#littlesnarl

[the-torn-ones]

Moon 2 events

Sandykit -> Sandypaw (Healer)

Looking at the crystals in this cave was no mystery to Sandypaw. It never was. Being here was no mistake, either. He knew in his heart that starclan had called the three of them here, and he wanted to learn as much about them as he could. So, when he announced to Fennelpaw and Littlekit that he’d been chosen to be a healer, he was left unsurprised when they both lit up and congratulated him.

Now, of course, he was on a patrol to gather herbs. He needed to get himself together if he wanted to really learn to be a healing spirit. He loved his friends like no other cat, and he wanted to make sure they had herbs and other items. He had the clan’s previous healer guiding his paws, too, so he was certain he could find something.

Unfortunately, he forgot the directions.

Littlekit feels less shocked.

Purring at the warmth of the sun flickering down into their cave from above, Littlekit waved her tail at Sandypaw as the new healer apprentice sulked back into camp. He lit up when he saw her, and jogged over. “Is Fennelpaw back yet?” He asked.

“No. We’re alone still! But that’s fine. Did you find anything?” Littlekit mewed, standing up to headbutt her friend.

“No… How has your day been? I’m sorry we keep leaving you all alone…” Sandykit apologized, though Littlekit thought it was silly.

“It was okay! I played mossball with the bugs. They’re not very good at it, though. Can I come with you next time?”

“No, you can’t… But you know what we can do?” His face lights up mischievously.

“What?” She tilted her head. Sandypaw whispered the plan into her ear, and she nodded, darting away in excitement.

~~~

“Littlekit! Sandypaw! I’m back from hunting!” The eldest cat’s voice rang through their camp. “Man, I have a story for you both!” The silence after rang hollow and empty through camp, and he paused in confusion. Where are they?

“Guys?” He asked, confused as he dropped his prey. His fur itched in a few spots from the burrs in there, but that wasn’t important for him now.

“Surprise!” Littlekit squeals, rocketing over the top of the log that sat under the sun-hole. She let out a shriek of fear as she tumbled off of it, and Fennelpaw rushed over in a panic.

“Littlekit! Don’t just do that!” He whined, nosing her over to check for injuries. Once satisfied, he let her push his muzzle away, and stared sternly at her. “Come on, Littlekit. That wasn’t nice. Not after… yeah.”

“Mm… okay. Won’t do it again, promise! It was Sandypaw’s idea, though.”

“Yeah, sorry Fennelpaw… I forgot you guys were in the clan long enough to know the others well…” Sandypaw admitted sheepishly as he poked his head out of the log. The healer apprentice blinked, and then padded over, forcing Fennelpaw to sit. “You’re covered in burrs, man. Sit down, let me help.”

“I can get it myself!” Fennelpaw huffed. Sandypaw shook his head.

“Don’t care. You and I will swap our prey for today, and then you won’t owe me, okay?” He grinned, before plucking a burr from Fennelpaw’s short, messy fur.

“Honestly! I don’t know how you don’t come home like this, your fur’s worse and longer than mine!” Fennelpaw complained.

“I take the time to clean myself, and Littlekit helps me with what I can’t reach.” Sandypaw shrugged, as he removed the last burr.

“Okay. And yeah, I’m cool with swapping prey.”

“Cool, you didn’t have a choice in the first place, ‘cause I like what you brought back better than mine.”

“Can I still have some of what you brought, thenc, Sandypaw? It’s big enough…” Littlekit shifted as she asked.

“Of course.” “Duh!” The boys responded in unison, and laughed.

Littlekit tumbled off of a log.

Sandypaw is playing a prank on Fennelpaw.

Fennelpaw is feeling sassy today.

Littlekit thinks Sandypaw was nice to her today.

Fennelpaw and Sandypaw swap favorite prey.

Sandypaw helps Fennelpaw pick burrs from his coat.

Previous moon - Next moon

[partsonapizza]

Slasher_94022 and LittleSnarl! newest family members :o)

[the-torn-ones]

Moon 1 events

Fennelkit -> Fennelpaw

Fennelpaw stares at the sky, eyes glistening sadly as he wonders if he could have done anything. Today would have been the day he was going to become an apprentice, and while he didn’t think he’d earned it, Sandykit and Littlekit refused to continue calling him Fennelkit, no matter how hard he pleaded. Anxiously, he leaves their new home, the whispers from cats he doesn’t know leaving his ears as he walks. He has to catch them food — One way or another.

Nevertheless, the young tom sets out on that mission, and soon enough, he’s caught wind of a mouse. As soon as he spots it, he bunches up his hind legs, and pounces, only to miss. His tail had moved before him, alerting the mouse.

Mouse-dung, as the late warriors of Thornclan would have said.

Littlekit is in shock.

Littlekit couldn’t believe it. Her mother, Graydapple, the molly she had been curled against just a day ago, was dead. And she couldn’t have saved her, either. Worst yet, her grandfather, Pebblestar, and all the other cats of Thornclan, were dead too! But she didn’t remember any of them like she remembered Graydapple.

She couldn’t help but feel her tiny kit heart breaking, even as she watched Sandykit chase his tail. She wondered if he was even okay, his parents had died, too! She knew he never really got along with them, but isn’t it in their nature to grieve family? Well, he was grumpy all the time, but it was like he wasn’t caring at all that they’d lost their clan!

When she told him her worries, Fennelpaw only sighed, and told her some cats just don’t get along. She resigned herself to accepting this answer.

Relationship events and Statuses:

Littlekit is amused at how Sandykit manages to look so grumpy all the time.

Sandykit is chasing his tail.

Littlekit is worried about Sandykit.

The sprites - Next moon

[the-torn-ones]

Moon 16 events

Some raspberry went bad.

Littlesnarl loved listening to Sandyscratch's stories about their clan history, now that he was learning these stories whenever he visited Starclan. His voice was so smooth, so nice to listen to. She loved to fall asleep curled up in his nest with him. She usually said it was because of the cold, but it was greenleaf, so she really had no excuse. His long fur was nice to cuddle with, though.

TL;DR

Littlesnarl is developing a crush on Sandyscratch as he tells her a story.

Fennelstar is listening in.

Moon 1 - Previous moon - Next moon

[the-torn-ones]

Moon 14 events

Fenneltrail -> Fennelstar

Littlepaw -> Littlesnarl

Rimespark, a deceased warrior of Thornclan, offered him a life for mercy, reassuring Fenneltrail that the ceremony would not be long.

Pondwhistle, another warrior of Thornclan, gave him a life for bravery. She seemed certain he would be a wonderful leader.

Dogdapple gave him a life for unity, though he could see the doubt in her eyes.

Wheatspeck, the old tom who had been in the elder's den his entire kithood, gave him a life for courage. He swore he heard Wheatspeck remarking that he'd better be smart.

Graydapple offered him a life for confidence, her eyes glittering happily. She had once been deputy, and now she was bestowing a life to a new leader.

Silentfern, yet another Tornclan warrior, gave him a life for friendship, though he felt she was tense the entire time.

Bouncepaw, a cat he'd heard of before, but never met, bounded forward, and gave him a life for trust.

Finally, Pebblestar came forward, and bestowed him with a life for strength in the face of hardship.

Confused, he looked around, blinking. That wasn't it, there was one more to get...

Then, all of Starclan spoke at once. They gave him his final life together, and started cheering his name.

Fennelstar! Fennelstar! Fennelstar!

A chill of doubt spread through him, but it was too late now, he was waking up. He gulped, and bristled somewhat as his vision ended. Fennelstar lifted his head, panting in a rush of sudden fear, as he stood up.

"Hey! Hey, dude, chill! You're fine, what happened? Did you get rejected?" Sandyscratch meowed, voice full of worry.

"No, no, I'm still leader, I just... I feel a sense of doom..."

TL;DR

Fennelstar and Littlesnarl find a dead kittypet on the thunderpath.

Fennelstar asks Sandyscratch for his wisdom.

Littlesnarl snitched on Fennelstar to Sandyscratch.

Moon 1 - Previous moon - Next moon

[the-torn-ones]

Moon 11 events

Fennelpaw's broken bone has healed.

Fennelpaw stretched as he returned to his nest, tired from the day. He nudged Littlepaw awake, as now was time for her to go on guard duty.

"Mmmh... Already?" She grumbled, getting up.

"Yeah... But hey, don't worry. I'll have your back with my sweet fighting skills, even if Sandypaw can't fight even for a mouse." He joked reassuringly. A paw hit him from beside him, and he flinched. Whoops, Sandypaw heard that...

TL;DR

Fennelpaw and Littlepaw do some training, and discuss his restless sleep.

Fennelpaw promises to always look out for Littlepaw.

Sandypaw caught Fennelpaw complaining about him behind his back.

Moon 1 - Previous moon - Next moon

Littlepaw aged up;

[the-torn-ones]

Moon 7 events

Nothing significant happened.

Littlepaw found herself digging the grave for a cat she barely knew, her mind empty as she dug and dug and dug. Before she knew it, the air was chilling with the sunset, and she was forcing herself to climb out of her hole, and drag the cat's body in.

She hated this. She hated border patrols so much.

TL;DR:

Littlepaw helps Fennelpaw practice a fighting move

Sandypaw wishes the other apprentices could understand him.

Littlepaw appreciates how Sandypaw always seems to ask how she's doing.

Fennelpaw is talking with Littlepaw.

Sandypaw asks Fennelpaw how he's doing.

Littlepaw tries to carry a dying cat home for healing, but does not succeed.

Moon 1 - Previous moon - Next moon

Fennelpaw aged up;

[the-torn-ones]

Moon 5 events

Littlekit -> Littlepaw

charismatic, interested in herbs

Littlepaw tore after Fennelpaw, the two of them running excitedly through the rocky terrain of their forested mountain. She was so excited, now she was old enough to explore, all on her own! Well, Fennelpaw was here, but they were both without mentors still, to her annoyance. Fennelpaw had told her about a loner he was sure he could get to come join, and once he was done showing her around, he’d said he would take her to see them. That’s what they were doing now.

“That’s it! That’s the barn. It’s right on the edge of Pounceclan territory, but I’m sure they won’t mind!” Fennelpaw exclaimed, slowing himself to a fast walk as she caught up.

“Woah! So that’s a barn? Why’s it so big? Where did that name come from?” She asked, tail swishing excitedly. Finally, a grown-up cat! They could finally have more company again!

“I dunno, that’s what the loner said they heard twolegs calling it… Don’t know how they understood those things, but whatever.” Fennelpaw shrugged.

“Oh. That’s a weird name for it, I wonder why they…?” She trailed off in dread as they both heard the sound of a pained hiss from behind a bush.

“Hello?” Fennelpaw called anxiously, eyes full of worry. “It smells like a Pounceclan patrol came through recently, be careful Littlepaw…” He whispered to her.

“Eh? Whoosat?” A rough, raspy voice called from under the bush, and an old grey tabby tom dragged himself out, barely able to move.

“… I um… You’re not the cat I met here a week ago, are you?” Fennelpaw gulped, eyes full of panic.

“Nope. I ain’t seen a whisker of no cats in days! Not since those nasty Pounceclaners or whatever came along and started bein’ all rough-housey again…” The tom coughed harshly after he spoke, and Littlepaw grimaced as something red came out. Memories of the collapse of their old home came back, and she froze.

Graydapple, I’m sorry! Her mind rushed, and she immediately started trying to pull the tom out fully.

“Hey, Littlepaw, watch him. I’m getting Sandypaw, okay?” Fennelpaw said, taking note of her sudden panic, and taking charge of the situation.

“Okay, Dogdapple,” She said plainly, as Fennelpaw paused. He stared at her for a second at the mention of their dead healer’s name, but quickly decided he had to hurry, and left. “Who did this…?” She murmured to the tom, pawing through his pelt to find any injuries — Which, admittedly, he had a lot of cuts.

“Them darn Pounceclaners called me outa my barn for a fight! I tried to fight em off, but there were too darn many. They done tore me up, they did.” He wheezed out more blood, and she grimaced as she found a huge wound on his belly. No way a cat made it with just one swipe.

“Ok… um, my friends have taught me basic first aid, I’m gonna try to stop the bleeding, okay?” She said, trying to reassure herself more than him. She could tell the old tom was more than content with his death, but she wasn’t.

“Don’t bother… My ma’s calling, I gotta answer…” He murmured, his voice weaker with every word. She pressed her paws against his flank, trying to stop the blood that was slowly oozing out at this point. She didn’t hear anyone calling, but she distantly remembered her mother saying something similar to her when she died.

Don’t worry, Littlekit. Your father is calling me.

She gulped, tears prickling at her eyes. Not again… She didn’t want to lose anyone ever again. Even this scraggly old tom, who she’d only just met deserved to live.

She was holding pressure on the wound for longer than she cared to count, tuning the world around her out, even as Sandypaw and Fennelpaw’s scents surrounded her. She barely responded when Sandypaw pulled her away, and nudged her to camp.

[Sandypaw’s POV]

He arrived at the scene, and immediately was horrified to find the tom’s form stilled, and Littlepaw hunched over his body, still trying to stop the nonexistent bleeding.

“Oh stars…” Fennelpaw blinked, and looked to Sandypaw for word on what to do. “Should we still help…?”

Sandypaw moved to sit beside Littlepaw, and sniffed the tom. The faint stench of death hit him, and he recoiled immediately, shaking his head. The tom was probably too far gone when Fennelpaw and Littlepaw had found him, so his concern was on Littlepaw now.

“You find somewhere safe to bury his body, Fennelpaw. I’m taking Littlepaw back to camp and giving her some thyme.” He grunted the order out, and Fennelpaw nodded, obviously still shocked from it all. Sandypaw scruffed Littlepaw, and removed her from the corpse of the tom they’d never met. He understood her concern — the tom had a similar appearance to her mother at first glance — but he needed her to go home and rest now. As she stumbled up and away from the body, he nudged her in the direction of camp. Hopefully she’d recover soon enough to start training with Fennelpaw before the next gathering…

[Fennelpaw’s POV]

He returned to camp just before the last light of the sun faded, his eyes swiftly adjusting to the darkness of their caves. His paws were dirty from digging a grave alone, as hard as he had tried to wash off the dirt in the river near their clan’s burial grounds. He hadn’t given much thought to where to bury the old tom — He’d died a warrior’s death, defending his territory to his last breath. He deserved the honor of being buried as a clan cat. He never knew the tom’s real name, but he decided he’d call him Silverthrush, and dedicate his next hunt to the tom’s journey to his afterlife.

He’d barely thought about it at the time, but looking back, he knew should have realized Littlepaw was in no state to be left alone there. She’d called him Dogdapple, even though she barely knew the young molly who’d once been their senior healer. He frowned at himself in the reflection of the Starstone, huffing as he padded past it. He shouldn’t have left her, and now she was in no condition to hunt tomorrow… And on top of that, they’d have no food for today, because he took so long burying Silverthrush.

“I’m back.” He called softly as he entered the healer’s den, and Sandypaw looked up. Fennelpaw paused, as he gazed at Littlepaw and Sandypaw curled up together in a nest. Oh.

“Shh, don’t be loud. She’s trying to sleep.” Sandypw hushed him, stretching a paw out. The younger tom gently nuzzled Littlepaw, who sleepily butted her head against his.

“I buried him, and I gave him a warrior’s name.” Fennelpaw whispered, crouching down and folding his paws under himself before he got too close.

“What name?” Sandypaw whispered back.

“Silverthrush.”

“That’s nice… Tell me more jokes later, Sandypaw…?” Littlepaw piped up softly, her voice trailing off as she went to sleep.

“…?” He raised a brow at Sandypaw, who looked embarrassed.

“… I had to distract her long enough so she could calm down enough to eat some thyme, okay?” He grumbled.

“Sure dude. Anyways… I buried him with our clanmates. Near your dad, since that was the only spot i could determine was open.” Fennelpaw continued. Sandypaw lowered his head glumly.

“I only hope Silverthrush found peace in death… I sure wouldn’t.” Sandypaw’s voice cracked a little as he spoke.

Somehow, Fennelpaw couldn’t help but agree with that. How could any cat in their situation be happy dying?

TL;DR

Fennelpaw and Littlepaw were unable to save a loner from bleeding out.

Littlepaw called Fennelpaw the wrong name.

Fennelpaw is surprised to hear Sandypaw express an ideal they can agree with.

Sandypaw made Littlepaw laugh again and again.

Littlepaw is in awe of Sandypaw’s growth as a medicine cat apprentice.

Sandypaw is distracted on his patrol today.

Moon 1 - Previous moon - Next moon

[the-torn-ones]

Moon 4

No significant events occurred

“Sorry, Littlekit…” Littlekit barely heard Fennelpaw’s mumble as he passed her coming into camp, and she immediately felt confused. Why was he apologizing? He brought back a huge rabbit!

“Fennelpaw! How did you get that?!” Sandypaw exclaimed, bounding up. “Usually you’re bringing back smaller things, like thrushes and mice! Man, we’ll be eating for two days on this!”

“Yeah, you and Littlekit will…” Fennelpaw mumbled, dropping the rabbit before Sandypaw’s paws and looking away.

“What? What’s that supposed to mean? Fennelpaw, you’re our main hunter! You have to eat.” Sandypaw’s voice filled with stern worry as he scolded Fennelpaw.

“It’s fine. I’ll be fine for a day, I’ll eat before the gathering, the day after tomorrow.”

The gathering… Littlekit hated Gathering nights. Fennelpw and Sandypaw would go off to watch the other clans at the gathering from the distance, and sneak around all night being incredibly risky. If they were caught, they could get chased away! What then, those other clans were mean! They might hurt them…

“I ate a mouse on patrol today, Sandypaw!” Fennelpaw burst out, snapping Littlekit from her little thought chain.

“… And? You were hungry. I’m not gonna get mad at you for feeding our only hunter, Fennelpaw!” Sandypaw groaned.

“Yeah, but it’s against the code!” Fennelpaw huffed, “We still have a kit to feed!”

“So what?! You brought back plenty of prey. You’re fine, dude. Chill!”

“… Whatever.” Fennelpaw mumbled, and stalked off to start cleaning camp.

“… I think we’ve been too hard on him.” Sandypaw murmured, and Littlekit nodded.

“I think you were too mean last moon… He hasn’t been the same since he heard you being mean!” She observed.

“… I’ve said sorry so many times… I was just joking…” Sandypaw muttered sadly, picking up the rabbit and gesturing for her to follow him to his den, so they could eat and sort the herbs he’d gathered.

TL;DR:

Littlekit and Sandypaw agree about something trivial.

Fennelpaw apologized to littlekit for something or other.

Sandypaw notices how Fennelpaw is being helpful around camp.

Sandypaw is visiting the nursery to give Littlekit a checkup.

Littlekit is asking why all the herbs are bitter.

Fennelpaw chooses to eat something out on patrol instead of in camp.

Sandypaw gathers more ragwort and tansy.

Moon 1 - Previous moon - Next moon

[the-torn-ones]

Moon 3

No significant events.

“How are you?” Sandypaw asked, looking at Littlekit with light interest.

“I wanna sneak out!” She smiles widely, shooting up from her nest in their makeshift nursery.

“Oh yeah? Let’s do it!” His eyes twinkle mischievously, and he nudges the 4-moon-old out of camp with him. She squeaks nervously, but goes after his lead regardless.

“A-Are you sure? What if Fennelpaw finds out?” She asks hesitantly.

“Fennelpaw’s a big scaredy-cat! He’d never been so boring before the disast—… Oh.” Sandypaw started, only to cut off as he looked up to see Fennelpaw standing there, mouth agape with herbs on the ground at his paws.

“…” Fennelpaw looked down.

“So— Do I need to hunt…?” Sandypaw laughed nervously.

“Don’t talk to me.” Fennelpaw murmured as he passed, leaving the herbs there. Littlekit panicked, and ran after their older friend.

“Wait! Fennelpaw!” Sandypaw heard her call, and looked back momentarily before leaving. The last thing he glimpsed of them was Littlekit holding onto Fennelpaw’s tail.

Sandypaw figured he’d better make use of himself and gather herbs and prey as an apology. By the time he came back, the sun was setting, and he’d gotten a rabbit, some tansy, and added Fennelpaw’s ragwort to the herb stores.

“I’m sorry, Fennelpaw…” He murmured, as he passed the other tom’s sleeping form in their messy apprentice’s den.

Sandypaw asks Littlekit how she’s doing.

Littlekit comes up with a plan to sneak out of camp with Sandypaw.

Fennelpaw heard Sandypaw talking badly about him.

Littlekit is attempting to pounce on Fennelpaw’s tail.

Moon 1 - Previous moon - Next moon

[the-torn-ones]

Moon 19 events

Nothing significant happened.

Fennelstar returned from patrol with Littlesnarl, tail swishing idly behind him. They'd met a kittypet named Fang, but the blue-grey tabby molly had abstained from following them. He sighed. He really needed a warrior to help his clan out, but no one else came.

Crackeriris padded up to him, a soft and yet sly smile on his face. Fennelstar barely paid attention to the joke he made, something about other cats being too cowardly to join them in clanlife. Things were awkward for a second after he forced a laugh, before Sandyscratch came in. The young healer looked sore and annoyed, and Crackeriris joined him in returning to their den.

Stars help the four of them.

TL;DR

crackeriris contemplates a dream

sandyscratch struggles to find lungwort

fennelstar and littlesnarl try to invite a kittypet, but they’re scared by the idea of clan life. met: fang

crackeriris told fennelstar a joke and is happy to be his clanmate

sandyscratch wonders what crackeriris would do in a tough situation

Moon 1 - Previous moon - Next moon

[the-torn-ones]

Moon 18 events

Fennelstar lost his first life to a snake.

Fennelstar gasped awake, his body jerking a bit as he came back to consciousness. Pebblestar had greeted him in Starclan, but immediately sent him back, telling him there were more important things to be tending to soon. Wheezing, he tried to stumble up, but a paw swiftly pushed him back down. He groaned, and glanced around to see the source. It was Crackeriris, who had been near him when he was bit. He exhaled in relief.

"What happened... Is the snake gone...?" He asked softly, voice hoarse from the pain that was only starting to ebb.

"Yes. Littlesnarl dispatched it after I called for aid. Not to worry, no one else was harmed." The older tom grunted, nudging him softly to check for his vital signs. "Good, your heart is beating again." The comment came as though Crackeriris wasn't sure he was actually alive, oddly enough. "Come back to the healer's den. Sandyscratch knows more about this odd lives thing of yours, he'll know how to help."

"Whe- Where's Littlesnarl?" He mumbled as he stood, and Crackeriris flicked his side with his tail.

"She'll return soon, she left camp to throw out the snake. Come on now, get to Sandyscratch! He's gathering the herbs you need, don't leave him waiting," The old healer growled warmly, nudging the leader towards the den he shared with Sandyscratch.

"Okay, okay... I'm going," He grunted, staggering towards the den as Crackeriris followed him closely. Heavy, quick pawsteps faded into camp as they walked, and Littlesnarl rushed up to him, only skidding to a halt as she stared at him with wild worry in her eyes.

"Fennelstar! You're alive!" She gasped, bumping her head against him. He took note of Sandyscratch poking his head out of the den ahead and grimacing at her affectionate response, but made no indication that he saw it.

"Yes, I've got more lives to spare, so don't get so worried, okay?" He purred, nuzzling her back.

"I can't help it... You're the brother I never had, Fennelstar... My only family." She said softly, leaning her body against his as she moved to follow the two of them.

"I know, you're like a little sister to me, too. That's why I don't want you so worried. If things go well, you'll be gone long before me, okay?" He smiled sadly, a hollow pit in his gut at the thought of having to lose her.

"Hey. Got your herbs, Fennelstar," Sandyscratch interrupted gruffly as he arrived. The younger healer pushed a pile of herbs towards his leader, and Fennelstar cringed as he sniffed them. Yuck. Smelled like they'd be bitter, but it was all he could do to get his energy back in time for patrols, he supposed.

"You should have stopped the snake!" Littlesnarl whisper-growled to Crackeriris behind him, and he pretended not to hear as they got into an argument.

"I didn't see it!" Crackeriris snapped back, "And besides, you're the one with fighting skills. If you're so worried, go protect Fennelstar yourself instead of sharing tongues with my colleague all day!"

"Fine! Maybe I will." She spat under her breath, and hurried into Sandyscratch's den to mess with the nest she'd taken to whenever she felt like sleeping in their den. Sandyscratch watched her with his jaw agape, and hurried after her.

TL;DR

Fennelstar tells Littlesnarl to count on him in a difficult situation.

Littlesnarl and Crackeriris bicker about something trivial.

Crackeriris notices Littlesnarl is the first to volunteer for a difficult task.

Sandyscratch is happy to run into Littlesnarl today.

Fennelstar and Littlesnarl greet Irisclan.

Crackeriris and Sandyscratch can't make sense of a vision Crackeriris had.

Moon 1 - Previous moon - Next moon

[the-torn-ones]

Moon 15 events

Nothing significant happened.

Fennelstar sat high and mighty on the top of the Rockledge of the Center Hollow, waiting for the first of the gathering patrols to arrive. It was almost time for them to get here, and Sandyscratch and Littlesnarl were in their places.

A throat cleared behind him, and he almost screamed, jumping up in place. He turned, seeing a cat behind him, with a patrol of very, very confused cats behind him. He paused, and then called to his friends. "Sandyscratch, Littlesnarl! Be ready."

"Who are you? What level of audacity makes you think you can trespass on our sacred meeting grounds?" The large, long-haired tom boomed his voice at him, and Fennelstar wanted to cower in fear. Instead, he lifted his head up, refusing to back down.

"I am Fennelstar, one of the last three members of Tornclan. We come in peace, we wish to rejoin you all at the gatherings."

Murmurs and objections burst from the cats below as the leader before him - Puffinstar of Lilacclan, he assumed - cocked his head in interest. He shot a glare down to his gathered clanmates, who all fell silent.

"Starclan had not informed us what happened to Thornclan, I assume Tornclan is what you three are calling your clan now?" He rumbled.

"Yes, sir. I only got my nine lives last moon, soon after the previous gathering. We figured it unsafe to come here and present ourselves as alive until one of us had their lives," He admitted, looking down.

The broad-muzzled tom before him dipped his head, and took his place next to him. "Lilacclan, go to your usual places. Lilyclan, Irisclan, Kinkclan, and Pounceclan will be here soon."

At the order of their leader, the Lilacclan patrol spread out, and relaxed a bit. The youngest warriors were already approaching Littlesnarl to make chit-chat with her, and Sandyscratch had started chatting with their healer, Jaymouse. He'd been meeting her and the other healers regularly for probably three moons now.

As the other clans and their leaders filtered in, Puffinstar made sure to inform them of the news if Fennelstar didn't speak quick enough for his liking, and thankfully no one seemed to object with the rather large leader on his side. Urchinstar of Kinkclan tried to start an argument with Fernstar of Lilyclan, but Yarrowstar of Pounceclan quickly ended that argument with a swift swipe at Urchinstar's ear. Eaglestar of Irisclan remained silent until it was her turn to announce anything, seeming to immediately take Puffinstar's side and words as the truth, thankfully. He knew from spying on prior gatherings that she was Puffinstar's yes-man, and they often bullied Fernstar together. He was just glad not to be in their line of fire, for now. He'd defend his neighbor if needed, though. They didn't need more stress than being next to Lilacclan already gave them and their clan.

It was Fennelstar who called for the silence of the cats situated below the Rockledge, and Fennelstar who went first, detailing every important event of their last year of life. By the end of his speech, everyone seemed conflicted, but in awe of their tenacity as a trio.

Puffinstar went next, and spoke of the good fortune in Lilacclan. Fernstar went after, with the encouragement of himself and Yarrowstar, talking about how their prior deputy - the one whom had been paralyzed by the quake - was doing well again, and how they had been blessed with a new litter of kits, one of whom was already showing interest in Patchflurry's studies. He noticed Sandyscratch flash a grin at Patchflurry, who smiled back. Proud of his childhood friend, he smiled, too, and let himself zone back in.

Yarrowstar had good news about the rogues, as always, Urchinstar was boasting his clans' amazing fishing skills, and Eaglestar finished them out with the announcement of three new warriors and one new apprentice. Eager to leave off on a good note, Fennelstar found himself speaking one last time:

"Let us all remember! Six petals of a flower, six clans of the territories! We will not let another clan fall, should we be able to help it, and neither should you!" His final words to the crowd at the end of the gathering rang loud and clear, and he noted that some cats seemed hesitant to agree.

TL;DR

Fennelstar and Sandyscratch are not getting along.

Littlesnarl wants to spend more time with Fennelstar!

Littlesnarl finds herself unable to feel confident in her legacy, and Sandyscratch's words are of no help.

Fennelstar chases off a rogue.

Moon 1 - Previous moon - Next moon

[the-torn-ones]

Moon 13 events

Fennelpaw -> Fenneltrail

Fenneltrail is now deputy.

You will be a great leader, my son.

The words of his mother rang through his head. How long ago was it now, that he had been innocently playing warrior with her, and their little play session had ended with those words? How long ago was it that she went on that fateful patrol, never to return?

His heart ached. He didn't imagine becoming leader without them, even now, as he stood in a circle with Sandyscratch, Littlepaw, and Patchflurry, the Lilyclan healer who had traveled to their camp just to help them officially give him his full name, upon Sandyscratch's request. It was still a secret that they were alive, but it wouldn't be for long.

"Fenneltrail, are you okay?" Patchflurry meowed, tilting their head at him. He blinked, and stared at them before forcing a smile.

"I'm fine. We have a few eagle chicks in the fresh-kill pile, you should eat before you return to your camp." He deflected a bit with the last statement, though he definitely knew he'd heard Patchflurry's stomach growl during his ceremony.

"Oh, thank you. We don't often get chicks in Lilyclan! I wish I could tell them all about this... Next gathering, though, I suppose? You're getting your nine lives, right?" They asked as they padded to grab a chick to share with him.

"Yeah, guess I am..." He chuckled, though his heart felt a great pain, knowing his original family and clanmates would have to see him become a leader from the other side of the stars.

"Come on, dork! Let's just eat, we can worry about your fears when we're back from escorting Patchflurry home." Sandyscratch purred, cuffing him over his ear.

"...Right." He forced another smile at him, and leaned down to sink his teeth into the bird before him.

This felt wrong...

TL;DR:

Fenneltrail took Littlepaw out for one last training session

Littlepaw meows hello to Fenneltrail, but he looks pretty glum still.

Moon 1 - Previous moon - Next moon

[the-torn-ones]

Moon 9 events

Sandypaw has greencough.

Littlepaw found herself standing at the edge of the steep incline that lead to their camp entrance, dread filling her heart as she swore she could see cats moving about in the distant edges of their territory.

I can't do this today, I have to take care of them.

Feeling awful, she turned back, retreating into their camp. She'd have to be lectured by Fennelpaw, but it would be better than dying.

Relationships & Statuses

Fennelpaw can't help but laugh at Littlepaw's joke.

Fennelpaw is rethinking his opinion of Littlepaw, and gives her another chance.

Littlepaw is annoyed at Fennelpaw, who is lecturing her on the warrior code.

Moon 1 - Previous moon - Next moon

[the-torn-ones]

Moon 12 events

Sandypaw -> Sandyscratch

Sandyscratch woke up, his new name ringing in his ear. He fluffed himself up with pride, and darted out of the cave to wake Fennelpaw and Littlepaw. They'd left that evening so he could commune with Starclan, and he was excited to finally have his name. Dogdapple had been there, and personally granted him his name herself. It felt amazing, being a fully-trained healer after all this time.

"Littlepaw! Fennelpaw, wake up! You'll never guess what happened!" He exclaimed, voice shrill with excitement.

"Eh??? What? Who's there?!" Littlepaw squeaked, her head shooting up. He laughed, and nudged Fennelpaw, who swiped his muzzle playfully.

"Go away, Sandypaw. I don't care about your stardust right now." Fennelpaw's voice was laced with amusement and exhaustion.

"That's what's awesome! I'm not Sandypaw anymore, dude!" He purred, puffing his chest out with pride as Fennelpaw's head shot up, and Littlepaw looked at him in awe.

"You... What?!" Fennelpaw gasped.

"You got your full name?!" Littlepaw squealed, eyes lighting up as she shot to her feet fully this time.

"Yeah!" He grinned, tail swishing proudly. "I'm Sandyscratch now."

"Woah..." Fennelpaw's eyes glittered softly with admiration, though Sandyscratch could feel his friend's jealousy, too.

"That's amazing! You gotta tell us whatever you can, and then you gotta go! The other healers will be stunned to know we're alive!" Littlepaw beamed, bumping her head against his cheek. His heart fluttered for a moment, but he quickly blinked himself out of that. No time! He had to get to the Center Hollow to meet the other five healers before the half-moon was over.

Once he filled Littlepaw and Fennelpaw in on the details, Littlepaw shoved him away, and so he bolted off to reach the Center Hollow, where Healers met on the half-moon, and gathering patrols on the full-moon.

~~~

When he arrived, the other healers were getting ready to leave. He already knew most of them, though it looked like Kinkclan had a new apprentice. Larchbone and Kelpstrike of Kinkclan, Ibisthroat and Stoneweep of Irisclan, Jaymouse of Lilacclan, Patchflurry of Lilyclan, and Hucklesong, Dawnloach, and Thornpod of Pounceclan. That was every name he knew, and as soon as he made himself known, they were all staring at him.

"I told you I smelled a cat!" Hucklesong hissed to Ibisthroat, who snorted.

"Well, pardon me for not believing you! You're always making things up." She huffed.

"Just because most of you have herbs up your noses all day doesn't mean I don't know my stuff," He snapped back, and his amber eyes drifted back to Sandyscratch, who felt as though maybe this was a mistake. "Who are you? Why do you smell of Thornclan?"

"... We go by Tornclan now. I'm Sandyscratch, Dogdapple trained me from the stars themselves."

The shocked silence that tore through the cats before him felt like a claw ripping through his soul, like the quake that ripped through his home not too long ago.

Patchflurry was the first to run to him, seeming to inspect him. "Are you okay?!" They asked, sniffing rapidly. "How did you live?! Our patrols said your camp was collapsed, with no sign of any survivors!"

"Fennelkit and I escaped with Littlekit, who was born just after the last gathering Pebblestar attended with the rest of the clan who went. We weren't supposed to live, I think. Or maybe this was all Starclan's plan? Graydapple won't tell me anything." He shrugged.

"Oh you poor things... Where are they? Are they warriors now? They must be!" Jaymouse exclaimed, her voice full of sympathy as she padded up. Patchflurry shot her a glare, but spoke no words.

"They're back at camp... We've been living in the old starclan connection cave our clan had. And no, Starclan told me they need to wait before they can be warriors. They're not ready yet..."

"That's a shame. Well, we were about to leave, however... Who all wishes to stay, and hear of their tale? I do, if no one else does." Jaymouse turned to her fellow healers, and they all looked at each other.

"I should take Kitepaw home, but Larchbone will catch me up in the morning. Good night." Kelpstrike meowed, dipping her head to them, before nudging the shellshocked apprentice - Kitepaw - back to their territory. He remembered the announcement that had been made at the gathering when Kitepaw was born, the young apprentice was probably barely older than 6 moons now.

"Please don't tell anyone we're alive yet!" He called after them, and Kelpstrike waved her tail in acknowledgement of his request.

"Now then... Tell us what's happened, will you?" Larchbone spoke, his voice a deep rumble.

"Well..."

TL;DR

Fennelpaw was caught sharing prey with a rogue.

Fennelpaw and Sandyscratch destroyed a feather in an argument. Fennelpaw thinks Sandyscratch isn't too considerate of others.

Littlepaw is always happy to grab fresh-kill for Sandyscratch.

Moon 1 - Previous moon - Next moon