smoke & mirrors (hiatus)

.: chapter one :.

.: ♔ :.

HERONSKIP was asleep. This wasn't really common, as he often worked late night shifts at work. The construction worker lived in the East Branch of the Brook Kingdom, where a lot of trainers and construction workers seemed to live.

Heronskip lived with his sister, Minnowtail, and every morning was the same ordeal.

"Skipper, it's an hour past dawn! The sun is shining! Birds are singing! Do you know what that means?" his sister sang like a bird in his left ear.

"Time for work," he groaned, blinking open his eyes. Minnowtail was sitting next to him, a big smile plastered on her face.

"Why are you so happy?" Heronskip meowed as he pushed himself to his paws. His sister was usually grumpy as a groundhog. He arched his back in a stretch, unsheathed his claws, and let out a yawn.

"I think Waspnose is going to propose to me today!" Minnowtail squeaked like a kit and bounced around the hut.

"Mhm.." Heronskip said without much enthusiasm. Waspclaw was a warrior and pretty snobby, to be honest. He wasn't too smart and was often ignorant when it came to emotions.

"I know he's not your favorite cat, but I really love him," his sister mewed quietly. "Can't you make one sacrifice for me?"

"I guess I can. Now I have to go off to work. I'll see you before dusk," Heronskip called as he left the den. He flattened out the fur on the top of his head with his paw as he walked.

But then, he saw something that consumed his attention immediately. His favorite cat in the entire kingdom was sunbathing outside in the clearing.

Pale gray fur... amber eyes... Dewleap was perfection. The sun shone down on his already glossy fur, with a gleam that could have blinded Heronskip. He had to stop himself from smiling as Dewleap looked over. "Good morning, Heronskip," he called drowsily. The gray tom licked his paw and laid his head back down on the ground.

"G-good mor-morning, Dewleap. H-how are you?" Heronskip stuttered, tripping over his own paws.

"I'm fine, and you?" the gorgeous tom mewed, licking his lips. He flicked his tail and let out a low purr. Heronskip felt his cheeks getting hot.

"F-fine, thanks," Heronskip meowed, walking away quickly. He talked to me! And I didn't initiate the conversation! Feeling overly happy, Heronskip entered the clearing where the construction plans were made, and that was where he was tackled to the ground.