smells like teen spirit;

[vena sera !]

ooc; Mainly for Vixen and Viper at first, but after Crimsonstar comes in, we'll need more then just him from GorgeClan maybe. So... song is "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana.

--

Load up on guns,
Bring your friends
It's fun to lose and to pretend
She's overboard self assured
Oh no I know, a dirty word.

The lands of the Crystal Beach had been envied and fought over before, mainly, though, by the headstrong MarshClan leader Twistingstar. Vixenheart was unaware -- blissfully, she would think now -- that this was so; she simply knew it to be StreamClan's, and thought it had always been and would always be without controversy. This may have been naive, but there was no way Vixenheart could know the greed and wrath of the four Clans. She simply knew the greed and wrath of individual cats, and because of her peace in StreamClan, she had forgotten the rotten ways of some felines.

She never should have forgotten.

But Viperflare gave her love, and her warriorhood gave her hope; being reunited with Silverlight returned her spirit and longing for family contact, and the death of Icefire lent her peace of mind. Life finally seemed to be going Vixenheart's way, and she was determined to keep her mindset correctly. Her nightly strolls through her territory were as much for pleasure as duty; she felt she was her dwindling Clans' guardian, one of the few, anyways, and it gave her pleasure.

Hello, hello, hello, how low?
Hello, hello, hello, how low?
Hello, hello, hello, how low?
Hello, hello, hello.

Now, as starlight bathed the rolling lands in silver, she pricked her ears and looked behind her, smiling. Viperflare was coming, she knew; it just made the patrol that much more fun. Viperflare was more than a friend, as she had established, but they weren't officially "mates". They were barely courting, really, but the spark of love was there, and she didn't ever want to lose it. I never wanted to be in love, she remembered as a kit, seeing Spectrumfire and Violetlight cross their boundaries for each other, but I never knew it was like this.

Thankfully, she neither had kits nor had a lover in another Clan, so she wasn't exactly in her mother's place right now. Nor was one of those kits a murderer, and the other two psychic. Hah, my poor mother, she thought dryly. May she be at peace, wherever she is. And same for my father. Sad thoughts at her heels, the brilliantly pelted ginger-gold warrioress padded her way into the broad grasslands, ears pricked and claws partially extended.

With the lights out, it's less dangerous
Here we are now, entertain us
I feel stupid and contagious
Here we are now, entertain us
A mulatto!
An albino!
A mosquito!
My libido!
Hey!
Hey!
Hey!

Just in case... though, GorgeClan and WillowClan usually keep to themselves, she thought, blinking. As does MireClan, I suppose. But who knows? Silverlight DID tell me of the murdering loner... Eclipse. Should she have told Vastflame about Eclipse? Maybe, maybe not, but it was only the word of one cat, and as much as she loved her sister, they had different loyalties now. She couldn't forget that.

I'm worse at what I do best
And for this gift I feel blessed
Our little group has always been
And always will until the end
Hello, hello, hello, how low?
Hello, hello, hello, how low?
Hello, hello, hello, how low?
Hello, hello, hello.

Pausing, her tail in the air, she viewed the Crystal Beach with total contentment. Her citadel, though, was made of glass, glass which could easily be shattered, as, upwind, something big and dark lurked in the shadows, amber-green eyes glowing. The air was still and the wind masked Crimsonstar's scent, for he barely breathed as he watched the graceful gold longhair queen stroll carelessly among the beach. His claws itched to extend, but he was well-controlled in times like these.

And I forget just why I taste -
Oh yeah, I guess it makes me smile
I found it hard, it was hard to find
Oh well, whatever, nevermind

He watched, he waited, he lusted for blood.

With the lights out, it's less dangerous
Here we are now, entertain us
I feel stupid and contagious
Here we are now, entertain us
A mullato!
An albino!
A mosquito!
My libido!
A denial, a denial, a denial
A denial, a denial, a denial
A denial, a denial... a denial!

['.'.' Leafstorm'.'.']

ooc//I'm HERE! Really! Lyrics: It's Our Time Now-Plain White T's

There will be no rules tonight
If there were we'd break 'em
Nothing's gonna stop us now
Let's get down to it

Viperflare padded along quietly, the soft sand of the Crystal Beach crunching lightly under his paws. Breathing deeply, he took in the smells that hit his nose; those of water and wind, of cats and peace. This place truly was peaceful, despite the blood that had been shed for this land. He closed his eyes briefly, listening to his other senses. His ears swiveled as they picked up a bird who flew from a nearby tree, and out across the water with a quiet flap of wings. The rough sand felt good and solid under his paws, the smells of salt and water touched his nose lightly. This was where he belonged, with the water, protecting his clan so that they could have peaceful moments like this. Opening his eyes, he marveled at the way the moonlight glinted off the white sand ahead of him.

Nervous hands and anxious smiles
I can feel you breathing
This is right where we belong
Turn up the music

A glint of ginger in the distance made him smile. Vixenheart. They'd decided to patrol with the evening patrol, and together they were monitoring the Crystal Beach. Apparently at the same time. It was funny how he could sense her, seemed to always be around where she was. Probably out of a hundred different cats, he thought, he'd probably be able to pick out her auburn coat, her scent and her voice. It was strange, what love did to the senses, he wondered. It just seems to give a cat a deep connection to another, so that they could find each other wherever they are. It was just a feeling, a slight twinge he got, when she was near. And he loved it.

This is the dance for all the lovers
Takin' a chance for one another
Finally it's our time now
These are the times that we'll remember
Breaking the city's heart together
Finally it's our time now
It's our time now

quickening his step, he only slowed when he was about a hundred paw-lengths from her. He marveled again at the moonlight reflecting like silver-fire from her coat. The sight was mesmerizing, the different light making her look like a phantom or ghost in the night. Approaching slowly, he slowly made his way to her side, brushing her flank with his.

This is more than just romance
It's an endless summer
I can feel the butterflies, leading me through it
Take my heart, I'll take your hand
As we're falling under
This is an addiction girl
Let's give in to it

"Hey" He murmured when he reached her ear, then continued at her pace, walking in step with her down the beach, thankful to be here tonight, with her alone.

[vena sera !]

((Sweetness. It's about time, mademoiselle! -grin-))

--

Vixenheart paused so that Viperflare could catch up with her. These days, Vastflame was vacant and unresponsive, so the warriors of StreamClan took it upon themselves to organize their own patrols, since there was a blatant lack of authority everywhere you looked. Sad times, but Vix wasn't complaining. She had Viperflare, a home, and a warrior name she could be proud of. She simply knew that if something wasn't done, their Clan would go down in flames.

The brilliant ginger femme halted atop a small mound of sand, eyes surging over the landscape. Water churned softly ahead, filling her ears with the sweet lullaby of nighttime in StreamClan's lush territory. Especially in late summer, as it was, their terra was easily the most beautiful. Forget the rugged forests, murky marshes and barren moors; they had a small taste of everything and more. If you wanted scenery, you came to StreamClan.

Vixenheart paused, though. Something didn't seem right. She tasted the air tentatively, not smelling anything unusual, really, but still feeling the hairs on the back of her neck prick. Her tail stood rigid for a moment. Um, Viperflare? She murmured. Do you... she didn't know what to say. She didn't scent or see anyone here, but something was... off. A lot.

--

Crimsonstar grinned. The female was realizing; good... and the male had arrived. He flexed his claws silently, feeling that the time was almost right for attacking the small patrol.

['.'.' Leafstorm'.'.']

Viperflare wrapped his tail around her's, pressing ever closer to her. He could smell her scents, he could feel her so soft fur against his. It felt so good, just being here with her, that he just wanted to show her the love that he got from her just by her presence. He purred, low in his throat as he soaked her in. This was a perfect moment, the two of them, together on this deserted beach, utterly alone and at peace.

Viperflare paused as Vixenheart tensed. His eyes grew more alert, and all his senses that had been trained on Vixenheart, now monitored the landscape before them. The night was quiet to him, except for the faint stir of leaves as a small breeze blew past. He opened his mouth to taste, but all he could sense were the usual tastes of this part of the territory. His body tensed, but all seemed normal. Vix? I don't think there's anything there. Are you okay? Viperflare could tell she was obviously freaked, and that in turn, made him anxious, but he really didn't see or scent anything that seemed of consequence. He looked at her, tilting his head slightly. He was quite confused at what could make Vixenheart suspicious out here. To him there was nothing.

Nonetheless, Viperflare extended his claws as he made his way beside her. Because if there is something out here we're missing, I don't want to be caught unawares. But he really couldn't sense anything. But from the way Vixenheart was reacting, he wanted to be prepared, jut in case. Hissing into the darkness, he pressed closer to her ginger pelted body.

[vena sera !]

Vixenheart felt her heart sink as Viperflare didn't notice anything. But then again, dearie, you didn't really, either. Nothing here! She swallowed and laughed nervously. I guess I'm just a tad crazy, then, she mocked herself, looking around and relaxing a bit. Why worry? Especially about something that proved invalid.

Smiling, she bound ahead a little, paws sinking into the soft, gritty earth. She felt like an apprentice again, though even as an apprentice she hadn't played many games. She was always a pretty serious cat. However, looking back at Viperflare, she had a playful mood rise up in her chest, uncoiling like a snake. No pun intended. She narrowed her sea-storm eyes and giggled, C'mon, you big strong warrior, I betcha can't catch me! There was no rule about playing stupid games on a patrol, eh?

She jumped forward again, winking back at Viperflare and shaking out her fur, luxuriating in the tepid night of the ending summer.

['.'.' Leafstorm'.'.']

Viperflare smiled at his...friend. Though he wasn't quite sure what they were at the moment, he knew that Vixenheart was someone special, and someone he wanted around for a long time to come. Her nature seemed serious, to some, but that was only a guard it seemed. With him she was like this; a fun-loving, free-spirited cat. He was glad he caused this change in her, gave her a little more light in his life.

He shook his head. Never crazy, M'dear. He replied with a smile, then laughed as she started running playfully from him. Oh, I'll get you, don't you worry. And with that he bounded happily after the she-cat, engaging in her games. And happy to do so, for as he gave her joy, so she gave him the same. She was a light that wasn't there before, and she brought out his former playfulness that he'd enjoyed as an apprentice. Even now, as warriors, weren't they entitled to a little fun?

[vena sera !]

ooc: Okay, enough lovey crap. Feel free to bring in Pouncetail and maybe even Windgust. And... -drum roll please- I'M POWERPLAYING! Hahaha! I'm going to be Stormcrow[just for this thread] and Starkeeper[again, just for this thread] as well as Crimsonstar and Hellpaw. So take that, Jade/inactive member!

Song is New Divide by Linkin Park.

***

I remember black skies
The lightning all around me
I remembered each flash
As time began to blur
Like a startling sign
That fate had finally found me

Vixenheart laughed and put an extra step in her gait as Viperflare joined in her wistful, youthful games. How alive he made her feel! And why? Better question: How? The young ginger-gold warrior had never had even a single friend in her childhood, besides her siblings and aunts -- but Icefire, Minnowpool and Eclipse had paid her no mind. Silverlight was the only one who she could confide in; even her parents were distracted and harried by all of the family they had to keep track of. This could be the reason Vixenheart had bonded to Viperflare so fast.

But nothing in Vixen's past had forced their tentative friendship into love. That was something in the air between them, in the words they spoke and the phrases they left unspoken, the steps they took and the ones they had yet to take. The serious, lonely-by-nature Vixenheart was not hard-hearted, even as she left her family for a lone Clan none of her family had interest in joining. She had just been headstrong. That eventually grew tattered, a threadbare tapestry unwinding slowly into a ragged gypsy's rag. Viperflare had been warm, uninhibited in becoming her companion.

And your voice was all I heard
That I get what I deserve

Even then, Vix had appreciated the tabby tom's company, but after they witnessed Icefire's treacherous evils together, he was her only talisman, her only comfort. For she knew she wasn't crazy; he had seen the darkness in her brother's eyes, and the deaths of her parents had finalized it. Icefire was a murdering medicine cat. Viperflare and Vixenheart had only been apprentices then; they were too young to deal with the horror that was festering in their terrified hearts. To know of an unstoppable evil, and know, too, that nothing could be done... it was an agonizing emotion. But sharing it lessened the burden; and when Vixenheart found Silverlight at the Gathering, alive, and learned that her brother was dead... her misery ended rather abruptly.

Now that the light was turned on, she could see clearly. Why angst over what was set in stone, written in blood, when she had something tangible and sweet right before her -- love? This is just the beginning of Vixenheart's spiel. She halted in the sand for a split moment, to turn and admire the moonlight spinning off of Viperflare's pale, sleek back. Adoration flickered in her dark eyes for a moment, but then that expression was replaced by a certain kind of horror.

So give me reason
To prove me wrong
To wash this memory clean
Let the floods cross the distance in your eyes
Give me reason to fill this hole
Connect the space between
And let it be enough to reach the truth that lies
Across this new divide

Flashing from the shadows, an enormous crimson blur rushed right at her companion, teeth bared in a wicked, laughing grin. She stiffened, hackles rising abruptly, and Vixenheart called roughly, Viperflare! Intruder! She rushed, but she knew she wouldn't reach Viperflare before Crimsonstar would.

***
There was nothing in sight
But memories left abandoned
There was nowhere to hide
The ashes fell like snow
And the ground caved in, between where we were standing

The foolish StreamClan patrol. They were playing games. Apparently, Crimsonstar was being very still and undetectable; they felt so comfortable with one another they were playing tag. Ugh, the big scarlet tabby thought with a mental sneer. I hope they don't start humpin' each other. It'd be really awkward for me to rip their throats out, then. Straightening, he noticed a prime opportunity: the light tabby, the tom, had his back turned to Crimsonstar, chasing after the vibrantly colored female.

He ran a gritty tongue over impressive teeth, almost tasting the tomcat's blood as it rushed into his mouth, mingling with adrenaline the way alcohol diluted blood. He crouched and stood still, preparing for a power launch; then decided to just rush the unsuspecting StreamClan tabby. He wasn't all that fast; I mean, he was long, but his legs were built for powerful clubs and smacks, not swift running. Regardless, he decided neither the young buck or young filly would be able do much damage against him in the long run, not before he could get one or the other down and dying.

And your voice was all I heard
That I get what I deserve

So he rushed for Viperflare, planning to ram straight into him. With Crimsonstar's weight and bone mass, he speculated it would at least knock him a ways away, or maybe knock him on the ground. But then he noticed the lovestruck ginger she-cat turn, just as he exposed himself against the sand and moonlight, and she emitted a shriek of warning and surprise to her comrade. Viperflare! Intruder! Crimsonstar narrowed his eyes. Stupid bitch! He couldn't stop now, though, so he picked up the pace, preparing to slam into Viperflare with as much power as he could.

In every loss
In every lie
In every truth that you deny
In each regret
And each I fear I must leave now! May we meet again!
Was a mistake too great to hide
And your voice was all I heard
That I get what I deserve

Stormcrow will bring in GorgeClan any moment, anyways, he meowed, satisfied with himself. I ain't done too badly, yet.

So give me reason to prove me wrong, to wash this memory clean
Let the floods cross the distance in your eyes
Give me reason to fill this hole, connect the space between
Let it be enough to reach the truth that lies across this new divide
Across this new divide, across this new divide

['.'.' Leafstorm'.'.']

Viperflare grinned and stretched out his stride as Vixenheart pulled ahead. Oh, she wasn't going to get away with that! She was a fair ways away though, when he watched her turn, and he could feel her eyes watching him. Looking up, he smiled, trying to catch her eye.

The grin that had appeared on Viperflare's mouth as he watched Vixenheart, suddenly vanished when he saw the look of horror appear on her face. Her call of his name and 'intruder!' made him turn just in time to see a crimson ball of fur, so red it seemed like fire, hurtling towards him at great speed. The mass of fur and claws now faltered, just to gather more speed as he came nearer. In the seconds left to him as the massive cat drew closer, Viperflare readied himself for impact, unsheathing claws and steadying himself in the sand.

The force of the cat as it hit him was much stronger than he had anticipated, and it bolled him over into the sand. He lept to him paws, trying to regain his balance as his head spun. He knew this cat would kill him given the chance, so before the warrior could cross the distance he'd flung him, Viperflare narrowed the distance himself, yowling and baring his teeth as he took aim for the Warrior's shoulder, hoping to catch the tom unawares.