Horizon [Eclipseclaw]

Two shapes were hidden in a small cave located near WindClan territory. One was a dark gray tabby, the other was pure black. Both slept peacefully as the world around them woke. The two cats were known as Lightning and Eclipseclaw. Together with the Clans they had traveled from the old lake territory. The tabby twitched the dew on his whiskers, and his forest green eyes flashed open. Moving so as to not disturbed the still sleeping Eclipseclaw, Lightning shuffled out of the den. It was a beautiful morning. The sky was still gray in the early moments of the morning. The tom loved to wake up early. It gave him time to think, and to hunt so Eclipseclaw could have some food when she woke up. Just as the sun began to peak over the horizon Lightning set off. The patch of land Lightning and Eclipseclaw lived on belonged to no Clan. So long as the pair stayed off of WindClan territory and away from ShadowClan they would be bothered. There was access to water and plenty of prey. It felt good not having to steal prey from the Clans. Especially, Lightning thought, now that his mate was a former clan cat! With that the tom's thoughts trailed off to how he met Eclipseclaw. He had left that life far behind him now. No more could he go see Angel's grave. But that didn't bother the tom like it use to. He had Eclipseclaw, no one else, dead or alive, mattered. A rustle sounded to his left and a frightened mouse darted away. Lightning was after it in seconds. His jaw clamped down on it and with a swift and strong twist of the neck the mouse was dead. The rouge hid it so he could gather it after he caught some prey for him. Would he even be considered a rouge any more? He no longer stole from the Clans, no longer lived off of their territory. He might actually be considered an ally to WindClan! If ever they asked for help Lightning would go if Eclipseclaw asked. That's how they got here. He had taken Eclipseclaw away from her clan because of their love. He couldn't put even more space between her and her old home. Besides, the lake was to dangerous to live at anymore. With all the new Twoleg activity Lightning and Eclipseclaw were forced to leave their temporary den. When they had spotted RiverClan traveling toward the barn and found out what was going on, Lightning followed. The journey had been rough. But Lightning and Eclipseclaw made it. And now they were here. In a place they were safe and could live and maybe even start a family. The sun had risen steadily, already fully in the sky. With another mouse in his jaw Lightning picked up the first one and made his way back home. Home. It felt so right to call that little den a home. Of course, if they ever did have kits they'd need to find some place a little bigger. But they could worry about that when they needed too. As the stone dwelling came into view, Lightning's eyes lit up. A dark shape was waiting outside for him. [bg=d4d3ce][atrb=border,0,true]

Eclipseclaw peeled her eyes open, she blinked a few times. The sunlight was spilling softly into the den, illuminating the silver stone. The she-cat yawned, she curled herself onto her side. The space next to her was slightly warm, troubled she discovered Lightning was no longer in it. Twisting her head around she gazed meekly at the abandoned spot. It took only a few seconds for her brain to register that he had gone out hunting. They've only been in the cave for a few days, and each morning he had gone out to catch her some breakfast. It was a sweet gesture, but it left the independent warrior feeling useless. Her mouth coiled into a smile, she had some choice words for her mate when he came back. Sliding onto her stomach, she needed the soft earth with her paws. Judging by their routine, the rugged tabby tom would be back in a few minutes. Gripping the earth with her claws, she pulled herself onto her feet. Another yawn rippled across her face, as she arched her back. Fully rejuvenated the nimble she-cat padded outside of the cave. The sunlight did little to drive away the chill that was crawling up her spine. Leaf-fall was nearly here, every morning the grass would be shrouded in frost. While the trees were slowly growing festive. Eclipseclaw twitched her whiskers, in no time she'd see the former rogue climb that little hill and come straight to her. Until then she'd perch quietly outside of their home. It hadn't really occurred to her that she too, were a rogue. In her heart she would always remain a warrior. As she waited she let her mind get the best of her. Her memories traveled back to the time of the journey. Strange enough Windclan accepted her presence, as she migrated beside them. Lightning got to spend time with his former allies, Tigerheart and Shadowtalon. While she got to keep Riverspirit company. It still didn't sit quite right in her stomach that Stargaze was dead. Even worse she never thought that the night of her farewell, would be the last time she saw the great chocolate colored leader. Hazelstar was the rock to Windclan's foundation she was sure with her goodbye, the whole clan would be ruins. But with Suneye's careful guidance they remained the clan she left. During the days of the journey she'd pad loyally next to her clan. Many thought she'd absorb right back into the clan, as if her tearful withdrawal meant absolutely nothing. Back on that night, she said everything that was in her heart. That trembling speech was true; and she meant every word of it. As the day grew into night she would also gravitate back to him. Eclipseclaw would press against his side, and they'd fall asleep listening to the quit murmurs of her clan-mates. Each day she opened her eyes believing they'd make it out alive, and they did. Lightning's familiar form appeared at the top of the hill. Another smile slid across her face. She could see the light in his eyes when he saw her. A small purr rumbled in her throat, every moment he went away she could feel her heart clench in fear for him never returning. Even when she wanted to claw his eyes out, even when he was being a pain. She still loved him. "Hey." she called out, a laugh hidden against the shrewdness of her voice. The she-cat curled her tail in amusement, "I'm not a useless kit you know." "I can hunt for myself." [bg=749780][atrb=border,0,true]

Lightning came closer and closer to her waiting form. With each step he heard his name. Eclipseclaw. Eclipseclaw. He didn't care if it sounded cheesy, he was hopelessly in love with this black she-cat. But when the tom came up and she called out hello, something didn't settle right. She didn't sound pleased at all. He sat the two mice on the ground and then found out why. Lightning felt his eyes turn to slits. Of course she wasn't a kit! Of course she could hunt for herself. It was just that...well, Lightning was so use to hunting for himself, it was a little odd to have Eclipseclaw with him. Eclipseclaw might not know it, but every night he went to sleep worrying. What if she got sick, what if she got hurt. What if they couldn't find anything to eat? But worse of all, he thought about what would happen if he lost her. He didn't worry about himself, he was able to take care of himself. But it was so different with an extra cat to take care of. He was doing the best he could. He thought she would feel fine with him hunting for her. Apparently not. But Lightning had to scold himself for thinking that. She was brave and independent. Keyword there: Independent. Of course she should feel like a kit. She had always hunted for herself and for her clan. Lightning closed his eyes and counted to ten. It was a little trick a sick medicine cat had taught him during the journey. An apprentice had tossed a rock and it had hit Lightning square in the head. The calico had seen his anger before he could lash out at the young cat, and ordered him to count to ten. It worked, those ten seconds gave him time to stop and think about what he was about to do. The words he had been about to say to Eclipseclaw faded away. Instead, out came "Sorry, I didn't know you were offended." he looked up into the emerald green eyes that had once haunted him "If you want we can hunt together from now on." of course he didn't like saying those words. They came out like sand-paper against his tongue. But he held back. He wasn't going to let the same thing that happened with Angel happened again. He bent down and pushed over a mouse toward her, and grabbed the other for himself. Making himself situated, Lightning began to eat. He was curiously waiting for Eclipseclaw's reaction. [bg=d4d3ce][atrb=border,0,true]

"I would like that." she murmured. The little black she-cat curled onto her haunches and nibbled into the mouse. Green eyes bright she made little eye contact with her mate. The voices swirled around her. She wasn't sure of what to say, she was so used to muttering whatever came off of her tongue, that it was almost a custom. But now things were different. Eclipseclaw wasn't a one show spit fire, with her audience being the clan. It was a two cat posse now. Any vial splattered word could lead to them heading off in opposite directions. If they wanted this to work they had to be civil. Her toes trembled, but the end of her name wasn't 'claw' for nothing. She knew how to use them, and the bite always grew stronger because of her bite. Lightning had a haughty gruff to himself as well. He was a rogue after all. The idea of them being in the least bit civil made her squeamish. Fixing a cold, hard stare she grumbled, "You know I might die of boredom if we kept acting like this." As if the slightest curt remark could shatter them both. The mouse was only half-eaten as the she-cat rose to her paws. Giving her body a shake she meowed hesitantly, "What I mean, is that our relationship was built firmly upon the belief that at points we just absolutely hate each other." That's what created the spark. When he got her mad, she just wanted to claw his eyes out. Yet at the same time she had never felt more attractive to him. It took a foolishly brave tom to handle her. That's what she wanted, not this civil runt poised beside her. None the less it did soften her gaze at the way he fondly tried to take care of her. Perhaps she could find a suitable middle ground between the two. At times he could be rough, and commanding. And others a gentle sweet-heart. It was these aspects that rounded out his character, and made him whole. Just like him she had her polar personalities as well. Most of the time she was a horror to be seen with, but late at night; when she curls up against him she is no more than a drowsy kit. The black she-cat suppressed a quiet sigh, "I just don't want things to be different between us." She admitted. Maybe it was because they had no schedule. They didn't have the building blocks to the home they were creating. Eclipseclaw raised her chin to match his height, "How about we design a schedule?" Ideas already ran through her head. They could hunt together in the mornings. Feast at mid-day, battle train in the afternoon. Or complete simple other things, such as exploring, running, relaxing, or patrol-They had yet to set up any borders. The former warrior cocked her head to the side, did rogues have their own territories. She had assumed so, but now she wasn't quite sure. Tossing Lightning a glance she meowed hesitantly, "Lightning, rogues do establish borders, right?" Her eyes stayed connected to his, it bothered her not knowing whether they would be safe at night. She suddenly felt just how lonely it was without the safety of her clan. [bg=749780][atrb=border,0,true]

You could say that Lightning was surprised at Eclipseclaw's reply. That was really easy... The tom had thought she would go on and on about him hunting for her. But content with how that incident turned out Lightning settled down to eat. Yet at the same time something was up. This wasn't the end of the conversation, he knew that much. He was so unsure on how to go about doing all of this. They were both in completely different situations, Eclipseclaw was use to having her Clan and now she only had him. He was so use to having only him and now he had her. It was very different, especially in this new territory. It had been so quiet, just the sounds of nature going on about it's way, that Lightning was caught off guard when Eclipseclaw spoke suddenly. He looked at her curiously, but said nothing. Actually, he couldn't say anything since she had caught him off guard right as he was swallowing. The tabby was trying hard not to choke to death. Finally his passage way was cleared and the black cat continued. And Lightning listened quietly. It wasn't because he didn't have anything to say, he had plenty to say. He could tell this life was different from what she was use to, it was the same with him. He just didn't know how to say those words. It was actually a little irritating. But then she asked another question. "Lightning, rogues do establish borders, right?" Lightning looked her up and down. That was right, Eclipseclaw didn't know the ways of the rouges. Well, it was time for lesson one. Territory. "It depends on the situation. Actually, a lot of things depend on the situation when you're a rouge. Normally rouges are living off of someone else's territory, like one of the Clans. If we were stilling living on Clan territory, no we wouldn't make borders. Especially if we were enemies to the Clan, that would tell them exactly where we live. But since we have a spot that no Clan owns, then we can." And it was probably a good idea to, too. If other rouges or loners were to come along they would start to take the land that Eclipseclaw and Lightning needed. Borders would deter loners and it would tell rouges if they wanted this land they would have to fight. And even though rouges were normally friendly, when they became enemies it could get messy. Lightning looked into Eclipseclaw's emerald gaze. As much as Eclipseclaw knew about surviving, she didn't have a big Clan to back her up anymore. If she wanted to survive, especially if anything ever happened to him, she had to learn a different set of rules. The rules that Lightning had lived by all of his life. He just wondered how she would react to them. [bg=d4d3ce][atrb=border,0,true]

Irritated, Eclipseclaw bit back the retort. It bugged her that he smoothly sailed over her previous questions, and skipped right to the one that honestly didn't matter. What happened to their home, happened. All that mattered was that they were together. She narrowed her eyes, "How big should our territory be?" She meowed dryly. If he wanted to discuss the territory, then they would. It was going to take a while for her to get used to Lightning, and Lightning only. When she would fight with a clan-mate there was always another clan-mate to keep her company. Now if she argued with Lightning, there was only Lightning. Eclipseclaw averted her gaze, she was more interested in the ground at this point. Maybe she needed to clear her head? This morning didn't start out as well as she had hoped it to. Ideas of schedules, and a peaceful outing seemed impossible now. Tension hung heavy in the air, sighing she crackled like lightning, "Let's just go figure this out." Flicking her tail she pushed herself to her paws, the half-eaten mouse laid in a heap at her toes. She left it there. Taking a few long, luxurious strides, she strode toward what would soon be their land. There was a lot to look at. In the distance stood the hazy, blue mountains. Much closer was a collection of hills, farms, and small forest areas. In the other direction laid the Highstones, and a little ways away was the beginning of Windclan territory. The name sent troubled trembles down her spine, she missed her clan. But Lightning was worth the trouble, even if they disagreed at times. Obviously when setting up one's territory you had to come up with the essentials. Such as food, water, and shelter. Their comfortable cave provided protection against the blistering sun, chilling winds, pelting rain, and icy snow. The closest forest area was not within reach, this didn't faze her. She was Windclan thick and through, grassy hill lands were her specialty. Although this particular piece of land was a bit different. The grass was springy, and more loose. It had a deeper green shade to it, and instead of being crowded with rabbits, their was an abundant supply of mice. Little shrubbery was there to decorate the barren landscape. "Depressing..." She murmured quietly, it seemed as if the only type of shelter they would have would be the cave. Water was a bit more hard to find. Pausing she opened her mouth, breathing in the scents. Turning to the large, tabby tom she inquired, "Do you think we'll find water?" The closest they had to stumbling upon some was in the depths of Windclan territory by the gorge. It seemed apparent that rogues have lived here before, which meant water was close by. Eclipseclaw closed her eyes, and depended on her ears. Beyond the typcial scuffling of tiny mice paws, she was able to detect a barely audible trickle. Her eyes snapped open, it was on the other side of their den. "Do you hear that? I think it's water." She commented quietly. Ears perked she trotted toward the sound, her mouth grew dry at the thought of liquid. Licking her lips she was surprised to find the sound dwindling as she drew near. She halted, and closed her eyes once more. Concentrating she was able to find the familiar noise of rushing water. Furrowing her brows she padded cautiously forward, and like that the crick was before them. It was small, and very well hidden. The stream laid at the bottom of the ridge, almost invisible due to the overgrown clovers, plants, and moss. It was too small and too shallow to sustain life, or fish for that matter. The queen shot Lightning a inquisitive glance, she shrugged, as if to answer herself. Thrusting her muzzle into the cool substance, she was surprised that it tasted to good. Perhaps it was because she was so thirsty before. When she had her fill she meowed loud enough for her mate to hear, "We should make the edge of our border along this creek." [bg=749780][atrb=border,0,true]

You could say Lightning was confused. Actually, that would be an understatement. The tom had no idea what he had said or done that had put Eclipseclaw in this mood. The rouge followed the black she-cat, the conversation playing back in his head over and over again. What had he said? What had he done? Once more Lightning found himself at a loss for words. He didn't have any idea on how to ask her what was wrong. This was so much easier when she was in WindClan and he was a rouge. Then they had been "enemies" and didn't have to worry about this kind of stuff. But now that they had confessed their love it would be to difficult to go back to that, especially since they were now living with each other. He followed a pace behind Eclipseclaw. As much as he wished to be the one leading, he held himself back. He observed his mate, curious as to what was wrong. Many different scenarios were running through his head. One, he had done or said something to upset her. Two, this was just Eclipseclaw having a mood adjustment like the other she-cats. Or, three, she was upset because she was pregnant. Of course, that third option was out of the question. Eclipseclaw would tell him if she was expecting...wouldn't she? Either way, Lightning thought as he gave himself a mental shake, it was not that. He was sure of it. Lightning shrugged at her question. He didn't know if they would find water around here. He was having trouble finding it himself. Becoming increasingly aware of his thirst, like his mate he tuned in to the sounds around him. Eclipseclaw was the first to hear it, but he was right behind her. She lead the way, apparently better at hearing than him. But that didn't surprise him, he was getting old after all. But don't be thinking like that, Lightning. You're still...fairly young... Eclipseclaw stopped and looked down a small ridge. Lightning padded up beside her and looked down. There was a small creak. It was shallow, it wouldn't have anything to eat in it. But it was enough for their source of water. That was the important part. He looked at it, and following suit he bent down and drank his share. Smacking the cool liquid off of his lips, he listened to Eclipseclaw's statement. Lightning nodded in agreement. It would be a good place to mark. But still, something was bothering him. Before he let her go on with her trip, he had to ask. Sitting up and looking at her skinny form, he spoke. "Eclipseclaw, did something I say or do bother you?" [bg=d4d3ce][atrb=border,0,true]

Her eyes followed the gushing torrents in the water, surprised just how quick they jetted down the stream. Lightning's questoin rung sourly in her ear, her head shot up. Eclipseclaw lifted a paw, licked it, and drew it over the back folds of her ear. She analyzed the possibilities, everything she could say. Instead she meowed curtly, "No, you did nothing of the sort." A sigh hissed through the cracks in her teeth, "Instead, your being perfectly...perfect." She didn't like this Lightning. The one who thought before he lashed out, the one who considered her feelings. They loved each other, they cared for each other, she got that. But couples fought, they argued, and spat. That's what they did, but once it became official, it diluted into a measly oh my love, I can not harm thee. The former warrior could see the emotions flickering through his eyes, at once guilt ate away at her stomach. Perhaps he did deserve some sort of justification. "Lightning, I just, we're not, I can't, you..." The words drifted aimlessly out of her mouth. She cleared her throat and announced confidently, "We're best friends and mates, not just well-" Her cheeks tinted, "We're not just a couple." Eclipseclaw cleared her throat again, "I don't want to be treated as if I'm some rare flower, and I won't do the same to you." Her eyes narrowed softly, "Don't be afraid to hurt me, I can handle myself." She knew his fears stemmed from Angel, but she wasn't a sweet little loner. She was Windclan thick and through, fighting was in her blood. She could take on pain, even the emotional kind. They walked in silence along the river bank, her paw pressed gently into the mud. It was cold, the wind brushed fervently against her pelt, warning her of the leaf-bare brewing on the horizon. The little black she-cat shivered, "It's going to be a cold leaf-bare." She could feel it in her bones. As the slopes curved downward she found herself thinking of Riverspirit. The two had yet another, tearful good bye as they went their separate ways. They spoke warmly of their memories, and looked forward to the new. Yet they both left teary-eyed and choked. She missed her female companion, but this was the life she chose and she would never regret it. Nudging Lightning's shoulder she meowed hesitantly, their feelings still raw from their previous conversation, "How far should the border extend here?" There was hardly a landmark in sight, the closest plant was a puny thistle bush. She narrowed her eyes, it's too close to their camp, I want more room to hunt then this. "Perhaps we should travel a bit out...?" Her voice softened with each paw step, she was curious to what laid beyond them. [bg=749780][atrb=border,0,true]

Lightning listened quietly to Eclipseclaw's words. He took in each and everyone of them, and flinched inwardly at their meaning like a kit being scolded by his mother. He was just trying to be the tom who he thought he was expected to be. But he should have realized that the tom he expected to be was his old self. He shouldn't change just because he was afraid. He wasn't some sort of weak kitty-pet, even though he really did feel like one a lot. Eclipseclaw gave him no time to react to her words, but continued on their appointed task. It gave Lightning some time to mule over her meaning. She was right, they weren't a couple. They were best friends, mates. There was no reason to change. He took a deep breath looked straight ahead and was determined to be himself. No more being nice. No more being considerate. He was to be himself, like Eclipseclaw wanted him to be. She's right, she can handle herself. Unlike Angel, she was born and raised to handle stupid cats like me. They went on in silence, keeping a look out for any good land marks to mark their territory at. Besides a quiet comment on the weather, Eclipseclaw didn't say anything else, and Lightning didn't even attempt to say anything. And then Eclipseclaw spoke again. Lightning scanned they area. This was not a good spot to put a border at. Lightning shook his head "Let's continue on further. We should explore this entire area before laying down boarders, that way we know we have the good and not the bad." This time Lightning took the lead. The land here was mainly flat, with small dips here and there. They might just cut this entire part out unless there was something good in the area. Lightning knew that prey probably wouldn't pick a living here. There weren't many resources for anything like that. As they walked, they walked in silence. Normally this wouldn't have bothered Lightning. After-all, he wasn't use to doing this kind of thing with another cat. Still, with Eclipseclaw, nothing was how it use to be. With her beside him, Lightning would go crazy without hearing her, seeing her, smelling her, touching her. It was crazy that he felt that way, he thought! But it was true, he would die without her, he was positive. He had never felt this way before with Angel. How he had been so naive back then. But that was the past, the present was all that matter. He had enough of the silence. He suddenly stopped and turned around to face his mate. "Please, just say something! I'm going to go insane if I don't hear you say something!" [bg=d4d3ce][atrb=border,0,true]

Eclipseclaw nodded absently, the borders to their new home wasn't what was prickling at her belly. The underlying truth behind their relationship dug into her gut, begging to be spilled out. Instead she clenched her teeth and walked silently beside him. They padded on a little ways before she grew antsy. A heavy silence clung to the air, and the tension crackled like lightning around them. Eyes fluttering she tried to grasp for any sort of conversation but her earlier demands wiped them clean. The former warrior twitched her whisker, the words climbed up her throat but she held them in. She was this close to launching a full out verbal attack. She felt a little remorse for her earlier words, but she hadn't expected the tom to react so distantly, as if he only acknowledged half of what she said. Eyes narrowed she shot him a scathing glare, "Are you goi-" Lightning's sudden actions brought her assault to an abrupt stop. Flabbergasted she watched in shear surprise as he did the most unlikely. Snapped. Yes, they fought, and screamed, and spat, and hissed but never over something like this. Over mere silence. Perhaps she would have but not he. She must be getting to him. Eclipseclaw blinked a few times, before a small smile fell upon her lips. She shook her head softly, "Anything? Are you sure you want to me say anything?" The black she-cat could play this anyway, she could easily fix this gaping hole between them, or she could widen it. She could gather all her snark and reply hastily, or she mutter sweet words. The skinny she-cat battered her eye lashes, "Have you ever thought about having Children?" Now she had him. A few moments ago she saw a side of Lightning she didn't know. With this question she could learn so much more. Plus all and all it was an important question; even if it were an issue she didn't want to go into all too soon. She rolled her shoulders leisurely, "Two maybe three would be nice." Her whiskers twitched in amusement, "They would grow up Windclan of course." The she-cat blinked a few times, "We could raise them until they were six moons, and then bring them to Windclan. I'm sure they could use the apprentices." She remembered her clan always being one of the smallest. There just seemed to be a shortage of running loving, skinny twigs, who ate rabbits. It was a shame too, that was the best way to live. Her eyes traveled steadily up and down Lightning's body, he wasn't Windclan material unfortunately. He looked much too Thundercln, she shook her head disapprovingly at him, "But because of you my children will have broad shoulders, and sturdy legs." "Not, what Windclan is looking for." A devilish grin grew upon her face, "But we might be able to let that slide." Her tail drew slow circles over his shoulder. The sudden change in attitude left her breathless. She didn't know it could be this easy to wipe away petty disputes. Eclipseclaw didn't know why she was so stupid for worrying in the first place; even if Lightning tried his hardest, he could never extinguish all of his anger. But it's the thought that counts. The she-cat shook her head once more, "I'm an idiot." she murmured, eyes sparkling she added quietly, "I shouldn't have doubted our relationship. I love you and that should be enough." [bg=749780][atrb=border,0,true]

"Ch-children?" That was the last thing Lightning had ever expected from her at that moment. To be thinking about having kits seemed so strange. To tell the truth he had never thought about having them, not even with Angel. He wasn't even sure if he wanted so though... but Eclipseclaw seemed to want them. This was an awkward moment. What was he suppose to do? What was he suppose to say? It was clear that he had been caught off guard. But as the black she-cat ended, Lightning felt breaths of relief as he grasped after the escape his mate had left. "You may be an idiot, but you're the bravest idiot I've ever met." It was true too, well, besides the idiot part. Eclipseclaw was the furthest thing from idiot he had ever seen, even if she had doubted their relationship she wouldn't have doubted if he hadn't been for a good reason. "You we brave enough to leave the only place you've called home, the only place that you had friends and family and come out here to the wild with me. If that ain't brave then I don't know what is...that and you picked a stupid tom like me to fall in love is...that could go either way; idiotic or brave." But her question about children lingered on. "You...you weren't serious about have kits, were you?" The next question that popped into Lightnings mind was this: How was she going to react to that? [bg=d4d3ce][atrb=border,0,true]