Ex-friends 'til the end, (closed)

[RAPIDSTAR will eat you.]

I can't commit to a thing,
be it heart or hospital.

Rapidstar shivered as the cold wind buffeted his fur, even in the sheltered environment. He frowned and wondered how Windclan cats survive. He would hate the wind all the time, and the bad food...rabbit's weren't his favourite meal. The muscular tom paced back and forth, where was Vulturepaw? She was probably off doing whatever pleased her. He hissed at the thought, she seemed to do the exact opposite that anyone told her to. Worse than most rebellious young cats, but you'd imagine she'd listen to the clan leader. That obviously wasn't happening. He shook his head. Rapidstar was eager to get a second apprentice, though. He enjoyed training young cats, and passing down knowledge to his clan. He always thought of his apprentices better than the others, secretly of course. He smiled, remembering training his first apprentice, before he had become the deputy of Shadowclan. He loved seeing his clan progress, after all- without new warriors a clan would go no where. They were the future, and one of them would be a leader like himself one day. Rapidstar was getting impatient though, if his apprentice didn't get here soon he would make sure she regretted it. The elders always need some company, he grinned at the thought- remembering his own apprenticeship. The dreaded elder duties. His sister despised that job, she always would complain about it. The tom's thoughts turned dark then. He was angry, confused...sad mostly- about what their father had done. If he hadn't lost it and taken his pain out on his children his sister would be here with him. She would be by his side, helping him with hard decisions. She always was the voice of reason when he was younger. Any bad choice was righted before he could really get himself in trouble thanks to Fernpelt. Rapidstar sighed, he really did miss her. She was his best friend.


Rapidstar closed his eyes. It felt like the whole thing was happening again. He could see it now, almost like he was outside his own body watching the sick scene. His father jumped out of no where. Rapidstar felt the weight of the larger tom. He could see his eyes, they were empty. Ravenheart had gone mad, completely mad. The young warrior struggled and then let out a little yelp. Then the pain and coughing. He couldn't catch his breath and he was losing strength. He was dying- dying. Then the weight and choking was gone. He took a moment to come back to reality. And then he saw Fernpelt. He was on top of her, clawing her. She was fighting with everything she had. Rapidstar ripped into the tom's shoulders. He yowled and did everything possible. Finally he pulled him off of his sister. Rapidstar did his best to avoid looking at his father's face and eyes. He used every ounce of strength in his body and lunged at the other cat's throat. He met soft flesh and bit down, hard. Warm liquid seeped into his mouth. He bit harder. It poured into his throat, and out of his jaws. He coughed, but held tight. The tired tom didn't let go until the blood stopped flowing and the body was completely lifeless. As Rapidstar dropped the corpse, he saw his sister laying on the ground. Her eyes were losing life, he needed to hurry. Leaning down to her ear, he whispered, "It'll be okay, I love you." Rapidstar's paws pounded the ground, he sounded like an entire clan charging through Shadowclan territory like that. He reached the medicine cat and clanmates helped him get Fernpelt back to the camp. It wasn't soon enough though, she didn't make it. He should have forgotten himself and helped her quicker. He didn't care if he'd have bled all his life out if he could have saved his sister. Rapidstar snapped back to reality. He was shaking, not from the cold though. The leader felt exhausted, emotionally and physically. He looked at the ground. Little did Shadowclan know, their leader was troubled with his thoughts and memories.

Rapidstar looked up, as he heard leaves rustling and heard the sound of paws pounding on the ground. Shaking all tender emotion from his face, he waited. That apprentice of his sounded like a forest full of badgers. She would have to work on treading a bit quieter. Of course, her noisiness gave any cat a good warning of her coming. He sat down, with his tail wrapped over his front paws. Rapidstar put a serious look on his face, he wasn't impressed with his first training session with Vulturepaw already. And it hadn't even started. It was going to be a long day.

I couldn't bring myself to call-
except to call it quits.

For: Vulturepaw
From: Rapidstar
Words: 780
Muse: Bang the Doldrums; Fall Out Boy
Comments: A little flashback goin' on, let you see more about Rapidstar's past if you haven't read his bio. This sucks, I haven't made a roleplay post since around when school started this year. :I /unimpressed plz

[Vulturepaw]

A cold northern wind slithered through the territory, the kind that other Clans said froze the hearts of the ShadowClan cats. ShadowClan was known as being cold, fierce warriors, always battle-hungry and bloodthirsty. At least, that was what the impression of ShadowClan was to the other three Clans. Of course, ShadowClan liked to keep it that way. Even the smallest kit in ShadowClan knew that one of the Clan's greatest strengths was fear. Fear was something anybody could be infected with. It was like a disease, able to weaken the bravest warrior. But unlike this misrepresentations of ShadowClan, within the Clan things were much different. It was just like any old Clan: a close-knit family of cats who took a pledge to protect their Clan, even at the cost of their life. This was possibly the last thing you'd think ShadowClan would be like, but they weren't exactly heartless demons when dealing with Clanmates. Practically the opposite. ShadowClan just looked tough because they needed to be so, especially since their territory was the one that had the greatest lack of prey. But still was the world of judgement by outsiders who had no clue who you really are.

When referring to Vulturepaw though, she actually fit the description of the "vicious, fierce ShadowClan cats". Being a quick-witted, sharp-tongued rebel, the she-cat was known for being a frequent troublemaker. One of the msot likely reasons she had been given a firm, authorative mentor- Rapidstar. After her apprentice ceremony, the other apprentices told her how strict he was and that he wouldn't accept any nonsense whatsoever. Vulturepaw had been suspiciously aware that they were warning her to clean up her act, for fear of meeting his wrath. "Then he must not have had an apprentice like me. If he thinks he'll be treating me like mousedung, then I believe our leader will be getting a rude awakening." She had said, and then turned away, leaving no room for attempts to change her mind on the subject. That had been just yesterday, and today she was heading toward her first training session with the "dreaded" and "strict" mentor. Vulturepaw had slept in late, and when she awoke the sun was already up over the horizon. She was obviously late, but the apprentice didn't worry herself too much over the fact. Instead, she was excited to get started and disregarded that Rapidstar would be angry when she arrived. Let him be angry. She bounded along, paws thudding heavily on the ground, causing an explosion of pine needles and dead leaves as she did so. Every ShadowClan cat knew how to stalk basically when they were kits. Vulturepaw was no different, the only thing was that she didn't make much effort to keep quiet. She was noisy and riotous- it was what she was known for, might as well live up to her reputation.

The she-cat thundered onward until the Dead Tree came into view. She slowed before the muscular tom at its base. He looked quite regal; tail neatly placed over his tail, head held high, eyes burning with the wisdom and authority of a leader. Vulturepaw stood in front of him, grey stormy eyes betraying a look of sarcastic humor that was sure to come off her tongue quickly. "Are you waiting for all the glory of StarClan to shine down upon you? Or are you looking all... 'leadershipy' just for me?" Sitting down, she began to lick her paw nonchalantly, occasionally dragging the wet paw over her ear. "So what are you going to teach me today? Hunting techniques? Battle moves?" Vulturepaw narrowed her eyes. I swear if you say "manners" I'll stuff a rabbit down your throat. She flicked her tail dismissively of this thought and continued to clean her face, unconcerned really about all the mousedung he'd be putting her through today. All Vulturepaw wanted was to learn how to be a warrior. She wanted to know how to deal with an enemy warrior, or how to kill a rat. Maybe even how to catch a snake! Her body shuddered with excitement, dropping her wet paw to the ground and eagerly kneading the mud, dead leaves, and pine needles underneath her.
-x-x-x-

Word Count: 728
Notes: Err, sort of short. I'm not really awake yet, so my muse sort of sucks. I just rolled out of bed and wrote this half-asleep for lack of anything better to do. x3

[RAPIDSTAR will eat you.]

Then we are our only chance in the world.
Face your failures, hope they'll see us through.

Rapidstar saw the she cat walk up to him. She padded towards him like she had the world in her paws. The tom's bright amber eyes followed her carefully. Are you waiting for all the glory of StarClan to shine down upon you? Or are you looking all... 'leadershipy' just for me? Rapidstar narrowed his eyes, but didn't show any expression. He didn't reply, not yet. His tail tip twitched back and forth impatiently. Padding towards her, now, he listened to Vulturepaw speak once more. So what are you going to teach me today? Hunting techniques? Battle moves? He watched her clean her face, and sit there like a spoiled princess. This apprentice is going to make me want to rip my fur out. She'll have it coming some day though. Rapidstar's tail twitched, and he stood before her. A thought came into the leader's head and he grinned, amber eyes dancing with amusement. He walked around her, as if inspecting her. Sort of small, but he could see she was full on confidence- that was a key element to being a successful warrior. She would have a lot to learn though, and her attitude would have to be adjusted before her training was over. Rapidstar looked in her eyes now, and spoke. What am I going to teach you? Well, Vulturepaw, there is this very interesting task that a clan's apprentice simply must learn to do. He searched her face now for any sign of interest, or disinterest. Oh, how she would love this. He smiled smugly and sat down. He cast a bored look at his paw, picking it up. The tom looked up now, questioning on his face, as if asking her what it could be.

Oh, let me tell you about it now. I'm giving you this special task to complete, as your first assignment as my apprentice. He looked away and then looked back towards her. I've chosen you, specially to take the afternoon once we return to the camp tending to the elders. He chuckled a little. And don't expect to do much as my apprentice until you finish that task. Rapidstar didn't bother to wait for her complaining and refusal. She would learn. He padded farther into the dead tree though, and waited for the she-cat to follow. His amber eyes glowed in a way, lighting up the dim area. Lets get to this days lesson. Now, if you're going to be a Shadowclan warrior you need to learn how to defend your clan successfully. One of the hardest environments you can fight in is the dark. So, should we start?

Rapidstar stood up, and backed into the deepest, shadiest part of the dead tree. His eyes narrowed as he waited for Vulturepaw. She must be preparing herself or maybe trying to think of a strategy. He patiently waited, letting his mind think about some things. He shook his head though, when ever he got to thinking it always turned around and lead to memories of his father and sister. The tom wiped his paw over his ear and then shook out his pelt. He looked up to his apprentice and lowered his head. Hmm, thinking of a fighting plan? I don't think that will work out so well for you... He waited until she was slightly distracted and then barreled towards her, almost as fast as a Windclan cat, but perfectly quiet. Rapidstar's paws then pounded into the ground as he took a leap towards Vulturepaw's side. He didn't hesitate when training cats, fighting in a real event would be rough so why not prepare his clan now? His paws were aimed for her side, and he made sure not to extend his claws. The tom smashed into the smaller cat, with a strange gracefulness, even. Rapidstar felt her loose balance and he landed smoothly to the ground, and waited for Vulturepaw to recover. She would, no doubt, be trying to regain her breath- seeing as he knocked a large amount of air from her lungs. You need to pay more attention, Vulturepaw. You're not going to survive more than a minute in a real battle.

We are the only chance in the world.
So stand for something, cause somethings over due.

For: Vulturepaw
From: Rapidstar
Words: 694
Muse: It's Not a bad Little War; Bayside
Comments: I hope you don't mind the last bit, I'll change it if you think I was being too controlling of the characters. It's hard not to with training/battling though ;__; ALSO, this reply sucks. /braindead

[Vulturepaw]

Everyone makes mistakes. Especially in Vulturepaw's case. But the mistake she made here was going headfirst into this situation, thinking Rapidstar wouldn't dare take her on or that he wasn't too terribly cunning. As far as mistakes go, there is always that "wonderful" feeling of knowing you are wrong. Vulturepaw, stubborn as she may be, could not help but feel her stomach churn with this rude awakening. She had watched him circle her, sizing her up in a criticizing gaze. Then followed along as he built up the moment for the climax: what great task he was about to bestow upon her. She had done a very good job at disguising her growing excitement behind a mask of disinterested boredom. Yet her ears flicked forward as he continued, betraying the fact she was definitely listening intently. "I've chosen you, specially to take the afternoon once we return to the camp," At this point Vulturepaw held her breath in anticipation, "tending to the elders. The apprentice, at first, didn't really know how to react. Her blank stare had turned into a gawking look of disbelief. "What! What is this mousedung?" Rapidstar had chuckled. "And don't expect to do much as my apprentice until you finish that task." Vulturepaw had jumped to her paws, complaining loudly, "But warriors don't tend to the elders. I thought the whole point of being an apprentice was to train to become a warrior! Not...taking care of grumpy old cats who don't even say thank-you most of the time! If you want the elders to be tended to, then... then... Do it yourself!" She spat viciously.

But Rapidstar wasn't even paying attention as he calmly walked into the dead tree, practically melting into the shadows completely except for his vivid amber eyes. "Let's get to this days lesson. Now, if you're going to be a Shadowclan warrior you need to learn how to defend your clan successfully. One of the hardest environments you can fight in is the dark. So, should we start?" Although Vulturepaw was still upset by his order, she was forced to switch her mind onto her first lesson as an apprentice. "But you haven't taught me any battles moves yet..." She pointed out, staying put. Something...didn't feel right. What chance would she have against Rapidstar, leader of ShadowClan while in the dark and without any knowledge of any battle moves. Unwilling to go into the dead tree, she watched as Rapidstar's bright amber eyes were swallowed by shadow as he hid himself in the darkest part within the hollow tree. The entrance to the dead hollow gaped open into impenetrable darkness like a hungry mouth, and Vulturepaw was suddenly very wary about stepping one paw in there. I can't see him! She thought in vain, stormy grey eyes narrowing in frantic searching for any visual aid. He'd attack me before my eyes adjust to the darkness! So there Vulturepaw had stayed, dreading what would happen if she actually did walk into the dead tree. I could be sitting here forever, cowardly waiting outside this hollow tree. Unable to progress any further in my training because I'm too afraid to walk into the dark. I'm a ShadowClan cat! Proud and fierce! Summoning up her courage, Vulturepaw was just about to follow him.

Rrrribbit! Rrrrribbit! A toad! Vulturepaw thought in surprise, turning to search the many shadows cast by pine trees for a familiar, ugly creature. It was then that Rapidstar bolted like lightning from out of the dead tree, paws drumming the ground in a steady beat. In what was almost a graceful leap for him ended up as an ungraceful tumble for Vulturepaw. He had hit her with full force in her side, knocking her head over tail as the air left her lungs. Landing in an unrecognizable heap of fur, her body ached tremendously. Vulturepaw spat out a few pine needles and gasped for air, writhing on the ground as her side throbbed. With a long groan she managed to stagger clumsily to her paws, legs shaking as if they hurt too much to support her weight. "That hurt!" She complained, panting as she turned to face her mentor. "Why did you do that? Are you trying to kill me?" Regaining her breath and balance, Vulturepaw's helpless, confused look turned into an upset glare. "I'm your apprentice!" The she-cat cried out, as if she couldn't believe he had actually just done that to her. One of her extra long fangs had nicked her lip, and a fine line of blood trickle down her chin. Sticking out her tongue to lick over it, she growled, "So you wanna play rough, do ya?"

Darting toward him, without any idea of what she was doing, Vulturepaw hissed as she did somewhat of an unbalanced pounce mixed with a lopsided leap toward Rapidstar. She pitifully flew through the air, but still managed to head straight for Rapidstar's head. Her paws flailed, outstretched to bat angrily at his face. The apprentice, however, had closed her eyes as soon as she left the ground, and tumbled over the top of Rapidstar, landing on her paws this time behind him. Spinning around, she snarled at her own stupidity. How mousebrained I must seem! Did I even touch him? The only sensation I could feel was fury pumping through my veins. Vulturepaw gave another growl, lowering herself to the ground in an angered crouch, her lashing tail stirring up pine needles and dead leaves. "Yeah, well, it would help if you actually taught me some battle moves! The only way I could last more than a minute in battle is if I actually knew how to fight." However, Vulturepaw was painfully aware that he was right. In a real battle, she shouldn't be distracted, especially by toads. But knowing he was right made her hiss and look away, hating the fact she had no idea what she was doing. She hated being wrong. She hated how she knew nothing and was therefore useless. But most of all, she hated that she had to listen to Rapidstar if she was going to learn anything. With her face still turned away from him, her fur still burning with anger, she grumbled softly, "Don't think you've won, Rapidstar. I'll only listen to you so I can know how to kick your tail in the future. I'm not going to be tamed or controlled by anyone, either leader or mentor. So don't think you've put me in my place." Finally, she turned to face him, grey eyes regaining that spark of riotous and rebellious spirit. "So you'd better start teaching, because I'm listening."