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A Call To Action — Description

This was it. He doubted Opalescent would even look his way if he told her he wanted to go fight back against Ice Empire, simply because he was still a Fledgling. He would need to change her mind. To see him as a member of the Order of the Storm.

What better way than to claim his very own yellow Sapphire? It was high time he finished his training and claimed his position. He wanted to be able to protect his empire. Though really, the person he wanted to protect the most was Quail.

When he announced his intentions to attend the retaking of Slim’s Outpost, Quail was not pleased. She didn't want him to go. It made sense to him of course, but his mind was telling him that this was to protect Lightning Empire, even though his heart was telling him it was for revenge.

Quail of course saw right through to his heart. She always did.

“Please don't go. You don't have to do this, just stay home…” She had pleaded with him, trying to make him see reason. “I know this isn't just to ‘protect the empire's, this has to do with me doesn't it… Please, they're not all bad… The cats of Ice Empire,” Quail continued, looking at him with such sad eyes.

He tried reasoning with her as well, “What those cats did to you was not okay.” He started to speak, stopping briefly as he recalled her shrieks of pain and calls for her dad as he saw her crippled under the weight of a dark Ice Empire cat. He couldn't stomach that happening again. “Even if you say some are nice,” Viper recalled conversations between them of what all had occurred while she was held captive in Ice Empire, of the nicer Ice cats she had met while there. “They’re still attacking our empire, and, well… Someone needs to help protect this empire. I want to be a part of the Order of the Storm, and protecting our home is something I feel I need to do,” Viper continued, brushing her cheek with the tip of his nose. He wanted to comfort her. “...And I also want to protect you…”

The discovery of ‘liking’ her many months ago had developed into something much more akin to love. He didn't like being separated from her, but felt a strong need to protect her.

“I’ll make it back to you, I promise,” He whispered softly, giving her a reassuring kiss to her cheek before plopping him against her side. If he could do anything right now, it would be to stay here and comfort her as much as he could before he got his own sapphire and became a part of the order of the Storm.

“You better,” She said softly, snuggling up to him, sadness still hanging in her voice as she did so.

___________

Viper stood before Opal, eyes ready to claim his own sapphire. He needed to do this, to make things right, to protect his loved ones. Images of Neesha’s corpse and Quail crumpled and screaming in pain came to mind, providing the young cheetah an unwavering resolve to press forward. To continue.

“If I take that from you, I want to go on that offensive strike against Ice, where they're gathering at Slim’s Outpost,” He started, green eyes flickering to the sapphire. If he became a part of the Order of the Storm she wouldn't dare deny him that right… right?

“You can take it,” Opal’s voice hesitates for a moment, mind whirring as she processes the request and recent events involving the apprentice and her own, “But that doesn’t mean you’re ready for the battle, Viper… I’ll think about it.”

“Think? What's there to think about? Ice Empire is on our territory, we need more defenders and I'm stepping up, let me go,” He was angry, but his voice held a deep pleading tune to it. He felt he needed to go, and to be denied that felt like a knife to the heart.

“Again, I have to think about it… I’ll talk with Anura. Go back to Quail kiddo, the sapphire is yours,” The leader haphazardly tossed the sapphire Viper’s way, signifying she at least believed in his capabilities, as she walked away. After all, he did kill an Ice Empire gladiator, his scars were proof enough of that.

The ginger tom dug his dark claws into the grass, penetrating the dirt beneath. His head hung low, eyeballing the yellow Sapphire as he gritted his teeth. Opal’s paw steps faded away and Viper was left to his own devices.

Viper could feel a childish emotion fill him, like a child being told no by a parent. He felt… awful. Still, he bit back the emotions, and thought that perhaps, he would share this development with Quail. She’d be happy he would be staying. He knew better than to believe Opal would say yes if she was questioning the thought. No need to hope for a yes, instead he’d just bury his face into Quail’s fur and take solace that at least she’s back in Lightning Empire, back where she is safe and out of harm’s way.
WC: 869
Viper is now a part of the Order of the Storm (or has chosen that path). This is Viper's Final Assignment, getting the yellow Sapphire 😁
Wrote this up awhile ago, and drew it too :')
This art piece will be a finished collab eventually but for now have just my art :')
Quail (c) @rebsbobebs
Opalescent (c) @Rain847
Viper, art, and writing (c) @VertigoCrime