Whispers

Ebonywave felt the breeze brush against her fur. She lifted her head and immediately knew someone was standing over her. She shrunk back, memories of Shewfang washing over her. But then, the voice she heard was cold and filled with anger and sorrow.

"Ebonywave. What do you want?"

Ebonywave coughed and her eyes widened. Her heart seemed to beat faster.

"F-finnick!"

She stood up on shaky legs and went to press her cheek against his. He took a step back though, distancing them.

"I ask again, what do you want?"

Her eyes showed pain.

"Finnick... what's wrong?"

He shook his head.

"You didn't show up that one night. I waited every night for a moon. I finally decided to look into your camp to make sure you were alright. I was in the trees, and I saw you. You were laying beside another tom, and you were sharing tongues."

Ebonywave looked horrified.

"No! That was nothing! Let me explain!"

Finnick shook his head.

"There's nothing to explain. You've been lying to me. I saw you two get up and pad to a den with your tails twined together. Don't tell me that's nothing!"

 Finnick's voice was laced with a snarl. Ebonywave hung her head.

"I'm expecting kits Finnick."

He narrowed his eyes and let out a low growl and turned around and started to pad away. She spoke again.

"They're not his."

Finnick stopped in his tracks, and Ebonywave continued.

"He forced me to be his mate. I-i.... He hurt me Finnick. He hit me, and used his claws on me. I was so scared... so frightened. I could never get away from his side. He threatened to kill me. And he just tried to when he learned I was expecting your kits. I jumped into the river to escape. Then, you found me."

She walked slowly forward until she was standing next to Finnick.

"It was meant to be. We were meant to be! We can leave now too. Two cats are trying to kill me now. I'm not safe there. And anyways, I only want to be with you. You're the one who pulled me through those few moons. I thought I was going to die, but you kept me strong. I kept hoping I'd find my way back to you. Now, I did."

Finnick looked at Ebonywave.

"I-i thought you left me. I was so scared. So hurt."

She licked his ear.

"I was too. Let's go now."

Finnick nodded.

"They'll be beautiful. Just like you."

He nosed her belly softly and she felt her ears get hot, and she leaped away.

"Come on. I'll race you."

Finnick laughed lightly.

"To where?"

She padded back to Finnick until they were face to face. Ebonywave whispered quietly.

"To anywhere."

Then she sprang away and ran as fast as her crippled state would let her. They ran away from JayClan and Finnick's group, and the opposite way of Ivoryflame. Finnick followed after her, keeping in pace. The night was starting to come, and the stars soon came out.

You and I ignite like all the stars are in between us
And even though I've run into you
In my life I've yet to see

Ebonywave slowed down slightly. She sit down, breathing hard. He nuzzled her slightly.


"Sorry, I forgot."

She purred and licked him between the ears.

Further than I've ever gone I'm feeling something real
And there's no one else who takes your place
The pull of something real

Finnick looked back.

"It's all gone now. I can't even see the JayClan forest. You sure you want this?"

He looked back to Ebonywave and gasped as she pushed him over. He stared into her face as she stood over him.

"More than anything."

She lied down next to him and he pressed his nose into her shoulder. Finnick looked over her body. Ebonywave's black and white pelt was smooth and soft, but beneath it held scars and bruises, and stories. Around them lay a small field, and further ahead was a forest. The night sky was dark except for the stars that made the white snow seem so much brighter.

"Come on. Just a little farther. I know you're tired, but we can't stay in the open."

She struggled to her feet, and he watched her carefully. Finnick stared in sorrow at her crippled, back leg that restricted her so much. Finnick let Ebonywave lean on him and they slowly made their way to the forest.

So I'll fly over endless skies
Fly until the end of time
Because I don't want you to be let down at all you see
I just wanna have you whisper into me

 He stopped when they found a little hollow.

"Here. I'll catch us some prey. Extra for you."

She lay down heavily and he noticed her stomach slightly bulging out. Then he padded back into the forest, his ears pinned back.

You and I ignite like all the stars are in between us
And even though I've run into you
In my life I've yet to see

He quickly came back with plenty of prey. He set some down beside Ebonywave and she ate it ravenously. He ate his prey more slowly, studying her once again. He never got tired of looking at her. Finnick got up and curled around her, licking her head gently.

Further than I've ever gone I'm feeling something real
And there's no one else who takes your place
The pull of something real

Ebonywave yawned.

"I love you."

Finnick felt her purring and smiled.

"I love you too. I thought you were gone forever."

Ebonywave smiled slightly.

"Now you know how I felt when you left."

He laughed, and licked her again.

So I'll fly over endless skies
Fly until the end of time
Because I don't want you to be let down at all you see
I just wanna have you whisper

Into me
Into me
Into me

"Well, we found each other again. It's destiny, not even the stars can hold us apart."

Ebonywave nodded drowsily.

"Get some sleep now. You need it. So do our kits."

He whispered quietly the last sentence and Ebonywave breathed out deeply, and she drifted into sleep.

I'm finding my way, finding my way
Finding my way back to you
I'm finding my way, finding my way
Finding my way back to you

Because I don't want you to be let down at all you see
I just wanna have you whisper

I'm finding my way, finding my way
Finding my way back to you
I'm finding my way, finding my way
Finding my way back to you

He then closed his eyes, and fell asleep with his heart beating with Ebonywave's.

::---::

It was close to half a moon later, and Ebonywave would be kitting any day now. Her stomach was now round under her, as she had gained her weight back. She groaned.

"I feel like I get bigger everyday."

Finnick smiled slyly. 

"Well your kits are coming any day. Are you sure you're ready? Do we need any herbs?"

She shook her head.

"I think we have everything. I'll be fine Finnick. Really."

She purred and heaved herself up. Finnick leaped forward.

"Here, let me help."

Ebonywave glared at him.

"I can get myself up, thanks."

He stood anxiously to the side as she tottered to the edge of the hollow they had stayed in that first night. Finnick padded up beside Ebonywave. 

"You okay?"

She looked away and shook her head.

"Before we left, Leafdew said since I was smaller... it may cause problems. I try not to show it, but... I'm scared."

Finnick's ears flicked backward.

"You're gonna be great. Everything will be."

Ebonywave nodded than stood still. She had this weird feeling and it was as if she could feel the breeze of a meadow blow across her. She saw glimpses of red and gasped.

"F-finnick. I think we have to go back."

Pain flashed across his eyes.

"What do you mean?"

She shook slightly.

"I think Ivoryflame is in danger. We have to go back!"

He looked away.

"But what about us? This is our home. What about Lightenedcall and Shrewfang? What about the clan? If they find you, they won't let you leave this close to kitting! You can barely even walk!"

She closed her eyes.

"I have to go. Please Finnick. She's my sister."

Finnick searched for the right words, but found none.

"I'm not leaving your side no matter what. I can't lose you. Not again."

His voice expressed his pain and Ebonywave nodded, burying her head into his chest. Then she limped slowly out of the small forest, her belly swaying. Finnick looked back, then caught up to Ebonywave, letting her lean on him. 

As soon as they were back in the JayClan forest, Ebonywave padded silently through. Finnick then saw a flash of silver, and Ebonywave scented a faded, familiar scent.

"Ivoryflame!"

Song is Whispers by New Heights

A Forced Choice

It had been a few moons since Ivoryflame had disappeared. Wandernight hadn't been herself since then, and she was convinced Lightenedcall had something to do with it. Ebonywave limped to her meeting spot with Finnick. Her weight had come back, and she looked more like her old self. Finnick soon padded to the spot, and nuzzled her gently.

"Still no news of Ivoryflame?"

Ebonywave shook her head.

"She left with Striker. That's all I know. But... I don't think she's going to come back."

Finnick sighed and whispered.

"We could leave too..."

Ebonywave took a step back.

"I couldn't! It would kill Wandernight. And Fellstar... I don't know how he would be if he lost all of his kits, and Wandernight. It's just... no. I can't."

Finnick nodded.

"I know. I understand."

His ears pricked forward and he hissed slightly.

"Someone's coming. I better go. I'll see you tonight!"

He pressed his muzzle against her cheek and Ebonywave licked him quickly before he ran away. Ebonywave turned around and Shrewfang's scent washed over her. The tom padded out of the bushes and stood in front of her. She nodded slightly.

"Greetings Shrewfang. What brings you out here?"

She started to pad in the direction of the camp, not trusting the bristly tom who was the kit of Lightenedcall. He padded up beside her, and quickly stopped Ebonywave.

"I came to find you."

Ebonywave tried not to act scared, and she lifted her head.

"Well I was going back to camp, so maybe we can talk there."

She wanted to be around the safety of the clan, and Shrewfang stopped her again, a light growl rising in his voice.

"No. Here's good. And if you don't stay, I'll make you."

Ebonywave crouched on the ground, fear scent quickly rising from her fur.

"What do you want Shrewfang?"

The sandy tom brought his face close to Ebonywave's.

"No need to be afraid. I only want you. You as my mate."

This made Ebonywave break out shaking. She shook her head.

"I-i don't even know you. Let alone like you."

She tried to get up, but Shrewfang placed his paw in her shoulder. Ebonywave cringed away as she felt the tips of his claws."

"I'm not asking you permission. I'm demanding it. I know about that tom. Lightenedcall told me."

He slowly circled Ebonywave.

"You will be my mate. If not, I'll kill you both. I promise you that. Now, we better tell the clan the great news about us."

He pushed Ebonywave up roughly, and she looked even smaller than usual.Shrewfang wrapped his tail around Ebonywave's and she shook violently.

::---::

When they padded into the camp Shrewfang padded over to Fellstar with Ebonywave. The leader was sharing tongues with Wandernight, and they looked up. Shrewfang dipped his head.

"I'd like you to announce to the clan that Ebonywave and I are mates."

Fellstar's eyes narrowed, and Wandernight looked to Ebonywave, then back to Shrewfang.

"When did this happen? I've never noticed you two together."

Wandernight stood up but stayed where she was.

"We wanted to keep it a secret. We knew you two wold disapprove. Isn't that right Ebonywave?"

She nodded stiffly, her face blank of any emotion. Wandernight took a step forward and whispered in her daughters ear. 

"Are you sure Ebonywave? You know you can tell me anything."

The young she-cat felt the piercing stare of Shrewfang burning into her pelt. She nodded again.

"I'm sure. I.... I love him."

She tried to not gag as she spoke the words only meant for Finnick to hear. Shrewfang purred and licked her cheek, a smirk playing on his face.

"If you would please announce it, thank-you."

Shrewfang guided Ebonywave away and looked back as Fellstar addressed the clan.

"Shrewfang and Ebonywave are now... mates. We hope to see more kits soon."

His blind gaze sought out Ebonywave, and he felt something wrong about Ebonywave. The clan came up to the two cats and congratulated them. 

Night soon fell and Ebonywave followed Shrewfang into the warriors den, limping behind him. She lay down, her pelt prickling with fear. Ebonywave stiffened as Shrewfang, who was much larger than she was, curled around her small body. She tried to move her head away but again she felt the pricks of his claws in her side and he licked her cheek roughly. As the rest of the camp fell asleep, Ebonywave couldn't. All she could think about is Finnick waiting for her, and being disappointed when she didn't come.

In the morning Shrewfang stood up and yawned. Ebonywave spoke slightly.

"I-i'm going hunting."

The tom narrowed his eyes.

"No. I don't want you going anywhere without me. We can't risk it, can we?"

She lowered her head, not knowing what to do as she limped out after Shrewfang as what she would one day come to know as some of the worst days of her life.

::---::

It was two and a half moons later, and Ebonywave hadn't seen Finnick since Shrewfang had forced her to become his mate. She felt stiff and sore, and every night she cried silently. Shrewfang attacked her viciously almost everyday. She had so many bruises and scars, though they were all hidden under her fur, and she was too afraid to speak out. She had felt more tired than usual, and slept a lot more.

She padded out of the warriors den close to sun-high one day. She limped slowly to the medicine's cat den, and Shrewfang leaped up to meet her.

"Where are you going?"

His voice disguised a low growl and she flinched.

"I want some herbs. I don't feel okay."

Shrewfang stopped then padded after Ebonywave again, accompanying her to the medicine cat den. She padded into the den and Leafdew looked up from sorting herbs.

"Do you need something Ebonywave?"

She sighed and sat down stiffly.

"I haven't been feeling good."

Leafdew nodded.

"Shrewfang please wait outside the den while I check her over."

He narrowed his eyes but didn't protest and sat close enough outside to hear everything that was said. Leafdew ran her paws over Ebonywave's body and stomach.

"Have you been eating enough? I can feel your bones."

Ebonywave shrugged, and Leafdew looked on in worry. Leafdew stood up.

"Ebonywave."

Leafdew's eyes were bright and she brushed her muzzle again Ebonywave's.

"Congratulations. You're expecting kits. I'll get you some herbs. You're already quite far along. You didn't show that much. That's why no one ever knew. You should move to the nursery soon. I'd say another half moon and they'll be born. You need to eat more too if you want you and your kits to stay healthy. You're naturally small so it may cause problems when the kits come. I want to keep an eye on you from now on."

Leafdew continued to talk, and Ebonywave sat as still as stone. Leafdew's voice was filled with joy at the prospect of more kits.

"Shrewfang will be so happy to find out he's going to be a father!"

This threw Ebonywave out of her shock. In her head she heard the truth flowing through her. She remembered back a while before Shrewfang had taken hold of her. Only a few days before that. She had forgotten the time and fell asleep beside Finnick behind their secret waterfall. These are Finnick's kits. I'm having his kits! Her heart seemed to come alive for the first time in moons. She ate the herbs Leafdew pushed towards her silently.

"I better tell Shrewfang."

Leafdew nodded.

"I know it's a lot to take in, but you'll do fine."

Ebonywave nodded and limped out of the den. She almost ran into Shrewfang who was bristling slightly at the entrance to the den.

"I think we should go into the forest."

She padded after the tom who had abused her, and she shook slightly, scared for the unborn kits in her. She wrapped her tail around herself, silently promising to protect them. Shrewfang stopped, and so did Ebonywave. He stood there for a few silent moments.

"Are they mine?"

She knew he already knew the answer, so she stayed silent. A snarl ripped from his mouth and he spun around, his claws raking across her face. She gasped as warm blood welled along the deep cut. She backed up as Shrewfang advanced on her.

"I should kill you!"

She wailed but it was cut off as he bowled her over, raking his back legs across her stomach, trying to kill her kits. She yowled again and spun around so his claws raked across her spine. He released her and she kept low to the ground, covering her belly in the snow that still carpeted the ground. She flicked her ears back and forth, but Shrewfang seemed to have disappeared. Then, she gasped as the air was knocked out of her as Shrewfang thrust his muscled build into her side. Ebonywave struggled to get her paws under her, and lashed out blindly. Shrewfang leaped back and shook his head to clear the blood that dripped over his eyes. While he was distracted she got up and tried to run. She heard the rushing of the river and ran to the swift sound. Shrewfang was too fast though, he leaped at her and gripped her hind legs with his claws. She yowled and kicked out. Her paw impacted with his face, and she thrust herself towards the river that was so close. Then, before she knew it, the river water swallowed her whole, and she struggled towards the surface, but only saw black...

Lets Get out of this Town

Got it all figured out inside of my head
There's a bag packed up at the foot of my bed
You say the word, baby I'm all set

Ivoryflame waited outside of camp, her heart pounding so loud she was surprised that the clan couldn't hear it. Her breath was shallow as she looked up to the stars, which were twinkling just as bright as ever. Was she really ready to reject everything she'd ever known? So was Striker... but he hated where he was. Ivoryflame didn't. But what was here? Her sister who didn't trust her, a dangerous cat set on killing her....

We'll cover our tracks
Tell a couple white lies
Make sure we got a good alibi
And by the time they catch on
We'll be outta there sight
Long gone baby

Striker padded out of the bushes, his white pelt gleaming under the moon "Are you ready?" his eyes were filled with love for her, and Ivoryflame's doubt washed away. "Ready." she purred, rubbing her cheek against his "More than ready."

Striker smiled "Alright, I know the perfect place to go. Quiet, simple, no trees. Nothing like this place."

"You go ahead, I'll catch up." Ivoryflame purred, he tried to pretest, but the look in her eyes made him nod "Alright"

Ivoryflame gazed at camp "I'm sorry Ebonywave. I'll never forget you."

Let's get out of this town tonight
Nothing but dust in the shadows
Gone by morning light
Somewhere we won't ever get caught, ever be found
Baby, let's just get out of this town

Her paws silent across the grass, even with the legs, she soon caught up to Striker. Striker looked at her "Are you sure-"
Ivoryflame shook her head "I am Striker. I'm no use to them anyway. And... I don't want to live anywhere where loving you is forbidden."

Striker purred "Me neither."

Walking so close to eachother that their pelts brushed, Ivoryflame looked behind her, where JayClan was slowly dissapearing behind her.

Don't need directions
Don't need a map
If we get lost I'll be good with that

Soon, the green forest gave way to black and her home was gone. Yet, Ivoryflame didn't regret it. She didn't feel sad, didn't want to go home. In fact, she wanted to run further. Further into the approaching hills.

Yeah, we'll find a way to make the time pass
Windows rolled down with the heat on high
Stars all aligned in a runaway sky
Holding my hand as the miles roll by
Long gone baby

"Tell me more about your home." Ivoryflame whispered as dawn began to break through the black night
Striker sighed "Awful. I mean, it didn't used to be. When I first met you, I loved the place. My father... he was leader, and my mother was the healer. It was great. My brother was going to be leader and I was going to be healer... and my sister, Mai, she was going to be the lead advisor.
That all changed the day Me, Mai and Mom, her name was Jana, went to gather herbs one day. I... I ran onto a clans territory, and... well, the clan caught me and Mai. They... they killed Mai before Jana got to me. I watched her die... bleed out in front of me, gasping. She told me..." he swallowed "She told me she didn't want to die..."
"Jana s-saved me... but... she was so sad after Mai died. She was depressed... and we found her in a lake one day. Drowned."

Ivoryflame's eyes widened "Striker..."

"Craw... my father, he... well, blamed me. I was exiled. I lived there in ridecule."

Ivoryflame sighed, looking up at him, he continued "I'm glad I found you Ivoryflame... or... I don't know what I'd have done."

Let's get out of this town tonight
Nothing but dust in the shadows
Gone by morning light
Somewhere we won't ever get caught, ever be found
Baby, let's just get out of this town

Ivoryflame looked at him "No, Striker. No..." she licked his cheek "You saved me." I didn't even know who I was. You've changed me... in ways I never imagined possible" She purred "And now, we'll spend forever together. They'll never find us."

She looked up at the hills winding above her, the amber grass crunched beneath her paws. She was free. Finally free. She didn't have to worry about what the clan though, or whether she would die the next day in some horrible way. "We're long gone."

She wondered vaguely if the clan had discovered she was gone yet. Would they? Ebonywave would. She'd suspected her of planning this yesterday. Or maybe she was out with Finnick?

If we leave tonight and drive fast enough
All our troubles will be just like us
Long gone baby

Striker smiled "We're here." he led her to a small hill, where the amber grass was taller than them "Just in here." he led her through the Amber grass into a dark, cool cave. A pool of water was in the middle. The walls were braided with grass and two freshly made beds sat in the corner, a small pile of fresh kill was packed at the other corner, along with herbs Ivoryflame recognized from the Medicine Cat den "I... had some time to prepare." Striker whispered sheepishly.

Ivoryflame purred, looked out through the entrance. Golden Plains stretched out in front of her. The air smelt sweet, and small birds of prey flew in the sky, she could hunt them.... if she tried.

"This isn't it." striker purred, he led her down a series of tunnels until they finally came across a small stream. Water trickled down from all around the walls, feading into the stream. A small light came through a crack on the far side of the wall, hitting the water and casting colors across the entire room. "I call it the Shimmer Cave." Striker whispered "Amazing... isn't it." green grass crunched under her paws... just like home.

She sat with Striker in the Shimmer Cave until Nightfall. The Colors cast around began to fade slowly, leaving only the trackling of water. Smiling, she padded through the tunnels, emerging in the warm cave. She finally felt free. She padded over to Striker and curled up next to him.

As she closed her eyes, she felt his gaze upon her "I love you." and she fell into warm, bright, swirling colors.

Let's get out of this town tonight
Nothing but dust in the shadows
Gone by morning light
Somewhere we won't ever get caught, ever be found

Yeah let's get out of this town tonight
Let's get out of this town tonight
We won't ever get caught, ever be found
Baby, let's just get out of this town

[SONG (c) Carrie Underwood]

Finding You

Ebonywave padded through the forest. It had been a few moons since she had run away from Finnick's camp. Everyday the sorrow tore at her, distancing her further and further from the clan. It was just too much for her. Sometimes she would sneak off of JayClan territory to the waterfall Finnick had told her. His scent was stale now, almost gone from the water. But she'd still curl up on the cold stone, sometimes staying the whole night. She'd go back to camp with ice sticking to her fur, and her teeth chattering. Fellstar tried to ask her questions of where she was going, but she always brushed them away. Once, Ebonywave got so badly sick she could barely walk.
Now, she found herself once again in the cave behind the waterfall. Tears welled at her eyes and she sat down, facing towards the waterfall that was frozen in places. Her black and white pelt was soon soaked, and she was shivering so badly. But Ebonywave seemed to be in a different place as she sat there silently. Silently, slowly dying on the inside.

::---::

A silver tom padded through the territory. His long tail whisked from side to side, and his ice blue eyes seemed to be hardened down with some emotion. Scars laced his body, but they were mostly covered by his long fur. Though the ones that weren't, showed his true life. He had fought vicious battles, and usually his opponent didn't live.

But now, he walked up a secret slope to a cave hidden behind a waterfall. He looked up when he got to the cave, and his eyes slightly widened. Sitting there, was a small black and white she-cat, who was soaked to the bone. Ebonywave.

He stared at her. Her ribs were visible beneath her wet fur, and she just looked horrible. He took a step forward, then another and then he was by her side. He grabbed her scruff roughly, but then carefully dragged her down the rough stone. Once he was on snow, he walked faster, going back to his camp.

He walked in, dragging her behind him. He was met by a black cat, Aesir. Aesir narrowed his eyes, but then Ebonywave's eyes finally opened. She sniffed the air slightly.

"F-finnick...?"

Finnick stared down at Ebonywave as her eyes closed just as fast as they had opened. Finnick turned to Aesir.

"We have to help her."

Aesir snorted.

"If you wanted to help her, you should have brought her back to her own clan."

Finnick growled.

"If you value one thing, that thing is she-cat's. Let her live!"

The black cat shook his head.

"She's an enemy."

Finnick took a step forward.

"I'm going to be leader soon. Don't try to say we all can't notice how you're getting older. I know your joints are sore."

Aesir snarled.

"I am fine. And as long as I'm leader, I make the decisions. I want you to kill her."

Finnick shook his head.

"What if she wasn't an enemy. What if she... joined our group."

His father laughed.

"She's blind, and crippled. She will be of no use either way."

The silver tom shook his head.

"If I have to fight you, I will. And we both know who will win. Once she's better, she'll leave. I won't make her join this group. She deserves a better life."

He narrowed his eyes and turned to Ebonywave. He dragged her into his private den and licked her fur until she was dry. He made sure she was warm. He looked at her, memories flooding his mind. He sighed, and sat in the entrance of his den.