𝓢𝓾𝓫𝓾𝓻𝓫𝓪𝓷 𝓢𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓬𝓱
Find Information to Reunite the Kittens
The late green-leaf sun warmed the patrol's pelts as they navigated through the two-leg suburbs. The large twoleg dens were surrounded by short-clipped grass, sparse trees and thunderpaths that left the patrol feeling uncomfortably exposed. A rowan tom led the group, keeping his clanmates within the shadows and out of sight as they drew near a red-bricked twoleg den surrounded by a wooden fence. Raucous squawking and whistling could be intermittently heard from within but sounded unlike any bird native to their woodland home.
Briarstep
Briarstep's claws dug deeply into the soft wooden fence as he clambered to the top. He took a deep breath, sniffing for threats before leaping to the soft, manicured grass on the other side. "It's clear," he meowed, calling the rest of the patrol to the other side of the fence. "I don't see a soul. But, I know Ken and Barbie told Echosong they lived in a stone two-leg home with a loud, squawking bird. This fits the description..." he mewed, whiskers drawn back in annoyance as the bird let out another shrill, excited cry. He couldn't see it, but it was within the darkened windows of the den. "Let's look for clues and see if anyone is here. Ken and Barbie are so young, and I'm sure their mother is worried sick if she does live here."
The lanky tom pushed through the entrance to the twoleg den, struggling to keep his fur flat as he ventured into unknown territory. Elmstrike held back a growl at the overwhelming scent of sickly sweet flowers, barely masking the scent of blood. Amber eyes widened in shock as a weak looking she-cat appeared, her words strong, but her voice and body weak and shaking. Giving a glance to Briarstep, Elmstrike pushed forward calmly, trying his best to not look like a threat.
"Hello there, my name is Elmstrike and this is my..." He paused, hesitating, "This is Briarstep, deputy of our clan. We're not here to hurt you. We're looking for something, and just have a few questions." The russet tom dipped his head respectfully, trying his best to look welcoming.
Elmstrike lifted his head slightly, noticing that, although this strange kittypet still seemed wary, she had calmed down somewhat. Stepping forward and giving her a thankful nod, Elmstrike entered a new area in the twoleg den, where the stench of blood grew stronger. Elmstrike realized the scent of blood was coming from a new feline, a siamese cat in a plush nest, with a shredded ear and a missing eye - both fresh. "Briarstep!" Elmstrike called, before turning back to the new cat.
As the tom was about to introduce himself, the siamese cat spoke.
"You're different, aren't you? I haven't smelled cats like you before. You smell of woodlands, earth and wild places. You're not like the rogues, whoever or whatever you are." Returning to her bed with a huff, Elmstrike realized how hard she tried to look threatening.
"The name is Leia, and whatever you want, I'm not helping." Her voice cracked with sorrow as she spoke."I've already lost an ear and an eye. I gave all I could and the rogues still took my kits from me. Make your request quickly. I have little patience, or energy, to entertain strangers in my home after everything that has happened."