{Shika}{Frostpaw}Coming to Play{Firepaw?}

[Pie]

A rather lean body, and one not of FogClan, was bent over a plump mouse, finsihing it off happily. Pink lashed around the brown muzzle of the creature as the cleaning process began.

Scratching dirt over the bones and other remains, the rogue bathed its paw and drug it over its ear. Satisfied with the efficent cleanse, Shika angled her ears behind her in preperation. That darling white coated apprentice was bound to show here sooner or later on this day. Shika had stationed herself in an area, while being just slightly off, where a lot of the FogClan cats traveled.

The darkly colored rogue had been watching the cats of the newly formed Clans, mainly because her brother resided in MeadowClan. However, her bussiness was with FogClan this day. There was one particular cat she had been watching; an apprentice to be exact. Frostpaw of FogClan had interested her greatly. She knew her close connection was with Finchpaw, and other than that she was pretty much alone. Her mentor didn't seem to be too fond of having her around and his other son, Firepaw, didn't seem to hold an affection toward the fiery she-cat either.

Shika hadn't gone to looking deeply into Rowanheart, the cat's mentor, for she didn't really care for the tom. Not that she cared for much of anyone these days.

All the same, Shika sat, tail curled around her paws and something of a smile lit in her eyes.

[Rolo]

Frostpaw wandered through the forest, enjoying not being nagged by her idiotic mentor.

These past few moons the golden starclan-obsessor had been unbearable, especially since she had become... accomplices with Finchpaw. Her mouse-brained mentor had gotten it into his head that she was now not only a sinner unworthy of happiness, but that she was a danger to her clan. It had... hurt her, almost killed her, at first, but now the idea made her laugh. How silly that tom was for not seeing the obvious! He himself was hurting his own son, not her.

She chuckled to herself, bounding up onto the top of a large boulder and leaping off again. There was a notable spring in her step, a feeling of relaxation and calm in her heart. However, Frostpaw, put the thoughts of the Red-pelted family away as easily as a tree might shed it's leaves. Though these thoughts could amuse her, she had dwelled in them too long recently.

Today was her day, she knew it without thinking it. It was time to remember what it was like to be herself, to need no one and want no one.

So, Frostpaw thought of nothing. She did not think of any other cat or even herself. She simply let her mind relax.

She began to look about herself idley, staring up into the trees. She watched as the light dappled prettily through the leaves, feeling awed and unmoved at the same time. The bright green-leaf atmosphere had beauty enough for any cat, but it still lacked the impact that snow brang.

She wished it was snowing.

She continued through the woods, thinking of how much she missed leaf-bare and listening to the bird song on the wind.

However, it wasn't long before she came to an abrupt halt. She realised that there was a scent on the breeze... the smell of something unknown but something she somehow found familiar. The smell brought her out of her daydream rapidly.

She paused for a moment, drawing in a large breath through her nose. She realised then that she had smelt the essence before... it was a scent she had smelt briefly and faintly on the wind on some occations. In fact, quite a few occations. She had always acknowledged it, of course, but ignored it. She had no idea who it belonged to... but she knew that it belonged to a cat.

Frostpaw smirked, wondering who the cat was. Unlike the typical clan cat, Frostpaw was not bothered upon realising there was a non-clan cat on the territory. Where a usual cat would be hostile, Frostpaw was only curious. She was not one to follow clan rules, why should she be bothered that another cat wasn't? After all, it meant there was someone new to torment.

Frostpaw wandered forward without a second thought, absolutely no caution arising in her mind, pushing through a bush towards the scent.

There before her was a dark cat, completely still and relaxed.

Frostpaw's eyebrows raised, a cheeky look crossing her face. With no introduction, she moved to sit in front of the female, mirroring her pose. She fixed her eyes upon the striped cat, staring unwaveringly into their eyes.

She paused for a moment, wondering what it was that she should say. What direction should she take? After all, though many rogues stole prey, very few prey-stealers where did not to at least try and run away. This cat was either mouse-brained or had some other underlying motive... but, from the cat's relaxation, Frostpaw easily guessed that the latter was most likely. This fastinated her, obviously. She'd enjoy having a true battle of wits, for once.

"Ah, how daring of you!" She announced suddenly, her voice casual and mocking, "Walking onto a clan's territory and taking their prey! I shall tremble before your bravery!"

[Pie]

Shika's ears pinpointed the direction of the approaching cat before her nose. Her eyes narrowed for a brief moment before relaxing to their original state. With no emotion relfecting in her gaze, Shika let a small smirk play on her lips.

"Ah, as you should my dear little, Frostpaw." Tilting her head just so, Shika chuckled lightly. "However, I loped into your territory and didn't exactly take the mouse. I did leave it here." Eyes shinning the she-cat came to her paws in a liquid movement and padded around the younger she-cat.

She was quick in mind and she seemed rather fit for fighting technique. "I am truely amazed that Rowanheart doesn't see the talent he has right in front of his nose." The comment was more to herself than to the apprentice. Coming back to her first spot, Shika sat once more and let her tail curl up her back.

"I'm rather surprised to see that Finchpaw isn't with you. Is he well?" Her voice was perfected, the tone light, but lacking the emotion of actual compassion. She was merely curious in the tom's health, not exactly worried.

[/size]

[Rolo]

Frostpaw, though guessing as soon as the cat smirked, was slightly surprised by the barrage of questions that met her. This cat knew alot about her and what she had been doing and who she had been seeing, it made her wonder a little. However, her shock did not show even slightly upon her face. This cat had been following her. That was obvious, why should it trouble her at all? It just told her why she had smelt this cat before.

Frostpaw was as cold and emotionless as usual. The idea of this female knowing all about her did not bother her in the slightest... in fact, it made her want to chuckle.

She had played this cat's game herself many times before. She recognised the restrained tone and slight edge of cold distance the she-cat put between her and her 'victim'. This she-cat's words were perfectly placed, designed to invoke whatever emotion she wished. In this instance, she wanted to make Frostpaw fear her and confuse her so she could gain the upper hand.

Yet, at the same time, there seemed to be a real curiousity. It was almost as if the cat... liked her, as if she already knew her. There wasn't the formality strangers usually had with eachother, or the hostility of enemies. Somehow, the words contained a slight friendliness.

Frostpaw's curiousity equalled her questioners.

"Ah, I see you know all about me, kit." She stated, her voice imitating Shika's. The word 'kit' was added to equal the cat's patronising tone.

"Finchpaw is quite fine, thankyou." She smiled knowingly, "If you had been paying enough attention to my movements, you would know I have only spoken with that tom twice. Why should he be with me now? You should know I am not a social cat."

She chuckled, staring at the she-cat.

"Oh, and you needn't tell me that Rowanheart is a blind idiot. I already know that."

[Pie]

Shika let out a laugh, something a little more mangled and twisted. Something that should have been one but sounded unused and dark.

"Kit? My, you are a fiery little thing." Eyes shinning the she-cat's tail tip flicked back and forth every few seconds. "That's where you're wrong, dear. I do not know all about you. I wish to, however." Angling her ears around the clearing, Shika caught only the sounds of small animals. Good, they were alone still.

"So, you think of yourself that highly?" In an instant Shika's icy, blue gaze became cold and sharp. "I have more things to do than watch your movements like a hawk would a mouse."

In actuality the rogue wasn't angry at all. She was provoking the FogClan apprentice, measuring her actions up close. The white she-cat was known to be calm and collected but to spit as well. Their personalities were similar, but so very different.

Watching the young cats every feature Shika found herself comparing. When she was her age, Shika was quiter, but more blunt. She wasn't as angry. Then again, her life didn't handle harsh events until she left the Clans all together. Now she was who she was. Maybe Frostpaw held a smiliar path. Then again, maybe she was saved by having Finchpaw.

[Rolo]

Frostpaw did not have to think for a moment before replying.

"Ah, but you still watched me." She said, returning the cat's smooth tone with a smirk. "If that doesn't show that you have an interest in me, then what does?"

She could see that the she-cat was almost offended by her accusation, which is why she had picked up on this aspect in thhe first place. However, somehow she could almost see why the cat was watching her. If she recognised the similarity that Frostpaw had seen in the she-cat herself, she could see why she would be fastinated. They held the same cold air, the same way of playing with their chosen victims.

It was somewhat... interesting.

She chuckled, "And don't be mouse-brained. Why should I think that highly of myself?" She paused for effect, "You know the game. You play it as I do. You will say things for effect, just as you did by mentioning my name. I did the same to you, I merely highlighted something that could effect you. Following an apprentice isn't exactly normal for a rogue to do, after all. Why shouldn't I pick up on it and use it to torment you? I'm using what little information I have, just as you are."

She smiled slyly. This would be amusing. She had halted their dance and stated the truth, as she always did.

She met the cat's eyes, "And that is why you are curious about me. You see in me what I see in you. There is no point playing the game the same way, we'll never get anywhere."

[Pie]

Shika's gaze smoothed out once more, another devilish grin splitting her muzzle. "You are bright. My conclusion of you has been quite accurate." Then Shika's thoughts sprang. Perhaps she could use this creature as a pawn...

Sadly, the moment it crossed her mind she striked it out. Not Frostpaw, or Finchpaw for that matter. Rowanheart however, maybe he could be of strong use. Yes, the mouse-brained fool who over believed in StarClan, those cats always dug under her fur, would be useful. Yes, StarClan was real to her (however not to Frostpaw) but she didn't need to know so. In fact, no one knew. Everyone assumed she didn't believe in the star-clad warriors just because she was Rogue. Little did those fools know she was in fact raised with a Clan.

Mentally shaking herself Shika's head tilted once more. "Yet, at the same time, we did get somewhere. By following you and making sure you knew someone was there, we ended up here. So, dear Frostpaw, we have indeed made it somewhere. Wouldn't you think so?" A smile plagued her face, something one might be able to call sincere, and she changed topic.

"Now, I know you dislike anything to do with your mentor, but, tell me about him. I have little interest in wasting my time following him for a few days." At this point Shika's gaze swivled about the clearing before locking on with Frostpaw. It wasn't a challenge. More out of semi-respect to the isolated cat.

[Rolo]

Frostpaw didn't like this cat's icy tone. Though it was like hers, it seemed to contain an edge of malice she knew that she herself didn't contain. It made her slightly wary.

However, she could tell from the cat's careful words and compliments that there was no hard feelings coming from her. It was almost as if the cat liked or respected her... which was a bizarre thing to feel.

Frostpaw was only young, though she was definitely an adult by now. Yes, she had faced adversity and had learnt to hate and to be emotional as little as possible, she lacked the experience of life this female obviously had. She could feel this female's mean streak. She was like her but not, she was almost emotionless. Her curiousity was dark and not playful... Frostpaw knew she would have to be careful...

But that didn't mean she going to let this cat gain the upper hand.

"Indeed I am, Rogue." She said, letting herself relax into a more comfortable sitting position. Her voice held a playfulness she deemed the rogue would find confusing. "Perhaps you could stop with the stating of the obvious now?"

She grinned widely, "Oh, and stop with the patronising. I'm clever enough to know when I am being treated like a kit. Treat me like a cat with a mind. I'm not an idiotic follower, after all."

She smiled for a moment, wondering how this cat would take her different tact. If she thought she could use Frostpaw like a willing information bank by letting her questions lead her into saying certain things, she would not do it. Why should this cat want to know about her official mentor (even if he wasn't teaching her anything?). This cat had a purpose for this visit... and it was her curiousity to seek out why.

If this cat was going to do anything to Rowanheart, she'd no about it. Especially if it was some kind of harm. She couldn't allow her to harm him... that was her job.

"Now, I know you like to know about everyone, but I'd rather not just stand here and dictate information. That would be mouse-brained. Why, I don't even know why you want to know about him just yet."

[Pie]

Shika allowed her eyes to narrow, for once in the state of thought. "Oh? So you prefer I keep you in the dark then? No more obvious facts?" Shika's mind reeled as Frostpaw continued. The damned she-kit knew nothing obviously. "You confuse me with your criss cross wants. Either, I stop stating the obvious or treat you with respect. I cannot do both, Frostpaw. I have done quite well in making sure you've been treated with respect."

At the word 'follower' Shika was positive of the meaning. "You mean like Rowanheart. Do you believe following StarClan makes one weak?" The first part was not a question. More of a confirming statement.

Pausing to lick her jowls Shika shook her head. "You sure are double sided with what you want. You don't want to dictate, however you don't know what I want with Rowanheart and I can see the hunger of wanting to know in your eyes. But, seeing that you don't want the obvious stated, I wont be telling you why I want to know about him." Smiling, again, Shika came to her paws.

"You intrigue me Frostpaw of FogClan, non-believer of StarClan. I think we've both noticed we remind the other of ourself. As for your statement earlier, I do not say things for effect, not entirely. It's more for factual information." Shika then rethought half of her reason of being here.

"Can I propose something to you, Frostpaw?" The kit wanted to be handled like an adult, therefore Shika would do so.

[/center]

[Rolo]

"Ah, that is untrue." Frostpaw said, bowing her head slightly. "You may speak bluntly and be respectful, I have done so myself. I never said that I thought you were treating me like a kit because you were stating the obvious, I was refering to the mouse-brained 'little' and 'dear's you seem to add onto my name."

Her nose wrinkled in distaste as she looked up with at the she-cat, "After all, I'm sure you would not enjoy it if I called you 'elder' all the time, would you?"

She smiled up at the she-cat calmly, "so, feel free to state facts as much as you wish. Just don't state facts I already know."

Frostpaw paused for a moment, finally stopping to think. She had no idea why this she-cat was so curious, she was somewhat curious as to why. However, Frostpaw would not play her game, for even though she had a fair foothold, it was still a game. She knew better than to play someone elses games. She would disclose information on her own terms, not when this mouse-brain demanded it.

"And no." She stated bluntly, "Following Starclan does not make one weak. I have met Starclan followers I have respected, ones who are strong, but Rowanheart is not one of them."

She paused, narrowing her eyes.

"Cats who believe are not weak unless they are narrow-minded. A cat should have doubts, they should be able to listen to another's ideas to mature their own... Rowanheart cannot do this."

She paused.

"It's when a cat goes along with a clan or another cat's idea, without thinking about it, even if they disagree with it, that a cat is Follower. When a cat does that, it shows they cannot forge a path for themselves. That is when a cat is weak."

Frostpaw dictated this numbly, not an ounce of emotion in her voice. It was as if the idea bored her or the speech was so practiced, she no longer oozed emotional conviction.

Suddenly, Frostpaw found herself feeling bored. She was disappointed. She had thought this cat would be a bit more interesting, perhaps using real arguements rather than twisting her own words into convoluted speeches. This she-cat was too fond of compliments and thought a little too much of herself and her analytical skills. Frostpaw, contrary to the she-cat's belief, wasn't fussed by the she-cat's patronising tone or her threats that she wouldn't find out about her ideas for Rowanheart. Unfortunately, the she-cat had mistaken her worrying for curiousity. She wasn't bothered by the idea of not knowing what she planned for her mentor, because the she-cat would never succeed.

Why?

Because whatever this she-cat planned to do, Frostpaw would stop her. If the cat meant to help him, she'd stop her, and if she meant to hurt him, she'd stop that too. Tormenting Rowanheart was her job, she wouldn't let this she-cat have a look in. Frostpaw would perfect her revenge upon him herself, no other cat had the right to do it.

"I don't want you to dictate." Frostpaw said with a yawn, "That would be boring. I'm not demanding you tell me everything about a cat, am I? I haven't asked anything of you. I haven't asked for your name, or your motive."

She stretched lazily, looking down briefly at the ground.

"In fact, the only thing I would ask you of is whether you intend to hurt Rowanheart or not. That's of great interest to me." She said looking up at the she-cat, a serene calm on her face. "If you are not, you're not of particular interest to me, though... fastinating this conversation has been."

She chuckled. Even if this she-cat couldn't quite make her own arguements, this had been amusing nonetheless. Why this she-cat thought she'd be interested in any proposition, she had no idea. Surely this she-cat should know that she worked alone?

But anyway, she'd humour her.

She raised her eyes to the she-cat's and gave her a smile, "But anyway, perhaps your proposition may spark a little more interest. You may indeed propose something, but I do not guarantee I'll accept."