#ryestripe

[clangenrising]

Month 15 - Newleaf

Battle With Razor Pt 3

Yarrowshade had never felt more alive. 

His blood pounded in his ears and clumped in his fur and it felt amazing. Every wound he took felt like a sacred rite, each wound he dealt felt like justice - perfect, bloody red, lovely justice. 

“That’s for Nightfrost!” he spat as he sank his claws into a kittypet’s eye and heard them scream in pain. 

“That’s for Smokyrose!” he snarled as he got a few more shots on the notched cat that fled after he got them good in the belly. 

That’s for Scorch, he wanted to say but he still hadn’t caught sight of Razor. Without an opponent for the moment, he turned and searched the crowd for any sign of the figure. The tree trunks and tussling cats obstructed anything outside his immediate area though and he growled in frustration, tail lashing. 

A flash of nearby movement caught his eye - a brown tabby kittypet kicking off of a tree trunk and back into the fray, taking his opponent to the ground. Yarrowshade recognized him as the tom who had called him ‘pretty boy’, the tom who had beaten him bloody and thus stopped him from joining in on the battle of the snowstorm. Yarrowshade pounced without a second thought, tackling the tabby off of the cat who he was scrapping with and rolling with him into the dirt. 

The kittypet hissed and wheeled on him, smacking him hard across the cheek, adding another scratch to the bloody streaks patterning his face. Yarrowshade twisted and kicked out with his hind legs, knocking the wind out of the tom. They fell apart, gasping for breath and Yarrowshade glanced over his shoulder at the cat he had rescued. 

“You alright?” he asked.

“Yeah, I think so,” said Ryestripe of FallenClan, getting to his feet, bleeding heavily from a nasty bite on his hind leg. 

“Enough talking, pretty boy!” the kittypet shouted, lunging in again. Yarrowshade ducked down then reared up to slam his head into the kittypet’s chin like Russetfrond had done to him. He wasn’t expecting it to hurt, though, and both he and the kittypet fell backward hissing in pain. Thankfully, Ryestripe moved in to cover him, raining a quick volley of blows down on the kittypet’s head. 

Yarrowshade shook himself to gather his thoughts and then lunged to tackle the kittypet again. They collided in a satisfying thump of muscle against muscle that threw the kittypet onto his back. Yarrowshade crowed triumphantly and snapped his teeth at the tom’s neck. The tom writhed but that only gave Yarrowshade better access to his throat and he readjusted his grip to sink his teeth into flesh. 

The tom hissed and kicked out, shredding Yarrowshade’s soft belly with his hind claws, but Yarrowshade stayed firm. The taste of blood was almost as overwhelming as the stinging pain. He adjusted his grip one more time, sinking one tooth into a squishy spot under his chin. The tom gasped sharply, and kicked even harder.

“Stop!” gasped the kittypet. “Sto- stop!” Yarrowshade snarled and squeezed harder, turning the tom’s protests into nothing more than a strained wheeze. He wondered if Smokyrose had begged when she was killed. He wondered if this kittypet would have stopped if he were the one begging. 

“Stop it!” Barleypaw was suddenly beside him, shoving roughly against his shoulder. Yarrowshade, thrown off by his apprentice’s insistence, fell backward, looking around for whatever looming threat she was warning him of. There was none. The kittypet gasped for breath and there was a distinct wheezing sound as air bubbled out of the wound. Yarrowshade looked at Barleypaw to find her glaring at him. 

“What’s wrong?” he asked, still confused. 

“A good warrior doesn’t kill to win his battles!” his apprentice said, sounding almost teary. “What’s gotten into you?” Yarrowshade wilted. If it had been anyone else, he would have shot back with some retort but he couldn’t muster the courage to snap at Barleypaw.

“I…” he licked the blood from his dripping muzzle and found nothing else to say. Barleypaw huffed and turned away to look down at the kittypet wheezing on the ground. He was struggling to breathe and hacking up blood every now and then, but he didn’t seem like he was going to fall over dead. 

Barleypaw bent down next to him and said sternly, “Go home.” 

The kittypet flinched away from her, sides heaving, but, when she made no moves to strike out at him, he nodded and scrambled away, dodging between scrapping cats as he hurried away. Yarrowshade let out a frustrated noise at the sight. 

“Barley, I know you mean well, but you don’t know what that cat is like,” he said. “If you’d heard the way he talked or-”

“It doesn’t matter,” Barleypaw snapped and he blinked in surprise. “He’s a living cat. You shouldn’t kill him if you have another choice.” She lifted her head and held his gaze defiantly, ready for him to protest further. He was struck very suddenly with the realization that his apprentice was all grown up. He didn’t know how to feel about that. 

“Look at you, you’re bleeding everywhere,” she said when he stayed silent. 

“I think we’re starting to outnumber the rogues,” said Ryestripe, who Yarrowshade had forgotten about entirely. “Looks like the Chaff are taking the deal.” 

“You should go see the healers,” Barleypaw said, more instruction than suggestion. “Get your belly looked at before you pass out.”

“I’m fine,” Yarrowshade insisted. He stepped forward to look around for another opponent but Barleypaw moved to forcibly intercept him. 

“Yarrowshade, please,” she said softly. 

He swallowed. “Well, how can I argue with that?” he laughed, feeling terrible. 

“I’ll make sure he gets there safely,” said Ryestripe.

“Thank you,” Barleypaw said to both of them. “I’m gonna go find Floodpaw.” And with that, she was gone. Yarrowshade sighed. He suddenly felt very tired - tired and old. 

“Hey, come on,” Ryestripe said. “You really are bleeding a lot.” 

“Oh, right,” was all Yarrowshade could say. He leaned against Ryestripe’s side and let the other cat guide him back through the woods to the place where the healers had set up their first aid station. It wasn’t far from the battle proper but the effort of winding around trees and over roots was exhausting.

Lionpaw was perched on a root, acting as sentry, and called, “Ryestripe and a wounded warrior, coming in!” over his shoulder as they approached. 

“Thank you, Lionpaw,” came Blazingbrush’s voice. As they trudged into the clearing, Yarrowshade looked around and tried to identify all the cats getting medical aid. Blazingbrush was spreading cobwebs over Tumblefang’s shoulder, a trail of blood running all the way down the warrior’s leg. Fishtrick was getting poultice applied to a long gash on her side. Darkmoon was laid out against a tree where Stormwhisper and Sagetooth were speaking to him.

“I know,” Stormwhisper was saying, “but you have to stay awake, alright?” 

“I’ll try,” said Darkmoon. 

“Keep talking with him,” Sagetooth ordered Stormwhisper before glancing over to frown at Yarrowshade. “Sit him down over there,” she said to Ryestripe, “I’ll grab the herbs.” 

“I’m fine, really,” Yarrowshade said as he plopped down against the designated trunk. 

“I’ll tell you when you’re fine,” Sagetooth snapped. Looking at Ryestripe, she asked, “are you injured?” 

“Not too bad, thanks to him,” said the other warrior. Yarrowshade flashed him a grateful smile. 

Sagetooth huffed affirmatively. “Alright. Go see Tangletooth then.” Ryestripe nodded and returned Yarrowshade’s smile before heading off to get his wounds seen too. Sagetooth started examining him, passing her paws over his fur and feeling at his wounds. When she got to his belly, she frowned and shouted, “Blazingbrush, where’s that yarrow at?” 

“Here!” the younger healer chimed, detaching from her Clanmate to run the clump of herbs over to them. “Oh my, that’s a nasty wound.” 

“Thanks,” Yarrowshade looked away, unenthused. 

“Sorry,” Blazingbrush said, cheeks turning pink. Sagetooth, already chewing the herbs in her mouth, swatted at Blazingbrush with her tail and the pretty young she-cat flitted bashfully back to Tumblefang. Sagetooth spat the poultice into her paws and Yarrowshade lifted one arm to let her thoroughly spread it over his wounds. 

“Don’t let that get wiped off,” Sagetooth ordered and then stood to find the cobwebs. Yarrowshade’s ears twitched in Darkmoon’s direction.

“-member that,” the EarthClan deputy was saying weakly. “Foxfuzz was furious with me.” 

“And she never knew it was actually my fault,” Stormwhisper laughed, sounding sad. “I don’t know if I ever thanked you for that.” 

“Didn’t have to,” said Darkmoon. “You worked hard to make it right and that was enough.” 

Stormwhisper laughed again. “What about you? Did you ever do something that stupid?” 

“As stupid as collapsing an entire den?” wheezed Darkmoon. “I don’t think so.”

“Well, try and think,” Stormwhisper urged. “You have to keep talking.” Sagetooth returned with the cobwebs and started to apply them. 

Yarrowshade whispered, “What’s wrong with Darkmoon?” 

“A rogue broke a few of his ribs very badly,” muttered Sagetooth without looking up. “He’s been breathless and dizzy which are not good signs. He’s probably bleeding internally. I’d give him a few hours at most.” 

“Oh,” Yarrowshade swallowed. He hadn’t realized that was even a possibility. He wondered what would have happened if his ribs had been broken rather than bruised all those months ago. 

“Alright, done,” Sagetooth said. “Your other wounds can wait. Find somewhere out of the way and get some rest.”

“Yes ma’am,” he said obediently and stood with a wince. He didn’t want to rest. He wanted to go back and keep fighting, but the sound of Stormwhisper and Darkmoon’s conversation was dampening that urge more and more by the second. And besides, he was very, very tired. He slank around to the back side of the tree and nestled himself between the roots, eyes falling gently closed.

[brainless-snail]

More Echoclan cats.

As always, lore below the cut

Ripple She/Her (Top left)-

Ripple doesn't have a ton of lore. She was led to the clan by Starclan, interestingly, but other then that not much. She's invited two cats to the clan on patrol. She also may have some doubts in Starclan and worries about being forgotten. However I'm desperate for lore and a cat that joined the clan looks kinda look her so I'm considering making them be siblings (they'll be in my next post). (Also I love their design so much patterning like theirs is so pretty :) )

Ryestripe He/Him (Top Right)-

Ryestripe was originally a barn cat that decided to join the clan. It kinda backfired though since he was chased by a dog and got saved by the clan. Like four moons later he got kidnapped by twolegs and returned four moons later. During this time he brought back to the barn where he began questioning if he even wanted to the clan. All of the injured cats and dangers he'd directly seen or heard of terrified him, as much as he didn't want to admit it. He does decide to return though, deeming clan life better for him than boring kittypet life.

Sunnygrass She/Her (Middle Left)-

Sunnygrass is one of Pebblestar and Leapflicker's kits. She was mentored by Breezehorse and honored for her strong will at her ceremony. She helped save two loners being chased by dogs (Ryestripe and I forgot who the other cat was because I didn't write down their name) However she hasn't bonded with any cat, even her family, much. (To give you an idea none of her relationship bars go into the green) I think after an incident caused by her own ideas she began to distance herself out of guilt. She also has ghost sense so that could be relevant later.

Flowerweb He/Him (Middle Right)-

Flowerweb is Sunngrass's brother. He was mentored by Girly Pop, who helped him become less nervous with her more risk-taking way of training him. She often used hands(paws?) on experience to teach him, being an overall fun mentor. However his sister convinced him to sneak out of camp with her, ending with them fighting a fox and Flowerpaw getting a broken bone. It caused him to get his warrior name extremely late and have to spend more moons training to get caught up. He feels very insecure about this and like he has to prove himself. Like his siter, he's distant from most other cats. He doesn't resent his sister for the accident but wishes she would at least try to talk to him. Also he is the first trans cat and came out on the same day as his warrior ceremony so that's nice.

Rarity She/Her (Bottom Right)-

Like most ex-kittypets, Rarity doesn't have much lore. She was a bit of a brat but that's it. However she actually died in a flash flood along with some other cats, something that happened after I drew this. (I'll get to them with the final cat and the next post) Overall there really isn't much to say about her.

Skytalon He/Him (Bottom Left)-

I skipped over this cat because there's so much lore to him that I wanted to save it for last. One, Skytalon can see ghosts. But the main thing right now is that he was in a hinged poly relationship (I believe that's what its called) with Stemmouse and Fuzzyflick (Who was his apprentice and I didn't notice until looking at the lore document for stuff to put about him. However Skytalon and Fuzzyflick are not mates and had no feelings towards each other so there was nothing incredibly weird) However Stemmouse died in the flash flood and he took it hard. There's also the possibility that Stemmouse was indirectly murdered by another cat. (I plan to get into this one in another post but it is a cat I've shown before) He doesn't know about this by the way but I felt now might be a good time to add it on. He's also adopted all of Stemmouse's and Fuzzyflick's living kits and is try to bond with them and be a father for them since their other two fathers are dead (Idk if I mentioned it before but Fuzzyflick was killed by rouges). He also gave Cavesong his moth wing at his apprentice ceremony. Other then that, he used to talk with Stemmouse about herbs a lot. I feel so bad for him

[residents-of-the-darkforest]

Dark Forest Resident: Fireweaver

Aliases / Nicknames: Bully, Snake-heart, The Meanest Cat in WindClan

Gender: female

Sexuality: heterosexual

Family: Lyremask (mother), Mudpuddle (father), Clayback, Prairiesplash, Gorsehoney, Gladegorse (sisters), Tarantulapelt (adoptive sister), Silkkit (brother), Springpaw (adoptive brother), Floodstar (mate), Tallrise, Sunkit (daughters), Howlvalley, Firemoss, Chestnutminnow, Ferretlily, Bitterstripe (sons), Yarrowkit, Honeykit, Juncokit, Ambercatcher, Garlicstripe, Raccoonkit, Pinekit (grandsons)

Other Relations: Mudpuddle (mentor)

Clan: WindClan

Rank: warrior

Characteristics: mean as sin, has a weak foreleg, competitive, good singer

Number of Victims: 23

Number of Murders: 1

Method of Harm: insulting, verbally abusing

Murder Method: slashing throat

Known Victims: Hickoryfur, Streamfeather, Woolyheart, Airflow, Paledapple, Shortclaw, Mapleshade, Mudpuddle, Flightbillow, Rowanshade, Mottledfern, Chirpfeather, Storkdapple, Kitefin, Prairiesplash, Songfang, Ryestripe, Wingtail, Lilyminnow, Creekthorn, Thymesky, Warmrumble, Eaglebelly

Victim profile: her Clanmates

Cause of Death: murdered by Sporefreckle

Cautionary Tale: be kind to your Clanmates

Story:

(As told from a popular WindClan nursery rhyme)

Mean Fireweaver

Mean out the mother

She never had kind words to say

Mean Fireweaver

Your split little snake tongue

You have no friends who will play

Mean Fireweaver

You were hated and bitter

Now the Dark Forest is where you stay!

Additional Information:

--Submission by @ambitiousauthor

--The only cats she never insulted were her own kits.

--She insulted Shortclaw until one day he got fed up with her shit, scruffed her, and dared her to say it again. She left him the fuck alone after that.

[calitraditionalism]

Arc Two: Chapter One

(AO3 counterpart here.)

“Listen to that. You can hear the chaos all the way from here.”

Mistface twitched his nose as a noncommittal response. He was walking by the side of a nearly-black tabby molly named Darkpelt through the burgeoning fresh blades of grass growing in for the season. Behind him, a pair of toms were trying to occupy themselves with taking in the sights of the vast valley they lived in, for lack of anything else to do. The one directly behind Mistface was the smallest of their troop – a sleek and skinny dark brown tom with a permanent frown on his face. He was very much dwarfed by the massive white tom beside him, who was making an effort to walk slowly so that he didn’t overtake the rest of the group.

Mistface himself, a handsome blue-grey tom with long fur, swiveled his ears, absentmindedly taking in the distant sounds of yowls and cheers. They were heading for the Clast settlement, and from here he could see the large stone houses that made up oversized dens for the family to live in. This was, by far, the most aggressive part of the Territory to be in; Mistface could already envision cats charging up to him once he arrived and demanding to tussle.

As if he’d heard Mistface’s thoughts, the white tom, Laurelclaw, nervously said, “You don’t think we’ll have to do any fighting, do you?”

Beetlefoot, the little tom, snorted. “That’s all Clast cares about. We likely have to in order to fit in.”

Darkpelt twisted her head and fixed Laurelclaw with her wide-eyed blind stare and a grin. “You’ll have quite a few fans in there before long, I think. They love a big guy.”

Laurelclaw hummed anxiously. “I know I’m supposed to be the muscle, but…”

“Ain’t a problem yet,” Mistface said. He was sharply reminded that his drawl was the strongest of the accents in the group as he spoke. “Darkpelt, you got a game plan? I’m assumin’ you’ve done this before.”

“Obviously!” Darkpelt winked at him and, for the second time since meeting her, he wondered how she knew to do that. “How long do you think I’ve been in spy work for?”

“I wouldn’t know,” Mistface said, with a disdainful sort of feigned politeness. “How long?”

“Nine months of age,” Darkpelt said smugly. Mistface disliked her. “I mean, to be fair, it’s usually simpleton’s work, but this time I’m collaborating with newbies, so I made sure to have a ‘game plan’, as you say. I’m sure this’ll be easy enough, but still-”

“You’re free to share it at any time after you’re done boasting,” Beetlefoot said dryly.

Darkpelt laughed and curled her tail. “Fine, fine. Mistface, Fernstar pretty much laid out what you’re do to – you’re our spokesperson. Anyone asks questions about us, especially when we first arrive, and you’ll be answering them.”

“Got my answers ready for me?” Mistface asked.

“I do, actually.” Darkpelt nodded. Her tone shifted to be more business-like than jolly. “The three main points: one, you’re here for your brother and nothing else. Two, you don’t know anything about the deputy’s supposed plan to leave. Three, we all met up at the Gathering and decided that our interests aligned and we should go to Clast together.” Her tail uncurled and waved in the air. “Aside from that, you’re smart, so I hear. You can come up with stuff pretty quick. All minor details about the rest of us can be half-truths or non-answers.”

Mistface made a noise of acknowledgement.

“As for the rest of us-“ Darkpelt looked back at Laurelclaw and Beetlefoot. “Laurelclaw, you’re here because you’re tired of your life with the Plage. Beetlefoot, you’re doubled up. You’re done with constantly working for the leaders, and you have friends in Mistface and his mother. They sort of inspired you to come along with and check out a new style of living.”

Beetlefoot wrinkled his nose as soon as the word ‘friend’ was said, but he waited until Darkpelt finished talking to respond. “And none of us know anything about Redheart wanting to take cats out of the Territory?”

“You might have heard about it,” Darkpelt replied, “but you don’t believe the rumors. That’s not to say you aren’t curious, though. Laurelclaw and Mistface don’t know anything. You haven’t said a word to them yet, mostly because the idea sounds too silly to be real.”

In a way, Mistface mused, it was. The Clan, made up of multiple large families and hundreds of individuals, lived in a massive collection of areas all forming the Territory. Mountains, hills, the valley, marshes, and even a trail leading to the coastline provided comfortable and beautiful homes for these cats. Prey was abundant, especially because of the land being littered with certain ones that had a white mark on their heads that proved they had been given to the living by StarClan. Even besides that, there were almost no predators to bother them, definitely no neighboring groups large enough to pose even a slight challenge, and so few struggles that the biggest hurdle to one’s happiness was unseasonably cold weather.

What in the name of the stars, then, would cause a cat like Redheart, said by Fernstar herself to be sensible and level-headed, to consider leaving at all? Something petty, perhaps, like a power struggle, or maybe she wasn’t as level-headed as she was said to be and thought life would really be better in the outside world. Mistface couldn’t wrap his mind around it.

“Remember,” Darkpelt continued, bringing Mistface back to the present, “your job – all of you – is to be inconspicuous. Redheart isn’t stupid, and neither is Greyleaf. They’ll know something’s up if you just sit around listening in to conversations or asking strange questions all day.”

That was the other thing. Mistface’s brother, Greyleaf, had mysteriously abandoned his post as the official healer for the leaders and their high deputies – those that served directly beneath the collective heads of the Clan – to join Redheart in the Clast under the pretense of going to see his dying mother to the end of her life. Greyleaf was an anxious wreck with no desire to step a toe out of line and draw attention to himself. The fact that he had lied so brazenly about his family, the thing he held in higher regard than anything else, and went to the rowdiest group in the Territory to work with a cat that was calling for negative attention was baffling to everyone that knew him.

“It’s the job of me and Mistface to get the information we need.” Darkpelt’s usual mischievous smile disappeared for a moment as she turned her head to blindly scan all three of the toms with a very serious look. “And even then, Mistface is to keep near his brother and the common folk in the settlement. Let me do the sneaking around and spying, got it?”

“Right.”

“Got it.”

“Yes.”

“Atta boys.” Darkpelt’s smile returned. “Now, let’s keep our mouths shut from here about this. Maybe some awkward small talk, but nothing beyond that. Spokesperson, walk a little ahead of me.”

Another round of affirmatives, and Mistface picked up the pace until his shoulders were past Darkpelt’s nose. There was no small talk, but the air did become a bit awkward anyway. Laurelclaw looked uneasy and Beetlefoot seemed to be focusing on appearing as calm and indifferent as possible. Mistface was sure he looked confident enough as he was.

Gradually, the sounds of fighting and excited spectators came to drown out the bird chirps and gentle breeze of the flatlands. Beetlefoot’s face creased contemptuously, but Laurelclaw and Darkpelt looked at least a little more interested as an explosion of cheers burst from the houses.

Mistface’s eyes drifted and he caught sight of a grey-brown tom lazing about where the cobblestone was cracked and overtaken by the earth. He was small and dully colored enough to almost completely melt into his surroundings, and he only moved to look up at the approaching party.

“Somethin’ fun happenin’ in there?” Mistface asked casually, once he was close enough that he knew he could be heard over the commotion.

“Always is.” The tom was at least polite enough to sit up and greet them as they paused a few feet away. “You here for the party or the rumors?”

Mistface was aware of Darkpelt’s presence, as if she was staring directly at him to will the correct response into his head. He blinked slowly and replied, “I’m just here for my brother, actually. Heard you got a cat named Greyleaf here now.”

“Ah.” The tom gave an amused scoff. “The boy just showed up, yes. He’s been busy.”

There was a screech and the cheers erupted one again.

Mistface offered the tom a friendly smile, swallowing the distaste for crowds brewing in his chest. “He’ll be real busy after whatever move they just pulled, I reckon.”

“We both will.” The tom stood fully. “I’m a resident healer. Vireoberry. Though everyone’s been going to him over me, if you can believe it.”

“I can,” Mistface said. “He’s quite good.”

“So I’ve seen,” Vireoberry said. “If you want to talk to him before Redheart pulls him away again, now’s the time.”

Mistface thanked him and continued walking, the other three close behind him. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Laurelclaw beam and wave his tail to Vireoberry as they parted ways.

Two houses had to be passed before they rounded a corner of smooth rock and emerged into a cobblestone clearing, currently crowded with cats. There was just enough room to see a dark grey ticked tabby standing triumphant over a young golden tom. The cats gathered were shouting various things like “Cry uncle, Ryestripe!” and “One more hit!”.

“Is it a good fight?” Darkpelt said in Mistface’s ear.

“Looks like it’s about over,” Mistface said.

The golden tom looked up nervously at the tabby, who grinned down at him, before he flopped fully onto his side and raised a paw. Laughter and jeers rang through the clearing and the crowd backed up unanimously, as did the tabby. The golden tom unsteadily got to his feet and shook his head, which Mistface could now see was bleeding.

Beetlefoot made a noise of disgust. “Savages.”

“Ain’t our place to judge how they spend their time,” Mistface said over his shoulder, flicking his enormously fluffy tail. “Let’s find Greyleaf.”

The crowd began to disperse, with a few cats walking up to the tabby to shower her with compliments (to which she seemed very receptive). Mistface scanned the clearing for his brother, eyes narrowed a little. He watched a cluster of cats suddenly part to allow a tall, elegant red-brown molly through. He recognized the molly as the one that he had seen talking to his brother once at a Coterie gathering for the smaller groups within the Clan. His eyes narrowed further.

The golden tom caught sight of the molly and immediately scrambled to his feet, bowing his head repeatedly and scattering blood on the ground.

“Easy, Ryestripe,” the molly said, and even at a normal volume, her voice seemed to drown out all other sound with its clear, commanding tone. “Just sit down.”

Ryestripe complied, grinning weakly. “Heh, did you see? I nearly got her.”

“I saw.” The molly didn’t quite smile, but her hard face softened a little. “You’ve been doing well for yourself. Don’t overdo it when you were just patched up, though, alright?”

“Don’t bother making him promise,” the tabby said. “He won’t keep it.”

“Neither will you,” Ryestripe shot back.

“I’m not the one who got beat up!”

“Do you have any injuries anyway?”

Mistface perked his ears and turned his head. A grey tabby, just as fluffy as him, was weaving around cats to join the two mollies and Ryestripe. His voice was having a much harder time making itself heard over the rambling around him.

“’Course not, Greyleaf!” The grey molly pressed a front paw to her chest, jokingly offended. “What do you take me for?”

“A moron?” Ryestripe offered.

The grey molly rounded on him, about to pounce, but the red-brown molly quickly stepped between them with a stern look to the victor of the fight. Greyleaf’s eyes flickered skyward for just a moment before he approached Ryestripe and started examining his wounds.

“Now’s our chance,” Darkpelt whispered to Mistface. “Go see him, we’ll be a little behind.”

Mistface straightened up and strolled as innocuously as he could towards his brother.

The red-brown molly saw him first. Before he could say anything, she moved to greet him.

“You’re new,” she said, in that regal-sounding voice. “Welcome to the Clast.”

“A merry afternoon to you,” Mistface said, mostly to be polite.

At his voice, Greyleaf’s head jerked up. He caught sight of Mistface and his eyes widened.

“Thought you might be here, brother.” Mistface offered a winning smile to the molly, then a more genuine one to Greyleaf. “Didn’t have the decency to sent Beetlefoot to tell us?”

“I w- well-“ Greyleaf shuffled his feet, looking bewildered and anxious. “I was going to, things just got busy…”

“I sent for him to help us here,” the red-brown molly said. “I apologize for that. I should have had the decency to alert you and your mother.”

“Mm.” Mistface regarded her now with a slightly tilted head. “I assume you’re the one in charge?”

The molly nodded once. “My name is Redheart. I’m the deputy.”

“Your brother has all sorts of connections, doesn’t he?” Darkpelt said suddenly. Mistface looked back to see her strutting up with Laurelclaw and Beetlefoot hurrying behind her. “Bit of a downgrade from working for the leaders, though.”

Greyface blinked. “Beetlefoot?”

Beetlefoot jerked his head in acknowledgement.

“Nice to see you again,” Laurelclaw said in a very clear attempt to sound friendly that came off as awkward. “I don’t know if you remember me, we met at that Coterie-“

“Oh!” Greyleaf coughed, visibly wracking his brain for the memory. “Right, uh, Laurel… Laurel…”

“-claw,” Laurelclaw finished.

“Right, sorry.” Greyleaf cleared his throat. His eyes drifted to Darkpelt. “And you are…”

“A bored warrior looking for some fun,” she said, grinning. “Darkpelt.”

“It’s nice to meet all of you,” Redheart said, dipping her head respectfully to these cats of inferior status as if they were high deputies. “Are you all companions?”

“Just for a bit,” Mistface said. “We met at a Gatherin’ and decided to come here together.”

“He wouldn’t shut up about you,” Darkpelt said to Greyleaf, cheekily twitching her whiskers. “I hope you’re as good of a healer as he said you are.”

“He is.” Mistface glanced back at her, eye narrowed, though his tone was light. “Might serve you well if you decide to join the chaos here.”

Darkpelt laughed. “Good luck finding anyone to fight me.”

“I’m sure there will be at least one.” Redheart’s eyes crinkled a little – not quite enough for a smile to follow, but enough to give off an easy, comfortable air. “You’re all welcome to stay as long as you like.”

“Redheart!” someone shouted, their voice echoing from inside a house. “Olivepaw’s acting up again!”

“Coming,” Redheart called, and with a final nod to everyone, she walked off. Somehow, she managed to move as quickly as a trot without hurrying.

Greyleaf watched her go, inhaled deeply, and huffed out a breath, his fur smoothing down as he did. He looked back at Mistface. “What about Mama?”

“She’s nearby,” Mistface replied. “Turns out the Vultures’re restin’ up with one of theirs havin’ kits, so they were happy to take her in and keep her away from this whole…”

“Yeah.” Greyleaf gave a blatantly fake smile. “Well, I’ll have to visit her. You’ll show me where to go?”

“We can go tomorrow.” Mistface’s smile was still real. “Once we’re settled.”

“Your mother’s a sweetheart,” Darkpelt said. “She came with us.”

“We took our time,” Mistface said, before Greyleaf could protest forcing their mother to travel. “She’s doin’ well. Happy to rest, of course, but…”

“Right,” Greyleaf murmured, seemingly to himself. “Right.” His voice raised again. “Well, uh, you guys are free to wander around and check out the place. Uh, Darkpelt, do you need assistance, or-?”

“Laurelclaw’s got me,” Darkpelt said cheerily. She turned her head a little towards Laurelclaw - but, Mistface noted, not quite at him like she had before. “Come on, let’s see what they’ve got. Beetlefoot?”

“I’ll walk around myself,” Beetlefoot said shortly.

“Alright!” Darkpelt tapped Laurelclaw’s chest with her tail. He jumped and hurried to walk by her side, his own tail just touching hers as he pretended to need to give her directions. Beetlefoot nodded again to Greyleaf and started off the opposite way.

Greyleaf cleared his throat, “Well, I, uh, I better get to work on Ryestripe here- Uh, do you just want to hang out while I do?”

Mistface stepped close enough to gently flick his brother’s nose with his tail. “Wouldn’t want to do anything else.”

[rainheartrivercat]

stormcloud x cherryfall kits or reena x tallstar kits ?? :]

i like stormcherry so much i fully drew them AND THEN designed THREE beautiful lovely children lmao (i have a lot of info about them after the read more kdfjaiosf)

Chitterkit is the firstborn of the litter, the largest, strongest, and by far the fluffiest. Despite all her fluff, she seems quite vulnerable to the cold, shivering quite easily during leafbare, especially when she was first born. Stormcloud remarked that she had "the chitters", which was what his mother called shivers, and the name Chitterkit stuck. She is very talkative, and loves feathers and birds. She actively refuses to eat birds because she thinks they are too pretty, though one day robins would become her favorite food. She gets along very well with Ryekit, but sometimes struggles to get along with Benkit. Her warrior name would be Chitterdawn, and she would be a warrior feared for her strength. She wears fuchsias by her ears.

Ryekit is the secondborn of the litter, named for his brown tabby pelt. He is very optimistic, upbeat, and enthusiastic about games. His favorite games to play always involve racing, and out of his siblings he must be the fastest. Ryekit is a very kind, compassionate kitten, and is always thinking about others and how to make his clanmates happy. He seems especially in-tune his siblings, and is very close with them. He thinks Benkit is very creative and relaxing to be around, and he thinks its fun to talk with and run around with Chitterkit. If his two siblings are ever at odds, he always is able to calm them down. His warrior name would be Ryestripe, and he would be known for his speed and compassion. He wears stalks of rye by his ears, and he has inherited Stormcloud's long fangs.

Benkit is the youngest of the litter, named for his striking resemblance to Stormcloud's brother, what with his pelt and his eyes being the same pale yellow. He is by far the introvert of his siblings, and enjoys staying inside the nursery. He dreads becoming an apprentice, fearing horrible battles and being a terrible hunter. Instead, he prefers listening to stories the elders and queens of the clan have to offer, learning from them. He is close to Ryekit, and appreciates that he knows when to back off and picks games that don't involve pretend hunting and battling. Sometimes he is at odds with Chitterkit, who is sometimes a little too pushy. His warrior name would be Benberry, and he would be known for his patience and adaptability. He wears a mixture of leaves and thorns by his ears.

[redux-iterum]

There's an scene in Fire and Ice where Longtail and Dustpelt or Darkstripe (i dont remember which their attitudes blend that much) are bullying Cloudkit and calling him Cloudchick and then began laughing like it was the funniest shit in the world while he was born like five days ago and was stuck in the nursery still not knowing how to speak or eat solid food. Irl that's just two grown ass men roasting a newborn.

Also how would the thunderclan cats from your redux react to randomly seeing two toms do that. Would anyone tell them anything or just stare?

Apologies for the delay on this answer!

Honestly, the bullying in this series is very silly and childish, so it doesn't surprise me that this scene happens, though I don't remember it myself. The thing I truly remember is a person or two complaining that a white kit won't survive in the wild when there are two white cats in the Clan who are older adults. That was an oversight and a half on the part of the writers.

Anyway, bullying as a whole is not tolerated - not just because it's mean, but because the Clans actively rely on comradery to survive. If one of the joints of the body isn't working, it could lead to the whole unit falling apart. This means that anyone who picks on someone else is going to be swiftly dealt with and scolded or punished if they push it. Even if you don't like someone, you need to be able to work with them if you want the Clan to stay alive. Lives may not depend on you and Ryestripe being able to tolerate each other just long enough to handle a problem, but they may. Lives have depended on less before.

[warriorsredux]

What would you rename Fallowtail and Reedfeather

Boy howdy has it been a while. Apologies, anon!

So Fallowtail’s name pretty much fits her, to begin with. Fallow- is for a light brown cat, which she is, and we have nothing indicating that she isn’t skilled in climbing and agility. I certainly wouldn’t give her -flower, since she gave up her kits (though she did grieve heavily to the point of the Clan going to war to get them back for her, so...). Nothing to change here. 

Reedfeather does need a change, on the other hand. He’s a light brown tabby, which Reed- does not cover (it’s a golden-brown name), and -feather is not used in traditionalism, which is what these names are all based in. His main thing is his pride and his determination, especially in regards to his half-Clan kits. 

For prefix, I think Rye- might be closest. It’s a light brown plant that looks sort of similar to a reed, plus it would be seen in WindClan the most. If not, then we can go with Snake-, which is a light brown tabby name. For suffix... I think maybe -heart or -stripe. -heart for his general attitude and actions, -stripe as a descriptor if that doesn’t fit. So Ryeheart, Ryestripe or Snakeheart!

[oldwarriors-fireandwater]

WindClan Family Tree (FoS)

Note: Strikethrough indicates deceased cats. ?T and ?M refer to unknown tom and unknown molly, respectively. Dead kits have been removed to reduce length.

Ferretstar: Sandpelt (father), Paleface (mother), Wrenfoot (half-sister), Bristlefur (half-brother), Owlwhisker (nephew), Ashfoot (niece), Eaglekit (great-nephew)

Twistedfoot: Plumclaw (mother), Crowfur (father), Ashfoot (mate), Eaglekit (son)

Plovertail: Brackenflight (mother), Redclaw (father), Shrewclaw (brother), Mudclaw (nephew), Tornear (nephew)

Doestep: Mistflight (mother), Harethroat (father), Stagleap (brother), Ryestripe (sister), Mudclaw (nephew), Tornear (nephew)

Stagleap: Mistflight (mother), Harethroat (father), Doestep (sister), Ryestripe (sister), Mudclaw (nephew), Tornear (nephew)

Sorrelcloud: Tansyheart (mother), Hickorynose (father), Pigeontail (brother), Rabbitfoot (mate), Lizardpaw (son), Quailpaw (daughter)

Pigeontail: Tansyheart (mother), Hickorynose (father), Sorrelcloud (sister), Lizardpaw (nephew), Quailpaw (niece)

Rabbitfoot: Aspenfoot (father), Dawnstripe (mother), Flywhisker (brother), ?T (surrogate father of kits), Sorrelcloud (mate), Lizardpaw (son), Quailpaw (daughter)

Wrenfoot: Paleface (mother), Sheeptail (father), Ferretstar (half-brother), ?T (father of kits), Owlwhisker (son), Ashfoot (daughter), Eaglekit (grandson)

Mudclaw: Ryestripe (mother), Shrewclaw (father), Mistflight (grandmother), Harethroat (grandfather), Doestep (aunt), Stagleap (uncle), Tornear (brother)

Tornear: Ryestripe (mother), Shrewclaw (father), Mistflight (grandmother), Harethroat (grandfather), Doestep (aunt), Stagleap (uncle), Mudclaw (brother)

Owlwhisker: Wrenfoot (mother), ?T (father), Paleface (grandmother), Sheeptail (grandfather), Bristlefur (uncle), Ferretstar (uncle), Ashfoot (sister), Eaglekit (nephew)

Ashfoot: Wrenfoot (mother), ?T (father), Paleface (grandmother), Sheeptail (grandfather), Bristlefur (uncle), Ferretstar (uncle), Owlwhisker (brother), Twistedfoot (mate), Eaglekit (son)

Morningflower: Cloudpelt (father), Larkcloud (mother), ?T (father of kits), Whitepaw (daughter), Gorsekit (son)

Lizardpaw: Rabbitfoot (mother), Sorrelcloud (mother), ?T (surrogate father), Quailpaw (sister), Aspenfoot (grandfather), Dawnstripe (grandmother), Flywhisker (uncle), Tansyheart (grandmother), Hickorynose (grandfather), Pigeontail (uncle)

Quailpaw: Rabbitfoot (mother), Sorrelcloud (mother), ?T (surrogate father), Lizardpaw (brother), Aspenfoot (grandfather), Dawnstripe (grandmother), Flywhisker (uncle), Tansyheart (grandmother), Hickorynose (grandfather), Pigeontail (uncle)

Whitepaw: Morningflower (mother), ?T (father), Cloudpelt (grandfather), Larkcloud (grandmother), Gorsekit (brother)

Crowfur: Plumclaw (mate), Twistedfoot (son), Eaglekit (grandson)

[wcrewrite-blog]

Book 1 Allegiances

THUNDERCLAN LEADER: Bluestar—large, pale blue-gray tabby she-cat Mentor to Ravenpaw.

DEPUTY: Redtail—small tortoiseshell cat with distinct ginger markings

MEDICINE CAT: Spottedleaf—small tortoiseshell-and-white she-cat

WARRIORS: Lionheart—massive long-haired ginger tabby tom with thick fur around his neck and shoulders Mentor to Graypaw. Tigerclaw—large dark brown tabby tom with amber eyes Mentor to Dustpaw. Whitepelt—sleek white tom with tufted ears Mentor to Sandpaw. Darkstripe—dark gray-brown tabby tom, nearly black Larktail—lilac tabby tom with dark stripes and white patches; notably long, distinctive tail Rowanfoot—lean dusky brown tabby she-cat Mousefur—small dusky brown tabby cat Mallowpelt—pale gray-and-white lynx point she-cat Goldenflower—long-haired ginger tabby she-cat Speckletail—ginger tabby she-cat

APPRENTICES: Ravenpaw—skinny black tom with white markings Graypaw—long-haired gray tabby tom Dustpaw—brown tabby tom Sandpaw—cream-colored tabby she-cat

QUEENS: Frostfur—white she-cat with blue eyes; mother to Brightkit, Swiftkit, and Foxkit Brindleface—pretty mottled gray tabby she-cat; expecting Rowanfoot‘s kits

KITS: Brightkit—torbie-and-white she-cat, predominantly white and ginger Swiftkit—black-and-white tom Foxkit—thick-furred ginger tabby tom with white markings

ELDERS: Halftail—large brown tabby tom; missing half of his tail Shellnose—solid gray tom with small folded-over ears Patchpelt—small black-and-white tom One-eye—pale gray she-cat; missing an eye Dappletail—sleek tortoiseshell-and-white she-cat with a graying muzzle Rosetail—thick-furred torbie she-cat with distinctive ginger markings

RIVERCLAN LEADER: Stormstar—large caramel tabby tom with a crooked jaw and a distinctly mottled pelt

DEPUTY: Oakheart—mottled chocolate tabby tom

MEDICINE CAT: Mudfur—long-haired mottled brown tabby she-cat

WARRIORS: Waspclaw—thick-furred red-brown tabby tom with one white paw Mistfoot—mottled pale blue-gray tabby she-cat with white markings Mentor to Silverpaw Stonefur—mottled pale blue-gray tabby tom with scarred ears Mosswhisker—mottled gray-and-white tabby cat with thick fur and distinct dappled markings Beetlenose—long-haired black tom Leopardfur—sleek, mottled ginger tabby she-cat with dark, distinctive spots Sunstream—golden-ginger tabby she-cat with white patches Blackclaw—tall, lean black tom with one tattered ear Mentor to Grousepaw Larchbelly—brown tabby tom Mentor to Spiderpaw

APPRENTICES: Silverpaw—thick-furred, mottled silver tabby with white markings Spiderpaw—long-haired black tom with a white underbelly Grousepaw—long-haired brown tabby tom with a white underbelly

QUEENS: Sedgefoot—brown tabby she-cat; mother to Hazelkit and Shadekit Petalcloud—long-haired tortoiseshell she-cat; mother to Newtkit

ELDERS: Graypool—thin gray tabby she-cat with a scarred muzzle Swanwing—small snow-white she-cat with sparse lilac tabby patches Whitefang—white tom with sparse chocolate tabby patches

WINDCLAN LEADER: Ternstar—thin black-and-white tom with a long tail

DEPUTY: Duskfoot—small black cat with a twisted forepaw Mentor to Brookpaw.

MEDICINE CAT: Barkfur—dark brown tabby tom with a short tail

WARRIORS: Mudclaw—mottled dark brown tabby tom Tornear—mottled gray tabby tom with a tattered ear Mentor to Wrenpaw. Sorrelpelt—dark gray-brown she-cat Pigeonflight—dark gray-and-white tom Wrenflight—gray-brown tabby she-cat Lichenfur—mottled brown tabby she-cat Sleetwhisker—mottled pale gray tabby she-cat

APPRENTICES: Wrenpaw—brown-and-white tabby tom Brookpaw—light gray-and-white tabby she-cat

QUEENS: Ashfoot—broad-faced gray-and-white she-cat; mother to Duskfoot’s kits, Whitekit and Eaglekit Morningflower—pale tortoiseshell she-cat with amber eyes; expecting Tornear’s kits

ELDERS: Stagleap—broad-shouldered brown-and-white tabby tom Ryestripe—gray tabby she-cat with amber eyes Crowfur—black tom with patchy fur and a silver muzzle

SHADOWCLAN LEADER: Darkstar—massive, long-haired dark brown tabby tom with a flat face and a torn, scarred pelt

DEPUTY: Birchclaw—black-and-white tom, predominantly white with black splotches on his legs, tail, and back; has a six-toed paw

MEDICINE CAT: Willowfang—scrawny gray she-cat with long, patchy fur and a flat face Rainpelt—small, mottled gray-and-white tom; often called “Runningnose” for his constant illness

WARRIORS: Boulderfur—small silver tabby tom Mentor to Wrenpaw. Clawedface—battle-scarred brown tabby tom with white markings Mentor to Littlepaw. Nightpelt—small black tom Fernface—thick-furred tortoiseshell she-cat Flintfang—thick-furred gray tom Deerfoot—small mottled gray-brown tom Russetfur—sleek dark ginger tabby she-cat Mentor to Applepaw. Rowanbelly—tortoiseshell she-cat with a flat face; predominantly ginger Almondwhisker—gray-brown tabby tom with amber eyes and a flat face

APPRENTICES: Applepaw—mottled brown tabby she-cat with green eyes Littlepaw—small brown tabby tom Rainpaw—small gray tabby tom

QUEENS: Dawnstorm—small pale ginger tabby she-cat; expecting Darkstar’s kits Duskflower—black she-cat; mother to Cedarkit and Pebblekit Toadflower—pale brown tabby she-cat with long limbs; mother to Oakkit

ELDERS: Brightflower—long-haired torbie she-cat with a flat face; predominantly ginger Burdockfoot—pale gray tom Frogtail—dark gray-brown tom

CATS OUTSIDE THE CLANS KITTYPETS: Rusty—intensely-colored red-cinnamon tom with very faint tabby stripes Smudge—plump black-and-white cat Princess—long-haired fawn tabby she-cat with white patches

LONERS: Barley—massive black-and-white tom

[newtcloud]

I’ve noticed some people seemed interested in my TawnyFeather + kits AU, and I have some news for you, it’s actually part of a much larger AU/fix I think about occasionally.

I do work with a traditionalist (more info) worldview, I list the original names the first time the cat is mentioned. Some cats are slightly genetically changed, I mention the changes as well. (I want to make family trees, one day maybe) I talk from Clan to Clan here, and it’s a lot and a little disorganized haha

Hope you enjoy reading my thoughts!

Windclan

For starters, Mudclaw remains deputy. When Ravenstar (Tallstar, he is black with little white now) is close to dying he calls Mudclaw in for a private meeting. When Mudclaw arrives he sees Crowpaw (he doesn’t receive his name in the mountains, also he has amber eyes) leave and enters. Ravenstar is honest about his fears, and Mudclaw listens critically. He vows to try and keep peace, and earn the other clans’ respect in a less violent way. Ravenstar also tells him to respect what Crowpaw chooses to do, Mudclaw doesn’t understand what Tallstar means with this until Crowpaw says that he needs to leave to sort out his thoughts. He allows it, and prays that he is safe.

Mudclaw becomes Mudstar, with lives (not literal lives, but more in a guidance way, as is more common within traditionalism) for Compassion, Clarity of judgement, Diplomacy, Patience, Love, Wisdom, Endurance, Loyalty, and Understanding of other viewpoints.

Oatwhisker (Onewhisker, brown and white tabby) becomes his deputy, and Starclan shows approval by granting access to the island. The two become good friends.

Windclan and Thunderclan still grow apart, but less so. Mudstar is not hostile, but also asserts their rights to decline help. Firestar is a little saddened, but respects the decision. With time the two clans change that distance to a more casual relationship.

Since Crowpaw is gone, Nightcloud has kits with a loner, Sleetkit (Breezepelt, now a lighter gray) and Antkit (Black molly). They grow up to become Sleetpelt and Antfang, they’re both a little hot-headed but ultimately strong young cats.

Crowpaw returns after several years, changed into a more wise man. He asks Mudstar to be let back, and he accepts after remembering Ravenstar’s words. Crowpaw becomes Crowheart and lives his life without mate/kits.

When Darktail arrives Mudstar is mad that Oatwhisker kept this a secret, but doesn’t have any reason to punish him since he never broke the law. Oatwhisker dies with Darktail, which Mudstar grieved over for the rest of his life. Sedgewhisker succeeds Oatwhisker, and she becomes Sedgestar when Mudstar dies of old age.

Shadowclan

Tawny’s kits are born a lot earlier, and they aren’t really just The Three In Shadowclan for their earlier life. Tawny teaches them about their family in the other clans, and stands up fiercely when other cats try to tell them they’re not Shadowclan.

Rowanclaw is their foster father (he’s trans) and when he has his own litter Tawny + kits help with raising his kits: Redkit/paw/whisker (Redwillow, red and black torbie, predominantly red) and Darkkit/paw/nose (Olivenose, black and red tortie, predominantly black). Tawny and Rowan are close friends, but never mates.

Sol still appears and causes a ruckus, and it’s resolved the same way.

Russetfur retires from her position before she’s killed in battle, she becomes an elder but remains fairly active because she can. Nobody dares to stop her anyway, and her death shakes all the clans. She is succeeded by Tawnypelt.

When Blackstar dies in the floods, Tawnystar succeeds him. She names Rowanclaw deputy.

Tawny’s kits themselves are largely themselves:

Reedtail (Flametail, brownish-red tabby with white) was really sickly as a kit (Tawny didn’t have an ideal pregnancy, with stress from journeying and malnutrition), he often had to stay in the medicine cat den. Littlecloud let him help so he wouldn’t grow bored while he was staying there, when Reedkit was ~7 moons (apprenticed late) he chose to become a medicine cat because he loved the work and wants to help cats as sickly as himself. Littlecloud was very fond of him, and the two were often called “like brothers” by the other medicine cats. He dies from shock after falling in the freezing lake while playing with his foster siblings. Littlecloud was devastated, and mentored no other cats until Mudleaf’s (Puddleshine, brown and white tabby) enthusiasm made him cautiously less stuck in his grief.

Goldenstorm (Dawnpelt, cream and grey calico) was a go-getter, happy to give her opinions and overall quite the troublemaker. She keeps senior warriors on their toes, and Tawny is never surprised to find her at the root of mischief. She has kits later in her life, and is heavily scarred but lives through the Darktail era. She is renamed Scarredpelt, and wears the name with pride.

Heronfur (Tigerheart/star, silver black tabby with white paws and chest) is mostly the same. He’s your average tom, with a penchant for bad ideas. The romance with Dovewing is gone, and he doesn’t become deputy/leader.

Thunderclan

The three are Maplecloud’s (Leafpool, dark, brownish-red ticked tabby) kits, but no-one knows who the other parent is. She steps down as med. cat after she discovers her pregnancy, many cats were skeptic, but her willingness to give up her dreams made them sympathetic. When Cinderpelt dies, she takes up the med. cat duties again.

Foxkit/paw/storm (Jayfeather, red classic tabby), becomes a warrior, his mentor is Brightheart. Maplecloud was overjoyed to see him succeed as a warrior. I personally am not a fan of the whole prophecy in the 3rd and 4th arc, so I scrapped that lol. He’s a cranky warrior that bites off more than he can chew to prove himself, Brightheart helps him accept himself. It’s a long journey, but he is enjoying his life more and more as he grows older.

Emberkit/paw/heart/star (Hollyleaf, black and red tortie), becomes a warrior with a strong belief in the code, highly intelligent and has the qualities of a leader. She is a beloved warrior, deputy and eventual leader. She becomes mates with Smokepelt (Cinderheart, gray and cream and white tabby with a broken leg).

The two have three kits:

Patchfur (Hollytuft, gray and cream lynx point)

Ryestripe (Sorrelstripe, gray and brownish torbie, predominantly brownish)

Ashcloud (Fernsong, grey and white)

Lionkit/paw/claw (Lionblaze, still a fluffy golden tabby), is a strong fighter and the definition of beauty. It was no surprise that he had flings across the borders sometimes. He’s bad at making good choices, and is grateful that Emberheart acts as his brains sometimes. He is the surrogate father of Smokepelt and Emberstar’s kits.

Ashfur doesn’t betray anyone, never had a thing with Squirrel and he dies when he helps Maple and Squirrel save the three in the fire.

Brambleclaw (Reddish-brown tabby) never takes up the position of deputy, Hornetfur (Brackenfur), becomes deputy instead. Bramble gravitates towards an uncle role with Maplecloud’s kits, and is saddened to learn that his attempts towards having kits with Squirrelstorm (Squirrelflight, ticked red tabby, no white) are failing (He’s infertile, they have a loner surrogate around the time of TFA).

Alderkit/paw/pelt (Alderheart, brown tabby with a little white) takes interest in med. cat duties, and succeeds Maplecloud.

Gingerkit/paw/pelt (Sparkpelt, predominantly red torbie with white paws) looks a lot like her grandfather, very excitable.

Pigeonkit/paw/whisker (Dovewing, Gray with odd eyes, deaf and blind on the blue eyed half of her face), has good senses, but ultimately wasn’t meant for he life of a warrior, she becomes a kittypet and still lives near the lake. Foxstorm was her mentor. Her sister visits her occasionally.

Silverkit/paw/claw (Ivypool, silvery gray tabby), was Emberstar’s apprentice when she was a warrior. She’s a good fighter, though at a young age she was often bitter that her sister seemed to get more attention. Emberheart helped her realize her own strength, and she became deputy under Emberstar.

Riverclan

Riverclan was too ignored for me to change much sadly. I still had a few things:

Mothface (Mothwing, golden lynx point) is very close to Maplecloud :) Many jokes are made that Lionclaw looks like her :) ;) Her brother Kitefang (Hawkfrost, brown lynx point) used her to gain power, the two were close and she never hated him after his body and plans were discovered. She doesn’t believe in Starclan still, and is respected. Miststar (Mistystar, ticked gray tabby, Russian Blue green eyes) covers for her lack of belief, and knows she’s valid and a good med. cat.

Riverclan doesn’t let Darktail mess with them, Miststar isn’t leader for long, but still is the oldest living one for a while. Rookstar (Reedwhisker, has green eyes now) succeeds her and his deputy is Minnowtail.

(Also in case my vague smilies are too... vague, Mothface is the mother of the three and loves her children very much despite not seeing them often)

[summeroftheclans]

Accepted cats!

Fenclan: Fernpaw, Med App- @hdwarriorcats Ratwhisker, Med cat- @just-widow Berrypelt, Warrior- @gengar-grins

Lakeclan: Ryestripe, Warrior- @eggpope Mothpaw, Apprentice- @birdwording Hollyflower, Warrior- @zoruwua

Sandclan: Softstep, Warrior- @silvernightengale Needleclaw, Warrior- @Needle-sotc Adderfang, Warrior- @sugarspice02

Marshclan: Diamond, Warrior- @silvernightengale Noir, Warrior- @nostruum Ratwhisker, Warrior- @simurghfeathers

[clangenrising]

Month 7 - Leaffall

“Tangletooth,” Sagetooth purred as she and Oddstripe arrived at the River of the Stars, “How are you, friend?” 

The older ginger tom smiled and gladly bumped foreheads with her. “Well,” he nodded, “Well. Did you hear about Couragecry?” 

“Who?” Sagetooth tilted her head as she and Oddstripe settled down next to him. Was this perhaps one of Tangletooth’s elders, someone he used to know? Soberly, she wondered if he was starting to lose his grasp on time.

“The kittypet,” he replied brightly to her surprise. “Charredbranch found a kittypet in the mountains and he’s decided to stick around. His name is Couragecry.” 

“Really,” Sagetooth frowned. “Whatever for?”

“Pardon?” asked Tangletooth. Oddstripe pursed his lips.

Sagetooth caught herself and changed course. “I meant, what was he doing in the mountains?” 

“Oh!” Tangletooth nodded and licked his lips. “Yes, well, apparently there’s a lake just over them and he used to live there with his Twolegs but they seem to have disappeared. He went looking for them and found us instead.” 

“I see,” Sagetooth hummed. She supposed that was alright then. If his Twolegs were missing then there was nothing for him to go back to. And, she rationalized, it suited her just fine if SkyClan’s warriors weren’t very good fighters or hunters. 

“Well, I hope he’s settling in alright,” Oddstripe said shyly. 

“I think he’s doing alright,” rasped Tangletooth. “He’s taught Pebblefall and Greyvoice a thing or two about fishing at least.” Behind them the sound of gentle pawsteps sounded in the tunnel and they turned to look as a pair of grey eyes and fluffy grey ears poked out of the darkness. 

“Stormwhisper,” Sagetooth addressed him sternly. He flinched but straightened his posture under her gaze.

“Yes?” he asked, feathery tail swishing, “I’m not that late, am I?” 

Sagetooth shook her head. “No, I wanted to ask if you had any word about Blazingbrush. She’s missed three meetings already, this will be the fourth, and you still haven’t said if she has Red Gut or not. I’m starting to think I need to make the trip to FallenClan to sort the whole thing out myself.” Stormwhisper’s fur bristled subtly and he stiffened, eyes wide, which only made Sagetooth frown deeper. Something was off here. 

“Oh, no, it’s not Red Gut,” he said, glancing at Oddstripe briefly, “But she’s isolating nonetheless. She says she doesn’t want to take any risks, that’s all.” 

“Is that so?” Sagetooth narrowed her eyes. 

“Um, yes?” replied Stormwhisper with a nervous grimace. 

“Are you asking me or telling me?” she huffed, tail starting to twitch. “You’re being incredibly strange.”

“Sorry,” he shook his head, forcing a smile. “I’m just out of sorts. Everything has been tense since Toadpaw was taken.” He stepped up to sit between Oddstripe and Tangletooth. 

“Oh, no,” Oddstripe fawned, causing Sagetooth’s ear to twitch. “I can’t imagine…” 

“Yeah,” he swallowed. “Orangestar is considering stepping down.” 

“What?” snapped Sagetooth, causing both of the younger healers to flinch. “She can’t do that!” 

“She just doesn’t see how she can lead a Clan when she couldn’t even save her own apprentice.” Stormwhisper looked at his paws. “I can’t say I blame her.” 

“Leaders can’t do everything,” Tangletooth said. “It’s important for her to learn that.”

“Yes,” agreed Sagetooth definitively. “You need to advise her, Stormwhisper. You’re her Healer, you bring her StarClan’s wisdom. Make sure she knows that they chose her for a reason and that she has a duty to her Clan to uphold their decision.” 

“Yeah,” he nodded, mostly to himself it seemed. “I’ll try.”

“Don’t try,” Sagetooth huffed, “Do.” 

“Your dreams tonight will guide you,” Tangletooth rasped, bumping his muzzle against Stormwhisper’s shoulder. “Come, let us drink.” 

~~~

After the meeting, the Healers said their goodbyes and Sagetooth and Oddstripe began making their way through the canyon back towards their camp, but something wouldn’t stop pulling at Sagetooth’s brain. She didn't know what was going on but something about Stormwhisper and Blazingbrush kept drawing her attention and she couldn’t put the thought away. She paused as they reached the river and Oddstripe stopped to look back at her.

“Is everything alright, Sagetooth?” he asked, big blue eyes blinking in the moonlight. 

“I’m fine,” she flicked an ear dismissively. “I think I’m going to head to FallenClan and check on Blazingbrush though.”

“Do you think she’s okay?” 

“I don’t know,” she shrugged, “but I think I need to speak with her anyway.” 

Oddstripe shuffled. “Do you want me to come with you?” She could tell by the way he spoke that he didn’t want to. He probably wanted to get back to camp and eat his fill like he did after every meeting. Even now that the kits weren’t nursing anymore he still wasn’t quite used to the empty stomach the half moon gatherings demanded. 

“No,” Sagetooth sighed. “Go back home, see your kits. I should be back before the sun is up.” 

“Okay,” smiled Oddstripe, clearly relieved. “May StarClan light your path.” Sagetooth smiled. He was a quick study and a good apprentice, if a naive one. 

“Thank you,” she purred, “I’ll see you back at camp.” With that, she turned westward and set off across the rolling hills. Eventually the foothills turned to forests which turned thick and dark and wild. Somewhere in the night an owl hooted to her mate and little things scuttled through the underbrush temptingly. Sagetooth stomped down on any desires to catch them. Even a Healer had no right to hunt in another Clan’s territory. 

She found and then followed a well worn trail until she finally came upon a scattering of large stones, the leftovers of an ancient landslide, overgrown by brambles that had been shaped and woven into the walls of the FallenClan camp. As she approached, she gave a soft meow to declare her presence and was quickly met by the marbled blue face of the camp guard, Ryestripe.

“Who goes there?” he asked firmly, voice soft. 

“Sagetooth, Healer of RisingClan,” she said, stopping where he could see her and offering a slow blink. 

Ryestripe shifted, swallowed, and glanced over his shoulder before replying. “How can I help you, Sagetooth?” 

“I’m here to speak with Blazingbrush,” she said. “I’ve heard she’s unwell.” 

“She is,” he said, a bit too quickly. Her eyes narrowed. “I’m sorry, you can’t see her right now.” 

“I know how to handle myself around disease, boy,” she huffed. “If there’s a sickness in FallenClan I have every right to know.” 

“I’m sorry,” he said again, squaring his shoulders to fill the hole in the bramble wall. “You can’t come in, Flightstar’s orders.”

“Flightstar’s-” she cut herself off with a scoff and shifted her weight on her aching hips. She hadn’t walked so much in a long time and her age was not having it. “On what basis has he made those orders?” 

Ryestripe shifted, clearly uncomfortable. “Look, I don’t-” 

“It’s alright, Ryestripe,” said a gentle voice behind him, warm and sweet like honey. “I’ll speak to her.” 

The warrior glanced back and whispered, “Are you sure, Poppybird?” 

“I’m sure.” 

“Alright.” Ryestripe shuffled to the side, allowing the mediator to pass. Her black pelt glimmered under the moonlight that made its way through the trees, its dappling mixing with the dappling of ginger in her fur. She smiled sympathetically as she walked out to meet Sagetooth. 

“I’m sorry about that,” she said, curling her tail around her white paws as she sat. “He means well.” 

“What’s this about Flightstar’s orders?” grumbled Sagetooth. “If I want to speak with Blazingbrush he has no right to forbid me to do so.” 

“I agree,” nodded Poppybird, “but I have a feeling you’ll understand his reasoning once you hear it.”

“Well, what is it then?” 

“Blazingbrush has committed an… indiscretion,” said Poppybird carefully. “And I’d like to tell you, but we’re all quite determined to keep this quiet. Can I count on you to handle the information with care, Sagetooth?”

“Yes,” Sagetooth said, tail twitching. “Come on, out with it.” 

“Blazingbrush has had a kitten,” Poppybird said softly and Sagetooth immediately understood. “We don’t know the father or how she met him, but she’s decided not to keep him. The kit, I mean.” 

Sagetooth sighed and shook her head. “Oh, that fool of a girl… She always did have her head in the clouds. I’m glad she’s decided to do the right thing though.” Giving the kit up was for the best, she thought. The kit could live his life without being attached to the shame of his mother’s broken vow.

Poppybird’s smile tightened for a moment, face the picture of sympathy. “You can see why we’ve been keeping things quiet. I trust you’ll do the same?” 

“Yes, of course,” nodded Sagetooth. “I’ll speak to her about it some other time. She’s alright though?” 

“Yes, yes, she’s fine,” nodded Poppybird immediately. "She just doesn’t want to be seen while she’s forced to nurse."

“Understood. Thank you for sating my curiosity,” Sagetooth said, getting to her feet. 

“Thank you for your understanding,” nodded Poppybird as she likewise stood. “Safe travels home.” 

Sagetooth simply grunted and turned to make her way back along the hunting trail. She sighed to herself. Stormwhisper knew. She wondered if he was the father. If he were, that would at least mean that he wasn’t likely to seduce Oddstripe as well. Trying to focus on that silver lining, she made her way home and fell into her nest, exhausted.

[clangenrising]

ALLEGIANCES

A list of the cats in the world of RisingClan, their physical descriptions, and their positions within society. This list will stay up to date with the current events so Beware of Spoilers!!

RisingClan

LEADER

Goldenstar - a short-furred dark brown torbie she-cat with golden eyes.

DEPUTY

Russetfrond - a long-furred dark ginger tabby tom with copper eyes and powerful cheeks.

HEALERS

Oddstripe - a young long-furred grey tom with a dorsal stripe and dark blue eyes.

MEDIATORS

None

WARRIORS

Yarrowshade - a short-furred pale ginger speckled tom with emerald eyes.

Pantherhaze - a short, long-furred black speckled tom with copper eyes. Apprentice: Slatepaw

Scorchplume - a long-furred golden and ginger she-cat with striking blue eyes. Apprentice: Fogpaw

Ospreymask - a short-furred dark grey marbled she-cat with copper eyes.

Branchbark - a short-furred cream speckled tom with emerald eyes.

Aldertail - a short-furred brown speckled she-cat with heather blue eyes and a notched ear.

Sparrowsway - a long-furred light brown speckled tabby tom with gold eyes.

Floodstrike - a short-furred pale silver mackerel tabby and white tom with cyan eyes.

Barleybee - a short-furred ginger tabby point she-cat with dark blue eyes.

APPRENTICES

Fogpaw - a short-furred pale silver tabby she-cat with gold and blue eyes.

Slatepaw - a long-furred pale grey ticked she-cat with gold eyes.

ELDERS

Songdust - a long-furred white and dark grey classic tabby she-cat with grey eyes.

KITS

Yellowkit - a long-furred golden ticked tabby tom with copper eyes.

Bluekit - a long-furred blue tabby tom with copper eyes.

EarthClan

LEADER

Orangestar - a young, long-furred ginger ticked she-cat with hazel eyes. Apprentice: Bluffpaw

DEPUTY

Bogmist - a long furred white she-cat with grey eyes.

HEALERS

Stormwhisper - a long-furred dark grey smoke tom with a white chest and grey eyes.

MEDIATORS

None

WARRIORS

Furrowleap - a short-furred brown ticked tabby tom with pale blue eyes.

Sprucespeckle - a short-furred brown speckled tabby she-cat with blue eyes.

Dawnbird - a short-furred pale blue and ginger she-cat with deep blue eyes. Apprentice: Rainpaw

Fishtrick - a short-furred white she-cat with a ginger tail and pale yellow eyes.

Boldmoth - a short-furred dark ginger she-cat with gold eyes. Apprentice: Erminepaw

Wrenflutter - a short-furred ginger tabby tom with copper eyes. Apprentice: Finchpaw

APPRENTICES

Bluffpaw - a long-furred ginger spotted tabby tom with grey eyes.

Erminepaw - a long-furred light brown and white tom with blue eyes.

Rainpaw - a long-furred white and grey spotted tabby tom with grey eyes.

Finchpaw - a long-furred blue spotted tabby tom with grey eyes.

ELDERS

KITS

FallenClan

LEADER

Flightstar - a short-furred pale grey bengal tom with green eyes and a long muzzle.

DEPUTY

Pigeoncover - a short-furred white and grey tabby cat with green eyes.

HEALERS

Blazingbrush - a long-furred dark ginger pointed torbie she-cat with amber eyes.

MEDIATORS

Poppybird - a short-furred black and ginger torbie and white she-cat with blue eyes.

WARRIORS

Tumblefang - a short-furred white and grey tabby she-cat with blue eyes.

Ryestripe - a short-furred blue tabby tom with pale green eyes.

Duskstep - a long-furred brown pointed tom with grey eyes. Apprentice: Lionpaw

APPRENTICES

Lionpaw - a long-furred pale ginger bengal tom with pale green eyes.

ELDERS

KITS

SkyClan

LEADER

Snowstar - a short-furred white she-cat with grey ears and paws and crooked blue eyes.

DEPUTY

Coyotechaser - a short-furred brown classic tabby she-cat with copper eyes and white on her chest, tail tip, and front paws.

HEALERS

Tangletooth - a grizzled short-furred ginger bengal tom with amber eyes.

MEDIATORS

Heatherfuzz - a long-furred white and light brown tom with emerald eyes.

WARRIORS

Perchingcall - a short-furred brown tabby she-cat with dark blue eyes.

Charredbranch - a long-furred white tom with blue eyes and a black tabby rear.

Greyvoice - a short-furred grey tabby she-cat with pale blue eyes.

Pebblefall - a short-furred pale grey speckled tabby cat with copper eyes.

Robinswoop - a long-furred pale ginger bengal tom with hazel eyes and a scar under his right arm.

Couragecry - a long-furred blue and white ticked tom with cyan eyes.

Fernspeckle - a short-furred pale silver spotted tabby tom with green eyes.

APPRENTICES

ELDERS

KITS

Outsiders

LOST

Toadpaw - a long-furred brown ticked tabby tom with green eyes. Formerly of EarthClan.

KITTYPETS

Portia - a short-furred tortie and white she-cat with yellow green eyes.

Mystique - a long-furred blue she-cat with copper eyes.

Sardine - a short-furred brown tabby tom with a dark mask and green eyes.

Oreo - a short-furred white and black tom with pale blue eyes.

Milo - a short-furred brown tabby tom with green yellow eyes.

Humus - a long-furred marbled brown tabby tom with heather blue eyes.

London - a long-furred black smoke tabby with sage green eyes and a scarred face.

LONERS

Redleaf - a long-furred ginger and grey tabbico she-cat with grey eyes. Formerly of RisingClan.

ROGUES

Ghost - a short-furred pale silver tabby tom with blue eyes.

Jagg - a short-furred grey ticked tabby she-cat with pale yellow eyes.

Van Pelt - a short-furred dark brown tom with dark blue eyes and a notched ear.

Tadpole - a short-furred white she-cat with tortoiseshell ears and tail tip, sage green eyes, and a notched ear.

Dandelion - a short-furred tan ticked tom with yellow-green eyes.

Lizzie - a short-furred pale ginger bengal she-cat with green eyes and a notched ear.

Wicket - a long-furred ginger spotted tabby with blue eyes and a notched ear.

Midge - a short-furred dark blue and white she-cat with copper eyes and a notched ear.

StarClan

Nightfrost - a large, long-furred dark blue bengal she-cat with blue eyes and a white muzzle, chest, and paws.

Smokyrose - a long-furred pale grey ticked she-cat with golden eyes.

Darkmoon - a long-furred black speckled tom with yellow eyes and a flat muzzle.

Sagetooth - an elderly short-furred white and black tabby she-cat with sage green eyes.

Lakepaw - a short-furred blue and white bengal she-cat with cyan eyes.

Other Dead

Sycamore - a short-furred ginger tabby tom with yellow eyes.

Razor - a long-furred grey and white tabby tom with green eyes.

Tiger - a short-furred ginger tabby tom with green eyes.

Bella Swan - a short-furred brown and white marbled tabby she-cat with sage green eyes.

[calitraditionalism]

Arc Two: Chapter Twelve

(AO3 counterpart here.)

It was a lovely day, all things considered. The thick patch of clouds had drifted off overnight, and the air was cool in the shade and pleasantly warm in the sun. The stones of the Clast camp were not hot yet, just sitting at a comfortable enough level of heat to stand and rest on. Aside from an argument between a native and one of Redheart’s followers, the camp was peaceful. Cats were sitting together and swapping conversation topics or gently batting each other after a dark remark. Beetlefoot watched a black apprentice chase and wrestle with a white one, saw Mistface stretched out and asleep against a sunny wall, listened in to Darkpelt coaching Littlepaw on retorts, much to Laurelclaw and Flyfang’s horror.

“That is entirely too bad of a swear for her to learn,” Flyfang was saying, trying to sound outraged and very poorly masking her amusement.

“It’s nice and effective, though, isn’t it?” Darkpelt replied, cheerful as ever. “That’ll stop any cat in their tracks.”

“Darkpelt, she’s an apprentice,” Laurelclaw protested. “Can’t she just use other words?”

“Well, where’s the fun in that?” Littlepaw tilted her head towards Darkpelt, who nodded approvingly. “Shouldn’t I learn all about language?”

“And I can’t exactly teach her how to hunt or fight,” Darkpelt added. “This is all I can give to our next generation.”

Laurelclaw, looking scandalized, muttered something, and the trio of mollies burst out laughing, to which he looked even more scandalized – though, like Flyfang, he was visibly on the brink of admitting that whatever he said was funny.

Beetlefoot, sitting in the shade by himself, just on the outer rim of the settlement, glared at the ground, tail twitching. How this whole “making friends” thing came so easily to everyone else was beyond him. Even Mistface, who hated talking to anyone but his family, had no trouble charming whoever he wanted to. Beetlefoot had caught Snowshine looking at him multiple times this past week, and besides her, Greyleaf had been more willing to take breaks and spend time with his brother. And Greyleaf himself – even with that nervousness, he was speaking to strangers and his Clast charges with increasing ease.

Beetlefoot just didn’t get it.

To be fair to himself, he had grown up in the Brae family, known as the hyper-conservative, reclusive and hostile gang of rumored inbreeding problems, all the way in the pine forest on the mountain to the east. They were not inclined to kindness nor socialization. He wasn’t given proper lessons on doing anything but scowling and getting out of places as fast as physically possible once he was old enough.

Still, from what he had heard, Flyfang was from the Marish, who weren’t much better, and she came out fine. It seemed like everyone else had some simple understanding of casual interaction except him.

He did his best to ignore a stab of an emotion he didn’t want to name, but knew what to call it entirely too well, that tightened his throat and gnawed at his ribcage.

In the Fleet, he had expected to at least find comrades who could tolerate his awkward presence for a while, but even there he was an outcast. The worst part was that it wasn’t even actively malicious – they were all just disinterested in him. He didn’t know how to talk to anyone and they didn’t teach him.

So here he was, in this constant state of sitting alone and being stuck with his stupid thoughts.

Aggressively, he shook his head. Enough of this internal bemoaning. He could find something to do that wasn’t whinging. Maybe he could visit Nettlecloud.

He stood up, unaware of his tail lashing once or twice, then turned around and stalked away along the wall of the house. When he got to the corner, he stepped away and started on a long circle around the settlement. He made himself straighten up and keep his tail still, and he decided to walk instead of trot. He didn’t know if he had much eagerness to go at a fast speed for once.

He passed several houses and the paths splitting them up. No cats were in the shade or even close to the edge of camp. He supposed that was good.

It turned out to be very good, because on a house set back just a little farther than the others, he overheard Redheart’s voice. Immediately, he stopped and crouched, using a hunter’s stalk to get closer to a small crack in the wall that seemed to go all the way through the stone and let voices carry. He settled there, ears perked.

“…with Coyotebite and Brightblaze on the second one,” Redheart said.

“That still leaves Bluetpetal and her kits,” Greyleaf replied. “And Ryestripe, if he does decide to come with us. He’s been saying he might change his mind.”

“Right…” Redheart hummed quietly in thought. “Peregrinefang did say something similar to me. If she agrees, she can protect them on the way. Perhaps I should go with them instead and split the first group up a little.”

“Maybe.” Greyleaf sounded like he was thinking too. “We really should get a look at the edge of the border ourselves. I heard what Thistletooth said, and he described it in great detail, I know, but it’d be better for morale if we can say with certainty what lies ahead.”

“And more cats would be inclined to follow us out,” Redheart agreed. “Still, there’s a lot to do here. I can’t find a good time to leave for that long of a trek.”

“Hm.”

There was a pause – a very heavy one – and Beetlefoot waited patiently for the conversation to continue.

It was Greyleaf who broke the silence. “Have you talked to the Runagate recently?”

Beetlefoot froze in place.

“They might know more, is all,” Greyleaf continued, voice low but perfectly calm – casual, even. “They’re always by the border, right?”

“I haven’t spoken with them recently,” Redheart said. “But you’re right. I’ll have to see if I can contact them tonight.”

The sound of a thick-furred tail swishing on the floor, and Greyleaf’s voice dropped down so quietly that Beetlefoot had to strain to hear. “They need to be more careful. I saw them at dawn today, walking around the stream. We got lucky that no one else was up.”

Redheart sighed. “I’ll tell them, if they come to me. Now is not the time to be seen.”

Silence again. This time, it went for so long that Beetlefoot finally crept away, every hair on his back bristling. He started on his walk again, now at his usual brisk trot with his tail bristled and lashing on its own. He was very thankful that no one was around to see him.

The conversation swirled in his head at record speed, coming to the end of it over and over, and he still had trouble grasping it.

It was one thing to be stupid enough to leave the Territory, and one thing to bring cats along to potentially starve and die in the outside world. It was another to be speaking with a demon, and invite it so close to a huge colony of innocents.

Beetlefoot had never been sure if the Runagate was real. Some part of him had always been afraid of it, much as one would be afraid of the blurred things on the edge of their eyesight, but he had not seen proof of its existence for himself. He wanted to make up an excuse – say that Redheart and Greyleaf were hallucinating, or lying to themselves. But the way they spoke of it, like it was a friend…

Beetlefoot picked up his pace. His tail started switching back and forth.

He couldn’t talk to Darkpelt about it yet. She was in the middle of the clearing and talking with cats who were not a part of this mission. Pulling her away to explain what he had just heard would very easily be seen as suspicious. Laurelclaw wouldn’t be much help – kind as he was, Beetlefoot could see him getting frightened and blowing their cover by acting afraid around Greyleaf and Redheart.

That left Mistface, then.

This was not going to go well.

Beetlefoot started looking through the paths between the houses, trying to find Mistface without stepping into clear view and possibly calling attention to himself (loathe as he was to admit it, he was quite alarmed and a bit frightened, and he knew it was showing on his face). The instant he caught sight of a pale grey pile of fluff, he jerked sideways and almost ran up to the tom.

“Mistface,” he hissed. When he didn’t get an immediate response, he prodded Mistface’s shoulder. “Wake up! This is important! And keep your voice down.”

Mistface attended to both orders, his irritation vanishing and replacing itself with concern. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

Beetlefoot’s ears slicked back. “I’m not the one you should be saying that to.”

Mistface’s eyes roamed over him, the concern growing a little more. “What’s happened?”

Beetlefoot looked behind him, ahead of Mistface, and around them. No one was nearby. His claws unconsciously scraped at the stone under his feet.

“I’ve just overheard something your brother said,” he said. “And you are not going to like it.”