The Clouded Heart || Tagged!

[Carotius]

Tags: Twix [Leafdapple], Babylonranger [Mottlepaw], Isilme [Sheepflower]
OOC: They're almost to the Skyfield where the crystal is. It's dusk.

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The sun was had hid half of its dark orange beauty behind the lines of the horizon, stretching out its final rays of light onto the ever darkening lands inhabited by the cats of the six Clans, live the swoop of a hawk's wing as it closed in on its prey. Dark clouds hung over the fields, where gusts of wind carried the colours of the current leaf-fall season, where everything turned chilly once more, taking away the sweltering heat of greenleaf. In this weather, where rain threatened to fall, three StormClan cats were travelling to the Skyfield, on a mission to meet a young queen who didn't live to see her kits' become apprentices.

Silverspot was at the back of the trio, bowing his head against the wind that bushed out his fur in all directions. The rustling of the grass and distant trees was unusually loud, as if it shaken violently by a giant paw that bopped at it repeatedly. Or maybe that was just him, with all his troubled thoughts that seemed to make everything distorted and out of his mind. Out of my mind? The silver tom's mental state wasn't in the best of shape...and that was pretty much why they were out in this suddenly-storm-like weather.

[Twix]

The wind was pushing this calico she-cats fur every which-way. She did her best to hold her head high against the beginnings of the storm that these three cats had willingly walked out into, but at least their journey would soon come to a close as their destination was just barely out of reach. Leafdapple was at the head of the group, her eyes squinted against the gale that tried to force them back- back to their clan and the safeties of camp. but they wouldn't be so easily deterred. Harsh drops of water began to rain down, at first falling slowly but soon turned into a downpour.

A young apprentice was close to her flank while another, much larger tom- compared to the small she-cat beside her- brought up the rear of the three cats. Finally after forcing their paws to move forward, the Sky Field came into view, and she hoped there would be somewhere for them to shelter out of the rain while they stayed there. Silverspot would lay next to the crystal for an unknown amount of time while the other two she-cats would await his return to them, and Leafdapple could only hope the rain would come and pass quickly. "We're almost there!" the calico shouted, trying to make her voice heard above the boom of the storm.

[Babylonranger]

The tortoiseshell tabby shivered in the wind and rain, which blew straight through her long, damp fur. Huddling close to Leafdapple, Mottlepaw nodded at the older she-cat's words, glad their trip was almost finished. Her paws ached from the journey, unused to traversing the long distance, and every time she felt a fresh gust she worried for a moment that she would be blown away from the two warriors, but she could not help but be excited.

She would be the first of her siblings to visit Skyfield (even though her mentor had questionable timing, considering this storm)! The young apprentice studied her surroundings as best she could, given the raindrops that occasionally blew into her face. "Are the Skyfield and crystal really underground?" she asked, blinking water out of her dark green eyes.

[Carotius]

Words could hardly be heard over the howling wind. Silverspot would have missed whatever his Clanmates were saying had it not been for his twitchy ears that flicked in the calico's direction at the impeccably right time. Bracing himself against the sploshes of rain that was likely to drum on his face, he raised his head to look ahead, yellow eyes aglow in the gloom of the storm; scents were washed away and almost negligible in existence compared to the rain, while sound was muffled and distorted by the distant rumble of thunder.

Walking at the head of the trio was Leafdapple, the calico she-cat who had suggested this trip to him in the first place. Of course, she didn't plan for it to be done during a storm - that was the silver tom's decision, and it was a questionable one at that. He would have waited out the storm, or even picked another day to go, to be honest; his heart didn't want to wait, for it felt too clouded and constricted to hold off on this trip any longer. As some sort of excuse, he brought his apprentice along to the Skyfield, since a visit there was part of their requirements in training to be a warrior.

The silver fur halted right next to Leafdapple, scrutinising the wide area ahead of them. "...Meet Sheepflower with me."

[Twix]

The trio of cats finally reached the cave entrance that led down to the Skyfield and crystal it held. Leafdapple had stopped abruptly and stared at the dark hole that was the mouth of the cave. She had only been here once before, a long time ago in her apprentice training, and for some reason couldn't remember a lot of it. but there was an itch of fear beneath her pelt. The one thing she remembered well was the darkness that no cat could see through, and how easily it seemed you could get lost in the tunnel that led down to the crystal. She didn't know if she was ready to deal with the blackness again. Even if she was out in a storm with a soon-to-be soaking pelt.

Finally the calico snapped out of her thoughts when Silverspot came to her side. She finally took a breath, controlling herself and her emotions, before turning to the silver tom. He.. he wants me to go with him? A small smile spread across her face. A true, innocent smile, at the idea that he wanted her there with him. but.. she didn't want to take the chance of going with him. For one, no one would be left behind to keep an eye on Mottlepaw. There was another reason, too. She didn't want to have the chance of seeing her parents again. She didn't know if she would be able to control the outburst of feelings she would likely get from having to see her mother once more. After moons of her being gone...

Leafdapple wouldn't want Silverspot to see her that way. Slowly she shook her head. "This is something you need to do on your own." Then she took a sideways glance back at Mottlepaw. "Anyways, we couldn't just leave your apprentice out here to fend for herself. Or did you forget you basically dragged her along?" The comment had a bit of playfulness to it, especially at the end, but Leafdapple was glad she could use the young apprentice as a bit of an excuse. The calico wasn't ready to speak to Starclan, not yet.

[Babylonranger]

Mottlepaw peered eagerly into the dark tunnel, shaking slightly with excitement (and from cold, but who cared about that when there was this tunnel to explore?). She couldn't wait to go in and see what the crystal she'd been hearing about looked like and whether or not she'd really talk to someone from Starclan.

The young tortoiseshell tabby was so intent on continuing forward, that she missed her mentor's plea to Leafdapple. but the feisty apprentice did catch the calico warrior's reply. "What do you two mean 'leave me out here'?" she asked, glaring at them both with suspicious green eyes. "I thought you 'dragged me along' so I could see Skyfield, not get caught in a rainstorm and wait for you to do whatever it is you do down there. You made me eat herbs," she said, prodding at Silverspot's shoulder with a white paw for emphasis. "Herbs! I have to go down there, for my training. Otherwise we'll have to do the whole trip over another time, maybe in a worse storm than this!"

[Carotius]

The silver warrior felt disappointment in his belly when Leafdapple gently refused to go down with him to the crystal. He didn't want to go alone. The path down to the cave of the crystal was dark, as described by the elders, and honestly...he was scared to go down there by himself. He was afraid of the whispers he could possibly hear, to send him wayward from the correct path, telling him terrifying stories of who knows what that would send his heart flying out of his ribcage in terror. I need you. Silverspot pleaded silently with his yellow eyes, glowing in the dimness of the rainstorm that had befallen them, his muzzle mouthing the words. Even as the calico reasoned that she needed to stay and watch over his torbie apprentice.

He glanced back at Mottlepaw, her long fur beginning to soak from the rain pattering down from the overcast sky. Mottlepaw's green eyes were alight as she glared at both warriors, complaining about supposedly being left out in the torrent while prodding his spotted shoulder; she added something about needing to come to the Skyfield for her training, and didn't want to make a second trip. Silverspot blinked. That's partially why he brought his apprentice along - the trip to the Skyfield was a requirement to become a warrior, and he didn't want to have to make two trips which could be a bit tiring to the inexperienced she-cat. You can come along down with me. It might convince Leafdapple to follow. That was what he intended to tell Mottlepaw...until she whined about that second trip possibly being in a storm worse than the one they were in.

"Don't assume anything until you know the whole story, Mottlepaw! I could have left you behind at camp if I wanted to!" he snarled, baring his teeth in the first show of aggression in the longest time he could remember, his striped silver tail lashing in irritation. "Even better, you could have said 'no'. Then maybe you wouldn't need to eat the herbs, or brave the storm, and go ahead to sleep in your comfortable moss bed, while I talk to one of our deceased warriors who I FAILED TO SAVE MOONS AGO!"

His voice had risen to a hissy yowl, splitting through the air before being overshadowed by the rumble of thunder. The tom sucked in a quick breath, turning away from Mottlepaw and Leafdapple to glare at the tunnel leading to the Skyfield crystal, before it mellowed out into an expression of unrestrained unhappiness as the memory of the dying queen invaded his mind once more.

[Twix]

White ears almost pinned themselves back against the calico's head, but she stopped them. This was the first time she had ever seen her silver companion lose his temper and she honestly didn't want to admit it frightened her. but she knew the anger wasn't real, it was a replacement; a defensive maneuver to hide away his fear and sadness. She thought he was about to stomp into the cave alone, but he stopped right before he reached the inky blackness. It looked like she had no choice in the matter. Leafdapple was going to have to go down to the Sky Field. Thorns pricked her heart; torn between what she might see there and her emotions toward Silverspot.

The she-cat went to stand beside him, forgetting all about the apprentice that was probably frozen to the spot after what had just happened. A fluffy white tail laid against a silver spotted shoulder. "It'll be okay. I promised that, didn't I?" She blinked warmly at the tom, doing her best to push away her own feelings and anxieties for what she was about to say next. "I'll come with you to see Sheepflower, but Mottlepaw should too. After all.. she deserves to see her mother again, don't you think?" She may not have been present during the queen's death and murder, but that didn't stop the calico from knowing all there was to know about the moment. Of course rumors spread fast in the clan, but once she had grown close to Silverspot, she had managed to get out what really had happened that night. She didn't know how Mottlepaw would react to seeing Sheepflower again, but she could only figure it would be a happy reunion.

Images of another calico pelt, similar to Leafdapple's, flashed in her mind. Would it be a happy reunion if I saw you again, too? Would her mother really blame her for her death? No, of course not, Leafdapple knew she wouldn't. Her mother would never do such a thing. Then why did the calico female still blame herself? Because I should've been there. She held back a shudder, her emotions almost bubbling over and causing her whole body to tremble. This wasn't the time for her problems, she knew that; she was here to support Silverspot and that's what she'd do. Even if it killed her. "Are you ready?" Her golden eyes settling onto the silver tom and then the torbie apprentice. It was time to do this, and the calico was itching to get it done and set her paws to home again.

[Babylonranger]

The young torbie apprentice took a step back at Silverspot's outburst, her green eyes blinking rapidly to get the rain - and it was absolutely rain and nothing else - out. Alright, so maybe it looked as though the spotted silver warrior had softened to the idea of bringing Mottlepaw with him until she'd opened her mouth. She'd never heard her mentor yell at anyone before, let alone her, and while normally she'd be inclined to yell back, aggravating Silverspot didn't seem like such a good idea.

Sweeping her long, drenched orange and black tail behind her, the Stormclan apprentice said nothing while Leafdapple attempted to comfort the unhappy tom. She kept her ears pricked though, trying to make out what the calico she-cat was saying. Sheepflower. The name was familiar, something she associated with Fallenstorm's voice and tales from the Nursery. The dead queen Silverspot came to see . . . was she Mottlepaw's mother?

Contrary to her adventurous nature, the long-furred apprentice hesitantly moved closer to Leafdapple, uncertain but willing to move forward. Mottlepaw gave the warriors a determined nod, letting them know she was ready, whatever their decision.

[Carotius]

When was the last time I ever shouted at someone? The gloomy thought clung onto him like a burr, making his heart sink even further with sadness at the current turn of events. Not only had he been twitchy and generally a sobbing mess for who-knows-how-long, but now he'd dragged along two of his Clanmates in the worst possible weather to journey to the furthest place within the territories; the fact that he was to meet Sheepflower with one of her own kin that she parted with that very night of her murder... Had he forgotten they were kin? Or was he so preoccupied with everything else?

Silverspot shivered involuntarily at the feeling of the calico's tail over his shoulders, followed by the torbie apprentice moving up to her side, nodding in affirmation of her readiness. The silver tom said nothing, instead beginning his trek forward into the darkness of the tunnel leading to the crystal's cave, his tail stretched out for the minor purpose of Leafdapple or Mottlepaw to follow; he wasn't feeling all that confident about being the first to go in, and even in his somewhat moody state, he was fighting the urge to turn around and run back out into the rain from fear of what awaited him. Unsure if the rippling of fur on his tail tip was from one of the other two's breath or from the quietest breeze, he moved on, trekking the path more from scent and feeling than sight.

Was there anything to say? Maybe not. He couldn't exactly remember the last time he came here or what happened - it seemed like a vague blur, as if none of it existed, save for that strange glowing rock that was their connection to their ancestors in StarClan. All else Silverspot was that Tigersplash was no more, hunting among the stars some time after his warrior ceremony. He'd lost two Clanmates within the span of time of becoming a warrior. Your thoughts are rambling, Silverspot. Keep moving. Hell yes, he'll keep moving - that wasn't his voice in his head!

Stifling a whimper, he sped up his pace, desiring nothing more than to be out of this inky blackness.

[Twix]

Leafdapple stood back a moment, signalling for Mottlepaw to follow behind Silverspot. The calico would bring up the rear this time around. As the apprentice disappeared into the tunnel behind Silverspot, she padded after her. but for a heartbeat she paused at the mouth of the tunnel. Her whiskers twitched and her eyes strained to see into the darkness, trying to see either of the two cats that had just passed her moments ago. Nothing. Slowly she moved forward and the darkness pressed all around her, and the fur on her tail began to bristle. She forced away her fear deep into her stomach and followed the scent trail left behind by her companions. She kept her senses alert as she navigated through the black tunnel.

Anxiety prickled her paws and it made the tunnel seem even more uncomfortable; the calico came acutely aware of the walls pressing around her. She wanted to turn tail and run. Run as fast as she could until she broke through the entrance and back into the air and the wind. She could barely deal with the darkness and the cramped space, but she trudged bravely after the others. She reminded herself that she was doing this for Silverspot. He'd be better after he spoke to Sheepflower in Starclan. Fear gripped her heart at the thought of their starry ancestors. She herself wasn't ready to face those she might find. Those that may speak to her after death. Then why did you suggest this expedition in the first place? Her worries nagged at her and her fear fluttered in her belly, as if it had been set free, and she guessed the others could scent it drifting off of her in waves. She couldn't imagine having to put words together to explain everything that seemed to trouble the she-cat, and she only hoped they wouldn't ask. They were here to help Silverspot, and for Mottlepaw to speak with Starclan, and her mother, for the first time; and that was it. There's no reason to be afraid.


[Babylonranger Go ahead and start posting before me now. I'd like to change the posting order, because of what I have planned for Leafdapple and such. I might even ask you guys to skip my turn to post, later on~ We'll see. Thanks!]

[Babylonranger]

Still feeling subdued, more from the solemnity and the tension emanating from the two warriors than from Silverspot's earlier blow-up, Mottlepaw padded cautiously into the tunnel after her mentor, her green eyes wide in a futile attempt to pierce through the darkness. Occasionally, the torbie apprentice's long whiskers brushed against the tunnel walls, but her true guides to the crystal of Skyfield were the spotted tom's scent and heartbeat.

The black and orange she-cat could also hear Leafdapple bringing up the rear, a reversal of roles from the trio's trek to this place. Inhaling the scents around her, the young apprentice wrinkled her nose. Anxiety wafted off the calico in cloying waves. Mottlepaw held back a gag, hoping the area around the crystal would be spacious. She liked Leafdapple, truly, but the scent of fear was hardly enjoyable, especially in such a confined area where it could only serve to make them all feel less at ease.

[Carotius]

OOC: We have arrived!

---

The darkness was beginning to press against Silverspot. It felt suffocating, as if the black fur of a badger was weighing heavy on him, smothering with nothing but the terrible stink and cutting off any fresh air. The only difference was the fact the air was...sort of fresh. Like air from the high points of a hill or mountain. Wait. The tom's muzzle parted, a tingly scent bathing his tongue as he slowed his pawsteps, forgetting that two of his Clanmates were right behind him. That scent was familiar.

Air.

The spotted warrior hurried forward, following the tiny strokes of wind that was beginning to caress his short fur. It felt encouraging, a sign of something different from the dankness of the tunnel that frightened him from the start. It is not far. Again, not his voice, but instead of being creeped out, the silver warrior felt joy bounce in his heart. Flicking his tail tip to urge his Clanmates to speed up, he loped forward, feeling the narrow earthen pathways slowly but surely widen out at their approach, like it was answering the StormClanners' silent prayers for space and freedom from entrapment.

Silverspot burst out from the passageways, flanks heaving slightly as he steadied himself. He raised his head, yellow eyes widening in awe at the sight before him. The crystal sat, tall and mighty, undisturbed by the gloom around them. The trio were finally in the cave of the Skyfield crystal, the place where they connected with their warrior ancestors, and the loved ones of their past. Taking in a breath, he took a few tentative steps forward, feeling slightly afraid of being so close to the object of their reverence to StarClan. The last time he was here, it'd been as an apprentice with his former mentor, Tigersplash. 

"W...What do I do now?" he whispered, quickly realising how stupid the question sounded.

[Babylonranger]

Sensing Silverspot come to an abrupt stop before her, the long-furred she-cat paused too, hoping Leafdapple would have enough sense to halt before the older she-cat ran into her. Without warning, her mentor shot ahead and away from the group, so Mottlepaw picked up her pace as well, keeping up a mental grumble on the mysterious ways of older warriors.

The young torbie apprentice blinked. She could feel fresh air, and was that a dim light she could see? She could feel the walls widen so that her long whiskers no longer were in contact with them and picked up her speed in anticipation. They had to be close; not only to the crystal, but to the end of the wretched tunnel!

Mottlepaw saw her gray, spotted mentor step past the exit to the passage and slow down in hesitation. Adjusting her speed accordingly, the orange and black apprentice padded out of the tunnel. Her green eyes were wide with wonder as she beheld Skyfield and the crystal at its center for the first time. Unusually solemn, she watched Silverspot for instructions, though she drew a bit closer to the crystal without being told.