first hunt! [open]

[jasperkit]

I’M TALKING.
I’M THINKING.
OUT OF CHARACTER NOTES.
ONE THOUSAND NINETY TWO WORDS.

The day was a sunny one. Various woodland birds chirped merry tunes no doubt celebrating in the cooler weather. Despite leafbare being nearer at every sunrise, this was the perfect time of year. Young apprentices like himself were taught very important hunting techniques during leaf-fall. And Jasperpaw was thrilled. He’d learn the basics from many great teachers. When he was younger and in the nursery, the apprentices would visit and bring food to the nursing queens. If they had time, most of them would show off a few crouches and tips and whatnot. The tall male had listened attentively; especially to his father’s teachings. He’d learned about the secret to hunting mice. When and how to pounce being the most important. His paws now led him to a small, more secluded part of the forest just beyond the Twolegplace. It was within ThunderClan borders. He made sure of that before embarking on his hunt. A scent tickled his nose and made his whiskers freeze. It was just what he was hoping for. A mouse crept along the roots of an oak tree. His light green gaze focused on the creature. Making sure not to startle it, the cat took a few tentative steps back. He shrouded himself in shadow and bramble thicket. His large body was hard to disguise. He regretted having to put so much weight on his paws, but it was the only way not to be spotted. Jasperpaw made sure he was taking his time. This was, after all, his first shot at catching a piece of prey. “I WONDER IF ANYONE ELSE HAD SUCH A FUN FEW FIRST DAYS,” he wondered as the mouse began to stir. The orange tabby could feel his tail sway from side to side out of sheer anxiety. It mattered not how long it took to catch the food. The catch itself is worth it in the end. StarClan has provided you with fuel for your companions. Emberstar had mentioned that one a few times. Jasperpaw had overheard many a lecture geared toward the apprentices about that very subject. “WELL, THAT WON’T BE A PROBLEM. SEEING AS HOW I’M A PRO ALREADY. LOOK AT MY PARENTS.” He was thingyy. He knew it and would proclaim as such to anyone who dared question him on it. It was confidence that made a true warrior. You couldn’t very well be a warrior with as much courage as a kittypet now could you? Then again, it was wrong to judge. Some kittypets were quite vicious. Some even coming from Clan ancestry without a single idea of how it works. The democratic systems behind it all were complex. Was it truly democratic? If leader’s rule is law, would it not be authoritarian? Such mind-blowing thought for one so young, but it was a way to pass the time as he cornered his prey. He took it slow; pausing every pawstep to reposition his tail according the wind direction. The precision he put into such a simple hunt. The leaves beneath his large paws made no sound as he drew himself nearer. He was much quieter than the prey he was stalking. The rodent would scurry from root and back again. It stuffed berries and nuts into its cheek at one root and deposited them in a small hole in the other. Similar to how warriors would bury prey and return for it later. Only this was constant going back and forth to the same spot. Maybe a nest was nearby? It didn’t matter much now. The poor, unsuspecting victim was a goner. Jasperpaw closed the gap between he and the roots within a few steps. The soft rustle of pads meeting ground seemed to melt into the background sounds of the forest. Jasperpaw willed his paws forward as he studied the surroundings. The mouse had heard nothing. Thank StarClan for that. He was now only a rabbit length away from his prey now. His body was squished once more against the leafy ground. The apprentice’s quarry scampered from its “storage” root to the “food” one and suddenly got very still. It rose it’s forepaws off the tree and froze. It knew something was up now. Jasperpaw had forgotten to check the direction of the wind before situating his body to the ground. “FOX DUNG,” he cursed aloud, springing forward. He caught the prey in his large forepaws and it took only a bite to the neck to end the creature’s sufferings. He couldn’t help the sigh of relief that escaped his maw. Inhaling the scent of his first ever kill, he sent a prayer to StarClan. Generally, these were meant to be silent, but what the hell? “SEE THIS ONE DAD? FROM ALL THE WAY UP THERE? THANKS FOR IT. I HOPE YOU GIVE APPLE, BRIAR AND SCOUT THE SAME LUCK YOU GAVE ME.” He was gloating now; the gleam in his eye impossible to overlook. He yearned for his mother to step from the bushes. Or maybe even Leaflight. It was odd though. The one feline he wanted to see at this moment in time at the site of his first catch was Snowstorm. The white female had been busy doing warrior stuff plus training her apprentice Russetpaw. Jas found him to be an arrogant prick who thought kicking the whole family of new apprentices to the very edges of the den was fun. And it was to this particular apprentice, but his siblings were a different story. The whole idea of roughing it and living life to the fullest just fueled Jasper on. Russetpaw had no right to be so high and mighty though. It was quite rude. Even still, Jasperpaw admired the apprentice with the utmost respect. His mentor was the greatest in the whole forest besides Leaflight, Dawnstar and Emberstar. But, hey. Fourth place wasn’t bad. As if Jasperpaw knew what that felt like. Hmm. He was number two to be born, but number one from the litter. You may think all are created equal, but it’s not true. Yeah, everyone has feelings, but some are born great, some have it thrust upon them and others strive and work hard to achieve greatness. The large tom did all three. Just to add to the allure and mystery of his superiority. He sauntered around the oak with the mouse dangling in his jaws. It felt good to be a hunter. To know that you had the skill and power to kill something. Ambition could only lead to an even further amount of greatness, right?

OCC: JASPERPAW IS QUITE THE AMBITOUS FELLOW. HE DOESN’T KNOW THE DESTRUCTION HIS PAWS COULD LEAD HIM INTO. I DON’T THINK I WANT TO MAKE HIM A CORRUPT CHARACTER THOUGH. I FIND HIM VERY SIMILAR TO BRAMBLEPAW IN THAT HE WANTS TO DO GREAT THINGS AND THINKS THAT HAVING A GREAT AMOUNT OF AMBITION AND POWER IS THE WAY TO GO. WHICH ISN’T THE CASE, BUT HE’S YOUNG AND STILL LEARNING.

[doctor]

jerome
--A figure in the hallway light;

-x-x- The wind howled and moaned, and whispered stories of the earth to all living creatures, even the unconscious creatures. Jerome felt the wind dance around his ear and he let it gently pull him away from his heavy slumber. The first thing he felt when he woke up was pain. A throbbing pain in his head, a sting above his eyes, burning on his right shoulder, and his left paw was numb. Then the brown tomcat glanced at his pelt, and he felt like he was going to be sick. He struggled to get up, trying to remember how he got into the horrifying state. Well...there was rain, lots of rain. Yes that would explain the dampness of my fur. The more his head cleared, the more thoughts floated into his head. Jerome glanced up at the sky, trying to remember who had been with him.

His big brown eyes cleared as he remembered the little she-cat in the barn, the she-cat who didn't like thunder. 'Yes, of course!' Jerome jumped up into the air, bellowing his exclamation. When he landed, his shoulder felt like it would split into pieces, but he was too excited that he was remembering stuff to even notice. 'Yes, yes, yes, yes, YES! The she-cat...Calypso...YES...she was asking me questions and then those two other cats arrived...' Jerome's babbling drew to a chilling halt as he remember the two cats who had entered the barn. One of them he fought, and he remembered that the dull ache in his head came from where it collided with the other tom's ribcage. And that's how his shoulder and left paw had got so badly injured. As Jerome stared at his injuries, a sudden hate for those two cats boiled deep inside his stomach. The black and white she-cat was so young, too young, to be fighting like that. But despite kittens beating up other cats, he needed to attend to his wounds with the proper herbs so they wouldn't become worse.

The sun was blazing high now, and the time was almost noon when Jerome came back to the clearing he had woken up at. He had found marigold and some cobwebs and his shoulder now had a nice plaster on it. But the brown tomcat new that he must have a nice gash on his face, for it wouldn't stop it's sting. If he had looked at his reflection he would see three long, clean, and bright red claw marks coming down around from the top of his head to just above his right eye. If he had looked at his reflection he would know that those three scars would be staying with him for the rest of his life. But at the moment, Jerome wasn't worried about scars. No, the only thing that was running through his head right now was Calypso. How had the two become separated? Was Calypso even alive? For the first time in a long while, a shiver slithered down Jerome's spine.

And when he heard the voice of another cat he nearly jumped out of his skin. Tsk tsk, Jerome, you're afraid of a voice? He chuckled when he caught the scent. It was another male, but the voice sounded liked it belonged to a younger cat. Hopefully this wasn't a threat, and maybe Jerome shouldn't have followed it to see who it was. Damn is damned curiosity, one of these days it just might kill him. When he found the young tom, he appeared to be praying, to StarClan. This was a Clan cat. Now Jerome was terribly confused. How can one come from a barn near the moor all the way to a forest without remembering the journey? What the hell was going on with him?

Poor Jerome was becoming slowly frightened, for he was all alone and he had no one to discuss this mystery with. Poor, poor Jerome had never intended on speaking to the Clan cat, but as he was backing away, his head clouded with troubled thoughts, he stepped on a branch and tripped. What the hell? When have I ever tripped? He cursed under his breath and looked up at the young face, taking note of every feature. The cat had large eyes, and a ginger pelt. He seemed to be healthy, the Clans wouldn't be starving yet any way. Jerome wondered what the other cat must be thinking. A random cat tripping in front of him. A random cat that was very tall and skinny, with tufts of fur coming over his head, with three new scars on his face, and a plaster on his shoulder. Tripping, and his current pelt making him look like a homeless beggar cat, didn't give any cat the impression that he used to be a skilled assassin.

Jerome stood up, slowly, trying not to wince from his shoulder. His huge brown eyes gleamed as he began to speak, 'Hullo, stranger,' his tone was polite, but strong, 'Sorry if I startled you, I tripped over a branch,' He paused and wondered how stupid he sounded saying that. 'I was wondering around, I...I guess...I got lost. Jerome finished the sentence in his head, there was no way he was admitting that he had lost his way. The brown tom shook his head and looked back up. This was a very interesting situation, and he was desperately curious to see what would happen. He really wasn't in the mood to fight, and he was so worried about Calypso.

[/blockquote][/blockquote]

jerome
--Returning like a ghost.

[jasperkit]

JASPER P A W

I’M TALKING.
I’M THINKING.
YOU’RE TALKING.
ONE THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY WORDS.

Jasperpaw happily surveyed his surroundings. It was quite the beautiful day. The forest was still; with the exception of the light breeze. His pelt swayed gently in their midst and returned to a stationary position on his back. The large orange tom swiveled his head from side to side. He could smell no immediate prey. Nothing was mousebrained enough to cross paths with him. Jaspersoul; the deadly deputy. No, no. Didn’t suit him just right. Jasperstar; the lulling leader. He shook his head violently and made a face. That sounded like he was boring! The apprentice began pacing the rocks. He racked his brains for complimentary words that started with the letter L. Lustful? It fit, to a degree. But once he was leader, there would be no need for such a lust. To make his Clan happy and strong, perhaps. Due to the forest being so quiet, the sound that reached the tom’s ears seemed intensified. The harsh rustle of fur meeting bushes and leaves. Someone had disturbed the surrounding forest with their movements. An intruder? Jasperpaw considered this, but heard no further sounds. He took it as a blunder in part of some stupid prey and turned his back. He began to shift dirt and leaves across his rodent. He made himself a mental note to offer it up to Leaflight. In thanks of all her teachings. Another crack. It was closer this time. Instinctively, the feline sprang around and unsheathed his claws. One thing his mentor really forgot to teach him beforehand: true fighting techniques. Such things would be important. He could wing it, though. A slash here, a dodge there. Couldn’t be too complicated, could it? Jasperpaw peered into the forest at the source of the sound. He was as tall as he was. Finally, a cat whose height seemed normal. This feline standing in front of him was badly injured, but appeared frightened. Ambushed on the territory beyond, perhaps? His fur was tufted out in a wild array and his eyes were wide. The strong scent of herbs filled Jasperpaw’s nose. He detected hints of marigold and something else. He was no medicine cat. The apprentice decided the intruder would do him no harm and unsheathed his claws. As he did so, the newcomer rose to his paws. “HULLO, STRANGER.” His voice was thick with strain. As if trying not to show weakness. As if that were possible! Given the male’s current state, Jasper had no choice but to give him some credit. Regardless of his injuries, the tom was trying to sound unscathed. The orange feline gave him a tiny nod in greeting. It was then he noticed his own pelt was bristling with fright. The unknown visitor, and the way in which he appeared, had Jasper more frightened than he realized. Clearing his throat, the ThunderClan male drew a pink tongue over his chest fur. “SORRY IF I STARTLED YOU, I TRIPPED OVER A BRANCH.” The apprentice couldn’t help but smirk. Obviously, this cat was new to the forest. Not to say cats didn’t trip in your everyday duties, but ThunderClan cats in particular were very good at sidestepping roots and things. Now, the one thing Jasperpaw really had to question. Well, two really. They were one in the same to him. Was he a rogue or loner? And what the hell was he doing here? His state gave the apprentice to answer to the lack of prey. At the stench of blood, they’d all scattered. “I WAS WONDERING AROUND, I - I GUESS I-“ He let his gaze fix to the ground. The tom narrowed his eyes at the cat that seemed to be living a pretty hellish life. Must stink. Jasperpaw noticed the tom shake his head and look back up. It was the first time Jasperpaw had met anyone that wasn’t ThunderClan. He could feel the questions and excitement coursing through his body. He gave another dip of his head before deciding to speak. “SAY NO MORE. THUNDERCLAN HAS A VERY COMPLEX TERRITORY. IT’S UNDERSTANDABLE.” It surprised even Jasperpaw how superior he felt. How old he sounded. He gave himself another lick and began to scrape the forest floor from his mouse. He could offer this male his food; it would be the right thing to do. The deep voice of his father filled his mind. “NOW, NOW LITTLE TOMMY. THE CLAN IS TO BE FED FIRST.” The apprentice sighed and shook his head. Bending down, he grasped the prey in jaws. With wary eyes, he took a few pawsteps forward and plopped the kill at his feet. A quality of the leader was supposed to be compassion. If kits were given the right of life and protection by the warrior code, why not injured and old cats like the one in front of him? It seemed only just to allow the stranger to receive a decent meal regardless of status. “THE NAME’S JASERPAW. APPRENTICE OF THUNDERCLAN. FUTURE LEADER, MIND YOU. CONSIDERING YOU’RE INVADING ON MY TERRITORY, I THINK I HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW WHO YOU ARE. AND WHAT YOU’RE DOING HERE. AND WHY YOU DECIDED IT WOULD BE OKAY TO FRIGHTEN OFF ALL PIECES OF PREY WITH YOUR BLOOD.” As the interrogations flew from his mouth, he backed away. He would have to catch something else before returning home. It was a shame he couldn’t give his first true catch to his mentor, but it was no sweat of his back. Perhaps giving this male food would be reward enough. It was a genuine action; one that should be praised. Maybe someone would come along and give him the praise it deserved? He quickly took that thought back. Other cats weren’t quite so lenient. If Fireclaw spotted the apprentice, the mouse, and the old cat on scene, she’d throw a fight. Probably slash the intruder more and then throw Jasperpaw to his mother for questioning. The orange tabby swished his tail along the floor. It wouldn’t be so bad. He might have to care for the elders. What was wrong with that? He loved doing apprentice tasks! They were so interesting. And sometimes the elders would tell him a story, just like when he was a little kit. When he’d visit the nursery to clean bedding, he’d get to play with the kittens. It was great! Only after inhaling did the young feline remember the cat in front of him. “AND, WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU?” He added, with prickling paws. One day he’d get wounds like that. And he’d inflict wounds like that. Warriors could do everything. With scars to prove it. He’d have plenty of scars moons from now. He dispelled the thoughts and kept his light green eyes on the stranger’s face. He wrapped his tail around his paws to show he would not be hostile.

[doctor]

jerome
--Memories consume, like opening up the wound;

-x-x- Jerome sat still listening to the birds sing songs off in the distance. It was nice to have some form of noise to break the very uncomfortable silence. He felt so stupid, he felt like a poor little lost kittypet who couldn't find it's way back to its humans. The very tall and skinny tomcat watched the young boy dig up the earth and realized what he was doing. Oh, God. Please no charity. That's only going to make things worse. And since the cat couldn't read his mind, a mouse was dropped in front of his feet. His lips slightly pulled back, he took a very subtle step away from the mouse. Does this cat think I'm an old geezer? Please don't think that, really don't. He was about to say something, but the young cat began talking before him, THE NAME’S JASERPAW. APPRENTICE OF THUNDERCLAN. FUTURE LEADER, MIND YOU. CONSIDERING YOU’RE INVADING ON MY TERRITORY, I THINK I HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW WHO YOU ARE. AND WHAT YOU’RE DOING HERE. AND WHY YOU DECIDED IT WOULD BE OKAY TO FRIGHTEN OFF ALL PIECES OF PREY WITH YOUR BLOOD. AND, WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU?

Jerome narrowed his eyes and felt a strong wave of irritation sparking inside of him. Since he was in the apprentice's territory, he should explain himself, that would just be the polite thing to do. Besides, talking to Jasperpaw would give him a good chance to clean up his fur. 'Alright then, Jasperpaw, future ThunderClan leader, my name is Jerome and sorry of the inconvenience my blood has brought you. Next time I'll try bleeding on someone else's territory.' Jerome's tone was slightly hostile, but not threatening. He began to groom his fur, while making sure his speech was still understandable, 'Oh and thanks for the mouse, but I can't take something from your Clan. Besides, are you sure that the Clan has been fed first? I'm grateful for the compassion you've shown me just now, but remember, you aren't ThunderClan's leader, yet.' Jerome grinned, his eyes bright. He was always snapping from a horrible mood to a wonderful mood. The left side of his chest and paw was now completely clean and looked unnatural with the rest of his fur.

He sighed and wondered what it was like to live in a Clan. Always fighting for each other, always protecting each other. It was brilliant, but he wasn't sure if he would ever be able to live in a large group of cats. He had tried, once when he was a kitten. It was a disaster. Jerome closed his eyes, letting the sudden blow of chilly wind lightly touch him. When he opened his eyes he wondered how long he had been sitting there, lost in his thoughts. 'I suppose you're still wondering what happened to me,' Jerome decided he should carry on talking. This cat seemed to be interested in his wounds and Jerome wondered what Jasperpaw thought about fighting. 'I think it was last night, I'm not sure...well anyway, there was a huge thunder storm and after larking about I decided I was hungry and I was ready to dry off. So off I run, to the barn located by WindClan, I don't know if you know it yet,' Jerome paused, still not exactly sure how old Jasperpaw was. He looked young, but he acted very mature.

'I slow down and enter the barn and I found another cat there. Another loner...a she-cat. She was startled by the thunder. Calypso, her name was Calypso...' Oh how Jerome hoped that Calypso wasn't dead. Or injured in anyway. The skinny tom shook his head and looked back at his pelt. It was making progress, about half of it was smooth and clean now. 'Any way, me and Calypso socialize when that stupid tom walks in. Oh he just had to ruin the peace, oh yes. Cos after he came in a black and white she-cat walks in as well. They started whispering about some cat named Midnight and then the she-cat attacks Calypso.' Jerome's voice was slowly becoming more angry. He never found out who that Midnight was, but they ordered an apprentice to attack cats then it wasn't good.

'After Calypso and the other she-cat start the fight, I waste no time in fighting the other tom. It was a good, long, exhausting fight, my shoulder injured, face stinging, and my spirits low...I woke up here.' Jerome finished his story and looked at Jasperpaw. Now his fur was completely groomed, showing off his fine muscles and his bright eyes. The scars on his head were still bright red, and now he looked like the assassin he once was. He looked like a cat who wasn't afraid to fight for what he thought was right. Jerome swung his head around and grinned an even wider grin, looking at Jasperpaw.

[/blockquote][/blockquote]

jerome
--I'm picking me apart again

[nightwhisper]

There where gentle paw steps that where fluent enough to be counted to be as one of the winds gentle strides as eyes softly looked over the apprentice Jasperpaw who had a hushed mystery over him. He seemed to be troubled on something that seemed to just pique his feelings towards everything he did- though Nightwhisper saw something deeper in the young tom…perhaps because she saw everything from her own prespective. You see…Nightwhisper wasn’t a normal Clan cat…she came from the high mountainous region where different felines with different tactics and beliefs exsited. Starclan was powerful- yes…but they also shared their sky with many other souls then the single Clans. Nightwhisper was a beautiful she-cat in her own being. She stood out from the typical clan she-cat with her unique beauty- though she wasn’t all accepted with smiles when she just arrived to Thunderclan.

She was granted her warrior name early because of her skill, actually being only a notch older then Jasperpaw…though she held the potential and training of a senior warrior. Everything she did was fluent, almost as if the she-cat was born knowing all the hunting and fighting she rightfully knew. Though rarely was her fighting seen as she was a peace maker who shared a fair word before violence took over.

Her discolored gaze looked at the two toms from a height as she kept her scent covered by the protection of brambles and calculating the wind, ears perked listening into their conversation. She was impressed with Jasperpaw’s response to his being in the Clan as her tail swished to one side thingying her head. Why must he be so confident in his stance?

Leaping from her stone she weaved behind Jasperpaw quietly sitting behind the apprentice, her steady gaze burning quietly into Jerome’s torn face. The wind blew off course as it carried her foreign scent towards the intruder. Her glossy pelt attracted attention, as her long stripped tail curled over her lean paws. Without speaking a word she had already said so much as she turned her well carved skull to lick her perfect tidy pelt.

“Then perhaps giving the miserable truth that you woke up alive today- should you not take your leave instead of jumping into more trouble?” she questioned in her light tone, her blue eye glowing with intensity as she lightly looked back upon the brown tainted tom. Her figure was long and muscular, though she wasn’t massive or huge. There was not hostile tone in her voice, neither in her stance as her words really did sound like a question instead of a warning…though she would let this tom decide upon what circumstances he would like to approve of them. Looking into the back of Jasperpaw’s head did she twitch a single ear, breaking her statue like posture.

[/color][/blockquote][/blockquote]

[jasperkit]

I’M TALKING.

[/color]
NIGHTWHISPER’S TALKING.
JEROME’S TALKING.
TWO THOUSAND AND EIGHTY FOUR WORDS.

The male sat still; his ears swiveling forward to listen more closely to the chattering of the birds. What fascinating creatures. The fact that such thin little strips of skin and bone could have them soaring in the air in a heartbeat. They were one of the trickiest pieces of prey to capture. Or so he’d heard. He’d only caught a mouse. The mouse he gave now to the white tom. As he generously offered the food, the skinny cat pulled his lip back. Jasperpaw tensed. Would he really attack just because of some obtainable prey? Surely he didn’t think the apprentice was kidding. He might have been young and a slight bit naïve, but it was due to sheer curiosity. This male was his first cat ever met with wounds and non-Clan blood. It was almost as fascinating as the bird! Oh, who was he kidding? This was far more interesting and important. If this cat died from starvation, Jasper just couldn’t be responsible. He wouldn’t be able to handle that kind of guilt on his conscious. The tall cat took a step back, but said nothing. Obviously, he was trying his hardest to resist it. Or so it appeared to the ThunderClan tom. As he began talking away with the introductions, he couldn’t help but spy the tom’s eyes narrow. Jasperpaw tilted his head sideways in a gesture of confusion. What had he done wrong? “ALRIGHT THEN, JASPERPAW, FUTURE THUNDERCLAN LEADER, MY NAME IS JEROME AND SORRY OF THE INCONVENIENCE MY BLOOD HAS BROUGHT YOU. NEXT TIME I’LL TRY BLEEDING ON SOMEONE ELSE’S TERRITORY.” The look in the cat’s eyes now matched his scathing tone. The apprentice hung his head as though he’d just been scolded by Leaflight. It was rude to snap at him like that. Jasperpaw should’ve realized it as it happened, but things slipped from his mind just as quickly as they came. It was at this point the ThunderClan tom realized he’d addressed him as future leader. Pride surged through him, forgetting all about the tone of voice used by Jerome. As he stared back at the white time, he noticed the expression had yet to change. Jasperpaw twiddled his paws uncomfortably among the leaves. “MY APOLOGIES. I DIDN’T MEAN TO OFFEND YOU. JEROME, IS IT? THAT’S AN INTERESTING NAME. WHAT’S THAT?”[/color] He asked rather stupidly. He had never encountered a Jerome before. Was it some kind of jewel? Then again, he didn’t really know what a jasper was either. He was named for his uncle. The origin of his name meant little to him. His surname would be his main focus. Claw for intense battle moves? Tail for his height? Or maybe foot for his large paws? Whatever the ending, it would be the true defining moment in his life. Discovering how other perceived him by the ending of his name. Jerome had begun grooming his fur. StarClan knows it needed it. The mats and blood stains were quite unattractive. To everyone but this male perhaps. Jasper looked upon the pelt as a shrine of battle. A trophy of his honor and bravery. He couldn’t help but scowl as the blood was licked away. It was for the best though. The prey would return soon enough. “OH AND THANKS FOR THE MOUSE, BUT I CAN’T TAKE SOMETHING FROM YOUR CLAN. BESIDES, ARE YOU SURE THAT THE CLAN HAS BEEN FED FIRST? I’M GRATEFUL FOR THE COMPASSION YOU’VE SHOWN ME JUST NOW, BUT REMEMBER, YOU AREN’T THUNDERCLAN’S LEADER. YET.” He said that last part as if he was confident it was to come true. Jasperpaw shook his head slowly. He was sure Leaflight would’ve caught something and taken it home, but you never could be sure. She might not have hunted in the right place. Like Snakerocks! If she’d tried to hunt there, she would’ve met with an adder. And they are quite unappetizing. Or so he’d been led to believe. Hazelpelt’s old brother, whose name Jasperpaw just couldn’t remember, had boasted about his catch down in the deadly rocks. And he took a bite. He basically dragged his tongue across the floor. The apprentice let out a small giggle and found Jerome to be grinning. The irritation was replaced with amusement in his gaze. How peculiar. “WELL, IF YOU NEED SOMETHING TO FILL YOUR TUMMY, FEEL FREE. I CAN ALWAYS HUNT SOME MORE. I LOVE HUNTING. AND DOING MY DUTIES. AND CARING FOR THE WEAK. N-NOT THAT YOU’RE WEAK! YOU JUST SEEMED DIMINISHED BY THE FIGHT.”[/color] Jasperpaw continued to smile in hopes that the cat wouldn’t get offended again. He was only trying to be nice. And a fight would’ve worn him out, no doubt. His fur was glossy now; all traces of the battle gone. His left side now almost completely finished; the contrast was unbelievable. Who knew after all those injuries, the fur could fluff up to conceal it all. The white cat closed his eyes and remained still. For quite the long time. Jasperpaw decided to embrace his inner kit and swat at a passing butterfly. It’s orange and black spotted wings fluttered much lighter than a bird’s. With a smirk, the apprentice rose on his hindlegs to swat it out of the sky. It zoomed down to the forest floor and it’s wings gave a feeble shutter. With sudden remorse, the ThunderClan cat scooped it up with a forepaw and laid it atop a sapling. Whoops. A smile spread across his face as the creature recovered from the brief moment of unconsciousness and flew off. color=beige]“I SUPPOSE YOU’RE STILL WONDERING WHAT HAPPENED TO ME,”[/color] Jerome spoke again. The apprentice fervently nodded his head. He’d been looking to forward for this story the whole time. Of how the claws sliced down his side, but he ignored it and clamped his teeth into the leg of his opponent. Jasperpaw found his claws digging deeper indents into the leaves. He realized the smell of his rodent was drifting through the air. As the white tom began his story, the ginger cat dashed forward to grabbed his mouse. Plopping it at his feet, he began scrapping dirt over it. His ears pricked forward with serious concentration as he stared at the gashes in the cat’s side. “I THINK IT WAS LAST NIGHT, I’M NOT SURE. WELL, ANYWAY, THERE WAS A HUGE THUNDERSTORM AND AFTER LARKING ABOUT I DECIDED I WAS HUNGRY AND I WAS READY TO DRY OFF. SO OFF I RUN, TO THE BARN LOCATED BY WINDCLAN. I DON’T KNOW IF YOU KNOW IT YET.” He meowed pointedly, fixing the apprentice with a stare. Was it that obvious he was young? Stupid kit-fluff. Why couldn’t it disappear all ready? He gave a small shake of his head so not to interrupt the story. He’d heard about that barn. It was home to all the local loners. Or, most of them anyway. It was always filled with mice and warm hay to sleep on. It sounded like a great place for a visit! But it was on WindClan territory. Going there would be an infraction of his sacred code; the warrior code. He’d heard the storm the previous night, too. Jasperpaw remembered dashing into the den at top speed; only to barrel into Russetpaw and Mintpaw. The female was nice about it. She’d soothed his nerves as he’d apologized numerous times. Russetpaw just spat and turned over. Irritable furball. The story was continuing though. He had to snap out of it. He gave himself a brief shake and flicked an ear for his friend to continue. “I SLOW DOWN AND ENTER THE BARN AND I FOUND ANOTHER CAT THERE. ANOTHER LONER. A SHE-CAT. SHE WAS STARTLED BY THE THUNDER. CALYPSO, HER NAME WAS CALYPSO.” The apprentice’s eyes were wide. What was going to happen to this female? Did he fight her? Jasperpaw didn’t like the idea of fighting a girl. With the exception of a rival Clan. He’d fight for his Clan till the death. But anyone who stuck around him long enough could figure that one out. Jerome looked as though he was contemplating something, so the tabby remained quiet. He watched as the skinny tom shook his head and resumed the work on his pelt. He’d gotten a lot done in the few moments he’d began his story. Almost half of the fur was clean. The apprentice found his tail flicking about with anxiety. What was to happen next? There was a battle coming shortly. That was obvious. “ANYWAY, ME AND CALYPSO SOCIALIZE WHEN THAT STUPID TOM WALKS IN. OH, HE JUST HAD TO RUIN THE PEACE! OH YES. ‘COS AFTER HE CAME IN, A BLACK AND WHITE CAT WALKS IN AS WELL. THEY STARTED WHISPERING ABOUT SOME CAT NAMED MIDNIGHT AND THEN THE SHE-CAT ATTACKS CALYPSO!” Jerome was getting angrier; as was the apprentice he was telling his tale to. How unjust! It sounded as thought the she-cat was innocent and did nothing wrong. Maybe if this- this Midnight wanted privacy, she could’ve gone elsewhere. Or asked the two conversing felines to relocate to another part of the part. Surely it couldn’t have been that hard. The ginger tom was always under the presumption that the barn was a free spot for all loners. It had belonged to no one. But apparently, some cats tried to take over and boss everyone around. How rude! “AFTER CALYPSO AND THE OTHER SHE-CAT START THE FIGHT, I WASTE NO TIME IN FIGHTING THE OTHER TOM. IT WAS A GOOD, LONG, EXHAUSTING FIGHT; MY SHOULDER INJURED, FACE STINGING, AND MY SPIRITS LOW. I WOKE UP HERE.” Jasperpaw’s eyes were wide as the story was concluded. It was astonishing. He’d described the fight as long and exhausting! How much stamina did normal warriors have? This apprentice’s paws were sore after just doing the elder duties. He guessed that, after time, all that walking would amount to tougher pads. And the more times you did it, the easier it became. Jasperpaw saw Jerome raise his head from where he’d finished grooming his pelt. It was now shiny and smooth. His muscles were defined now rather than when they’d first met. When the loner’s fur was fluffed out to a rather large extreme. He tilted his head to the side and grinned. The scars, still puckering and red, were the only oddities about him now. “WOW JEROME! THAT’S AMAZING. YOU SHOULD JOIN THE CLANS! WE NEED WARRIORS HOW CAN PUT UP WITH FIGHTS FOR A LONG TIME. AND WHAT ABOUT CALYPSO? DID SHE GET TAKEN TO ANOTHER PART OF THE FOREST WHEN SHE BLACKED OUT, TOO?” His friend couldn’t answer. Another cat had joined the party. Jasperpaw angled his head slightly behind him to spot Nightwhisper bounding from a stone. He faced Jerome again and rolled his eyes. Nightwhisper thought she was so cool. A foreign cat getting accepted into the Clans. Oh well. He turned his head back to the unusually pretty female again. It was against Jasper’s morals to be rude to a Clanmate, so he dipped his head in welcome. Why was she sitting behind him? He motioned beside him with a swish of tail, but the gesture got no response. “THEN PERHAPS GIVING THE MISERABLE TRUTH THAT YOU WOKE UP ALIVE TODAY - SHOULD YOU NOT TAKE YOUR LEAVE INSTEAD OF JUMPING INTO MORE TROUBLE?” She queried, only to be met with silence. Why was she so rude? The she-cat hadn’t seen battles like the tom that stood before him. Jerome could be a total killer who’d rip his throat out in a moment, but Jasperpaw was being courteous. The cat had landed in unfamiliar territory with severe wounds. It could happen to anyone, really. Hadn’t it happened to her? The femme’s bi-colored gaze remained passive as Jasperpaw rose to his feet. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. Remaining calm was key in this situation. He opened his orbs to stare intently on the she-cat’s face. He kept his voice level and calm as he spoke, rising only in the end to defined his new found friend. “NOW LOOK HERE, NIGHTWHISPER. I KNOW YOU’RE NOT MUCH OLDER THAN ME. SO LET’S GET THAT FACT STRAIGHT. I ALSO KNOW THAT THE WARRIOR CODE WOULD EXPECT YOU TO SHOW COMPASSION TO THE WEAK OR INJURED. ESPECIALLY SOMEONE LIKE JEROME, HERE. WHO YOU DON’T EVEN KNOW. WHY WOULD YOU EXPECT HIM TO BE CAUSING TROUBLE? CAUSE HE’S NOT. HE GOT DISOREINTED AND WOUND UP HERE, IS ALL.”

[/size][/blockquote][/center][/blockquote]

[doctor]

jerome
--Was it all too much;

-x-x- Jerome grinned as Jasperpaw spoke. 'WOW JEROME! THAT’S AMAZING. YOU SHOULD JOIN THE CLANS! WE NEED WARRIORS WHO CAN PUT UP WITH FIGHTS FOR A LONG TIME. AND WHAT ABOUT CALYPSO? DID SHE GET TAKEN TO ANOTHER PART OF THE FOREST WHEN SHE BLACKED OUT, TOO?' Join the Clans? Now that would be an interesting sight to see. 'I'm sorry to say that I have no idea what happened to Calypso. I can only hope that she's still alive.' Jerome suddenly stiffened, the wind blowing a second ThunderClan scent into his face. He moved his eyes away from Jasperpaw's face and noticed eyes burning into his own face. Then the owner of the eyes stepped into view and spoke, 'THEN PERHAPS GIVING THE MISERABLE TRUTH THAT YOU WOKE UP ALIVE TODAY - SHOULD YOU NOT TAKE YOUR LEAVE INSTEAD OF JUMPING INTO MORE TROUBLE?' Jerome stood taller and his eyes glowed faintly while his lips pulled back over his sharp fangs. He was going to say something, but Jasperpaw spoke first, 'NOW LOOK HERE, NIGHTWHISPER. I KNOW YOU’RE NOT MUCH OLDER THAN ME. SO LET’S GET THAT FACT STRAIGHT. I ALSO KNOW THAT THE WARRIOR CODE WOULD EXPECT YOU TO SHOW COMPASSION TO THE WEAK OR INJURED. ESPECIALLY SOMEONE LIKE JEROME, HERE. WHO YOU DON’T EVEN KNOW. WHY WOULD YOU EXPECT HIM TO BE CAUSING TROUBLE? CAUSE HE’S NOT. HE GOT DISOREINTED AND WOUND UP HERE, IS ALL.'

Jerome relaxed slightly, releasing his muscles from their tense position. Once again, Jerome's gaze was focused on Jasperpaw. 'How old are you, really? You seem like a full grown adult.' And now Jerome knew a little bit more about the stranger in front of him. Jasperpaw said that she wasn't much older than himself, but her muscles were toned and strong. Narrowing his eyes, Jerome completely relaxed. Strangers would never fail to amaze him. They were just so intresting, always having untold stories to tell. That's how he got talking with Calypso. She had been interested in what he was doing, and that's how he talked to her. But Jerome dragged his focus back to reality and he blinked at Nightwhisper. 'Jasperpaw's right. Maybe you could take a lesson from him.' Jerome knew he had no place to say that, but he couldn't help being a snot-faced jerk at the moment. Telling the story of the battle made him fired up again, and he wasn't in the mood to talk to cats like Nightwhisper.

[[OCC: Wow, sorry for the really bad post. My muse just like died an epic death. I just wanted to let you guys know I hadn't forgot about this, and that I am having fun with this thread. =3 (Oh yeah, and Halloween colours! )

[/blockquote][/blockquote]

jerome
--Or just not enough?

[nightwhisper]

Eyes met Jasperpaws firmly as he turned and snap at her- which by the way he did all the time. She kept silent and quietly purred softly at him as she twitched the corner of her tail. Truth was Nightwhisper wasn’t at all thingyy as little Jasperpaw thought- nor was she mean or violent. She was actually pretty tender hearted and sensitive…though Jasperpaw kept pushing his own damn limits with her though never would she retort back in a aggressive manner.

Perhaps you should tone in more in your warrior code training- as it also says apprentices may not leave camp without a warrior, she mewed quietly in her mind but her senses where quick enough to catch the bothered vibe of the tom before his lip curl. Carefully, Nightwhisper turned her head she caught Jerome’s gaze softly blinking her own. This to her was a matter of respect and boundary between them both. One in which Jerome should be familiar with. “Let’s get the facts straight again Jasperpaw…let’s start with watching what you say to me” came her calm mew as she narrowed her eyes fiercely. There was respect until disrespected, Jasperpaw just being one of those apprentices who really did need the lesson.

Attention was now backing on Jerome as snappy tone regarded her. “No, no…it’s you who should learn - as you simply aren’t where you belong, dear traveler. You are injured, hungry and exhausted…should you run into another patrol of another Clan, I pray for your safety” mewed the pretty she-cat as she seemed concerned for the tom. She knew what it was to travel under disgusting gushing conditions. Yes when she arrived into Thunderclan she was a mess. It was hard to tell what color her real coat was…spending almost a full moon sleeping under the watchful eye of the healer.

Although she has been a warrior of Thunderclan for a while now, the foreign she-cat still refuses to lose the customs of her now destroyed Tribe. There wasn’t a day when she opened her eyes and wondered if she was finally going to wake up from such piquant nightmare.

Cooley waiting for a response did the she-cat turn and look over her shoulder towards the rocks she sat upon. “…as well as some other restless soul who seems to be inpatient and willing to find you. You have a fairly long journey from here…” came her last words in what seemed to quiet to even be counted as a whisper. There was a cool gust of wind that swayed the leaves, soothing the tension a bit. Taking a deep breath she looked back on the both bothered toms calmly.

[/blockquote][/blockquote][/color]

[jasperkit]

I’M TALKING
NIGHTWHISPER’S TALKING
JEROME’S TALKING
ONE THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED AND TWENTY ONE

“I’M SORRY TO SAY THAT I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT HAPPENED TO CALYPSO. I CAN ONLY HOPE THAT SHE’S STILL ALIVE.” The pallid cat replied with a twang of sadness in his voice. Jasperpaw, too, felt anguish at the unknown whereabouts of the she-cat. The apprentice furrowed his brow. Perhaps the two invaders didn’t like the meeting of Calypso and Jerome and they placed the injured female on the opposite side of the forest. It would be in the RiverClan side from what the ginger tom could guess. He was about to voice his suggestion, when the wind hinted at Nightwhisper’s arrival. The loner across the way stiffened and drew his lips back. Jasperpaw’s heart accelerated. He couldn’t very well injure Jerome or Nightwhisper. Anger surged through him. The she-cat had insulted the tom, why should he not get revenge? The apprentice shook his head. It wouldn’t be right to allow them to fight. If he wanted to prevent anything, Jas would need to do it quick. The white feline rose higher on his paws; eyes ablaze with fury. To keep the peace, he spoke out. Nightwhisper’s gaze fixed on his face, but it was in mockery. The female was purring contently to herself. As though she found the defense funny. Her tail was lazily twirling in the air as though she was superior to getting yelled at. Jasperpaw’s lips now drew back over his teeth. The arrogant cat needed to realize he may be young, but he had the brute strength she did not possess. He had Emberstar’s sheer muscle mass. The ginger male threw a sideways glance at his new found friend. He had relaxed, not bothered anymore with the ThunderClan warrior. It was because he didn’t live with the irritating cat. Jerome realized not that she thought herself to be above apprentices. Even those her age. As if he could feel the young cat’s eyes on his pelt, Jerome turned his head to face Jasperpaw. “HOW OLD ARE YOU, REALLY? YOU SEEM LIKE A FULL GROWN ADULT.” At this, a grin spread from ear to ear on the young tom’s face. Jerome thought he was an adult! It was flattering and Jasperpaw took a moment to bask in the rays of pride the compliment had ensued on his self-confidence. It was probably due to the political status of his parents that he had inherited his sharp wits. His father was a leader and Dawnheart was his deputy during Jasperpaw’s kithood. When the large cat would visit his mate of offspring in the nursery, Jasperpaw would absorb himself in their discussions. How patrols would need to be less lenient on the RiverClan scents that inched further toward Sunningrocks every other day. Jas was taught to rival the warrior code when it’s laws were not in compliance to the situation. Much like the predicament he was currently in. With a small smile, he answered: “I JUST TURNED SEVEN MOONS.”

[/b] He had been so caught up in the male’s compliment, the apprentice forgot all about Nightwhisper standing nearby. Her attitude couldn’t weaken his happiness and he wouldn’t allow it to. He’d made a false remark at the mention of their ages, but it was no fur off his back. The femme was probably somewhere around fourteen moons old, but she was at the age of seven moons in comparison of Jasperpaw’s knowledge of Clan democracies to her’s. Not like she would admit to anything of the sort; however. “PERHAPS YOU SHOULD TUNE IN MORE IN YOUR WARRIOR CODE TRANING. AS IT ALSO SAYS APPRENTICES MAY NOT LEAVE CAMP WITHOUT A WARRIOR.” The warrior meowed quietly, igniting Jasper’s annoyance with her. He merely rolled his eyes. Obviously, by the scents surrounding them, he had just recently been out with Leaflight. His mentor had instructed him to hunt. Was Nightwhisper that daft? Anyone who took a whiff could scent the tortoiseshell’s scent only hours before. Jasperpaw’s tail kinked above his back in sheer agitation. He was never rude to cats in his Clan. Not at all, unless they provoked him unnecessarily. Such was the case with this particular warrior. He was generally very confident and joyous at the prospect of meeting new friends and bonding with his Clanmates. The female again began insulting his intelligence; her voice now brisk, but calm. “LET’S GET THE FACTS STRAIGHT AGAIN JASPERPAW. LET’S START WITH WATCHING WHAT YOU SAY TO ME.” Her eyes narrowed into slits as quickly as they’d relaxed moments before. The apprentice gave a furious spit, but again said nothing. Finally the she-cat showed some irritation. Jasperpaw was beginning to think she was as emotionless as the ground they stood on. He flashed his white companion a smirk. Surely his defiance to the female would be impressive. The ginger cat thought of his attitude toward the femme. His mother and Leaflight would be quite harsh on him; his mother in particular. Leaflight and Jasperpaw’s were very similar. She probably felt the same way towards the dark gray colored warrior. “JASPERPAW’S RIGHT.” That was heard after a few moments of tense silence. Jerome was clearly referring to the apprentice’ recent outburst for his safety. The fact that he was trespassing on ThunderClan soil didn’t matter at all to the apprentice. His injuries and state when he’d arrived were the main cause of interrogations. The questions posed were all answered in due time as he had listened to the loner’s story. Nightwhisper wouldn’t have been so patient. Or as understanding to his situation. “MAYBE YOU COULD TAKE A LESSON FROM HIM.” The white tom continued with arrogant confidence. Jas was honored to be held in such a regard from a stranger. No, from a friend. At the male’s backup, Jasperpaw gave a disdainful sniff in the direction of his Clanmate and trotted over to Jerome’s side. Jasperpaw knew not of where all this hostility was originating from. She could use a lesson from him. A lesson of learning your damn place. She might be a rank above him, but she had not spent as many moons in this forest as he had. Nightwhisper had not been raised under the skies of StarClan and under the pressures and problems that came with being a leader’s son. His father had been a noble and loyal cat and it was expected of Jasperpaw to be the leader when the time came. Briarpaw was the oldest, but his impaired sight had left Jas as the rightful heir. One day, he’d achieve the position he so desired. “NO, NO. IT IS YOU WHO SHOULD LEARN. AS YOU SIMPLY AREN’T WHERE YOU BELONG. YOU ARE INJURED, HUNGRY AND EXHAUASTED. SHOULD YOU RUN INTO ANOTHER PATROL OF ANOTHER CLAN, I PRAY FOR YOUR SAFETY. AS WELL AS SOME OTHER RESTELESS SOUL WHO SEEMS TO BE IMPATIENT AND WILLING TO FIND YOU. YOU HAVE A FARILY LONG JOURNEY FROM HERE.” The exotic she-cat’s responded ended a whisper, but she stated it with a solemn look. Jasperpaw rolled his eyes and faced his friend. He definitely had something to say about that. He’d have Jerome’s back. When he wished to leave, Jas would escort him to the closest landmark ThunderClan had with WindClan: Fourtrees. No cat could object to him traversing the moorlands. He lived in the barn not far from them. Or so they would assume. The ThunderClan apprentice had heard stories of Stripestar. Supposedly, he was a fair and just tom with incomparable battle tactics. Those tactics wouldn’t be used on the loner so long as he didn’t hunt on their territory. His warriors would be bright enough to figure that out. Nightwhisper drew in a breath as the cool breeze swept over the scene. Jasperpaw laid his tail on Jerome’s shoulder. He, too, inhaled the fresh air. He unsheathed his claws and dug them into the ground. This helped to calm him down. He faced Nightwhisper with a strained blank expression. “LEAFLIGHT INSTRUCTED ME TO HUNT. APPRENTICES LISTEN TO THEIR MENTORS. OBVIOUSLY. AND I DON’T HAVE TO WATCH ANYTHING UNLESS IT’S A CLANMATE’S BACK. OR A FRIEND’S. WHICH IS CLEARLY THE CASE.”[/b] He meowed, glancing at Jerome. The two cats had just met, but he felt close enough to the tom to claim him as a friend. If his father were here, Jas would have all the support he could ever need. Emberstar wouldn’t allow Nightwhisper to openly insult the loner, but he would control his son’s anger. It was, at times like these, the apprentice dearly missed the larger version of himself. With another deep breath, the ThunderClan tom continued. “JEROME HAS A POINT IN THAT YOU COULD LEARN A FEW THINGS FROM ME. LIKE TOLERANCE AND THE ABILITY TO LISTEN. MAYBE, BEFORE YOU GO AROUND ACCUSING HIM OF TRESPASSING OR WHATEVER IT WAS YOU WERE GOING ON ABOUT, YOU COULD TAKE A MOMENT TO POLITLEY ASK HIM HIS STORY. THEN YOU COULD’VE STOPPED BEFORE TAKING IT OUT ON HIM BECAUSE WHATEVER WAS SHOVED UP YOUR BUTT WAS CAUSING YOU PAIN. A WHOLE PATROL WOULD KNOW BETTER THAN TO INDICT SUCH CRIMES AS TRESPASSING ON SOMEONE BEFORE GETTING THE STORY. NOW, I’M TRULY SORRY FOR MY ATTITUDE THAT SEEMS TO RIVAL YOUR SUPERIORITY COMPLEX, BUT I WILL SPEAK FOR WHAT I BELIEVE IN. IF YOU HAVEN’T NOTICED. WATCH WHILE IN CAMP AND MAYBE YOU’LL REALIZE THAT I’M NOT HOSTILE IN ANY SENSE OF THE WORD. EVERYTHING ABOUT BEING AN APPRENTICE EXCITES ME; EVEN THIS. ARGUING MY BELIEFS AND STANDPOINTS ON THIS SITUATION WITH SOMEONE WHO IS NOT CLANBORN.” The end of his rant ended with a lash of his tail. Everything that had been discussed up to this point, he’d just addressed. After being so silent through the encounter of Jerome and Nightwhisper, Jasperpaw had decided to give his opinions. He gave the warrior a dip of his head and sat down beside the white tom. Her genes were not to be mocked, but Jasperpaw looked down on her for it. The fact that she was from the Tribe didn’t bother him as much as the idea of her leaving them. It was in her blood, for StarClan’s sake! Why would she leave them like that? His tirade was met with silence from both felines. As he expected. Jasperpaw swiped his tongue over his chest as he waited for the responses.[/blockquote][/blockquote][/center][/size]

[doctor]

jerome
--I will not die, I'll wait here for you;

-x-x- The chocolate brown tomcat shifted his weight as Nightwhisper snapped at Jasperpaw. PERHAPS YOU SHOULD TUNE IN MORE IN YOUR WARRIOR CODE TRAINING. AS IT ALSO SAYS APPRENTICES MAY NOT LEAVE CAMP WITHOUT A WARRIOR. LET’S GET THE FACTS STRAIGHT AGAIN JASPERPAW. LET’S START WITH WATCHING WHAT YOU SAY TO ME. Jasperpaw seemed to be getting annoyed with this silly little she-cat. She mentioned that apprentices weren't allowed to leave camp without a warrior, yet there was a second scent lingering above Jasperpaw's own. Jerome didn't know any of the Clan cats, but Jasperpaw certainly did not come out alone. Jasperpaw let out an annoyed sniff, aimed at Nightwhisper and shifted over to sit next to Jerome. At first, Jerome nearly let his fur give an uncomfortable twitch. It wasn't often that he stood next to other cats like this. But when he saw that look in the young cat's eyes, Jerome relaxed. That cat had a certain look, and it was a good look. His eyes shinning, he was clearly thrilled to be with Jerome, and that made Jerome very happy.

NO, NO. IT IS YOU WHO SHOULD LEARN. AS YOU SIMPLY AREN’T WHERE YOU BELONG. YOU ARE INJURED, HUNGRY AND EXHAUSTED. SHOULD YOU RUN INTO ANOTHER PATROL OF ANOTHER CLAN, I PRAY FOR YOUR SAFETY. AS WELL AS SOME OTHER RESTLESS SOUL WHO SEEMS TO BE IMPATIENT AND WILLING TO FIND YOU. YOU HAVE A FARILY LONG JOURNEY FROM HERE. Nightwhisper's voice called Jerome's gaze away from Jasperpaw. Her statement not only left Jerome feeling angry, but puzzled. A journey? What the hell are you talking about? Perhaps you speak of a journey home? Ha, I have no home! 'Miss, I admit that, although I am an adult, I still have so much to learn about this world. But you speak to young Jasperpaw of respect because you are older and your ranking is higher than his. But you see, I am a stranger, yes, and a trespasser, but you know nothing about me. I am older than you, and I think I have seen a lot more of the world than you have. But, I have no idea what your past contains so I can't think that.' Jerome was off on a rant, and while he ranted his tone stayed calm and cool, and his face expressionless.

'But for all you know, I could be a leader of a deadly group of cats who would be willing to rip you to pieces. Leader of a group of savages I would be, but still a leader. So my point is that you have shown me a great amount of disrespect in assuming you know me, while we know nothing of each other. And since I belong to no Clan or have no home, I shall roam anywhere I would like to, while respecting the claim your Clan has on this land.' Jerome had a lot more he would like to say, but he feared he would just make no sense at all if he continued. LEAFLIGHT INSTRUCTED ME TO HUNT. APPRENTICES LISTEN TO THEIR MENTORS. OBVIOUSLY. AND I DON’T HAVE TO WATCH ANYTHING UNLESS IT’S A CLANMATE’S BACK. OR A FRIEND’S. WHICH IS CLEARLY THE CASE. Jasperpaw spoke after Jerome's long speech. JEROME HAS A POINT IN THAT YOU COULD LEARN A FEW THINGS FROM ME. LIKE TOLERANCE AND THE ABILITY TO LISTEN. MAYBE, BEFORE YOU GO AROUND ACCUSING HIM OF TRESPASSING OR WHATEVER IT WAS YOU WERE GOING ON ABOUT, YOU COULD TAKE A MOMENT TO POLITELY ASK HIM HIS STORY. THEN YOU COULD’VE STOPPED BEFORE TAKING IT OUT ON HIM BECAUSE WHATEVER WAS SHOVED UP YOUR BUTT WAS CAUSING YOU PAIN. A WHOLE PATROL WOULD KNOW BETTER THAN TO INDICT SUCH CRIMES AS TRESPASSING ON SOMEONE BEFORE GETTING THE STORY. NOW, I’M TRULY SORRY FOR MY ATTITUDE THAT SEEMS TO RIVAL YOUR SUPERIORITY COMPLEX, BUT I WILL SPEAK FOR WHAT I BELIEVE IN. IF YOU HAVEN’T NOTICED. WATCH WHILE IN CAMP AND MAYBE YOU’LL REALIZE THAT I’M NOT HOSTILE IN ANY SENSE OF THE WORD. EVERYTHING ABOUT BEING AN APPRENTICE EXCITES ME; EVEN THIS. ARGUING MY BELIEFS AND STANDPOINTS ON THIS SITUATION WITH SOMEONE WHO IS NOT CLANBORN.

Jerome blinked, realising that Jasperpaw was sticking up for him. And we only just met moments ago. The chocolate brown tom with the dark brown eyes stared straight back into Nightwhisper and said in the same tone as he spoke when he spoke before, 'Knowledge is never limited and we can always learn something new from each other. The truly brilliant cats never think of someone being smarter than the other. And there is always a new lesson to be learned.' Jerome felt as if nothing could bring him down, not with this young apprentice beside him, not with this friend beside him.

[/blockquote][/blockquote]

jerome
--I feel alive when you're beside me.

[nightwhisper]

Occ; Nightwhisper didn’t say her statement about him leaving camp on his own guys she was thinking! xD but its ok(:


Eyes calmly looked at Jasperpaw as once more he regarded her in learning more from him…where was he trying to get with this resistant statement? She inhaled softly and sighed to herself letting him talk…as she didn’t want to agitate him more than it already seemed she was doing. Nightwhisper had never mocked him- nor took her place higher than his…which was the only thing that puzzled her when he spoke. When had she ever thought herself higher in rank then any of the Clan cats- no…she respected them just as she would wish they would respect her own blood and linage. Although Jasperpaw growled and puffed as if she was a tiny kit, and Nightwhisper was far from being treated like a kit; those memories where a sting to her wounded heart. She was constantly questioned about her loyalty and when she did stand for it, she seemed to be doing it wrong…what was wrong? She didn’t look away but felt her heart lower…What am I doing here?... she questioned herself quietly in her mind as she accidently missed some of Jasperpaw’s words. He seemed to go off on something about camp. Ears flickered in his direction. “& I am not saying that you are not excited to be an apprentice as we all go through the same phase, brother. My mistake as I have not caught your scent as I stood apposed from the wind. I wish you not to be bothered by my misjudgment.” Nightwhisper mewed. Nightwhisper didn’t spend her whole apprenticeship as a Clan cat as not even a third was covered with her. Sure she had the basics reviewed about how Starclan worked and the warrior code…but then again she couldn’t understand how Jasperpaw could befriend this stranger…

Fur prickled with discomfort at his words about her past and this was when the she-cat looked away from the brown pelted tom casually. He could have seen it all…but how could he be sure he had seen enough? She didn’t question this out loud for the possibility of once more being snapped at. No…you don’t she thought, concealing the pain and dismay that this tom had brought her. “Then again there are a lot of things that remain unspoken about all of our spirits…as you are correct on not only my knowledge about you. You could be a million things; harmful or sane. Though, we also remain a mystery to you.” She responded.

“Jasperpaw is correct…I have been disrespectful…though I have been taught by mentors and life to not trust, especially in strangers. You will have to excuse me for how I have approached you, since at times judgment can be a mistake” She told the tom, and blinked softly at Jasperpaw, maybe it was because she wished to get on Jaspwerpaw’s good side, though the truth is this was Nightwhisper. She recognized and acknowledged her mistakes, not making it an issue in correcting them. Of course she made mistakes, more often so since she was here in the forest. Youthful and intelligent she knew soon enough that wouldn’t be a problem anymore. She would get used to their ways, though would she ever blend in? That was truly an unanswerable question for the time being. Nightwhisper didn’t understand this tom when he said he didn’t have a home…who did he share with? Who did he groom with? Who did he speak with? Was this a normal living? She picked up a slender paw from the ground rasping her tongue over her bleeding tender pad, flicking it roughly at the sting she placed it back on the ground, was he truly his own killer Clan like he said? Ohhh..or was he part of a Tribe? No…he didn’t hold the scent of one. A dozen questions permeated her thinking, as she waited for hopefully a positive response.

[/blockquote][/blockquote]

[coalfur]

The great, skinny trees loomed above, their shadows streaking across the sunlit pathways. Distant horizon veiled by the copse' mass, the three figures almost went unseen, had they not been arguing so loudly. A snort escaped the dark figures throat, seemingly a cough, or a dry spit. Short gray ears flattened to her skull, nicks a crimson hybrid in the woodlands shadows. If Jasperpaw was sent to hunt, then what was he doing talking with loners? The senior warrior couldn't blame Nightwhisper for bickering with him for it, either... she could see where the warrior would get upset. In any case, both of them needed to sharpen their manners and think clearly. Would they really admit poor communication in front the tom? For StarClans sake, just get rid of him already.

Warily, Coalfur eyed Jerome. Her sharp amber gaze was smoldering in a mixture of disgust and hatred; rear angled. And then she pounced.

The she-cats stocky figure separated the apprentice and the warrior, and her eyes flickered between them. Could they taste her disappointment?

"The warrior code states that outsiders found on Clan territory must be questioned, or chased off," her grisly tangled fur looked even more out of place in the odd array of day and shade. Ashen claws unsheathed, while her battle-scarred face turned on the stranger. "If they stand their ground, Clan warriors may use aggressive force..." Her shrill, but also very husky voice growled. In the long run, she had more authority than both Nightwhisper and Jasperpaw, being of nearly elderly age; if Stormfang had caught Jerome, he would have been off their turf by now. That was definite.

Flicking her long, quil-like tail in the air, she squared her shoulders. "Jasperpaw, if Leaflight told you to hunt, then it is your mentors fault that you are outside of camp alone. And you should respect Nightwhispers authority as a warrior, no matter how few of moons set you apart, " What she really wanted to say was... 'Respect your elders, go hunt, and leave the loner to us.' Considering that... who was Jasperpaw to point the claw? An apprentice, regardless of relation, must always obey a warrior. That was the way things were. The way things had always been.

"The warrior code does not permit us to help strangers who are injured, or hungry, Jasperpaw. That only applies for kits, which this tom is not... ThunderClan prey is not to be handed out carelessly, either. Our Clanmates come first, and unless he-" she nodded her head to Jerome, "wishes to join ThunderClan, by Dawnstars agreement, permitted that is his wish - which, I have reason to doubt that it is - is not a Clanmate and whether or not he starves or dies has nothing to do with us. It's not cruel, it's the way things are and have always been. We hold our own, they hold theirs. You hunt for ThunderClan." Her neck fur bristled at the thought. Jasperpaw was going to hunt for this outsider. He was offering him valuable prey that ThunderClan needed, and would direly need in the leaf-bare seasons to come. Especially since Leaf-fall was on its way, having full bellies and standard strength was even more crucial. An apprentice shouldn't be making those kinds of decisions, and Coalfur hoped, in bitter irritation, that Dawnstar would notice the wrong in her sons decisions. He had a long way to go before he was made a warrior, that was for sure.

The scruffy she-cat glanced to Nightwhisper thoughtfully, "He had no right to argue with you." It was true. And it didn't matter if Jasperpaw got angry at her for taking sides; he was seemingly misbehaving, and if Nightwhisper or her hadn't come along, he just might have let this loner walk away with a feast and a smile.

Jasperpaw needed to learn that his closest friends would always be his Clanmates. He couldn't turn them into enemies, because one day, when he would need them at his back, where would they be? Once bound by fierce loyalty and devotion, the great ThunderClan would be at the heels of eachother. That was not allowed. They had to be reminded of their duties to one another and themselves.

Facing Jerome once again, Coalfurs lips curled back into a slight snarl, moreso a hiss, her haunches shifting in the process. "You have to leave ThunderClan territory now that you know where we are, how it works and what will happen if you defy us and ignore our borders. We will escort you."

Barkpelt had taught her to stand her own ground and to be a brave and committed warrior of ThunderClan. She was not interested in changing her ways now, not 96 moons down the road.

Besides.

She hated outsiders with a passion.

Flashing Jasperpaw a scowl, she beckoned him up next to her so she could keep an eye on him.

913

[jasperkit]

As the apprentice shifted his sitting position to become closer to Jerome, he couldn't help but notice how tense the pallid cat became. It was only for a minute though and Jas felt his own shoulders slump in comfort. Good. Jerome wasn't bothered with their blossoming friendship. It wasn't often the ginger cat met with a fighter; a true male. ThunderClan had many she-cats. Which would be a good thing eventually. But all the males in the camp were always mooning over their mates or far too busy with being warriors to pause and spend time with cats like Jasperpaw. Perhaps his lack of a father figure made him lash out as harshly as he'd done. The young cat's ears perked and his friend began to defend himself. "MISS, I ADMIT THAT, ALTHOUGH, I AM AN ADULT, I STILL HAVE SO MUCH TO LEARN ABOUT THIS WORLD. BUT YOU SPEAK TO YOUNG JASPERPAW OF RESPECT BECAUSE YOU ARE OLDER AND YOUR RANKING IS HIGHER THAN HIS. BUT YOU SEE, I'M A STRANGER, YES, AND A TRESPASSER, BUT YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT ME. I AM OLDER THAN YOU, AND I THINK I HAVE SEEN A LOT MORE OF THE WORLD THAN YOU HAVE. BUT, I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOUR PAST CONTAINS SO I CAN'T THINK THAT." Jasperpaw responded with a nod. That was right! Jerome seemed plenty more experienced than his Clanmate. Though the apprentice had no right to judge. The white male remained calm, and the orange cat did the same.

'But for all you know, I could be a leader of a deadly group of cats who would be willing to rip you to pieces. Leader of a group of savages I would be, but still a leader. So my point is that you have shown me a great amount of disrespect in assuming you know me, while we know nothing of each other. And since I belong to no Clan or have no home, I shall roam anywhere I would like to, while respecting the claim your Clan has on this land.' Jerome had a lot more he would like to say, but he feared he would just make no sense at all if he continued.

Jerome blinked, realising that Jasperpaw was sticking up for him. And we only just met moments ago. The chocolate brown tom with the dark brown eyes stared straight back into Nightwhisper and said in the same tone as he spoke when he spoke before, 'Knowledge is never limited and we can always learn something new from each other. The truly brilliant cats never think of someone being smarter than the other. And there is always a new lesson to be learned.' Jerome felt as if nothing could bring him down, not with this young apprentice beside him, not with this friend beside him.


Eyes calmly looked at Jasperpaw as once more he regarded her in learning more from him…where was he trying to get with this resistant statement? She inhaled softly and sighed to herself letting him talk…as she didn’t want to agitate him more than it already seemed she was doing. Nightwhisper had never mocked him- nor took her place higher than his…which was the only thing that puzzled her when he spoke. When had she ever thought herself higher in rank then any of the Clan cats- no…she respected them just as she would wish they would respect her own blood and linage. Although Jasperpaw growled and puffed as if she was a tiny kit, and Nightwhisper was far from being treated like a kit; those memories where a sting to her wounded heart. She was constantly questioned about her loyalty and when she did stand for it, she seemed to be doing it wrong…what was wrong? She didn’t look away but felt her heart lower…What am I doing here?... she questioned herself quietly in her mind as she accidently missed some of Jasperpaw’s words. He seemed to go off on something about camp. Ears flickered in his direction. “& I am not saying that you are not excited to be an apprentice as we all go through the same phase, brother. My mistake as I have not caught your scent as I stood apposed from the wind. I wish you not to be bothered by my misjudgment.” Nightwhisper mewed. Nightwhisper didn’t spend her whole apprenticeship as a Clan cat as not even a third was covered with her. Sure she had the basics reviewed about how Starclan worked and the warrior code…but then again she couldn’t understand how Jasperpaw could befriend this stranger…

Fur prickled with discomfort at his words about her past and this was when the she-cat looked away from the brown pelted tom casually. He could have seen it all…but how could he be sure he had seen enough? She didn’t question this out loud for the possibility of once more being snapped at. No…you don’t she thought, concealing the pain and dismay that this tom had brought her. “Then again there are a lot of things that remain unspoken about all of our spirits…as you are correct on not only my knowledge about you. You could be a million things; harmful or sane. Though, we also remain a mystery to you.” She responded.

“Jasperpaw is correct…I have been disrespectful…though I have been taught by mentors and life to not trust, especially in strangers. You will have to excuse me for how I have approached you, since at times judgment can be a mistake” She told the tom, and blinked softly at Jasperpaw, maybe it was because she wished to get on Jaspwerpaw’s good side, though the truth is this was Nightwhisper. She recognized and acknowledged her mistakes, not making it an issue in correcting them. Of course she made mistakes, more often so since she was here in the forest. Youthful and intelligent she knew soon enough that wouldn’t be a problem anymore. She would get used to their ways, though would she ever blend in? That was truly an unanswerable question for the time being. Nightwhisper didn’t understand this tom when he said he didn’t have a home…who did he share with? Who did he groom with? Who did he speak with? Was this a normal living? She picked up a slender paw from the ground rasping her tongue over her bleeding tender pad, flicking it roughly at the sting she placed it back on the ground, was he truly his own killer Clan like he said? Ohhh..or was he part of a Tribe? No…he didn’t hold the scent of one. A dozen questions permeated her thinking, as she waited for hopefully a positive response.

The great, skinny trees loomed above, their shadows streaking across the sunlit pathways. Distant horizon veiled by the copse' mass, the three figures almost went unseen, had they not been arguing so loudly. A snort escaped the dark figures throat, seemingly a cough, or a dry spit. Short gray ears flattened to her skull, nicks a crimson hybrid in the woodlands shadows. If Jasperpaw was sent to hunt, then what was he doing talking with loners? The senior warrior couldn't blame Nightwhisper for bickering with him for it, either... she could see where the warrior would get upset. In any case, both of them needed to sharpen their manners and think clearly. Would they really admit poor communication in front the tom? For StarClans sake, just get rid of him already.

Warily, Coalfur eyed Jerome. Her sharp amber gaze was smoldering in a mixture of disgust and hatred; rear angled. And then she pounced.

The she-cats stocky figure separated the apprentice and the warrior, and her eyes flickered between them. Could they taste her disappointment?

"The warrior code states that outsiders found on Clan territory must be questioned, or chased off," her grisly tangled fur looked even more out of place in the odd array of day and shade. Ashen claws unsheathed, while her battle-scarred face turned on the stranger. "If they stand their ground, Clan warriors may use aggressive force..." Her shrill, but also very husky voice growled. In the long run, she had more authority than both Nightwhisper and Jasperpaw, being of nearly elderly age; if Stormfang had caught Jerome, he would have been off their turf by now. That was definite.

Flicking her long, quil-like tail in the air, she squared her shoulders. "Jasperpaw, if Leaflight told you to hunt, then it is your mentors fault that you are outside of camp alone. And you should respect Nightwhispers authority as a warrior, no matter how few of moons set you apart, " What she really wanted to say was... 'Respect your elders, go hunt, and leave the loner to us.' Considering that... who was Jasperpaw to point the claw? An apprentice, regardless of relation, must always obey a warrior. That was the way things were. The way things had always been.

"The warrior code does not permit us to help strangers who are injured, or hungry, Jasperpaw. That only applies for kits, which this tom is not... ThunderClan prey is not to be handed out carelessly, either. Our Clanmates come first, and unless he-" she nodded her head to Jerome, "wishes to join ThunderClan, by Dawnstars agreement, permitted that is his wish - which, I have reason to doubt that it is - is not a Clanmate and whether or not he starves or dies has nothing to do with us. It's not cruel, it's the way things are and have always been. We hold our own, they hold theirs. You hunt for ThunderClan." Her neck fur bristled at the thought. Jasperpaw was going to hunt for this outsider. He was offering him valuable prey that ThunderClan needed, and would direly need in the leaf-bare seasons to come. Especially since Leaf-fall was on its way, having full bellies and standard strength was even more crucial. An apprentice shouldn't be making those kinds of decisions, and Coalfur hoped, in bitter irritation, that Dawnstar would notice the wrong in her sons decisions. He had a long way to go before he was made a warrior, that was for sure.

The scruffy she-cat glanced to Nightwhisper thoughtfully, "He had no right to argue with you." It was true. And it didn't matter if Jasperpaw got angry at her for taking sides; he was seemingly misbehaving, and if Nightwhisper or her hadn't come along, he just might have let this loner walk away with a feast and a smile.

Jasperpaw needed to learn that his closest friends would always be his Clanmates. He couldn't turn them into enemies, because one day, when he would need them at his back, where would they be? Once bound by fierce loyalty and devotion, the great ThunderClan would be at the heels of eachother. That was not allowed. They had to be reminded of their duties to one another and themselves.

Facing Jerome once again, Coalfurs lips curled back into a slight snarl, moreso a hiss, her haunches shifting in the process. "You have to leave ThunderClan territory now that you know where we are, how it works and what will happen if you defy us and ignore our borders. We will escort you."

Barkpelt had taught her to stand her own ground and to be a brave and committed warrior of ThunderClan. She was not interested in changing her ways now, not 96 moons down the road.

Besides.

She hated outsiders with a passion.

Flashing Jasperpaw a scowl, she beckoned him up next to her so she could keep an eye on him.[/size]




WHOAHHHH, NOT DONE!