[Open] As Far As I Know...

[{Lunarstar}]

Lunarstar got up and sat down, wrapping her tail around her paws. She lifted her brow and tilted her head a little to the side. "I don't know. How can I know if I can trust you? Hawkstripe was better at anything I had him do, and he swore his loyalty to me and StreamClan, he lied. I won't be able to tell if you'll betray me too, fall for some skank, or go soft at the moment I need you." she answered, her eyes sending mixed signals. One was filled with hatred and fury, the other sad and needy.

"If I chose to trust you, it could go two ways. I could make an amazing alliance, or make a huge mistake. Again." Lunarstar added, her sad and blazing eyes dimming to blank.

She wanted to trust someone, but she couldn't. She just couldn't. Her whole life she trusted cats, each time it was a tom. Bone trained her to be great, promised to make her a legend, than he dumped her to the sad and decided being a mentor was too boring. Hawkstripe promised his loyalty, and he left her and her Clan for a she-cat. Lies everywhere. She just couldn't trust anyone else...

[.:*Hawkstar*:.]

Smokescore's gaze softened. He felt a small spark of pity in his chest for this cat before him. She had been through a great deal and she was broken down to the point where she could tell truth from lie.

"Very well, then," he murmured softly. His solid gray figure strode forward, and his nose gently brushed her's, his eyes closed. When they reopened, he had turned away, heading back towards camp. "Sleep on the thought, moon-cat," he called. "I will await for your answer until the world's heart ceases in its beating."

So close. Why doesn't she trust you? You swore on Rose. Rose! How could she not trust you when you gave your word over your best friend's soul? This is just troublesome to no end. But, maybe she could sleep on the idea, and figure that you did what she wanted, no hesitation. And I haven't even looked at anyone else other than Lunarstar, how could she think I would fall like Hawkstripe? He's ruining everything for me. That blasted animal.

Smokescore was so caught up in his ranting that he didn't know he had entered camp, looking as angry as a hornet. He was too deep into the state of mind that he didn't notice any stares about his pelt being bloodied. He simply padded over to the fresh-kill pile and plucked a small fish from the top. His stomach was yowling for food, and he hadn't eaten all day. But, he wanted to keep portions small, so a smaller fish would just be better. He felt a little sick, and he feared that he would lose everything if he ate too much.

Smokescore took a bite from the belly of the prey. It was cool and succulent in his mouth, and he chewed quietly in satisfaction.

[{Lunarstar}]

Lunarstar glared at Smokescore's back until he disappeared from her sight, then she got up and followed him. She doubted 'sleeping' on it would help, she had two different minds. One was the cat raised by Bone. Cunning, ruthless, impish, smart, strong, fast, agile, and mean. Someone to be feared. The other one was the weak cat who had gotten beaten too much. She needed to trust someone, have someone to keep her grounded. While she also couldn't trust anyone, she couldn't build relationships. Only raise cats then use them as her weapons and tools.

Lunarstar walked pointedly past Smokescore, returning to her rock. She let her head fall on her paws, her tail wrapping around her body. She sighed, if she decided to tell him yes, it would only be a lie. She's be using him for her own gain. Like all cat's, he's disposable. But if he did what she said, when she said, and did stay loyal, he would be a great ally... He had muscle where she had thin, brutal where she was fast. Opposites make a whole, and that whole could be very dangerous indeed...

With an inward sigh and a feeling of exhaustion, she got off the rock and went back to Smokescore. She sat beside him and answered him without bothering to turn her gaze to his.

"Yes."

[.:*Hawkstar*:.]

Smokescore perked up. "Yes?" he repeated. "Are you sure?" He tipped his head to the side, looking up at the sleek figure at his side. She wasn't looking at him.

Rose, you never fail me, the muscular tom thought smugly. He could practically feel the rust-colored she-cat sitting at his side, purring like she had the first day they met. Her stained fur around her eyes clashed with the red, but it was her look.

OOC:: Guuuuh soooo short. No muse...

[{Lunarstar}]

"Don't test me!" Lunarstar snapped. "Of course I'm sure, why would I say yes if I'm not sure?" she hissed, her neck fur rising.

"Come on." she said abruptly after a few moments of silence, getting to her paws and walking into the forest.

She'd need to introduce him to the loners she was allied with. Adder, sometimes Ash, if she saw her, Daisy, Rose, Hawk, Sparrow, and Mud. Mud. Lunarstar chuckled to herself, she'd never believed him when he told her his name. Apparently, he took his name very seriously, Lunarstar recalled, glancing at a scar on her neck. It was small, and almost healed, the scratch was simply a warning. She thought a moment. Adder would be best. He wasn't nice, but not exactly mean. He also would forgive most remarks, with maybe only one warning. Adder was a very patient cat.

Lunarstar trekked toward the river, stopping in front of an old badger den. The scent of badger had left long ago, replaced by cat. Adder and some she-cats. Lunarstar called Adder's name, watching as neon green eyes blinked at her from the den. Soon the rest of the cat melted out of the shadows, his dark brown pelt so close to black you would easily miss the black skunk-like mark trailing down his back and tail. He sat in front of the hole, narrowing his eyes at Smokescore, but he respectfully dipped his head to Lunarstar.

"What brings you here Lunarstar?" Adder asked politely, his voice sickeningly sweet. He was trying to hard.

"Just to introduce you to Smokescore, he's Hawkstripe's replacement." Lunarstar answered, narrowing her eyes in a warning at Adder.

"Oh, so you finally found a cat suited?"

"Yes, we'll have to hope he's better than Hawkstripe, or at least as good." Lunarstar meowed, sitting down.

"Yes we will." Adder agreed, still glaring at the gray tom.

[.:*Hawkstar*:.]

Smokescore had just finished the last of his small fish when Lunarstar told him to follow. Rising to his paws, he padded at the black she-cat's shoulder out of camp, his head lowered like an obedient dog. He watched the powerful cat as she amused herself with her thinking, reflecting of things only she knew.

When Lunarstar stopped before a hole in the ground and called, the gray tomcat took in a whiff. Badger that had been gone for ages lingered about, burning the insides of the cat's nose. But what really stuck out was the scent of tom. A small bit of she-cat lingered with it.

Then, the most brilliant green eyes Smokescore had ever seen popped open, and a cat slithered out. The gray cat couldn't help himself, and a small smirk jumped onto his mouth. With his head still lowered, shoulders hunched, and tail folding neatly around him, the gray warrior could easily be taken as a threat. The black lining of his eyes made his violet irises jump out in color.

Log: New tomcat, name being Adder. Local loner or rogue by the looks of him. Polite, well-built, looks like he can put up a good fight. Best leave him be and learn more by overseeing.

Adder's intense glare didn't bother Smokescore. In fact, it amused him. His smirk cracked a little wider, turning into a light smile. His black nose twitched, holding back a snort of laughter. Composer... Composer, he reminded himself repeatedly. But he couldn't resist letting out a small snort and lifting his head lightly. He blinked his eyes, dragging moisture into them, bringing relief. Adder didn't seem like a cat that the cosmetics tom would really enjoy, but if need be, he would embrace him in.

After all, everyone entered a point in life where they need to embrace that they dislike. And Smokescore was perfect at doing so. He had embraced Lunarstar, and all of the StreamClan cats.

"There's no need to hope," Smokescore meowed quietly, not even sure if the other two could hear him. "I've got nothing to lose and nothing to look forward to, so nothing is going to tie me back from being just as good -if not better- than Hawkstripe. Nothing." Those dull violet eyes flashed over to Lunarstar. She would know what he meant. No she-cat was going to get in the way of him being at her side.

Because Lunarstar was that she-cat.

[{Lunarstar}]

Lunarstar's head snapped to the tom. "There are many things that can keep you from being better than Hawkstripe." she meowed quietly, her voice monotone and harsh. Hawkstripe, as much as she hated him, was strong. He was loyal to those he loved. He was obediant, but had his own mind and inputs and opinions. He was easy to talk to, and never lied to you to make you feel better.

"Luna's right," Adder added, using the nickname most Loner's made for Lunarstar. "I hated Hawkstripe, more than you, but I admired the tom. He deserves respect, he has the power of the Dark Forest on his side. They could easily rival StarClan, and win."

Adder then noticed the other tom trying to look 'tough'. He burst out laughing, his green eyes harsh. "Stop that, you look like like a species-confused fox. Bursting into a stupid smirk and then trying to look sadistic won't get you on the good side of the others." he hissed, his thoughts traveling to the other loners that worked with Luna. The she-cats were...different. They could rip a head off with no questions asked, but be the most gentle mothers. Without hesitation they could kill a kit, but use such gentle movement to cure a cat.

[.:*Hawkstar*:.]

Smokescore flicked his gaze from one cat to the next as the two superiors spoke. His sight rested lastly on Adder, but his other senses remained upon Lunarstar. He couldn't risk any attacking because his guard was down. He knew that, and so did the others.

"StarClan," the gray tomcat repeated slowly, lifting his gaze to the canopy of trees and particles of open sky. He quickly brought his dull eyes back down to earth. "I don't follow them too closely; I choose not to be too religious. Last time I was, results were bad. And the Dark Forest you speak of..." he trailed off to think. He shook his head after a few heartbeats. "Not familiar with it."

Smokescore took a second to process the sadistic part. "Was I trying to be sadistic?" he asked Lunarstar in slight confusion. He hadn't thought he was. "Forgive me, but I don't mean to." A slight smile parted his maw once more. "It's what I do; it can't be helped, sadly." Smokescore's smile dropped suddenly, and he rested his eyes on the half-way point between the two other felines. He could keep all senses on both that way.

If he was a breed-confused fox, he was definitely confused. What fox could turn solid gray, after all?

[{Lunarstar}]

"The Dark Forest is a sacred place, like StarClan's hunting grounds. The Dark Forest is all shadow, no sun, no stars. It's almost death itself. Only cats who have wreaked havoc, killed, and destroyed when living go there. Those who want to go there follow in the path of Tigerstar, I believe he is the ruler of the Dark Forest. That is my goal, to follow Tigerstar's pawsteps when I die. To hunt where there are no rules." Lunarstar answered, ignoring his question. She shot a glare at Adder, then stood. "Come Smokescore, there are many more cats to meet." she meowed to her tom. "Goodbye Adder, maybe I'll visit you later." she added to the darkly colored cat.

"Lunarstar, you should take him to Midnight next." Adder offered, grinning at the black she-cat.

"I think I will. We haven't had a good chat in ages." Lunarstar meowed, grinning back. "Come, Smokescore." she mewed to the gray tom, trotting back to the forest.

_________------------------------________________----------------

"Midnight!" Lunarstar called, her yellow eyes darting to the shadows where the she-cat normally resided.

“Yes?” came a soft, silky purr from behind Luna.

“Midnight,” Lunarstar purred, turning around. “Meet Smokescore, Hawkstripe’s replacement.”

A lithe black she-cat melted out of the shadows of the forest, opening her bright yellow eyes slowly. She grinned at Lunarstar, receiving a smile from the leader. It was then that a cat would see that the two she-cats were identical. There was nothing but a few scars only Luna possessed, that made the she-cats different. It was amazing, because both cats knew they weren’t kin. They shared the strangely neon yellow eyes, lithe shapes that hid their muscles, and the same black pelt.

“Hello… Smokescore is it?” Midnight’s purr was soft and soothing, and created mental pictures of things like waves lapping at a sandy beach, a soft wind blowing tree leaves, a trickling stream.

[.:*Hawkstar*:.]

Smokescore ignored the fact that his question was ignored. He didn't feel like questioning her further and ruffling her up. Rising as he was ordered, the muscular tomcat padded slowly after his leader, sparing a glance behind him at Adder.

Not a cat he would like, that one. He was too much like his name. Serpents had never made Smokescore amused, no matter what they were doing.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Smokescore nearly jumped as Lunarstar suddenly called out so cheerfully. He turned around slowly as another felines voice called a greeting.

Smokescore smiled at her warmly. He gave her a nod to confirm that her naming was correct. Her meow was soothing, like the crisp new morning air fluffing through your pelt as you wake up. Now this was a cat he could like. She was sweet, quiet, but held herself like she could handle the real world. She was beautiful, just like Lunarstar. "Hello, Midnight," he meowed politely to her.

Log. A new she-cat that is just like Lunarstar, only less of a grouch. She's sweet, quiet, and she has a sooth in her voice. She's not as complicated as Adder/

[{Lunarstar}]

Midnight dipped her head in greeting to the tom before turning her attention to Lunarstar. "It's great of you to visit. Though you missed the kits moving out. Well, I guess not kits anymore." Midnight chuckled softly.

"Oh, how could I miss that?" Lunarstar's voice was soft and relaxed. Midnight had that effect on cats. "They seemed like they would never grow up!"

"I know. Dear little Rose, still questioning her father. Hopefully that tom she met --I think his name was Raven-- will help her relax a little."


"Yes, she needs to have some fun. So does your youngest...Rain, right?"

"Yes. Rain." Midnight's yellow eyes softened even more at the mention of her baby kit all grown up.

"Did Daisy ever manage to woo Oak?" Lunarstar asked, giggling a little.

"I don't think so, not yet at least." Midnight replied.

OOC: Mention Midnight's mate, I need to get her split personality in soon.

[.:*Hawkstar*:.]

Smokescore listened silently as the two she-cat's caught up. He could tell it had been awhile since they had met. But when they started talking about kits, the tom's violet eyes began to wander about, seeking out the pelt of another animal. Nothing, not even a scent, reached him.

Once the two basically twin cats had reached a pause in their giggling and gossip, he lifted his tail for permission to speak. "Forgive my asking, but you seem alone up here. Don't you have a mate to keep you company?" It would be just too quiet if she were here alone all the time.

OOC:: Okay, I mentioned it. But Lunarstar can't slam him about it because anyone would wonder it, too >_<

[{Lunarstar}]

Lunarstar stiffened at the question, wincing slightly. She knew no good could come from the question.

"Why no, Smokescore. I don't." Midnight's black fur began to stand on end, doubling her petite frame. Her muscles coiled and tensed under her pelt and her claws unsheathed. Like Lunarstar's, Midnight's eyes seemed to rage as though a fire lived within them. "The bastard left me!" Midnight yelled, her eyes squeezing tightly. Now the calm, silky voice was harsh and powerful, ready to best a waterfall in roar. "All I ever did for him was bear him litters of kits, hunt for him, protect him, then he left me! For another she-cat. Just like Hawkstripe." her hiss was rising in volume, and she snarled Hawkstripe's name. Then whipped her head around to face Smokescore.

With a snarl, she jumped on him pinning him down, belly up. Her claws rested gently on his neck and she hissed down at him. "You're just like the rest of them." her eyes were blazing and filling with tears. "You'll fill a cat with love, then rip her heart out when you find a slut to fulfill your 'needs'."

"Um, Midnight." Lunarstar's voice came out small and scared. "I don't think he meant any harm in asking..." Lunarstar sighed inwardly, she should have warned Smokescore Midnight was literally insane. She was bipolar, radiant one moment, drowning in sorrow the next.

Midnight turned her head to Lunarstar and slowly felt her racing heart calm. She sighed, reluctantly getting off Smokescore. Her black fur began to lie flat, but her wet eyes were still smoldering.

[.:*Hawkstar*:.]

Smokescore watched in steadily growing horror as the silky cat became wild with blind fury. With a loud oof! sound, SMokecore had to blink once or twice to register everything.

"N-no," he stammered. "I would never do that, honest." Her claws to his throat were unsettling. He could feel her muscular system flexing as she held herself back from shredding him into thousands of messy pieces.

Then Lunarstar called her off. Smokescore hurriedly sat up and shook his coat out. "Midnight, you have me read all wrong," he meowed smoothly, despite the fact that he could feel his bones tingling. "I believe that a she-cat is a very important being, and they are equals with toms. They need love, and care. The tom you were with obviously couldn't understand that. I will never even direct my sight in that direction. I was taught by my best friend, who was a she-cat, that everything is as equal as the last. There are just regulations that differentiate us all. I know that her word is true."

Smokescore smiled softly, closing his eyes for a bit longer than a standard blink. "Your mate was a fool. And maybe I am, too, but you and Lunarstar are almost exactly the same." His head dipped lower in slight embarrassment. "You are both stunning in appearance and you have an attitude that keeps everyone guessing. Who ever it was that taught you wrongly, well, he should mean nothing. Ro-- I mean 7673 once told me that she had been betrayed. She never told me much else, but she said that she moved on after he had learned his lesson. And she was so happy. You and she are completely different in appearance, but you should have more luck. You are far more gorgeous than her, but maybe it was because she was old and tired. But any cat with a brain in his head, well, you know..."

He allowed his voice to trail off. Thanking Rose for his dark fur, he twitched his nose against the heat flushing into his face. That was too much talking. Too, too, too much. He dared not meet the gazes of the she-cats, fearing he would end up spitting something else out he didn't want to. Plus, he was actually slightly worried that Midnight would go ballistic on him once more, and she probably wouldn't hold back.

Rose, why do I always have to talk about any little thing? I'm going to loose my life one of these days from this curse.

[{Lunarstar}]

Midnight's eyes twinkled as Smokescore spoke. She wrapped her tail neatly around her paws as she settled beside Lunarstar to listen to the tom's ramblings. As he finished babbling unnecessarily, she stood and walked over to him.

"Thank you." Midnight whispered, letting her small pink tongue glide across his cheek. She could feel the heat in his skin and she chuckled softly.


Lunarstar rolled her eyes as Smokescore began. The tom always talked consistently. He just babbled on and on. As he finished the long speech she just gave him her poker face, glaring too much would make her face look dreadful in her elder years. The black she-cat watched as Midnight licked Smokescore, and she stiffened, having issues maintaining the mantle on her face.

"Um, well, we must be moving on." Lunarstar announced abruptly, standing and walking in between the two cats. "Many more cats to meet, come on Smokescore." she continued, walking toward the river. She stopped a few feet away and meowed, without turning to look at Midnight, "Goodbye. Hope to see you again soon." After that she walked into the forest, toward the river.

A few feet into the forest she stopped and sat. Then snapped loudly, "Smokescore!"