The start of a new chapter [FEATHER]

[Fleet]

You cannot keep running from your past...

.. One day you will have to turn and face it....

.. For better or for worse!

It was cold, the sun had been hidden behind some rather threatening dark, grey clouds as a golden, cream shape moved swiftly across a clearing between tree's, the shape was a cat, his violet eyes flicked up to the sky and at the sight of the clouds he frowned. Then his gaze swept round to make sure the shadowclan cat was keeping up with him, before his violet gaze swept ahead once more seeking out a place for them to rest when the rain broke free of the clouds so high above their heads. As he moved his creamy pelt seemed to flow like water, revealing the darker more gingery points to his face, ears, tail and paws. But as he grew older the ginger points seemed to be fading, though he knew other than the scars he still looked twice as young as he actually was, not that he was old yet. After padding on a little further he saw what he was looking for, a tree with a hole in among the roots, a smile graced his handsome face as he called back to the Shadowclanner"We'll rest for a bit till that rain has passed us...." He led the way to the burrow, he knew this place well, it was a place he had hidden when Zulu had chased him after he had helped another clan cat rescue her lover. He had hidden deep within the hollow and now was no exception as he led her below ground. Roots struck through earth all around them, but Rhaegar had little care for that and instead flopped down against the very back of the tunnel's wall. His ears flickered as above ground the sound of the first few drops of rain striking upon earth sounded and he gave a satisfied nod. Before looking towards the Shadowclan she-cat and saying"So, Shadowclanner.... It appears we have a bit of time.... Care to tell me what Red did to you for you to be out hunting him like this? Unless your one of Hawkie's new secret weapons out to exact his revenge.... But I doubt you are, for Hawkie was always dead set about revenge when I knew him...." Rhaegar had long since decided he'd best play nice, for if the she-cat got herself stuck somewhere then he did owe it to Hawkeye to get her out of any trouble she landed herself in. So he had decided he'd best find out more about her, so he could use it to help her out if need be. His other reasoning was just the simple need to keep topics away from himself, for he was not telling this stranger his life story, for he did not need her sympathy and he did not need her mistrust or anger either. So he decided to fix the topic on her and then if she had any qeustions concerning other cats or bands out here in the wilderness he would be all to happy to answer them, so long as they stayed off the topic of himself.

Rhaegar

[The one, the only FEATHER!]

The cold air whisked around her fur, as her legs felt like they had finally had room to stretch. she noticed once she left the border of shadowclan, it felt like she had left behind the rules aswell. was this it? was htis freedom she was feeling. no ties out here to her. it was a heavey burden lifted on her shoulders as she followed the golden cream tom along the slight plane. the air was different it seemed more fresh. the loner lands seemed bliss full almost like a dream. her lime green eyes blinked looking up into the sky with a light frown seeing the sunlight was beginning to be blocked by clouds that she could see moving slowly she watched the clouds in silence wow she thought. it was so open she could see the sky for what it really was.

when the hse-cat decicded to gaze back making sure her lead to reds where abouts was still in her plain sight. as she gazed down she caught a glimpse of the tom before his head swung back around. was he checking up on her? seeing if she was keeping up? she tried to stifle a laugh, yea she was a she-cat an yes she looked heavy built because of her fur but that did not mean she could not run. at the set of the challenege even though her legs ached but was in plain joy aswell she was getting a good numb feeling in hers legs from their sprint acroos the plain thinking she prayed to her starclan gods for a safe passage to look after her companion as he helped her though the tom may not look to the same cats in the sky she wished him no ill will.

An she prayed that they guided to kill red. her thoguhts were stopped momenterrorily when a little drop slashed her nose sending little bits of spit of the drop in her eyes giving a slight couhg the ginger an black striped she-cat lost a little of her momentum blinking away the spits of drops. seeing if her companion noticed. a few more drops began it slowly make their way on them kikostorm followed her lead she saw he was looking for a hiding place. she found the tom strange his riddles. his strange ways not because he was a lonner because well he was strange? she couldnt put her tail on it but something was up with him. but so was hawkeye he had strange moments even in their training session.

the tom called over his shoulder over to her her ears pricked that they would wait out till the rain passed them. she frowned lightly at the tought wouldnt it be better to keep on going they had made such a head way already not like rain was going to effective much. but she didnt want to get sick strait leaving shadowclan. so with hesitation she nodded an folooed the tom as they curved.heading toward this tree. kikostorm gazed at the tall tree they were going to hide on a branch? she gazed infront of her slowly her pace down even though drops landed on her pelt she wanted to see where he was taking the tom did not stop he headed from the base of the tree. but all the she-cat could see was roots growing that of the tree itself out of the ground. but as she came into closer veiwing it clicked in her mind there was a hols threw the vining roots. at that picking up her speed she lept after the tom. just as he did she followed threw the hole. only to find herself that it was a little crowed in the place roots sprawlling out of the ground in the hole. so the ginger an blakc she-cat slowed her self down.


her chest heaving quiet breaths though it was visible to see her chest was taking huge breaths. though she wasn't complainging about it no not at all.it was her first time experiacneing it it felt wonderful. she watched as the tom flopped at the back on this hole she gave him a small look over not entirely feleling comfortable in this cats presense she didnt know him it was first instinct that was all. so blinking the she-cat turned around to the mouth of the enternace of this root hole. wathing as her ears flciked hearing the reall down poor of it all the rain cast itself down landing at first it was big drops an they got smaller into their own rythem the she-cat guessed. when the wind kindly blew into the dead smlling hole kiko was pleased in greeting with it the scent of rain was the best secnt of all. was beautiful had a twinge to it.

in the few seconds of silence the toms rouge was peered into her mind. breaking her thoughts thanking starclan for approving of her decsion by giving her rain. her head turned to the left as she looked back into the hole seeing the tom look at her. in somewhat curiousness. an it seemed that she had earned the graicous title as shadowclanner. a sigh excaped her if he wanted play like that so would she. but really there was no real time like now to be playing about. but then a thought struck her hawkeye always said to her to be not always serious. blinking at the thought of her old mentor she owed it to him do do what she was told by him.

her lime green eyes looked at the roguge in silence. his words seemed like there was a joke along the line somewhere.. she also noticed how he played on hawkeyes name. as hawkie. well hawkeye was a loner before he came to clan lands wasnt he? the tom never really told her much of his past. an when the other spoke about his own revenge upon red kiko thought hawk didnt seem like the cat nowadays about revenage he was more or less go with the flow of things.

the she-cat knew that she had taken some time of silence form when the question was asked herears flciked as the rain changed his heaviness but continued to fall. the cold air mixed with the warm earth air making a muggy scent rise it made her own nose twitch. " well rogue, red pretty much ruined my clan an my life" she blinked at the tom why should she tell him about herself what if he turns on her.. blinking she turned her headd around to the front again looking at the rain. " you probably already heard the story of red, attackign the clans a while back, taking control of shadowclans dead leader back then by taking his three eldest kits. " she took a moment she always disowned her elder generation of siblings saying they were not blood but she did see her father in them very much. she could only lie to herself that they weren't she wanted to be the appkle of her daddy's eye be the one he odored the most out of all of them. the was the smallest an the last to be born so yes the she-cat htought she had a lot to compete for.

" each time he wanted the clan leader to do something for example attacker the other clans from what i gather for fun to watch to cause pain sickness..whatever. i think the first warnign was butting out the eldest toms eye out an sending a messenger to the leader saying there would be more to come if he didn't do what he was told. the daughter of the three got harshly raped she was innocent a meddicine cat. the other im not sure"

pausing she blinked poor cometfire an his eye how painful it would have been to have it been forcefully cut out. a thought bruised up in her mind what if she should d othat to red let him feel what it felt like for her eldest brother.


" in the end red caused so much havoc in the clans, that sent the shadowclan leader into madness kind of he acccidntly killed a cat in cold blood of the battle he was forced to do. so the other clans called for his head wanted him exiled an he was. he found out where the three were held came to thunderclan not his own for help then the other clans helped him sending one of their own an their leaders to help rescuing his kits. " she stopped herself for a another moment the tom asked her why she was out for red yes she was explaining it for she thought it was simple like easy to get. turnign her head slightly around seeing the mixed colour tom " basically the three were saved, but the leader paid the ultimate price by beeing slautgher at the thraot left to gag there, by well you can guess who did it. i was only a kit then i didnt get why my dad was exiled form the clan, no one told me until the day they brought his body back to show the whole clan that he was dead. so we could mourn a great leader. thats where i got filled in. that i had three older siblings. an that my dad left me an my 6 other siblings to save them. i found it unfair, so i vowed on the day of the mourning i would hunt down red an kill him. "



she blinked looking at the other some feeling were restirred up in her chest but she didnt let it show she just took a calming breath turning her head around once more thinking " i also wanted to ask him something... before i killed him. the where about of my uncle the one that was in one the whole this, he stuffed up venveorpaws brain up or something he is not the brother i knew. then attacked him at the border my brother couldnt do anything. so after im doen with red im going after my uncle to, cause he sure as starclan shouldnt be breathing right now"

her tail lashed a tiwtched as it hanged low in the earhty den. the rain pattered away in a timeless way. telling the tom her reason an why brought somethings not vwery happy things back up in her mind. she sighed her ears flicked. as she mewed again " you know you didnt have to do this, you could have pointed me in the directionan i would be set, " this time the light ginger turned fully around glazing at him " when hawkie- hawkeye asked you to take me to him was there some favour you owed him?" he lime eyes narrowed " or is there really a thing out there called a rogue's good will?" a playing smile touched her maw she decide to be nice but she wanted to know some things aswell.

[Fleet]

He was grateful when she took him up on his words, for he had been so very convinced she would try to get him to talk about him. He allowed some amusement at her calling him rouge, before he recalled Ferus' friend called Rouge and how she had ended up suffering. He looked away, his creamy tail curling at the tip as he listened to her words and as she said about Red ruining her clan life he muttered"Your not alone there...." But he said nothing further, choosing not to explain what he meant and simply listening in silence to the rest of the she-cat's story. Her tale sounded familiar, he had heard some parts of what Red had been up to, but then he had spent alot of time avoiding other cats altogether for he had begun to consider himself bad luck for all those he allowed himself to form any sort of bond with. As she went on his thoughts drifted back, to a time long ago when he had been as naive as this she-cat, she thought the world revolved around her and her clan, well she was going to learn some things while out here for he highly doubted she'd get to be the one who slayed Red, but he could take her close enough for her to see that justice had been done, maybe not by her own claws, but close enough for her to see it had been dealt with.

Rhaegar returned as her tale finished and he spoke"I do not mean to be a downer.... But I do not know if you'll be able to get everything you seek.... For you and your clan are not the only ones calling for Red's blood..... There's the Death Watch, he kitnapped some of their kits.... There's the Renegades, in it just for a bit of fun and then there's Deepground, in my view they have more of my votes to be the ones who chop off Red's head mainly because they have suffered most from Red going rouge... He was one of their band until he went power hunting...." Then he tilted his head slightly and added"The other parts easy, what is your uncle's name? For it would probably be easier to go after him unless he was among Red's force... If he was then he'd be dead.... For after all Ulster had them slaughtered and all prisoners they took were massacred..... Yes, you might find these lands alot more wild than your used to.... Because I know the clans have rules against killing.... Where as out here, killing appears to be second nature...." He said those last few word with a tinge of sadness, maybe even a little regret. His golden, head plopped down upon his paws as he shook the sadness off.

Then he heard her last few words, as she spoke of him not having to do this and he smirked saying"No one can just point you in the direction of the Renegades.... They are not like your clans, staying in one place.... That band moves around, its one thing which has made them so effective because they are difficult to find, yet they are a powerful and mobile fighting force just romping wildly in the wilderness.... Those are the cats who hold dear little Red.... As much as Deepground claim him, they cannot take him from the Renegades.... Besides even if he was somewhere where I could just tell you where he was would you know the way there? No, because these are lands you do not know... If I said in the mountian passes due west of here, you'd get lost going through the woods and enter the wrong valley..... No, your mentor was right to insist I go with you, else you'd be wandering in circles.... I've seen it happen to several clan cats.... Who have come out into the wilderness...." He gave her an amused grin, his violet eyes sparkling brightly. as he added"There's no such thing as a rouges good will, every rouge has a reason for what they do... As for why I am helping you, I cannot say.... Maybe its a little bit down to the fact Hawkiepis has suffered enough and I don't want him to worry his little ears off over you roaming around out here by yourself.... Then the other bit, is for myself and that is all I shall say on it..." His gaze was upon the tunnel entrance as he lapsed into silent, now he knew the reason behind this little quest he had nothing further he wished to speak about, sure if she asked him questions he might answer them so long as they were not qeustions about himself.

[The one, the only FEATHER!]

(apologising in advance if post is crudddy half alseep.


when she asked her questions her ginger tufted ears twitched to the sounds of the pattering rain, it was still the same pace as it was before though the she-cat thought for a moment. it did seem to lighten up. blinking away back into exinstence. kikostorm was still in time to catch on to what the odd rogue was telling. thought at the very begining of his words she gave a slight arogant huff, but was happy that she was even gettign a answer . she smiled curtly at how the tom was being more imformated to her then riddles swhich was a relief the last thing she needed was a cat that found it upon himself to riddling riddles for joy.


though it did croos her mind, she nodded turnign her head out to the rain the poured down. splashing eacth an everytime. sometimes the same patteren as the one before. an some different in all. when the tom has finished his finally answer the she-cat blinked at this. her tail swished calmly in silence. though she could not put her tail on it something told her that hawkeye an this tom had gone way back further than she orignally thought.

some spray of the drops misted to her face. light of the sun shone down far further out wards of outside. well rogue, you just proven that htere is a rogues good will.. i know what nay an may not happen if i get to kill red or not. but i know that this was what i was ment t be doing, ]" she turned her head to the tom " things happen for a reason, something drew me out to that area, an something drew you to go see hawkeye an praytell of the news, if i hadnt got a shot, then why am i here with you now?" she was really looking for a answer sheknew what she was doing on the inside but on the out took a little more convincing from now on she hadd to plan what she had to do turnign around not facingthe tom who now seemed more than comfortable in this whole as she mewed gently less tall of herself


" to bad they couldnt of held up the wether, we were making good headway. " but at the thought of the distance they had run kiko had another question how far is this journey exactly goign to be. she didnt fully trust this cat. " how long is this trip exactly no give ortake depending on weather stuff?"

[Fleet]

As the she-cat spoke, his golden, gingery ear tips twitched, she sounded so immersed in her views, on how everything happened for a reason and he was reminded of another she-cat, a she-cat who had believed in the world in a similar way to how this she-cat clearly did. A she-cat who had suffered because he had allowed himself to love her for it, his violet eyes dropped from the clan cat as she asked why else would she be here and he silently answered as he examined his creamy paws Maybe the reason for you to be out here is not for you to kill him, but for you to die.... As so many others have before you when they think everything happens for a reason.... For often the reason is death.... One day maybe you will understand this and maybe one day, I'll be able to put these thoughts into words to warn you and every other cat of what the reasons behind events actually might be... He did not speak a word of it though he simply gazed at his paws and listened to the thud, thud, thud of rain in the silence that had followed her words. Then her next words came out and he allowed a small smile to grace his handsome creamy, face before he added"The rain will always come if you rush... Which is why in life, you should take it in your stride for when you rush you miss vital clues which may one day save your life... The rain is the worlds way of telling us to slow down, to sit back, to seek out the vital clues that we would of otherwise missed... It is an aid to ones survival in the wicked wilderness...." His creamy face with gingery points had brightened and his violet eyes looked into her face once more, sparkling cheerfully as he peered towards the rainy daylight outside their resting place. Then she was asking another question and his grin widened as he answered"So many questions, didn't Hawkiepies teach you that a cat who asks to many questions is often the one who gets found in the morning as a pelt hanging from a tree?" His voice and tone playfully teased her, but his violet eyes were serious, silently telling her his words were a lesson and if she wished to survive out here she needed to learn that one quick for the lands beyond the clan lands were a much more savage place where brutality was more common than the sly wit dripping off of cats tongues.

But then he continued, calmly with the teasing edge now lost to him as he spoke"Well, we are currently heading towards the site where Red's army had made temporary lodgings... We should be able to find some sort of clue to where the Renegades have gone from there and where we find the Renegades we will find Red for they are the ones holding him.... And if this rain stops soon we should arrive at the old camp by moon high... At midnight..." His gaze never wavered from hers as he spoke, he was completely at ease and he had yet to tell her that once they had sought out the Renegades he would not be able to enter their midst as freely as she would be able to down to the fact he was no friend of their allies in Deepground. The band he had once been part of, the band he had tried to escape so many times before only to be drawn back in by things like this she-cat's mission. Though he knew that if they found him, this time he would suffer a traitors death just as Red was likely to and he was going to avoid that no matter what for he still had to make his peace with those within his family and he would be unable to do that if he were dead, for then it would be to late.

[The one, the only FEATHER!]

The she-cat did not face the tom as she looked outside. the pattering of the rain alomst took her away almost missing the toms words. about their travels for some reason her heart clenched to her chest as she took a silently gulp. she turned looking to the tom giving a fair smile.


the distance wasnt as far as the shecat had thought her tail brushed the veiling side of the rooted walls. as she stood upon her paws. " well i hope the clue your looking for isnt washed away by the rain" she smiled teasingly though she blinked hearing the rain slowened down lightly. as she thoguht darkly well she find out a few couple clues sitting under this root. gazing at the purple eyed tom before her kikostorm raised to her paws.


shaking her pelt lightly, this afternooon was slowly rising with them kikostorm thought as much as she wanted to go pronto she wanted to make sure she was well ready " well once the rain lets up you wanna go hunting you never know when it will be the last meal, or do you want to get to that place first then hunt?" she gave the a smirk gaze he was the expert out here. lookin at the roots ay the siide of the walls the ginger she-cat with black stripes rubbed her shoulder along the roots as it itched her skin it was a nice feeling the roots seemed to have a the right texture to them as it got her itchy spot right away.

ooc sorry iot sruddy had no idea what i was doing lol

[Fleet]

(timeskip to arrival at the massacre place, its midnight so its dark now xD)

As the golden cream tom had predicted, they reached the smoldering ruins of the old camp as the night reached is center point. The first thing they had noticed was the smell of smoke and Rhaegar was reminded of another fire so long ago. But he kept walking, his pace slowing and they had cautiously made their approach, wary of anyone else being there. But upon arrival, they found the camp flattened, smoldering ruins slightly to their right upon emerging through the undergrowth and Rhaegar recounted the tale of what had happened here to Kikostorm, just from the signs he was reading and a tiny bit from little snippets of information he had heard"They were settled for the night, it was just a temporary camp, they were due to move at dawn... The attackers would of started the attack from our right, they threw burning pine cones upon the camp from that ridge up there... While another force came in from one of the other sides of the camp, so attacked on two fronts.... No doubt they sounded a retreat so they could attempt a regroup, but as they tried to flee another part of Ulster's force cut off their escapes and they were completely encircled... They did not stand a chance..." He had moved further into the ruined camp, seeking what he knew would be at its heart. Sure enough he moved around a collapsed temporary den, which was a large pile of debris to discover the massive pile of the dead. His violet eyes ran over them, before he spoke softly"Never make an enemy of Deepground.... And never make an enemy of Ulster.... This is a warning to everyone else, a warning of what happens when you make to many powerful enemies.... Its sad in a way, half these cats probably had no idea what they were getting into throwing their lot in with a traitor to Deepground...." He dipped his head and closed his violet eyes beside the fresh-kill pile. There for a few minuites he prayed to every god he'd ever heard of wishing the dead no more harm. Before his head raised and his violet eyes opened, flicking around the camp, they would not want to stay here long for by morning it would really smell badly of rotting flesh. Upon arrival the smell had already started, he wondered if Kikostorm was coping with the stench of the dead. But he did not bother checking, she was growing to have to get used to that smell if she was going seeking revenge. So instead he started looking for clues to guide them to where the Renegades were.

He was just making an understanding over a large confusion of tracks as a voice came out of the darkness"Ah, so here's a familiar sight.... You following up the path of chaos... And me sneaking up on you... Unnoticed... As always...." Rhaegar spun on the spot, his violet eyes fixing upon a creamy shadow, with bright blue eyes. As the other cat moved from the shadows, he recognized the cat before him, a creamy tom, with a ginger tint to his pelt and the bright blue eyes stared at him from upon a scarred face. But Rhaegar did not allow himself to relax as he spoke softly"Brandt... I'm not here to cause harm..." At that the other tom gave him a small smile before saying his gaze flicking over Kikostorm as he spoke"No, your just seeking us out.... But as always, we found you first... We've been following you for the past hour.... Ever since you crossed the old border for this armies camp.... Is the she-cat your with one of them Rhaegar? One who slipped past our claws.... Are you yourself one?" At that Rhaegar noticed several other cats, a very large, powerful looking black tom with steel grey eyes, a long legged, white she-cat splashed with brown, a brown tabby tom with light blue eyes. Rhaegar did not doubt that there was more among the darkness waiting to spring into action, to aid their band mates. He knew instantly that the cats Brandt was with were members of the Renegades, but last time he had seen Brandt he had been a cat within the ranks of Deepground. He considered the options before Kikostorm and himself as he answered"Us follow Red? Are you kidding? Red was an Jelly Beans and one of Zulu's creatures to beat.... And you know how much Zulu loved me.... As for the she-cat, she's not from around here.... I don't think she even knows who Red is... Or what a large piece of fox dung he is..." He willed for the she-cat to agree with his words, to not reveal to much to soon to these catsm for it was very important not to let others know to much about you when you had no idea what their intentions towards you might be.

[The one, the only FEATHER!]

well she had to give it to the tom that was for sure, he was right aboout the time they would arrive though they had been going silently at a good pace into this area. the she-cat as soon as they seemed to cross a borderline scent marks filled her nostrils feeling like a imposter within them. though there a putridge smell amoung it it was faint but with the wind blowing down it was still strong the she-cat-s eyes looked around to the smoldering ground as she fell upon to the ashes. As they approach the area she noticed the tom infront of her slowed down in his pace.

so she slowed down aswell the were entering the center of the camp it was still silence until the she-cat heard a sound. her lime green ord eyes turned to watch as her ears flicked at her tom leading her to her path. he was readign the ground kiko was limited to that stuff she wasnt great at it she was far better at fighting then tracking.

she looked over in the far horzion distance day light would soon break free as she listened to the words kiko blinked. saying ulsters group threw pines cones that were on fire. the she-cat blinked at those words the clan cats would be easy to do that. so if they could why havent they? it made her brain hurt at all of this. her tail swished her back was to her companion. when he told her this was a lesso she blinked to in silence life out was all or nothing. but why were they so cruel like this there was a simpler way wasnt there?. then something caught her eye frowning she squinted her eyes an caught a body line of a cat. oulling her head she took a step back. watching as a couple more appeared out of no where .

then a voice spoke an that made the she-cat turn herself aorund, seeing rhaegar standing with another cat. her fur bristle this felt soo creepy. how they popped out of nowwhere. a shiver went along her spine. sheas she looked over the area seeing more body lines appear kiko caw the dead body piled togerher he heart as she gasped. frowning the she-cat couldnt beleive it. an the smell of rottening she thought was smoldering ashes was the smell of smoldering flesh sending herself a gasp the she-cat took a breath trying to stop herself from hurking on que she looked away to wards the strange cat that had strangely come out of nowwhere like a ghost. in her mind she silently prayed to starclan to them have a safe passage.


she looked towards rhaegar hoping he would get the mout of this. when the the cat called bandt talked again she nearly wanted to get into battle position but she stayed herself instead she looked over her shoulder gazing around at the lined faces. as she turned around her freind spoke again. when the tom spoke ofred kiko pirkced up her ears an looked blankly at at the tom listening to his words her faced looked blank then she frowned an looked questionly at the cat that appeared. when it seemed like it was her turn to speak kikostorm moved her shoulders an looked an the two of them " your meaning to tell me, you guys did this? because of some cat?" she tilted her head to the side looking around the camp site or well was camp site her ginger an black striped tail swished " impressive, but um what did this red charachter do forvyou to do this?" kiko frowned cofusedly looking at all the cats around her. before letting her gaze last on the cat caled bandt. her green lime eyes flashed at his in silence, she wonder if thsi cat was on a good side ?

[Fleet]

He felt relief sweep through him as the she-cat picked up on his words, carrying on right from where he had left of and even making herself seem as if she had no idea who Red was or why anyone would go after him. He fixed his violet eyes on Brandt's face and saw the creamy, ginger tinted tom's bright blue eyes were glittering with amusement. Then Brandt was speaking"He made enemies with all the wrong cats... Thats what he did to warrant destruction little she-cat..." At that Rhaegar felt he had earned himself a little victory, Brandt had believed their little tale and now Rhaegar needed to know whether Brandt was Deepground or Renegade. If he were Renegade then Raegar would allow Brandt to take them, if he were Deepground he was going to flee. His violet eyes fixed upon Brandt he spoke"See, she knows little and I'm just keen to see what you do to the little, bird brain.... I decided to offer the she-cat a chance to see things other than her tiny territory and she accepted.... We mean no harm...." At that Brandt chuckled before saying softly"So you'd like me to keep secrets from our old boss? Thats easy, I don't follow him anymore.... You should join us among the Renegades Rhaegar, then you wouldn't have to keep running from Reno... For Ulster protects his own... Especially if they are talented furballs such as yourself..." Rhaegar dipped his head at the compliment, but now he spotted a way to get himself and Kikostorm in among the Renegades and therefore closer to where Red was being held. He'd have to retreat into hiding if any Deepground cats came about the Renegade camp, but that would be easy enough. All that mattered now was getting Kikostorm to a place where she could speak with Red and he answered Brandt"Actually, that doesn't sound to bad.... I was always a bit of a Renegade... We both would bring useful talents for Ulster to use at his disposal... Plus if it means I get to wiggle my butt in Zulu's face I will jump at the chance..." Brandt laughed at his words before looking to Kikostorm and saying"Come on then, follow on... And careful where you tread... Theres still burning embers in the direction we head..." He flicked his tail and the other three cats faded into the night, but Rhaegar knew that they were still somewhere nearby, watching them, following them as Brandt turned and indicated for the two of them to follow him. Cautiously the creamy, violet eyed Rhaegar followed after him, silently idicating for Kikostorm to follow.

They were led through the dakrness for about an hour, through the tree's and undergrowth, across an ice cold stream, Rhaegar felt himself lose all sense of direction as Brandt led them zigzagging across the land. But eventually they came upon several large willow tree's clustered by a stream, providing a large protective canopy above and leaves down to the ground to use to block out cold breezes, it was among these tree's they found them. Many cats together, chatting, playing, high on their victory. Rhaegar wondered where they had put Red, only to see that as they approached the camp several cats who had obviously been with Brandt darted past them into the camp and there upon the edge Rhaegar hesitated, looking to Kikostorm, he allowed her to take the lead. As Brandt called"We have some newcomers! Bring them something to eat!" Cats leapt to attention and food was brought forth, before being placed gently at their paws. Then the cats who had brought them food ran back to whatever they had been doing before.

[/justify]

[The one, the only FEATHER!]

The ginger she-cat watched the Brandt tom in silence tilting her head in a cute slight way. her lime green eyes seeming nice, an wondrous to their ways. when the tom answered her she blinked an smiled she mewed no more about that subject though in her mind she thought what a imbecile. she could see the tom was up himself an what ever groups he was in renegades or something? her tail swiftly moved under her.

turning her eyes to her companion who she hoped was relieved on her reaction. when he began to speak, when he spoke of her in a tiny territory an how she wanted to see other things, she nodded nicely as she took small steps until she was next to rhaegar side, she looked to the side at the other cats around the place she wonder how many cats were part of this band. There was nothing really that interested her with the strange cat mewed next but kiko stand within listening range she began to think if these cats knew of her father. it could blow her cover on the inside she was thinking of what might give her away, she was thinking she couldn't change her pelt color, but then the though came into her head her name that would be some tip of. frowning the she-cat wondered maybe she wouldn't tell these cats of her last ending part of her name. she knew it was wrong that it was a Honor. but out here maybe that Honor has to be held in. for a little while. But then her ears flicked at the words the words from the purple eyes tom next to her. she turned her gaze looking at her acquaintance. blinking lightly before smiling nodding with eagerness in her eyes.

making it seem she was more than interested in being this so called group. her smile was gentle as a laugh erupted threw the others voice. When Brandt looked at kiko she raised her head still smiling gently but curious as to what he might say to her. but when he said for them to follow them she tilted her head looking at rhaegar who seemed quiet comfortable so she waited until rhaegar began to make a move, then she followed looking behind her, into the lined shadows that back away, she frowned at them, thinking that these cats were worsen than the average clan cat. more deadly. she would mostly need to be careful where she treads. an says about her business maybe it was better to discuss before hand with rhaegar what their excuses was. but for now she would just have to remember what was said tonight.



turning her around she followed in silence behind rhaegar not like a coward but trying her best to see the land before them, the smoldering embers still stuck in her nose, it was not going to leave her anytime soon. It felt like a long time lots of twisting an turning an vining. for like an hour. Until noises made the ginger she-cats ears prick up looking around to her amazement she saw willow tree standing tall. her lime eyes blinked in silence. As the group walked on a little more forward kikostorm blinked her eyes at the cats before them chattering, playing eating sharing tongues. frowning with curiosity the she-cat tilted her head .as she walked past Rhaegar in silence trying to get a better look at the cats below. it seemed a bit more wilder than clan camp but it was similar. she looked all around the place a small smile ecthing on her maw, she took a step back she had to give it these renegade cats they knew how to live it up.


she wonder how these cats this happy could have pulled of something like that before but she guessed when you make these kind of enemies they must have a pretty bad side to them. she turned around looking at the two behind her when a loud voice boomed over them all, she flicked her ears back for a moment realizing it was Brandt himself. her ears perked back up tilting her he order the cats to get her an rhaegar some food. swiftly turning her head around she instantly saw someone at her paws gently placing down some morsel of food. She was about to give her thanks to the cat. but it zipped off in a hurry. she gave a small laugh these cats didn't want to miss out on their so called party.


She turned an looked to brandt smiling smally mewing " Thankyou " she gazed once more at the camp before continuing mewing " very impressive, do these cats all serve you?" she looked back at the tom before she bent down taking a bite of the morsel as she sniffed it seemed alright

.

[Fleet]

Rhaegar bent to start eating when he heard Kikostorm address Brandt, the creamy tom with a ginger tint and bright blue eyes burst out laughing at the question the she-cat asked him. Another cat nearby had overheard and moved in closer, he was a creamy tom, with bright green eyes who teasingly spoke"He wishes he were leader... But he's not..." At his teasing words Brandt attempted to cuff the younger tom, saying"Not true Finn... I'm happy where I am!" But the young, Finn easily dodged the swat and flashed Kikostorm a wide smile. His creamy pelt danced as he moved off a few paces, watching them in silence and Brandt looked back to Kikostorm"No... I'm not leader... There's a tom called Ulster among us... He is our leader... You'll know him when you see him... He has like a leader's aura which clings to him..." At that the creamy Finn laughed before saying with much amusement"I'll tell him you said that.... He'll love you for that compliment..." Brandt pulled a face at that and then a fluffy white tom approached them, his eyes were an icy blue. He glanced between Brandt and the newcomers before moving forwards, he like Finn was reasonably young and reaching them he dipped his head in greeting saying"I see Brandt has brought some newcomers among us.... I am Pietro, welcome to our humble gathering... Do not mind some cats here, they are a bit joyous... You see we've just won a big victory..." Rhaegar noticed Brandt had stiffened upon the white tom's arrival and wondered why, but then the white tom was calling over his shoulder" Nasir, come meet our two newest members..." Rhaegar saw Brandt tense up even more as he spoke"Oh Pietro, don't draw Nasir away from the fun.... He can be introduced lat-" He was cut off as a dark brown, almost black tom emerged from the crowd saying"Oh Brandt... I wouldn't miss a chance to greet a pair of newcomers..." This tom's ice were icy, green and Rhaegar found them impossible to read. His face bore many old battle wound scars and his back was covered in what looked like burn scars, but despite that the dark, brown tom was still rather handsome.

His eyes flicked over Rhaegar and then over Kikostorm saying"Well, well... An interesting pair... I know who you are Rhaegar, there's many tales circulating about your many feats.... As for your little friend, well she's an unknown quantity isn't she?" Rhaegar knew the tom would recognize him the moment he laid eyes upon him, so that did not worry him, what did worry him was how he spoke of Kikostorm. Though he did not outright say he knew who she was, he had a funny feeling that this Nasir knew who the clan cat was, though for some reason he was keeping quiet about it and Rhaegar didn't like that, he felt as if he was in the middle of some strange game he did not know how to play. So instead of speaking he simply dipped his head respectfully to the other tom, going back to the food at his paws. Nasir looked as if he was about to say something else when a loud voice cut through them all"Brandt! There you are, I've been looking all over for you... Delirious has been driving me up the wall, you need to convince Tromlui to take his little watchdog away from my nest!" A rather pregnant yet beautiful looking calico she-cat emerged through the crowd, her sky, blue eyes glinting fiercely. Then she saw Kikostorm and Rhaegar, though she ignored Rhaegar completely. But spoke brightly"Oh goodie! Another she-cat... Come with me stranger, lets get you away from these idiots and into better company.... Come on, Brighteyes, Kestrel, Acha and I have been dying for better company than the idiots we have to currently put up with..." She spoke as if her little group of friends were the only she-cat's within the entire band even though they were not. She started to walk away, but then stopped looking expectantly over her shoulder at Kikostorm before looking to Brandt and saying boldly"And Brandt, don't forget to get Tromlui to move his little buddy away from my nest else I swear I'll leave a lovely, stinky surprise in your nest..." Her face lost the stern look when her sky, blue gaze dropped onto Kikostorm and she gained a bright, mischievous smile instead as she spoke cheerfully"Come on stranger... Lets, go!"

[The one, the only FEATHER!]

When she had asked that question she heard a rumble of laughter come from the tom an kiko felt a little stupid at the question but hey whatever made her innocent enough was good enough. when another chimmed in with his own words. a creamy tom moved towards them saying that brandt wishes he was. kiko gave a a small smile at the walking in tom kiko thought this was going to be a quiet little dinner but no. kiko took another bite from her food as she listened in. where brandt tried to defend himself. kiko tried her best to hide her smug so this cat had a Small hidden agenda.


that worked with kiko for sure. Suddenly more cats appeared at the sight of them she took a step within herself keeping silent not liking to much of unknown cats within her space. though she didn't mind toms company they seemed interesting to her even the toms back at home. when a cat called pietro she gave a dip of head in understandment. as she looked over to brandt who seemed to had stiffened up. kiko blinked at him an turned her head her lime green eyes flashed darkly at the tom. he mewed about how he knew rhaegar. the toms face looked covered in scarrs an kiko began to breath lightly more at his face wondering how many battles had he gotten. an at his words directed at her kiko sternly looked at the tom he seemed more creepy to her than the others. frowning she was about to mew something to the tom, When a voice went threw her thoughts an the dark ginger blinked looking at rhaegar who took another bite out of his morsel.


kiko turned around seeing a pregnant she-cat coming towards them ranting out a couple names that blazed passed her. frowning kiko thought that this would either bring good news or none at all. when the she-cat gazes casted at kiko kiko herself began to work up a little sweat. so many names an cats to remember. when the cat exclaimed at her saying another she-cat in the group. kiko gaze a slight smile at the she-cat before looking to the rest of the toms. these toms were good company plus what would she-cat knows about the business that she has come here to get. plus she didn't exactly want to leave rhaegars side at the current moment her tummy felt slightly sickening. she looked at the she-cat who turned away. calling others kiko lightly frowned but the frown went away when the she-cat looked over her should with a friendly smile telling to not drag her feet practically. kiko was left in a predicament. she slowly stood to her paws her tail brushed alongside her. she frowned an on the inside she gave a groan turning around she picked up her last have of her food an placed it next to rhaegar lifting her head up an away from the tom her lime green eyes flashed at him in silence showing t him that she was slightly worried about being separated.


but with out anymore hesitation she turned around to all the toms " Well gentlemen we'll pick this up later, thankyou for the hospitality" an at that she turned an walked away walking after the heavily pregnant cat waddling in front of her. kiko let out a smallish groan an prayed to starclan that this wasn't going to one of the girlie hang outs.. but something told her otherwise..

[Fleet]

The calico grinned as the she-cat put her food down beside Rhaegar and flicking her tail she guided Kikostorm away from the tom's deeper into camp, in among the willow tree's and through the many cats gathered. Every cat they passed was grinning, laughing or singing some wild song that was somewhat rude. As she walked the she-cat spoke to Kikostorm"I'm Ryder by the way.... Its an easy name to remember compared to some of these idiots..." Then she reached the far end of the clustering of willow tree's and there among the roots were a small group of she-cat's, two of whom seemed to be tussling upon the floor one was a golden, cream she-cat and the other was a mottled brown and white she-cat. The last member of the group also looked plump from pregnancy, her pelt was a golden and spotted, her eyes large and bright blue. As Ryder approached them she spoke"Acha, Kestrel, Brighteyes... Look what Brandt found on his patrol... There were two of them, but I snagged the better looking one..." At her last comment she flashed Kikostorm a cheeky smile. The the creamy, she-cat with violet eyes moved forwards, shoving the mottled, brown she-cat into the dirt. Reaching Kikostorm she spoke"I'm Acha.... The brown idiot is Kestrel.... And that over there is Brighteyes... She's very smart... Anyway, we must be overwhelming you... Come, sit...." Kestrel looked at Kikostorm, eyeing her warily and kept her distance, but Kestrel always kept her distance from cats she did not know, after what had happened to her in the past you could sort of understand it though. Then Brighteyes was struggling to her paws, her bright, blue eyes had gone very wide and she moved towards Kikostorm, a look of surprise plastered to her face. Reaching Kikostorm she paused in front of her, Ryder looked at her friend confused before realizing Brighteyes was drawing the other she-cat's scent up her nose.

Then Brighteyes exclaimed"I don't believe it! Its been so long!" At that Ryder glanced around them and nodded to herslef, confident there was no one around before she asked"What?" At which point, Brighteyes looked Kikostorm in the eyes and whispered"Your a clan cat! A Shadowclanner mind, but still... A clan cat! Oh, its so good to see you!" At those words the other she-cat's looked to Kikostorm, wondering what to make of it. But then Ryder spoke, putting the whole matter to rest"A clan cat she might well of been... But now she's one of us.... If you do not wish others to know stranger we shall not be the ones to tell them..." At that the others settled down, Brighteyes was now grinning from ear to ear though, as she stood before Kikostorm, clearly the she-cat was pleased to see her and then she added to wipe away the others confusion"I used to be a clan cat.... A very long time ago.... I left when I had just been made a warrior.... Much like you have by the looks of things... But it so good to see you.... What is your warriors name?" As she spoke, Acha and Kestrel had started to tussle once again, batting at each others faces without fear. Ryder had sat watching them fight, a look of longing in her sky, blue eyes. But being pregnant she could not playfight with the others, she glanced towards Brighteyes and Kikostorm as Brighteyes asked for the others name, a small look of interest in her eyes.

[The one, the only FEATHER!]

So that was that in the lasting bit of night the partying was still going on in this place. kiko hadn't let it set in her mind yet that she was part of these cats. kiko looked everywhere at the sight of cats playing around bounding about. kiko heard a line to a song just before. twitsing her head hoping to hear the rest of it. kiko had took look in front of herself as the pregnant she-cat she was talking to introduced herself to kiko kiko smiled at the simple name agreeing that it was a easy name to remember.

for that moment that headed toward another willow the night seemed to last for ever. though it did not bother kiko she liked the spirit. maybe would she? be a loner? never go back to her home. frowning at the thought she listened carefully as they came to a slow halt. a small group of she-cat had gathered around the place. two were play fighting. the more kiko saw the more she kinda of liked about this place. when ryder spoke again speaking that she had picked up the bettering looking one. kiko felt like her fur was growing warm. she never thought it upon herself as beautiful. her fur wasn't exactly smooth an lovely looking like these she-cats before her. she was way too tomboyish for that. but dipped her head at the complement.

the two cats that were fighting stopped as their names were introduced the none named acha said hello while the other just seemed to hold silent at her presence that was ok with kiko. " hello" she mewed kindly as she could. acha introduced the others an smiled kindly at the others observations of her friends well she didn't mind that one much. the other cat named brighteyes when kiko finally looked at her, but brighteyes was somewhat waddling her way over fight to kiko. kiko took a step backwards as she felt her pelt give a shiver.


what was this cat problems had she not learned of personal space. but than cats eyes flashed with somewhat happiness kiko was about to ask what her problem was but ryder seemed to beat her to it. then the blue eyed she-cat mewed still in her face. that she was a clan cat. kikos eyes flashed with a couple emotions with anger an freaking out dang it how she know, the question is, what do i do kiko thought but again the heavily pregnant cat called rdyer bet her to her words, an kiko was somewhat relieved. the other pregnant cat settle down a little still excited though at meeting her. kiko was now stumped she had to play this coolly surely she could trusts a couple pregnant cats. if she couldn't what was the cat world coming to..


kiko sat down where she stood looking at the others taking a slow breath " well if we could keep me being a clan cat on the down low that would be nice..." she thought it sounded like she had a secret " i just want to start new you know" she looked to brighteyes hoping the other would understand when brighteyes again asked for what her warrior name was kiko flicked her tail in thought " my name is, kiko i rather keep things short " at that she tilted her head with a curt smile to brighteyes then she blinked to change subject i hope you don't mind asking you too...but um who his the father of your kits?" kiko asked ugh this going to be a long night she thought keeping her smile kindly plastered on her face. she looked between the two pregnant cats hoping one would answer.her gaze casted towards the two who began to tumble kiko let a real smile shine threw at the site of the two of them.

[Fleet]

As the she-cat spoke her name, Brighteyes smiled widely before saying"Its a nice name Kiko..." Her gaze turned to Ryder who simply shrugged before flopping onto her side and twitching her white toes. Brighteyes however was still fixed upon Kiko, clearly amazed and excited to see another clan cat after so long. But when Kiko asked her question Brighteyes allowed herself to chuckle saying cheerfully"Oh, their father is a wonderful tom.... Very handsome... Named Keeli, he's out on a patrol at the moment.. I can introduce you later if you like, he's good fun..." To which Ryder butted in"Her mates ginger.... Like you Kiko.... And now you've got her onto a gushy subject, I dare you to try and get her to stop thinking about Keeli now..." There was a wicked grin on Ryder's face as she spoke and Brighteyes took a playful swat at it at her words. But the chatter was interrupted by Acha as she suddenly spoke"Look, Ulster's emerging from the tunnel, that must mean he finally broke Red...." All the she-cat's gazes fixed upon a willow tree at the heart of their camp, where a black tom was emerging from a hole at its base, his forest green gaze flickering to and fro. He called cats to him with a flick of his black tail, Ryder noticed Brandt, Finn and Nasir were among the cats called to him. Then Ryder spoke"Surely if he had broken Red he'd make an announcement to us all telling us where we are to go and find Deepgrounds missing kits..." Ryder had rolled onto her paws and was moving forwards curiously,

She noticed Brandt and Nasir enter the tunnel, as Acha answered her"Well, maybe he's about to.... Oh, look their bringing him out.... He looks in a bad way, the little fur ball...." And so they were, Brandt and Nasir dragged Red out, dumping him in the dirt. Many cats of the band were gathering round now, Ryder flicked her tail indicating she was moving closer and anyone else was welcome to come. As she expected Acha moved forwards with her, Ryder pushed her way through to the front of the crowd and just as she reached the front so Red, simply lift his ginger head from the ground. His ginger pelt was coated in blood, his face looked pounded beyond belief and yet he was still able to smile up at the black Ulster with his usual mocking smirk. Ryder watched as Ulster spoke"Brandt, get his partition of the tunnel clean... Then he can go back in it... Nasir, make sure the idiot gets no food or water.... I'll be back when I have eaten something..." He kicked Red in the face in passing, causing the tom to cry out as the blow fell upon his broken nose arch. Then Ulster was padding away, Finn at his side and a large ginger tabby was roaring at the crowd, causing them to disperse. Ryder felt Acha at her shoulder say"Come on Ryder... Lets go back to Brighteyes and Kestrel..." Ryder remained where she was, gazing upon Red as he lay clutching his face as blood dribbled from his broken nose. Then she turned her back upon the tom, intending to follow Acha.

Meanwhile as the crowd dispersed Rhaegar got his first view of Red, the tom was lying their clutching his face. It was then the creamy tom boldly began to move forwards, towards the tom. He looked to Nasir, who when he saw him coming had gained a frown. But Rhaegar ignored Nasir and moved into Red's line of vision before saying"Look whose rolling in the dirt now...." At his voice Red's head came straight up, his blue eyes were wide with surprise and Rhaegar allowed himself a cruel smirk. Nasir looked ready to leap between them at any time, but Rhaegar made no attempt to go another step closer. He just stood there, close enough for Red to see and hear him, but far enough away that neither of them could could touch the other. Red was as small as he had always been, twice as small now he was being starved and tortured. But then Red spoke, his voice sounding croaky"Oh if its not the dear old traitor.... Your time will come soon Rhaegar.. Maybe right after mind.... But at least when my time comes, I will still have won... You however will of lost it all as you always do...." Rhaegar felt his fur prickle and he hissed back"My time may be coming, but at least when I die... I won't die hated.... A kit thief.... A torturer... At least when I die, I will die without a thousand cats screaming for my blood.... Because thats what you are going to get Red.... All these cats and more screaming for your blood..." Red just started to chuckle, wincing as the motion of laughter hurt him and at the sound Nasir hissed a warning at the small prisoner before shooting Rhaegar a look which clearly said Go away!