Singed Feathers and Fowl Flames. (Falcon+Fire)

[Whiskers]

ooc// This board is just for Cloud's darling little Falconpaw-- for now. If you wish to join as an apprentice though, please ask either Cloud or myself.

bic//

The smell of fresh vole filtered from the depths of the apprentice den, where Firepaw sat, snuggled in his little nest of moss, filling his stomach with fresh-kill from today. It was a very plump piece of food, enough for two, and Firepaw had thought of inviting Finchpaw to join him. But then he had remembered what Finchpaw had done to him earlier that same day-- tricking him in order to get rid of him, sending him close to the Shadowclan border, getting him in trouble with a few of the older warriors.

Why his brother had done such a mean thing (something so unlike him, Firepaw thought, since his brother was usually kittypet soft and oh so nice and perfect) was no mystery. Firepaw was no dimwit, even if Finchpaw thought so. He had seen Finchpaw slip by Frostpaw and whisper something in her ear. He knew that Finchpaw had already had some stupid secret meeting with her. He could put two and two together.

If he's going to ditch me to slink around with a piece of dirt like Frostpaw, then he can forget any voles from me. He can forget getting anything from me again, Firepaw ripped at the vole angrily, his claws out and hungry for his revenge. Here I thought brothers stuck together.

It had been this way for a while now. Ever since Frostpaw pranced into Finchpaw's life, Firepaw had been shoved to the side by the one cat Firepaw thought would never do such a thing. Yeah, his dad did it because he had better things to concentrate on. His mentor did it because she's a no-good mousebrain of a leader. But his brother? What had happened to them, Firepaw wondered. Weren't she-cats always supposed to come second? And for Starclan's sake, he was a stupid medicine cat! He wasn't even supposed to be chasing she-cats around! And, even if Firepaw ignored that crucial detail, he still couldn't forgive his brother for his choice in she-cats! Frostpaw?! Urgh! Disgusting!

...Okay, she wasn't bad looking. She had pretty fur, if anything, he guessed. But the rest of her was ugly, and wrong, and wicked, and annoying and Finchpaw needed to hurry up and get over her, or whatever, before it was too late!

Urrrgh, why am I even thinking about this? Firepaw pushed at his vole, feeling sick... no, he felt disgusted. He was disgusted at his brother, disgusted at his own stupid life. He was done, he decided. Done.

Done with being Finchpaw's friend, done with bodyguarding him from all that "sin" out there, and done with caring about the stupid tom. Finchpaw was on his own.

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[Cloud of Diamonds]

Four paws that belonged to a mouse-brained apprentice trod into the apprentices' den, unhappy to say the least. Deeply disturbed would be closer to the mark. He shuffled in slowly, the dull throb in his ears slowly getting weaker, though it was still a constant reminder of his recent experiences.

They...medicine cats...stomping all over his beliefs. All he wanted to was sleep, the striped tom being mentally exhausted. He dully realized there was another tom in the den. Oh, wonderful, he grumbled in his mind as he realized who it was. Finchpaw's mouse-brain of a brother, Firepaw. Great.

StarClan, he silently prayed, please let Firepaw realize his brother has lost his mind.

All he wanted was to rage about what he'd just gone through, but the ginger tom near him made that impossible. Firepaw would surely take offense if Falconpaw ranted about how unpure and diabolical his brother and his brother's mentor were.

Just his luck.

He glanced at his denmate with near-hatred in the young tom's heart. Huh. That ginger pelt reminded him of so much...not only the medicine cat apprentice's crimes, but the PineClanner, all the insults Falconpaw had ever heard from Firepaw, and most all, all the sin the two must be bathed in.

Simply drowning it they are, he thought with relish.

He lay down in his nest, weary but oh so wanting to spit at his denmate. Well, why not, he thought? I can attack with my words, and too bad if he doesn't like it. He's had it coming to him. I'm avenging my honor.

"Your brother is a filthy liar!" He meowed with hot satisfaction.

And if Firepaw attacked him, oh, he'd be in so much trouble...

[Whiskers]

Firepaw glanced up as a body entered the den and he nearly hissed at Falconpaw. Why Falconpaw? He wasn't in a mood to talk to anyone at the moment, but Falconpaw was the newest apprentice (along with his sister), and he was grating. Firepaw didn't like newbies. Usually they thought they knew everything because of the newly found -paw attached to their name. It was annoying. When Falconpaw had gone through a good moon or two of training, then he'd warm up to the guy--maybe.

Probably not. Though, well, Firepaw didn't know. Starclan said he should everyone a chance.

Right now, though, he wasn't going to give him that chance. He just wanted to be alone, he wanted to rest, he wanted to brood about how everything was unfair. Falconpaw was ruining this with his presence. Firepaw grumbled under his breath. He'd probably have to move, or force the apprentice out.

He opened his mouth, ready to insult the fur off Falconpaw. But Falconpaw beat him too it, giving him an impressive glare as he insulted his brother.

Now. If this was the day previous, Firepaw would attack Falconpaw at that moment. He would drag him out of the den and give him a couple of scars to remember him by. Because no one talked about his brother like that. But it was not the day previous, and now Firepaw found himself thinking about dragging Finchpaw out of the den and giving Finchpaw a couple of scars.

So this talk was actually appreciated. It was welcomed...warmly. Firepaw wondered if Starclan had sent Falconpaw just so Firepaw could have a buddy to rant with.

And as pleased as he was, Firepaw was also a little confused. "Uh...yeah, but huh? What did my stupid brother do to you?" He asked, a little suspicious.

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[Cloud of Diamonds]

Falconpaw was shocked. But happily so, for this was so unexpected it could only be the work of StarClan themselves. He found himself fervently thanking his ancestors - and his fellow apprentice's intelligence - that Firepaw understood and was ready to listen to him.

Truly, this must be divine intervention to bring them together to unite against the sinful.

"Finchpaw, he...spoke great untruths of StarClan. He and Brightnose, they...disgraced their occupation and Clan to the utmost. You see, I was...attacked by a PineClanner, and I had to go to the medicine den and they lectured me in most horrible ways. They said hating PineClan was bad, and that those traitors were as good as us. He said they had the right to believe whatever they wanted. Have you ever heard such lies?"

Falconpaw spoke with grim conviction. Perhaps it was slightly unkind of him to be so blunt about Firepaw's own brother, but the truth was the truth. Also, he felt sure Rowanheart - an esteemed warrior and believer - would also be shocked. Such a terrible letdown for Finchpaw's kin. But they must be told, lest the medicine apprentice tom fall further in the pit of darkness.

He thanked StarClan that he knew their will, educated by his mother and others. He would defy those who had insulted him.

Some way, one day, he'd see them pay.

[Whiskers]

Firepaw couldn't believe it. He...he found himself both horrified one second, and then exquisitely happy the next. It was a very mixed bag, and Firepaw wasn't used to feeling such conflicting feelings at once. Luckily, his happiness was definitely overriding his horror as the seconds ticked on and so the latter could mostly be ignored. After all, this is what Firepaw wanted to hear. Finally, finally, Firepaw wasn't swallowed by Finchpaw's shadow anymore.

Because Finchpaw wasn't the "perfect" son. He wasn't dutiful, faithful, quiet and kind. He was a liar! A dirty liar! Why Starclan had ever chosen HIM was now a great mystery, as clearly, he never grew out of that sin that had consumed him so much in kithood. Either that, or he was sinking back in, because of Frostpaw's influence. Firepaw couldn't quite tell. He scrunched up his nose and briefly thought back over the past few moons. Finchpaw played his part well, too well for Firepaw to tell if he was truly always corrupted. It annoyed him, that he couldn't figure it out. All he had is what his gut told him. And his gut told him that it was all Frostpaw's fault. After all, Starclan wouldn't pick Finchpaw to be a medicine cat if he was a lying piece of dirt. They had a better eye than that.

But this conclusion didn't stunt his happiness. Nope. Because it was Finchpaw's choice to hang with Frostpaw. Rowanheart had given him all the necessary knowledge in order to chase away demons and know right from wrong. So Finchpaw had succumbed to the sin. He was simply prone to it. Firepaw grinned. He's weak. He's always been weak.

And so, Firepaw couldn't help it. He was in a position of power and he was going to use it. He blurted out one of Finchpaw's secrets.

"That's because when he was younger, he didn't believe in Starclan," Firepaw grinned at Falconpaw. "He used to go on and on about how it made no sense-- and get this, he called the idea of Starclan evil. Crazy, right?"

So all these lies you're telling me, I'm not surprised at all. Sad that he got poor Brightnose in on it. I wouldn't blame her too much, Finchpaw just bleeds sin. It's because he's chasing after Frostpaw, and she's even worse of course," Firepaw couldn't stop his mouth. It just kept going and going, and it felt good to get revenge at Finchpaw for the neglect and the lies. He deserved it, Firepaw figured and he squashed all tiny regrets that blossomed in his mind.

"Hey, come share this vole with me." Firepaw invited with a genuine smile after he had finished gossiping. This cat...he was pretty cool. Maybe, just maybe, this was the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

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[Cloud of Diamonds]

It was...enlightening. The beginning of a friendship that would surely strengthen and grow. And it would be good to have the older, stronger apprentice as an ally. Falconpaw looked at Firepaw with new respect in his amber eyes. Together, they would have a secret mission - to blight out those who spread lies. Yes. All in StarClan's name. How they would do this, he wasn't sure yet. But it would happen, it would happen. The striped tom would follow the warrior code and the words of his elders, knowing the will of his ancestors.

This...this was crazy! Great StarClan, how could..how did...it was inconceivable! His claws tightened into the soft material of his sleeping place as he listened. His nose wrinkled when the older apprentice spoke of how his brother was chasing after Frostpaw. Frostpaw. Possibly the most sinful cat there was, maybe even including PineClanners. Had Finchpaw no taste at all?

The brown tabby nodded. It made sense, after all. Brightnose of course originally would have been right-headed, only her apprentice corrupted her. She wouldn't be FogClan's medicine cat if she hadn't been in the right in the beginning.

The older FogClanner's offer was unexpected...unexpected but certainly welcome. The striped tom spoke gratefully,

"Thank you. I appreciate it."

He slowly padded over and laid down facing Firepaw. He carefully bent his head to take a small nibble out of the vole. It was delicious. The nourishing flavor helped his tired body feel a bit better. An intriguing idea occurred to him...should he share it? Was it too bold? After all, his new ally's mentor was Owlstar..and he didn't want to ruin this wonderfultime...but perhaps if he was careful enough he could say it. Yes. Just be careful, the brown tom told himself.

"Firepaw...do you think we should tell somecat about this?"

[Whiskers]

Firepaw grinned as the young apprentice weaved toward him happily. He had totally misjudged this guy! He was fine. Better than fine. In fact, Firepaw was wondering if he was any good at playfighting. He hadn't practiced in a long time, and when your partner is Finchpaw, Firepaw wasn't even challenged. And hey! Falconpaw could be his hunting partner too!

He was getting ahead of himself though. After all, he had been sort of mean to Falconpaw before this. I should probably apologize for that... I mean, I don't want any bad blood between us.

First things first, he needed to address this problem with Finchpaw. It looked like Falconpaw was very concerned. He had been ranting before, mostly, and now, a few seconds too late, his actions caught up with him. He shifted sort of nervously as he thought over what Falconpaw said. If he told... what would happen to him? His brother? He was angry at Finchpaw sure, but he didn't want Finchpaw to get in a whole lot of trouble. Just... a talking to, maybe?

And I mean, this is about his soul. I should save him before it gets worse. He's already slipping away from me-- whoa that sounded like I was some sensitive touchy-feely she-cat or something. Anyway, I should just...help him. I guess, figured Firepaw as he furrowed his brow. Yeah...

Yet he still felt uncomfortable about this, like he was going against some ancient bond between brothers. Firepaw found this annoying. His brother didn't deserve this.

"I dunno, Falconpaw. I mean, it's not like he doesn't not believe in Starclan anymore," Firepaw said, and was suddenly very unsure of that very fact. Actually...

He didn't know anything about his own brother. Not anymore. Didn't know what he wanted, or liked, or what he thought about medicine or Starclan or... anything. Finchpaw didn't trust him at all!

"Then again," Firepaw continued, his voice very angry, and his insides burning, "I think telling would be the safest choice. We don't want some inept liar of a medicine cat one day, do we? But we can't tell Owlstar. She's such a bad leader," Firepaw growled as he took another chomp of the vole. "Mistpelt or my dad. They can be trusted."

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[Cloud of Diamonds]

The brown tabby was excited. Very, very excited. True, Firepaw had done bad things to him in the past...but that was all over and done with. Normally he would hold a grudge against the ginger tom, but what was happening was too exciting and important for grudges.

Of course, when he'd first spoken, Falconpaw had to admit he'd been a little disappointed. He so wanted to get the ginger and white tom in trouble for practically breaking the code. Well, the code the striped apprentice lived by and thought everyone else should too. Then what Firepaw said really hit home. True, he supposed Finchpaw did still belive in StarClan..after all, he'd acknowledged their existence...and that was much better than denying they existed at all...

But then Finchpaw's brother spoke again and what he said now was far more satisfactory. The brown tom didn't know what had made his denmate change his mind, but it was sure good he had. Thank StarClan.

He was surprised and slightly shocked to hear Firepaw speak so of his own mentor. But hey, if he said it, and with such anger on his face, it must be true. Falconpaw nodded and took a bite of vole, then his eyes widened when the flame-pelted tom spoke of who they could trust. That...and his feelings about Owlstar...should the young tom tell him? What if he already knew? But if they were both in on it..it would only add strength to their relationship!

"Do you know of...ah...Mistpelt's plans...for the future? I quite think they might help the Clan to be better and possibly even help us deal with Finchpaw."

And even if he didn't, it would surely be safe to tell him. Though he might know, after all. Birchtail had told him that Rowanheart was a trusted ally of Mistpelt's.

[Whiskers]

Firepaw pulled his head back, and his ears flattened themselves against his head. Falconpaw knew?! How did this little apprentice-- hardly an apprentice at that-- find out? Did Mistpelt also entrust him with that knowledge? Firepaw couldn't ignore how suspicious he suddenly was, how...almost...jealous he was. He thought that Mistpelt had told only one apprentice and that was him. He thought that Mistpelt saw he was dedicated and faithful and special. But now Falconpaw knew, so that didn't make him that special at all.

Firepaw lowered his head, regaining his composure. Whatever. It was more important, he supposed, to get as many supporters as possible. He was silly to have thought he was, in any way, different from everyone else. Wow, what a mousebrain he was.

He lifted his head and he was grinning again. "Of course I know. You're looking at the son of Rowanheart," he reminded the young apprentice as he fluffed up his fiery pelt, "And as you probably know, he's one loyal warrior. So duh, Mistpelt trusted me. Glad she trusted you too." And he really was. He didn't like keeping secrets from too many cats, so at least now he had a friend to talk about it and stuff.

"I know they'll help the Clan," confirmed Firepaw. "Mistpelt's been chosen by Starclan after all. She'll get rid of our sinful leader, straighten out all that's wrong, and make Fogclan great. She'll no doubt finally put Frostpaw in her proper place, if you know what I mean."

His eyes glinted as he imagined Frostpaw finally punished. He hoped that Mistpelt would really give it to her. Firepaw wanted Frostpaw to suffer as much as possible for all that she had did to him and his family.

"As for Finchpaw, I don't know if he's in need of THAT much help, but Mistpelt will definitely be able to est him on the right path again. All he really needs is a reminder. And when Frostpaw is finally out of the picture, he'll be back to normal. Or as normal as you can get when you're Finchpaw." And Firepaw had a snicker at Finchpaw's expense.

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[Cloud of Diamonds]

The tall-eared tom was slightly puzzled and afraid for a second. Why did Firepaw seem so hostile all of a sudden? How had he done wrong? It made no sense. Was he perhaps mad that he knew of Mistpelt's plans? But why?

However, the older tom quickly went back to his original stance, and Falconpaw had decided it had just been shock that another cat around his age knew. Perfectly acceptable.

The young tabby nodded and his eyes widened in brief admiration. Of course, he should've known that Firepaw knew. How obvious. He felt a brief pang of jealousy over the fact that Firepaw's father was alive and a respected Clan warrior, instead of a rogue who he'd never known. Falconpaw rarely thought about his deceased father, for he felt no longing for him. He could not miss what he'd never known. But just for an instant he wished the gray tom were here in FogClan, in on Mistpelt's ideas and approving of his son's love to be a warrior of StarClan's chosen Clan.

Then his thoughts returned to the present.

He smiled in slight embarrassment. For Mistpelt had not talked to him specifically of her plans, he had learned it from his mother. He'd gently rectify the tom's mistake when he was done speaking.

The striped apprentice nodded. Rowanheart's son confirmed what he'd heard all along. And getting Frostpaw in her place...he couldn't suppress a satisfied smirk at the thought, the cynical, sin-filthy she-cat where she belonged - in torment. When she was punished, hopefully it would send a message to Finchpaw that he was wrong.

Falconpaw was hesitant, at first, when he heard Firepaw comment on his brother's situation, but it DID make sense (what he said) when you thought about it. Really, much of it was probably Frostpaw through the medicine apprentice - he himself was misguided, but not evil like her.

He snickered along with the older tom. Finchpaw was hardly normal.

"Yeah, I'm looking forward to that too. To the Dark Forest with that she-cat!"

It felt good to say it. It felt like he had power.