[D]raining -.Life_Force.-

[SHADE. :D]

Hyenapaw nodded, trying to hide his tears from Mouseclaw. The apprentice looked breifly at Willowkit, then pushed up the other half of Emberpaw's limp body on his shoulders and helped Mouseclaw.

[kee]

_{Willowkit stepped back from the dead apprentices body as the two toms near her were asked to lift Emberpaw and take her out to the center of the clearing. She glanced up at Hyenapaw and he put the she-cat on his shoulders. She took another step backwards toward the back of the Medicine Cat's den. She was in the shadows of the den, where hopefully no one could see her.}

[(aurora) of the problematique]

<sub>Runningcloud nodded at Jasminestar's words and retreated. "I'm going to be in the back if they need me," she said quietly, dipping her head as her large ginger frame. She passed Hyenapaw, Mouseclaw, and Emberpaw without a look back, coming to the back of the den.

"I told you we'd talk later," she said quietly, not turning her head when she saw Willowkit next to her. She laid down, laying her head on her paws with a heavy sigh. "Now is later. Is something wrong, Willowkit? Why were you outside of camp without permission" Runningcloud whispered, not in the mood for another lecture.</sub>

[kee]

<sub>Willowkit moved toward the very back of the den. She didn't want to talk to Runningcloud at that moment. After seeing a dead apprentice and three new cats arriving in the Clan. She was tired. She had been up all night with a bad dream. It also wasn't easy for her to climb up the ravine. She didn't want to sleep in the nursery with the younger annoying kits and their overprotective mothers. All she wanted to do was sleep in a quiet peaceful place but Runningcloud wanted to talk so Willowkit would talk.

"I'm sorry... It's just that I'd rather be ignored where no one can see me then in camp where everyone can see me," she mewed softly, looking down at her paws. Her bright yellow eyes gleamed in the shadows of the den. She wasn't sure if she wanted to talk about Hyenapaw and what they had talked about.</sub>

[lonelylove :D]

Petalkit crounched in the corner by the entrance to camp. Surveying the situtation, the three new cats seemed settled in the medicine cat den, while Emberpaw lie in the middle of camp. She felt sad for the dead apprentice, who wasn't much older than she was. Drooping slightly, she padded over to Emberpaw and dug her head into the apprentice's flank.
Moving away, she turned to the medicine cat's den and spotted Willowkit and Runningcloud sitting in the shadows. Willowkit was a moon younger than her, she knew. She was curious about what they were saying. She smoothered down her white fur, and crounched down. She creept toward the wall to the den, intent on finding out what they were talking about.

[/blockquote][/color]

[kee]

_{[ ooc; ] Just so you know... Willowkit is seven moons old. o.o}

[(aurora) of the problematique]

<sub>Runningcloud gave Willowkit a tired smile, holding up a large paw as she pulled the kit towards her girth. With her arm protectively over the she-kit, the medicine cat nodded at Willowkit's answer and let her head rest against her paw. The large ginger she-cat words were husky and sleep-drugged; "Do not...be afraid to speak to me.... I am there for you...always," Runningcloud said softly.

Ochre eyes shut wearily and a heavy exhale whistled through Runningcloud's nostrils. The she-cat hadn't slept since before she had gone to the Moonshard, which seemed like moons ago. She was exhausted, with the battle, new arrivals, death tolls, and the injured.</sub>

[kee]

_{Willowkit let Runningcloud pull her over. She didn't mind having a tad of attention once in a while. She buried her face in Runningcloud's ginger fur, the comforting smell filling her nostrils. She began to feel sleep and tired. She was thankful to know that she could come to the Medicine Cat if she ever needed to talk. She yawned softly and murmured a quiet thank you. She wasn't sure if Runningcloud had heard and she really didn't care if the Medicine Cat could've heard. She was so tired. She settled her small head on her petite paws and closed her bright yellow eyes. Then she began to sleep... Her quietly breath now was slowed...}

[lonelylove :D]

ooc; How come it says she's 5 moons old in her bio?

[/blockquote]

[KURI. (happy birfday to me :D)]

<sup>ooc; Sorry! I kinda zoned out for a while and forgot to post in this... o.o Lame excuse, ne? x3

Pastelsky lowered her eyes as Mouseclaw passed her with Emberpaw's limp body. She had just began training. It wasn't fair.
Padding up to Hyenapaw and Mouseclaw, she sat down beside her mate and her apprentice, pushing her nose into Emberpaw's fur. She realized she took for granted what so many others like her lost - their life.</sup>

[kee]

_{[ ooc; ] -shrugs- Is it a crime that I changed my mind?}

[lonelylove :D]

ooc; I never said it was. I'm just pointing it out. But if you did change your mind, you should change her bio, then.

bic; Petalkit keept quiet, but she heard nothing. Shrugging, she went back around to the entrance and announced her arrival by stomping her paws a bit. She saw Runningcloud and Willowkit had kind of dozed off in their positions. They were so tired, especially Runningcloud. All the work she's been doing, thought Petalkit.
Petalkit slowly paced toward the two cats, making sure to talk quietly. Sorry to bother you, Runningcloud. Could I see the new cats? She bowed her head slightly, then nodded to Willowkit.

[/blockquote][/color]

[kee]

<sub>[ ooc; ] I'll change my bio when I feel like it.

Willowkit's eyes bursted open when she heard the new cat enter the den. She narrowed her eyes coldly. How dare someone interrupt her sleep and Runningcloud's relaxing time? She sighed when Petalkit nodded. She was probably going to be an apprentice soon. Probably, before Willowkit because no one really knew how she was. Why should she be able to see the new cats when they were trying to rest? She laid her head back on her paws again and leaned closer to Runningcloud.</sub>

[(aurora) of the problematique]

_{Runningcloud heard Petalkit's voice and she blinked blearily, using all of her strength to hold up her head. "See the cats? Sure, Petalkit, just don't..."--she yawned--"...don't crowd them, okay?" the ginger medicine cat smiled weakly and laid her head back down, her large fluff cradling Willowkit. Her sleepy eyes twinkled kindly at the other kit before they closed again.}

[lonelylove :D]

Petalkit nodded quietly. She gave the two cats a small smile. She watched them doze off once more. Then, she crept into the back of the den. Peering into the darkness, she called out. Hello? Hellooo?

bic; You do that. -sigh-

[/blockquote]

[[xoxo] shard. :)]

[ooc]:// Sorry I haven't posted awhile. It's hard on me lately, I'm trying to play with my friends more and stuff.

[bic]://

<sup>Night Tree lay restlessly awake, tossing and turning. His twin sister, Sun, lay peacefully sleeeping, her nose buried in her paws, her haunches slightly in the air, her bright orange tail-tip tapping the ground. Night Tree thought she slept funny, and it amused him every time he saw her sleeping.

Sun was always a heavy sleeper, and she dropped into slumber quickly too. Night Tree envied her very much. Sun seemed to bebatting at something in her sleep. She was either having one of them hunting dreams she always talked about, or she was habving a bad one. Living nightmares was all that flooded Night Tree's mind, though.

Night Tree heard some light conversation passing through Runningcloud and a cat he'd not heard or seen or scented before. Pawsteps broke the brief silence afterward, becoming slightly louder every time. The cat was coming nearer, and nearer, until...

"Hello? Hellooo?"

Based on the sound of the voice, it was a she-kit. He saw small eyes light up in the murky darkness. "Hello? He squeaked quietly back. "Who are you?</sup>

[lonelylove :D]

Petalkit blinked her eyes, to adjust to the darkness. She heard a voice respond to her call. A tom. And about her age, by the high voice. Her nerves quivered, and she felt excited. Maybe she could make a new friend!
She stepped forward, and saw a pair of eyes in the darkness.
Hello? I'm Petalkit. I'm here to...meet you. Are you the new one? Or, new ones?

[/blockquote][/color]

[[xoxo] shard. :)]

^{"Yes, I'm one of the new ones," he mewed. "My sister Sun is sleeping, and my father, Dark River, is still unconcious. I'm Night Tree." He sighed and yawned. "I having some trouble falling asleep. I'm kinda worried."}

[/color][/sup]

[SHADE. :D]

Cherrysmoke hurried from the nursery, her red-brown fur slightly ruffled. She gave Petalkit a swift smile as she passed her. She was glad her daughter was interacting with the newcomers. She needed as many friends as she could get. Cherrysmoke trotted up to Jasminestar, her blue-green eyes glittering with hope. "Jasminestar?" she mewed. "Can I talk to you?" The slim she-cat hesitsted, then blurted out; "I was kind of hoping you would make Petalkit, Daisykit and Pansykit apprentices soon..." She peered around. "And I think young Willowkit is ready, too." She added.

[lonelylove :D]

Jasminestar turned around suddenly on her way back to her den. Hearing out Cherrysmoke, she replied. I know you are anxious to have your kits apprenticed. But, the truth is... She breathed in deeply. I'm waiting for Moonkit to come back.
She bowed her head slightly and lowered her voice. I know you're probably thinking that's not a good idea. But something tells me Moonkit is still alive. He's out there, somewhere. I think he'll be here soon. She quivered slightly. Tell no one of what I've said about you kit.

Petalkit nodded to his answer. Then, she realized he probably couldn't see her that well, so she spoke. Oh. She turned her head to the side, the back. Why can't you sleep, Night Tree?
Twisting her tail, she reached forward, only to touch air.

[/color][/blockquote]

[SHADE. :D]

Cherrysmoke felt the familiar lurch of worry tug at her insides as Jasminestar mentioned Moonkit. She yearned to see her son again, though Runningcloud's words had reassured her a little. But now she shook her head. Cherrysmoke had never been one to fear disagreeing with her leader, not since her apprenticeship in the days of Chaosstar. "That could take moons," the queen mewed, though her voice was strained. "We don't whether he'll come back at all." Swallowing, she added, though it was as if the words were tearing her throat; "It wouldn't be fair on his sisters."

[lonelylove :D]

Jasminestar turned her head away. Sighing, she considered Cherrysmoke's words. What if Cherrysmoke was right? If Moonkit did come back, it could take a while. The kits were of apprentice age, as was Willowkit. Turning, she looked back at Cherrysmoke. She shrugged, but nodded a little. If you'd like, I'll perform the ceremonies now.

[/blockquote][/color]

[SHADE. :D]

Cherrysmoke's worry peeled away to form a breif smile of relief. "Uh, thanks, Jasminestar," she mewed, suddenly feeling awkward. "That'd be great." The red-brown pelted queen dipped her head in respect and backed away. She then padded to where Petalkit was stood, and pulled her daughter towards her. She smoothed the kit's soft white fur with her tongue before saying; "Go and tell Daisykit and Pansykit to get out here," her blue-green eyes sparkled. "It's time for you to become apprentices. Willowkit, too."

[lonelylove :D]

Petalkit squealed. Mamma! I was talkin' to Night Tree! But then she stopped. Apprentice?! APPRENTICES?! She screamed and ran toward the nursery. Pansykit! Daisykit! We're gonna be apprentices!!!!

Jasminestar looked at the kit good naturely. She nodded to Cherrysmoke. Ok, I'll do it now. She bounded over to the High Rock, and leapt on top of it in a single jump. She lifted her head high and yowled. All clan members come for a meeting!

[/blockquote]

[kee]

<sub>Daisykit was sitting in the shade of the nursery, looking out at the Clan, the new cats and the mourning of dead Emberpaw. Her eyes were filled with sadness. But then her sister began to run right toward her and Pansykit. Her brown eyes widened and she stood as her sister yelled her name. "Petalkit!" she exclaimed, worried that he sister had bad news. But then she said that they were going to become apprentices. Daisykit was shocked. She stood, quickly grooming her pale ginger fur before trotting over, past her sister and toward her Mother, Cherrysmoke. "Is it true, Mom? Are we becoming apprentices?!" her voice was filled with excitement as she looked over at Jasminestar who was sitting on top of the HightRock, calling the Clan together.

Willowkit raised her head as she heard Jasminestar call the Clan together, a cold glare came across her face. Would she ever get to sleep?! She yawned and slipped out of Runningclouds protective grasp around her. She wanted to sleep and Runningcloud probably needed some sleep after her journey. She gently nuzzled the ginger she-cat's shoulder and whispered in her ear, "Runningcloud? Jasminestar has called a meeting."</sub>

[(aurora) of the problematique]

_{Irritable Runningcloud let out an unlady-like curse at being awakened. "A Clan meeting?" she asked sleepily, yawning widely. She bared long fangs that slipped silently behind her whiskers. The medicine cat shook her pelt and stood on mightly limbs, wobbling for a moment until Silverpelt breathed a second wind into her. "Alright, let's go," the broad-shouldered female said huskily, her amber eyes losing their sleepy dullness. Her giant steps brought her quickly to the den's exit and to the clearing of SerenityClan. A pang of regret clenched her heart and she prayed to StarClan that a repeat of Chaosfire's intrusion would never happen again. Sighing heavily, the ginger she-cat nodded for Willowkit to join the other kits.}

Pansykit blinked and looked around; the small orange she-kit had heard her sister's voice. "Apprentices?" the kit asked doubtfully. "But I don't wanna become an apprentice. I want to wait for Brother." Her face crinkled up in a pout. "I want to stay Pansykit all my life. I'm not growing up." She shook her head at each word. However, when she saw Daisykit leaving, Pansykit hastily followed her sisters back to Cherrysmoke. "Mommy, Sissy said that we're becoming apprentices. Is it true?" her head tilted adorably at the question.[/sub][/color]

[kee]

_{Willowkit followed the large ginger she-cat out of the den. She looked back behind her at the Medicine Cat den. She sighed softly. She had slept in that den so many times during the past few moons. She would miss it, the smell of the herbs... She knew a lot of them and she really wanted to get to know more. Then it hit her. She wanted to be Medicine Cat Apprentice. The small gray she-cat trotted up beside Runningcloud as she motioned for her to go over with the other kits. "But Runningcloud..." her voice trailed off and she sighed. "I want to be your apprentice." Her bright yellow eyes stared at the ground for a long second before looking up at the broard-shouldered cat, a small smile appeared on her face.}

[(aurora) of the problematique]

<sub>"I--You what?" Runningcloud asked, blinking. The medicine cat was baffled at the request. "I-if you're sure, I'll ask." She turned to Jasminestar and then paused. "Willowkit, if you make this decision, it will be hard for you to turn back. You won't be like the other apprentices that hunt and train on a regular basis. I was a warrior so I can help you on defending yourself. No apprentice of mine will ever become of age without learning some techniques! But your life will be memorizing herbs and constantly helping the Clans. Dedication to StarClan. You can't take a mate or have kits. That's the code..." The ginger she-cat trailed off.

"Is this your decision?" she finally asked quietly.</sub>

[kee]

_{Willowkit smiled slightly as Runningcloud was baffled by what she said. Her bright yellow eyes gleamed and she began to listen to what the older ginger she-cat said. When she said something about defending herself, she was happy that she would be able to still train to fight and probably hunt. But she couldn't have a mate or kits. Willowkit never wanted to have kits because she didn't want to go through the pain that her mother went through and died. She was deadly afraid of that. But then she thought about Hyenapaw... She glanced over at him for a long second but then looked back at Runningcloud and nodded. "Yes, this is what I want to be," she mewed, her eyes almost serious but she was quite excited...}

[(aurora) of the problematique]

<sub>Runningcloud's dubious surprise softened into acceptance. "Very well, but I won't accept quitters, understand," the stern medicine cat said firmly. She dipped her head to Jasminestar as the leader stood up on her perch.

"Jasminestar...I request Willowpaw as my medicine cat apprentice, please," Runningcloud said.</sub>