As Darkness Falls

[osprey]

Stop; stop!
Being so hard on yourself,
It's not good for your health -

The shock was still settling in. The shadowy tom cursed himself repetitively... She probably didn't like him at all. Osprey slowly opened one amber eye to see what Marigold was thinking about all this. He already felt like such an idiot, and this was getting worse by the second. His paws twitched, his mind seemed to be running in wild circles, confused and shocked. Maybe it would be better just to walk away, could he take the pain? Yes! He was a Coldenwing. He shouldn't care about she-cats, or love, or any other felines. Maybe he was destined to be alone. He did think of it. Well he tried to. It just hurt so much. Ozzy felt like he was ignoring the grey tabby named Opal, and he wished the circumstances were different. If only he'd met these two at different times, then maybe things would have turned out better.

He suddenly looked up and fixed his full attention on Marigold as she started to speak. "No. I'm not perfect. If I was perfect, I wouldn't be here right now. I wouldn't have to worry about every single thing that could possibly go wrong. I'd be living in a nice warm house with no fear of freezing to death in the winter. I wouldn't have to hunt and find my own food. Damn it, I wouldn't even know what hunger was." His jaw dropped open, as Osprey shrunk backwards, his ears pinned against the back of his skull. Pain coursed through him. He'd messed it up. He came out for a drink, hoping, perhaps, to make a friend. Now all he'd done was upset a beautiful she-cat and made a fool of himself. His muscled black figure was pressed against the earth, with the silver spotted queen towering over him. "I wouldn't need to search for somewhere to stay every night. I would have a place that I knew and could call home. I wouldn't have to worry about dying form a sickness picked up on the streets. I wouldn't know what heartbreak and sorrow was." His amber eyes were dull with grief. "But I can help you with that! I can give you a warm place to sleep and somewhere to call home! I can help you - I can protect you!" Now he was just getting desperate.

"And you know what? I wouldn't have to worry about the likes of you." So that was it. The truth had been revealed. She didn't care. She didn't care: about him. His heart was breaking. Yet it shouldn't be. This was way too painful than he could ever imagine. Osprey was hurting so much. How could this happen? To him! To anyone?! He breathed slowly. In, two three four. Out, two three four. He struggled to remain calm, to relax his body. He tried so much. But maybe it just wasn't meant to be. He glanced up sorrowfully as Marigold began to speak again. She... Apologized? Perhaps she didn't mean all of those things! 'Well, I sometimes snap. I know how easy it is to get angry, especially for me. Maybe Marigold's the same?' There was a little flicker of hope in his amber duo. He tracked her as she dashed from the scene, into the woods around the stream.

What was he going to do? He asked himself the question, but he already knew the answer. Ozzy had to go after her. Sighing painfully, he twisted around to face Opal. "I'm so sorry," he choked out the words. "I'm such an idiot, I messed it all up, I-" He stopped himself before he went any further. "What I'm trying to say is: Opal, you'd make a great friend." With one last, meaningful look he set off. He wasn't in bad shape for a cat, so he managed to keep up a strong fast pace. He felt the twigs tear at his pelt, and the sharp rocks tear at his pads. But he didn't care. Osprey persisted, with the faint hope inside him, that somehow, it would be okay. Now he was going to make things right. He pushed himself further, further, further! Opening his jaw, he let the thick forest fragrences tickle his scent gland on the roof of his mouth.

Marigold was nearby! His heart soared, despite of himself. He bent down his head, scanning the pawprints that marked her path. At first they were widely spread, like she had been in a full run. They slowly decayed, until the were at the point where she had been walking. Ozzy continued to run, adrenaline pulsing through his body. He'd keep going. He'd run to the ends of the earth for that cat. For Marigold. Then he saw her. Her fantastic, silver spotted pelt mingled in with the vegetation around her. His heart beating faster and faster, he leapt over some brambles and around a large bush. "Marigold," he murmured, his voice barely a whisper. "I was an idiot back there, I shouldn't have rushed into saying something like that so soon. I'm sorry. Forgive me?" He blinked, his deep voice painful. "I care so much about you, even though I hardly even know you!" His heart cried out in agony. How could he take this!?

Osprey was sat down on the muddy earth. He closed his eyes momentarily, before glancing at the round white moon above him. He could hear the crashing of the stream nearby, and considered leaping into it. It could carry him away. Away from all his troubles, away from pain, away from love. It could carry him to the end of the world, before throwing him into a peaceful darkness. Was he ready to give up? No. Not just yet. His heart was breaking.

But hopefully, maybe, possibly - it could be healed?

I know that you can change,
So clear your head and come 'round!

[snowmist]

"No. I'm not perfect. If I was perfect, I wouldn't be here right now. I wouldn't have to worry about every single thing that could possibly go wrong. I'd be living in a nice warm house with no fear of freezing to death in the winter. I wouldn't have to hunt and find my own food. Damn it, I wouldn't even know what hunger was. I wouldn't need to search for somewhere to stay every night. I would have a place that I knew and could call home. I wouldn't have to worry about dying form a sickness picked up on the streets. I wouldn't know what heartbreak and sorrow was. And you know what? I wouldn't have to worry about the likes of you. Sorry..."

Opal sucked in her breath slightly, surprised. Whoah. She hadn't expected that. She glanced at Osprey. His muscley body was nearly pressed against the ground. Marigold towered over him, anger in her eyes. Opal winced - why didn't this Marigold just let go of the past? True, she hadn't, but at least she didn't rant and scream when a handsome tom called her perfect. Marigold didn't understand what Osprey was, did she? A cat. And a handsome, friendly one, too. And here she was, breaking Osprey's heart with a simple sentence. Well, hers, too, kind of. Seeing the desperation in Osprey's eyes told her that he really did love her. A lot. And it just didn't fit. Marigold shouldn't even be in my happy fairy story with Osprey. she thought. Osprey was crushed. Desperate. He needed Marigold. He wanted to help Marigold, care for her, protect her, give her a warm home. Leaving Opal out in the cold to freeze during winter. She was nothing to him.

Opal heard him admit that he messed up. Tell her she would be a great friend. Empty words. I-it's ok-kay. she managed, giving a half-hearted grin to him. Now go chase after Marigold. I'll stay here. Go get her, tell her you hate me, that she's the best cat in the world. Hysterical old cat, that Marigold was. She didn't understand. She had an oppurtunity, and she threw it away. All this was going wrong. Osprey doesn't matter. I shouldn't have ever met him. Let him have his fantasies with Marigold.She ducked her head to lick her chest. Thinking. Ospreyhad admitted his love way too soon. Maybe if they went off and mated she should have been happy for him, wouldn't have cared that she had no one in the cat world to help her, love her, protect her, take care of her.

Opal watched him run away. Bunching his muscles, flat out running after her. She stayed by the stream. She didn't want them anymore. She just wanted to do one thing. She ran forward, skidding to a stop right before the stream. The water rippled in the moonlight. She looked down into the water. Her reflection glanced sadly up at her. I-I'm so hideous. She tore herself away from the water. Unlike Marigold.

She knew she couldn't just stay here so she ran after Marigold, and Osprey. She was more comfortable higher up so she ran into a tree and looked down. She soon spotted Marigold, with Osprey standing over her. A surge of jealousy made her climb down and sprint there. Though she hated Marigold, she was concerned to see her lying on the ground, bleeding. Is she alright? She asked, glancing at Osprey. Idiot. Of course she's not alright.

[spot]

The dark had never been so terrifying. The dark, cold cloak had wrapped around Marigold in a very unnverving fashion, giving her chills and nightmares. The car crash which happened so long ago, yet the dark made it seem like it was just yesterday. Pain, regret and depression flooded through her mind all over again like it had never done before. Her heart was torn, broken, shattered, only to be healed and the pattern to repeat once more. Life moved on, towards her first show. She remembered being on that weird cold podium while humans poked and prodded at her, lifting her chin, and opening her mouth until she felt that they would both break and fall off their hinges. The mutters of disappointment coming from the judges before crossing her name off the list and walking towards the next, more beautiful, cat. People were so inconsiderate of cats, treated them only as tickets to earning money. It was pathetic. Purely pathetic. Time skipped towards being dropped off on the dusty streets. Her only recently patched-together heart ripped once more, making her wonder whether she sewed it back together tight enough. Apparently, she hadn't. That's what disappointed her the most. Pain never seemed to leave her life; instead, it preferred to walk all over her as if she was a floor rug. Now, look at this! She had caused pain for another cat. That Osprey guy wasn't half bad, but you had to go and completely broken his heart just because yours too was broken!The voices, the dreaded voices that once clouded her memory returned for what seemed like revenge. In rage, she let out a caterwaul and opened her eyes, searching for the voice, even as she knew that the cat who spoke was no more than part of her ever-troubled mind. Her vision had turned red with anger. She couldn't take it any more. A pelt brushed against hers and she turned her gaze around, claws already silently unsheathed onto the ground below. But, it was just Osprey. She let the anger trickle out of her like rain down a window, returning her claws back to her sheathed position. Still, just to be safe, she moved a little farther away from him, just so that the anger didn't return and she try to claw him. The silver femme hoped that he wouldn't take it the wrong way.

"I was an idiot back there, I shouldn't have rushed into saying something like that so soon. I'm sorry. Forgive me?" Where did he come from? Did he follow her? Man, everyone just had to follow around even when she needed to be alone. His lyrics sounded so pained, so...desperate...Why did she have to get involved in everyone's life? She just happened to walk places and some way or another she broke a heart. One over here, one over there....she was just a walking heartbreaker. Yet, she had a broken heart herself. Osprey continued to talk, his lyrics equally pained, maybe even a touch more.

"I care so much about you, even though I hardly even know you!"That was it. She couldn't hear any more. She couldn't face breaking yet one more heart. Raising her silver flag she gently placed on his maw to silence him. "Osprey..."She paused. What to say? Better be blunt."Osprey, right now, I'm not ready for a relationship. I'm quite content on my own, and I'm not ready to settle down and start a family. I have a hard time trying to find food for myself, let alone trying to feed a whole family of crying kits. I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings."She had a feeling she already did.

[osprey]

Backbeat the word is on the street
That the fire in your heart is out
I'm sure you've heard it all before
But you never really had a doubt -

The darkness was almost comforting. It calmed the spirit of the cat. Only slightly, but the shadows blended with his pelt and added that tiny touch of confidence. But it couldn't compete with the depressing heart break he was going through. He cast his mind back, wishing that his body could go back to a few minutes ago too... For some reason he conjured up what Opal as said as he'd run off to Marigold. She'd said it was okay. Perhaps, one day, they could be friends. It seemed a faraway fantasy, a happy day with a friend, now he was in this position. His subconscious was loaded with guilt. Guilt towards his long lost siblings, guilt towards the friends he had forgotten to make an effort for, guilt towards Opal, guilt towards himself. He'd had so many chances, so many opportunities. Yet he'd messed them all up. A black cloud seemed to have settled into his brain, preventing him from ever being happy again.

But now he had this second chance. Okay, he'd come in too early. Alright, he'd gone slightly insane at the sight of a beautiful she cat. But perhaps she'd forgive him. He'd followed her, he'd offered her all he had. He'd tried so hard. Ozzy wasn't completely blind to the rest of the world, and he glanced upwards as he heard the bushes rustle slightly. At first he guessed that it was probably a mouse or something, but his eyes widened as he noticed Opal a short way away, heading towards them. He pretended to ignore her as she dashed up a tree. He tried to draw some comfort from the fact that she was there, perhaps she could help him if things went badly. But he hardly knew her either. She couldn't even be classed as his friend. Why would she even want to know him anyway. What was so good about him. All he managed to do was break hearts - including his own. Who would want to know a cat like that?

Osprey winced as Marigold opened her mouth to speak. "Osprey..." He leaned forward slightly, his eyes lighted with a spark of hope. Maybe this was it! The miracle he had been waiting for! The single star of joy in this bleak, vast night of depression. But no such thing was going to happen to him just yet. "Osprey, right now, I'm not ready for a relationship. I'm quite content on my own, and I'm not ready to settle down and start a family. I have a hard time trying to find food for myself, let alone trying to feed a whole family of crying kits. I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings." For a second, his paws were glued to the ground. He didn't know what to do. He felt nothing. This blissful silence only lasted a moment; before the truth settled in. He fought and struggled against emotions. Pain stung his mind and he let out a terrible cry. He'd made such a mess of it! He'd ruined his life! He'd lost all hope. He'd survived the last outbreak from Marigold, but now - he was nothing.

It would be impossible to adequately describe what was soaring through Osprey's mind. He. Just. Couldn't. Believe. It. He couldn't stay here and fall apart before her paws like this, all he could do was get away. Get to somewhere he could calm down. Where he could be at peace. He darted into the undergrowth, running faster than he had ever ran before. Confusion and a thousand other dark emotions powered his paws, as he blindly dashed for freedom of this pain. He couldn't think straight - a smart cat like him brought down to nearly nothing. Osprey felt his paws slip from under him, as he skidded off the edge of the bank and into the stream. It was much faster downstream, and the powerful water crashed against his muscled body. He made no effort to move himself, or escape from the freezing water. He deserved it. It wasn't worth living this life any more.

His long shadowy limbs went numb, he could hardly feel his paws as he was swept down the river. Still his every heartbeat was agony, and he made a feeble attempt to throw himself against a rock. What else was there to do? He'd messed it up. So now he would end his terrible efforts and start again. Two amber eyes glanced up at the blanket of stars above him, before fixing his gaze on the moon. He wondered whether 'The Guardian of The Night' was watching over him. It certainly didn't seem like it now. His head was still hovering above the surface, and his legs began to move instinctively into a swimming pattern. Forcing himself to stop, he dived underwater. Ice cold water swept into his jaw, and choked him slowly. This was it. He tried to go, but something was stopping him. Natural instincts? Perhaps. He just couldn't do it. Maybe it wasn't his time just yet. Spluttering out what seemed to be a sea of fowl-tasting water, he raised his head above the surface. He watched the path of the stream as it began to fall down.

The waves were getting shorter, rarer and less powerful than it was upstream, and Ozzy was surprised to relax slightly. He didn't know where he was going. But where ever it was, maybe things would turn out better.

I don't believe that anybody
Feels the way I do:
About you now.

ooc:; Mwuahaha. He's left Marigold and Opal right next to each other? What are they going to do? I don't know. xD Anyways, don't worry, he's not going to die. He'll turn up on the bank, not far away, sooner or later.

[snowmist]

The darkness was cold, harsh stifling, even to a cat with long fur. The winds bit and nipped and froze cats, who didn't have hats of gloves or coats like humans did. Even though it wasn't raining, clouds hung over a scene: One stream, a black cat wafting down it, a hopeless expression on his face; One silver spotted she-cat, lying on the ground, bleeding; and one long-furred gray tabby, a beautiful silver splotch on her chest, bent over the other she-cat.

Opal, the long-haired cat, listened to Marigold. Breaking Osprey's heart again. How dare she! Osprey's a cat, you know; he has a heart, she felt like saying, but kept her mouth tightly shut. Who knows how Osprey would react? Now she knew: She hated Marigold. She was messing up everything. Ruining it. It made Opal want to yowl with frustration, and just blurt out all her thoughts, but she quiet, and not one to do that. She layed down quietly, ear tipped toward Osprey, not wanting to see his heart shatter into a million pieces and sink.

She wasn't counting on what happened. A horrid cry - she winced. NO! No no no no no! Please don't let this happen. she thought. She heard the thudding of heavy paws. Surprised she turned to see Osprey galloping away. So she was faced iwith a difficult situation: should she try to help the cat bleeding to death, or the cat that was in misery? She decided to base it on one thing: Which did she like better? Osprey, but Marigold was in more danger. So she chose both. She ran, grabbing cobwebs and marigold and sprinted back to Marigold. Here, she panted, carefully patting them onto the silver cat's belly. She held up the marigold, grinning slightly. I bet you know what this is. All you have to do is chew it up and spit it on your wounds. Gotta run.

She turned tail and ran. She had never run so fast in her whole life; wind pulled up back, but nothing was going to stop her. She barely skidded to a stop by the stream - Osprey's scent ended here. She gasped with dread. He couldn't have possibly...? She summoned all the breath in her body and yowled one word -

OSPREY!

The scream surprised her - it didn't show love, just called. Opal was quite good at hiding her emotions. She waited by the bank, waiting, waiting. Nothing came. And she sat down. She could have cried, but she didn't Just sat there.

Osprey was gone. Marigold could cope, and she didn't want to see that beautiful, cursed face again.

What now?

[spot]

Why did Marigold have to go and open her mouth? She had started to notice that whenever she did, she always caused some kind of hurt. First it was just meeting the two cats, then she had to go break Osprey's heart. Here she was, walking by Thorton Stream and just by her presence she had made a few enemies. First, there was Opal. The silver femme could tell from the moment Opal saw her she did not like the looks of her. Not one bit. Just another pest that would come in and ruin her life. Yet, Marigold hadn't done anything to her. On purpose..Her pesky mind reminded her. She briskly scolded it. Her mind couldn't interfere, or she'd grow angry once more. And, she didn't want to make any more enemies. Two was already enough.

Osprey, the muscular ebony cat who lived in this area, stood beside her. His amber optics glanced over her, as if awaiting for her to answer a question that he had asked her. She had already answered. The expression on his face was one of blissful peace; it seemed like he was quite happy with the reply. But slowly, his face changed as the truth or her reply set in. Instantly, Marigold took back what she had said, but it was already too late. The bliss was exchanged with pain as he closed his eyes and let out a terrible cry. A second to late, her ears flicked down. The cry rang in her ears; a cry of pain, misery and sadness all at once. It was the cry of any friendship shattered. It was the cry of the brokenhearted. Her golden optics watched, dazed, as he dashed out of the forest, making him look surprisingly like the black car that had dropped her off to this horrible life. That's exactly how you would put it; horrible. She had no friends, no family, no one who she could talk to. All she had was her list of enemies. In the distance could be heard the sound of a loud splash. Osprey had jumped in the water. The river was fast here; he'd never be able to keep with the current. Maybe that's the point. Maybe he just wants to end his life. All because of me and my stupid mistakes. The she cat sighed and stared at her paws. Well, that was one cat to cross of her list of who she knew. One less cat wasn't much of a difference, right?

Opal still stood where she was, she too looking towards where the splashing sound had come from. Sheer panic was the only thing on her face. Her gaze turned towards Marigold, then back towards the direction of the stream. Then, she took off like a bullet, but in the other direction. What in the?...Shortly, she returned, this time carrying some cobwebs and a few marigold flowers. "I bet you know what this is. All you have to do is chew it up and spit it on your wounds. Gotta run."She said, before firmly placing the cobwebs on the small wounds she had and running towards Osprey. Already, Marigold wanted to lick the cobwebs off, say that she was fine and be done. Seemed like no one cared about her any more. Why should they?

Reaching towards a marigold flower, the feline studied it. The colors were so bright and cheery; a sunny yellow and a deep orange. Why had her mother named her after such a cheery plant, when all she brought was misery? She unsheathed one claw and ripped off the petals, one by one, allowing them to fall to the ground. Inside, however, no special prize was there. It was a plain and simple flower stripped of its petals; quite like how she felt right now. Sighing, she placed her head on her small silver paws and watched the petals dance away in the wind. She might need some help, but she wasn't ready to take it from a stranger cat.

"OSPREY!"Marigold, startled, jumped up onto her paws. That did not sound good. Quickly, she ran towards the sound, ignoring the complains from her exhausted muscles. A cat's life was important, even if it could easily be broken by comments. She spotted Opal, looking at the river in horror. "He did not..." Osprey wasn't that mouse-brained. He had some sense in him. I think. Slightly panicing, she searched the water for any signs of the black cat. Nothing. He's probably gone down stream by now..She took off, following the current. She couldn't see any black cat in the water whatsoever. What if he?...No. Even if she had broken this cat's heart, he wasn't suicidal. He wouldn't try to kill himself...would he? She kept running, avoiding trees as she went along. Finally, after what felt like hours, she spotted him. His ears were under water; there was no way he could hear her. Still, she followed him. The water's current was slowly decreasing as they went downstream, but Marigold could wait until the water was slow enough that she could walk in and get him out. Let's hope that I'm not too late by then...

OOC: Quick type. Sorries :3

[osprey]

Just have a little patience,
I'm still hurting from a love I lost

It was just so hard to believe what he'd done. He tried to block it out, but it repeated in his mind. 'You've messed up you life, Osprey. You're just not worth anything anymore.' He was floating down the stream, his black fur flowing behind him. Well, less floating, more swimming. His legs were slightly numb but he managed to move them, in a never-ending cycle. Two amber eyes were laid in front of him, as he breathed in and out deeply. He had common sense. He wasn't that much of an idiot. No. Osprey wasn't going to give up - not just yet. A cry rang out from behind him. "OSPREY!" His brain quickly recognised the voice. Opal. Wait, what did she want with him? She hardly knew him. If his life was lost, would she care? It seemed so. Struggling against the calmer water, he lifted up his right fore limb, only to be greeted by his scar. 'Still there, are you?'

The tom slowly made his way up the slope. His fur was matted and bedraggled, he felt almost waterlogged. The cat summed up his energy to shake the liquid from his pelt. At least the severe pain had gone now. Only that aching that came afterwards. What was he going to do now? Maybe he could find someone; someone to comfort him. Opal could be that someone. She called him, didn't she? So maybe she'd help him. Maybe. He let out a loud cough, spraying a mixture of water and aquatic plants over the grass. Opening his mouth once again, he let out a hoarse call. "OPAL! I'm, I'm over he-ree..." His voice dragged out near the end, and he leant backwards into a crouched position. Ozzy was absolutely exhausted. But he'd live. Somehow. When was all this hurt going to stop? Hopefully soon.

All he could do was rasp his rough pink tongue over his pelt, removing all of the dirt and stream water possible. Osprey began with his right side. His shoulder, his foreleg. his hindleg, his side. He continued, forcing his mind not to stray, because he knew exactly what he'd end up thinking about. As soon as he had finished, he collapsed onto the grass. He needed sleep. But he felt slightly bad because he didn't want Opal to turn up only to be met by a sleeping Osprey. But what else was there? Maybe she wouldn't turn up after all, and he could drag himself through the forest and get comfortable in his den. That would be... He didn't know. Kind of bad, yet kind of good, all at the same time. He'd probably see neither Marigold or Opal ever again, which would - he'd have to admit with a heavy heart - be bad. He didn't want to forget about them, especially Opal.

No. He couldn't resist the tempation any longer, His eyelids slid down, and he fell into a light sleep... His eyes snapped open instantly, he glanced around in horror. His scar stung, fresh with blood. Osprey could see a giant doberman, leaning over not him, but Marigold. Letting out a cry, he leapt towards Caesar, but the dog smacked him away, and pinned him down instead. Suddenly, Marigold was gone and Opal was struggling against the canine. Side by side, the black cat and the grey tabby fought the creature, who soon fled into the darkness of the night. He turned to Opal, and blinked deeply. When he opened his eyes, he was lying on the bank of the stream once again. Dreams! Dreaming was for kittens. Yet he couldn't prevent himself from believing this nightmare, despite it all.

Sighing, he scrambled to his paws. Everything looked identical - exactly the same as it had when he had first laid down to sleep. He'd probably only slept for a couple of minutes. Amber eyes narrowed, he glanced around, wondering, once again - what on Venus was he going to do next?!

He still wasn't over the pain.

I'm feeling your frustration
Any minute all the pain will stop.

ooc :; Sorry about this, it's kinda short compared to my last few. There just wasn't much for him to do. x3

[snowmist]

ooc: wait....I'm confused...are we doing the first sub-plot or the second sub-plot?

The land was silent. First, there was dark, dark, forests, standing endlessly until it broke with a simple stream; rippling in the moonlight, it was certainly beautiful, but icy and rough. Two depressed-looking cats were sitting by the bank. Another, dark, ebony cat made no effort to move in the cold stream that carried him.

Opal twisted her ears this way and that. She didn't believe he was gone. She unsheathed a claw and touched the water. Instantly, she jumped back. There was no way he could have survived in such cold water. Nevertheless, she jumped up onto a rock. Now that she could see better, she stared downstream, but there was no black body flailing, or floating, in the waters. The she-cat gave a tiny, inaudible squeak. He couldn't be dead.

"OPAL! I'm, I'm over he-ree..."

She recognized the voice instantly. Osprey! She leapt down the rock so fast that she lost her balance and rolled over, thankfully away from the water, not into it. Opal jumped to her paws and flew down the bank. She felt like she was going so fast, she was a blur. Colors whizzed past her, colors of the forest, green, gray, brown, black. She kept going until...SMACK! Something brown.

Opal fell backwards, seeing stars. She shook her head and dizzily peered forward at a tree. She gave a small shake and a purr, thinking that maybe she shouldn't run so fast. She stayed there until the dizziness went away, After that, she looked around for Osprey. She soon found a black lump of fur. Her heart sank. Osprey? She nudged him. Osprey, wake up! He couldn't die.

But then he woke up. She breathed a sigh of relief. Oh, hi.

[spot]

ooc:: Ack! I feel so terrible not posting before. Just lost all will to write when I got sick. But, I had a great burst of muse, so here it is. Also, Marigold left, so I won't be posting anymore, but I'll still be reading.

This had been going on for too long now. Everywhere she went it had to be the same; she hurt another's feelings. Come to think of it, the silver femme had been like that since childhood. Some things never change, I guess.. And here she was, breaking yet another cat's heart, another cat's soul, another cat's feelings. And, she had only just met him a few minutes ago. Is that what it all boiled down to? Was that all she was, a feline who did nothing more than break more hearts then she could ever possibly mend? Some life that she was living. What was the point of living it... she shook her head. She, of all cats, would know better. Suicide was never the answer, just in some cases a good idea. But, this was not one of those 'some cases'. She was not holding a deathly secret that the world should never know. There was no cats dead thanks to her. She could care for herself, and wouldn't die starving. But caring for herself was the main reason that she now had cats who detested her so. But this wasn't a crucial case. Was it? Her mind was spinning from all of the emotional whiplash. To kill or not to kill? One question, though so simple, was one that could prove fatal if chosen wrong. The femme muttered a curse; why did she even think of death? She had a life that she could definitely live, and it certainly wasn't here. Her gaze fastened on the predicament below. Opal seemed to be able to take care of Osprey, just like she had done to her. Osprey hadn't killed himself yet. Although quite exhausted, he didn't seem like the type that would go and try his attempt once more. Not on Opal's watch, that is. And where did Marigold fit into this? The one that had almost killed the tom and crushed the she cat's feelings. A murderer. A heartbreaker. A betrayer. Why was she still here? Wouldn't it just make more sense for her to leave? She had caused too much pain. She would be of no help- so, what was the point? Shifting her gaze to the forest, then back to the group of cats, the femme stood up and padded away without another word. Where was she going? Nobody knew. Not even she knew. But it was clear; she was no longer needed. No longer wanted. Nothing gold can stay...

[osprey]

'Cause I need time...
My heart is numb, has no feeling.

Breathe. Breathe deeply, slowly, calmly. Relax. A cat was sitting on the bank. His body was hunched over, his head bent down, amber eyes fixed on the dull brown floor. His pelt, black as night, was tangled and still dripping wet. Tiny beads of liquid slid down each individual hair, slowly now he was beginning to dry off. Osprey thought nothing of himself now, not after what had happened to him... What he'd done to himself. His gaze caught a flicker of movement from the shadows. Stars glittered above, and combined with the moon they shed a brilliant silver light across the night time forest. It wasn't much, but it was enough, with Ozzy's nocturnal vision, for him to pick out the slightly familiar shapes of Opal. He let out a long, mournful sigh. It wasn't Marigold, coming to apologise and purr out her feelings for him.

But that will never happen. The tom's sleek black ears twisted completely towards the tabby she cat, and he forced a half-hearted grin onto his face. Was he happy to see her? Kind of. She seemed such a nice cat, but not Marigold. Never Marigold. Osprey blinked deeply, shoving the painful thoughts out of his mind. He wasn't going to think about that now, he'd only end up hurting. Again. Distracting his mind, he fixed his attention on Opal. "Don't worry, I'm alive," he comforted her as he scrambled up to his paws. "Hey." Ozzy said in response to her second sentence. "Thanks for coming back," he mewed after a moment's hesitation. His mind was swirling with confusion and uncertainty, he didn't actually know if he meant the words. He's been fine when he was alone, hadn't he? But the minute he encountered other cats, his life neared destruction. Was it worth it? Wouldn't he be better off alone?

Time, that's all I need to heal. He felt like he had just struck gold. It must be the solution! He'd get over it, wouldn't he? He'd made a mistake, and he could learn from it, couldn't he? Could he? He needed to. If not, what was there to live for? Winter was nearing, and that time the humans used to celebrate. Christmas. A time of joy, that's what it should be. Not pain. Osprey was determined not to let his life slip away into so much pain again. Never ever, ever. But friendship might help him recover from the shock he'd just encountered, and he did have a possible friend standing right in front of him. Taking a deep breath, he let it all out. "I know you probably hate me. I left you. And I don't blame you for hating me for that. You should do. But please, please let me try again. Can we just forget about it all and actually try to be friends? Because I think I need someone to help me now. If not I'll just be overpowered by more pain." Ozzy paused, for just a heartbeat. Summoning up the little courage he had left, he opened his jaw to speak. "Do you still want to come to my den for the night?"

Okay, this is a fresh start. I. Can. Do. This.

So while I'm still healing,
Just try and have a little patience.

ooc:; Wow. I am so sorry for the shortness of this! I just don't have any muse today... And it's fine, Spot. <3

[snowmist]

The wind rustled the leaves softly, tearing them off the trees and carrying them to the ground, or the stream. Sometimes very near where Opal and Osprey sat. Opal nodded politely at Osprey's words. He seemed very wet. Why don't you dry off? You'll get a cold if you're wet in weather like this. she mewed quietly, trying not to sound too motherly. She shuffled her paws and glanced down at them again. Marigold was standing far away, in the shadows, watching them with her golden gaze. Ha, ha, she felt like saying, but she knew even if Marigold attacked him Osprey would love her. Or would he...? Opal started trying to hatch a devious plan in her mind, but, well....she wasn't that evil, and she didn't want to hurt Osprey or anything. Especially after what Marigold said. The fur on her neck bristled slightly. She noticed that Osprey hesitated before he said thanks. Your welcome. she replied quickly. He was probably just saying that so he wouldn't appear rude.

She heard a rustle of leaves, and quickly turned to see Marigold slinking off. Ahhh. That's better. Marigold always tried to be so modest, it was annoying. She stifled a sigh. Alone-time with Osprey, when he's drenched and his heart is broken. Maybe if they had all met at different times, Opal would never have loved Osprey, and she and Marigold could be friends. One thing was sure: After this, she wouldn't be able to bear being around Marigold. She thought Marigold over thoroughly in her mind. Hmm....clueless, modest....I could have been friends with her...if she hadn't done this... She glanced back at Osprey, who seemed to be thinking. Wondering what he was thinking about, she started washing her muddy tail throughly. Then, finally, he spoke what was on his mind.

I know you probably hate me. I left you. And I don't blame you for hating me for that. You should do. But please, please let me try again. Can we just forget about it all and actually try to be friends? Because I think I need someone to help me now. If not I'll just be overpowered by more pain.

Opal turned her head to look at the sky because she didn't want Osprey to see the look in her eyes. What was it? Anger? Love? Probably a mixture. As she looked at him again, her eyes glowed mistily. Okay. she replied slowly, and carefully, and her heart elapt. Yes! She was friends with Osprey. That was a big step ahead. He invited her to his den. Opal took a deep, silent breath. She didn't have anywhere else to stay. She hesitated before meowing, Yes. She quietly stood up. Do you live here? In the forest? Or somewhere else? Her words were quiet, and her voice was lower than usual.

Somewhere over the rainbow.

[osprey]

I really wanna start over again,
I know you wanna be my salvation -

The darkness cloaked the shadowy figure as he sat on the bank of the river. The cat watched the leaves fly past him, and his companion, across the forest. Some leaves fluttered into the river, and were carried downstream. Just like him. Osprey was suddenly aware that Opal was speaking, and he snapped his attention firmly onto her words. Why don't you dry off? You'll get a cold if you're wet in weather like this. A small smile crept onto his face and he nodded in acknowledgement. Slowly, he began to rasp his thin pink tongue over his fur, for the countless time that night. Although it wasn't the most enjoyable of tasks he felt the condition of his pelt steadily increase. Well at least he was making some progress with something. That was more than he'd accomplished in quite a while. After a few more moments, his pelt was relatively dry, but still slightly spiky and uncomfortable. He made a mental note to give it a proper wash when he got home.

There was a series of muffled noises from the shadows, not too far away. Trying to look as casual as possible, Ozzy turned to see that all-too-familiar silver spotted pelt disappear into the gloom. Biting back the wave of feelings and thoughts that built up inside him, he turned away, his back to where she had been. No. He was going to have nothing to do with her now. It was for both of their own goods. Forcing himself to concentrate on the tabby beside him once again, he watched her lift her head up to the sky. Her eyes seemed to be glittering slightly, with feeling. She probably just pitied him. Okay. she said, and uncertainty, once again, crept stealthily into Osprey's mind. Okay? Just Okay? No 'That'd be good' or 'Yes, thanks'. Just Okay. Not much enthusiasm? That might be a clear sign, she was only coming with him because she felt sorry for him?

How am I thinking this! She said yes, Ozzy you idiot! That's great! One side of the black tom was confident and encouraging. She did want to go with him, so that must be good enough. He was pleasantly surprised to here her calm voice again. Do you live here? In the forest? Or somewhere else? He shook his head slightly, then nodded, and then blinked. "Well, somewhere around here. My den is in the forest, not too far from where we are now." His deep voice said simply. Shifting his body, Osprey twisted towards the forest to the West. "Look. You can see the path I took, when I followed the stream to the place when I first met you." Swiftly, he ascended his front left paw to mention towards where he lived. "So, do you want to go now, or?" Ozzy asked cautiously, unsure of what Opal was thinking.

At least the pain was decaying, dying down slighly, by now.

The one that I can always depend.

[snowmist]

Opal nodded, interesting. She was about to ask whether the den was very comfortable, but then she realized, with a twitch of her whiskers that it must be comfortable if THIS cat lived in it. But this was her first night in the forest, and she was a little bit nervous. Before she had spent her night with Pistachio Brokendaze, a little silver torbie who made her feel better about the whole situation she was it. It had helped a lot. She glanced at his paw, and a whiff of wind told her the path he had taken to get to the stream. I see. she meowed, Let's go..

ooc: sorries. under a lot of stress

[robin]

ooc:; It's fine, don't worry. ^^
Shall I start a new post in Inside The Woods? ;D

[snowmist]

ooc: Yes, you can start it xD