Bitter Breath

[ΩN e m e s i s]

[bg=000000][atrb=border,0,table] [atrb=width,375,table] [th] Against the grain should be a way of life What's worth the prize is always worth the fight Every second counts 'cause there's no second try So live like you'll never live it twice Don't take the free ride in your own life -----=----- Her breath was foggy in front of her, a small cloud that was easily seen through. Her cold throat was full of bitter air, and it almost stung to breath from her nose. The morning was not an easy one, and Beastpaw had no idea why she was out here again. The other day, when she'd almost fallen to her death made her view in life more hard, complicated and somehow painful. Why had it been her? She was realizing how much she was coming to care for Streakpaw, but that only scared her more. They were two different clans for sake! What would happen. . . . ? Why did it have to be that complicated? If the clans weren't four different things, it would be easy. But no, everything needed to be so different, so unfair, so damn hard. It was that, that was getting Beastpaw more separated from everything. She was always out here now. Not that anyone was ever looking for her. . . . With a sigh, her paws carried her aimlessly as ever, and she was glad to be alone in the cold. It was the least she could have that wasn't painful on the inside. If today was your last day Would you make your mark by mending a broken heart? You know it's never too late to shoot for the stars Regardless of who you are So do whatever it takes 'Cause you can't rewind a moment in this life Let nothin' stand in your way Cause the hands of time are never on your side

[/i][/center]

[/blockquote][/size][/color]
[/td][/tr][/table][/center]

[*~Blazeheart~*]

A flock of birds took flight into the air, squawking warnings into the air as they tried to escape. Most did flee with their souls still intact, but only one was unlucky. Claws dug into the feathers a flesh, dragging the bird down back down to the branch. Its wings fluttered frantically and it gave out a caw of alarm. However, its cries of plea were ignored as teeth flashed and disappeared into its neck. Instantly, the bird went limp and its body cold as life left the motionless body. A blue-gray she-cat raised her head from the dead bird, licking away the blood that had stained her whiskers. The smell of fresh-kill filled her nose as she picked up the bird delicately with her teeth.
The rogue wasn't going to eat it yet, not up in a tree at least. No reason why, it was just an impulse. She gracefully lept lightly down the branch and landed upon the ground, not even stumbling or twitching a whisker.
Rane padded away from the tree, her icy blue eyes flitting around to find a potiential spot to eat. However, another scent other than the bird wafted through the air and entered the rogue's nose.
The blue-gray she-cat stopped in her tracks, recognizing the lush forest scent that hung in the air, mingling with cat scent. Her eyes narrowed as the figure of a small she-cat begin to come toward her way. Rane's tail lashed and her fur bristled slightly, yet she didn't unsheath her claws or drop her prey yet. Clan cats were aggressive to others when entering their territory yet this Clan cat had come to unclaimed territory. So Rane had to wait and see what this she-cat's motivation was.
As Beastpaw drew nearer, Rane let out a soft growl that rumbled in her throat, her piercing blue eyes never wavering.

[ΩN e m e s i s]

[bg=000000][atrb=border,0,table] [atrb=width,375,table] [th] Thoughts were louder than thunder, circling her mind. She was so confused now. So, so painfully confused. However, she let it slip her mind, for even the temptation of food had to get through. As the sudden scent of fresh kill entered her nose, she realized how hungry she had become. Her first thought was to go find it. However, a second thought crossed her mind. Who made it? She found her curiously irresistible, and found herself looking over the canyons. she saw no one, and found herself sighing with longing. Why is it now she was so lonely? Why now, of all times? Why, why, why? Maybe it was because of her recent thoughts, of wanting someone to understand what she wanted now. She soon heard a growl, and turned around. A rogue with the fresh kill? Of course it's a rogue! Beastpaw jumped up and landed in a fighting position, bearing her fangs with force.

[/color]
[/td][/tr][/table][/center]

[*~Blazeheart~*]

Rane glared coldly at the young she-cat as she took to an aggressive position. Rane didn't react right away, just continuing to emit the low growl that rumbled in her throat. She slowly opened her mouth and dropped the prey at her feet before speaking.
"I never understood why you Clan cats were so defensive,"the blue-gray she-cat hissed, lashing her tail back and forth.
"Yet you are in no position to challenge me. Last time I checked, the Clans didn't rule this territory. Or was I not here when you greedy cats claimed it?"she said scathingly.

[&. SHADiE]

[bg=1C1817][atrb=width,396,true][atrb=border,0,true] She never had felt confortale in the forest. With all its leaves and grasses and unfamiliar herbs that made her whiskers twitch. No, she longed for the desert and open plains of her homeland. News flash-- that was a long way away, from a long time ago. Just a memory now, because of those two-legs. Just the thought of what they had done to her made her clench her jaws in anger. That was why she had liked the life in rogue canyon, not the easist path, but one she enjoyed. Now why she was in this forsaken desert with all the annoying oversized tree rats squirrels? Life was boring, and she might as well explore. Suddenly the smell of fresh-kill was scented trhough her open mouth. That, and along with two other cats. One was definately a rogue.. and the other? She couldn't quite place her paw on it. Ah, time to drop in anyway. The she-cat drifted out from behind some ferns, taking in the two she-cats. Clan cat. Mirage thought suddenly as she took in Beastpaw; that was what her smell was. "Oh, I think I interrupted a cat-fight," she meowed, clearing knowing she had. Her prominent accent made her pronounce her 'r's in a rolling, exotic sort of way.

[/size]

[/color][/td][/tr][/table][/center]

[ΩN e m e s i s]

[bg=000000][atrb=border,0,table] [atrb=width,375,table] [th] Beastpaw, with hackles raised, bared her teeth, as the rogue began to speak. Beastpaw heard her voice, and shrugged. With a twitch of her tail, her fangs became covered by her lips. She calmed her posture, and sighed. I don't know either. Clans are so damn organized. Beastpaw said, shaking her head. She really didn't like the Clans lately. Everything was strict, and she was becoming rebellious within the ranks. She even found herself more out here than ever. Beastpaw snapped her head up at the next words, and chuckled lightly. the rogue spoke of territory, in which Beastpaw knew wasn't hers. Beastpaw nodded almost sarcastically. This has started becoming more of a home to me than anything, you know. That's probably why. Now if you don't take this apology, Beastpaw turned as another cat was approaching. then you'll find yourself in a regrettable situation. She snickered, looking back to the newcomer. The newer rogue spoke next. The sandy she-cat had a accent Beastpaw did not recognize, but shrugged. You rogues are quiet nosy. She laughed to herself, twitching her tail, backing up to sit down, not to close to either rogues.

[/color]
[/td][/tr][/table][/center]

[*~Blazeheart~*]

Rane swished her tail, flicking her ears in surprise to hear the young she-cat talk so ill of her own Clan.
"I'd have to agree that some rogues are nosy,"Rane growled, turning her blue eyes towards the newcomer. Her eyes narrowed at the she-cat suspiciously, keeping an eye on the eyes to see what her intention of coming here was. If those eyes flicked towards the bird she has caught, then the newcomer had probably come to steal Rane's prey.

[&. SHADiE]

[bg=1C1817][atrb=width,396,true][atrb=border,0,true] The young Clan cat spoke, her strange accent causing Mirage to flick her tail. Why did all cats here speak so strangely? She continued to babble on; most likely a response to whatever the rogue had said. Mirage admired the Clan cat's fur: it looked similar to her own but very different. They shared the same gold-and-black pattern, but her almond eyes and ears were bigger. So were the patterns on their coats. How interesting to look like someone here.. when this Clan Cat shared no past of her own desert land. Interesting. How interesting indeed. This cat, other than her horrid stench, did not remind Mirage of a Clan Cat. She looked like... like a rogue. Proud and independent. She was deeply curious about this she-cat. It was strange how she talked of her own Clan. Mirage's golden eyes surveyed the blue-gray cat now. She had pretty ice blue eyes. It fit her somehow. She followed that blue gaze down to her fresh-kill. A ghost of a smile flickered across Mirage's lips. Just because she was a newcomer, did she really seem so untrustworthy? "Noisy?" She meowed, cocking her head slightly to the side. "If anything, it is you, little Clan cat. She looked back and forth between them again. "Judging by your looks of death you do not know each other, I assume?

[/size]

[/color][/td][/tr][/table][/center]

[ΩN e m e s i s]

[bg=000000][atrb=border,0,table] [atrb=width,375,table] [th] Beastpaw's ears twitched from the warm breeze that occasionally blessed the canyons. Her tail was swaying from side to side, as her whiskers shivered. The first rogue spoke, agreeing with her. Beastpaw nodded with a small smirk on her lips, and shook her head then, bored and not really wanting to be here. Sighing then, she snapped her head to the ginger female. Laughing almost demonically, she raised her ears forward. You call me nosy? Beastpaw hissed, preparing to stand up. But, oh? She had more? So, she didn't hear her talk? Well that was convenient, Beastpaw had. And, oh! She asked if they knew each other?! You call me nosy, but is it your business if I know her? Beastpaw snickered. She cackled lightly after that, and yawned. Names' Beastpaw. Stupid apprentice of the stupid clans'. Beastpaw sighed, rather bored, and somewhat in a pissy mood. Lately, in the past month, clan life was ridiculous. Why did you have to feed the Clan, when you caught it? Whatever happened to all for one? No, they had to be all good about everything. Sighing, she rolled her shoulders.

[/color]
[/td][/tr][/table][/center]

[*~Blazeheart~*]

"Well, she got the stupid part right,"Rane meowed scathingly. The smart-aleck she-cat made such comments like that.
"You're lucky I'm not the type to hold a grudge against you Clan cats. Although I'm not sure about this one,"the blue-gray she-cat meowed, flicking her tail towards Mirage.

"Well, I don't know if Beastpaw is a suitable name for you,"Rane commented, twitching her ears. She really didn't get why the Clans had to name their like that. One syllable was enough.

[&. SHADiE]

[bg=1C1817][atrb=width,396,true][atrb=border,0,true] Mirage rolled her shoulders in a small shrug. "You are the one speaking of those Clans." She said 'Clan' in such a way that one would say 'cockroach.' She watched as the strange laugh took hold of the young cat. She was fierce, in the presence of two rogues. Interesting.. Then the conversation turned and she found herself agreeing with the blue-gray cat and she turned her golden orbs to her. "I hold no grudge to them, to me they are lost in their ways of codes, useless loyalty, and rules," she murmured. Those Clan names were so idiotic, too. From what she knew, most were long and a pain to keep saying. Oh? So this.. Beastpaw.. she was named, held no compassion for her home? Even though she was unfortunate enough to have once resided in the Clans? Nothing would ever be able to untie her heart from her home. Nothing, ever. Even with a name as horrible as Beastpaw. "Well, I don't know if Beastpaw is a suitable name for you," said that blue-gray rogue. Mirage again cocked her head to the side, thinking. How true it was. "Beast," she meowed once, nodding. "You, little cat, will be known as Beast to me and whoever else. Your Clan name does me little good." Her expressionless face dared anyone to challenge this. Then, as if on a second thought, Mirage looked to the other rogue. "And what is your name?"

[/size]

[/color][/td][/tr][/table][/center]

[ΩN e m e s i s]

[bg=000000][atrb=border,0,table] [atrb=width,375,table] [th] Beastpaw snorted. Right you are. Everyone's just to. . . Strict with their damn laws'. Beastpaw sighed, her tail swishing from side to side. Irritation was obvious in her voice and her stance. Why was life so damn organized? What ever happened to fun? It was so boring, repeating every daily rituals. Beastpaw not suitable? Why, what a shame. Indeed, was she just taunting Beastpaw into something? I'd watch that mouth of yours! Beastpaw hissed, saliva slipping through her bared fangs. If this was some taunt, it was working. However, she let the position down. Her head turned to the newer, sandy cat. A smile erupted on Beastpaw's face. A cruel, demonic smirk that revealed much pleasure in the name. That would be a rather suitable name. She pondered out loud, a almost evil thought racing through her mind.

[/color]
[/td][/tr][/table][/center]

[*~Blazeheart~*]

Rane glanced coolly at Beastpaw as the she-cat spat at her.
"Relax, I'm just saying you don't look beastly,"the she-cat commented, rolling her icy blue eyes.
"Knowing my name isn't going to help you any way,"the blue-gray she-cat growled quietly, whisking her tail around her paws as she sat down calmly. She gave Mirage a pointed glance, as if challenging the she-cat to object. Rane didn't trust others so easily and she wasn't about to have these strangers address her on a name-to-name basis. Besides, these were cats she would meet only today, just rogues, or in this case a Clan cat too, and never meet tomorrow. Perhaps another day but as rivals and enemies that fought for prey that was crucial to her survival. That was just he life of a rogue.

[&. SHADiE]

[bg=1C1817][atrb=width,396,true][atrb=border,0,true] Mirage watched Beast closely. She inched her paws slightly more apart, in case the she-cat got any crazy ideas of attacking. It certainly seemed possible, especially when a close ranged battles made her nervous. She wasn't one for up-front battle; speed, well aimed jabs, and trickery were what she was known for. Not the clash of bodies and claws in a huge, twirling mass. Beast..almost seemed.. crazy? But no, maybe it was all influence from the Clans. With her bared fangs and demonic smile Mirage couldn't help wonder what it would be like to get to know the cat. The word rogue again flitted into her mind. Thoughts of Beast and her eerie response halted as the desert cat turned her attention to Rane. "A name is worth a thousand words," Mirage murmured cryptically. Again her eyes dropped to the tempting piece of fresh-kill. "But you can hunt, survive. What does it matter to me. I'm Mirage. And you..." she surveyed Rane, taking in her blue-gray fur. "Blue. I'll name you Blue, then." she finished with a small upturn of her maw. "How it is pleasant to meet you both." Her accent and clipped words made it hard to distinguish if the sentence was really meant or sarcastic.

[/size]

[/color][/td][/tr][/table][/center]

[*~Blazeheart~*]

Rane cocked an eyebrow as Mirage gave her a nickname. Her ears twitched irritably and she gave Mirage a pointed glare, but didn't object. It wasn't the blue-gray she-cat's position to argue against what the other rogue thought. Mirage could call her whatever she liked. Rane knew they probably weren't going to meet again and if they did, they probably won't recognize each other anyways. These cats were merely shadows that will pass through today and leave when a new day comes.
Her icy blue eyes trailed to Beast, coldly looking over the young she-cat as the Clan cat began to give off an aura of malicious vibes.
"Well, even if you turn rogue, you'll still be considered a Clan cat,"Rane pointed out bluntly.

[ΩN e m e s i s]

[bg=000000][atrb=border,0,table] [atrb=width,375,table] [th] Mirage had spoken first of the two, and how true her words were! Names were easily something to tempt souls, to strike fear into them. And now. . . Beast was beginning to see her true potential. Her smile was becoming something everyone should fear! For it was devious, cruel. Her green eyes shown with something she couldn't name. Now, now. Pleasure is under doing it, is it not? What do you see in me, Mirage? What do you think I can do. Want to do, Beast added silently. She looked at the other rogue, Blue if you will. Her words were put bluntly. You think I wanted this life? You think I wanted to do the same thing every damn day? she hissed. anger was now easily seen in her bright orbs. While she bared her fangs, her next words were softer, and grieving almost. I come out here to be more than a clone the stupid leaders try to make. I come out here to be. . . A difference. Beastpaw sighed, and then looked down for a few seconds. Then, back up. I may not be a rogue, but I can promise you I will be your enemy if you push me. she said. No emotion was on her face now, just a slightly frowned brow.

[/color]
[/td][/tr][/table][/center]

[*~Blazeheart~*]

Rane just shrugged her shoulders and sighed silently to herself as she listened to the young she-cat complain. Her blue eyes travelled lazily over Beastpaw, though perhaps scrutinizing her a bit under the icy gaze.
"Well, you think life of a rogue is fun?"Rane hissed softly, rolling her eyes.
"And we do the same thing everyday too. We survive,"the she-cat growled, twitching her tail in annoyance as the young apprentice gave the impression that she thought life as a rogue was easy.
"All cats seem to be your enemy when you're a rogue,"Rane replied to Beast's threat, looking not at all concerned.
"So one more won't make much of a difference."