but he could barely understand their speech. How dare they make fun on me? They can't even talk plainly. he thought to himself. A city? What cat, other that a kittypet wanted to find a city? Suddenly he thought of the stories, horror stories and legends really, of a cat from long ago. A city cat, but most definitely not a kittypet, Scourge. Were they like him? Were they here for blood and battles? No, they had asked for a city, and ... and what? To take him to Hawkstar? What was he to do? He wanted nothing more to run away, to hide, and let there strange cats forget about him and his help, but their laughing stopped him. Were they laughing at him? Or what they had said? He couldn't tell.

So which is it? he demanded, his voice stronger and louder than he could have even hoped for. A city, or my leader? he asked, looking the odd toms over as he finished.

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[Jack Lantern]

They all stood there waiting for a response. A heavy silence filling the air. Michael turned his head "The guy is most likely thinking about what to do at the moment. Hold your guard." the other nodded and Michael returned to watch the cat waiting for him to respond. Then he finally answered, only it stunned him for a few seconds. Michael turned around to look at Vince, mouth opened in surprise. Vine looked at him then the other cat, and then back to Michael. "I uhh. I stand corrected Church." he exclaimed.

"So. What do we do? There is the possibility it could be a trap." Maxwell stated, not sure what he would do if he was in Michael's position. Nicholas narrowed his eyes, as if had an idea. Michael just turned back around facing the lone cat "Maxwell is right. It could just be a trap. Not to mention I just noticed something. He has few too many scents on him." he informed. Vince remained unsure about trusting him "He could be in a group like us though. Maybe more got out of Alexandria than just us.". Maxwell glared at the loner "If Matt and Mason couldn't make it out. I doubt this rag-tag kitten could. Michael looked down, thinking about their two comrades. "Doesn't matter. If it wasn't for them we wouldn't be here either. Besides, its best to know what we could be up against. We'll have this guy take is to his apparent leader. Nicholas." Nicholas perked his head up listening. "You sneak off while we are following him. We'll create an excuse. Scout around the area then come back." he ordered.

Michael stepped forward "Alright. Take us to your leader. You don't pull anything against us, we won't do the same." they all started forward to the cat. Getting close to him they waited to follow him.

[Shadow]

.Ashpaw.

[/i][/u]

Now he was stuck. He had no idea what he should do, but being alone, he didn't have much choice either. These cats scared him, and something told his not to mess with them. As they came closer, his body tried to dart away from them, but he forced himself to stay in the lead. He couldn't let them know how much power they had over him. He slowly led the way, then started to move faster, hoping to get it over with. It was a long way to the camp, and every step seemed to take forever. He glanced up, hoping to find a sign that Starclan was watching over him. All that there was to see was light fluffy clouds, the sun high above. The leaves atop the trees swaying softly in the breeze, and the piercing cry of a rapture. The cry sent a shiver along his spine. An eagle? Being so small, many raptures could easily pick him up, some could even take one of the larger cats behind him. But then the sound died away.

Some time later, they reached the top of the of the ravine, over looking the camp. He moved slowly now, afraid to take them any farther, but still he kept moving. He was almost to the barrier that marked the entrance when he noticed something was off. Just as in the forest, and now that he thought about it all the way here too, it was silent. Nothing moved, nothing made even a slight sound and indicated life. Where were everyone? What was wrong? Would they attack him? Think it was a trick? He stuck his head slowly through the barrier, and looked around, but it only confirmed his fears. The camp was empty, the Thunderclan cats were not here.

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[Jack Lantern]

As they followed with haste they paid mind to their surroundings. So many places to run and hide, it was amazing. But they still had to keep caution, its not like they were the only ones good at stalking around. Making sure not to alert the small cat Nicholas remained at the back of the group, and eventually slipped off from the others. He carefully walked through the bushes next to him and ran away to look around and more importantly, ahead.

Michael looked around them as he padded along taking note of all the details the forest had to offer. "How do you survive out here?" he wondered aloud. Vince shrugged "Other than being a feral scavenger? Not much really. No offense tiny." he smirked looking past them at the small cat leading them to god knows what. The continued to walk in silence until their guide suddenly stopped. They watched him duck his head through a thorn den, not sure what he was doing. Michael held his guard at that very point "Something wrong?" he asked almost demanding an answer.

[Breezy]

Hawkstar

The ears of a large Bengal tom flickered at the sound of movement north-west of where he was perched in the tree. His nose wrinkled at a whiff of something he found disgusting, to catch more of the overwhelming aroma he opened his mouth and inhaled slowly, a tom cat younger than him but not an apprentice. His eyes darted to the rustling in the grass that displayed a young stone gray cat. Hawkstar bit back a slight growl a little more curious of why this cat was in his territory in the first place. His dodger blue eyes glared at the ignorant cat, who was he? His massive paws peddle backwards silently as the cat below him moved nearly in silence. His paw steps weren't as swift as a warrior but just enough that an apprentice might have a hard time detecting him. The cats aroma was faint of two-legs, along with other cats. He held his position in the tree listening, observing, and planning. Just as the thought of crawling down the tree, he heard more rustling and this time voices. He could detect there was at least four of them, one of the scent he inhaled being of his own clan. He didn't know what they were speaking of but he knew it wasn't good. As they slunk past him out of site towards the clan his body bristled slightly in worry, his effort to become tranquil worked. He had practiced that much needed skill with Fallenfeather and as usual whatever knowledge Fallenfeather had given him came in handy.

Slinking down the tree, he stalked slowly after the cats following behind closely enough to hear them but he was too skilled to be detected unless the other stone colored cat showed up but his tense body would recognize the noisey cat before it could appear upon him. He paused when their paw steps froze, they were at the enterance of his camp now.
"Something wrong?"
He heard one of the cats ask the apprentice, he stepped forward before speaking from behind the smaller of the three tom who had pure ebony fur. His voice was at an even tone and his expression neutral. He wasn't wary of these cat's but he was curious of their motives here.

"The problem could quite well be that you are forgien in our territory. I'm Hawkstar, and you're quite lucky one of my patrol's didn't find you and Ashpaw did. What brings you here?"

He swallowed a comment of them being tremendously loud as he new better than to start off making enemies. He'd let them decided their fate with him and his clan. His eyes trailed over to Ashpaw and then back to the three before him. The one in front of the small group seem to be the leader, his black and silver coat mixing in a oddly pattern the hugged his body. His eyes shifted to the two standing behind him but on either side, one looking the same age as the leader, his fur black with a white patch on his chest and the other one being pure black with yellow eyes reminding him of the Riverclan cat, Panthersoul. So where was their other partner in crime? Perhaps out hunting or maybe scouting either way it was a question to be asked.

"Where is your gray friend? Much younger than all of you I assume, but he is not present...why?"

[Jack Lantern]

Maxwell looked around wondering what the delay could be about. A surprise attack? That couldn't be the case. They would have already been attacked by now. He was still pondering when a voice erupted behind him. Maxwell jumped a little quickly turning around "Holy shit!" his surprisement being clear as glass. Backing up he looked over at Michael who was already staring at the large feline.

"I was wondering when you'd show up. Are all you feral cats this clumsy or are you just screwing with us?" Michael responded his expression blank. He had heard the large cat climb down the tree to follow them. Had he just been a little more quiet Michael would been surprised like both his comrades.

Vince held back a laugh at Michael comment, feeling the situation was a little more worrying than laughable. "Uhh Church? I know you've never let us down before but uhh. Maybe pissing off the kitty that's bigger than all of us is not a good idea." he mentioned, not taking his eyes off the cat.

Maxwell silently agreed with Vince. The cat was big enough to sling them like rag dolls unless they got the jump on him. He only prayed that Nicholas was nearby. Not only that, he was discreet to the point were he could sneak up on him. He only wondered how Michael knew.

Taking thought of the idea not to anger the large tom Michael became more relaxed. "Yeah, it is a good idea. Sorry about that. I just couldn't let it slide. We found you're guy and asked him to take us to you. We figured asking the leader of his group would be the best way to ask for directions." he answered, regretfully ignoring the large cat's jab at them.

Vince's eyes grew larger as he asked were Nicholas was. How did he...? How could have known? He glanced at Michael before returning his gaze at the tom.

"He went to go run an errand. Nothing special." Michael said, his face not fazing at the question.

[Breezy]

Hawkstar

Hawkstar bit back a laugh, of course the leader had heard them he wouldn't stalk them as they were prey, it never took much to let others know of your presence so why show your top skills with raggedy cats like these? He was a egoistic cat like most brutes but knew when to act and let it show and when to not. Besides he had nothing to prove to these cats beside the fact that their welcome only lasted for so long. He smirked at bit letting the leader, Church take his small "victory". His attention turned to the one who spoke about pissing off Hawkstar. Well that was smart, it never took much to piss Hawkstar off but he had learned a bit of patience so perhaps he should use it now instead of breaking the tension into a battle. His eyes flickered back to Church as he agreed with the idea, the Bengal cat didn't relax he couldn't it. He wasn't one to relax anyhow but then again it was hard to tell when he was tense as he always seemed to be tense. His jaw clenched a bit at the smooth sentence that escaped the cats jaws, he figured it to be a lie but no matter, if anything Fallenfeather would be one to find him or appear anytime soon. Fallenfeather seem to always appear in times like these even without really realizing what he had stepped into, it frankly amused Hawkstar. His dodger blue eyes dimmed thinking about the faint lie that had escaped Church's lips. His mind told him to speak on it but he knew better and spoke on a different topic mentioned earlier.

"Pissing me off? I have a temper but I do not attack my guest unless attack first, which from what you said is not something you'd be likely to do. What directions do you need exactly? Looking for the cats that fish from the lake, the ones that blend with shadows or the ones fast as the wind?"

He smiled faintly at his indirect suggestions of the other clans. His eyes trailed to Ashpaw who still hadn't spoke a word. What was wrong with him? Was he as shocked as the others or mute for different reasons. This curiosity burned at him to know but he knew it was better to find reason on why these cats were here than what in the hell was wrong with the apprentice before him.

[Shadow]

.Ashpaw.

[/u]

When he turned to look back, the rouge leader was right next to him. The small gray tom stared back in horror as the larger male. What now? As the one called Michael demanded that he speak, he swallowed hard, but no words would come. He knew that he was in danger, with no one to save him. Just then he looked up to see Hawkstar, his leader, come bounding down a tree. He fell backward, sitting down hard on the ground as he saw the welcome massive Bengal tom. He turned to look between Hawkstar, and the others. That's when he realized that one was missing. Where did he go? the thought was gone before it was finished as he listened to the exchange that took place.

He hoped that Hawkstar would chase these mangy rouges away, they had no place here. The sight of his savior had brought back his spunk and his fight, but he was still unable to speak. He shook from the shock that he had been under. Slowly he was able to gain control of his body, one muscle at a time. He stood again, once he was sure he was steady, but stayed silent, not wanting to draw Hawkstar's attention, and anger, upon himself. He knew of his leader's temper, and had no desire to test his new found patience. He understood the vague references that the Thunderclan leader had made of the other clans. He hadn't thought of that. They had mentioned a city when speaking to him. Were they here to harm the clans? He didn't know, but now that he had help, he was determined to defend his. No rouge could just come here and make themselves at home. They mentioned a city. he spoke up, his voice strong and in command again.

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[Jack Lantern]

Michael listened carefully as the leader gave certain locations to them. Cats that fished from the lake, blended with the shadows, fast as wind. Were any of these true? He wasn't sure if he wanted to figure out. He without a doubt was firm on believing that none of these cats while strong and threatening, had a harder training experience than Hazop. He wondered if these shadow cats were better stalkers then them. Shame they didn't have time to figure out. Michael turned around when the young one blurted out. It seemed the wanted to get rid of them quickly. Were they a threat to these feral cats? Didn't matter, just made it all the more easier. "What tiny said." Michael confirmed turned back to the leader.

Vince rolled his eyes. Mike was going to get them killed one day, it was just a matter of time. He would of course give him a congratulational high five upon leaving for remaining strong in front of them.

Finished with his scout trip Nicholas approached from behind before noticing the large tom in front of his friends. They looked like they were blocked by him or something. Maybe they thought they were here to cause harm? Being as stealth as possible Nicholas crept up on him. Despite being smaller than all his friends and way more smaller than the cat he was attempting to jump he figured he didn’t have any options. Making sure not to step on any sticks or crackling leaves he made his way before taking a pouncing stance.

Vince yawned and blinked a few times waiting to get this over with. Their time was short and they had to find a place to stay quick. He gazed around before spotting something behind the leader, and within seconds he realized who it was. “Nicholas, no!” he yelled but to no avail. He was already souring through the air to attack the leader of the feral cats.

[Breezy]

Hawkstar

Hawkstar almost instinctively, dipped flat to the ground and swooped left easily dodging the cats straight on lunge for him. He hadn’t heard the cat appear but his aroma became over whelming and that was what betrayed him foolishly, also the launch to soar through the air let out a tight hiss that he had caught swiftly on his ears. He let out a large annoyed growl before steadily and quickly moving towards the cat and before the cat could make another movement the Bengal tom was towering over him. Paws on either side of the smaller cat, ears pinned back and lip curled into a tight snarl.

"What possessed you to act so foolishly?"

Although his appearance was that of frustration his voice was as calm as he could force it to be. His tail slashed through the air almost daring someone else to make a move. It wouldn't take much for him to easily leave this smaller cat with a few injuries but there was no need to act violently now was there? Even if part of his mind just wanted to shred the young cat to pieces. One many didn't realize was how murderous Hawkstar could be and sometimes it scared himself how little he cared for cats injuries at times. His attention shifted from his thoughts to his surroundings. He knew everyone had tensed up and was waiting for the next movement someone would make. His ears perked at the rustling of the grass. It wasn't long till he heard the voice of his closest friends and perhaps his only true friend. His peripheral vision allowed him to notice the stone gray pelt of Fallenfeather that stood a mere two tail lengths away. He turned his head briefly to see the lime orbs of Fallenfeather.

"Violence is unnecessary especially for strangers on someone's lands but we all make mistakes, it was obviously this brave young cat was trying to protect his friends. Hawkstar calm your nerves and un-clench your jaw."

OOC: Sorry for the short ugly post

[Jack Lantern]

[Its fine.]

The air was knocked out of him as he slammed into the ground. He had missed such an easy target? How? Nicholas hastily flipped over only to meet face to face with the feral cat. His mouth open in fear he launched his claws and grabbed hold of the cat over him trying to push him off. He pushed as hard as possible but the feral cat was too large. He squirmed and budged until a voice broke the tension.

"Violence is unnecessary especially for strangers on someones lands but we all make mistakes, it was obviously this brave young cat was trying to protect his friends. Hawkstar calm your nerves and un-clench your jaw."

Michael remained cool and looked over at small feral cat beside him. Once again a situation like this would arise again, and it would end the same in their benefit.

Maxwell lashed around and grabbed hold of the small feral cat and harshly slinged him to the ground. Michael calm as ever stepped over and pressed his claws against the cat's frail neck as Maxwell held him down. "Your friend is right, Hawkstar. It was a mistake. Let him go or else I'll paint the ground crimson. You got five seconds." he demanded. Vince slowly made his way over to stand in front of Michael, if Hawkstar did charge he could hold him back long enough for Michael to put the other cat down. "Just let him go and tell us where the city is. We just need to find somewhere to stay before it rains." Vince exclaimed. He just hoped an execution wouldn't be needed.

[Shadow]

.Ashpaw.

[/u]

Ashpaw watched the three outsiders, looking between them, and Hawkstar. He just happened to be looking at his leader when the fourth cat appeared. He had launched himself, attempting to at tack the large Bengal tom. Ashpaw started to warn his leader, but knew better. He was a warrior, these cats were no match for clan cats. Just as he thought, Hawkstar was able to easily avoid the attack, and pinned the offender to the ground. Then, just for a second, Ashpaw was sure that he could see malice in the Thunderclan leader's eyes. Looking again, it was gone, and he was unsure of what he had seen. Then a voice caught his attention, and he looked up to see Fallenfeather. He knew that the tom was close with Hawkstar, and always seemed to silently appear, and disappear just the same. His words chilled Ashpaw though. Had he been right about what he saw?

Before he had time to figure it out something happened. At first he was unsure what the rouges were doing, but before he knew it they had him pinned to the ground. He was frightened, but knew not to move. The paw pressing on his neck made it hard to breath, and his heart felt like it was trying to break out of his chest. He looked around wildly, hoping to find a way out of this. What had he done? What had he gotten into? He looked in the direction of his leader and Fallenfeather, but they were just out of sight.

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[Shadow]

Oh, That's what I thought at first, but I wasn't sure because Fallenfeather was good friends with Hawkstar. I'll fix the reply.

[Jack Lantern]

[Uhh, yeah I guess I really gotta get better on implying. They pinned Ashpaw down. Not Fallenfeather. Sorry if I made it too vague. And another thing, purely of choice. Could the upstaging possibly end at this point? I know clan cats are badasses and whatnot but the cats from this old organization are at least a force to be wreckend with just like them. But again purely of choice.]

[Breezy]

[Is officially confused, someone else play Hawkstar for the post then because now I'm just lost and nothing is making sense anymore]

[Shadow]

{I was too. I had to change my post, because Ashpaw was the one caught. Can we just skip this part, and act like they all got free and are standing off? Because I think everyone got lost there.}

[Jack Lantern]

[Umm, Ashpaw was taken hostage. Its not that big of a clusterfuck.]