Post by DELAWARE on Jun 24, 2023 11:45:05 GMT -8
In true Whiplash fashion, he'd thought over this moment for years, turned it inside out for months, spent hours deliberately and methodically working through scenarios in his head. Nights of brooding in his den, engaged in silent, cyclic arguments with himself where he played both offense and defense, were followed by neatly compartmentalized days so disciplined that other cats could set their clocks by it. No RiverClanner would know, he had resolved, so firmly it had become a part of himself before it even crossed his mind as an active thought. No RiverClanner could know - and then Cindersmoke had come along and shattered that into chaotic pieces with his usual carelessness. Whiplash had been so tense, afterwards, his heart gripped in a vice of fear. He'd stopped going out to see Arizona, too, worried he'd be too obvious, and both things had made him truly abominable to be around. But Cindersmoke hadn't broken his promise; had not even made sly mention to Whiplash, though the temptation must have been nearly impossible to resist.
After three months, Whiplash, begrudgingly, accepted that maybe the tom could be relied upon after all. With great relief he resumed his visits to Arizona, no cat questioning Whiplash's excuses of "extra training" and "overnight watch on the border." If anything, they were so relieved he hadn't strong-armed them into coming along that they refused to ask any extra questions. (Whiplash's workaholic nature was a thing of legend - case in point, just to make his excuses extra foolproof and to keep an eye on ThunderClan, he actually did spend time training and doing overnight patrols). He kept up this rigorous schedule for several years, his relationship with Arizona growing steadily, and for a while it seemed like he'd be able to live his life like this, forever. He couldn't deny the thought made him happy. Not even his cynicism could deny how lucky he was, to be allowed to love both Arizona and his Clan.
And then cats started getting captured. Last Spring it was, now, Whiplash mused to himself as he headed towards Tidestar's den, the cool summer morning - dawn barely brushing the horizon - promising rain later in the day. A year of hell, continuing still, breaking down even the strongest of warriors, the firmest of resolves. True to form, Whiplash had held it together longer than most. He'd reduced his visits to Arizona, stayed in the Clan as much as possible, sought out and marked as many traps as he could find, even rescued a RiverClanner by attacking a human and forcing them to drop the cage they were carrying. But despite everything, the captures continued. Another apprentice had been taken just yesterday. And it was hearing this news from the apprentice's hollow-eyed mentor, the muted but impossible grief of the apprentice's family - for they could not risk grieving too loud, it would attract attention - that caused Whiplash to finally crack, to make a decision entirely at odds with the years he'd spent ruminating. It was, for him, almost impulsivity that drove him to rise early and seek out Tidestar in her den.
Almost impulsivity that he called inside now, low and polite and serious, "Tidestar? It's Whiplash. I'd like to speak with you."
[ ooc chill!!! whip's been seeing arizona since uhhh gosh spring 2018, so just over 5 years, damn. cindersmoke's known almost the entire time. astute cats like tide might've had their suspicions but never had them confirmed, happy to go with whatever you want on that point though! excited for this thread!! + JAMIE [:ripples:] for mentions ]
