What a surprise [Phantom (no one else please!)]

[Sapphire]

[just like tigerstar and scourge!]

Sapphire's eyes were round with horror. She edged closer and nudged the bloody corpse. Her eyes turned and locked with Blackheart's and in his eyes she saw something she'd never forget-pure hatred. It was a look she'd seen one too many times in another cat. "You....You k-killed him," she said horrified still. She looked at Blackheat's black paw's darkened more by the blood of Flamestar-her mate, and instead of him he saw a long-haired black tom with bloody amber eyes that stared with the intesity of a burning ember. She saw Bloodstone-her father. She backed away from Blackheart slightly and turned her gaze to her paws. She dismissed all of her thoughts and looked back at her still breathing mate, "Come on, we better get out of here. We'll need to find shelter soon." The silver she-cat padded away casting a final glance at Flamestar.

[•The Speedster•]

[yup!]

---

Blackheart nodded firmly, he was finally satisfied with his kill. Finally he could take over ShadowClan, with Sapphire as his trusty deputy! His paws moved in the same rythme as his loves, big paws with little, black pelts with white. His ears flickered backward as he heard the sound of a stick break. The giant head of his flung around, the glowing amber orbs in his onyx mask narrowing as he searched for the maker of the sound. He spotted two rabbits next to a two-leg building. He aimed his banner at the two rabbits, but then flicked it again, showing Sapphire to go on and look for a den to stay in.
He crouched down, his ThunderClan stealth giving him an advantage to the rabbits. His bodice was flat against the ground, and his tail lay along his haunches. The tom made his way over to the rodent, ears strait back. As he neared them, he readied his haunches, and jumped, landing strait on the male. As for the other, one of his paws had landed on its back, craking its spine. Both rabbits lay paralyzed on the ground, the light slowly fading out of their black pools. Finally they went limp, and he picked them up, and through them behind a rock.
He lifted his muzzle up as a nice breeze blew by. The scent of mice and vole wafted into his open mouth, making it water. He went off to search for the extra prey.

---

The ginger female's head flung up as she heard a familiar voice. Maybe I'm just hearing things. She thought to herself. The golden orbs she held behind the mask closed themselves, the surounding area turning black. She pictured a thin white femme in her mind. One with blue eyes and slight silver stripes. She pictured the fighting seen in the medicine-cat den, right before she left to find this new mate of hers. Ruby almost cried. she missed her sister, she never really ment those stern words she had mouthed that day.
Her eyes reopened, only to find the look of Phantom in them. The ginger femme turned away, needing time to herself. Ruby gazed out onto the open streets of the rogue area, the two-legs stores lining the sides of the darkening streets. Water built up in her orbs, and she desperately tried to blink them away.
The orange she-cat layed down, her head resting upon the slim muscular legs that had grown strong from the weight building on her stomach. She made herself confortable, head on her paws and legs. Tail by her side, ears strait into the air. She closed her eyes again, thinking of nothing, only darkness. Her tail twitched slightly as she slowly faded away into a soft nap in the falling sunlight.

Word Count
Blackheart: 249
Ruby: 218

[Sapphire]

Just as Ruby began to doze Sapphire emerged from behind a large clump of grass, "Well, well, well, what do we have here," the silver she-cat jeered. still not haven forgotten their earlier quarrel. Her eyes beamed at the sight of the tom next to Ruby taking up a defensive posture. She gave an amused purr as she guessed he was Ruby's new mate. But her eyes were brimmed with bitter comtempt as she starred at the pair looking so happy even in the presence of an enemy cat.

Phantom pressed against Ruby bit his body was shaking slightly and his breathing was comming in short gasps. He was not a good fighter, and he knew it, but he would fight to the finish to protect Ruby. To protect his mate. To protect his life. That's how he'd come to think of the ginger she-cat. Like if she was his own life.

[•The Speedster•]

My eyes w i d e n e d
at the sight of y o u

Ruby's eyes widened in surprise at the familiar she-cat. Her bodice was shaking ever so slightly, and she was worried from her ears to her tail tip. The large femme swayed back and forth. Surely Sapphire could tell that her own sister was pregnant! Ruby could tell that Sapphire herself was getting there. Her orbs narrowed, and she stood up from her comfortable position. She walked over to her sister, head to head. I still dont forgive you, sister. Her voice was mean, but it showed sorrow tinted in it.

Ruby sat down, not even trying to hide anything from Sapphire. The optics hidden behind her mask were staring strait at her sister now, not afraid of any insult or look. She waited patiently for her sisters reply, although she thought that she already knew it. The seen from a moon ago passed through her mind, almost making her eyes water. She raised her paw to dab at the building water, making sure no one spotted it. Ruby and Sapphire used to always be friends, never mad at each other. They used to be the best of riends, and Ruby always looked up to her older sister, always following her around.

Just one little move shouldn't have made them become enemies, but it did. Ruby didn't know if she should ignore the fact, or if she really should forgice her. But what would Sapphire say? Would she think Ruby was an inocent little kitten, a little weakling, trying to get her loved ones back? She didn't know, so she just played along.

The trees around them were swaying with the strong breeze. She felt part of her left behind when she stepped away from Phantom's side. She glanced back at the puppy dog face clearly shown on her mate's face. She flickered her banner, telling him everything was going to be fine. There was clearly love showing in her orbs, and nothing else.

I c r y
every n i g h t

[Sapphire]

Sapphire hissed angirly, "Good, then we both have something against eachother, I haven't forgiven you either." The silver she-cat looked menacingly at her sister. She saq her belly round with coming kits and her cold stare softened some in compassion. But the feeling was quickly overcome by jealousy. How simple Ruby had it. She had just one mate who she seemed to love and who seemed to love her back equally. Her life wasn't a jumbled mess filled with toms and the hatred of her father. She could happily bear kits knowing she could nurse them and raise them to be fine young cats, not like the murderous beasts her father made her own kits. A pang of longing over took Sapphire and she found herself looking at her sister with such a hungrey look wanting what Ruby had. But her blue eyes still bore a harsh anger towards the ginger cat

.

[•The Speedster•]

[Ruby will start the fight, ok?]

I'm not a perfect p e r s o n
There's many things I wish I didn't d o

The stare her sister gave her was unforgiving, and it was no surprise to Ruby that the femme had not forgiven her either. She took a small step forward, baring her teeth as she went. Then all of a sudden, the fae darted forward. Her claws hooked onto Sapphire's chest, tumbling her over with her heavy weight. Ruby was afraid of hurting her kits, but she almost completely forgot by her sisters additude. As she rolled around on the floor, she swiped her unsheathed claws over her sister's face, and saw the scarlet blood dripping out.
She growled, but tumbled over from her weight. She was waiting for the moment her sister finished her off, waiting for the moment when she bit her neck. Her anxiety raised up, and she felt as if she would faint. The danger of her kits' lives were in her hand, but she couldn't do anything about it.
She tried rolling over, getting on her paws, but it was no use, she flet paralyzed, un able to move. So instead she swung at Sapphire, claws unsheathed reached out at their full length. Ruby's optics were flaring with anger, but also tinted with sorrow, and stress.
She readied herself for her kin's swing, her attack, but it never came. All of this felt like 10 whole minutes, but really it was only within 15 seconds. Finally the strength came to her. She pushed herself up, using her banner to keep her balanced. As soon as her paws touched the ground, she was off. In a birght ginger flurry, she swung like crazy, not regreting any second of it. Unaware of herself getting hurt, and scratched up by Sapphire's razor sharp claws, she continued, in a quick flow. Only after a whole minute of fighting did she pause, only for a swift breath, then she started again.

But I continue l e a r n i n g
I never meant to do those things to y o u

[Sapphire]

Sapphire lunged at her sister once she got the chance. Her claws raked down her side as she flashed past her with tremendeous speed. But the silver she-cat was purposely avoiding the flame colored feline's belly, not wanting to hurt her kits however much she did want to hurt Ruby.

Phantom watched the combat unable to move, even though everything seemed to be screaming at him to go to Ruby's rescue. But he couldn't. He was panic-stricken. He didn't know what he should do. He dind't want to lose his mate, but he also couldn't find it in him to fight. He knew he was a coward but he could do nothing about it. He simply sat and watched as the two she-cats constantly tore at each other again and again.

[•The Speedster•]

I feel the same as y o u

A claw snagged on her ear, making her cringe. She opened her mouth, yet nothing came out. This battle felt like it was never ending. She kept right on fighting, no matter how tired or hurt she was. The blood dripping from her ginger ear was messing with her vision, as it fell into her eyes.

Ruby took a second to wipe away the scrlet blood, then plurged right back into the war. She felt her claws pierce her skin, catching on her thicker fur. Sapphire's bodice slid swiftly around, although the extra weight of her soon to be kits were slowing her down only a little bit. Ruby had noticed to femme's obvios avoidance of her stomach, as if she couldn't bring herself to hurt the helpless kits.

Speaking of the kits, Ruby could feel them moving around in her stomach, telling her to quit moving so fast. She felt as if she was going to puke, because of all the hurting. Her sudden crave for food kicked in, a simptom of pregnancy, and she licked her lips. She could imagine the taste of mouse in her mouth, which made her even more willing to fight. She pounced on her sibling, as if prey, and stroked her neck with her fangs.

Ruby's optics filled with hunger for her sister's death, but at the same time, just peace. The femme didn't know whether she wanted her sister dead or not. She enjoyed her, yet currently she was being a pain. Ruby just wished she would leave, so she could bear her kits in peace.

A strange feeling was arising from her stomach, and she had to stumble to the ground. A small tremble went through her, a spasm almost. Her jaw opened, her tongue lolling out, starting her panting. She all of a sudden became very hot, and the was pressure in her stomach. Her optics flickered open wide, thinking she knew what was happening.

This can't be happening now! Not with a war between my sister happening, and this is not the best time to tell Phantom! The thought escaped her panicing mind, her eyes open wide, she the panic also on the outer side of her. A yowl slid out between her clenched teeth, so much pain was going through her, she couldn't even process corectly. Phantom! Her cry sounded, calling desperately for the one she loved. Her optics were filling up with salty water now, and she blinked them away harshly.

More yowling sounded, and a few cries along with it. The process of having kits was painful, Ruby had never known what it was like. But now she did. A ginger and white kit appeared at the edge of her trembling bodice, its eyes were closed, and is nose was flaring, searching for the scent of milk. Ruby's eyes fluttered, but she continued with the routine, wondering how many kits she would bear.

I need r e v e n g e

Jasper; tom
Ghost; tom
Zircon; tom
Amber; she-cat

[what the heck! you cant post any longer than that!? lol. btw: i cant remember the other kittens names.... all i can remember was that there were 3 bboys and one girl... but i did find some cute pics. also, jasper is a red stone with black spots... i gave them names... ill change them if your remember the original ones...]

[Sapphire]

[ummm, there was jasper amber zircon and ghost. ha!!!! i remembered!!!! but those r really awesome pics!!!!! and u can keep those names if u want still. and jeeze sry!!!! im not allowed to be on as long as u and i have other sites to post in too!!!]

Sapphire's claws stopped scathing the ginger she-cat as seh realized what was goin on. The silver feline edged closer to see the kits her sister was giving birth to at the moment. Her blue eyes locked with the tom's eyes and she could see fear and uncertainty in their blue depths.

Phantom opened his jaws but no words came out. There were no words to express the way he was feeling right now as he watched Ruby's kits, his kits, coming into existance. He looked at Sapphire as she looked at him and couldn't figure out what to do. Was he just supposed to let the silver she-cat stand there while his beloved mate was giving birth. He had witnissed thier battle and that told him no, make her leave. But he also knew they were sisters, and that they still cared for eachother even if they were fighting. He turned his blue gaze back to Ruby and desperatley wished he could comfort her, but he was frozen to the ground on which he stood and he coudn't force a reaction out of his legs to move him forward the single tail lenghth between himself and Ruby. All he could do was stand there and watch helplessly.

[•The Speedster•]

[ugh. how did i forget those names... well, i changed them anyway.]

My optics filled with w a t e r

Her bodice was settled and still after four kits were laying close to her belly. She tried to relax, but the looks on the two cats around her kept her awake. She blinked slowly, looking anxiously at Phantom. He looked confused, yet almost happy. As for her sister, she was still on her edge, always prepared, except, that she had a soft glow in her eyes.

She let the kits suckle on her swollen stomach, and her optics closed to loose her in darkness. It sucked her away, into a different land, filled with never ending prey and starry cats. She walked around, her body feeling lighter, but all of a sudden, her wonderland drifted away. It turned into a nightmare. She was stuck to the ground, her kits mewling for help, and Phantom screeching from far off. She was crying, and scared to death. She tried desperately to escape, to help her poor kits, and her mate.

Her optics flew open, and once again she was laying in the alley with her kits beside her. Phantom was staring endlessly at her, his blue pools filled with some emotion she couldn't place. Ruby was sweating now, and anxiety was showing in her eyes. It was just a dream, just a dream. She told herself. None of it was real.

She relaxed more, not as tired now. Her stomach growled, all that pressure made her hungry. Ruby opened her mouth, but nothing came out. Her eyes were glued to the four kits beside her; their little paws pushing against her and the little tongues lapping out.

A feeling shed never felt before was slowly approaching her, and she soon realized what it was. The love of a mother. A love so strong, nothing could break it. She looked over at her mate, who was still speechless, and closed her eyes gently. She had a family now, no matter what Sapphire did next, she could never bother her again.

Her mouth watered as she caught the scent of rabbit, and her gaze lay on Phantom. Phantom, if it wouldn't be any trouble, could you bring some food? Her voice was soft and quiet, not wanting to disrupt the kits. She sighed after she spoke, waiting for his answer. But before he had even moved, she turned to her sister, and expressionless look on her face.

She didn't say anything, but Ruby knew that Sapphire understood what she wanted. If she touches one hair on their bodies... She didn't finish her sentence, yet narrowed her eyes to keep the sun out. She never took her optics off of her sister, but never spoke either, just staring.

The silence felt nice, soothing. But after awhile, it got uncomfortable. Ruby brought her stare down to the floor, and just closed her eyes. Names for the kits would be needed soon, but Ruby didn't want to think of too many without getting a yes from Phantom on them, so she just waited.

It seemed like forever had passed before anything had been said, even Ruby's hunger request. She thought that maybe Phantom didn't hear her, or maybe he was still in shock. She took a breath, and readied herself to break the stillness. Phantom? I love you.

I love y o u

[Sapphire]

The beige tom's oculars fixed on his mates firey eyes and his deep pools seemed to evaporate in the intense feeling of heat he felt when he looked at her, "As do I," Phantom answered not looking away from Ruby. He looked at her dazed and he had to shake his head to clear it. "Oh right! The rabbit!" he said remembering his mate's request for food,"I'm on it!" Phanton mewed taking one last glimpse at Ruby and the kits-his kits-before bounding away to fetch his mate some fresh-kill.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Sapphire settled into a sit wrapping herself in a tight embrace with her silver tail. She looked warily at her sisterwondering what she should do or say. The she-cat parted her jaws to say something but she quickly changed her mind. Seeing Ruby with her kits like this was not a moment worth ruining with foul words. She sighed and simply sat there her eyes fixed on her sister and her new kits.

[•The Speedster•]

I dont like y o u

Ruby sat very still, her orbs wandering. They went from Phantom to Sapphire to the kits, and a few other placexs like the forest in the distance and birds flying across the sky. She settled herself into a fairly conmfortable position, stretching her legs as she did so. She glanced down at the kits, again trying to think up names. One of them reminded her alittle of Sappire and Phantom mixed. She wanted to name him after her mate, and she thought the name Ghost was a good idea. Ghost reminded her of the name Phantom, which she liked.

Another one looked exactly like herself, her eyes where amber, and her fur was gingery orange. The name Amber appealed to her, and she remembered her aunt had been named Amber. She liked the idea of having old family names become new, so she kept it. The other ones she wanted to name after stones as well, Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald, they are all gem names, and she wanted to keep that up.

Her favorite stone was called Jasper, which was also the name of the tom cat she used to secretly love. Jasper had been a white cat with light ginger blotches, which was identical to the looks of one of her kits right now. He had mint green eyes with amber flecks in it, they weren't the color of her old crush, but they are beautiful. She decided to name him Jasper.

The last one was a brown tabby, he had chocolate amber brown eyes and huge paws. She remembered a tale that her mother used to tell her. There were five cats named Zircon, all of them different colors. The first Zircon was a bright red tabby with golden eyes. The second Zircon was a russian blue and green eyes. The third was a white cat with light blue eyes. The forth was a silvery yellow with light amber eyes. And the fivth Zircon was a brown tabby, and had always been her favorite character. Her mother had told her that Zircon is a beautiful stone, and it can be any color. This kitten sure was beautiful, his position, his fur, and especially his eyes. This kit was for sure named Zircon.

Finally she was settled with the names, and was waiting for Phantom to return so they could discuss them. She turned her head to peacefully sleeping kits, and tried to remember what it was like being a kitten. She remembered that she was treated like a princess, and got to do whatever she wanted. She remembered that Sapphire was always put to work, even though she was a moon younger than Ruby. Emerald was put to work as well, but only because he was the oldest and a tom. When they got older, they had alot more fun, practicing hunting and fighting. But one day, her father turned mad. He started being more mean and acting angry around everyone. Although he never hurt Ruby, he threatened Sapphire, which Ruby didn't like. She had always been very close to Sapphire, as if they completed each other and couldn't be separated. As they grew up the felt an even stronger bond, but then it was slowly whisping away. Especially with the fact of toms and mates, it put a boundary between them, and a thick one at that. They had become more like rivals, as if like was a never ending race. Finally it felt like the time had come when everything had settled down. She brought her eyes up to her sister's, which had been looking her way, and blinked peacefully, waiting for someone to speak or something to happen.

I love y o u

[Sapphire]

Sapphire's oculars continued to penetrate into the pelts of the cats before her. They focused specificaly on her sister. The silvery female pondered about what she should do. She knew what the right thing would be, but sometimes the right thing was the hardest to do. She needed to forgive Ruby and Ruby to forgive her. But how could she make her see the solemness of her apology? The longing to be friends once more? The truth was she wasn't sure she could. But she had to try.
The tinsel feline's jaws parted as she took a readying breath. She needed to prepare herself for this apology and the unknown reaction of her kin. She let out the air in her lungs and looked meaningfully at the orangy she-cat in front of her and straightened herself. And she began. "Ruby...I'm sorry. That fight we had at the medicine den was pointless. All it did was ruin the bond we've always had. It was wrong of me to attack you just a second ago. I really regret ever hurting you and I wish I could erase everything that's gone wrong between us. I love you Ruby. I always have...and I always will. All I want is for us to forgive eachother so we can always be there for eachother once more. Please Ruby I beg of you. There's nothing I wouldn't give for us to be friends again. Please."she mewed with sincerity.

[•The Speedster•]

^{L o n g} time no see

Ruby's orbs filled with water, and the tears poured down her cheeks. The paws beneath her urged her forward, telling her to scratch her sister to death for all the pain she'd put Ruby in. But she couln't bring herselff to do it. Athough she darted forward out of her unmoving position, she tackled her sister playfully, and licked her neck.

Oh Sapphire, I love you too! I didn't know how I coud talk to you, or make you understand, but it seems like you felt the same way! She closed her wet eyes, and dug her face into the sterling fur in front of her. She hated hating old friends, especially family, and she was glad Sapphire and her worked it out.

I was just thinking about how close we were when we were younger. I wish we could rewind time, and live those seasons over again. She blinked away the remaining tears, and wiped a paw underneath. Bringing her optics up to Sapphire's level, she stared into them, replaying the vision she'd been thinking of earlier of her, Sapphire, and Emerald.

Do you talk to Emerald any more? Her voice sounded worried, although that wasn't nessacerilly how she felt. It was more of a concern of where he was. Was he still with their father? Or is he on his own like Sapphire and herself? Or know where he is? Or how he's doing? What about dad? Oh my gosh, I haven't talked to you in such a long t-- where's Hawk? She ended it with a mad sounding voice, one that someone would use with something they dont like. But it also had a tint of confusion; why would Sapphire be alone?

She focused on listening to Sapphire, but her mind couldn't but help wonder off to her own thoughts. She wondered how her family was now, and what happened to all of Sapphire's so called "mates". She thought of the argument in the medicine-cat's den again. How Sapphire had ignored her and relied more on Hawk. Even loved Hawk more than her. She had turned her back on her sister, and Ruby thought she'd never forgive her.

But alas, they are friends again. She continued her pondering, going back and forth between Sapphire talking and her own thoughts. Ruby finally caught on and stayed in one area as she heard something amazing. Well, maybe amazing isn't the right word. More like shocking.

So that's the _{t r u t h}

[Sapphire]

Sapphire looked unconfortable. "I'm not sure where Hawk is right now. I think he went to go find our father....as for Emerald...I don't really know where he is right now either. I was just with Blackheart...and...and Flamestar," the sterling silver she-cat paused as the bitter memory of her dieing mate came to mind again. She shook her head to clear her distorted thoughts. "But I really need to find Emerald....there's a message I have for him from Bloodstone." she winced at the name. "Bloodstone wants sometthing from us," she shuddered immensly thinking of what she had to do. "We...I'm to have kits with our brother." she said at last. She licked her chest fur in embarresment.