The L I G H T at the end of the tunnel

[violetwildflower]

Reserved for AMBER NIGHTFALL

Hanging off

Violet's running through the tunnels. She can feel the ground shaking beneath her. The tunnel was collapsing! She ran harder, but she could feel the dirt swallowing her

Violet awoke from her nightmare day mare with a start. She could scent her own fear. Nudging Amber awake, she sat up and stretched. The sky was starting to get dark, and if they wanted to explore, they better start now. The sun cast block shadows, falling into Amber and Violet's cave. Come on Amber, get up, we need to go exploring Without waiting for her friend she bounded of towards the forest and yelled over her shoulder Just going to get something to fill up my belly Scenting the air, she frowned, no scent of prey. We can just catch something while we explore Bounding back up the slope to Amber, she tickled the femme between the ribs, then ran up the hill.

Violet stopped in awe at the top of the hill. The view was breathtaking. You could see the slopes, dozens of them, slowly becoming taller and rockier. Violet wanted to feel the rocks underneath her pads, and see the world for what it was. Nudging her friend along she bounded down the hill, then, up another. She could see that they had about twenty more slopes to go. ooh A fun idea popped into Violet's head, they could roll down the hill, than run up again, than roll down! Ooh! That would be fun. Explaining her game to Amber, she lay herself down on top of the slope and let herself roll down the hill. When she stopped, she got up and ran up the hill clumsily with her world spinning around her.

At the top of the hill, she misjudged it and tumbled down the hill head first. Am... ber Violet mewed, trying to shake the dizzyness away Maybe, that wasn't a very good idea for a..... clumsy cat like me. Violet sighed I guess we'll just walk, and maybe- you know, sing a few tunes Violet smirked.


Hop, Hop!
The bunny song,
Hop to the left
and sing along
Hop. Hop!
The bunny jive,
Hop to the right
and feel alive
Hop, Hop!
Up and down
No-o one
Can stop you now!


Violet hopped the left, than to the right, and then up and down. The song stuck in Violet's head. Maybe we can play I spy again Hmmm.... Violet thought for a moment, I spy with my little eye, something that is..... Pink This one would be a stumper. Violet continued walking, Amber would never guess this one. A sudden scent of Rabbit flooded Violet's mouth. Hmm... Spotting the source, she brought her belly low to the ground and into the hunter's crouch. Slowly creeping forward, she pulled back on her hind legs and... The thing that happened next made Violet's jaw drop.

Wait the rabbit spoke up. Don't kill me, please! What the?! thought Violet, in her life she had seen many rabbits but none of them had ever talked to her. She could see the puzzled looked on Amber's face. Talking rabbit...hmm... Maybe it would know more about the tunnels! Violet knew that she probably sounded very stupid talking to the rabbit, but, she had nothing to lose. Mr. Rabbit? she paused, hoping he wouldn't get mad at her. Do you know anything about the tunnels that lead here? she paused We just found them in the dump and followed them here Violet could see a hopeful glimmer in Amber's eyes. Why yes, I do know much about the tunnels. In fact, My great grandfather helped build them. They were made to help Rabbits travel. Because of the cats and other wild animals living in the forest, it was very hard for rabbit's to travel without dying.

This was so cool, talking rabbits, traveling, building tunnels, she was so glad she got to share this with Amber. Thank you Mr. Rabbit, we promise we won't hurt you Violet continued bounding over the slopes, and turned around at the Rabbit's voice. If you're trying to get through all the slopes, there's a much faster way to do so Violet swiveled her head,What? The Rabbit looked proud, Follow me, he said. The rabbit bounded to the left in to another cave in a slope. In here he whispered gesturing with his paws for them to follow. At the back of the cave the dirt looked soft. In a flash, the rabbit had dug a hole through the back and into a tunnel, This will lead you to the end of the slopes in no time he whispered, pushing her way through, Violet squeezed through into the tunnel and slid down a 'slope' in the tunnel, and then continued on straight. The tunnel widened allowing Violet to run. Would you slow down for me?

Violet turned around to see a frustrated rabbit sliding down the slope Sorry, but you don't have to come with us you know she paused hoping she hadn't been to harsh. Well, at the end of this tunnel, you gotta dig yourself out, I'd be a whole lot faster than you But Violet had to agree, He was fast at digging, well, he was a rabbit, he should be good at digging. Finally, Violet felt wall in front of her and the pushed through her and Amber and through the wall in an instant. Wow, violet though, he is fast!

Violet and Amber emerged through the tunnel. Light shot into Violet pupils as she fell out through the cave and onto the warm grass, bounding up the hill, she stared in amazement, We're here! The slope in front of them grew erupt out of the earth into a tall mountain. I want to see the view, from up there She pointed to the top of the mountain, an eagle flew around the top, so graceful and beautiful. Running to the base of the mountain, Violet spotted a small path, winding up and around the mountain. At the top, it lead to a small cave, sheeted by the waterfall.

Violet pounced down into the stream, far enough away from the waterfall that there wasn't much of a current. Lapping at the water, she felt it's cool and gentle calmness flow into her like a stream. Quickly finishing up, she ran back to the mountain path, signaling to Amber with her tail. Beginning the trek up the mountain, Violet made sure to keep to the inside of the mountain for security. As Violet got higher the path narrowed into a path just barely big enough for one cat. Stepping cautiously Violet realized how high up they were. Stepping on a loose rock, Violet's hind paw slipped over the edge, bringing her with it. In a last effort to catch herself, she clung to an outcrop, a few meters down from where Amber was. AMBER! Help me!! I'm down here But Violet knew that there was nothing that Amber could do to help her. Violet needed to stay calm and still, one wrong move and she would find herself falling on to hard ground.

The weight of her belly pressed down, making the situation even worse. Another out crop pressed out of the mountain, underneath where Amber and Violet had already been. Swinging her weight back and forth she let go. A sudden fear washed over Violet. What if she didn't make it, what would happen then?

Violet paws hooked around the other outcrop as Violet stopped to catch her breath. Looking in both directions, she realized there was no way to do this. She looked down, eventually she would have to let go and fall to her death. No, I'm gonna stay strong, I'll find a way out, but Violet knew that she was only fooling herself. Looking at the grass beneath her, a spark of hope flashed inside her, noticing an outcrop a bit down, It was bigger than this one, big enough to stand on. Violet took a deep breath, knowing what she had to do. 3...2.....1! Violet released her grip on the stone, only to feel hard rock underneath her. The outcrop was just big enough for two cats, making it easier to jump from. Violet swiveled her head around, looking for another outcrop, she spotted one a little way down to the left. She would have to jump. Springing back on her haunches, she steadied her balance and.... released!

She flew through the air and landed on the other outcrop, Yes, I made it! from where Violet was she could safely jump down on to the ground. With the first step she took on land, joy overwhelmed her. Amber she called I made it! Waiting for her friend to come down the mountain, Violet rested her head between her paws, she'd done enough mountains for today. And probably for a while too. Looking at her belly, she remembered the kits, I better get some rest she thought to herself, closing her eyes and drifting into the deep essence of sleep.

the E|D|G|E

[amber]

Watch your step...

Golden eyes blinked open, Violet's face right in front of her view. As she picked her way up, she watched her friend run off, but then dart back almost imediately, just to tickle her. Amber giggle a little bit, and walked a few paces, orbs open in the search of food.

Amber walked steadily along side her friend, and swet started to pour off her head as they ran up the hill. She watched as Violet rolled down, she had never thought that was going to be a good idea, and it wasn't. She winced as the she-cat hit a few shrubs and twigs, and especially as her head slammed against the ground. When Violet spoke again, stating that it wasn't a good idea, they moved on, forgetting that ever happened.

The songs started again, and with the ginger femme's rabbit idea, she kept up with the animal theme. She thought of quiet silly lyrics, and then started.

The lion crouched
Stalking its prey
A friend come's along, and says Hey!

Roar goes the lion, almost as he crunched
The friend doesn't move, hes wanted to stay
The lion doesn't like it, Go Away

Roar! Roar!
Roar! Roar!

Fear me, all who see!
He said
For, I am the great mighty lion!

Amber rolled her eyes at her stupid song, but continued on. She watched as Violet stopped, her eyes on the rabbit, and Amber herself just waited. But as the rabbit started to speak, she jumped back in amazement. Since when have hares been able to talk!? She asked herself, her golden orbs glowing.

Time went by, and the rabbit ended up being friendly and kind. He led them through an unknown tunnel, through the mountains, and Amber was glad her friend hadn't killed it. Walking in silence felt nice and relaxing; every step she took felt hot on her feet, hurting badly.

Violet slipped, misplacing her paw within an inch of where it was suposed to be. Amber heard her name being called, after she had fallen about two or three foxlengths below. There's not much I can do, Violet! Her voice was filled with horror and fright. But as the ginger fae let herself fall, she started feeling better, yet still frightened. When she reached the last plateau, Violet stopped, falling into a sleeping position. Amber thought she heard something, but couldn't make out the words.

Her stop must have meant to meet her down there, so she started on her way, pawstep for pawstep. Her and the rabbit walked slowly and carefully down the ledge, placing there paws strait in front of the other. When they reached Violet, the fluttering in her heart stopped, and love washed over her. Violet! You're ok! The path was widening now, so she nuzzled her head on her friend's, licking her shoulder at the same time.

Or do you want me to?

[so sorry! Museless!]

[violetwildflower]

Sshhhhhh! .....

"Of course I'm okay, I'm Violet... WWWWWWildflower!" She stared at Amber. "Time to go to slee-" but before she could finish her sentence, she clicked out like a light and started to snore.

Violet was flying over the trees in the woods, she was ^soaring gracefully through the clouds. Her paws felt like wings. Gliding in the sky brought Violet happiness. But then, in the forest she spotted two cats. one was Rowan, and the other looked like...... _Dapple

Violet shuddered awake. It was just a dream, but the premise of it made still scared. What would really happen if Rowan met Dapple, would they be together, or would he tell her he couldn't be with her. Violet assured herself that he would tell her that he had a mate. One that loved him more than he could ever know.

Changing her thoughts to a happier note, Violet glanced at Amber. "Wake up sleepyhead!" She pounced on Amber's tail, lightly biting down on the end. Where's the Rabbit? Violet said in her head. Looking around the area, she saw him sleeping behind Amber. Violet jumped towards him, bowling Amber over while she did so.

She picked up the rabbit with her paws and stuck her tongue out at him. "Wakey Wakey Sleeping beauty!" She put him back on the ground. Today, Violet wanted to play around and goof off a bit. "Amber, let's play hide and go seek!.... NOT IT! Count to 20!" Violet raced off, checking behind her to make sure that Amber wasn't peeking.

Violet shot through the forest in search of a good hiding place. Violet spotted one underneath a tree. It was a large pile of leaves. Making clear paw prints leading to the pile, she jumped into the tree and waited. Her plan was perfect, when Amber came to investigate the pile of leaves, Violet would jump down from the tree and surprise Amber. It was perfect!

All that Violet needed to do was wait.

Boo!

[amber]

I stalk

Amber's breath flew out of her as she got bowled over by the hyper ginger and white femme. She blinked slowly, shaking her head to wake up. As she stood up, she stretched her legs, and yawned a huge yawn. Her vision was blurred for a second, but soon became clear.

She took off, her paws spreading the dirt across the ground. With her nose to the ground, she traced the scent until she was in the open, not wanting to cheat. She counted to twenty, and then darted to the side, first checking in the branches of the closest tree. Before even looking, she turned around, already knowing she wasnt in there by scent.

Her paws brought her to a stream, and she jumped across it by the stones sticking out. A current came, rushing over hers paws, almost dragging her over. Amber's optics widened widely, and she hurried across. Once across, she narrowed her eyes, and looked around. The best hiding place in sight was probably a hollow tree trunk, so she pelted over to it.

Amber peared inside, seeing nothing but darkness. Her muzle opened, taking in the scent. The aroma of roses rushed in, but that wasn't the smell she was looking for. She searched around, and found a slight cat scent, but it wasnt in the tree. She followed the smell, but stopped when it started to get more fresh. She walked over to a ranndom fence, and hopped on it, getting a higher view.

Golden orbs took in tall pines, a stream, and the golden-orange shafts of light in the forest floor. As she walked through, the sun dappled light apon her dark pelt. It felt good, relaxing and warm. But alas, she had to leave it. The ebony femme stalked off, almost as if stalking prey.

Her nose stuck itself in through a holly bush, catching on a thorn as she did so. Scarlet blood dripped off, and it stang badly. She winced, but continued, wiping off the remaining blood with her paw. She walked over to a strange tree with huge roots coming out of the ground. Hoping over each the roots, she peared around, seeing if Violet was around. Violet! You cant hide forever! Come out come out whereever you are!

But find nothing.

[violetwildflower]

Violet sat up in the tree. Amber hadn't found her yet. "Over he-ere!" she called in a low voice. Violet waited in the tree, balancing back on her hind legs, ready to spring into action at any moment. Hmmm......This was getting boring. A few paw steps made Violet spring to action. She stalked across the tree branch and looked down at Amber, she had a cut on her nose, and she didn't even know she was there. Violet picked up a pinecone, and tossed it down landing on the leaves to make it seem like the moved, that'd do the trick.

Violet looked around while she waited. There was a cross in two branches, she might be able to make. Then she could climb down and scare Amber from behind. Yes, that would be best. Gingerly, she balanced her way across the cross and into the other tree. Slowly, Violet climbed down the trunk, and snuck up behind her friend. She balanced back and........

WHOOSH

She sprang in front of Amber, and let out a high pitch "Arghhhhh!". Looking into Ambers eyes she said. "You found me i guess"

[amber]

Finally

Amber let out a high pitch squeal, and jumped backwards. Oh my gosh! You scared me!!! Her fur was on its end, and her banner was under and through her legs. After a while, she settled down, and smiled at her friend. So, I guess I did find you! Her smile got wider, showing her teeth.

Then she tapped her on the shoulder with the tip of her tail. Her paws took off, at high speed. Her optics took in the full gaze, looking for a nice place to hide. She wandered over to the area where the mountains fade away into hills. She shivered as the cool sierra winds hit her.

Her eyes narrowed and she darted to dodge another gust. Amber looked around, spotting a low crag not far from her. She ran over there and, jumping high, and landed softly and quietly. With slited orbs, she moved around getting comfortable and deep inside the shadows. Once settled, she closed her eyes, holding warmth inside her. She stayed very still, almost hoping that Violet would find her soon.

Its my turn now.

[violetwildflower]

i DOUBLE

Violet closed her eyes. hearing Ambers footsteps get farther and farther away. "1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29.... 30!" Her eyes opened and she sniffed the ground for Amber's scent. It seemed to be going that way. The dirt made it easy to track her, having her paw steps left there. Until someone came along and erased it.

The dirt became more and more rocky until Amber paw steps disappeared into the rocks. Running to where the rocks ended, Violet wasn't able to re find Ambers prints. But, Violet did manage to find Amber's scent, it was going towards a crag, maybe she had jumped it and was waiting on the other side. It was worth a shot. Jumping the crag, Violet walked into the shadows. Her eyes tried to pick up any trace of light, but it was quite hard for her to in all these shadows. A faint noise brought jy to Violets heart, it was the quiet up and down of a cats chest. And now, knowing that Amber was there, she saw her faintly among the shadows. Jumping on her, she pinned her down and giggled"Got you!"

Violet jumped back over the crag and signaled for Amber to follow. "We need a fort, one here that we make and no one can come in. hmmm" Violet noticed a indent in the ground the size of a badger. Pulling branches down from trees, she leaned them up against the tree, covering the hole. Looking at Amber she said, "We'll need to make to hole bigger, we might want to get rabbit, I'll run back to get him, and can you get more branches for the walls?" Violet sped off towards their sleeping place, and found Mr. Rabbit, hopping around.

"Mr. Rabbit, could you help us make our fort, we need to dig, and, well, we're not very good, could you come and help?" Mr.Rabbit thought for a moment before replying,"Yes, of course I will, just show me the way" Violet nodded to him and hopped into the forest, eventually getting to their fort. "Well, if I don't say, that type of fort, (and by that I mean above ground) is not as sturdy, you should make your whole fort underground" Violet looked at what they had already made. "Amber, is that okay with you?" Violet looked at her friend and smiled.

dare YOU

[amber]

A long days work

Amber sighed as her friends scent became closer, and was finally pawsteps away. As she spoke, Amber yawned and stood up. She nodded and smiled at her friend, not really in the mood to play any more. She had had her fair share of cold and fun in one day. She watched as Violet jumped down, and she followed. Amber yawned again, and listened to her friends explanantion of what to do.

As the blotched femme dashed away to retreive their talking rabbit friend, she started to collect limbs. She grasped her teeth around the closest stick, draging it over to the camping place, and setting it in place. She continued for the second time intil the two returned. The rabbit had a strange look on his face, as if he was despleased or disapointed. She soon figured out why.

She sighed as the question was asked. But it was a good idea. The black cat rolled her eyes, which landed on the two logs shed haulled over. All that work for nothing. Fine. Her voice was stern, but reasonable. She looked around, trying to find a place to dig for their neew den. She glanced over at the rabbit, motioning him over to a soft ground area in the shade of a small yet growing tree.

The rabbit hopped over without question, and when Amber told hiim to, he started digging. His claws grazed over the ground in a flurry, dirt flying everywhere. He had to stop for a short second to rest his arms and catch his breath, but he started again. Amber and Vioet sat and watched, but silently Amber wondered if they were suposed to help.

She stepped forward, her arms wobbly at the thought of digging and getting dirty right before a night's rest. She hated getting dirt under her claws. But she carried on, stepping beside Mr. Rabbit. She clawed agrilly at the ground, tearing up unneeded grass, and pulled away dirt. Her tongue was lolled out and she was panting after awhile. Even the night's cool breeze and shady darkness coldn't keep her cool. But she didn't stop, not now.

Finally the time came. They were finished and already snuggling up. Amber's jaw opened into a wide yawn, and she flicked her tail to tell the others she was going to sleep. Her optics drifted off, swallowing her in shadows. Soon enough her legs were unfeelable and she had no sence of time.

What an adventure.

[violetwildflower]

Violet could see the frustration in Amber's eyes. She had just hauled so much for nothing. Two Amber signaled to the Rabbit and he started to dig. His paws moved in a fast fury. Dirt flew in every direction, spattering Violet. The rabbit stopped, looking down at his paws, he began to pant. But, he continued on digging. Watching Amber help dig, Violet copied her move and walked up on the other side of the Rabbit. Violet's paws hurt as she dug up earth. Violet begged herself to stop but she knew that she shouldn't.

Finally, A glimmer in Violet's eyes made her feel better. It was time to sleep. Violet watched as Amber curled up into a ball and fell asleep. "Rabbit, you can sleep in between the two of us for safety. He nodded and hopped over to Amber, snuggling up in her fur. Violet walked over to the hole and plopped herself down beside the Rabbit. "Sleep tight" she mused to him.

A sudden grumbling in Violet's stomach made her wince. It was a hungry tug. "I'll be right back, I'm just hungry" she whispered into the rabbit's ear. Quietly, she stood up and jumped out of the hole. She hurried towards the scent of rabbit and stopped herself. No. She didn't want to freak the rabbit out. She rolled her eyes, trying to find another scent. The aroma of mouse flooded through her jaws. Mmmm..... Violet thought. Locating the source of such smell, she crouched down, moving slowly and quietly towards the mouse. With one pounce, she landed ontop of it and killed it. Mmmm...

Walking back to the hole, violet jumped down and fell asleep.

[amber]

Good night, sleep tight

Amber climbed down into the newly finished den, snuggling up beside the brown rabbit. She closed her tired eyes, trying to fall asleep. But for some reason she couldn't. Her stumach rumbled hurgily, so she jumped out of the den. Opening her mouth, the scent of rabbit flooded in, and she stalked towards it. No matter what Mr. Rabbit or Violet said, she'd eat it.

Crouching the oh so famous hunters crouch, she stalked forward. Her paws were shaky as they pounded softly on the ground from the cold breeze, but she carried on. A shiver passed through her, but the warm smell of the rodent kept her heated. Two tail ears were spotted from a ways down, and she became and she dropped down a pace.

The rabbit was close now, Amber could hear it breathing. All the weight flowed into her haunches as she pushed off, aiming for the hare. It was startled by the attack, but its life was ended far to soon for it to realize the danger it was in. Warm blood flooded into her jaws, the scent sending delightful shimmers down her body.

She finished the hare before she returned, licking clean all the remains. She even washed her paws in a near by stream, and bathed herself. Even in the darkest light, she looked sparkling, even the ebony fur. but her golden pools were the brightest, her sight as clear as glass. She stiffled a yawn as she jumped into the den once again. She settled down once more, and closed her eyes tight. This time, her stumach didn't bother her, and she fell into a rhythmic snore. With her breathing even, sleep took over, fading away into black.

Dont let the bed bugs bite!

[violetwildflower]

Violet awoke with a yawn. Her belly felt full from her hunting expedition the other night. She looked over at Amber. A weird smell arose from her friend. Rabbit! Amber must have snuck out and caught a rabbit. Taking a deep breath, Violet calmed herself down. It was just a rabbit. Amber was probably just really hungry and couldn't find anything else. Just as long as Mr. Rabbit doesn't find out Violet thought. If he did he would never trust them again. And he had proved to be quite a help at times.

Violet looked at Amber. She needed to wake her friend up without waking up Mr. Rabbit, that way she could talk to her alone and Amber could wash off in the stream. Prodding Amber awake, Violet put her tail in front of her mouth. "I know you snuck rabbit last night" she whispered into her friends ear. "I could smell. You can't wake Mr. Rabbit, You need to find a stream and wash yourself off, OK? I'll come with you." Violet prodded her friend out of the hole. "I think that there's a stream somewhere around here. Hmm... Let's go back to the slopes, there's a stream there" Violet turned around towards the stream and headed onward.

Finally could see the stream, though, it wasn't that long of a journey. Go Wash off in the stream. she told Amber. Thorton stream was perfect cool, shallow and fresh. Violet waited for Amber to reach the stream.

ooc: you should make Amber step in the stream and have the stream be very deep so she can't touch. and they both don't know that this part of Thorton stream is deeper than the rest. Than the two of them can have an adventure together!!!! Yay!

[amber]

[ooc: ok! thats a good idea. ill do that.]

First is the w o r s t
Second is the b e s t

Amber yawned as a paw prodded her awake. A blurry ginger and white form was standing in front of her, her purple eyes glowing. She sighed, but got up, wondering what her friend needed this time. Whispered sounds escaped Violet's mouth, but Amber was too drowsy to understand anything at the moment. The only word she heard was stream, maybe Violet was thirsty.

She marched out the den, stepped behind Violet, and they made their way to the slopes. A morning breeze rippled through the air, making the fur on her neck raise up. They walked down to the stream, and by then, Amber was pretty much awake. She sat down, her huanches sore from their walk the day before.

As she waited for Violet to take a drink, she started grooming herself, starting with her shoulder. When she saw that the blotched femme hadn't moved, she cocked her head to the side. Pausing on her grooming, she padded over to her friend. Violet seemed to be staring at her, as if expecting her to do something.

She sighed, not feeling like asking any questions. Dabbing one paw in the water sent a ripple of fear through her patite ebony body. She pulled it out quickly, relaxing her muscles, and closing her eyes. Instead, she dipped her head, lapping up the icy water. It felt good running down her hot throat.

The land around her was wet, and Amber wondered if it had raining over the night. The trees whisper in the wind, and water droplets fell to the floor. The dirt around the stream had become mud, and it was slippery under her paws.

Giving one glance to the still unmoved Violet, she took a step back. As she did so, her paws slid out from under her, sending her bodice into the fast slowing stream. Her jaw opened into a ferocious scream as she plummeted into the icy water. Her paws swang around helplessly in the water, while she tried hard to screech for help.

It felt as if all the blood and warmth had run away, leaving her body cold and stiff. She was paralyzed in fear. Her golden optics were filled with fear as she sank deeper into the water, flowing down stream like a speeding bullet. She hoped in her mind that her friend would be there to help her, and make her feel better once she was out. But until then, she stayed in the same paralyzed position while flowed down the racing waters.

I dont beleive i t.
Thats n o n s e n c e.

[violetwildflower]

The shock of losing almost losing a friend

Violet followed Amber as Amber made her way towards the stream, a nice cool drink might cool Violet's throat. Lapping at the icy water, Violet stifled a yawn. After finishing her drink, she sat down at the edge of the river bank. Amber continued to lap at the cold water. That's not the point, she was supposed to clean herself o-

A scream screeched through Violet's mind as she awoke from her daze. "Amber, is everything-" Violet stopped mid sentence, Amber wasn't on the shore, in stead she was in the river being carried by the strong current. But how? its not- Violet stopped herself, she didn't have time to ask herself questions. Her friends life was in danger and Violet wasn't just going to stand around. The water shouldn't be so fast, the only reason would be that there was a.... a waterfall A hand gripped Violet's heart. What was she going to do? Violet took a deep breath, she needed to stay calm.

Paws pounding the dirt, Violet ran in pursuit of Amber in the stream. She needed to not waste a second, because one second could be the difference between life and death for Amber. And that meant that she needed to think of a plan for Amber. Looking ahead of the river, Violet saw trees hanging down on the river. But not close enough for Amber to grab. But what if...?

Pain scorched through violet's muscles as she heaved herself up a tree, belly and all. Once Violet reached the center of the tree, the balanced her weight across the lowest branch and out over the river. With extra weight, the tree branch bent down, just close enough to the surface for Amber to grab. "Amber, In about 50 fox-lengths, theres a branch, grab it and I'll pull you up" Violet yelled over the roaring of the waterfall. This was it. Violet's muscles tensed. She was the chance of life over death. If Violet slipped, they would both be doomed.

A tickling sensation rose through Violet's body. A sneeze. No, no chance to sneeze, If she did she was-

A-A......CHOO!

Violet's muscles un -tensed from her grip and she slipped down the branch. No this couldn't happen, this wasn't meant to happen. They weren't supposed to die. Violet lashed out with her paws reaching for something that wasn't there. Violet's tail plunged into icy coldness. Then her back legs, then her belly. Then her... Violet waited ready for the icy water to take over her head, but it didn't. Looking up for a reason, Violet saw her claw. Stuck through the middle of the branch. Violet swiveled her head around, once she had Amber, they would have more time, but that wouldn't help them. Now that Violet was stuck half in half out, there was no way for her to save them both. She couldn't climb back up from where she was. There was no way out of this. And this branch couldn't just hold them forever.

The shock of losing almost losing losing a friend your self

[amber]

I'd never e x p e c t

The icy water held her under, even as her paws flailed endlessly through it. Her heart was beating fast, and her lungs struggled to carry on with their job. Struggling for air, she reached the suface, taking a gulp of air while she could. As she did so, she spotted a running ginger and white cat who was yelling loudly her way. The blurry vision cleared as the water fell from in her eyes, and she realized it was Violet. The she-cat's eyes were on a tree now, one about 40 or 50 fox lengths from where she was.

She wantched in horror as she neared the huge waterfall, switching her view from it to her friend and back. She closed her eyes, counting to 5, then reopened them. Violet was on the tree now, struggling across a thin branch hanging over the river. Amber's heart skipped a beat, maybe she could be saved! She watched as Violet stealthely made her way to the edge, reaching out her paw to Amber, nodded at her to take it.

Then everything went wrong. Her friend got a wiff of something, and her body didn't like it. A huge sneeze came from her muzzle, sending her into the river. Amber's froze in fear, and she disappeared under water again. Trying to open her eyes, she looked around for any sign of Violet. She spotted fast moving legs, and a swirling tail, where was the rest of her body? Trying to break to the surface again, she reached for the top, hardly struggling as she got used to the strong waters.

She spotted her panting friend still attached to the tree by a couple uncheathed claws. Her breath finally came back, supllying her with more than enough as she breathed a sigh of releif. But not everything was ok yet. They were getting closer to the drop every second, and both of them were still in the water.

Strugling now as she tryed swimming against the current, she reached for her friends outstretched paw. Looking around, she spotted a crack become=ing bigger and bigger in the tree. With wide eyes, she swam faster to Violet, hoping their only hope wouldn't break on them. Her paws slipped endlessly through the gallons and gallons of water, making no difference whatsoever as to where she was.

But finally she was moving, it seemed to have gotten shallower, helping her to push her long off the bottom. As she took her paw out of the water to reach for Violet, she watched in horror yet again as the branched cracked more. There was no way this was going to hold them. After taking a huge breath and sending a silent prayer, she grabbed her friends paw.

She waited for the branch to snap, for it to fall inter to river and down the waterfall. She waited for her to scream, mixed with Violet's own and for them to end their lives by drowning. Everything seemed to stop, to break off the universe and changed to a different one. But Amber's vision hadn't come yet, the strange feeling of knowing you were going to die. She was still waiting for the two cats to be found along side the bottom of the river, below the waterfall's giant drop, and she closed her eyes, not wanting to feel the pain just yet.

To end my life this w a y

[violetwildflower]

Violet looked at her friend in terror. Amber was on the wrong side of her, being pushed away from her. Violet was speechless, she wanted to comfort her friend and tell her that it was going to be fine, and she would find a way to save them both. But Violet had done everything she could think of. And without any plan, they would both die. Amber continued to struggle, as Violet reached her paw out, hoping for a miracle. But Amber hadn't given up. Violet could see determination in Amber eyes, as she kicked and pushed and heaved through the water. Then grabbed Violet's paw. Violet looked back at the tree, the weight on the branch making the tree crack. And lean, making them deeper and deeper in the water.

There was no way to live. Every last little drop of hope was squeezed out of Violet as the tree leaned more, leaving only Violet's head above the water. The water pushed against her fur in hard waves. Hitting Violet hard.

CC--CC--CC--RACK

An earsplitting rack made Violet's eyes swivel to the tree, it was falling, putting them farther and farther away from the bank. A loud thud brought dust up from the bank as the tree landed on the dirt. Oh no The tree slowly rolled through the forest crashing down the little trees. Violet looked in horror ahead, About 20 fox lengths in front of them was the waterfall roaring with glory as if it liked killing cats. Looked at the tree, it was moving slowly, being pulled by the weight of the cat. Well thought Violet at least it gives us more time to live But even that wasn't that cheerful. Because after those few seconds, there would be nothing more.

Violet knew her fate, knew what was going to happen, but she didn't want to stop trying to think of a plan. And then, a miracle happened. A light bulb went off in Violet's head.

"Amber, we need to both jump off this back wards and towards the bank. Once, we're off, we can use it to pull ourselves closer to the bank. On 3.... 1-2...3!" Violet pushed her muscles as hard as she could. Diving underwater, stilling hold the branch then, using the bottom to propell her and letting go. Violet flew through the air. and landed halfway between where she used to be and the bank. Violet blinked the water out of her eyes and looked at the tree, it had stopped moving yes it work, all they had to do was claw their way towards the bank. And then they could be free! Free of this fate, free of it all! Violet clawed her way across the tree, getting closer and closer to the bank. Violet could feel the forest. They were going to live.

Dirt rose up beneath Violet's paws, she was on shore.

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.........