death of a childhood / open, intro

[METEOR]

[align=center]

{ takes place the early morning before vass's intro thread }

Stinking of weed, Quasar sprinted over wet sand like a Titan released from Tartarus. His trail of broken sticks and muddy prints marked his path from home to the beach. He never stopped running. Lungs heaving, he shot off with one last burst of speed.

Dark soil clung to his fur in clumps, stuck to his nose, and discolored him. The dirt buried the light blues and purples across his back, markings his mother—

Brain glitch. His front paws tangled, one in the way of the other or an unlucky driftwood or his mother’s ghost herself. The pup crashed into the dirt, nose first, inhaling the fine sand. Eyes shut, he rolled and fidgeted, a tangle of limbs. One paw tucked under his stomach. Then another. On the third, he stood up and wobbled.

Ready to run again. But he coughed on the inhale, his throat burning and eyes watering. He tried to rub the sand off his face, but there was sand everywhere. It caught in his eyes and stuck between his toes. He coughed, softly.

He blinked through the sand and tears, squinting at the waves. He can’t look long at the black, or he will suffer. Remembering is suffering, the pup had learned that lesson last night during fitful sleep. He couldn’t even say who gave him the joint butt. Had he picked the smoldering thing off the ground?

He was so tired. He’d been tired when he woke, but now he was dead tired. Sitting back on the sand, he panted and coughed, his scratchy throat fighting his lungs. He missed—

Brain glitch. Why bother running? He already knew there was nowhere else to go. His chest quivered, but he didn’t need oxygen anymore. His entire body shivered, one rolling muscle contraction. His eyes squeezed shut, and he remembered his parents’ dead faces.

Quasar threw his head back, a scream tearing past his raw throat. “YOU PROMISED YOU’D COME BACK!” he howled to the moon, his voice breaking.

He gasped. He breathed in until his lungs burned and wanted to pop from all the air inside. He forgot how to exhale, holy shit, he forgot how to exhale. “YOU PROMISED!” he screamed again. He gasped another inhale, forehead planting into the sand. “YOU! PROMISED!”

He coughed on the sand again, but the pup didn’t care about breathing anymore. Catching a seashell in his teeth, he crunched it between his teeth and spat out the shards. Blood on his tongue. There’d been so much blood, he could taste-smell-taste the—

Brain glitch. “I HATE YOU! I HATE YOU BOTH! YOU SAID YOU LOVED ME, BUT YOU….” He shook his head, lifting himself off the sand only to headbutt the ground again. He tried to growl, but he whimpered instead. All the fight drained out of his limbs, but he couldn’t close his eyes without seeing the worst memory he had of his parents. It wasn’t fair. He sniffled. “You promised you’d be okay….”

[TOADWHISKER.]

GOTTA TAKE SOME TIME TO REALIZE

THAT MY FRIENDS THEY COME

AND THE LINES THEY GO BY

Cruel Icarus, you who wields the blade which carved your branch from the tree, oh how you wish the graft to fix all.

Rare the hour his sleep was conducted was reasonable, many times heralded forth a new dawn before shuttered amber depths for the course of only hours. A commodity a restful slumber had become, more accustomed to the brief rest his body, supposed factor one may expect in a life conducted among rotting boards and abandoned structures. To that end no surprise his night passed with little more than the light rest unruly mindset saw befit to lay claim to, disturbed even this.

Harsh his rouse, the sharp scrabble against flooring, the drifting passage of discarded paper and packages, any of it may be cause. He knew what, of course he did for plagued the dwindling threads of terror that seeped beneath conscious thought grasping for meaning in the meaningless. Against eye rubbed paw, pinprick heat the drag claw tips conducted with movement, wide gaping jaws to conclude awakening. Quick the rise of scowl against the surface of lips, sourly noted the cramping pressure accompanying gurgling grumble.

It seemed his lack of proper sustenance the prior day had caught up with him, any plan he may have laid left in the dust so he may attend to such.

Dark still the world he exited into, a veil worn yet soon to be burnt away beneath the rising sun, for the moment enjoyed the pleasure solitary walk allowed. Short the fuse, burning away with each step. Always back to where wooden boardwalk gave way to collected grains was he drawn, a gravitational force tugging at him until the beckon may only be answered with reluctance. Hesitation stilled paw before contact could be made, as it had all those days before, forward pitching as surprise arose in a sharp jolt.

Another.

Bitter the grief ringing through voice raw and broken, torn the words yet such he need not to know screamed plight. Lifted face, planted rather firmly from clumsy fall, moments wasted in wiping away clinging grains grating against soft skin. All the same harsh the stream of sneezes that followed his dogged progression, the continued cries all he may work with until they too faded. Leaden the silence that rushed forth to fill empty void, wild the swing head conducted in hopes something may be found.

Fortune seemed generous in this, at least, even marred beneath gathered debris eye catching the child that had succumbed to laboured breaths and shuddering sobs. "Hey, is okay…" It isn't. Dark the voice that whispered in the back of his mind, coiled about his thoughts with a tangible weight, averted attention for a brief moment. Closer did Toad dare to step, settling with distance enough choice lay before the pup if it may be broached. "Sometimes promises are too big to keep. I'm sure they didn't mean ta break it, life is just… Funny that way."

code by Reggan

[RHINESTONE.]

LEADER ❝ RHINE ❞ PALMCLAN

Rhinestone knew that he had been lucky in life, in many different ways. One of those ways was in how his family had interacted. He had never been forced to watch the slow decay of his parents' health while only a kit, instead attending their vigils once he was well past the first point of adulthood. It had still hurt – oh Starclan, how much it had stung – but at least he had gotten to know them. At least they hadn't died violently, with his last image of them bathed in their own blood or desperately shouting for help. It was a luxury that surprisingly few got to enjoy, even in a relatively peaceful place like Palmclan. The same could not entirely be said of the rest of his family, however. One of his siblings was still missing, one had only just come back into his life, and the last had been dragged away from him by the storm, losing her life away from the one place she had called home. Just the thought of Redpond's death still made his heart ache, and his jaw clench. He wasn't sure he would ever get over it, especially considering he had been forced to attend her vigil alone... but at least his parents had passed peacefully, right?

The day still hadn't fully awoken when Rhine padded silently along the wet wooden boards of the boardwalk, his paws occasionally slipping before he dug his claws in to stop himself. He intended to do more thorough exploring of the new territory later on in the day, but for now he just sought to satiate his hunger, having been woken from his sleep by a displeased growl of his stomach. It wasn't as if he had been starving himself this trip – there was still prey to catch on the boardwalk, after all – but he also hadn't been trying to gorge himself. He was trying to cultivate at least a somewhat positive relationship between Palmclan and the group that already inhabited the boardwalk, and he doubted that would be possible if they went catching the whole prey supply. For now, he just found himself looking for rats hiding within the splintered wood beneath him, looking for any of the holes they seemed to scamper in and out of. Rats were much more common, but the thought of eating them made his stomach twist, and his tongue briefly flicked out in disgust. He'd rather take more time hunting, rather than eating the possibly disease-ridden creatures.

However, the leader's early morning hunt was cut off by yelling, a desperate voice cutting through the air and making him jump. After a moment of hesitation, the tom turned and headed towards the voice, unsurprised that the scent of the boardwalk's group was on the air. He hesitated upon coming across Quasar and Toadwhisker, wondering if his presence would actually be appreciated, or whether it would just be a nuisance. Ultimately, he took the last few steps to stand beside his brother, putting a comfortable distance between the two of them. He couldn't afford to just ignore someone who was suffering, especially not someone like the pup before them. After taking a deep breath, Rhine spoke with a sagely nod, "He's right, you know. It's difficult to keep a promise like that, especially when the world can be such a rough place. I'm sure that whoever broke their promise to you... they were trying their best to keep it. Sometimes, though... it's impossible to do that." A large part of Rhinestonestar wanted to just grab the brightly colored pup and pull him into his arms, giving him a hug that would hopefully provide him with some comfort. However, the feline resisted, not wanting to scare the child or make him uncomfortable.

NEVER OPENED MYSELF THIS WAY
LIFE IS OURS, WE LIVE IT OUR WAY

— Reggan

[METEOR]

Quasar startled, his entire body jerking back when he saw the cats. For a second he watched them, the whites of his eyes gleaming in the moonlight. His lips pulled back, revealing milky puppy teeth. The terror squeezed his ribs, but the pup stood frozen.

They offered kindness. And he wanted to run from it. There shouldn’t be a comfort, a way out of this abysmal hole grief shoved him down. What’s left of his parents existed in the space between his ears, and he refused to let go.

But the snarling beast was only a pup, and he didn’t even know how to look scary yet. He faltered. Then sighed back into a slump on the sand, paws wiggling under the surface as if he wanted to take his entire body and crawl under the earth. Oh. That’s because he did. Duh.

The snarl dropped off his face. He chewed on his tongue, literally biting back words.

The two came from that other group’s party—Palm Cramps?—he smelled it on them. Brothers, too, like Tree and him. Finally, he digests their words, only for the anger to rise again. At his parents. Towards himself. At one of the tomcats in particular. “It’s not funny that my parents are dead!” he snarled, whites of his eyes flashing at Toadwhisker.

Quasar lifted himself to his paws. The pup looked down on the feline, and Quasar suddenly realized he was not the tiny one here. He growled, a real deep growl his dad would’ve been proud to hear, but Quasar’s legs trembled. “It’s not funny. It’s bullshit. It’s all bullshit. Go hug a cactus face-first. And marry it! Now that’s life being funny, you big-ol’ butt! I bet you eat roaches ‘cause you can’t hunt worth a damn.”

He huffed, breathing in and out rapidly. His energy and anger abandoned him, leaving nothing but the uncomfortable ache.

He wanted to wake up curled next to Mom and Tree. One last time. Please?

No, he wanted to scream again. He sniffled, wet eyes under a tough guy grimace. “Loser! Poser! Shmoser! GO FUCK YOUR OWN KISSER!!”

Quasar collapsed onto the sand, defeated by his own depleted energy levels. “Haha… Mom would be proud of that last rhyme.”

© LEXASPERATED

[RHINESTONE.]

LEADER ❝ RHINE ❞ PALMCLAN

Dead parents. Shit. That certainly explained why this kid was so angry and bitter with the world. The only reason Rhine hadn't been a total mess when his parents died was because he had been an adult. Even then, the tom had seen more than a few warriors in the past succumb to grief and turn on those around them. However, it was difficult not to wince when the pup began to explode in rage, yelling at Toadwhisker and then the both of them. Even if Rhinestone wasn't particularly frightened, he couldn't help stepping back, just for the sake of his own ears. The kid seemed almost bipolar in his reactions, and Rhine honestly wasn't sure whether he wanted to hug him or turn tail and go back to the farthest reaches of the boardwalk. For the moment, he opted not to do either, saying in a reassuring voice, "I'm sorry about Toad... he didn't mean it that way. Obviously nothing is funny about... that..." He was sure that Toadwhisker wouldn't appreciate being apologized for, but he'd deal with the flack of that later. When things were calmer, and there wasn't a boy yelling straight at them.

Once Quasar had seemingly finally run out of rage-fueled energy, Rhinestone took a cautious step forward, thinking it might be time for comfort. The leader stretched one of his front legs out, offering the pup a silent choice of a hug. As he did so, he muttered softly, "I know what you're going through, you know. My parents passed away not all that long ago... and I can't even imagine how much it must hurt for you in particular." He glanced down briefly, teeth sinking into his cheek in thought before he continued, "You deserve comfort, and a family. But I promise you, eventually, the pain will fade. It might not go away entirely, but it'll fade, and you'll be able to see the good things in the world again. After all, wouldn't your parents have wanted that for you?" He desperately hoped that his words were getting through to Quasar, and he wasn't about to be headbutt in the chest.

NEVER OPENED MYSELF THIS WAY
LIFE IS OURS, WE LIVE IT OUR WAY

— Reggan

[METEOR]

He rested on the ground, all tuckered out, glancing from Rhinestonestar to his paws. Making eye contact hurt. Like, if he refused to look at the felines’ faces, then they never saw him. They weren’t here. And he could pretend Rhinestonestar’s voice was some distorted version of his father—no, his father never talked so softly like this, more like his mother.

He inhaled, his entire body puffing up, and exhaled it all out in a fwoosh. A sand cloud puffed up, and his eyes watered at the irritants. Whoever this was—not Toad, obviously, the one with the soothing voice—Quasar almost trusted the offered kindness.

Looking up from his paws, he squinted at the offered paw. What…? He crunched on what this meant for a few seconds, until the lightbulb lit over his head. Right. Offered kindness. He stared numbly at the paw for a second longer before he finally met Rhinestonestar’s eyes.

“I ‘ave my brother,” he said, softly. “But if I can’t protect my parents—” He winced at the present verb tense. “—then I can’t protect Tree.”

Quasar stared at the offered paw again. “That’s what hurts. I couldn’t do anything.” He sniffled. “I didn’t do anything… I should’ve… I….” A sniffle cut him off.

Static crackled in his head, but the pup was too tired to lash out. He didn’t even feel angry anymore. Only cold, with the sea breeze ruffling his fur. His forepaws curled into his chest, but he kicked his rear legs. Again. And again.

He headbutted the cat’s front leg, one of his antler nubs striking a bone. “When I grow up… nobody will ever hurt someone I care about.”

© LEXASPERATED

[RHINESTONE.]

LEADER ❝ RHINE ❞ PALMCLAN

Rhinestone probably could've done without the impending headbutt that struck antler against leg, but he was glad that Quasar seemed to accept the affection, albeit slightly. Rhine sat back on his haunches, lifting up his other forelimb to wrap around Quasar, giving the other a bit of a hug despite the faint throb in his leg. At least the canine hadn't been going so fast that it would hurt for some time. After listening to what the little one had to say, the rusty red feline spoke in a reassuring tone, a smile on his muzzle, "I'm sorry... I can't imagine how much it hurt that you couldn't do anything. But I'm sure that your parents, wherever they are, are proud of you. They're probably so glad that you're still safe and that your brother is safe as well." He then added on, his chin briefly resting atop Quasar's head as he continued, "And I'm sure that you can protect Tree. You might not have been able to help your parents, but this will only motivate you more to make sure that the rest of your family is safe. I mean, I lost my parents, but now I'm more determined than ever to make sure everyone else around me is safe. Like my brother, Toadwhisker." He gestured a paw back towards Toad, before flicking an ear.

Lifting his head off of Quasar's for the sake of the child's comfort, Rhine said with a firm nod, "I'm entirely convinced that you're going to keep that promise. I can see it in your eyes... you're a good friend, and nobody else is gonna get hurt on your watch." Of course, Rhinestonestar now had no intention of letting Quasar, get hurt, either. Maybe he was just soft hearted, but the tom immediately knew that Quasar needed friends, and a family that could support him. With this in mind, Rhine's gaze drifted over the boardwalk for a moment before he spoke, "If you'd like... I'm going to speak to the leader of this place. I intend on making a deal with him, so that the boardwalk becomes a part of my group. If he agrees, then you and your brother are more than welcome to join us. Not only will it be an opportunity for you to make new friends and form new bonds, but we'll make sure to keep you both safe. I can promise you that." He then offered Quasar the softest of smiles, hoping the pup would understand how serious he was.

NEVER OPENED MYSELF THIS WAY
LIFE IS OURS, WE LIVE IT OUR WAY

— Reggan

[kinglykingstone]

Running, something the german shepards had come to know. Where there was one, the other wasn't far behind. Following footsteps in the sand, the scent clogged by the grains, Tree ran. He was searching and he was fleeing. He knew what remained back at the dock, those who he'd lost. But, there was one who remained, at least he hoped. He was arriving late to the party, allowing for things to become unclear.

When the winged canine had seen his brother cowared in the sand, seemingly surrounded by adults, it set off a panic within his small fluttering heart. Fear drove him forward, sending him flying as weak wings attempted to boost. He launched himself over his brother, standing himself over the other shepard. Snarls flew from young muzzle as he tried to protect the only thing he had left. Growling at the feline holding his brother, the seemingly feral canine snapped his jaws. He wouldn't bite down on anything, seemingly only giving a warning.
"I won't let you hurt my brother!" he cried.

[RHINESTONE.]

LEADER ❝ RHINE ❞ PALMCLAN

When Quasar had mentioned a brother, Rhine had naturally assumed that it wouldn't be long until the other arrived. After all, it was natural for brothers to stick together – although that was a bit of a touchy statement for him, considering Toadwhisker's prior actions. However, Rhinestone hadn't been expecting said brother to arrive with quite so much hostility. Of course, it made sense on some level, considering Tree hadn't been around to see the full exchange that had happened, but the leader still found himself reeling back in surprise. The snarl that left the child caused Rhine's ears to pin back against his skull, fear and a bit of annoyance in his gaze despite the fact he wasn't truly afraid of Tree. The other was still just a pup for now, after all. Taking a breath to calm himself, Rhinestone took a step back, explaining as he lowered himself, "Hello there, other little one. You must be the brother he was talking about... I wasn't hurting him. Neither was Toadwhisker. We were just talking with him, I promise." The leader was unsure of whether or not Tree would believe him, but at least they had Quasar himself to vouch for them.

NEVER OPENED MYSELF THIS WAY
LIFE IS OURS, WE LIVE IT OUR WAY

— Reggan