everything eats | trespasser

[MICHAEL!]

The world is endlessly changing. The world stays the same. Two contradictions, things so far apart and yet, undeniably, within one another. Life relies on these differences, on the dynamic and static nature of all that it possesses. Nothing is black and white, but everything is. The unknowable nature of things was, at least mostly, acknowledged by one creature on this earth.

Dampness soaked dark paws as they trod across even darker earth, sticking to already dirtied fur as though it needed a companion. It would soon bring a mild chill as it spread, creeping up stocky legs to try and break against skin. The air was too warm for it to be anything but a bit of a bother. Rain, ever so faint, ever so polite, let itself be known with the occasional drop from a leaf, or branch, or pine needle. One didn't tend to see what was directly above them. The trees were quiet, too strong-willed to sing for the whispers of wind that tried to entice their branches. The occasional creature scampered, chirped, or went about it's life in the distance, but none preferred to stick around when a cat passed by. Michael's presence was known in many ways to many creatures, for he was loud to the smallest of them (a potential for violence, fear, danger, something that wasn't to be chanced) but unremarkably ignorable to the giants that surrounded him. He was not used to this, his day had often been spent with more artificial ease, comfort, and attention than he had now, but was slowly learning it. Not learning to embrace it, accept it, refuse it, or so on, just learning it.

He made what he considered 'good progress' as he travelled, passing over an intriguing strip of scents as he went. There was no forethought as to what the scents meant, he didn't acknowledge the potential of 'territory'. He didn't know the concept of territory. He knew what it was to own something, he spread his claim to his twolegs and their home, but that was as far as he knew it went. The notion that many cats would group together to live in the wilderness would make him chuckle as though someone had joked rats would grow wings and live upon the rooftops. He didn't entertain the possibility. He hadn't known a cat other than himself since he was a young kit. There were faint memories and snippets that hinted at someone larger, warmer, and comforting, but it had been too long for him to be affected by them. His twolegs had been his and that had been enough.

If he knew that there were patrols, assorted groups of felines, that regularly surveyed the aforementioned strip of scents, would he have made an effort to meet them? Would he have known that he'd just barely missed being spotted by them?

Michael kept on moving, too overwhelmed by the volume of nature to stop and admire it. He wanted to find somewhere to stop and rest. He was looking for a cave or old den or something, anything, that would make him comfortable enough to catch his breath and calm his mind. He didn't anticipate walking directly across the path of other animals, much less other cats.

Frozen in place with obvious shock marring his features, he stared at them. They looked at him. He'd nearly forgotten what other cats looked like. He couldn't think of anything to do. He continued to stare at them.​

 

[DUSKPOOL]

anger makes you stupid . stupid gets you killed .
︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶

He wondered if he had some sort of bad luck with finding newbies wandering around, most of ‘em clueless but others having some knowledge about the clans and followin’ their curiosity. Duskpool couldn’t blame ‘em, but staring at the stranger who looked more shocked than he did left him sighing, chest rattling with the motion in tandem with the familiar crackle of his bones.

Duskpool shifted, wooly tail flickering to block Drowsypaw from advancing if they did. “You’re trespassin’ on SkyClan territory, kiddo.” He rumbled, tone deadpan. He wondered, for a moment if the stranger’s nose was clogged, but that didn’t seem too likely, watching the other with a narrowed molten hue. “What’s a kid like ya doin’ out here anyway?” He added.

He was tired, muscles spasming beneath marred flesh as he padded closer, exhaustion weighing heavily on scarred features, but he remained deadpan. “You got a name, kid?” He then inquired, brow raised.

@DROWSYPAW ​

​

thought speech​

 

[DOGBITE]

Dog followed closely behind Duskpool, his orange and cinnamon tabby pelt standing out. He had been tagging along for the day, but encountering a scared trespasser this deep into the territory was definitely not part of their plans. The scarred feline's one blue eye fixated on the stranger with curiosity and surprise as he settled next to Duskpool.

It was remarkable to encounter a full-grown cat shorter than himself, and the fellow tabby appeared genuinely frightened. Well, the scent of multiple cats can be quite intimidating. He himself had been wary when first crossing paths with Skyclan but not to this degree. Dog glanced at his clanmate beside him, attentive to his rumbling words.

They nodded affirmatively and joined in with the older tom's words. "This is true." He turned his attention back to the peculiar individual. "It's quite egregious to venture this far in, let alone trespass, especially when there are clear scent markers." A part of him felt a little bad for saying that but even he hadn't thought to wander this far in. He paused briefly then continued to finish his statement. "It's best to answer his questions." Dog maintained a neutral tone throughout, but his intent was unmistakable in his toothy smile.

He was determined to prove himself as a respectable member of Skyclan, even if it meant dealing with a few trespassers. Life was good here, and he valued his peaceful nights in his own bed. They wouldn't allow someone's reckless behavior to tarnish the reputation of newcomers like himself.

However, just as Orangeblossom had given him a chance, Dog was willing to listen to the stranger's side of the story. Instead of resorting to hidden threats, Dog leaned back, wearing a patient expression.​