I'm Tumbling into Darkness [Eclipseclaw]

Lightning stared unblinking into the stream before him. The sun was sinking low into the sky and a cool breeze was ruffling his fur. Trees budding with leaves and flowers stood around him. But his thoughts were not on the coming on Full-leaf. His thoughts were on a she-cat he had hurt. Eclipseclaw

Lightning was haunted by the last time he had see the black she-cat. His words that had ripped her apart, her words that had ripped him apart. Every time he closed his eyes the last, painful moments he had spent with her played through his mind.

Before he knew it, Lightning was opening his mouth. Quietly he murmured "Eclipseclaw, please, don't be that way..." he took in a shaky breath before continuing. "I-I do love you. More than I thought I did. But we can't be together. I don't belong with the Clans, and I don't want to see you leave them just for some stupid tom like me..."

His thoughts trailed to the last day he had seen Angel alive. He wished with all his might he had let go and brought her back to her Twoleg home. But he was proud and couldn't let go of his pride possession. "You remember when we first met, Eclipseclaw? How you figured out what I had done. I don't want it to happen again, especially not to you. Just rest and then I'll take you back to your Clan."

His words fell upon empty words. She had made her decision. Perhaps with this choice she can tread the right path in life. This was only her first love, right? And first loves never end happily anyway. She was much too naive. She would choose her clan or this silly love, it wasn't meant to be. Squeezing her eyes tight she let out a low growl,
"I can go on my own, this was stupid of me." She had to act tough, she couldn't cry anymore, she had to make him hate her. This way they won't ever cross paths again.

With a snarl she scrambled to her paws, her muscles ached more than she intended but such a small issue wouldn't stop her. Barging past him she made a bee-line to the exit of his den. Stopping she trembled, "I don't ever want to see you again." she snarled. Eyes cold she turned her face toward his,

"And next time we'll meet I'll follow the code, and kill you."

Lightning cringed as he remembered the last words she has said to him. Those were the ones that hurt the most. Not that she hated him so much that she would kill him, but that she would live like he did. Living with a regret of killing a cat you loved. He couldn't let her live like that. She had such a great future ahead of her. They were never meant to be. Just like he and Angel were never meant to be. Lightning was destined to live his life alone.

And now he planned for it to end. He had been here all day sitting by the stream, hoping a patrol would come by-ThunderClan or WindClan-that would attack him. Perhaps even kill him. Just so Eclipseclaw wouldn't have to fulfill the promise she had made that night. But it was quiet except to the running water before him. He had better leave and never return. He'll leave this land he had learned to call his own. Live the rest of his life away from other cats and live with this regret he had. He did nothing but hurt the ones he loved anyways. It would be for the best.

Lightning stood, closing his eyes one last time and using what will power he had left to bring up one last image of the Eclipseclaw he loved.When he did, Lightning growled at himself.

"You're a stupid tom, Lightning. Stupid stupid stupid."

And then, he heard the brambles behind him rustle. Turning, the gray tabby saw a black form come out. His breath left him. It was Eclipseclaw.

ECLIPSECLAW
but the memory lives on forever

A soft chuckle echoed from Eclipseclaw's throat. Today was a mental-aid day. She needed to forget all of her worries and just focus on being happy. Riverspirit--the only cat that can make her smile. Lightning. Eclipseclaw inwardly trembled; he used to make her smile, bubbly and bright. Her claws dug into the earth, he's my enemy. Now he only made her sweat. Nervously she flashed her best friend a glance; she didn't have to think of him anymore. He should just take heed of my warning and get lost. He was an enemy, and if she saw him she will kill him. Those were their beloved parting words. Every moment, every second she had to relive those words. Those tears. That perfect world shattering.

And for what? To give up the life she had been living since she were a kit. Before she was a kit. To give up the life that has been passed down by generation to generation. Don't get Eclipseclaw wrong; she's so proud; so blessed to be born of Warrior blood. But sometimes she wonders; what would've happened if I had stayed beside him? Where would I be today? A moon has passed since she had last seen the tom, and her blood itched to press her body against his. It felt so right; never did she feel it was wrong. Only the code was against them. The life she led was her enemy; not him.

'Eclipseclaw'. The slick black she-cat nodded; she shouldn't have her head in the clouds. She was out hunting with a friend. A thin smile presented itself; these memories were too dark. Gulping she tossed away the key; they were locked and shouldn't ever be reopened. "I'm going to try the river, see you later?" she murmured to her friend.

Riverspirit; first meeting they were sworn enemies and now they're friends. This world is much too ironic. A sigh rippled form her throat as she trailed the scent of a rabbit. Would my friend find love? Will she have kits? Will I have to watch and plaster on a fake smile? The rabbit was close, crouching down she opened her mouth. A chill slithered down her spine. Why.

The rabbit was forgotten. Raising her body back onto her haunches she weaved through the prairie grassland. Her eyes alert for his figure. It was never found. She was breathing much too heavy now. Her breaths came out ragged and harsh, I can't see him again, not now. Please not now. It came out faster, and faster, and faster. Eclipseclaw gulped once again, Why aren't my paws stopping?

She was drawn to his scent; it was as if she couldn't restrain herself. She had to, had to see him once again. She licked her jaws, she gulped, her breaths staggered. The stream was into view. It gurgled and rushed; there he was.

Eclipseclaw halted; her breaths hurdled outwards and in. Another gulp proceeded. She slithered awkwardly into the brambles, she crouched; she watched.

He was as handsome as she remembered. His long, tabby fur. His roguish good looks. Then his eyes; they held such a sad remorse. Yet they didn't hit her as much as himself. The whole him. This was Lightning the tom she fell so blatantly in love with . Yet she stood gasping for breath in the brambles watching. Her eyes narrowed; I have to kill him, kill him. I said I had to kill him and I will. I'll kill him.

One last gulp. Eclipseclaw leaped through the air, her paws barred into his chest. At once she had him pinned. Her muzzle was inches from his throat. Her eyes met his; she gulped once more.

Lightnings worse fear was coming true. Eclipseclaw was going to kill him. He couldn't let her do that. But just seeing her froze him in place. Her piercing emerald green eyes betrayed the hurt she felt, even if it was clouded with anger. Her sleek black fur shimmered in the fading light. Was this how Angel felt when she was faced with his furry? Was this how she felt when he killed her?

Just as Lightning remembered to breath it, Eclipseclaw pounced on him knocking it out once more. With a loud thump they landed on the ground, her on top of him. But the thump of the ground did not keep him from hearing her gulp. She doesn't want to do this. She didn't have to. But when his eyes locked onto hers, Lightning only felt the love he had rush up to him. He didn't want her to do this. He couldn't let her.

With all his might Lightning shoved Eclipseclaw off of him. His claws stayed in and as soon as he felt her weight come off of him he scrabbled to his paws. He stood there for a moment, trying to get his legs to move. They wouldn't. And then Lightning found himself doing something he had never done before. He prayed to StarClan.

StarClan, if you are real, whoever or whatever you may be, I need your help. If not for me at least for a warrior you look out for. As soon as he finished Lightning felt a presence beside him, although it was fleeting. He didn't know what it was but he knew it was moving away from him and toward Eclipseclaw. Out of fear Lightning began to back away. A few steps back he felt one slip into the chilly water of the stream. He was cornered. He could only hope that something would happen that would stop Eclipseclaw from doing this.

ECLIPSECLAW
but the memory lives on forever

Eclipseclaw's eyes fidgeted in their sockets. She watched hesitantly as he scuttled back into the stream. She gulped once more. Her throat burned. You know you can't do this. This angry, smothering voice buried her. But you have to. Kill him. All of your pain will be gone. Her head snapped up. She focused her attention on Lightning's bewildered face. Eclipseclaw's lips quivered in anticipation; the fleshy part of her muzzle began to rise. Showcasing her sharp, pearly whites. A soft chuckle awkwardly escaped her throat; it slowly ventured into a madman's laugh; until finally it cut flat. She coughed.
"I warned you." she hissed. She exhaled slowly, her eyes flashed.

She wasn't mentally prepared for this. How can I kill the tom I- I love? She huffed and puffed angrily. Wondering what she could do; leave him be. Or--her eyes darted towards his lustrous pelt. Those spiraling stripes, soft green eyes, trailing white whisker. Kill him.

She hung her head. Eclipseclaw was going to scream. Perhaps she could just leave the lake. Go find a badger den and beg it to eat her. Then everything would be better. For she'd be in starclan and he'd be down here. Then at least their love; their relationship wouldn't be physically possible. That would make everything so much more easier. Or she could tell him off; make him hate her so much that Lightning would leave on his own and never come back. The little she-cat's head reeled and screeched. But in the end everything came down to such a simple choice; kill him or leave him?

She struck.

Eclipseclaw aimed for the bottom of his legs. That muscular part of your body that lives above your paws but below your knees. The shin. The tom buckled at her hit. Splash, sploosh, gurgle. She watched him go under.

It was quick. Lightning fear she had killed him. Killed him so easily. He hadn't wanted her to live like him, but now she would. Because he hadn't wanted to leave her. Because he hadn't had the courage to leave her. He had never been good for her and this just proved it. He should have left when he had killed Angel. He should have left a long time ago.

When she struck, all Lightning felt was pain in his legs. Then pain in his head, and then everything went black. He was limp and couldn't move. Couldn't breath. He couldn't see. He just wanted to die. But he didn't want Eclipseclaw to live like he had. He would never be able to forgive himself even in death if he died by her hand. It couldn't, it wouldn't, happen.

His eyes flew open. They instantly burned. His moth opened with a gasp, he was choking on water. The chill swept over him from the freezing spring water. She had kicked him into the river. He couldn't see her black shape through his blurry eyes. Technically, he couldn't see anything but a blur of green and blue. Where ever he was he was moving fast.

Caught off guard, Lightning felt his side slam into a rock, and then another, and then again he was racing down the river. It was all he could do to keep his head above the icy water. He just had to pray that he would stay alive long enough to drag himself out of the water when, or if, he reach the lake.

The gray tom could feel himself slipping in and out of darkness. Only going beneath the chilly water kept him awake. But even that was not enough to keep him awake forever. It felt like hows but in truth it was only minutes and he was washed into the lake. Unconscious he was washed ashore. Anything he might have dream about was sure to be about Eclipseclaw...

ooc:// If you want to, you can have a post about Eclipseclaw going back to camp or something =3[/size]

ECLIPSECLAW
but the memory lives on forever

What did I do? Oh starclan, great starclan! Her jaws dropped open; she watched helplessly as the tom she loved was sucked downstream. His heavenly fur was plastered to his skin; he looked so small; so scared. What's happening? Why did I do that? Suddenly she tasted salt; there were tears. And then she was running. Her staggered breathing returned as she pelted down the side of the river; watching as his head bobbed under. There were a few times she had thought he had gone under for good. Then and there she was ready to launch herself right off the shore into the prickly waters. But each time he resurfaced sputtering and coughing. And each time he failed to notice her speechless presence.

"Lightning!" she screeched, her claws pierced the shoreline. No longer could she race against the current. That large flawless surface of the lake gaped before her. Pulling Lightning's ragged body down under. She stumbled into the wake; the water tickled her ankles and yet she couldn't see him. Where did he go? A loud bubbling sound; mop of tabby fur resurfaced a few feet before her. She exhaled; the tears dribbled off her chin; splashing into the icy depths of the lake. She grabbed his scruff, dragging him further up into the sand.

She let go.

"Lighnting?" she murmured, nudging his cheek she meowed more loudly, "Lightning!" The tom only gurgled in reply, water drained from his mouth. She closed her eyes. What can I do? This is my fault. I need to help him. Without any sort of thought she grasped his scruff and began hauling him back towards his nest. The trek would be long and hard; but she owed him that much. With each tug she could feel his body being torn from the thorns and brambles. This was the piece of land that Thunderclan gave up so long ago. Windclan rarely sent hunting patrols due to such foreign terrain. They really belong beneath the sun, and so did she.

An hour swept by and she was still a little ways from his den. He hardly made a sound. Only a few grunts and incoherent words that she couldn't make out. There it was; an abandoned badger den. It was huge. She was surprised none of her clanmates had ever stumbled upon it. Eclipseclaw was more surprised that she had been the only one.

Entering the eerie cave she dropped his water-logged body. His fur was sopping wet; his breathing was shallow. Without a word she began licking the water from his pelt. More tears fell but with time they dried up; just as his fur.

"I'm sorry." she murmured.

The she-cat left him and quietly padded back to camp. Riverspirit probably already headed home. She probably suspects something like this. Her best friend already knows about the whole Lightning predicament. But she didn't know that they had split. Nor that she was to kill him. But that's a lie. Today she had tried and she had failed.

Ecliseclaw would never attempt it again.

When she slipped into camp the moon was high in the sky, and her dreams were tainted with his touch.

His world was so dark. Swirling purples and reds. He could hear everything, he could feel everything, but he couldn't say anything or move anything. All he could do was listen; and feel. He heard Eclipseclaw, her felt her drag him from the water. He felt every bump and tug as she took him someplace. But where, he didn't know. All he knew was she regretted what she had done. And he couldn't die with her like that. He wouldn't let her live like he had for long.

It felt like a life time before he felt her stop. And then he felt her rhythmic rasping of her tongue against his fur. And then she was gone.Her last words echoed forever and a day in his mind it seemed. "I'm sorry." He knew for sure then he had to let her know he was already. And then he was battling against the darkness. He didn't know what to do, he was so lost.

Then he woke up. His body ached, his head spun. The little light that came through told him it was night. Well past moon high. In a daze he got up. He had to catch up to Eclipseclaw. To tell her he was alright and that he would leave and never come back. If only to make her happy.

He clambered out of his den not looking back. He had to do one thing before he meet Eclipseclaw though. He had to face the person he had hurt the most, and the one who had brought Eclipseclaw to him. He had to say one last good bye to Angel.

By the time he got up to Angel's grave the sky was turning gray. He sat in the one spot that seemed to be the greenest of all from the new leaf air. It was were his first love would forever rest. He sat there in silence. His muscles groaning, barely able to stand. His head was whirling but he managed to say something. "I'm sorry, Angel. For everything. For cutting your life short, and for not being the cat you expected me to be. I hope you can forgive me." He stood up slowly and basically dragged himself across the rocks. He turned one last time to look at Angel's grave one last time. "Good bye," he whispered "I won't be coming back..."

And then he left. He slipped down the cliff bruised and battered more than he could ever remember being in his life. He wasn't sure he could make it. But he would or he would die trying.

It seemed like ages before he spotted the WindClan camp. It seemed even longer before he made it to the entrance. But as soon as he was he collapsed and waited for some cat to come out. Some cat to bring the weary and dying rouge to Eclipseclaw so he could tell her the truth. How he really felt about her. And how he didn't want her to regret living if he died.

Frostbite

^{I’m too old for this.}

[/center]

A large white tom took his spot for the night, instead of sleeping in a warm nest he was to stay up half the night guarding the camp. The pale moonlight gave the tom enough light to easily pick up any figure that would be making it’s way towards their camp.

The moor seemed dead; nothing scurried across the open field. The grass just swayed with the gently breeze that Starclan had given them from the break of the scorching hot weather that they had been having the last few days.

Frostbite sighed, it was going to be a long night for him. Looking over his shoulder the tom decided to check around the camp to make sure there wasn’t any apprentice’s had a smart idea to sneak out during the night. With one last look out in the moors he padded deeper into the camp scenting to make sure there was no one had left the camp.

A few minutes passed when the tom had then decided to go back to his position, ’Good, looks like those kits finally learn to stay in camp.’ Frostbite snorted to himself.

The silver tom felt his shoulder fur rise as a scent of another cat met his nose. ’Intruder. Frostbite raced across the camp’s clearing to the entrance and saw an unexpected visitor. A dark gray tom had collapsed in the front entrance, and in his condition he didn’t look like he had a fight in him.

Frostbite blinked in confusion, but he knew he had to warn the clan just in case he was planning something. With his blue-green gaze piercing the rugged tom Frostbite growled,
”This rouge is invading our camp.” Frostbite’s growled echoed through the silent camp, and soon enough head’s of clan mates poked their heads out of the dens and their eyes glared at the newcomer.

ooc:Neh sorry.... umm yeah this is all I got.
[/blockquote][/sup]

ECLIPSECLAW
but the memory lives on forever

The rain thundered down, ripping away her tears. She could taste the salt on her tongue; she was crying. The sky was dark; gloomy. The cold had seeped into her skin, leaving her shivering and weak. Eclipseclaw choked back more tears. His tattered; broken body laid before her. Not a breath rose his chest; not a word laced his tongue. The she-cat yowled out in anguish. She was the only one here. This isn't fair. He deserved more than this. Why was she the only cat to witness his farewell? Every cat deserved more. What about his friends Tigerheart? Shadowtalon? They had abandoned him. And what about her? Her body shook with each sob, "Don't leave me." she pleaded. The moment she decided to abandon him; just like everyone else, he had been killed. Murdered; slaughtered, he was gone. If only she had been there to protect him; to at least keep him company. He had died alone; and she couldn't do anything. "Please don't go." she wailed, nestling her muzzle into his neck she whispered, "I love yo-"

Eclipseclaw opened her eyes. The camp was silent. Only the eerie whistling of the wind played with the moor grasses. She flicked her ears. The murmuring of her clan-mates shunned her. "Isn't that the tom Eclipseclaw was with? Her eyes widened, "That filthy rouge dared come to our camp!" She leaped to her paws, "He's nothing but a scoundrel!" She left the den, "Drive him away!"

Her mouth was dry; her eyes hurt. Eclipseclaw slithered through the jumbled bodies, searching for what she wanted most. The mess of cats withered away into emptiness, she was now at the head of group. The little she-cat held back a sob. Lightning's body lay motionless before her. "Is he dead?" she choked out. Immediately she rushed to his side, prodding his shoulder; rattling his bones. "Lightning wake up." she breathed.

"Wake up!"

She didn't care if the whole clan was watching her. She didn't care if she were to be punished. All she cared; all she wanted was for Lightning to pop open one eye and smile. To call her an 'idiot' like before. Eclipseclaw wasn't expecting some tearful, romantic reunion. She just wanted things to return to normal. Before her stupid confession. She would be fine with only being friends, she was ok with that. She tried not to cry. "Lightning, come on wake up." His chest rose. It was small, ever so slight; but it was enough to make her smile. "I'm sorry, so sorry." she breathed.

The she-cat was upon her paws in seconds. He needed medical attention. She didn't care if she had to do it herself but she hoped Heatherflower would agree to checking his wounds. Sure he wasn't a clan cat; but Lightning assisted them during the battle against the rogues. And he definitely wasn't an enemy. Not to her. Reaching the Medicine Cat's den she called out,

"Heatherflower!" Blinking rapidly she did her best to keep back the tears, "Someone's hurt, really bad. I think he's going to die." A rush of tears trailed down her face; she tried to look strong. "He needs your help."

If Lightning had the strength, then he would have laughed out loud. I'm sorry, Eclipseclaw, but if you're clan thinks a rouge on the brink of death is a threat then they're really stupid. He had really hoped maybe Shadowtalon, or Tigerheart, or even better Eclipseclaw, would have found him. It was just his luck this thick-headed tom came across him. He actually thought he was invading camp. Ha! Just another thing to talk to his She-cat about. If he lived.

For the first time that Lightning could truly remember, he was afraid of death. A long time ago he had accepted the fact that any day he would die. He didn't care when, where, or even how. It was just a fact of life. But now...now Lightning didn't want to die. He had just realized what he had missed and now he was dying. He couldn't let it happen, but the large gray tabby didn't know how to stop it. But even as he was surrounded by Clan cats and their voices drowned out any other sound, they couldn't mask her scent. They could drown out her voice.

She was hurting. He could hear it in her voice. Lightning's heart broke. Right when he needed it the most his voice wouldn't work. He wanted to kick himself then and there. Her frantic begging of waking up tickled his ears. All the weak tom could manage though, was to breath. As much as he wanted to call her an idiot, as much as he wished to say 'She-cat, you're clans stupid' and pretend what had happened hours ago had never happened; he couldn't. His eyes were slits. He was using all of his strength to keep them open. He was afraid if he closed them, he would never wake up. He could never do that to Eclipseclaw. Never.

Her apology ripped his heart out. And then she left, he could hear her voice calling for some Heatherflower, he could also hear what the other cats were saying. "Great StarClan! Don't tell me Eclipseclaw cares about that rouge!" What was left of Lightning's heart crumbled. He knew he would never be accepted by the Clan. Never. And the tom could never live as a Clan cat. Lightning would never make it as a Clan cat, and Eclipseclaw would never make it without her Clan. Lightning was sure of that. But he wouldn't force her to stay or go. She would choose.

Suddenly two forms were beside him. There was Eclipseclaw. He knew immediately she would never be far from him. The other was a she-cat whose scent was of many different herbs. So this was the cat who Eclipseclaw had brought him. The new cat was giving orders to Eclipseclaw. "Chew this and put it on that scratch...now put these cobwebs on it, nice and tight." Lightning flinched as the juices seeped into his wound. That hurt more than them putting the cob webs on. "Watch it, She-cat."

The she-cat who smelled like herbs sniffed and placed sweet smelling petals in front of Lightning. "Eat that. If you can." Lightning felt his eyes roll, and then he attempted to eat the herbs. He couldn't reach them. Lightning felt helpless and through the slits in his eyes he glanced at the two she-cats "Do you mind?"

ECLIPSECLAW
but the memory lives on forever

Her mind was elsewhere. Absently she chewed the herbs; oblivious to the taste; the scent. She was only concerned for his well-being. Lightning. Oh Lightning. A stifled a cry. Don't die on me. The she-cat obeyed Heatherflower's instructions. There wasn't any sours retorts, for once in her life she listened. Spreading the gooey liquid across his wounds, she snagged the cobwebs between her claws. In quick, skilled movements she had his wound dressed correctly. A relieved smile slipped across her face. It was soft, and silent. Gentle as her touch; reaching down she nuzzled her head into his neck.
"Don't leave me."

For a few seconds she rested there, trying to take it all in. One moment they had just been two cats who occasionally bumped into each other. Instead of ripping his face off he slowly gained her respect. And now? He was the most important cat in her life. He was her everything and if he were to die? Eclipseclaw nuzzled in a tad bit closer; she would die too.

Slowly she pulled her head back; her eyes met his. They said the thousand words, her tongue couldn't speak.

A soft chuckle escaped her lips, "The great and mighty rogue can't even reach his medicine, how sad." An old spark relighted her flame. A cocky smile rested on her face then she nudged the herbs closer to his mouth. "Would you like me to feed you?" she teased. Even when he was dieing the tom was still able to stay tough. He must be in so much pain. But he'll live. The tears broke free faster than she could control them. But not because he was hurt; they were tears of joy, relief. He was alive, he was going to make it.

The clan's eyes were upon them, but not even their scathing stares could faze her. Right now, she would tell him how much he meant to her. In front of the whole clan. She was Eclipseclaw, since she was a kit she had done everything so rash, so blunt. So why not confess her love to a tom in front of everyone? She could be banned, ran out of camp, killed?

It didn't matter.

She took a breath.

"Lightning."

ooc: Ohh the suspense xD

Lightning did his best to glare at Eclipseclaw. But how ever hard he tried all he could manage was a look of pure joy. Being around Eclipseclaw made the rouge feel a million times better...just not physically. Physically he was in so much pain that it was all he could do not to show himself as a weak tom. He couldn't do that. He may love this she-cat, but he wasn't going to let go of his pride to quickly. But then, then the WindClan warrior started crying. Lightning didn't know what to do. All she was doing was helping him reach those herbs. Why was she crying?

Her words from before came back to him. "Don't leave me." Quickly he tried to comfort her. "Hey, I'm not going any where, there's no reason to cry." By now the Clan was intent on their every action. When Lightning spoke the ones near by huffed with indignity. Lightning would never fit in here, they wouldn't even let him try. Lightning quickly lapped up they herbs that Eclipseclaw had placed closer to him. Right before she said his name.

Lightning looked up, licking the last remnants of the sweet herb from his lips. What was she going to say now? Actually, Lightning didn't care as long as he heard her voice he was happy. But it couldn't stop his mind from thinking of what it could be.

Is she going to apologize again? What if she asks me to join the Clan? What if she says she's going to come with me when I'm well enough to leave? What if....what if she says she doesn't want to see me again? What if she's to devoted to her Clan to do what her heart tells her to do?

Lightning never thought anything about her telling him she loved him. He already knew she did; but he would never tire of hearing it.

ECLIPSECLAW
but the memory lives on forever

The world only held silence. Not even their staggered breaths met her eardrums. All eyes were on her, but they didn't matter. All that even managed to grab her attention; her heart; was before her. He was the only one that mattered. She felt this choice was right. Her mother was dead, her brothers. What did she honestly have left? Everyone thought she was a nuisance. Even Hazelstar, and she was the cat who believed in me the most. Her eyes quickly flickered towards an astonished Riverspirit. She gulped slightly before focusing back onto Lightning.

Yah.

She'd miss Riverspirit. She was her only friend, the only cat to ever really get to know her. But as his eyes rested on her, she knew; she knew she was going to do this. I'm sorry Riverspirit, but I love him more, than I love Windclan. She drew in a shaky breath. "Lightning." Eclipseclaw lifted her head, "Everyone." Her eyes softened, her tongue managed to move,
"This tom, this stupid, idiotic tom-" she chuckled softly. This was insane, truly insane, but she was going to do it. "I love him. I really do."

She could hear several gasps, murmurs, grunts ripple across the sea of faces. Some of them shocked, disapproving; mostly disapproving. Not a friendly flicker remained. She fixed her stance, proving her determination. "And I'm going to leave Windclan." The she-cat swore she heard crickets.

"I honestly think I'm insane, but when I see him smile, him laugh I just want to be by his side forever." A sad smile rested softly on her lips, "And if that means leaving everything I know for such a risky chase, then I'll do it." Nudging Lightning's sides she murmured quietly, "Come on you can stay in the Medicine Cat's day until tomorrow." As she brought the tom to his trembling paws she whispered, "I'll come and talk to you when all of this has died down."

She turned to her clan, "I'm sorry, but I can't be a warrior if that means being away from Lightning." she paused, "If I just stay I won't be able to stop thinking about him, and I can't do that to my clan." Tear-trickled eyes raked across the clan, I doubt they even care. "And if you--" her tears broke into sobs, "If you'll let me, I'd like to v--" Eclipseclaw gulped back the lump in her throat, "I'd like to visit." Flicking her tail she escaped into the shelter of Hazelstar's den.

Is this really want I want to do? Am I prepared for leaving all of this? I always wanted to be a warrior, I wanted to be a warrior for my brothers. Hanging her head she knew they'd be all unhappy with her right now. Was this really the right choice? Lightning's feeble smile flickered throughout her thoughts.

Yes.

Hardening her gaze she meowed, "Hazelstar."

Please don't be disappointed in me Hazelstar, your the only one I respected.

Her words filled Lightning with happiness. She was declaring in front of her entire Clan she loved him. Of course she was calling him a stupid, idiotic tom. But she could call him that all the time, Lightning didn't care. Her Clan may be shocked, they may be angry at her. No matter what Lightning would stand by her side and support her, and if she didn't want him to than he would do it anyway.

And then she said the last thing he had expected her to say. She was leaving WindClan for him! His heart was racing with joy. He stood on shaky legs and gently licked her ear. Eclipseclaw was the most amazing cat he had ever known. She was strong, courageous, stubborn, and beautiful. Lightning had always thought he was destine to live his life alone after he had killed Angel. Tiger and Shadow had left him for WindClan. How ironic that a WindClan cat was leaving for him.

Lightning was so glad that he had met her that day. Angel had brought them together, and he no longer needed her. He now had Eclipseclaw. She took him to the medicine cat den, Heatherflower trailing behind them. Before she left he gave her one last lick on the cheek. "You know you're amazing. Good luck." and then he slowly limped into the medicine cat den. Heatherflower pointed towards a nest and the gray tabby plopped himself down in it. The calico returned with poppy seeds. "Eat those and get some rest." before going back to her work. After lapping the seeds down Lightning turned back toward the entrance. I love you Eclipseclaw he thought right before sleep took over.

ECLIPSECLAW & HAZELSTAR

The brown she-cat appeared out of the shadows, ears perked and ready to listen. Eclipseclaw exerted a heavy sigh, "I'm leaving Windclan." she murmured. Hazelstar's honey-colored eyes widened slightly but she gave a small nod. Sighing as well she sat down, "I honestly can't say I didn't see this coming." The little black she-cat furrowed her brows, "How did yo-" Hazelstar cut her off with a sharp grunt, "I may be old but I'm not stupid. I was the same. Just like you." Eclispeclaw cocked her head to the side in confusion, "What do you mean?" The brown queen smiled slightly,

"His name was Wildstrike, he was from Shadowclan." Her eyes clouded over for a few seconds, shaking away the painful memories she continued, "But this is where we're different. I loved my clan more than him." Eclipseclaw hung her head in shame, "Look I'm sor-" The leader silenced her once more. "But maybe it was because I wasn't as strong as you." Standing up she murmured,

"You control your life, I can't make these decisions for you." Pausing she slowly inched backwards, back into the shadows, "If this is what you desire than you can leave." The leader was completely swathed in darkness, "But remember your choice is final. You can't come back." The leader was gone.

Eclispeclaw could feel herself shaking. Was she really prepared to do this? Could she leave everything just for Lightning. She loved him so much but she loved her clan as well. And what if it doesn't work out? Hazelstar just said she wouldn't take her back. Gulping she nervously exited the den. "I can do this."

Padding anxiously past all of the stares, the familiar faces she entered the medicine cat's den. There laid Lightning. She wasn't going to wake him up now. Her bones ached, everything hurt. Tomorrow was a big day and right now; right now she wanted to sleep. With a sigh she knelt down beside him, "I love you." she whispered. Eclipseclaw's legs buckled beneath her, and there she fell asleep. By his side.

Where she belonged.