Autumnstorm
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Post by Autumnstorm on Sept 10, 2007 16:47:18 GMT -5
Chapter #2 Dawn crept through the mouth of the cave, giving the waterfall an unearthly glow. Crowpaw lifted his head as he heard the songs of the birds. It surprised him that any creature in this world could be so joyously happy, when he felt as if he just wanted to curl up and join Starclan. His blue eyes were dull and fearful as he skimmed the cave, watching the Tribe cats stir. Suddenly, a meow behind him made him jump a mile into the air. He whirled around, but relaxed when he saw he was staring into the pale face of Stoneteller. Crowpaw narrowed his eyes and sat down slowly, afraid of what was coming. "Crowpaw, right? I think you should come with me. The silver cat is alive, but very weak. She keeps asking for you." Crowpaw's fur bristled, but not with fear this time. Excitement coarsed through his veins like fever, and his heart began to pound. He forced his protesting muscles to carry him back into the den, passing pointed rocks jutting from the earth and roof like massive teeth. Stoneteller led him to a smaller room. Stacks of herbs and other strange things lay on the rocks around the room, protected from the dripping water. And there, in a large nest in the center of the room, was Feathertail. Her body was covered in wraps, and her legs were splayed out to the side. Her eyes were closed, and as Crowpaw crept over toward her, his breathing shallow, he wished they would open. In a trembling voice as delicate as brittle leaf-fall leaves, he whispered, "Feathertail? A-Are you ok?" Two crystal blue eyes blinked open. "C-Crowpaw? Is that y-you?" "Yes, I'm here. It will be fine Feathertail. You will be just fine. I'll watch over you! You are never leaving my sight." Feathertail drew in a painful, rasping breath and let out a purr of laughter. Crowpaw's heart was wrenched desperately as he watched her try to do something as simple as laugh. "Well, it is true!" he mewed. "You really are stubborn Crowpaw. You really are..." Feathertail's voice trailed away and her breathing became more even as she drifted back into sleep. Crowpaw nuzzled her cheek tenderly and stretched out beside her. The immediate danger was gone. For a small amount of time, he could rest in peace. *** Stormfur nodded and thanked the elderly cat. As Stoneteller rose to leave the room, so did the gray warrior. Brook stood up as well and turned to Stormfur with large, pleading eyes. As he padded toward the tunnel Stoneteller had indicated, she began to follow before he turned towards her. "No, Brook. She is my sister, and this is something I would prefer to do alone." For a moment, Brook opened her mouth to protest, but then she thought of the tumult the Clan cat must be feeling in his heart and in his stomach. She closed her eyes and nodded gravely. Stormfur dipped his head quickly, glad for Brook's respect. She was an awfully pretty and kind she-cat. But right now, another she-cat needed his help, and all his love. He made his way into the dark area where Feathertail rested, squinting in the dark as his pupils expanded to condition themselves to the dim light. Something black was lying on the ground next to a rock, where a silver body radiated in the choking darkness. "Crowpaw? Get up. You need really rest." Crowpaw started and staggered to his feet. "What? No. I-I am going to stay here with Feathertail!" "Be sensible Crowpaw. You look worse than a drowned badger. Go sleep. now." The dark gray apprentice gave Stormfur one last defiant look before admitting defeat and padding off and out of sight. Stormfur returned his attention to his sister. He saw the fall and rise of her chest, signifying she was asleep, and her face looked peaceful. "He really loves you, you know." Feathertail twitched in her sleep. "He loves you more than anything. And that is why you have to make it." Ok, end of chapter. I had some mild writer's block today, so it isn't great, but I hope you like it! ;D
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Post by Lightningstrike on Sept 10, 2007 17:33:48 GMT -5
its awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Autumnstorm
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Post by Autumnstorm on Sept 12, 2007 16:02:20 GMT -5
Thanks Lightningstrike! I'm glad you like it so much. You make me feel so good, I exalted you! ;D
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Post by Lightningstrike on Sept 12, 2007 19:12:23 GMT -5
thanks!Its an awesome story,so why wouldn't i be excited!?
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Post by Tigerfur on Sept 13, 2007 15:28:52 GMT -5
EXCELLENT chapter! ;D I hope you update again soon! ;D Can you check out the story Gathering Darkness in the RiverClan section? PLEASE and THANK YOU! ;D
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Autumnstorm
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Post by Autumnstorm on Sept 13, 2007 15:59:25 GMT -5
Thanks! And sure, I'll check out the story. ;D
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Post by Pantherfoot on Sept 30, 2007 13:48:20 GMT -5
excellent...i give this a 2 thumbs up!
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Post by Wildpaw on Oct 6, 2007 21:17:51 GMT -5
Awesome story!! I feel so sad for poor Crowpaw! Even Stormfur has given in!! Be sure to check out my fanfics! Sunset Island:One-shots The founders of ValleyClan:Sagas! ;-)
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Autumnstorm
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Post by Autumnstorm on Oct 11, 2007 15:48:58 GMT -5
Thanks all! I've been busy and haven't had time to post more yet, but I will try to very soon. And if any of you want, I have a few other fan-fics too! *pokes siggie* Hey, since you have all been so kind to take the time to read my story, I'll read some of yours! *scans siggies*
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Autumnstorm
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Post by Autumnstorm on Oct 11, 2007 16:59:50 GMT -5
Chapter #3 Darkness. That was all. Everywhere he looked, all he could see was darkness. With a sharp intake of breath, he stumbled blindly to one side, yowling in pain and breaking the suffocating silence as he cut his paw on an unknown and unseen object. His heart beating wildly, like it was going to burst out of his chest, he stood, trying to force himself not to tremble. His eyes scanned the black hole around him, desperate to see something. Suddenly, the stench of blood reached his nostrils. The cut he had made on his paw must have been worse than he had thought. As he raised it to his mouth to lick it and stop the bleeding, the silence became even more pronounced. It seemed impossible, when the world was already more silent than anything. And all of a sudden, a huge claw slashed through the air. He screeched and tried to run, but it felt as if his paws were glued to the earth. Hot breath beat down on him, closer and closer, nostrils inhaling the sweet smell of blood. A horrible yowl sounding like a screech owl and a cat together split the darkness; the most terrifying thing he had ever heard. It pierced him right to the bones, and he fell, writhing, to the ground. Jaws parted, he could feel the beast's putrid breath on his skin, and he closed his eyes, waiting for the teeth; the pain. But it never came. A brilliant light tore the black, destroying the evil. He caught a glimpse of a giant cat the color of sand as it let out another bone-chilling wail before it dissolved into nothingness. The light grew stronger, brighter even, than the sun. Even with all its intensity, it did not hurt his eyes. Instead, it filled his thumping heart with wonder and bliss. As the light grew closer, he saw it was in a shape. The shape of a cat. Her fur glowed silver like a million moons, and her eyes twinkled in her face. "Feathertail?" he whispered so quietly even he wasn't sure he had said it. His eyes searched her fur for stars, woven in like dewdrops upon a spider's web in the twilight. But none were there. The goddess cat smiled at him and meowed in a voice more heavenly than the wind flowing across the moors, "Do not fear. Leave this past behind you." She swept her tail through the remaining darkness, turning it to a golden horizon, where a glowing orb was appearing. And with a last glimpse at him, she was gone. Crowpaw woke as the cave filled with light. He warily raised his head. This world seemed unreal after his dream. The cats padding back and forth, the hard stone surrounding him, the feathers under his paws: they were all so odd to him. Had that been a sign from Starclan? But he wasn't a medicine cat, and never would be. He gave himself a shake and rose from his nest. Slowly but surely, the memories of the real world returned, and with it, his fear. Feathertail! He rushed toward the chamber where she lay, but was stopped by Stormfur. "Move you stupid furball!" he hissed, trying to push past the warrior. "No! I knew you would come to waste away beside her the first chance you got, but I'm not letting you Crowpaw! You are in a state almost as bad as hers! You haven't bothered to groom, your exhausted still, don't argue, I see it, and you haven't eaten in days!" He glared at Crowpaw with a glare to match the apprentice's. "Go get something to eat!" Crowpaw didn't answer and tried to shove Stormfur out of the way, but he wouldn't budge. "Fine!" he shouted. "I'm not even hungry, but I'll eat anyway!" Trying not to look weak, he held his tail high as he stalked away. But even that was too much effort, and as soon as he was out of the Riverclan warrior's sight, he dropped it again. Arriving at the building fresh-kill pile, he spotted Squirrelpaw munching on a vole. She gave him a fearful look he had never seen in her green eyes. Picking up a small mouse for himself, he staggered over to her and threw his weight to the ground. She looked at him in the same hesitant manner, as if he were an intimidating stranger. Crowpaw bit resentfully into his food, not even tasting as he chewed. "So...did you sleep well last night, Crowpaw?" Squirrelpaw asked gently. He turned his head and snarled. "You have no idea!" Looking taken aback, she took another bite of her vole to hide her embarrassment and to avoid answering. The Windclan apprentice was obviously in no mood to talk. Gulping down the rest of her meal, she rose to her paws, mewed, "Well, I'm off!" and trotted hastily away. Crowpaw stared angrily after her. Would they all treat him differently now? Had he really changed that much? The minutes ticked by slowly, his mind whirling dully and his fur sagging with depression. Occasionally, he would take a tiny bite of his prey, but it tasted awful, and stuck in his throat. Suddenly, the tribe cat named Brook ran up to him, her fur fluffed with excitement. "Crowpaw!" she exclaimed. With a forced swallow, the apprentice looked up at her. "What do you want?" he croaked, but even so, his heart began to throb with hopeful eagerness. "It's your friend, Feathertail! She is awake!" Hope you like it! This story is probably going to end up soooo much longer than I said it would! ;D
Autumnstorm
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Post by Lightningstrike on Oct 11, 2007 20:56:17 GMT -5
Pretty kool!!!Oh,and THANKS YOU for the UpDaTe!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Post by Heatherpool on Oct 11, 2007 22:50:00 GMT -5
Great story!!!!!!!!!!
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Autumnstorm
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Post by Autumnstorm on Oct 13, 2007 17:09:45 GMT -5
Thanks everyone! And, you are welcome lightningstrike. ;D [glow=purple,2,300]Yay! I got a new avatar! [/glow]
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Autumnstorm
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Post by Autumnstorm on Oct 16, 2007 15:26:44 GMT -5
Chapter #4
Crowpaw jumped to his paws with new energy surging through his limbs. He overtook Brook and emerged into the portion of the cave where Feathertail was. Stormfur, Brambleclaw, and Tawnypelt were all clustered around the rock that served as Feathertail's sickbed. Crowpaw suddenly faltered as an incredible sight met his eyes. The silver Riverclan warrior was sitting up, filling the whole room with her radiance. His mouth hung open as if he was witnessing a cat from Starclan coming to Earth. In fact, to him, it did seem as if that was happening.
"Crowpaw," Feathertail purred.
Crowpaw could do little in return but shut his mouth and pad up to her. He pressed his muzzle into her neck, and tried his hardest to transfer some of his remaining energy into her. A purr rose in him too, gaining strength until it racked his tired body with vibrations. "I thought..." He trailed away, never wanting to utter the terrible words.
She closed her eyes and licked his head. "So did I. I was beginning to believe I was never going to see another sunrise, but the thought of you, and the other cats, kept me hoping, fighting." Her voice was hoarse and scratchy, but it still contained her smooth, liquid voice.
Stormfur watched the two cats with his head to one side. He was expecting to feel a rush of fury, of rage, toward them as he usually did, but this time, it didn't come. His heart felt lighter, as if a hard layer had melted away. They really were in love, and if they felt this much anguish at being apart, then he would never try to bring that upon them. His sister wasn't his to control. If Crowpaw made her happy, then she could have him. All that mattered was that she was alive, sitting up, and it looked as if she might recover. "Come on," he meowed. "I think they want a moment alone."
Brambleclaw looked startled for a heartbeat, but then he seemed to understand and rose to his paws. Tawnypelt followed with no complaints, and even Squirrelpaw, who had entered a few moments ago, agreed, though reluctantly.
Crowpaw's head whipped around in Stormfur's direction. The overprotective warrior had never shown this kind of compassion or understanding toward them before. His eyes met Stormfur's, and a silent message passed between them. The gray cat gave a small dip of his head and turned away, Stoneteller following.
He couldn't take it anymore. Crowpaw broke down and slumped to the floor. His legs felt like water, and his head was pounding painfully. "I'm sorry!" he whispered.
"Sorry? Sorry for what? I see nothing for you to be sorry for." Feathertail mewed in return.
His voice barely more than a whisper, he raised his head and mewed, "I'm sorry for almost giving up. I had tried to retain my hope for so long, but I just couldn't anymore. I almost turned my back on you."
Feathertail's kind eyes bore into him. "Never Crowpaw. Never. I know you wouldn't abandon me, and I know you did not. You are a cat like no other I have ever met before. And I'm ready to swear by Starclan that you were with me the whole time, and always will be."
"You are making me sound much more loyal than I am."
"Stop being so hard on yourself Crowpaw! Can't you just accept a little praise, you furball?"
Crowpaw smiled weakly. "Thanks," he mewed, his voice higher than usual. "I love you."
Feathertail purred harder than ever, and her clear blue eyes met his. "I love you too," she squeaked between her rumbling purrs. "And I promise, I'll always be with you, no matter what happens."
Thanks for reading! I hope you like it! I know it is a little slow and drawn out, but I'm working hard, and every comment is REALLY appreciated! ;D
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Post by Tigerfur on Oct 16, 2007 15:43:28 GMT -5
WONDERFUL chapter! ;D I'm glad that Feathertail is alive, update again soon! ;D
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