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calitraditionalism · 3 years ago

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Arc Three: Chapter Three

(AO3 counterpart here.)

TWO AND A HALF YEARS AGO

Redpaw gazed at her mother.

It wasn’t fair, really, how peaceful they had managed to make her appear in death. Her eyes were closed serenely, her fur neatly groomed, mouth closed and cleaned of froth. She looked as though she was just asleep and having a nice dream. As if this whole ceremony was a joke. As if she would wake up any minute.

It was stupid. She wasn’t coming back. Why taunt everyone like this?

“Roany?”

Redpaw managed to tear her eyes away to meet her stepmother’s. The cream molly, Palefeather, was looking down at her with love and concern.

“How are you doing, honey?” she asked softly.

It was a stupid question, but Redpaw knew she meant well. She took a breath and looked down again.

“You wouldn’t think the white fury was in her blood,” she said. She was grateful that her voice was at the right volume, quiet but audible, because she had no say where it was herself. “She’s… she looks content.”

“She does.” Palefeather stepped in beside Redpaw, and the two stood in silence together.

Cats walked by them, pausing to crouch and whisper their respects to Thornfang – not touching her, as was custom of handling a white fury body – and offering a sympathetic nod to Redpaw and Palefeather before moving on. The Clast were shifting around in groups to swap stories about one of the most well-loved warriors in the community; how she had been unmatched in her battle strategies and hunting skill, how she had been a wonderful friend and a hilarious storyteller, how brave she had been in leading away the rabid dog that had gotten through the Hillock border, sacrificing her own safety to trap it in a currently dry gash in the earth that the dog had broken its neck falling into after it had bitten her. It was a shame she never became deputy, they said. She would have been a legendary leader in time.

Redpaw didn’t want to hear any of it. She pinned her ears against her head and shut her eyes tight, trying to mute out everything, but the conversations dug into her mind and latched on with terrible little claws, forcing her ears to stay open. Her own claws scraped against the stone floor.

Palefeather must have noticed, because she started grooming Redpaw’s head, purring quietly. Redpaw latched onto the sensation and focused as hard as she could on the feeling of a rough tongue and a soothing purr. Gradually, she relaxed.

“It’s not fair,” she murmured eventually. “She shouldn’t be here right now, on the ground.”

Palefeather paused her ministrations to reply. “She isn’t, Roany. She’s in StarClan now. She’s safe and happy. We’ll see her again one day.”

Redpaw opened her eyes halfway, returning her focus to her mother’s body. She wasn’t satisfied with that, but she couldn’t bring herself to argue against her stepmother. She knew that Palefeather needed that comfort as much as she did. She just sighed, shut her eyes again, and leaned into her only living family.

Over the next week, Redpaw hunted alone. The rest of the Clast knew to leave her be – though perhaps Palefeather had a paw in that. Redpaw said nothing to anyone and ate very little of what she brought back. More often than not, she was out in the night while everyone was asleep, just to ensure that promise of solitude.

One evening, as she stalked, sniffing the air, she caught something new. A cold scent, that smelled of the dark and the mist. She frowned and stood straight, opening her mouth to taste it.

Very odd.

Very interesting.

Redpaw looked around in the moonlit hollow, thick with grass and cut through by a stream. She could swear that, under that chill, she had caught the scent of another cat.

“Is someone here?” she asked, calling just loud enough to be heard across the way.

You could say that.

Redpaw flinched. The voice was there, seemingly in her ear, close as a thought, but she couldn’t distinguish who it was or if they were near her. She looked around again, but even with her feline eyes, no one popped up out of the shadows.

Then, there – something thin, dim, a silhouette under a lone tree.

She relaxed and approached a few steps. “I didn’t know anyone else was awake.”

I’m always awake, the silhouette said. Sleep begets nightmares.

Redpaw frowned. Why couldn’t she define how this voice sounded?

“You’re not from the Clast,” she said.

The sensation of eyes regarding her, half-narrowed. I wouldn’t know anymore.

Redpaw didn’t know how to respond to that. She stopped walking and squinted, trying to make out whoever this was. They seemed little more than a shadow.

Who…?

I know about your mother, they said suddenly. I’m sorry.

Redpaw’s head went back a little and she blinked. “No one’s left the Clast this week. Why would you know about-?”

Saw it. Their long, narrow head tilted to the side. Wanted to stop her, but that never works. Couldn’t have happened to a nicer molly.

Redpaw stared. “You saw her and you didn’t come to the vigil?”

I wouldn’t be welcome in most of our society. They gazed at her silently for a moment. I can’t tell you how much I regret her fate.

Redpaw was confused by this riddle-talking… whoever they were. She still couldn’t make out their features, and it was starting to unnerve her.

Still, she could remain polite.

She recited Palefeather’s current mantra. “At least she’s happy in StarClan now.”

The silhouette rippled suddenly, violently. Don’t follow that hollow sentiment, Redpaw. It’s not true.

Redpaw flinched and took a step back, somewhere between offended and alarmed.

StarClan is the last place you want her to go, they said – and their voice did not get louder in her head, but it became more intense, more powerful.

Redpaw didn’t know what she wanted to say, but she managed a, “Why not?”

The rippling ceased and there was a long, low breath… or perhaps it was the breeze. When you go to sleep, call for her. Dream tonight. You’ll see.

Then they were gone.

It took Redpaw a moment to realize that she was alone. She blinked, looking for that silhouette, and then turning this way and that, a little afraid. No one was with her. The scent of cold and dark and damp had vanished.

Redpaw told no one about her encounter – something in her advised against it, and she followed her instincts. She was lucky that most of the cats had retired to their nests by the time she got home. Hardly anyone lifted their head to even greet her. She took her nest that she had pushed to be a little further away from the usual cluster in each house, curled up, and shut her eyes, trying to will herself to become sleepy.

“Mother,” she whispered under her breath, to avoid catching any attention. “If you can hear me…”

Something creaked.

She opened her eyes and startled. All around her was a grassy, beautiful clearing. Flowers in a scattered rainbow of colors caught the sunlight that warmed Redpaw’s pelt. Redpaw recovered from her shock and shook it out of her fur. She inhaled deeply, blessed with the scent of prey and ground just drying from the rain.

She seemed to be alone, but hesitantly, she called, “Mother?” and, after a pause, quieter, “Is this StarClan?”

There was an odd sensation, like Redpaw’s sight shuddered, and something sun-bright was in front of her. She squinted, eyes relaxing slowly as it dimmed, until she recognized her aged spitting-image in front of her.

“Mother,” she breathed. Elation straightened her posture and her fur flared with excitement. She stumbled a step forward.

Then she stopped.

Thornfang’s eyes were wide, darker than they were in life, sunken in. They bulged with terror. Her claws sunk into the grass, her tail bristled like a coyote’s. Why did she look so gaunt?

Redpaw looked at her mother. Thornfang looked at her.

“Run,” she said.

The ground burst open behind her, rocks splitting and jutting out skyward. Redpaw fell to her stomach as the earth shook. All around was a deafening, grinding groan, slow and strained.

Thornfang started forward. Something eye-searingly bright shot up out of the opening in the ground. It wrapped itself around Thornfang’s sides and jerked her up off her feet.

“Run!” Thornfang shouted, voice cracking in animal terror.

Then she was pulled into the hole, and the earth shook again, violent. It crumbled away, closing in on Redpaw until she had nothing under her paws. She half-fell, half-floated in the

in the

She saw it.

She screamed.

Hush.

Redpaw shot up out of her nest, hyperventilating. She pedaled backwards until she hit a stone wall, too terrified to think straight. She was on the verge of passing out, and she knew it, and it scared her, as if she might return to that thing once she lost consciousness.

In front of her was the dark figure, free of the shadows. They stood tall, thin, long, and unnaturally calm.

And shush, they said. Now Redpaw knew their words were in her head – no one so much as flicked an ear in their sleep. For it may be listening.

The very last string of sensibility grabbed at Redpaw’s heart and held on, ordering her to slow her breathing. She was barely able to obey, taking deeper, more elongated breaths, until she was merely trembling and not frozen in place.

The silhouette nodded once. Come.

They turned and walked out of the house. Their tail was like a snake, but it seemed to be fading at the tip.

Redheart looked around to ensure that no one had awoken – they hadn’t – before shakily following the figure out of the silent, night-stained settlement and towards the area they had first met.

You saw it, then, they said at last. You know now.

“I don’t know what I saw!” Redpaw cried. “My mother- something- it got her-“

Yes. They turned to her, an oddly comforting look on their face. It was StarClan. Or the thing pretending to be StarClan.

Redpaw listened in horrified silence as they explained a truth that she would carry with her for the rest of her life.

I’ve been trying all my afterlife to warn everyone, they concluded, but it’s done a good job of ensuring everyone flees or tries to kill me or alerts it to my location. I am merely a devil now to most.

Redpaw wanted to weep. She maintained her composure and lowered her head. “Then you’re…”

The Runagate, they said quietly. Yes. You are one of the only ones that know about me. About my truth. About the truth.

Redpaw’s head jerked up immediately. “There are more?”

What little Redpaw could deduce of their face twitched, like it was wryly amused. One, at least. The veil doesn’t touch him. It may do good to find him.

Sudden and slight, there was a spark of anger in Redpaw’s heart. She latched onto it, warmed it, let it begin to turn into a small flame of righteous determination. “I’ll try. I'll find him as soon as I can. I can’t… I can’t shoulder this alone. I don’t know how you did.”

The Runagate’s entire posture relaxed, and the voice in her head had a smile in it. I don’t anymore.

---

“Then that’s how you two met,” Darkpelt said, almost in awe. “All this time, the connection was there, and no one knew.”

“Greyleaf didn’t know her.” Mistface shook his head. “I would’ve heard about it.”

“No,” Greyleaf replied with a sigh. “You wouldn’t have. I never told you.”

Mistface stared at him, eyes wide.

“I never told you about any of this.” Greyleaf had settled down as Redheart’s tale went on, but now his tail tapped the ground in stress. “Nor Mama, nor my mentor. I couldn’t tell anyone. I didn’t know about the whole truth, at first.”

Flyfang cleared her throat, her voice still ragged. “I guess you have your side to tell, then.”

Greyleaf closed his eyes. “I guess I do.”

#warrior cats #steorra #arc three #chapter #chapter three #that is a reference to coraline before you ask yes #greyleaf #redheart #darkpelt #flyfang #mistface #the runagate

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magic-pistachio · 5 years ago

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a veil of shadows thoughts + predictions for broken code

hey even though NO ONE asked, I’m about to write my reaction to veil of shadows. obvious spoilers below the cut.

HEY so let’s TALK about veil of shadows. honestly? this was a pretty baller book.

okay. loving bristlefrost’s character. she’s a good gal, and I thought her actions were pretty consistent. I like that she has combined ambition but also humility; she knew that she wasn’t meant to be deputy, and she wasn’t a jerk about trying to keep the title. I love the promise she kept to Squirrelflight about protecting Bramblestar’s body; she’s clearly in a complicated position between the rebels and technically wanting that dude ded but also respecting the wishes of her superior and a grieving gal. wow I’m really barely coherent right now. eating pasta and it just tastes really good, guys.

shadowsight. my boy. I drew him as a little guy based on the pokemon Shuppet. I LOVE this boy. he’s combined shy and also completely selfless and brave. when the HECK will the other leaders believe him and what he’s seeing.

rootspring. love him a lot more in this book. drew him as a hippie boi. flowers galore. I loved his scenes with Tree, and I respect the character development where he’s slowly getting more and more used to himself and his abilites. [is it a yikes that he’s just starting to believe in his own worth because other cats have gotten use out of his abilities, kind of like a rudolph storyline? yeh but not completely]

so like. fakebramblestar. I’m not being original here when I say it’s ashfur. I think it’s been made pretty clear, but I love hearing other people’s theories. not gonna be a jerk about saying “what are you TALKING about it HAS TO BE HIM.” I think the final nail in the coffin there was when he was depressed over squirrelgal’s departure, and wanted her to return. he wanted her to finally WANT him. and that didn’t come true. I honestly kind of wished he was a little more violent with the codebreakers, just for the sake of...to quote a muppet’s christmas carol, “decreas[ing] the surplus population”. exiling them was pretty tame, but also, if it’s ashfur, he’s probably gonna stay a little tame and not be tigerstar the first -esque with constant blood baths.

speaking of tigerstar the first. mistystar. let’s talk about her. I agree with lots of people that her behavior is uncharacteristic; she’s a half-clan cat herself, her brother died defending half-clan cats [SHAMLESS ADVERTISING PLUG: if you’re reading this and dont know i have a comic about stonefur and blackstar in starclan,,, visit my blog to see it pls]. something I think could have remedied this is I think they should have leaned more into leader’s fears of dying right now. starclan isn’t a hundred percent around. mistystar, probably on one of her last few lives, doesn’t know if outright dying again will still let her return to starclan. i think it’d have been nice if they emphasized that mistystar [and harestar for that matter] might be terrified of starclan’s lack of presence, and be desperate to bring them back. and i mean desperate. also i like to think mistystar just hates mothwing. i always got the sense that she just resents that she exists. like no real explanation. i think we’ve all irrationally disliked someone in our lives. bring it into warriors.

berrynose. what happened. I know he’s annoying and haughty but would he really participate in murder? sad that he was “eviscerated” but can I simultaneously love that he was “eviscerated”

i love the rebel group. and i love tigerstar taking in anyone who was rejected.

and may I just say that I absolutely LOVED graystripe’s scene. so much so that I want to paint it realistically and probably will.

OKAY, so predictions/thoughts for the rest of the series:

fakebramble’s identity will obvs be revealed in the first few bits of the next book. not sure what’ll come of the rest of the plots after this. maybe more ghosts will start to possess bodies? maybe harestar has already been possessed when he lost a life, and it’ll show up more next book? maybe lots of ghosts want OUT of the underworld, and want fakebramble to allow for more possession? maybe there will be accusatory witch trials where everyone’s trying to prove that they are indeed themselves and not anyone else?

I love squirrelflight, but I would really like a fresh, young start with the leader. what I’d like is a really angsty scene in the final battle where squirrelflight is fighting fakebramble, and struggling to just wound him without killing him, and bramble’s ghost appears and is like “it’s ok you know what to do” so she’s gotta kill her mate’s body and it’s angsty as heck. she somehow dies from wounds or whatever soon after, and they can walk back to starclan together. if we want series continuity maybe they can do the lil “one cat” pawstep thing that was in the new prophecy [or something...listen I haven’t read the series in a long time]

if the other leaders get possessed then i want a similar angst thing with crowfeather having to kill harestar, but losing the battle. yeh i want crowfeather dead. he’s fine i just want the angst.

i always wanted lionblaze as leader and then breezepelt as another leader so they’d have their ensuing half sibling drama but nah. he’s gettin too old. bristlestar would be a baller leader. i miss leader pov during series.

i’m expecting big drama as the warriors try to redo the code perhaps? halfclan relationships being entertained, cats fighting over the real code. it’d be mad interesting if by the end the code was actually revised.

anyway. i’m running out of things to think about. my spaghetti bowl is empty and my brain fuel’s gone. yes I should write professional book reviews. this was all very professional wasnt it????? ny times here i come.

#veil of shadows #veil of shadows spoilers #broken code #the broken code #broken code spoilers #the broken code spoilers #rootspring #rootpaw #shadowpaw #shadowsight #bristlepaw #bristlefrost

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sparky-is-spiders · 5 years ago

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So. About that PoT and OotS Rewrite...

This is that PoT OotS rewrite I was talkin’ about earlier. Some stuff has changed.

I’ma start with Lionblaze, because I find the concept for his character to be the most interesting.

Lionblaze: From a young age, Lionblaze is kinda a prodigy. He’s an excellent fighter and hunter and everybody is convinced that he’s gonna be a great warrior, maybe even deputy. He IS the son of the current deputy and the grandson of the current leader, after all. When the Clan hears about the prophecy from Jayfeather, Lionblaze and everybody else is so certain that he’ll play a starring role in it. He hasn’t discovered his powers yet, the way Jayfeather and Hollyleaf have, but he’s convinced that they’ll reveal themselves. It’ll happen annny day now, he’s sure of it.

But he never gets any powers. Sure, he’s a skilled warrior, but it’s pretty obvious that that’s all he’ll ever be. He manages to hold out hope until he’s assigned Dovepaw as his apprentice. Dovepaw, who can read moods so easily. She appears in his dreams one day, and that’s when he realizes: he isn’t anything special, and he never was. He was always just another warrior, while Jayfeather and Hollyleaf keep moving on ahead. He becomes distant from his siblings and clanmates, and struggles to mentor the cat who took his place and the powers that were supposed to be his. This is when he’s recruited to the Dark Forest. Soon, he realizes what their plans are (more on those later), and he and Ivypaw team up to become spies and maybe sabatoge their plans before its too late. They tell their siblings everything they know, and the bridges that Lionblaze burned start to mend. He realizes that, even without powers, he’s still important, and he can still play a role in stopping the Dark Forest.

Jayfeather: Jayfeather is distant from everyone and always has been. He can sometimes be seen talking to cats that aren’t there, and he can predict some events with startling accuracy. Every time he sleeps, he hears thousands of different prophecies, and he can never tell if they’re important or not. But there’s one that he hears, over and over and over again. There shall be three, kin of your kin, who hold the power of the stars in their paws. He doesn’t understand it, doesn’t know why he hears it so often. He’s still a kit at this point, and one day Squirrelflight (who’s visiting them in the nursury), hears him murmuring it in his sleep. She takes him to see Leafpool, who takes him to see Firestar. He is told in no uncertain terms that he will be a medicine cat. Firestar announces this prophecy to the whole clan, declaring his three grandkits to be the three in the prophecy. Some are skeptical, but between Hollykit’s supersenses and Jaykit’s strong connection to StarClan, they slowly become convinced.

As Jaykit becomes Jaypaw, life becomes even harder for him. The ghosts of old medicine cats are always whispering rebukes and advice and stories in his ears, and all he wants is for them to shut. Up. He has constant visions in his dreams of things that have happened, things that are happening, and things that will happen. When he first visits the Moonpool, the voices in his head become so loud that he flees. He hates going to the Moonpool, and dreads the night of the half moon. It never gets easier.

Jayfeather gets on fine with Lionblaze, but he’s much closer with his sister. Hollyleaf has similar problems to him because of her super senses, and the two often sneak out of camp to find the quietest parts of the forest. They then spend hours sitting beside one another, basking in the pleasent silence and stillness. Lionblaze joins them every now and then, but he often gets restless and leaves. This habit starts during their apprenticeships, but continues well into their adulthood.

As the Dark Forest battle approaches, Jayfeather gets more and more visions about it. He sees thousands of different outcomes. He watches his clanmates win and lose and live and die. At first he throws himself into his work to avoid thinking about it, but he doesn’t succeed. Eventually he just holes himself up in his den, rarely eating or drinking, and fighting himself to keep his eyes open. The instant they close, even just to blink, more images flash across his mind. When he hears about what Lionblaze and Ivypaw/pool are doing, he freaks out even more. Finally, he breaks down and tells them what he’s been seeing in his dreams. When the invasion finally happens, Jayfeather is able to guide the clans into making the best, least damaging and most effective choices.Warriors still die, sure, but it isn’t the massacre he saw happening so often in his dreams.

Hollyleaf (and also the entire plot, apparently): Hollykit has always been a nosy busybody. It doesn’t help that she can hear every conversation every cat has ever had within the clan territories. She is a firm believer in the Warrior Code, and she believes that her power was gifted to her by StarClan in order to make sure that everybody follows the code. She’s ambitious, with plans to become leader in order to enforce the code. The Dark Forest tries to recruit her, but she knows who Tigerstar and Thistleclaw are. She knows what they did. She refuses to compromise her morals for the sake of her ambitions. She’ll become leader without the help of murdery rulebreakers no. 1 and 2, thank you very much.

The prophecy just strengthens her convictions. She was chosen by StarClan! She and her siblings will save the clans from themselves. She can already see it! Hollystar, noble leader of ThunderClan, with Lionkit as her loyal deputy and Jayfeather as her noble medicine cat. She’s a little jealous of Lionblaze, popular golden boy. But that’s fine. They’ll see her worth in time. They’ll all see.

When she hears the truth of her parentage she has a breakdown. How can she uphold the Warrior Code if her very existance breaks it? She does not kill Ashfur, but she does flee into the night. She travels to the Tribe, joining their ranks and becoming a Prey-hunter. All is well for moons and moons and moons, until a certain gray apprentice is born and Yellowfang visits Hollyleaf in her dreams. Yellowfang essentially tells Hollyleaf to get her head out of her ass. The last member of the three is born, and it’s time for Hollyleaf to return home. She talks to Stoneteller about her dream, and Stoneteller tells her that the angry cat with poor dental hygene is right: Hollyleaf has been an admirable member of the Tribe, but her place is and always has been with her clanmates and her siblings. Hollyleaf says goodbye to Stormfur and Brook (who she was good friends with) and she leaves.

She fully intended to go back to ThunderClan, but then she hears something going on in WindClan. Dissent. Rebellion. And, worst of all, mentions of the dark forest and the cats training there.

Onestar is an ineffective leader, and cats are starting to take notice. They hate his stupid wars and assholish attitude. He never listens to any of them! And he puts his own pride before the needs of the Clan. The younger WindClan warriors and apprentices are convinced that Onestr is horrible. A pair of charismatic young tom by the name of Houndleap has promised to make them strong. Houndleap will help them rise up against Onestar and replace him with a real leader, like Breezepelt, who seems to hate Onestar the most.

The older warriors don’t like Onestar to much either, but the whispers of these young cats scare them. Surely they wouldn’t murder a leader? Even if he was a terrible one like Onestar. Isn’t it lucky that they have a cat like Snowtuft to rely on? One who shows them how to defend their leader, and which cats they can’t trust? So handy! Sure, he’s in the Dark Forest, but he just wants to help. And he can’t have been that evil, or they would’ve heard of him, they way they know Tigerstar and Brokenstar.

Hollyleaf hears these whispers and hushed conversations, and she knows what she has to do. She has to save WindClan and Onestar! And that’s how she finds herself in the WindClan camp, requesting an audience with Onestar.

She’s obviously not welcome in WindClan, but Onestar doesn’t care. She’s one of the ThunderClan prophecy cats! Firestar’s precious grandkit is in WindClan, offering to become a WindClan warrior. Onestar couldn’t resist this brilliant opportunity to one-up ThunderClan and Firestar. Hollyleaf is now Hollystorm, warrior of WindClan and right hand man of Onestar.

Her relationship with Crowfeather could generously be described as frosty. Her relationship with Nightcloud is a dumpster full of turds that is on fire. Her relationship with Breezepelt is a planet made of turds that’s flying into the sun. Her relationship with Heathertail is... complicated. They hate each other, except they seem to be the only two cats who want to help Onestar (I really ike ace!Hollyleaf/storm, but I also kinda like Hollyheather in this specific AU. They hat each other, but at the same time, they’re the only ones they can trust, and I love that dynamic. But I also like Heatherbreeze! AHHHHHH).

Hollystorm’s place in WindClan came with a few caveats, of course. First: she couldn’t talk to anyone from ThunderClan, ever. Second: She had to swear on her life to defend Onestar at all costs. And third: she would spy on the other clans. She hates spying, and she tries to be as unhelpful as possible, but it’s a careful balancing act, and sometimes she has to bite the bullet. She’s doing the right thing, she’s sure of it. But she’s equally sure that she’s doing it the wrong way. And she’s also sure that Onestar was a horrible choice as a leader!

During her time in WindClan, she bonds with Ashfoot. She respects the wise and intelligent deputy, who seems to hold on to her convictions even while dealing with Onestar. Hollystorm tells Ashfoot why she joined WindClan, and the deputy develops a huge amount of respect for her. This warrior had the ground ripped from beneath her paws. She left her home and her family, and when she decided to return, she realized that something was wrong, and she chose her principals and doing the right thing over her old friends and family. As both are certain that Onestar would be hugely offended by the idea that amybody would dare rebel against him OR that he would banish half of WindClan, they decide to team up and take matters into their own paws. They try to get the other warriors on their side. Roughly half of the older warriors and a few of the younger ones agree to stop seeing their Dark Forest friends. But many WindClanners are still visiting with Houndleap and Snowtuft. Hollystorm and Ashfur realize that, if they want to save WindClan, they’re gonna have to take matters into their own paws. It’s time to pay ThunderClan a visit.

Both Ashfoot and Hollystorm hate the idea of going behind Onestar’s back, but they need advice. Hollystorm has heard conversations had by her siblings, heard Firestar’s gathering announcements about the Dark Forest. ThunderClan knows something Hollystorm doesn’t, and she needs to learn what it is fast. Things are speeding up, the WindClan warriors are getting ready for another civil war...

They request an audience with Firestar in the middle of the night, and it is granted begrudgingly. Hollystorm tells them about the unrest in WindClan, and Firestar tells her everything he knows about the Dark Forest. Lionblaze, Ivypaw, and Dovewing join them and tell them all about what Tigerstar and Thistleclaw are doing. Hollystorm is horrified to hear about this. She always thought of Lionblaze as whiny, egotistical, and spoiled (even though she loved him). As awful as she feels, hearing about the ways in which he’s risking his life and reputation, she’s also so proud of him. Together, they realize that the Dark Forest is in every clan. How could they not be? Firestar decides to call an emergency gathering.

Before they leave the camp, Hollystorm demands to see Jayfeather. She was always so close to him, and the fact that he was not at the meeting concerns her. When she hears about how isolated he’s become, she is shocked and appaled and she races into the medicine den. They get into an arguement over, well, everything that’s happened to them. When they finally finish yelling at each other, Hollystorm takes a deep breath and apologizes. She relays the things she’s learned about the Dark Forest in WindClan, and Jayfeather tells finally breaks. He confesses to the others about the visions that haunt his mind day and night.

They leave before the sun rises so that they don’t get caught by Onestar. Ashfoot sends Hollystorm back to her den. Later that day Ashfoot tells Onestar that she met with Firestar, and that the ThunderClan leader has called for an emergency gathering. Onestar is furious. How dare his deputy betray him like this?!? She does her best to calm him down, tells him about the Dark Forest cats who are manipulating his warriors, and he makes his decision. Every WindClan warrior who he doesn’t trust is to be exiled. In other words, half the clan (including Ashfoot) is getting kicked out. Nobody is happy.

The exiled cats refuse to leave. They dedicate their lives to WindClan, and this asshole kicks them out because of what his deputy says??? No. No no no no no. Not happening. Several of the older warriors who are still meeting with Snowtuft are among the crowd being exiled, and they have had enough. They were going to defend Onestar, but maybe he doesn’t deserve that if he’s gonna make stupid decisions like this. It isn’t long until a fight breaks out.

Hollystorm and Ashfoot are conflicted. Onestar has truly hit rock bottom, but they hate the idea of fighting against him. They eventually choose to fight against him. They hate the idea of turning on a leader, but Onestar has proven to be undeserving of his place.

Onestar and his defenders lose. The young warriors choose Breezepelt as their leader. Breezepelt hates Hollystorm for her heritage, and he hates Ashfoot for being Onestar’s deputy. Both are exiled, along with Onestar’s remaining supporters. They go to the gathering island for the emergency gathering.

The three clans and the WindClan exiles (minus a few who are sticking wih Onestar) meet to discuss the Dark Forest issue. Hollystorm notes that many of the other clans are expiriencing unrest, including ThunderClan.

The other clan leaders are shocked by what happened in WindClan and afraid of what Breezepelt might do at Houndleap’s demand. Several members of the other Clans confess to being visited by Dark Forest cats. Hawkfrost and Mapleshade are in RiverClan, and Clawface and Brokenstar are in ShadowClan. The clans realize that the Dark Forest is using them and tearing them apart to weaken them so that when they strike, the clans will be fractured and weak.

The clans unite as one under the joint leadership of Blackstar, Firestar, and Mistystar, with promises to keep each other updated. Warriors are encouraged to stop meeting with the Dark Forest cats, and to report everything they know to their leaders.

The Dark Forest, realizing that the clans are prepared for them and no longer fractured, decide to change tactics. Hollystorm spies on WindClan, discovering that Breezestar has invited many rogues and loners into WindClan to replenish their ranks for the coming war. WindClan patrols routinely invade the territories of the other clans, stealing prey and attacking patrols. Hollystorm can hear them approaching, and Jayfeather can predict the most likely attacks, but cats still die.

Soon, the other clans decide that enough is enough. They decide to ambush WindClan under the cover of darkness on the night of the new moon. While they’re at it, they send out a group to search for Onestar. But when they enter the camp, they find it deserted. The WindClan medicine cat, Antpelt, warned of their approach, and the cats are all set for an ambush, so silent that not even Hollystorm can detect their presence. Jayfeather bursts into the camp and warns then to retreat just before the WindClan warriors leap out of the shadows.

The combined might of the clans is not enough to fight of WindClan, not with its new rogue army, not during a surprise attack. They suffer heavy losses and retreat.

Jayfeather warns them that the Dark Forest is liable to strike back any day. The clans are weakened, and they have many warriors at their command. The clans move to the ThunderClan camp. It’s small but easily defendable, and they set to work shoring up its defenses.

Hollystorm misses WindClan, she finds. She didn’t notice, but it grew on her. She suspects that, once this whole mess dies down, she may return. She’s given up completely on her dreams of leadership. ThunderClan doesn’t feel like home anymore, not the way WindClan’s moors did. And Onestar would probably never even take her back, nevermind appoint her as his deputy. But she’s still determined to be the best warrior she can be. Maybe she can’t be a leader, and maybe the clans don’t need to be saved from themselves, but they do need her to do the right thing. Not spying or accusing cats of breaking the code, but fighting the real threats, the real dangers. She needs to save the clans from the Dark Forest, to take WindClan back from Breezestar, and make sure that it doesn’t fall into the claws of Onestar. Because sometimes the code can be wrong, and sometimes a bad leader needs to go.

Before the battle, Jayfeather tells her not to protect him. If she tries, she will die. She promises not to, but plans to try anyway.

She’s able to warn the clans of the approach of WindClan and the Dark Forest. The ThunderClan camp becomes a bloodbath, and Hollystorm finds herself in the middle of it. She moves to the medicine den, defending the medicine cats, the injured, the elders, and the kits. She fights side-by-side with Lionblaze and Ivypool. When Hawkfrost confronts them, she kills him, but is seriously injured in the process. She is brought into the medicine den for healing. Jayfeather is furious that she didn’t listen to him and terrified that she might die. The voices of those ancient medicine cats whisper in his ear, but this time they help him focus. They guide him gently and he manages to save her.

Onestar and Breezestar fight it out too. Just when it looks like Breezestar is about to lose, several WindClan warriors pounce on Onestar. He is killed multiple times, and soon his soul departs to StarClan.

Firestar still has his dramatic confrontaion with Tigerstar, and he still kills him. However instead of being killed by a tree, Firestar dies of the wounds he recieved in the deadly battle.

When the battle is over, the leaders demand that Breezestar step down. At first, he wants to resist, but he then realizes that many of his clanmates have either swapped sides or abandoned him entirely. He and Nightcloud abandon the clans and do not return for some time. Ashfoot becomes the new leader of WindClan, and she reunites WindClan. She names Harespring her deputy.

Hollystorm decides to follow her. She will always love her brothers, and she has finally reconciled with Squirrelflight and Leafpool after the battle, but WindClan is her home now, and she would never feel comfortable anywhere else.

Coming up soon: Dovewing, Ivypool, and some extra stuff! (What happened to Ashfur, who mentored Hollyleaf and Lionblaze, more Ashfoot stuff, etc.)

#power of three #omen of the stars #warriors #warrior cats #warrior cats au #lionblaze #hollyleaf #jayfeather #firestar #ivypool #dovewing #ashfoot #ashfoot is probably the fourth cat in this AU #I may just dump the whole fourth cat thing #it doesn't really work for any of the characters in this AU so far #the hollyleaf favoritism au

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snowkits-flight · 5 years ago

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Clan roles

In the four valley clans, Frostclan, Earthclan, Lightclan, and Mistclan, the rules and roles are slightly different from the ones we know. I thought I’d start off with how the roles are different, as well as show the “bases” I’ll be using for clan cats. (Please note these bases aren’t for public use, though I might change my mind about that later)

Kits

Kits as you know are baby cats from 0 to 6 moons old. Obviously not too much changes about them as they are too young to do much but be cared for and allowed to enjoy their carefree kit-hood. However one big change about them as that around 3 moons they begin to have lessons from teachers, the elders of the clan. These lessons are about the history of all the clans, the warrior code, and the Ancient ones (the starclan of these clans). The lessons are in groups with any litter mates as well as all the kits in teaching age. They have a small quiz on what they’ve learned during their apprentice ceremony. It’s not very hard but if they fail this quiz they aren’t allowed to become apprentices for another half moon. There is no limit to how many chances they have, but it is embarrassing to fail as not only is it in front of their whole clan but they’re also forced to stay in the nursery until they can pass it.

Queens

Queens as you also probably know are she cats who have moved into the Nursery, either right about to have or raising young kits. They treated with a bit more awe and respect in the valley clans as they create future warriors and clans would quickly cease to exist without new cats. Disrespecting one is a horrible act, and daring to raise a claw to a mother (or heavily obviously pregnant) cat is an offense punishable by exile or even death. However, some clans will let such an act slide if they find the expecting kits are half clan. It’s not considered a very honorable act but such matters are up to the clan the pregnant cat belongs to.

Kings

Kings are the same as queens, but refer to trans, non-binary, intersex and masculine aligned cats. How non cishet cats are viewed and treated different from clan to clan, usually depending on how the current Chief feels about them, but no matter what gender a cat expecting kits will always be respected. Though again depending on how forgiving the current chief is discovering the sire is from another clan could lead to the Queen or King and their kits getting into a lot of trouble, sometimes even driven out if the chief is especially cruel. This goes against the warrior code, but like people don’t always follow the law cats don’t always completely follow the code as they should.

Apprentices

Apprentices are still made only once 6 moons old, though sometimes a bit later if they fail their Apprentice test. The length of apprenticeship tends to vary from cat to cat, but generally are usually longer then 6 moons, but no longer then 12 moons. It can also vary from clan to clan, as they learn more then fighting and hunting but also the special skill of their clans. Frostclan takes the longest at an average of a full 12 moons. Their special skill is hunting large raptors that nest in the mountains, hawks, edges and vultures. Apprentices don’t learn that skill until they are 10 moons old, which is why it takes Frostclan cats so long. Earthclan cats are the second longest, similar to Windclan their special skill is tunneling, which can take awhile to prefect but as their whole camp is underground not as long as it did for Windclan cats. Lightclan’s special skill is climbing and hunting in the tree tops, and Mistclan’s is swimming. They all have other skills they’re better at then the other clans but those are the skills they’re best known for. All apprentices are expected to master these clan specific skills before becoming warriors.

Warriors

Warriors! You know them, the cats who make up the majority of clans, who hunt and fight to protect their clan territory. In the valley clans they also work to care for elders, kits, and Queens/Kings rather then apprentices. It’s considered very noble work rather the a chore beneath them, and if a apprentice is allowed to do something like fetch fresh bedding or hunt for the elders its considered a real treat, something to brag about. Warriors also do upkeep on dens and the nursery for their camp, weaving in sticks and leaves, cleaning them out, keeping them warm and dry. Earthclan warriors dig out new tunnels and make sure older ones stay safe and sturdy.

Medicine cats

Medicine cats are another role we know well. The valley clan medicine cats only have a few differences. One is that rather then only one being the minimum for a clan, two are the least a clan should have in the valley. This is because of the other major difference, that they are allowed to have kits of their own if they should so please to. But they must have another medicine cat that has been full trained to take over for them and it has to have been least a moon since the one taking over officially finished with their training. Besides that they have the same odd powers and ability to read signs from the Ancient ones, and provide major input to their Chief and any big choices they might make. Once a moon they all go to the Sliver cliffs, a large clearing on a high peak in the mountains that allows them to feel close to the stars to communicate with the Ancient ones, the Valley clans version of the Moonstone/pool

Nurses

Nurses are Medicine cats still in training. Sometimes an older cat will decide to peruse training as one but often they’re chosen by the current two medicine cats as kits. If they see a kit who has promise they’ll discuss with their Chief, Sheriff, and the kit’s parents about them becoming a nurse at 6 moons. However a cat can never be forced to become one. Once the kit with promises is 6 moons they’ll be sat down to have a discussion about if they wish to train as nurse instead of as an apprentice. Only if the young cat agrees will they be made a nurse to train under the two medicine cats. Forcing a cat who has a gift, or is disable, to become a nurse is considered very bad luck and the Ancient ones will not accept them as a Medicine cat and put a curse on current Medicine cats and Chief who forced them into it. If a cat does decide that its the life for them they’ll be taken to Sliver cliffs to be presented to the Ancient ones and then trained as nurses for a full 12 moons before traveling back to receive their new name from the Ancient ones themselves. Even if the cat was a warrior, camp guard, teacher, or duchess/duke before they will still get a new name as a fully trained Medicine cat

Camp guards, teachers, Duchesses/Dukes

These are the elders in the valley clans, but sometimes a young cat who doesn’t like to fight nor interested in being a medicine cat will take on one of these jobs too. Elders never fully and completely retire, but they do still stay in camp and are cared for by the rest of the clan. However they still have important roles. The most common job is Camp guard duty. Camp guards will sit near the entrance to the clan, the fresh kill pile, medicine cat den, and nursery. They watch for dangers such as invaders, wild animals, fires and floods, and anything else that might cause the clan trouble. They also make sure no kits or apprentices can sneak out of camp alone, and keep track of the coming and goings of their clan mates. This is surprisingly important for the clan Chiefs to know, as a cat often leaving for long periods of time with no explanation might be up to something the chief should know about. Another important role a non warrior could take is as a teacher. As mentioned in the kit section kits need to learn about the warrior code and history of their clan before becoming apprentices. Teachers obviously are the ones to tell them about theses things. They might also go over some basic hunting crouches and lightly play fight to help prepare them if they feel physically up to it. The last role is the one most clans believe is the most important, Duchesses and Dukes. These are cats who have given birth to and/or raised kits in the past but either because of age or some other reason can’t have any more. They assist along side Medicine cats and Nurses in helping a cat give birth. They also help advise new mothers and fathers, if what a kit is doing is normal or should be looked at by the medicine cat, how to get a kit who isn’t suckling to eat, and how they handled the various trails of being a parent. Duchesses and Dukes will also babysit kits when a King or Queen needs a break, making sure none of them go missing or get into trouble.

Sheriffs

Sheriffs are the deputies of these clans. They are the chief’s right hand cats and are the next in line for leadership if anything happens to the chief. They are also in charge of both boarder and hunting patrols, as well as expected to hunt for their clan before eating themselves every single day. If their is a border scuffle they will be sought out for back up first before any other cat

Chiefs

Chiefs are the leaders of valley clans. They are pretty much the same as the leaders in canon, they make the decisions for the clan and have 9 lives, but they receive them from the Ancient ones rather then Starclan. After getting their 9 lives they’re marked by a diamond shaped marking, usually somewhere on their face or chest but can appear else well. Their number one goal should be the safety of their clan, but plenty are more interested in power. They rarely go into battle but spend their time among their clan mates in camp or patrolling their territory. If their clan is suffering from anything, sickness, drought, fox or badger settled in their territory, it is on them to discover a way to guide their clan through the trouble and come out on the other side stronger for it. If they fail to do so, if sickness or hunger kills too many cats in their clan, it’s seen as their own personal failure.

#Warrior cats #Fanclan #wc fanclan #warrior cats fanclan #Warrior cats au #WC au #Valley clans #world building #Earthclan #Frostclan #Lightclan #Mistclan #long post

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signs-of-the-moon · 4 years ago

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Moon Rise: Chapter 45

At dawn, a meeting was called, mandatory for every cat to attend. Though many were tired from the Gathering in the previous evening, many more were eager to hear news.

"Cats of Grassclan. Now that we are strong again, it is time to show Treeclan what we're made of," Whitestar began, glancing around at all of her warriors and apprentices.

"To start, I think that it's time the clan's had some new apprentices. We still grieve the loss of Thistlepaw, Seedpaw, and Lilacpaw. But we must move forward. We must welcome forth the next generation of future warriors. Thornkit, Lightkit, step forward."

In place of their mother, Tigerfang walked their kits up to the front of the crowd. The pair looked proud; not a speck of anxiety could be caught in their features. Whitestar looked down at her litter with love. But right now she was a professional. She would praise her kits later. It was finally time to start their training. Thornkit and Lightkit were both seven moons old. Due to the greencough outbreak, their naming ceremony was postponed. But after that extra moon of waiting, their patience was about to be rewarded.

"You have survived the first seven moons of your lives. May Starclan guide your paws from this moment on." As tradition held, Whitestar lifted her muzzle to the sky to announce to Starclan; "From this day forward, until they have earned their warrior names, these apprentices shall be know as the following: Thornkit, from this day forward, you shall be known as Thornpaw. Shadowfang, I believe you are ready for your first apprentice. You've proven to be a cunning and brave warrior. I expect you to pass these fine traits on to Thornpaw in turn."

Shadowfang perked up in surprise. Clearly, he hadn't been aware of Whitestar's choice of mentor for her son. Swiftcloud couldn't be prouder of her mate. She nudged him, giving him an encouraging lick on the cheek. Shadowfang chuckled and flicked her ear with his tail, padding ahead to the front of the crowd. Thornpaw turned to greet him. He stood tall with his chest puffed, legs together uniformly. His head raised with pride, only lowering to touch noses with his new mentor. Shadowfang tilted his head slightly. He lifted a paw, batting at his new apprentice playfully. Thornpaw broke from his serious stance, glancing up at the older tom confused.

Shadowfang smirked. "Lighten up, 'Paw. You and I are gonna have some fun."

Thornpaw began to grin excitedly. He followed Shadowfang back into the crowd, the pair choosing to sit by Tigerfang.

Whitestar watched the interaction fondly before continuing the ceremony. "And Lightkit, from this day forward you shall be known as Lightpaw. Cricketsong, it's been some time since you've trained an apprentice; you will be her mentor. You are kind, and intelligent. I know you will mold Lightpaw into the best cat she can possibly be."

Cricketsong carefully picked her way over to Tall Stone. She gently touched noses with her niece, giving her a reassuring lick between the ears afterwards. Lightpaw smiled politely, following in step with her mentor back into the crowd. Swiftcloud approved of this mentor/apprentice pairing. Training her kin would do Cricketsong good. It would help take her mind off of her deceased kits. Starclan only knew how depressed she'd been since their passing.

With the ceremony completed, the clan began to caterwaul the new apprentices' names.

"Thornpaw! Lightpaw! Thornpaw! Lightpaw!"

Whitestar allowed the clan to cheer for a few more moments before waving her tail, commanding silence. "Now that we've gotten pleasantries out of the way, it's time we discussed our next order of business. For those who are unaware, last night at the Gathering, Blazestar called off our Leafbare truce. He has promised that his clan will be paying ours a visit very soon."

"So what are we going to do, Whitestar?" Asked Tulippaw.

"Attack first," Whitestar answered simply.

"Is that wise?" Tornface wondered. "We've barely just begun to recover from the harsher part of the season."

"You definitely have a point. But Grassclan will wind up in a fight regardless of who makes the first strike," was the leader's response. "And I've no doubts that Treeclan's already plotting their next attack. There's no point in sitting around and waiting for them to make a move. If we act first, we have a greater chance at success."

"Is that why you've postponed the dawn patrol?" Questioned Ladybugbite.

"Yes," answered Whitestar.

"Do we have a plan, then?" Gingerstrike called out. Whitestar nodded in response, gesturing down to the clan's deputy with her tail for an explanation.

"We will be sending two patrols into the Forest Patch today," Chicorynose began, "one will advance into the woods, set new scent markers, and attack any Treeclan cats we come across. The second group will serve as back up, and hide in the trees."

At once, the clan broke out into a series of worried and outraged murmurs. Most seemed to be against this plan, looking visibly uncomfortable. Grassclan cats were used to fighting on solid ground, after all. Sitting in a tree felt like something unnatural to consider. Even when times were desperate.

"Us, climbing trees?" Pollenpaw gasped.

"What kind of cats do you think we are?" sneered Nectarpaw.

"The kind that obey orders," Chicorynose answered, fixing her nieces with a glare.

Swiftcloud glanced around at her clanmates, reflecting their collective anxieties. This was a strategy she hadn't been made aware of before. She hadn't been privy to join the discussion where this plan was constructed. If she had been, Swiftcloud might have spoken out against it, like the rest of her clanmates. But there was no point in doing so now. The decision had been made, and Whitestar was already leaping from Tall Stone to form the patrols. Swiftcloud was called over to join one of them.

"You will lead the second patrol," Grassclan's leader told her. "You're the best jumper in the clan, and a good climber from what I saw at the Green Gathering. I trust you will set a good example for the others. Rabbitstorm, Frostfeather, Tigerfang, Sheeptail, Pansypaw, and Shadowfang will go with you."

Swiftcloud nodded in understanding, watching as the siamese she-cat turned and padded away. Swiftcloud turned the other way, looking for the cats she would be taking with her into the trees. By the left side of the Tall Stone her patrol had gathered, already expecting the nubby tailed cat's appearance. Shadowfang walked over to greet her, touching his nose to her cheek. Frostfeather smiled at her friends while kneading the ground beside them, her tail-tip twitching slightly. She looked uneasy. Pansypaw leaned into her mentor, giving her a calming, reassuring purr. Tigerfang and Sheeptail tipped their heads to Swiftcloud, ready to obey her orders. Swiftcloud felt strange, knowing she'd be leading some of the clan's most respected senior warriors into battle. On Tigerfang's right side, Rabbitstorm was talking with Tabitha. He seemed a little annoyed, although that wasn't unusual of him.

"Aren't you supposed to stay here and guard the camp? What happens if some of those Treeclan cats break in?" Asked the pregnant she-cat.

"They won't," Rabbitstorm assured. "They've tried before. But we showed them what happens when they trespass in Grassclan's camp. They're not likely to try it again anytime soon. Besides, Ashwhisker's an excellent Guard. He'll protect you and the other queens just fine while I'm away."

Tabitha puffed her cheeks out a little. She pressed her body into the tom's, seeking comfort from him. "I'd rather it be you protecting us. You make me feel safe. And it's not that I don't trust Ashwhisker, he's a very sweet Den Mother, but he's also very skinny. You're so big and muscular. No cat could ever get through you."

"That's why they put me on the backup patrol," Rabbitstorm remarked, licking down his chest fur. Tabitha huffed, pressing herself harder against him. Swiftcloud mustered a small chuckle, shaking her head.

Whitestar soon reappeared from the crowd, making her way towards the bramble tunnel. The chosen patrols followed her lead, gathering by the camp's exit. Silently, everyone headed out into the meadow, across the snowy hills, and into the frozen land of the Forest Patch. An eerie silence greeted them there. Hardly any birds chortled from the treetops; most still in the south for Leafbare. The ground underpaw was crunchy from ice and long dead debris. But the trees above had begun to come alive with flower buds. There would be sufficient cover for Swiftcloud's patrol to hide, especially once they were deeper into the woods.

Whitestar cautiously led her clan into enemy territory, disregarding Treeclan's scent markers entirely. With luck they'd be setting new ones soon. When they'd traveled a good distance, Whitestar raised her tail, halting her warriors. Cats stood around silently as they watched their leader sign instructions to them. The first patrol was ordered to continue forward. Meanwhile, this spot would be where the second patrol would make their ascent into the trees. Whitestar continued to lead the ground patrol, taking them further into the forest, and soon out of sight.

Swiftcloud was left alone to take charge of her own set of warriors. With as much confidence as she could muster, she commanded her clanmates to begin climbing. Swiftcloud decided to take the initiative, being the first to tackle this strange new terrain. Climbing trees turned out to be a lot easier than she thought. The oaks in this area were large, with sturdy branches jutting out from their thick trunks. The bark was gnarled, and would be easy to grip with a cat's claws. Swiftcloud started out with a good leap, sinking her claws into the trunk where she landed a couple fox-lengths above the ground. She carefully lifted one paw after the other, pulling herself higher and higher with every move. When a thick tree branch came into reach, she hoisted herself onto it, clinging to the limb as best as she could. From this position, Swiftcloud took notice of how her line of sight had changed. On the forest floor, she could only see a few tail-lengths around her. But up here, she could see at least a bear-length through the woods. She smiled, her confidence growing.

"Come on!" She encouraged her clanmates, waving a paw. The cats in her patrol exchanged wary glances. Among them, Rabbitstorm stepped forward. He grunted, crouching to the floor. Then, with a mighty leap, he'd managed to spring halfway up into his own tree. Swiftcloud was impressed by his natural climbing skills. The lynx point tom looked to be in his element. And his sister Frostfeather was not too far off herself. The littermates almost appeared squirrel-like in the way that they took to the trees. If Swiftcloud hadn't known any better, she would have sworn they were Treeclan cats. Seeing how easy the three young warriors made the task seem, the remainder of the second patrol made their way up into the forest canopy. Though they appeared uncomfortable, the trap was set. The warriors were eager to put this plan into motion. And it seemed as though they'd get to carry out their task soon enough. In the distance, yowls split through the air. The sounds of angry cats and shredding pelts inchwormed their way closer and closer to the position Swiftcloud's patrol held. If they focused hard enough, the tree bound cats could see the battle being waged. Swiftcloud's fur began to prickle anxiously. She hoped that this plan would succeed, that the clan hadn't gone out of its comfort zone for nothing. Starclan, grant us the strength to win this fight, she prayed as she saw Treeclan cats coming closer.

"Hey," Shadowfang's voice cut into her thoughts. Swiftcloud glanced at him from the branch adjacent to her. "It's gonna be fine. Let's kick some Treeclan tail. I'll be right beside you."

Swiftcloud smiled, nodding her head in agreement. The mates moved as if they were one, parachuting down from their perches, onto the backs of the unsuspecting warriors as they appeared. Treeclan's cats let out astonished yowls as they collapsed beneath the patrol's weight one by one.

"It's an ambush!" Someone cried.

"Get them, don't let them take advantage of our own techniques!" A senior warrior called.

Swiftcloud scoffed at the enemy clan's behavior. Shouldn't they have expected that their own tactics would be used against them eventually? Swiftcloud remembered her apprentice training, how she was taught to be wary of her surroundings whether she was in long grass or in a place where cats could jump down on her. Perhaps Treeclan cats were not taught to be so cautious. Maybe they felt too safe in the trees to worry about their enemies gaining the upper paw against them.

A cat hissed up at Swiftcloud, pulling her from her momentary pause in thought. A young warrior, Sleekclaw, lay beneath her paws, pinned by the Grassclan cat's weight. Swiftcloud made quick work of her enemy, biting and throwing him away, back in the direction of home. The young cat let out a whimper, scurrying off into the line of trees with his tail between his legs.

Shadowfang called from nearby, leading Swiftcloud back to his side so they could fight together. The mates charged ahead into the frey. Their muscles rolled and bunched beneath their pelts as they matched perfect pace, paw for paw. They jumped simultaneously at a large Treeclan warrior, knocking him off his feet with a breathless gasp. Swiftcloud jumped off the tom, leaving Shadowfang to pummel him while she struck an approaching she-cat. The cat let out a yowl, lunging to bite Swiftcloud's throat. Swiftcloud was too fast for her, sliding out of the way. She threw the cat onto her side with a hard swipe of her paw. She held the young warrior down, watching as she went limp with defeat. Swiftcloud hissed, sending the cat away.

With the opportunity presented to her Swiftcloud ran to the nearest tree, marking it. She scored her claws along the bark to make it more painfully obviously she was claiming this land for Grassclan. Someone needed to make the first move. Swiftcloud gained pride in knowing it had been her. A few warriors from Grassclan's battle party caught onto what she was doing. They followed Swiftcloud's lead, creating a scent line right through the battlefield.

Wolfheart appeared from the crowd of brawling cats. His teeth drew back in a snarl as he saw what Grassclan was getting up to.

"Take them down!" He commanded. "Show no mercy!"

Warriors surged forward, targeting those who dare defy Treeclan. Swiftcloud was a prime target. Three cats backed her towards a tree, closing off all directions of escape. Swiftcloud recognized each cat, surprised to see some strange faces amongst the fighters. There was Tigerlily, who usually joined the battles. Swiftcloud had been in a couple fights with her before. She was a strong cat, ambitious too, but trustworthy. Usually. In this instance, Swiftcloud couldn't trust any cat outside of her clan.

Then there was Sunflower, Moonface's mate. Swiftcloud hadn't thought he'd join his clanmates as reinforcements. He was a Den Keeper, she recalled, not a Fighter. But it wasn't unheard of for him to be assigned to a fighting patrol every now and again.

Finally there was young Scarletpaw. She was unaccompanied by her mentor today, though Swiftcloud thought that to be unwise. The small she-cat had never participated in a serious battle. She was young, perhaps even too young to be part of such a huge fight. But a fire burned in her eyes, a passion as strong as any that Swiftcloud had seen in a warrior. It was impressive, really. Apprentices never took things like this so seriously. Either Scarletpaw was invested into the task, or Blazestar was drilling it into his clan's apprentices that they'd need to be as strong and dedicated as possible in this war. It was admirable, really.

"Smelly Grassclan cat!" Scarletpaw spit, taking the first swipe at Swiftcloud. Swiftcloud tried to dodge the young cat's blow, narrowly escaping having her cheek scratch. But just as she moved away from one cat, another lashed out and caught her on the bad shoulder. Swiftcloud hissed in pain, tears stinging the corners of her eyes. Her shoulder wound had been opened again, just when it had finally healed and started to scar over. Swiftcloud bared her fangs, lunging forwarded to bite Tigerlily. Sunflower twisted around, grabbing Swiftcloud by her haunches. He dragged her back, using his weight to force her to the floor, while Tigerlily struck Swiftcloud's weak point again. Swiftcloud yowled out in pain.

From the battlefield, Shadowfang came charging over, throwing himself onto Tigerlily. He grabbed her by the scruff, shaking her like a piece of moss before throwing her away from himself. Then the black tom headbutted Sunflower's flank, knocking him away from his injured mate.

"You alright?" He checked on her with a sniff.

"Yeah, now that you're here," Swiftcloud replied as she stood up. The mates turned together, attacking their opponents when they dared to return. Tigerlily was the first to strike. She stood up on her hind legs, ready to crush Swiftcloud beneath her. But Swiftcloud was smaller than the other she-cat. With ease, she was able to slip out of her way. As she turned, the white and black patched she-cat stuck out her leg, sweeping it beneath Tigerlily's feet. Tigerlily became unbalanced, falling to the ground with a hard thump. Swiftcloud was quick to jump on top of her. She grabbed the tabby she-cat by the shoulder, biting with all her might. Her back legs made quick work of the larger molly's belly, scratching it until blood seeped through Tigerlily's thick fur. Tigerlily howled in pain, squirming to get away. Swiftcloud let her, snarling at her as the Treeclan warrior struggled to stand. Scarlettpaw came over and help her clanmate to limp away, defeated. Shadowfang yowled out triumphantly, a sign of his own victory. Swiftcloud chuckled, turning to give her shoulder a few vigorous licks.

"That looks bad. You better go home and get patched up. I think Grassclan has everything handled now," Shadowfang remarked as he returned to the she-cat's side. Swiftcloud had to agree with him. She was in quite a lot of pain, and it appeared Grassclan was winning this fight. Wordlessly she appeased the tom, bumping heads with him before dashing off into the crowd.

As she ran across the battlefield, Wolfheart caught Swiftcloud by one of her back leg. His claws hooked into her thigh, dragging her closer to himself. Swiftcloud let out a yowl, turning and swiping her claws at the larger tom's face. But Wolfheart appeared unfazed, as if the scratches couldn't hurt him at all. Then he growled, forcing Swiftcloud onto the floor with astonishing ease. He pummeled her, back legs tearing at the delicate flesh of her belly, front claws further scarring her shoulder. Swiftcloud cried in pain, struggling to get free from the large tom's grasp. With one final hiss, Wolfheart picked Swiftcloud up and threw her away like crowfood. Swiftcloud groaned, body aching. She forced herself back onto her paws, limping the rest of the way off the battlefield.

Along the way, Swiftcloud was stopped in her tracks by a familiar pelt laying by the border. Tornface, the clan's last living elder, was lying there motionless. New wounds speckled his already scarred, ragged pelt. A lake of blood had formed beneath him. His chest was still, scent turning bitter. A clear sign of his demise. But a peaceful expression was settled upon the old tom's scarred face. He had died a warrior's death. Just as he had wanted. Just as he'd known would happen if he were to come out of retirement.

Oh Tornface... Swiftcloud mourned, turning away. With heart aching, and wounds stinging, the white and black patched molly hurried back into the meadow as fast as her paws could carry her.

#warrior cats #warrior cat ocs #wc #wc ocs #Signs of the Moon: Moon Rise #Moon Rise #chapter 45

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kuriboo · 4 years ago

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Crooked Destiny

Omen of the Stars Book 6: The Last Hope

Do you promise to be loyal to your Clan above all other things?

Elders always spoke of the good Crookedstar did for RiverClan, but it was hard to reconcile that image now with Crookedstar himself telling her about a mistake he made. "Is that happening to cats around the lake now?" Willowshine asked.

Crookedstar closed his eyes with a sigh. "Just do not judge them too harshly, if they are. Surely, I've proven that any cat can make a mistake."

Do not become so blinded by the stars that you cannot see the truth.

author’s notes at the end, link to ao3 in the notes

⁂

Wilowshine's tail swished as she looked up at the barn.

At least, she thought it was a barn. She'd never seen one herself before, she had only heard tales involving them from elders passing down stories of past elders who had lived in the old Clan territories before the Great Journey. There was no barn on RiverClan territory now. She must be dreaming.

But why would she be dreaming of someplace she had never been before? Not all her dreams came from StarClan, of course. Some dreams really were just dreams. Yet she couldn't think of another reason why she would be here. Why would StarClan bring her to a barn? Why would a Clan cat be at a barn?

She realized there was a cat sitting nearby, facing away from her and towards the barn. We're they a StarClan warrior? Did StarClan wish to speak to her? Slowly, she walked towards them.

"Do you promise to be loyal to your Clan above all other things?" they asked.

Irritation trickled through Willowshine's fur. "I've already said I would stay away from the other Clans," she muttered. Did StarClan just want to remind her of their warning for the Clans to stand alone? She hadn't forgotten.

If the other cat heard her, she was ignored. "You and your desires are nothing compared to the needs of RiverClan."

As Willowshine drew near, she angled her path so she could sit next to them and see their face. Once she did,she was surprised to see their crooked jaw, a sign it has been broken. She had heard of a RiverClan cat with a face like this before, though... "Are you Crookedstar?"

Crookedstar almost jumped before turning his head to look at her. "I'm sorry, I didn't see you there." He studied her for a moment. "You're our current medicine cat. Wilowshine. You've heard of me before, I see."

"Of course I have! They say you're one of the greatest leaders the Clans have ever seen. " She dipped her head. "It is an honor."

Crookedstar stretched his neck to bathe the fur on his shoulder, clearly uncomfortable, so Willowshine rose her head and quickly changed the subject. "I didn't know there was a barn on StarClan's hunting grounds. I've never seen it before."

"It's not a popular spot. I don't come here often, either, but..." He tucked his tail around his paws. "Not every cat that goes to StarClan is a Clan cat."

"And not every Clan cat believes in StarClan," Willowshine added, thinking of her mentor.

"That's not a bad thing." She blinked surprise at those words, and he went on. "Some cats are too blinded by the stars to see the truth."

A StarClan cat that was fine with cats not believing in StarClan? Willowshine thought again of her mentor; Mothwing had been starting to question Willowshine's insistence of following StarClan's message to all the medicine cats. "Are you talking about me?"

No answer was given. Instead, he looked towards the barn. "You heard what I said before we started talking. I didn't mean to think out loud, but maybe it was for the best. Would you make that promise in exchange for your destiny, in exchange for strength?"

"As a medicine cat, I don't know if I need more strength, but that's an easy for most warriors to make. Of course I'll always be loyal to RiverClan. "

"Right. There are few Clan cats who couldn't make that promise, but I imagine most would give that answer." Crookedstar glanced back at her. "That was the wrong answer to give, but don't worry. Like I said, many cats would give that answer. In fact, while we could still see around the lake, I saw cats from all Clans who did make that promise, or at least, a similar one. I could see it because I could see the same things happening to them that happened to me."

"You weren't asking me to make that promise. You made that promise yourself."

His tail twitched. "It was soon after I broke my jaw, sneaking out of camp as a kit. No one was sure I'd be able to make it to be an apprentice. Then a cat appeared to me in my dream and offered to train me, if I made that promise. I thought she was from StarClan, since she was in my dreams, so I agreed. But I was tricked. I woke up every day with the pain and injuries I got from training in my sleep, and I slowly lost every cat that I was ever close to."

She blinked, looking up at him. Elders always spoke of the good Crookedstar did for RiverClan, but it was hard to reconcile that image now with Crookedstar himself telling her about a mistake he made. "Is that happening to cats around the lake now?"

"None of us can see the Clans now, but I saw signs it could've been happening before." He narrowed his eyes. "Just do not judge them too harshly, if they are. Surely, I've proven that any cat can make a mistake." Sighing, Crookedstar closed his eyes. "I did not come here to discuss what cats do in there dreams."

"You didn't? Then..." Willowshine looked at the barn. "Why did you come here? What did you want to talk to me about?"

Crookedstar stood up and gestured with his tail for Willowshine to follow him. Together, the two of them approached the barn. "Pretend, for a moment, I am not a StarClan cat. Think of me for a moment as just a Clanmate. Pretend StarClan cannot hear you, which should be waste right not, since we can't." He twitched an ear. " What do you think of StarClan's warning for the Clans, even the medicine cats, to stay apart and not trust each other?”

"What do I think? Well, I don't think the medicine cats have done this before. It does feel strange." They were close to the barn now. Willowshine opened her mouth; it was clear mice used to live here, but she could tell by the scent they were gone. "But, I've always trusted StarClan's wisdom before, and I've never been steered wrong. Then again, you said we can be blinded the stars so much we cannot see the truth, so I wonder..."

Crookedstar stopped just inside the barn, his tail falling closer to the ground. "I learned how to eat and hunt with my jaw like this in a barn. I wanted to visit Highstones to talk to StarClan, but I never made it there. And I did not speak with StarClan for moons afterwards. They did not guide me for much of my path before I became a leader, though I did not know that. But I found my destiny anyway, and RiverClan was fine until then." The tip of his tail twitched. "StarClan is dividing itself the same some of us have told you to. I am not saying any of us are wrong, I just want you to think for yourself whether it is a good idea. I came out here to think for myself, too. I never did enough of that for much of my life. I'm not yet sure if I agree with most of my Clanmates."

"Think for myself whether StarClan is right..." she whispered. She had never questioned StarClan before, so this was not going to be an easy task. Her dream began to fade, but Crookedstar said one more thing before she came close to waking up.

"Do not become so blinded by the stars that you cannot see the truth."

⁂

I’ve finally returned to my roots... I started writing fanfiction over a decade ago, in 2009, when I was in middle school. The very first fanfiction I started was Warriors fanfiction. It was fairly typical middle school fanfiction fare for the time I believe— obviously none of it’s on ao3, but it’s your typical lol random XD type humor, very oc-centric, not very well written at all (like, not in a self-depricating way, but in a critical way), and like a lot of it is just... Crimge is dead in 2020 but it makes me cringe, because it’s just obviously how much of a different person I am, and how much I’ve grown up and learned, because I would not write anything like most of it today. But I had this confidence in my writing back then that I wish I still had, and I wish I had even half of that energy still, and I had so much drive to develop and write about ocs that I wish I still had today, too. I only write as a hobby but Warriors was a huge part of that. I’ll always be thankful for that. In a way, by writing this I’m getting back in touch with my roots. Writing Warriors fanfic was always so much fun to me back then, I miss writing Warriors stuff.

I reread The Last Hope and Crookedstar’s Promise back to back recently. With all the cats being trained in the Dark Forest in Omen of the Stars, I was like, hey Crookedstar kind of was like the preview sneak peek of this huh! Brambleberry showed up in Omen of the Stars, and don’t get me wrong, I love Brambleberry. She is great. I am a huge fan. But I was also like hey Crookedstar probably has a really unique perspective of this whole situation that not even Brambleberry has and I kind of miss that not being here! That’s kind of sad! I wish Crookedstar was featured more here! Well good news, that’s what fanfic is for. So I wrote a little bit of Crookedstar being in Omen of the Stars during down time at work; I had him visit Willowshine during a dream, though not entirely intentionally. Willowshine and Mothwing are really cool, I love them both.

I’m very far behind on Warriors. I just recently finished reading Thunder and Shadow, to give some perspective, so please keep any spoilers away from me. (I also recently read Bramblestar’s Storm, and reading the two back to back really has given me some feelings about Rowanstar, and Onestar... I’m getting way too invested again. Maybe I need to write more). Anyway, I hope you enjoy! Thanks for stopping by!!

#warriors #warrior cats #tater writes #tater.txt

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where-the-wilds-things-are · 5 years ago

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Wild Meets Wild: Chapter Five

It seemed to Firepaw that both groups were startled by each other, with these new cats totally being taken off guard by them being there. The black molly stared in complete shock, the dark tabby held a look of anger, and the tortoiseshell seemed too hurt to notice what was going on.

Behind him, Firepaw heard a wail, and ginger she-cat and a light brown tabby tom raced up to the tortie. Nightsong stepped back as the two surrounded them, and the molly licked the wound on their neck.

Beside them, Graypaw gasped. “That’s Runningwind and Sandpaw! Redtail’s mate and daughter. They must be worried right now. I would if I were them." He looked on in concern.

Firepaw watched in troubled silence. Looking closer, the tortoiseshell hides of Redtail and Spottedleaf appeared very similar. Now that he thought about it, the two cats were alike in body shape too. Are they littermates or siblings? He wondered.

“Thank StarClan you’re okay, Redtail!” The light brown tabby tom said. Turning his head he yowled, “Spottedleaf! Redtail is hurt!” Immediately, the she-cat darted towards them and helped Redtail, who seemed to be in a daze, to her den. Smudge looked alarmed and glanced back and forth in confusion.

Bluestar turned her head to Ravenpaw, who looked like he was about to collapse. “Ravenpaw, go to Spottedleaf to get your wound looked at," she mewed. The black tom opened his mouth, then staggered. Nodding his head, he slowly got back down and trailed to Spottedleaf's den.

“I think I should go help or at least watch so I know how to help injuries,” Smudge whispered and got to his paws. He followed as Ravenpaw went into the fern curtain.

“Bluestar, why are kitty pets in our camp?!” the dark brown tabby sibilated. Firepaw figured he must have been Tigerclaw. His voice was deep and had a hint of contempt as he gazed at the group. “They have no right being here, and should be chased…” He trailed off as he finally took stock of Firepaw and Deerpaw sitting beside Graypaw. He blinked in shock, the fur on his spine fluffing up.

“Wh-who are they?” he stuttered.

“Tigerclaw, Nightsong, these are the new apprentices I saw last night by two-leg place. As for the others, they are their friends who have come to say goodbye," Bluestar stated.

Nightsong stared at them curiously with bright green eyes. “Well, I can say with that body type and size, they have a really good chance at being warriors."

The leader sighed as she turned back to face the group. “I’m sorry that you had to see that, I don’t want you to be alarmed for us or your friends. This issue will be resolved as soon as possible. Now, I think it is time for Stonefoot to take all of you back home to… to the city. Graypaw, go fetch Smudge from Spottedleaf’s den so he can say his goodbyes,” she mewed.

Graypaw nodded and ran towards it. Strangely, Firepaw noticed that he heard a jingle when the gray tom passed through the ferns. One minute passed, and their friend appeared with the tabby.

Bluestar looked at the group of cats with a solemn face. “I think all of you should do this outside of the gorse tunnel so it can be private. Stonefoot will be at a respectable distance so he can lead them back home." She pointed to the camp’s entrance with her tail.

Firepaw stiffened and shot a look to Deerpaw. She returned his glance and slowly got to her paws, emotions clouding her eyes. They both knew that they had to say goodbye when they wanted to join, but now they actually had to do it. I refuse to let this be the last goodbye, I’ll do anything if I can get Bluestar to let us see them again.

Slowly, Firepaw led himself to the gorse, not even noticing the brambles tickle his pelt. Soon, all of them were in a half circle staring at each other. As far as Firepaw could see, they might be able to meet again. But even if they did, who knew how long the visit would last?

The others sensed this as well, for they got up and walked towards each other. Two of Penumbra’s ears drooped.

“So this is it, huh?” she softly spoke. Mismatched eyes stared at them for a moment, before she continued. “When I first met the three of you when you thought it was a good idea to sneak into my garden, I was furious. I don’t take kindly to trespassers, but then I realized that all of you were still kittens that wanted to have an adventure and got lost. As soon as I saw your kit fluff, I knew I was stuck with you three.”

“Smudge,” she said, turning to him. “I saw you like the brother I never knew. Don’t let anyone walk all over you, and don’t take any crap from no one. Do your best, and I know that you can succeed. Unleash your potential.”

Smudge swallowed hard and furiously nodded. “Thank you Penumbra. I’ll never forget you. Any of you. I’ll take your words to heart. I promise.”

Turning towards Firepaw and Deerpaw, she shook her head. “From the second I saw two Savannah kits, I knew that you two would be a pawful. And I was right. Mischief seemed to be in your blood and I still can’t believe you tried to steal a koi fish from Johnny’s pond that one time.”

Johnny’s eyes widened. “Wait, that was you three?” He hissed in disbelief. “My owners thought some heron or some other predator tried to catch them when they hid under those rocks for the longest time!”

Penumbra silenced him with a glare. “As was I saying, while you three are a pawful, you are also very cunning and smart. And by the Dream, please remember to use your head. It can pay to be a brain and brawn. Don’t be a Leeroy Jenkins, or that one guy in movies that goes into situations headfirst and dies horribly.”

Deerpaw spoke up. “We promise to think things through and use our heads Pen."

Firepaw sniffled. “I looked up to you Penumbra. We all did.'' He stepped forward and butted his head on her shoulder. “Thank you for being with us for all of these months, and I hope that each and every one of you live long and happy lives."

Penumbra nodded. “It’s been a ride." She licked his cheek, then Deerpaw and Smudge's, before sitting down stiffly.

Sephiroth stepped forward. “While I’m sad that we have to part ways, remember this. Every exit is an entrance to new experiences. And may the experiences be wonderful.”

Penumbra’s head shot up and narrowed her eyes. “You stole that from a fortune cookie, didn’t you? No way a diva like you thought up something like that."

The Nebelung didn’t even try to look guilty. “It works still doesn’t it? I’ll miss you guys. Remember, wash your pelts daily, and I just might sneak in that sage smelling shampoo that you like, Ru—Firepaw." Sephiroth went up and licked their cheeks, though Firepaw wanted to playfully swipe him for that joke he made. Once Sephiroth was done, he sat back with Penumbra.

Johnny’s nose twitched as he looked at the three. “Well, despite that one instance of attempted fish stealing, you three were fun to be around. I'll miss talking to you about shows in my garden, that’s for sure. The two love-struck birds mostly said what I wanted to say really.” He ignored the twin hisses from Penumbra and Sephiroth and proceeded. “But I will say this. I heard things from my grandmother, and some of these cats will fight dirty. Fight dirty back, do underhanded things if you have to to win, even outwit your opponents and gloat over them as they are having a meltdown on how they lost."

Johnny paused as he watched the three digested what he said.

“We promise on that front Johnny,” replied Smudge. The tom flexed his paw, a deep look in his eyes.

"On a lighter note," Johnny said, "I hope you three will do great things here, and even if we won’t meet again in life, I hope we meet again In Dream Meadows." He wheeled himself to them and licked their cheeks, before going back Pen and Seph.

Stonefoot, who was a few feet away, noticed that the time had come. Getting to his paws, he turned to face the new Clan cats. “Bluestar should let you see them once you settle as apprentices. I personally hope that you can see them soon, they seem like a nice bunch. I certainly liked them being in camp."

As the grey tom led their friends back to Silverpine City, Penumbra tossed her head back one last time. “We will meet again!” Then she left, her walking noticeably stilted.

Firepaw was tense as he watched his friends leave. Next to him, Deerpaw stared at the boulder that was near the entrance, and Smudge’s claws dug into the earth. They sat as their friends slowly disappeared from their vision, hidden by the trees and shrubs. Smudge looked pained, something that was mirrored on Deerpaw and Firepaw's faces.

Smudge broke the silence first. “I don’t care if I have to force myself to remember every last herb on Earth, I will do good at my learning so Bluestar can allow us visits."

Both littermates nodded. “We’ll show those two stooges, and everyone in this forest what a city cat can do. Then we can make them proud back over the fence," said Deerpaw. Hard conviction colored her eyes, and she swiveled her head to look at Firepaw.

He blinked in agreement. “If they truly think we are just dirt just because we have kitty pet blood, then they got another thing coming.” Staring back at the gorse tunnel, he went towards it.

“Come on, might as well go back. The sooner we get settled, the sooner we can train. Then we can see them again." Fireapaw hurried through the passageway and came into the clearing, Deerpaw, and Smudge behind him. It seemed like the cats had dispersed, though they were muttering lowly to themselves. To the side, Firepaw spotted a familiar golden tom.

Lionheart slowly padded towards them. “I’m sorry that you had to say goodbye to your companions," he mewed gently. "But hopefully, as Bluestar said, you can meet them again. Come, I can give you a tour of the camp. Maybe you can give one of those gifts,"—he nodded to the pile—"to the Elders?” Firepaw glanced at his sister and friend, who nodded.

Deerpaw went up to the pile and gently took the blue starry blanket. Firepaw and the others followed the gold tabby as he led them to a group of elderly cats sharing a vole next to a fallen tree.

One of them, a pretty gray she-cat with a surprisingly plumped ginger tail inclined her head. “Why hello Lionheart. So these are the new apprentices eh? You two sure turned heads during that fight, and it puts me at ease that Spottedleaf has a trainee under her wing now." Her ember eyes shown with amusement. “I’m Rosetail, by the way." She turned to face her companions. “Aren’t you going to introduce yourselves to our newest members?”

Right next to her, a tortoiseshell she-cat spoke. “I’m Dappletail. Quite frankly, I was shocked that Bluestar brought former kitty pets to join ThunderClan. But all of you seem to have spunk, while you two look very appealing with your coats and long legs." Firepaw and Deerpaw nodded.

“Thanks, I think we take after our mom in appearance,” said the Savannah tom.

A small black-and-white tom grunted as he lifted his head. “Patchpelt. Welcome to the Clan. It’s nice to finally have another black and white tom in here.” He nodded to Smudge.

The gray tom blinked at the three. Firepaw watched as something briefly appeared in his eyes as he saw the blanket at their paws. "Smallear." He then went back to eating.

Rosetail rolled her eyes. “Excuse him, he’s always like that." Smallear shot her a sharp look, basically proving her point.

Firepaw shrugged his shoulders. Personally, Henry had days where he was the cat version of that old human who screeched at children who got near his lawn, so he could handle the watered-down Clan version.

The dark brown tabby tom nodded. “Half-tail. Welcome to the Clan.'' He twitched his tail, where half was missing. Deerpaw and Smudge shot Firepaw a look. Why would he name himself that after his injury? They all wondered silently.

Lastly, a very old she-cat with a milky eye twitched her nose. “One-Eye,” she said very loudly.

“Nice to meet you all," mewed Smudge. Placing a white paw on the blanket, Firepaw’s friend went on. “We have something for you, it’s called a blanket! It’s soft and will keep you warm on cold nights."

Some looked warily at it, but Rosetail got up and sniffed it. She blinked in surprise. “It smells like lavender!” She then crawled under it, and her head popped out on the other end. She purred, eyes closed in peace. “This feels really good, this beats moss and furs by a whole tree length.” Turning her head to her fellow elders, she mewed, “Come on, they gave us a gift! Might as well put it to use.”

Dappletail and One-Eye shot each other a look before joining Rosetail. Patchpelt looked momentarily torn before he too joined the she-cats.

Only Smallear stayed and he scowled at them. “No thank you, I’m fine along with—” Halftail pushed past him as he joined the purring cats. “Halftail," Smallear murmured. He tsked at the sight of the purring cats and went back to the abandoned vole.

Lionheart looked at the scene in amusement. “It seems like most of them enjoy it. Next can be the Nursery.''

Deerpaw nodded. “That’s under that bush, right?”

Lionheart flicked his ears. “That’s correct. Here, I can help you with this one.” He went over to the Jack O Lantern blanket and grabbed it with his teeth. Firepaw trotted up and grabbed the mice by their tails. Smudge and Deerpaw pushed the balls with their paws. As they headed towards the bush, Firepaw once again felt eyes on his fur and wondered what a sight they had made.

When they got to the den, Lionheart put his blanket down. “I’ll go in and explain what is going on, I should be back in a bit.” And with that, he dragged his cargo and pushed his way in the brush. Firepaw heard low murmurings and tiny squeaks of kits playing.

Smudge sat down and turned his face to the medicine cat den. “Hey, I nearly forgot to say this, but when I went in, I saw skulls and feathers in there!”

Deerpaw looked up in shock. “Really? Skulls? I’m hoping that’s prey animal skulls and not some morbid trophies of fallen enemies,” she joked.

Smudge rolled his eyes. “It looked like various birds and even a badger skull lined one side of the den. Herbs looked neatly stacked to the side, and a pile of soft feathers was at the back. It was surprisingly coordinated. For cats living in the forest, they know how to play upkeep.”

“Smudge, when Graypaw went to get you I could have sworn I heard bells jingle from the ferns. What was that?” asked Firepaw.

“When I went in for the first time, I noticed that too. Apparently, Spottedleaf found some bells while looking for herbs. Liking the sounds they made, she brought them back to her den. Now it alerts her when she has any visitors.” replied Smudge. “Also, Spottedleaf seemed to like my lunch-box.” He seemed to puff up with pride at that.

Firepaw was about to tease him when the bush’s entrance shook and Lionheart came out. “You can come in now.” As they grabbed their items and squeezed through the entrance, Firepaw’s eyes quickly adjusted to the dark.

That same ginger queen was already under the blanket, as was a white she-cat with blue eyes. An older golden molly was rubbing her paws on the material, and the grey tabby she-cat from earlier was curiously sniffing it, along with the kits. One of them, a small grey she-cat with blue eyes glanced up and gasped loudly. “Wow, you two are big!” she instantly darted up to Firepaw’s paws and bounced up and down.

“Why are your ears that big and your legs that long?”

“Did you really come from the two-leg place? You don’t look like it but you smell funny.”

“I heard that cat say weird words. What do ‘fuck’ and a ‘threeway’ mean?”

“Lionheart said that you had gifts other than that soft thing that smells good. Are those things with you it?”

Firepaw, Deerpaw, and Smudge’s eyes widened as they watched the tiny kit practically sprout the questions without taking a single breath. Firepaw grimaced as he heard her say the words Penumbra had to Darkstripe and Lizardtail.

Smudge saved the day by quickly opening his mouth. “Little one, some of those words are reserved for grown-up cats. But to answer one of those questions, we do come from the city, otherwise known as two-leg place.”

Deerpaw took the hint. “These toys are for you and the others.” She took the pink mouse and rattled it, making it jingle. The kit’s eyes grew big as saucers and she squeaked loudly. This alerted the other kittens and sent them scurrying towards Firepaw and Deerpaw. The other queen’s heads darted up and they watched the scene with interest.

A white and orange she-kit curiously sniffed at the toy lamb. “Why does this cloud have legs and a face?” she asked as she touched it with her paw. Finding it non-threatening, she got closer and swiped at the bell on its neck. “It makes that sound that the funny looking mice make!” A black and white tom came up to her and the two pounced on it.

This signaled the other kits to join in. The golden tom tussled with one of the balls and the brown one joined in with the gray she-cat tossing the pink mouse back and forth.

The white queen slinked out from the blanket and came up to the trio. “Thank you for that soft pelt young ones. The others and I will appreciate this. Oh, I’m Frostfern by the way.” She turned her head to the other she-cats. “That ginger one is Goldenflower, the one next to her is Speckletail, and the grey tabby is Brindlface.” The other queens mewed their hellos.

Frostfern then turned her attention to the kittens. “The grey she-cat and golden tom are Cinderkit and Brackenkit. The black and white tom and the ginger and white she-cat are Swiftkit and Brightkit, and the brown kit is Thornkit. They really seem to like the things that you brought.” She cleared her throat loudly. “What do we say to the nice cats, everyone?”

The kits tore their attention away from the toys and turned to them. A series of thank yous sounded throughout the nursery. Frostfern purred in amusement. “These things can keep them occupied while we can get some free time." Nodding towards them, she continued. “Make sure to grab something from the fresh-kill pile."

Firepaw nodded. “It was nothing, really. We had tons more of this back at our old home."

Smudge cleared his throat, “Come on, I want to show you two the Medicine Cat Den." He mewed goodbye to Frostfern and the kits and trailed out of the bush.

The Turkish Angora grabbed the last blanket, and happily hurried to the den. Firepaw gave Deerpaw a look and followed their friend. Many scents wafted through the curtain, and the ferns tickled his back as he passed through it. Sure enough, he heard bells ringing. Looking up, he saw red bells clustered like grapes woven in the bracken. The floor was sandy and cool under his paws. Once his eyes adjusted to the gloom, he gasped out loud along with Deerpaw.

The den was decorated with many things on its walls, and when Firepaw took a closer look, he noticed that the walls of the place made it look like the hollow was shaped into a hexagon. One of the walls had ledges that held colorful rocks, feathers, and animal skulls that varied from birds, mice, and even a badger. Another had sweet and sour-smelling herbs neatly stacked together with berries aligned by their color. On rock ledges hung what surprisingly looked like a shawl that consisted of daffodils along with orange and pink flowers woven together, with a necklace of tiny mice skulls intertwined on a vine dangled neck to it. Smudge’s Spider-Man lunchbox leaned on the wall.

The last wall had erosion lines running down its side from a hole in the roof. A dim light illuminated the den, and a puddle of clear water sat in a small gap below it. Beside that was a cranny that had even more fragrances of herbs and flowers. There were six beds made out of moss and furs, and two were occupied. Firepaw was awed by what he saw. If only the others got to see this. Who would have thought the forest cats can do something like that?

Smudge put down his blanket. “Pretty nice right? I didn't know what I was going to see, but I’m pleasantly surprised! Everything is organized and neat here,” he softly mewed. Firepaw nodded. He had expected some dark musty room with some leaves and twigs scattered around, but he can see that he was very wrong. You know what they say about assuming things, Firepaw.

Deerpaw went up to the skulls to observe them. “Hey, these smell like jasmine and roses. You think they have to clean them constantly to get that to happen?”

Firepaw nudged Smudge on his shoulder and turned his head towards the robe-like items. “What are those two things over there? They look like a shawl and necklaces. As a matter of fact, how did they make them? We don’t have thumbs like humans."

“That Firepaw is a question you can ask me once I’m done with Ravenpaw. Leave that thing to the side, I can store it later,” said Spottedleaf, who came out of the small room carrying something wrapped in a leaf. Smudge, when asked quickly helped her chew up something that looked like a root and softly apply the paste to Ravenpaw’s wound. Ravenpaw sighed in relief, and Firepaw and Deerpaw watched in silent awe as their friend helped cut spider-webs up and wrap up the wound tightly.

“Th-thank you Spottedleaf. Smudge w-was it? It’s nice to meet you." Turning his head, Ravenpaw saw Firepaw and Deerpaw and nearly jumped.

"Hey now, it’s okay, there are my friends that I talked about," Smudge said.

Ravenpaw's blue eyes with flecks of purple widened in shock. “That’s them?! How did I miss them earlier! And you said there were more?!"

Spottedleaf looked on in amusement. “I’ll let you get introduce yourselves while I’ll attend to Redtail. Just lower your voices." With that, she went over to the other tortoiseshell cat.

Walking forward, Deerpaw introduced herself first. “Hello! I’m Deerpaw, and this is my littermate Firepaw. Nice to meet you, Ravenpaw. ''

Firepaw nodded. “Howdy," he replied.

Ravenpaw looked back and forth between the two. “Did you really fight Darkstripe and Lizardtail?" asked the black tom. Firepaw thought that he seemed of the nervous sort, and wondered if he could help him out of his shell.

Firepaw grunted. “If you mean those two tabby toms then yes, we tussled with them. We weren’t going to let them mock us or our friends,” he said.

“You should have heard Darkstripe when Penumbra bit his tail. He shrieked like a mouse!” Smudge told Ravenpaw. Ravenpaw’s eyes grew large.

“Wow, I wish I was there for that,” muttered the black tom.

It seemed like Spottedleaf was done with Redtail since she came back with another rolled-up leaf. Putting it down revealed more of the pulpy mass that she gave Ravenpaw. Seeing Firepaw’s and Deerpaw’s questioning looks, she explained. “I’ve noticed that the two of you got some cuts during that scuffle. This here will help it feel better and not get infected.” As soon as she said that, Firepaw’s cuts stung again. To be honest, he had forgotten that he received cuts at all.

“Hold still." She scooped up a bit of the mash, and gently rubbed it on Firepaw’s wounds. Instantly, the stinging stopped and he sighed in relief. She repeated this on Deerpaw’s right foreleg, and she purred.

“This feels great! What is it?” mewed Deerpaw.

Smudge piped up. “That’s comfrey, and it’s great for cuts, right?”

Spottedleaf nodded her head. “Yes, it is. You are a very fast learner, Smudge. '' The tom beamed.

“What about her? Is she okay?” Firepaw turned his attention to Deerpaw, who was looking at Redtail. The cat was curled up in the nest, and Firepaw could see spider-webs wrapped around her neck.

Spottedleaf’s tail swished. “They should be, I gave them a poppy seed to ease Redtail’s pain. It should make them feel drowsy, but they should be fine in a few sunrises."

Deerpaw cocked her head before she picked up on what the tortoiseshell had said. “Oh. OH. Okay. Thank you for telling me. There are cats in the City who like to be called They too.”

“That’s good to hear. Runningwind and Sandpaw was concerned, but they left when I told them Redtail will be okay. As for what your brother said earlier, those items over there are my Medicine Cat attire. I wear them during the Gatherings and when I go to the Moonstone to share tongues with StarClan,” she mewed.

“StarClan? Moonstone? What are they?” Firepaw asked. Was StarClan different from the other Clans somehow?

“StarClan is where our warrior ancestors' spirits reside at. It’s that pretty group of stars you see during the night. The Moonstone helps us speak to them,” replied Ravenpaw from his nest, who then seemed to flush when he got attention on him.

“An afterlife? So it’s like Dream Meadows then?” Firepaw twitched his whiskers. He wondered if the two afterlives knew each other.

Ravenpaw and Spottedleaf looked confused. “...Dream Meadows? Is that the afterlife of kitty pets? Uh, no offense” muttered the black tom.

Smudge nodded his head vigorously. “Yeah, all pets in the City go to rest there. Our loved ones and friends watch over us as your StarClan does. Instead of stars, we see them in lights.”

Spottedleaf looked intrigued. “Lights? What kind of lights?”

This time, Firepaw answered. “We see them in city lights, the reflections in muddy puddles right before it splashes, the flash of a car window as a street light hits it. Sometimes, they are even the fireflies that glow at night. In a way, Dream Meadows is always watching us. I know this sounds weird, but it acts in a..” He padded the ground with his paw. “What’s the word again? You know, with the paintings that look blurry?”

“Abstract, Firepaw. The word you are looking for is abstract.” Deerpaw shook her head at her brother.

Spottedleaf blinked at Firepaw. Ravenpaw looked shocked at the mention of a separate afterlife.“Well, that is weird,” Spottedleaf said, “but who am I to say that? You haven’t heard of StarClan, and to you, the stars being our ancestors must seem unusual.” Shaking her head, she licked down a tuft of raised fur on her shoulder. “Then again, I haven’t heard or seen any kitty pets in StarClan, so realistically they have to go somewhere when they die.”

“I think that sounds cool.” A voice floated behind her. Ravenpaw was on his side, mindful of the wound on his shoulder. “The lights flashing in things, I mean.” Then he gave them a curious glance.

What is a car by the way?”

Quickly racking his brain, Firepaw quickly thought of a way to explain. “They are loud, made out of metal and can come in many colors. Humans get into them to get around.”

Ravenpaw looked lost before recognition came into his face. “Oh, you mean monsters!”

Firepaw shrugged. “If that is what they are called here, then yes.”

Spottedleaf ambled to the blanket. “This feels like it can keep you warm. Thank you.” She nodded towards the opening. “You can go to eat now and try to interact with your new Clanmates. Some might still be wary or hostile, but I’m sure they will come around.”

As she said this, Firepaw’s stomach growled. He had eaten deer meat this morning, but it seemed like he’d burned right through it. “Will do. Ravenpaw, would you like anything?”

Ravenpaw looked at him in surprise. “Thanks, I would like a mouse.”

Spottedleaf nodded. “I’ll give it to him later. Smudge, your nest will be next to the storage den. You can come back once it is time to go to sleep.”

Firepaw quickly went to the curtain and took one last look at Ravenpaw, who seemed nervous about something. He thought about this as they pushed through the greenery. “Did Ravenpaw look shook to you? He looked like he was confused.” He said as they walked towards the fresh-kill pile.

“Well, he and his group did get jumped by this RiverClan, Firepaw. If this was his first-ever fight, maybe that’s why he was so jumpy,” replied Smudge.

Deerpaw stretched her legs and looked contemplative. “Maybe he needs some help getting out of his shell? That Tigerclaw dude is his mentor right? Do you think he’s the instructor who is basically like a drill sergeant?” Firepaw grimaced if that was true.

Coming towards the pile, Firepaw selected a bird, Deerpaw a squirrel, and Smudge a plump mouse. The fur tickled his mouth and Firepaw couldn’t wait to taste it. He spotted Graypaw by some moss-covered tree stump and was about to head over when a voice reached his ears.

“Hey there, Firepaw, Deerpaw, Smudge! Over here!” Turning their heads, they saw Nightsong waving her paw animatedly at them by some clump of nettles. Beside her sat Tigerclaw and that she-cat who resembled Bluestar.

Surprise flashed throughout Firepaw’s body. They would eat with warriors? Exchanging a glance with the others, they hurried over. Under some shade by the camp wall, Darkstripe nearly choked on his pigeon as he saw them make their way to the Nightsong and the others.

Plopping himself by Nightsong, Firepaw saw Deerpaw sit by the Russian-blue, and Smudge by Tigerclaw.

“Hello there, we weren’t properly introduced earlier. I’m Nightsong” Nightsong meowed. Using her paw, she pointed to the grey cat. “That’s Mistycreek.” The grey cat mewed a greeting. “And this right here is Tigerclaw, my littermate.”

“Thank you for allowing us to eat with you,” said Smudge. He glanced at Mistycreek, who had a light bluebird in her paws. “Excuse me, are you related to Bluestar and Stonefoot? You all look very similar, and Stonefoot had said that he has siblings.”

Mistycreek purred in amusement. “Why, I am. I also have a sister called Mossflower. She’s over there talking to Mouseclaw.” Craning his head, Firepaw could see two she-cats talking by that big boulder. Mossflower resembled Whitestorm but had shorter fur. Mouseclaw was small and dusky brown.

“So will this be your first ever prey?” asked Nightsong. Up close, Firepaw could see that she had longer than usual whiskers.

“Well, our owners gave us tasty meats for our meals, but this is the first time we actually will eat caught prey,” replied Deerpaw.

Reaching down, Firepaw took a good bite out of his bird. Bursts of flavor exploded in his mouth. The flesh was warm and coupled with the blood made it taste really good. He would put it just above roasted pork. Beside him, Deerpaw was intent on inhaling her squirrel, and Smudge’s mouse had big bites taken out of it.

“Well, it seems like our new additions like the taste of forest prey,” mewed Tigerclaw. His own bird was nearly gone, and he gazed at them intensely. “Firstly, I would like to apologize for my actions earlier. Coming back from a battle and seeing what I thought was intruders made me hostile.”

Nightsong gave her brother a look. “Tigerclaw? Apologizing? I never thought I would live to see the day,” she mused. “I would be unhappy too if I came back from fighting and saw cats I didn’t know in my home.” Deerpaw licked her whiskers free of her squirrel, leaving bone remains. Smudge hiccupped an agreement.

Tigerclaw flicked his tail but didn’t seem angry at his sister’s joke. “As for you two, I have never seen apprentices with your size, and it looks like you also know at least how to fight, with the rumors I have been hearing.”

Mistycreek excitedly summarized the fight and what led up to it. From Darkstripe and Lizardtail goading them, to Penumbra telling them off, and the three taking them on. “I was impressed with you three, especially that chimera with the four ears. I wonder if that move can be learned?”

Firepaw and Deerpaw glowed at the praise, though Firepaw picked up some slight scorn when Mistycreek had said Darkstripe’s name. Did the tom do something to make her upset at him? I wouldn’t be surprised if he pissed off every single cat he came across and then some with that nasty attitude.

“Her name is Penumbra, that was the chimera with the four ears. She taught us a few moves,” Smudge responded. He had finished his mouse and was picking his teeth with his claw.

Tigerclaw looked on interest. “You fought Lizardtail and Darkstripe?”

“I won’t exactly call it a fight, but I did get in a nick in Lizardtail’s ear,” said Firepaw. He hoped that he didn’t have to deal with him trying to get ‘revenge’ later on, but since he came off as being Tweedle Dee to Darkstripe’s Tweedle Dum, it was really likely.

Deerpaw nodded. “Darkstripe said we were jokes since we came from the city. No offense to your Clan mate, but he fought like a joke.” Mistycreek held back a snerk and Tigerclaw scratched his nose, his eyes gleaming with amusement.

Nightsong huffed. “Figures that when I leave the camp, I miss something like that going down. Remind me to ask you what this Penumbra said later, Misty.” She took on a more relaxed form and stared at Smudge, her dark fur glossy in the sun. “I heard some cats talking about how Spottedleaf will take in an outsider as her apprentice. Is that you?”

Smudge blinked at her accurate observation. “Yes, she said that I should be getting my apprentice name tomorrow. Her den looked really amazing, and I can’t wait to get started on my training,” he spoke with excitement.

Firepaw sighed in contentment as he ate the last piece of his bird. It didn’t taste like chicken, but he liked the flavor nonetheless.

“I hope Redtail and Ravenpaw get better, those wounds looked nasty,” said Firepaw.

The others nodded their heads in agreement and Tigerclaw’s expression hardened. “Aw yes, I visited my apprentice when I saw you all say goodbye to your companions. He was jumpy, and wouldn’t meet my eyes when I came in. Redtail was mumbling about something pink and soft, so I couldn’t say anything to them. But I wish that they will both get better if StarClan wills it.”

Nightsong rolled her eyes. “I told you the reason why Ravenpaw is so nervous is that you are hard on him. Relax, and give him compliments if he does well, and he will do better. That’s what Rosetail did to me and I turned out fine.” Mistycreek hummed at something, but at what Fireapw and the others couldn’t have made heads or tails off.

“We’ve meet Rosetail, she really liked the blanket we brought here.” Firepaw held back a yawn. He was getting tired and noticed that the sun was beginning to set.

Nigtsong turned her head to where the elders were still under the blanket chattering to each other. Smallear was nowhere to be seen. “I wondered what that was, but if she likes it then I’m fine with it. Rosetail has been complaining of having achy joints, so I caught that vole for her.” It was clear that she cared for the elder, and Firepaw wondered if she saw her as a mother-like figure.

“By the way, from yesterday to today I have heard that we look like Leopardshine. Who is this cat?” Deerpaw asked. Smudge watched as his head rested on his paws, and Firepaw pricked his ears. He wanted to know too. Was this Leopardshine like them?

Mistycreek licked her lips. “Leopardshine is a RiverClan warrior. She is known throughout the Clans as an excellent fighter and strategist. While she has a similar spotted coat to you, that’s were the similarities end. You two have longer legs, bigger ears, you are bigger, and you actually resemble a leopard somewhat. She is dappled, has green eyes, and doesn’t have those markings on your face or on the back of your ears."

Firepaw nodded while Deerpaw had a look of interest in her eyes. “I see,” he said. It seemed like this Leopardshine was just a regular cat, and them having spotted fur was something they happened to share with her.

Mistycreek padded the dirt. “Leopardshine is also very prickly. Only StarClan can make her more approachable” she muttered.

“I wonder if StarClan knows about Dream Meadows,” yawned Smudge.

Tigerclaw, Nightsong, and Mistycreek stared at him in confusion. The Angora quickly gave them a rundown on what it was, and they all reacted in surprise.

Nightsong narrowed her eyes.“Wait, you said all pets go to this place? Does this include dogs?” Tigerclaw and Mistycreek leaned forward as they waited for an answer.

“Cats, dogs, lizards, birds, you name it. Dream Meadow allows all kinds of animals in their fields. That’s what I heard from Rico anyways," Deerpaw responded.

Mistycreek blinked. “This… Dream Meadows is okay with having dogs walk in their skies?" she hesitatingly asked.

Firepaw bobbed his head. “I know that this Clan has some issues with dogs, but some dogs are good, honest! We know Seng, Winry, and Oscar, and they are dogs. As a matter of fact, Stonefoot, Lionheart, and Whitestorm have met them. You can ask them yourself If you don’t believe me."

“So that’s why I thought I smelled dog slobber earlier. Stonefoot better explain to me what happened. You don’t understand them too, do you?” Mistycreek joked. But she was taken aback when they firmly nodded.

“Amazing. Absolutely amazing. Somehow I can tell you are not lying." Tigerclaw rubbed his cheek with his paw. “I wonder if this was a trait you picked up since you must have lived near one to understand them?”

“This Dream Meadows sounds very intriguing. I wonder what this afterlife looks like?” murmured Nightsong. Behind them, Smallear, who was slowly walking by, swung his head towards them.

“Afterlife? What Afterlife?” the elder spoke. Loudly. Firepaw and the others grimaced as they noticed some heads perk up. Tigerclaw mumbled something about nosey and elder under his breath.

“Firepaw here is just sharing his beliefs from his home Smallear. Nothing else" replied Nightsong. Her tone made Firepaw think that Smaller was the type to butt in conversations.

“Beliefs? What can he believe in? He was a kitty pet and kitty pets don’t believe in anything!" Smallear groused. Deerpaw bristled beside him and Smudge hackles raised.

Mistycreek made a sound in her throat and Tigerclaw and Nigtsong had agitated expressions.

“I believe in the afterlife where my ancestors go to rest, just like you. I can respect your belief in StarClan, so can you for us." Firepaw said curtly. Please go away now.

The tom harrumphed. “Whatever you say, kitty pet. But even if your beliefs are true, they are nothing to the greatness of StarClan," Smallear said in a tone that dared them to say otherwise.

“Smallear! Stop provoking them up and get ready to go to sleep," Rosetail growled. Firepaw didn’t see her approach, but he was glad she had before things escalated. The molly looked agitated at her denmate’s shenanigans and shook her head.

Smallear frowned at her, but when he saw that he had nearly everyone’s attention he huffed and went back to where Firepaw had first seen him. Rosetail gave them an apologetic glance. “I’m sorry about that, he is very rigid and set in his ways. Don’t mind him at all."

Deerpaw sighed. “Thanks, Rosetail. I almost said something improper before you stepped in.” Smudge breathed deeply, his claws leaving deep marks in the soil.

“It’s the least I can do," the elder said. "Besides, if Smallear likes his pride more then being warm than that’s more of that blanket for us." Nodding at Nightsong, the she-cat turned and padded into some den that must belong to the elders.

Cats started to whisper to each other once the commotion died down. Firepaw wanted to groan. Day one and already there was already gossip about them.

“Ugh, how he produced cats like Lionheart and Goldenflower is beyond me. Forget about Leopardshine, he’s more prickly than a thornbush," Nightsong hissed. Tigerclaw stared at Smallear with a light that glowed with scorn. Firepaw wondered what the old cat could have said that made them angry when something clicked.

“Wait, he’s Lionheart and Goldenflower’s dad?!” Firepaw sputtered.

“Guess jackassery skips generations,” Smudge mumbled under his breath. Deerpaw nodded in silent approval.

“Yes, he and Specktail are their parents. No, I don’t know how that happened either, and I really don’t want to think about it.” Mistycreek got up. “It was nice speaking to you three, I’ll bet whoever mentors you will be lucky."

Nightsong and Tigerclaw got up as well. “I will watch your progress with great interest, Firepaw. Deerpaw." He nodded at them. "That goes for you too, Smudge. I’m sure Spottedleaf will grant you an honorable name tomorrow.”

“I won’t lie, you already made life in camp interesting in one day. It’s a nice change of pace right now.” Nightsong arched her back, soft popping sounds coming from her spine. She went on. “Get some rest, tomorrow should be the day you two should be assigned a mentor."

Firepaw clicked his teeth. “Well do, see you in the morning.” And with that, the three warriors went to the Warrior’s Den. Once Tigerclaw’s tail went out of view, Smudge picked himself up.

The sun cast long shadows in the clearing, signaling that nightfall was close.

“This was the longest day of my life. Feels like it dragged on for ages with what all happened.” Smudge shook his body free of dust that clung to his belly fur. “I hope that Penumbra and the others are okay back in their homes,” he said in a low voice.

Firepaw cast him a sympathetic look. “I feel you Smudge. Let’s be the best we can be so we can get those visits.”

The tom licked his nose. “Goodnight Firepaw, Deerpaw. Tonight is the last day I will go by this name, and I want to get my hours in.”

“Goodnight, Smudge. Say goodnight to Ravenpaw and Spottedleaf for me,” responded Deerpaw.

“Will do.” And with that, Smudge left to the Medicine Cat Den and delved into the fern curtain.

With their friend going to sleep, Firepaw was quick to follow his actions. Seeing Sandpaw enter a hole under a log, Firepaw nudged Deerpaw, and both raced towards it after they grabbed their stuffed toys.

Inside, they found Graypaw, Sandpaw, and a brown tom in their nests. One was unoccupied, which meant it belonged to Ravenpaw. Beside his looked like two brand new nests. Graypaw saw them.”Hey, your back!” This caused Sandpaw and the other cat’s attention.

The brown tom sneered. “It seems like the two kitty pets finally decided to grace us. Did the Warrior’s not invite you into their den too?” Naked jealousy colored his voice. Firepaw rolled his eyes, he wanted to sleep in peace. Was that too much to ask?

Deerpaw tsked as she sat on the soft bedding. “Dunno, but It was fun getting to know them, that’s for sure. It will be one of nature's mysteries as to why they did not invite the likes of you.”

Graypaw chortled. “She got you there, Dustpaw.” Then he blinked. “Though I wish Tigerclaw invited me over to eat fresh kill. I suppose your entrance and appearance played a part in that.'' He muttered with a hint of envy.

Firepaw sneaked a glance to Sandpaw, who appeared distraught. She must be worried about Redtail still.

“I'm sorry that Redtail got hurt, and I hope that they get better soon”. He softly said. Sandpaw gave a startled look and shifted in her bedding.

Dustpaw glowered. “I can’t believe Bluestar let in so many kitty pets in our camp. Let alone let three join with stupid ideas. Leave now and let us real wild-born cats be.” He turned expectedly to Sandpaw. “Goodnight Graypaw. Dustpaw.” She didn’t even make eye contact with them before she curled up.

Deerpaw ignored Duspaw’s gaping expression. “Goodnight Firepaw. Graypaw. Sandpaw. Dustpan.'' she then closed her eyes. Bonnie at her side.

Firepaw did the same and ignored the brown tom’s hissing. With PK Thunder at his side, Firepaw felt sleep take him in his first night as a ThunderClan Cat.

OoOoOoOoOoOo

Firepaw opened his eyes to the feeling of slowly drifting. Then he hissed in shock. This was not the nest he slept on in ThunderClan. Instead, he was on a huge white lilypad that was floating on a shiny purple river. A blue bioluminescent trail followed the leaf, and the sky bloomed with a green-indigo aurora borealis. Frantically sniffing the air, he smelled jasmine and cinnamon, not the scents of cats around him. “Where am I?!” he gasped.

“Why you are dreaming, Firepaw," a voice floated behind him.

Spinning around, Firepaw saw who spoke, and his mind nearly broke at what he saw. Standing in the middle of the pad was PK Thunder. But not the one he knew. Where PK’s costume was mostly orange and black, this one was purple and dark blue. Plus, he was pretty sure his toy couldn’t speak or move.

“Wh-wha?” he stuttered. This was too much for his mind to handle.

“I said, you are dreaming Firepaw. Or why else can I talk and move?” PK said. As she said this, she waved her left arm. Firepaw noticed how smoothly it moved, not heeded by stitches or not having joints and bones at all.

“Are you my conscience?” he asked.

“Maybe. Maybe not. I am just a figment of your imagination.” She shrugged.

“Come, let’s look at the sky, you wouldn’t see this back in the City or your new home, eh?” She flopped on her back. Hesitating for a few moments, Firepaw trotted up to her and laid on his back. He nearly stifled a gasp. Behind the bands of colorful lights, he made out multiple stars of purple, blue, white, and even a few reds. It was really pretty and nearly hypnotizing. Strangely, he felt at home.

“So if I am dreaming, is this one of those lucid dreams?” Firepaw concentrate and thought of a smaller version of that weird cat-bus thing from that movie with the giant rabbit, and to his disappointment, nothing happened. I guess I can’t even ride that in my dreams. Shoot.

Dream PK laughed. “I don’t think that can work, but nice try." She was silent for a moment and then spoke again. “So, today was eventful huh? You left your home, tussled with a cat named Lizard, joined ThunderClan, and learned about the afterlife of StarClan. Who knows, maybe you can tell this to your grand-kits for storytime.”

Dream PK then rolled to her side and looked Firepaw in his eyes. He had to hold back a grimace, being stared at with something that had unblinking eyes made of fabric disturbed on a level that he couldn’t explain. He hoped he wouldn’t get nightmares from this.

“Say Firepaw, you do realize that your city friends were on to something, right?”

Firepaw narrowed his eyes. “What do you mean? I won’t let us become a doormat for taunts, I’ll follow Penumbra’s word on that."

Dream PK’s face scrunched. “No, but being called kitty pet is really hypocritical of them, don’t you think? The cats that founded the clans had to come from somewhere, and being a colony of feral cats makes it obvious that they had to hail from the city. No matter how hard they try to scrub away their origins, the past will cling to us like smoke in a room. Unfortunately, some see that anything over the fence is living life wrong just because they don’t follow their rules. Sad really.”

Shaking her head, she continued. “But what I meant was don’t forget where you came from, Firepaw. Judging by some reactions from cats, they saw you, your sister, and your friends as lesser beings. They even sneered when you said you believed in another afterlife that didn’t match theirs." A hint of amusement crept into her voice.

“Don’t forget your origins, nor lose your way if things go wrong. Hold your head up, and remember that sometimes, shit happens.” She then sat up and looked forward. Firepaw copied her actions and noticed that they were closing in on a shore that had a grove of grand, white, leafless trees on blue colored grass.

When the leaf got close enough, Dream PK leaped to shore and sprinted into the glowing trees. Firepaw trailed behind her, and they finally stopped. In front of them stood a huge glitchy like, purple, leafless tree in a body of water that shone like stardust, and at the base glowed what looked like a tiny prick of light.

“Wow, this place is amazing. Too bad it’s all just a dream,” he said. He wanted to remember this. Turning to Dream PK, he nodded. “Thanks for the advice, I'll make sure to tell Deerpaw and Smudge."

Dream PK shook her head. “No Firepaw, thank you for listening to me. And remember, the universe has a wonderful sense of humor. The trick is learning how to take a joke.” She stared at him. “Now, wake up."

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warriorsfireandwater · 6 years ago

Text

Chapter Three

“Oakheart is dead!”

Rusty was suddenly awakened by the wail. He blinked, and quickly raised his head. For a moment, he forgot where he was, until everything came flooding back. Thistlestar attacked me, and I ended up here. RiverClan saved me.

Then what he had heard hit him like a stone. Dead? Rusty’s eyes widened with horror. Had Thistlestar murdered Oakheart? These wildcats really are savage!

With a glance, he could see that Mudfur was not in his den. Rusty rose, and blinked as he noticed sticky-white webs stuck to his chest, where he’d been scratched. He sniffed at it, and found it smelled like the herbs in the den. Mudfur must've put there.

Rusty padded from the den, slowly, hoping not to attract attention to himself. It was well past nightfall—moonhigh, perhaps—but many warriors were still awake.

Crookedstar emerged from his den. “What?” he demanded. “Oakheart can't be dead!”

A black-furred tom and pale brown tabby molly were dragging a limp body behind the rest of their small group. Gasps of horror rose from the Clan.

“Who did this?” Crookedstar demanded. “Who?!”

“No one,” Dawnwhisker murmured, head low. “Well, Darkstripe chased him under a rock, and they started fighting… I think they jostled smaller rocks that were supporting it. But Oakheart pushed Darkstripe out, and before he could get out from under it…” She swallowed. “He was crushed by it. That's why it took us so long to get back—we were digging him out.”

A young silver tabby pressed herself to Crookedstar’s side, murmuring quietly in his ear. A sob shook Crookedstar’s body before he ordered, “Bring him to the center of camp. We’ll share tongues and bury him in the morning.”

“Oakheart was Crookedstar’s brother and closest friend.” Mudfur was suddenly at Rusty’s side, and the young tom jumped in surprise. “That molly is Silverstream, Crookedstar’s daughter.”

Rusty felt a wave of sympathy for Crookedstar, and he was surprised to find that he was saddened himself. I never got to thank him for saving my life. He watched as the two cats pulled Oakheart’s body into the center of the clearing and laid him there gently. One by one, cats came forward, pushing their muzzles into Oakheart’s fur and murmuring before turning away. “What are they doing?” he whispered to Mudfur.

“They are mourning,” Mudfur explained, his voice thick with emotion. “It's how we say farewell before Oakheart’s spirit travels to StarClan. After each cat takes their turn, those closest to him will stay the rest of the night beside him, sharing tongues for the last time before he is buried.”

StarClan? Rusty was full of questions, but felt it would be inappropriate to nag Mudfur any more. After a moment, he quietly asked, “Can… can I go up?”

Mudfur glanced at him oddly. “Why ever would you?”

Rusty looked at his paws. Did I say the wrong thing? “I just—I wanted to thank him. If he hadn't stopped Thistlestar, they would've killed me.”

“That's very kind of you,” Mudfur murmured, though he sounded a little surprised. “But I think you should wait until everyone else has gone before you do. They won't take well to it. You're an outsider, and the rest of us have lived with and fought beside him for seasons.”

Rusty nodded. I owe Oakheart thanks, he thought. He died after saving me. He swallowed, stomach twisting. Would he still be alive if I wasn’t there?

He waited patiently as each cat padded forward to say goodbye, and Mudfur left him for a moment to press his muzzle to Oakheart’s side. When he returned, he sat beside Rusty, and did not speak. After each cat had gone, Mudfur nodded to him. “Go on. Don't let them think you are afraid.”

Easier said than done! Rusty gulped and nodded before he stood and padded towards his body. A few cats hissed, but none moved to stop him until he was nearly to Oakheart. The black tom stepped in front of him. “What do you think you're doing?” he hissed.

“I wanted to thank him,” Rusty mumbled, before recalling Mudfur’s words. He raised his head, looking the tom in the eye. “Let me through, please. He saved my life.”

The tom blinked, surprised, but didn't move. “What?”

“Let him pass, Blackclaw,” Crookedstar rasped. He was sitting near Oakheart’s body, Silverstream still at his side.

Blackclaw scowled before stepping away. Rusty padded closer, staring down at the dead tom. Oakheart’s ribcage looked like it had collapsed, and his spine was bent at an odd angle. What a horrible way to die. He crouched low beside Oakheart, as he had seen the others do. After a moment, he realized the camp had fallen silent as each cat stared at him, watching his every move. “Thank you,” he said, softly. “You saved my life. I'm sorry I can't repay that to you.” He touched his nose to Oakheart’s side before quickly backing away.

The accusing glares and angry mutters seemed to fade as Rusty backed away. Maybe I did do the right thing, Rusty thought hopefully. He returned to Mudfur’s side, who gave him an approving nod.

Crookedstar pressed his muzzle to his brother’s pelt for a few long moments. Then, he raised his head, gazing solemnly around his Clan. “Because it is already moonhigh, I must name RiverClan’s deputy immediately.” He paused, and appeared to be thinking. “I say these words before the spirit of Oakheart, and hope that he approves of my choice. Leopardfur will be RiverClan’s next deputy.”

A dappled golden molly blinked and raised her head, before rising and padding forward. Rusty studied her curiously. Deputy? Is that like… the second to the leader? Whatever it was, it sounded important. Leopardfur seemed cool and composed as she padded towards Crookedstar. She then dipped her head. “Thank you,” she said. “I am honored.”

The Clan, despite their grieving, threw back their heads and yowled their congratulations. “Leopardfur! Leopardfur!”

Mudfur raised his head proudly, yowling as loudly as he could. Rusty blinked, but again felt that it may be inappropriate for him to call her name with them. As the cheering died away, Mudfur licked his chest fur, ears red. “That's my daughter,” he purred. “She used to be afraid of water, you know!”

Crookedstar stared down at the body of his brother before looking up again. “There is one more thing I wish to do.” he fixed his gaze upon Rusty, who stiffened. Was Crookedstar going to change his mind and kill him? “Rusty,” he said. “Please come forward.”

Rusty blinked, but rose again and padded towards the tom. “Y-yes?” Oh, please, don't attack me now!

“I would like to invite you to join our clan,” Crookedstar meowed. Instantly, RiverClan was yowling in surprise and protest. He lashed his tail. “Silence! Oakheart saved this kit before he died. Will you disrespect him before he has even been buried?”

Many cats frowned and stared at their paws guiltily. However, even though the Clan fell silent, there were still a few that continued to glare furiously at him.

“Now,” Crookedstar went on. “This kittypet, despite his origins, shows promise. He escaped Thistlestar’s claws and fled through the forest, a great feat for a cat his age that has been raised lazily.” Rusty bristled slightly at the words before he realized there was no malice behind them. Glancing around, he could see a few cats nodding in understanding, though others muttered unhappily. “He then crossed the river with Dawnwhisker—something few outsiders would willingly do.”

Crookedstar looked back to Rusty. “Rusty,” he asked. “Will you accept? You must understand, training will not be easy, especially since you have not had the conditioning our kits have had. You have not swam in the river before today. You've never hunted for your Clanmates or said thanks to StarClan and to the river. If you are a part of RiverClan, you must work to make these all a part of your life. Will you join RiverClan?”

Rusty was silent for a long moment. What do I say? I don't know anything about this life. For a heartbeat, he considered refusing, but he then realized that wasn't what he wanted. If I go home… if I even manage to get home… I'll never be satisfied. He thought of his dreams, the itch in his claws and pull in his paws that led him to the forest in the first place. He didn't want to be fat and lazy like Henry, or foolish like Smudge.

“Though the training will be hard, the rewards are great,” Crookedstar added, when Rusty had not spoken. “You will remain a true tom, unaltered by the Cutter. You will have the loyalty of your Clanmates by your side, should you earn it. You will know true honor and pride as a warrior, if you make it through training.”

“The Cutter?” Rusty echoed.

“You've seen lazy kittypets, no doubt?” Crookedstar asked. “When toms—and mollies, too, I hear—are old enough, humans take them to the Cutter, and they are never the same. The Cutter steals their strength, and they can no longer bear kits, and they lose any drive or motivation. They sit in the sun and care little for anything but eating and sleeping. That is your future if you return to the human’s place. But you are free to do so. Few outsiders would consider this life.”

The vet, Rusty realized. That's when Henry changed! Though he had already made up his mind, he was certain now. I can always go back if it turns out to be terrible, he told himself. “I—”

“This is ridiculous!” a white tom interrupted, growling. “You can't be serious! How do we know his humans won’t come here looking for him? And that stench will alert all the prey of his presence!”

Rusty flinched at the unexpected hostility. The white tom was now standing, sneering at Rusty. “You will just eat twice your share and work half as hard as anyone else! We all know kittypets, Cut or not, they're useless!”

There were murmurs of agreement from a few cats. Rusty looked back at Crookedstar, unsure of himself.

“Others feel this way?” Crookedstar asked, eyes narrowed.

“I do!” Blackclaw spat. “He's been here long enough. Send him off in the morning and let that be the end of it.”

Silverstream touched her tail to her father’s shoulder. “Perhaps we should cast stones,” she suggested.

Before Rusty could ask what that was, Crookedstar shook his head. “There's no use in having everyone find a stone at this time of night. But I suppose a vote is reasonable for a matter like this.” He pushed himself up to sit. “If you think Rusty should be allowed into our Clan, sit by the nursery. If you think he should be escorted from the territory in the morning, sit near the elder’s den.”

Rusty’s nerves only grew as one by one, the cats began to move to opposite sides of camp. Blackclaw and the white tom immediately hurried across the clearing to one of the reed-dens, where they sat, tails twitching irritably. That was clearly the elders’ den. Those cats made their displeasure obvious. Three more cats crossed the clearing together, though much slowly than the others. Rusty’s heart sank as Leopardfur hesitated, then crossed to the elder’s den.

He turned his head to where the other group was gathering. Mudfur and Dawnwhisker were both there, as was Silverstream. A few more cats begin to join them. Rusty looked back and forth between the two—though another cat was joining the dissents, it was clear the nursery side was larger. Finally, the last cat, an elderly molly, sat with the nursery group, and Crookedstar nodded his head slowly.

Rusty puffed out his chest. They actually want me?

“You are welcome to join,” Crookedstar said. “And the majority of the Clan agrees you are fit to be here. Will you take on the life of a warrior apprentice, knowing all I have told you, and knowing the opinion of my Clan?”

Rusty didn't hesitate this time. “I will!” he replied.

“Very well,” Crookedstar meowed. “Then your kittypet life is no more. You are no longer Rusty. From now on, you will be known as Firepaw. Dawnwhisker will be your mentor.”

There were no cheers, not even from among those that had voted for him. But Dawnwhisker gave him a smile and a wink as the cats began to split up, and that was enough for him.

“Tonight you can rest in Mudfur’s den,” Crookedstar went on. “Tomorrow, your training begins.” He spoke to all cats next. “Anyone who wishes to share tongues with Oakheart may stay, but the rest should go to your nests.”

Most cats retreated to the reed-dens. As Firepaw padded back to Mudfur’s den, a few cats who had supported inviting him nodded approvingly.

Firepaw went back into the secluded den, heart racing. If only Smudge could see me now!

#warrior cats #wc #warriors #warrior cats au #warrior cats rewrite #riverclan fireheart #firestar #chapter three

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thehighwaymen1678 · 5 years ago

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Power of Three Alternative Universe. (C-1.)

Well, there's a user named SFW Furries and Monsters, they made a Power of Three Alternative Universe where Crowfeather joins Thunderclan. I made the first part but I cannot message them oddly, so I'll post it. Maybe they'd see it. This is only part one, up to the point where they are escorted back to Thunderclan. (I've no idea what happened with the first letters of every sentence. Just decided to un-italics.)

Near Thunder-Wind Clan Borders.

A black-furred tom padded along the border. The air carried a chill as the snow stung his pads like ice. He needed a walk to clear his head. He remembered a time long ago when he had been willing to leave this place, leave it all behind for one whom he loved. Yet, she had a family, after all. And so did he, even if he didn't know it. But as chance would have it, he would become part of a Legendary tale this day.

The tom eyed two passing she's through the cold winds, they appeared to be no other then Squirrelflight, and Leafpool. Leafpool... If only things had been different. But perhaps... His eyes widened as he saw his old mate, for here, Crowfeather had seen a startling sight. Her belly, had been round, her body, exhausted. Was she... She was having kits? Could it possibly be?

He looked at the ground at his feet, senting the faint border, but while the code binded him, he had no choice. He had crossed the small river dividing the territories, and now crossed the final line. He was in Thunderclan grounds now. He must make haste.

He dared to follow them through the blinding white, thanking Starclan that the bite of the cold would kill his scent. However, it also killed there's. Tracking them became difficult, even prints had filled up, or simply been lost. He wandered in a painful cold until he took shelter under a thick bush, not yet fallen from life. Here he rested, he could hear them nearby. After a while, a few low meows could be heard, and they set off again.

His jaw shivered, clicking his teeth repeatedly, he forced himself to breathe, and keep walking. This was getting way too cold, although perhaps it felt it was dying down a bit?

Finally a clearing opened, rather small, yet the snow was thinner, thicker trees were around, and one at the middle of the clearing, was hollowed by lightning so long ago, and there he saw a glipse of his old mate, curled up, screaming. He watched in shock, crawling closer to the side, the tree's hollow entrance had thick vines of random sorts lining it's edges, giving an opportunity to see through without being seen in the main doorway.

He lingered, waiting to wonder his chances of simply introducing himself, he wanted to help, he did. But then... Something happened he did not expect. A... Name?

Squirrelflight had spoken in surprise: "Feathertail!"

His ears shot up at the mention.

His thoughts raced: 'Feathertail?... She's here? What, where?'

His thoughts raced as he pushed up uncomfortably close to the main entrance, he was certain Squirrelflight had heard him, yet she kept her attention to Feathertail as they had spoken inaudible things. But he focused enough to hear what he needed to, to seal his future decision, he eavesdropped the conversation, peering through the walls of the tree:

Feathertail: "These kits are more precious than you could possibly know,” She mewed softly. “Cats will speak of them for many seasons to come. They must stay in ThunderClan, for all the Clans’ sakes, with a mother and father who can be proud of them, who can share them with their Clanmates to be raised as strong, loyal warriors.”

His thoughts spoke up again: 'I would... Could I actually be a father? I... Could things go back?'

Leafpool opened her mouth to protest that this was impossible, her Clanmates would never accept Crowfeather as their father, and might reject her too, knowing that their medicine cat had destroyed the code.

He heard her few words and sighed deeply. It was likely true. But, now? He has no choice. He must make this decision.

Yet Feathertail was looking at Squirrelflight. “I know how much Leafpool loves these kits,” she murmured. “But you must be their mother and raise them in ThunderClan with your head held high.”

Squirrelflight stared at the starlit she-cat. “How can you do this?” she whispered. “You are asking me to lie to every cat I love.” Feathertail ran her paw very lightly over the backs of the sleeping kits. “Because I love these kits as much as you do. They are Crowfeather’s: How could I not? I want them to have the best life, not one lived outside the Clans, in shame and exile.”

“Do you wish they were yours?” Squirrelflight whispered. The silver cat blinked without looking up. “That was never meant to be."

Crowfeather broke in a small cry. He understood it was truth. Perhaps the past could've gone different.

Finally he thought: 'Damn it. I have to this. I'm sorry Feathertail, I hope you'll be proud of me by the end.'

Feathertail continued: "The destiny of these kits begins now, and you have the power to change everything, Squirrelflight. Please believe me when I say that Leafpool’s kits must stay in ThunderClan.”

He thought a last thing: 'They will. They will, I promise. And I'll be with them.'

As his tears fell, Feathertail faded away. And as Crowfeather lifted his head, Squirrelflight quickly snapped to look to the walls. Had she... Heard him? He slowly inched forward, until a white paw smashed through the thick vines of the wall and knocked him back into the clearing.

Squirrelflight padded around walking up to him, she had not seen his face, and she might be less then welcome to reason with someone stalking them. He had to get to Leafpool. As she grabbed his shoulder he lunged up and slammed Squirrelflight's stomach with his foreleg. As she merely growled, Squirrelflight quicky latched her claws in his neck and lifted him slightly by his jaw with strength that made Crowfeather fear for his life for a short while, before a shout startled him.

"Wait! Squirrelflight let him go, it's Crowfeather!"

Squirrelflight heard her sister's cry and looked back at Crowfeather. "Can we... Talk?" He choked out. She dropped him, throat rumbling. "I still don't like you from the great journey." Squirrelflight remarked.

As Crowfeather sat regaining his breath, he stated: "I'd like to think I've changed a fair bit. Haven't you?"

Squirrelflight smiled, thinking for a second before replying: "Perhaps in some ways."

Leafpool called back. "It means she's still very temperamental."

Squirrelflight eyes her sister with a betrayed look of child like anger as Leafpool smiled evily.

"Well... That's good to know... Ow." Crowfeather stood and felt the pain of where the ginger cat hit him. "Thank you for that."

Squirrelflight turned to him once more. "And why are you here?" She meowed.

Crowfeather looked at Leafpool with a pleading gaze, then at the small bundles at her belly. "For them. If there's anything I'll do in this world for my own glory, it will not be missing the chance to see my kits. I hope you understand that."

Leafpool felt her jaw lower, as if to speak unknown words, but she couldn't say anything. She was happy at last, that he may be ready to take the responsibility she wanted from him.

Squirrelflight sighed at Leafpool in wonder, as her sister spoke. "I think we can bear him until we depart for Thunderclan again."

"So be it. Welcome to the group Black Tornado." Squirrelflight smiled sarcastically.

"Black Tornado? How exactly is that an insult?" Crowfeather looked at his paws in confusion.

Squirrelflight glared at him with questioning eyes. "Because no one likes them."

"It'd be interesting to see one though." Crowfeather smirked playfully.

"You are correct. I'll think of something else." Squirrelflight firmly stated. Leafpool called from the den softly. "Leave him be sissy."

"That- Combining those words is against the Warrior Code!" Squirrelflight spoke as her sister grinned again.

Crowfeather awaited his chance to speak as the siblings bickered. "So... On a better note. Have you named them yet?"

Squirrelflight turned him with a twisted expression that read: 'Are you legitimately serious?' She spoke: "You literally arrived as the last bundle knocked his head on the floor!" Leafpool burst into laughter behind her as Crowfeather hung his head and sighed. "That's... That information isn't required."

"For you, all possible information must be relayed for your understanding." Squirrelflight scoffed.

"Alright." Leafpool gave Squirrelflight a more serious look. Reading: 'I think that's enough for now.'

Crowfeather hesitated before pacing up to slow at Leafpool, gazing at the kits. They watched them for a short while before the golden kit shot up and yowled with a rather cute voice, yet strong as his thick fur seemed to fluff up, appearing towering over his siblings.

Crowfeather laughed softly. "His strength reminds me of old Tigerclan legends. Or, I guess Lionclan with his fur. Perhaps that would be his name, could it? Lionkit. Leaf-?" He looked at her questioningly.

Leafpool's expression switched a few times. Fear, excitement, uncertainty, love. "If your words remain true, I won't deny you at least one name." She laughed softly. "I could do that."

Crowfeather smiled, seeing the kit stumble over his sister. Leaf peered over at the silver and blue kit who lay still behind his siblings, obviously wishing all the noise would. Just. Stop. As the black she-kit whined against Lionkit's pummeling paws, the silver and blue kit gave a light sigh and buried his head in his paws.

Leafpool breathed in delight at the sight of her family. "You know, his pelt is something I've never seen before... Like a blue jay. Yes that'll work. He'll be Jaykit." She spoke as she chuckled at the other two fighting still.

Squirrelflight sat silent before Leafpool addressed her softly. She picked her head up questioningly as Leafpool spoke. "Crowfeather named one. So did I. Three cats here for three kits. What about the black one?"

Squirrelflight looked uncertain as Leafpool spoke. "You're my sister, I'd definitely let you name one if I have THREE." She smiled.

Squirrelflight smiled, looking at the black kit, starting to roll over off Lionkit, trying to escape, holding an attitude. She gazed to her side, seeing a black bark tree. Her eyes went to slits looking at it, and back to the kit. "You know, her fur is strikingly simaler to holly bark. That might work. Hollykit."

Crowfeather immediately spoke with dangerous levels of stupidity and sarcasm at Squirrelflight. "Crowkit could work." Leafpool shouldered him hard with a frown that certainly held a hidden smile. Crowfeather laughed as Squirrelflight glared at him with childish rage. "Hollykit it is." Leafpool declared gazing at both of them.

Squirrelflight gazed at the sky lightening. "Day's come. Clan will be searching soon. Best not keep them waiting."

Leafpool sighed looking at Crowfeather as he too felt pain in his heart. But it took no hesitation for him to speak his choice.

Crowfeather sighed deeply. "I guess it comes to this. I- I never could imagine I would wake up and be here in an hour. I can't... Leaf... I would never again ask you to come with me, but perhaps the other way around... I don't care about what others think of me, I cannot leave these kits alone. Not now."

"With me?" Leafpool's expression turned serious and concerned. She sighed as she spoke as though it was rehearsed. "Crow, how? If you came to Thunderclan after all that's happened in our history, I'd be surprised if they didn't kill you. I know the pain I'd feel if I could never spend time with my kits now, and in Windclan It'd be your mind, not mine. And I don't want that for you. But how? And I have no idea what to do now."

"Leaf, I will not go down in history as the father who named his kit, and didn't spend any time with him. Not the father who never tumbled around or had a great night with a child who might be too much for one mother. I would love to be the cat who will survive all accusations and hard stares if just to block my kits from being the one to receive them. And Squirrelflight... I heard what Feathertail said. I would take that responsibility away. Feathertail said they must live in a Clan with a mother and father who will be proud of them, and they will. I did this, I helped make these kits. If I let them grow up without a true father, that's on me."

Before anyone could speak, he lowered his head next to the three kits and spoke softly. "My light is yours, my life, and love. But my pain need not follow. I will hold on to it for you, keep you from the cruel world as long as should be needed. With all the love in my heart and fear in my mind, I welcome you, my kits, into this vast and wonderful world that I love so much, the one with you, gracing it every day. Welcome."

As he finished, Leafpool had fell to tears. Squirrelflight... She may never have heard more beautiful words binding family.

Little conversation passed between the three. But it always ended to one conclusion. Crowfeather spoke: "This is my path. If it is a painful one, that's still my choice, I spent my life on selfish adventures, never understanding how much my life could be valued by the ones who love me, more than myself. I understand now, these kits may claim to feel no fear, claim they understand love, and they swear they'd be safe, but I'll always be there to worry for them. As a father it's my job. I cannot turn away from this. Else I should just jump in the river. I have to do this."

Before anyone could speak once more, Squirrelflight lifted her head in shock. "Where's Hollykit?!"

Crow and Leaf spun around looking for the little she-kit. Crowfeather spotted her stumbling over the branches at the clearing edge, heading towards a fall. "Wait, kit! Stay with those two!" He yelled at Squirrelflight as he darted to the black she kit who had ran and tumbled down a small hill, crying. Crowfeather skidded to a halt by her side, checking her over. He sighed deeply as his heart pounded. She was unharmed. "Why are you out here..." He whispered softly.

"I could ask the same." Came a stern voice that made him freeze. 'Oh no.' He thought. He turned to see Brambleclaw, Dustpelt, and Brightheart. Dustpelt had been the one to have addressed him. Before either three made a move, Crowfeather spoke. "I'm with Squirrelflight and Leafpool, please do not do anything blunt."

Brightheart spoke up threateningly. "Who's kit is that?"

Crowfeather's expression read: 'And how am I going to get out of this?'

"Well..." He began. "Leafpool's. Medicine cat."

As Dustpelt and Brambleclaw exchanged a very questioning glance, Crowfeather finished as Brightheart asked: "The father?..."

"Well if the black fur is any indication... Well... Mine. Mine... And Leafpool's. I'm sure you remember our past."

"Where are they?" Brambleclaw spoke firmly.

Crowfeather singled with his tail up the hill. Brightheart picked up Hollykit as she whined, while Dustpelt motioned for Crowfeather to follow.

As the cleared the hill and the hollowed tree came into sight, Squirrelflight gave a gasp of shock seeing them as Leafpool gave a sigh, half of fear, half of relief seeing Hollykit at Brightheart's paws.

Brambleclaw glanced at Squirrelflight, expression seeming to say calmly: 'What... Is this?' While her's simply read: 'Hello.' As she stood shocked.

Thunderclan Camp.

I'll write more soon. Hopefully the Alternative Universe creator sees it, ha.

#Squirrelflight #Leafpool #Crowfeather #Power of Three AU

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supercasey · 6 years ago

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RvB Warrior Cats AU

I have no excuse for how long this took to post (other than moving houses and getting caught in a blizzard this morning). I know I made a post with this concept several months ago, but I’ve since then rewritten quite a bit of it and added more story ideas, so... go nuts I guess. Putting this under a readmore to spare the rest of my followers.

Blood Gulch Clan / Blood Clan / Gulch Clan Leader: SpiteStar (Church) Last Leader: FlowerStar (Flowers/Florida) Deputy: CrimsonFur (Sarge) Last Deputy: SpiteEyes (Church) Medicine Cat: FixCoat (Doc) Clan Members: TuckTail (Tucker) HeavyHeart (Caboose) CinderStalk (Tex) SpeckleBelly (Simmons) SnailFoot (Grif) RabbitWind (Donut) PoppyFox (Sister) TuckFrost (Junior) Freelancer Clan / Mother Clan Leader: JaggedStar / Leo (The Director) Last Leader: ShadowStar (Allison) Deputy: EchoBurr / Aiden (The Counselor) Last Deputy: JaggedWhisker (The Director) Medicine Cat: None (kinda FlowerCreek???) Clan Members: ThunderSpot (Washington) TinyWhisper (Connecticut) QuickStalk (Carolina) LostEye / Tawnypaw (York) ((He hates his name)) HollowJaw / Quietpaw (Maine) ((Also hates his name)) WindStone (North Dakota) WildStorm (South Dakota) OwlFur (Wyoming) FlowerCreek (Florida) The AI Clan / Alpha Clan Leader: ThistleStar (Sigma) Last Leader: None Deputy: PigeonFeather (Gamma/Gary) Last Deputy: ThistleMask (Sigma) Medicine Cat: MousePatch (Theta) Clan Members: WitShimmer (Epsilon) LizardStrike (Omega/O'Malley) SwiftDapple (Delta) SongLeaf (Eta) SmokeLeaf (Iota) Chorus Clan Leader: BraveStar (Kimball) Last Leader: Shystar (Doyle) Deputy: BadgerHeart (Andersmith) Last Deputy: BraveFlame (Kimball) Medicine Cat: GreyBird (Dr. Grey) Clan Members: CherryPelt (Volleyball) DoeFlight (Jensen) PounceTail (Palomo) BitterFang (Bitters) MinnowLeap (Matthews)

Unaffiliated Cats / Rouges WeaselTuft / Felix (Felix) LocustMist / Locus (Locus) Vic (Vic)

[BASIC BGC PLOT] ((AKA if I write a fic this is gonna be the beginning))

Starts out with Tucktail going on a patrol with Heavyheart, who he ditches in favor of hunting on his own (and maybe to search for any available mates because he's unabashedly horny at all times no matter the AU), only to run into a kittypet named David. They hit it off right away, but unfortunately David's twoleg shows up and nabs him before he can run away. Tucktail relays this to Spitestar, who initially dismiss it as nothing to be concerned about, but Cinderstalk is curious. She corners Tucktail later on and asks more questions, until she discovers that Tucktail unintentionally found Thunderspot, a warrior from her old clan. Cinderstalk then goes into detail with Tucktail about her last "clan", although it was more like a group of rogues. It apparently all fell apart after a few warriors went rouge (no pun intended) and started an internal war that took several cat's lives. Thundersport had been unaccounted for most of the battle, but was hit by a monster on the thunderpath and was taken away by twolegs. After hearing all of this, Tucktail goes back to the twoleg place to help David escape, bringing Spitestar and Heavyheart with him for backup. They manage to save David, and the four of them return to camp to officially welcome him to Blood Gulch Clan (David has a bit of a panic attack when he sees Cinderstalk but he'll be okay).

[THINGS THAT HAPPEN/INFORMATION]

FAMILY SHIT (FOR THE BGC)

- Jaggedstar and Shadowstar are the parents of Quickstalk and Spitestar (Spitekit goes missing as a kit and ends up getting taken in by a rogue). Later on they also have Thunderspot (although they didn't raise Thunderkit, as Shadowstar died not long after birthing him, and Jaggedstar refused to interact with the orphaned kitten). - Flowercreek is Tucktail's father. He’s trans, and arrived at Blood Gulch Clan pregnant and injured from the PFL fight. It’s implied that Owlfur is the other parent. - Crimsonfur is Snailfoot, Poppyfox, Rabbitfoot, Windstone, and Wildstorm’s father (Snailfoot and Poppyfox made up one litter, the others made up the second one). After Windkit, Wildkit, and Rabbitkit were born, Crimsonfur took Rabbitkit back to his clan, as he was the runt of the litter, and raised him himself. - ((Also, both litters are from separate mother's and were born around the same time. Snailfoot and Poppyfox’s mother died giving birth, while Windstone, Wildstorm, and Rabbitfoot’s mother was not affiliated with Crimsonfur’s clan and had no interest in joining it, leading to her eventually agreeing to give up her undesired runt to Crimsonfur to make him go away while she kept the other kits to herself; Crimsonfur laments the fact that he didn't take all of his kits home, but what's done is done)). - The AI aren't related (save for Songleaf and Smokeleaf) but they refer to themselves as brothers and sisters. They act like a fucking cult and it’s Creepy. - Tucktail is trans fIGHT ME. - Flowercreek is also trans and so proud of his fucking son. - Tucktail has had exactly one litter; only one kit was born and that kit grew up to be Tuckfrost. Tucktail loves his son so much, it's ridiculous.

PROJECT FREELANCER ORIGINS LORE

- Long ago, a newly apprenticed Shadowpaw was patrolling her clan’s border by herself, when she came across a young kittypet named Leo. The two play-fought for a little while, but Shadowpaw had to go home, so she promised to come visit him again soon. - This escalated to Leo and Shadowpaw meeting every day, until Shadowpaw convinced Leo to come join her clan. Upon returning home, however, Shadowpaw was scolded by her leader and clanmates for befriending a kittypet, and was given a rather harsh ultimatum; either kill/chase away Leo, or never return. - Stubbornly, Shadowpaw chose Leo over her clan, and together, the twosome left the clan’s territory. - It was incredibly hard at first, as Leo struggled to learn how to hunt and Shadowpaw was still a young apprentice, but the two soon found an abandoned cabin on the edge of the forest. At first, they avoided going inside, but during a storm they grew desperate and took shelter inside. - Finding the cabin truly abandoned, it became their new home. Soon enough, other cats came to live with them, one of which was even Leo’s old housemate; Aiden. - They all soon went to the Moon Stone, and were given warrior names by Starclan. Shadowpaw became Shadowclaw, Leo became Jaggedwhisker, and Aiden became Echoburr (there were other cats but they’re unnamed NPCs so fuck ‘em). - Seeing as they had Starclan’s approval, it soon became clear that they needed to form a fully fledged clan and elect a leader. There was much debate, in which Echoburr insisted that Jaggedwhisker become leader, but Jaggedwhisker denied the offer, deciding that Shadowclaw would be a much better leader. - Again, they went to the Moon Stone, and Shadowclaw was gifted her nine lives, and formally renamed Shadowstar, dubbing her the leader of Motherclan. - Together, Shadowstar, Jaggedwhisker, and Echoburr kept the peace. It’s debatable whether or not they were all each other’s mates (they were), but nonetheless they soon produced their first litter (with Jaggedwhisker sitting in as leader while Shadowstar had her litter). - The first litter was Quickkit and a stillborn. Shadowstar was really broken up about losing a kit, but she still adored her daughter (she also lost a life during the birth). - Soon after, Shadowstar got right back into being leader, even taking Quickkit with her everywhere she went as she went about her clan duties. - By the time Quickkit became Quickpaw, Shadowstar had lost a lot of lives. She’s very headstrong and rebellious, so she ended up leading her clan into a lot of unnecessary fights, leading her to lose several lives. As one last ‘hoorah’, Shadowstar became pregnant a second time, and soon gave birth to Thunderkit and Spitekit. She died during the birth, barely given enough to name Thunderkit before she passed. - Jaggedwhisker ended up naming Spitekit, but in the same breath ordered the kit to be taken into the forest and killed by Echoburr. Feeling sorry for the poor thing, Echoburr took the kit out of the cabin and into the forest, where he quickly ran into a rogue. The rogue commented that Spitekit was adorable, to which Echoburr offered to give him to her. Not passing up the chance, the rogue accepted and adopted Spitekit. - This was the first of several corrupt decisions that Jaggedwhisker- now Jaggedstar- would make. After burying Shadowstar, he gave Thunderkit to one of the queens in his clan, ordering her to never tell the kit who his true parents were. - Quickpaw grew up knowing Thunderkit was her little brother, but was unable to tell him due to her father forbidding it (she never even knew about Spitekit). Still, she became very closely bonded to him, and regardless of her father’s orders, treated him as her younger brother. - Not long after Shadowstar’s death, a young black shecat appeared on Motherclan’s doorstep. At first, the clan cats warned her to run away, as Jaggedstar seemed unhinged, but upon meeting the young cat, Jaggedstar allowed her to join, naming her Cinderpaw. - Quickpaw and Cinderpaw were best friends as apprentices, as both were very similar personality wise. However, Jaggedstar’s clear favoritism for Cinderpaw became more and more blatantly obvious, causing a rift between the two cats. - As if to rub dirt in the wound, at their shared warrior ceremony, Quickpaw and Cinderpaw were named Quickstalk and Cinderstalk. When questioned by his daughter as to why they were given the same name, Jaggedstar claimed it was to “inspire you two to be better”. This led to even more tension between the girls. - ((I’m not gonna get too into Jaggedstar and Cinderstalk’s relationship because it’s… very creepy. He even apprenticed her and had her sleep in his nest some nights because he loved her and Cinderstalk was too intimidated to tell him no)).

PROJECT FREELANCER FIGHT LORE

- After the Freelancer Fight, a lot of things happened: Flowercreek joined Blood Gulch Clan and became Leader soon after, but lost most of his lives quickly as a result of being inexperienced in fighting/hunting due to once being the Freelancer's makeshift medicine cat (he was also considered to be too docile of a leader, leading many to believe his death was staged, although nothing has been proven). - Thunderspot and Tinywhisper were both hit by cars on the Thunderpath and taken to an animal shelter, and while Tinywhisper didn't survive the crash, Thunderspot did, and he was soon adopted by a twoleg and moved to coincidentally live near the forest where Blood Gulch Clan resides. - Quickstalk was thought to have been killed by Hollowjaw, but she secretly escaped and began wandering. Who knows? Maybe we'll see more of her in the future… ;3c - As apprentices, both Losteye and Hollowjaw (at the time named Tawnypaw and Quietpaw) were injured while out hunting, causing them to be renamed after their new injuries/scars. Everyone in the clan was against it, but Jaggedstar was determined to make sure that the two toms never forgot their mistakes. - Losteye, Owlfur, and Cinderstalk all ran into each other after the Freelancer Fight and got into a brawl, ending in Losteye dying while Cinderstalk chased Owlfur into Blood Gulch territory, where he was finished off by the rest of the clan (Tucktail was the one who killed him and had no idea he was his other father). - Windstone and Wildstorm traveled together for a long time, but during a fight with Hollowjaw and the AI Clan, Wildstorm left Windstone to die and attempted to live on her own, but eventually ended up in Blood Gulch territory and got herself killed by a vengeful Thunderspot, who believed her to be responsible for her brother's death. - The whole internal fight in the Freelancer clan is revealed to have been caused by Thistlestar all along, who wanted to seek out power by destroying other clans and taking the strongest warriors left alive. However, he’s later killed in an all-out war between the Blood Gulch Clan and the AI Clan, where he’s struck down and killed by Spitestar (who unfortunately also dies in the fight soon after killing Thistlestar). - Tinywhisper's death was 100% not an accident; she found out what was happening in the clan and had every intention of telling her clanmates. Unfortunately for her, the fight had already begun while she and Thunderspot were out hunting, resulting in them returning from their hunt in the middle of the fight. Before they could help, however, an unknown cat (Witshimmer) took the opportunity to shove both unsuspecting cats onto the thunderpath, just in time for a truck to hit both felines, killing Tinywhisper instantly while Thunderspot was left horrifically scarred by the incident (both physically and mentally. He has panic attacks if he hears a car horn and can't go near the Thunder Path without panicking).

RANDOM LORE

- Tucktail and Thunderspot eventually become mates, but it takes awhile because Tucktail isn't sure how he feels and Thunderspot is afraid to form bonds with other cats (also Tucktail doesn't want to ever be pregnant again and he's worried Thunderspot might want kits. This leads to them talking and agreeing to not have kits together, and just adopt instead if the opportunity comes up (Poppyfox offers to birth them some kits and they may or may not accept her offer)). Then again, they’d probably be fine not having kits. - During the Blood Gulch VS AI fight, Spitestar is killed, leaving the leadership position empty. There's a debate over who should become leader, as Crimsonfur is very old to become leader and was only meant to be Deputy until someone else stepped up to the task (namely Cinderstalk or Tucktail), but no one did (seeing as Cinderstalk is dead at this point, she’s out of the running). They offer it to Thunderspot, but he's very much against the idea. ((I actually can't decide who should be leader. I like the idea of Thunderstar or Tuckstar, but I dunno. Maybe just go with Crimsonstar??? Fuck))

CHORUS CLAN LORE

- Chorus Clan is a motherfucking Mess. It was formed by a bunch of rouge's that couldn't agree on a leader, leading to a full on war. The survivor's agreed to a truce, and the oldest survivor- Shyshiver- became the leader, dubbing the most capable warrior- Braveflame- as his deputy. - Seeing as Literally No One had any idea what to do (Shystar never even got his nine lives) the leader made a tough decision and agreed to house two rogues in the clan. In exchange, the rogues would train apprentices and help them get started. - This led to betrayal, as the rouges assassinated Shystar in the night. No one knew it was them at first, and Braveflame became Bravestar. - Bravestar immediately began trying to investigate into the death of her old leader, leading her to get help from Blood Gulch's clan cats, who offered to assist after being rescued. - (I'm thinking the BGC deals with some kind of disaster, like twolegs invading their territory, requiring them to leave. The few that managed to outrun the twolegs settle in Chorus Clan for awhile. This also takes place directly after the AI fight, meaning Spitestar is dead and there's no new leader yet). - Tucktail, Heavyheart, Specklebelly, and Snailfoot agree to apprentice Badgerpaw (Badgerheart), Doepaw (Doeflight), Cherrypaw (Cherrypelt), Pouncepaw (Pouncetail), Bitterpaw (Bitterfang), and Minnowpaw (Minnowleap). They’re also the ones to suggest their warrior names, as Bravestar thought it appropriate that they help. - Tucktail and Pouncepaw do NOT get along, at least on Tucktail's end. Tucktail is constantly reminded of his own terrible behavior as an apprentice, and he hates how clingy Pouncepaw is. It doesn't help that he feels responsible for two other apprentices dying (the kids who died in season 12). - Specklebelly is scared shitless of his apprentices, as they're both girls and he's nervous around them (his mother was rather abusive and he's low-key scared of shecats because of it). They're both patient though and Doepaw even starts seeing Specklebelly almost as her father. - Snailfoot is kind of neglectful with his apprentices’ training, having them just practice stalking and hunting instead of actually teaching them to fight. This actually ends up working out, as Bitterpaw and Minnowpaw both end up being excellent hunters and teach the others how to set up a proper ambush. - Heavyheart is… trying??? He's never been trusted to apprentice a cat before (neither has anyone else but whatever) and he keeps unintentionally seeing Badgerpaw as being his “new Spitestar”, which makes things semi awkward. This eventually gets resolved, with Badgerpaw sitting and talking Heavyheart through his grief. - Specklebelly and Snailfoot low-key see their apprentices as “the kits they never got to have together”. This even leads to Bitterfang and Doeflight jokingly (and sometimes honestly) referring to each other as “bro” and “sis”. - Bitterfang and Minnowleap are from the same litter. Their mother died when they were kits, and Bitterfang became very protective of Minnowleap, as he was very fragile as a kit. - Doeflight and Cherrypelt are also related, being sisters from the same litter. As kits, their father abandoned the clan, taking their other littermate (a tom) with him. The sisters are incredibly close, although they're very different personality wise. - Despite more or less losing both of his brothers on the same day, Pouncepaw acts laid back and unaffected. This leads to Tucktail sitting with him and getting the kid to open up about his grief, also leading Tucktail and Pouncepaw to mature. - Throughout all of this, the BGC keeps trying to discuss who should be leader. Seeing as Crimsonfur, Thunderspot, and Rabbitwind are missing (taken by twolegs), it's unclear who should be leader, as Crimsonfur was deputy (but he's old) and Thunderspot was the most experienced. - ((BTW, Poppyfox and Tuckfrost have both gone off on their own at this point. Poppyfox goes between wanting to be a kittypet to escape the warrior lifestyle and living as a rogue. Tuckfrost has been chosen as a “prophecy cat” and has been on a quest concerning his destiny, although he longs to return home and reunite with his father.)) - Everyone is of the opinion that Tucktail should become leader (Specklebelly argues that it should be Crimsonfur until Snailfoot convinces him to give up), but Tucktail refuses to, as he believes Thunderspot is the only sane choice. - After much deliberation (and a lot of bullshit) Tucktail finally agrees to go get his nine lives. - Accompanied by Fixcoat and his Chorus Clan apprentice (a way too excited Graypaw), Tucktail visits the Moon Pool and gets his nine lives from Starclan. - While he gets to see Spitestar (they have a tearful reunion), Tucktail can't find Thunderspot anywhere (he was scared that he had died during the twoleg attack). While he's relieved that Thunderspot isn't dead, he's now afraid that he'll never see him again, at least until Thunderspot passes away and joins Starclan. - Right after getting his nine lives and becoming Tuckstar, the new leader is given a prophecy by a puny cat he doesn’t recognize (Tinywhisper), who tells him “When the traitors are revealed and the river runs red with blood, only then will lightning strike, and the lost will return to where it all started”.

((I don’t have much else and for that I’m sorry, but I’ve become invested in this AU. Feel free to hit me up with ideas/questions, and I’ll do my best to respond!))

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kattimariias · 6 years ago

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heres my lengthy wc au that is loosely based off of sonic forces. theres a few details missing bc i was getting bored of typing jdhgfg

- Medicine Cats are allowed to have kits, as long as there's another or a Medicine Cat Apprentice around - Cinderpelt is still living, hence why Leafpool was able to have The Three with no consecquences - No one knows who The Three's dad is, but nobody really cares either since that's info moms can withhold - Hollyleaf is a Medicine Cat, while Lionblaze and Jayfeather are warriors...mainly because I always thought her name would fit a Medicine Cat :P. She knows basic combat however, since that's also a thing Medicine Cats learn in this verse - Lionblaze is a trans molly at some point, Heathertail helped her discover this. Mothwing AU reference I just decided to throw in - Dark Forest cats are manifistations of ones negative feelings, the more severe they get the more they can invade the living world, and spread that ability to others that are there. While the Clan cats are able to fight them off well, Ashfur, Sol and later Hollyleaf give them too much ammo - The Three's powers are a bit different; Lionblaze is merely just super strong and agile, not outright invincible. Jayfeather can still sense ones emotions and basically invade ones dreams, and Hollyleaf is able to sense morality. She can tell someone's intentions and overall viewpoint of the world from a glance. I need to think of weaknesses for all of them asfdgh - The Three are also still reincarnations, but also reoccuring ones like how She-Ra/The Avatar works. Their previous incarnations were in previous arcs beforehand, but died towards the end of arc 2 - Some Spirits seem to have enough power to reincarnate, the original Three's Spirits having that sort. However, some may have trouble doing so, and these usually are forgotten about - Oh and Spirits can't fade, so StarClan and the Dark Forest are fuckin packed. They're still big and endless enough though - There's also Spirits that just. kinda hang in the living world - There's like one name change here and that's Brambleclaw. hes Brambleflower now - Brambleflower and Squirrelflight are still mates by the end of Po3, cause there really isn't any reason to split them this time - Ships in this in general: FireSand, BrightCloud, SquirrelBramble, LionCinder, JayKestrel, HollyWillow, IvyBlossom, DoveBriar - Also Brightheart is deputy. That's a reoccuring theme with most AUs I have alongside Brambleflower and the Medicine Cat thing, but yeah - Ashfur had a crush on Brambleflower, but his already bad emotional problems causes him to slowly break after he gets rejected. Upon getting a surprisingly close friendship with Hawkfrost, however, he decides to get with him and move on. Then once Brambleflower kills Hawkfrost, he discreetly plots revenge and helps the Dark Forest invade the living world. When he dies, he goes to the Dark Forest specifically for Hawkfrost, disregarding redemption - Cinderheart obviously is not a reincarnation, she's just named after Cinderpelt due to how much they resemble each other - Jayfeather's stick is just a comfort item - Sol initially led a group of rogues, taking in any form of power they could get. He presumebly had some ability of future telling, which took the interest of rising Dark Forest cats. Tigerstar recruited him, but secretly killed the other members so he could further convince Sol to join his side...and he did - StarClan cats finally manage to find the lost two Spirits, the ones that were apart of The Four but struggled to reincarnate; so they faded away from sight. They are then granted more strength to be given new life, leading to the birth of Dovekit and The Fourth - They also watch over Hollyleaf, trying their best to guide her in the right direction. She does gain a new friend, a Spirit named Fallen Leaves, who also helps her realize she is not evil for what she has done, and that she can still redeem herself - Dovepaw still has her super senses, though this tends to give her sensory overload - Her powers make her popular among other Apprentices, leaving Ivypaw to feel incredibly left out and vulnerable to Dark Forest Spirits. She's also really bad at communicating her issues due to being so closed off, which leads her mind to be taken over by mysterious cats - She becomes a spy for the Dark Forest, while Dovepaw becomes concerned for her sister and overwhelmed by how much responsibility she has - As time passes, Lionblaze basically becomes Dovewing's older sister figure, much to the latter's happiness since her own sister seems to have left her - Everyone questions Ivypaw's distance, to which she reveals what side she truly is now on. As she says, the Dark Forest makes her feel like she has a sense of purpose in life, one she couldn't gain with the Clans. Refusing to listen, she leaves and stays in the Dark Forest for good in her eyes, and becomes Ivypool - While everyone feels betrayed, Ivypool's family is hit the most. Whitewing and Birchfall can't get over their kit becoming evil, while Dovepaw just feels..numb about it. Briarpaw comforts her - After Dovepaw and Briarpaw gain their Warrior, the tree incident happens. Briarlight is paralyzed from the waist down, and she stays in the Medicine Cat den for a bit so they can help her get used to it. She returns, mainly doing patrol duties since it's the easiest for her, cause she's constantly doing a handstand - In turn, Dovewing comforts Briarlight and helps with tramua that lingers after the incident - There's also a bit of Tigerheart and Bumblestripe trying to be mates with Dovewing, but she grows tired of them and tries pushing it all aside to focus more on herself - Sol, after cryptically appearing a few times, finally makes a grand entry and presumebly kills Lionblaze. Dark Forest Spirits start to full on invade the living world, and every cat in the forest bands up with each other to bring things back to normal - Lionblaze is still alive, but was briefly captured by the Dark Forest. She manages to escape, but finds herself nearby a city miles away from home - StarClan, knowing of the dire times, finally full on alerts about The Fourth's existence, sending Dovewing and Jayfeather to go find them. As it turns out, they're an infamous kittypet around the neighborhood due to their powers - The Fourth is recruited and taken in as an Apprentice, being heavily supported by Firestar due to sharing similar experiences - When some cats report seeing Lionblaze, The Fourth is recruited to go locate her. When they find her, they almost drown in frozen water after instinctly running towards her in excitement (they have been already told amazing things abouther). Lionblaze appreciates the love, but warns them to be more careful - Hollyleaf at some point returns, reuniting with her mate Willowshine. While some cats aren't fully trusting of her after what she did, her family wholeheartedly accepts her - There's also another point where Hawkfrost starts to feel pushed away by his dad, which leads to a slowburn redemption that causes Ashfur to calm the fuck down - I haven't thought much what happens inbetween, but towards the end has one big final showdown between the Clans, Rogues, Loners, a few Kittypets, and the Dark Forest - Hollyleaf almost dies, but Leafpool sacrifices herself for her - Firestar and Tigerstar have one, very long fight with each other. Both of them grow tired (Tigerstar may be a Spirit, but his form can still weaken), and after Firestar lands the final blow on Tigerstar, he lets himself get consumed by flames since he only has one life left after all - Hawkfrost, Ivypool, and Ashfur fully redeem themselves, allowing the mates to move on to StarClan while Ivypool returns to ThunderClan to reconile with her sister - Dovewing doesn't instantly forgive her, but is happy to see her sister back - Sol and The Fourth have a lengthy fight as well, with Sol ending up being defeated. The Fourth almost kills him, but they don't have the heart to do so. They discreetly take them back to ThunderClan camp - In the end, the living wins as Dark Forest Spirits are weakened and go back to barely being able to interact with others - Brightheart becomes Brightstar, Squirrelflight being her deputy, Hollyleaf is appointed Medicine Cat, Sol is allowed to stay in ThunderClan and be given a chance as The Fourth requested, and Ferncloud is still alive - The Fourth looks at the sunset while Lionblaze gives a small speech to her. Talking about limitless potential in life, and how you don't really need to restrict yourself. She then lets them choose what they want, to continue living in the Clans and help Sol as they wanted, or return to their kittypet life. They almost choose the former, knowing there's so much they left for a long time...but they kept a promise to Sol, and they feel more intuned to Clan life. So, they hurry back, and are given a Warrior name

#warrior cats #wc forces au #long post

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need1etail · 6 years ago

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Chapter Nine

“I don’t care what you say!” Sandstorm hissed. “I’m going on this quest, and that’s final!”

“It’s out of the question!” Squirrelflight snapped back at her, her green eyes blazing with anger. “Bramblestar asked you here to tell Alderpaw about how to get to SkyClan. He never intended for you to go with him.”

Alderpaw shifted from paw to paw on the sandy floor of Bramblestar’s den, nervous as the two cats yelled at each other. After his mother found out her mate was keeping secrets from her, she instantly dragged the truth of SkyClan out of him, playing the “You were upset with me about the Three not being our kits, now you’re just being a hypocrite” card on him. The ginger she-cat seemed upset with her mother and father for not telling her about the lost Clan, but she didn’t say anything about it. It was the day after his father had told him that he must go on the quest, but so far no decisions had been made about which cats would accompany him.

And it doesn’t look like I’ll be leaving anytime soon, not if mom and Sandstorm keep on arguing. He had always believed the mother and daughter got along well together. Now they looked furious enough to claw each other’s pelts off.

Sandstorm glared hard at Alderpaw’s mother. “You may be the Clan deputy, but you’re acting like a mouse-brained apprentice.” Her neck fur was bristling. Bramblestar looked uncomfortable as Alderpaw felt. “I’m the only—”

“Enough!” Squirrelflight lashed her tail. “Mother, you’re an elder, and I’m the deputy. You’ve made your contribution to our Clan, and it’s been a magnificent contribution, it really has. Now you deserve to have the rest of us take care of you. I want you safe in camp, not traipsing about in unknown territory.” Her eyes seemed to soften ever so slightly, but she kept her gaze hard. “I’m not losing my son and my mother on the same journey.”

“That’s exactly the point.” Sandstorm’s voice grew quieter, the words forced through clenched teeth. Alderpaw was glad she wasn’t glaring at him like she was glaring at her daughter and Bramblestar. “I’m the only living cat who has any idea how to find SkyClan’s camp. And I’m the only one who has met the cats of SkyClan before. They’re more likely to accept me than cats they’ve never laid eyes on.”

As she spoke, the anger in Squirrelflight’s face was fading, replaced with a thoughtful expression. “I understand,” she began in an uncertain voice, “but elders don’t—”

She broke off at the sound of paw steps approaching up the tumbled rocks. Alderpaw turned to see Cloudtail, Firestar’s nephew, at the entrance to the den. Bramblestar, Squirrelflight, and Sandstorm exchanged a swift glance, and Alderpaw realized that Cloudtail didn’t know about SkyClan either, even though he was related to the tom who found it.

“All the hunting patrols have gone out,” he reported. “I don’t know why Squirrelflight couldn’t ht have done it, though. I just wanted to ask if you’ve figured out which warriors you’ve chosen to go with Alderpaw. He’ll need a strong group of cats. I’m sure you don’t want him to be alone on this dangerous journey.”

“I will be going with him,” Sandstorm announced, before Squirrelflight or Bramblestar could reply.

Her green eyes flashed with triumph when Bramblestar reluctantly dipped his head in agreement, but Squirrelflight’’s expression twisted into fury and horror.

“You can’t!” she hissed. “I won’t allow it. This quest is far too dangerous for an apprentice, let alone an elder. I couldn’t bear having both of you leave.” Cloudtail looked as if he was sorry he asked.

Dangerous? Alderpaw thought, feeling even more nervous than before.

“Squirrelflight, it will be fine,” Sandstorm huffed. “I may be old, but I’m still strong. And Alderpaw will be in a lot less danger if I go with him.”

“I hate to admit it, but she’s right,” Bramblestar agreed.

Squirrelflight glanced sharply from her mother to Bramblestar and back again, her green eyes glittering with anger. She sniffed and turned away. “This is a terrible idea,” she hissed.

“You have to trust me,” Sandstorm told her, stepping closer to her daughter.

A few tense heartbeats passed between the mother and daughter while Squirrelflight held Sandstorm’s green gaze. Then she sighed, her tail drooping. “I suppose I do.”

Without further argument, Bramblestar led the way out of the den and onto the Highledge. Squirrelflight stayed by his side, while Sandstorm, Alderpaw, and Cloudtail picked their way down the tumbled rocks to the floor of the camp.

“Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey join here beneath the Highledge for a Clan meeting,” Bramblestar called.

All the cats in the clearing turned toward the Highledge. Leafpool and Dovewing coaxed Briarlight from the medicine cat den, and sat side by side in front of the bramble screen. Lilyheart and Daisy appeared from the nursery and settled themselves near the entrance while Lilyheart’s kits play wrestled next to them. Brightheart, Whitewing, and Ivypool slid out from the warriors’ den and took their places at the foot of the rock wall.

Purdy broke off a story he was telling Snowbush, Ambersky, and Dewnose. “I’ll finish the rest later,” he promised as he padded off to flop down beside Graystripe, Millie, and Brackenfur near the elders’ den.

Alderpaw looked around for Sparkpaw and spotted her emerging from the thorn tunnel with Rosepetal and Toadstep. She’s hardly limping at all, he told himself with a burst of pride. I did a good job. All three cats were loaded with prey; they bounded across the camp to drop it on the fresh-kill pile, then joined their Clanmates to listen to Bramblestar.

“Cats of ThunderClan,” their leader began, “I have important news. Alderpaw has had a vision about the prophecy from StarClan. We think that it will help us find what will ‘clear the sky’, and so he must go on a quest to find the place he saw in his dream. Because Sandstorm knows about some of what of he saw in the vision, she will be going with him.”

Murmurs of amazement rose from the assembled cats at Bramblestar’s words, and they exchanged glances alive with curiosity. Alderpaw thought that Graystripe and Millie looked especially shocked that Sandstorm would be part of the quest.

“Why Alderpaw, and not Leafpool, or even one of the other Clans?” asked Berrynose.

Leafpool spoke up from her place in front of her den. “Alderpaw is a medicine cat, Berrynose, and you know that as well as I do. As for why StarClan chose him . . .” She shrugged. “StarClan has their reasons.”

“More important, why Sandstorm?” Brightheart asked with an affectionate glance at the pale ginger she-cat. “She’s an elder; she’s earned her rest.”

“Because I was afraid she would claw my ears off if I forbade her from going,” Bramblestar responded with a hint of amusement in his tone. Alderpaw giggled under his paw.

“And I would have,” Sandstorm muttered.

“There are reasons why I believe Sandstorm is vital to the quest,” Bramblestar went on. “Now all that’s left is to choose warriors to join the group.”

Several enthusiastic yowls greeted his words.

“I’ll go!”

“Let me!”

Sparkpaw scampered Alderpaw and pressed herself against his side, her eyes shining. “I’ll come and help you!” she mewed.

“Oh, thank you!” Alderpaw responded, his relief at the thought of having his sister with him flooding over him.

Then he noticed that Bramblestar and Squirrelflight, up on the Highledge, were exchanging hesitant glances. Rosepetal, who had followed her apprentice, shook her head sternly. “Bramblestar decides who will go,” she told Sparkpaw. “And he’s not likely to choose his own daughter for a quest like this.”

Shaken, Alderpaw gazed up at Bramblestar. “Please,” he begged desperately, “can’t Sparkpaw come?”

Bramblestar paused, clearly torn, while Squirrelflight leaned closer to him and murmured something into his ear. She looked horrified at the thought of both her kits risking themselves on this quest.

The Clan leader and his mate and deputy spoke together quietly for a few heartbeats. Then Bramblestar turned back to the cats in the clearing. “Very well,” he meowed. “Sparkpaw may go with you. And in that case,” he added, raising his voice to be heard about Sparkpaw’s squeals of triumph, “Rosepetal and Toadstep will join the group as well.”

The two cats exchanged excited glances.

Before Bramblestar spoke again, Jayflight stepped up. “I want to come as well,” he meowed. “I know enough about medicine to help Alderpaw out if he gets stuck. Leafpool can’t help him.”

Berrynose, who sat beside him, looked horrified, and uncertain whispers rose from the Clan. Lionblaze ran over to his brother, his eyes shining. “If Jay’s going, I’m coming too!” he called.

Bramblestar opened his mouth to protest, but Jayflight cut him off. “There’s nothing you can say to change my mind,” he meowed in a firm tone. “I’m going whether you like it or not.”

Bramblestar sighed and shook his head. “Fine,” he meowed. “You and Lionblaze may go.”

Squirrelflight let out a huff. “I’m not just losing my mother and son now,” she grumbled. “I’m losing all my kits.”

“You leave at dawn tomorrow,” Bramblestar finished, brushing his tail down Squirrelflight’s flank. “And may StarClan light your path.”

“Alderpaw! Come on! Wake up!”

Sparkpaw’s voice seemed to come from a long way away. Alderpaw opened his eyes, blinked blearily, and made out her face right next to his, her green eyes gleaming in the shadow of their den.

“Wake up!” she repeated, prodding him hard in the side. “It’s time to go. This is your quest mouse-brain, and you’re still asleep.”

Alderpaw stretched his jaws into a massive yawn and staggered to his paws. He had lain awake for so long the night before, thinking about the quest, that it felt as if he had only been sleeping for a heartbeat.

Following Sparkpaw, he scrambled through the ferns that shaded the apprentices’ den and headed out into the clearing, holding his head and tail high to hide out nervous he felt.

The dawn air was damp and chilly, striking deep into Alderpaw’s fur. Above his head the sky was washed with the pale light of dawn, and a faint breeze was rustling the trees on top of the hollow.

It seemed to Alderpaw that the whole of ThunderClan was out in the clearing, most of them clustering around the medicine den. Their excited murmurs sounded like the buzzing of a whole colony of bees.

Alderpaw and Sparkpaw pushed their way through the crowd to join Leafpool outside her den. Rosepetal, Toadstep, Lionblaze, and Sandstorm were already waiting there, and Leafpool was distributing small leaf wraps of herbs to them.

“There you are!” Jayflight mewed to the two apprentices as he pushed through the crowds. Alderpaw purred at the friendly tone in his cousin’s voice. “I’ve been looking for you two all morning. Let’s get some traveling herbs from Leafpool.”

Leafpool set down three more leaf wraps in front of Alderpaw, Sparkpaw, and Jayflight. Alderpaw delicately separated the herbs with one paw, studying them carefully.

“That’s sorrel to quench your thirst,” Jayflight identified the herbs, sounding like Alderpaw’s mentor. “Daisy to keep your joins supple and—” He broke off, then added, “I guess Leafpool has already taught you all of this.” His voice sounded melancholy for a moment before he cleared his throat. “You’re growing up fast. And you’re really good at learning your herbs.”

“Chamomile to ease tiredness, and burnet for strength.” Alderpaw named and described the other two herbs in the mixture. He was happy at Jayflight’s praise. He’s been treating me differently since him and Leafpool talked to Bramblestar about my vision, he reflected. It’s almost as if he thinks that there’s more to the quest the quest than he knows about, and he believes I know the truth. He suppressed a shiver. And, of course, I do know.

Jayflight nodded Alderpaw’s accurate description. “Good. You and Leafpool will give these herbs to every cat who needs to travel. They’ll keep you going even if you don’t have a chance to hunt.”

“They taste weird,” Sparkpaw commented as she licked up her share.

Jayflight didn’t say anything to her, keeping his blind gaze locked on Alderpaw. “I swear to StarClan, if you get killed on this journey, I’ll find your spirit and cuff you over the head until your ears fall off,” he hissed, making Alderpaw laugh. “If anything does happen . . . I’d miss you around the camp.”

Alderpaw purred and nodded. “I promise I won’t do anything mouse-brained,” he meowed. He stepped forward and affectionately nuzzled his cousin’s chest with his head. “I’m glad you’re coming on this quest with us, big brother.”

Jayflight purred and pressed his nose against Alderpaw’s head. “I’d do anything to keep you safe, Alder,” he murmured. “Now finish those herbs before Sparkpaw accidentally eats them.” He got to his paws and sat next to Lionblaze, who gave him an affectionate nudge, nearly making the small tom fall over.

“Just like old times, eh, Jay?” Lionblaze purred. “Me, you, and Holly on a big journey together. Except . . .” He cut himself off, the happy shine in his eyes dimming slightly.

“Yeah,” Jayflight murmured.

Alderpaw’s heart ached for his cousins as he began eating his share of herbs. As he did, he noticed Bramblestar had appeared and had drawn Sandstorm away from the other questing cats. The two of them were having a quiet conversation, their expressions serious. Alderpaw caught a few words.

“If this secret gets out, it could be devastating for the Clans,” Bramblestar meowed.

“That’s nonsense; StarClan gave Alderpaw this vision . . .” Sandstorm began. Alderpaw lost the rest of what she said as the cats moved away.

Uneasiness stirred in Alderpaw’s belly. This was about his quest, and yet there was so much about it that he didn’t understand. And suppose I give away the secret about SkyClan? I wouldn’t mean to but . . . What would happen then? He heaved a massive sigh. At least Sandstorm is coming with us, and she can advise me.

At last Bramblestar stepped back from Sandstorm with a nod of agreement, and he bounded across the camp to climb up to the Highledge.

Sandstorm padded over to Alderpaw and rubbed her cheek against his, her green eyes shining with pride in him. “You look worried,” she murmured.

“I heard part of what you and Bramblestar were saying,” Alderpaw confessed. “It sounds like he doesn’t trust me.”

“Nonsense!” Sandstorm responded. “It’s not that Bramblestar doesn’t want you to know about SkyClan; he doesn’t want any cat to now. He was upset about Squirrelflight dragging it out of him. It’s not his feelings about you. It’s his guilt about what the four Clans allowed to happen to SkyClan.”

But that was seasons and seasons before Bramblestar was born, Alderpaw thought. Why should he feel bad about it? It wasn’t his fault.

“I’m not sure I understand,” he mewed.

“Maybe you will in time,” Sandstorm responded.

Alderpaw dipped his head respectfully. “Thank you, Sandstorm. I’m glad you’re coming with us.”

“Cats of ThunderClan!” Bramblestar called from the Highledge. “Alderpaw has had an important vision—and this vision is to set him off on a quest that, I predict will prove as important to our Clan as the one that Dovewing undertook as an apprentice, when the drought came and she saved our lake.” Dovewing raised her tail in pride and Briarlight nudged her, her eyes gleaming with pride.

Alderpaw was aware of every cat turning to stare at him. He was startled to see the respect and admiration in their eyes. He ducked his head in embarrassment and stared at his paws. I really don’t deserve this.

“The medicine cats’ prophecy told us that unless we embrace what we find in the shadows, the sky will never clear, Alderpaw’s vision gives us hope that the cats of ThunderClan can find what lies in the shadows, and if so, then our Clan will prosper.”

The whole of ThunderClan erupted into enthusiastic yowling. “Alderpaw! Alderpaw!”

Alderpaw froze, almost wishing that a big owl would swoop down and carry him off. Then Sparkpaw gave him a nudge. “Come on, slow mole!” she meowed, giving him an affectionate glance. “It’s time to go.”

Alderpaw straightened, bracing himself. “I’m glad you’re with me, Sparkpaw,” he murmured.

To his relief, Sandstorm took the lead as he and the other questing cats headed for the thorn tunnel. The rest of ThunderClan padded along with them, calling out their good wishes.

“Best of luck, Alderpaw!”

“Keep safe!”

“May StarClan light your path!”

At the last moment, before Alderpaw and Sparkpaw stepped into the tunnel, Squirrelflight bounded up to them. Alderpaw saw fear mixed with slight anger in her eyes, and her voice was brisk as she meowed, “Don’t you dare get yourselves! Every hair on your pelt better be in tact by the time you get back. I want to hear all about your journey.”

“We’ll be careful,” Alderpaw promised.

“I’ll look after them, mom,” Lionblaze meowed, pressing against his mother and licking her head. Alderpaw stifled a laugh when he saw how much bigger Lionblaze was than their mother.

Squirrelflight touched noses with each of her kits, then took a pace back. Alderpaw’s heart suddenly ached as he thought about leaving his mother and father. He suddenly wished he could stay here with his parents, and Aunt Leafpool, and Daisy, and Lilyheart, and the kits. He rushed forward and hugged her tightly, nuzzling her. “I’ll be back before you can say mouse, don’t worry momma,” he murmured, hearing her chuckle sadly and lick his ear. He pulled away and was aware of her gaze on him until he headed into the tunnel.

This is it! The quest has really begun!

The sun was rising as Alderpaw’s group headed through the forest toward the lake, strong rays of sunlight striking through the trees and making patterns on the forest floor. Alderpaw remembered how vast and frightening the territory had seemed when he first left the camp. Now he found it familiar and safe.

“How long will this quest take?” Sparkpaw asked, bouncing along his side. “Where’s the place you saw? I want to know more about your dream—oh sorry, your vision!”

“I have no idea where the place is, or how far it is,” Alderpaw replied, felling a prickle in his pelt at his littermate’s questions. “And I can’t really talk about it. It’s medicine cat stuff.”

“Oh come on you can tell me. Were there cats in you vision? What did they look like? What did they say?” she persisted, her green eyes sparkling eagerly.

Alderpaw’s nervousness increased under the flood of questions. He wished he could tell the truth to other cats; it felt really awkward having to lie. Especially to Sparkpaw. I’ve never kept secrets from her before.

He staggered sideways as Sparkpaw gave him a hard prod in the side. “What’s wrong with you?” she asked, her voice cross. “I’m only trying to help. I want to find what lies in the shadows and save ThunderClan. So how do you know your vision’s got something to do with the prophecy? Huh?”

“Sparkpaw, leave Alderpaw alone,” Jayflight hissed, sending a sharp glare her way. “This is medicine cat business.”

Sparkpaw glared back. “Then why do you get to know? You’re no medicine cat,” she grumbled.

Jayflight’s ears flattened and his neck fur bristled.

“That’s enough, Sparkpaw,” Sandstorm snapped.

Sparkpaw glared at the two of them for a couple of heartbeats, then shrugged, relaxing. “Okay. I’ll find out soon enough, anyway.” She bounded over to Rosepetal, who had moved into the lead. “What do you think?” she asked her mentor. “What does Alderpaw’s vision mean?”

Alderpaw let out a sigh of relief. He was glad that Sparkpaw hadn’t been cowed by Jayflight’s scolding. He felt bad enough for hiding things from her without getting her into trouble as well.

“I’d answer that better if I knew what the vision was,” Rosepetal replied patiently.

“Wouldn’t we all?” Sparkpaw responded, flicking a glance at her brother. “But you must have some ideas, Rosepetal. What do you think we’ll find at the end of the quest?”

“What we need to, I guess,” Rosepetal mewed. Alderpaw wished he had her patience. If he were in her paws, he wouldn’t be able to keep up with all of Sparkpaw’s questions.

“Something that will help clear the sky,” Toadstep added, a hint of excitement in his voice. “Whatever that means?”

“I think it might mean we find some new hunting grounds,” Sparkpaw announced. “I hope it does. Then we—”

She broke off as they came to the edge of a clearing where a squirrel was sitting upright among the grass, nibbling at a seed held in its front paws. Sparkpaw darted off, her tail flowing behind her.

But the squirrel was too fast even for her. Spotting her at once, it raced for the nearest tree, swarmed up the trunk, and vanished into the branches. A few leaves drifted down around Sparkpaw, who stood looking up with a frustrated look on her face.

“We all know you’re a quick learner,” Rosepetal teased as Sparkpaw returned to the group with her tail drooping. “But do we really need a new hunting ground already? It seems you still have something to learn the one we have.” She suppressed a mrrow of laughter.

Sparkpaw didn’t respond, only giving her chest fur a few furious licks to cover up her embarrassment.

For a moment Alderpaw felt bad for her. He knew exactly how it felt to lose prey.

“Well, I think we should stop and hunt for a while,” Sparkpaw meowed. “There’s loads of prey here, and who knows how much there’ll be once we’ve left our territory?”

“No, I think we should keep going and hunt later,” Alderpaw objected. He guessed that Sparkpaw just wanted another chance to prove what an awesome hunter she was. “We have a long way to go.”

“And Thunderpaths to cross,” Sandstorm added. “Graystripe helped me work out a route so that we don’t have to cross the mountains, but it means more danger from Twolegs and monsters.”

“Huh, Thunderpaths!” Sparkpaw sniffed in a dismissive tone. “Purdy told me all about them. They’re no big deal.”

“No big deal?” Sandstorm’s neck fur began to bristle. “Are you mouse-brained? Cats have died on Thunderpaths. Haven’t you heard the story about Cinderpelt?”

“Well, I think we ought to hunt now,” Sparkpaw retorted, ignoring her grandmother and bristling in turn. “Last time I checked, we can’t fill up on herbs and bits of chewed-up bark!”

Alderpaw lashed his tail in frustration. I’m supposed to be in charge, but Sparkpaw still thinks she can boss me around. And she’s arguing with an elder!

He drew his lips back and glared at his sister, ready to snap at her. But Jayflight stepped in front of him, his eyes narrow as she stared hard at the apprentice.

“I’ve had enough of your bickering, Sparkpaw. You may bother be young cats in training, but this is Alderpaw’s quest and Alderpaw’s vision. You need to listen to him. He’s right. We should continue on, not stop and hunt before we’ve even left our territory. So shut your trap and be glad that Leafpool and Alderpaw gave you that ‘chewed-up bark’.”

Sparkpaw ducked her head, her tail drooping. Alderpaw could see a hint of anger and defiance in her eyes. “Fine,” she muttered. “I’m sorry, Alderpaw.”

Alderpaw puffed out his chest, pleased that his cousin had backed him up and announced that he was the leader. All the same, he didn’t like to see his sister miserable. As they set out again, he brushed his tail along her side. “It’s okay,” he whispered.

They emerged from the trees on the lakeshore not far from the stream that marked the border with WindClan. Alderpaw had been this way before, when they’d gone to the Gathering, and he felt quite confident as he splashed through the shallow water and led the way alongside the lake.

With his Clanmates clustered closely around him, Alderpaw glanced up to see if any of the long-limbed WindClan cats were in sight, but nothing moved on the bare hillside.

“Good,” Jayflight sniffed. “They’ve been so on edge lately, they’d probably try to send us home after they found out about the quest. Plus, they’d probably start rumors if they saw us. Mouse-brains. Mudstar needs to get a better grip on his warriors.”

Lionblaze shrugged. “It seems that he’s trying. Maybe those rogues he mentioned are still bugging them.”

Jayflight shrugged and Rosepetal nodded. “They might even follow us. Come on, Alderpaw, pick up the pace a bit.”

Alderpaw sped up into a fast lope along the pebbly lakeshore, and his Clanmates followed him until they reached the WindClan border near the horseplace. Now and again, he cast swift glances at the moor, and once he thought he saw a flicker of movement among some gorse bushes, but no cat emerged to challenge them.

When they crossed the border and stood near the horseplace, Alderpaw halted. He felt a fluttering in his belly. “You’d better lead now, Sandstorm,” he meowed. “You’re the oldest one of us who’s been this way before.”

Sandstorm nodded. “We have to climb the ridge,” she responded, pointing upward with her tail to where a steep hill, dotted her and there with thickets of trees, led to a bare ridge, many fox-lengths above their head. “I’ll never forget the night we arrived here,” she murmured, her green eyes deep with memory. “We climbed that ridge from the other side and we had no idea where StarClan was leading us. Then we reached the top and saw the lake, and the spirits of our warrior ancestors reflected in the water.” She sighed. “It was one of the most wonderful nights of my life.”

She paused for a moment, then gave her pelt a shake. “Let’s go.”

Alderpaw and the others followed Sandstorm on the tough climb up the ridge. She led them past the clustered Twoleg dens of horseplace, then alongside a fence made of some shiny Twoleg stuff.

“Look!” Sparkpaw whispered to Alderpaw “Horses!”

Alderpaw recognized the huge animals from how Daisy described them in the nursery. There were two of them—one dark brown and one mottled gray—standing together in the shade of a tree, gently whisking their tails to and fro.

“They’re not dangerous unless you bother them,” Sandstorm mewed with a brisk tone. “And they won’t come on this side of the fence.”

All the same, Alderpaw was relieved when they left the horses behind and scrambled up the last few tail-lengths to the top of the ridge. Reaching it, he halted, his paws frozen to the ground.

“Wow!” Sparkpaw breathed out, coming to stand beside him. “I didn’t know the world was so big!”

Gazing out in front of him, Alderpaw saw that the ground fell away sharply, sweeping down into a wide valley with stretches of woodland and what looked like a hard black snake winding across it. Beyond it were masses of trees, the huddled dens of an enormous Twolegplace—far bigger than the one by the lake where they had gone to collect catmint—and fields and hills stretching away on every side until they became hazy with distance.

A shiver passed, as if he were being stabbed by masses of icicles, all at once. Glancing back, he could still see the lake with the Clan territories around it, the only place he had known all his life. Ahead, everything was unknown. It was even more frightening than his journey to the Moonpool, because at least he had been able to follow a path the other medicine cats left for him at that point. Now, he had no idea where he was going. He felt like a kit again, stumbling blindly forward, not know what he was going to run into next.

“Isn’t it amazing?” Lionblaze asked, stepping up next to Alderpaw. “It just keeps going, and going, and going. I remember when I went to the mountains for the first time. Looking out on the world so high in the sky was . . . exhilarating. I felt like a StarClan warrior looking down over the Clan territories.”

“Can you see the place in your vision?” Sparkpaw breathed. Her eyes were bright with excitement as she took in the vast landscape in front of them.

Alderpaw peered around, trying to make out the rocks of the gorge, but it was Sandstorm that replied. “Of course not! This place is much too far away.”

“Great StarClan!” Sparkpaw squeaked. “You mean there’s more of it?”

“Much more,” Sandstorm told her, sounding amused. “And the sooner we get going, the sooner we’ll arrive. Come on: I’d like to cross the Thunderpath down there before nightfall.”

Alderpaw realized she meant the black snake-like thing. It was so different from the little Thunderpath that ended at the lake, separating ShadowClan from RiverClan. Glittering objects, which looked like tiny beetles at the distance, were speeding back and forth along its length.

“When we get there,” Sandstorm went on, her voice firm, “you will not cross it before I tell you to. Is that clear?” she added with a hard look at Sparkpaw.

Sparkpaw nodded, as cheerful as ever after her earlier scolding. “Sure, Sandstorm.

With Sandstorm in the lead, the seven cats headed down the slope and soon came to a wide stretch of woodland. Jayflight was pressed close against Lionblaze, and Alderpaw knew that Jayflight was even more blind than he already was. At least he knew ThunderClan’s territory near the lake; now everything was unfamiliar. He probably feels more like a kit than I do.

Even though it wasn’t as thick as the forest, Alderpaw was grateful to be back under the shade of trees, enjoying the warm scents and the long grass underpaw. He felt vulnerable back on the moor, as if an owl would swoop down on him any moment and carry him far away from the Clan.

Sandstorm halted, raising her tail as a sign for the others to do the same. “Twolegs!” she hissed.

“Really?” Sparkpaw’s eyes were alight with interest. “Can we go and see?”

Jayflight snorted. “Why would you want to see them?” he meowed. “They’re strange and dangerous, that’s all you need to know about them.”

Sparkpaw sent her cousin a sharp glare, then turned to Sandstorm. “Please?”

Sandstorm hesitated. “It’s not a bad idea for you to get an idea of what they’re like,” she replied at last. “But we’re not here to gawk at Twolegs, and don’t you forget.”

Jayflight grumbled but followed his Clanmates over to the Twolegs. Lionblaze followed close behind, his claws unsheathed, as if he were getting ready to defend his Clanmates if the Twolegs attacked them.

Alderpaw had to admit that he was just as curious as his sister. So far he had only glimpsed Twolegs now and again, mostly near the greenleaf Twolegplaces, and always from a distance. He had never heard their raucous voices, or gotten close enough to discover what they were really like.

Skirting a bramble thicket, Sandstorm stood screened behind a clump of ferns and beckoned with her tail. “Okay, come and look, but don’t let them know you’re here.”

Alderpaw crept forward, with Sparkpaw by his side, and peered through the ferns. A group of five Twolegs, all different sizes, were sitting in a clearing. Just beyond them was a stretch of ground covered by the black Thunderpath stuff, with one of the glittering things—this one bright red—crouching under a tree.

“What’s that?” he whispered to Sandstorm.

“A monster,” Sandstorm murmured in reply. “They’ll kill you if they catch you with those big black paws. But that one looks like it’s asleep, so it’s probably safe for now.”

“And what are the Twolegs sitting on?” Sparkpaw asked. “They look like tree trunks, but sort of flat.

Alderpaw thought that was a good description. There was a bigger flat trunk, too, with big leaf wraps scattered upon it. They must have held prey, because the Twolegs were stuffing something into their mouths.

Sparkpaw passed her tongue over her jaws. “I’m hungry,” she complained. “And whatever that is, it smells good!”

Alderpaw’s pelt bristled with fear to see the Twolegs so close, to hear their harsh voices and to pick up their weird scent. But he was fascinated too. “They hardly have any fur,” he murmured. “Are they sick? I remember Leafpool telling me about a sickness that made cats lose their fur. But these Twolegs all seem to have it.” Turning to Sandstorm, he asked, “Why don’t their medicine Twolegs help them?”

Sandstorm opened her jaws to reply, but another voice cut her off. “They’re not sick.” The five cats jumped and turned to see a long-furred, gray she-cat with a bushy tail in one of the trees. She seemed amused by the cats’ description of the Twolegs, but her voice didn’t betray any emotion.

Sandstorm bristled and stepped in front of Alderpaw, her eyes narrowing. “Who are you and what do you want?” she hissed, unsheathing her claws.

The gray she-cat laughed and leapt down from her place on the tree branch. She looked about three moons older than Sparkpaw and Alderpaw. If she were a Clan cat, she’d probably almost be ready to be a warrior. She scanned the Clan cats, her eyes alight with curiosity. “I’m just a cat traveling around this area,” she meowed, her voice still pretty monotone. She lifted her head and flicked her tail. “I’m actually on an important mission to find something.”

Alderpaw’s ears perked with interest. “What are you trying to find?” he squeaked, shying behind Sandstorm when the she-cat’s green gaze landed on him. They reminded Alderpaw of Needlepaw’s eyes, bold and bright.

“My name is Rain,” she meowed. “I’m trying to find four Clans. I was sent by my leader to find them.”

Leader? Alderpaw’s paws tingled with excitement. Is this a SkyClan cat? If not, how does she know about the Clans? If she is, is she trying to find the Clans so she can “clear the skies”?

Rain got closer to the Clan cats, making Alderpaw uneasy. Jayflight stepped closer to him, his fur bristling and his claws unsheathed. “I can see you eyeing the Twoleg cats,” she meowed to Sparkpaw, who was still keeping an eye on a shiny rock with the leaf wraps spilling out of it.. “Once the Twolegs leave, I could help you get some of the food in there.”

“So it is food?” Sparkpaw asked, licking her lips.

Rain was about to reply when one of the Twoleg kits squealed and pointed to the cats with one of its pink paws. Alderpaw’s heart began to race. “It sees us!” he squeaked, his paws frozen to the ground.

Jayflight butted into him, hissing. “Hide!”

Forcing himself to move, Alderpaw darted back to the bramble thicket and thrust his way into it, feeling the thorns rake through his pelt. He could hear Sparkpaw burrowing close by. “StarClan-forsaken thorns!” she hissed.

Alderpaw looked around the bramble thicket, seeing no sign of the gray she-cat. “Where did Rain go?” he asked.

Jayflight spoke up. “Who cares! We shouldn’t have gotten so close to those Twolegs. They’re always trouble.”

Alderpaw guessed that Rain fled back up the branch she was in. He could hear the Twoleg kit’s voice rising into a shriek. The the lower-pitched, adult Twoleg voices drew closer, and the ground shook with the trampling of their big, clumsy paws. Alderpaw crouched as small as he could and hoped that all his Clanmates were well hidden.

Finally the sounds died away and the footsteps retreated. “You can come out now,” Rain called, her paws pattering closer to the brambles.

Alderpaw worked his way backward out of the thicket and stood shaking his pelt. He felt as if every thorn in the forest was sticking into him. He watched the Twolegs cleaning their mess of leaf wraps and throwing them into what looked like a shiny rock that had a tiny cave at the top.

They then retreated to their monsters, and Alderpaw was horrified as each Twoleg climbed into it. “Did they just let the monster eat them?” he mewled, turning to Sandstorm.

Sandstorm laughed a bit. “No, the monsters let them ride inside their bellies,” she meowed. “Twolegs are odd.”

Alderpaw agreed.

Then he noticed that Sparkpaw had emerged and ran over to Rain, her eyes wide. What does she think she’s doing? She wasn’t at all scared of the rogue. “Now that they’ve left, can you get the Twoleg prey?” she asked, her tail swishing in excitement.

Sandstorm hissed slightly, but both Rain and the apprentice ignored her. “Sure,” Rain replied, padding over to the shiny rock filled with the prey the Twolegs had thrown in there. “I call these Twoleg cans. I don’t know what they call it, but I don’t really care.” She leapt up to the rim of the cave, and sniffed around before jumping back down. “This is where they put food they don’t want anymore.”

“Why wouldn’t they want it?” Sparkpaw asked, placing her front paws on the can. “It all smells so amazing!”

Alderpaw tasted the air, and his jaws began to water at the delicious scent that flooded over him, he realized how hungry he was.

“Twolegs are very strange,” Toadstep commented, as he and Rosepetal padded up to join the others.

Alderpaw watched Rain push against the can, and it toppled over. Black shiny stuff fell out of the can along with all the prey that the Twolegs threw in. “There you go,” she meowed. “Easy.”

Sparkpaw shoved her head into the cave. Twoleg leaf wraps crackling under her paws, and emerged with a lump of something in her jaws. Alderpaw breathed in more of the enticing smell.

“What is it?” he asked.

“Dunno,” Sparkpaw mumbled around the prey. “Some kind of bird, I think. Go and get some. There’s plenty.”

Sandstorm and Jayflight stayed away from the pile of prey, both still wary of Rain, who was watching them stuff their head into the can and pull out their prey. Rosepetal dragged out a huge piece of bird that made her mouth water. “This is so big it must have been an eagle,” she purred. “I’ll share this with Sandstorm.”

Alderpaw and Toadstep ventured and collected some of the prey for themselves. Lionblaze went next and pulled out a big piece of bird and dragged it over to Jayflight, who sniffed but shared it with his brother. Alderpaw turned to look at Rain, who was grooming herself near the can. “Thank you,” he meowed to her, dipping his head. “I was wondering if I could ask you some questions about where you came from?”

Sandstorm instantly leaped in front of her grandson, glaring hard at the rogue. “I’ll be asking her the questions, Alderpaw,” she meowed, her eyes slits. “You should steer clear of her for now.”

Alderpaw’s heart sank but he nodded and took his place beside Sparkpaw with his own lump of fresh-kill. He bit into it and realized it tasted even better than it smelled. But as he gulped it down, he began to feel a prickling in his pelt, as if some creature was watching him. He tried to tell himself not to be stupid, but he couldn’t shake off the feeling.

A rustling sound came form the trees. Alderpaw tensed, glancing over his shoulder. Maybe the crazy Twoleg kit came back? Or maybe the Twolegs weren’t really done with their prey after all?

But the rustling died away, and there was nothing to be seen. Alderpaw tried to pick up a scent, but the aroma of the delicious Twoleg prey swamped everything else. He turned back to finish his fresh-kill, trying to tell himself that he was just imagining things.

It’s weird . . . I just have the feeling that we’re being watched.

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kammieceleek · 6 years ago

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20 Warriors Questions!

1. How did you get into Warriors?

Well, if I’m being honest, my sister started reading them first. She checked the first book out of our school library and convinced me to read it. I think I was in fifth or sixth grade at the time. Yeah, it was fifth grade, because I was in sixth grade when The Last Hope came out. More specifically, it was the summer after sixth grade. So, yeah, you can thank my sister, @pipatyp, for introducing me to the series.

2. Favorite arc?

Ooh, boy. That’s tough one, especially since I’m not a hundred percent caught up. I haven’t finished Dawn of the Clans yet, but that’s due to my two-year absence from reading the series. I have a lot of catching up to do. Anyway, as far as favorite arc goes, I’m going to have to say my personal favorite is either Power of Three or The New Prophecy. I love Power of Three because I love it when there’s a sibling dynamic between major characters, especially if those characters all have their own internal conflicts. The New Prophecy has a similar situation, but it also sets up some stuff that pays off in later books along with having my boy Firestar being a shotgun dad for five chapters in Midnight.

3. Favorite book (excluding Super Editions, Manga, and Novellas)?

Agh! Like I said, I’m not caught up right now, so that makes this a hard question to answer. I guess I’d have to say my favorite book is probably... well, Twilight. I can’t help it; despite my utter hatred of the title (I blame edgy teen vampire romance), it’s a pretty solid entry into The New Prophecy arc. Leafpool and Crowfeather’s whirlwind romance is actually pretty believable, while Squirrelflight and Brambleclaw’s arguing is by far the most realistic thing about these books.

4. Favorite Super Edition, Novella, or Manga?

This is another one that’s tough to answer. I haven’t read all the Super Editions or novellas yet, but I’ve read every volume of manga the series has produced thus far. In this category, I’d have to say my favorite is probably either Goosefeather’s Curse, Crookedstar’s Promise, or The Rise of Scourge. Whoa, hey! I got one of each. Cool! Anyway, I love Goosefeather’s Curse because Goosefeather is one of my favorite characters in the series, and it’s kind of a dive into who he is before he gets bees in his brain and becomes the laughingstock of ThunderClan. Crookedstar’s Promise was the first Super Edition I read after Bluestar’s Prophecy, shortly after I finished The Prophecies Begin. It was also the first book to get me emotionally invested in the series. Yes, I cried. Deal with it. As for The Rise of Scourge, I’ve always been a fan of villains with backstories to back them up, and this solidified Scourge in my mind as the perfect villain for Firestar to face. They have similar backgrounds, but not as similar as a lot of people seem to think. This is also the only book to even hint at the blood connection between them, so there’s that.

5. Favorite Clan?

Okay, this one’s actually easy. My favorite is RiverClan, plain and simple. Despite the fact that they appear to the Clan least able to keep their genes in their own Clan (Appledusk, Oakheart, and Silverstream, just to name a few), they are also the only ones that can swim. I don’t know if you’ve ever seen a cat swim, but it’s adorable. And I’m not saying the others can’t swim, they just won’t. RiverClan rules the water. Also, they eat fish, which makes their coats healthier than the other clans. Cool.

6. Favorite character?

Ooh, boy. Here’s a stunningly broad category that’s difficult to answer. There are so many characters in this series that it’s honestly hard to pick favorites. Personally, mine is either Squirrelflight, Sandstorm, or the ball of sass and salt known as Ivypool. Squirrelflight (at least in The New Prophecy) was a ball of energy and cunning remarks, which made her all the more fun to read about. It honestly sucks we never got to hear any of the arc from her perspective, but we can guess a lot of her thoughts based on her actions. Sandstorm is incredibly patient and a damn good mom. She stands by her daughters after their lives basically get torn to shreds because of Hollyleaf and she’s also the one who reassures Firestar that Cloudtail would make a good warrior. As for Ivypool, her struggles living in the shadow of her sibling are pretty relatable, and you just want to see her succeed. She’s also a five-star badass once she turns on the Dark Forest, so there’s that.

7. Least favorite character?

Hands-down, it’s either Darkstripe, Sleekwhisker, or... Spottedleaf. And I can hear the anger now, but let me point some things out. Darkstripe is an annoying little fanboy with a tom-crush the size of Texas on Tigerstar. Nobody really likes Darkstripe in this fandom, though. Sleekwhisker is a goddamn bitch as well as a matricidal murderer (she did help drown her own mother). As for Spottedleaf, I can’t say that she’s a good character. Her only role in most of the books she appears in is to act as a guide for Firestar or Leafpool, or in Firestar’s case, a massive roadblock in his relationship with Sandstorm. She has little to no actual personality beyond ‘medicine cat and Firestar’s first love’ and, despite Spottedleaf’s Heart, I can’t say that I like her backstory. As somebody who’s going into the field of education, it made me very uncomfortable and I worry for any younger kids who maybe pick up this book.

8. Most Aesthetically Pleasing Cat?

Ivypool. I like silver and white cats. I think they’re really pretty. Also, I have this image in my head of Ivypool being this pretty teenage girl who’s super skinny and looks really weak, but then she slams a fully-grown Hawkfrost into the mud with little effort. Yeah, I don’t care how the cats look.

9. Favorite leader?

Leafstar. Weird choice, I know, but she’s had to deal with things no other leader has really dealt with: the invading rats, her clan having a number of kittypets as part-time warriors due to low numbers, being pregnant and still trying to lead her Clan, and helping to rebuild the Clan from the ground up. Not to mention, she’s still leader when SkyClan moves to the lake territories. She’s one badass Miss Mama Cat.

10. Favorite villain?

Mapleshade. Like I said, I love backstories for villains, and Mapleshade’s is even more compelling and tragic than that of Scourge. She really got screwed over by first Ravenwing, then all of ThunderClan, then Frecklewish, and the list just goes on and on. And, the funny thing is, when you think about it, she never would’ve become a villain if Ravenwing had kept his damn medicine cat mouth shut. Maybe then he wouldn’t have ended up murdered at the Moonstone and his body wouldn’t have been eaten by a hawk.

11. Favorite Medicine cat?

Either Goosefeather or Jayfeather. They’re both fun characters who have a certain amount of bones to pick with StarClan for screwing them over. In Goosefeather’s case, it’s because of his powers and the fact that he went kind of crazy towards the end of his life. Jayfeather is just mad for them making him blind and forcing him to be a medicine cat. The boy wanted to be a warrior, so let him be a warrior! Then again, the love of his life has been dead for over eight decades, so... yeah.

12. Overrated character?

I’d have to say probably... *sighs* Crowfeather. Despite me loving his whirlwind romance with Leafpool, he gets a little too much love from the fandom. And no, I have not read Crowfeather’s Trial yet. Like I said, I’m behind. Anyway, he’s not really a good father to Breezepelt, which is painfully obvious in the way that they interact. He was going to abandon his Clan for the sake of breaking two codes with Leafpool. And, on top of that, he barely acknowledges the fact that he fathered Hollyleaf, Lionblaze, and Jayfeather. He’s not a bad character, but he doesn’t deserve all the love he gets from the fans.

13. Underrated character?

Briarlight. This girl survived a freaking tree falling on her and breaking her spine, which paralyzed her from the waist down, and she still maintains a happy attitude. Despite the fact that Jayfeather doesn’t make her a full medicine cat (she can’t exactly collect herbs or go to the Moonpool, can she?), she’s more than happy to assist the medicine cats that ThunderClan has by soaking dried-up herbs, handling patients who come in the early morning, and just generally improving the usually sour mood that’s in the medicine cat den.

14. Favorite minor character?

Hm. This one’s kind of tough. I’d have to say Purdy. He was never an official warrior of ThunderClan, but he was a big help when it came to lightening the mood in the elders’ den. Purdy always had a story to tell or some sort of wisdom to pass on, not to mention the fact that he told those stories whether you wanted to hear them or not. Kit, medicine cat, warrior, apprentice, leader, deputy--he didn’t care. All you had to do was listen and he’d go on until you actively told him to stop. And he’s funny.

15. Favorite pairing?

Firestar and Sandstorm, hands down. I know a lot of people don’t like it because Firestar still had a thing for Spottedleaf, but to me, a good pairing is all about balance. Shipping two people with the same personality doesn’t work. It’s why you so often see an optimist getting shipped with a pessimist. Anyway, they balance each other out because Firestar is an idealist and Sandstorm is a realist. Not only that, but they’re supportive of each other, and they stick by each other through thick and thin. They became mates in The Darkest Hour and remain mates once they’re in StarClan. The only regret they have about their relationship is the fact that they didn’t have more kits! That’s a good and healthily-built relationship to me.

16. Least favorite pairing?

Tigerheart and Dovewing. It’s not because they’re from different Clans, either. I don’t feel like there’s really balance in their relationship. They always seem to be arguing about something, and if they’re not doing that, they’re avoiding each other because their relationship is ‘against the warrior code’. Yeah, we all know that one part of the code has been broken so many times it might as well not exist anymore. Their personalities, if you ask me, are a little too similar for this relationship to work.

17. Favorite friendship?

Sorreltail and Leafpool, surprisingly enough. It stood the test of time and Leafpool’s biggest secret being spilled, forcing her to give up her position as a medicine cat. Sorreltail keeps thinking of Leafpool as the friend she knew back before everything went paws-up, and that line of thinking is on display in The Forgotten Warrior when she specifically cries out for Leafpool’s help while kitting. I have no doubt that they’ll be reunited in StarClan and hunt side-by-side.

18. Favorite moment?

I think my favorite moment so far in the entire series is when Yellowfang is first teaching Cinderpelt about herbs, and she snaps at Fireheart for upsetting her assistant. It kind of reveals that Yellowfang thinks of Cinderpelt as a replacement for her two daughters who never really got a chance to live in the world that killed them. And most likely, it was the daughter who died because Brokenkit poked her with his paw and it was too much for her body. Seriously, that’s tragically funny.

19. Most tragic death?

I’m going to have to go with a rather shocking answer and say the drowning of Mapleshade’s kits. This is a moment that sets a lot of the series in motion, since it was the aftermath of her kits’ deaths that sends Mapleshade down a dark path. After she dies and swears revenge on the descendants of those who wronged her, she gets into the minds of many of the most ‘evil’ cats we see in the series: Tigerstar, Brokenstar, and Thistleclaw, just to name a few. She also messes with the minds of good cats, like Crookedstar, making them feel like everything is their fault. I have no doubt she’s the true villain of the series, but all the death and destruction that is brought to the clans from within--so much of it can be linked back to Mapleshade and her toxic teachings in the Dark Forest. And her toxic teachings can be linked back to the deaths of her kits. Patchkit, Petalkit, and Larchkit drowning was the event that set off a chain reaction that killed so many Clan cats, and it’s tragedy stemming from tragedy.

20. Favorite battle/fight scene?

And, after four days of filling out these questions, reading A Vision of Shadows, and thinking through my answers, I have reached the final question. I’m not a person who typically enjoys battle scenes, but I’d have to say my favorite is the SkyClan battle against the rats in Firestar’s Quest. It’s intriguing for a number of reasons, the least of which being that there’s a rat who understands and speaks cat! The rats are an unusual enemy because they’re essentially a hivemind--the only one that’s been fought so far in the series. Hivemind fights are fascinating because once you take out the big brain, the rest scatter. That’s exactly what we see! As soon as Firestar takes out the lead rat, the Clan has won the battle and secured SkyClan’s place in the gorge. And thanks to that, we eventually get Violetshine and Twigbranch (we are never letting Bramblestar live that name down, I swear to God).

So, that’s my 20 Warriors Questions. Now I challenge my sister, @pipatyp, to answer the twenty. I look forward to seeing her answers!

#20 warriors questions #my answers #Warrior Cats #Ivypool #Mapleshade #Personal opinion #oh no an opinion

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thunder-the-ranger-wolf · 6 years ago

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Storm's warning: trouble in paradise

Note: this is just a working title so if you come up with anything else please let me know.

There were plenty of reasons to like StarClan. The landscape was evergreen and the prey always ran well. The winds were mild and the sun always shining. Or so the living cats believed. Because some cats liked snow and others missed the feel of the wind rushing through their pelts or the rain plastering their fur to their sides. StarClan had a bit of everything to accommodate its residents.

Right now, however, the wind howled so fiercely that even the bravest of WindClan cats took their shelter in their dens. The trees shook so wildly that they might very well no longer have proper roots. The sky was dark grey, like a storm was on the very edge of breaking… but not yet. No, the storm had passed them over for the fifth night since its untimely arrival, like it was waiting for something…

A large group of cats sat before a pool so crystal clear that they could see their reflections on the rocks below the water, smooth as a puddle after a long rain.

“Thank you all for traveling so far on this blustery night.” The soft, feminine voice of the cat who spoke first held worry, which in turn alarmed her companions.

“Whatever alarms you so deeply deserves the attention of us all, m'dear.” A red-brown tom meowed smoothly, eyes alight with worry.

“Flirtation aside,” His brother, a light brown tabby with green eyes slurped out. “Oakheart is right. Why wouldn't you share this with all of StarClan?”

“I asked her not to.”

All eyes turned to the tortoiseshell she-cat who entered the clearing they resided in. Her equally tortoiseshell brother was practically a shadow at her side.

“Spottedleaf, Redtail.” A large golden tom, Lionheart, purred an anxious welcome. His pure white companion, aptly named Whitestorm, blinked his welcome, to which both twins nodded before Spottedleaf turned to address the rest of the group.

“Our First Ancestors have given me a sign, and while it correlates to the storm, I know not what it means.”

“Have you consulted fellow medicine cats?” Crookedstar demanded.

Spottedleaf nodded.

“That was the first thing she did. We've all come to one agreement.” A sharper but no less feminine voice snapped. Crookedstar dipped his head and lowered his eyes.

“Forgive me, Brambleberry. This storm is…”

The tabby leader trailed off with an embarrassed cough and his brother pressed against him.

“It's quite alright, Crookedstar.” The black and white medicine cat murmured gently. “Tge point is that we've all come to an agreement. Whatever happens next, we cannot remain in these skies.”

That sent a ripple of unease throughout the group.

“Leave?!”

“When?”

“How?!”

“Where will we go?!”

“Our First Ancestors haven't said much about the storm, but it is… keeping time, we believe.” Brambleberry picked up where Spottedleaf left off. “If only because the storm is menacing, but has yet to break. We are safe, for now. But if the clouds release their burden before we figure out our next course of action, who knows what will happen?! We don't want that. So we have gathered you all to speak your suggestions and make a decision.”

The group broke into murmurs, whispering panicked ideas amongst themselves.

“If we really must leave, then surely we could send some cats to find a place for us all?” Lionheart was the one to speak, though the idea came from Whitestorm. “We have time still, do we not?”

“The clouds have not yet darkened to bursting, so I would think that we still have time.” Spottedleaf murmured, pride in her voice. Whitestorm was one of her more clever friends, though he didn't speak often enough for other cats to know of that.

“That's a great idea!” Deadfoot, the former deputy of WindClan, exclaimed. “It's not like we'd know where we're going, and we'll be uprooting everyone from the dawn of the Clans! Perhaps if we send scouts, the Clans will be more willing to listen. One or two from each Clan should be enough.”

“But how will these cats know where to go when we don't even know?!”

“Our former ancestors willing, the Clans, or the cats chosen, will receive a sign just like Spottedleaf did.” Redtail insisted. “We must trust our First Ancestors as the clans trust us, and work with what they've given us.”

“Well said.” Bluestar nodded gratefully to her deputy. “Let us choose these cats before the weather gets any worse.”

Redtail, Oakheart, Deadfoot and Nightpelt approached the pool.

Oakheart waved his paw over the pool and it rippled heavily before smoothing to reveal a silver tabby with ice blue eyes. Cats fidgeted uncomfortably.

“She’s a RiverClan warrior, and that’s what matters.” Crookedstar insisted. “But I do worry… she’s one of our stronger cats. What if the Twolegs do something before we have the chance to figure out where we’re going?”

“We’ll have to fight without them, and survive for as long as we can.” Brambleberry murmured comfortingly. “Besides, Feathertail was always a curious soul. This way she can live out her life’s wish and remain a Clan cat.”

Oakheart blinked, satisfied, and stepped back then.

Deadfoot limped forward, waving his misshapen paw over the water. He skittered back with a horrified yelp when the shape appeared, a dark grey tom with bright blue eyes.

“First Ancestors, if you have any mercy at all, let this journey keep my son safe in your paws.” He murmured.

“Isn't your son an apprentice?” Redtail whispered urgently.

“He is close to becoming a warrior, thank the Ancestors. I must trust their decision, though it pains me so.”

Deadfoot was torn. The destiny of the Clans lay in these choices, but his son… he'd knock the Ancestors off their all-seeing perches if it would spare his son this horror.

Redtail dipped his head gratefully and took the black tom’s place at the head of the pool. The choice for ThunderClan wasn't all that surprising, but a few cats snorted when Brambleclaw was shown.

“Firestar’s going to hate you!” Spottedleaf sang.

“I’m more concerned about Goldenflower. You saw how she dealt with her former mate, she’ll come to StarClan herself just to skin me alive!”

A few cats laughed, Bluestar among them, and Redtail stepped back to let Nightpelt take his place at the pool.

A wave of his paw showed a tortoiseshell she-cat with fierce green eyes.

“Can another halfClan cat afford to go on this journey?” Someone wondered aloud.

“She’ll be of good use when it comes to learning how to adapt, especially considering how far they might have to travel.”

“That’s true…” Nightpelt murmured. “I guess it just feels like terrible timing. She’s slowly to regain her faith after what ShadowClan has been through. Wouldn’t this be a bit too soon?”

“We don’t exactly have time. And who knows, maybe the omens we’ll have to send will confirm her beliefs even more.” Brambleberry offered kindly.

“Doesn’t all of this seem a bit too convenient?” Someone called out. “Most of these cats have some connection to ThunderClan.”

“Brambleclaw needs this journey to realize his true potential.”

“Tawnypelt is much like her brother, and will be perfectly fine fighting whoever she has to. She doesn’t fight to kill. Feathertail is eager to be useful and wants to be free of RiverClan's heritage issues.”

“The Ancestors have made their choices. We should warn them before the night is through.”

Others nodded along and the crowd dispersed.

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Oakheart waited until every cat had gone their own way before padding over to a solemn Bluestar. She hadn't moved despite several of her warriors and her medicine cat touching noses with her and assuring her that things could work out.

“There is more to this than the storm, m'dear.” The red-brown tom murmured, winding himself around her.

“Spottedleaf and the others… they are uncertain. It troubles me when our best interpreters are uncertain about the future.”

“You are quite the perfectionist.” He purred. “Though I will admit that Crookedstar and I share your doubts. The storm could mean anything, and the fact that the Ancestors have chosen to warn us now… we've had peace ever since the battle with BloodClan. I shudder to think of what could disturb that; no mere Clan matter will ruffle the Ancestors’ pelts.”

“It must be an outside source, but what?! A cat, foxes or badgers? The Twolegs have left us alone for the most part so I wouldn't expect anything from them… then again, who knows what Twolegs do. They have always been strange creatures.”

“Has there been any sign of them in the forest?”

“Not since… not since the dogs.” Bluestar admitted, shaking.

Oakheart pressed his pelt against hers and wrapped a paw around her foreleg.

“Nothing can hurt you while I'm by your side.” He promised. “And I will ever be by your side.”

Her shaking ceased eventually, and she turned to look at her mate.

“Thank you.” The blue-grey she-cat murmured.

“Anytime, m’dear.” He purred. “Now, why don't you get some sleep, yeah? I've got a message to run. I'll catch you later, but don't wait up for me.”

Bluestar nodded and brushed her head along his throat.

“Tell me everything the Ancestors have you say.” She insisted. They parted ways then; Oakheart went back to the pool, where the other three deputies waited, and Bluestar loped out of the clearing, whirling mind soothed by Oakheart's reassurance.

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“Is she alright?” Redtail asked, watching Bluestar as her grey pelt trailed out of the clearing.

“I think she will be.” Oakheart offered. “If I suspect anything, you'll be the first to know.”

“Thank you.” Redtail dipped his head and turned to the remaining two deputies.

“Oakheart, Deadfoot, Nightpelt… may the Ancestors guide our paws.”

“Indeed.” The other three chorused. As one, the quartet lapped at the crystal clear water from the pool.

May the First Ancestors be with us… Was the last thing any of them thought before sleep crashed over them.

#warriors #warriors au #warrior cats #thw new prophecy #tnp au #starclan #bluestar #redtail #oakheart #crookedstar #brambleberry #spottedleaf #nightpelt #nightstar #deadfoot #prologue #starclan chooses #i kept the same characters because why not

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