[Brilliance]

Originally Posted by RedHead

"Well, that makes two of us." Wolfglare had also been that cat to not talk much, but his was more out of studying others, not being shy or anything like that. And he would've never guessed that Chrysshade was one of those quiet cats as an apprentice. She seemed perfectly talkative right now. But Wolfglare actually thought her name was... Nice. Not exactly pretty, that would more be like Roseheart or some name like that. To him, Chrysathemumshade sounded strong, but also gentle at the same time. It had an odd vibe to it that Wolfglare couldn't quite pinpoint. Just like the she-cat herself. "I don't think you're weird." That could be considered as close of a compliment as you could get from the shady tom. But you could tell in his time that he had meant what he said. "My mentor was okay. But I was most definitely the best apprentice out there." The large tom meowed, a smirk crossing his face. His icy blue eyes softening for one moment before they went back to an emotionless, empty sea of coldness.

Wolfglare noticed that Crysanthemumshade seemed to shiver. For no reason that he saw. Is she... Afraid of me? That's what cats usually did around him. Shiver, or cower in a corner. Or stare at him with wide, fearful eyes. Usually he wouldn't care if they did that, as it was normal for him when just walking through the clearing or something like that. Apprentices and kits especially seemed to fear him. He had an apprentice of his own, thankfully she wasn't too scared of him anymore, though he could still tell he frightened her a bit. But she would be a warrior in about a moon. And Wolfglare supposed he had trained her well. For his first apprentice. But, bringing his thoughts back to Chrysshade, Wolfglare felt a little hurt in his chest. He didn't care if other cats were afraid of him, but the thought of her being afraid of him made him feel hurt for some reason. The warrior didn't get it. How was it that she could spark so many different feelings in him? And thoghts that he had never thought about before? He was quite stunned at himself. But of course, while all of this was going on in his brain, his outer demanded was the same. Stoic, calm, and cold. Although not as cold as usual, as Crysanthemumshade seemed to have warned the tom up a bit.

Nice way, huh? Wolfglare shook his head, rolling his eyes a little. "Well I know for certain Nightleap and Forestpelt wouldn't appreciate being called 'test dummies.' Smokepaw would probably just laugh at the word." Wolfglare smiled at that thought. He loved his little brother to death, and would do anything for him. If he had any major enemies, and they knew how much he loved Smokepaw, they would know exactly where to hit home. That's why Wolfglare didn't show much affection towards Smokepaw, he was protecting the younger tom. But when Wolfglare was certain the two were alone when hanging out, he made sure Smokepaw knew that he was loved by his older brother. Wolfglare knew that if Chrysanthemumshade were to see him when he was having fun with his brother, she wouldn't recognize him. Because under all of that poofy fur, there was another whole Wolfglare you could get to know. Yes, his outside demeanor was still there, his honest and a little rough personality, but he could be an absolute sweetheart as well. Wolfglare flicked his tail a little bit, looking at Chrysanthemumshade. His appearance had caused the tom to act a certain way for all of his life, because he had always thought, who in the world would see a large black-furred tom, with ice blue eyes, and think, aww, he must be nice! No one. So that's why Wolfglare had become the cat he was. But his backstory of course had also shaped him. The demonsions of reality. They applied to everyone, even him. "And I so have patience for them, although Nightleap and Forestpelt, my sisters, are the ones who can get under my pelt. Want to know how to annoy me, go talk to them." Wolfglare wondered if she would actually go through with that. She seemed like the type of cat that would enjoy getting under his pelt. But other than that, that seemed to be the only similarities she shared with his sisters. She would probably get along fine with Smokepaw, but Smokepaw got along with most cats.

Trust is a two way path. Wolfglare knew that. He trusted his siblings, even if his sisters were a little annoying. But of course they trusted him as well. He defiantly trusted Smokepaw, and Wolfglare knew the young tom returned that trust. The warrior had also trusted his parents. But that trust was not a two-way path. They had never loved their kits. They had only wanted them to create warriors, to fight for the Dark Forest, and with the EE leaders. Wolfglare had experienced heart-break before. But not because a she-cat he loved rejected him. Because his parents that he had loved so dearly, betrayed him. Him and his family. Their own family. Wolfglare had especially trusted his father, who had given him his large stature, pelt color, and ice blue eyes. If the two toms stood beside one another today, you would think they were twins. But his father was dead. The one who had always called Wolfglare "his blackberry" with so much affection. Wolfglare had taken upon himself the leading male role in his family, caring for his younger brother like a father should care for his kits. Wolfglare had never thought about having kits, but it occurred to him now. That if he ever did, he would treat them with more kindness and love than his own father ever had towards him. Chrysanthemumshade's words flicked Wolfglare out of his thoughts. If the one he was "experimenting" was to be her, then he would have to let her trust him. He would have to show her the things he loved, tell her his backstory, let her know him. Then a thought occurred to the tom. If he let her know everything about him, then on the way, he might find out everything about her. It would be hard for Wolfglare to do, but maybe it was time to let someone in. He just hoped that he wasn't making the wrong decision by having it be her. "Yes, I will give them a reason to trust me. I promise you that." Wolfglare meowed, looking over to Chrysanthemumshade and looking straight into her green eyes. The green eyes that he would see for a long time yet.

As they sat there, a few moments of silence between them, Wolfglare cast his gaze outside. The sun had finally gone down, and it was dark outside, as the moon wasn't quite up yet. The dark-furred Tim was now harder to see in the darker den, his Ive blue eyes being the only thing that stood out. He could still see the pale pelt of Chrysshade, sitting over in a corner, about a fox-length away. A breeze swept through the entrance of the den, not a hot summer breeze, but a cold, crisp breeze. Wolfglare lifted his head, sighing with pleasure as it swept through his fur, cooking him down. Tonight was going to be a cool night, probably a cold night, Wolfglare could tell. He would defiantly go out, have a nice walk out in the pine forest. These were the ones that Wolfglare relished during the hot green leaf days. When the nights were cold and crisp. He knew cat like Chrysanthemumshade would get cold during the night, but Wolfglare felt perfectly fine.

The large tom listened to what she had to say next, still facing the entrance to the den, although his ears were pointed in the direction of her voice. "Every cat is interesting. Because no cat is exactly the same, so there's always something new to learn." He turned around to look at the pale-furred feline, his gaze boring into her own. "And pretty much most of us warriors went through the second Evil Era, right?" The Evil Era was a touchy subject for Wolfglare, due to his parents. But he had to put that thought out there. Maybe it would rack some sense into her brain, that every cat has at least something interesting to share. Wolfglare then wondered what her main goal in life was. He had shared his with her, so shouldn't he get to know hers in return? Most definitely. "What's your main goal in life?" A simple, straightforward question.

At her question, Wolfglare wrinkled his nose. "Why would I want to get to know your sister or brother?" The thought repulsed him. Her sister, a weakling, and her brother, an annoying cat, from what Wolfglare had seen from afar. Sure, they might have stories of their own, but Wolfglare didn't know them at all. He at least had talked to Chrysshade for a while now. "Chrysshade, you'd think I'd want to get know your brother and sister? No thanks." He said this kind of jokingly, but there was still a slight tone of seriousness in his voice, t show he really meant it that he would not want to get to know them. "But you definitely know the cat." Every single bit of them. Wolfglare had decided to go through with his idea of letting her get to know him, and getting to know her in exchange. It would be risky, Wolfglare knew that, and there might be times when he got frustrated. But he knew, in the end, it would all be worth it. And, he might have an actual friend because of it. Wolfglare didn't plan on telling her what he was doing though. That's what was going to be the fun in it.

Her next words caught Wolfglare by surprise. She wanted to lay on him? Wolfglare almost gagged. Well, he kind of did, but he covered it up pretty well. But still, he was so confused and kind of repulsed by the thought. She was thinking of throwing her old nest out and having him replace it. No. Wolfglare wouldn't stand for such... Weirdness! He turned fully around to face her and ask just why she would think such a thing. But as he did, he noticed the playful shine in her eyes, and the small smirk on her face, and his angry sheet dropped into a sudden look of complete astonishment. She was joking. Why had he jumped to conclusions that quickly? He never did that! He calculated every word carefully and precisely, every tone, every action. He didn't just jump to conclusions. She definitely seemed to be doing something to him. "Ahem. Um.. Well.. Maybe..." Wolfglare was completely out of his guarded state. He was vulnerable right now, his ears lying flat against his head, and his eyes sparking with, not exactly worry but not exactly fear either. "Maybe I'll share tonight, if you get cold. Looks like it's going to be a cold night." His ice blue eyes widened with surprise at his own words. Did I really just say that? Wolfglare took a deep breath and composed himself once more, he could not be like this any longer. He resumed his spot in front of the entrance, acting as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened. But he knew in his mind that Chrysanthemumshade was going to say something about it.

At her next few sentences. All he did was nod, shake his head, or give a huffed reply. He didn't know why he had done that, and he was still a little shaky from it. But he wouldn't show that on the pour side, of course. Although some of her words Wolfglare couldn't help responding to. "Well, I'm a very confusing cat." He meowed, the ghost of a smile on his maw again. He had been planning on letting her get to know him, so maybe his little outburst there wasn't that bad. He hoped it wasn't. As she sat next to him, Wolfglare resisted the urge to move away. Her fur was brushing his, lightly, something that actually tickled the large tom a little. He held back a snicker, swishing his tail through the air a little. Take a dare. Take a chance. It was decided. He would. And hopefully, Chrysanthemumshade could accept him for who he was. Taking a deep breath, he looked down at her, flicked big his ears lightly. "I can't tell you who it is, but in time, I bet you could figure it out." He then looked outside, at the clearing nor starting to glow in the moonlight. A beam of it shine through the den, turning Wolfglare's pelt a fascinating silver. "Chrysshade, would you want to go... Out in the territory with me? I know it's a little cold, but... If you get cold I can keep you warm." Wolfglare supposed that since he had his little outburst earlier, it wouldn't care if he was acting like this now. This was his sweetheart side, the side that most cats would appreciate. He waited for her answer, a small smile on his face and his ice blue eyes sparkling in the moonlight, no longer cold and hard.

Well, that makes two of us? Chrysanthemumshade tilted her head for a moment. Was it something that they could relate to? Though Chrysanthemumshade had always been more of the shy-er, quiet cats during her apprenticeship. To Chrysanthemumshade, she imagined he was forced to be isolated. Upon staring at his size again, she felt that if they were still apprentices she would had never approached him. At all. In her opinion, it would be taking a death risk. She didn't know why she was scared of him. Maybe because she felt like an ant compared to a grizzly bear. Quite the exaggeration, and Chrysanthemumshade allowed a soft sigh to escape her maw as she stared at the tom again. It was easy to her to act calm on the outside, but in the inside she kept her guard up. She watched--sometimes- the responses she told him. One wrong move, she was sure he could sit on her and crush her small body. Then, she would be no more. Just a spirit out of its pelt. It was such a dark thought, something Chrysanthemumshade rarely did nowadays. When she was younger, she had a knack for talking in her sleep, disturbing things would be let out. The next morning? She wouldn't remember a thing. Upon his next response, I don't think you're weird, Chrysanthemumshade's ears pinned to her head the slightest. One less cat that sees pass her quirks. That was something. ''Thanks.'' She mewed, softly. Not truly knowing what to say. She figured if he had gotten to know her further, he would be stuffing down those words. She suppressed a light giggle at the thought. What he said next--did make her laugh. The fact that she couldn't imagine him being a reasonable apprentice to work with for that matter. Upon her opinion again, all she could see was a large brooding tom. No expression. No reaction. No anything. Her laughter was soft, not aloud enough so she wouldn't have to face the fury of waking any warriors that would be sleeping. When she finished her laughter fit, the she cat shifted slightly on her paws. ''Please, you probably gave your mentor a run for his prey.'' And, I would had given anything to get away from mine... She moved her hues up to look at him, and slowly her shivering began to cease. Though it was still quite there. Really another quirk of hers. She didn't know why she shivered. Probably because of the fact, she was still in the presence of a tom that could tear her to shreds with one wrong word out of her.

As silence surpassed them, Chrysanthemumshade wondered what could had been going on in that head of his. He was simply just staring at her; did she do something wrong? Of course, of course, I always do something wrong! I need to think of something fast and quick! Her eyes darted around the room, but her thoughts were empty. She didn't know what to say, so she sat there, little shivers coursing through her as she softly breathed. He's going to be the bane of my existence, isn't he? She thought inwardly, wondering if Starclan heard her. Probably not. She felt those cats only talked to cats who were worthy, and Chrysanthemumshade herself knew she wasn't worthy of such higher action. Did she really care? Not that much. Only when she really needed them. Wasn't Starclan suppose to help all cats? It wasn't fair that they only went to the medicine cats. Then again, what other job would the medicine cats take on if Starclan provided prophecies for all cats?

Chrysanthemumshade felt the stone in her stomach lighten up as she heard him speak again. And, she gave a small giggle upon what he said. ''Nothing wrong with being a test dummy!'' It was everything wrong with being called the ridiculous word, rude and uncalled for. Though that was what she had learned from her mentor. She was the test dummy for all their little experiments. But, she simply laughed it off like it was a joke, and purred at the thought of having a younger siblings. Well, she did, but Cloverwhisker was only a few minutes younger than her. From the sound of the tom's voice, the she cat could tell he was very fond of one thing...his brother. Ah, so he does have feelings? It was crazy of her not to think he had emotions. Didn't every cat have them? ''Smokepaw has a sense of humor. I like him already!'' Chrysanthemumshade adored cats that could be the life of the party. That could be quite humorous in their own ways. It was a nice feelings knowing she could laugh rather than be lost in her own thoughts and trying to figure out ways she was suppose to impress the other feline. ''Sisters can be a dream come true, can't they?'' Chrysanthemumshade mewed. She could only imagine how Wolfglare's sisters annoyed him. Inside, she didn't think she would need to seek them out. If they were anything like Wolfglare, she was scared to get to know them. What if they were his large size? Had his hostile outward appearance? Besides that, Chrysanthemumshade figured he would up and leave and find someone better to converse with. Yet, he had stayed. Why did he stay? Chrysanthemumshade was confused for a moment, her nose twitching before she blinked her eyes to give him her undivided attention. ''I'll keep that noted. You look like you would enjoy me annoying you.'' She played along. Then again, she felt a bit cowardly. She didn't know how Wolfglare would take to being annoyed. His sisters were still alive, after all. That would be stupid of him to murder them because they annoyed him. They were family. However, Chrysanthemumshade wasn't apart of that. And, the large tom in front of her looked like he didn't take too kindly to strangers.

The way his ice hues gazed into her green ones, she stood frozen. She couldn't look away. She couldn't make any sudden movement. What did he mean by that? It was as if it were some type of secret, and yet she couldn't find it in his gaze. They were sharp. Such murderous orbs that scared her own. But, she didn't dare look away. She simply flicked her ears. ''Umm...okay.'' Her voice came out higher than it was, and she growled under her breath for such a coward move. Chrysanthemumshade didn't know who this cat was he was talking about. What their gender was. What their rank in the clan was. She didn't even know if they were even within Shadowclan. But, he had said she knew them? She didn't know many cats. Just a few she managed to impress either with remarkable skill, her train of thoughts, or by being a pretty face. ''Promises are easy to break. Don't let me down.'' She added. Just to keep a normal aura within the space between them. The fact that he was staring at her in such a way...did he see the future or something? Chrysanthemumshade shook her head. That was a fox way of thinking! No cat could see the future.

As the silence welcomed itself within the den again, Chrysanthemumshade took a few licks at her pelt. She was thankful that her pelt wasn't as thick and heavy as her companion's. With the hot weather coming through soon, she wondered what ever he would do to keep himself from dying of heat. She figured it mustn't been his favorite season. When she felt that light breeze, she shivered slightly. She hated when it was cold nights because she was warm, but with the cold seeping in...it became worse. But, she refused to show this. Instead, she wrapped her tail around her paws, tightly. It only did little to keep her warm, but it worked. She watched as Wolfglare stared out into the distance, and she admired him from afar. He wasn't that bad of a tom. At all. So, why was her guard up around him? Because Chrysanthemumshade knew cats had a knack of changing moods quickly. She knew this because she was one of those cats. Usually mellow, calm, sweet, to one of annoyance, aggressive, and snarky. With the moon making its way up, and shining through the den, making his pelt appear a silvery color. It was a sight to behold. A majestic cat looking like a wonder within the warriors' den. Chrysanthemumshade wished she could shine like that. A part of her knew if he weren't so feared to approach, he would had been the star of the party. She didn't know why she thought it. She figured in an alternate reality perhaps it would be true.

Chrysanthemumshade grew startled at his words. The quietness made her slightly thoughtful, and it was ruined at the sound of his voice. Her ears flicked toward him as she heard, and she nodded. Every cat was different; unique in a sense. Chrysanthemumshade met some pretty interesting cats. Like the tom her sister is pursuing. Quite annoying he was, and she had a reason to be mean to him. Chrysanthemumshade did not take kindly to cats that flirted with her. She aimed to impress, not to be played with. At his next words, she closed her ears and looked away. The Evil Era was harsh. It was a hard time for all the clans. She didn't like to think about, but her parents had perished during that time. Mainly from starvation. Her once beautiful mother that shaped Chrysanthemumshade to be the she cat she was today. You're never gonna survive life being a simpleton, Chrys. You need to become the cat that other cats sees you as. In this world, you can never be yourself. So, be someone different. That way others will like you. Chrysanthemumshade knew her parents loved her, but she never understood her parents knowledge. They were never harsh with Cloverwhisker. Perhaps they weren't a shamed to know Cloverwhisker was their daughter. Yet, Chrysanthemumshade had been the oldest, the quieter one, the meek one, and now? The one who would roll over for any cat that would give her some praise. ''I was shaken up, greatly. I didn't know what to do with myself. I just had to protect my sister. And, my brother had to protect us.'' Chrysanthemumshade was grateful to have siblings that had her back.

What's your main goal in life?
It was a simple question. Though she didn't think it would be aimed at her. Cats hardly asked her such a question, and aside from that, she hardly ever told a cat her secrets, her motivations, or her goals in life. Chrysanthemumshade had plenty goals in life. Some weirder than others, but it was something she wished to complete. She didn't know how to answer the tom's question, so she looked away for a second, thinking of a way to answer it as truthfully as she could. ''My main goal?'' She repeated, her voice coming off again higher than expected. She had cleared her throat, ''Oh, well you know! Trying to obtain a mate and bear kits. Because, y'know...that's the only goal I-'' she paused. She couldn't lie like that. She was a terrible liar! Her father had always told her so. So, she closed her eyes tightly, and turned her gaze to the ground, so she wouldn't have to look at Wolfglare. ''Not really,'' she cowered back, as if she were a kit, her ears pinning flat to her head. ''I can't even think of that being a main goal. It's not even a goal! It's more like...the inevitable. It's bound to happen, am I right?...or am I right? Okay, no. I'll stop talking.'' She shook her head. What was going on with her? That's how she answered a simple question? Even though half of what she said were true. Or, maybe that was just her mother talking to her again. Chrys, I'm only telling you this because I'm scared for your future. I want grandkits. And, I know Clovey is gonna do just fine! But, you? Ugh! I don't know where I went wrong with you, dear. So, listen. Listen good. Impress every male you come pass. And, they're bound to be trailing you like a bear to its honey! The very thought made Chrysanthemumshade even more insecure than she already was, and for a moment she was fuming at a dead cat. Then, she composed herself, squishing her tail around her more tighter than it already was. ''What was the question again? Oh. Right. Um...I really love herbs, plants, flowers. I really would love to travel to exotic lands and uncover the secrets of this forest. It's pretty big for only five clans to call it home.'' She shrugged, lightly, looking down at the ground. ''What if there is more out there? Cures or plants that haven't been discovered yet?'' She beamed, her eyes shining. Then, she shook her head. ''It's pretty stupid. Even my parents thought so, so yeah! I stick to the more...bland one. Mate and kits.'' It sounded lifeless as she said so, and she sighed for a moment. It wasn't like she didn't want to one day have a mate or kits. It was just something she didn't think about often, and that if it were to happen? Allow it to surprise her, because that was the best type of love. Falling without even realizing it.

''What's wrong with my sister and brother?'' She threw her head back up, and giggled lightly. He sounded disturbed at the thought. Chrysanthemumshade adored her siblings. After all, they were the only family she had left. Who else would she go to when she wanted a laugh? Pufftuft. Who else would she go to when she needed to talk? Cloverwhisker. Who would she go to for advice? Pufftuft. Who would she go to for comfort? Cloverwhisker. ''My siblings aren't that bad, y'know. Cloverwhisker could teach you how to be nice. And, Pufftuft could teach you how to dance with your paws.'' Possibly, she sounded delusional, but it made her forget her insecurity from earlier, and made her laugh. Again, she knew this cat? Her whiskers quivered. If she knew this cat, how come she couldn't name them off the bat? That was weird, but she didn't dare respond to it. It was creepy to her. So, she concluded that he had to be talking about one of her only friends within the clan; Sheepface. The only she cat who she didn't need to impress to get a sudden praise effort. Yet, Chrysanthemum didn't know her fully; truly. So, she was, indeed, confused.

The grey pelted she cat twitched her nose once more. Her ears stood in alert, and a bright smile flickered onto her maw for a moment before disappearing into a more subtle small one. She was taken aback. And, her shivering had stopped. He didn't yell at her. He didn't say anything aggressive. He didn't become shallow towards her. The she cat unwrapped her tail from around herself, and gingerly got up to her paws. Slowly, cautiously, she went towards him. With his little outburst, he had turned away. Chrysanthemumshade giggled behind him, coming up to the front of the den to sit next to him. She bent her head down to give him a sideways look. ''Look at you! Sharing...it's the sweetest thing.'' She cooed, playfully. Who knew? He could be such a sweet tom. With a bit of a blunt attitude, but she never thought she would see the day! It was quite surprising, but why? She was still scared, however. A tad bit frightened, but she didn't allow it to ruin her playful nature. Then she stared out towards the night. It was much harder to see things now. Especially the dark pelted cats. But, the night was always nice to her. She enjoyed the little flashes of lightning bugs that swarm around. Whenever she couldn't sleep, she would go to a field just to frolic in the flowers and mess with the bugs. They fascinated her. And, the only thing that kept her thoughts at bay, and her heart a set happiness. ''Are you hoping it would be cold tonight? So, we can cuddle?'' Chrysanthemumshade purred. She knew it was a long shot. A stupid move. A game too dangerous to be playing, but could she help herself? Like most cats, Chrysanthemumshade held a small part that loved to play, but flirting? That was never the game with her. She didn't consider herself to be a sappy cat, but wasn't it always a fun thing to mess around?

Chrysanthemumshade cleared her throat once more, swallowing a large lump in her throat. She scooted herself away from the male, and wrapped her tail around herself. ''Please, don't kill me. I was kidding.'' She stated in a joking manner. She didn't want to come on too strong. He was finally accepting her! The thought made her happy. She was impressing someone. She could feel her mother's approving gaze upon her from Starclan. And, in that moment, it made her sad. Though it quickly disappeared as she snorted at the tom's words. ''You do quite baffle me. I'm afraid I would never get you.'' She didn't see how come he couldn't tell her. What was the secret anyway? She wanted to say, but held her tongue back. She never seen an angry Wolfglare, but with his size and looks? She didn't want to. So, she kept her tongue bitten, and simply nodded her head at him. Maybe some goals were too personal to share, and she understood that. ''As long as you share the results with me, then that's good enough.'' She said.

It was cold. To her. To Wolfglare? She highly doubted it. He wants to go for a walk this late!? Is he insane!? ''Sure! I would love to!'' Quite funny that her thoughts contrasted what she said. All she wanted to do was curl up, and take Wolfglare up on that offer. Who wouldn't want to lay atop a large puffy cat with a warm pelt? But perhaps a walk would do her some justice. She had been crammed up in this den for a while, and her legs felt exhausted. She needed to move them. Get a little bit of exercise in. Her thoughts drifted towards her older brother. He probably wouldn't appreciate her going out this late with a cat. Especially a tom. What good would that do? Nothing good from strolling the night with a tom. However, Chrysanthemumshade doubted anything would happen. She gave light shivers still, something her body couldn't control for some odd reason whenever she was around cats such as Wolfglare. She got up from her spot, and brushed pass the tom in a slow manner, just to get some added heat to her own pelt. The night was cold, that was for certain, but she was ready. ''I just might have to take you up on that offer.'' She says, throwing her head over her shoulder for a quick second before she continued on with her tail lightly swishing behind her. It was nice to see him without a cold expression on his face. It was indeed calming, but she still was slightly frightened. Why did she have to be so scared?