Shadow of a greater Shadow

[Firestripe]

*Firestripe just let his head hang as he was pulled along none to gently out the tavern door and into the street. The moon shone down from on high as if a beacon of hope for the weary and pathetic soul that it's gentle light surrounded. There was no hope, though, none that Firestripe could see, at least. He resigned himself to his fate, whatever that may be. He deserved whatever he got, he had given up and it had cost him dearly. Because Firestripe had been letting his head droop, he had not been paying much attention to what was in front of him, merely letting Scarlet pull him along wherever she pleased. A figure dashed out of a dark alley as the pair passed it and collided into Firestripe, who in his drunken, weakened form, could not stay upright from such a blow and crashed to the ground, minus his purse that he had foolishly been wearing at his waist, a mistake that he would never have made before. The thief dashed off down the road, moving too quickly for pursuit.*

*This is my chance! Jaazer thought to himself as he saw the beast that had just knocked down Firestripe and steal his purse come running his way. He threw most of his weight behind the punch he unleashed on the thief and that combined with the speed that the robber had been going caused that single punch to knock the dark figure out cold. Jaazer was a young ferret, only fifteen, but he had just about reached his full growth and was about the size of an average ferret and was fairly well muscled. He grabbed the purse from the beast he had knocked out and jogged over to Firestripe and Scarlet.* "Did that beast steal this from one of you?" *He asked as if he didn't know. They couldn't find out that he'd been following them, otherwise they wouldn't trust him and he had to join the Nightpearl, he didn't have a choice.*[/font]

[Scarlet]

Scarlet didn't see the beast coming. Suddenly, Firestripe was crashed into the ground, and the culprit made a hasty retreat, Firestripe's purse in paw. Just as quickly, Scarlet was crouched beside Firestripe's dark form, soiled from the dirt and grit that covered the streets. Yet another dark form came into play, and Scarlet watched as an unknown creature felled their would-be-robber with a right smart blow. The street urchin that had robbed them collapsed to the ground, unconsious from the power of the punch that the unknown creature had thrown at him.

Almost sure that this unknown creature would make of with the purse himself, Scarlet turned her attention back on Firestripe, struggling to lift him back on his feet, doing her best to wipe the mud from his baggy and torn tunic. She was surprised, then, when she heard a voice ringing through the darkness, somewhat close to them.

" What? Oh, yes," Scarlet started, " That is this unfortunate jackanape's purse." She gestured to the somewhat limp form of Firestripe in her arms. Readjusting Firestripe to where one arm hung about her neck and shoulders, Scarlet managed to get a free paw. She held it out for the purse with a scowl on her face, waiting for the ferret before her to hand the purse over.

[Firestripe]

*Jaazer had an uneasy look on his face, but handed over the purse to Scarlet.* "O- ok..." *He said falteringly, for the look on Scarlet's face was murderous, to say the least. He then thought of his mission and why he had no choice but to accomplish it.* "Um, is he ok? Do you need any help?" *He asked, not stopping in between questions in his nervousness. He wasn't sure what the outcome of this encounter was going to be, hopefully nothing terrible, which is what the outcome would be if he gave up now. He had to get on the Nightpearl.*

*Firestripe was partially aware of what was going on. He knew that he had been knocked down but he didn't know why and he now knew that Scarlet was talking to somebeast, but he also didn't know why that was either. Firestripe looked at the ferret standing before him and Scarlet, he looked so young and innocent, He couldn't be more than fifteen. Firestripe thought to himself. The look on the ferrets face was one of nervousness and made him look like a lost child, one who didn't know what he was supposed to do on his own. Even in this pathetic state, Firestripe felt some pity for the ferret, though he wasn't sure why.*

[Scarlet]

Scarlet, unperturbed, snatched the purse from the ferret's offered paw. The look on his face struck some long lost chord of pity in Scarlet's heart, but she quickly pushed this feelings to the back of her mind. She had to seem like she was really and truly as harsh and cold-hearted as her reputation stated, and which, under normal circumstances was, for the most part, true. But now, after having just found the one fox in the whole world which she loved, she was hardly in the mood.

" No!" She snapped after the weasel had asked if he could help. That was rather thoughtfu- What am I thinking? Stupid blighter, only delaying me on me way back to me ship. A good tellin'-off what this one's gonna get if 'e don't scram. She thought, her scowl darkening. That was the odd thing about Scarlet; When she thought, she had a heavy accent, but when she talked she spoke in what was, for the most part, perfect english. Truly odd, though no one knew that about her except herself...

Scarlet watched the ferret, waiting for his next move; Was he gonna press the matter of helping? Ask for a job? Take back the purse which he had so thoughtfully fetched back for them? Scarlet didn't know what he would do, but she hoped he would leave them be and get back to his own business.

Ah, why do ya have ta be so blasted 'eavy, eh? If'n yer this 'eavy when yer practically skin'n'bones, I doubt I'd eve' be able ta support ya when yer a normal size. She readjusted Firestripe a bit more, eyes flashing with forced anger. She looked into his practically glazed eyes, her face softening for a moment before changing back into that cold-hearted mask. Where'dya go, Firestripe? Why didn't ya come back ta me straight aways? She thought sadly.

[Firestripe]

*Jaazer's shoulders slumped as his mind raced desperately for a way. He could only think of one last ditch effort that, if failed, spelled misery for himself.* "Oh, o- ok then..." *He said with sadness that did not need to be acted or faked. He slowly turned and started to walk away.* "Well, I guess I'll just go... not sure where to go... but, I'll just go..." *He said in such a melancholy, innocent voice that it'd break the heart of a gentlebeast, if there were any to be seen in such a place, that is.*

*Even though Firestripe's mind was still quite muddled, he could tell that Scarlet had been unnecessarily cruel to the poor ferret. It looked like the creature didn't have any parents or a home and was merely trying to find some sort of refuge, even if it was with complete strangers that very well could take advantage of him or murder him just for the simple pleasure of it. As the ferret started walking off into the night, the emaciated fox turned his bleary eyes to Scarlet. This was not the Scarlet he knew, though she could easily be cruel, she wasn't ever that way towards those that simply wanted to help. In fact, as far as Firestripe knew, it was those kinds of creatures that made good crew since they tended to be pretty loyal. Firestripe didn't say anything, though, he felt that disagreeing with her on an issue so soon after findeing her again would not be a good thing to do. He merely cocked his head in a sort of confused drunken manner, studying her face, searching for... something, he wasn't sure what. Wow, she's beautiful... he thought to himself. Even with the look of cold anger stamped on her face, that fact couldn't be denied.*[/color]

[Scarlet]

Scarlet's face softened somewhat at this, for who's heart could be so cold to pass without even the smallest feeling of pity for the young, homeless ferret. She was unwilling, however, to seem the fool. The part of the pitiful, unloved street rat had been played numerous times before, by creatures looking for some coins or a chance into someone's home for night, only to make off with their valuables the next day.

Aw, poor liddle creature... No, mustn't get distracted, keep walkin', jus' keep walkin'.... And with that, Scarlet started walking, right passed the crest-fallen ferret. I could jus'- No, keep walkin', you'll be at tha ship soon, and in the mornin', Firestripe will be sobered up and eatin'. The thought helped for Scarlet to better pass the poor creature, with less guilt weighing down on her conscious.

[Firestripe]

*Firestripe let himself be pulled along by Scarlet again. He was still pretty unsteady on his feet, though, so it's not like he'd be able to do much to stop her from pulling him along unless, of course, he decided to fall over and take Scarlet down with him. They passed Jaazer in the street, as if mocking him for his innocence. Firestripe felt somewhat sorry for the ferret but it's not like there was anything he could do about it so it quickly fell from his mind as they continued on. In this drunken state, the dark port town seemed somewhat scary to Firestripe and he hoped that they would get wherever they were going soon. He still wasn't sure where Scarlet was taking him, he couldn't make sense of landmarks or directions at the moment. Eventually though, he realized that they were nearing the docks.

Is she really taking me back to the Nightpearl? He wondered to himself with a sense of wistfullness, if only she would... he still doubted that she would take him back, though, so he didn't hold out much hope. Suddenly they rounded a corner and Firestripe felt the wooden planks of the dock beneath his footpaws. He jerked his head up and there she was, the Nightpearl, in all her majestic glory. Firestripe ground to a halt as he stared at the beloved ship. Tears started forming in his eyes again at the beautiful sight. Scarlet really was taking him to the ship, she really did want him back home.*[/color]

[Scarlet]

Scarlet's arms were well tired out by the time the docks came into view. She could just imagine Firestripe wondering what was going on, where she was taking him. He was a pitiful sight, so drunk he couldn't even stand on his own two legs, mind unclear. Scarlet could hardly bare to look at him, he was pathetic looking it made her heart ache. His head felt heavy on her shoulder, his knees nearly dragging the ground as they conintued on.

Within a few minutes, they had reached the dock, the familair sight of the Nightpearl coming into view. It's dark figure bobbed slightly on the surface of the water, the anchor chain clanking softly against the side as if beating out a tattoo to soothe the crew to sleep. As Scarlet was thinking about these things, Firestripe was in the process of completely breaking down. Scarlet looked at him to find tears welling up in his beautiful red eyes.

"Come on, Firestripe, you need to get some sleep." Scarlet whispered softly in his ear, her mask of anger fading away. As Scarlet helped Firestripe up the gangplank, the crew on guard duty came rushing, weapons drawn. " 'oo goes there, eh?" The large rat called out, while he and his buddies, a slender weasel maid and a rather small fox came up to them. When they noticed it was Scarlet, they immediately threw a few salutes as well as some looks of curiousity at the drunken form in her arms. " Back to you're business now." Scarlet said, and passed them without another word.

The familiar creak of that one floorboard as Scarlet entered her cabin was most welcome to her ears. " Come on now, Firestripe, you're going to sleep here tonight, okay?" She said softly, all anger vanishing as if being whisked away on the wind. This was the Scarlet that Firestripe used to know, the one that was sweet and loving, at least to him anyways.

She struggled to help him over to where her pillow-filled hammock swung slightly. " Right here, Firestripe." She said, helping him into the hammock. It was a rather hard chore, but Scarlet did eventually get Firestripe's large frame into it. With a sigh of relief, Scarlet settled into a squishy blue velvet chair which she had pulled over next to the hammock in which Firestripe lay. She rubbed a very sore shoulder, and sighed again.

Looking over to where Firestripe now lay, she smiled, tears once again threatening to spill. She let the fat, salty tears spill onto her cheeks, and, curling up tightly against the chair, cried herself to sleep.

[Firestripe]

*Firestripe had immediately fallen asleep in the hammock that Scarlet had so generously let him use for the night. He had many dreams, but they were all so mixed up and confused that he couldn't make sense of them. Even so, they gave him a feeling of sorrow that he couldn't comprehend. Soon, those confusing images faded and he found himself kneeling by a cliff, overlooking some port. No, not this again... Firestripe thought with sorrow and pain. Once again, he was wrapped in chains and staring into the waters where a lone ship was located. Something was different, though... there was not the scornful laughter coming from behind him and there was no eruption of fire and smoke to destroy his heart over and over again. Instead, out of the corner of his eye, he saw movement; somebeast was heading towards him.*

*He turned his head to see the form of Scarlet walking towards him, that beautiful smile upon her beautiful face that he loved so dearly. As she came near, she reached out a paw towards him and the chains that had bound him for so long fell away and he was free once more. He stood and stared at Scarlet for a split second before embracing her with unbridled happiness and love.* "Scarlet, I'm so sorry I left, I'll never leave your side again..." *Firestripe promised with more conviction than could be imagined. He looked down into her face and she looked up into his. Hot tears stung his eyes as he gazed into the mesmerizing orbs of the one he loved.*

*Suddenly Firestripe's eyes opened and he found himself staring at the ceiling of Scarlet's cabin. His vision was blurry for some reason and he wiped his eyes, noticing that they came away wet. I was crying in my sleep... He turned his head and found himself staring into the beautiful sleeping face of the vixen from his dreams. The one he loved so dearly, the one that he would never leave the side of again. He wanted to grab her and hug her right then and there but she looked so peaceful that he didn't want to wake her up. He quietly got out of the hammock and inspected his surroundings. It seemed that Scarlet had given her own bed for him and had taken a chair. He gazed at her, once again astounded at her beauty and astounded that she could love him, a pathetic creature such as he.*

*He noticed a large mirror past Scarlet on the wall and quietly walked over towards it. He wanted a good look at what he had become so that he could make sure never to sink so low ever again. He could barely believe the supposed reflection that he saw before him. Could this starved, emaciated form really be him? His fur was matted and dirty and his clothes looked something terrible. Is this really me? He wondered to himself, then he looked into the eyes of the figure before him. Yes... yes, this was himself he was seeing. Even after all of this, his eyes burned with the same determination that they had before. The determination to love Scarlet and always be by her side, no matter what. He looked down at his paws as he clenched them into fists. A few tears squeezed their way out of his eyes and fell to the floor, leaving little dots. I will never leave you again, Scarlet. No matter what.*[/color]

[Scarlet]

Scarlet quickly fell asleep, despite the heart that threatened to beat it's way straight out of her chest. In an instant, her imagination began it's work of creating dreams, those alternate universes filled with the mysteries and desires of one's very heart and soul. Suddenly, Scarlet dreamt herself sitting on the rail of her ship, dangling her footpaws over the deep blue waters below, only she wasn't herself; It seemed like she was watching herself, the sunlight streaming down, making her scarlet fur shine golden in places.

The day was sunny, like most days that time of year, the light causing the waves to glisten and sparkle as they washed up on the shore. Scarlet watched herself wave, and followed her gaze down the dock. There was Firestripe, muscular and healthy, his black fur giving off a slight sheen in the sunlight, his eyes a vibrant red as he looked over his shoulder with a smile, before dissapearing around the corner.

Scarlet watched herself smile, completely unaware that she would not be seeing him again until what would be four months later. Why didn't I stop him? She thought sadly as she practically relived that terrible day. Why? Why? WHY?? She thought to herself over and over again, watching the same scene over and over again in her mind. It was torture, and Scarlet was practically screaming at herself as for what seemed to be the hundreth time she watched Firestripe dissapear around the corner, unable to stop him.

With a gasp, Scarlet awoke, her once peaceful looking features disrupted by the reality of her emotions. It was somewhat dark, dawn peeking over the horizon, casting a low-light across the room. As her eyes adjusted, Scarlet saw the dark figure, standing before the large mirror that was set up against the wall. She realized she had been sleeping in a chair, and as she looked at the figure before her, she noticed a bit of a red stripe that stopped at the base of the creatures neck. It wasn't a dream? I actually found him? There was only one way to find out.

Sleepy-eyed, confused and slightly frightened that this might be a mere illusion in front of her, she whispered quietly " Firestripe? I-is that you?" She sounded alone and frightened, still curled up tightly in the chair.