A Shining L I G H T? {open to any and all}

[katalyst]

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[atrb=background,http://i376.photobucket.com/albums/oo205/wowee333/blizzardkit2middle.png] {{o o c :: in this post she'll start out as blizzard until she's fully renamed}} It was cold on this day, quite a bit chillier than Blizzard would have liked. Even though the temperature was warm year round, today there was a heavy wind, rustling the small cub's fur around on her back. It sent a slight chill down her spine, though she continued to walk on. Her small, delicate paws fell gently on the ground, her furry striped tail tucked between her legs as she walked. Of course, Blizzard wasn't exactly sure where she was going. Her eyes revealed only blackness, so she had to rely on her sense of smell and hearing to get her where she needed to go. Every minute or so, she'd take a sniff of the crisp air or let out a quiet whine to see what it bounced off of. It was a sort of echolocation, which was something that not very many animals used, especially not tigers. However, it was one of the only ways that she could get around. Blizzard slowed her pace for a minute, opening her mouth slightly and letting out a small, quiet whine. It bounced off of a few trees, which the young cub would be sure to stay away from, that way she wouldn't be in danger of running into them. Then, she let her mouth close and took in a deep breath through her nose. There was a smell that she hadn't smelled for a while, one that was still strangely familiar to the young cub. It was the musty scent of tigers. However, while Blizzard was used to there being only three, she could smell entirely too many tigers, at least for her. A fear rose within her, starting from the tips of her claws until they were up to the points of her onyx black ears. Were the tigers ganged up? Most likely. And if she tresspassed onto their territory, they'd probably rip her to shreds, tearing out her fur and knocking the black stripes right off of her body. Well, if that were physically possible anyway. She paused, hesitating to continue on. Another idea sprouted inside of her. What if the tigers could help her? Only a few weeks ago, Blizzard had a mother and father, and even a sister. She had a family, one that loved her very much and would never have wanted to leave her. However, as the winter came, the prey became scarcer and it became harder and harder for her mother and father to hunt for everyone. One day, they just left, for the sake of themselves. Of course, Blizzard probably wasn't the only cub that was left because their parents couldn't support them. It was something that came naturally to all big cats. It wasn't considered self centered or rude, it was just an act of nature. However, this act of nature left Blizzard alone. Since then, she'd been hungry. Quicker than anticapated, she became a victim of malnutrition, lost and confused while she tried her hardest to stay alive. So far, it hadn't been working. What if these tigers could take her in? In such a large group, they had to be excellent hunters. All she needed was shelter and food. Maybe finally she could stop moping. Her paws increased into a run, her tail raising a bit to help her with her balance. She knew she had already entered their territory, as she passed the scent marked borders just moments ago. So, now all she had to do was run, which is exactly what she did. She let out short, quick grunts every few seconds so that she could tell where she was going and didn't run into any trees, or whatever else was out there. Blizzard wouldn't know, as she couldn't see. She could only visualize. So, Blizzard continued running. That was, until her rib cage started to hurt. Her breath quickened until she was struggling to get in breath. This was another disorder that she had. Her lungs were smaller than normal, so any activity that she did for too long made Blizzard extremely uncomfortable. Running was a bad idea. The young, three month old tiger cub slowed, her tail tucking back between her legs. Her lungs burned, her breath coming quickly. I just need to lay down... Blizzard told herself mentally, lowering her small body to the ground. She sprawled out on her side, her lungs breathing with quick in and out movements. Just rest... She let her eyes fall closed, though it didn't matter whether it was open or closed, she still couldn't see anything. Now, sprawled out on the ground, she planned to just rest for a minute, to catch her breath. However, in the distance, she smelled the scent of tigers... and it was coming closer each second.

[jinxeh ఇ]

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[atrb=background,http://i43.tinypic.com/2nss6lh.jpg] [scrolly:h(461),w(285),sy] A few days had passed since the tom had returned from the Starcavern and the Clan was acting less than accepting of his new position. Of course, he couldn't say he was exactly surprised about it. He was only twenty one moons and leading the greatest Clan in the forest. It was a lot for the young leader to take in, and he was trying his best, though the Clan didn't his best was good enough. Crimsonstar was too damn proud to let it get to him though, he refused to show his Clan mates that he was sacred and unprepared for this position and leading the Clan. However, he knew he could do it. He wouldn't let them get him down, he was going to be the best leader they ever have, and ten times the leader the coward Sparrowstar had been. Ever since he got back, he had walked around the camp with his head high and an even thicker air of authority around him. If he hadn't been so bad actually, but he wasn't ignorant to the whispers surrounding him, Today had been one of those days where the whispers had began to get to him. Apparently he wasn't doing a good enough job as leader, Crimsonstar knew differently of course, they could all leave for all he cared. He knew that would never be an option though, and he was certain it would do more harm than good for the Clan. Crimsonstar had taken his own departure as a compromise, something he had been doing a lot of lately. It was just easier to be out and clearing his head than sitting in camp listening to everyone speculate about Sparrowstar and question his authority. Crimsonstar decided to hunt. Hunting was good for taking his mind off of things as trivial as his Clan mates and how much they liked to run their mouths about him. The cool air was nice against his face, though it was different from what he was used to. It chilled his nose and made his eyes feel dry, but other than that, it was exactly what he needed to help clear his head. Paws moving slowly upon the forest floor, he let his mouth open slightly to breathe in the cool air and any scents of prey that might be lingering on the air. He was greeted by nothing more than the scent of pollen from the trees, and boar. After what happened to Snowstorm, he had ordered the Clan to not hunt boar on your own, and he figured it would be best not to piss of the Clan by going against his own rules. Growling with disappointment, he batted a small felled log out of the way and watched as it crashed down the side of the small hill and snapped in half as it came in contact with a much larger, older tree. Blinking back the tight feeling in his chest of frustration, he continued to walk, this time his pace much faster than it had been since he left camp, every now and then opening his mouth to breathe in the air, though he was met by the same scents each time he did so. Eventually, he allowed his paws to slow to a stop and with the strength of his hind legs, he threw his upper body into the air and braced his body with his large paws that rested against a sturdy tree. Unsheathing his claws, he raked them down the bark, pieces of it flying off in numerous directions littering the ground with pulp. Satisfied with the feeling, he let his body down and took in a deep breath half heartedly, his spirits have fallen with every lack of prey that touched his senses. This time however, was different. The scent wasn't of prey, nor was it a scent of one of the other Clans. It was a scent he had never smelt before, but it was also familiar. Curious, and also slightly aggravated by an alien cat on his territory, he pursued the scent, trying to keep a fair distance between them, if it was just passing through. If not, then Crimsonstar would confront it and demand a reason for them being on TigerClan territory. Tail steadying his body, he broke into a trot, trying to stay quiet, though he knew he wasn't doing a very good job. He was gaining on the alien cat, and it's scent was growing stronger, until he was able to decipher the familiarity of the scent. It was a tiger, but not one of his own. Furrowing his brow and lip curling in a snarl, he came upon the tiger only to stop abruptly. It was a cub, no older than an apprentice, if she was even that old. Her chest rose and fell from exerting itself too much, and Crimsonstar sighed. He had probably scared her. Staying a safe distance from the tired cub, he leaned forward and breathed in, searching for any smells of wounds. He was relieved when none came to him. If it had been any other cat, he would've demanded them to get off their land, but the large brute had a serious soft spot for cubs, despite they're blood, but particularly tiger cubs. Taking a step towards her, he looked at her face and couldn't stop himself from smiling. "Hello, little one." Crimsonstar's tone was gentle, and kind, one that not many had heard him speak in. words [929] tags [blizzard] muse [alright] notes listening to [nothing nowhere - jakalope] [/scrolly]

[}M.idnight]

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[atrb=background,http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv245/Midnight_kitteh/BlueTiger-1-2-1.jpg] [scrolly:h(135),w(420),sy] Being deputy was a hard job, especially to someone who had very little knowledge of the high rank position. The blue tigress winged it half the time and the other half, slightly knew what she was doing. Some of the older clan members had offered her advice, but she turned them down, unless they were not surrounded by several members. She didn't like receiving advice if there was a large group around; it made her feel somewhat inadequate and dumb. She had only be granted the position just a short time ago and still, she felt buried by the weight that the title carried. Today was pretty easy; she sent out two patrols, one for the borders and the second for fresh-kill. No on complained when she said that there wasn't much else to do patrol wise. She was slightly relieved herself. She was having troubles sleeping after the first day or so on the job. 'I'm sure this will all ease up and become a little less frightening before long.' She thought with a long sigh. After the patrols had been sent off with their own tasks, Petaldawn slipped from camp, saying she was going to do a bit of hunting herself. Now that was all true, but she also needed a tiny break if she was going to keep her sanity. Taking long strides, the blue tinted cat made it a ways away from the camp in no time. She inhaled deeply and let her home land scents fill her nostrils and mouth and envelope her body in familiarity. She stomach rumbled slightly and she couldn't help but laugh at herself. 'Guess I should find something to bring back to the clan.' Picking up her pace, her senses alert, looking for any signs of an easy meal. She caught scent of something. Sure there was prey scent in it, but also something familiar. Following the scent, cautious of whatever might be lurking ahead. She poked though some undergrowth and spotted another tiger. And not just any other tiger, Crimsonstar. 'He must have just gotten back. I should say hi.' Upon further investigation, she noticed a small white cub, near the paws of her leader. Curiosity stuck her. Why was a cub out here? And alone? She padded up and looked down at the white tigress. She was a beautiful little cub with her pure white fur. And something interesting hit her. This is somewhat how she looked when Clarence had found her; tired, alone and losing hope. Her heart instantly went out to the cub. The blue tigress padded up next to Crimsonstar and looked up at him. "Have a nice trip?" She said before turning her attention back to the white tiger. She walked over and lied down beside her, flicking her tail across her flank a few times before muttering, "Why are you out here all alone, young cub? Where are your parents?" She looked around to make sure the cub's parents weren't hiding, waiting to ambush whoever came close to the tiger. She confirmed that it was safe and looked up at the leader, confusion written across her face. Characters: Blizzard and Crimsonstar Word count: 531 Background song: "Holding Onto Heaven" by Nickelback Notes: Yay :3

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[ωнιskuяz]

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[atrb=background,http://i39.tinypic.com/35jmdzp.jpg] [scrolly:h(115),w(413),sy] Though Amberwind made a point of not listening to the things said between gossipers in TigerClan, it was nigh on impossible to avoid it altogether. As such, she'd heard all the uneasy talk about the newest update of the clan's hierarchy since Sparrowstar had decided to up and abandon all of them for whatever reason. Amberwind did hope that the she-cat had a good reason, for while she may have been young, she'd gained Amberwind's trust. Not that it was much of a feat, of course - authority was authority for a reason, and Amberwind's loyalties lay indisputably with those in charge. As such, she supported the young Crimsonstar in his new leadership position, though she agreed with the clan in general - he was quite young and inexperienced. As was Petaldawn a bit of a rocky choice in the tigress' eyes, but her respect still held firm. She had no say in who gained power, and no right to question it. The she-cat was the perfect subordinate. As usual, she'd been patrolling the clan borders before the order was even given. It was clockwork to the femme, something that was as natural as eating at mealtime, or sleeping as the moon rose, or sticking to the shade when the sun got intense. Normally Amberwind found nothing alarming at the borders of the clan's territory, and was glad to see that since everyone had gotten themselves back in order after Crimsonstar's return, the border had been renewed and maintained as per usual. It wasn't until she was halfway done with her inspection that suddenly her nose twitched, picking up an unwarranted scent near the border. All the young she-tiger's senses went on high-alert, her pupils dilating as adrenaline surged through her lithe bodice. She gave the area another inspection, confirming her thoughts. Someone had traipsed right over the border into TigerClan territory. Something about the scent caused Amberwind to pause for a moment, trying to analyze it further. There was something...something nonthreatening about the cat who'd left the scent here. What it was, exactly, Amberwind couldn't quite put her paw on. While the alarm bells were ringing loud and clear in her head, the tigress realized it was more the fact that someone was here without permission than the fact that it was a threat. She made up her mind to find out exactly what was off about the scent before taking her findings to Crimsonstar; it wouldn't do to give him a half-baked report, now, would it? Taking off after the scent, Amberwind pressed her maw to the ground, her thin stalks carrying her through the land she knew so well without a single thought, propelling her forward and avoiding obstacles without so much as raising her eyes. Her small pads crashed through the underbrush with a quickening pace as the scent got more and more fresh - she was closing in. So quickly? How could she have gained that much ground on the intruder in such a short amount of time, unless they were going incredibly slow? There was something obvious there, gnawing at her thoughts. Suddenly it hit her. Why she'd caught up so much ground, why she hadn't felt threatened, why the intruder wasn't dangerous. They were young - very young. Amberwind had picked up on the fact the intruder was likely a tiger or had been around them recently, but she realized now that the scent was that of a cub. Not an adolescent - a cub. Panic flared in her chest. Why was a cub in TigerClan territory?! Were its parents coming after it, or coming in from the other side of the clan's lands? Was this supposed to be some kind of distraction for an invasion? Loners had been known to do much worse things than using their young in order to gain an advantage. Amberwind had to find the young cub and get it to Crimsonstar immediately! Fortunately, she was spared the effort. At last the lean tigress closed in on the light-pelted whelp, who seemed near exhaustion and on the verge of collapsing. Deciding to take the careful approach, Amberwind waited until the poor thing expended its energy and fell to the ground, breathing hard. She wanted to pad up and make sure she was ok - for it was a female - but knew better. If this was a trap, there was no way she would allow herself to fall into it before she could warn the clan. For moments she watched the young tigress cub breathing hard, keen eyes taking note of every single movement in the underbrush, every sound that could announce another intruder coming. At last, she decided the cub wasn't any danger to her or the clan. Standing slowly, Amberwind made to make her way toward the youngling when suddenly noise caught her attention. She hunched down again, watching and waiting. She watched as the form of her leader emerged, relief flooding through her tiny body. She breathed a sigh, letting go of the tension in her body - Crimsonstar would know about the kit and know that there was no danger. As Amberwind left her hiding place and padded forward, the two of them were joined by Petaldawn, who inspected the young cub with their leader. Dipping her head in respect, Amberwind stepped up and looked down at the kit, thinking about how terrified she must be. She heard the question asked my the deputy and answered for the kit, allowing her to catch her breath further. "There are no others," she said softly, looking at the kitten with pitty. "I smelled her soon after she crossed our borders and followed her here, just in case. She's alone, I'm sure of it." Her amber gaze traveled to Crimsonstar with question. "What will we do with her? I don't think the poor thing has anywhere to go..." With that, she gave Petaldawn a sly glance. While Amberwind had grown to accept the blue-hued femme, she knew that there was much of the clan that never would. This kit would surly have the same problem if they took her on - something the deputy definitely knew a thing or two about. But what else could they do? words;; ONE-THOUSAND-SIXTY muse;; MODERATE BUT RETURNING notes;; I GUESS BETTER LATE THAN NEVER, RIGHT? HAHA speech;; 8c0000 music;; "HOLD ON" BY SCARY KIDS SCARING KIDS [/scrolly]

[bee]

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[atrb=background,http://i41.tinypic.com/16au1xv.png] Leaf-thin wings, and even thinner limbs. Light as a feather, no, dandelion fluff. Delicate, tiny body. Tossed to the ground by a powerful gust of wind. Lilypaw moved upwind of the butterfly to shield its frail being from the harsh wind, nosing the minute creature to its legs. Its metallic blue wings fluttered weakly, battered by the gale. Her large yellow eyes were almost bigger than the butterfly itself, "What're you doin' out here on a day like this?" The young tigress gently chided the winged insect, though she was unsure if it could understand her. Did it have ears? How could something that tiny have ears? Lilypaw peered closer. Nope. None. The sound of crashing paws made Lilypaw's own black-tipped ears prick. She gave the azure-winged bug a little apologetic smile and prodded it as lightly as she could to the base of a tree, "I gotta go, but stay outta the wind, li'l guy!" She cautioned cheerfully before trotting off in the direction of the noise. With a tiny smile on her maw she imagined her no-nonsense mentor telling her to stop fooling around and for StarClan's sake, your long tail is meant for balancing, not alerting the prey in CHeetahClan territory of your presence! The she-tiger gave a tiny giggle and quickened her pace, lightening her steps while forcing her tail to stay still. It was a difficult task - it was an unseasonably cool day, and the unusual chill made her coat fluff up comically against the wind that was whipping into her face. She shook her head - silly wind! - and narrowed her eyes to golden slits. She continued on with her eyes barely open... and nearly crashed into Amberwind. The apprentice stood up straight, ready to respond to whatever questions her mentor may have about her most recent endeavor, but Amberwind kept unusually silent. Lilypaw cocked her head to the side, wondering what it was that had her so captivated, but she needn't have pondered long. Following her mentor's gaze, she saw both the leader and deputy huddled around a lump of white sticking out of the ground. Curiousity had her in its grip once again. Unable to resist its calling, she padded up to the mound of snow-white fur and pressed her berry-pink nose to it, not unlike she had for the butterfly. Her eyes shone excitedly as she took in the sight, the scent. It was a tiger cub! Without averting her gaze, she breathed eagerly, "Who's this? I've never seen him before! He's so tiny!" Just like a butterfly! ooc; took me long enough... gotta start getting used to lily c: