Caught in Your Rays [c]

Ironically enough, Owls were known for their late-waking hours.

But for this tom? No, he rather enjoyed the fog of the morning and wandering camp when no other cat was awake to appreciate the brisk cold being drawn away by the warm rays of the sun. But today, he had promised his friend a hunting trip around the territory. Thanks to his standing with the shadowy cats, they didn't consider anything to be wrong. Nothing was wrong, of course, just the two of them going out alone.

A dark tail swept over his paws as the tom settled in the sunniest portion of the clearing. Yellow eyes closed against the rising sun, letting the heat sink into his pelt. How he enjoyed the feeling. The sound of reeds rustling caused one eye to open, glancing towards the warrior's den.

"Not too long, I'm ready."

Both his eyes opened at the sight of Poppyshine, a soft purr escaped him at her approach. Though, her less than normal energy left him with a tilt to his head. The camp was stirring, and if Owlshriek wanted to ask her how she was, and expect an honest response--it wasn't here. With a wave of his tail, the tom stood and led the way out of camp. The fog hung low, casting the forest in a soft white haze, illuminated by the rising sun. No wind rushed through, keeping their scent right where they left it, perfect for hunting.

Despite that knowledge, the tom stopped next to a bunch of reeds and settled to sit once more. "I hope you don't mind me asking," Owlshriek began, turning a soft gaze towards the calico. "But you are not yourself this morning. It is fairly easy to see." The warrior leaned forward to sniff her, looking for any illness. "What ails you so?"

In all hopefulness, she will be honest with him, and Owlshriek could help her like she helped so many other cats. It would only be fair for such a kind warrior.

Owlshriek didn't make any moves to keep moving. "The mood is not ruined." The tom insisted, his tail swishing over his paws as he sat. The morning fog settled around them, and the quiet air made it easy to hear her voice. Even easier for her to hear his. But, most of all, he wanted to make sure that she was alright. The early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese. Whatever his mother had said to him as a kit. Owlshriek wasn't sure what cheese was. Then again, she named him Furnace, and he didn't know what that was either.

But, either way, time was not of the essence. The air did not move, so their scent did not carry. He had time to ask, and time to make sure his closest friend was alright. "Are you comfortable discussing it with me?" Owlshriek asked, tilting his head. Then, in a softer voice, he added; "I want to keep you safe and happy. I cannot do that without understanding more."

"I promise."

Of course, he didn't know the extent of what sort of promise he was making. As Poppyshine continued speaking, the tom grew more and more alarmed. His closest friend had been mouselengths away from dying, and he hadn't even known? Of course, he had wondered about the scar, but she had never shown whatever caused it to be traumatizing. Her simple smiles hid her real fear. Stars above! Owlshriek fluffed up in fury, his tail lashing quickly, picking up dirt with each swish.

"Softfall." The warrior repeated, his yellow eyes turning towards the direction of the ThunderClan border. Fury filled him from ear tips to tail tip, claws flexing into the ground. "I'm glad you told me." Owlshreik mewed, taking a deep breath and turning back to his friend. "Now I know who to look for." He hadn't met the cat before, but if he did, it wouldn't end well. That's for certain. What a shame, though. He hoped to spend more time at the Sunningrocks with her. But, if that's the case, her comfort was more important.

With a calming sigh for himself, the tom ducked his head to groom Poppyshine. Between each pass, he mewed; "I can't imagine the fear you felt. I'm sorry I could not have been there." Owlshriek paused, feeling the urge to run to Thunderclan and pull Softfall by the tail. Plead for his own pelt. A small part of Owlshriek reminded him to be calm. But he was not sure he could remain so if the enemy warrior was ever around. "I'll be by your side. If you ever take a patrol down the ThunderClan border, please let me know. I wish to be there with you." He paused to look her in the eyes. "No cat will hurt you again."

Although sleep nagged at the fringes of his mind, Rushtalon wanted to talk to Poppyshine. After his moment of clarity, after having some time to think, the warrior had come to a decision - not to tell her about his feelings. But, instead, he wanted to grow their friendship and spend more time with her. He would be there for her and she for him. If she wanted, if they grew close enough... maybe something would come of it but he wouldn't push and wouldn't pry. Besides, the newly named warrior was certain that if he tried, the words would stick to his tongue. The idea of being in her presence was enough for him.

He'd seen the she-cat slip from the camp entrance. There wasn't any patrol going out that he knew of at this time. Now, they would patrol together as warriors and share a den. The only thing that would make this new position even better would be having his littermates at his side too. In his exhausted delirium, Rushtalon tossed all of these thoughts through his mind as he sought after the familiar pelt. It did not take too long to find her as her steps weren't exactly in haste. And there was a reason for it too - Owlshriek was there. Immediately, the russet tom's steps came to a halt. He made an effort to swallow but as he noticed the way Poppyshine was pressed to him, air caught in his throat.

It was not as if he had dreams of a grand romance but the sensation was still crushing. There was something between her and another cat, and it had to be Owlshriek of all cats. Somehow, the black-pelted tom had always found a way to make him feel inferior. Often, their rivalry pushed Rushtalon forward but it also caused him to explore doubts he never had before. This was one of them. To look at the scene before him was painful, so wrenching his gaze away was easy. Head lowered and shoulders slumped, the newly named warrior made his way back to camp. It was time to make a nest then. He did not care where, he simply longed for the embrace of a dreamless sleep.

The tom purred. A rare occurrence normally, but it seemingly happened a lot while he was with her. But, the tom was careful with his words, he had no intention of not defending her honor. He hadn't heard even a mouse's whisper of anything that had happened to the other cat who had hurt her. Softfall needed a reckoning when it came to hurting innocent cats. "It was a mistake." Owlshriek whispered. "A piece of prey is not worth killing another cat over." Cats were worth more than prey.

Even Owlshriek knew that.

"The whole of RiverClan adores you, and I know if we ever go to a gathering with all of the other clans, they will too." He was certain of it. Poppyshine had this...shine to her that drew cats around her. They wanted to be her friend and share in this light that she carried with her. Perhaps that was why Owlshriek felt to certain about going after Softfall. To try and snuff out the light that illuminated the forest in these dark times? That's a cat with no regard for the others around him.

That's a cat that cannot be saved and is a danger to the forest.

Her grooming drew the warrior out of his thoughts and back to the present. "In fact, I'm certain of it." Owlshriek fixed her with warm eyes, his purr returning full force.