𝕀 𝕨𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕕 π•¨π•’π•π•œ 𝟝𝟘𝟘 π•žπ•šπ•π•–π•€ || 513 & 514 Tryout

Are you a writer or a poet? Come and share your creations with us, or discuss writing techniques with others
Forum rules
Please only post your own original work, do not post poetry or stories which were written by someone else.

𝕀 𝕨𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕕 π•¨π•’π•π•œ 𝟝𝟘𝟘 π•žπ•šπ•π•–π•€ || 513 & 514 Tryout

Postby hazilnut » Tue Apr 17, 2018 3:49 pm

________________________________________________________

𝔹𝕖𝕔𝕒𝕦𝕀𝕖 𝕠𝕗 𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕗𝕖𝕒𝕣 𝕨𝕖 𝕑𝕦𝕀𝕙 𝕒𝕨𝕒π•ͺ π•₯𝕙𝕠𝕀𝕖 π•žπ• π•€π•₯ 𝕕𝕖𝕒𝕣
𝔹𝕖𝕔𝕒𝕦𝕀𝕖 𝕠𝕗 𝕠𝕦𝕣 π•šπ•£π•– 𝕨𝕖 π•₯π•¦π•£π•Ÿ π•€π•‘π•’π•£π•œπ•€ π•šπ•Ÿπ•₯𝕠 π•—π•šπ•£π•–
𝔹𝕖𝕔𝕒𝕦𝕀𝕖 𝕠𝕗 𝕠𝕦𝕣 π•“π•¦π•£π•Ÿπ•€ 𝕨𝕖 𝕣𝕖𝕗𝕦𝕀𝕖 π•₯𝕠 π•π•–π•’π•£π•Ÿ

π•Žπ•–'𝕣𝕖 π•“π•£π• π•œπ•–π•Ÿ π•šπ•₯'𝕀 π•₯𝕣𝕦𝕖
𝕄𝕖 π•’π•Ÿπ•• π•ͺ𝕠𝕦

________________________________________________________


Ajax. & hazilnut's tryout for Rise adopts 0513 and 0514
Art credit Ajax. // Writing credit hazilnut // Titles derived from songs on this playlist

________________________________________________________

What is their relationship?
How did they end up in different clans?
What are their greatest accomplishments and greatest regrets?

________________________________________________________

For maximum enjoyment check out this themed playlist or the songs below

I'm Gonna Be // The Proclaimers
Brothers // Dean Brody
How to Save a Life // The Fray
Renegades // X Ambassadors
Things We Lost in the Fire // Bastille
The Nights // Avicii
Hold Back the River // James Bay
C'Γ©tait hier // AgustΓ­n Galiana

________________________________________________________

            Image
Last edited by hazilnut on Tue May 08, 2018 2:54 pm, edited 10 times in total.
User avatar
hazilnut
 
Posts: 5864
Joined: Mon Jul 25, 2011 1:59 am
My pets
My items
My wishlist
My gallery
My scenes
My dressups
Trade with me

𝕀 𝕛𝕦𝕀π•₯ π•¨π• π•Ÿπ••π•–π•£ 𝕨𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖 π•ͺ𝕠𝕦'𝕣𝕖 𝕒π•₯ || RushPaw

Postby ajax. » Tue Apr 17, 2018 3:57 pm

Image
name: Rush, Rushpaw, Rushingthorn
                    β€’ Rush(ing)- for his lithe body, smudged pelt, and penchant for rushing in
                    β€’ -thorn for his prickly attitude and sharp wits, in honor of his father
gender: nonbinary, uses he/him and they/them
                    β€’ physically male
age: 7 moons
    description: silver marbled tabby with golden eyes
                      β€’ lithe and thin, built for speed and sprints
                      β€’ back is patchy with burns and spots where fur hasn't grown back right
    mentor: Shadowwalker
                      β€’ assigned due to similar quiet and standoffish natures
    family: all deceased
                      β€’ Breeze, mother, deceased
                      β€’ Thorn, father, deceased
                      β€’ Rain, brother, deceased
    clan: Thistleclan

      personality:
      Upon first glance Rushpaw could be seen as hostile and aloof and this impression tends to
      hold true throughout second and third and even fourth meetings. Rushpaw is an individual
      with a lot of baggage that he does not bother to hide but will also not address. He is a cat
      quick to jump to conclusions and decisions and who, despite his cloak of gloom and hostility,
      is eager to meet challenges and rise above them. Stubborn but willing to bend if there is no
      alternative, Rushpaw is a fierce independent spirit who is suffering through abandonment issues.
      He is willing to use the cats of Thistleclan as a means to an end, best exemplified in that he did
      not learn the name of the medicine cat who saved his life until a moon later, but not because
      he dislikes them, simply because he is focused on a more important goal in his mind. When
      Rushpaw sets his mind to something make no mistake, he will achieve it, even if it requires
      him to do some uncomfortable things such as overcoming his fear of water. Despite his best
      attempts to remain cool and in control Rushpaw is still a child and still very prone to intense
      outbursts of emotion, largely centered around past regrets. Rushpaw still retains some of the
      overconfidence of his kithood which shows up in flashes when he is most at ease.


      history:
      One moon old and Rush is a sickly thing who never drinks enough. He is surrounded by family
      and an air of worry constantly, both over him and the winter that is ending far too soon.

      Two moons old and Rush is healthier but still never alone. Rain teaches him all sorts of important
      things and gives him his first taste of freshkill but it is Ox who shows him real (frowned upon) fun.

      Three moons old and Rush is on his way to move up from henchman to mastermind of his and Ox's
      escapades but he is always willing to pause their games to tag along with Rain to the river and such.

      Four moons old and Rush realizes that he isn't so much a tom like Rain is but also not quite like
      Ox either though he isn't sure exactly what he is. He doesn't mind though and instead of devoting
      time to figuring out labels he devotes it to learning how to beat Ox.

      Five moons old and Rush almost drowns in a forest fire and swears off water and cowardice. He
      switches out Ox for Rain in his brain and sometimes his tongue still mixes them up in his mouth.

      Six moons old and Rush and Ox are bombarded by fate and foxes and fire and fear and Rush is full
      of regret over splitting up. He rediscovers Ox only to find them surrounded by flames and without
      thought and without warning he launches himself towards his sibling only to be crushed.

      Seven moons old and Rushpaw swears he'll leave Thistleclan as soon as his burns heal then as soon as
      he learns how to survive then as soon as he's wiped the floor with Shadowwalker at least just once.
      He has to confront the fact that he's not leaving yet despite every muscle screaming to run after Ox.

      ??? moons old and Rushingthorn is haunted by dreams of a silver river that sends chills down his spine
      with unprompted memories of rapids. He pushes down these fears in face of the curious sensation
      that his destiny lies beyond this river bend and slowly Rush learns how to swim again.

      ??? + 1 moons old and Rushingthorn is facing his sibling which is scarier than facing the water and the
      unknown expanse of desert combined. The meeting is seconds and years and eternity wound up into
      barely a heartbeat but by the end of it they are on good terms again and Rush couldn't be happier.


      Image
      Last edited by ajax. on Sun May 06, 2018 4:17 pm, edited 9 times in total.
      User avatar
      ajax.
       
      Posts: 9783
      Joined: Fri Jan 30, 2015 4:11 pm
      My pets
      My items
      My wishlist
      My gallery
      My scenes
      My dressups
      Trade with me

      𝔸𝕗π•₯𝕖𝕣 𝕒𝕝𝕝, π•ͺ𝕠𝕦 𝕕𝕠 π•œπ•Ÿπ• π•¨ 𝕓𝕖𝕀π•₯ || Oxpaw

      Postby hazilnut » Tue Apr 17, 2018 3:57 pm

      Image
      xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxname: Ox, Oxpaw, Oxfang
        xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxlxxxxβ€’ Ox- for their bulky build and pelt like a tan speckled ox
        xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxlxxxxxxxβ€’ -fang for their ability to both provide and protect
      xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxgender: agender, uses they/them
        xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxβ€’ physically male, transitioned at three moons
      xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxage: 10 moons
      xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxlxxxxxxxdescription: light golden spotted tabby with blue eyes
        xxxxxxxxxxxxxlxxxxxβ€’ bulky and squat, built for endurance and standing strong
        xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxβ€’ has a raspy voice and mild asthma due to smoke damage
      xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxmentor: Frostwhisker
        xxxxlβ€’ assigned due to similar levels of patience and a past beyond clan borders
      xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxfamily: all deceased
        xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxβ€’ Amber, mother, deceased
        xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxlxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxβ€’ Ray, father, deceased
        xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxβ€’ Aspen, uncle, deceased
        xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxβ€’ Rose, sister, deceased
      xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxclan: Aridclan

        xxxxpersonality:
        xxxxOxpaw came to Aridclan under mysterious circumstances, having wandered into the desert
        xxxwithout plan or direction. The details of their past are kept quiet by this relatively reserved
        xxxxcat but as the moons move forward Oxpaw has shown signs of coming out of their shell and
        xxxlxxattempting to befriend their new clanmates. Oxpaw tends to focus on the moment or the
        xxxxxxxximmediate future rather than the past and devotes a sizeable chunk of their free time,
        xxxperhaps more than they should considering they are still recovering from their time alone in
        xxthe badlands, to volunteering for extra work and responsibility. It is clear that Oxpaw is doing
        xxxtheir best to try and fit in with Aridclan, working extra hard to make up for their secrets and
        xxxxxxpast failings. However they do try to shy away from leadership positions and the spotlight
        xxxxxxdespite their natural gravitation towards responsibility. Some aspects of their past are too
        xxxxxxxxdifficult to confront and forgive themself for. Okay, maybe most aspects would be more
        xxxxaccurate. Due to their mild asthma caused by smoke damage Oxpaw tends to opt for a more
        xxxxxxpatient approach to hunting and fighting, waiting until the perfect time to strike. Training
        xxxxxxunder Frostwhisker has heightened this approach as well as served to make Oxpaw a little
        xxxxxmore sociable. Occasionally Oxpaw can come across as disinterested or like something is on
        xxxxxxxtheir mind. While likely true they will become very embarrassed if someone points it out.


        xxxxxxxhistory:
        xxxxxxxxlOne moon old and Ox is little more than a scrap of fur and still referred to as him. They
        xxxxlxxare born to autumn leaves but their littermates aren't because they never open their eyes.

        xxxlxTwo moons old and Ox is big enough to get into trouble but not smart enough to get out of it.
        xxxxxRain is too old to play with and Rose doesn't want to and all of the adults are busy preparing.

        xxxlxxThree moons old and Ox knows who they are and so does their family, which grows with the
        xxlxxarrival of Rush whom Ox names. They keep telling him to hurry and grow up so they can play
        xxxxlxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxand Ox can be the one telling someone what to do for once in their life.

        xxxlxxFour moons old and Ox learns more rules and that they might have been an older sibling had
        xxxxlxtheir littermates not come out cold. They push the dark thoughts deep deep down and focus
        xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxon teaching Rush how to play mossball before Rain can.

        xxxxlxxxFive moons old and Ox and Rush are the best of friends. They get into loads of trouble and
        xxxxxxxlat first it was mostly Ox's fault but now Rush is showing a mischievous side and Ox loves it.

        xxxxxlxSix moons old and Ox and Rush are at the top of their game, challenging each other to every
        xxxxx;xxcontest ever. Ox wins their fair share of them especially in the beginning but Rush starts to
        xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxlxxxtrain with Rain which is totally unfair and he starts winning consistently.

        xxxxxSeven moons old and all Ox dreams of is the wispy grey and blazing red that stole their family.
        xxxxxThey try their best to take care of Rush, teaching themself how to hunt and how to stuff down
        xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxximmaturity and anger and sadness to focus on surviving.

        xlxxxxEight moons old and keeping calm is far harder than Ox expected with their brother by all but
        xxxxxxblood keeps putting himself in danger. They feel like they might boil over from the stress and
        xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxhunger because they can't stop coughing when they hunt.

        xxxxxxxxlNine moons old and Ox is all alone because of a stupid fight which wasn't their fault and an
        xxxxlxxeven stupider fire which was even less their fault. They travel to forget the image of the pine
        xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxlxxcollapsing on Rush but the image is seared into their mind.

        xxxxxlxTen moons old and Ox is now Oxpaw and lives with more cats than they've seen in their entire
        xxxxxlife. They try to block out old memories by immersing themself in their new life with their new
        xxxxxxxxxxxxxclanmates who know what teamwork means but they can only suppress, never destroy.

        xxxxxlxxx??? moons old and Oxfang seeks out herbs to drive away their dreams of a starry river which
        xxxxxxxxxlxrepeat every night. They do not want to follow the siren call simply want to be a warrior.

        xxxxxlx??? + 1 moons old and Oxfang sees their brother having come back to life and isn't sure how to
        xxxxreact but Aridclan hospitality gives them plenty of time to go over old wounds and let them heal.


        Image
        Last edited by hazilnut on Sun May 06, 2018 5:29 pm, edited 17 times in total.
        User avatar
        hazilnut
         
        Posts: 5864
        Joined: Mon Jul 25, 2011 1:59 am
        My pets
        My items
        My wishlist
        My gallery
        My scenes
        My dressups
        Trade with me

        𝕃𝕠𝕀π•₯ 𝕀𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕀 π•’π•Ÿπ•• π•£π•–π•§π•–π•£π•šπ•– || Their Relationship

        Postby hazilnut » Tue Apr 17, 2018 4:03 pm

        𝕆𝕩𝕑𝕒𝕨

        π”½π•£π•šπ•–π•Ÿπ••

        xxxx"He's as thin as a rush!" Oxpaw remembers their parents laughing at their comment, Rush's father too.
        xxxx"Well then, maybe we should name him Rush. What do you think honey?" Thorn chortled, turning to his mate. She smiled tiredly and nodded her consent. And so Rush was named.

        xxxxFrom the moment Rush was born, even before Oxpaw named him, it was destined that they were going to be close. With them being the only cats of their age group in the travelling rouge groups composed of the pair's families it wasn't as if they had a whole lot of options. Oxpaw's older sister Rose was too bossy and boring to be fun for a kit like them to hang around with and the adults were just as bad. "Rules this, rules that," they would always tell Oxpaw and Oxpaw would just nod along as if they hadn't heard the entire spiel a hundred times over. Perhaps, having helped name him, Oxpaw felt that they could have an impact on Rush's future and finally be the one telling someone else what to do. More likely, however, was that they enjoyed having a playmate to drag into shenanigans, bossing Rush around was just a perk. After all, Rush already had an older brother in Rain. So the two were simply the best of friends, getting in and out of trouble together for the moons leading up to disaster.


        π•Šπ•šπ•“π•π•šπ•Ÿπ•˜
        xxxxGrey filled Ox's eyes and lungs. Their eyes were watering from more than just heat, throat scratchy from both inhaling smoke and screaming their family's names into the burning forest. "Amber?" They cried then coughed. "Ray?" Cough. "Aspen?" Again, cough. Again, no answer. The fire was pushing them towards the riverbank and as strong as the kit was, they were no match for a force of nature. "Rose? Rain?" The water was a chilling surprise as Ox's back paw slid on the pebble beach, almost making the kit lose their balance to the rapids. "Rush?" A heavy lump was stuck in Ox's throat and they tried to cough it up, but no matter how they tried the knot of sorrow stayed put. Coughing only served to make their throat hurt more and so they did their best to muffle themself, but surprisingly the hacking sound continued.
        xxxx"Ox?" A wet and bedraggled Rush was pulling himself out of the shallows. "Ox is that you?"
        xxxx"Rush!" Ox dashed to their friend, hauling him out of the river by the scruff. "Is anyone else with you?"
        xxxx"They aren't with you?" Rush's eyes flashed with panic. "Thorn! Breeze! Rain!" Ox had to pin him down to keep Rush from charging into the blaze after his missing family members until both of their final surges of energy had been exhausted. They could only watch and wait until the wind turned and the brush fire burned itself out and there was nothing left beyond a charred wasteland. They were the only ones left, Ox realized. They had to take care of one another.
        xxxx"It's going to be okay," Ox promised in a smoke-cracked mew. "No fire is going to take either of us away. Nothing will."

        xxxxAfter the fire that left Oxpaw and Rush on their own the duo's relationship changed, and so did their attitudes. Oxpaw traded away their rebellious tendencies for the very urge to protect and control that they had struggled against but now found the purpose for. They took extra special care to keep Rush safe, regarding him as a younger brother to teach and provide for. In all but blood the two best friends had become siblings, relying upon one another and prioritizing the other's well-being over all else. But even though Oxpaw had made a promise to Rush fate would have it differently, as two very different young cats, though trying their best to stick together against all odds, were bound to have a clash of personality and ideals. They were nearing the age when one natural argues with family and when one's family is very very small those arguments are bound to get very very big.


        π•„π•–π•žπ• π•£π•ͺ
        xxxx"You're a featherbrain if you think you can just jump into a fight like that without any sort of plan! You almost got bit in two!"
        xxxx"Well your orders were already tearing my head in two! How's anyone supposed to fight with you yowling like that?"
        xxxxThe two cats spat at one another, fur that was beginning to loose its kitten softness raised and and backs that were lengthening and widening arched. They showed no signs of giving in, one as unbreakable as a rush and the other as stubborn as an ox. It was a vicious fight, as most fights borne of love are, and already bloodied tails were being trodden on.
        xxxx"Maybe we should try it separately for a bit. See which one of us it right."
        xxxx"Fine."
        xxxx"Double fine." And the two cats turned away.

        xxxxNow a denizen of Aridclan for less than a moon Oxpaw still thinks of Rush every day. They insist it was his fault, rushing into a fight like he was invincible, but more than that, turning his back on everything Oxpaw had done for him like it was nothing. Like Rush didn't need them. Oxpaw insists they are still mad for it is easier than being sad. It's far easier to pretend to hate Rush's memory than to risk admitting that perhaps they were wrong and that perhaps their relationship was worth more than Oxpaw's pride. Doing so would mean nothing but endless regret over could have, would have, should have because to the best of Oxpaw's knowledge, Rush died in the fire that permanently separated them. And yet this grudge does not allow Oxpaw to find peace or move on and so they lay awake at night, staring at the sky where Frostwhisker says Starclan lives, and burying their apologies even then.


        Image


        ℝ𝕦𝕀𝕙𝕑𝕒𝕨

        π”½π•£π•šπ•–π•Ÿπ••
        xxxxThorn was lecturing Rush and Ox about something, his tone stern. Rush's eyes darted around, willing to look at anything but his father, before finally landing on Ox. His friend was nodding along, looking serious, but when they felt Rush's eyes on them they flashed him a cheeky grin. Rush returned an impish own of his own. And so the tone was set most of Rushpaw's earliest memories, those of him and Ox getting in and out of trouble.

        xxxxOx wasn't Rushpaw's sibling, that was Rain, but that didn't stop the pair from being incredibly close in the first moons of their lives. Traveling with seven adults and only one other kit his age made sure of that. Rushpaw's early memories were of following Ox into the forest while their parents snoozed, or wading a little further out into the river, tentatively at first and largely because he didn't want Ox to think him weak but growing braver and more self-determined as they grew. Ox may have taught Rushpaw how to get his feet wet, and Rain how to swim, but before long it was Rushpaw who was making the biggest splashes when the kits raced to the river and who was willing to cling to a branch that was maybe a little to thin to hold his weight. Certainly Rushpaw looked up to Ox but above all he saw them as a close friend. That was, until the fire forged them closer than ever before.


        π•Šπ•šπ•“π•π•šπ•Ÿπ•˜
        xxxxRush remembered his mother's words. "If there is a fire, the river will protect you. That's why we always camp near water," Breeze had told him when he asked, and then time and time again even though he hadn't. But Rush didn't feel protected. No, he was certain that the rapids were going to drag him away. Choppy grey waves crashed around his head, their color almost indistinguishable from the smoke-filled sky. Just barely over the rushing river Rush could hear a cat crying out.
        xxxx"Rain!" Rush cried before gulping down water in place of air. "Rain!" His stomach was growing heavy and his lungs were beginning to burn as more river filled his mouth. The kit stopped crying out and instead focused on paddling towards the noise, finally collapsing in the shallows, hacking up water. Stinging eyes just barely made out a pelt that was not grey as Rain's was but golden. "Ox?" he gasped. "Ox is that you?" Where was everyone else? He didn't have the strength to ask.

        xxxxThe fire took many things from Rushpaw, but most of all it took Rain his older brother. Rain had been one of the most impactful cats in Rushpaw's life, teaching him how to swim and climb and all sorts of valuable lessons. With Rain gone Rushpaw began to rely on Ox to fill the role of an older sibling, doing his best to listen to them and follow their lead despite his natural independent streak. The pair developed a truly sibling-like bond and this was probably the only thing that kept them alive through the following months as they continued to travel all on their own. However, there would come a time when Ox's orders would become too much and Rushpaw's independence could no longer be curbed. One fight led to another which led to a decision which could not be undone, no matter how much Rushpaw might want to.

        π•„π•–π•žπ• π•£π•ͺ
        xxxxRush hadn't initially come back because he had had a change of heart, he had come back because he had come to the realization that he couldn't survive on his own. But standing there, staring at Ox through a copse of burning trees the not-quite-kit understood in his gut that apologizing and making up was exactly what he had always intended to do. No fight and certainly no fire was going to separate him from his sibling. "Ox!" he cried, leaping into the forest of blazing branches.
        xxxx"Rush! No! Stay back!" But Rush didn't listen. He wasn't going to hide from the fire this time and lose his only remaining family.
        xxxx"Ox I'm-" Rush never finished his sentence. The creaking wail of a collapsing pine drowned him out as it fell atop the kit, trapping him beneath smoldering branches. The young cat shrieked in pain but the sound was lost among the chaos and he blacked out shortly from the pain.

        xxxxRushpaw is certainly glad to have been found by Thistleclan and nursed back to health, but he still finds himself pacing the apprentice den at night. The territory is too small for a traveler like him and he dreams of going out in search of Ox, of finding them and apologizing and making everything how it should be. Rushpaw is haunted by regrets which isolate him from his clanmates, not the least of which is arguing with Ox and splitting up in the first place. As much as Rushpaw wants to leave and find Ox he worries that they were killed in the fire just like Rain and the rest of his family was. Still, in his dreams Rushpaw sees himself following the river to where Ox is dwelling and catching up with them, laughing and playing just like they would when times were good.



        Image
        Last edited by hazilnut on Mon Apr 30, 2018 9:46 am, edited 10 times in total.
        User avatar
        hazilnut
         
        Posts: 5864
        Joined: Mon Jul 25, 2011 1:59 am
        My pets
        My items
        My wishlist
        My gallery
        My scenes
        My dressups
        Trade with me

        π•‹π•™π•šπ•Ÿπ•˜π•€ 𝕨𝕖 𝕝𝕠𝕀π•₯ π•₯𝕠 π•₯𝕙𝕖 π•—π•π•’π•žπ•– || Fates

        Postby hazilnut » Tue Apr 17, 2018 4:16 pm

        𝕆𝕩𝕑𝕒𝕨

        𝔽𝕠𝕩

        xxxx"Rush! Get back!" Ox shrieked as the leering maw of the fox narrowly missed snapping Rush in two, instead simply scoring a deep gash into the young cat's shoulder blades as he wriggled out of the way. Ox leaped onto the fox's back, digging their claws into it's fur. "Stay away from the mouth," they yowled before gritting their teeth and concentrating on clinging to the writhing russet body. Rush, however, didn't listen. Now back on his paws the lithe cat reared back and swiped his claws across the fox's eyes, causing it to bark in pain and twist furiously away. Ox was thrown to the ground by the fox's sudden change in directions and lay dazed for a few moments as Rush caterwauled victoriously.
        xxxx"It's gone Ox! We chased it off just like that old badger!" Rush's eyes gleamed and he didn't seem to notice how much blood coated his side.
        xxxxClambering to their paws Ox hissed roughly. Instead of joining in the celebration they scowled at their friend. "What were you thinking? You could have died rushing in without a plan"

        xxxxThe beginning of the end was heralded by the attack of a hungry fox looking for an easy meal of kits. While the beast got more of a fight than it had expected Oxpaw and Rush's fight didn't come without cost. Rush charged into the fight on instinct, challenging the fox recklessly and putting himself in danger. Meanwhile Oxpaw tried their best to coordinate attacks, yelling ineffectively at their friend to change tactics. In the end their conflicting fighting styles led to Rush tripping over Oxpaw right into the jaws of the fox, only barely avoiding being bitten in half. The fox was driven away but the pair were left with injuries that, while they looked worse than they were, were terrifying to Oxpaw. They were furious at Rush for putting himself in danger like that and as with any fury born of love it was not one that would pass easily.


        π”½π•šπ•˜π•™π•₯
        xxxx"Fine!" Snapped Ox.
        xxxx"Double fine!" Rush mewed through gritted teeth, his tail still fluffed up in anger as he turned his back on the golden tabby. Ox felt an ache throb within their chest, right where their heart was. It was anger, they tried to convince themself, just anger. How could Rush go and almost get himself killed and then whirl around on Ox for trying to protect him? And then how could he leave like Ox hadn't sacrificed so much to keep them both safe? Who did Rush think he was?
        xxxx"Well don't come crying back to me when leaf-bare comes and you freeze in your scrawny pelt!"
        xxxx"I won't!"
        xxxx"Fine!"
        xxxx"You already said that!" Ox's only response was an angry huff as they whirled around and stomped off, their chest still throbbing stubbornly.

        xxxxUnspoken tensions boiled for most of the day after the initial outburst but unable to openly address the issue only deepened Oxpaw's fury. It was at dinner time, or rather what would have been dinner time if either cat had been able to catch anything, that emotions boiled over into a full on fight. After much yelling which might have come to blows had the pair not been utterly tired already by their fight with the fox the pair decided to split. Oxpaw took this decision personally, interpreting Rush's suggestion as a challenge to their ability to provide for their younger friend. They vowed that if Rush thought he could do a better job of taking care of himself then Oxpaw would interfere no more, not even if he came begging with his tail between his legs. Deep down Oxpaw knew this was an empty promise even in the height of their anger, but the duo would never get a chance to make up thanks the the whims of fate.


        π”½π•šπ•£π•–
        xxxxOx's eyes were as wide as turtle shells, reflecting the entire blazing scene in the blue depths. They watched, transfixed in horror, as the bough of a pine tree collapsed atop Rush. His bloodcurdling screech rang in their ears, distinct even against the chaotic background of a forest fire.
        xxxx"Rush!" Ox croaked. They listened for any response, any sign that the cat who was practically their brother was alive. But they received no answer. The trees groaning dangerously above them, Ox turned tail and ran.

        xxxxThe night after Oxpaw and Rush split a forest fire, much like the one that had stolen their families, broke out thanks to negligent humans. The fire surrounded the spot where Oxpaw had made camp but the young cat had spotted an opening that they could dash through to escape to safety. But before Oxpaw had the chance to leave they were found by Rush who had darted into the fire to find them. Despite Oxpaw's cries to get to safety Rush braved the fire and ended up pinned underneath a burning pine tree. Thinking their friend dead like the rest of their family Oxpaw abandoned Rush's body and escaped the fire, not even returning when the blaze died down, instead opting to travel on their own to try and escape the memories.


        𝔽𝕒π•₯𝕖
        xxxx"Who are you?" The lean brown and orange molly seemed removed from the situation, almost disinterested in what a half-grown cat was doing in the middle of the badlands.
        xxxx"I'm Ox," they replied as coolly as they could with a sticky dry mouth and a head light from hunger. Ox knew it was a bad idea to go wandering into a desert with no plan but they hadn't cared. Now they were paying the price.
        xxxx"Well Ox, I'm Mothstar. You look like you could use something to drink. Come with me."

        xxxxOxpaw traveled alone for almost a moon after the fire, hoping to find a traveling rouge group that he could join. Perhaps part of them thought that they could go back to the way things used to be if they just found another group to travel with. However, fate did not plan for Oxpaw to keep travelling and a little after the moon began to wax again they stumbled into the badlands. For a half-grown cat who was struggling enough to survive in the lush forests there was little chance to survive in the harsh climate of the badlands. Thankfully this territory was home to Aridclan who took Oxpaw in and helped them recover from heatstroke and dehydration. After recovering Oxpaw decided to stay with the clan, enamored with the idea of a group so devoted to aiding one another and working as a team.


        Image


        ℝ𝕦𝕀𝕙𝕑𝕒𝕨

        𝔽𝕠𝕩

        xxxx"Rush strike the fox's left flank!" Ox's crackling command caused Rush's tail tip to flick furiously.
        xxxx"But I have an opening-"
        xxxx"Rush!"
        xxxxScowling the thin grey cat ducked away from the fox's gnashing maw, feeling the tip of one of his ears just barely get nicked by needle sharp teeth. Bounding around the side of the beast Rush just barely skidded to a halt to avoid crashing into Ox. "What are you doing?" Rush hissed.
        xxxx"Wrong left featherbrain!" Before Rush could bite out a retort the fox was leering over the pair of cats. "Surround it!" Ox hissed again before they dashed off to flank the beast. Rush indulged himself in a hiss, turning to do as Ox ordered but then shaking his head at the last second and barreling towards the front end of the fox, slashing his claws across it's muzzle and sending it yipping. However the unexpected give caused Rush to topple forwards on his momentum, tripping over Ox's paws and sprawling into the dirt. The fox was quickly upon him, black lips curled back in fury revealing teeth ready to shred the half-grown tabby.

        xxxxRushpaw had tried to follow Ox's suggestions at first, he really did, but all of his instincts protested against this slowing down to listen. It was impossible to think over Ox snapping contradicting commands and the heavy breathing of a bloodthirsty fox. Maybe his early encounter with a nonchalant badger had served to make Rushpaw overconfident in his fighting ability but whether this was the case or not he quickly abandoned Ox's tactics and rushed in alone. This strategy served him little better, resulting in the young cat sprawled across the earth at the mercy of the fox. Eventually he escaped the perilous situation and, along with Ox, managed to drive the beast away. However, there was no mistaking that it was their conflicting fighting styles and inability to work together that had failed them and resulted in rather grievous injuries for Rushpaw. The question of blame combined with simmering adrenaline would serve to erupt into a huge fight later that day.


        π”½π•šπ•˜π•™π•₯
        xxxx"You already said that!" At the time it had felt good to get the last word in his fight with Ox, even if it would likely be seen as kit-ish, but now, hunting alone for the first time in, well, ever, Rush was beginning to regret his decision.
        xxxx"I can't hunt like this," he hissed to no one but the thrush he had just scared away. "This can't be right!" The forest betrayed no answer as to whether Rush's approach was correct or not. The grey tabby harrumphed to himself to fill the silence. "It's not like I care or anything," he continued loudly. He tried to enjoy his soliloquy; at least out here alone he could hear himself think! But all his ranting served to do was make him remember just how alone he was.

        xxxxThe fox fight led to a silent blame game that was eventually voiced later that evening. It was Rushpaw's idea, tired of the fighting, to split up. He was capable, he told himself. He had driven off a badger practically single-pawed hadn't he? And the credit for chasing off the fox belonged largely to him as well. But for all of Rushpaw's anger and all of his self-assurance he quickly began to realize that life on his own was far harder than life with Ox. After whole day with only a shrew to eat, Rushpaw was mollified by hunger into admitting that perhaps he was a little rash in splitting off from Ox. That night he made his way to where they had camped in prior days with the intention of finding Ox, apologizing if he had to, to make things the way the should be. But nature, or rather careless humans, prevented Rushpaw from righting wrongs.


        π”½π•šπ•£π•–
        xxxxSeeing the flames from even several field away brought back terrifying memories of the fire that had stolen the rest of Rush's family. Had that only been less than two moons ago? It felt like lifetimes. And the mere seconds that Rush stood transfixed by the flames felt like an eternity. But this time Rush wasn't going to hide in the river. This time he was ready to face the blaze.
        xxxx"I'm coming Ox!"

        xxxxReturning the following night to seek out Ox and make things right, Rushpaw was intercepted by a forest fire. While small and isolated compared to the other fire Ruspaw had seen in his lifetime it was enough to make him fearful for his best friend's safety. After spotting Ox seemingly surrounded by flames Rush dashed into the blaze without considering a plan or the fact that he might be putting himself in more danger than Ox ever was in. His courageous venture ended when a pine tree finally beaten down by age and flame collapsed onto the forest floor, trapping Rushpaw beneath a burning bough. He fell unconscious shortly after due to the pain and his silence caused Ox to believe that he had died. Rather than have been killed by the branch Rush was actually protected by it, aside from a few burns, as the wood burned out quickly and covered the cat with nonflammable soot which he miraculously did not breath in. As the cats of Thistleclan would attest to after Rushpaw joined their ranks, the Ancestors must have been watching out for Rushpaw as he had far too many close calls that night.


        𝔽𝕒π•₯𝕖
        xxxx"Oh nasty! A dead cat!" Rush came to consciousness with a loud voice echoing in his ear. His pelt felt as if it had been stripped off his muscle and battered against the river rocks before being attached again inside out, but the full brunt of the pain still hadn't hit him yet. "Why do I have to find the dead cat. That's just utterly depressing," continued the voice. Rush decided that, above even the pain that was slowly growing more intense as he began to grasp more clearly onto his thoughts, it was this voice that was causing him the most agony.
        xxxx"Would you please be quiet?" He begged, then gagged on soot as it got stuck in his throat. The voice gasped sharply and the cat it belonged to leapt away in surprise.
        xxxx"It's alive! It's an alive dead cat!"

        xxxxAfter being found by Smokepaw Rushpaw was taken back to Thistleclan camp and nursed back to health. His burns were fairly severe and his fox bites at risk of infection but the young cat pulled through. Rushpaw was far from enamored with living in Thistleclan, and still remains rather standoffish even after living there for around a moon. Despite his initial wish to pursue Ox as soon as he recovered Rushpaw had plenty of time to consider things while he was on the mend. His last solo living attempt having gone south Rush opted to remain and train with Thistleclan for at least the time being.

        Image
        Last edited by hazilnut on Mon Apr 30, 2018 9:42 am, edited 8 times in total.
        User avatar
        hazilnut
         
        Posts: 5864
        Joined: Mon Jul 25, 2011 1:59 am
        My pets
        My items
        My wishlist
        My gallery
        My scenes
        My dressups
        Trade with me

        β„•π•šπ•˜π•™π•₯𝕀 π•₯𝕙𝕒π•₯ π•Ÿπ•–π•§π•–π•£ π••π•šπ•– || Regrets & Successes

        Postby hazilnut » Tue Apr 17, 2018 4:24 pm

        𝕆𝕩𝕑𝕒𝕨

        π”Έπ•”π•”π• π•žπ•‘π•π•šπ•€π•™π•žπ•–π•Ÿπ•₯
        xxxxOx had survived a fire, they refused to starve to death. Unfortunately repeating this to themself, even as often as they had over the past day and a half, did not stop their belly from squirming. Let me out, their stomach seemed to cry, I'll take my own chances hunting since you're so useless at it. Lying in the brush Ox bit down on their tongue, trying to silence both their stomach's protest and the tickling cough that was building in the back of their throat. Ever since the fire Ox's throat felt raw at best and swollen and scratchy as tree bark at worst, but the young cat could spot a rabbit a few fox-lengths away from where they were hiding and Ox refused to let the fire, after everything it had already stolen, take away this meal too.
        xxxxJust a little bit closer. Ox fought the urge to launch themself out of the brush after the plump piece of prey. They weren't fast, and if years of Rush beating them in races hadn't taught them that their recent attempts at chasing down mice certainly had. Slow and steady was far more Ox's speed.
        xxxxThe rabbit inched just a little bit closer, nibbling on the tender greens of the meadow which had not been touched by flames. Ox still held their ground, remembering their father's words. "Don't pounce until you can see the twitching of your prey's nose. It's better to let it get away than blowing your energy and remaining chances on one piece of prey." Ox's hungry gaze tracked their prey's painfully slow movement, feeling their stomach twist with every step the rabbit took, until finally, finally, they could count the silent twitches of the rabbit's nose.
        xxxxOx was on the rabbit in an instant, paws slamming down on its spine for a killing blow before the creature had even realized it was being watched. The warm scent of food was overpowering and Ox nearly fainted from the excitement of it all. Or maybe they were just woozy from hunger. Either way there was a distinct pride to the tabby's sway as they made their way back to where they and Rush were camping. Ox's first solo catch was not a meal to be enjoyed alone.
        xxxxThey didn't have to tell Rush twice to dig into the freshkill. As soon as Ox had come into view the seemingly permanent glossy sheen had disappeared from the younger cat's eyes at the sight of food. The pair tucked into it, stripping the bones in a matter of heartbeats. Noticing how the hope in Rush's eyes seemed to falter upon noticing that Ox had brought no more the older cat reassured him. "There's more where that came from," they promised. And they believed themself. For perhaps the first time since the fire Ox believed that they and Rush could survive even without their family. Ox would carry this memory with them for all time, keeping it tucked away for the moments where everything seemed most dark, as a reminder that they had succeeded once and could do so again.


        β„π•–π•˜π•£π•–π•₯
        xxxxThe one constant in Oxpaw's life had always been running. Perhaps not running very quickly, for they were not built for speed, but running surely and steadily enough. Somewhere along the line, likely after the first fire, that running had changed from running to to running from. Oxpaw was okay with this, they would have been happy to keep running from their past mistakes, but it was awfully hard to run away when one was trapped in an apprentice den by three smiling cats one's own age.
        xxxx"Come on Oxpaw. You have to answer. Them's the rules."
        xxxx"Claypaw shove off. They don't have to if they don't want to." Siltpaw, sister to Claypaw the orchestrator of this whole mess, mewed tightly, nudging her brother. Oxpaw could almost read the hidden message in her eyes. Don't press Oxpaw too much. They might run off into the desert again and then Mothstar would have our pelts.
        xxxx"Yeah they do! If Oxpaw didn't want to play Truth or Dare they wouldn't have agreed to it in the first place!" Oxpaw bit back a retort that Tucopaw would have never let them get away with that before the youngest apprentice piped up again, yellow eyes boring into Oxpaw. "So tell us! What's your biggest regret?"
        xxxxAll of a sudden the craggy den melted into gaunt pine trees that scratched the smoke-stained sky. Fire, like the hues of the Aridclan cliffs except a thousand times brighter and more painful to the eye, danced along a fallen trunk that crackled and spat burning sap , some almost landing in Oxpaw's thin golden fur. But Oxpaw was deaf to the noise over the sound of their heartbeat and the echoing cries of Rush that had long since stopped. This was when they turned and bolted, part of present day Oxpaw knew that was how the memory went. This was when they abandoned their idiotic, wonderful brother because they couldn't stand the idea of seeing his charred body, even to bury it. Just like with their parents, Oxpaw never came back to put Rush to rest and so they could never shake his ghost.
        xxxxThat was Oxpaw's greatest regret. That was what made them unable to move on despite the distance they had put between their Aridclan nest and where Rush certainly lay among ash. Despite their every attempt to remove Rush from their heart and shift the blame of his death onto his spirit instead of Oxpaw's heart. Not burying Rush lead to a stream of 'What if?'s that Oxpaw could barely shut out with loud proclamations that they didn't care.
        xxxx"Oxpaw? Hey Oxpaw!"
        xxxxOxpaw was snapped back into reality by the expectant mew of Tucopaw. They looked down to find their claws had dug into the clay floor without their knowledge, then looked up again to find three worried faces.
        xxxx"My biggest regret was playing this game with you," Oxpaw responded finally. "Now let me sleep." Though they knew their dreams were going to be anything but peaceful.


        Image


        ℝ𝕦𝕀𝕙𝕑𝕒𝕨

        π”Έπ•”π•”π• π•žπ•‘π•π•šπ•€π•™π•žπ•–π•Ÿπ•₯
        xxxxThe great grey beast loomed over the two cats, it's breath reeking of worms and tooth decay. Rush wrinkled his nose as he stared up at the badger, his features furrowed in the kind of derisive contempt that only kits ignorant to the world's dangers can muster. Besides him Rush could feel Ox's fur begin to puff up. "Don't be scared," the older cat mewed to him in a broken whisper. Ox's tone was encouraging but more serious than Rush thought the situation deserved.
        xxxx"I'm not," Rush assured them. Badger-smadger; they could take it out together. Rush tensed his muscles and extended his claws as the badger whuffled closer. He imagined those watery eyes to be full of malice, or perhaps of fear. The beast had to know it was hopelessly outnumbered and outmatched by the brave Rush and Rain! Er, Rush and Ox. Rush had to mentally correct himself for Rain was no longer there. "Ever tasted badger?" Rush did his best imitation of his brother.
        xxxxOx gave a hacking cough that caused the badger to pause in its lumbering steps. "I bet this badger has tasted plenty of cats. Take this seriously," they warned.
        xxxx"Oh I am. Watch this!" Rush sprang out of his crouched position straight into the muzzle of the startled badger. He gave two quick slashed with his needle-sharp claws before darting out of the way again. The beast gave a bellow of surprise as faint trickles of blood dripped down it's maw. Rush gave a whoops of accomplishment as Ox sidled up besides him, striking out a blow of their own. Side by side the pair struck at the grizzled boulder of a badger, inflicting small cuts and pushing the beast back out of the bracken where they had been camping. Rush nimbly ducked out of the way of each clumsy opposing blow and Ox pressed onward despite a powerful strike to the chest that had momentarily knocked the wind out of them. Finally, with one last slash from Rush, the badger turned and waddled off in search of an easier meal. One that wouldn't insist on needling it with words and claws.
        xxxx"Are you okay?" As soon as the beast had lumbered off Ox turned to their younger friend and started inspecting him for any scratches or bites. Rush ducked away from their tickling whiskers.
        xxxx"I'm great. That was awesome! Did you see how we scared that thing away?" The tabby's eyes were gleaming with an excitement that he tried to find in Ox. After a few seconds Ox averted their gaze but not before Rush could make out the faint twinge of amusement to Ox's whiskers.
        xxxx"It was almost too easy," Ox mused. Rush knew their concern was mostly forced at this point though.
        xxxx"Who cares? We did it. Face it- we're the best team that ever lived."
        xxxxAnother whisker twitch. "Yeah. I guess we are a pretty great team."
        xxxxOx's words would follow Rush through the moons, playing in his ears each time he tried to recapture that feeling of accomplishment and closeness. Each time the words rang hollow for never again was such satisfaction gained.


        β„π•–π•˜π•£π•–π•₯
        xxxxFor Rushpaw, the burns were a constant reminder of all of his failures and regrets. The half moon he had spent recovering from them in the Thistleclan healer's den had not caused them to fade and all that time had been good for one thing: reflecting. When his wounds were washed with water rung from moss, Rushpaw regretted abandoning his family to save his own skin in the river. As the healer, Rushpaw still couldn't be bothered to remember their name, rubbed a blend of comfrey root into his raw patches of skin, Rushpaw mourned his ignorance and impulsiveness. Through visits from Adderstar and Smokewater Rushpaw dreamed of foxes and badgers who could crush his skull with their giant maw. But his biggest regret, the one which he couldn't shake even as he began nomad training which kept him very busy, was simply not listening.
        xxxx"Rushpaw are you listening?" Rushpaw was startled out of his thoughts by the quiet lecturing voice of his overseer. Shadowwalker flicked his tail tip disdainfully as he stared down at his trainee.
        xxxxFur fluffing in anger, or perhaps embarrassment, Rush grunted affirmation. His paws kneaded the grass of their own accord, tearing at it like they were impatient to run and keep on running and never stop. He doubted Shadowwalker would care, the tom always seemed to be closed off in his own world except for the times when Rushpaw actually needed him. Rushpaw pointedly ignored the act that he could act the exact same way.
        xxxx"I'm only saying this once more. If you stop paying attention in the middle of a fight you'll get yourself, or worse a clanmate, killed." Guiltily Rushpaw forced himself to focus once more, watching as Shadowwalker outlined battle stances again and doing his best to copy them. He could do a lot worse than learn from a tom who was passionate, if not about training itself about the perfection of it. Shadowwalker reminded him of Ox, though they were far more worried about Rushpaw's wellbeing than his overseer ever would be. This just made Rush guilty all over again and he had to grit his teeth and shift his mind fully back over to training to keep from stumbling. "Now come at me."
        xxxxRushpaw happily obliged. Swipe. That one was for hiding while his family burned. It missed by a mile. Again, this time for his naivety. Another miss.
        xxxx"Come on! I've seen blind badgers fight better!"
        xxxxWith each attack Rushpaw struck out at his faults and insecurities, blaming himself for the entire mess that had led to him and Ox being separated. With each miss his frustration at himself grew until finally the trainee couldn't see for the wavering of his vision. His blows became more sporadic and off target even as Shadowwalker began to obviously slow and stop attempting to dodge. Rushpaw was tiring now, his head pounding from harsh hiccups until finally he fell forwards onto the grass and lay shivering.
        xxxx"I was w-wrong. I s-should have listened. Are you h-happy now Ox? I'm n-not." As Rushpaw sobbed Shadowwalker stood watch, a silent guardian watching a kit mourn mistakes he could not undo.


        Image
        Last edited by hazilnut on Tue May 08, 2018 2:17 pm, edited 1 time in total.
        User avatar
        hazilnut
         
        Posts: 5864
        Joined: Mon Jul 25, 2011 1:59 am
        My pets
        My items
        My wishlist
        My gallery
        My scenes
        My dressups
        Trade with me

        ℕ𝕠𝕨 𝕨𝕖 𝕔𝕒𝕝𝕝 π•’π•˜π•’π•šπ•Ÿπ•€π•₯ π•₯𝕙𝕖 π•₯π•šπ••π•– || Reunion

        Postby hazilnut » Tue May 01, 2018 5:11 pm

        𝕆𝕩𝕑𝕒𝕨

        π”»π•£π•–π•’π•žπ•€
        xxxxOxfang had learned to hate sleep for the dreams it brought them, at first, back when they were an apprentice, they were nightmarish relivings of their finally moments with Rush or fights with foxes taller than the buttes. Gradually as Oxfang adjusted to Aridclan life those dreams had faded away with the aid of poppyseeds and techniques the medicine cats had taught them for lucid dreaming, though instead of heightening their control over the dreamscape in hopes of contacting Starclan, Oxfang used what they learned to block out dreams all together. Their most recent dreams however where proving quite stubborn.
        xxxx"This is just a dream," Oxfang told themself, their words wavering as if underwater, "This is your own head. You are in control. Picture sand. Picture water-sucking, dry, coarse sand." Oxfang squeezed their eyes shut and concentrated, very hard, on the Aridclan desert, feeling the ground beneath their paws turn from mud to cracked dirt. It was working! But when Oxfang opened their eyes the river they had been trying desperately to dream away remained and the earth they had worked so hard to parch reverted back to mud. Oxfang hissed something their mother would have been appalled to learn they knew. Out of the distance there came a familiar whispering voice.
        xxxx"Ox....Ox....Find me Ox....I miss you....I'm looking for you....Ox." It was a haunting rendition of Rush's voice, still kit-soft as Oxfang remembered it.
        xxxx"Stop it!" Oxfang ordered. "Stop it now! This is your fault! You're not here!" They flattened their ears and scrunched their eyes, hunkering down low against the ground. Mud soaked into their belly fur. "You're not here. You left. That was your decision. Let me be." The first few nights Oxfang had suffered through this dream they had sought out the voice, thinking that perhaps they were visiting Starclan and would see Rush among their ranks. But it had all been for naught. A cruel trick of their memory. "Just let me be."
        xxxxAn unknowable amount of time passed with Oxfang curled up besides the dream river that had captured the night sky between its banks. Eventually Rush's voice faded away with a final "Follow the river...." and Oxfang was allowed to wake up to a world not yet touched by sun. They spent the remainder of the night grooming mud out of their fur that hadn't been there when they went to sleep.


        𝔻𝕖𝕀π•₯π•šπ•Ÿπ•’π•₯π•šπ• π•Ÿ
        xxxxA moon or so later of muddy nights and sleepless ones when Oxfang simply couldn't stand it anymore, Oxfang and Frostwhisker were patrolling the river that fed from Home Lake. Oxfang had been dreading such an assignment but they couldn't exactly protest that they were having not-quite-nightmares about rivers and expect that to be a valid excuse. So they shoved down their doubts and trailed after their former mentor, letting Frostwhisker set the slow and steady pace. A few hours in and Oxfang was feeling fairly good about their journey. They had stopped to hunt and successfully rustled up a few tuco-tucos and they had seen no sign of the foxes or mountain lions they were supposed to be watching out for. Oxfang was almost enjoying themself, listening to Frostwhisker tell stories of bones she had seen when she had lived at the upstander green-grass camp, when suddenly their mentor's ears had perked up and she motioned for Oxfang to stay quiet.
        xxxxAgainst the now silent background of the badlands Oxfang could clearly hear the sound of awkward paddling coming nearer. Oxfang vaguely wondered if it was a beaver, they had heard tales from their parents of the long-toothed beasts that could fell entire forests, but it became clear as the paddler neared that they were not such a creature. The newcomer was slim and grey where the beavers of legend were chunky and brown. "It's a cat," Frostwhisker mouthed to Oxfang, her superior eyesight picking out whiskers while Oxfang could still only make out a vague body shape. The white and brown tabby stepped out of her crouch towards the water's edge, abandoning all stealth. "Ahoy," she called. "You are one Aridclan territory. Who might you be?"
        xxxx"One," the cat gasped, "One moment please." They seemed to be struggling to stay afloat, eyes barely open and neck craned back as far out of the water as it could be, in what looked to be a very uncomfortable position. Finally the cat found footing and crawled back onto dry land, sides heaving as they caught their breath.
        xxxxOxfang took a step back unconsiously before the cat even spoke, and when they did, it was in an almost familiar voice that sent Oxfang scrambling back even further.
        xxxx"I'm Rushingthorn," the stranger said in Rush's voice, "And I'm looking for my sibling." With that the cat looked up and locked eyes, Rush's eyes, with Oxfang. A small smile of recognition and relief spread across Rushingthorn's face. "Ox?"
        xxxxOxfang's knees seemed to lock up below them. "Rush?" They tried to gasp, but only air escaped their mouth. The first words that did come out where, "No. You're dead. You left and you died. I saw you." Oxfang wanted to run from this ghost but their paws wouldn't let them, stubbornly sinking into the riverbed.
        xxxxRushingthorn's smile wobbled slightly. He laughed but it seemed hesitant and almost forced. "Funny story. I didn't actually die. Thistleclan took me in. I was going to find you but I had to recover first, and then I had to get strong enough for the journey. I wasn't even sure if you were alive but then I had dreams about a starry river..." He seemed to be searching for some form of understanding or joy in Oxfang's eyes, but all Oxfang could feel was numbing shock.
        xxxx"I-" Oxfang couldn't say anything. How could they? What were the words to apologize for abandoning one's brother? For leaving him under a tree to rot when he wasn't even dead? For hiding for so many moons that they could have been together? "I...I-"
        xxxx"Rushingthorn was it?" Frostwhisker butted in politely, though clearly confused. "Why don't you come back to camp with us? Clearly you two have a lot to talk about and you must have traveled a long while from Thistleclan. I've never heard of it! We'll put some food into the both of you and you can discuss while you enjoy Aridclan hospitality."
        xxxxBoth Rushingthorn and Oxfang nodded mutely. Neither had an better idea for neither had expected this occasion to ever happen.


        Image


        ℝ𝕦𝕀𝕙𝕑𝕒𝕨

        π”»π•£π•–π•’π•žπ•€
        xxxxNomad training had given Rushingthorn the excuse to avoid the rivers that crossed Thistleclan territory. After all, if he could run a field in two heartbeats and snatch nervous rabbits foxlengths from their dens who cared if he could fish or swim? But the one time that Rushingthron could not avoid the water was when he closed his eyes at night.
        xxxxUp until his warrior ceremony all of Rushingthorn's nightmares had been of fire and foxes. For the huge scare that almost drowning had imparted in him there were far more harrying moments for Rushingthorn to dwell on. But all Rushingthorn saw in recent nights was a strip of silver stretching off into the unknown depths. He had been cautious of the water at first, however calm it may have appeared, but it became clear over several nights of far off observation that this dream river, and calling it a river even was a bit of a stretch seeing as it looked like liquid moonlight, was the exact opposite of the one that he had almost drowned in. And so eventually, largely out of boredom and slight confusion as to what else to do seeing as this wasn't a nightmare, Rushingthorn began to follow the stream.
        xxxxOn one such journey Rushingthorn heard the voice for the first time. "Rush..." it called, "Rush...I know it isn't your fault...Find me...We can be together again..." Ox's voice wrapped around Rushingthorn like a comforting blanket, saying everything that Rushingthorn needed them to say and soothing his doubts with cracked whispers. He found himself listening for Ox's voice on the wind during the day as well and looking forwards to sleeping again just to hear his sibling again.
        xxxxRushingthorn longed to hear them in real life too, but as willing as he was to walk an entirety in his dreams he was loathe to take a step in his waking hours. "Follow the river," Ox's voice had instructed him. "You can do it, you were the best swimmer of us all when we were young." But Rushingthorn couldn't bring himself to do it. He had told himself time and time again that Thistleclan was just a stop on the way, somewhere to heal and learn. But now that he was represented with his purpose Rushingthorn found himself surprisingly loathe to abandon everything to follow it. He knew everycat's name now and their scent. He almost looked forwards to hunting with Shadowwalker, no matter how aggravating that tom might be with his snippy demands for Rushingthorn to pay attention like he was still an apprentice. And then of course, there was the challenge of facing the river itself. But the idea that Ox was still alive and the fact that his preoccupation with his dreams was affecting his performance forced Rushingthorn to face the facts. Either he could stay in Thistleclan, dry but never knowing what happened to his sibling, or he could get his feet wet and put his issues to bed for once and for all.


        𝔻𝕖𝕀π•₯π•šπ•Ÿπ•’π•₯π•šπ• π•Ÿ
        xxxxA wave of emotions swept through Rushingthorn as he stared down at the tumbling water below his paws. For the past ten sunrises that he had left Thistleclan to follow the river he hadn't needed to actually enter it's depths, but now with a sheer face of crumbling clay before him Rushingthorn knew there was no other option. "You can do this," he told himself, taking a deep breath and a step forwards before releasing it and shuffling back. "It's just like back in Thistleclan. Smokewater showed you the ropes and you were the best swimmer back when you were traveling. You can do this." Rushingthorn took another gulp of air and dived into the river before he could psyche himself out.
        xxxxThe river was a frigid contrast to the desert heat. Rushingthorn let out a startled gasp at the shock, letting precious air escape his lungs. He was being tossed every which way by the current, like a mossball by a kit. His mind was blank with panic but one whisper rose above the din. "You can do it," Ox soothed, "I believe in you." Rushingthorn's panic subsided and his legs began to pump rather than let themselves be pinned and tossed by the river.
        xxxx"It's like walking but you're flying through water rather than dashing over land," Smokewater explained in from the depths of Rushingthorn's memories.
        xxxx"But that's impossible." He heard his past self protest in even as his present paws began to churn in sync.
        xxxx"But you've done the impossible haven't you, you little alive dead cat." And with Smokewater's smug smile burning into his brain as his lungs began to burn for lack of oxygen, Rushingthorn broke through the surface, gasping for breath. He had to fight to stay afloat but his training and practice was beginning to kick in as his memories talked down his fear. Rushingthorn's muscles remembered the greenleaf races with Ox and Rain, and beating the two older cats as well. He was swimming awkwardly still, thar was certain, with his neck craned high above the water level in an attempt to continuously breath, but the water, which had for moons terrified Rushingthorn, began to feel like home again. Like traveling with his family. Rushingthorn could almost see the river turning to silver moonlight and swore if it were nighttime the water would glow.
        xxxxSo distracted was he by his new-found daring, and concentrating on staying afloat, that Rushingthorn didn't notice the two cats until one of them called out to him. "Ahoy. You are on Aridclan territory," a voice called out, more curious than threatening. "Who might you be?" Rushingthorn cracked his eyes open to find two cats standing by the riverside, one blending into the surroundings and the other, the one who spoke, standing out stark in bright white and brown.
        xxxx"One moment please," he gasped out before paddling over to the bank, taking a moment to catch his breath before glancing upwards, water rolling down his face and into his eyes, making it hard to see. "I'm Rushingthorn. And I'm looking for my sibling." Ruhsingthorn finally blinked the droplets out of his eyes as he made eye contact with the tan cat. He felt his heart skip a beat. "Ox?"


        Image
        User avatar
        hazilnut
         
        Posts: 5864
        Joined: Mon Jul 25, 2011 1:59 am
        My pets
        My items
        My wishlist
        My gallery
        My scenes
        My dressups
        Trade with me

        𝕃𝕖𝕀 πŸ™πŸ˜πŸ˜ π•‘π•£π• π•”π•™π•’π•šπ•Ÿπ•–π•€ π•’π•Ÿπ•Ÿπ•–π•–π•€ || The End

        Postby hazilnut » Tue May 08, 2018 2:51 pm

        xxxxWith each end Rush and Ox always found a new beginning.

        xxxxAfter the first fire they lost their whole world. Rush, his courage, his brother. Ox, their voice, their youth. And both of them their family. But they leaned on one another. Rush regained his bravery and a bit extra besides. He found a sibling in Ox. Ox, well, they could still speak even if it was grating and everyone loses their youth eventually. Like the forest itself they would grow back stronger, or they would have if they hadn't been burned again.

        xxxxAfter the fox sparks flew both literally and figuratively. Tempers flared but so did embers. Rush, trapped beneath the pine for almost one full day, lost his mobility and independence, but Thistleclan served as a good home and Rush was a promising nomad. Ox lost their direction and confidence, though Aridclan took them in and gave them a purpose once more. They both lost sleep and one another but they found a different family.

        xxxxAfter reuniting Rush and Ox lost the ability to hide. Ox could no longer stay bitter and righteous, Rush faced the dashing of his hopes. This end was not as dramatic but it was just as tense, a stalemate drawn out over half a moon. Ox was reluctant to let go of their grudge and embrace the danger of possibility again but they were worn down eventually. In truth they had known it was the end of an era since they first saw Rush again.

        xxxxAfter Rush left they both surrendered a certain closeness of relationship. They could not visit every day nor watch each other through the night, but neither could either of them have left their clan, their new family. But there was comfort to knowing the other was alive even if the pain at their absence intensified and visiting, though rare, was feasible. And so this was the beginning that Rush and Ox finally settled into. It would certainly not be the last, but for the meantime, it was good.


        𝕋𝕙𝕖 π”Όπ•Ÿπ••
        (𝕆𝕣 π•₯𝕙𝕖 π•“π•–π•˜π•šπ•Ÿπ•Ÿπ•šπ•Ÿπ•˜)

        Image
        User avatar
        hazilnut
         
        Posts: 5864
        Joined: Mon Jul 25, 2011 1:59 am
        My pets
        My items
        My wishlist
        My gallery
        My scenes
        My dressups
        Trade with me

        Who is online

        Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 3 guests