#one has star eyes and a moon ear and the other has whiskers made of starlight :3

[dracolunae]

Star bunnies :3

[blurry-coining]

Nyanderic Variants!

for the nyanderic anon!

Purr-Nyanderic

A gender that's connected to purring and being a Nyandere. It is considered a variant of Nyanderic.

[ID: Two versions of a nine-stripe flag. Both versions have the same order of stripes which are the same colours. In order of top to bottom, the stripes are: Dark greyish pink, greyish blue, greyish pink, pink, off-white, and then the first four stripes repeated in reverse order. The first version of the flag also has a symbol, of a cat's head in a cartoon style. The background colour of the cat head is purple, outlined with pink. The cat's eyes are closed in happiness and the mouth is open in a wide smile, showing two fangs at the top right. The cat has messy fur details on the top of its head, in between its ears, and four tufts of fur, two either side of its cheeks. The top ones curve upwards and the bottom ones curve down. It also has simplistic whiskers, three on each side, and a nose. There are two small spirals surrounding it, one just below its bottom tuft on the right side, and the other to the left of its left ear. There are also various small symbols around it, like motion lines, and two wider lines to the bottom right, showing that the cat is making noise. The second flag is the same, but has no symbols, with only the stripes.]

Lunar Nyanderic

A gender that's connected to the night, moon, stars/and or outer space and being a Nyandere. It is considered a variant of Nyanderic.

[ID: Two versions of a nine-stripe flag. Both versions have same coloured stripes in the same order, which is as follows: Dark blue, mid-to-dark blue, pale blue, white, pastel orange, and then the same first four stripes again in the reverse order. The first flag has a symbol, depicting a cat head in a cartoon style. The background colour of the cat is a gradient, starting yellow at the top, then fading to orange, then blue at the very bottom. The cat has blue goggles, with small details on them, such as a lighter blue intertwined in the goggle lenses, creating a spiral pattern, with pale yellow lines running diagonally, starting at the top right and ending at the bottom left, showing a shine on the lenses. The cat has two small dark blue ovals as eyebrows, and two antennae, one on each side, starting above where the inner eye starts and curving around to end outside of the cat head, next to the ears. The cat has a simple mouth shaped like a curved "W", some messy fur on top of its head, and four tufts of fur, two either side of its face. The top tufts curve upwards while the bottom tufts curve down. In the bottom left corner of the cat head, there are some orange-coloured stars, and an thin, orange crescent moon. The second flag is the same as the first, but has no cat head or other symbols, only the coloured stripes.]

Made by Mod Moth🌻🌌

[twilights-800-cats]

<< Chapter 5 || Chapter 6 || Chapter 7 || From the Beginning || Patreon & Ko-Fi >>

Chapter 6

Shadepool slipped into the medicine cat's cave, a pair of mice in her jaws, just in time to see Tinystar and Brackenfur settling in to talk. Ears pricked, she padded further into the cave, her eyes needing a moment to adjust to the gloom after the bright, searing white snow outside.

She laid the mice beside Brackenfur's paws. Her mentor nodded his thanks and dragged them close, giving them each a cautious sniff before he hunkered down to eat. His twisted leg stuck out at an awkward angle, the fur of it still unwashed.

Shadepool settled down a pace away, heart thudding in her chest as she curled her tail around her paws. Her ear-tips tingled - would Brackenfur try to shoo her out of the den, like he always did for discussions like these? But he hadn't made a move to do so yet.

Tinystar glanced at the medicine cat's scarred limb. “How are you faring? This leafbare has been harsher and colder than we've been used to.”

Brackenfur flicked an ear dismissively. “Fine,” he rasped. “Hurts now and then, but it always does.” Despite that, he tried his best to tuck his leg in closer to his body. Shadepool did not miss the wince of pain on her mentor's face.

“That's good to hear, I suppose,” Tinystar sighed. He looked down at Brackenfur fondly, with some worry; Shadepool knew that her father had never stopped thinking of her mentor as his old apprentice.

“Are you going to talk around me until I'm dizzy, or come out with it?” Brackenfur tore at one of the mice, pinning it with a paw. Licking his whiskers of blood, he mewed, “Go on already.”

Shadepool's whiskers twitched with amusement, and Tinystar looked comforted. Yellowfang, Brackenfur's mentor, had been a crotchety old she-cat with a sharp tongue, and very close to both her apprentice and Tinystar. It was always strange to hear the usually calm and collected Brackenfur speak with some bite, but that was when Shadepool liked talking with him most.

“I'm going to the Moonpool,” Tinystar announced.

Shadepool blinked at her father, surprised. Leaders often went to the Moonstone in the old forest to seek StarClan's guidance, but they were never obligated to do so, not like medicine cats were at the half-moon.

Brackenfur lifted his head, his eyes narrowing. “No, you are not,” he decided.

Tinystar's tail swished, and his eyes narrowed a touch. “And what makes you think you can stop me?” he asked.

“Because you came here to ask me for permission,” Brackenfur pointed out, unfazed. His tail slapped against the cool stone floor of the den. “If you didn't feel any qualms about going, you'd have gone; we both know that. You've got something bugging you, and that's why you're here and not halfway to the Moonpool already.”

Shadepool glanced at Brackenfur. She felt a twinge of admiration - he had read her father so easily and was even unafraid to point it out to him. Though this skill of his was often frustrating for Shadepool, she couldn't help but wish it had rubbed off on her. Reading others was always so difficult.

Tinystar's whiskers twitched. “You've got me,” he admitted, sighing. He sat on his haunches, staring Brackenfur in the eye. “I want to find Onewhisker's spirit, and talk to him there.”

Shadepool's ears pricked. That's smart! She had imagined trying to enter Barkface's dreams at the next Moonpool meeting, but she hadn't thought of trying to find Onewhisker among the stars - it was easy to assume he wouldn't speak to her, but he and Tinystar had been very close friends almost their entire lives. It was possible they could have a discussion.

“That could work,” she agreed. Glancing at Brackenfur, she added, “We could get answers!”

Tinystar nodded along. “That was the idea,” he admitted. “But I'm not sure how to go about looking for someone specific in StarClan's hunting grounds. I've never freely traversed it.”

Brackenfur took a long moment to chew on his bit of mouse. He was thinking, Shadepool knew, but in what direction?

Finally, Brackenfur swallowed. He wiped his muzzle with a paw and mewed matter-of-factly, “You cannot control whom you see or where you go in StarClan's hunting grounds. You see what they wish you to see.”

Tinystar didn't look convinced. “I've always had a strong connection-”

“That doesn't matter,” Brackenfur put in. “Where you go in StarClan isn't determined by you, it's determined by them. They control the path your paws take, and they guide you to whoever is willing to aid you.”

Shadepool tipped her head, slightly. That was somewhat true - most cats couldn't control where they went in their dreams - but Shadepool herself knew that if she concentrated hard enough, she could step away from those boundaries. Was this something that Brackenfur couldn't do?

“They'll know I'm coming to speak with Onewhisker,” Tinystar pointed out. “Won't they?”

“They will,” Brackenfur agreed, “for they know our hearts - but that doesn't mean Onewhisker will want to see you.”

Tinystar's muzzle twisted in confusion. “Why wouldn't he want to see me?”

“There could be many reasons,” Brackenfur answered plainly, “but this one most of all: If a ThunderClan cat did kill him, why would he want to talk to any one of us?”

“So that he could tell me who did it, and I can bring them to justice!” Tinystar countered. “He would know that's what I want!”

“And if he didn't see them?” Brackenfur tilted his brow. “If Mudstar knew the name of the cat that had attacked them, he would've called them out at the Gathering - but the attacker's scent couldn't be placed to any one ThunderClan cat. It was masked.”

“But Onewhisker might still have information - the worst he could do is just send Tinystar away,” Shadepool pointed out. Boldly, she stood on her paws and offered, “I could go with him, guide him through StarClan-”

Brackenfur's eyes flashed, and he snapped, “No!”

Shadepool shut her jaws, frustrated. She glanced at her father, who was just as surprised at the medicine cat's harsh tone.

Brackenfur sighed. “My apologies,” he murmured. He glanced down at the mice in between his paws, and then, after a moment, looked back up at Shadepool and Tinystar.

“Please understand,” Brackenfur mewed quietly. “Onewhisker and Barkface were attacked on their way to the Moonpool. Onewhisker was killed, and violently so. Whoever did this might still be out there, hunting for another easy victim. We cannot risk this.”

Tinystar narrowed his eyes. “I can handle anything in my way,” he meowed gravely. “I have more than one life to spare.”

“You say that as if we haven't seen nine whole lives disappear in an instant before!” Brackenfur countered, his shoulders hunched sharply. His muzzle curled around his teeth uncharacteristically. “When you've run out your lives recklessly pursuing this answer, where will ThunderClan be then?”

Shadepool felt a lump in her throat. While she didn't agree with Brackenfur entirely, she understood now his strong reaction - if Tinystar were to somehow lose all his lives, ThunderClan would be left without a leader. With no deputy to replace him...

ThunderClan would be all but gone.

Tinystar's expression said everything - he knew all this, too. But still, he raised his chin and meowed, “If this accusation stands, and WindClan goes to war with us, many more lives will be lost. I can't do nothing Brackenfur.”

The ThunderClan leader sighed. “If I can't go to the Moonpool, what can I do?”

Brackenfur stared at Tinystar with sympathy. “Have faith,” he said, calmly and coolly. He tilted his muzzle up to the ceiling of the cave, where there was a hole to the outside that let in fresh air and a little creek water.

“StarClan will guide you,” Brackenfur assured, “as they guide us all.”

Shadepool glanced out the ceiling of the cave and frowned. Brackenfur was right, of course, and StarClan would guide them as they could, but how long would that take? They couldn't fumble about with no answers, not forever. Someone would have to take the risk, eventually.

“What if we investigated the attack site ourselves?” Shadepool suggested. She glanced between Tinystar and Brackenfur. “It wasn't at the Moonpool nor was it on WindClan territory - if we take a full patrol, we'd be safe from just about anything.”

Tinystar flicked an ear. “There's an idea!” he agreed. His eyes shone, and his tone was hopeful, eager: “It's been some days, but if the attack was so vicious as Mudstar said, there has to be something left behind!”

“If any cat can find hidden clues, it's Cloudtail! She has the best nose in the Clan!” Shadepool pointed out. Her heart raced eagerly as she looked to Brackenfur, wondering his opinion.

The golden-brown tom's expression was unreadable, and Shadepool frowned once more, her excitement and hope dying. She could see it in his eyes - he was gearing up some excuse to tear down her idea. Any moment now he would make her feel like a kit fresh out of the nursery, and right in front of her father.

“Go,” the medicine cat rasped.

Shadepool stared at her mentor, shocked. Was he agreeing with her? The last time this had happened, Shadepool had been pleading with Tinystar to aid WindClan against Mudstar's coup - he hadn't known that she had fudged some details about the sign she had seen, that it had been a season ago and not at the Moonpool as she had claimed; but he had still supported her.

Did he finally have faith in her?

“Be careful, though,” Brackenfur urged. “The attackers may yet return.”

Tinystar dipped his head in appreciation. “If they do, they'll be in for a nasty surprise.” He looked and Shadepool and mewed, “I'll be getting together a patrol, and we'll leave immediately.”

“I'll be there,” Shadepool breathed, her chest swelling with pride. Not only was Brackenfur agreeing with her, but she was going on a mission with her father!

And, if I'm lucky, I might see Crowflight! The thought made her paws tingle as she watched her father leave the den.

“Shadepool.”

Shadepool gave her head a shake, caught briefly in her own ideas. She glanced over her shoulder at Brackenfur and found that he was staring at her with an unusual intensity.

She felt her fur prickle uncomfortably. “What is it?” she asked.

Brackenfur's muzzle twitched, as if he were struggling with the words he wanted to use. He finally managed, “Keep your wits about you. There's no telling what you might find.”

“I will,” Shadepool promised.

“StarClan guide you,” Brackenfur mumbled, lowering his muzzle. “StarClan keep you.”

He looked like he might keep eating his mice, but he did not. Something was unsettling about Brackenfur's demeanor, and Shadepool wondered for a moment if he was feeling well - but she didn't have time to ask. She could hear her father yowling her name outside the cave.

She had to leave her mentor there, alone in the shadows, and pursue the truth.

[dumpsterhipster]

POV for Myf, told from J'zargo's perspective >:3c

I may have gone a little overboard with this prompt--but my god did I have a great time with it. Thanks for the ask, @memaidraws! An event mentioned in Chapter 9 of A Fistful of Stars, from the perspective of its perpetrator.

The great and powerful J’zargo was bored. His friends were all studying, his more-than-friends were all studying—every dull, boring person in the dull, boring College was occupied with something dull and boring. He would have liked to cross over to the village to see if there was more entertainment to be found at the inn or (even better) one of his many friends and admirers’ little log houses, but the overnight blizzard still howled, and even this one’s warm fur and warm magic were not enough to keep him from freezing into a very handsome block of ice before he had crossed over the bridge.

Moons take it! What was Khajiit to do?

J’zargo prowled the corridors of the great, empty College, hungry for excitement. Would nobody take pity on poor, neglected Khajiit? Eventually this one realised the gnawing in his belly was not just irritation at his dull friends and this dull place but true hunger, and his ears perked and tail twitched as he made for the kitchens. Cook Inge was very fond of this one; perhaps she would supply J’zargo with not just delicious treats but some way of occupying his dreary winter Loredas. Some way which did not involve tedious hours in the company of nothing but books.

Unluckily for this one, however, the usually lovely Inge had no time for handsome, clever J’zargo. “Bugger off,” she said to this one, “the Arch-Mage wants a fancy Breton meal for his supper, and I cannae have you and that tail o’ yours underfoot. He’ll skin me alive if’n he finds hairs in his soup again.” Pah!

J’zargo was turning to leave, downcast by the injustice of the cruel world and even crueller cooks, when below the sink he spotted Cook Inge’s calico cat and her three little cubs, romping and playing and chasing each other’s tails. J’zargo was first affronted—how could Inge blame this one for hairs in the soup when her kitchen was infested with furry fiends without a lick of J’zargo’s grace and poise!—then envious, for the cubs had playmates while J’zargo had only the pain of rejection.

Then clever J’zargo had an idea.

This one clapped a hand over his mouth. “Inge!” he exclaimed. “Inge, this one…needs a quick word.”

“What is it, oh handsome one, most favoured Apprentice of my heart?” Inge replied. Hush, do not interrupt, that is exactly what she said. Let this one tell his story!

“Not here,” J’zargo said, and pulled Cook Inge out into the corridor. He lowered his voice. “This one does not mean to alarm you, but one of those kittens is not a true kitten.”

Inge stared at this one in disbelief. “What do you say? Dinnae be daft, J’zargo. I’ve got work to do.”

“You must believe J’zargo,” J’zargo insisted. “The littlest one. The calico. It is no cat, but a ja’khajiit. An Alfiq. This one could tell immediately. No Khajiit would mistake one for the other.”

“But…what? Why?” Inge said.

J’zargo made a great business out of biting his lip and smoothing his whiskers. His tail lashed very convincingly. If this one does say it himself, he is a very good actor, when he must be. “Eh…This one does not want to alarm you…This one is sure there must be a very good, not at all underhanded reason why a kitten would have been replaced with an Alfiq…”

“J’zargo,” Inge said, brandishing her big wooden spoon.

J’zargo’s ears and whiskers drooped. “The Dominion. The Thalmor. There are rumours that they sometimes use Alfiq as spies—because they can pass very easily for simple housecats, if there are no Khajiit nearby to uncover their true selves. This one cannot say for certain that that is what has occurred here, of course, but…”

Cook Inge’s rosy cheeks whitened. J’zargo held back his grin.

“The Thalmor certainly would like to gain eyes in the politically neutral College, this one can imagine…”

Without another word Cook Inge rushed past J’zargo, looking very funny as she ran down the corridor, her backside wobbling. J’zargo allowed himself a smile once she had turned a corner. He returned to the kitchen and squatted down in front of the little cubs.

“This one thanks you, little ja’khajiit,” he said, twitching his—far superior��tail for the little calico one to chase. “This one thinks the rest of the day will be far more entertaining, yes? This one apologises for any inconvenience he causes for you.”

Then, after hooking a side of bacon down from the ceiling, he picked up the perfectly ordinary calico cub and sauntered from the kitchen. This one needed to find somewhere warm and hidden for the cat to wait while J’zargo had his fun.

[thewidowsghost]

A Warrior's Destiny - Chapter 5

Main Masterlist

Series Masterlist

Ravenpaw stirs and twitches his ears. "Has he gone?" he mumbles.

"Who? Tigerclaw?" replies Graypaw, trotting towards him. "Yep, he's gone."

"Hi, there," Firepaw begins, about to introduce himself.

"Go away, all of you!" Spottedleaf protests. "How am I meant to help this cat with all these interruptions!" She impatiently flicks her tail at Graypaw and Firepaw and pushes her way between them and her patient. "Stay, (W/p)paw," the medicine cat meows, and (W/p)paw starts with surprise before nodding.

"Come on, Firepaw," mews Graypaw. "I'll show you around. See you later, Ravenpaw, (W/p)paw."

The two cats leave (W/p)paw and Spottedleaf with Ravenpaw and walk across the clearing.

Graypaw looks thoughtful, clearly taking his duties as a guide very seriously. "You know the Highrock already," he begins, flicking his tail toward the big, smooth rock. "Bluestar always addresses the Clan from there. Her den is down there." He lifts his nose toward a hollow in the side of the Highrock. "Her den was carved out many moons ago by an ancient stream." Hanging lichen draped the entrance, sheltering the leader's nest from wind and rain.

"The warriors sleep over here," Graypaw goes on.

Firepaw follows him to a large bush a few paces away from the Highrock. There is a clear view from here right down to the gorse entrance into the camp. The branches of the bush hang low, but Firepaw can see a sheltered space inside where the warriors made their nests.

"The senior warriors sleep nearest the center, where it's warmest," explains Graypaw. "They usually share their fresh-kill together over by that clump of nettles. The younger warriors eat nearby. Sometimes they are invited to join the senior warriors for eating, which is a big honor."

"What about the other Clan cats?" Firepaw asks, fascinated but feeling rather overwhelmed by all the traditions and rituals of Clan life.

"Well, the queens share warrior quarters when they work as warriors, but when they are expecting kits, or nursing them, they stay in a nest near the nursery. The elders have their own place on the other side of the clearing. Come on, I'll show you."

Firepaw trots after Graypaw, across the clearing, and past the shadowy corner where Spottedleaf had her den. They stop beside a fallen tree that sheltered a patch of lush grass. Crouched among the soft greenery are four elderly cats tucking into a plump young rabbit.

"(W/p)paw would've brought them that before she left to fetch you," whispers Graypaw. "One of the apprentices' duties is catching fresh-kill for the Elders"

"Hello, youngster," one of the elders greets Graypaw.

"Hello, Smallear," meows Graypaw, nodding respectfully.

"This must be our new apprentice. Firepaw, isn't it?" asks a second tom. His patchy fur is dark brown, and there is only a stump where his tail should have been.

"That's right," Firepaw replies, copying Graypaw's polite nod.

"I'm Halftail," purrs the brown tom. "Welcome to the Clan."

. . .

Firepaw stretches with his tongue to lick the last traces of mouse from his whiskers, Bluestar's voice calls from the Highrock. Redtail's body still lies in the clearing below, pale gray in the fading light. "A new deputy must be appointed," she meows. "But first, let us give thanks to Starclan for the life of Redtail. Tonight he sits with his fellow warriors among the stars."

Silence falls as all the cats look up at the sky, which is beginning to darken as evening creeps over the forest.

"And now I shall name Thunderclan's new deputy," Bluestar continues. "I say these words before the body of redtail, so that his spirit may hear and approve my choice.

Firepaw looks at Tigerclaw. He can't help noticing the hunter in the massive warrior's amber eyes as he stares up at the Highrock.

"Lionheart," meows Bluestar, "will be the new deputy of Thunderclan."

Firepaw is curious to see Tigerclaw's reaction, but the dark warrior's face reveals nothing as he moves to congratulate Lionheart with a nudge so hearty that it almost pushes the golden tabby off balance.

"Why didn't she make Tigerclaw deputy?" Firepaw whispers to (W/p)paw, who was sitting next to him.

"Probably because Lionheart has been a warrior longer, so he has a lot more experience," (W/p)paw murmurs back, still looking up at Bluestar.

Bluestar speaks again. "Redtail was also mentor to young Dustpaw. Since there must be no delay in the training of our apprentices, I shall appoint Dustpaw's new mentor immediately. Darkstripe, you are ready for your first apprentice, so you will continue Dustpaw's training. You had a fine mentor in Tigerclaw, and I expect you to pass on some of the excellent skills you were taught."

The tabby warrior swells with pride as he shows his acceptance with a solemn nod. He strides over to Dustpaw, bends his head, and rather awkwardly with his new apprentice. Dustpaw flicks his tail respectfully, but his eyes are still dull with grief for his lost mentor.

Bluestar raises her voice. "I shall keep a vigil with Redtail's body tonight, before we bury him at sunrise." She jumps down from the Highrock and walks over to lie beside Redtail's body once more. Many of the other cats join her, Dustpaw and Smallear among them.

(W/p)paw flicks her tail, and moves to lie down beside Dustpaw, her nose pressed into Redtail's fur.

"Should we sit with them too?" Firepaw suggests, but he has to admit the idea doesn't appeal to him much. It had been a busy day and he is beginning to feel tired. All he wants to do is find somewhere warm and dry to curl up and sleep.

Graypaw shakes his head. "No, only those who were closest to Redtail will share his final night. I'll show you where we sleep. The Apprentices' Den is over here."

Firepaw follows Graypaw to a thick bush of ferns that lie behind a mossy tree stump.

"All the apprentices share their fresh-kill by this stump," Graypaw tells him.

"How many apprentices are there?" Firepaw asks curiously.

"Not as many as usual - just you, me, Ravenpaw, Dustpaw, Sandpaw, and (W/p)paw."

As Firepaw and Graypaw settle themselves beside the treestump, a young she-cat crawls out from beneath the ferns. Her coat is ginger, like Firepaw's, but much paler, with barely visible stripes of darker fur

"So here comes the new apprentice!" she meows, narrowing her eyes.

"Hello," Firepaw meows.

The young cat sniffs rudely. "He smells like a kittypet! Don't tell me I'm going to have to share my nest with that revolting stench!"

Firepaw feels taken aback. Since his fight with Longtail, all the cats had been quite friendly. Maybe they had just been distracted by Ravenpaw's news, Firepaw thinks.

"You'll have to excuse Sandpaw," apologizes Graypaw. "I think she must have a furball stuck somewhere. She's not usually this bad-tempered."

Sandpaw spits crossly.

"Hold on, youngsters." The deep voice of Whitestorm sounds behind the apprentices. "Sandpaw! As my apprentice, I expected you to be a little more welcoming to this newcomer."

Sandpaw holds up her head and looks defiant. "I'm sorry, Whitestorm," she purrs, not sounding sorry at all. "I just didn't expect to be training with a kittypet, that's all!"

"I'm sure you'll get used to it, Sandpaw," meows Whitestorm calmly. "Now, it's getting late, and training starts early tomorrow. You three should get some sleep." He gives Sandpaw a stern look, and she nods obediently. As he walks off, she spins around and vanishes into the clump of ferns, sniffing once more as she brushes past Firepaw.

With a flick of his tail, Graypaw invites Firepaw to follow him, and leads the way after Sandpaw. Inside the sleeping area, the ground is lined with soft moss, and the pale moonlight turns everything a delicate shade of green. The air is fragrant with fern scent, and warmer than outside.

"Where do I sleep?" Firepaw asks.

"Anywhere, just so long as it's not hear me!" snarls Sandpaw, who is prodding some moss with her paw.

Graypaw and Firepaw exchange glances, but say nothing. Firepaw rakes together a pile of moss with his claws. When he had gathered his bed into a cozy nest, he circles until it's comfortable and settles down. His whole body feels drowsy with excitement. This is his home now. He was a member of ThunderClan.

. . .

"Hey, Firepaw, wake up!" Graypaw's meows breaks into Firepaw's dream. He had been chasing a squirrel, up and up, into the topmost branches of a tall oak.

"Training begins at sunrise. Dustpaw, Sandpaw, and (W/p)paw are already up," Graypaw adds urgently.

Firepaw stretches sleepily, then remembers: today was his first day of training. He leaps to his paws, his drowsiness evaporating as excitement surges through his veins.

Graypaw is giving himself a hasty wash. Between licks, he meows, "I've just spoken to Lionheart. Ravenpaw won't be training with us till his wound is better. He'll probably stay at Spottedleaf's den for another day or two. Dustpaw, (W/p)paw, and Sandpaw are on hunting duty. So Lionheart thought you and I could train with him and Tigerclaw this morning. We'd better hurry, though," he adds. "They'll be waiting!"

Firepaw feels a pang of disappointment for some reason, but he lets Graypaw lead him quickly through the gorse entrance and up the side of the rock-strewn valley. As they climb over the crest of the ravine, a cool breeze ruffles their fur.

. . .

Mousefur watches her apprentice from behind a tree, where her dusty brown fur blending in with the wood, her body close to the ground.

(W/p)paw creeps forward, her paws silent.

The massive apprentice's nose twitches as she catches a scent. The scent of a squirrel in the trees above.

(W/p)paw draws herself up onto her hindlegs, balancing perfectly.

With a powerful leap, the apprentice launches herself up onto a branch.

Mousefur watches with narrowed eyes as the apprentice lets the branch bob up and down beneath her.

There is a moment of silence and then (W/p)paw continues to scale her way up the tree, silently brushing past leaves.

Mousefur watches as the apprentice disappears. When Mousefur sees her again, there is a large squirrel clasped in her jaws.

(W/p)paw drops down from the tree, her eyes bright with pride as she buries the squirrel at the base of the tree.

"Good job, (W/p)paw," Mousefur murmurs, moving over to unbury the large squirrel and taking it in her jaws to follow after her apprentice.

. . .

"How did she do?" Bluestar asks Mousefur.

Mousefur sets down the squirrel and dips her head to her leader. "She did well," Mousefur replies. "There was a squirrel in a tree above her, so she scaled up the tree to fetch it. If I had waited a little longer, I doubt I would have been able to carry all her prey back."

There is a moment's pause, and Mousefur and Bluestar fix their gaze on the gorse tunnel as it shivers, and Dustpaw and Sandpaw pad through the tunnel after (W/p)paw, helping their fellow apprentice bring in all her fresh-kill.

(W/p)paw drags her rabbit over to the fresh-kill pile.

"(W/p)paw!" Bluestar calls and Sandpaw looks excitedly at her older friend.

"Good luck!" Sandpaw meows, nuzzling her friend.

(W/p)paw purrs, returning the nuzzle before she trots over to Bluestar and Mousefur, dipping her head respectfully.

Bluestar watches the youngest she-cat carefully, as though (W/p)paw was being tested one last time.

(W/p) meets her leader's gaze curiously, her head tilted slightly to the side. As the silence stretches, (W/p)paw shuffles her paws, looking down at them, flicking her ears, and then she looks back up.

"You did well," Bluestar tells the apprentice, and (W/p)paw lets out a sigh of relief.

"Thank you, Bluestar!" (W/p)paw purrs.

"We'll have the ceremony at sundown," Bluestar meows, looking amused as (W/p)paw's paws knead the ground in excitement. "You may go," Bluestar purrs bemusedly.

Goldenflower looks at her daughter as (W/p)paw dashes excitedly over to her, skidding to a halt. The queen purrs proudly, taking a step further to nuzzle (W/p)paw. "I'm so proud of you!" Goldenflower meows, her eyes twinkling.

(W/p)paw purrs, brushing her muzzle against her mother's.

"Hi, (W/p)paw!" comes a familiar voice.

Goldenflower purrs, a knowing look in her eyes. "See you later, my dear," she meows, padding off towards the nursery.

"How did your assessment go?" Runningwind asks, sitting down beside the younger she-cat.

"Good!" (W/p)paw says, looking at the warrior beside her. "Bluestar said that my ceremony would be at sundown!"

"Congratulations!" Runningwind purrs, his green eyes sparkling happily. "I knew you'd do wonderfully."

(W/p)paw's pelt feels warm all of a sudden, and she licks her chest fur, her fluffy tail curling neatly around her paws.

Mousefur pads over a moment later, greeting her younger brother with an affectionate flick of her tail. "I'm impressed with you, (W/p)paw," Mousefur begins.

Runningwind departs from the two she-cats; he casts (W/p)paw an affectionate glance that the apprentice didn't catch.

"Thank you, Mousefur," (W/p)paw meows, but then her (E/c) gaze clouds.

"What is it?" Mousefur asks, seeing the change in her apprentice's eyes.

"I'm going to miss training with you," (W/p)paw murmurs, and Mousefur softens.

"We can go hunting and patrol together all the time," Mousefur promises.

"Okay," (W/p)paw meows.

. . .

The clearing was buzzing with excitement later that day, though (W/p)paw hadn't noticed as Bluestar had ordered her to take a long nap so she'd be awake for her vigil.

Goldenflower squeezes into the Apprentices' Den to wake her daughter. The queen rasps her tongue over (W/p)paw's soft ears.

(W/p)paw blinks open her eyes, gazing sleepily at her mother. Then, a blaze of excitement takes over her, and she gets to her paws.

"Look at you," Goldenflower murmurs, licking (W/p)paw's cheek. "My little kit is becoming a warrior."

(W/p)paw purrs lazily as Goldenflower grooms her.

Mousefur pokes her head into the den. "It's time," Mousefur tells the two.

Goldenflower nuzzles her daughter one last time before she leaves the den, (W/p)paw right behind.

"Don't be nervous," Mousefur murmurs in (W/p)paw's ear.

"All cats old enough to catch their own prey, gather beneath the Highrock for a Clan meeting!" Bluestar yowls.

The cats gather in the clearing, murmuring excitedly.

"Today, I will be performing one of my favorite acts as a leader," Bluestar meows. "Today, we will be making a new warrior."

Mousefur leads (W/p)paw through the crowd of cats sitting in the clearing.

The apprentice dips her head to her leader.

"I Bluestar, leader of Thunderclan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. She has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend her onto you as a warrior in her turn. (W/p)paw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?"

"I do," (W/p)paw replies firmly, her eyes blazing with determination.

Bluestar jumps down to stand in front of the apprentice.

"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. (W/p)paw, from this moment you will be known as (W/p)spark. StarClan honors your intellect, determination, and your strength, and we welcome you as a full warrior of Thunderclan."

Bluestar rests her muzzle atop (W/p)spark's head, and (W/p)spark licks her shoulder respectfully.

"(W/p)spark! (W/p)spark! (W/p)spark!" The ThunderClan cats call.

"I am proud to call you my warrior," Bluestar murmurs, and (W/p)spark looks down at her leader, amazement in her eyes.

Some of the warriors come up to congratulate the new warrior.

"Would you like to eat together?" Runningwind murmurs in the (P/c) she-cat's ear.

(W/p)spark looks at Runningwind. "Sure," she meows, and Runningwind brightens.

"O-okay!" Runningwind purrs, trotting off towards the fresh-kill pile.

Word Count: 2724 words

A Warrior’s Destiny Masterlist:

@emilygarmadon

[rice-pudding-slaps]

Some sweet JennyJelly for the heart.

Nothing more to add. I didn’t sleep last night and I made this. There is not enough old ladies being in love.

Fic below the cut cuz it’s very long

For as long as she could remember, they had been together. Not always in the same way, but always somehow together. The soft hand that rested on her waist felt like it belonged there. Like it never left. Just as the faint sweet smell of freshly baked cookies always lingered on the air when Jenny was nearby.

A soft smile peeked in the corner on her lips, as she rested her weight on her shoulder, gaining a soft nuzzle on her cheek and a faint giggle. That was the recomforting presence that was always by her side.

Jellylorum laughed softly. She could feel the smile growing on her sweet mate. Just as it always did.

“Busy tonight, dear?”

“Just as any night with the boys coming over”.

“You love the boys”.

“I do. But they could learn to leave less crumbs on the couch and more clean dishes on the counter” Now she felt her sweet laugh. “What’s so funny?”

“You were the same. Always a mess” She stifled a smile, trying hard to sound hurts by the accusation.

“Excuse you! I was not! I’ve always been a proper queen”.

“You were an adorable and pretty mess”. Jenny ended with a kiss on the cheek before going back to her doing. Leaving her with a laugh on the tip of the tongue that she let out as soon as the hand was taken of her waist.

She looked at her with the same soft smile. Jelly shot back with a quiet snicker. She could still see the sweet, caring, and lively young queen that she grew up with. Even if her fur had slightly lost her colour and her eyes were a little more tired. She could feel the same warm coming from that smile. The same that she once saw under the Jellicle Moon.

At that time, the junkyard was less filled with trash. Slightly less illuminated, but the stage never changed. It has always been the same, she could bet on that. The wood crept on the same tables and it was just a bit unbalanced. A little to the left.

And in the centre of it, there was Jenny. Dancing like the night was going to end soon. Her orange fur beaming under the moonlight and making her seem like the glowed with joy. Ever single step carefully studied and in perfect synchrony. The brilliant smile adorning her face while she closed her eyes. The best part of her dance if someone ever asked her. She could care less about the rhythm or the sound of the taps. To hell with all of that. If she could see her smile like that, then everything was perfect.

She approached the stage. And sat there, where the audience always was. Watching her while she turned in perfect time. One, two, three times. Before a jump that ended in the perfect pose. She stood up to clap and laugh slightly when her applause received a reverence in response.

“Enjoying the show, darling?” She rolled her eyes, taking the hand that was extended to her to climb up the stage with a soft giggle. “Made it extra special for you”.

“You cannot trick me.” she warned, once on the stage and taking a second to intertwine their fingers and softly nuzzle her nose. Enjoying how her smile grew bigger and brighter. “You’re just excited because is your first Jellicle Ball with your own song”.

“That might have something to do with it. But it is dedicated to you!”

“Is that so?”

“I swear by the Beetles Tattoo”.

She snorted at that. Giving her another sweet nuzzle and pulling her bodies together. Feeling a familiar hand trying to fix her head and ears fur. She purred softly at the contact, letting Jenny try to comb her untameable mess of hair. Not with much result.

“Do you even look at yourself before going out?”

“I’ll have time to do that when I’m old. I’ve got better things to do now”.

“You look like you climbed out of a trashcan!” She let another laugh escape. And gave her a knowing smile.

“And yet you are head over heels for me.” She nuzzled her cheek. Purposely messing her fur again. Jenny couldn’t contain the growing smile. “Look at you, all smiley for a trashcan kitten”.

A bunch of laughs filled the stage while Jenny took both of her hands and lead her to centre stage, without ever letting that everlasting smile leave her face. So contagious, so warm. So full of love. The touch of her hand of her waist made her slightly jump and her laughter was replaced by a nervous smile.

“Ready for practice?” She moved her head slightly side to side, still smiling widely in both adoration and nerves. None of them tipping the scale. “Oh, dear… We’ve been going at this for weeks. It’s going to be great” Her hand reached up to her cheek for a quick stroke that made Jelly slightly shrink with a giggle.

“I know! It’s just… I’m kinda worried”.

“Worried about what?”

“It’s just…” Jenny softly squeezed her hand while the other one came back to her waist.

“Talk to me”. She said, taking one step ahead while Jelly took one back.

“You’re the best dancer of the tribe”.

“I am, thank you very much”. Jelly rolled her eyes, which prompted Jenny to give her a soft kiss on the cheek. “Please do continue”.

“And I am not that good of a dancer.” She said, while following Jenny’s decisive lead. “I’ll made a mistake”:

“So?” She took her hand and softly turned her body, dipping her with easy and letting her hand travel through her body. Like it knew it from memory.

“I… don’t want to ruin your mating dance.” Jenny opened her eyes wide as she gently helped to her feet.

“You will not ruin anything” Again she took her hands, stopping in the middle of the choreography that so delicately she had prepared for this moment.

“No- No, Jenny I will. If maybe I could sing- “.

“Let me finish” She placed again one hand on her waist. Making her slightly jump again. But she kept her gaze, softly caressing the back of her hand with her free one. “You will not ruin the mating dance. As long as you dance with me…” She continued, nuzzling her cheek, and whispering the rest next to her. She could feel her smile growing again. Her whisker tickling a little her nose “As long as we dance together. Is perfect. No matter what I just… I am happy feeling you dance with me.”

Jelly smiled widely with that. Kissing her in an instant. Squeezing her paw in her own. Sloppy, giggly kiss that lasted an eternity. And slowly their sweet laughs filled again the stage. Beginning to move to imaginary music. One step at a time in between short and sweet kisses. Jenny’s hands roaming through her stripes while they danced. Knowing just where to touch to make her sight or giggle. And Jelly responding with more kissing and laughter and banter. Even in the most precise and difficult parts, they couldn’t stop voicing their happiness. The joy of becoming official mates. And showing the tribe just how in love they were.

“You need to watch your feet” Jelly giggled as she was turned again, keeping her tail close to Jenny’s body, always close to tripping.

“You need to watch your mouth” She shot back, positioning herself before lifting Jelly with a warm smile.

They danced. And they danced. Until their feet couldn’t continue. And they stayed in the stage, looking at the stars with intertwined hands and tails. Giggling and kissing until they fell asleep.

Truly nothing had changed in her. Still giddy as a kid and still caring and loving.

“Do I have something on my face?” Jenny asked when she caught her staring while she tidied up the room for guests. She just let out a small sigh as she closed her distance to give her a tiny kiss.

“Just the prettiest smile I have ever seen”.

She laughed. “What’s gotten into you?” Jelly just shrugged as she took her hand. The touch on her waist that followed made her jump a little. Not from nervousness, but familiarity and pure joy.

“Can’t I be happy to have you as my mate, sweetie?”

“I suppose you can, darling” She smiled, leading one step ahead. Just as that first time. And maybe the turns are not as clean, And maybe she cannot lift or drip Jelly like she did that first time. Is a little slower, a little more patient. But not less joyous. Not less loving. 

Nothing has changed.

Is still the perfect dance.

[away-from-anthills]

prologue-

How did they do it?

Antstep mulled the question over as his eyes remained glued to the massive boulder that sat squarely between the four oaks. Four figures sat positioned at the top, their ears pricked as they listened to the groups of chattering cats around them. The smallest of them was exchanging pleasantries with a large blue-gray tom. The largest, a ragged yellow molly, looked away to the north. The sleek gray tom next to her twitched his tail with impatience.

“Those ShadowClan buggers are always late,” he grumbled, but just as he finished his sentence the big yellow molly besides him shoved his shoulder. A group of small, skinny cats entered the clearing, led by a rather handsome red tabby.

“Greetings,” announced the red tom. He effortlessly leapt onto the rock as the conversations died down. “Pardon us for being late. Our youngest queen was giving birth, and it was not an easy one.”

“It’s always something, isn’t it,” started the sleek gray tom, but before he could finish the thought the yellow molly draped her tail over his muzzle.

“Shall we begin?”

The others nodded, and so the smallest of the group, Tulipstar, cleared her throat to speak.

Antstep had always admired Tulipstar. She was impeccably small, about the size of an apprentice, despite RiverClan cats like her usually being large and girthy. Some say it was due to a birth defect- but others in the elders’ den opined that StarClan had made her so small because otherwise she would simply be too much of a force to be reckoned with.

“RiverClan has not been doing well as we would have wished it to,” she admitted. “Rogue groups have been on our borders. We have allotted them territory for the time being to shut them up- but come these next few moons, when our apprentices are ready for battle, we shall take our land back.” She dipped her head and awaited the next cat to come forward and speak.

“SkyClan, however, has been doing wonderfully,” started the sleek gray tom.

“It’s always wonderfully, ain’t it, Pigeonstar!” heckled some cat near the southern edge of the clearing behind Antstep.

Pigeonstar’s face furrowed, and then he continued. “Our most recent batch of apprentices became skilled warriors, and I am pleased to introduce them to you by their proper warrior names at this Gathering. Everyone welcome Birchtail, Nettlebark, and Stoneclaw!”

Pigeonstar doesn’t usually mention new warriors so fast, thought Antstep, and then he looked over in the direction Pigeonstar was gesturing to to see three gray tabbies identical to the SkyClan leader. Oh- Of course he’s introducing them so fast. They’re his kits.

“The greenleaf drought has been merciful to SkyClan this year, and we thank it for that. Besides the apprentice graduations, little else of note has happened in SkyClan since we last met.” He sat back down. The red tabby stepped up to speak.

“While we in ShadowClan are not doing as well as we had hoped we would, we are doing quite well. You may have heard about the fire that recently destroyed part of our territory. While we are lucky that most of us have emerged safe, three of our warriors- Turtlewing, Darkwhisker, and Stormfoot- unfortunately lost their lives to the blaze.”

A ripple of condolences echoed throughout the clearing. Currantstar eased his body slightly, leaving the clearing a moment to understand. Antstep noted burn scars at Currantstar’s feet- clearly, despite Currantstar’s young age, this was a cat who took up the mantle of leadership fully knowing what it would entail. He seemed… almost perfect. The fact he was quite a handsome thing- especially for a ShadowClanner- didn’t help.

“However, tonight we celebrate new life within ShadowClan. Just before we left, Nightwater gave birth to four healthy kits, all her spitting image: Ravenkit, Blackkit, Sharpkit, and Juniperkit!”

Another ripple, this time of celebration, echoed throughout the clearing. Pigeonstar seemed slightly disgruntled that his children’s warrior names had not received as much applause.

As soon as he had begun, Currantstar stepped back. A gaunt, blue-gray tom stepped up. His face was long and bony, and his pelt was crisscrossed with scars. His eyes were weary, and the bumps of his spine were visible from age.

Antstep felt his chest swell as he watched the tom open his mouth to speak. After all, this cat had been his leader, his mentor, the closest thing to a father Antstep had known.

Shalestar, the almighty leader of WindClan.

“WindClan has been faring well this past Greenleaf. Like our SkyClan friends, we are lucky to be treated kindly by the drought.”

Antstep looked around. Rainleap, the WindClan deputy, stood just below the great rock, a proud grin on his face as he studied every syllable that left Shalestar’s lips. It was generally accepted within WindClan that, as Shalestar was upon his final life, Rainleap would soon ascend as Rainstar- and everyone deeply anticipated the spotted tabby’s leadership. He was charismatic, he was courteous. He knew everyone and everything in WindClan like the back of his paw to the point that, if you brought him a leaf from any weeping willow within the territory, he could tell you not just what tree it was from but the exact bow and branch it had resided upon. Rainleap was to become a wonderful WindClan leader- even Pigeonstar, the grumpy sod, seemed to appreciate him.

“However, the last moon has not passed by without its troubles. An illness swept through our camp. Nearly all of us survived- unfortunately, our dear Palefeather passed from the illness.”

There was audible sadness from some cats near the northern end of the clearing.

“You may recall her as our former medicine cat, who served us many moons before she retired to the elder’s den last leaf-fall. She was a wonderful companion to me in the darkest hours of my leadership. She was an extraordinary teacher, she was an adamant follower to the stars above, a devotee to her kin, and a gifted healer for all of us in WindClan. We miss her terribly.”

The medicine cats, who were in their own little corner off to the side of the Great Rock, seemed heartbroken by the news. Whitetooth, the WindClan medicine cat and Palefeather’s apprentice, looked more alone than ever, despite the sympathies uttered to them.

“However, with the end of a time, another always begins. I am proud to introduce  our two newest apprentices- warrior apprentice Twigpaw and medicine cat apprentice Marblepaw!”

Twigpaw, who was directly behind Antstep with his mentor Molethroat, was lapping up the attention. Marblepaw, however, seemed alarmed. She leaned into Whitetooth’s side, and her mentor draped their tail around her.

“We also have a litter of kits to announce,” continued Shalestar. Molethroat couldn’t hold in his excitement. “Those are my kits!” he exclaimed to the mingling cats from other Clans. “They look just like my mate! I love them so much!”

Shalestar, however, was calm, even though there was a sliver of optimism in his voice. “We are proud to announce Cherrynose’s kits- Olivekit, Rosekit, Amberkit, Brindlekit, and Patchkit.”

“Oh, all of them are so wonderful,” continued Molethroat, his whiskers twitching with sheer joy. “Rosekit and Amberkit are so smart! They amaze me every day. And Brindlekit is so bold, and Olivekit is so thoughtful, and Patchkit is so kind… They sneak out of the nursery to wake me up from the warriors’ den nearly every morning. And my mate is so patient with them, I’m the luckiest cat in the world to have her. I tell you, I could go to StarClan tomorrow and I still would think I had the greatest life…”

Antstep looked around. WindClan was as peaceful as he had ever known it to be. Goldenpaw and Milkpaw, two WindClan apprentices, signed to each other, poking fun at the other leaders. Russetfoot, Rockscratch, and Emberheart, three WindClan warriors, were chatting to a trio of RiverClan cats. Even Sandwhisker- the sister of Palefeather, and the oldest WindClan warrior- looked content, despite the loss she had suffered the prior moon.

Antstep never knew if he would fully fit in WindClan. But this is a WindClan he was, for the most part, content living alongside.

A cold chill snapped Antstep out of his thoughts, and he looked up to see the largest cat take the stand as Shalestar stepped back.

Tatteredstar had been ThunderClan leader for a very, very long time. She had been one of the most formidable fighters ThunderClan ever knew- and the scars crisscrossing her pelt gave plenty to show for it. She could kill a rat just by looking at it from the right angle, they said. No leader dared to mess with her.

“ThunderClan has been doing pleasantly enough. Juncopaw, who you may recall from his introduction last Gathering, has elected to train as a medicine cat, and so he will be trained by Emberblaze. I expect her to pass down all she knows to him. We have many mollies due for kits within the next moon. We are all very excited about it- but it will undoubtedly mean ThunderClan has more mouths to feed.”

Without warning, she turned to Tulipstar. She was nearly thrice as large as the RiverClan leader, and she easily had dozens more scars. “I am making a request that RiverClan gives up Sunningrocks to us immediately. I understand this is sudden news- but RiverClan, if they know what is best for themselves, will back off of the territory.”

Many incensed RiverClan cats jumped up to speak- but most of them found their words lost when Tatteredstar shot them a pointed glare.

Tulipstar, however, stepped towards Tatteredstar, nothing breaking her green gaze as she stared upwards to the massive yellow molly. “RiverClan has fought for seasons to keep Sunningrocks. We, too, need the territory, for our own mouths to feed. I thought we had reached an agreement last leaf-fall that RiverClan could hold the territory until the leaf-fall after. We still have a season left on that agreement.”

“Old agreements mean nothing now.”

“If ThunderClan wants more mouths to feed, expand the territory elsewhere, Tatteredstar. We both know your warriors are capable. They will not be intruding on RiverClan’s hard-earned territory.”

The two mollies slowly inched towards each other, their noses wrinkled and their lips slightly curled. The tension between them was palpable, and no other leader dared to speak. This was Tulipstar and Tatteredstar’s score to settle and theirs alone. Their respective deputies, Trufflepelt and Eelwhisker, tried to shuffle towards them- not only to back them up but to pull them away from each other if claws were unleashed.

The clearing went dead silent.

Even though WindClan was in no way involved, Antstep felt fear coursing through his veins as he watched the two leaders stare at each other inches apart.

Then, Tatteredstar sheathed her claws into the matted fur that bunched at her feet. “You’ve got a nerve in you, runt,” she said, with hints of respect and perhaps even something resembling affection. “RiverClan can have Sunningrocks for now.”

The two backed away from each other, Trufflepelt and Eelwhisker eased, and the tension slipped away as the murmur of Clan cats returned.

“I suppose the Gathering is over, now,” Shalestar said. “Let us return to our camps in peace.”

As Rainleap began to organize WindClan, Antstep still felt adrenaline rush through him from the confrontation between Tulipstar and Tatteredstar- as well as a bit of awe. The way all the leaders composed themselves so well. The way Tulipstar didn’t back down, the way Tatteredstar knew when to call it quits. The charisma of Currantstar, the pride of Pigeonstar, the wisdom of Shalestar…

How did they do it? How did they all do it?

Antstep felt a kitlike wonder- and a kitlike envy. He turned to see Rainleap nod towards the journey home, the light of the moon shining in the WindClan deputy’s lime-green eyes. As Molethroat and Rockscratch chattered behind him, Antstep let himself get lost in his thoughts. Rainleap will make a wonderful leader- I wonder how his first gathering will go…  I wonder how I’d do. I mean, of course Rainleap will be the next leader. Everyone knows that. But it must feel nice to be up on that rock, to be there with the greats… To be loved by your Clan. I wouldn’t want the stress, of course, but… I would want that.

Wouldn’t anyone?

Little did Antstep know, his life was on the cusp of changing forever.

[blueberrypossum]

Another Night hidden within the Stars

(GN)yokai cop x Dastardly Danny

Hey yall! I've had the wonderful opportunity to collab with @greaser-wolf and man has it been a wonderful experience! You are truly a lovely person and thank you again for the drawing!! This was super fun to write, with Danny and how he talks he's a challenge that I loved taking on. Hope you all enjoy!!

This story is gender neutral, but with it being fancy I will be putting tux/dress so then you, the reader, can wear whatever you want on your date with Danny ( also suspenders will be in the tux category and dress suits will still be in dress, hopefully that is okay with everyone because I do want to put detail into your outfit).

⚠️WARNING⚠️: There are cuss words and also mention of sexual content along with yearning and making out!!!

Word Vocabulary:

FC- favorite color

Take a powder- Get lost or lay off

Crumb-A jerk, no fun

Eager Beaver- Someone who excited about something 

Cut a rug- Dance with me

Dead Hopper- A bad dancer

Jive dancer- A talented dancer

You could feel yourself slowly growing impatient as you waited outside of the restaurant, your foot tapping against the concrete with a jittery rhythm. Dastardly Danny was never the late type, he would make the joke of being fashionably late whenever he and the rest of his crew had a runin with trouble, but you knew by now that he would make sure his schedule was clear the days you would meet up. Especially after the time he and his friends literally rode to the place you were meeting up in a snail cop car, a sheepish smile curling against his mouth. 

You remember the awful paperwork for that one.

The night of the Hidden City glistened around you as you leaned against the building, your hands rubbing up against your arms to create some friction of warmth. Even with the outfit you had on, the nights were slowly getting chilly due to the change of seasons above. 

The bag you held against your side started to vibrate and for a second you thought it was going to be that purple wearing rat, telling you that something had happened or that he was going to be fashionably late, but it was actually your boss from the police station. You cleared your throat before you clicked on the answer button.

“Yes, chief?”

“Hello Y/N, I was seeing if you would be free tonight to work an extra shift?”

You balled your empty hand into a fist as you jumped from your spot against the building, your eyes glaring to the side as if you could see your boss there, looming over you with a smile that practically said: “ If you don’t say yes to this then I will give you paperwork that is stacked so high that the humans above can see it.”

You let out a breathy sigh as you explained, “I’m sorry, chief, but I have plans tonight and I really cannot cancel them.” You turned on your heel so that your shoulder was leaning against the wall instead of your back.

You could hear the anger and frustration behind his voice, “Are you sure that whatever is so important cannot be rescheduled?”

“No, it cannot.”

You almost jumped right out of your body as a voice behind you answered for you. Your face started to blush against the amber lights of the restaurant as Danny was now leaning his head against your shoulder, a wicked grin on his face as he continued to talk.

“Sorry there, chief, but being a cop can be a real pain in the neck, so take a powder and let me and the dame have our night, alright?”

You opened your mouth to apologize to your boss, to say that your boyfriend had just had a little too much to drink and was now saying whatever came to mind, but the tall rat’s hot breath against your neck made you stiff as a board. You swallowed and suddenly you felt parched as Danny took the phone from your hand and hung up on the chief of police and placed the phone back into your bag. 

“Ya know you can get lockjaw if ya keep that mouth open for too long,” he chirped as he took your hand into his. 

“You’re….You’re late,” you stammered out, your mind foggy with the possible fear of losing your job and also how Danny’s suit was cleaner and seemed to cling to his body tighter than before. 

He bent himself over and kissed your hand as he looked up at you with hooded eyes.

“Actually, love, I still have about two minutes. Would ya like me to walk away and come back and get ya flustered all over again?” 

“Oh hush up, you could’ve gotten me fired and he could've figured out your voice,” you commented, your heart almost futtering out of your chest as his lips met your hand. Always so formal, strange how a gentleman could also be a thief. 

Danny rolled his eyes and let out a ‘tch’ sound as he took in the sight of you. Your outfit was glistening against the fallen lights of the town, the color bringing out the color in your eyes. Danny was surprised that he still had his balance as he took a step back. No matter how many times he lays his eyes on you, you can always somehow leave him breathless.

He intertwined his arm with yours as he chuckled out, “Yer boss is a bloody crumb, darling, and if he could recognize my’ voice, toots, then there would be more criminals in yer holding cells.”

“You know I can just turn you three in and get that raise, right?” 

“Ah but you would never do that to us, especially me, sweetheart,” he purred as took your chin gently into his hand and kissed you. All the stress that had built up within your body for the past few days melted away as he pulled you in closer to the kiss, your knees almost going weak as you felt him smile against your lips. His hand was careful against your cheek, as if his destructive and dangerous life would break you, even with you being a cop. His whiskers tickled your face and you couldn’t help but giggle into the kiss, causing Danny to bring you closer to him at the sound of your happiness. 

After the kiss, he planted one against your cheek and tucked a strand of hair behind your ear. 

“You look ravishing tonight, ” He purred as he led you over to the door, his arm already extending it to open it for you.

You let out a sigh as you pushed the fabric you were wearing down to wash out the wrinkles.

“You don’t think it’s too much?” You asked as Danny told the hostess the fake name he placed for the dinner reservation. As the hostess turned around to grab a few menus, Danny let go of your arm and ever so slowly danced his hand from the nap of your neck, down your spine until it planted itself onto your tailbone as he whispered into your ear, “Oh sweetheart, if we weren’t in this restaurant, I know exactly what I would be having for dinner instead.”

He smirked as a pretty shade of red crossed your face and even tinted the edge of your ears as the hostess turned back around and told you both to follow her. Danny had to practically drag you since your mind was nothing but a haze of embarrassment and desire. 

The tall rat yokai pulled your chair for you and you thanked him as he pushed you closer to the table and took a seat himself.

You took in the sight of the restaurant with a look of awe. The eating house was colored with wine and gold and the building was buzzing with life of friends and family and lovers just like you and him. You both had made sure, with the help of a worker there, that no cop or detective had placed a reservation at the restaurant, so no more looking over your shoulder or horror stabbing you in the gut when you watched yokais whisper and look over at you. 

Danny watched as you took it all in, an almost lovesick expression crossing his face. Everytime you both went out he would remember the first time you both met, with your pistol shoved into his face. Dating a cop was something that never crossed his mind, he always thought he would date a thief such as himself or maybe a regular citizen of the Hidden City. But, when you first chased him, screaming his name at the top of lungs, he knew it was love at first sight. 

He did hate the secrecy though, even with the thrill of getting caught was something he got high off of, he did want to show you off to the world, he wanted to take you out everywhere without any of your coworkers finding you. At least you both got to do this, and he knew how to mark you as his. 

The option of you quitting your job raged inside his head, the sheer thought of it made him mad. He would never let you give up your passion, how hard you’ve worked for your position at work, even though you said you would be fine with it, he wouldn’t be, and knew that you secretly wouldn’t be either.  

“So, I heard about that heist you did a few days ago, how did it go?” You questioned as you laid your head in your hands, your elbows supporting your weight. Danny let out a gust of air as he also leaned in, taking in the breathtaking sight that was you. 

“Don’t even get me started, sweetheart. Leonard is doing the chores for the rest of da month for the stunt he pulled during it,” the rat groaned and soon a waitress came up and Danny ordered one of their expensive wines, once she walked away, you raised an eyebrow at him. 

“Wine, huh? That heist money really working itself off, isn’t it?” You played at him and he let out a low gruff as he smirked at you. 

“Only using the money for good, right?”

“Oh and I’m considered good?”

Danny gave you a hungry look and for a moment you thought he was going to get out of the chair and eat you up in one bite, but all he did was bring his hands together  on the table as he leisurely spoke. 

“Of course.”

Oh titans above how was I so lucky to land him.

You both ordered your meals and continued to have small talk. One thing you both decided to agree on was that Danny would talk about opposing gangs that were doing heists and robberies and then would tell you about them the next stop they were going to, with this you were given praise and extra cash at work and giving The Mud Dogs less competition in the playing field. It made Danny warm inside to see you have an interest in his job and it made you bashful when he would compliment you on your job.

In the background of your conversation was the beauty of musicians playing their hearts out for those who were out on the dancefloor, the restaurant was flooded with intoxicated laughter and the tapping of shoes against the wooden floor. The wine was slowly getting to you after the third glass and you couldn’t help but to start giggling after every word you said. 

After the waitress took your plates and left the check, you and Danny had to fight over who would pay. 

“You paid last time, I'll pay it,” you ordered as your fingers tried to swipe it from his hands, but he was a lot quicker than you and he let the bill twirl in between his fingers as he stared at you. 

“Not a chance, eager beaver, the deal is that you bring your decked out self and I get to gawk at ya until I need to pay the bill,” he insisted and was about to pull out his credit card before he felt your fingers touch his and soon the bill was gone from his hands and all he could do was glare lovingly at you as you giggled in your seat, the piece of paper shoved under your hands. 

“Yer not gonna give up, are ya?”

“Isn’t that what you like about me?”

His eyes traveled over your body slowly, hardly an ounce of urgency in them as he took in every inch of you. The curve of your waist, the way your outfit was flushed against your body like water to paper, how there were still love marks on your chest and barely above your neck from your last visit with each other. Desire was blazing through his eyes as they finally met yours. 

“Oh sugar pop, there is a whole list of things I like about you,” he growled and he took pride in the way you squirmed in your seat.

He eyed the dancefloor and then back at you and gradually got himself out of his chair until he was next to you, his hand extended out. 

“How about this: You cut a rug with me and you get to pay, deal?” He asked. You looked down at his extended hand and then back at his smug look, wondering if the wine had somehow gotten more to him then you. 

“Oh please, you know I have two left feet. If we danced your feet would be sore for weeks from me stepping on them,” you joked out, but he didn't move. 

“If ya were a dead hopper, I wouldn’t be askin. That or else I get to pay the bill,” he challenged. You didn’t know if it was the pride you held or from the extra glass of wine you swigged down, but you took his hand and let him lead you to the dancefloor. 

The music buzzed through your ears as you held tighter to his hand. You had fought bad guys, you had been in blazing shootouts, you’ve seen life be taken away right in front of your eyes. But dancing seemed to be the hardest challenge to muster up courage to master. Danny gave your hand a reassuring squeeze as he took you both to the middle of the dancefloor. 

He took the hand he was holding and extended your arm with his, while his other arm went around your waist, bringing you almost dangerously close. You could smell the alcohol on his breath and his cologne drained through your nose. 

“Danny, what if we get caught? Everyone can see us,” you whispered. Many eyes were peering at you two, some just being distracted by the new movement you both caused and others eyeing the rat as if they recognized him. Fear started to snake itself around your body, almost trapping you once again in that constant fear of being discovered. 

But, the love of your life gently tapped his nose against yours as he shushed you so quietly that you could barely hear it. His calming scent and even breaths washed over you and you felt yourself relax. No one has ever made you feel like this, no past lover, no family or friend, Danny wasn’t just a breath of fresh air to you, he was a whole new world to you. 

“Hey, just let me show you off for just a few minutes, just this once, doll. Then we can go back to being Romeo and Juilet, I promise,” he purred and you silently nodded as he swept you off your feet. It almost seemed that the musicians took notice in the new lovebirds and the music picked up to match the tense and eager atmosphere, even the yokais around you took hints and their own moves started to change. 

Both of your dance moves were slow at first, the rat yokai letting you get used to him taking the lead, with his quick feet and swirls and twirls, you were a little shocked at how well he was. He held onto you though, taking in your cautious swings and how your eyes were on your feet instead of up. Danny knew he was selfish for asking this out of you, he knew that you didn’t want to embarrass yourself in front of him. But the way you looked on the dancefloor was almost bewitching. Your tux/dress flew silently around you, the tone of your (FC) shined against the spotlight that twirled overhead, and your eyes almost seemed to glow in the scarlet and golden room, outshining and blinding anyone else around him.

He knew then he was deeply and terribly in love with you.

“My eyes are up here, toots.”

“So is that sarcastic mouth of yours.”

“You really do crack me up, dollface.”

He then let go of your waist and swept you away from him, the only thing connecting you two was the interlocking of your hands. Starlight seemed to bounce off you because he quickly brought you back to him, a little noise escaping your mouth as it felt as if you were dancing on air for how light he made you feel. He was behind you now, his mouth dangerous close to where your neck connected with your shoulder. His breath created goosebumps across your body as a feather kiss was placed against an old love mark he had given you days ago. Your heart seemed to go crazy within your ribcage as he twisted you around, your chests once again flushed against each other’s. Danny took several steps to your side and you quickly joined him, the wine and your wit gradually giving you confidence and soon you both were laughing, as if there was no one else in the restaurant, in the city, in the world. 

He took notice in your new found bravely and he swiped his arm under your rump and lifted you up, his smile growing wider as a flood of giggles escaped your mouth as you looked down at him. 

“Hey look! I’m finally taller than you!”

“Aye, don’t get used to it!”

He brought you back down and in one swope he dipped you, his strong hands holding you firmly as your back bent against him. It almost felt like a dream, a wondrous and unbelievable dream that you thought if you made one wrong move, you would fall out of bed and this would no longer be real. But the way he effortlessly pulled you back up and looked into your eyes with a lopsided grin, you knew that this wasn’t just a dream, it was a dream come true. 

The song smoothly started to transition over to a much more tamed and kinder music that had everyone’s swaying hips go slower and closer. You were still giggling as Danny brought you against him and suddenly it was very cozy between you two. 

You let the melody consume you as Danny lightly drifted you throughout the dancefloor, his face ever so slowly getting closer to yours. His hands were roaming your back as he brought you ever so closer to him to the point you both were barely missing each other’s toes. Suddenly it seemed like you both were spinning around each other until his lips barely slipped over yours. 

“Look who’s become a jive dancer,” he said silently against your lips and a little groan escaped your lips at just hearing him talk to you like that, every word he ever whispered to you in private with no wondering eyes would burn you to your core. 

“I had a good teacher,” you joked back as your hands wrapped around his neck, your nails every so slightly digging into his fur. You felt him lose his breath against your face and his own fingers dug into your lower back and suddenly it felt as if you both weren’t close enough. You both were never close enough. 

“Have I mentioned how ravishing you look tonight?” He asked as he leisurely twirled you and brought you back to him. 

“Maybe. But it's nice to hear it from such a dreamboat like you,” you said against his lips and he dipped you once again, but you barely made it pass his shoulder as he pushed his mouth against yours. A whirlwind of emotions surfaced throughout your body as your hand came up and caressed his face, your stomach dropping to the floor and your heart traveling up your throat. 

He separated himself from you for just a second to bring you back up on your feet before attacking your lips again, one of his hands on the nap of your neck to tilt your head more up. 

You were aware of the suspicious and judging eyes that fell upon you both, but for the first time, you didn’t care. He made you worry less, he gave you such an intoxication that not a single bottle of alcohol could ever get you as drunk as he did. The aftertaste of wine drifted onto your lips and you moaned into his mouth, grinning evilly as he shifted in his spot. His tail soon curled around your waist so that his other hand could go to the side of your face. 

He detached himself from you for just a second to say, “ Ya better pay that bill before the only thing yer wearing is that smile.”

The world seemed to freeze before you as your hands slipped off of him and walked him over back to the table, the bill trembling in your hands as you paid for it, all while feeling Danny’s hand place itself lower than your back. You can feel sweat slowly start to build over your body as he opened the door for you and followed you out the door. 

And before you knew it, you were back at your place, and once Danny closed the door behind you, he pounced, as if he wasn’t the rat, but the cat. His hands traveled over your outfit as if it burned his hands and couldn’t keep them in one spot and his kisses were slow and teasing, causing you to squirm under his touch. You couldn’t breath, you couldn’t hear anything, all you felt was the buzzing against your fingertips as they dug into his chest, your hands had already done the work to undo his tie and his undershirt. 

The door met your back and Danny was panting against your lips, his mind had gone completely blank except for you, he only thought about you and this moment, how it might be days until he saw you again. The thought of not seeing you stabbed him in the gut, and he’s known that feeling before, and it’s not a good feeling. He missed hearing your laughter, he desired to see your glistening eyes look at him, he wanted to be with you. It drove him nuts, no, it drove him insane at the thought of it. That once he woke up from your bed, he would have to sneak out early so that no one would see him leave your home and would have to race back to his apartment instead of laying with you and getting to wake up with you in the morning. He’s never been here when you woke up, he’s never been able to see your eyes flutter open and for the first thing for you to see in the morning was him, he’s never been able to see the morning light shine against your features as if the sun was trying to capture your face. He’s never been able to share the first cup of coffee with you, to see his pjs shirt draped over you like a blanket as you watch the morning go by, as he would watch you with loving eyes. And that’s what drove him to kiss you harder, that’s what pushed him to pull your head back and for him to replace your old love marks with new ones, it’s what forced him to savor every second of this, to cherish what you give him tonight, he would cherish every damn second you gave to him in secret. 

[malkumtend]

Meeting.

Crowfeather X Squirrelflight AU. (Belongs to @lonely-ghost-606)

Soooo after the angst ridden fireball that was “His Blood”, I couldn’t resist adding a follow up to it. So here we are, a direct sequel to that one shot (which I would highly recommend reading before this one).

So in case you’re unaware: this follows the AU of my friend @lonely-ghost-606​ where Crow and Squirrel fell in love during the great journey, only to separate after Squirrel couldn’t find the heart to leave Leafpool after she was injured in the badger attack. They met up once again and have seen each other for many nights since then. But now secrets have been revealed and blood has been spilled.

It’s time for Crowfeather to meet his kits, face to face.

...

He waited with his heart in his mouth. Windclan wouldn’t believe their eyes if they could see him so visibly worried, pacing back and forth, his fur on end; this wasn’t the reserved, silent cat that ran through Windclan, the one who didn’t look like he would even be able to spell the word ‘smile’.

But, then again, he had ran away like his life depended on it when Onestar announced what had happened at Thunderclan camp.

He knew that Nightcloud would understand. He knew she was scared as well.

She just wasn’t as...ugh...sensitive as he was about his mate’s safety.

He’d have to make an excuse up to Onestar later, but that was at the back of his mind for now. All that he could feel now was just the unknown fear and horror that surrounded Thunderclan’s cats. 

Then again, it wasn’t so much Thunderclan he was worried about. Only four cats.

The air around the border was cold and dark, only rippling on the hazing fear crawling across Crowfeather’s back. Inside his mind, burning, scorching destruction exploded, screaming possibilities that made his stomach churn and rise. He screwed his eyes shut, hissing to rake the images away, but they only rasped and boiled harder in the darkness.

He let out a low groan. He hadn’t felt this for moons, this fear and grief that he still didn’t entirely know was warranted, it had been on the first night he’d retraced his steps to this border that he’d had to suffer from that. But after, when hope and passion that he’d been stark off since he was young was finally returned to him, it all felt worth it.

But now, he wasn’t sure if he’d ever feel that again if what he feared came to spite him as true.

It wasn’t just that the one cat that he had ever been blessed to love could be dead. But, his children too. The children whose lives he’d been denied. The children where his sole moments of pride came from hearing about their growth from the mother able to share the lives that he had never seen.

Maybe would never see.

Again, Crowfeather wracked with soul crushing fear. His eyes searched through the darkness, along the unmarked tree trunks, and the thorns that mockingly lined the whispering mist. Anything for a sign. 

He wished he had the courage to race to Thunderclan camp and see for himself, confirm that he was truly terrified for no reason. But two things held him back: The knowledge that if he attempted it, he would only brew a maelstrom of anger and suspicion that could ruin so many lives. And the unimaginable dread that he could be right, and that so much of the quaint allowance of what he held precious could be gone.

Crowfeather didn’t have the heart for either.

He could only wait. It was one of their nights. And it was a night he hoped wouldn’t change everything he had longed for.

He had traced the line of the border so many times, and he would continue to do so until the sun rose if he needed to. He ignored the rain that rattled his fur and made him shiver under his light coat. In fact, he welcomed it. If the rain had put out the fire that he had heard was ravaging Thunderclan camp, he could maybe feel just a little easier. What a luxury. 

They had to be okay. He repeated that over and over again. They had to be. Thunderclan was many things, but their cats were well prepared. They must have found a safe area by now. And he knew she would never rest if she knew her, their, kits were in danger.

It felt strange for him to rely on such optimism. But she’d always had that effect on him. 

Almost as if rewarding his newfound hope, a new scent drifted along his whiskers. A scent he recognised.

His heart leapt, his eyes widening with astonishing reprieve. He actually smiled, true and bright, as he turned to where he knew she was approaching from. His mouth, wired by a mind too delirious with elation and affection he was too often denied, began to move before he could fathom what he was saying.

The glint of her emerald eyes made him blissfully hysterical.

“Thank Starclan, you’re okay! I was so worried! After Onestar told Windclan about the fire, I couldn’t just-”

More eyes blinked and burned in the shadows.

More scents lingered over his senses.

Crowfeather’s smile left him, bringing back the harsh line associated with himself.

She was at the front, not showing a twitch of the happiness that was meant to fill these nights. Her head was low, her tail dragged along the floor. Behind her, four sullen faces followed.

Crowfeather’s heart sank. He recognised them all.

One belonged to a tom that Crowfeather knew from his youth. A massive brown tom that looked so much smaller now than he size augmented. He also carried responsibilities Crowfeather felt he deserved more than any Windclan cat. 

Deputy and parent. Even though he wasn’t truly the latter.

Three he only saw on the rarest of occasions. He had never spoken to them, yet they were linked to him in ways that only the disapproving eyes of Starclan could see.

One as black as night, kept close to Bramblestar, unmissable hostility flashing in bright green eyes that were clearly reminiscent of her mother. Crowfeather gawked at how much she looked like him, from the wide shape of her ears to the short spikes of fur along her back.

Beside her, a light grey cat shimmered blue under the cool moonlight. His blue gaze sparkled, but was blankly angry, staring ahead but not seeing anything. He stood on refined legs and his body was sleek and streaming. Unmistakably Windclan by all accounts. If only he knew that.

And just behind Squirrelflight, a huge golden tom looked warily ahead at Crowfeather, his amber eyes glowing dimly, trembling. The thickness of his coat was clearly inherited from his mother, but now it looked flat and still, making him look so much weaker than he was.

Hollyleaf. Jayfeather. Lionblaze. 

Three cats. His kits. The cats he’d wanted to meet for so long.

From how they were looking at him, it seemed Crowfeather should have been careful what he wished for. 

His pelt prickled uncertainly, stiffening as he began to take in Squirrelflight's expression. He hated seeing her anything other than happy; now, she looked utterly heartbroken, for the both of them.

She dragged her gaze up to him, something revealing glinting inside them. The look of prey that had been caught. Crowfeather's head began to whirl.

They knew. All of them, even Brambleclaw...

Squirrelflight caught his realisation with a slow, dreading nod. She'd clearly been crying. She stopped a whisker away from him and Crowfeather could now see the raw emotions all around her.

For the first time, he could call himself their father and be recognised as it.

It suddenly felt like even the stars were burning their silver eyes on them.

"So this is the cat," Crowfeather broke away, turning to the icy voice that belonged to his daughter. She looked up and down slowly, seeming to grow more disgusted as she did so. "Doesn't look like much."

There was such bitterness in those few words that Crowfeather couldn't help but grimace.

"Hollyleaf." Lionblaze frowned, exhaustion draining the anger from his voice.

"What?" She demanded, lashing her tail.

"We're not here to start a fight." Jayfeather mewed, though his voice still carried a miserly unease. Lionblaze nodded, pointing his sister with a glare.

"I'm not the one who started it!" Hollyleaf growled, sending a much more venomous glare to her true parents.

Crowfeather couldn’t stop a snarl becoming caught in his throat as he saw Squirrelflight flinch, hiding her eyes from the hate their daughter was forcing on her. He sucked it back though, he needed to keep calm. So he just sat down, his tail waving patiently.

“It’s nice to finally meet you all.” He said, hoping it sounded as genuine as he meant it to, but the eeriness of the atmosphere was rendering him toneless. “Your mother told me so much about you.”

“Of course she did.” Hollyleaf grumbled, turning away as Brambleclaw whipped her back with his tail.

The brown deputy padded ahead, his amber eyes unreadable. “I assume you heard about the fire.”

“Yes.” Crowfeather nodded, still uneasy about his former friend. Last he’d heard, Brambleclaw was under the impression that the three were his, that thought still made Crowfeather’s stomach curl a little, so the fact he looked so... empty right now was extremely disconcerting. Unwittingly, Crowfeather felt his spine tense in case Brambleclaw had any ulterior motives here.

But as long as Squirrelflight was by his side, he didn’t think he had much to worry about.

“I’m glad to see you’re all okay.” Crowfeather mewed genuinely, using his tail to press gently against Squirrelflight’s pelt. “Were there any losses?”

At that, every cat suddenly turned grave; an unknown darkness louring over the Thunderclan pack.

“One.” Brambleclaw said, hollow, unnerved. “That’s really why we’re here.”

“Apart from the obvious reason.” Jayfeather snapped in with a mood that Crowfeather recognised greatly. Brambleclaw silenced him with a harsh look, then he sighed and began to speak. Explain.

Fire. Secrets. Threats. Death. Anger.

So much anger.

All the while, Crowfeather’s face darkened and his tail curled more and more protectively around his mate as he sensed the tears coming back into her eyes.

By the end, he felt so much. Anguish for his love. Fear and relief for his kits. Twisted appreciation for Brambleclaw. Unbelievable hatred for this Ashfur character! 

He’d wanted them to someday find out that he was their real father. But not like that! Not as if it meant that there lives would be lost because of it! A stupid guilt coiled into Crowfeather, a wish that he could have been there, that he could have been the one to protect them.

He was jealous. Jealous that Brambleclaw had the opportunity to act like the father he never had been.

But still, even though it stung him to be, he had to be grateful to the brown tom.

He had saved his kits. He had saved his mate. And he had kept their secret.

“How long have you known?” Crowfeather sighed.

Brambleclaw hissed softly through clenched teeth, his eyes were screwed shut like it hurt to think. “Since the night you found out they were yours as well.”

That long? Fox-dung. Crowfeather couldn’t help but be shocked. He looked up with real questioning; Brambleclaw knew that Crowfeather hated being the one in the dark. “Why?”

The Thunderclan deputy heaved his impressive figure with the indication that he weighed as heavy as a mountain. His eyes darted to the three cats beside him, all silent and tortured with thought, the he looked back at Crowfeather. Levelly, but challenging. “I didn’t want to lose them.”

Ah. That was right. They were still his to lose. Crowfeather wanted to feel sympathetic to the tom that had clearly loved these kits with all his very being. But he didn’t have the power or graciousness to do so. 

He only scowled at the ground, sour resentment making his tail lash. Feeling the familiar unfairness that he was and was not the father of these kits. The cruelness of reality and consequence biting him with the sting of loss that twisted him every day.

A sharp grunt came from Jayfeather. “You’re not the one who deserves to be upset! We’re the ones who’ve been lied to the most!”

Crowfeather’s gaze drew back up, his mouth opening. How had he..?

He felt Squirrelflight quiver, her face met her son’s desperately, stark with pain. “Jayfeather please, it’s not his fault! He never even knew you were his until you were apprentices!”

“He didn’t try to say anything after though!” Jayfeather snapped back.

“And we’re not his!” Hollyleaf cried, looking furious at the very thought. She took a deliberate step towards Brambleclaw, her tail lashing with satisfaction at the wounded look that crept across Crowfeather’s face. “He didn’t raise us. He may be the one that Squirrelflight made the mistake to betray her clan for, but he is not my father!”

She spoke with amazing clarity. Toxic assurance. Crowfeather tried to hide the way it made his heart ache. This was the first time he was meeting his only daughter, and she spoke to him like he was a rogue.

Worse still, he had enough sense to understand her. Why should she see him as her father when he was never there? He may not have known about them when they were kits, but he’d never made the effort once he had found out.

But how could he? How could he let his kits know that they went against the Warrior Code just by existing? He felt a spiting anger for the stars. It wasn’t fair. All he and Squirreflight had done was be in love, and the kits they’d had had grown into Warriors that Crowfeather would be proud of no matter what they did.

Squirrelflight had told him about the strength of Lionblaze, about the loyalty of Hollyleaf, about the skill of Jayfeather, his medicine cat son. Of course Crowfeather had a right to be proud! He couldn’t take away the pride of their clan by telling them that it was him that was their father instead of the strong Deputy.

At his side, Squirrelflight stiffened, fixing her daughter with a firm stare despite the tears running down her cheeks. “I have made many mistakes in my life, Hollyleaf. But being with Crowfeather is not one of them!” She moved closer to him, her ginger fur mixing with his grey. Crowfeather’s felt something swell inside him. “Being with him made me happy and it gave me you three, that will never be something that I regret.” There was an edge to her voice that Crowfeather only heard in rare times. Most of them had come in their earliest days, when they had hated each other before finding out how much they truly liked the other.

Hollyleaf’s face coiled with astonishment, then filling back with the bitterness and anger. “Don’t talk about us like you cared! If you did you would have revealed this long ago.”

“That is a mistake I made.” Squirrelflight nodded, her voice still firmer than before, but laced with sadness. “I should have told you myself but I was worried about how it would affect you.” Her green eyes slowly found Brambleclaw. “How it would affect all of you.”

Brambleclaw bristled with something unknown, turning away.

“How it would affect us?” Hollyleaf laughed with resentment. “We go against Starclan, because of you two!” She glared at Crowfeather now. “How could you do this to your clan? Why in Silverpelt would you do this?”

Anger began to twitch across Crowfeather’s whiskers again. Her words sounded so much like the doubts that had kept him unhappy for so long. “Do what? Fall in love? It’s not really something I had a choice in you know!”

“But why her?” She whirled on Squirrelflight, her anger now sounding much more pleading. “Why him?”

Crowfeather’s eyes narrowed. His tail joined with Squirrelflight’s. “She made me happy.” They wouldn’t accept that, Crowfeather knew, They couldn’t possibly understand how much that meant to Crowfeather. Hazily, Squirrelflight nodded to join Crowfeather’s answer.

Hollyleaf made a deep sound in her throat that seemed to be in-between a growl and a sob. “Why couldn’t you be happy and normal as well?”

Every cat cringed at her words. Crowfeather did it out of true, remarkable hurt. 

Normal. Was that what she thought he went against? Or was it what she thought she went against now she knew she was his?

Was that what he did to her in the few hours he was her parent?

Crowfeather knew that he shouldn’t, but he felt truly distraught at that prospect.

Squirrelflight looked dismayed as well. But it was clearly not something Hollyleaf hadn’t said to her before.

“Were you happy?”

They all looked Lionblaze’s way. Crowfeather just now realised how quiet the cat had been. His amber eyes were low and stinging with something, but at least he was actually looking at Crowfeather without complete hate. 

“What do you mean?”

Lionblaze looked to the side, fighting to keep a straight face. “Were you happy when you found out we were yours?”

Hollyleaf’s pelt prickled. “What in Starclan does that mat-”

“I wasn’t asking you!” Lionblaze snapped, there was such strength in the way he shouted, a fire igniting in his glare, that even Crowfeather flinched. Hollyleaf, true to form, snarled but she said no more. The golden cat huffed, turning back to Crowfeather. “Well?”

Had Crowfeather been happy?

“No. Because that meant that I’d never been there to see my own kits grow.” Crowfeather hoped he was exulting just how painful that was. Lionblaze’s face softened. “It meant that I’d missed the most important moments of your lives.” 

When he saw Squirrelflight sink down, guilt tainting her beautiful face, he purred against her to show that he never blamed her actions. “But when your mother told me about you three, that made me a little happier to know what amazing cats you’d all become.”

Crowfeather didn’t notice Jayfeather feeling everything off of him. Feeeling the truth. He didn’t see the young cat’s anger slowly fading as he saw all the moments his parents had shared, the genuine love they held for each other, and for their kits.

“She talked about us?” Lionblaze asked.

Crowfeather smiled, pressing his nose against her neck making her stifle a laugh. He ignored Brambleclaw looking away with a sigh. “Every time.”

Lionblaze glanced at Squirrelflight, and she shrugged with a small, sad smile. The golden tom scuffed the ground with his paw. “W-What did she say?”

Crowfeather actually found the effort to laugh slightly. “How long have you got?”

Jayfeather’s hard line across his mouth broadened, but his eyes were gentler. “Long enough.”

Crowfeather spoke about all he could, all the pleasant memories that Squirrelflight had felt and experienced and shared with him. Their first kills, Jayfeather’s experiences in the medicine den, their warriors ceremonies, all the Thunderclan cats who spoke so well of them. Then eventually Crowfeather was able to mention pride that he himself had experienced.

Lionblaze blushed when he was told that Heathertail had spoken so well of him.

Jayfeather softened when Crowfeather spoke of how Kestrelflight was amazed by the things the blind cat could do.

Hollyleaf didn’t react when she found out that many Windclan cats had admitted she was one of the forest’s strongest warriors.

For a while, the atmosphere seemed relaxed. Not enough to seem like they were truly a father and his kits talking, but well enough to match what Crowfeather had imagined this moment of meeting would be like.

Crowfeather felt something warm as Lionblaze began to loosen, the tuft of fur around his neck puffing a little as he looked back at Squirrelflight. Perhaps he was able to hear the clear joy that Squirrelflight felt when she’d told Crowfeather about them. Perhaps he could feel the yearning in Crowfeather’s voice and the true pride he radiated when he thought of them.

“Th-That’s a lot.” Lionblaze admitted when Crowfeather was finally finished. The large cat looked amusingly small when he was so quiet.

Squirrelflight let out a tender laugh. “There was a lot to tell.”

For a second, it seemed that Lionblaze was about to smile. But a wilt came over him as he looked to the ground. “But no to us.”

Crowfeather and Squirrelflight both felt his betrayal. They lowered their eyes.

“Why? Couldn’t you have at least mentioned it?”

“We couldn’t.” Crowfeather said coolly. He nudged for Squirrelflight to be quiet when he was sure she was going to take sole blame again. He wasn’t going to let that happen. They’d take this together. “We didn’t want to tell you in case certain cats found out.” He took a brief look at Brambleclaw that made the brown tom clench. “We didn’t expect they’d react well.”

“But what about us?” Lionblaze pleaded, his tone becoming firmer. 

Squirrelflight stepped forward, pressing her head against her eldest’s. Crowfeather was relieved that he didn’t pull away. “I didn’t want to take away the pride that Thunderclan gave you. You were all so happy to be accepted by the clan, I didn’t think it would do any good to tell you the truth.” Again, she looked gently to Brambleclaw. “And I didn’t want to hurt you.”

Brambleclaw lashed his tail in clear skepticism.

“Brambleclaw, I am sorry for what happened.” Squirrelfight padded over to her friend and Crowfeather swallowed down his stupid jealousy. He didn’t want to admit it, but Brambleclaw deserved credit. “I could never say anything against how you raised them. You have always been a wonderful father to them, and nothing could take that away.”

“It doesn’t change what happened though.” Brambleclaw said bitterly, but there was true hurt shaking in his eyes.

Squirrelflight nodded gravely, her ears folding back. “I know. Not telling you in the first place has always been one of my biggest regrets.” Brambleclaw didn’t respond, but it was clear that it wasn’t anger surrounding the cat, but deep pain. “And now that I know that you actually kept quiet even though I never told you, I’m beginning to see just how right I was to choose you to raise them.”

Crowfeather smiled even though every word she said sounded like a whip against his skin. But he suspected the truth did hurt like this. How could he argue? He’d spoken about how proud he was of the cats his kits had become. Brambleclaw had been an amazing parent to them. Neither he nor Squirrelflight could ever deny him that.

He just wished he had been given the chance to prove himself to them.

The deputy didn’t move a muscle, but it was clear that there was no more real anger surrounding him. Just pain. Pain that he knew these kits would never really be his own. A pain that Crowfeather felt as well. It was a paradox they shared, a tragedy they couldn’t escape. They had to deal with the fate that life had bestowed on them.

A piercing yowl broke the silence, making every cat draw away at the cold fury in its wake. Hollyleaf began to step back, shaking her head. “I can’t believe what I’m hearing.”

Squirrelflight began to tremble again, she took a step towards her daughter. “Hollyleaf-”

“So what?” The black molly shrieked, halting her mother in her terrified tracks. “What does it matter how you feel?” She glared back at Crowfeather, “Why should I care that you know so much about me? You’re not my father! Just some mongrel who was stupid enough to fall for this traitor!”   

Crowfeather didn’t reply. He was frightened it would reveal just how much her words hurt him.

Lionblaze frowned, clenching his teeth as he took a forceful pad towards Hollyleaf. “Would you calm down?”

Jayfeather braced himself.

“Don’t you tell me to calm down, you mouse-brain!” Hollyleaf yowled. A wind began to rush through the forest, making the rain sting as it hit the cat’s faces. “Have you gone mad? How can you sit there and act like this is okay?”

“I never said that-”

“Why should we sit here and listen to what these two talked about?” Hollyleaf didn’t let up, if anything her voice became louder. Her eyes blazed with green fire. “They’re nothing but a couple of selfish fox-hearts who betrayed everything we live by! They don’t deserve a second of our time!”

Squirrelflight’s eyes filled again with wet tears. Crowfeather frowned, his neck fur rising. “Hollyleaf, please listen-”

“No! You can shut up!” Hollyleaf advanced, swiping the air with unsheathed claws. They clearly weren’t meant to hit her, but Squirrelflight still jumped back like she’d been struck. She already looked like she was bleeding!

That was it! Crowfeather leapt over to the Thunderclan side of the border, placing himself between his mate and his daughter. He glared, knowing he wouldn’t dare hurt her, but promising he wouldn’t let her hurt Squirrelflight. Hollyleaf hissed at him meancingly.

“Enough of this. Whatever you think, your mother has only ever had your well-being in mind! She would never want to hurt you, surely you know that!”

“What would you know? You’ve never been there!”

Crowfeather’s lip curled, “I was there long before you were. I know your mother and she was only ever thinking of the best for you!”

Hollyleaf stiffened, turning away with a bitter growl and a swift swipe of her tail. “Then she never knew the best for us! If she did, she never would have seen you in the first place!”

Crowfeather growled deep in his throat, his tongue ready to strike again. Then he felt a light push on his side, Squirrelflight forcing herself ahead of him. “Crowfeather, calm down.” The urgency was back in his voice, a bite.

The Winclan tom stiffened with upset. Squirrelflight noticed this, sighing, and rubbing her tail along his pelt. She spoke up again, gentle and loving, “Please.”

A snarl of utter loathing forced them to look ahead. Hollyleaf’s fur was spiked with revulsion, she cast them another snapping glower. “I don’t have to see this! This was a waste of time!” She began to storm away.

Squirrelflight braced, her fur rising in despaired alarm. “Hollyleaf, please!”

“No!” Hollyleaf didn’t even look back.

The ginger molly began to tremble, tears spilling out of her eyes as she watched the icy back of her daughter slink away into the darkness. “Please just understand,” Squirrelflight cried, her voice rising in one last desperate mewl. “I did everything I did because I loved you, I still do and I always will!”

Hollyleaf looked back, green eyes fiery in the ebony shadow of the trees, but she didn’t stop leaving the cats. “If that’s what your love means, then I don’t want it!” She snapped her head away screaming into the trees. “That stray will never be my father!”

Squirrelflight let out a broken sob, stepping back as she felt the rejection course all over her. Crowfeather felt it too, burning his skin. There was no room for forgiveness in the ferocity of his daughter. She hated him, and Crowfeather knew she meant it with every strand of her fur.

Crowfeather’s throat was dry and he felt he had no words left. Not for this. A haze of consequence and blame sank around him, and he didn’t know if it would ever be lifted.

He’d been so happy to know he had a daughter. Now he wondered if he truly did, or ever would.

He knew that she never wanted him to be her father.

Movement twitched in the corner of Crowfeather’s eye and he saw Brambleclaw begin to follow Hollyleaf’s steps. “Where are you going?” Lionblaze questioned, his voice numbed by his sister’s reaction.

Brambleclaw stopped, looking back at the golden tom with a connection so deep that Crowfeather suddenly knew he could never match it. “I’ll talk to her about this. I’ll try to help her understand everything.” His voice lowered with a gentle tragedy. “Hopefully she’ll calm down if it’s me.”

Crowfeather bit his lip, focusing on the question on his mind. “Why?” Why would he want to help them? After all this. Why would he want to help the cat he once saw as his own realise she was another’s?

Brambleclaw’s muzzle contracted back, “I’m not doing it for you!” He snapped, bitterness on his fangs. “No matter what you say, I will always see them as mine!” He promised, staring right into Crowfeather’s glare. The grey tom didn’t hold back despite his knowledge that Brambleclaw could send him down with one paw. They both met each other with the strong mutual dislike.

Then Brambleclaw shifted his gaze to look at Squirrelflight. He mellowed. The ginger cat looked at her ‘mate’ with vulnerable wonder. “But, no matter what, they’ll always be hers as well.” He looked vulnerable too, breathing heavily, glancing back and forth between the cat he still loved and the cat he realised she loved instead. “She’s their mother, and I don’t want her, or any of you, to forget that.” He meowed, casting his once believed sons a desperate glance. A fatal resolution, perhaps his last request as a father.

“I’m not saying that what she did was the right thing.” Brambleclaw dipped his head with a small moan, it sounded like something that the cat should never make. “But I don’t believe for a second that she did anything that wasn’t out of love for you. You know she isn’t that kind of cat.”

When Squirrelflight found Brambleclaw’s gaze again, it was the most loving she had ever looked at him. Grateful, but aching.

The two young toms kept the deputy’s eyes a moment longer. Jayfeather looked away with a curled lip and Lionblaze stared painfully at the cat that was once his father.

Brambleclaw grit his teeth like a blizzard was stinging every atom in his bones, “She will always be your mother, and she will always love you.” Something seemed to bite his mind as his ears flicked back, “Please, don’t waste that.” He twisted to meet Squirrelflight, but his eyes were devoid of anything but emptiness. 

The ginger cat stood still, but the way she looked at him might as well have been her purring against him. “Thank you, Brambleclaw.”

“I don’t want you to thank me.” Brambleclaw said stonily, “Just make sure that these young cats do not get hurt in the future.”

Fire erupted in the Thunderclan molly’s eyes, “I never would.”

“I believe you.” If there was anything else he wanted to say, he didn’t say it, he stalked away, fading away as he went back to Thunderclan camp. Crowfeather almost felt guilty when he felt a twitch of relief that the cat was gone. He owed a debt to the cat, whether they wanted it or not.

“I’m going to make my way back as well.”

Those words might as well have been a kick to Crowfeather’s gut. 

Jayfeather stood still on his paws, glazed eyes unseeing but obvious with thought. His tail swung lazily from side to side, contemplating, but Crowfeather only felt the bite of dismissal again. Was he expected to take this from two of his kits before he could see them truly for a second time? The stars were truly cruel to him.

“Don’t be such a sad lump of fur. I’m not Hollyleaf!” Jayfeather snapped, this time straight at Crowfeather.

The Winclan cat looked up again, Jayfeather stared at him with an expression changing almost as quickly as Crowfeather’s emotions. Again, how did this cat seem to know so much?

His son’s grey fur laid flat and unnerved on his back, a soft sigh escaping him. “Don’t let your mind slip, I’m still angry with you both!” He clarified, his tail swiping the air like an unsheathed paw. “Neither of you had any right to lie to us for this long.”

Crowfeather groaned, “We weren’t trying to-”

“I don’t care. I’m still right.” There was such a short temperament yet a fiery certainty in his voice that Crowfeather couldn’t help but feel the slightest pride that his son had clearly taken after him.

Even if it was some of his worst qualities.

Jayfeather let his anger set, then it began to cool, his tail curling down on the floor. “But, I don’t hate you. I barely even know you after all.” 

It was hard to tell if that was a joke or a jab, so Crowfeather didn’t react.

Actually that wasn’t true. Crowfeather felt the smallest appreciation and vindication. He didn’t hate him. Why did that mean so much when it could hardly be considered a compliment? It was complicated and confusing. Of course it was. That was all Crowfeather’s life seemed to be.

So he did what he always did now. He accepted it. It was all he could do. These were all the product of his own choices and he had to take them in his stride.

“I’ll go back with you as well.” Lionblaze mewed, stepping beside his brother. Seeming to feel the dread creeping back into his parents, Lionblaze swiftly gave them a pointed look, his tail rising.

“I don’t hate you either!” He said quickly, a sheepish glow rising on his whiskers. “I-I think I understand why did what you did.”

Crowfeather knew he didn’t really. But it was enough when he saw the answer made Squirrelflight’s misery begin to construct into something wonderful again. A bloom rippling on her tear stained cheeks.

Then Crowfeather felt his stomach sink when Lionblaze’s gaze dropped again, now conflicted and strangely... guilty? “But I-I don’t want to lie to you.” The golden tom stepped towards Crowfeather, already a whisker above his father’s height, and the Winclan tom lowered a little more when he saw the lack of recognition, the frailty of true acceptance.

“I-I’m sorry but, Brambleclaw will always be my father. He’s the one who raised me.”

There it was. Now Crowfeather really began to feel it. Lionblaze’s words pounded in his ears, a torture that the cat clearly didn’t want to submit the older cat to. Be he was. Renunciation seared around Crowfeather, branding him with the reality that it was truly too late for that kind of relationship to blossom.

It was the same for Jayfeather as well as Crowfeather saw him nod slowly.

It burned like the stars above. The truth that Crowfeather suspected but had tried to avoid; why had he expected anything different? He had never been there. Be it his fault or not, it was a fact. Why should they reject Brambleclaw for a father that they would never really see?

He wanted to lash out, he wanted to blame them, but he couldn’t. Once again, it was a consequence of the life he’d taken. No one was to blame.

He just had to keep his head down, bite his lip, and take it. 

He felt Squirrelflight curl against his side, and hoped that would make it a little easier.

“I do want to see you again though.”

The burning stopped, if just a little. Crowfeather let true shock come over him as he found his son’s gaze again. The golden tom stood tall, lacking any resemblance of recognition, but still luminous with something else. Kindness? Pity? Forgiveness? Whatever it was, it made Crowfeather bask in something he, for once, knew was good.

“If that’s alright with you? Could we be able to speak again?” There wasn’t anything demanding in his voice, just hope. True interest. Friendliness. Lionblaze looked on patiently, eager, trusting.

Why was it this... this that made Crowfeather’s throat hurt instead of Hollyleaf’s hostile rejection?

Crowfeather took it in, the dismissal and the yearning. The opportunity he was still mercifully granted. His stomach felt like it had the day he had received his Warrior name, or the day he found out the cat he held so closely wanted the same things he did.

And now, his son wanted something from him, not what Crowfeather really wanted, but how could Crowfeather deny the rare hopes he was gifted.

“I’d like that.” Crowfeather said raggedly.

Lionblaze smiled. A real smile. Actual happiness. It was swarming. It only grew as Lionblaze slowly padded to his mother and didn’t hesitate to press his forehead against hers. “No matter what,” He purred, “You will always be my mother.”

It was contact that Crowfeather knew he’d never receive, but his heart still soared when the blazing, flaring relief twisted Squirrelflight’s face and made her cry. She rubbed her muzzle beside her son’s, afraid to break away as if it could mean she would come so close to losing him again.

But it was clear now. She would never lose Lionblaze. That was something.

Once Lionblaze had stepped back, still beaming with love, Jayfeather took the brief moment to press his forehead against his mother’s. Her shock was minimal compared to the cats around her. “There’s a lot we still need to talk about.” Jayfeather tried to sound hard, but the quaver was unmissable. His tail wrapped around her. “But... I’ll try if you will.”

Squirrelflight held her son close, crying still, promising she would.

Crowfeather would try as well, whatever chances he was given. Jayfeather didn’t say a word to him, which made Crowfeather’s pelt feel cold, but he accepted the small nod his son cast in his direction.

It was hard to tell what the nod held, but Crowfeather needed to be hopeful. It was all he had left.

“We’ll see you back at camp, okay.” Lionblaze mewed to his mother. He spoke gently, like he was still grasping onto her with his forepaws. 

She nodded, shining.

Lionblaze nudged Jayfeather to his side, then he sent one more look Crowfeather’s way. “See you later.” It wasn’t curt or unfaithful, it was a promise.

Crowfeather promised back, he swore on Deadfoot’s memory that he would never let go of the little he had. He never took his eyes away as his sons padded softly back to the clan they’d been raised in. Their true home...

Crowfeather swallowed. They were trying. He had to as well, even from the shallow end of the river. He was their father, he had to be proud of whatever choices they made. Respect the Warriors he would have been proud to call his own.

He didn’t know if that was possible.

His attention turned back to his mate, she watched her sons walk off as well. She was wiping away the tears from her eyes with her tail. Crowfeather remembered another duty he still had. One that he had made his own. Purring deep in his throat, he bent down to lick Squirrelflight’s cheek. “That face never suited you.” He joked tenderly.

She let out a ragged laugh, sinking into his touch. Her smile was sparkling. “Oh, don’t you start with that. I’ve seen you cry like a kit too many times.”

“That’s different. You’re made of stronger stuff than me.” Crowfeather began running his tongue along her head.

“Oh am I?” She giggled.

“How else could you have raised such wonderful cats?”

She must have caught the twitching loss in his tone as she pressed against him, rubbing her muzzle against his neck. “It’s going to be alright. You should have seen how they were looking at me hours ago.” He felt her grow still, relishing in their rare embrace. “They’ll understand soon. Brambleclaw will help.”

“I know.” Crowfeather said, his voice hollowing, but he never moved away from her. He didn’t have the will to hate the deputy anymore. “That’s because they’re his.” It was painful yet fulfilling to say it out loud. Relieving to accept the truth.

“They’re yours as well.” Squirrelflight lulled.

“No. You were the only one of us that was there, Squirrel.” Crowfeather accepted, his head sank away to smile down at her. Proud to call himself her mate. “They’re yours more than any cat’s.”

Squirrelflight stared up at him, sadness tainting her again. 

Crowfeather did what he could to calm her. “But that’s fine.” He mewed, then he pressed his head against hers playfully, “Because I’m still yours right?” He teased, rubbing her fur with his own.

Squirrelflight began to laugh, though it did almost sound like crying, she pulled her head away, green eyes glinting lovingly up at the cat she had chosen. Then her lips met his. And Crowfeather remembered why he had chosen the life he had. Why he didn’t regret a moment?

She broke away, smiling. “You shouldn’t ask questions you know the answer to, it’s not polite.”

“Was that a lesson you taught them as well?”

It was moments like this where they could forget the harshness of what surrounded them. Because for these brief moments, everything that went against them seemed to fall into a perfect balance with the many things that held them together.

It was why they could accept what would come. Be it bad or good, the beginning had been worth it all.

...

So that was that. A nice little mix of angst and fluff, I believe. I enjoyed writing it, I hope you all enjoyed reading it.

Please send some much deserved praise to @lonely-ghost-606! They created the ideas for this AU, I just helped flesh them out!

Thanks for reading!

[tigerclawsremorse]

Frigid air nipped at the muscular tabby’s nose as Tigerclaw felt his way through the familiar dark tunnel of Mothermouth. He had grown accustomed to the cramped chilly entrance to the Moonstone, having had traveled to it for several moons now. Unlike what Yellowfang had predicted, he adjusted very accordingly to the medicine cat life.

Sometimes, he yearned to join a patrol for something other than just herb picking, but he controlled himself. He would take walks around the territory just about whenever he pleased and with whoever he pleased, however, no matter what, his mind always seemed to focus on the flora. On long strolls with Whitestorm or Goldenflower he found himself absentmindedly picking needed herbs and carrying them along.

Adjusting to a medicine cat’s social life was another thing. At gatherings, when he sat by the other medics, he was a very prominent cat. His large muscular figure and numerous battle scars were something unseen on the others. Though he might have scared the odd apprentice, he was a novelty to the warriors.

The first gathering he trained under Yellowfang, he was constantly bombarded with questions: ‘What made you make such a drastic change? ’, ‘Why leave when you were so respected?’, ‘ThunderClan must be desperate for a medic if their options are a ShadowClan exile and ex-warrior.’ He was reluctant to comment on any of them, luckily they were quickly stopped by Yellowfang. Tigerclaw soon found that she was more feared than he had been.

Tigerclaw could never focus on those trivial questions anyway, at gatherings he couldn’t help himself from trying to spot Darkstripe. It was odd to even him, he couldn’t even imagine what he would do if he saw his ex-clanmate. He could never brush off his insatiable desire for revenge against the traitor tom, yet he still couldn’t convince himself that’s what the deep feeling in his chest meant.

Whenever Tigerclaw asked Runningnose about it, the ShadowClan tom shifted his weight on his paws and shook his head, claiming there has been no trace of Brokenstar or any of his followers. The awkward air of the answer made it hard for Tigerclaw to believe, but he had no other choice.

“Tigerclaw,” Yellowfang’s steady voice echoed as they came closer to the Moonstone’s cave, “I hope you’re ready.”

He gave a gruff nod and then quickly added, “Yes, I am.” after he realized she wouldn’t be able to see him in the dark.

The ground they treaded felt to be rough gravel under paw until they reached the cave, where it smoothed out. The dim light aluminum subtle features of the gathered medics, he wouldn’t be able to make them out until the moon had reached its peak.

Though he often traveled to the cave, he scarcely went inside and had yet to try and reach StarClan. He remembered all too vividly his dream of Thistleclaw and was reluctant to experience it again, even if it meant he hadn’t seen or spoken to Spottedleaf in many moons.

Yellowfang’s head was tilted upwards towards the gap in the cave, she planned to begin his ceremony at just the right moment. Tigerclaw had hoped he would get a few more heartbeats to compose himself, but Yellowfang quickly interjected and began, to Tigerclaw’s dismay.

“I, Yellowfang, medicine cat of ThunderClan,” the old she-cat croaked, “call upon our warrior ancestors to look down on this urm apprentice.” she flashed a glance to Tigerclaw, beckoning him to come closer. “He has trained hard to understand the ways of a medicine cat, and with your help and guidance, he will serve his clan under your protection.”

The broad shouldered tom padded up and stood facing his mentor. The moon was nearing being directly over them, its cascading light shimmered against Yellowfang’s dull fur and bent whiskers.

“Tigerclaw, do you promise to uphold the ways of a medicine cat, to stand apart from rivalry between clans and to protect all cats equally, even at the cost of your life?”

“I do.”

Yellowfang gave a wide satisfied smile, “Then by the powers of StarClan, you are reborn and we welcome Tigerclaw the medicine cat. StarClan honors your dedication, and will watch and guide you as a full medicine cat of ThunderClan.”

The other medicine cats meowed a soft approval chant of his name as he tucked his head into Yellowfang’s shoulder to conclude the ceremony. She had made perfect timing as pale light glimmered down onto the new medicine cat. His amber eyes shone with pride as he looked hesitantly to the moonstone, now lit in its full effect.

Shuffling around in the cave, the other medics gathered around the stone, each pressing their nose against the glistening rock. Yellowfang stepped to join them, giving Tigerclaw an inviting look. “Come on, Tigerclaw, StarClan doesn’t wait for too long.”

“Right.” He took a deep breath and joined his rank, crowded beside ancient pillar. Squeezing his eyes shut, he pressed his nose to the cold, hard surface and forced his body to relax. After a moment, he felt no change.

‘Foxdung,’ he thought, closing his eyes tighter, ‘ I missed the opening. Or worse, I’ll open my eyes and come muzzle to muzzle with that fleabag Thistleclaw.’

“Tiger?” A voice interrupted, “you can open your eyes now.” she chided with a light laugh.

“Spottedleaf.” He meowed softly, seeing his friend dappled with bright stars that complimented her tortoiseshell pelt.

“You can actually have your eyes open the whole time, it doesn’t-“ she took a few steps towards him, but she had not made it a fox-length before he lunged to her and practically knocked her down in a sweeping embrace.

“It doesn’t affect anything.” She finished, holding her head above the tom’s thick fur that threatened to suffocate her if she wasn’t already dead.

“I missed you Leaf.” Tigerclaw smiled and gave her some breathing room, but he was uncertain if she actually needed breathing room at all. Shifting on his paws, he watched as she lapped down some of her now ruffled fur, and stood still as she leaned to neaten his too.

“I missed you too.” She tilted her head and gave her familiar warm smile, “I see Yellowfang wasn’t so hard on you. If she was, she would’ve run you off.”

“I would have gone through the worst mentor in all the clans just to become a full medic.” He shook his head still in disbelief of really being the presence of Spottedleaf again.

“I wish I could stay and talk,” Spottedleaf sat, wrapping her tail over her paws. “But time is so limited.”

“Let’s not waste it then.” Interjected a new voice who quickly revealed themselves, pushing through the bushes with ease. “You both had your little moment, nice,” Redtail rolled his eyes, “but we have some important matters.”

“We do?” Tigerclaw pressed, flickering a glance to Spottedleaf.

“Yeah, we could have talked about it sooner if you ever bothered to actually come inside MotherMouth.”

“Redtail,” Spottedleaf nudged her brother, “limited time.” She was right, already the two began to diminish ever so slightly.

“Why couldn’t you have told anyone else?” Tigerclaw asked, shaking his head, eyebrows furrowed. “If it’s about the clans, I don’t know why it had to be me to relay a message-“

“It’s important for you to know, Tigerclaw,” Spottedleaf stood between Redtail and the dark tabby tom, bristlingly slightly as neither of them were listening.

“It’s about ThunderClan.” Redtail stepped around Spottedleaf.

“Yellowfang is going to retire so soon and she can’t-“ Spottedleaf explained but was cut off.

“ThunderClan is going to need your help most of all Tigerclaw.” Redtail’s frown prevailed on his face, his piercing gaze focused on Tigerclaw.

“What is it?!” The new medic asked frantically as the two were hardly more than the stars that outlined their forms.

“It’s Darkstripe he—“

Before either of them could utter another word, Tigerclaw woke, his face still pressed against the cold Moonstone, but now the cave had gone dark again.

“Yellowfang, we have to get back to camp. Quick.”

“No one has heard anything about any of them?” Tigerclaw spoke quietly, he and Yellowfang had arrived back to camp much sooner than anyone had expected. Tigerclaw had refused a big ceremony in front of the clan, opting instead to have a simple welcome and acceptance from Bluestar.

He had half expected to return to see the camp ravengended in an attack, much like when he traveled back with Bluestar and the apprentices many moons ago. Whitestorm curiously informed him there had been no sign of any kind of attack and then promptly invited him to share a squirrel.

“No, not that I’ve heard of,” Whitestorm answered, swallowing down a bite of the prey. “No scent of any of them. Darkstripe has a very distinct smell, I would recognize it.”

Tigerclaw took a small bite of the squirrel. Though he hadn’t eaten all day, he could hardly bring himself to take more than that with his stomach in knots.

“Is something troubling you, Tigerclaw? You can be quiet and stoic around everyone else, but you’re usually more interactive with me.”

He looked away from the fresh kill to the deputy, who in earnest, looked back at Tigerclaw.

“I know what it is.” Whitestorm gave a sly smile and flattened his ears against his head, “you’re worried about Goldenflower and her kits, huh?”

“Yes, yeah.” He internally sighed in relief. Whatever this issue was, Tigerclaw really hoped to have a few more days to work it out himself before involving the whole clan.

‘ If I immediately accuse Darkstripe,’ he thought, ‘ cats will just think I’m desperate for revenge.’ The large gash in his chest had healed fine, but it still scarred very prominently.

“I wouldn’t worry, they’re all doing just fine. Brindleface says they’re causing a real racket, but that’s just Brindle, I think she likes the idea of kits more than actual kits.” Noticing he had strayed off topic, Whitestorm continued, “But they have their eyes open, ears open, everything. I think Goldenflower is even ready to name them.”

“Really?” Tigerclaw asked, a little surprised. He supposed it was reasonable, the kits were over a moon old. They had been alive long enough to get permanent names. “Maybe I should go talk to her.”

“Couldn’t hurt,” Whitestorm nodded as he tore another bite off the squirrel.

“Goldenflower,” Tigerclaw poked his head into the nursery. The once gaping hole had long since been patched with a new weaving of brambles. The golden queen laid stretched in her nest, two tufts of fur by her side, Tigerclaw presumed they were asleep.

“Tigerclaw,” she glanced up at the father of her kits, “Or, um, did you receive a new name? Tigerleaf?” She dipped her head, raising an eyebrow at the medic. “Congratulations anyhow.”

“Thank you and it’s still Tigerclaw. When a warrior becomes a medicine cat they usually just keep their old names, and I wasn't exempt.”

“Maybe that’s a good thing,” Goldenflower passively looked down at her kits, amusement in her tone, “the apprentice she did name is Runningnose, so maybe she’s not the best at choosing.”

Tigerclaw laughed and curved around other sleeping queens to come to her side, “I suppose I am lucky,” he paused, “but I came to see the kits.”

Goldenflower scrunched up her face in a tired smile, “Ok,” Swiftpaw’s father had never come to visit him, so it felt strange the father of her new kits would come.

“Have you named them yet?” He asked, settling down beside the nest, nudging the kits gently with his nose.

“No, not yet.” She admitted, watching him get a closer look at the kits. “I believe I’m ready though.”

Tigerclaw nodded, prompting Goldenflower to go on.

“Well, I was thinking, for this little one,” she tapped one of the kits with her nose, “Tawnykit, on account of her beautiful fur.”

“That’s lovely.” Tigerclaw gave Tawnykit a quick lick.

“And well,” Goldenflower looked at the other kit, “I was thinking Bramblekit, but I don’t know, do you have any ideas?”

“How about, Spottedkit?” He suggested. ”The little tom does seem to be developing a nice spotted tabby pelt, it could suit him quite well,” he explained.

“It’s ok Tigerclaw,” she blinked, dismissing his need for an explanation, “Tawnykit and Spottedkit, that’s just fine.”

“It’s great.” He smiled, laying his head on his paws, content watching the kits. As a medicine cat, he was never supposed to be a father, but he would like to see StarClan try and take these two away from him.

‘ These two won’t need a mentor to look up to .’ He thought, wrapping his tail around Goldenflower’s, ‘ they’ll have me. ’

[calitraditionalism]

Arc Two: Chapter Six

(AO3 counterpart here.)

Over the next few days, several cats arrived in pairs or trios. Some were simply there for the Clast life, while others had heard of Redheart and were curious. All promptly made themselves comfortable without waiting for further instruction. Mistface and Darkpelt kept their ears perked as the whispered grumbles of the native Clast cats grew to muttered complaints that sunk back to whispers whenever Redheart walked past.

“This may work out in our favor,” Darkpelt said to Mistface one day. “The less cats that agree with her, the better.”

“And the fact that it’s her own family, also,” Mistface added. “We may get lucky and have no one go with her.”

“Your brother likely still will, though.” Darkpelt smiled cheekily. “So we better get to work and see how to keep her here before you lose all of your family.”

Mistface said nothing. She seemed to sense his reaction anyway and smiled wider.

The blue sky was barely poking through spots in the dull clouds above the settlement when Redheart called for another meeting. This time, there seemed like the crowd was more a series of clumps than a gathered unit. From the variances in smell, Mistface gathered that the Clast cats were sticking to themselves, and none of them looked particularly happy. He caught sight of Snowshine frowning at the very back of the clusters.

“Should I sit by the seer?” he whispered to Darkpelt, standing near him. “She looks like she could use a ‘friend’.”

Darkpelt’s whiskers twitched in amusement. “Pretend to care a little more than that, my boy. Laurelclaw’s close, I’ll go hang out with him.”

With that, the two parted ways. Mistface glanced back once to make sure that Darkpelt had found Laurelclaw, then sidled up to Snowshine, announcing himself by clearing his throat.

Snowshine looked his way and the frown vanished. “Hi again.”

Mistface nodded and gestured with his paw to the spot next to her. “Mind if I sit?”

“No, not at all.” Snowshine suddenly seemed a little embarrassed and very quickly focused again on Redheart as she jumped up onto the round structure. Mistface forced his jaw to unclench and sat down, half-watching Redheart but mostly trying to keep an eye on Greyleaf through the crowd, which was nearly impossible with everyone shuffling around and blocking his view.

“I’m glad to have gathered more warriors here,” Redheart said. She slowly scanned the cats around her with a calm, unreadable expression; Mistface suddenly felt like an apprentice about to receive his name when she glanced at him. “It’s good to see that bravery I’ve spoken to you all about still exists. Before we begin, I would like to thank Thistletooth for his information on the western exterior of the Territory. Some of you may not know, but he joined us as a kittypet and has grown to be a magnificent fighter and hunter.”

The blue tom that Mistface had seen fight Flyfang straightened up where he was and puffed out his chest. Several cats murmured to each other in surprise and a few offered words of congratulations, but one near Mistface grumbled, “And he’s probably leaving with her and going back to that house of his, eh?”

“With his experience, we have knowledge of where the safest places are to take ourselves,” Redheart said, her cool voice ringing over that of the grumbler. “I intend to travel to the border myself to get a personal look at the landscape, but Thistletooth has provided invaluable knowledge on the safest places to be, and I am grateful for his help.”

Thistletooth tilted his head jauntily and grinned.

Redheart suddenly turned her eyes to Snowshine. “I would also like to thank you, Snowshine, for practically leading the Clast in my place while I organize this voyage.”

Mistface blinked and looked at Snowshine, who was just as surprised as him. She managed to stammer, “I- well, it’s not trouble, Redheart.”

“It's important to acknowledge you, even still. I’m aware I’ve been neglecting my duties.” Redheart’s eyes softened a little. “You’ve stepped up without my needing to ask, and I and the Clast appreciate you greatly for it.”

Snowshine’s eyes turned to the ground and she kneaded the ground bashfully with a small smile.

“Will she be taking your place, then?” someone called, not a little testily. “When you leave?”

“We will discuss that when the time comes,” Redheart said, with great patience, though the softness in her eyes vanished. “She may choose to leave with us-“

“And why would she do that?” that cat retorted. “We won’t be able to reach StarClan, so far away.”

Redheart’s face hardened and her eyes narrowed to slits, so coldly and sharply that Mistface leaned his head back a little, startled. Her voice ground out of her throat and spread its gnarled claws, gripping the air above the crowd.

“A warrior worth their weight,” she said slowly, intensely, “does not need StarClan to protect them. If you want them at your beck and call, you do not have to come with me. You’re free to stay right here and be petted and fawned over like a kittypet for the rest of your life instead of testing what you’re truly capable of.”

Utter silence in the clearing. Everyone was swapping unnerved glances or watching Redheart anxiously. A cat in front of Mistface even stepped back a few paces, leaving just enough room to see Greyleaf completely. Mistface was quite startled – Greyleaf’s face was just as hard as Redheart’s, but his eyes were much wider, and flaring with an intense…

No, that couldn’t be hatred. Not from Greyleaf. It was such an alien expression on him. It had to be something else.

Mistface was aware of Redheart speaking again, much more calmly and like herself – something about the plans for her departure to examine the border – but he couldn’t focus. He was frozen staring at his brother, whose face had relaxed as well, but…

That hatred, or whatever it was. Mistface could see a glint of it remaining in Greyleaf’s eyes.

It occurred to Mistface that this was the most awake he had seen his brother look since he arrived here.

 ---

 “So, um…”

Night was slowly approaching, the sun sinking in the south and the moon slowly rising. The aspect of the moon, Mona, was clearly in a merry mood, because the crescent was brighter than last night and grinning as it climbed up past the horizon. Stars were already poking out their heads, one at a time, and the sky had charitably given up its clouds for the time being, allowing the night to be a nice shade of deep indigo.

This beauty was lost on Beetlefoot, Laurelclaw knew that. He didn't need to remark on the view to see Beetlefoot’s apathy for anything that wasn’t the mission. It was hard to talk to the little tom at all, really, but the two were supposed to hang out together for now until it got dark and Beetlefoot could go off again with the day’s reports.

Now they were sitting a body-length or so away from each other, awkward and quiet and silently hoping for the night to come on faster.

But never let it be said that Laurelclaw couldn’t try.

“It’s interesting, isn’t it?” he ventured, hating how his voice both sounded so tiny and also carried in the silence. “The change of pace, I mean.”

Beetlefoot’s head turned slightly towards him and he gave him a questioning look.

“In Plage-“ Laurelclaw cleared his throat and tried to force his tone into confident casualness. “In Plage, we’re always on the move. Never really a moment to rest and look around and enjoy the view, you know? But here, you just relax and watch the world go on.”

“It’s…” Beetlefoot’s eyes flickered to the side, like he too was trying to figure out what to say. “Slow, yes.”

“I don’t think the slowness is too bad, at least,” Laurelclaw said quickly. “I mean, yeah, you can get a little bored if nothing’s going on, but there’s always something here. A fight, or a conversation, or… well, plenty of interactions with others, you know what I mean?”

Beetlefoot tensed a little, and his voice was oddly quiet. “No.”

“Oh.” Laurelclaw faltered, and the awkwardness was right back in full force. This time, though, it felt more like the sympathetic awkwardness one experienced when not sure how to respond to someone’s personal troubles. He felt like he was just within reach of coming to understand this stiff little tom more.

He opened his mouth to do something, he wasn’t sure what – ask a question or offer a kind word or something – but a perky voice behind him said, “What are you two looking at?”

Both toms jumped and looked round quickly to see Littlepaw standing there and looking at them curiously.

“Uh-“ Laurelclaw fumbled. “Nothing. Just… thinking. Talking.”

“We were considering whether or not to visit the Vultures tomorrow,” Beetlefoot said, with a smoothness that impressed Laurelclaw. “A friend is there living with them.”

Littlepaw’s eyes popped open and she gasped. “The Vultures are nearby?!”

Beetlefoot and Laurelclaw looked at each other for clarification that neither of them had, then back at Littlepaw.

“You didn’t know?” Laurelclaw asked. “They’re about an hour away.”

“Can I come with you, if you do go?” Littlepaw bounced on her toes, leaning forward in excitement. “I know they don’t do fictional stories, but the real ones are just as interesting!”

“They…” Beetlefoot seemed put off by her eagerness. “…aren’t doing any research. They just have a pregnant member resting for a while.”

“Oh!” Littlepaw seemed even more excited. “Then I can visit a couple times before they go! Maybe they’ll know where the Margays are going next, too!” She looked up with big, pleading eyes. “Can I go? Please? If Flyfang says okay? I won’t be annoying, I just want to meet them myself."

Laurelclaw’s soft heart kicked in. Before he could actually consider what he was going to say, he smiled weakly. “Sure thing. Just, uh, definitely ask Flyfang, so she doesn’t beat me up if you disappear with us out of nowhere.”

Out of the corner of his eye, Beetlefoot was scowling, but Littlepaw practically trilled in excitement and that scowl was rather easy to ignore.

“Thank you!” Littlepaw said, tail waving delightedly. “I’ll ask Flyfang when she’s awake. I never got to talk with the Vultures before, and-“

She started off, going over her interest in the tales of the Clan, whether real or fictional. Laurelclaw laughed, warmth in his chest at the happiness in the apprentice’s voice. Littlepaw was so happy, in fact, that she seemed to miss Beetlefoot silently taking his leave and disappearing behind a house. Laurelclaw knew well enough to keep Littlepaw occupied, so he engaged in the conversation.

Eventually, though, Littlepaw tired herself out. She excused herself after her fourth yawn with, “Well, when you decide to go, tell me, please.”

“Of course,” Laurelclaw agreed, grinning. “Our friend will love you, too. She’ll probably have some stories of her own to tell you.”

“Can’t wait to meet her, then!” Littlepaw said. She yawned again, stretched, and turned around. “I’ll see you tomorrow. Goodnight, and thank you.”

“Goodnight and you’re welcome,” Laurelclaw said, and turned around back to where he had been staring originally. Just within his range of vision, a small brown dot was streaking off into the north. Laurelclaw’s smile faded as guilt bubbled in his chest. That “no” troubled him more than it probably should.

[signs-of-the-moon]

Moon Rise: Chapter 50

"Look, they've come back!" Lightpaw exclaimed as Whitestar and the rest of her patrol made their way into Grassclan's camp. At the young apprentice's call, the rest of the clan had begun to gather around, eager to hear news of what came from the meeting with Treeclan.

"Well? What did Blazestar have to say for himself?" Chicorynose asked, tail wagging with anxiety.

"We are to settle this war the day after tomorrow," Whitestar responded, body tense. Swiftcloud flanked one of her sides and could feel the leader's dread through her fur. It was almost overwhelming. If her clanmates were not pressed so closely around them, Swiftcloud would have withdrawn to calm herself.

"Which means we only have a short time to prepare," Chicorynose murmured, eyes darkening.

Whitestar nodded, looking at each of her warriors as she spoke. "For the rest of the day, up until sundown tomorrow, I want every able bodied cat to train. We must ensure our skills are sharp so that we may claim our victory."

And so that we don't lose any more warriors, Swiftcloud added in her mind, figuring the same thought might be running through Whitestar's. She gave the leader a glance, able to tell her prediction to be true by the turmoil on the other molly's siamese face.

"I'll send everyone out, then." Chicorynose turned, already prepared to order partners and apprentices to team up and get to work.

Swiftcloud and the others on her patrol had been dismissed from training for the evening. They'd be on a long journey, and Whitestar knew all too well the dread it had caused them all. Swiftcloud was grateful for the break, although she didn't allow her time to be wasted. She wanted her skills as sharp as the rest of the clan's, especially after being unconscious for three days.

Across the camp, Swiftcloud spotted one of her mates laying beside the fresh-kill pile. Shadowfang looked to be at peace, having a rest after being out at The Dip battle training with Quailbelly and Thornpaw. Swiftcloud almost felt bad to disturb him. But a mischievous idea crossed through her mind. One that she knew she couldn't pass up.

"Hey, Shadowfang?" she meowed, drawing her mate's attention as she padded over to him.

Shadowfang glanced up at Swiftcloud, gnawing on the leftovers from his dinner. He gave his lips a satisfied smack, then sat up straight to acknowledge the white and black patched she-cat. "Yeah?"

Swiftcloud smiled innocently, wiggling her nubby tail. Before Shadowfang could comment on her odd behavior, she threw herself onto him, mouthing at his ear and tugging on it playfully. She pushed with all of her strength, trying to flatten the him to the ground. Shadowfang squirmed beneath her, swinging his head side to side in an attempt to throw her off his back.

"Hey, quit it!" Shadowfang hissed, laughter in his voice. He rolled over a little, batting at Swiftcloud's whiskers. Swiftcloud growled at him playfully, leading to her being squashed by the larger cat's flank. Swiftcloud squealed, wiggling from beneath the black tom. She jumped up momentarily, allowing Shadowfang to spring to his paws. He turned, pouncing onto his mate so her could nibble on her shoulder, giving her ear a cuff. "Take that!"

"Foolish Shadowclan cat, I'll make crowfood of you!" Swiftcloud yowled dramatically.

"Foolish, am I?" Shadowfang played along. "That is where you're wrong. You'll never defeat me, Swiftstar. For I, Shadowstar, am the most powerful clan leader in the world!"

"We'll see about that!" Swiftcloud retorted, rolling onto her back. She kicked up at Shadowfang's underbelly, with claws sheathed, trying hard to throw him off of her. Shadowfang continued to nibble on her shoulder and neck, earning thrill filled squeals from the patched molly. With one more effort filled kick, Swiftcloud managed to move Shadowfang from on top of her. She scrambled to get paws, darting away from the tom with a taunt. Shadowfang growled playfully, crouching to the floor. Her pelted after his mate a heartbeat later, gaining on her with ease. He pounced once more, tussling with her on the grassy floor. Squeaks and trills of laughter floated in the air between them as they rolled, their witty banter growing more and more dramatic. It felt good to play around with Shadowfang again like this. It reminded Swiftcloud of one of the reasons why she'd fallen in love with him. She enjoyed his playful spirit. Shadowfang never failed to make feel young and free. And though Swiftcloud was already both of these things, she knew that she'd truly felt this way whenever Shadowfang was around. To her, Shadowfang was joy; he was an adventure waiting to happen and a life full of experience. To Swiftcloud, Shadowfang was home.

"What in the name of the earth and stars are you two up to?" A voice called out to the playful mates, gaining both of their attention. Swiftcloud glanced at the cat who had spoken them, a bright smile blooming on her muzzle.

"Play fighting!" She chriped. "Care to join us, Misty?" She invited.

Mistyleaf shook her head, rolling her eyes playfully. "Silly furballs," she mewed as he booped Swiftcloud's nose, cuffing Shadowfang over the ear when he sat up. "How about we share tongues instead? Then you can tell Shadowfang and I all about your visit to Treeclan," Mistyleaf proposed.

Swiftcloud perked up the idea, agreeing without a second thought. The mates padded over to the edge of the clearing, entangling themselves with one another while they talked and groomed. During their chat, Swiftcloud's thoughts would wander. She realized while Shadowfang represented a life of freedom and fun, Mistyleaf stood for comfort. The silver molly was safety, trustworthiness, and softness. She was the calmness in the calamity. The voice of reason. To Swiftcloud, Mistyleaf was sanctuary. And together, both her and Shadowfang were the pure definition of love. Swiftcloud knew she could never adore any other cats more.

The moon soon climbed to its peak in the sky, summoning hard working warriors home, and putting them to sleep. Swiftcloud, Shadowfang and Mistyleaf rose from their resting place padding into the warriors' den. They settled back down together in their shared nest, passing on wishes of good rest and sweet dreams before closing their eyes until morning light.

When dawn graced the clearing the following day, Chicorynose and Tigerfang were all too eager to rouse everyone in the clan from their collective slumber.

"Up, up, up! Let's get out there and work our tails off. We only have a short time left before the great battle!" Chicorynose caterwauled, earning a collection of groans. "I've already taken the liberty of gathering the apprentices in the clearing. Go and grab your 'Paws and partners, let's head out."

"I'll see you two later," Shadowfang said to the mollies in his nest. He stood up, giving his shoulder a few licks. "I'm gonna take Thornpaw and Lightpaw out to the Mountainclan border today, with Frostfeather and Pansypaw. Actually-- Swiftcloud, do you wanna come along with your apprentice?"

"No thanks, I already have plans to bring Tulippaw and Tabitha to The Dip today," Swiftcloud replied, standing with a stretch. Shadowfang shrugged, muttering out a "fair enough" before he padding out of the den.

Swiftcloud bid him an extra farewell, turning to groom Mistyleaf.

Mistyleaf purred gratefully, nudging Swiftcloud with her muzzle. "You should go too. And I've got to help Goldensong prepare herbs."

Swiftcloud whined slightly but ultimately agreed. She gave Mistyleaf one last lick on the cheek before heading out of the warriors' den, ready to get the day started. A chilly wind ruffled her short fur as she emerged into the open. Her pawpads tingled from the cold ground beneath them, making her take careful steps as she made her way over to her apprentices.

Tulippaw trilled as Swiftcloud approached, rushing forward to tuck her head under her mentor's chin.

"I missed you!" She practically yowled, a wetness pooling at the edges of her eyes as she pulled away to look at Swiftcloud. Swiftcloud purred, licking the younger molly between the ears. She was well aware that Tulippaw had caught wind of the lie Snowfrost told. That Swiftcloud might not last the next quarter moon. Tulippaw had already lost one mentor. Though they were not close, Ambereye's death had still effected her. Starclan only knew how broken Tulippaw would become if anything ever happened to Swiftcloud. Luckily, Swiftcloud had no plans on dying any time soon. She was healthy again, and strong. She was determined to prove that to the brown and white she-cat. To give her the reassurance she needed.

"Alright, 'Paws, let's head out," Chicorynose meowed as she padded over to the apprentices. She turned, noticing the other she-cat besides the group. "Oh Swiftcloud! Are you tagging along?"

"I was actually planning on taking the apprentices myself today," she mewed in response. It has been a while since she had gotten to train Tulippaw. And she hadn't gotten the chance to assess Tabitha's skills just yet.

"Oh really? Where were you planning to go?"

"The Dip," Swiftcloud explained her idea for the day. She was willing to go into greater detail, if it meant she could convince Chicorynose to let her have the apprentices.

"What a coincidence! That's where I had planned to take them. How about we all go together then?" Chicorynose proposed. Swiftcloud thought about it for a heartbeat, agreeing to the plan rather quickly. It had been some moons since she'd been out training with her own mentor. And though she had graduated from her apprentice training, she still appreciated any lessons Chicorynose would still give. Tulippaw and Tabitha seemed excited by the plan, racing over to the bramble tunnel ahead of the warriors. Swiftcloud and Chicorynose chased after them, rushing to keep up as they made their way across the meadow. The wind grew more bitter as they hurried along, making Swiftcloud pray for the fresh warmth of Newleaf to grace the Land's Star sooner rather than later.

Eventually, the Dip came into their line of sight. It welcomed the Grassclan cats to its sandy center as they made their way down it's steep slopes. The walls of The Dip provided some shelter from the wind as the four mollies settled within the heart of it. Swiftcloud was grateful for the protection and knew she'd feel warmer just as soon as they would begin training.

"You're in charge today, Swiftcloud. Let's see what kind of training regimen you've got set up for these two hyperactive apprentices," Chicorynose commented.

Swiftcloud nodded, looking at each young cat in turn. She thought for a moment about the best course of action before speaking; "Tulippaw, you and Chicorynose will spar first. Afterwards, I'll be assessing Tabitha's skills. Then the two of you will practice some advanced techniques together, while Chicorynose and I train."

"Awesome!!" Tulippaw perked up at the chance to show off her skills. Tabitha and Swiftcloud shuffled off to the sidelines, keeping away from all the action that was about to unfold. Swiftcloud watched Chicorynose pad across the ditch, turning tail to face her opponent. Tulippaw stepped close to the center, eyes narrowed to focus on the other cat in front of her.

"Alright, Tulip, give me everything you've got." The deputy challenged.

Instantly Tulippaw dropped into a crouch, flexing her claws in excitement. Chicorynose mirrored her stance, stalking the apprentice around the base of The Dip, ready to pounce or defend at any given moment. Tulippaw watched her aunt carefully, eyeing her legs specifically. Chicorynose took notice and dropped down to protect herself, probably thinking she'd already bested the warrior in training.

Be careful of your line of sight; never give away your target with your glance, Swiftcloud was prepared to say, waiting for the apprentice to try and sweep her faux enemy's feet from under her.

But the attack never came. Instead, Tulippaw leaped without warning, springing onto Chicorynose's back. She scraped her paws against the older molly's flanks with sheathed claws, yowling out a battle cry. She'd managed to throw Chicorynose off her guard.

Well done.

Chicorynose fought to get Tulippaw off her back, gaining the upper paw for half a heartbeat when Tulippaw willing let her go. But as the brown and white molly's front paws touched the ground, she turned, kicking her back legs out. This pushed Chicorynose forward, knocking off her balance. She struggled to keep herself from toppling, widening her stance to catch herself. Tulippaw turned once more to smirk.

"Not bad," Chicorynose praised. Without another word she surged forward, swiping at Tulippaw's face. She changed paws every few heartbeats in an attempt to distract the apprentice. Tulippaw did her best to dodge the blows, getting hit once or twice. Though she managed to maneuver or block most of them. But Swiftcloud knew Chicorynose didn't really care whether Tulippaw took damage from her attack. What she was really after was backing her opponent into a corner. It was a technique Swiftcloud knew well, having been subjected to it often during her own apprentice training.

Tulippaw took a pace away each time Chicorynose swiped. Eventually, she ended up with her rear pinned again The Dip's wall. Chicorynose took this oppurtunity to pounce, slamming her body into Tulippaw's. Tulippaw hit the wall with a thud, sliding against it as she collapsed on the floor. She wasn't injured-Chicorynose would never have hit Tulippaw that hard-but the impact was enough to throw her off her paws. The deputy then set herself upon the younger she-cat, effectively pinning her. After struggling to get out of her aunt's grip, Tulippaw finally went limp in defeat.

"Great try," Swiftcloud purred as Chicorynose let Tulippaw sit up. She padded over to her apprentice, nubby tail held high. "Yknow you almost had her for a heartbeat. But you weren't paying much attention to your surroundings. A Grassclan warrior must always be aware of what's going on around them, from the ground to the sky. Many predators and cats will try to take advantage of you by attacking from unexpected directions. Or by tricking you into a spot you can't escape from. You have to always be guarded, and clever. Other than that, your blows hit hard, which is good, and your fighting stance is almost flawless. I'm very proud of your progress. You're going to be great tomorrow."

Tulippaw beamed, her glee as bright as the Greenleaf sun. She stood to shake some dust from her pelt, then gave a little bounce.

"Do you think I'll make a good warrior someday?" She asked hopefully.

"'Good?' No." Swiftcloud smirked. "I bet you're going to be one of the greatest warriors Grassclan's ever known. With enough training you'll end up being the best Fighter. If that's the job you choose to have. And you're already a very good hunter!"

Tulippaw giggled, giving her mentor a lick on the shoulder respectfully.

Swiftcloud turned. "Alright, Tabitha, it's your turn now. Let's see what Chicorynose has taught you recently."

"Really?" Tabitha seemed unsure. "But I thought I didn't have to fight in the battle tomorrow?"

"Of course you don't. But it's always good to test your skills. Even without your claws, you need to know how to defend yourself. If not for anyone else's sake, then for the kits and queens."

"For the kits and queens... Alright, I'll give it a try." Tabitha padded to the middle of The Dip, trading places with Tulippaw. She didn't seem nervous, despite previous hesitation. But she certainly seemed uncomfortable. Tulippaw wrapped her tail around Tabitha's briefly, giving it a reassuring shake before she moved to settle at the edge of The Dip besides Chicorynose.

Chicorynose lifted a forepaw to wrap around the apprentice's neck, pulling her close to her fluffy chest. With her free paw, she rubbed her niece's head playfully, earning yowls of protest as the young cat struggled to get away.

Swiftcloud chuckled seeing the two of them play, directing her attention back onto Tabitha soon after. She decided she would be taking it easy on the pregnant apprentice. But not enough to where she would be unable to learn. And certainly not to a point where Tulippaw may assume the queen was being coddled.

"Ready?" Swiftcloud checked as she watched the plump queen drop into a fighting stance.

Tabitha nodded curtly. "Whenever you are."

Swiftcloud dashed off from her spot immediately as the challenge began, running around Tabitha, trying to use her weight against her. Her growing belly made her slow, which granted Swiftcloud a bit of an advantage. Tabitha swung around to keep up, kicking out a back leg in order to defend herself. She managed to land a hit, shoving Swiftcloud away by a mouse-length. Then she turned like a snake, baring her fangs as if to warn her enemy of her sharp bite.

Swiftcloud rushed ahead without hesitation, throwing a front paw blow at the plump brown and white tabby. Tabitha caught Swiftcloud's paw in her mouth, biting down on it and pulling her second mentor closer to herself. Swiftcloud let out an astonished shriek, finding herself crushed beneath Tabitha's weight as she was pulled closer to her body. Swiftcloud swung wildly beneath the apprentice, hitting her with her paws in a mock scratch. Tabitha's heft pressed her opponent harder against the earth, her teeth fastening themselves into Swiftcloud's scruff. When the warrior had tired herself out, the training queen pulled her out from under herself, throwing the patched molly across The Dip with little effort. Swiftcloud narrowly avoided hitting the opposite wall, skidding to a half just a whisker-length in front of it. She smirked over at Tabitha, panting to catch her breath.

"You're a fast learner," she remarked, recalling how little time the apprentice queen had been part of the clan.

Tabitha lifted her head proudly. "With two of the clan's best warriors as my mentors, it's easy for me to learn."

"I think that's enough sparring for you two today," Chicorynose meowed, stepping forward. "Why don't you go practice some moves with Tulippaw now, Tabitha? I think my old apprentice may need a refresher course in the meantime."

Swiftcloud perked at the deputy's comment, an excited smile blooming on her muzzle. She did feel a little embarrassed, being beaten by a cat who'd only been training for a moon. She was more than happy to take on another lesson by her beloved mother figure. "Yeah!"

Tabitha and Chicorynose traded off, ready to face their new opponents without apprehension. Swiftcloud immediately dropped into a stance, bracing herself for whatever the deputy may throw at her.

The four mollies trained until the sun began to dip towards the horizon. Their bodies ached from a successful day of working by the time they climbed from the confines of the Dip. Swiftcloud was confident that the group was prepared for what tomorrow's battle may bring. But for the time being, all she would let herself focus on was getting home and resting. Worrying about the war's end could wait for her until sunrise.

[wincore]

Under the stars, longing, and jaeminnl ♥️♥️♥️

theme: demon!au

tw: mentions of blood, mature themes

Somewhere, the sound of a flute begins. 

You look up, your brush in hand hovering just above the yellowing paper. The red is smeared in the sunset, not quite finished yet. The papers remain scattered everywhere, artwork after artwork in a myriad of emotions that had left you last night.

Fear. That’s what you felt.

You get up, setting aside your work and slowly slide the door open. The smell of cherry blossoms waft in first, followed by the cold air of the night. The festival has only begun, putting your heart at ease with the bustle of people, children and their laughter. The song unfurls itself as soon as you step outside, the notes on a flute lovelier and older than most everything you hear.

You know this song. It’s Jaemin’s favorite to play.

On a whim, you decide to take a stroll. The song mellows out to a more comforting tone, the one you’re used to and the one Jaemin never completes when he plays for you, always interrupted with his laugh and three kisses. A flush creeps onto your cheeks at the memories. You quickly sweep them aside.

“Some wooden ornaments for our lovely guest?”

“Candies for everyone! Only eight coppers!”

“If you can throw three of them, you win!”

“Perhaps you are in need of a little respite, darling. Care to spend the night with me?”

You snake through the crowds and peddlers, a strange gathering of all things pure and sinful under the blood moon. The morning feels only a few moments ago, the sky bluest you’ve ever seen and the winds warm and inviting. You wish Jaemin were there to see it, fascination always in his eyes at tales of daylight. Now the air bites, the sky a dark red with anticipation hanging in every bit of starlight that dares cross the moon.

You pass the wine shop and the silk shop, exquisite fans adorning the delicate hands of the women standing outside to call passersby in and yet—it’s not beautiful enough. It’s not what you’re looking for.

You stop abruptly, weighing the consequences of your decision. If you choose to visit Jaemin again, are you breaking a promise or keeping it? You had parted with a bitter goodbye, after all. 

The churning in your heart continues yet still, a gentle longing for his eyes, his smile.

Your eyes follow his fingers on the flute, relaxed and rhythmic. He stands in front of the large cherry blossom tree, in the midst of lanterns and people distraught by his song, the effect he has all too familiar to you. The white mask over his face is painted in the design of a rabbit, blood red markings of whiskers on the cheeks and a crescent moon over the forehead. You’d made it a few weeks ago. You didn’t think he’d wear it.

You hiss at the sudden pain in the lobe of your ear. You look around to see a boy running towards you, frantically apologizing afterwards, a little collection of darts in his hand. You pick up the shining metal from the ground beside your feet, muster up a smile despite the pain and return it. He leaves with a bow and it takes you a few moments to notice the music has stopped.

You can see Jaemin’s eyes through the mask, dark and warm—so human, even of they’re not. He looks straight at you, flute in hand forgotten as the crowd around him disperses, thinking it’s the end of the song. 

Jaemin wastes no time in walking towards you, the inability to see his face behind the painted mask terrifying and yet, you’re not afraid of him. You’ll never be afraid of him. You say that to yourself every night.

Jaemin pulls off the mask, lips colored light pink and a smile begging to take shape on them. The light shines on his brow bone, a little quirk to it as dark hair spills over. His eyes widen ever so slightly and his lips part but he makes no sound.

“I missed you,” he says, finally. “Why didn’t you come see me?”

“Not here, Jaemin,” you respond, eyes shifting in between people around you.

Jaemin presses his lips into a thin line, bending a little to see your face better. He examines the side of your ear, wiping the blood away with his thumb and you startle at the contact. There’s a serene glaze over his eyes, nothing that gives anything away.

Momentarily, the image from your nightmare comes back. The blood on Jaemin’s hands, chest, lips. 

You shake your head. He would never do that. 

And yet, you had asked him to stay away. You had said that night was your last, you had given back something he gifted to you in broken pieces. You’d said it was over, the game you were playing. Oh, if it were only just a game to the two of you.

Jaemin takes you by the hand, heat searing through as he pulls you behind him through another flock of people, too busy with the pretty satin and bright lights to care about young lovers. It smells like smoke for a good few seconds, the men at a corner shop gambling away, before you can take a breath again. Incense sticks cleanse the air a few shops away, people praying to the shrine as they pass by. A few turns more and you land at a quieter spot, in a circle of grass beside two lanterns. No shops here, no crowds other than the occasional passerby and a few trees lining the end of the village path.

He can’t be what he claims to be, you’d thought once. His eyes are too kind, hands too gentle—so human, you think once again. The villagers had stories of a demon in red, a handsome boy with enticing lips and sharp teeth tearing out hearts from still-living bodies. 

He’d confessed it, to you. Regret seemed an old friend to him.

“I bought two,” he says, turning to you with a smile.

“Even if I didn’t come?”

“Even if you didn’t come.”

You sit across from him, the beating of your heart rapid and just a pulse away from uncontrollable. His yukata dips low against his chest, made of simple cotton colored deep red with a black obi. He looks a little lost, a dreamy look in his eyes as he stares off into the distance. You’ve seen this look several times, usually before an offhanded remark makes its way out of his mouth, the sheer simplicity of it making you laugh. He’s so beautiful, you think before shaking yourself. It’s not right. This can’t be right.

Jaemin places a hand against your cheek and you wince, his hand retracting immediately.

“I scare you, don’t I?” he asks, frowning as he keeps his hand clenched shut in the other.

Sometimes he does. Sometimes it’s for different reasons. He can’t be what he says he is because it’s love he’s made of. Love and affection, and the sense of belonging even when everything else is freezing you through your skin.

Jaemin looks away, a slow gulp moving down his throat. It’s familiar—the look he gives when he wants to be forgiven, pretends he doesn’t.

“Jaemin,” you say, breathless. “I’m not afraid of you.”

Jaemin looks back at you, a short stretch of relief in his eyes before he smiles wide, hands pressed against your cheek again. You place your hand over his, smiling as you look down with the sudden fear you’ll kiss him if you stare long enough.

“Can I do this again then?” he asks, voice lowered.

“Do what?”

He cradles your face, smile faded away as he pushes his lips against yours in a frenzy of sorts. For a moment, you feel ecstasy. You respond with the same persistence, your sense of touch outside of him severe and cold. His hands travel to your waist, securing you in warmth as you continue to kiss, the feeling nestling within your chest. 

A fox cries out in the distance as if it were searching for the two of you. Keeping your breath soft and shallow, you wish only to keep going like this. His lips move away from yours only to press against your jaw, neck and collarbone in a trail of blossoming heat. You let out a soft gasp but you don’t stop him, despite your best judgement.

“I love you, and only you,” he breathes against your skin.

You believe him. For now at least, till the night is over and till you learn to love a demon and all his sins.

glossary:

yukata - a type of casual kimono

obi - sash, often of a kimono

[stellar-alley]

Everfalls

•Chapter 20•

This is based off of the artwork by oceanteeeth on Instagram!

Previous Chapter // Next Chapter

(Summary: Richie and Eddie spend their first full moon together.)

Second Last Chapter!

~

Breathless, that’s what they were. Eddie and Richie physically couldn’t hold it in anymore. They had waited far too long and the moon's power was too strong to hold back any longer.

Eddie guided Richie away from the cliff’s edge. Once they were a safe distance away from the drop, they both fell onto the grass, breathless.

“W-What do we do?” Bill asked. The rest of the Losers still stood in formation, but now they were not prepared to fight. Now they were concerned about their friends.

“Go” was all Eddie could say, his eyes never leaving Richie’s tired corpse.

Stan nuged Bill, tilting his head towards town as if to tell him they should start heading back. So without another word the Losers left the Ancestors in peace.

“Okay Rich, you still there? You’ve got this'' Eddie tried to smile through the pain of both his own transformation and having to watch Richie go through his. Eddie had carefully pulled Richie’s shirt off, but let Richie do the rest as dressing down was an essential part of the werewolf transformation. Shifting with clothes only made things more complicated.

Dark fur that matched his ears and tail had appeared over his body as his finger nails grew and came to a sharp point. His bones were moving, snaping and changing. His eyes snapped open at the feeling of a hand on his back. His bright yellow eyes darted up to meet the icey blue ones of his boyfriend who stared at him with such love and adoration.

“You’re okay Richie, it’s almost done” Eddie assured him. But all he got as a response was a loud groan as another wave of pain hit Richie.

The final part was the most painful but the quickest. And it really did hurt like hell.

The following minute felt the same way that it does after a storm. The rain had stopped and the thunder was silenced. Richie laid on the cool grass, panting heavily but his bones had finally adjusted, and the pain had subsided.

His eyes fluttered open to see Eddie, still human. “Holly shit” Eddie practically gasped as Richie looked around at what caused the sudden shock.

He looked down and saw big brown, furry paws, his paws. Immediately Richie attempted to stand, but inevitably tripped and fell back down. That got a giggle from Eddie. After trying, Richie stood up on his all fours, his full wolf form. He didn’t look much different from a normal wolf, he was the size of a large dog. With thick dark brown fur and his iconic yellow eyes. His wolf ears were a bit bigger and a little harrier, while his tail was longer and fluffier.

Eddie stood up beside him and he was able to see that Richie was about hip level compared to the human Ancestor.

Richie desperately craved to make a height joke but ultimately couldn’t speak as he was, a wolf.

Eddie bent down and ruffled the fur between Richie’s ears. Something he had done to his boyfriend countless times before when he was human. Richie shook his head as if to get rid of Eddie’s hand. Eddie huffed, but he still smiled.

Carefully Eddie bent down and placed his forehead against Richie’s. The thick fur tickled his forehead as he smiled. Eddie’s long bunny ears tipped forward and brushed up against Richie’s wolf ears, sending a shiver down his back.

A moment passed before a wave of pain hit Eddie, he doubled backwards, falling onto his back. Richie rushed to his side, nudging his arm with his snout as Eddie rolled over.

Transforming on a full moon was fairly similar to the way Eddie transformed normally, except it was forced, causing more pain. Once Eddie was on his back he curled his knees into his chest and wrapped his arms around himself. The pain soon intensified as he felt the magic ripple through his body. It was all worth it as after a flash, Eddie had completed his transformation.

Richei stared down at the rabbit that stood before him. He had completely forgotten how cute his boyfriend was as a rabbit. His soft white fur, his little red nose and his wittle paws! Aw Richie would give anything to go back to the day where it was just them, alone, in the school yard. Eddie as a rabbit in Richie’s lap. But now isn't the time to reminisce on the past. It was the full moon, and they had both finally transformed. Richie was practically bouncing up and down as excitent coursed through his veins.

Eddie looked up at the hulking wolf figure that towered over him. Dear God, Richie is like a massive puppy. Richie stepped forward, bowed his head and bopped his big brown nose against Eddie’s small pink one, just like he had before.

Eddie had refrained from transforming just long enough to be able to help Richie through his transformation and give him some good pets. He deserved it after all the shit he had been through.

Eddie mentally blushed. He mentally smirked as he noticed Richie’s ears twitching with excitement and adrenaline. That's when Eddie thought of what to do next, as it was the full moon, he knew what made him feel the best so he nudged Richie paw as if to tag him. Then, they ran.

~

Finally, being a full wolf felt amazing. Richie felt like the world had finally lifted off of his shoulders. It was as if he had unlocked another part of his being that he had never been able to access until he finally fully shifted.

Also the fact that he didn’t have to experience it alone made him feel so much better. Eddie made him feel so safe, so accepted. He didn’t have to hide his secret. For once in his life he felt almost normal.

At first Richie was a little wobbly in his new wolf form. He had to get used to running on all fours. Richie fell a few times, tripped over his own paws, and at one point stopped and chased his tail like a puppy. (Eddie nearly died of laughter while watching that) Also there was the whole no speaking thing, which just kinda led to a lot of inner monologuing and weird wolf noises.

The two walked along to shoreline, paws sinking in the moist sand under their weight. Ricchie leaned over and pushed Eddie into the oncoming wave. The bunny rolled over at the push and landed in the water on his back. He let out a huff before he leaped back up and tackled richie, pinning him to the ground.

Silly wolf, doesn't even know his own strength. Eddie laughed in his head. Suddenly Eddie was popped off of Richie, tossed into the air, landing face first into the wet, cold sand.

Richie sat up, panting mancially as if he were laughing at the sand that was caught in Eddie’s whiskers.

Oh, you’re so on, Eddie smirked before he charged Richie.

The wolf caught on just before he was tackled, quickly turning and sprinting in the other direction. But Eddie was lighter and has had more time to learn and master his abilities. So he easily caught up to the young wolf. Eddie leaped into the air, landed on the wolf’s back and brought him down to the ground. The two rolled around as if they were in a fit of laughter. Which they would've been if they could talk.

Afterwards they made their way closer to town. Richie had once joked about terrorizing the villagers, and now he intended to do it. They examined the town as they carefully krept up the hill. It was well past midnight so most if not all of the lights from the buildings were out. The streets were illuminated by a couple street lamps, which allowed just enough light to navigate through the town but didn’t cause enough light pollution to block out the stars.

They approached the town with caution, their movements quiet and slow. One paw after another. They stopped dead in their tracks at the muffled sounds of teenage laughter.

Shit who the hell is out at this time of night? Richie’s ears perked up as he tried to pick up what they were saying.

“Do you think that’s them?” One voice that sounded pretty damn familiar giggled.

“Eddie’s so much smaller than him-”.

“It’s so cute!”

The Ancestors looked up to find a group of teens loitering suspiciously behind one of the dark buildings. It seemed almost as if they were waiting for the Ancestors.

Richie bent down and nudged the side of his head up against Eddie’s. Then nodded towards the group before stepping forwards towards them. Slowly they made their way up to the Losers who stayed silent during the meantime.

“H-How can we be suh-suh-sure it’s them?” Bill whispered tentatively. He stood behind the group, his form tense.

“What other wolf hangs out with a rabbit?” Ben turned to Bill with a confused look on his face.

Without another word, Beverly bent down to be at eye level with the wolf. She kept her gaze stern and serious. She stared into the wolf’s yellow eyes and watched as they examined her. Beverly didn’t flinch as the wolf stepped closer to her, then proceeded to bow his head to her. But when he raised his head, he butted her boob with the tip of his snout.

Beverly let out a shock yet amused gasp. “Oh my god, Richie you perv!” She fell back onto her butt in a fit of giggles. “That's our trashmouth alright” she declared.

Richie sat down and nodded his head at the statement.

Bill followed Beverly’s lead and kneeled down beside Eddie. The human carefully examined the bunny’s white fur and long ears. Finally his eyes met Eddie’s and he knew. He’d know those eyes anywhere.“Y-Yeah. It’s them” Bill confirmed.

“Well… I was gonna wait to give this to you tomorrow. But considering today’s events, now seems like a good time” Stan explained as he began rifling through his pocket.

The others shot him curious stares until he let out a little ‘aha’ when he had finally found it. What Stnaley pulled out of his pocket changed the energy of the group, from quiet and tense it went to curious and excited.

Stan squeaked the yellow rubber chicken. It let out a quick Eh Err, squeak like sound. In the moment that followed Stan mirrored one of Richie’s shit eating smiles smiles that he knew all too well.

“Oh my god- Seriously” Mike chuckled, placing a hand on Stan’s shoulder.

Richie stared at Stan, rolled his eyes and let out a huff.

Good one Staniel, very fucking funny

The wolf glanced over at his bunny and noticed the way his little pinked nose twitched, similar to the way Eddie’s did when he was laughing in his human form. That made things just a little bit better.

Richie’s attention was brought back to the Losers when Stan squeaked the chicken again.

“Wanna play fetch boys?” He arched an eyebrow deviously.

Richie didn’t respond, he simply stared aimlessly at them. Eddie got up and took a couple steps back, he turned to look at Stan as if to say, Well come on!

Stan took a step back and moved his hand up, preparing to throw. With one swift toss over his head, he threw the chicken, and it went far. Stan was on the baseball team after all, so he finally got to put his skills to work.

Eddie gave Richie one finale glance, challenging him almost, then he bolted.

Richie hesitated, he looked between his friends, and the rabbit. Just as Eddie was leaving the reach of the town’s light Richie got up and chased after him. He ran through the long grass, paws pounding against the dirt as he let his instincts lead him to the chicken.

Before he even got there a flash of white shot past him. Richie did a double take, spinning to turn around and watch as the rabbit zoomed back up to the group. He didn’t need to take time like he had before to know to go after him. So before another moment passed, Richie went. He ran.

Word Count: 2038

Second last chapter, done. Holy shit guys I cannot belive next week is already the finale! This is so wild. But let's focus on the present, it's Friday again, yay! I hope you guys have a great weekend and take some time to relax okay? I know life can be really stressfull right now so take some time for yourself, read a good fan fic, vibe, play Among Us, damn that's a good game lol.

And as always don't forget to like, comment, tell all your friends and go check out my other stuff! If you wanna see more of my IT fan fics, check me out on Archive Of Our Own @stellar-alley!

That's all from me guys, until next time

So Long and Goodnight.

~

[Taglist]

@richietoaster @s-onora @that-weird-girl-blog @beproudtozier @ghostnebula @bellarosewrites @s-s-georgie @lermanslogan @iamcupcakefrosting @madidraw @gazebobullshit @thoughtfullyyoungduck @aangzukos @ambitiousskychild @reddieonwheels @breadheadscorpius

Let me know if you wanna be added to the tag list!

[brindlestorm]

My Truth Or Yours?

CH1 | CH2

Tigerclaw was no fool, he knew that some of his clanmates didn’t agree with his methods. There were times he may have been too quick to unsheathe his claws or snarl a taunt when his patrol ran into the neighbouring clans border patrol. But he will swear to the stars that he does it only to protect his clan.

That doesn’t mean he isn’t trying to be better, peace is better than bloodshed after all. Tigerclaw never realized just how extreme Thistleclaw’s mentoring was until Darkstripe became a warrior. Having mentored Darkstripe the same way Thistleclaw had mentored him, he hadn’t quite understood just how bad it was until he saw how Darkstripe would treat his clanmates and then immediately turn to Tigerclaw expecting praise or support. No doubt Darkstripe learned that from himself, which meant that he had learned it from Thistleclaw.

When Bluestar gave him Ravenpaw, she told him privately that she hoped Tigerclaw could shape the easily frightened kit into a more confident warrior by the end of his apprenticeship. Despite what Bluestar asked of him, Tigerclaw knew that he’d be walking a thin line with this one, he wanted to bring out the best in his new apprentice, but he couldn’t do to Ravenpaw what he had done with Darkstripe. Not just because he wanted Ravenpaw to become a respectable warrior, but if he was too aggressive, Ravenpaw would only retreat further into himself. Yes, Ravenpaw would require careful attention, they’d have to work at his pace but Tigerclaw would push him to keep trying things just beyond his comfort level.

It took about four moons, but Tigerclaw had finally managed to form a good mentor-apprentice relationship with Ravenpaw and coaxed him out of his shell somewhat. He was still a little skittish and would occasionally flinch during battle training, but they could share a few good-natured jokes between them.

The only issue was that now that Ravenpaw was more relaxed, he also got distracted more often. Several times now, Tigerclaw had caught Ravenpaw spacing out, watching birds in the sky or nosing around plants, but not in search of prey.

Tigerclaw stalked over to where Ravenpaw was, he was supposed to be tracking the rabbit he scented earlier, but instead he was sniffing curiously around a patch of yellow flowers.

“Ravenpaw, how do you expect to feed the clan with a bunch of leaves?” Tigerclaw growled lowly, “The trail will go stale by the time you get your head out of the clouds!”

Ravenpaw jumped. “S-sorry Tigerclaw! I just noticed that there’s a patch of goldenrod and maybe Spottedleaf could use some for her stores...” Ravenpaw hung his head in shame, “I’m sorry Tigerclaw, I’ll do better.”

Tigerclaw sighed and beckoned his apprentice closer, “I’m not upset Ravenpaw, but you need to focus on your training, you want to be a warrior with your brother, don’t you?”

It didn’t go unnoticed by Tigerclaw when Ravenpaw hesitated before nodding earnestly. “Ravenpaw... You do want to be a warrior, right? Are you interested in plants because...?”

Another thing he probably learned from Thistleclaw, though many warriors seem to share this sentiment. What was so interesting about plants and berries? Sure it's important, medicine cats are the most respected cats in a clan next to the leader, but how could a life in a stuffy den filled with plants be appealing when they could be patrolling borders and providing for their clan?

Ravenpaw’s stuttered mew broke him out of his thoughts.

“Well, I don’t really know? I do enjoy hunting and learning battle moves with you, I just... also like learning about medicine? Sometimes I like to stop by Spottedleaf’s den when she has patients to see what she’s doing, but I swear it's nothing more than that! I’ll keep training with you, I promise! I’ll-”

Tigerclaw gently placed his paw on Ravenpaw’s head to get him to stop talking, clearly he was about to spiral into an anxiety attack and Tigerclaw really didn’t want to deal with that again, not after all the progress they made to stop them.

“Ravenpaw, there is no shame in wanting to be a medicine cat. Though I do ask you to consider this carefully, the role of a medicine cat is a great honour, but it also requires personal sacrifice and it will take you a lot longer to earn your full name.”

Ravenpaw let out a breath, relieved that Tigerclaw wasn’t angry with him.

“That being said, focus on your warrior training for now, it won’t be long until it's time for your trip to the Moonstone. Perhaps while you’re there you can ask Starclan if you’re calling is to be a medicine cat instead, I’m sure it won’t be the first time an apprentice made such a realization and had to switch.”

“Yes Tigerclaw, I... That sounds good, should I mention this to Spottedleaf or...?” Ravenpaw asked hesitantly.

Tigerclaw shrugged, “If you want, but for now lets go catch that rabbit, hmm? Can you tell where it went?”

Ravenpaw jumped to his paws eagerly, scattering leaves and loose rocks with his excitement, though he quickly shrunk into a stalking position when Tigerclaw glared at him good-naturedly for alerting the nearby prey.

Great Starclan, if this apprentice made any more noise, he’ll end up chasing the rabbit straight into the paws of a moor-runner! _______________________________________________________________

Somehow, they managed to catch up to the rabbit near the Shadowclan border, now Ravenpaw was slowly creeping up on it. It was a large one, clearly alert for predators as its ears were twitching constantly. Tigerclaw made sure to remind Ravenpaw that he’d need to be silent if he wanted to catch it. Hopefully he would, it could feed all the elders and then some if they were lucky enough to catch it.

Ravenpaw got about a fox lengths away, in prime position to leap and catch the rabbit, but he flinched as a monster came barrelling down the thunderpath not too far away. The rabbit remained unstartled, used to the sound of monsters it seemed.

Ravenpaw glanced at Tigerclaw, hoping for a nod or a signal that it would still be alright to try and catch it after the disturbance. Just before Ravenpaw could pounce though, a familiar tortoiseshell lunged at the rabbit, killing it with a neat bite to the back of its neck.

Tigerclaw slunk over to his apprentice, “Bad luck, it’s not your fault though, you couldn’t have known Redtail would be there.” He murmured in his apprentice's ear.

The pair watched silently as Redtail started dragging the rabbit towards a bush, probably where he had left his other catches, Tigerclaw mused.

“Should we offer to help him carry his prey?” Ravenpaw whispered to his mentor.

Tigerclaw thought for a moment, it would certainly be a kind gesture considering the deputy had caught his apprentice’s prey that he tracked from Snake Rocks, but on the other paw...

“I have a better idea Ravenpaw, how quietly do you think you can climb that tree over there? I think it’s about time you learned how to follow an enemy from above.” ________________________________________________________________

The two snuck away as quietly as they could, and despite Tigerclaw’s lumbering form and Ravenpaw’s tendency to step on twigs, they managed to retreat far enough to scramble up their own trees without being noticed.

From their perches high above, they watched curiously as Redtail pulled three more large rabbits out from under the bush, dragging them one at a time closer to the Thunderpath.

“What do you think he’s doing?” Ravenpaw whispered.

Tigerclaw’s eyes narrowed, what was their deputy doing?

Redtail paused at the edge of the Thunderpath, glancing around before darting under the bush he had pulled the rabbits out from. The mentor and apprentice stayed still as they waited for Redtail to come out and retrieve the rabbits.

The sun had climbed steadily into the sky and there was still no sign of Redtail returning for the rabbits.

“Maybe he went hunting for more prey?” Ravenpaw suggested as Tigerclaw got up to stretch.

“Perhaps,” Tigerclaw mused. “Head on back to camp, Ravenpaw. Catch something for the queens on your way, I’m sure Frostfur would appreciate something fresh if the hunting patrols aren’t already back.”

Ravenpaw’s ear twitched curiously. “I thought we were going to wait for Redtail? Didn’t you want me to practice my-”

“Training is over for the day, you’ll get your chance to surprise Redtail another time, I promise.” Tigerclaw said firmly. 

“Oh well, are you going to wait for him then? That’s a lot of rabbits, should I grab one to help out or...?”

“Just get going Ravenpaw, Redtail and I will handle it.”

Ravenpaw, sensing that Tigerclaw was close to losing his patience, turned tail and darted down the tree, quickly disappearing into the undergrowth.

Tigerclaw settled back onto his tree branch, he had no intentions of leaving until he knew exactly why Redtail would leave so much prey in plain view of the Thunderpath. ________________________________________________________________

Ravenpaw was cleaning his whiskers after catching his shrew, it was small but he had already caught a mouse and a vole. Peering through the trees, he noted that it was almost sundown. He found enough to hopefully satisfy Tigerclaw, he could probably return to camp now but it might not be enough, not after losing the rabbit he and Tigerclaw followed all the way to the Thunderpath.

Ravenpaw thought for a moment, if he buried his last catch now, he could get back to the Thunderpath and surprise both him and Redtail! If he could pull it off, surely Tigerclaw would be proud of him then!

Quickly jumping to his paws, Ravenpaw hurriedly scraped a shallow hole in the earth to drop his shrew into. Then he rushed up the trunk of the nearest tree and made the quiet journey back to the thunderpath from above ground. ________________________________________________________________

Tigerclaw was dozing on his branch, starting to think Redtail might just be hare-brained and wasn’t worth waiting for when the bushes started rustling on the other side of the Thunderpath, revealing a Shadowclan patrol.

Blackfoot nimbly crossed the thunderpath, the others following quickly with ease. “So Redtail, I see you found Shadowclan some rabbits. Good job, we’ll take them from here.”

Tigerclaw bristled and prepared to leap down on top of the Shadowclan deputy. How dare he openly steal Thunderclan prey! From our deputy no less, I’ll show him!

“Just take it and go. The less time you spend stinking up our territory the better.” Redtail growled back, not moving to step away from the prey but not moving to defend it either.

Tigerclaw watched through narrow eyes as each of the Shadowclan intruders stepped forward to take a rabbit, Clawface paused and instead turned to Redtail.

Slowly and deliberately, Clawface bent his head down and rubbed it against Redtail’s cheek, taking his time as if he was greeting an old friend.

Redtail closed his eyes and breathed deeply, and then in turn, he bumped his head against Clawface’s chest for a moment, hardly enough to touch, but very clear meant to show affection.

Clawface swooped down and picked up the rabbit. “It's been good seeing you again, Redtail. May Starclan light your path.”

"And yours as well," Redtail mewed, "you all best be on your way now before the dusk patrol arrives. I'll deal with the scents you left behind."

Nodding to his fellow deputy, Blackfoot flicked his tail and darted back across with his rabbit, the others following close behind. Redtail wasted no time, grimacing as he pushed around a load of fox dung he had collected before the Shadowclan warriors had arrived, effectively hiding their scent. Tigerclaw wouldn’t be surprised if the dusk patrol came back reporting fox scent at the Shadowclan border that night with how much Redtail spread about.

Having seen enough, Tigerclaw nimbly hopped along the branches a few tree-lengths. How am I supposed to tell Bluestar any of this? Should I confront Redtail first?

Climbing down the tree, Tigerclaw was wrapped up in his thoughts, not realizing where he was until he came across the Great Sycamore tree, where Ravenpaw was waiting for him, tail twitching nervously as he tried to keep his small prey pile stacked neatly.

“Well done, Ravenpaw. I didn’t expect to find you still hunting, this will be enough for the queens and elders combined!” Tigerclaw rumbled approvingly.

Ravenpaw looked ready to jump out of his fur when Tigerclaw spoke, what had spooked him? Tigerclaw was sure Ravenpaw had heard him approaching, he certainly wasn’t trying to be quiet as he walked.

“O-oh! Thanks Tigerclaw...” Ravenpaw trailed off, he looked like he wanted to say something else but his jaw stayed firmly shut.

Tigerclaw sighed and picked up a few pieces of the prey his apprentice caught, the pair walked back to camp at an agonizingly slow pace. Tigerclaw was just about ready to drop the prey altogether and interrogate his apprentice when Ravenpaw spoke.

“Tigerclaw, is there somewhere quiet we can talk? I... I have something I need to tell you.”

Tigerclaw flicked his tail and swerved to the left, carefully sniffing around the base of a tree before heading down into the abandoned den beneath the roots.

Ravenpaw followed and set down the prey, staring nervously at his paws.

“Well? Spit it out Ravenpaw, we don’t have all day.” Tigerclaw said gruffly.

“Well I.... I’m sorry Tigerclaw.” Ravenpaw mewed quietly, “I know you told me to hunt for the queens on my way back but I really wanted to surprise you with my tree stalking.”

Tigerclaw’s eyes narrowed, “Ravenpaw, what are you getting at?”

“I went back to the Shadowclan border,” Ravenpaw confessed. “I thought maybe I’d be able to catch you and Redtail by surprise, I wanted to impress you...”

“I saw Redtail talking to those Shadowclan cats, they looked.... Very friendly with each other.”

Tigerclaw inhaled sharply, “Ravenpaw, you disobeyed direct orders! Not only that, we don’t even know what Redtail was doing, what we know could be very dangerous.”

“Am I in trouble again?” Ravenpaw mewed.

“..... No.” Tigerclaw said, “I can’t go to Bluestar with what we saw until we have more information, even if you were there with me, it's us against the clan deputy. She’d never believe us.”

Ravenpaw deflated a little, unsure if he should be glad that he wasn’t going to be punished or troubled by the fact that they can’t go to Bluestar about Redtail’s actions.

“For all we know, Redtail is acting under Bluestar’s orders to appease Shadowclan without spilling blood.” Tigerclaw continued, pacing around the den now, agitatedly flicking his tail as he tried to reason more with himself than his apprentice as to why Redtail would be working with the enemy.

“For now, you are not to say a word about this to anyone, do you understand me?” Tigerclaw said, whirling around on his apprentice.

Ravenpaw nodded mutely, pressing himself against the wall of the dens in fear.

“I need you to promise me Ravenpaw, you can’t tell anyone, not even Dustpaw. Especially not Dustpaw, okay? Can you do that?”

“I’ll keep it a secret Tigerclaw, I swear.”

“Good,” Tigerclaw said, stepping back. “Good, now let’s that get this back to camp, you go straight to your nest, alright?”

Ravenpaw nodded once more, snatching up his prey and clambered out of the den and back into the forest. The two walked back to camp at a slow pace, neither one daring to try to talk again. ________________________________________________________________

Doing as he was told, Ravenpaw deposited his prey on the pile and went to his den, carrying a small mouse with him to eat before he went to sleep.

Tigerclaw set down his prey as well, about to ask the queens if they were hungry when the hairs on his pelt began to raise when he saw Redtail approaching him.

“Tigerclaw! There you are, the dusk patrol just made their report. Fox scents have been found by the Shadowclan border, I don’t want any of the apprentices training near there until they’ve learned a few moves to take on a fox, understand?”

“Ah, uh yes Redtail. I’ll be on the lookout. How fresh was the scent? I didn’t smell anything there when I was with Ravenpaw earlier.”

Redtail eyed him suspiciously, “Fresh enough, stick to the Tallpines for now, Thunderclan can’t afford to lose any apprentices right now.”

“As you wish, now if you’ll excuse me I’m rather tired. I think I’ll retire early tonight.” Tigerclaw replied, paws itching to get away from the deputy. 

How strange, he mused. Just yesterday I would have laughed at him telling me to be careful and now I can barely stand to look at him.

Redtail nodded, “Dismissed, get some rest Tigerclaw. I’ll see you and Ravenpaw on the dawn patrol in the morning, we’ll be taking the Twolegplace border.”

Tigerclaw just flicked his ear in response and hurried to the warriors den. Could Redtail be suspicious of him already? Perhaps he shouldn’t have mentioned he was in the area.

Whatever the case was, Tigerclaw would be keeping a close eye on the young deputy. Something had to be done about him, should he prove to be a traitor.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Done! That took way too long, lol. Anyway, this is actually my first piece ever for the warriors fandom! Its about eight pages and a bit, writer’s block kept me from writing as often as I wanted to, otherwise this would have been done sooner.

Hope you all enjoyed it!

[fuwafuwamedb]

The Treasure of the Anzu (Hakuno, Gilgamesh, Enkidu)

The world was cold and isolated around the mountainside.

No life grew here. There were no roads and no sunlight. The moon and the stars refused to show, leaving the land to neither be fertile or dead. The earth beneath his feet was nothing more than rock and rubble, leading deeper and deeper into the mountains.

It is here, where the anzu birds defended the territory, that he went.

The body against his back was wasting away, their limbs moving here and there as he walked. Their voice had not spoken in so long.

No god would help them.

No goddess would dare speak to them.

His own mother, whom he had spoken to last, had left her temple, traversing the countryside to ‘help him’ alongside the god of justice, but he knew the farce when he heard it. He knew there was nothing that the divine could do to help them. The edict had been passed by Enlil himself. The god of fate had thrown his hand into the world and was crushing the last of life from Enkidu’s body.

That was why he had gone deep into the depths of the ziggurat.

He’d opened the belongings of his father, pulling the tablets from within.

The map of the anzu had led to their nest, buried far off the path to any of the human kingdoms on the maps. He’d found this to be an end of all his maps and knowledge.

They’d crossed the world of the known and entered the world of the unknown.

Lions heads appeared in the rocks over their heads. Molten fire poured out of a few’s mouths, oozing over the cliffs and melting away at the ancient stones that lay there.

Gilgamesh moved to a stop, setting his friend down and looking at the tablet they’d brought amongst their supplies.

There is a maiden.

A maiden that has been forgotten by time and by space. The anzu birds were created by Tiamat, yes, but this creation was made by the hands of man’s own creation. She rests deeply, never aging or changing. She cannot awaken. I am told that only the divine can do so, but her power would counter divine power once awakened.

She is what the gods fear, what mankind has always wanted as a champion when they rivaled their gods.

She can change fate, but the cost of that would be too great.

In my time with the anzu birds, I received one of her circuits as they’re called. It shall pass on to my first born, but, for now, it will give me enough power to run to the kingdom to attack and slaughter Uruk’s enemies.

Where was she?

Gilgamesh looked up again, studying the space.

He’d gone by the pull he felt to this point, but he couldn’t feel anything anymore.

The strange bird creatures with their lion heads were looking at him, moving slowly down from their nests. He could see the talons on their feet sharpening. He could see the steam and smoke coming from their mouths.

They had to move.

“Come, Enkidu,” Gilgamesh growled, pulling the being over his shoulder.

They’d travel deeper.

If the maiden was anywhere, then she would be found easily enough. They just had to keep going.

Gilgamesh paused, his eyes falling to the strange bird in the distance.

The other birds were moving and preparing to fight him. He could sense their agitation, their need to investigate and eat him and Enkidu. The bird ahead of them was perched.

Their body was leaning over something.

There you are, Gilgamesh thought to himself.

“You can handle a couple birds, can’t you, Enkidu?”

Once more, Enkidu was placed down, carefully covered as Gilgamesh moved forward.

He had to be close. That had to be where the maiden was. A divine killer amongst the lifeless world here? A creation of creation, hidden away by the very birds that defied and hated mortals? It made perfect sense.

“Turn back.”

The voice came from the perched guardian bird, the whiskers of their lion face twitching.

“You have been spared, Lugalbanda kin. We made an arrangement with that of the man whom you come from. In return, he gave birth to an abomination of a child.”

“I need that maiden,” Gilgamesh growled.

The bird gave it away, shifting to cover something around them up more.

The beasts swarmed, their wings and their fiery breath closing in. He could feel the scalding temperatures, the burns forming over his arms as he grabbed Enkidu and ran for it. Their supplies could be gathered again, but they had to survive.

They rushed for the anzu leader. His hands threw the being ahead of him a second before he had the gates opening, the birds crying out at the sudden splendor of light. Amongst the bleak and the quiet, there was sudden brightness and ear piercing sound as metal slid forth from metal sheaths. The flinches were opportunistic.

Blade after blade sank into a series of feathered torsos. Crimson began to pour forth, blending and burning in the fire that was amongst the dirt.

He pulled another weapon from the gates, aiming it at the bird now.

Enkidu was at his feet.

The maiden, as he saw her now, was resting just inside the nest.

“You will mean her end,” the beast warned.

“I will not lose my friend,” Gilgamesh warned the beast. “Step aside or join the others.”

“Your father refused to move her when I showed him. He needed only a fraction of her power, but you possess that.”

“Enkidu is dying. Step aside, bird.”

“Your rudeness knows no bounds. Will you not adhere to praise and persuasion? Whatever happened to the Uruk diplomacy-“

“I have a dying friend and a means to their survival.”

“You cannot take her. She will be found.”

The bird acted as though he would give them a choice. His gates opened behind their body, the blades pointing towards the anzu bird as he narrowed his gaze.

“Turn back. I will return you to the world of the divine or to the land of your people.”

“I won’t leave without her.”

The beast was rising higher and higher.

He’d thought the other birds were the height of a small farmhouse? Maybe a bit taller?

This bird rose higher and higher. The mountains shook as the beast moved to climb to its feet. There was no missing the wingspan, that which would have blocked out the sun. A flutter of those wings would have knocked a man to his knees or back. He could see the steam forming around its mouth, the great acid pouring forth, dripping to near where the woman was.

Large and striking, the beast of an anzu bird was enough to strike fear into a mortal man. It was enough to make a man go mad, screaming in the opposite direction in fear. It was enough to slaughter and leave no body to bury.

It was no Humbaba.

The blades struck fast, faster than it could go to speak again. Its mane blew in its descent forward. The ground shook as it slammed directly into the earth.

The world went from dark to still, from filled with the sound of the fires and threats, to empty.

His personal favorite blade stuck out from behind its neck.

Gilgamesh moved forward, Enkidu under one arm. He pulled the blade from the beast, allowing the other blades to return to his gates as he walked down the beast’s back.

“I am King Gilgamesh,” he told the beast. “When I say that something shall be mine, I don’t mean perhaps or maybe. I mean simply that something is mine.”

The world shifted.

He frowned at the strange world around them as he glanced back.

An archway hung overhead, glimmering with the world of his people behind him.

Ahead of him, the maiden no longer lay in a strange nest. She was now on a strange bed of sorts. There were odd creature sounds making almost honking sounds like ducks, but that wasn’t quite right. He could see strange creatures hanging from the roof of the room, their heads turning to look at him with their one dark eye that gleamed in the low light.

Footsteps were running his way.

An image of a woman with purple hair was moving and screaming, but the words were foreign to his ears.

Whatever it was, he didn’t care.

He stepped forward again, pausing at the sight of his father’s image running around him and grabbing the figure. The guards of this place tried to grab him, but his father was the most adept in combat. The maiden was held close and carried out, making Gilgamesh turn and look back.

The archway passed.

They were back in the mountainside.

The bodies of the anzu were lying dead around them again, but there were more strange ripples in the air around them.

It felt thicker now, the air and the fog in the distance. He could see more beasts and creatures moving their way.

Without the anzu, then the world must have been wanting to reclaim this dead land. That meant he had little time before the divine would sense the maiden he had read about. His father’s figure had vanished, leaving him to look forward again and see the maiden in the place she’d been in before.

His father had stolen her from wherever she’d been. He’d left her here.

No time.

He had no time for this.

He hurried along the anzu’s feet, dropping down and pulling the maiden into his arms. Her face pressed against his chest. Her body made the smallest of groans.

Whoever she was, she was alive.

And, when he was done with her, she would save Enkidu from death.

A storm rumbled behind him. Rain was beginning to head their way.

With his hold on the two figures in his arms, Gilgamesh stared into the depths of the darkness and debated how best to start this return back to Uruk.

Whatever his plan became, it would be a long way home.