::break my bones::[WINDCLAN APPRENTICES]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, border:0px solid #d3c5bb;border-radius:100px;width:480px;background-image:url('http://i.imgur.com/Uz0L3UG.png');background-position:top;b ackground-re peat:no-repeat;background-color:#4d4419;width:456px;background-position:top;background-repeat:no-repeat;padding-top:320p x;padding-bottom:10px;padding-top:315px;] "And here it is." The red tom had managed to herd everyone outside of camp right before the next guard took place in the camp entrance. It was a very clumsy escape; he had to distract the warrior with measly questions on 'how to do this' or 'how to do that', and despite the warrior's lack of amusement he carried on with answering Flintpaw's questions, eyeing him with a constant 'are you stupid' look. In the supervision of both the warrior and the WindClan deputy, who came to see what was all the ruckus about, he managed to slip away in the dirt tunnel and burrow his way out to meet his comrades. After a few snickers about his foul smelling pelt and a nice roll-down on the sweet-scented grass, he lead the way with his not-so excited followers just behind. It was quite a long trek. It was just near the Outlook Rock, which he had always found a bit mysterious. Just one speck on their territory was laden with odd, smooth rocks that always seemed out of place in any circumstance. Whether it be its placement or texture, it always got him on the wrong foot. So, on one of his frequent walks, he stumbled upon the scene, and curiosity got the best of him and he decided to investigate, hoping that maybe he could find some evidence of logical reasoning behind these strange structures. It wasn't much of an answer, but at least he was justified by his alluring feelings toward this place. In the middle of all the stones was a barren patch of dirt. It definitely looked odd. No other inch of grass was tainted with such a weird bare patch. It was something easy to look over--bare spots weren't that incommon in their territory. But usually they were in groups. Never in just one spot, and especially placed so specifically in the middle of these stones. With those observations in mind, Flintpaw decided to dig, but before the floor of dirt could collasp he found himself frozen as a cat bone peered out from the dusty pile. It was very tiny; maybe the tail bone of a kit. It definitely wasn't recent, it looked ancient yet looked amazingly preserved, as if the pressure from underground helped the poor little scrap be in earth's memory for a little while longer. And there he was now; showing these cats the bare dirt patch. But the little bone was gone. He tilted his head in confusion, then looked back, a little flushed. "Well, there was a kit bone here I dug up, but now it's kind of...gone." words :: 437 tagged :: Birdpaw, Tanglepaw, Tansypaw, Sootpaw, Rosepaw notes :: sorry for the rush guys. for this specific rp please refrain from using the order system! we have too many inactive participants to go in order, so just post whenever you please!

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Tanglepaw flew out of camp with the wind beneath his feet. He completely disregarded the other apprentices and shot off on his own. It felt good breaking the rules. Lately his life seemed to consist of doting after Tigerheart and impressing his mother - in short - his life was lame. But this was exciting - this was something he wanted to do. The tom ran for a good minute or two before allowing his sprint to fall into a brisk trot. Flintpaw hadn't been specific with where or what they were doing but Tanglepaw had a feeling. There was something peculiar in his voice, the way it hushed when he told them to leave camp - Flintpaw wasn't just taking them on some petty adventure for kits - this was serious. Tanglepaw brought himself to a stop. He glanced behind him. His denmates were no where in sight, "Fox-dung." He spat quietly. He didn't want to wait for them but he didn't want to act on assumption. The ginger tom assumed Flintpaw was bringing them to outlook rock. It was either that or the gorge - but the only thing fun about the gorge was seeing how far you could balance on the edge before killing yourself - and everyone did that before the age of six moons. It was a Windclan tradition for the young and reckless. So, it had to be the outlook rock. "HURRY UP." The tom yelled out into the moor. A flock of crows screeched in response. The birds sprung from the undergrowth and into the sky, their cries deafening the poor apprentice. Tanglepaw crouched, his ears flattened against his head. The birds circled, swooping and screaming - and suddenly they were gone. Tanglepaw opened his eyes, and slowly glanced above him; the coast was clear. A soft sigh left his mouth, "Thank Starclan." He felt the harsh stare of his denmates in return. They were just climbing over the horizon, their bodies huddled in a tight formation, and they were heading his way. Tanglepaw cast them a sheepish grin, "Sorry guys, but you were taking forever!" Flintpaw silenced him with a glare. Tanglepaw rolled his eyes before joining him at the head of the patrol, "Outlook rock?" He whispered deviously to the tom. Flintpaw only grunted in response. "Nice choice." The moment they arrived Flintpaw took off on his own, expecting the others to follow. They padded curiously behind him as he led them between the jutting rocks. "And here it is." Tanglepaw looked down to see himself standing in a completely perfect circle. It was dried, dying and almost completely dirt. Before he could open his mouth, Flintpaw began to furiously pace back and forth; he seemed embarrassed. "Well, there was a kit bone here I dug up, but now it's kind of...gone." Tanglepaw furrowed his brow, "A kit bone? Are you sure it wasn't just a rabbit or something?" The tom shook his head, "Seriously all of that for a measly bone? Ridiculous." Tanglepaw rolled his eyes for good measure, what a lame adventure. The tom padded toward Flintpaw, ready to give him a piece of his mind when he felt the earth give out beneath him. Tanglepaw let out a high-pitched wail as he found himself falling, falling, falling, and then darkness. He opened his eyes, immediately he glanced up, trying to see how far he fell. The hole looked to be about three cat-lengths deep, he scrunched his nose, it wouldn't be that hard to jump... The tom felt something digging into his butt, he turned around, hoping it was only a stick or something, "GREAT STARCLAN." He screamed. Before him rested the remains of at least forty cats. [bg=f8be5e]

Before Birdpaw could really comprehend what Flintpaw was planning, they were rushing out of camp. In that pause when the guards were changing, and as Flintpaw distracted the warriors who were out and about, they dashed. The slunk through the undergrowth a ways before pausing to allow Flintpaw a chance to catch up. When he was there, they followed him to wherever it was he was taking them. Birdpaw looked around at the others who had been wrapped up into this adventure. It seemed as if all of the apprentices had gone along for the ride. She took a second glance. Tangledpaw had rushed off ahead of him. She sighed. Well, at least Flintpaw had said enough to make it seem like it was more than just an adventure kits would take. Hopefully that meant it would be worthwhile. Flintpaw lead the group toward Outlook rock. The longer they walked, the wider awake Birdpaw became. She became more aware of her surroundings, and more interested in where it was Flintpaw was taking them. She hoped they got there quick, soon warriors would be waking and looking for their apprentices, and there would be no apprentices in camp. I bet Flamestrike will have my pelt. Birdpaw's ears perked forward. She heard the sound of Tangledpaw's voice drift on the wind. Hurry up! she sighed. It was like him to be impatient and itching to go. As they came over the horizon they spotted Tangledpaw, and he joined them. Just a while later they had made it to Outlook Rock. When they arrived at the location, Flintpaw went forward. Birdpaw followed with her eyes, and scrunched her brow. The ring of stones was interesting, and the fact that everything inside was dead, was a little disconcerting. She watched as Flintpaw entered the ring, and scuffled around in the dirt. After he spoke, Birdpaw's head whipped toward him. "Did you just say a kit bone? Are you sure it wasn't some sort of bone from, like, a vole or something?" Before Flintpaw could reply, however, there was a crash. Birdpaw caught a glimpse of a fiery orange pelt disappearing out of the corner of her eye. She quickly turned towards it. A large, gaping hole had appeared where Tangledpaw had been standing. It was as if the earth had swallowed him whole. Birdpaw didn't like this. The ground didn't just cave in, unless there were tunnels underneath. She remembered Stormsong telling her stories about how ancient WindClan would tunnel under the territory for when other clans invaded, as traps. Was it possible that Tangledpaw had just fallen into one of those traps? The tan she-cat raced forward, frightened that she would see the mangled body of Tangledpaw in some sort of ancient trap. Instead, she saw an uninjured Tangledpaw, who hadn't fallen very far, but what was in there with him, caused her stomach to roll. She was glad she hadn't eaten since the day before, or she would be seeing it now. There, surrounding Tangledpaw, were the bones of cats. There had to be forty. "Flintpaw," she swallowed hard before continuing "I think you were right about the bone..." word count :: 523 tag :: tangledpaw, flintpaw, other apprentices [bg=b24319][atrb=border,0,true]

[/i][/s] ... A kit bone? Did he just say a kit bone? She gulped loudly, apparently being the only one to take his words seriously. Tanglepaw and Birdpaw each thought it was a bone from some type of prey.

Then Tanglepaw gave out a loud yelp as the earth crumbled beneath him, and Tansypaw immediately ran to the lip of the hole that had appeared. Birdpaw reached it first, and her eyes widened with something akin to horror. "Flintpaw... "[/i] She interrupted herself with a dry swallow before saying, "I think you were right about the bone..."

Tansypaw's eyes flitted from skeleton to skeleton, trying to pick out how they all died or what ages. There were a couple of kit skeletons, like Flintpaw had said, but the majority seemed to be almost fully grown or close to it. "W-what... What are they doing here?" Her question was a croaked whisper and Tansypaw backed away from the hole immediately. Her composure was already slipping, and she wouldn't give her denmates any reason to make fun of her for it later.

Her yellow eyes combed the area around them thoroughly, and she was pleased when she spoke that her voice had gone back to it's normal volume and tone. "We have to get him out of there." Preferably now, before their mentors followed their scent and found them all.[/blockquote][/ul][/size]

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They littered his vision. The bodies completely enveloped the cavern. The tom felt his body stiffen, his eyes frozen in silent terror. Tanglepaw couldn't look away. His eyes scored the corpses. The majority of them were big, but a few were small, tiny, too young to be dead. The one closest to his feet was curled on it's size, morbidly curious the tom peeked over the skeleton. He felt his insides twist. Nestled in what he assumed was the cat's stomach, laid the bones of four curling kits. Had she been a queen, heavy with young? The apprentice pulled himself back, pressing his spine into the furthest corner of the hole. His mind was burdened with screams and his pelt was burning. But one thing stuck out in particular. One thing, refused to leave his thoughts: how did they die? Tanglepaw canted his head toward the sunlight, "Is anyone going to help me?" He yowled. It was ridiculous really, he was sure by this point someone would have offered him a helping paw out of this hell hole. Instead they left him down here with the bodies. The tom felt his gaze flicker back to the mass grave, suddenly - a spark pulled him closer. There - something shiny was clutched between the paws of a forgotten warrior. The apprentice pierced his brow, "What is that?" Curiosity clutched his stomach, pleading him to investigate. Unfortunately the body was six or seven counts in. He'd have to disturb quite a few eternal slumbers just to reach it. Did he really want the stench of death tainting his paws? Maybe if I got someone else to do it? The object glistened in the sunlight, begging, imploring him to come closer "Hey! Flintpaw!" With a tremendous leap the tom launched himself into the air and out of the hole. He landed severely close to the edge, and for a few seconds he could feel himself teeter back toward the hole - using his tail for balance, he quickly steadied himself and locked eyes with the red-coated tom. Tanglepaw's eyes sharpened. Pressing his ears to his skull he cautiously approached his denmate, "There's something down there." He breathed. And he wasn't talking about the bodies. [bg=f8be5e]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, border:0px solid #d3c5bb;border-radius:100px;width:480px;background-image:url('http://i.imgur.com/Uz0L3UG.png');background-position:top;b ackground-re peat:no-repeat;background-color:#4d4419;width:456px;background-position:top;background-repeat:no-repeat;padding-top:320p x;padding-bottom:10px;padding-top:315px;] CRASH! In a blink of an eye Tanglepaw fled from the face of the earth, or what it seemed like. It was as if the ground ate him in one single gulp, but by the racket the tom made Flintpaw concluded with a sigh of relief that he wasn't dead. He never could have guessed Tanglepaw's voice could actually be a good thing to hear. Between the shock of the fall and his attention being strained on the missing apprentice, he had not heard Birdpaw's nor Tansypaw's reaction to the sudden turn of events. It was only when he looked around did he see the two she-cats looking at him expectantly. But before he could even begin to decide what to do, which was a terrible process since one of his biggest weaknesses was thinking on a whim, Tanglepaw saved him from making any quick decisions by abruptly escaping the hole and eying him with the most serious gaze Flintpaw had ever seen from the clumsy tom. There was no thinking involved when Flintpaw immediately took up on the ginger's non-spoken yet obvious offer, steadily and curiously padding to the edge of the hole, peering down in attempt to judge how much he should brace depending on how far the landing was. With dim lighting as well as attention to detail, he leaped down, landing lightly on front paws where Tanglepaw first entered this cavern. Now he couldn't avoid it any longer. The red tom was forced to observe what Tanglepaw got all worked up about. Looking up, his breath became irregular for a moment as his unprepared eyes locked in with the eyes--or, more specifically, eye-less--of many dead cats. Flintpaw was gripped with a fascination for this newly found underground graveyard. It was a strange, mixed feeling he had for this new discovery. He felt as if he should be horridly mortified by witnessing such an unfortunate fate for all these long-gone felines, yet curiosity blinded him from any moral feelings. Questions formed in his head, swarm after swarm. From old to young, decayed skeletons were laid about in no particular order, yet it was obvious they were put here for a reason. Did some sort of Clan or tribe live here long ago, and they used this underground cave to store all their deceased loved ones? It seemed dignified enough, but by the messy job these cats did with organizing these dead bodies he really didn't feel all too impressed. Yet, he did hold some respect for this assembly of clumsily ordered corpses, out of the simple fact that they were dead. Flintpaw had a deep respect for dead cats and often thought about what their lives were like and preserved them in his mind. Ironically, though, he honestly didn't really believe these dead cats went anywhere, let alone StarClan existing in the stars above. With his careful observation, he noticed some sort of shiny object, which was gripped passionately by one of the skeleton's paws. He looked up, flicking his tail to Tanglepaw to come back down, notifying him that he found something to their interest. Focusing back on the mysterious item, he tentatively stepped over the skeletons, his paws successfully aiming into the crevasses between the ancient bones. The floor was so cluttered, though, that it wasn't very long before he accidentally stepped on the feeble structure of a bone, splintering it. Feeling a bit bad, he took a moment to apologize internally to the dead before carrying on. But he didn't feel too right, every paw step becoming heavier than the next. His heart felt as if it were beating at an unnaturally fast pace, and his skin and fur felt clammy and sweaty. Yet he trudged on, though the force that was holding down his paws became stronger and stronger, his chest now feeling the same heaviness, as if a good-sized rock was weighed on top of it. Flintpaw felt dizzy and his vision started to blurr, but he kept on. He was only a tail-length away now. He could have sworn he heard menacing whispers breathe into his ears, but he blamed it on the strange condition he was in, and the condition on the atmosphere in the cavern. It was then he finally reached his destination. Although he couldn't see well anymore, he could still make out the shiny outline of his prize. Unable to bear his unsteady body, he tugged the item away from the skeleton, but his body couldn't take it any more and he collasped, his world around him going to darkness. With the last sliver of consciousness, he could make out a blood-curling screech almost, but it didn't sound familiar, not quite matching the voices of any of his companions. words :: 786 tagged :: Birdpaw, Tanglepaw, Tansypaw notes ::

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Morningstreak

<sup>The she-cat trailed the apprentices quietly. Her belly slithered through the moor's crippling grass. It was harsh against her skin, prickling through the soft underside of her flesh. Still, she pressed onward. She was a notable huntress. Morningstreak moved silently, her paws skimming the earth effortlessly. She was intent on keeping the apprentices in her sight. The mere idea of them reeking havoc boiled her blood. This disturbance was completely against her agenda. She had patrols to assign; a clan to organize. Their little 'game' hindered her efforts entirely. Suddenly they stopped, the she-cat narrowed her eyes, watching as the apprentices circled the outlook rock. The tabby licked her jowls, "What are you hiding?" Why did Flintpaw bring them so far from camp? What was he planning?

Intent on abandoning her pretense the she-cat sprung to her feet and flew straight from the moor and toward the young, reckless cats. Her paws thudded through the frozen tundra leaving claw marks in her wake. The deputy skidded to a hasty stop, her breath heavy in her lungs, but her exhaustion merely halted at the sight before her. Two young female apprentices peered anxiously over the lid of a massive hole. It stretched at least two cat-lengths long. Morningstreak approached the she-cats aggressively, her neck elongated toward the chasm. "What is this?" She seethed, her eyes undressing the scene. But before they could answer she found herself peering curiously into the cavern. The she-cat couldn't make out much but the tainted scent of death was overwhelming. Her eyes narrowed suspiciously, "Where are the other two?"

Their silence answered her presumptions. They were inside the tunnel. Without a word the deputy leaped into the hole. Her claws slid easily down the crumbling walls landing her effortlessly on all four paws. At once she was met with the gaping eyes of several dead cats. Morningstreak felt her insides twist, a deep bile rising in her throat. "Flintpaw." She called out, her voice higher than usual. She wanted to gather her idiotic apprentices and get back to camp immediately. However, she couldn't see the tom. And wasn't there supposed to be another one down here as well? What was his name? It was the wiry, lanky orange one; the one that wouldn't shut up. He was Sunstar's son - Tanglepaw. "Tanglepaw?"

The deputy was met with silence.</sup>

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The tom followed Flintpaw into the chamber without hesitation. Flintpaw seemed to understand what he was implying and for once in his life; the less words the better. Although it was only moments ago, the sight of the bones made his chest ache. It was this unsettling sensation that started in his toes and ended in his mouth. The tom opened his maws, smacking them together in an attempt to rid himself of the taste settling on his tongue. It was disgusting. Tanglepaw turned his attention to Flintpaw. He expected something out him, a word, a noise, anything - instead he stood still, drawing in the view. The apprentice loomed in close to the tom, "So, it's this-" Before he could even finish his sentence Flintpaw was already picking his way through the corpses, careful not to disturb their slumber. "Just, be careful. This place gives me the creeps." Tanglepaw bit his lips anxiously, stuck between wanting to follow Flintpaw or choosing to play guard instead. He didn't want anyone else to come down here - it was already crowded enough as it was. The tom felt himself lock eyes with a silent screaming skull; shivers traveled down his spine. "He-hey wait for me." He called out. Without much thought Tanglepaw weaved his way through the skeletons and watched as Flintpaw got closer and closer to the - well whatever it was. With each step he took, Tanglepaw could feel his ears grow heavy. Everything was sensitive; he was hearing things. What was that? Voices? The tom shook his head, trying to clear the noises from his thoughts - instead the sounds only intensified. "Do you hear that?" He breathed. But Flintpaw was oblivious to the ginger tom. "Flintpaw." Tanglepaw meowed loudly. Suddenly the tom collapsed to the ground, his mouth stretched in a silent plea. Tanglepaw jumped back, his heart racing, what was happening? His eyes traveled from Flintpaw's reaching paws and onto the glistening, sparkling rock. It was the color of blood - a rich crimson red. "Flintpaw?" Tanglepaw meowed, the voices were getting louder. He could feel them press around him, drowning him out. The tom crouched to the floor, his face clenched in terror. "Flintpaw!" He screamed. "Flintpaw." The words hit him almost instantly; echoing his own desperate plea. Who was that? At once the voices disappeared and Tanglepaw was met with silence. "Tanglepaw?" The tom knew that voice. He knew that voice well. It was Morningstreak, Windclan's deputy. Tanglepaw found himself staring directly into the she-cat's disapproving gaze - she was way down at the end of the chamber, but she had found him. "Something's wrong with Flintpaw!" He shouted. His eyes rested on the tom. His chest rose slowly, deep in a restless slumber. Scrunching his features together the tom did what he assumed was right. He grabbed Flintpaw by the scruff and lifted his body from the ground. Tanglepaw wasn't able to lift him completely but it'd have to do. With the gem utterly forgotten the tom dragged his companion through the bones and toward the deputy. He could feel the appendages splinter beneath his toes, and with each crack he felt his heart stop. He knew this was wrong. "Forgive me." He muttered through the fur between his teeth. Dropping the apprentice at the deputy's feet he gave her a cautious glance, "Before you scold me for leaving camp ju-just help me get him out of here." [bg=f8be5e]

Morningstreak

<sup>There they were. Morningstreak narrowed her gaze, drawing her vision closer. She could see Tanglepaw leaning anxiously over the one of the bodies. The deputy loomed closer, no, he was standing over Flintpaw. The ginger apprentice turned at the sound of her voice, his green eyes catching her own amber daggers. Something flickered across his face but it was quickly replaced with panic, "Something's wrong with Flintpaw!" The she-cat's eyes flashed, "Bring him here." She demanded breathlessly. Morningstreak watched attentively as the tom dragged him over the crushing bodies. She could feel her blood stiffen as the tom cruelly snapped the bones with each step. But what could she say? She wouldn't have been able to lift Flintpaw any higher herself. Instead she clenched her jaw and waited for this horror to end. Why was there a hidden graveyard beneath the moor? What were these cats hiding? It seemed much bigger than a simple burial ground.

Her eyes traveled over the skeletons, each face was frozen in eternal terror. There jaws were stretched open, their toes extended; as if bracing themselves for the impending doom. What had happened? The sound of Flintpaw's body hitting the ground brought her back to earth. Morningstreak met Tanglepaw's gaze silently. He seemed thoroughly disturbed. What had he seen? "Before you scold me for leaving camp ju-just help me get him out of here." The she-cat felt a heavy sigh leave her throat, "The lot of your are going to be in the elder's den for a moon." Without so much as a glance, she grabbed Flintpaw by the scruff and heaved him into the air. Her eyes trailed the extensive wall, she couldn't climb it, it was far too loose. With a grunt she set the tom down again and faced the ginger apprentice, "I won't be able to clear the jump with his extra weight." She paused, hesitation on her tongue, "I can probably reach about half-way."

"Jump up there right now and prepare yourself to grab him." Mornginstreak watched Tanglepaw set his jaw and then drop into a crouch. The tom's tail flung violently to and fro, and then he launched himself through the skylight. He landed clumsily on the top; it was reckless, but effective. Suddenly, Morningstreak heard something behind her. A deep, low wail. Her eyes flickered back toward the abandoned bodies. Nothing. She was about to turn her attention back to the apprentice when her eyes caught the shimmering gem. It laid forgotten in the soil, it's glistening red body sparkling in the dim sunlight - Tanglepaw's worried mews ripped her gaze away from the stone. "Are you ready?" She called the rock forgotten. The she-cat waited patiently for his response before placing Flintpaw's scruff between her teeth. With an exaggerated moan she leaped into the air. Her claws barely scraped the lip of the hole. She could feel gravity dragging her back down. Determination in her gaze she lifted her head, "Take him." She growled to the wide-eyed apprentice. Tanglepaw reached awkwardly toward the tom and took him from her clutch.

Tanglepaw lifted him onto solid ground with ease. Perhaps he should have jumped first - The she-cat mused silently. Grunting she hauled herself up onto the soil. "Let's get back to camp." She meowed between breaths, her eyes trailed back to the hole, she just needed to grab something first.</sup>

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"The lot of your are going to be in the elder's den for a moon." Tanglepaw opened his mouth ready to protest but caught himself staring as the she-cat heaved Flintpaw from the floor. It wasn't worth the fight. They had better things to do. He listened as Morningstreak ordered him to jump out of the hole. He gave her a lopsided glance, "Do you thin-" But he stopped himself, just do as your told. The tom dropped into a crouch, eyeballing the distance between him and the edge of the hole. He was able to do it before - it shouldn't be too hard. With a grunt he launched himself into the air and out of the chamber. The apprentice hit the ground clumsily, his paws slid out from underneath him and he tumbled across the dusty floor. He could feel the she-cats eying him mockingly. "I meant to do that." He meowed sheepishly, tongue in cheek. Dusting himself off with a quick shake he trotted back to the hole and peered into the shaft. It was hard to see but Morningstreak seemed to be distracted by something, "Hey! Are you jumping or what?" He meowed nervously. This whole thing was nerve wracking. He was probably wanted dead by a tribe of dead cats. Not only did he disturb their graves, but he also, literally just broke a dozen or so bones with his body weight. He was going straight to kitty hell. The she-cat seemed to have heard him and left him a hasty remark, "Are you ready? The tom scrunched his brow, "Yes." The words left his mouth course and dry. He wanted to get the hell out of here. He watched meticulously as Morningstreak leaped into the air and landed a few inches below him. The jump surprised him a bit, sending him rocking on his toes. The she-cat clung into the cliff-face, digging her claws into the dirt. She looked heavily annoyed at his shock and breathed daggers through Flintpaw's fur, "Take him." Tanglepaw gulped, don't mess up, don't mess up, with an uncomfortable glance he leaned into the she-cat and situated his jaws around Flintpaw's scruff. With a groan he pushed his weight onto his haunches and heaved upward. The tom lifted into the air with ease and with a snort Tanglepaw settled him down into the earth. "Thank Starclan that's over." He murmured. Morningstreak clambered out from the hole and gave her pelt a few licks. "Let's get back to camp." The words left her mouth carelessly, their was a weightlessness to them. The apprentice narrowed his gaze, "Sure..." There was something off about the she-cat, as if she was completely immersed in something else. "Hey Flintpaw." Tanglepaw meowed, the tom kicked the apprentice, "Get up. We have to go back to camp. Morningstreak caught us." [bg=f8be5e]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, border:0px solid #d3c5bb;border-radius:100px;width:480px;background-image:url('http://i.imgur.com/Uz0L3UG.png');background-position:top;b ackground-re peat:no-repeat;background-color:#4d4419;width:456px;background-position:top;background-repeat:no-repeat;padding-top:320p x;padding-bottom:10px;padding-top:315px;] "I'm drowning!" His eyes widened, his lungs pulling in a desperate gulp of air as his body returned to an awakened state. Flintpaw had a slow readjusting process before his eyes recognized the world around him, his breath slowing and his heart beat returning to a normal pace. He was back into the world of the living. It just seemed a moment ago where he was in that hell hole, his body failing him, his mind spinning, his breaths shallow, and as soon as he gave up his mobility he felt as if he fell into a pit of water (or some kind of liquid), drowning in the graves of all these ancient cats. Flintpaw still felt weak, but as soon as he finally processed Tanglepaw's words he heaved himself up, his thoughts barely touching the fact that they 'got caught'. He didn't know what to think, and he honestly didn't have the strength to think properly about what happened down there, let alone how he suddenly got back up here. With heavy paws he pushed his way past Tanglepaw, weakly flicking his tail to the others for them to follow them back to camp to face not comfort and rest from the events that took place, but punishment and hard work, only them carrying the burden of their morbid discovery. words :: 219 tagged :: Birdpaw, Tanglepaw, Tansypaw, Morningstreak notes ::

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Morningstreak

<sup>The she-cat watched the apprentices mull near the edge of the rock their eyes watching her anxiously, the she-cat lifted her chin, "Go ahead without me. I'm going to cover this hole. We don't want anyone else making the same mistake." The apprentices accepted her words without question and set off back toward camp. Morningstreak watched them until they were well out of sight. The second she couldn't make out their silhouettes she leaped back into the chasm. Her eyes immediately found the gem, it's sparkling crimson body pulling her in. It was magnetic; a force she couldn't withstand. She had to have it. Setting her jaw the she-cat picked through the broken bones until the gem was trembling beneath her. In the darkness it was still illuminated an appetizing red. The deputy licked her jowls. With careful precision she reached toward the stone and let her breath billow over it. And at once the voices struck. They screamed, drowning out her senses. There so many of them, all speaking at once. The she-cat jolted, her heart thumping wildly in her chest. Without much thought she grabbed the rock between her teeth and darted for the exit.

To her horror the hole seemed to be shrinking, it's rays of light being cut short by the absence of area. The voices were screaming louder now in a uniformed chant. Morningstreak could feel something dig into her hind legs. The she-cat glanced behind her and met the hollow eyes of a skeleton, it's bony claws snared in her flesh. With a screech of her own the deputy threw herself into the air, her claws scraping desperately into the earth. She could feel the space dwindling, it's walls pressing around her. With seconds to spare she pulled herself through the hole and into the evening air. With one final wail the hole closed shut. Morningstreak laid, sprawled across the moorland, her breaths coming out in panicked gags. A few coughs left her throat, followed by burning bile. The she-cat retched her lunch, as well as the stone, into the grass. She couldn't think, she could only hear the echos of hundreds of voices crying in her ears. They were no longer speaking but the memory was stuck on replay.

Morningstreak laid in her own vomit for what seemed like hours. She was too petrified to move; too horrified to even think. As the moon climbed high in the sky she slowly picked herself to her feet. She let her eyes fall on the gem, it'd be a waste to leave it here. Grabbing the rock with her teeth she set off for camp. The stone was bitter on her tongue, covered with the remains of her stomach. As she neared the familiar dip she paused outside of camp. The deputy set the treasure into the grass and wiped it with her paws. She rubbed it until it was clean, desperate for it to shine as brightly as it had in the tunnel. But no matter how hard she scrubbed the rock remained dull; lifeless. "What a waste." Morningstreak mumbled, but she wasn't going to leave it here.

Setting the stone in her teeth for one last time, the she-cat padded through the camp's entrance and into the warriors den. She didn't have time to scold the apprentice nor could she tell Sunstar what she had seen. Not now. She was far too tired; the images of the ordeal were burned in her mind and she knew she wasn't going to get any sleep tonight. Morningstreak pressed the gem deep within the folds of her nest and settled down on top of it. Here it would be safe. As she curled her tail around her body she could feel her eyes begin to droop. Perhaps she could get some sleep after all. Her dreams were filled with the screams of her denmates and their blood on her paws.</sup>