Following the leader, the leader--{Lightning}

--the leader,
We're following the leader wherever he may go.

ECLIPSECLAW
I really don't care who you are.

Eclipseclaw entered the camp, it was abandoned, only those who were early risers were seen. While those who slept were hidden, she kept a brisk pace, careful not to let her guard drop. He wasn't her friend, just a rogue with a question, she didn't love him, he was just an acquaintance. The fresh-kill pile was what stopped her, it's tantalizing smell drew her forward and before she knew, the little she-cat was selecting a rabbit from the pile and padding off to the far left side of camp.

Yes, she knew Lightning was watching her with an odd expression. Yes, she knew he needed to ask Hazelstar something, but she was hungry. Plus it didn't really matter Hazelstar wasn't usually awake until well-after dawn. It'd be rude to awake her. As she settled down she let the rabbit drop at her paws, as she neared to take a bite she remembered that Lightning must be hungry as well.

He was a visitor and it'd be the kind thing to do to offer him some prey. Casting her gaze to the pile of prey her heart plummeted at the thought, there was only a blackbird and two mice left. Which would be left for Moon and her kits. Sighing she called out,

"Come on, I know your hungry." pausing she added, "Hazelstar won't be awake for awhile, so come and share this rabbit with me." She could feel her paws heat up with embarrassment, ears flat against her head she quickly added, "I can't possibly eat this by myself." She didn't want him to get the wrong idea. It wasn't like that, she had to keep telling herself that.

We won't be home till morning, till morning,
We won't be home till morning,
Because he told us so.

There are no foolish questions,
and no man becomes a fool until
he has stopped asking questions.
~Charles Proteus Steinmetz

Lightning continued behind Eclipseclaw, it wasn't but a few seconds before they were inside the camp. And that Lightning's trail of thought disappeared. Instead, he was gazing around the camp, and at the few cats who were up at this time. He could feel their eyes drill into him, and his fur started to raise slightly.

But then Lightning was again astounded by the she-cat. Instead of taking him to a den to see their leader, she went to the pile of fresh kill and grabbed a rabbit. He followed, but did not even dare to take something from the pile. The few cats awake were already wary, he wouldn't be surprised if they attacked him for taking one of the two mice or blackbird.

Then, for a third time that morning, Eclipseclaw again surprised him. Lightning shook his head in amazement. Had he heard her right? She was seriously offering him some of the rabbit. But then she added something and Lightning shrugged. I guess clan cats don't like to put fresh-kill to waste.

He took a few steps and sat down in front of her. The rabbit he had caught had been left behind, he wouldn't be surprised if one of their hunting patrols hadn't picked it up already. "Are you sure they won't mind?" he asked his eyes scanning the camp. But this time he was looking for three familiar faces. Had Shadowtalon, Tigerheart, or that she-cat they were crazy about been hurt at the battle?

Lightning didn't wait for an answer from the black she-cat, and instead bent down and took a bite of the rabbit. The juice from it filled his mouth, and it was just a little cold. Caught last night most likely.

He was just planning to wait for the leader, tell her about that outlander-The Hunter-,and then get out. The eyes piercing into him and the enclosed space added to his unease and hurry to get it over with. He wasn't planning to talk with anyone but the leader. And if Eclipseclaw asked a question, he would answer. He would be asking any questions. But then, contradicting what he had just told himself, he asked a question to her.

"Do you have any family alive?"

The tom was curios. What kind of family did this quirky she-cat have? Did she have any brothers or sisters. Who where he mother and father? But most of all, he wondered if she had a mate.

Of course, he was in no way interested in becoming her mate if she didn't have one. No way at all. Period, no buts. But why was he curios?

I got my feet on the ground,
But my head's in the clouds,

ECLIPSECLAW
I really don't care who you are.

As Lightning joined her she couldn't bring herself to talk, instead she focused on the prey before her. The whole rabbit reeked of Brokenfang's scent, it was obvious he was the one who caught it. It was slightly cold, as if it were caught in the late afternoon hours of the day. Brokenfang was more of a night hunter, so perhaps this was done at night. All of these useless thoughts were nothing but a distraction, it was just too embarrassing.

Blinking she slowly rose her gaze off of the rabbit and let her eyes drift across the camp. The few cats who were awake were giving them some very dirty looks, Great Starclan, I'm not bringing a fox into camp. Giving her clanmates a nasty glare she went back to inspecting the rabbit. The black she-cat finally decided to take her first bite, reaching forward she bit into the juicy rabbit. Blood poured down her jaws, while the mouth-watering scent wafted up to her nose. Pulling back she gulped it down quite feverishly, she was about to take yet another bite when Lightning asked about her family.

Eclipseclaw went stiff, her green eyes frozen on the prey's now bloodied pelt. My family? Why does he want to know...? The entire question was opening wounds the black she-cat never wanted to revisit. Freezekit, Midnightkit. Her two brothers, she had loved them with all of her heart and yet they left her--they left her to fend for herself alone.

"My two broth-brothers Freezeheart and Midnightpelt.." she meowed quietly, of course the pair had never gotten their warriors names, but Eclipseclaw swore she could feel their presence during her warrior ceremony, they wouldn't leave her alone. "Are both dead, my mother Moonfrost is dead as well." Her sweet, sweet mother. The lithe silver tabby's scent still lingered in Eclipseclaw's memory.

"My father--I never had a father. He was a rogue who attacked my mother, she never wanted kits--but she had us. And she was never angry about the way her life went." Eyes threatening to pool over in tears she meowed, "I was alone ever since, being friends with Riverspirit helped heal the wounds." Closing her eyes she could feel the salty liquid drip down her face,

"But it was never the same after Moonfrost died."

Can't forget where I come from,
I hope your there when I'm done.

Theres something I can't see
Something living in the way you smile
Behind those eyes you lie
And theres nothing I can say
'Cause I'm never gonna change your mind
Behind those eyes you hide

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Lightning listened as Eclipseclaw told him about her family. Her past was sad, maybe worse then his. But then again, his was pretty sad. "I'm sorry...." it was all he could get out. To see the emotion behind her eyes that slipped out in those tears.

She had a hold of his heart. It tugged and pulled. He had to do something, but already he could see some cats around them bristling. It would be best for him to see their leader as quickly as possible. Before the clan cats attacked him for making Eclipseclaw cry. "I should never had asked about that." he meowed, standing up quickly. "I think it would be best for me to speak with your leader now. If she is awake or not."

Theres nothing I can say
'Cause I'm never gonna change your mind
Behind those eyes you hide

Behind those eyes you lie

[/i][/right][/color][/size]

ECLIPSECLAW
I really don't care who you are.

"No it's fine, you didn't know." she meowed quietly, as the tears slowly began to fade the little black cat lifted her head. She truly missed her family but she had to live on, for all of them. Shaking her head she murmured, "I must appear so weak to you, caring about those I love."

Closing her eyes she exhaled shakily, I wonder if he lost his family as well? No need to ask. Green orbs finally reappeared and then she rose, the rabbit was nearly finished. Flicking her tail she accepted his request, it was best to get this over with. Her clanmates weren't looking all too pleased with his presence. As she padded towards the grassy over-hang she slowly halted,

"I must warn you, Hazelstar is more accepting then most leaders, but she is still a warrior." pausing she added, "She cares about her clan more then anything, and will protect it fiercely." Sitting down she meowed, "Hazelstar." and then she waited. Soft rustling sounds could be heard within the den, it shouldn't be long before the grand leader would make her appearance.

He felt the urge to say something. He could still see her tears and the image of her face blinded him everytime his eyes closed. It would be best for him to tell Hazelstar what he had come to tell her, and leave.

And never come back.

But he knew that if he did that, he would practically die. Not being able to run into the she-cat Eclipseclaw at almost random moments. He looked forward to it everyday.

There was no denying it. He felt the same way around Eclipseclaw as he had around Angel. But he wouldn't let it happen. He couldn't bare it. His anger, it would get in the way. Yes Eclipseclaw was much stronger then Angel had ever been, but still. If he got angry and killed her. He would die, and not just emotionally. Physically too.

He nodded in reply to Eclipseclaw and followed after her. The rabbit he had just eaten was not settling well in his stomach. It twisted and turned and he felt like he was stuck between to rocks. And it wasn't because of meeting the leader. It was because of the she-cat he was following.

He sat down beside the black WindClan warrior, and waited as the sounds of the awakening leader tickled his ears.

HAZELSTAR
I've been broken more than once.

The truth was that Hazelstar had been awake the moment the pair had stepped into camp. What kind of leader would she be, if she could sleep while an enemy's scent tainted her slumber? Instead of confronting him she had decided to wait and see what happened. If he had been with Eclipseclaw it probably meant he wasn't a complete danger and that there was something important to be attended to.

Slowly the chocolate brown she-cat rose to her paws, a huge yawn interrupted her thoughts as she gripped the side of her grassy tunnel and stretched. Blinking her eyes a few times she sat down and began grooming the grit and dirt from her fur. Might as well look regal. As soon as the she-cat had finished she cleared her throat and meowed,
"You may enter."

Narrowing her eyes she decided to quickly add,
"Eclipseclaw you stay out. I'd like to speak with this rogue alone." All it took was a look and she could tell the pair had feelings for each other. She herself had broken the warrior code just to see the one she loved. It was a simple task to figure out.

For some reason she couldn't help but think that wasn't why he was here. Eclipseclaw wouldn't be the type of she-cat to demand her love to come and stay in the camp. Instead she'd keep it pent up inside until it bubbled over, while she was sure judging by his scent and appearance he was practically the same. Eyes narrowed in suspicious she prepared herself for a long, and interesting chat.

The rouge was a little startled as Hazelstar spoke. He had expected Eclipseclaw to be with him. But if the leader said just him, then it would be just him. The tom gave one last glance as the she-cat beside him and then stood and entered the den.

A cool blast of air greeted him and it only took seconds for his eyes to adjust to the dim light. His eyes landed on Hazelstar, sitting regal and tall beside her nest. Other than her, him and the nest there was nothing else in the den.

The tom took a few more steps into the den before sitting down. His tail bristled slightly in the closed corridors, but he didn't complain. Instead he got right to business.

"Greetings, Hazelstar. I'm Lightning. Rouge and....old friend of Shadow's and Tiger's. Or I suppose Shadowtalon and Tigerheart now."

HAZELSTAR
I've been broken more than once.

Hazelstar kenw their was something familiar about the tom the moment he stepped into the den. How suiting. If he wanted to join Windclan as well, then in the end their whole 'posse' ended up in Windclan. "Ah yes, I remember you." she meowed quietly. Holding her head high in defiance she let her honey-golden gaze fall down upon him.

Like most rogue's he was rugged looking, had a strong appeal, and seemed practically irritated with everything. Perhaps it was the unfulfilled life they live, fighting for survival. It was tough living in a clan, but it must be tougher alone. Coiling her tail around her paws she meowed,

"May I ask, why have you come here?" Raising her brows in question she immediately expected that he wanted to 'join' the clan, or something along those lines. But she mustn't assume this option, perhaps he only wanted to head a warning. Something else could be going through his mind, something other then joining Windclan.

Lightning waited for the she-cat to finish speaking before telling her why he was here. "I'll get straight to the point. Earlier this morning I was over by the two leg barn when I came across Mouse and a cat I had never seen before. He called himself the Hunter and asked if I would like to join a clan he was forming. He called it DeathClan, and he got Mouse to join. But then again Mouse is the most mouse-brained cat you will ever fine. I refused to join though, clan life isn't for me. I thought you would like to know about this tom and the 'clan'"

HAZELSTAR
I've been broken more than once.

Hazelstar listened with mere interest, this rogue's daily life wasn't much of an necessity to her, but she forced herself to stay observant. Then he mentioned the Deathclan, the sheer name was like a dark-hatred filled omen towards the clans. Now this piece of news had sparked her interest.

Ears perked she listened attentively, she wanted to know this 'The Hunter's' every move, where he was from, and what he was planning. Hadn't we just gotten rid of Rogueblood, why this? Why now? Closing her eyes she let the words sink in, and then she opened the honey-colored gaze and at last she spoke,
"Do you know of his whereabouts?"

This was a serious matter, she wasn't going to care about petty love affairs, or the daily life of a rogue. Hazelstar only had concerns for her clan, it was the most precious thing to her. The chocolate brown she-cat flicked her tail, her agitation was slowly rising. Flexing her claws within the earth's crusty surface she willed herself to calm down. She was Hazelstar of Windclan, she would protect her clan no matter what. Her life was nothing compared to the safety of Windclan.

Lightning shook his head. "I'm presuming somewhere near WindClan territory, based off of the direction they went." the tom fell silent, wishing he was able to do more.

{{Soo sooo sorry for the shortness, Wish. I'm about to fall asleep at the keyboard}}

HAZELSTAR
I've been broken more than once.

Eyes narrowed, the chocolate brown she-cat instantly sheathed her claws once she knew of where the tom was located. Something about knowing what she didn't know just calmed her nerves, it made her much more relaxed. But there was still the threat of 'The Hunter', and his 'Clan'. In fact the whole situation was merely finished with. Nodding she meowed,
"Thank you for this warning."

Although she was much more relaxed then before the whole idea that they were near Windclan territory shook her to the bone. Why do rogues, always settle out here? It seemed as if they presumed the Windclan warriors to be weaker, with our scrawny figures. "Let's see them try taking us down." she growled under her breath.

Blinking she quickly brought her focus to Lightning once more,
"You may leave our camp now." Eyes narrowed she added sharply, "On your own."

The tom nodded and gave a bow to the leader. He stood up and started for the exit, but before he left the den, he turned and meowed the Hazelstar "If I learn of anything else, I'll be back." and left the den shaken and confused.

The rouge had no idea why he had said that, he still wasn't sure if he had come to the clan to warn them because he actually cared about them. Or if it was because of the black she-cat he kept running into.

Of course it didn't help that he saw her as soon as he had the left the den. But he tried his best to ignore her and continued to the way out of the camp.

ECLIPSECLAW
I really don't care who you are.

Eclipseclaw fidgeted with unease as she waited for Lightning to reappear again. Her ears were flat against the back of her head, while her tail twitched in anticipation. What did he have to say to Hazelstar, did he want to join the clan? What was going on?! Finally he was there, but instead of stopping to explain the whole ordeal with the little black cat he decided to trudge straight past her and head out of camp.

Eyes narrowed in irritation she instantly fled after him, within a matter of seconds she was beside him. "What was that all about?" she snapped ungratefully, her black fur bristling. "You made me wait all that time, and now your going to storm off without telling me what's going on?" she hissed.

Without waiting for an answer she darted in front of him, halting to a stop she snarled,
"Tell me what happened!" She wasn't letting him go, not now. Faces inches a part she let out a threatening growl, Eclipseclaw just didn't sit and wait for what seemed like hours to be left in the dust. Wondering about what in the world had happened.