absentis reditum [open]

The reek of decay threatened to overwhelm every pleasant scent, it was stifling, condemning to the senses. Beyond the rotting hill of trash and rustle of rats among what appeared to be abnormally deadened foliage, there was a vast stretch of saturated and sparse wetlands. Everything across the horizon seemed to be touched with vibrant greens muddled with shades of brown. A chorus of frogs croaked from their hiding places among the patches of marsh grasses. A sparse tree or two rose into the air as lonely landmarks. Puddles dotted the scene like aphids clinging to the surface of a leaf. Already the tom, a solemn shadow at the edges of the territory, could feel his coat soaking up the humidity in the air. It threatened to weigh his pelt down as the sun began to set.

So this is Shadowclan.

A low hum came from the sides of the maw as he regarded the scenery. Admittedly, it was not as grand as the loner had hoped; dreams of sodden fur were more akin to nightmares in his mind. With a few pawsteps he drew nearer to the closest puddle and stared down at his own reflection. It was easier to consider himself Fangpaw in these moments, seeing the face of his companion that he'd spent all his time with until a mere few sunsets ago. Still the pools of scarlet soaking into the earth were seared into the backs of his eyelids. Every time his eyes flickered shut, there was the sight of a mangled and limp frame, one that matched his own pelt. His head shook violently back and forth to dispel the image before plastering a neutral scowl across his features.

There was no other option, this was who he was now and this would be the lands he soon commanded as a warrior of Shadowclan. With his tail tip flickering ever so slightly behind him, the new Fangpaw stepped forward with his nose in the air, scenting about. A sunset patrol would surely come by soon and be elated by the return of their missing kin.

Welcome home, Fangpaw.

Murkystrike had offered to join the first patrol of the night, and as the sun started to dip below the horizon she had woken and pulled herself away from Mistyfalcon reluctantly. The nights were slowly warming up, but the nest they shared was so cozy and warm.... Shaking out her fur, she nuzzled her mate's head gently before padding out of warriors den and joining the gathering group.

It was as she was making her way along the border, occasionally stopping to investigate any suspicious scents, that the wind brought a foreign cat scent to her. Her eyes narrowed as she realized it was fresh, and she ducked back into the shadows of the pine trees to further inquire about this scent. Taking care to keep downwind, she peered out from among the roots. Grateful that her pelt lent itself so nicely to the dappled shadows of the marsh at night, she turned her gaze to the tom that was standing alone. She nearly gasped as she recognized the pelt. The last time she had seen that pelt was when it had suddenly disappeared without a trace. Despite their best efforts to track him, Fangpaw had simply vanished... But now here he stood. Older, as to be expected, but still clearly him. As the immediate shock wore off, Murkystrike stood from where she was hidden and stepped out into the quickly dimming light. A brief moment of hesitation gripped her. Was this really Fangpaw? The similarities were uncanny.... Choosing to air on the side of caution, she decided that she would demand he introduce himself. That would be a good test, right? From there, Flintstar could judge once they returned to camp, if he returned to camp with her that is. "What are you doing here? What is your name?" Her voice was guarded and her posture defensive, but not hostile.

Shadows grew longer, clawing at the sodden earth. Quite some time passed before he saw the faintest flicker of inky blackness. He wanted to curse himself for not preemptively adjusting his eyes to the nighttime which this clan dwelled it. Fangpaw's gaze narrowed, seeking out the source of his twisting sightline. The form of a cat had appeared before him, faintly outlined by the persistent glow of moonlight. Somehow his heart managed to maintain a rhythmic pulse as he stared after the fate of the future. It was strange to see a cat whose frame hadn't become rail-thin and malnourished from the constantly condemning state of the city.

Her voice finally came, interrupting Fangpaw's thoughts. One ear flickered slightly in acknowledgement and he stood straighter without daring to yet take a step forward. The blank expression across his maw seemed to further etch itself into his features, longing to give nothing away. However, he quickly caught himself, remembering his companion alongside the desire of a better future. Slowly, there came the most mild of smiles as he forced his voice to be light in response, "My name is Fangpaw of Shadowclan. I've come home."

The warrior's breath caught in her chest as the tom gave Fangpaw's name. It was him. Stepping closer, she looked him over. He had gotten far thinner than he was, and a little older sure, but he was definitely the same. Dropping into a far more relaxed stance, she closed the distance between them further. "Stars, Fangpaw, it's really you?" She stated in a questioning tone. "We thought... I thought... The worst had happened. We searched for you all over the territory! What happened, where did you go? Why did you disappear? Where have you been?" The questions tumbled from her maw as she motioned for him to follow her. "Actually, hold those answers. Flintstar will want to hear them too. The whole clan will, I think. I can't believe you're alive. Come on, we have to get you back to camp." Turning her paws towards ShadowClan's camp, she looked over her shoulder to make sure he was following her. She was afraid that if she looked away for too long, he would disappear again.