Web Earth Online

Leopardstar stalked at the head of her line of warriors. She had rallied them with her cries of war, and now they followed her with blood-hungry, glittering eyes. The setting sun was at their backs as she led them to meet Onestar, and as she glanced behind her, she couldn't help but marvel at her clan and how dangerous they all looked. ThunderClan shall not rest tonight.
As the magnificent she-cat spotted Onestar, she quickened her pace, eager to discuss how they should go about attacking their enemy.
"The sun has begun it's descent. They will be most vulnerable tonight while they sleep," she meows as she reaches the tom. Her warriors halt behind her and look their temporary allies over, regarding them with respect, for they would be fighting side-by-side tonight.

Springsand’s tail dropped and she pouted slightly, watching as her new teacher walked off to get food before she began to pace in an annoyed manner. Her brother watched her with slight amusement before turning to watch Ravenfeather pick out a bit of prey. His eyes filled with a slight hunger, and he suddenly remembered that he hadn’t eaten since a while ago- he was famished. He was so busy fantasizing over food that failed to notice his sister’s eyes had now settled on a tomcat at the edge of the clearing- a dark brown tabby tom (Bramble claw) that invoked memories deep within her.
“Hey, Nik? Who do you think that is?” She murmured with an out of character seriousness and slightly worried tone. Her brother snapped his head up, intent on snapping at her to shut up and get his name right, but he stopped himself when he saw who she was staring at. His eyes widened.

“Tomcats do not stay with their kits forever, Nik.” The monotone voice echoed around a 6-moon old Nik throughout the abandoned two-leg nest.
“But… Father, how will Yin survive if you leave now? He’s sick…” the timid voice cut through the dreary nest, the pale she-kit’s eyes wide and disbelieving. This was their father- and he was leaving them when they needed him most.
Nik’s eyes darted down to the small Himalayan tom-kit curled next to him; the kit’s bony frame was rising and falling in a much too shallow manner. The kitten was dying.
“Cat’s were born to be alone, to live alone, and to die alone- you should know that already.” The older tom’s uncaring voice spoke, and Nik whipped his head up to glare at the cat he had once called ‘Father’ with equally cold eyes. He glared at the dark brown tabby tom, and sneered into the forest-green eyes that were identical to his little brother’s- the same eyes he had come to love and trust.
“You didn’t care when mom died, did you? You knew she was dying and you didn’t give a mouse tail about it, you heartless rat!” He snarled, looking for any emotions in his father’s face.
And he wasn’t surprised when he found none.
The kit beside him mewled, and Nik’s face melted into worry and sadness in the blink of an eye, nuzzling his younger brother’s fur. The only thing he had loved was dying- the always forgotten kit who had believed there was a never dying light, even though he had been born tiny and destined to be ill his entire life- his little brother, Yin.
“Your mother knew she was dying, and it was her choice to leave us when she knew it. She didn’t want you to catch the illness, but it seems Yin has done so anyways. He was too weak.”
Nik knew he was right- his father was always right. But that didn’t mean he had to like it. He silently gasped when his younger brother opened his eyes- eyes that promised to be a beautiful deep green if he lived to adulthood. If only he could live… “Brother… please,” The kit’s voice was broken and raspy, and much too quiet for the others to hear, “I won’t die, brother- I’ll live in you. Promise.” Nik could feel his chest being ripped apart. His brother was dying. The only cat he had cared for was now dying. “Sister is still alive… so take care of her while you still can.” And Nik could feel his heart being ripped open and spilled across the floor- because his brother trusted him, and loved him- and his brother trusted him enough to care for another’s life, because he was just so unselfish… just too unselfish…
“I… I promise, Yin. I’ll live for you. Promise.” Nik could see his brother’s eyes fill with relief- because now Yin knew his brother would live and would try not to regret, and that’s all that he cared about. Nik licked his brother’s ears, followed by Kin who had by now crawled over to her siblings- she was scared, and she wanted protection. Her eyes held the agony of betrayal, for she had always loved their father and wanted to be just like him- but now she knew he had never returned an ounce of her love. Nik then lifted his eyes and hardened them once more into frigid golden orbs. “I will never see you as my father… from now on, you will only be Snake to me- the cat who my mother loved and cared only for himself.”
Snake’s blinked his deep green eyes slowly, before turning away and padding silently out of the stone den. He never looked back.
“Brother… where will we go?” Kin was watching the dark brown kit again, expecting him to lead. Nik turned to his sister, and knew that he was being selfish for wishing that it was his brother was the one asking him this, that it was his brother who wasn’t dying…
But it was okay for him to be selfish for a little while- because he was only a kit.
“Far away, Kin. Far, far away.” He licked Yin’s ears one last time before getting up and walking toward the second entrance- the one that was only barely big enough for a 6-moon old kit to walk through. Kin kept her eyes on the floor as she walked passed her brother, not wanting to see the runt of the litter dying before her eyes.
Nik followed her more slowly, but like his sister he wouldn’t look back- he knew that if he did, he would be tempted to stay… but he had to keep his promise and take care of his sister now. That’s what Yin wanted, but Yin never knew what it was like to be selfish- he didn’t know how Nik was dying inside.
Or maybe he did, but at the same time he didn’t want his sibling to die because of him…
Nik looked back at his brother, saying a silent farewell. And as he left the building, he swore he could hear his brother’s final words: “Don’t forget me.”

Cedarleaf’s claws curled deep into the densely packed earth beneath his paws- wishing they were buried in the pelt of the cat that now stood at the edge of the clearing, who hadn’t noticed them yet.
“Whoa, whoa, Nik- it’s not him, Brother! That isn’t Snake. His eyes aren’t green, Nik- his are amber.” Springsand’s frantic rambling finally caught up to him as she tried to calm him down from his rage-induced mind. She nearly flinched when his eyes met hers- she had never seen him this angry. Not since they were kits…
“I’m not hungry anymore… I’m going to sleep. Wake me up later,” he spat, whirling around and stalking off to a low hanging bush where the pale she-cat could see a few sleeping adult cats. Her brother sniffed a few of the nests before settling down beside one that smelled like his teacher, his tense body refusing to relax even in the moss-laden nest.
Springsand sighed to herself and watched with mournful eyes, whispering quietly to herself. “Even though he’s gone, you just can’t forget him, can you…”


(( Heh... longer than it was supposed to be... but at least now you know a part of their past? ^.^; ))

Name: Mink
Age: 25 moons.
Gender: Male
Personality: Outwardly, he is a cat of few words. He goes about his duties silently, preferring the company of his own thoughts to that of other felines. Not known as a troublemaker, he prefers to fly under the radar and not cause a fuss. Some consider him a bit of a 'stick-in-the-mud', he shows no patients for games or what others consider fun. Obeys orders from his leader without question, though good luck trying to get the time of day from him if you don't have his respect. Known for doing whatever necessary for his own survival. He's not completely what he appears, however; his mind is constantly running, trying to find fault with those he follows. Truly, the only loyalty he holds is to himself.
Looks: http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/7880/minks.png
History: His memory recalls as far back as joining up with Betelgeuse's group at a fairly young age, any earlier than that and everything becomes hazy and unclear.
Family: Not that he can recall.

*Editing with an intro*

EDIT: The young tomcat turned thoughtful for a moment at what his leader was suggesting. Risky, but was there another way? No, not that he could see. He nodded curtly and waited for the others to begin moving before bounding off silently towards the border leading into clan territory. He curled himself close to the ground in a hidden area, hoping his smoky-charcoal pelt might be mistaken for a small boulder by any who might spy him. He glanced at his leader with his inky-black eyes, waiting quietly and patiently for a signal.

Ravenfeather glanced up from his meal and watched the two for a moment. He blinked, startled to see a burning fury in Nik's glittering eyes. Ravenfeather followed his gaze and bristled when he spotted the deputy, Brambleclaw. Surely Nik had no reason to distrust Brambleclaw? Firestar had at once seen the young tom as a replica of his father, Tigerstar, but he had proven himself loyal to ThunderClan. Besides, how could Nik possibly know about Tigerstar?
What, then, was fueling this sudden fury on Nik's face?
Kin seemed to be speaking frantically to him, and as she spoke, Nik growled something and stalked off to the warriors' den. Ravenfeather stood and bounded over to Kin. Her distraught look was enough to let him know something very wrong had happened, and he found himself following Nik into the shelter. He stood there at the entrance, not sure how Nik would take his approach, then braced himself and padded in further. His amber eyes settled on the brown tom who had chosen a nest beside his own. The sight brought on a purr, which he stifled instantly before it made itself known. He flicked his tail in confusion. What was that all about?
Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, Ravenfeather silently picked his way to his nest near the edge of the den and settled down. A sudden feeling of repitition dawned on Ravenfeather, and he realized this was very similar to last night's situation with he and Thunderstrike.
The black tom felt reluctant to say anything now, afraid it would be something stupid like what he'd said to the yellow warrior. Besides, he didn't think Nik would ever accept anything like that from him.
He sat there for a moment, letting the silence reign before asking quietly, "A-are you okay, Nik...?" The words were hesitant as he said them, but he looked at the tom with wide, worry-filled eyes.
Suddenly his head snapped to the commotion outside, and he bristled at the distraught sound of Thunderstrike's voice. One word hung in the air and seemed to shock the whole forest into silence.
War.

--

Dawnpaw gasped and leapt to her feet, green eyes wide and her tail trembling. She felt a sudden panic at her mentor's outburst, and the little tabby found herself crouching close to Kin, maybe looking for some sort of protection. "Two whole clans?" she whispered, her heart flying. No longer did she wish for a fight.

Cedarleaf glanced up when he heard the voice of his teacher- his eyes till containing his rage and want for blood. He could feel the familiar ache in his chest- this cat was worried for him, someone who didn't have to be worried, but he did anyways. His little brother had known that it was okay to be selfish sometimes, for he had suggested for a younger Cedarleaf to be just that.Why am I comparing them...? I don't want to replace Yin... wouldn't that be the same as forgetting?
The dark brown tom looked into the eyes of his teacher- eyes that weren’t the deep and beautiful forest green that he so loyally wanted to see, but instead sparkling amber. He had just began to open his mouth to assure the tom that he was okay- he was always okay, because he had learned to live with remembering- but his ears were suddenly blasted by the voice of another cat, and he stiffened.
War.
He nearly lapsed into another flashback- but this one would be of a happier time, when his father at least pretended to care, and when everyone was healthy. Snake used to tell amazing stories of heroic battles that had involved his own father- a wildcat who had left his forest home in favor of a comfortable kittypet life.
But his father had lied… and he didn’t know anything about battles. For a moment, he felt scared and frightened- and then he remembered his last promise to his brother- I’ll live for you. Now, he had more to live for- his new life, his sister, and this cat- Ravenfeather.
Cedarleaf stood up beside his teacher, hardening his face into the usual mask before speaking in the equally masked monotone imitation of his father. “I assume it is a bit late to practice battle moves?”

Springsand felt her fur pale colored fluff up when the yellow tabby tom raced into the camp, and she felt panic rising in her throat- War? But I’ve only ever heard about that in Father’s stories… are they anything like that? She gently nuzzled the smaller she-cat beside her, hoping to soothe her. “It’ll be fine… my father used to tell me stories of his own father in battles- but no matter how many battles he ever entered, he never died.” She murmured calmly, her mind briefly backtracking to when she was a kit, and everything was simple.
In his stories, no one ever died… so why should now be any different? She thought to herself. But Snake lied to us… maybe what he always said was a lie- I can’t lose anyone because of that.
“Stay near your teacher.” She spoke to the younger cat, before racing out of the camp- intent on finding something, anything, that could stop this. But war is death, and death cannot be dodged… this won’t end well, will it? She only slowed down when she entered a ferny area and began to smell other cats, and hesitantly sniffed.
These cats don’t smell like the others… and why are they hiding?

Ravenfeather's breath hitched when his eyes met Cedarleaf's, so full of anger and hatred. He was almost certain the other was going to spring at him, but then the pools of bright yellow seemed to clear.
When words of war were looming above the two, Cedarleaf got to his feet smoothly and Ravenfeather followed suit. When they were face-to-face again, the black and white tom was surprised to see Cedarleaf had controlled his features and now seemed to have calmed down. For a moment, Ravenfeather felt a flicker of warmth that he could be of help, when all he seemed to do anymore was push others deeper into the hole they had dug themselves into.
The raven-furred tom straightened up. As he padded out of the den he stopped, shaking his head, "I doubt you'll have any trouble taking these guys on. Just remember," he mewed, looking back, "you have all of ThunderClan at your side."
In the clearing, things seemed to be under control at least. He felt his heart clench at the sight of Dawnpaw huddle close to Springsand, and he padded over to the two, giving the paler she-cat a grateful look as she comforted Dawnpaw.

--

Dawnpaw shuddered at the idea of going beyond the camp's protective walls, but she was determined and forced herself to stand straight. Her green eyes looked up at her brother and the she-cat with sparkling confidence now. "They won't set paw in our camp if I have anything to say." Her mew was strong and clear as she spoke to them, then she bounded out of the camp after her mentor.

Cedarleaf pondered the other cat's words. All of them, aye? He stepped out of the den and frowned.
Where did Kin run off to...?

Springsand's eyes widened and her mouth gaped when she found herself nose-to-nose with a amber-eyed tom. For a brief moment, she thought it was her teacher- but then she remembered that Ravenfeather was back at the camp and therefor he couldn't be nose to nose with her at this moment. She let out an oh-so courageous squeak before stumbling backwards a few steps, effectively falling back onto her hind legs.
After backing up a little, Springsand was able to take in the other cat's appearance- a beautiful mixture of dark browns and black, with snow-white toes. Her mouth was still imitating a fish, and she could feel her fur heat up. She couldn't stop the words coming out of her mouth. "Oh, ah.. are-are you an angel?"

Mink began to rise to his feet as Betel gave the all-clear. His muscles soon tensed, however, as he watched the dark-colored tomcat's eyes widen. He quickly turned to see what had caused such a reaction. His face lit up momentarily with shock before he mentally scolded himself and wiped the emotion off his face, returning to his normal apathetic expression. Was this cat of Thunderclan? He gave a small sniff of the air to confirm his suspicions; yes, the scent hung lightly from her fur. Jet-black eyes seemingly devoid of emotion fixed on her, scrutinizing her every move closely. Betel, though taken-aback, didn't seem horribly alarmed by her, so he would hold off on any reaction until she gave him a reason. His own eyes widened ever so slightly and it was all he could do to keep from breaking out in hysterical laughter at her reaction; the tomcat wasn't quite so emotionless as he let on after all. Instead, he managed to contain his amusement in the slightest tail-twitch, keeping his face deadly serious. He cocked his head at Betel, waiting to witness his reaction.

Well, I've missed a lot.
I think Jaypaw was going out on a walk on my last post....
Pretend he came back.
Also, I didn't read all of your posts – so correct me if I'm wrong.

Talla's fur prickled with eagerness as she rushed out of the warrior's den, hearing the warning. "A war? Did I hear right?" Wolfeye padded outside and Jaypaw peered out of the medicine cat den. Talla did a little jump for joy. "Yes! A battle at last, between ThunderClan and whats-their-faces! Ah, it's Christmas!" She did a little skip past the medicine cat den. "Jaypaw! Might be late, I'm going out spying – might need some food..." she paused, looked around, and realised she was the only one who seemed excited.
Wolfeye shot her friend a queer look. She picked up a mouse and tossed it to Talla, who caught it gracefully. "Thanks Wolfeye – see you later!" And with that she bolted out of camp to learn what she could about the attackers.
Jaypaw twitched his whiskers and went back to sorting out the piles of herbs.