In Search of Kin {Sharpwhisker --- Open}

[{Lightspring}]

The weather was always too hot for his liking up here...
A dark brown tom blinked in the glare of the bright sun, though he was thankful there wasn't any ice or snow for it to reflect off of. With a weary sigh, Sharpwisker paused to shake the cramps somewhat out of his paws before trotting on, taking in the sights. He hadn't been here in at least six moons, and, truthfully...not much had changed. Having recently passed SootClan, he was now padding along the IgnitedClan border, (Sorry if I get the layout wrong...) keeping an eye on the looming volcano. Thank StarClan there was no need to get too near to that thing...What kind of cats lived here willingly? Well, he knew of at least one...
With a small grunt, Sharpwisker was pleased to find the EmberClan border line, delighted with himself that he was able to remember what each Clan smelled like. Allowing himself a break, the tom sat on a small patch of softer sand, peering around. The Clans never worried about their outside borders...who would try coming in this way? With a chuckle, he wrapped his tail neatly around his paws, now turning to gaze into the sloping territory of EmberClan. No one should care if he spent a while here...Why shouldn't he, as long as he he didn't set paw in the borders? The loner managed to break his gaze and get to his paws, padding on to his usual nest; a fairly small cave, set into one of the many boulders strewn among the area. It wasn't great for long term residence, but Sharpwisker only ever stayed for about a moon. Besides...he just wanted to catch a glimpse of his son.
At that thought, the tom sighed, turning to watch the Clan's territory again. Even if they weren't concerned, patrols still went along this border...And Carkpaw was sure to be in one of them at some point. The tabby loner had last seen his son when the tom was barely into apprenticeship. He looked happy enough, chatting with the other apprentices on the patrol...Even if he had inherited his mother's gray coat and his father's extremely thick fur, Carkpaw never seemed to be out of place. Many of the cats were coated in soot anyway. It was doubtful that he ever asked about his father. Many cats didn't know, as the queens were under no obligation to tell. The she-cat who raised him seemed quite willing to take the tiny kit in, and Sharpwisker doubted she ever treated him any different from the other kits.
Shaking himself out of his thoughts for a moment, the tom spotted the large rock, perched a little ways away from the border, as usual. He scented the air quickly before trotting up to the cave, sticking his head in cautiously before squeezing through the crack. Nothing seemed too different. A fox had lived here for a day or so, but it was very stale, and no fox scents were outside. Satisfied, Sharpwisker slipped back out into the sunlight, padded up to the very edge of the border, where he sat, tail wrapped around his paws. It may take a while, but he would see his son...

((Someone can spot him and challenge him or somethin'...I'm not gonna have Carky come to this one for a long time, if ever, so...))

[[[ShAdYCaUStI]]]

ooc;; I haven't time right now, but I think Causti's gonna run away from the clan in the middle of the night - not really run away runaway; just kinda wander off. He's moody like that. Maybe he could run into Sharpwhisker?


edit:: hey forgive me if I powerplay Sharpie a little? I'm assuming time has passed and he's staying where he was... because Caustic would never go that far alone during the day, so it'll have to be at night.

bic;;
The shadows and dappled moonlight played over the perfect soft white fur as he streaked between the trees. Black face, torn ear, deformed side; the light played fairly over it all, the shadows contorting as they ran over the mangled skin and fur down his side.

High moon, dark trees, humming crickets... Causticpaw noticed all of these as he ran, even as he ignored them as insignificant. It was a beautiful night, with the moon and stars glowing like white flames and the wind calling like lonesome ghosts through the trees, the leaves whispering in response to its gentle touch; but the small cat had never been one to care about things like that. Perhaps if there had been fighting he would have paid more attention - he would have noticed how it affected his sight, his hearing, his chances of killing the cat he fought. But there was no fighting tonight. It was peaceful, quiet, still. He wasn't really supposed to leave the camp in the middle of the night, and he wasn't really supposed to go this far. He liked to leave in the night, though. He liked to leave without waking any other cat, and run silently away, to the borders, under the dark sky, through the shadows. Those cats didn't care about him; none of them did. But he didn't need them to. He could care for himself easily enough. None of them mattered anyway; nobody except Rowanpaw mattered to him. Rowanpaw meant everything; everyone else, nothing. It was the way his life was.

He was about at the border when he saw the tom. Big and dark, he was sitting under a tree. Caustic didn't hesitate. He had been growing restless lately, annoyed with the inanity of the EmberClan cats. He would welcome some action. Without a moment's pause, he barreled into the tom, claws flying and blood racing.

[{Lightspring}]

((I hope you don't mind a lil' bit of PP here, Sami. :3 I assume Sharpy would have a bit more experience...he won't win outright, but he is stronger.))

Sharpwhisker's ears twitched at a sudden sound somewhat into the territory. He crouched slightly, not really worried about being seen, but wary nonetheless. In all technicalities, he wasn't on the Clan's land, but if they saw him as a threat, an attack may come all the same. It was for this reason that the tom's muscles were prepared for the sudden weight that barreled into his side. It still sent him skidding to one side, but he was up again in an instant, whirling around to face his opponent. He then paused, rather puzzled at the sight. This was merely an apprentice! What kind of hare-brained apprentice would attack a full grown, unknown cat? He was forced to shake off the curious notion as the bundle of fur continued to charge into him, claws flying frantically. "You mouse-brain," Sharpwhisker hissed as one well aimed blow hit his shoulder. It drew little blood, but still stung faintly. "I wasn't doing anything!" He prepared to return the favor, then something in the back of his mind reminded him that this may be one of Carkpaw's friends. Careful to keep all claws sheathed, he aimed a powerful paw swipe at the young cat, attempting to knock him down. This wasn't exactly the welcome he'd expected...

((Urgh...short. D: ))

[[[ShAdYCaUStI]]]

The other cat seemed prepared for his attack, but Causticpaw ignored the slight warnings in his mind and flew at the big tom all claws and teeth, snarling and hissing, relishing the action after the restlessness that had plagued him lately. Blood - he drew blood; the tang of it filled his nostrils. Not much blood; just a scratch, but it urged him to fight more, to draw more blood, to show someone that whatever they all thought, Causticpaw was a fighter. A hard cuff from the tom forced him backwards, skidding and tumbling through the moonlit leaves. He scrambled to his feet quickly, ignoring the bruises, eyes narrowing at the other cat. He flew into the fight again, half of him wondering why the other cat hadn't unsheathed his claws.

"Mousebrain yourself," he hissed back, feeling a little giddy at the childish taunt. "Can't abide to claw blood from a little tom's body? Or is it the side - is it pity?" He struck hard, reveling in the feel of flesh giving way beneath his sharp claws, of blood flowing out. A good fight was exactly what he needed; this would satisfy whatever it was that was rising up inside him.

ooc;; short. I know. It's Thanksgiving day; I"m supposed to be having coffee with my family. I'm planning on Rowan coming in and helping sort things out before Caustic gets his stupid self killed. =) just to let you know. Spoiler. yeah. Ok.

[{Lightspring}]

((No problem. XD My posts are often short when I have nothing to do...again, sorry for the PP. I just find fights go on FOREVER if you leave every option open...o-o ))

Sharpwhisker winced as another pawful of claws met his side, this time containig a bit more force behind them. Dodging a few more blows, the older tom nearly rolled his eyes at the cat's apparent ignorance. "I can fight just fine," he hissed, pausing for a moment to glare at his opponent. "I just don't pick fights with any cat I see!" Not only was this cat a Clanmate of his son, he didn't think the rest of the Clan would hold him in respect if he overpowered an apprentice. Still, those cuts hurt. With a growl, he managed to grab Causticpaw's scruff in his jaws as the cat came within reach, twisting his head to throw him to one side. Feeling a small section of skin tear slightly under his teeth, Sharpwhisker allowed himself some satisfaction. As long as he didn't mangle the EmberClan cat, he could live with himself. As of now, this fight was getting old.
"I don't want to bother wasting the energy to beat you," the tom growled. "I'm doing no harm, just go back to your camp."
((Urgh...really short. ._. I've told you before, I'm horrible at fight scenes. And I imagine that's the wrong kinda thing to say to Causticpaw. xDD Oooh, Sharpy's in for it now.))

[[[ShAdYCaUStI]]]

ooc;; Fine with me. Hehe "He can powerplay me.... if he wants to..." yeah, that's all I'm coming up with! lolz. Okeydokey, and Rowan can show up and save the day because otherwise Causti will get himself killed!


bic::
The bigger cat was fighting and hissing and Causticpaw couldn't help letting out a half-purr of satisfaction at the blood racing behind his eyes. He was mad with the addrenaline rush, claws flying, feeling fur and flesh tear beneath their sharp points. And then the tom had taken him by the scruff of the neck like a naughty kit; he felt his skin tearing, felt a flash of pain before it was drowned by anger. How dare this cat treat him like a wayward kitten? He was Causticpaw, not some scrawny little apprentice or kit still suckling. With a yowl full of rage he twisted his body around, clawing with even more gusto as the brown tom held him up. He didn't smell the new scent through the blood and anger until he heard her voice.

"How did you get there, Causticpaw?" she asked mildly, and he paused a moment in his viscious onslaught to turn and glare balefully at the pretty little she-cat looking at him.

"Keep out of it, Rowanpaw," he hissed. "I can take care of myself." She flicked one ear.

"I know; you take care of both of us - what did he do to make you so angry?" Her usually-green eyes were glowing dusky amber in the moonlight and her six-toed hind paw stood out white against the darkness. She twitched her whiskers and lifted one forepaw to lick it. Caustic didn't answer her, instead swiping again at the big tom who held him so firmly. "Would you mind letting him go?" Rowanpaw asked softly, her shy voice cutting through his anger. "I think he'll leave you alone now - wouldn't you, Causticpaw? You would leave the tom alone now, wouldn't you?" He grimaced, glared at her again, and then sighed. His sister always won arguments - and he always let her. If anyone in the world mattered, it was Rowanpaw. Besides - if this big cat did finish him off, who would take care of Rowanpaw? So he sighed again.

"I suppose," he mumbled, trying not to meet his sister's eyes.

[{Lightspring}]

As the new cat arrived, Sharpwisker glared at her for a moment, half expecting the small she-cat to attack him any second. When she started speaking to the other apprentice, however, he sighed slightly. Lowering his now calm burden to the ground, the tom shook himself off, gave his cuts a few swift licks, then turned to glare at his attacker.
"What in StarClan's name was that for??" he hissed, tail lashing. "I'm not even on your territory! What kind of mousebrain attacks a full grown warrior who wasn't even doing anything wrong?" Turning to Rowanpaw, he added, "Thank you, by the way, miss. This little ball of wrath would've clawed me to pieces until he passed out if you hadn't come along...I don't mean any threat to any of you, but if someone means me harm, I'm not just going to let them at me." He peered at Causticpaw, whiskers twitching. "I didn't get any decent blows in anyway, did I? You're fast, son, I'll give you that."

((Fale. XD I just needed to post...))

[[[ShAdYCaUStI]]]

In any other situation, he might be proud of the strange tom's compliments; however his wounded pride, irritation, and slight pain made him loath to even consider accepting the other cat's words. Of course he was fast; he was Causticpaw, wasn't he? Of course he was strong and agile and swift. He didn't need any strange out-clan tom to tell him so. He glared but kept his claws to himself.

"What are you doing on our borders?" he demanded coldly. His good ear was almost flat against his skull still, and the other one was as far back as it ever went. His tail twitched angrily.

Rowanpaw sighed. Causticpaw was very sweet to her, albeit rather overprotective, but he could be so unreasonable at times. She sat down, curling her tail prettily over her forepaws, and began washing daintily. Her brother wouldn't leave until he was ready to and she couldn't go until he would come back with her; otherwise he would probably get himself killed antagonizing the polite stranger. She would just have to wait. Perhaps she should say something - try to close off whatever conversation was coming and just leave; but then she was a little curious as well. What was the brown cat doing at Emberclan's borders? He didn't look unfriendly or menacing, and he didn't seem to be in any sort of a hurry. Really, he seemed to be simply minding his own business - as if he just happened to be there instead of somewhere else. But why? Why would he be here? Where was he from, anyway? Perhaps, though, Causticpaw's way of inquiring about the tom was too rough - too accusing, at any rate. If she wanted answers without more bloodshed, she should probably ask herself. Causticpaw had no concept of tact.

"My name is Rowanpaw," she offered quietly, rather tentatively, "and this is my brother Causticpaw; may I ask your name?"

[Smokeleaf]

ooc: Sorry to barge in like this, and feel free to completely ignore me. I just figure I need to roleplay my cats eventually, and I've learned that starting multiple threads only leaves one to be ignored.
bic:

Along with the two apprentices and the loner, there was another cat awake, a pretty she-cat, with a romantic heart and a mind full of fancies. Unlike the others, she preferred to spend her sleepless nights in camp, where she knew she was safe and sound and potentially, loved.
"Ahh, how the moon doth linger on my fur," she cooed, tilting her head back and closing her eyes. "With the star frost glowing prettily in the ether, and the silver rays of Luna glittering down on fur so sleek and fresh, I feel as though the world hath slowed to a saunter and nothing could ever go awry."
Laurelnose opened her little eyes and blinked slowly, turning to look at her paws. "While the words please the ears, they do nothing else but claw my heart with their petty lies! Slowed to a saunter? Nothing gone awry? Bah! Lies, lies! Oh, spite! Why doth my tongue speak such pretty language when it knows they only scar my soul?"

On the other side of camp, sleeping sound, were two siblings, both Pelts. One was the tom, Thunderclaw. He was having a nightmare, one of death and fire and power. The other was Blacktail, a she-cat. She was having a very good dream, one of death and fire and power.
Clearly, the two were exact antipodes.

[{Lightspring}]

Sharpwhisker snorted at the young tom's tone, smoothing the fur on his chest with a few quick licks. "I'm just passing by, son," he growled, tail flicking. "Chose to rest here. That isn't a crime, is it? Judging by the scent markers, I'm outside of your territory." The loner turned his gaze to the smaller she-cat, preferring this one over her brother in an instant. She was far more sensible, and it seemed she had some control over the little ball of rage. "Pleasure to meet you then, Rowanpaw," he purred, dipping his head. "There's not a whole lot of reason for loners to have names, considering we see other cats so rarely..." He paused, considering it for a moment. If he gave the apprentices his name, they may realize he had been part of a Clan once, or might simply think he was a spy. However, it's not like one of them could keep him here while another got someone. He would be long past before someone came to investigate. "Most cats call me Sharpwhisker."

[[[ShAdYCaUStI]]]

Rowanpaw tipped her head curiously. Sharpwhisker? That sounded like a clan name to her - but then, she'd never met a loner before. Perhaps they had the same sort of names as clan cats had. No matter; she liked this odd stranger, though her brother clearly didn't.
"You're just on the border," she told him calmly, shifting her weight and licking one forepaw unconcernedly. "And we really ought to be going back," she added, more for Causticpaw's benefit than for Sharpwhisker's - the tom didn't seem to really appreciate their presence, so he would hardly mind if they left. More likely he would be relieved.

Impudent stranger, treating him like a newborn kit with no sense. Didn't this ridiculous tom know that he, Causticpaw, was probably the most superior cat in this part of the world? Of course not - obviously, or he wouldn't be so rude.
"Sharpwhisker's a clan name," Causticpaw growled irritably, laying back his one good ear and digging his claws into the dirt. "What are you really here for?" He ignored his sister's sudden expression of frustration.

"Come on, Causticpaw - let's go back," she said, urgently, hoping to pull him out before the situation got too out of hand. She loved him, of course; he was her brother - but he could be so stupid at times. One of these days he would get himself in a real mess, and she wouldn't be able to talk his way out for him, and he'd get himself killed. Probably he deserved it, but she didn't like the idea. Perhaps she could drag him back to camp before he said anything else, and perhaps his words already hadn't annoyed the loner to the point of quite wanting to murder her arrogant brother.