Six||&||Seven [anyone]

[.feather//oceana.]

xx.//Where are you tonight, I couldn't say goodbye.]]

Dusk in the mountains brought snow. It was something the silver striped tabby wasn't fond of. Though the night came and made the white snow contrast him less, the gray of the rocks was his best cover. The ideal condition was always a moonhigh free of any snowfall. However, Bluffclaw knew that wasn't possible here. Not in BoulderClan. He flexed his claws in and out impatiently against the cold surface of the tall boulder he sat atop, becoming increasingly uncomfortable the more the snow fell. He recounted feeling lucky Scorchstar had allowed him to do the border patrol alone, glad he wasn't pinned with over zealous Wildspirit. Then again, he didn't really enjoy anyone's company...except.

Bluffclaw was a young warrior. He, Wildspirit and Riverstripe had just completed their apprentice training. And he was thankful for that. The tom was far done with being bossed around by crabby elders and Warriors treating him like he was a mouse brain. His tail twitched with ambition as he puzzled how long it would be before those who 'mentored' him were helpless and old and dependant upon him for survival...But Bluffclaw knew better then to let thoughts like that harbor in his mind. It never lead to any good. He thought of his grandfather, Blizzardstorm, and how he had tried to takeover all of the Clans. He'd made a name for himself...

Just then a lithe femme crept cautiously from the sparse trees, her jet black pelt offering less cover than his amongst the accumulating snow. Not to mention her thick RageClan scent couldn't be hidden for a second with that of BoulderClan.

"Bluffclaw?"she spoke cautiously, careful not to emerge completely.

The tom leapt down heavily from the boulder, startling the RageClanner back into the bushes a bit. He strolled right up to her until he was inches from her face. "And what is a little RageClan femme like you doing so far from camp all alone so late at night?" he teased, licking her cheek.

"Oh stop it Bluffclaw," she pulled away sharply. Dawnsky had learned her lesson the first time with Bluffclaw. She shook her head, still disappointed in herself for letting her guard down so easily, and now she was pregnant with his kits. He was young and could not concentrate on his mission. However, the femme was drawn to him for the reason that he was so calloused and hard to all other cats, but somehow she managed to break him down. This is why she came back and went through with it. Only this time she'd brought her clanmate Tranquilbreeze, so she wouldn't be distracted. The tom waited, hidden back in the brush a bit farther, disguised with the scent of a dead rabbit, he would listen until further notice. It excited Dawnsky that she outwitted Bluffclaw. "So did you find out when BoulderClan camp will be vulnerable?"

"Yes when..." Bluffclaw paused and parted his jaws. "Someone is near..."

xx.//Your words still echo in my mind, the stars fall down lighting up the sky.]]

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[Brambles]

...xx...I want it now, I want you now...xx...

The snow made it nearly impossible for the black-furred femme that plodded through it to remain hidden. Paws pushed through the flakes and drifts, leaving behind a scar in the otherwise flawless snow. Yet, she had not been the only one to mark a trail. Deep blue optics were fixated on a set of tracks leading toward the border with the infamous RageClan. Such moves, especially when made by a young warrior on a lone patrol, could mean trouble.

Don't get the feline wrong, Scorchstar wanted nothing more than to be able to trust the Clan she led. If she did not extend a faithful paw in their direction, then the whole of BoulderClan would never believe in her actions. Yet she could not shake the looming thought that Bluffclaw's ambition and seemingly haughty attitude would bring trouble to her borders. Scorchstar was, shockingly, not in search of destroying the young tom-cat. Rather, she wanted to prevent him from creating a windstorm of hurt.

Such feelings and motives contrasted with Scorchstar's infamous attitude previous to becoming leader. The black furred feline had been known throughout the Clans for her fiery temper and complete disregard of rankings. Scorchstar had gotten herself into trouble many a time as a result of it. And even came close to losing her own life as well as harming the life of a fellow Clan-mate, Kestreltalon, because of her desire to defy orders and tear down others. Ironically, that event opened Scorchstar's eyes to her actions, bringing about in her a change of heart. Sure, she maintained her fiery temper and hardcore persona. But she managed to narrow it down so it was only used for the good of the Clan.

Now, however, Scorchstar feared she may have become too soft in the case with Bluffclaw. Trudging her miserable way through the snow, the femme attempted to think of a way to approach the tom without bruising his pride or making him rebel more. If what she feared came to be true though, that would make any idea previously conjured utterly useless. Scorchstar lifted her skull, drawing in a deep breath of the crisp dusk air. Bluffclaw's scent hit her nostrils. He was very near. But it was accompanied with another, unmistakable smell; RageClan. Scorchstar's fears were confirmed, and the black feline could only wish that Bluffclaw had been wise enough to make a better choice. Scorchstar continued moving forward, hearing the hushed voices fall silent. They knew someone had come.

...xx...Give me your heart and your soul...xx...[/size][/blockquote]

[.feather//oceana.]

xx.//If I had one more chance I would have done it right.]]

Bluffclaw's fur stood on end. Usually he had no problem identifying a scent, but this one was confusing. RageClan, with a hint of fresh kill, and heavy BoulderClan atop that. The tom shook his head in frustration. "Two cats," he concluded.

As he spoke those words, he fell to the ground, his skull smacking into a rock, pinned under two paws, their claws unsheathed, and digging in and out of his flesh as if taunting him. He had not seen, nor heard the other RageClan cat leap from his cover in a flash of gray.

"Suprise, suprise!" Tranquilbreeze hissed, indeed taunting him.
Bluffclaw struggled beneath the weight of the experienced RageClan warrior. Tranquilbreeze was a good deal smaller than him, but he was still unable to shake him. Nonchalantly, the elder tom released his victim and padded over to Dawnsky as if he was taking a stroll through a meadow. "Maybe you shouldn't be a warrior yet eh halfbreed?" Tranquilbreeze mocked, as he began contently washing himself.

A growl rumbled in Bluffclaw's throat, but he wasn't about to give in to Tranquilbreeze's idiotic taunts. Instead he turned to Dawnsky. "Why did you bring him?"

"Because, we're here for business Bluffclaw. Now tell us what we need to know and we'll leave."

Clearly Dawnsky had not told her clanmates that she was now his mate. Probably a wise choice, RageClan didn't take to half-clanners so much evidently. He flexed his claws in and out, deciding whether or not he wanted to be submissive to the RageClanners, for Dawnsky's sake alone.

"Well?" Dawnsky spoke.

"Alright, fine. When..." Bluffclaw gave in with a reluctant growl to the both of them.

"Stop! Be silent," Tranquilbreeze raised his paw. "Scorchstar! Show yourself!" the former leader parted his jaws. The idiot BoulderClan warrior was unable to detect the scent of his own leader, or notice that when the wind blew the grasses under a large pine tree failed to completely ripple, meaning another cat was present. What use is this mouse brain going to be to us as long as he's infatuated with Dawnsky?

xx.//The sky falls down at your command, the city will roar with the sound of terror.]]

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[Brambles]

...xx...Still you feel like the loneliness is better replaced by this...xx...

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Upon reaching hearing distance of Bluffclaw and the RageClanner, Scorchgaze hid herself among what few green shrubs remained untouched by snow. Her black pelt blended in better in the shadows created from the branches than if she were to remain on the open snow. The femme flicked her ears forward as Bluffclaw spoke again. 'Two cats.' Scorchstar froze at the toms words. Surely he must be referring to the feline he conversed with, and possibly herself? Had he scented her already?

Scorchstar had to suppress a hiss of surprise and anger as another RageClan tom leaped from the bushes, tackling and pinning the young warrior to the ground. Her fur stood on ends, and tail twitched ever so slightly as the conversation sparked again. All the while, Scorchstar couldn't help but feel overwhelming sorrow for Bluffclaw's decisions. The tom was traveling down a path that would bring no good to himself or the Clan. Scorchstar felt as though she had already failed as a leader.

At the mention of business, Scorchstar lost her thoughts on her leadership. Sapphire eyes flicked between Bluffclaw and the feline he spoke with. Scenting the air quickly, she was able to determine that it was the RageClan warrior Dawnsky. The toms scent was currently masked by the smell of dead prey. Most likely the reason as to why Bluffclaw hadn't noticed him in the first place. Yet Scorchgaze couldn't help but wonder what business Dawnsky had referred to. the sound of it alone sent shivers along the femme's spine. Something was greatly amiss.

'Scorchstar! Show yourself!' The words jolted the BoulderClan leader, and she hesitated for a moment. The RageClan tom had scented her, so there was no use in hiding. Backing out of the shrubs, Scorchstar took a moment to compose herself. She was a Clan leader, and would be sure to act like one. She was not about to show them her uncertainty. Padding calmly around the bush, the feline narrowed her eyes, which seemed like icy blue chips. "What is this? Two RageClan warriors on my territory?" Scorchstar hissed. 'And Bluffclaw! What are you doing out here, conspiring with these two vermin?' She added, placing emphasis on the word used to describe the RageClanners. Her disappointment and anger towards Bluffclaw came off her in waves, and she switched her cold gaze back and forth between the cats, waiting to see who would talk first.

...xx...I don't believe it this way...xx...

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[.feather//oceana.]

xx.//And our world will crumble at the sound of your voice.]]

Bluffclaw's heart pounded furiously. How could I have gotten caught? For once he wasn't sure which decision to make, and he was usually very decisive. He knew Scorchstar was not stupid, he couldn't make something up now since he didn't know how long she'd been hiding there. How did I not scent her? The tom was ashamed of himself. He looked to Tranquilbreeze and Dawnsky, hoping they would say something first.

Tranquilbreeze did not care one way or another what the leader said about him or RageClan. In his opinion most of RageClanners were vermin. He thought with hatred of his sister Lucidhope, and how more and more RageClanners were becoming soft and peaceful like her. Unlike them he was proud of his roots, violence and terror, and proud to defend them. Next to him Dawnsky unsheathed her claws, clearly offended by Scorchstar's insult. The tom flicked his tail to her shoulder, signaling her to relax. She was still young and had much to learn. Just like Bluffclaw...
"Well, Scorchstar, us vermin wouldn't be in this DreamClan forsaken place if it weren't for this cat here stealing prey from our territory," he lied, his amber orbs glinting with anger. "Dawnsky and I caught him earlier, and we've come back to take our prey. This tom here took exactly one rabbit and one finch from RageClan grounds. That is our business here."

Dawnsky flicked nervously between the three cats. She was slightly enjoying this situation, almost hoping that Scorchstar wouldn't believe the lie Tranquilbreeze spun and kick Bluffclaw out of BoulderClan... then where else could he come but back to RageClan with them? Then her kits wouldn't have to grow up being called half breeds...

Bluffclaw iced his eyes over, locking them on Tranquilbreeze as he spoke, trying not to reveal the lie in any manner with his body language. The lie was believable... but he wasn't sure Scorchstar would fall for it. "It's true," he confirmed. "I accidently crossed the border this morning when I was on patrol. These mouse-brains didn't believe it was accidental however..." He hoped he was believable.

xx.//So take my words, it's not a choice.]]

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[Brambles]

...xx...There's a hate inside of me like some kind of master...xx...

[/i][/center]

Scorchstar listened to Tranquilbreeze's testimony with silent disdain. During his speech, she seated herself, able to see all three of the cats assembled. No matter how eloquent he seemed with his words, she couldn't help but notice Bluffclaw's chest rising and falling with unusual speed. His heart racing. He knew he was caught red-pawed. And yet the RageClan warrior seemed to be defending him. How odd. And whats more, she had caught Bluffclaw's glance at the RageClanners, the look asking for assistance. There was more going on here than Tranquilbreeze was letting on.

After both the RageClan tom and Bluffclaw had spoken, Scorchstar sat in silence for a moment. Her cold, blue optics were fixed on Bluffclaw, one of her own warriors. She was immensely disappointed in the tom's choices. And now he chose to lie to her face alongside two RageClan warriors? Without moving her eyes, she spoke in an even, deadly tone. 'I do not wish to insult your good intentions, Tranquilbreeze, but I do not believe a word you spoke.' Her stare hardened, and she hoped Bluffclaw understood the amount of anger she felt towards him. 'You did not accidentally cross the border, Bluffclaw. You were trained to well to make such a careless mistake. And I do not believe that he would be calmly conversing with Dawnsky if he had.'

At the last sentence, her blue eyes flicked over to the femme, scrutinizing. Scorchstar sighed and looked away, shaking her head. 'I may be young for a leader, but I am no fool. Do not play me for one. You will sorely regret it.' Looking back up at Bluffclaw, her gaze was softer, pleading. 'Bluffclaw, I'm asking you this once, and I want you to answer truthfully. Why are you here, meeting with two RageClan cats?'

...xx...I try to save you, but I can't find the answer...xx...

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[.feather//oceana.]

OOC: BRAMBLES, SHADOWS BY RED <3 GREAT SONG! =D
xx.//There's no looking back, live for right now.]]

The BoulderClan tom lowered his head in defeat. It had failed. Next to him a low growl rumbled in Tranquilbreeze's throat.
"Remember where your loyalties lie half breed. Say one wrong word, and you die," the tom threatened in a hardly audible tone under his breath.
Bluffclaw knew the whole plot was in his paws now, he weighed the pros and cons. If he told Scorchstar, his own Clan would no longer trust him, he'd be considered a traitor, and he'd die that way. The rest of the cats in on the plot would come after him, inevitably. Bluffclaw guessed Tranquilbreeze would like to do away with him with his own paws...
No. He wouldn't give him that chance. He would not disappoint two groups of cats.
"That is the truth. Believe it or not. Every cat makes a mistake Scorchstar," the tom puffed his chest out to sound more confident in his own words. "Do what you like with me, but I will not change my story. You cannot change the truth."
Bluffclaw's chest fluttered. He sounded like Blizzardstorm... the thought made him ill. His bloodlines were controlling him, it wasn't fair.
Tranquilbreeze sat stone like beside him, having no reaction to Bluffclaw's speech, though he could hear Dawnsky let out a sigh of releif.
The RageClan femme surely didn't want him to be killed... not at the hands of her own clanmates at that, possibly.
Bluffclaw dug his claws into the earth, snow seeping in between his toes, causing them to automatically flex back in response to the cold, awaiting the worst from his leader.

xx.//I'm so far, so far away from you.]]

[/center]

[Brambles]

...xx...The world we knew won't come back...xx...

[/b][/i]

Blue optics switched over to Tranquilbreeze as the tom spoke to Bluffclaw, murmuring too soft for her to hear. A deep sense of foreboding burrowed in the pit of Scorchstar's stomach, twisting it with unease. However, she had seen Bluffclaw's skull dip down slightly after her rejection of the testimony. It was a good sign, she hoped. Maybe the brash young tom realized his error and would confess, making her life and his much easier than if he were not to. When Bluffclaw spoke, however, all hopes she had were dashed. Scorchstar's demeanor physically showed her sorrow and disappointment as her tail dropped, eyes growing soft.

Scorchstar stared at the young warrior for several heartbeats, saying nothing. So many emotions boiled through her, the feline needed to gain control before she dare spoke. Losing her temper now would bring no good to either side. Not to mention she was outnumbered, and with Bluffclaw siding them, she would be no match if a fight erupted. Despite having her nine lives to her advantage, they would make short work of and and drain her life's blood. Sighing, Scorchstar finally spoke. 'Bluffclaw...you have disappointed me beyond measure. Don't let your blood-line influence you. Fight your dreadful instinct you inherited from Blizzardstorm.' Her blue eyes searched his, pleading. 'Do not forsake your Clan. Don't forsake me. I gave you your warrior name in hopes that you would be a wonderful asset to BoulderClan. Not to bring it down.'

Scorchstar shook her head, skull swinging from side to side. She was officially at a loss for words. The overwhelming sense of failure as a leader pressed down heavily on her shoulders. and Scorchstar wondered if she had truly been the right choice to lead BoulderClan. Mentally shaking herself, Scorchstar snapped out of that thought process. Of course she was the right choice at the time. Why would she doubt her own abilities to lead? The femme's blue gaze turned cold again, and she stood onto all four paws, tail lashing. 'You seem to have decided your own fate, then. Bluffclaw, since you will not reveal the truth to me, and I know you're still lying, then you give me no other choice.' Scorchstar's voice had grown cold, emotionless. Trying to drive home to the tom how much of a terrible choice he was making. 'You are hereby banned from BoulderClan. You are not allowed to hunt on our territory, enter our camp, or claim yourself as a warrior of BoulderClan.' Scorchstar, internally, was torn apart. She never wanted to do such a thing during her time as leader. But it was, unfortunately, needed in this case. She hoped it was a wise choice.

...xx...The time we've lost, can't get back...xx...

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