No One But My Shadow(Dawnstep)

<sup>Dawnstep
What is love?

Dawnstep was surprised that Shard didn't attack her which would have ended her life. That was close I have to control myself better, she thought.She was finally cooling down, going right back to her shy side. Dawnstep didn't want to go through that again, she didn't want to say something that may get her killed. I know I'm not weak, she thought Well I don't think I am, I can stand up for myself, she thought.

"I'm still not weak." Dawnstep mumbled very low. He is right I am too spoiled in the clan, and their are cats that take care of me, protect me, and we do have an abundance of prey, she thought. "No that doesn't sound like rogue life." she meowed shyly, Dawnstep blushed when Shard flicked his tail across her chin. "I guess I can come with you, so you can show me how I'm spoiled."</sup>

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<sup>Shard
Bloodshed is in my nature

Shard smirked. This was going to be interesting. It seemed this she-cat is short-tempered, but lacks in confidence to stand up for herself. It was amusing, really. Just to watch her blush and mumble in a way where she didn't want too much attention, or none at all. Maybe that's what made her so different from any other cat.

"Follow me, then," Shard meowed, racing off in a sudden dash. The more time he wasted, the less time he had with her and proving he was right. And also, to escape the loneliness that darkened his mind and made him the monster he was today. Maybe this she-cat could change his perspective. Maybe she could change his attitude, and release him from his suffering. Just maybe...

No. Shard thought suddenly, sprinting faster in frustration. Not even she could help me. I don't need help, anyway. I'm fine on my own. I'm perfectly fine...

But the truth was that he was mentally ill. A disease that buried in his brain and poisoned his thoughts and movements. Something only a precious seed could quench by slipping inside and clenching the invaders for good. Was she that seed he was waiting for all his life? Or will this sickness eat him alive?

Shard halted, positioned on a hill that overlooked a vast wasteland speckled with leaf-less trees and bare ground. Bones littered the sight, barely anything lush or living moved. It was lifeless. And this was his only home now after DeathClan took over much of his hunting grounds for themselves.

"This....this is our home."</sup>

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<sup>Dawnstep
What is love?

At least I don't have to go back to the clan, she thought. Happiness started rising up inside of her. She never really wanted to go back to the clan. It's so nice to be away from the clan, but still how am I spoiled, she thought. Dawnstep never though she was spoiled Let's just see if Shard can show me how I'm spoiled, she thought.

Dawnstep dashed after Shard, This is going to be fun, she thought a smile forming on her face. She wondered if Shard could make her more confident and not be shy. She notice Shard was sprinting faster, she quicken her speed to catch up. When Shard went to a halt she stopped behind him, then walked next to him. Dawnstep took a look at the land, This is their home, she thought. Dawnstep meowed shyly" This is your home, you barely have anything I feel so bad for you and the others."</sup>

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<sup>Shard
Bloodshed is in my nature

Shard glanced at Dawnstep with a serious look in his eye. Flames lapped the surface of his pupils, the intensity of this scene made his gaze seemingly burn into Dawnstep's pelt. His posture was strong and steady, showing no sign of movement. While his stare was solid and paralyzed. His serious nature was to a whole different level.

"This is why you Clan cats are spoiled," he began his eyes forming slits of rage. "We have nothing here. No food, no shelter, no allies, nothing. You have everything we wish for. But yet we suffer, not welcomed anywhere but this...this...dump. Try living here all your pathetic, soft life she-cat. Then you'll understand how lucky you are."

Jumping down from the hill he prowled the wasteland, lacing his way through the few rocks or debris scattered across the dry dirt he padded on. "Conditions have gotten so bad here a lot of us are dying, or forced to steal food or prey from other foreigners. We live in this dust, rocks and dead trees our only protection." Twisting his head to cast his gaze toward Dawnstep over his shoulder he grunted, "No cat had the luxury of being spoiled here, dear. This is the land of survivors."</sup>

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