The Bear and the Badger (BearxHawk)

[Piewonder]

Bearclaw[/color]

Bearclaw moved across the border, head low to the ground, sniffing every inch. Sure, it must have looked odd; Bearclaw, the large cat of MeadowClan sniffing the border with look of disappointment on his face, but he didn't care. Raising his large head, the russet colored tom sighed heavily.

Shika.

She hadn't been around in four moons. He was used to her random actions of vanishing, but this, this was longer than he had ever had to deal with.

"C'mon sis...I need something, anything."[/color] Bearclaw sat himself on the borderline, shoulder hunched and tail tip twitching. If anything Bearclaw was glad no one was around because he looked so dejected. The happy-go-lucky-always-smiling-brute, was actually sad, and well, Bearclaw couldn't have others thinking he wasn't his jolly 'ol self. He didn't like questions being asked. And quite frankly, he didn't see how it would help him in the Clan's current situation if they knew his sister was a rogue.

Feeling anger prick his belly, Bearclaw's face crossed over into a look that resembled a dark cloud. MeadowClan...they were breaking from the inside! Only a newborn kit wouldn't be able to see the divide between the ForestClan born cats and those who were from other clans and/or born with split heritage. Well, maybe a kit could see it. Bearclaw sighed. He had no issue with those who had loner or rogue blood, there was nothing wrong with having different clan blood!

Feeling angry, another rare emotion, Bearclaw slashed the ferns in front of him, shredding a few leaves of it. Blinking, the tom looked at the plant and immediately felt guilt plague him. He couldn't let his anger take control like that. Raising his head to the trees above, Bearclaw watched the sun filter through the trees and felt calm again. Life wasn't so bad. He just had to remember that. It would always get better. [/size]

[Glowy]

This was unusual for Hawkheart, being out of camp on her own. She really did prefer to be in the company of her clanmates, whether it be for the purposes of causing drama, pestering somebody, or to get to know them better, though there were few cats she would accord that honor to. Russetstorm was chief amongst those lucky few cats, simply because he treated her so differently from the way everybody else did, and she couldn't get him out of her mind. Why was that? She shook her head with a huff. It was silly. In any case, she was out by herself right now to search out materials and muse for the Musketeers' (or, as Shrewstorm would call them, the Mighty Ducklings) latest prank. It was interesting, being a part of a tight group of friends. Well, they weren't friends so much as partners in crime. Literally. Some of the things they did to their poor clanmates were simply unlawful! Sinful, even! Oh, it was fantastic to have such an outlet for pushing buttons. That being said, she had no idea what it was she was looking for. Shrewstorm's pits of death would be pretty hard to beat, and he hadn't exactly provided any inspiration for their next shindig. So she supposed she was out here searching for just that: ideas. Honestly. How hard should it be to come up with an idea for a peace-shattering prank? A tom's voice reached her ears and she stopped cold, craning her neck to try and pinpoint the source of the sound. She could make out nothing but indistinct murmurs, but the sound was definitely there, and it was close. She opened her mouth to scent, hoping to high StarClan that the tom wasn't some strange rogue she'd have to chase away. She wasn't in a violent mood right now. So she crept forward, slinking with all the grace she possessed in her body, trying to remain undetected by this strange solitary... ... Bearclaw. What in the high heck was he doing out here, by himself? And why in the name of all that was sane in the world was he slashing through ferns? He wasn't a violent cat. What. The. Heck. This needed to be stopped. It just wouldn't do for him to be so sad and angry. So what else could she do but pounce at him? She waited a few heartbeats, until it looked like his aggression was spent, and then took a yowling, flying leap at her clanmate, grinning like nothing else and laughing through her cries. "It is I, the Wild She-Badger of MeadowClan, come to bring you joy and laughs! Resistance is futile," she spouted with a smirk, hoping that she would startle him out of his unsavory state. speaking [bg=ded3bd][atrb=width,469,true] [atrb=border,0,true]

[Piewonder]

Bearclaw[/color]

Feeling the sun shine on his brown face, Bearclaw began to close his eyes, letting the warmth seep through his fur. The rays began to melt the anger and sadness that sat coiled in his chest, he began to feel at ease.

Shoulders relaxing Bearclaw began to close the world out, allowing memories to wash up that made a smile prick the sides of his mouth. He barely heard the pawsteps...didn't hear the brush of fur, nor did he smell her scent. It was her voice that brought him back, reeling to the side as the charging prankster of MeadowClan barked a laugh and lunged for him.

"Hawkheart!"

[/color] Her name came out startled, his tail bushed up twice it's size. Then, Bearclaw let out a booming laugh as the breath in his lungs rushed out. Feeling the emotion rack his frame the bear cat let a purr escape his throat. He didn't care what the others said, Hawkheart (and the other pranksters) always brought a smile to his face. To him there was more to them than what others saw, and he liked it.

"Hey, I'm full of smiles. Shouldn't you be messing with an apprentice or topping Shrewstorm's prank?[/b] Thankfully the tom hadn't fallen victim to the other warrior's stunt, but it was mildly amusing to watch cats fall a short distance in surprise and then crawl out with a purpose to school Shrewstorm; as if that could be done! All the same, it was entertaining to watch them try.

Licking his fur chest down, ridding of the last few traces of shock, Bearclaw sat in front of Hawkheart with his lopsided grin. No more traces of sorrow or disappointment. No black cloud of anger. He was Bearclaw again, happy and ready for anything.

Which he needed to be, ready for anything that is. With Hawkheart around he could never tell what was going to happen. She was one cat he couldn't read and that intrigued him. Well, she intrigued him. But, he wouldn't tell her that...well, yes he would. Bearclaw wasn't shy but he wasn't overbearingly forward either. Besides, she seemed to have a couple toms smitten. Beneath all her antics and schemes, she was a female, and a pretty one at that.

Quivering his whiskers the massive tom released those thoughts from his mind. She was good company, a good friend to have. He wasn't going to compromise that anytime soon especially not today. [/size]
[/center]

[Glowy]

Hawkheart purred, highly satisfied with herself and with her friend. "That's my name! Don't you go wearing it out, now," she chortled, flicking her ears. Oh, it was fantastic to be able to be like this. To laugh freely without mockery and to feel no pressure was gloriously liberating to her. She had so few opportunities to live uninhibited by her clanmates that, when one came up, she eagerly seized it with all the enthusiasm of an apprentice chasing their first rabbit. And this was one of those opportunities. "Yeah, it sure looked like you were all sunshine and happiness," she teased, flicking him on the ear with her tail. It then occurred to her how easily this could turn into an opportunity to create some drama, some lovely interpersonal drama of the awkwardest kind. Oh, the places it could go! The possibilities were truly endless: creating enmity by any means possible, fabricating romance to deceive and ensnare him before brutally revealing the truth, insulting him in every way possible... as I said before, the possibilities were truly endless. Yeah. Because awkwardness made everything so much better. As much as she loved drama, she loved avoiding personal involvement even more. So, for the time being, Bearclaw was safe from her scheming mind, though she might choose to keep him in consideration (unlikely) for drama. She tried to defer from cats she respected and liked. It was her small way of protecting them, she supposed. "Shrewstorm's prank. Yes," she lashed her tail as she spoke, narrowing her eyes. Ooh, she was still peeved that he'd overlooked her potential for input! "He won't be leaving me out of his shenanigans again any time soon. Less effort for me, more chaos for everybody! Yay!" Her cheeky smile was back as quickly as it had vanished, and she found herself, after a few seconds of silence, tilting her head from side to side, bouncing a bit. "What'cha doing all the way out here in the sticks, Beary, ol' chum?" Her head stopped moving and just stayed tilted, while she forced her eyes to open even wider, giving her the completely intentional appearance of a comical apprentice. Now that she gave it some thought, it was just as odd for Bearclaw to be out here alone as it was for her. So what in StarClan's name was he doing out here? speaking [bg=ded3bd][atrb=width,469,true] [atrb=border,0,true]

[Piewonder]

Bearclaw[/color]

Bearclaw felt his ears twitch a little as Hawkheart commented on his little outburst. Evidently she'd seen his bearish rage be taken out on the poor fern plant...oddly enough, he didn't seem to mind too much. "Hey now, that plant had it comin'!"

[/color]. Like they say; if you cant beat 'em. Join 'em. There was no sense in brushing it under the carpet, Bearclaw did what he could to hide his anger, well his anger and any other emotion other than happiness, but occasionally some witnessed it.

Worse had happened, that he was certain of.

He was also certain he saw Hawkheart's gears wind up in her crazy mind, but it vanished too quickly for him to read it. She was always working on something it seemed. Always contemplating her next move, her next attack, scheme, plan, whatever! She was a rubix cube with fur, that was one way of putting it. "Well, in that case, can't wait to see what y'all will be brewin' up then."[/color] A hearty laugh escaped his chest, which slowly faded as Hawkheart's next question brushed his ears.

What was he doing out here? Well...uh, he was...he was...um. Doing something he shouldn't be really. Conversing with a rogue, or attempting to. Granted, that rogue was his flesh and blood, but for one Shika didn't like cats to know that. She liked her privacy and had once said she left the clans for a reason! She'd be damned if she allowed them to know of her again as a clan-born. Bearclaw found nothing wrong with being of clan blood, however his sister was never truly accepted being half rogue. So, he protected her in that small sense.

Chuckling again, Bearclaw hid his uneasy feelings and forced his stomach to un-knot. "I was huntin' wabbits."[/color] He gave her a look of, duh! What the heck else would I be doing out here?! "You know me, hunting with my bigness, I catch 'em all."[/color] He winked, well aware he had to rely on the element of surprise and quick sprints to catch much of anything. Sure, Bearclaw could catch a few here and there, but his build restricted him from being a hunting machine. He didn't mind too much, although he was big, he was fast and rabbits were his favorite to chase down.

Cocking his head to the side, Bearclaw noticed one thing; Hawkheart was by herself as well. "As a matter of fact, I'm quite curious to know why you're here alone. She-cat such as yourself seems to have someone chasin' her out of annoyance or intrigue. Yet, you're wanderin' by yourself."[/color] He gave her a small smile to take any sting she might take from his words. Bearclaw was a teaser. Always had been. Laughter and happiness was his thing. He'd be damned if he didn't spread that around a little. [/size][/center]

[Glowy]

Hawkheart smirked. The plant had it coming to it. Right. Sure, Bearclaw. That- that made perfect sense. Yep. Oh, he was a silly one, alright. She just shook hear head. He could go ahead and delude himself if he wanted- she knew the truth. "Yes, I'm sure Shrewstorm will come up with something perfectly dastardly," she intoned smoothly, arching a brow with a confidential smile. He most likely would within the next few days, actually. MeadowClan couldn't be left in peace for too awfully long- they'd all get old and crotchety before their time with no fun! When all you did was the same routine over and over again, it wore you down. The Mighty Ducklings were there to make sure that would never happen. They were there to make sure your routine got interrupted, albeit rudely, by an infestation of ants in your... hey, that was a good idea! She'd have to suggest it to Shrewstorm. Despite their friendship, it gave Hawkheart a small amount of satisfaction to see Bearclaw squirming as he flailed about in his mind for an answer. He was hiding something. Oh, he was hiding something, alright. He hesitated before he replied. And the reply was just too... sarcastic. Anybody in MeadowClan would know that Bearclaw was no lean, mean hunting machine. "Ahhh. Hunting the elusive border rabbit, I see. How's that going for you?" She teased easily, flicking his shoulder with her tail. If either of them was to use hunting as an alibi, it ought to be her, and they both knew it. "Intrigue? I doubt it. You walk into the badger's den, and she roars at you and bites your tail off. Nobody wants to risk that." Her voice held an air of cool detachment. Did she care that only one (okay, two) of her clanmates seemed to be vaguely interested in who she was beneath her masks? Yes. Yes, she did. Oh, not that it was their fault! She'd carefully erected her fortress, putting poisonous spikes on every wall, so as to deter others from attempting to enter. For inside the fortress was something she never wished anybody to see- a kitten, small and frightened, searching out its way in a dark and confusing world, tripping over stones, being cast away by all sources of comfort, and crying out for someone, anyone, to come and save her. But she knew that was well out of the question by now. Her poison was too potent for anybody to dare risk being stabbed. "Really, I was out here to think. It's easier for me to come up with insidious plans when apprentices aren't screeching in my ear." It was the truth, for once. She hadn't come out here seeking anything, only some peace, quiet, and inspiration. She'd found all three, plus the bonus of her friend to boot! speaking [bg=ded3bd][atrb=width,469,true] [atrb=border,0,true]

[Piewonder]

Bearclaw

Bearclaw felt his ears burn as he laughed lightly, scraping the dirt with his massive claws. The elusive rabbit..har har. Shika was definitely that, that was for sure! The large tom skipped over his response for that and smoothly picked up Hawkheart's second response, "And in your quest for quiet, you found a bloke like me!" Giving her a small wink another low laugh rumbled in chest.
Casting a quick glance at the she-cat, Bearclaw wondered what was beneath her layers.

"Just so ya know, I'd risk the rage of the badger. I think it's worth knowin' what makes you happy, pranks aside."

[/color] His eyes were kind, soft even. He wasn't diminishing who she was, just wanted to know more about her. He wasn't trying to be invasive either, however he figured it was okay to tread on territory that hadn't been explored yet. You'd never find things out unless you took a shot in the dark.
Bearclaw only hoped he'd keep ear, and more importantly, her friendship. She seemed to be the type that might throw up barbed walls, perfectly created to keep those she didn't want in, out. Made to spring up at any sign of closeness even if she didn't intend them to. Bearclaw knew he'd have to be careful with what he said next.

Then, his insides twisted. He'd been listening while conversing with Hawkheart, waiting and there it finally was. One most likely wouldn't have heard it, unless they were listening for it, but there it was. Keeping a smile on his face, the MeadowClan tom hid any emotion of hope or surprise. Shika was most likely out there now. She was smart enough to keep upwind from them, her earthy pelt blending her into the shadows and dirt. With any luck he'd be able to keep Hawkheart happy and see his sister. Tail wrapping around his large body, Bearclaw felt a real smile split across his face. Today was looking up after all.[/size][/center]

[Glowy]

Hawkheart smiled. Bearclaw was so fantastic. She couldn't figure out why she hadn't been spending more time with him. He made her smile, he made her laugh, and he didn't care about what she did to everyone. She felt comfortable with him, for the most part. What more could she ask for? Oh, right. She wanted somebody to accept her even when they saw what she was inside. Bearclaw was so strong and happy, he'd be sure to wish away his friendship with her once he saw... the truth. She had to keep it locked away. But nothing was meaningful without the truth being shown. Why in the pit did her mind have to be so complicated? Why couldn't she just accept him and move on with her life? Why did she have to worry about it at every turn? It made her so angry with herself. Being normal was just too much to ask, wasn't it? This was why she had so few friends. She still smiled, though, keeping her thoughts carefully contained. If they were betrayed, it was only for a heartbeat before she resumed her serenity. "I wasn't looking for quiet so much as a respite, I guess."

[/b] She shrugged. "And besides,"[/b] she winked now herself, "You're not such a bad 'bloke' yourself. It's why I keep you around."[/b]

Aaaaaand then Bearclaw had to go and make everything awkward. How do you... how do you react to that? It was so sincere, and... and she just wasn't used to anybody being like that with her at all. They were all terrified of being truthful with her. It was only Bearclaw, Russetstorm, and the Mighty Ducklings that did not fear her. That was only four cats out of the entire clan. And only half of those cats wanted to know more about her. It was depressing, now that she thought about it. But it was the life she had chosen.

"Oh. Well. Uh. Um. I don't really- well... uhmmmm... yeah. Thank you. I, uh... that's nice of you. So, yeah,"[/b] she forced out after a period of awkward silence. Well, it was awkward for her. He was probably fine. He was well adjusted and perfectly normal and happy.

A strange look passed over his face then, oddly satisfied. What, was he happy about what she'd said? What in the Blue Blazes was going on? Oh, he still smiled, yes, but his eyes were different now. She couldn't explain it. "Well, well, what's gotten you so happy all of a sudden?"[/b]

speaking


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[Piewonder]

Bearclaw

Keeping his muzzle split into a wide grin, Bearclaw calculated Hawkhearts face behind his mask. She was over thinking what he said, and it had obviously made her uncomfortable. For one reason or another, the brownish red tom felt the skin under his fur grow hot. He wasn't used to making cats bumble. Laugh, sure, not a problem; but stumbling over their words when they generally seemed so sure footed, well that was somethin'.

You see, Bearclaw always wanted to know more about others, he never pried but wish to know more nonetheless. This time was different. He wanted Hawkheart to know he was there to talk to, talk at or just sit in silence if that's what she needed. Generally he cats walked up to him, making it known they needed someone to lift the black cloud shrouded around their shoulders. The large tom was always more than happy to fix it with a quick joke or warm smile, but with Hawkheart...it was almost as if she denied herself the opportunity to share her experiences and hardships. To tread on used metaphors, she was like a rabbit. You could see it clearly but once you made a wrong move or got to close, it shot back into its hole.

"Why am I so happy?" Bearclaw felt another rumble of a purr crawl up his chest. "Darlin', I'm always happy. And of course, you just said I wasn't a bad bloke." For a mere second, his smile almost faltered. It was too quick to notice but had Bearclaw feeling knotted again. Would Hawkheart continue to think he wasn't bad if she knew his secret? The MeadowClan tom would never deny his sister if the truth ever came out, but that didn't necessarily mean he wanted it advertised right now.


SHIKA

Deep blue eyes of sickening emotions burned ever-so-slightly at the scene before them. Shika, widely known over different lands, had made the time to visit her dear little brother and here he was chatting up an ill-tempered she-cat. Granted, Bearclaw chose a decent cat; in her eyes anyway. Shika knew a little about Hawkheart of MeadowClan. The prankster, outcasted (in some ways), daring and pretty she could trap a tom's heart then puncture it with her claws. So help her StarClan if the badger of cat ruined Bearclaw...then again, it would feed Shika's need for a new game.

A wicked grin curled around her muzzle as the thoughts danced on the edge of her darkened mind. Ah, ah. Your brother is intrigued by her. Wouldn't be very family friendly to have Hawkheart's blood on your claws. Pouting slightly Shika shrugged to herself as she flicked the images away. Someone else would walk into her web sooner or later. Laying in the undergrowth, the earthy brown tabby cat flicked her tail lazily as she kept one eye locked on the two MeadowClanners. Honestly, Bearclaw needed to stop frequenting this particular borderline. If she hadn't detected Hawkheart when she had, Bearclaw would have had a lot more of explaining to do. Or Shika could have just staged a fight. That would have been a show!

[/center]

[Glowy]

Hawkheart's tail flicked. Her nose twitched. Something was amiss here. She couldn't quite put a paw on it, but there was definitely something wrong here. The air felt different somehow. Perhaps it was the tang of tension that she scented from Bearclaw, or... was there possibly a different scent underneath it? She was just being silly. Of course there were no other smells. None of the loners or rogues would dare to trespass this close to the border. The Wall of scent was strong... and yet, she could swear that she smelled a third body somewhere near here. The scent was so very faint she could hardly tell if it was worth bothering about. Nobody would dare... but hadn't a loner joined PineClan after straying precariously close to their borders one day? For now, she would just smile and laugh with Bearclaw. That was what she would do. Yep. If she was going to cause any drama, there was going to be a legitimate cause for it. She didn't want to point something out and then have it amount to nothing. He would laugh at her. Hawkheart wasn't to be laughed at. She was to be laughed with, certainly, but never at. "Oh, nobody can be happy all the time. Not even somebody as cheerful as you, sir. I believe I'm a witness to one of the rare moments when you've been unhappy,"

[/b] she purred, smiling teasingly. Oh, she had no idea what Bearclaw could be like in a rage. She'd heard stories... but those were only words and not to be given a lot of consideration. She did know this: that Bearclaw's little slash at the ferns was nothing compared to what the tom could actually do. He hadn't been named after his claws arbitrarily.

Agh, and there was that strange smell again! What in the world?"Okay. Do you smell something, Bearclaw? I could swear..."[/b] her voice trailed off as a bush rattled. Her ears went flat, her pupils shrank, and a hiss escaped through her teeth. She KNEW something had been there! Her belly brushed the ground as she slunk forward, not even pausing to see how Bearclaw was reacting to this situation. Whatever was intruding on MeadowClan territory needed to be abolished! Her breathing all but stopped as she froze a tail length before she reached the bush. The rattling had resumed, this time more fiercely than before. What beast could be causing such a violent ruckus?

... a bird burst out of the tangle of branches, squawking like there was no tomorrow and flailing its wings about like a madman before, in its climactic moment, it relieved itself right on Hawkheart's back. She was shocked. She'd gotten herself all worked up about a bird. Her face screwed up in frustration. Oh, and the animal was perched on the lowest branch of a tree juuuuuuust outside the border.

Why. By all that was good and just in the world, why? It was mocking her. It dared to taunt the She-Badger. By all rights she should be able to catch it and use its carcass to clean its filth before she incinerated it! How she would accomplish that last art she did not know. Oh, but it would happen. Somehow, it would. She turned narrowed eyes on Bearclaw. "Shut up. Just... just don't even think about telling anyone. I swear, if you tell anybody that I thought a bird was an evil invader, and that the bird... just don't breathe a word."[/color] Hawkheart then promptly began to roll in the dust, trying to clean off her back by sheer force of will. She was not going to lick that. When the bird began to sing, she spat crossly in its direction, muttering something about incineration and swearing she would...

speaking


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[Piewonder]

Bearclaw

Bearclaw ducked his head in a sheepish manner, chuckling to himself. Hawkheart was right, even he wasn't always happy; but he sure as heck tried. "Well, darlin', I try bein' happy. I find that...this life can be very mundane and filled with sorrow. I have no problem swallowing my problems to keep the air light."[/color] Green, gold rimmed, eyes lifted back to the she-cat in front of him and Bearclaw shrugged. "I would have to think that it's okay for someone to see you at your most vulnerable, wouldn't you?"[/color] In this moment, this moment alone, it all stood still. It wasn't necessarily because of Hawkheart, although it helped, but it was also because of a scent from way back when. Back from days of warmth, kithood, carefree living where your biggest problem was which moss ball to play with.

Then another moment happened.

Bearclaw felt his mind reel backward as a Shika's scent wrapped around him. It was a split second, a mild lapse in his composure. He knew she was still here and when Hawkheart asked if he smelled something...needless to say his heart stopped for a beat, his whiskers almost twitched and he felt the need to make them move location. The reddish tom opened his mouth, fear starting to leak into his system. What if she found his sister's scent? What if it was apparent that he and Shika were related? Again his jaws parted as if to say something, but his voice died before words could even flow from his brain to his lips.

Coming to his paws, Bearclaw felt his emotions clump into a ball in the pit of his stomach. And then...a bird flew from the bushes. A bird. Feeling the anxiety clash with amusement, a bubbling laugh slithered out of his mouth. It wasn't mocking, it wasn't meant to cause harm, the bear of cat was simply living the moment and enjoying. In between his booming laugh, Bearclaw heaved his words, "Darlin', I would never wish to ruin your reputation."[/color] A twinkle hit his eye as he a few chuckles rumbled deep from his chest. [/size]

Shika

The rogue was getting bored. This nonsense of infatuation that her brother had with this cat was ridiculous. Not to say that Shika didn't believe in love, but to allow something such as this to blossom while MeadowClan was in the middle of a rift...well, it's not something she would do. On the other paw, Shika admired her brother for such things. He had a gift of finding green leaves in the harshest of winters. Sighing inwardly, the dangerous feline used this time to move places. Hawkheart was moving away from her, Bearclaw was distracted, now was the perfect moment. Her silent paws would aid her while her earthy pelt would hide her; really, nothing was out of sorts.

But of course, foxdung happens when you don't want it to. The wind blew a different direction. Shika's blue eyes narrowed into slits of irritation as she coiled her body together, rolling her shoulders. Oh, this will be fun indeed[/i] Ignoring her voice of reason and "good", Shika licked her jaws at the thought of a fight, despite how small it may be. She wouldn't hurt Hawkheart...just stir things up and give Bearclaw an out. This damned cat...he was lucky she actually loved him. That aside, if one could see the grin that snaked its way about Shika's jaws they would grimace at its nature. Tail twitching, she waited for her opening. [/size]

[Glowy]

"I would have to think that it's okay for someone to see you at your most vulnerable, wouldn't you?" Um, no. No, no, no. NO. Every cell in Hawkheart's mind screamed. No, it was not okay to let anybody see your weaknesses, it was not okay for anybody to see you at your most vulnerable, and it was not okay to show anybody the way you truly felt. They could get inside, then, and the worst wounds were always internal. If there was an internal wound that couldn't be fixed, you would die from it. Hawkheart's entire persona had been constructed so that nobody would see her faults, nor would they want to. It was like she had built a concrete wall around her true self, but during the process, she had stuck horrific chunks of metal in the concrete, so that anybody who tried to clear the wall wound be impaled. If they somehow made it that far, there was razor wire at the top. All this in the name of protecting her weaknesses. No, Bearclaw. It is not okay to let somebody see you at your most vulnerable. She shook her head softly, exhaling in a long, drawn out sigh. "It all depends on if you trust them, I suppose,"

[/b] she murmured. Hawkheart tried not to look at him, but something drew her gaze upwards until their eyes met. This was... startlingly awkward in a non-awkward way. It was awkward not because she felt uncomfortable, but because she was unused to connecting to anybody. Despite her best efforts, cracks sometimes opened up in her concrete wall and bits of her hidden self leaked out. If Bearclaw paid close attention, he would see one of her weaknesses there. Trust. She could barely do it.

Good heavens, that bird was still chattering away! It was really beginning to irk Hawkheart. Couldn't the stupid avian see that she was trying to forget about the embarrassment it had caused her? She couldn't do that very well if it was sitting in its sorry excuse for a tree chirping its irritatingly peppy little melody into her ears. It just wouldn't happen. So, after being sure to thank Bearclaw for his understanding, with a smile, she crept up to the tree and pounced upward. Unfortunately, the stupid bird seemed to have anticipated this attack and flew away into a bush.

What else could Hawkheart do but continue pursuit? The bird fluttered into a different tree when it saw Hwakheart coming, but the warrior had already leaped by that time. She couldn't have changed her course even if she had wanted to. What a surprise she got when she saw another cat crouched behind the bushes! And, of course, she had to land next to the mysterious she-cat. She would rather have landed on the bush. Yay awkward confrontations! "Ummm..."[/b] she managed to get out, somehow. What did she do? The cat was close to the border, but hadn't crossed it. She couldn't drive her out for being an invader, because she wasn't. But what had she been doing here? And where was Bearclaw? He should be helping her! The instant she was in trouble, he just needed to materialize beside her!

"Hi." Stupid. Bird.

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[Piewonder]

Bearclaw

Bearclaw felt something creep up between them. It wasn't necessarily a physical thing, but it was there nonetheless. Although, Hawkheart's walls were strong enough to feel as if they materialized out of thin air. The Meadowclanner sat back, watching the she-badger and forgetting about his sister. She was so holed up and locked away within herself that Bearclaw began to wonder if he'd ever chip away at her iron shields.

"It all depends on if you trust them, I suppose,"

Within her words, her dropped gaze, Bearclaw felt something creep over him. He wasn't sure what it was but he was beginning to understand. Once their eyes met the reddish brown cat offered her a small smile. A smile of sincerity and warmth. In that moment he saw the struggle in her eyes. She didn't trust him. Or, maybe she did but it was sure hard to do so. He knew she was hurt somehow, broken on the inside and burned. He had no intentions of fixing her (in his mind there was nothing to fix) but he was going to be there for her. He wanted her to know that there were those that you could depend on. You could, in fact trust another soul other than your own. "Well, darlin', do you trust me?"

[/color] Taking a few paw steps forward, Hawkheart switched focus to the damned bird.

Wretched thing...Bearclaw flicked his gaze toward the feathered creature as his clanmate began to stalk it. With Hawkheart's apologetic smile, the warrior couldn't help but laugh. Flicking his ears in acknowledgement, the tom licked his whiskers and lay down on the soft earth and watched Hawkheart's dance with the woodland creature. It didn't take long, a few jumps here and there and before you knew it, Hawkheart was talking to...a bush? Coming to his paws, the tom was by the she-cat's side with his game face on. If it was an intruder, he would bring the rain.

But, it was his sister...now what would he bring?[/size]

Shika

She felt sick. Her nose scrunched up at the sight of it all. Oh, woe is them! Great StarClan, really?! Hawkheart had issues, hell, they all had issues! Shika rolled her eyes, but did feel empathy. She knew that road, in fact she was so far down it, blood and fighting filled her void. She was a dark soul, toughened by the streets and from moving about the lands. Damn anyone who came too close!

Speaking of too close, that Meadowclanner was getting far too near. Shika's ears firmly wrapped themselves around her skull, eyes narrowed and teeth clenched together as her lips sneered over her sharp fangs. The other she-cat jumped once, then twice and boom, there she was. Right. Next. To. Her.

"Umm...hi? That's all you have to say?" Shika was never one to yell, her tone just iced over and she set her glacier eyes to death. Shika postured herself to scream irritation and disgust. "That was my lunch, thank you very much." Her snake like tail lashed back and forth, never settling. Then her brother emerged, his face painted with concern. Oh, how sweet! Baby brother wants to protect the she-cat! Pah! I'll give him something to protect.[/b] Without a second thought, Shika launched herself at her kin, not giving him a moments chance to blow their cover. Her claws weren't fully extended, but they were out all the same while her teeth fastened themselves into his shoulder. With her quick movements she easily knocked the tom off his feet, not to mention she taught him how to fight.

Well, now this would really get interesting. [/size]

[/center]

[Glowy]

There was a terrifying moment where Hawkheart lost control of her mind and it ceased to function. As if "umm, hi," hadn't been bad enough, for a heartbeat after the strange she-cat pounced on Bearclaw, her friend, she had been immobilized. What in sanity's name was going on? Sketchy loner or rogue by border into nothingness. Angry. Just lost lunch. So, she attacks... Bearclaw? Admittedly, he looked like more of the threat, being so large, but... really? That was absolutely ridiculous. Then came the anger. Who was this stranger to think that it was okay for her to attack Bearclaw? Great Scott. She had guts to get herself into a fight where she was clearly outnumbered; Hawkheart had to give her that. But it was completely and totally unfair. Bearclaw had done nothing but walk up. What a fool this stranger was! Did she honestly think that she would be able to defeat Bearclaw before he crushed her? The guy was huge. Seriously. Stranger did have an impressive collection of scars, so she obviously knew how to take care of herself, but Hawkheart couldn't imagine how foolhardy one would have to be to launch oneself at Bearclaw. Once she got over her initial shock, she decided to go for it. It had been a while since she'd been in a fight, but she would be alright. She'd defeated a badger once. Great, lumbering, stupid creature had decided that it was going to get all uppity because some poor, unassuming young Apprentice had stumbled too near its den. If Hawkheart could fight a badger and win, this she-cat would be nothing. Wait a minute. Wait, wait, wait. The she-cat was standing up. Bearclaw was on the ground. WHAT WAS THIS SORCERY? She'd knocked him over. Bearclaw was a wall of muscle underneath his fluff. How had she...? You know what? It didn't matter. Bearclaw was so... he was so sweet. So, while the stranger's back was turned, before she had a chance to turn around and attack Hawkheart, she sprang towards her. Her claws found their marks on her shoulders and dug in. "You know,"

[/b] she hissed, "most everybody would attack the cat who actually pissed them off before going for the other guy."[/b]

speaking


[/center][/size][/color][/sup][bg=ded3bd][atrb=width,469,true] [atrb=border,0,true][/td][/tr][/table][/center]

[Piewonder]

Bearclaw

The large tom's face actually registered surprise. Eyes wide and ears back, Bearclaw felt his legs locking as Shika sprang toward him. Once her body hit his he knew what needed to be done. Her claws were out, enough to prick skin, and teeth latched into his scruff. One:embarrassing that he was sprawled on the forest floor, and two, what the hell. This was just getting out of pas!

Shika had her claws right under his shoulder blades in order to inflict pain whenever he moved! It was a good move, but not one she generally used on him. Obviously the message was clear; fight or be found out. Letting a snarl rip from his lips, Bearclaw reared on his hindlegs, causing the tabby to slip a bit. While in the air, the large feline raked his left paw around his body in order to hit his sisters shoulder. Yowling in pain the she-cat jerked and slithered off the warrior's back.

Falling to all fours again, Bearclaw whirled around to find Bawkheart leaping through the air. Ah, mousedung! If Shika didn't play nice on this one...well, a real fight would be happening.

Shika

Idiotic! What a mousebrained fool! Bearclaw should have stayed away. Great, StarClan, did the brute listen to nothing?! Shika's irritation bubbled under her skin like water in a hot spring. Not only was he no fighting back, the snarky she-cat was preparing an attack. Good grief! Rolling her blue eyes as Bearclaw managed to dislodge her, Shika shook her pelt out and felt rage slam into her chest once Hawkheart's claws touched her shoulders. "I'm not most, dear." Her voice was like poisoned honey. Neck twisting, Shika wrapped her jaws around the other she-cats paw and pulled, hard. At the same time, her hindquarters kicked up, hoping to loosen the cat on her and throw her toward Bearclaw. It wasn't the trickiest of moves, but it had helped in the past.

Shika knew she could easily remove herself from the situation, but this was so much fun! Not only did she get to torment her baby brother, the rogue was able to (somewhat) have her way with another cat. Even if this wasn't the kind of fight she wanted...well, she'd take it! It was more action than she could recall in quite some time. Bring on the pain. [/center]