Left Behind (Tigerpaw)

<sup>Mysticpaw
You may be smart, but I'm smarter

Mysticpaw stared after her sister as she left camp with her enemy. Why did she look so happy like she was in some dream world? Didn't she hate him? Actually, she herself never got along with him. He seemed like he thought he knew everything and was too serious. Plus he always picked on Kestrelpaw, which made a white flame unravel in her stomach.

Kestrelpaw didn't like him, did she? He's a horrible cat! He doesn't deserve her! What is she getting into? All these rapid thoughts raced into her mind. She also felt a little jealous. Here her sister was, already finding someone to hang out with and maybe have a future with. While she was left in the dust, the only cat she knew and always was with gone from her life. She never felt so alone.

Heaving a sigh, she decided to leave the two alone. She felt a sensation of her grumbling stomach, and turned her attention to the fresh-kill pile. But while turning the direction of her destination she found herself colliding with fur. Her vision clearing, she saw the familiar face of one of her Clan-mates. Tigerpaw. "Ah...sorry." She murmured, slipping past him to continue her route.</sup>

TIGERPAW
Reckless youth makes rueful age.

Dark fur rose and fell slowly in the evening light pouring through the cracks in the warrior's den. A rumble echoed and the fur stirred. Heaving himself up, Tigerpaw thought of a nice juicy vole to satisfy his hunger. The rumbling came again, only this time it wasn't his stomach, but the groaning effort of lazily getting up from his warm den. Padding slowly out into the cool evening air, he paused quickly and arched his back in a great attempt in stretching the sleepiness out of his joints.

With little effort he padded over to the fresh kill pile, his eyes squinted with sleep. This was probably not a good idea, for this camp was pretty busy at this time of year with repairs and gathering fresh kill. Not even bothering to watch where he was going, he trudged onward, when a sudden weight slammed his side. While staggering over, his eyes met those of Mysticpaw.

"Oh... Sorry about that, I guess I should watch where I'm going." Slightly embarrassed, he searched the pile for a vole. The only one just had to be at the bottom, but when you want to eat, you eat! Catching hold of the plump creature he yanked it out, everything else tumbling into the dust. With a chuckle, he started to push a squirrel toward where it had been a few moments ago.
"Would you like to eat with me?"

<sup>Mysticpaw
You may be smart, but I'm smarter

Mysticpaw was surprised at Tigerpaw's offer. She didn't know him that well, but she thought he would be more troublesome and rude. But, she expected that from everyone, did she? She was so used to just knowing one cat, she didn't think to get to know everyone else around her. She never trusted anyone else. But now that her sister was gone, she had better start now.

"Er...sure...I guess," Mysticpaw replied awkwardly. "Where's your brother? You two always seemed to be around each other." Mysticpaw remarked, narrowing her eyes suspiciously. "Do you just want company since your sibling isn't around?" Yes, she was being a bit cold. But it was her defensive instinct kicking in. When she feels insecure, she tries acting logical. This is rare, but being alone is rare too, and she still is cooping with it.</sup>

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TIGERPAW
Reckless youth makes rueful age.

"He's out training with Owltalon... And no, I could just eat alone if that is what you want? It would be so much simpler..."

Yes he was being a bit mean, but it was habit, and besides, she started it. Come to think of it, this is one of the few times he ever talked to this snappy she-cat. She too was always with her sibling, separated from the possibility of meeting new cats. Lately, though, Tigerpaw was on his own, Patchpaw was still moping about the loss of Seabird. What about her? Why was she suddenly alone? Without the company of her closest friend and sister?

"What brings you to be so grumpy today? Surly you too are not looking for someone to talk to...?"

The questions were simple, asking for simple answers. Small talk was easy for his quick mind, though he had no one to share the news with... Picking up his vole he turned and walked a few paces, only to turn and look if Mysticpaw was following...[/center]

<sup>Mysticpaw
You may be smart, but I'm smarter

Mysticpaw snorted. Who knew the tom could be so short-tempered. But, she couldn't complain. She had a temper in the first place for no particular reason. He also had a good point that she found true and more logical than her own remarks. Mysticpaw was so used to company it was killing her to be alone.

"Sorry..." Mysticpaw sighed. "I'm just all worked up now that Kestrelpaw seemed to have a better life without me and moved on. I just feel so alone..." The she-cat stopped herself, hissing and mentally hitting herself. "Enough of my sad story. It's foolish. I need to do something more productive than sulking..."

The apprentice was rather frustrated at herself. She made herself look like an idiot! Why confess her worries to someone she barely knew? It was her problem, not his! She needed to be more to herself and independent. She depended too much on cats. She was going to have to get used to being alone.

"Speaking of which, I'm going to go..." not like there was anything to do. Her mentor was out on a patrol, and she couldn't leave camp. "...check on the elders."</sup>

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TIGERPAW
Reckless youth makes rueful age.

"Oh? Or is that just another excuse to get away from getting to know someone, and just keep going on 'sulking' to yourself, rather than let it all out?" The dark tom's gaze froze on Mysticpaw, waiting confidently that he had made an impact on her choice. "And weren't you going to eat something anyways? You did just answer with a 'yes' just a moment ago..." Proudly he reached down to grasp his vole between his jaws, he slowly padded a few steps over to the edge of the camp near the warrior's den. Setting the limp creature down by his paws he waited patiently for Mysticpaw to reply, with his amber gaze still resting on her thoughtful expression.

<sup>Mysticpaw
You may be smart, but I'm smarter

Mysticpaw stared at him with a thoughtful, yet flaming gaze. But the flame died down as she was calmed down by her thoughts of defeat. Kestrelpaw moved on, so why isn't she? Her mind was stuck in the past. It was time to make friends of her own. And Tigerpaw was a great start. Or at least she hoped.

Mysticpaw had a weird feeling that they might not getting along at first, but he was brave enough to point out her flaws like no other cat could. She actually respected him. But it didn't mean she liked him. A good ally, but she would rather avoid him being her friend. Mysticpaw had to force herself to make at least one friend though. She had to stop being picky. It would just make her more lonely than she already was. While Kestrelpaw would be frolicking off with some tom and having kits.

"Fine, fine. I surrender," Mysticpaw sighed, following Tigerpaw's paw steps. Adding a little humorous smirk she meowed, "Since you influenced me so much, I'm going to be your friend no matter what. Let's get to know each other. Alright?"

I hope I'm not making some stupid mistake...</sup>

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