x__holy d i v e r_x

[(aurora) of the problematique]

<sub>Silence. Quiet. Deathly quiet as always. It was only to be shattered by a loud snarl and a screaming meow that sent the owls hooting and moonlight-feeding deer fleeing from their post.

"Fox!" came a breathless voice. "Fox! In the bushes!"

Deliriumstep's breaths were ragged and blood pooled at every step she made. She yowled in pain, dark-gray pelt matting with blood. Wounds, some fatal and some glancing, splattered across her body. Flesh and fur lay mangled in some areas. One gash went across her eye and ear.

The female fell to the ground in CloudClan, her homeland, and crumpled like a pile of leaves in high wind. She had fought off the beast, being the sentry for the night, but it wasn't enough.

She was gone.</sub>

[cheshy says grace]

Nightfur burst through the bushes as she heard the voice of Deliriumstep. She hadn't made it in time.

The deputy stared in terror at the dead warrior before.

Nightfur's glossy black fur shined dark blue in the moonlight, making her seem godly; even though tears streamed heavily down her cheeks and her eyes were scrunched shut in disbelief. She shook her head back and forth. She let out a yowl of desperation and agony, NO!

She crumpled next to Deliriumstep's body and rested her sobbing muzzle on the warrior's cheek. Her body quaked with rage and sorrow. No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no... she repeated desperately, as if hoping it could bring her friend back.

The deputy yowled softly again, and didn't care if Delirium's blood leaked unto her smooth black pelt.

((song I was listening to while posting: youtube.com/watch?v=1bFvDAng3sA))

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

[fernie. (:]

A dark tabby warrior flew from the warm den, hearing the snarls through his restless sleep. Eaglefeather scanned the situation with his leaf coloured eyes, and then leapt into battle mode as a long, pointed muzzle showed through the leafless bushes. The tom flew across camp and leapt at the fox, immediately clawing and snapping at it. The fox flipped over, crushing Eaglefeather, before the muscular tom kicked his hind legs up and the fox went flying, further away from camp. Eaglefeather could feel his scratches already starting to sting, but knew that the fox wasn't finished yet.

[/size]

[[xoxo] shard. :)]

^{She exited her den, grief flooding over her. The she-cat was strangely calm, though, striding over to the other. She spoke nothing until she reached Deriliumstep's body. There, she slowly moved into a sitting position and murmur, "My friend...may you safely arrive in StarClan..." This was one of the few cats she spoke to, as she was generally quiet. And now she was dead, gone forever. What if she didn't make it to StarClan though? Lately, Heavenwing's prayers felt empty, and dark, mysterious whispers filled her dreams. A dark force was taking over StarClan, but what? Or who?}

[SHADE. :D]

The scent of blood was strong in the air. Indigopaw buried his nose in his wide forepaws, cursing the ungrateful furball that was eating fresh kill this late. The small blue-grey tom rolled over, snorting angrily. A snarl ripped through the night, and he sat bolt upright, sapphire eyes narrowed in confusion. He winced slightly as the wound on his face from his fight with Lycan stung, but shook away the pain. The young tom climbed to his paws, exiting the den. Indigopaw trotted towards the source of the sound and scent, and a shiver crept up his spine. Deliriumstep. Lying. Motionless. Covered in blood. Indigopaw flattened himself to the ground in fear and greif. He had known the she-cat since kithood. She was dead. Dead. A fiery anguish rose inside Indigopaw, and as he spotted Eaglefeather fighting the fox. The blue-grey tom ran after it, tearing up grass as he did so, tears on his cheeks. "I'll kill you! I'll kill you!"

[kee :]]

"My entrance is no where near
As graceful as my exit was."

Cormorantstar[/center][/i][/size]

The evening was silent, which was why sleep had been quite easy for Cormorant. His dreams had been both odd and soothing. First he dreamed of Oleanderkit, probably named something else by now, and who he thought was probably Dewpaw, his daughter that he never met. In his second dream, Lemonzest, his dead mate, came to him and told him not to give up. So now he was running. That dream had given him the strength that he had when he was first made Leader and he was not afraid to be laughed at or called a kit because he had been taken by twolegs. He didn't feel hostile, but he felt peaceful and calm, like he was years younger when he had first become Leader, before the chaos began.

Cormorant pushed the thoughts of Lonelyheart and their kits out of his mind, though he did wonder where they were now. Were they all still alive? Did they hate him? Well he could answer the second question immediately. Yes. Of course they hated him. Cormorant hated himself for the mistakes he had made. But Lemonzest was his first non mistake he mad as a Leader. And now their two kits, Dewpaw and Tawnypaw, hated him. But from what Lemonzest said, they would warm up to him eventually. But how long was eventually? He had a few lives left and his young kits to watch over. But there was danger coming. Danger that he feared deeply.

As the thin tom approached camp the sudden smell of blood washed over him and his eyes turned from their peaceful pale blue to light yet glimmering with fierce anger blue. All the serenity was gone from him and with all his strength that he had left in him, he pushed himself forward to a point where he thought he was flying. The short trees and shrubs passed by him rapidly as the scent of blood grew more strong as well as the scent of CloudClan, death, and fox. Cormorant unsheathed his claws and became tense, like he was ready to pounce if a fox came out of no where, yet he only slowed down a little bit. Until he stopped dead in his tracks, seeing the russet colored fox standing only rabbit lengths away from the CloudClan camp.

Anger, deep hatred for this fox built up inside Cormorant until his eyes burned darker and he bared his teeth snarling and spatting at the fox until the russet colored devil finally realized that this weak dark colored tomcat wanted a fight. The scent of blood and death filled Cormorant's nose and he immediately knew that a cat was dead, which made the anger become even more fierce. He could hear the blood pulsing through his ears and his heart beating in his chest. And finally, Cormorant sprang for the fox, his front legs out to catch his side. This fox was smart though, he swiftly dodged the blow but Cormorant was smarter and faster. He sprang up, barely touching the ground when his attack failed, and he tried again, his time going for the back. He sprang, the fox not noticing this movement and Cormorant was able to dig his claws into the fox's hindquarter and slashed in deeply from rump to neck in one swift movement. The fox cried out in pain and in anger. The russet animal went for Comorant, lasting against his side giving the tomcat minor wounds. The fox attempted to snap at Cormorant's neck but the swift tom dodged that blow, only to get deep teeth marks in his shoulder. He ignored the stinging pain and thrashed at the fox's face, trying to blind him and lifting his head up in pain to dodge Cormorant's sharp claws, the claws snapped into the fox's flesh, digging deep into his neck. The fox fell to the ground, his eyes filled with pain and sorrow as his throat bled and he finally let out a dying cry that was cut off. The fox was dead.

Cormorant backed away, staring at the fox triumphantly for a moment before turning to the cats in the clearing. His shoulder stung but Comorant didn't really notice how deep the wound was. He didn't really care. He just stared at the cats with wide eyes, hoping that they weren't angered.

[cheshy says grace]

Barleypaw let out a ragged cry of regret and grief. Deliriumstep was dead, and her best friend was about to put his life on the line too.

She sprinted to his side, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. Then she stopped as she saw it fall to the ground. Dead. And neither of them had touched it.

The confused she-kitty looked around for the killer, her eyes blurry with the salt water that leaked from her tearducts. Then Barleypaw saw him. He left when she was just a newborn in the nursery, but there was no way she could forget that face. Her jaw was dropped in disbelief.

He couldn't be back.

Nightfur sniffed and looked up from her grieving. She watched as the fox died and saw the claws that killed it. She stood up for a moment, then nipped herself as if to awake.

It wasn't a dream.

She took a step toward him and whispered, scared that her breath might blow him away, Cormorantstar?

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

[SHADE. :D]

Indigopaw rushed at the fox, claws unsheathed, ready to tear and maim the russet-coloured beast. The blue-grey tom staggered backward as a grey blur shot in front of him, slashing at the fox, and eventually killed it. The apprentice watched the ragged, storm-pelted loner through wide sapphire eyes. Indigopaw padded backward until he stood beside Barleypaw, his short pelt brushing her's. The broad-shouldered tom glanced sideways at Barleypaw. Horror and recognition was crossing her face. The same shocked looked was written all over Nightfur's face. Indigopaw frowned, looking the picture of his father, Skytomb. "Who're you?" he mewed, bristling angrily, treating the former CloudClan leader as he would any other intruding rogue. For he had never known Cormorantstar - the tom had been lost before his time.

[(aurora) of the problematique]

_{A massive shape exited the warrior's den, blinking luminous hazel eyes and swiveling them towards the fallen gray-black frame. Oleandergaze's shoulders rolled back imperiously as he strode forward. His eyes saddened and he aimlessly touched Deliriumstep's fur. The male turned to the other CloudClanners and sighed softly, stepping past them and looking over at the loner. His eyes beheld a tom once known as Cormorantstar. Oleandergaze came forward to stand by Indigopaw, his colossal frame towering over the apprentice. "His name is Cormorantstar, Indigopaw, but I doubt he calls himself that now. He used to be our leader, before Stormstar was deemed so," he said sagely. He turned a slight, respective smile to the older tom.}

[FIREH!!]

<sub>An image of Skytomb raced from the Warriors' Den and followed his apprentice. Grief for Deliriumstep would be saved for later. Right now, he needed to make sure his brother was okay. His pawsteps thudded louder and quicker as he heard slashing. He raced to his brother and stood protectively over him, snarling at the cat in the shadows. He thought he was the fox. Then he scented the air, and moved away from his brother, respect and astonishment taking over his movements. He dipped his head raggedly to the former leader. Cormorantstar, what brings you here? Thank you for killing the fox. He added in a haste. Midnightsky could still not believe that Cormorantstar was standing in front of him.

At the same moment his brother raced out, Cloakedclaw was on his feet. He padded out, and immediately noticed the body of his denmate. He ropped his head onto her flank and meowed softly, You will be honoured in Starclan, Deliriumstep. He moved away and padded solemnly to the nursery, his head hanging. He had to tell Ribbontail.

A female mix of her father and mother stepped from the apprentices' den, following her brother. Instantly, she noticed the body. She dropped to the ground, shivering in fear, as she heard the distant howls of the fox. Suddenly, they stopped, and she dared to open her eyes, that she had not realized she had shut. Stripedpaw crept towards the motionless body, and began to clean her pelt of the fox and blood scents. Tears rolled from her face, as the thought of one of her own clan were taken so cruelly. Would she reach Starclan soon? She could only hope.

Icelily's stiff movements betrayed her age as she padded from the elders' den, flicking her tail for Skytomb to follow. She silently rested her muzzle on Deliriumstep's side, as to wish her a farewell. Then she withdrew and sat, hunched over.</sub>

[kee :]]

// hope you don't mind dramatic entries. :]

Suddenly, it seemed as though the world had paused for a moment. Dead silence racked through his brain and his heart stopped for a second. He looked around at the cats gathered and remembered each of them by their names. There was Nightfur, Barelypaw, Oleanderkit (who probably had a different name by now), a small apprentice that looked like Skytomb, Eaglefeather who was wounded from battle, and Deliriumstep. He had just seen her earlier today bright and cheerful. She had been so dear to Tawnypaw when she needed it most. How was it possible? She was so young and gentle... It just wasn't fair. The stormy gray tom just stared at the blood covered she-cat with wide eyes. But when his eyes finally wavered away from the dead she-cat to stare at Eaglefeather.

"Eaglefeather, you may want to see Dragonflydance for that wound,"he meowed, smiling slightly, his eyes gleaming in the moonlight but he frowned. "Dragonflydance is still Medicine Cat, right?" And he frowned deeper before turning back to Deliriumstep. He, as graceful as possible, limped over to the body, trying to avoid the shocked stares from his former Clanmates. He leaned down over the dead body of his friend and licked her ear. "Say hello to Lemonzest to me," he whispered before looking back at CloudClan. His eyes met Nightfur and he nodded his head. She had grown since the last time he had seen her. Barleypaw had grown, very much and so had Oleanderpaw. Every one of them had changed and that made him smile slightly. He cleared his throat. "Good to be back," he meowed, smiling at Cloakedclaw and Midnightsky as they entered.

[/blockquote]

[[xoxo] shard. :)]

^{Though his Clan was shocked, dumbfounded, he of all of them remained calm. The silence was broken only by whispers, murmurs, and of course his pawsteps. He trotted to the clearing's center, where the limp body of Deriliumstep rest. "May your spirit drift unharmed on the path to StarClan..." Then he looked up. "Comorantstar..." he mewed. The stormy gray tom's lightning yellow eyes bore into the pale blue ones of the other. "It is you." Stormstar said nothing more, waiting for the former leader to speak.}

[kee :]]

Then, it was then that Midnightsky's words hit him hard in the chest. He suddenly felt faint. Why was he back? WHY? He avoided the gaze of Skytomb's son and turned to where Stormstar, who he assumed was the new Leader because he padded from his old den. He padded to meet the gray tom, his pale blue eyes meeting yellow eyes of the younger tomcat. He smiled slightly. "Sorry that I barged in... I ran into Deliriumstep and Tawnypaw earlier today but... Well I decided to speak to you..." his voice trailed off and he looked at the apprentice's den. He wanted to see his daughters but he looked back at Stormstar. "And I ran into this." He smiled slightly again and sighed softly.

[SHADE. :D]

Indigopaw's small, triangular ears flattened and he frowned. He didn't like this. He didn't like the look of the grey rogue. He was too skinny, too... Too savage-looking. The small, but muscular tom continued to stare at Cormorant. He was frowning, but not angrily. He seemed confused, his sapphire eyes clouded with worry and nervousness. This cat could change everything. He could change whatever he wanted. Indigopaw felt a sense of terrified respect for the stormy pelted rogue, but did not show it. He frowned at Cormorant, trying to seem ten times braver than he felt inside.

Ribbontail was already there, her forelegs and head peering from the brambles of the nursery. Her wide, dark sapphire eyes were filled with shock, her beautiful silver pelt ruffled, her mouth twisted. Tansykit stood between her paws, her wide, blind green eyes swivelling madly. The ginger and white kitten had no idea what was going on. Her sightless eyes told her nothing, but her nose, ears and mouth were sending her one thousand mixed messages. She could scent rogue, blood, death. fear and shock, as well as long-since-faded CloudClan scent. The blind kitten flattened herself to the grass, staring straught at Cormorant as though he were a monster, and whimpered.

Tawnypaw burst from the apprentices' den. She still looked peaky, her face pinched, her green eyes watery. She had told Dewpaw about meeting her father, her pathetic, unwanted father. Tawnypaw lashed her tail, wanting to know what all the fuss was about. She gasped as she spotted Deliriumstep's bloody body, and made to run towards her. But she then caught sight of him. Him. Tawnypaw faced him, eyes narrow, fur bristling. Her greif for Deliriumstep burst inside her, melding with her confusion and hatred. "Why can't you just go away? I don't want you in my life!" she yowled, tears running down her cheeks. "I've never needed you before, I don't need you now!" Tawnypaw's chest heaved as she stared at her father, her eyes wide at the shock of her friend's death.

[kee :]]

They all stared at him with their big confused eyes. Cormorant tried to avoid the eyes of his former Clanmates, some he remembered well and most of the younger cats stared at him in horror. Something caught his eye at the nursery. He saw Ribbonpaw, who was probably now a queen and a small ginger she-cat at her paws. The way she stared at him made him shiver. Even though she couldn't see, she looked scared and when Cormorant looked back around at all the cats, he realized that they were uncomfortable and he felt the same way. Very unwelcome. And then Tawnypaw didn't really help much. As she yelled at him he wanted Lemonzest to be here, with him, telling him that everything was alright but he only had memories. She'll come around... And he hoped she was right.

Again, as graceful as he possibly could, he made his way over to stand in front of Tawnypaw. He sighed softly, bending down to look at his daughter right in the eye. He wasn't quite sure what to say so he let his thoughts of Lemonzest, her memories lead him. "Tawnypaw," he mewed gently, "Please listen to me. I need you and Dewpaw more than you know and you need me more than you know. We've both lost someone we love and care about and the only way we can get through this is together. You change the past, I wish I could for many reasons. But we can decide our future." He looked at Tawnypaw right in the eyes, his gaze soft but he didn't know how she would respond.

[cheshy says grace]

Nightfur couldn't help it. He literally was back. Her black fur still shone navy in the moonlight. She ran straight up to him and dug her muzzle in Cormorant's shoulder.

Nightfur had missed the familiar scent that she would find wafting around camp every morning. She couldn't stand it just watching him stand there. Even though she was deputy now, she could still act like a kit now and again, right?

She took in a deep breath, taking in as much of his smell as possible before lifting her head from his fur. She took a few steps back and dipped her head apologetically, I'm sorry.

Barleypaw pressed her flank against Indigopaw's. It's okay, she mewed. Cormorantstar knows the warrior code... she trailed off. The apprentice rested her head on Indigopaw's shoulder.

[FIREH!!]

<sub>A soft noise erupted from Cloakedclaw as he tried to comfort his blind kit. He leaned against Ribbontail, and looked at Cormorant. He looked ragged. Cloakedclaw nodded to Tawnypaw, proud of her for her brave words. The young tom lifted himself to his paws, and padded towards the tom. Why, though? You left us all those moons ago, why do you think we could accept you? There was no harshness in his tone, he just wanted to know why.

Midnightsky licked his brother over his ears and looked at Cormorant, taking in his features. It was definately his old leader. But there was something different about him. It was as if he had lost the spark. Midnightsky shook his head and moved to the body of Deliriumstep, where he whispered words to her, and groomed a part of her fur.</sub>

[Spice..xx]

Skyflight shot out the warriors den like a bullet, after hearing the yowl and smelling the tangy stench of blood. She gasped in horror as she saw Deleriumstep and she ran to her friend, fighting back the tears.. Her green eyes watched as a sudden stranger appeared and killed the fox. Her heart pumped louder as suddenly she recognised the tom, although thinner and weaker from what he had been. "Cormorantstar!" she gasped, eyes round in surprise. Her hackles began to rise however, as she thought of her mate, Stormstar, leader of CloudClan. "I hope you havn't returned expecting your leader position back" she growled, her eyes now narrowed. She knew she shoudl show respect to the tom, him being the former leader and all, but she couldnt. Not when he could be a theat to her mates position. She watched as Stormstar came out his den and nodded to him silently. She turned her gaze back to Cormorant, watching him with icy green eyes.

Dewpaw padded slowly outside from her place at the entrance of the nursery. She had seen everything, heard everything, but her limbs seemed unable to move. This was him. Her father, deemed pathetic and worthless by her sister. She blinked as Tawnypaw exploded past her and screamed at him. Cormorant. Former leader of CloudClan.

She padded slowly up to him and her sister, creamy brown and white pelt gently rippling. Her dull grey eyes shimmered as tears welled up inside them. She stopped by her family, her father and her sister, sitting down next to Tawnypaw and pressing up against her firmly, for comfort. She listened to her sisters outburst, her fathers calm words. She looked up at him and tried to swallow the build up of rage inside. "Shes right you know" she said in a strangled whisper. Why did they need him now? He hadnt been there for them before. "You weren't there for us when we needed you most. And now its happened. The past can never be changed. Our mother is gone. And you were never here to start with. So give us one good reason why you should be involved in our future, why you should be part of our family now. Being a father is a commitment and thats one thing you failed miserably at, oh mighty Cormorantstar" she said, her quite voice getting louder until she was almost shouting. The tears trickled down her cheeks as she looked at her father. She should love him, or hate him. But she felt dull emptyness when she looked at him. He wasnt part of her, not like he should have been. She twined her tail with Tawnypaws and looked determindly up into her fathers eyes, waiting for him to speak, though the tears continued to fall.[/color][/blockquote]

[SHADE. :D]

Tawnypaw glared at her father, her tail raised, her ears flat. She gave a loud hiss as Nightfur rushed at him, not caring that she was hissing at the clan deputy. The brown and white she-cat felt a pelt press against her, and pushed back. She stood beside Dewpaw, the sisters supporting eachother as they had had to do for the past moon. They had no mother, not anymore. And as far as they were concerned, they had no father. They'd never had a father. Tawnypaw snorted at Cormorant's words, lifting her chin and preparing to speak, but Dewpaw beat her to it. She said all there was to say. Tawnypaw looked down, her green eyes steady but burning with anger. There was no hate, no love. Just rage. The she-cat lifted her tail, the cream, brown, white and blue-grey of her sister's, and her own pelt melding together. She would stand by Dewpaw forever, and nothing would change that. Though tears slid down her sister's cheeks, Tawnypaw's stayed dry, untouched. She had cried enough lately - and this was hardly a worthwhile cause.

[kee :]]

The only comfort that he got since his arrival was the soft muzzle of Nightfur in his non-bloody shoulder. And she did that at the best time too, when his daughter stared, no, glared at him with hatred. As she pulled away he turned to her and smiled. "No need to apologize," he mewed softly and whipped around to face Cloakedclaw when he spoke. The warrior had been so young when Cormorant had been taken away. He sighed and shrugged. "If you don't want me back, then thats fine. I didn't leave on purpose," he said then looking at the rest of the Clan before him. "I had been out patrolling the border, the Thunderpath border when this Monster went out of control and crushed me even though I was a few fox-lengths away from the Thunderpath. The Twolegs in the Monster took me to the, as they say it, the vet. Even though I was already pretty much healed because I had lost a life, they tortured me there. Then I was taken to a Twoleg home for moons until I finally found a way to escape. I got beaten by Twolegs, rogues, dogs, foxes, just to get back here." He paused when Skyflight came in and he bowed his head to her. "I don't want to be Leader. I have two or three lives left but the only reason I came back here was to be with my family and friends... But like I said, if you don't want me here I-"

Dewpaw's sudden entrance broke him off and he stared at her as she yelled at him. He was shocked and hurt and you could see it on his face. He held back tears as he stared at his daughter and said to both of them, "Do you actually think I left on purpose!? I never wanted Lemonzest dead! I can change my fate or my past but it all effects my future! You may not need me and you think I failed at being a father. But I haven't. Because no matter what happens, I'm still your father and I love you, both of you. And I'm sorry that I've been such a bad father so far..." His voice ended as a strangled whisper, on the verge of tears even though it started as a low grumble or a roar. He hated this. He wished he was dead with Lemonzest but no. He was stuck here trying to make his family forgive him.

[(aurora) of the problematique]

<sub>Oleandergaze's eyes saddened slightly. He padded over to Dewpaw and Tawnypaw, sitting by Dewpaw's side. "Perhaps you should just...give him a chance?" he asked quietly. "Let him prove himself." He never held a grudge, even in the most severe of cases. Many of the CloudClanners believed that Cormorantstar was a traitor in some aspects, with the fiasco with Lonelyheart and then with him disappearing like that without a word of goodbye. Oleandergaze turned his large head to Dewpaw, facing her. "Even if you think he's lying, give him a chance. After he proves himself to you, for better or for worse, then you can make your final decision..." His voice was soft in its attempt to soothe Dewpaw and Tawnypaw. Especially Dewpaw, for she was the one Oleandergaze loved.

Astralhaze's luminous eyes echoed the light peering down from above and the pretty femme made her way over to Skyflight. She sat down in silence, only to bat at Grasskit's ear when the tomkit came out to investigate. "Who's that?" the tom asked, placing his paws on Skyflight's leg. His bright eyes looked up at the two she-cats before facing forward. Astralhaze didn't answer him; the response died in her throat.</sub>

[FIREH!!]

_{Cloakedclaw dipped his head in response to the tom. I think we should allow him back, but it's up to Stormstar. I know you two don't want him here, and it would prove to be difficult for you, but he was once our leader, and we need to show him atleast some respect. Cloakedclaw dipped his head to the loner and smiled slightly.}

[SHADE. :D]

Tawnypaw twisted around to look at Oleandergaze. She loathed that loving look in his eye. She didn't have to listen to him. No doubt Dewpaw would. The brown and white apprentice snorted at the talk around her. Great. Cormorant was going to be allowed to rejoin the clan. Perfect. Awesome. Tawnypaw wriggled away from Dewpaw, shot Cormorant a last, heated glare, and padded to the edge of the group. There she sat with her back to her father, and licked her paws. Though on the outside she seemed icily calm, inside she was churning with emotions; fear, anger, and irritation.

Ribbontail got to her paws, leading Tansykit with her soft tail. The beautiful silver bengal gave Cormorant a smile, and touched noses with him. "Welcome back," she mewed warmly. Tansykit sat nothing, only stared blindly at her paws, tremblind. Ribbontail gave her ginger and white daughter a lick between the ears. "It's alright, Tansykit, he won't bite you." Ribbontsil gave Cormorant an amused look, but the glance she shot Cloakedclaw was pained. How was Tansykit going to survive clan life when she would never be able to see a thing?

[FIREH!!]

<sub>The tom shifted closer to his mate and whispered in her ear, so quiet not even Tansykit could hear them. Don't worry, Tansykit will be fine. We'll make sure she will be trained to be a proper apprentice. You heard of Shardpaw in Moonclan, right? He's blind, and he's really strong and seems normal. Tansykit will be the same. He smiled gently at Ribbontail and leaned against her, sharing his warmth with hers.

A spirit floated down and landed silently beside Tansykit. You're going to become an apprentice soon. You'll have two mentors. Me and a living cat. Dragonwhistler nudged her with his nose. Now. Go see your parents, and meet Cormorant. He won't hurt you. Would you like me to lead you to him? The tom smiled gently at her, even though she couldn't see him.</sub>

[Spice..xx]

Skyflight listened to Cormorant speak and then bowed her head respectfully. If he wasnt here to try and take back what wasnt his to claim then he could stay in her opinion. But her opinion didnt really count so she kept quiet, unlike many of those around her. She nodded to Astalhaze when the femme came over but still remained silent. Feeling a light touch on her leg she looked down and smiled slightly as she saw Grasskit. "Thats Cormorant, he was the leader of CloudClan before Stormstar" she said quietly to the kit, wrapping her tail around him as she sat and watched everything unfold.

Dewpaw looked at her father as he spoke, the tears falling harder and faster as she saw the look of grief on his face. She shrank back at the beginning of his speech, when he shouted but looked up again as his voice trailed off. She heard the presence of Oleandergaze behind her and looked around, the tears still streaming down her face. She understood what he was saying, and nodded to show this but she still couldnt accept it. "I dont even know him" she choked out, looking at the tom in front of her. He looked so dejected and hopeless...Maybe she should give him a chance. This train of thought broke when Tawnypaw walked away and she sped after her to the side of the clearing, not wanting to be alone. She sat next to her sister again, but looking towards her father and not with her back turned. "What do i do?" she said, loud enough for everyone to hear. Because she needed and answer. Somebody had to tell her, for she had no idea. And she was terrified of hurting her sister, losing her as a friend. Because that would kill her. She suddenly felt a huge wave of grief for her mother, so much so it nearly knocked her over. "I just want my mummy back!" she screamed and then collapsed into Tawnypaw, sobbing and shaking like her heart would break.[/color][/blockquote]

[kee :]]

The former Oleanderkit's words could only make Cormorant stare with wide saddened eyes yet when Dewpaw walked away to follow Tawnypaw he smiled slightly at Oleander. It was him that he had seen in the meadow with Dewpaw in his dream. They were happy and free together, like Lemonzest and him used to be. Then as Cloakedclaw, Ribbonpaw who now had her warrior name, and their small blind kit, Tansykit approached him. He smiled and dipped his head to Cloakedclaw. "Thank you,"he murmured softly and turned to Ribbonpaw. He touched his nose to hers and smiled softly. "And thank you," he whispered before looking down at Tansykit. The tiny ginger kitten looked so afraid and Cormorant was afraid that if he got too close to her, that he would scare her even more. So as slowly and gently as he possibly could, he leaned down and licked the little kit's ear. "Hello Tansykit," he whispered and looked around at Skyflight, Astralhaze, and Grasskit. He smiled softly at each of them before looking at Tawnypaw and Dewpaw. He would wait to speak with them later...

[[xoxo] shard. :)]

^{He watched the effects of Comorant's return. So many wanted him to stay, but the two with the most important opinions...well, that was a different story. Tawnypaw would die before she let Comorant into the Clan, but Dewpaw seemed horribly confused. She seemingly wanted to take pity, but she didn't want to deny her sister. Though he'd never experienced such a dire situation, Stormstar understood what pain the apprentices had to be facing. With no intention of hurting the sisters, he spoke once more. "That is enough. Comorantstar, you may stay for a while, but I still require some thinking. You will not be fully accepted into CloudClan immeadiately. And if we decide that you must go, you must go." He waited for the response of the former leader and his Clanmates. He was on that was supportive of his return, but he wanted what was best for his Clan.}

[kee :]]

Cormorant understood Stormstar's decision and he knew that once Tawnypaw and Dewpaw would understand why he was here and how much they needed each other, everything would be back to normal except the fact that Lemonzest was dead, he wasn't a Leader, and he didn't know half the cats in his Clan. The ragged tom nodded his head and shifted uncomfortably on his injured shoulder. Sighing he smiled at his Leader. "But Stormstar, I don't really..." He paused to think of the right words. "Appreciate being called Cormorantstar," He chuckled softly before thinking of what to say next. "If you don't mind addressing me as Cormorantfeather, my warrior name? Thanks Stormstar,"

[all out JINX ♥]

//urgh... I missed a lot! Just pretend I was always here. And Shard do you think you could make Silentraven an Elder soon?

//The coal gray tom sat staring at Cormorant with a glare. "He should go back to where he came from. He will not be respected by me" Silentraven spoke out loud not caring what the others thought of his words. The former leader didn't deserve to come back after what he did. Even if Silentraven wasn't an Elder just yet he had the right to act like one.

Blackmagic sat silently in the back of the crowd only remembering Cormorant faintly. Just before he joined the old leader left and thats all he heard for a few moons after that. Blackmagic shook his head in indecision and disbelief. What side should I choose? The others seemed to hate him for leaving but respected him becuase they don't or do know him. His orange-brown eyes searched the crowd but didn't find Whisperwind. He sighed with relief and stared at the dead body of his clanmate with saddness.

[SHADE. :D]

Tawnypaw felt Dewpaw's presence beside her. She remained facing away from the group, coldly grooming her paws. But the sorrow was bulding up inside of her fast. She would not cry, she would not cry. Suddenly Dewpaw's weight weighed down her right side, and she pushed back, supporting her sister. Tawnypaw gave the grey and white she-cat a lick between the ears. She would always be there for her sister. Always. Tawnypaw twisted her neck around and shot Cormorant a venomous glare. This cat, her father, was just another obsticle in the way. Tawnypaw rolled her green eyes at Stormstar's words. Fine. She'd let him stay. For now.

Ribbontail smiled as Cormorant spoke to her and her mate. She watched the grey tom lean closer to Tansykit, who flinched away at first. The ginger and white kitten felt this strange cat's tongue on her fur, and shivered. She remained where she was for a moment, before lifting her head a little. She sniffed this new cat, lifted a paw, and touched his muzzle. Yes. He was definately a cat. And he seemed friendly enough, though by the smell of them Dewpaw and Tawnypaw seemed to hate him. "H... Hello," she mewed shyly in her soft, quiet voice. She looked at her paws, not wanting the tom to see her ugly, blind eyes.