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Post by starstruck on Dec 28, 2011 19:11:40 GMT -5
Shadehawk stretched and let out a long yawn. The sun had just risen over the horizon. His wounds were still fresh and his muscles were stiff but he couldn't stay nest bound for the next moon. Looking to the left then the right he nosed his sleeping mate gently on her flank. He took in her sweet scent and it relaxed him.Shadeclaw hadn't been around for awhile so he had calmed down. He licked her between the ears and let out a warm purr."Hazelbrook I don't mean to wake you up so early, but would you like to go hunting with me?" The dark gray tom mewed in question."I'll wait outside the den." He whispered. He didn't want to wake up all the other cats in the den. Especially the sleeping tom shadeclaw.
Shadehawk walked outside of the den. Thorns tugged on his dark gray fur. He growled in frustration but simply shook his head and the dark gray thorn pulled free. He let out a triumphant grin. He blinked once as the rays of sun beamed down into his eyes. With a startled mew he padded towards the camp entrance waiting for the she-cat to wake up. It was going to be a lovely day. Hopefully the floods hadn't damaged the territory too much.
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Post by ♦ stormeh ♦ on Dec 28, 2011 20:07:37 GMT -5
Hazelbrook let out a drowsy breath when she felt something rough rasp over her head. She heard Shadehawk's soft voice in her ear and it roused her from her slumber. She cracked her eyelids open and blinked a few times, trying to push the sleep from them. Stretching her muscles, she let out in inaudible yawn before quietly climbing out of her nest. The scent of her mate was still on her pelt, and it made a soft purr escape her throat.
"Of course I would," she purred in delight, a warm smile spreading across her face. The sunlight seeped into her thick pelt, and the silence that filled the clearing indicated that no one was awake yet. Though, apparantly she stood corrected when she heard the voice of her leader. "Ah, good morning, you two," he rumbled as the muscular tabby padded up to the couple. "Since you're up, Shadehawk, you can lead the dawn patrol." Hazelbrook felt somewhat disappointed on the inside, but her happy expression didn't falter. Maybe they could spend some time together later in the day.
'What's going on here?" a voice sniffed rudely from behind Hazelbrook. She knew exactly who's voice it was. Her eyes widened with fear, and she retreated to Shadehawk's side, trying not to look too frightened. Hawkstar aknowledged the black tom with a brief nod. "Shadeclaw, you can also accompany the dawn patrol, and I want you three to check out the river, see how far the flood waters stretch" he declared, before turning and trotting back to his den. Shadeclaw had a look of disgust on his face, and when his eyes met Hazelbrook's, he narrowed his eyes.
Well, now Hazelbrook's morning was completely ruined. All hopes of having a lovely hunt with Shadehawk have been abolished, and now she was left with the one cat she feared the most - which was the same cat Shadehawk despised. I hope things won't get too bad, she thought to herself, trying to avoid Shadeclaw's irritated gaze.
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Post by starstruck on Dec 28, 2011 20:21:14 GMT -5
Shadehawk spotted his leader and imediately rolled his eyes before the tom could notice. He knew the tom wanted something. That being said, Shadehawk sat up straighter than usual and gave a curt nod to Hawkstar. When the tom asked if he could lead a morning patrol he twitched his whiskers and nodded."Of course, It will give me time to stretch my muscles. I'll report back the moment we get back." He was about to head out when he heard his leaders voice once more adding to the patrol.
Shadehawk didn't say anything. He just blinked and looked at Shadwclaw. He didn't drawl a snarl. He simply looked at the tom without saying a word. He touched Hazelbrooks pelt with the tip of his tail gently. He leaned forward and whispered in her ear."Stay close, I'll make sure nothing happens..." He looked up and looked into Shadeclaws eyes."Shall we head out then?" He didn't show any resent towards the tom. He didn't want his clan to say anything.
That being said the tom pushed his way out of the camps tunnel and into the forest. The heavy rain fall made the forest wet but the scent was fresh and relaxing. He closed his eyes for just a moment. All the clans were struggling but he couldn't help but feel at ease for some reason."Be careful, the flood waters will be raging. One misplaced paw and you will slip..." He mewed in warning. He made his way towards Riverclans territory. He could see the waters through the trees and he couldn't help but wince. The waters were incredibly high. He moved forward at a quicker pace. Occasionally slipping on the wet mud but he quickly regained his balance.
Shadehawk moved slowly towards the river."It's high covering up a lot of both territories....Shadeclaw, can you check to see how high the water is on at the gorges? I need to know if the gorges are safe to walk on. I'd do it myself but I need to see if there is a safe way towards Riverclan or if Riverclan can even get out. It looks like their camp may be flooded" He mewed. His gaze burning into the dark toms.
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Post by ♦ stormeh ♦ on Dec 28, 2011 20:39:50 GMT -5
Hazelbrook swallowed before nodding, turning and quickly padding after Shadehawk as he led the patrol out of camp. She was aware of Shadeclaw's gaze burning into her back, and she couldn't help but press closer against Shadehawk's side. When they reached the river, she almost gasped at how high the waters were. Memories of Stonebrook's limp body flashed through her mind, and she winced. This looked like the same flood he died in. Trying to push the thoughts of her father out of her mind, she caught Shadehawk's orders.
Shadeclaw curled his lip but didn't snarl. He only sniffed and whisked around, padding toward the gorge in WindClan territory. I might as well check the stepping stones, he thought to himself, flexing his claws while he padded toward the direction of the gray rocks. But for some reason, he couldn't find them. Was it because of the water level? Though the black tom was stubborn, and he figured they were barely a hair underneath the water's surface. So, without thinking, he took a step into the water and instantly plunged into the darkness before he could even scream.
Hazelbrook heard a loud splash and she turned in the direction of where Shadeclaw had went. To her horror, she saw him flailing his paws in the water, thrashing around in a desperate attempt to save himself. Memories of her father came flooding into her mind again, and her paws became frozen to the ground. But she knew, even if he was the tom she feared most, his life was in danger.
"Shadehawk, he's fallen into the river!" she shrieked, nudging his shoulder. Without waiting, she pelted downstream, trying to follow Shadeclaw. The water terrorfied her, and she knew there was no way she'd be able to go in, but she had to find some way to help him. "Help me!" Shadeclaw gasped before his head disappeared under the surface once more. Blood pounded in her ears, but she couldn't find the courage to leap in and save the tom. She was too scared.
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Post by starstruck on Dec 28, 2011 21:16:16 GMT -5
Shadehawk nodded as Shadeclaw went off. He began walking up and down the river looking for a direct route into the clans territory. He kept hissing in frustration before quickly looking back at Hazelbrook. Shadehawk knew her father died in a flood. He touched her flank gently with his tail. Things would be okay. He was about to tell her things would be okay before he heard a loud splash. SHADECLAW! He whipped around before running towards stepping stones. That mousebrain just jumped before even knowing the dangers.
Shadehawk looked up and down trying to find a way to save him. What if the clan thought he pushed him in? Everyone knew the two toms didn't get along. He was starting to panic. He couldn't find a decent sized branch, he couldn't find a place to catch his fur. What was he going to do? Before he even knew what was happening, Shadeclaw ran forward and with a leap jumped into the water. Starclan, have mercy on my soul, please let me get back to my Hazelbrook safely....
Shadehawk's body dissapeared under the ravaging current. He spotted Shadeclaw a few times but his vision was blurred. He kept flailing his paws and he knew he was certainly no Riverclan cat. He looked back at Hazelbrook as his head vanished under the surface once more. He couldn't die on her like her father did. He cough and sputtered before landing sight on the tom once more. This would be all or nothing.
Shadehawk kicked off a rock and torpedoed towards Shadeclaw. The current was pulling him in all different directions. The tom sunk his teeth into the toms scruff. Step one was done. Now he had to make it to safety. Trying to turn around in this would be dangerous. He would have to float down the river towards shallow waters. Shadehawk kept going under in order to keep Shadeclaw afloat. He had to keep the other tom's head above water. Lungs burning he popped back up for a quick breath just to go back underneath. Hazelbrook I won't die I promise...I really care about you, this must be so painful for you to watch.... Shadehawk winced as his vision turned black. He wasn't getting enough air.
It wasn't long before his hind legs had hit a patch of pebbles and dirt. The water here was just shallow enough for him to stand . With a final kick, he flung his body towards the beach. He dragged Shadeclaw with him. His body seemed limped but it could just be from shock. Before his adrenoline fadded, the tom pressed his paws on the cats chest pushing. "Please make it Shadeclaw..." the tom mewed. As his adrenoline faded Shadehawk collapsed. He kept one eye on shadeclaw as his muzzle rested on the toms side. please be alive....I dont know what I would tell the clan
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Post by ♦ stormeh ♦ on Dec 28, 2011 21:32:40 GMT -5
"Shadehawk!" It was too late. He had plunged into the rapids, his body almost disappearing at once. She saw his head bob above the surface for a heartbeat, but then he was gone. Her jaws parted in an attempt to scream, but not sound came out. Her blood turned to ice and her paws were frozen to the ground. Was this really happening? Her mind reeled and she suddenly felt light-headed.
Even if she never saw how her father died, it felt as if she was watching it happen all over again. This time, with the last cat she held so dear. It was so painful, to watch him risk his life like that, but she knew that he was very brave to do so. At least he has the courage! she thought bitterly, before returning to her senses. Anger brought new energy flowing into her limbs, and she raced after them, paws pounding against the bank of the flooded river.
The pebbles were hard against her pads, but she ignored the discomfort. Suddenly, she saw Shadehawk drag Shadeclaw out of the water a distance away, and she quickened her pace. Her flanks were heaving by the time she reached the two toms, and she gasped in horror when she saw both of them limp on the ground. Hazelbrook's eyes clouded with tears and she rushed to her mate, instantly by his side. She rasped her tongue across his fur in an attempt to warm his cold, drenched body. "Oh, Shadehawk, please, say something!" she urged, her voice cracking with fear. She wouldn't be able to bear it if she lost her mate the same way she lost her father.
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Post by starstruck on Dec 28, 2011 21:46:13 GMT -5
Shadehawk flicked his ears at the sound of approaching pawsteps. He lifted his head for a moment before letting it fall again. He was tired, and this was the second time he had let the adrenoline get the best of him. He knew it was the warrior code to save a warrior but sometimes there are battles that not every cat can fight. He could have died and it would have been foolish to have them both die. losing two warriors would have been dumb but he did it anyways. One of his shoulder wounds had reopened. He licked it a few times before looking up at Hazelbrook with sorrow in his eyes.
"I tried...." He mewed looking up at Hazelbrook. He didn't know what to do. He rested his head on his paws and let out a long breath of air from exhaustion. He dug his claws into the sand it would be awhile before he would even have the engergy to go back to camp to inform Hawkstar what happened. Shadeclaw rolled into his side. It was easier to breathe this way. Shadehawk had failed."The clan...what will the clan think they knew we didn't like each other....Hazelbrook..." He coughed and sputtered. Perhaps Starclan would let him live. He promised he wouldn't pick a fight with the dark tom again.
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Post by ♦ stormeh ♦ on Dec 29, 2011 18:20:04 GMT -5
Hazelbrook felt her heart sink for her mate when she saw the sorrow in his eyes. She shook her head gently and twined her tail with his. "It doesn't matter what they think," she told him softly, burying her nose in his fur. "All that matters is that I believe you, and that you tried your best." The calico she-cat sighed and felt a shiver run down her spine at the sight of Shadeclaw's lifeless body.
Even if the black-pelted tom had made her fear simply laying eyes upon him, she never would've wished death on him, especially a death like this one. It had been so similar to Stonebrook's death. Her eyes clouded with grief for a moment. Somehow, in the back of her mind, she knew this was her fault. If she hadn't been so scared of water, she might've been able to save him. But she just stoof there like an idiot.
Shadehawk's coughing brought her back to her senses, and her expression turned into that of a worried one. Her eyes widened with fear and she licked at his drenched pelt a few times in an attempt to warm his ice-cold body. "Shadehawk, are you alright?" she asked, her voice cracking. No, she couldn't lose the last cat she held dear. Losing her father had already left a huge mark on her past, and Hazelbrook wouldn't be able to bear it if she lost her mate.
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Post by starstruck on Jan 5, 2012 21:15:01 GMT -5
Shadehawk gave a curt nod when the she-cat asked if he was alright. His lungs burned and he knew he would need bed rest for a long while. He let out another cough. They would have to report this back to Hawkstar. Shadehawk winced at the thought of having to let his leader know that a warrior was now hunting in starclan.....or the dark forest? Either way he was somewhere other than the forest and he wasn't here. He looked at Hazelbrook then to his paws."How do you propose we get Shadeclaw back to camp? I don't think I can carry him and I feel bad just leaving him and getting a patrol....what if something happens to his body in the mean time you know?" He mewed looking at Hazelbrook. The tom sighed.
He knew he would have to stand. That being known, he pushed his already exhausted muscles to hold his weak body up. He shook his fur and looked at Hazelbrook with tired eyes.After we report back I'm just going to fall asleep and not wake up for a long time. I'm exhausted. We lost a warrior...if the other clans find out about this...what if they attack us for territory? He shook his head. Shadehawk always over reacted it was just part of his personality. There was nothing he could really do about that one.
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Post by ♦ stormeh ♦ on Jan 7, 2012 14:56:10 GMT -5
Hazelbrook rolled her eyes. Sometimes Shadehawk overreacted too much. The calico she-cat rose to her paws and flexed her claws. "Nonsense! We lost one warrior, Shadehawk. The Clan will grieve, but no one will attack us," she reassured him. In the back of her mind, she found it ironic how she was reassuring him when it was her who needed reassurance. But she wasn't going to make a big deal out of it.
Taking a deep breath, she glanced at Shadeclaw's body and tried not to shudder. "I'll get someone from camp to help me, you're in no condition to be walking," she decided, her hazel-colored eyes wide wit worry for her mate. Without waiting for an answer, she turned and bounded off toward the direction of camp, her mind reeling with anxious thoughts along the way. Would Shadehawk be alright if she left him alone? He had to be.
Before long, she was at camp and out of breath. Her Clanmates stared at her with shocked expressions and without saying a word, she ran into Hawkstar's den without even asking permission. Hawkstar was in the middle of a conversation with Auburnstripe when she interrupted, and he shot her a hard glare. "What, Hazelbrook, is so important that you need to - "
"Shadeclaw is dead. He fell into the river and drowned. Shadehawk went after him and isn't strong enough t carry him back to camp alone." Hawkstar stared at Hazelbrook, eyes wide with shock. After a heartbeat, he briefly nodded and rose to his paws. "Let's go." The muscular tom emerged into the clearing and started for the camp entrance. Hazelbrook was surprised that Hawkstar himself offered to help carry Shadeclaw's body. But she couldn't stand there forever.
Bounding after her leader, she pushed through the gorse tunnel and into the territory, almost losing track of the tabby tom as his stride was difficult to keep up with. Finally, they reached the bank of the river where Shadehawk and Shadeclaw lay. Before emerging from the undergrowth, Hazelbrook desperately hoped her mate was alright.
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Post by starstruck on Jan 7, 2012 15:06:02 GMT -5
Shadehawk looked up as his mate bounded away. He rested his paws on his chin and began to emerge himself deep into thought. Perhaps I should have moved quicker, I mean I could have saved him. Maybe if I hadn't fought that large bird the other day I would have been strong enough, what if he forced Hazelbrook to mate with him if i had saved him...Did he go to Starclan? Maybe I am over reacting like my mate said, or maybe I'm right, if Shadowclan finds out that Shadeclaw died I bet they would attack I wouldn't put it past those greasy fur bags... He found himself baring his teeth in almost a snarl. He must have looked goofy. Standing up again he flicked his ears as the bushes began to rustle.
Shadehawk had a grim look in his eyes as he spotted Hawkstar and Hazelbrook. He gave Hazelbrook a quick lick between the ears to thank the She-cat, but he had no idea where to even begin with Hawkstar."I tried to save him Hawkstar." The tom mewed while shaking water from his fur as to not splash his leader."I wasn't quick enough, and it's my fault...I asked him to check stepping stones, I should have known...." he mewed flattening his ears. However a though struck him, the stones were completely submerged. Did the tom purposefully jump in?
Shadehawk begin to think those thoughts again. Sometimes he couldn't help himself. Did Shadeclaw jump in knowing the stones were submerged? Did he want to die? Although there was no way to tell he just mumbled a few things to himself.I tried my hardest, the floods are just too dangerous right now, even for the strongest of Thunderclans's warriors." He mewed looking at Shadeclaw. He pressed his nose against Hazelbrooks chest."It will be okay.....I promise." He whispered.
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Post by ♦ stormeh ♦ on Jan 7, 2012 15:20:58 GMT -5
Hawkstar didn't even have to ask Shadehawk what happened; the tom already had words tumbling out of his mouth. Listening in silence. Hawkstar wondered if what the tom was telling him was true. Shadehawk was a valuable warrior to ThunderClan; strong and loyal. But he had never seen eye to eye with Shadeclaw. Could he have planned this? No, Shadehawk wouldn't do something like that, he argued in his mind.
The tabby tom was particularly interested in the parts where Shadehawk blamed himself. It was starting to sound as if he really did try to save him, like a ThunderClan warrior would with their Clanmate. Meanwhile, Hazelbrook could do nothing but stare wide-eyed at her leader while Shadehawk explained. She felt his nose on her chest and she felt herself relax a bit. But watching Hawstar and waiting for him to speak was nerve-wrecking.
Finally, after much thought, Hawkstar cleared his throat and trained his gaze on Shadehawk for a few heartbeats. "Shadehawk," he began, but Hazelbrook cut him off. "Please, Hawkstar, I was there! Shadehawk really did try to -" Hawkstar hissed to silence her. She shrank back and said nothing more, lowering her gaze to the ground. The massive tom turned to face Shadehawk again and continued. "I believe you tried your best to save him, and for that, we honor your bravery." Hazelbrook was so relieved that she almost thanked Hawkstar herself, but she knew it would be a bad idea if she did.
Hawkstar cleared his throat and padded toward Shadeclaw's body, placing a paw on his throat just to make sure he really was dead. Without another word, he flicked his ear and Hazelbrook rushed forward to help her leader with the black tom's body. She used her shoulder to support part of his body's weight and Hawkstar did the rest. "Back to camp. Now."
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Post by starstruck on Jan 7, 2012 16:02:48 GMT -5
Shadehawk winced when the tom spoke his name. Oh goodness I'm going to be exiled from Thunderclan. I'm going to lose Hazelbrook and I'm not going to have a clue what to do as a rogue. However, what came next surprised him. He heard Hazelbrook interject but there wasn't anything the tom could do. Then he heard Hawkstars next words and let out a sigh of relief. He dipped his head in apologies to what had happened today it wasn't his fault. It really wasn't.
Shadehawk walked beside his mate and Hawkstar since she was helping carry part of the weight of Shadeclaw. Shadehawk sighed as he watched his mate carry him. It should have been him helping carry Shadeclaw back not Hazelbrook. He winced as he began the long walk. The silence was killing him. He parted his jaws to talk but realized it may have been a bad time. He didn't want to anger his leader but at the same time he wanted to talk to his mate.
With a quick look over all three cats seemed to be deep in thougt, That's when he decided to talk."I think I'm going to straight to my nest when I get back Hazelbrook, well after Hawkstar makes an announcement if he does... The tom mewed looking at his mate. He didn't even dare look at Hawkstar. For some reason he was ashamed to even look at him. He knew he did nothing wrong but for some reason he felt like he betrayed his clan."I would like it if you joined me..."
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Post by ♦ stormeh ♦ on Jan 7, 2012 16:16:23 GMT -5
As the three ThunderClan cats began the long trek back to camp, Hazelbrook couldn't help but notice how miserable Shadehawk looked. Poor thing, he must think that Hawkstar hates him now, she blinked sympathetically. If only they had never went on that patrol. Shadeclaw wouldn't have drowned and Shadehawk wouldn't be so ashamed of himself.
Looking at her mate with a defeated look on her face, she brushed her muzzle against his. "I'll be right behind you," she promised honestly, hoping that Shadehawk wouldn't remain in this state forever. Seeing him like that made Hazelbrook feel so useless, as if anything she did to try and cheer him up would actually make everything worse. Turning back to look ahead, the calico she-cat glanced at Hawkstar for a heartbeat. She figured he would announce Shadeclaw's death shortly after they returned, and the Clan would sit vigil for him.
After the long journey, the trio finally made it to the camp entrance. The gorse tunnel looked threatening, especially when they'd have difficulties carrying Shadeclaw through all those brambles. But it had to be done. The weight Hazelbrook was carrying suddenly lifted off her shoulder and she watched with guilt as Hawkstar single-handedly carried Shadeclaw into camp, his limp body hanging on the leader's back.
Sighing, she waited a few moments, feeling as if the moment she walked in, her Clanmates would start accusing Shadehawk of doing bad things. Turning to her mate, she pressed against his side in an attempt to comfort him. "Don't worry, things will get better," she mewed, her gaze expressing the anxiety she felt toward him. After a moment of silence, she buried her nose into his shoulder. "Please, I don't like seeing you like this," she added in a softer tone, looking up at him.
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Post by starstruck on Jan 7, 2012 16:32:01 GMT -5
Shadehawk looked at Hazelbrook and let his eyes light up. They didn't have that defeated look but he still felt a small twinge of pain in his heart. He knew Hazelbrook felt just as bad as he did if not worse. He purred warmly trying his hardest to act like his old self. He didn't want Hazelbrook to be upset with him like this. It was certainly just a phase, and when things died down he would come out of his shell. He just didn't like the idea of cats accusing him of murder if they would accuse him, especially of something he didn't do.
With a quick trot he ran into the warriors den. When Hawkstar was ready to make the announcement he would come back out again. He would even tell his story again if he had too. The though wasn't that appealing telling his story again, something he had just experienced but he would. Letting out a sight and a high pitched sneeze, he curled up into a tight ball where he would need to be for awhile. He wouldn't be going out on a patrol any time soon, he knew that much, not just because of his health but because it was so dangerous. If Hawkstar was smart he wouldn't send cats towards Windclan or Riverclan.
With a snort he rested his chin on his paws. With a flick of his tail he beckoned Hazelbrook in. He didn't want her to be upset."I won't be this way forever Hazelbrook I promise. Tomorrow brings a new day and a new light. They forget about it, or what happened for that matter. Ill be fine no worries, I have you to keep me company.
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