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Post by Kodiak on Aug 7, 2008 2:20:26 GMT -5
Snakekit gazed at her blankly while she talked; it the only activity his weak body would allow him to follow other than sleeping. The large, foggy pupils traced her movements beside him. He dragged his long tail across the box's base and curled around his other side that was not near her. He was so absorbed in Holypaw's chatter that he was unaware of slipping into another dark slumber. Her words were whispers in his head, transforming into surroundings and ideals. His mind played steady tricks with him; he could feel his pain suddenly, as if the herbs were never really given to him. Snakekit's body released sharp twitches, moving as though he was still awake. Then, his breathing paused, his heartbeat shuddering between his ribs. His lungs did not slow, they halted in an abrupt silence.
Listened to: Stories by Hitomi
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Post by asail on Aug 8, 2008 22:14:55 GMT -5
Holypaw seemed blissfully unaware of Snakekit's situation. Talking freely and briskly about generic things like the good weather, the plentiful muskrats that liked to dig their holes in the dry sand about the clan territory. It seemed like her pleasant, optimistic observations would never end until she stopped herself short at his twitching. She had learned for herself that twitching was never a good sign and signaled mental or physical unrest. She was cautious at first, not wanting to startle him again. She padded softly, her small paws seemed to absorb sound as she walked. Giving him a sharp look, serious and full of concentration she strained her ears and lowered her gentle head close to his shoulder. Her ear hair almost touching his breast. The blood in her ears became very still, trying desperately to pick up the echoes of his pulse and oxygen flow. As soon as she withdrew she was up the box towers in an instant. She rushed down stirring dust and making the giant flaps at the box's opening stir a bit. "Hold on! Don't face the light! Don't hear the call!" Her normally sweet and soft voice was once again loud, sharp, and serious. She had returned with a large yellowing leaf that draped over her back and another patch of moss in her mouth soaked in a bitter liquid. She placed both items down and with a rough flick of her small paws flipped Snakekit over with ease. She placed her paws firmly on his breastbone and administered frequent and sharp pushes to his breast. She thought that maybe if she got his blood flowing faster his lungs might work more efficiently. While she administered the pulsations she used her small tail like another patch of moss, resting it on the bitter liquid until it soaked then gently moved her body sometimes so she could tap his nose and forehead with the liquid. The purpose of the liquid was unknown.
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Post by Kodiak on Aug 10, 2008 18:50:41 GMT -5
Snakekit's ears remained plastered to his skull, his closed eyes rendered him blind. The dark, shapeless forms in his mind baffled him, but did nothing less than spark his curiosity. And, as if Holypaw's healing touch brought about a painless world, Snakekit's body suddenly felt numb. His mind throbbed, quite aware of the sudden subconscious tricks it was plaguing the kit with. Sharp pain clutched and strangled his chest, a harsh reminder of the lung's failed duty. During one of her presses, Snakekit's jaws finally shot open; his long, pointed fangs stretched as his throat absorbed the plentiful oxygen around him. His eyes revealed themselves forcefully behind their shields. The two ashen orbs were filled with lust, longing so much to see those mysterious and worthless blurrs again. The young Poison clan feline felt the bitter liquid touch his skin delicately, but believed it was of no harm and let it sooth him rather than stir anxious emotions. Most of his eyes had been blocked by lids by now-tired yet somewhat content. She was a good medicine cat, apprentice or not, but such thoughts Snakekit did not dodge. In fact, some mummers of regret echoed in his head-making the poor, youthful cat deal with his rebellious body. Other thoughts contradicted such ideals, convinced that he never asked her to take care of him. She was under Blackstar's orders, however, and was only being a loyal and useful clan mate, yes that was it. Exactly why Blackstar took him in still failed to become clear to Snakekit. There was a small mew that came from outside the box, from an older cat. She held a respectable posture, strong yet slender legs decorated in captivating scarlet that consumed her whole pelt. Her soft, honey eyes gave full attention to the box the other two cats were currently in. After her greeting meow, her brisk, slick tail gave a curt flick, yet she seemed at neutral spirits. In the sun deprived building, her crimson pelt expressed tones that almost appeared as dark shades of auburn, with hints of raspberry. Cherrypelt waited a few heartbeats, beginning to mew once again even if one of the two acknowledged her. "Darkhollow says his old bones are aching once again, and his runny nose hasn't crusted up yet." Her golden eyes flickered, and her nose wrinkled slightly to the smell of an enemy clan. But she spoke only of the needy elder.
Listened to: With reflection by Kokia
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Post by asail on Aug 10, 2008 21:15:57 GMT -5
Holypaw's eyes retained that sharp, serious flicker as her small paws pressed rhythmically to his chest. Minuet toes sinking into the fur of his chest at some points. As she saw his body react her reflexes kicked in, lifting her agile limbs so they pressed to her chest and swinging her nimble body away from Snakekit to stand at his side. The release of pressure on his chest would allow more oxygen to enter his lungs and however the situation was still critical a gentle grin of relief came to her face and that sharp flicker vanished. Her ears twitched and pivoted on her small head as she heard the steps and then the calls of the elder she cat. Holypaw turned her head respectfully to the she cat and when her request was done she nodded her head with a cheerful smile. Her face completely free of the tension that would seem normal to burden someone. "Oh, is Darkhollow still having those symptoms? This has been going on for a while, the poor dear. I'll go fetch him something." Holypaw turned her sleek body in the opposite direction towards the box tower, her small paws padding softly. Before she left though she turned to Snakekit and parted her cat-like lips into a serene smile. "I'll only be gone a moment, alright? I want to make sure you stay well." In the instant she turned her slim head she was dashing up the towers, her bounds and leaps fast and graceful. As she returned dust was once again brewed from her soundless steps but the box remained still. She slowed as she turned the corner and then continued to race passed Cherrypelt. "I am on my way, please excuse me!" Her shout was muffled by the supplies in her mouth.
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Post by Kodiak on Aug 10, 2008 22:46:41 GMT -5
Cherrypelt nodded to her questions, though quite delayed as the hard working apprentice dashed past her and towards the elders' nest. She seemed a bit startled at first, her hair on end, but then a placid purr emitted from her throat. She flicked her tail and slowly padded after Holypaw. At the sounds of eight paws heading off, Snakekit suddenly felt very alone. It was such an irrational thought; he was basically surrounded by a whole clan. He knew it was more promising to stay at a calm, not to stir up health conflicts while she as away. Then it came to him, he was being too dependent. Snakekit flinched curtly at the thought. But he did not find fault with himself, only his ill body. In defiance, his shaky legs rose, taking forth a somewhat balanced stance. His long tail dragged on the floor limply while he corrected his form. His onyx tipped ears stood erect and alert. She didn't need to waste her herbs and efforts on his body, it was healed as much as it ever would be. He dipped his maw, body dropping into a crouch, and he leaped with one ungraceful bound over the box. It took Snakekit a few moments to decipher the way to exit, his nostrils flared. The scent of cats were stale beyond the wall, so he took that route. He was amazingly fast for such a young, sickly cat. His long, narrow limbs carried him back into the forest, not so much stealthily as quickly. Snakekit paid little attention to whether he was noticed or not. He didn't make it far before he noticed his pads began to hurt and swell, and his lungs burned painfully once again. He continued, this time ambling his way past the trees, until he had returned to the spot he was before. Snakekit seated his haunches squarely on the ground, dust tainting his fur as he curled his tail around his flank. He thanked Starclan up in Silverpelt that he did not get lost.
Listened to: THE MOST INTENSE SONG EVA (aka random noises and tunes in my head <<)
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Post by asail on Aug 11, 2008 0:15:42 GMT -5
At first Holypaw was completely oblivious. Walking into the medical box with a smile on her face, talking lightly to herself. "Oh, that Darkhollow is such a find. One of my favorite patients, but the poor fellow was miserable when I found him-" She stopped short, her small head erect as she noticed Snakekit's absence. Her head lifted, and quickly twisted to all fronts. Her limbs fidgeting and she searched feverishly from her spot. As she turned her head to the exit his peculiar smell came to her. Her eyes wide and a light with fear and worry, opening her jaws to breath out of her mouth and her sleek body instantly picked up speed and followed his unusual scent. She knew what she was doing was terrible, against regulation, and against what she was taught. However she was also taught to never let a patient walk if it would keep you up at night. Her eyes flickered constantly, her weak nose easily tracing his strange scent among the familiar scents of her clan. However when she was outside and the scent was fainter she stopped. Sides heaving quickly and her head twitched and bobbed like a bird's in search of him. She made a few anxious circles, the rare warmth of the sun on her back was welcomed but not noticed. The brightness blinded her for a bit which momentarily made her more dependent on her smell and caused her to find a trace of him. With a start she began her graceful stride. Panting and huffing with her small, fragile pads burning on the hot poorly covered dirt and dust below. "Young one! Young one! Where are you?" She stopped often to twist her body around and shout frequently. She wasn't sure what to do, she had never been outside the main gates of the clan before and was dreadfully scared. Holypaw tried to push the emotion away as Steel clan's morale was composed heavily of fearlessness. She swallowed the burning in her throat and set off again. A sudden hiss made her jaws part in a surprised yowl and spring backward a few paces. Her contours were rigid and shook as she noticed the large, chubby stray in front of her. His pelt reeked of forest, foxes, and to her disgust and fear females. He had a very devious look and his face seemed to give off that constant twistedness while his eyes gleamed. He was crouched low to the ground, ears pressed flat and flashing Holypaw a delicate grin. Over the bridge of his flea burdened brown head Holypaw could faintly make out white fur. Fear was completely erased from her face, narrowing her usually gentle eyes at the stranger with a look of determination and feigned anger. Curling her lips away from her fangs and hissing sharply as her gaze flickered. However her stance was anything but fierce, she was still standing erectly, not crouched or hunched at all. Her claws weren't even deployed and her hiss was feeble compared to those trained how to be fearless. This only seemed to contribute to the strange males arrogance as he crept forward a few steps. Holypaw grew tense but before she could move a heavy paw came at her face. With her quick motions she narrowly escaped, slipping away with a hiss as the strange cat mauled the air where she was. He came heavy onto his paws, knowing that Holypaw was behind him now and had a lethal advantage, however Holypaw did nothing as she didn't know what to do. She just continued to hiss and back slowly away in Snakekit's direction. She only made a few paces at a time, going in unpredictable directions as she skillfully bobbed and weaved the older males assaults. However, eventually the male was incredibly angry and in a moment of craftiness managed to trip her. Holypaw yowled, her eyes going wide with fear. Her claws outstretched and back twisted and she tried desperately to get off the ground and back onto her feet where she was a little more formidable. However in the storm of dust and rush of her adrenaline Holypaw had forgotten what it was the male really wanted and soon enough he was on her. Paws placed over her shoulder blades with his heavy belly crushing her back. His repulsive odor made worse by his heavy breath as he exhaled frequently in her face. Holypaw was incredibly scared, her scent ruined by fear and she squirmed and yowled out. "No! Please no! I can't have kits! I'm a medicine cat! Get off! Oh, please get off! Oh, for the love of Star clan, please!" Her begging only seemed to amuse the brute as he positioned himself slowly just to torment her. She was beginning to cry as her struggles became more and more desperate but the male was much stronger than her.
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Post by Kodiak on Aug 11, 2008 0:36:43 GMT -5
A flurry of claws unleashed against the side of the hefty male, with quick, fierce strikes. Sharp bites would attempt to clamp on sensitive spots, such as the ears or eyes. Snakekit was fast yet loud, trying to hook his piercing front fangs on hopeful targets. If the male had not been knocked off, he would try to latch his claws onto the older cat's pelt and pull him off. If the rogue had already been successfully detached from Holypaw, he would try twist the male on his stomach, leaping on him with his hind legs scrabbling and scratching on his belly. His strategies could be easily altered, however, if the tom decided to fight back.
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Post by asail on Aug 14, 2008 2:24:45 GMT -5
The hefty male was definitely startled by the unexpected assault. The charge and attack talking him off balance a bit. He rocked and when Holypaw felt his weight lift off of her even a little bit her instincts went wild and she practically bucked without thinking first. The slam of her back into his breast caused a sharp pain to engulf her spine, the wind knocked out of the male. He fell over completely on his side and Holypaw was quick to squirm away despite her pain. Her eyes burned with both intense anger and fear, a powerful mix of emotions that made her eyes startlingly fierce. "Starclan will see that you rot!" She hissed and launched herself at the male. However being the dedicated medicine cat she was she would incredibly try to fight without wounding him mortally. The male tried to lift himself howling several gurgling spits that were a struggle to form from his loss of breath. Holypaw lifted her small paws and buried them into his throat. The males yowl was choked off and Holypaw let his body be pushed away from her. She had not injured him but only the flow of his oxygen temporarily. The male hacked and spat with his eyes bulging and spasms ran along his spine frequently. He scratched at his throat and wheezed. Holypaw seemed unmoved by these pitiful gestures, looking at the male intensely with a warning of impending tears in her eyes. She turned away and to Snakekit, wherever he might be. She, amazingly, had a cheerful smile on her face. Giving off no clue of sadness or anger, her eyes closed and smile warm. "That was a move I was taught for defense by my mentor. It's the only one I know, actually. I can teach it to you if you'd like..." Holypaw's eyes opened and there was a glint of relief and seriousness in her eyes. "Don't run off like that again, okay? Promise me?" She asked weakly, her stare not leaving Snakekit's eyes.
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Post by Kodiak on Aug 17, 2008 18:24:32 GMT -5
Snakekit watched Holypaw's assault with intrigued and relieved eyes, aware she was still up for a fight. His eyes drifted to where the male departed, and he almost let a pleased purr escape him. That was amazing. He directed his attention back at her, eyes scanning and analyzing the young cat. Even though he couldn't see anything, he wasn't sure if Holypaw had made it out unharmed. His ear flicked at her words. That would be nice. His eyes flashed, adorning his serious countenance. Snakekit fell back on his haunches and his tail curled around the perimeter of his flanks. He didn't seem to have any intentions of going anywhere, as he slipped onto his belly with his head rested on his forepaws. He brought his tongue wearily over his paws, giving them an amateur wash. His pupils wandered to the tops of his eyes, gazing at her with a deep stare. He sensed the weakness in her voice, and also the suspicious happiness that he guessed was fake. Snakekit continued to cleanse with his tongue, to avoid making it his observation obvious. Are you alright? His mind whispered worthlessly, although he was subconsciously aware that she could not hear him.
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Post by asail on Aug 17, 2008 18:39:54 GMT -5
Holypaw's sides heaved quietly, working on bringing her breathing back to normal after her small spat. Her legs shuddered but she appeared strong enough to continue standing. Holypaw shuffled a little, distributing her weight so she wouldn't tremble again. Her stare was still remotely serious but continued to contain that sheen of relief and happiness. Whether it was fake or not was unclear. "Are you ready to make our way back? I'd be really happy if I didn't have to drag you," She purred teasingly, her face pleasant. "I'm joking, but I really would like it if you'd come back with me." She opened her eyes to show a flash of friendly affection. She paused a moment and that glint of affection was replaced by something unreadable. "Oh.. and don't worry, I'll be fine..." Whether she said it out of good measure or could read him more than Snakekit thought was unapparent. However the moment was gone in an instant and Holypaw was smiling again.
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Post by Kodiak on Sept 6, 2008 14:11:06 GMT -5
Snakekit observed her smile again with a profound expression. An odd but unannoyed feeling stirred as she responded to him so easily. Am I really that easy to guess? Is that a good or bad thing.. His ears flicked slightly as he drew a paw carelessly over them. She either really isn't okay and is desperate to cover it up, or she can read cats like books. His breath felt rank and hot over his paws, and his eyes flickered uncomfortably. Snakekit couldn't deny a hint of temptation to rejoin the medicine cat, and resume resting blissfully under the oath of herbs. But he wanted to tell her the important reason why he couldn't go back...wait important? He pondered on the subject for a few moments, and found he couldn't really conjure a logical reason to leave this spot. The one he used days and days ago didn't seem valid anymore, yet it still drove his mind to obeying it. He felt the little remnants of his pride aching, wanting to be praised by successful efforts. Of course, even the impossible would make one feel no longer worthless.
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Post by asail on Sept 7, 2008 20:10:46 GMT -5
Holypaw's left leg twitched, a shudder running through it. She appeared oblivious, her breathing beginning to calm but still caused her chest to lift and fall heavily. She waited patiently in silence for a hint of Snakekit's answer, keeping herself busy by swaying her tail behind her in small sweeps. The small digits of her paws playing with the dirt beneath her, digging small holes with her claws or simply feeling over the dirt with her pads. When it occurred to her that Snakekit's thoughts might be a little too complex to really decide anything for the moment she interrupted his thoughts. "Is there something troubling you?" She smiled kindly but there was an anxiety in the depths of her stare. "I don't mean to pressure you but I need to get back. I might be missed and the thought of someone needing my help and I being of no avail, it's just a little stressful." She chuckled a little at herself, the laughter quiet and almost nervous. Holypaw took a few steps back, turning her body so she faced more directly to her clan. "It'd be nice though. No one really talks to me cause I apparently work too hard or something," Holypaw chuckled quietly again, yet it didn't sound as nervous. "You're the first friend I've had in a while, so, I'd be sad to lose you..." She trailed off, never being that good with persuasion or encouragement.
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Post by Kodiak on Sept 7, 2008 20:50:14 GMT -5
Snakekit's foggy eyes met Holypaw's quietly. Although old enough to comprehend such words, her talking didn't seem to occupy much space in his head. His gaze sunk and his ears dropped tiredly. He dragged his striped tail in the dust carelessly, stalling while lost in thought. You don't even know my name, how can you call me, your friend. He thought, in a monotonous manner. His sore paws began to throb painfully once again, and traveling back did not sound tempting at all. He silently remembered the comforts of his dreams, sleeping soundly near his kin. The days he valued most, before the two were separated. Snakekit knew that things could never go back the way they were, even if he was accepted again. Starting over might be the best choice, but Snakekit felt reluctant to leave things behind. He pressed his sickly warm nose on Holypaw's shoulder, allowing her to lead the way back to camp while his eyes sagged, unable to be at peace with himself.
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Post by asail on Sept 7, 2008 23:25:36 GMT -5
Holypaw seemed slightly surprised by Snakekit's touch, her eyes widening slightly but she didn't flinch or back away. Instead, absorbing the fact, she smiled. One of her soft smiles coming to her face, momentarily closing her eyes so that her overall look was gentle. However the smile only lasted a while and her eyes widened a little further. "Oh dear, I almost forgot your condition!" Holypaw immediately began to walk slowly, her paranoid stare flickering over to snakekit every now and again to make sure he was still able. "I'm so sorry, I can't believe I forgot. Some apprentice I am, feel free to use me as a crutch if you'd like..." Holypaw's walk was constant but steady. She thought, for a moment, of what the leader's reaction would be to her absence. Holypaw didn't like even one of the ideas she came up with. The sky was beginning to pale.
A small cat sat alone. Her front to the horizon which was becoming streaked in hues of pale golds and blues. Beside her was a large frond that swayed subtly in the light breeze. The cat was quite small, but her jaw was defined and her coat, made of a burst of reds and blacks with stray whites, was weathered. Her ears had small cuts where bits of her flesh were missing. Her jaw and muzzle were battered with white scars that drew away some attention from her bold jade eyes. The cat was still and silent, looking lost in thought.
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Post by Kodiak on Sept 8, 2008 21:17:46 GMT -5
Snakekit watched her frantic panic with exhausted yet forgiving eyes. His maw dipped into an accepting nod, yet he did not lean on her, only walked very near to. A dull ache stirred in his throat, feeling thick yet somehow dry at the same time. He padded oddly, his paws stinging but he did his best to keep up, fortunate she had slowen her pace.
A slim cat sneaked his way through the brambles, the burrs tugging relentlessly at his black pelt adorned by distinctive shades of white. A thin, white stripe of white ran down his back, branching off into cracked stripes that outlined his ribcage. He was quiet, as though he was wary, and dropped to a crouch. His almond eyes watched the female attentively while he sank back on his haunches. Bonepaw pounced, yet landed gracefully on a thrush. He had no need to unsheathe his claws as a quick bite swiftly took the bird's life away. His head rose to gaze at the cut up female once again, eyes flickering. Feathers stuck from the blood that tainted his lips. He was relatively close, yet stayed his distance.
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