A Ghostly NewCommer

[☮iSLY]

It was like everyone arrived at once! Sootpaw watched as Shadeclaw appeared, obviously under the she-cat's spell as well.
typical.. The grey and white apprentice thought as he watched the tom helplessly stumble over his own words to an rogue!

He was about to answer what Ghost had asked, but then Flystar appeared.
uh oh.. He thought as his eyes widened momently. He winced as Flystar spoke, her words like icy claws.
how does she do that? He wondered as he didn't meet her intimidating stare. Should he have gone and got Ghost some herb or something? He was only trying ot protect the camp...And he wouldn't know what to get! After a moment, he heard Ghost talk. He relaxed and stood up staright as the she-cat explained, he hoped Flystar wouldn't punish them!

His ears twitched as he listened to what Ghost had said to Vinepaw and himself moments ago. He now understood why she wanted to come here...since all her family were...dead...she was lonely, and wanted a new family.
Part of Sootpaw liked the idea of an outsider to join the clan, but another part of him thought it unwise...Would it make Shadowclan seem....well, un-proper? Maybe to the other clans, and what would Starclan think?

I don't think their's anything in the warrior code that says a clan can't take in a willing cat...no matter where they came from.. The apprentice pondered as his tail flicked back and fourth, keeping quiet as the she-cat finished her little speech.

Just then a figure sprang out of the bushes, his eyes snapped as he looked at the silohette. He recognized Shadowclan deputy straight away.
His eyes widened as Gazethorn launched himself at Ghost. He didn't move to do anything, what could he do without geting pummeled by the much older cats? He hoped that Ghost wouldn't harm Gazethorn, or him harm her! Their didn't need to be any blood-shed!

[Rascally]

Ghost was hit dead on by the pouncing Cat who did not even bother to get to know the situtaion. She hit the ground And laid flat on her stomach. Ears flat on her skull tail flicking Angirly out behind her. She hissed and swung a paw at the So called Deputy. Her legs were tucked underneath her. And her Clear blue eyes stared at this Cat. Was he so stupid not to notice? That everyone was relaxed and calm and she was talkng to the leader? She hissed again. and moved slightly backwards. She did not attack the Deputy Cause she knew that would not get her a place inside of Shadow Clan. So she just laid there. You Fool she thought. I wasnt attacking or hurting anyone you idiot.. Learn to look at others postures and the area surroundig them before you attackShe grumbled Inside her head. When she was sure the Tom cat wasnt going to attack her or rip her to peices She shifted her position to a more relaxed one. and waited for the Leader.

[ḞḶIṆṪ]

Little Vinepaw winced a half step back and again was observing her paws. The moment Flystar had stepped into the clearing she’d been picking out each furs detail above her claws. But she hadn’t been able to escape the steely air there leader brought. For a while the silence was deafening and Vinepaw swore felt eyes prickle over her and the other cats. Oh man, she was worried they were all in big trouble. Ghost was a trustworthy cat though! Vinepaw could just feel it even if the rouge had not given any other the others reason to believe that yet. Carefully she tipped her nose back and was for a moment relived when at last Flystar spoke.

Well, the feeling quickly vanished. Perhaps it was not anger, but there was certainly disappointment in her leaders voice. It was even worse because as the first cat to discover Ghost all she’d done was sat down and chatted like she did at tongues with her! Obviously now that wasn’t the right thing to do, perhaps she should have followed Sootpaws lead instead. Feeling like sinking into mud would be preferable to this situation, Vinepaw suddenly noticed the kit trailing behind Flystar! Eyes wide as the full mom she scented for him and got a second taste of rouge. How in the world had this kit come to lead behind Flystar right up to the camp?

Vinepaw only had moments to ponder this though before Ghost spoke. Swallowing she listened silently, having nothing to add to the account. And then the soft spoken words stumbled over something that stunned Vinepaw. Ghost was surrounded by Shadowclan cats and yet she was almost kinda half insulting Flystar! The four word sentence wrung in here ears and blocked out the rest of Ghosts speech. Things got worse then, as if both the cats looks had turned to ice, Flystar and Ghost were starring each other down! Vinepaw felt her heart beat quicken, she didn’t want anything bad to happen!

. . .


Watching both Sootpaw and Vinepaw shrink away from her more then they had even for Ghost almost made Flystar laugh, though she allowed not that even a muscle to twitch in show of it. Seriously, who was more dangerous? There leader whod give every last one of her lives to protect them, Shadowclan, and the warrior way? Or a lawless rouge who’s ultimate plan as of yet was wholly unknown. It was a bit disheartening to know she was the cat to worry them more. Although perhaps it was for the best; she’d already had picked a proper punishment to whip those two into shape.

Ghost was speaking now in such a low voice. Obviously, Flystar easily caught each word but it was a wonder any of the others had been able to carry on any type of conversation. Moving at a whisper, the voice also sounded confident, a look that was not missed in her blue eyes. Although the she cat dipped her head respectfully, a very clan like gesture, she spoke with a freeness that screamed her origin. None of her Shadowclan cats ever advised Flystar on her feelings. Don’t get mad at them, Ghost didn’t respect that the trios actions were wrong even if no harm came of it. Even better were her next few lines. So she should know that hm? Well, from her standpoint that wasn’t true at all. Ghost could just as easily gain entrance and attack at night. Within camp walls though? No, she’d be torn to shreds.

As gently as it had begun, the trail of words fell silent leavening one icy gaze locked and meeting Flystars own olive orbs. Unblinking, the gesture was returned and the leader didn’t look ready to back down at all. Her thoughts swirled quickly, everyone would be wanting an answer. No matter how Ghost had gone about it, the ultimate question remained hanging in the air, in the silence that Flystar was creating.

Already a rouge kit stood behind her, one the leader had been planning to invite into Shadowclan. It was unlikely though that a kit had any ill intentions and had by accident just wondered in there mists. Just the opposite was what Ghost had done. Intentionally she’d passed the border and come to there camp. Interested in what? None other then to join. Clearly that was a bad idea. Fully grown, they had no idea the plotting that might have been put into this moment, but for what purpose?

She couldn’t deny that had those facts not been true, Ghost would make an perfect warrior. Confidence flowed from her in every opinion she let off and suggestion she made, none to stubbly either. It didn’t seem to concern her that if angered, it was possible she’d be attacked by any number of cats. Guts. Yep, that was the word Flystar’d been looking for. Already she was liking this cat. Brave enough to say what she want. Did it translate into brave enough to fight for a clan?

Mind made up, Flystar smiled a grin that looked to be half a smirk. Her eyes bore into Ghost almost daring her to say she had what it took to be a Shadowclan cat. There’s no need for us to be so aggressive. – Gazethorn burst forth in a shower of leaves. His paws hit the ground once before she saw his claws flash in the dim light. Flystar watched silently as fur and hisses were flung about briefly. Ghost didn’t seem to interested in actually fighting. That was to bad, she’d been interested to see how well this cat could protect herself. Gazethorn, stop attacking. There are five of us here, we’ve got her there’s no need to risk injury for no reason.

Satisfied as he’s attack stopped, Flystar blinked and raised an eye brow at him. Honestly, what had that been about? Having know way to know, she returned her full attention on Ghost. There’s much we can offer you but what could you ever offer Shadowclan? We don’t let anyone join and never has rouge blood entered our camp as a member. Do you believe we could trust you? Do you know of or could follow the warrior code? Think seriously. Joining Shadowclan would change your life forever.

[Seriouspudding]

Gazethorn stretched his claws in embarrassment and flicked his ears as a polite gesture to Flystar, hoping they didn't think bad of him.
He sat back and listened to his leader speak, while drowsily watching a fly buzz right by, since the leap to wards 'Ghost' had completely drained him.
Suddenly, his ear felt itchy and he absent-minded scratched it with his hind leg, making the others glance at him, annoyed.
He then bolted up and tried to look serious and composed, but maybe it just wasn't his lucky day, because he was getting really drowsy and he looked bored in front of his leader.
He tried with all of his might to not fall down or faint, which was VERY difficult when all of your muscles ache and your eyes want to close repetitively.
He simply smiled like nothing waas wrong and felt strangely worried about how his eyes made him look.
They were a frosty yellow and were evil-looking with a harsh glow that seemed to burn you even in the dull grey skies of leaf-fall.
His littermates had teased him about his eyes and his mother......well..........
He swiftly turned his head to Shadeclaw and padded up to them with a wobbly tail, and eyes that looked angry but were trying to look gentle.
''Who is this then?'' he asked quietly under his breath when he was close enough.
He eyed Ghost and waited for a reply, hopefully not a scornful one.

[Rascally]

Ghost Listened to the Leader Speak to the Tom cat who had attacked her She shifted her postion once more. And twitched her ears. In the Leaders direction, As she spoke, She nodded her head. “I am A skilled Fighter I can Offer to Train Your Apprentices in the ways of battle” She stated in her soft voice “I am Also a skilled hunter” She moved up into a sitting position now. “I can show them the proper ways To stalk And to Leap” She Felt a slight breeze upon her coat. And she closed her eyes for a moment. “I do believe I can Follow the warriors code.” She Said in that whisper. Her eyes fell on the Tom cat, Who had attacked her and she watched as his posture began to relax a little to much. ~wow he must be out of shape or old~ she thought to herself. ~If He cant Pace himself. Hes in trouble~ she thought again. Then she spoke to him. “I am Ghostly Sighting Or just Ghost” she smiled to him. And turned her attention back to the Leader.

Joining The SC would allow her to start her life fresh. Even though she is a rouge She hoped she would Be able to find a suitble mate. One Day.. Her mind drifted to her family and how her litter mates had passsed away so young. Only Ghost had the Mind and will power to Survive. Her parents never had another Litter After Ghost and her siblings. They Two had passed away. The Cream Color cat shook her mind and thoughts away As she waited fr the Leaders verdict.

[☮iSLY]

Sootpaw relaxed as he saw that Ghost and Gazethorn were not fighting.
Eyes looking towards Flystar, the young tom listened to what she said.
what? Is she actually going to let Ghost join? He wondered in astonishment. His mind was racing with thoughts. Could they trust Ghost? Was Ghost willing to obey the commands of one leader? Was this against the Warrior Code? And most importantly, would the clan accept this?

Sootpaw has heard before of a clan turning on their leader if he or she did something the clan disproved of deeply through a vote. He didn't want Shadowclan to turn against Flystar, he would never, he really didn't know if letting Ghost join or not would make a difference. He just wanted what was best for the clan, and Shadowclan did need more warriors.....
Plus he still didn't have a mentor!

Sootpaw stayed quiet as he watched Ghost begin to speak. Listening to her speech carefully, the tom was certain she was speaking the truth. She did look well built, and had the traits of a good hunter and fighter. She would make a fine addition to the clan, but part of Sootpaw thought it wouldn't be wise...

He glanced at Vinepaw faintly, wondering what she thought of all this. It seemed like before she didn't have a problem. In fact, when he confronted both cats, he could sense that those two were chatting as if they were long lost friends! Were they...? Certainly not.
Vinepaw was a stubborn one, it was hard to tell what she was thinking half the time anyway. She sure was a fiesty one.

He kept staring at Vinepaw, face skeptical, yet amused for some reason. He barely noticed the other cats around at the moment, which were quite a few, it was a wonder they hadn't woken up half the camp! Even though it was after sun-high, cats still slept in this late, but meh, who was he to judge? He would too if he didn't have any duties.

[ḞḶIṆṪ]

Though she’d already come to a conclusion, Flystar waited patently as Ghost spoke. Her Voice seemed slightly louder now, or the leaders was just getting used to it. Despite being soft spoken she’d almost immediately thought this cat would work for Shadowclan. Clearly she was bold and had no fear speaking in front of others. And fairly smart to, Ghost hadn’t started a fight with Gazethorn though it would have been easier to judge her fighting skills that way. Being a rouge was no easy task either. Fighting hard and looking after oneself was needed just to survive. Backstabbing was a part of that life to. Flystar could only wonder if the she cat was ready to leave it all behind.

The speech didn’t changer her opinion, during it thoughts hand been unfurling fast. She stood still as stone watching the flow of words yet nearly absorbed in thought. The apprentices of Shadowclan had weighed heavily on her mind for some time. Simply put, there were to few adequate warriors for there numbers. Thee was no way she’d let anyone slip pas training either, this little event proved they were undiscipline. The trail of thought ended with her problem solved though.

Returning to the world of awareness, she could picture it now. A plan to fully judge Ghost. A way to get to know her ways along with her abilities. She’d be able to watch and wait and see if the possible warrioress ever let something slip or messed up. On the contra, Flystar would also get to see if clan life was working for Ghost. Her only worry would be if the she cat chose to leave. Shadowclans secrets would go with her and Flystar doubted she could let that happen. To what end that path lead, the young leader didn’t know.

Everyone was silent again. It looked like this would end the same way it had begun since her arrival. Many different eyes were on her, creeping over her fur and searching her face if they were bold. Her green orbs had no trace of opinion in their depths though, no hit of any plans. Her brown wishers twitched, somehow in the process of uniting so many cats, Flystar had ended up with several plans and all had freighted, uncertain ends. This was a plan that could work though to the benefit of everyone. It provided her with a chance to see just how loyal everyone was to her. A real test to her leadership, at last.

Well I have made up my mind. She spoke suddenly, eyes meeting Ghost head on. We shall see how well you do. Ending that sentence with a peculiar look, Flystar glanced back at the kit trailing behind her for the first time. A long tail raised and gently batted his side before she moved and brushed past the party. Her path only halted long enough to get a few words in with Sootpaw and Vinepaw. You two better be ready. I’m dealing out the hardest punishment of all. With those cheering words her form disappeared within camp, though it rather looked like she expected to be followed.

. . .

Vinepaw hadn’t noticed the stillness until Flystar spoke. The sheer silence dug into the earth and hid within her bones! Like even the air held its breath, which could have been the reason she was gasping by the time it was broken. In a thousand pieces the dawn like freeze had shattered and all returned to normal. Though now the little she cat felt the cold transfer to her own body and seep up her paws. It was hard to focus on what was being said, Flystar wasn’t sounding so inviting but when her ears caught up a big smile wrapped over her maw.

The toothy grin flashed at Ghost and everyone could guess Vinepaws opinion of the events. Her multi colored fur was quivering with intensity, for a heartbeat her eyes met Ghosts face, eager to see the newest member’s expression. She hoped those eyes would be bright and glad, it would be such a waste it all this didn’t even make Ghost happy. Everything was stacked against her and yet now she was invited in as a equal! Vinepaws spine rippled with excitement. This was a cat she was sure Shadowclan could use!

Unfortunately though, her eyes never got to look upon Ghosts expression. And her joy was to short lived for her taste, Vinepaw was a naturally happy cat. Her newest worry turned out to be her very leader, stalking up with sharp eyes and an face to he cautious of. Uh no. Apparently she’d been figured out as the cat that started all this. Quickly her nose turned to her paws shamefully. She really did feel bad to, what if Flystar thought Ghost a better warrior then her? That would be very bad, it hadn’t sounded like the leader had been totally in love with her decision.

The weight of the approach grew heavier as Vinepaw cringed with each new step in her and Sootpaws direction. Any ideas about getting off free were crushed beneath those big pads. Suddenly quite worried, both her mouse like big ears flattened back and she fidgeted. Getting in trouble with the queens and elders was one thing, getting in trouble with your leader was a different story in every way. Halting next to them, Vinepaw fidgeted and literally felt her spirits spill onto the earth and slip away. Great. Not only in for it, but majorly in for it.

Obviously expecting her captives to follow, Vinepaw dragged herself up and turned. And her nose ran smack into fur! Alarm sprang her paws backwards, eyes wide as Sootpaw focused into view. Oh! Sorry Sootpaw! Her pelt tingled, there was a blush beneath her fur. I didn’t see you there. We are so doing ticks for a week. Composure only half regained she smiled and brushed behind him and glanced back. Come on. We stand a better chance if we face it together.

[☮iSLY]

Sootpaw turned his head quickly to hear what Flystar had said.
she actually let Ghost join? He thought as his eyes looked to the newest member.
I wonder how this all will turn out... He thought, tail thumping the ground. Looking back at Flystar, he immediately froze as he met her gaze.

oh starclan, she's not coming over here to talk to us! is she?! He wondered in alarm, as his tail flicked back and fourth nervously.
'You two better be ready. I’m dealing out the hardest punishment of all.'

He nearly winced at the tone of Flystar's voice, and the meaning behind it! Punishment! But what had he done? Vinepaw was the one to just sit down and talk to the cat!
Oh wait, he probably should have gotten those traveling herbs...but how was he supposed to know Ghost wasn't some blood-thirsty feline who wanted to gut them all?

He gulped as Flystar left, and turned his head back to Vinepaw. Beyond doing so, he got met with a furry face. He blinked as he saw Vinepaw about a tail-length away now. His eyes had widened as well from the quick exchange. Ears flushing with hot embarassment, the tom shook his head quickly, in order to regain composure and he replied back in a rushed voice "It's okay, it was my fault." wondering if he sounded like a total clueless dummy right then.
He hadn't noticed how close they had been standing before, and that was why Vinepaw had run into him like that.
He turned as his fellow clan-mate went past him, a slight blush inching up his face.
gahh, snap out of it you fur-ball. He told himself mentally as he followed toot-sweet after Vinepaw.

Forgeting what happened for now, the grey and white apprentice dreaded what Flystar's punishment would be for them. He really didn't want to clear off ticks! He'd rather fix up that hole in the warriors den then do that! Anything but tick-picking! yuck!

[Seriouspudding]

Gazethorn watched them in a serious manner, only turning his eyesa, when a fly buzzed next to his face annoyingly. He was stood next to Flystar like he was her own bodyguard and he huffed as he noticed that Vinepaw must have done something wrong. Typical. Her shook his head suddenly and focused on the apprentice with curiosity, making his own eyes sting with not blinking for a while. He turned around and blinked many times before turning back and then locking his gaze with Vinepaw, but trying to soften it a bit more, for the younger cat.
He hated his eyes and everything about them. They had only caused him pain in life, so what was the point in anything if he only had scary looking eyes and nothing to back himself up? He suddenly whisked his head, to get away from his thoughts again, and remembered how tired he must be. Maybe that's why i'm so clumsy today? he thought to himself wonderously. With that said, he promised to himself, that he would make no more mistakes again for the day, and hopefully the next moon.