#cause if I did that…… then spottedleaf would also be sandstorm’s mom

[aiilurociide]

…….. Thinkin’ about….. Making “Redtail” and “Spottedleaf” into one character……..

[cryptidclaw]

Rise of Change First Arc Summary !

Here are the changes I have come up with for the First arc so far!!!! I will update this post as I change or come up with new ideas!  

have realized this is very long so I am going to put it under here! v

Thistleclaw was the son of Pinestar and Leopardfoot instead of Tigerclaw, this is where Thistle got his hatred for outsiders from! I know that's not really a part of the first series but it is good backstory!

Tigerclaw is Thistleclaw's son and Whitestorm's brother from the same litter, and he learned his hatred for outsiders from his father. He grew to be much more like his dad then Whitestorm, mostly caused by him also being mentored by Thistleclaw

Sandstorm's parents are Redtail and Birdflight (Runningwind). Something I haven't mentioned is I think that a lot of her attitude and anger issues are caused by her mourning and not being able to process her father's death, along will her struggling with high expectations since she was a deputy's kit.

Dustpelt and Ravenpaw are Dappletail and Stormtail's kits, and are deeply affected by the high expectations of the Order since they are half siblings of Bluestar.

Dapple and Storm also had two other kits before Dust and Raven! These kits are Downnose and Cricketstep! They are very good warriors, which is an added pressure on Dust and raven since their siblings have lived up to the Order's expectations.

Dustpelt is mentored by Downnose after Redtail died, apparently he was mentored by Darkstripe but I don't even remember that lol, and this would give more Downnose content!

Darkstripe and Greystripe's parentage! Their mother is Willowpelt but their dad? He's unknown. Mollys are allowed to just not say who the sire of their kits are, but this leaves people with a lot of questions.... In truth Willow had taken a mate from outside of Thunder Order, I haven't decided who, and it doesn't matter much, but she had Darkstripe with this cat. Over time as Dark grew up he realized that his mother must have had an affair outside of the Order, and since he was mentored by Tigerclaw, this upset him greatly, he became in denial about his parentage, distanced himself from his mother, and spent his time trying to prove himself as the biggest outsider hater of all and Tigerclaw follower. When Willow had Greystripe, it was obvious it was with the same cat, he looked so similar to Darkstripe, just lighter in color, which just enraged Dark more, he basically decided to ignore that Grey was his brother at all and Grey grew up barely knowing Dark, but not really liking him.

Fire (paw) does not have a crush on Spottedleaf and Spotted def does not have feelings for him! Spotted views him as a little brother, and took it upon herself to guide him because of the prophecy that she received. Her death was impactful to Fire because it felt like the death of a sister, and someone who believed in him and did not doubt him for being a kittypet.

Raven (paw) does not get to run away to the barn, instead he is chased off by Tigerclaw. Tiger claims that Raven deserted the Order, but Fire and Grey, know that Tiger most likely killed Raven. 

Cinderpelt decides to be a healer because she falls in love with healing while she was recovering in the healer den. She receives the Title Cinderspark instead of Cinderpelt!

Swiftpaw is Tigerclaw and Goldenflower's son! His death was caused by his own father!

Throughout the series Longtail and Fire's relationship has progressed though slower than Sand and Fire's, and after Swift's death things come to a head and they comfort each other over the loss and become officially friends, and after this Longtail is outwardly a Fireheart stan!

Bramblekit does not look like Tigerclaw, at least he doesn't look like him in pelt color, he is gold like his mom, and has a slightly softer personality, (though this more so progresses when he grows older in the second arc and has character development)

Fireheart does NOT hate Tigerclaw's kits for being Tigerclaw's kits, that never made sense to me, I feel like he would be one of their main defenders since he too suffered from judgment for his blood and origins.

After the battle Fire and Longtail become mates (Fire and Sand became mates before the battle) Both Fire and Sand are poly in my au!

Tigerstar is not the one to enlist the help of Blood Order, Firestar is! Blood Order is not evil, but instead cats just trying to help eachother and survive. 

Raven (paw) is not in fact dead! he is Scourge in this au! Tiger chased him off into the city, where Raven grew tough and formed Blood Order! Firestar hears word of a cat by the name of Ravenscourge who sounds a lot like his old friend raven, and goes to find him to enlist his help in the battle against Tiger Order! in RoC Tigerstar would never request help from outsiders and he is very xenophobic, while Firestar symbolizes the fall of old ideals and the beginning of a new era led by newer ideals. Firestar is willing to embrace the help of outsiders to protect the clans, and the side who is willing to accept change and outsiders, is the side that wins in the end!

Ravenscourge kills Tigerstar just like Scourge does, but this time he and the Blood Order show up during the peak of battle as reinforcements! Tiger stops the battle due to his anger at outsiders joining the fight, and Raven challenges him to a fight to settle the battle. 

Sandstorm is made Deputy instead of Greystripe!!!!!!

[warriorsbutnotreally]

Do you have any headcanons that are always canon in your au’s, like no matter what au it is, these ideas are always canon.

Some things for me include Heather, Hare and Kestrel are siblings.

Kestrel being a dilute tortoiseshell.

And Scorchfur, Shrewfoot and Emberfoot being siblings.

That’s just on the top of my head!!

hmm

off the top of my head

some AU things that I like to appear in my own works;

-Firestar being trans

-they/them Leafstar [at least in my own projects]

-Harespring/star being a former barn cat

-Sandstorm being the daughter of Brick [from BloodClan] and also Brick is nonbinary and a flirty fiend

-Gremlin x Princess and no one can stop me because dammit I love this weird obscure ship that has no meaning behind it

-nonstraight Longtail [usually under the gay-ace umbrella but it can range]

-also nonstraight Leopardfur [morally corrupt aces / lesbians / lesbian aces are valid]

-Blackstar and Russetfur being MLM and WLW morally questionable besties [also I think HCs of them being in a lavender relationship are funny, but I don't actually ship them]

-Reedshine leaving Appledusk for either a molly or a dude who'd treat her better

-Spottedleaf seeing Firestar has a younger brother because for me that feels less creepy [also aunt Spottedleaf looking out for Leafpool]

-Whitestorm being close friends with Brindleface and seeing her as a sister [also I physically cannot see him as a sire to her kits]

-Heathertail being the daughter of Whitetail and insisting she gets the same prefix as her mom [I don't like the idea of Onestar being her father, though, namely because Whitetail was his former apprentice and mentor x former apprentice relationships make me uncomfy]

-this one is a very specific one, but I hope Mudclaw is revealed to be Onestar's mentor because I think it would be super interesting for Mudclaw to be one-uped by his own apprentice which could've also fueled his negative feelings because yes he did train Onewhisker to be good, but now it feels like his own leader feels like his apprentice would be a better leader

-Rainflower and Oakstar go to hell

not headcanons but;

-getting rid of the stupid 'cannot have a mate outside your own Clan' rule cause I personally hate it

-also, if I can help it, getting rid of the medicine cat marriage laws, too

-getting rid of the Tribe because there's no fixing that mess [also somehow still keeping Sharptooth cause idk why I just like him he's a funny kitty]

[4shfur]

Medicine cat Fireheart au for anon!

(This is a really interesting idea)

I'm just gonna add some little notes about the au

- I finally did a Firestar redesign cause my old design SUCKED. I wanted him to kind of look like a snowshoe cat, and I think it suits him

- Fireheart would have a more developed relationship with Spottedleaf, and he would be like a little brother to her and neither of them would have any romantic implications nope

- He would be crushed when Spottedleaf died, but good thing he has his mom Yellowfang (because I love that)

- Graystripe, Sandstorm, and Dustpelt become warriors at the same time in the second book because Why did Sandpaw and Dustpaw not become warriors before that??

- Brackenpaw and Cinderpaw are Dustpelt and Sandstorm's apprentices, and Cinderpaw continues her warrior training after the car accident because a limp should not have to make you become a medicine cat it's just a limp, and also I love the idea of Sandstorm being her mentor they would be really close :))))

- Sandstorm and Fireheart still fall in love because Firesand is a great ship, but when Sandstorm has Squirrelkit and Leafkit, she and Fireheart agree to keep it a secret and the kits are raised as Sandstorm and Dustpelt's kits

- Firegray was estatic when Leafpaw decided to become a medicine cat, and could tell when she fell in love with Crowfeather, dismayed she was going down the same path as him

- He knew right from the start that the three weren't Squirrelflight and Brambleclaw's kits, but he kept the secret

- Also after Tigerclaw was exiled, White storm became deputy and when Bluestar died, he made Sandstorm deputy and when she became leader Cinderpelt was her deputy :)

Are there any other aus you want me to draw?

[canon-notcanon-warriorcats]

another time consuming project for me,, booboo the fool

Submitted by: ghoulcorvid

okay so there’s been plenty of things I wished had been done differently in wc throughout the years and I finally decided to plot out a rewrite thing because I apparently hate myself and this is fanfic #16478592 that got stuck in my head:

first read/reread all the books or at least a synopsis because I stopped reading before firestar died lol

mainly this rewrite is for tpb but I might continue on who knows (not me that’s for sure)

REWORK THE WARRIOR CODE,, like in universe because these cats will point out a dumb rule one book and then be accepting of it the next book ???

expand on all the various ceremonies and StarClan and The Dark Forest because they were cool concepts and now they’re kinda lame imo

add more explicitly lgbtqia+ AND disabled characters and make them make sense,, and stop fridging so many she-cats

okay so the basis of this au is that rusty comes to tc BEFORE he is 6 moons old and he’s guided by redtail because why wait until spottedleaf dies when it’s feasible he could have reached out from StarClan

idk who takes care of him while he has to stay in the nursery (maybe all of them ???) but he’s like 3 moons old lol he baby

sandstorm is a chimera from two embryos one who’s father is redtail and the other who’s father is runningwind (I’m fond of red/running/brindle (I just spent an hour quadruple checking that they weren’t any closer than 2nd cousins so if they are I must have missed it omg) for some reason and since this is a thing that can happen in cat populations I was like hmm sandstorm has 3 parents now)

surprise !!! redtail is a chimera too !!! except he only has 2 parents,, he just absorbed one of his siblings :3

chimerism can also cause male torties,, so guess what lol,, sol is a chimera tortie who’s infertile

longtail mentors firepaw !!! (because I think it would be interesting and funny,, but also bluestar does take over his mentoring after tigerclaw is banished due to tigerclaw and longtail being fairly close beforehand) 

I am fucking with the timeline a Lot so if none of this makes sense time-wise rn I’ll fix it later lol

okay so I lied about this only being about tpb,, I have to include some things about my first super edition that I loved reading: firestar’s quest,, yeah it’s not great but it does have a special place in my heart

I’m sorry but firestar does Not make greystripe deputy after whitestorm passes in the tigerclan/lionclan battle

I’m not sure who exactly becomes deputy tho,, maybe longtail ??? I like longtail he’s a good boy,, if not him maybe someone else that most of the clan won’t openly object to like they did with fireheart

so firestar starts having his visions or seeing ghosts or what have you and like I probably won’t change him yelling at starclan because that was hilarious

(OKAY SO I JUST GALAXY-BRAINED MYSELF WITH SMUDGE JOINING THE CLANS FOR SOME REASON (not tc tho) OR MAYBE HE SIRES SOME KITS TO COMBAT THE IN*EST PROBLEM IN TC EARLY)

okay so greystripe isn’t deputy and this enables him to go with fire and sand because I think it would be interesting

I’m kinda thinking greyfiresand endgame (smoky glass 👀) but like as an open relationship because I kinda picture grey as this dumbass boy who falls in love with so many different cats (also idk if grey and sand are closely related so maybe they aren’t together if they are just greyfire and sandfire)

so if I want to keep cherrysharp a thing,, he Will Not be mentoring her whatsoever,, but I could just bring in another mentioned kittypet to be sharpclaw’s apprentice

actually I probably will do that just because I can lol

lowkey want hutch/shortwhisker to stay in the clan so that might happen idk yet

a Big Big change I’m making to firestar’s quest is that skywatcher is younger and his mother is still alive,, his mom take his role in the book (telling everyone about skyclan and dying of old age)

skywatcher is actually the age of a seasoned warrior (think whitestorm or lionheart in tpb),, he might get a different suffix as I might give the -watcher suffix to his momma

skywatcher actually saves rainfur in the battle with the rats (not for any particular reason I just thought it would be interesting,, some other character might die tho) although he still is heavily injured and so still causes the characters to fight harder

this is all I have so far,, thanks for letting me submit this and sorry it’s so long lol

~~~

oh i like your firestar’s quest rewrite ideas a lot

also sandstorm and graystripe would be cousins unless you change his mom since willowpelt and redtail are siblings!

runningwind, redtail, and brindleface are not related at all so don’t worry about that!

i’d go with either longboy as deputy OR goldenflower or frostfur they’d also be neat choices and they could happily retire and you can make a younger cat be the new deputy *cough* squirrelflight, sandstorm, or sorreltail *cough*

[warriorsrewrite]

Enter the Wild Chapter 15

( you can either read it under the cut, or here on ao3. it’d be very much appreciated if you interacted with both ! )

The camp was eerily silent as Tigerclaw bent back down to drag Lionheart’s body the rest of the way. The crowd parted for him easily, standing back and watching as he gently laid the deputy’s battered and beaten body down in the middle of the clearing.

As soon as he stepped away, a long wail sounded, and the crowd parted again, this time allowing Frostfur to slowly step up to Lionheart. She looked down at him for just a moment before she collapsed to the ground next to him, her face pressed against his thick fur. She was soon joined by Sandpaw, her face contorting as she looked down upon them both before she, too, lied down next to Frostfur and buried her face into Lionheart’s mane. Then Goldenflower approached, her eyes tired and her tail low, with Speckletail leaning heavily on her side. The two of them exchanged soft words before Goldenflower helped Speckletail down next to Sandpaw.

That’s right… Firepaw thought as he observed the scene. Frostfur was his mate and Sandpaw was their first kit… Goldenflower was his sister… and Speckletail was his mother. He glanced behind him and into the nursery where Yellow was trying to calm the kits down. Brackenkit, Cinderkit, Thornkit, and Brightkit… They’re only three moons old. Will they understand what’s happened to their father?

His ears perked as he heard someone approach him, turning to see Redtail come to stand next to him, his eyes trained on Rosetail’s limp body. After a brief moment of only staring at her, the warrior took his solemn steps forward, gently picking her up by the scruff of her neck (right where Blackfoot - Firepaw stopped the thought before it could fully form) and dragging her next to Lionheart.

“Rosetail has fallen as well,” Redtail announced, his voice breaking halfway through, before settling down beside her. He was soon flanked by Willowpelt and Dappletail, their pelts pressing close to his sides as he pressed his muzzle against Rosetail’s side.

Whitestorm padded up to Rosetail as well, settling down on Willowpelt’s other side as he prepared to mourn. At first, Firepaw thought he was there in support for Willowpelt since the two always seemed to be close, but then he remembered that Rosetail was his aunt.

The sound of cats entering through the gorse tunnel caught the attention of everyone not mourning, many still on high alert for more danger. But the cats who entered were not enemies, but rather Bluestar (who looked far better than she had before the battle and no longer relied on anyone to help her stand), Spottedleaf, Graypaw, and Brindleface. They all stopped dead in their tracks when they took in the scene in front of them.

“We were too late,” Firepaw heard Bluestar murmur.

“No,” Graypaw said, his eyes stuck on Rosetail’s body. “No… No!” He broke away from the group, tearing through the crowd, not caring if he bumped into anyone. “Rosetail!” he cried as he got to her. “Rosetail! Rosetail!” He nudged her harshly with his paw, then nudged her harder. “Rosetail… Rosetail, please…”

Firepaw was quick to rush to his side, gently guiding him away from her before he could do greater damage to her body. Graypaw resisted for only a heartbeat before he went limp against Firepaw’s side, hiding his face in his dark ginger tabby coat as he breathed out a shaky, “mom…” Firepaw could only press up against him, his heart heavy with guilt as Graypaw’s body racked with suppressed sobs.

“What happened?” Bluestar asked, having gone from the entrance to the top of the Highrock.

Tigerclaw stepped forward, his pelt still covered in blood. “It was Brokentail,” he said, which caused many in the clearing to murmur to themselves in alarm. “I saw him sneak up on Lionheart and attack him at the edge of camp. By the time I got to him, it was already too late.”

Firepaw glanced up from Graypaw to look towards where Tigerclaw had dragged Lionheart from. I don’t remember seeing or hearing Brokentail during the battle, he thought as he scanned the dark edge of camp, though for what, he wasn’t sure. But if Tigerclaw says it was him, then surely he was -

His thoughts cut off as his gaze found Ravenpaw, crouched in the approximate direction of where Lionheart was killed. His green eyes were wide, seemingly twice as wide as the moon, and even though he was more than a tree-length away from him, Firepaw could see that he was shaking violently.

Did… did Ravenpaw see it happen? Did he see Brokentail kill Lionheart?

“I see…” Bluestar murmured, drawing back Firepaw’s attention. She had her head bent low, and it was obvious her grief was great. “Then ThunderClan needs a new deputy.” Taking a breath, she lifted her head back up and scanned the gathered cats below her. “Goldenflower,” she called, waiting as the pale ginger tabby slowly stood from her position by Lionheart’s body, “do you accept the position of deputy?”

Firepaw, along with most of the Clan, expected her to say ‘yes’ immediately. However, Goldenflower merely lowered her gaze, her brows drawn as she thought. After giving a brief glance towards Tigerclaw, she lifted her head back up and hesitantly answered back, “no, I do not accept the position of deputy. Instead, I wish to join the nursery as a caretaker.”

Startled murmurs rose from the crowd. Firepaw himself was confused. Sure, she was allowed to deny the position, but having known her for the past three moons, he would have bet she’d accept, and there was no doubt she would make for a great deputy, and perhaps even leader. And… a caretaker? Firepaw had not pegged her as the type to want to spend every moment in the nursery.

Bluestar also seemed surprised by her answer, as her brows rose. “Are you sure…?”

Goldenflower dipped her head, gaze to the ground. “I am sure, Bluestar. You see… Tigerclaw and I have been talking about having another litter together. And… looking at all of the horrible things that have been happening in the Clans lately… at everyone who has died… I want to protect my kits with my life, to make sure they grow up with their mother, and I believe becoming a caretaker is the best way for me to achieve that.” She glanced over at Dustpelt, who had joined her side, and smiled.

Firepaw frowned, wanting to point out that becoming deputy wouldn’t mean abandoning her kits, and it certainly wouldn’t mean she wouldn’t be protecting them, but he knew it was not his place to point these out. It was her decision, after all.

Searching her gaze for just a moment, Bluestar tilted her head. “And what about your apprentice?”

Goldenflower looked over at Sandpaw, who was still sitting by her mother, but was watching what was happening with wide eyes. “I am sure you will agree with me, Bluestar, that my apprentice has certainly proved herself today. Perhaps it is time that she join the ranks of a warrior?”

Bluestar smiled. “She certainly has,” she murmured, then nodded to herself. “All right then, Goldenflower, I accept your request to become a caretaker. May you help raise ThunderClan’s kits as your own. And as for your apprentice…” She flicked her tail in a beckoning motion.

Sandpaw blinked, then scrambled to her feet. Before she went over and stood beneath the Highrock, however, Frostfur stood up as well and quickly groomed her daughter, murmuring quiet words as she did. Firepaw smiled to himself as he watched Sandpaw get annoyed at her, gently pushing her mother away so she could actually get to where she was supposed to be.

As soon as she was in position, Bluestar began, “I, Bluestar, leader of ThunderClan, call on our warrior ancestors to look down upon this apprentice. She has done well to learn the ways of a warrior, and I ask them to recognize her as such. Sandpaw, do promise to follow the warrior code, and protect your Clan no matter what, even at the cost of your life?”

“I do,” Sandpaw answered firmly, her head held high, even though Firepaw could still see the grief shining bright in her eyes from where he sat.

“Then as leader, I give you your warrior name. From this day forth, you shall be known as Sandstorm. ThunderClan honors your fierceness and courage, and welcomes you as a full warrior.” Her smile softened. “Your father would be proud of you.”

“Sandstorm! Sandstorm! Sandstorm!” called the camp, Firepaw joining in. The newly named Sandstorm basked in the attention, though the emotions on her face were too complicated for Firepaw to decipher.

“ThunderClan is still in need of a deputy,” Bluestar continued once the clearing was quiet again. She glanced around until her gaze fell upon a certain dark brown tabby tom. “Tigerclaw, will you accept the position of deputy in Goldenflower’s place?”

Tigerclaw stood with a small smirk on his face. “Of course, Bluestar,” he said smoothly. “I would be honored to accept this position."

A small, panicked sound drew Firepaw’s attention from Tigerclaw back to the shadows where Ravenpaw still sat, and was taken back to see him looking like he was about to pass out. His fear scent was even starting to waft over to him, and he grew worried about why he looked to be getting more and more scared as time went on. Was seeing Lionheart’s death so traumatic for him…? he thought with a frown.

“Then as leader of ThunderClan, I appoint you deputy,” Bluestar said. “May you help guide our Clan on the right path.”

Tigerclaw bowed his head, and some cats murmured their congratulations to him.

“Now,” Bluestar continued, interrupting the chit chat below, “I’m sure many of you are wondering what occurred on our journey to the Moonstone. We took a longer, more strenuous journey to avoid any ShadowClan cats, and we ended up not seeing a single cat the whole trip there. Spottedleaf and Graypaw received a grave vision at the Moonstone, and said that we had to return as soon as possible. This meant we had to go back through WindClan territory, though Spottedleaf was adamant about us not having to worry about ShadowClan. And, in the end, we didn’t see a single ShadowClan cat until we arrived back at camp. We did, however, encounter something else that drastically slowed our pace. In our rush, we ran into a horde of rats, which we eventually fought off, but not without a cost.” She closed her eyes and sighed. “While fighting them, I lost one of my lives. I now only have four.”

“What did she say?” Graypaw asked, startling Firepaw so bad he almost shot straight into the air. He glanced down to find that Graypaw had significantly calmed down, though he still leaned heavily against Firepaw’s side. “She has four?”

“Yeah, that’s what she said…” Firepaw murmured, confused on why he was confused.

“But… she only has two.”

“What?” he balked. “How do you know that?” He remembered when Bluestar had asked Spottedleaf if she had seen how many lives Brokentail had at the Gathering. “Can… can you see her lives?”

“Not… quite,” he whispered. “It’s more like… her aura? The more lives a cat has, the stronger the aura around them is. Spottedleaf’s been teaching me how to tell exactly how many lives a leader has based on how strong their aura is. She used Bluestar as an example of what a cat with three lives looked like, and when she lost a life fighting the rats, I saw her aura shrink. It’s barely stronger than any other cat’s aura now, which means she only has two lives.”

“But… why would she lie about how many lives she has?”

“I don’t know… Maybe because she doesn’t want to look weak? We did almost get run out by ShadowClan today, and… two cats died.” His gaze fell down to Rosetail, the intense grief returning to his eyes. “It might be a way to try and increase the Clan’s confidence, make them feel safer.”

Firepaw hummed, looking back up at Bluestar, who still had injuries and blood showing on her pelt, but didn’t falter under the gazes of her Clanmates. Admiration sparked inside of him as he realized just how strong she was. It doesn’t matter to me if she has four or two lives left, he thought. I feel more than safe that she’s my leader.

“I know today’s battle has left many scars, and taken away two good cats,” Bluestar said, a brief flash of grief showing on her face before she shook it off, “but all we can do is mourn, cleanup, and move on. The rest of tonight, we will share tongues with Lionheart and Rosetail for the last time until the elders to put them to their final rest. Sandstorm.” She looked down at the new warrior, whose head was still held high. “As proof of your new position, you will serve vigil over our camp tonight and vow silence until the sun’s first light has risen. Do you accept this task?” When Sandstorm nodded, she nodded back. “Good. Then, I believe that is all - ”

“Bluestar, may I make a request before you end this meeting?” Tigerclaw suddenly asked, standing back up.

Many cats murmured amongst themselves as Bluestar’s ear twitched and tail lashed once, before she nodded. “Yes… What is it that you request, Tigerclaw?”

“I know I should have discussed this with you beforehand, but I figured since everyone is already gathered here, we may as well do it now.”

“And what is it exactly you wish to do?” Bluestar asked, voice beginning to get impatient.

Never faltering despite the whispers of his rudeness spreading across camp and Bluestar’s annoyed gaze pointed right at him, he said with a glance towards the edge of camp, “I wish for there to be a caretaker ceremony for my apprentice.”

Many gasps shot up from the clearing. Firepaw frowned and followed Tigerclaw’s gaze to Ravenpaw, who looked like he had stopped breathing entirely. “Wait… does he mean that he wants Ravenpaw to become a caretaker? But he’s still an apprentice. Can toms even become caretakers?”

“Of course,” Graypaw replied, his gaze also on Ravenpaw. “Anyone can become a caretaker, even apprentices. It’s just rarer. But… to have an apprentice’s mentor request one for them without prior discussion with Bluestar? That’s… basically unheard of. And it doesn’t even seem like it’s Ravenpaw’s idea.”

Bluestar narrowed her eyes at Tigerclaw, flicking her tail for silence before asking, “and why should I give your apprentice a caretaker ceremony now?”

“Ravenpaw has never been good at fighting, nor does he want to fight. He’s been behind on battle training for moons now, and I believe that even if he were to train for twice as long, he would not pass his assessment before the younger apprentices. And…” He paused to gaze more steadily at Ravenpaw. “I saw him today during the battle. Instead of fighting, he ran to the edge of camp and stayed there. When I went to chase Brokentail away from Lionheart’s corpse, I saw Ravenpaw cowering there, not a scratch on him.” He turned back to Bluestar. “I believe it’s in everyone’s best interest if he come a caretaker instead of continuing to try and become something he obviously is not."

The murmurs increased with everything he said with more scrutinizing looks being thrown at Ravenpaw, who still sat at the edge of camp, seemingly frozen solid with how little movement he was making. Firepaw bristled and could feel Graypaw beginning to growl. “This is humiliating…” Graypaw spat quietly.

“Why is he doing this…?” Firepaw asked, anger rising the longer he looked at Tigerclaw’s smug expression. “Why now?”

Bluestar was quiet on the Highrock as the cats below either murmured their displeasure at Tigerclaw or at Ravenpaw. Her eyes were in slits as she stared down Tigerclaw like she was trying to see past his words for his actual meaning. Finally, she sighed and stood, calling out, “Ravenpaw.”

All eyes turned towards the small apprentice. Ravenpaw was still frozen, but he knew that he had to go when called. Firepaw watched as he slowly, slowly crept forward, past him and Graypaw, past Lionheart’s body, past Tigerclaw, and seated himself below the Highrock, terrified gaze pointed up at Bluestar.

“Ravenpaw,” she said again, softer this time. “Is it your wish to become a caretaker?”

The whole clearing was quiet as Ravenpaw pressed his lips together in thought. Moments went by with still no answer.

“Well?” prompted Bluestar, brow raised when he startled at her voice.

Ravenpaw visibly swallowed as he glanced around the clearing, no doubt seeing the disapproving faces of his peers. Firepaw saw the exact moment when Ravenpaw’s gaze connected with Tigerclaw’s, and it looked like immediate resignation. Ears and tail drooping, Ravenpaw turned back to face Bluestar. Taking a deep breath, he nodded. “It is my wish,” he rasped out.

Yet Bluestar still didn’t seem convinced. “You realize that by becoming a caretaker now, you will take on your full name, but give up all warrior duties, including hunting. And, if you ever change your mind and wish to return to the path of a warrior, you must then exchange your full name, take back your ’paw name, and resume your training where you left off. Do you understand this?”

“Yes, Bluestar,” he said quietly.

“And knowing this, you still wish to become a caretaker?”

“Yes, Bluestar,” he said again, voice confident, yet his body language was hesitant.

There was a brief moment of silence as she stared down Ravenpaw, but eventually she sighed deeply and nodded. “If you really do wish it to happen, then I’ll perform the ceremony.” Sparing one glance towards Tigerclaw, she then turned all her attention upon the small black apprentice. “Ravenpaw, I accept your request to become a caretaker, and in doing so, give you your full name. From this day onward, you shall be known as Raventhroat. May you help raise ThunderClan’s kits as if they were your own.”

Instead of murmuring their approval, most of the cats in the clearing instead muttered amongst themselves, watching as the newly named Raventhroat dipped his head gratefully towards Bluestar, before spinning around and practically dashing to the nursery. In his hurry to get out of the spotlight, he nearly ran right into Yellow, who seemed to have finally calmed the kits down enough to leave. She raised a brow at him before glancing over at Firepaw, who shook his head hopelessly.

Bluestar watched him go silently, and once his white tipped tail disappeared into the bramble bush, she turned back to the crowd below her. “With that, this meeting has concluded. Now, we mourn for our losses.” She jumped off of the Highrock, and the crowd began to disperse.

Graypaw stood as soon as the meeting was over and padded over to Rosetail’s side. Firepaw worried for a moment that he would lash out again, but sighed in relief when he simply settled down next to Whitestorm and began to help groom out her fur.

Firepaw thought of joining him, but spotted Sandstorm making her way over to the gorse entrance for her own vigil. Quickly, he padded up to her and, when he got her attention, gave her a soft smile. “Congratulations, and… I’m sorry for your loss.”

Sandstorm blinked at him, opening her mouth then quickly shutting it again as she remembered the rule against talking. Instead, she simply gave a small, tired smile back and nodded before continuing to her position, leaving Firepaw feeling pleased by the positive interaction.

It was then that he turned back around and joined Graypaw’s side next to Rosetail, pressing his flank up against his to make sure he knew he was there for him.

Time passed, and it was eventually time to bury the dead, the moon high in the sky, casting an eerie glow through a thin layer of mist. All the elders gathered around Lionheart’s body, picking him up and carrying him out into the forest where all dead cats were buried. Those closest to Lionheart followed the elders out, though Firepaw noticed Sandstorm’s sad eyes watching them leave and knew that she wanted to follow, but couldn’t because of her vigil. After a while, the elders came back alone, the relatives of Lionheart having stayed behind to say their last goodbyes over his grave.

It was then Rosetail’s turn. The elder’s didn’t have as hard of a time picking her body up, so they managed to carry her out quicker than Lionheart. Graypaw began to follow the procession, but Firepaw stayed behind. He hadn’t been that close to Rosetail, and so he thought it inappropriate to follow just because he wanted to accompany Graypaw.

Once he was gone, Firepaw stood and padded to the apprentice’s den, feeling like he was going to pass out at any moment. When he pushed back the ferns, he paused to look at the emptiness of the den. Sandstorm and Raventhroat’s nests were empty, and now always would be.

It’s only Graypaw and me in here now… he thought. On any other day, the thought would have excited him. No more cranky Sandstorm telling them to be quiet as they tried to tell the other about their day! No more overheated nights when the sheer amount of bodies sleeping in the ferns would raise the temperature to an unsleepable height!

But now, after everything that had happened that day, the thought only made him sad. It didn’t help that Graypaw’s nest was empty because he was out grieving, either.

Filled with sadness and exhaustion, he padded over and settled into his nest, falling asleep instantly despite the overwhelming loneliness of the den.

*

When Firepaw woke the next morning, it was to the soft snoring of Graypaw by his side. Relief at not waking up to an empty flooded him until he saw the pained look on his friend’s face, and how he twitched in his sleep.

He glanced outside and realized the sun was already high in the sky, and he could hear the hustle and bustle of a camp rebuilding. Knowing he had to get up, but also knowing Graypaw probably needed as much sleep as he could get, Firepaw slowly got up, stretched his muscles (he had been right about feeling all the training he did yesterday, and the extra fighting from the battle did not help one bit), and gave Graypaw a quick, reassuring lick on the forehead that he hoped made his sleep just a bit easier, before he hurried out into the clearing.

As he exited the apprentice’s den, he glanced around and confirmed with his eyes that the whole Clan was helping rebuild the camp. Almost everyone was out and about, save for those closest to the recently dead, who he guessed were all still trying to catch up on sleep. He looked around the clearing to try and spot a place where he could help out as well, but then his gaze fell upon Raventhroat, who was helping Sparrowpelt and Willowpelt patch up a hole in the camp’s wall.

Remembering how quickly he had run off to the nursery after his caretaker ceremony, Firepaw set a course to him, hoping to question him on exactly what had happened last night. But, as soon as Raventhroat caught sight of him, he quickly turned to Sparrowpelt to say something and spun around to enter the elder’s den, probably using the excuse to find spare twigs and branches around the fallen tree trunk.

Firepaw stopped in his pursuit, knowing that it would do no good hound him into giving up the answers. He’ll tell me when he’s ready, he thought. Hopefully…

Looking around to find something else to do, he spotted Yellow grooming herself in her usual corner. This was no unusual sight, but the sight of her without a guard was certainly enough for him to hurry over.

“Yellow!” he called out as he approached, gaining her attention. “Are you all right after yesterday’s fight?” He glanced around one more time to be sure. “Where’s your guard for the day?”

The old molly’s bright orange eyes glinted in the sun. “Don’t need one anymore,” she chuckled, “not after what I did to protect those kits. Besides, ThunderClan needs all available warriors to help clean up this whole mess, not babysit me.”

He perked up. “Wait, does that mean you’re a part of ThunderClan now?!”

“Don’t get your tail in a twizzle, kit,” she warned. “You may be forgetting that I’m an exiled cat from ShadowClan. So, until the leader of ShadowClan pardons me, I stay an exiled cat, and not even Bluestar can change that.”

“Oh…” he murmured, feeling a bit foolish in his excited outburst. Looking for a way to quickly change the subject before the air between them got too awkward, he scanned her face, remembering the scratch that had been bleeding into her eye. “Are your injuries okay?”

“Are yours?” she countered, glancing down at his belly. “I remember seeing you get a real beating before I drove Blackfoot away.”

“I’m… I’m fine,” he said, a bit unsure. If he was honest with himself, he’d admit that he had forgotten all about the molly who had almost torn his stomach out. But as he glanced down to check for himself, he realized that although it stung just a bit, it wasn’t bleeding, nor did it stand out against his fur. “Yeah, I’m fine.”

“Have Spottedleaf check it out regardless,” she grunted, going back to grooming her fur.

Firepaw’s ear twitched, a smile creeping onto his face, but he said nothing, just simply nodding. There were a few moments of easy silence before another thought came to his mind. “Speaking of Blackfoot… How did you manage to drive him off? He’s huge, and I overhead some cats in ShadowClan talking about how he should’ve been deputy instead of Rowanberry at the Gathering.”

Yellow scoffed. “I’ve known Blackfoot since he was a kit. He was always a follower. He could get places just by following the right cat, but he’s always chosen the wrong one. He’s in over his head with following Brokentail, could only give me a few swipes before his conscious made him run.” She chuckled hoarsely, then grew serious. “...How did Rowanberry seem at the Gathering? She was there, wasn’t she?”

“Yeah…” he answered. “She… seemed fine, but she always had her head bowed whenever I looked at her, so I could never really see her expression.” He paused. “Why?”

Sighing, Yellow lifted her head to stare Firepaw straight on. “She’s my sister, that’s why.”

A brief moment of shock went through him, but quickly faded as he remembered seeing Rowanberry’s flattened face, a face that seemed too similar to Yellow’s for it to be a coincidence. “But… wait. If she’s your sister, then why is she still deputy? Did she support Brokentail throwing you out?”

“Of course not,” she spat, then quickly eased up when Firepaw flinched. “No, she didn’t. But she had no choice but to let him do it. You see… Rowanberry has several kits, and even a grandkit, with more on the way. She couldn’t speak out, in fear that they would take her punishment.”

“But then why blackmail her in the first place when he could just appoint one of his own loyal cats?”

She shook her head. “I think it was supposed to be some sort of statement to the other Clans. Something to try and tell them that the majority of the Clan agreed with his new position, even the deputy, however false that may be in actuality.”

Firepaw sighed. “This is… all so complicated.”

“You could say that again…” Yellow sighed, glancing towards the Highrock, where the lichens hiding Bluestar’s den from view remained untouched. “It’ll be interesting to know what Bluestar plans to do now that ShadowClan has made themselves a threat.”

Firepaw hummed, worry licking at his paws. It was with a sigh that he got back to his feet. “Well, I guess I should go help out somewhere. With the amount of damage ShadowClan did… it might take us into tomorrow to finish all the repairs.” He looked back to Yellow and smiled. “I’m glad you don’t have to have a guard anymore. And I don’t really care whether or not you’re still considered an exiled cat; you’ll always be a part of ThunderClan in my heart.”

Yellow stared at him for a heartbeat before she snorted, bending over to try and conceal her wheezing snickers, failing miserably.

Realizing just how cheesy his words were, Firepaw felt his ears grow hot, stuttering out, “you… you know what I mean!” Sniffing, he quickly turned and around and began to dash away. “I’ll go see Spottedleaf when I’m done helping clean!” he called back from over his shoulder, knowing that if he didn’t at least say it that he was going to get bugged about it later.

“I’ll make sure you do!” he heard her call back between fits of laughter, and he smiled to himself before getting to work.

[cryptidclaw]

Hey, I am a little off about what happens in your Au, and was wondering if you could break down what happens in the first series of warrior cats in YOUR Au.

For the first series not much changes! atleast so far I havent changed too much but, that could change at any point lolol.

But this does give me a chance to write out and elaborate on some things/ ideas that I haven't mentioned yet!

The main differences so far are as follows:

Thistleclaw was the son of Pinestar and Leopardfoot instead of Tigerclaw, this is where Thistle got his hatred for outsiders from! I know that's not really a part of the first series but its good backstory!

Tigerclaw is Thistleclaw's son and Whitestorm's brother from the same litter, and he learned his hatred for outsiders from his father. He grew to be much more like his dad then Whitestorm, mostly caused by him also being mentored by Thistleclaw

Sandstorm's parents are Redtail and Birdflight (Runningwind). Something I havent mentioned is I think that a lot of her attitude and anger issues are caused by her mourning and not being able to process her father's death, along will her struggling with high expectations since she was a deputy's kit.

Dustpelt and Ravenpaw are Dappletail and Stormtail's kits, and are deeply effected by the high expectations of the clan since they are half siblings of Bluestar.

Dapple and Storm also had two other kits before Dust and Raven! These kits are Downnose and Cricketstep! they are very good warriors, which is an added pressure on Dust and raven since their siblings have lived up to the clans expectations.

Another idea that I had and havent mentioned was for Dustpelt to be mentored by Downnose after Redtail died, apparently he was mentored by Darkstripe but I don't even remember that lol, and this would give more Downnose content!

Another thing that I haven't had a chance to mention yet is Darkstripe and Greystripe's parentage! Their mother is Willowpelt but their dad? he's unknown. She cats are allowed to just not say who the sire of their kits are, but this leaves people with a lot of questions.... In truth Willow had taken a mate from outside of Thunderclan, I haven't decided who, and it doesn't matter much, but she had Darkstripe with this cat. Over time as Dark grew up he realized that his mother must have had an affair outside of the clan, and since he was mentored by Tigerclaw, this upset him greatly, he became in denial about his parentage, distanced himself from his mother, and spent his time trying to prove himself as the biggest outsider hater of all and Tigerclaw follower. When Willow had Greystripe, it was obvious it was with the same cat, he looked so similar to Darkstripe, just lighter in color, which just enraged Dark more, he basically decided to ignore that Grey was his brother at all and Grey grew up barely knowing Dark, but not really liking him.

Firepaw does not have a crush on Spottedleaf and Spotted def does not have feelings for him! Spotted views him as a little brother, and took it upon herself to guide him because of the prophecy that she received. Her death was impactful to Fire because it felt like the death of a sister, and someone who believed in him and did not doubt him for being a kittypet.

Swiftpaw is Tigerclaw and Goldenflower's son! His death was caused by his own father!

All throughout the series Longtail and Fire's relationship has progressed though slower than Sand and Fire's, and after Swift's death thing come to a head and they comfort each other over the loss and become officially friends, and after this Longtail is outwardly a Fireheart stan!

Bramblekit does not look like Tigerclaw, at least he doesn't look like him in pelt color, he is gold like his mom, and has a slightly softer personality, (though this more so progresses when he grows older in the second arc and has character development)

Fireheart does NOT hate Tigerclaw's kits for being Tigerclaw's kits, idk if I've mentioned that yet, but that never made since to me, I feel like he would be one of their main defenders since he to suffered from judgement for his blood and origins.

I think I want to have Bloodclan not be an evil force, but instead an edgy tough group of cats who are just trying to survive. And instead of Tigerstar coming to them for their help, Fire comes to them instead. I got this idea from a post bit I cant find the post rn but I know I reblogged it at some point, but It basically described just this! and It makes since! Especially for what I want the first series to set up! I want it to symbolize the fall of old ideals and the beginning of a new era led by newer ideals. Firestar is willing to embrace the help of outsiders to protect the clans, and the side who is willing to except change and outsiders, is the side that wins in the end!

After the battle Fire and Longtail become mates (Fire and Sand became mates before the battle) Both Fire and Sand are poly in my au!

Finally after the battle before Ravenpaw returns to the barn with Barley, Fire gives him a warrior name, "Ravencall" for his bravery to speak out and tell others about what he had seen Tigerclaw do, and for his growth in confidence, now not hesitating to state his thought and opinions! after this Fire tells Ravencall that he will always have a place in Thunderclan if he so choses, but he understand just the same if Raven wishes to return to the barn, and he does (though in the second arc he actually will rejoin thunderclan!)

I think that this is all my ideas so far???? hopefully I haven't forgot anything! I think I will post this list a second time, and I will edit it add I change or add new ideas! and I will link it in my pinned post! also I can add it to my Drive!