Short Stories

[Wolfstar]

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[Wolfstar]

Flamestar's Facade

Allegiances
Leader
Flamestar- Dark ginger tabby tom with lighter paws and chin, and a scar on his side, green eyes (brother to Nighthawk)

Deputy
Lighteningfall- Black tom with a scar on his flank, a torn ear, and yellow eyes

Medicine Cat
Lightleaf- Pale grey she-cat with blue eyes

Warriors
Nighthawk- Dark grey tabby tom with green eyes (brother to Flamestar)

Cloudwhisker- Grey she-cat with blue eyes

Honeyspring- Pale yellow tabby she-cat with amber eyes

Shortmist- Small grey-and-white tom with yellow eyes
Apprentice- Leopardpaw

Flintflight- Black tom with green eyes
Mate- Ebonyleg

Vinestorm- Dark brown tom with amber eyes

Berrybranch- Pale yellow she-cat with amber eyes

Shadestone- Dark ginger she-cat with green eyes

Smokeleap- Grey tortoiseshell she-cat with pale green eyes
Apprentice- Nettlepaw

Pebbledust- Tall, dilute calico tabby she-cat with a long tail, large ears, and green eyes
Apprentice- Hollowpaw

Apprentices
Hollowpaw- Dark russet tom with brown hues and sea green eyes

Leopardpaw- Black tom with blue eyes

Nettlepaw- Mottled ginger she-cat with yellow eyes

Queens
Ebonyleg- White she-cat with black legs and blue eyes
Mate- Flintflight

Elders
Stormstalk- Dark blue-grey tom with a greyed muzzle and blue eyes (previous medicine cat)

Ambertail- Light brown tabby she-cat with a darker tail and amber eyes



A rather loud yawn escaped my jaws as I woke up, rising to my paws and shaking scraps of moss and feathers from my pelt. Another day, another time to be the leader that I was. I groomed my fur before walking outside, the smell of oak reaching my nose. The strong oaks that shielded our home from the harsh winds, if only the other four clans were this fortunate. The sky itself was glowing with new light, indicating that it was dawn. I should watch the sunrise again, see if it still has that feeling of pride.

“Flamestar, would you like to join a patrol?” My name being called dragged me out of my thoughts. I looked up, spotting my faithful deputy and warriors. I smiled, walking over and saying my greetings to everyone. Even though there was chatter here, I could hear snoring from the apprentice’s den. And I thought the elders were the ones who snored!

“Hunting or border, Lighteningfall?”

“Hunting.”

“Alright, I’ll join then. After all, I’m the best hunter,” I said proudly. Vinestrom, a dark brown tom, and Shadestone, a dark ginger she-cat, nodded. I say that I’m the best at almost everything when I’m really not. I only say these things because I’m a leader. Cats want to see their leader as strong and skillful. That’s what I need to be, and that’s what they see me as.

There was movement from the apprentice's den, and I turned my head to see who was awake this early. The familiar sea green eyes told me who it was, and I flicked my tail.

“Hollowpaw, seeing as you’re awake, come with us on the hunting patrol.” The apprentice looked at me, taking a moment to think before slinking out of the cover of the den and coming over to us. Vinestorm and Shadestone greeted him, and he greeted back quietly. He was usually quiet since the other two apprentices didn’t like his thinking. Leopardpaw and Nettlepaw weren’t as smart as him, but it was uncommon for an apprentice to be mature. Nonetheless, he was a good cat. He could work with his climbing skills, though.

“Now let’s go, the prey isn’t going to get in our prey-pile on our own!” Shadestone meowed, walking away with Vinestorm behind her. I ran after them, taking the lead shortly after. Glancing behind me, I saw that everyone was either awake or still had a small trace of drowsiness. Hollowpaw was trailing behind, so I stopped and swiped by tail over his ear. He jumped, but remembered what we were doing and uttered an apology. I told everyone to split up, finding it better to hunt alone than with another. They nodded, splitting up and going their own way. I started walking towards the Willowclan border, wondering if any rabbits managed to cross the border.

My paw steps were light, my ears were alert, and my mouth was parted to smell anything. When I caught a scent, I crouched down and followed it. Lucky me, a rabbit did cross the border. It was trying to find any seeds or berries to eat. I grinned, moving forward until I was close enough. I leaped without another thought, hearing it shriek before I bit its throat. It fell limp, and I put it under a bush and continued hunting.

I managed to catch a thrush and a vole, but a mouse managed to get away from me. At that I cursed under my breath, deciding to grab the prey I did catch and head back to where I split off from my group. I wouldn’t tell them I missed the mouse, that’d make me look bad.

“You did well Hollowpaw, I’ll be sure to tell your mentor about your catches.” My ears perked up at this, and I saw the apprentice and Vinestorm with their catches at their paws. There were two squirrels, a crow, and a shrew. I stopped in front of them, placing my catches on the small, makeshift pile. Shadestone arrived a moment later, a mouse and another shrew in her jaws. I wondered if that was the mouse that managed to get away. I didn’t ask, though.

“I see Flamestar hunted better than us. Just like he says,” Vinestorm said, picking up his catches. Hollowpaw flicked his ear, picking up his prey as following the dark brown tom. I did the same, walking after them with Shadestone shortly behind. We brushed through brambles before we entered the clearing, putting our catches into the pile. Hollowpaw went to his mentor, Pebbledust, the two talking quietly before going to the other apprentices. Leopardpaw and Nettlepaw were doing a mock battle with one another while their mentors, Shortmist and Smokeleap talked to one another. They greeted the two, and Hollowpaw stayed with the mentors instead of joining the other apprentices.

“I see you hunted the best out of everyone, like usual.” I turned my head, spotting my brother as he padded up to me. Nighthawk, a dark grey tabby with green eyes. The way he spoke made me stiffen, he was speaking slowly. Like in a taunting manner. I shook my head.

“Of course, how else am I supposed to be? I’m Flamestar, and no one else.” I said, sound slightly defiant. Nighthawk looked around, lowering his voice as he spoke again.

“Tell the clan you aren’t a fraud. For Starclan’s sake, you’re deceiving everyone and you’re their leader. You don’t have Starclan’s might.” I flicked my tail, slightly angry at him. How else was everyone to see me? How?

“Oakclan deserves the best leader, and I have to hold that title until my last life is taken from me. Until something changes my mind, I will stay as I am.”

“You won’t even listen to your own brother? Pinestorm would be disappointed in you,” Nighthawk stared blankly at me, and I could tell he was in disbelief. Pinestorm was our mother, the only parent we knew since our father died long before we were kitted. I growled at him in irritation, you’re taking up my time! A minute shouldn’t be spent with unneeded conversations.

“Pinestorm would be proud that I’m putting my clan ahead of my own needs. Now excuse me, I need to talk to my deputy.” I strode away from him, feeling his glare on my flank as I walked towards Lighteningfall. Even if we’re brothers, I didn’t understand how different we were.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The sky was dark, yet lit up by the stars and the moon. I slipped out of my nest, blinking the moonlight away that poured into my den. That was weird, it was patched up yesterday. Deciding to fix it, I padded outside and out of the camp, the brambles waking me a bit more as I walked through the entrance. It was uncommon for me to wake up in the middle of the night, but it was nice when it happened. Everything was quiet, and sometimes an owl would call out here and there.

Eventually, I found some brambles, being careful to grab some tendrils and pulling them with me. There were rapid paw steps when I was close to the entrance, spotting Nighthawk run. I dropped the brambles, running after him. Why was he going towards the back of Ashclan territory?

“Nighthawk, where are you going?” I called, making him skid to a halt and stare at me. He was panting, and itching to continue running. I stopped in front of him, looking around the dark territory before speaking. He cut me off before I could say anything, though.

“I don’t have time to talk to you! I need to go!”

“Go where? It looks like you’re leaving the territory!”

“I am!” I blinked, my eyes widening as he turned, sighing. “I’m not leaving the clan, Flamestar, but I need to go. Someone’s waiting for me, and I can’t have them wait. I’ll tell you someday, but not now.” He ran off before I could stop him, and I walked back to the bramble tendrils. I grabbed them and walked back to camp, wondering what my brother could be doing. How long has this been happening? Who was he visiting during the nights he left the territory? My thoughts continued to build and grow in my head as I carried the tendrils back to my den.

“You’re awake awfully early, Flamestar. Is something troubling you?” I looked up, seeing Lightleaf, our medicine cat. Her pale grey pelt seemed to glow from the moonlight. She walked up to me, taking a part of the bramble tendril from me and helping me patch the hole in my den. The moonlight wasn’t spilling into my den, and I thought I’d get some peace for the night finally. The night was far from over, though.

Lightleaf stepped in front of me, in front of my nest. I was tired, and there were many thoughts running through my head. Let me sleep…

“What is it?” I growled, yet she didn’t flinch or move. Her expression stayed the same unless you count her ears twitching.

“You need to push away what’s blocking your view, Flamestar, or you won’t see how the moon really looks.” Her words made me flinch. Out of all things to say now, she tells me this? What did that even mean?

“What are you talking about?” I asked, only to receive no answer as she passed me, her tail brushing against my back as she left my den. A snort left me as I flopped down into my nest, curling up and resting my head on my paws. If Starclan had something to say, they can just come to me and say if for themselves! Even if Lightleaf’s role was to communicate with Starclan, they didn’t have to be so reserved! My eyelids drooped, and I suppressed a yawn as I dozed off.

The night seemed to end quickly, as I found myself waking up and blinking drowsily. My body wanted to sleep more, but I refused. Rising to my paws, I stretched my legs and let a yawn rake through my body. Might as well get it out now. Pushing through the ferns that covered my den, I blinked at the sunlight, seeing it was nearly sun-high. I overslept, might as well make an excuse.

“Flamestar! You’re finally awake. Are you feeling alright?” Lighteningfall asked as I joined him and the warriors. Leopardpaw and Nettlepaw were wrestling with one another again, and Hollowpaw was nowhere to be seen.

“I’m alright. I happened to wake up in the middle of the night and I took a walk. Didn’t think there’d be a rogue in our territory, but I chased him off after I gave him something to remember.” I raised my paw at this, unsheathing my claws.

“Should we take the apprentice’s out for border patrol then?” Smokeleap asked, glancing at her Nettlepaw. The grey tortoiseshell was the mentor to the energetic she-cat, but I shook my head. Shortmist was Leopardpaw’s mentor, and that young tom was energetic too.

“Take Nettlepaw out for battle training, with Shortmist and Leopardpaw too. Does anyone know where Hollowpaw is?” I asked, wondering where the apprentice was. It would be good for him to join the apprentices too. A tall, dilute calico walked up, giving me the answer I needed.

“He went out by himself earlier today, probably to think. Should I find him?”

“Please, Pebbledust. He could use his thinking for battle practice. Who knows, it might make him think quicker.” She dipped her head, turning and quickly heading out of the camp, her long tail disappearing through the brambles and she slipped through. Shortmist and Smokeleap went to their apprentices, telling them the agenda for today before following them out of the camp. I looked around camp while Lighteningfall went on a patrol.

Ebonyleg was bathing in the sunlight while talking with the elders, Stormstalk and Ambertail. She was the only queen at the moment, but Flintflight always managed to find time to spend with her. I padded over towards them, deciding that speaking with Lightleaf would prove to irritate me. Last night proved to be the evidence for that. I greeted them, dipping my head.

“I see your day has started off well, how are you three doing?” I asked, glancing down at the queen’s swollen belly. I’d have to ask Flintflight how long until it was time. Lightleaf would just ask me why I’d wanted to know. She was a good medicine cat, but she could be nosy at times. Very nosy…

“I’m quite alright. Stormstalk was telling me some of his stories. I didn’t think apprentices during your day were that wriggly!” Ebonyleg laughed, receiving a smile from the old cat.

“They were, even more so than worms! I almost left their scratches and injuries to themselves, seeing as they kept whining and hissing at me. ‘S not my fault the herbs sting when they’re applied to wounds!” Stormstalk said, his smile broadening as he laughs. Ambertail blinked, her amber eyes showing that she was just sleeping moments before. The pale brown tabby nudged the blue-grey tom, her darker tail curling around her paws.

“I like the sun you know, as well as quiet. I didn’t spend my entire life as a warrior just to end up in a den with a chattering robin,” She complained, but there was a hint of teasing in her voice. Stormstalk nodded, turning back to me with blue eyes. He was the oldest cat in the clan, but he’s worked as a medicine cat his entire life until a few moons ago.

“You know, Flamestar, it’s odd to see you avoiding Nighthawk. I mean, the two of you were always with one another like the birds in Newleaf when you were kits. What happened?” He asked, and I sighed, shaking my head. The old tom must have noticed my distress, as he rose to his paws.

“Now where are you going furball?”

“Excuse me Ambertail, Ebonyleg. I’ll continue the story when I get back. I need to speak with Flamestar.” He flicked his tail, and I followed him towards my den. His tail disappeared through the ferns, and I lowered my head as I passed through after him. Even as an elder, Stormstalk would always be a medicine cat, but there was still a few things that concerned me about it.

“I don’t understand how you can help me. You’re an elder for Starclan’s sake, you don’t share-”

“Oh yes, they do.” I blinked as he interrupted me. “Starclan shares will me a few times every moon. My time is coming, yes, but I can still help the clanmates I’ve known during my life. That includes you too, Flamestar. Your brother, Nighthawk, seems irritated at you, and you at him.”

“All littermates get irritated at one another. We had a squabble, it’ll resolve soon.”

“Will it?” I flinched, noticing that the old tom had gone stern. His tail wrapped around his paws, and he shook his head. “This was for me to tell you only. I’m sure Lightleaf gave you something last night?”

I nodded. That weird sentence, a prophecy maybe? Or an omen? No, an omen would show during broad daylight, and a prophecy would mean something big is coming. Is something big coming? Did it affect my clan badly? If so, how badly?

“I want answers Stormstalk.” Those words left my mouth without a moment's hesitance. He chuckled in response.

“I can’t give you those answers, but…” His voice trailed away, and he looked up at where Lightleaf and I patched the hole. Stormstalk’s eyes closed as he lowered his head. “The answer will come when you give the truth. Be quick, or a pair of fangs will take the answer away.”

Stormstalk opened his eyes, standing and walking past me. I watched him leave, and I sighed. The facade I wear to give my clanmates courage and hope. Do I have to take it off just to know what Nighthawk is hiding? And be quick? How quick? I walked out of my den, deciding to take a walk. Maybe that’ll clear my head.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The gathering happened a few sunrises ago, welcoming me with greetings from the other clans and news. Tatteredstar still looked like the messed up, grumpy furball, while Shadowstar and Shellstar were sleek and groomed. Mottlestar was quiet, yet her fur was fluffed out as if something happened before she came here. I had forgotten about the words Lightleaf and Stormstalk had said to me. It hadn’t happened and it didn’t bother me one bit. Everyone was well, and so was I.

Lighteningfall was assigning warriors to patrols when I walked out of my den. Nighthawk was by the fresh-kill pile, his fur ungroomed and messy. Something was worrying him, and I needed to know why. I padded over to him, only for him to continue searching and not acknowledge me. Stormstalk said we were close when we were younger. What happened during those moons? We both trained together as warriors, then I became deputy, then leader. Everything seemed to go downhill when I became leader.

“Is there a squirrel in there?” I asked, wondering if small talk would make him open up. Nighthawk’s green eyes looked over the pile, then he reached down and plucked one from under a pile of mice and shrews. Right, his sharp sight helped him hunt. Something I didn’t have. Was he bitter because I called myself the best hunter when he really was the best one? No, he would have said something… Just like all the other times he did.

“Depends, do you want grey or brown?” The one he picked up was brown, and I reached over to take it from his jaws.

“Well, if I eat any grey squirrels, I’d turn into a grey tabby. I’ll stick with the brown ones.” I joked, receiving a glance from my brother. He looked tired and worried, and I wanted to ask what was bothering him.

I didn’t.

“Do you want to want to eat together?” Nighthawk asked, snapping me out of my thoughts. I nodded, picking up the squirrel by the tail and following him after he picked up a vole. He went towards my den, only to move to the side and lay down next to it. The squirrel dropped down by my paws as I laid down, tearing into the flesh without another word. We ate quietly, listening to the others that remained in camp. Soon enough, the squirrel at my paws was reduced to scraps of fur and bone. Burying the rest, I looked at Nighthawk as he finished his vole.

“What’s going on Nighthawk? You look like a bramble bush that froze after a rainy day during Leaf-fall. Stiff and messy.” My tail flicked, and I looked around camp before looking back at him. His green gaze was on his paws, then flickered up to mine.

“Follow me to the Gathering Place. There might be a chance to save her.” I leaped to my paws as he jumped up and ran past, heading out of the camp. I followed, ignoring the brambles rake through my pelt, leaving ginger tufts on the thorns. Nighthawk’s dark grey tabby pelt streaked through the trees, even running over the log that let us cross the river. When I leaped onto the log, my balanced shifted and I had to stop and steady myself before continuing. The familiar tree that I sat on every gathering with the other leaders loomed ahead.

“Why are we here? Save who?” I asked, slowing down as I watched my brother search through a briar bush. His movements became frantic, bolting upright and following something. A scent trail maybe? Nighthawk passed a lavender bush, stopped and sitting down. I padded over to him, nudging his shoulder.

“She’s gone. Perhaps something got to her, or someone found her? I should’ve brought her home.” He closed his eyes, looking like he was about to scream or something. “I’m sorry Sorreldrop.”

“Sorreldrop?” The name was familiar, and I remember a certain cat who spoke with pride whenever she was mentioned. What was he talking about? “Nighthawk, what’s this about that-”

A rather loud bark interrupted us, two of us standing up and turning towards the direction the sound emitted from. Dog. A large dog. It’s beady eyes staring at us, it’s large tongue hanging out of its mouth. Nighthawk hissed, unsheathing his claws.

“Did you take her? I’ll tear your pelt to shreds!”

“Nighthawk, we can’t take down a dog that large!” I spat, keeping my gaze on the dog. It stayed where it was, but I was sure it would bolt after us after we ran. I wasn’t too fond of leading this mutt back to my territory either.

“I’m taking this dog out, and you can’t stop me!” Nighthawk snarled.

“As your brother and leader, I order you to get back to Oakclan territory!” I snapped, and he froze. Usually, I don’t make orders, but this was needed. “I also want to know what your deal is with Sorreldrop!”

“If I obey and tell you my secret, then you have, to tell the truth.” Nighthawk glared at me, and I hesitated before agreeing. It would explain why he was like this, and we’d be able to get back to camp.

“Now let’s go!” I snapped, turning around and dashing back towards the log with my brother on my tail. The dog barked out happily, chasing after us and even shaking the log as it leaped onto and off of it. We swerved away from camp, going towards the training rocks. Hopefully, no one was there.

We leaped onto the rocks, and I heard a yowl behind me. Turning, I saw Nighthawk clawing the dog’s snout as it bit his tail, pulling him back. I found myself yelling out, watching as the large creature let go of his tail and bite down on his back, shaking him like he was a toy. I leaped, scratching at the dog’s back. It yelped, throwing its head and the sound of Nighthawk being thrown into stone. I jumped down, standing in front of Nighthawk with my fangs bared. The dog jumped forward, but I lashed out at its nose. Its blood stained my claws, and I heard a yelp before the dog turned and fled.

I felt worn, but Nighthawk had to cared for first. His pelt was matted with blood and saliva when I turned to look at him.

“Nighthawk? Are you alright?” I nudged him, receiving no response. There was no time, blood could still be seeping from his wounds. And getting a bite from a dog would get it infected quicker. I grabbed his scruff, trying to haul Nighthawk on my back when I heard someone calling my name.

“Flamestar! What in Starclan’s name happened?” A grey she-cat asked, her blue eyes wide as she looked my brother. Shortmist and Leopardpaw were behind her. The small, grey-and-white tom kept the black tom back with his tail.

“Cloudwhisker, help me get Nighthawk on my back. A dog got him,” I said, my voice slightly muffled. She nodded, helping him onto my back and helping me carry the weight back to camp.

“We should’ve been there! I’d shown that dog what Oakclanners really do!” Leopardpaw meowed, a confident gleam in his eyes.

“I doubt it, the dog was really large!” I replied, picking up the pace.

“You aren’t prepared to take a dog alone, Leopardpaw. No one is, but that’s what battle training is for.” Shortmist glanced at his apprentice, rolling his yellow eyes. Everyone didn’t say another word as we entered camp. Nettlepaw was eating a thrush when Leopardpaw ran over to her. Lightleaf came out of her den, hearing the commotion and looking at me when I walked over.

“What the-”

“A dog attacked, now help Nighthawk!” I snapped, making her flinch. She raced to my side, sniffing him before shaking her head. “I said help him!”

“I can’t. Flamestar, he’s gone with Starclan now.” No, no no no no-! She steered me towards the center of the clearing, taking Nighthawk’s body and laying it down on the ground. I just stood there, staring at his body. The words Stormstalk said to me sunrises before the gathering.

“The answer will come when you give the truth. Be quick, or a pair of fangs will take the answer away.”

Fangs. Dog fangs. Why did I have to be so stubborn!? I wanted what was best for my clan, for my ancestors, but I ignored the path I should have walked. Not the one I thought was best.

“I’m sorry Flamestar, I didn’t expect this.” Lightleaf laid some rosemary on Nighthawk. I didn’t reply, how could I? I lost the only family I had left. The secret my brother held didn’t bother me anymore. He was gone, what was there to worry about?

“Flamestar? Are you alright?” I glanced at Lighteningfall, his gaze held concern. A sigh left me, and I raised my head. I promised Nighthawk. Might as well keep it.

“Is everyone back?”

“I believe so, yes.”

“Then let all cats old enough to hunt come gather in the clearing!” I called out, standing and taking my place on top of my den. A patrol came back, dropping their prey and gathering around. The low murmur of alarm at seeing a dead clan-mate, and surprise at my call. Starclan watch over me and give Nighthawk a peaceful journey.

He deserves it after the trouble I made him go through.

“I’m sure you’re all surprised for this clan meeting, after Nighthawk’s death. But I have something to tell you. All of you.” For a second, I thought I saw my brother’s starry pelt among my clan-mates. There was a she-cat by him, leaning against him. Was that Sorreldrop? Now everything was clear. They were mates, my answer is here before me. If only I wasn't a stubborn fool until now. But... A promise is a promise Nighthawk.

“I’m so sorry everyone, I wish I was the leader I said I was. And not the facade I wore every day.”

[Shadow Sharpfang]

Fragile Life - Zilius's Story

It was a truly perfect day.
The midday sun was glowing through the trees. The stores were stocked with food. Two proud parents were holding the newest addition to their family lovingly in their arms.
“What do we name him?” the mother asked, looking up at the father with shining blue eyes.
“He’ll grow up to be a proud, handsome man, I’m sure,” the father replied, putting his arms around the mother’s waist. “Such a worthy son deserves a powerful name. We’ll call him Zilius.”
The woman smiled, gazing back at her child as she tested the name on her tongue. “Zilius… Yes, I love it. Zilius, my son.” Her smile grew, then suddenly faltered and she began to weep. “My beautiful boy, I’m sorry.”
The man looked at her in concern, though his eyes were also glittering with tears. “Don’t worry, my love. Don’t worry. Everything will be alright.”

That boy grew up fast, or so it seemed. It was quickly evident that he was born to be a hunter. By the age of eight, he was wielding a bow. Only a year later, he could hit a bird mid-flight. Two years after that, his parents taught him their trade, which was that of a skinwalker, and he adapted quickly to his abilities, eagerly amassing the pelts of any animal he could kill. They also taught him to read and write and draw along the way, sharing with him their collection of ancient tomes and curious scripts.
He grew up tall, slim, strong, and very proud.
As his fifteenth birthday approached, he noticed that his parents were becoming wary of him.
He arrived home after a successful solo hunt one day. Normally, his mother would greet him with a hug and kiss him atop the head. “Oh, Zilius, you’re growing into such a handsome young man,” she’d praise him.
“And a strong one!” his father would add with his proud, booming voice as he walked over to take Zilius’s catches from him. “You never let me down, kiddo.” He’d always ruffle the hair on Zilius’s head after that. Zilius always acted annoyed and swatted his father’s hand away, but it was hard to hide a smile.
The past few months had been different.
He returned to his home, which was a small, safe clearing within a tightly-knit grove of trees. He let the bag containing his prey drop from his shoulders and land on the ground. “Um, I’m home!” he called out. He looked around, trying to discern where his parents were located.
“Welcome back,” he heard his mother respond from within the branches of a tree. “Would you prepare dinner tonight? Your father is out and I’m feeling weary.”
She had been unwell lately, Zilius remembered with a worried frown. He heard her crying in the middle of the night, and during the day, she was too tired to move. “O-okay, but where’s Dad? And do you need any medicine or anything? I’ll fetch anything you need,” he told her as he started preparing a fire to cook on.
“No, that’s quite alright, but thank you, dear,” she answered before falling silent.
She’d ignored his first question. Zilius sighed and shook his head to clear his mind of bad thoughts. He decided it would be best to focus on making meals, so he turned his attention to the flames and got to work.
He went straight to bed after he ate. He felt too dejected to do anything else. His father’s odd disappearance, his mother’s questionable health, and the way both of them had been acting around him lately, he was exhausted from dealing with it all and passed out as soon as he laid down.
The next thing he remembered was blood. It coated the grass within the grove, decorated the trees in scarlet splatters, and filled the air with a metallic reek.
And he was standing in the middle of it.
It was all very sudden. One minute he was sleeping. The next, he was suddenly wide awake, and his skin was soaked with red.
Fright overrode his instincts and overloaded his nerves, driving his body into a state of adrenaline-fueled panic. “M-mom? D-dad? What is all of this, where are you?!” he cried out, dropping to his knees. He felt so heavy, like he’d been paralyzed. He fell forward under his own weight and desperately tried to crawl towards the tree where his parents usually rested. “Wh-where…”
He was too scared to realize that his voice was not his own. Nor were his massive, clawed hands, or the glowing red eyes he was looking through, or the bony, ink-coloured body he was dragging across the ground.
He couldn’t make it to the tree. He collapsed just within reach of its roots and the red, red world around him turned black.

The sound of laughter made Zilius jolt awake.
“Hehehe!” a childish voice cackled. “Ohh, that’s what they get for crossing me. Haha, what a terrible fate! Be be reduced to nothing but blood and meaty pulp by their beloved son, it’s fantastic.”
Startled, Zilius jumped to his feet and unsheathed a bone dagger his father had given him. He held it in front of him and spun around. “Who’s there?” he snarled, too focused on finding the intruder to remember his macabre surroundings.
“Oho! The cursed boy has awakened!” the voice remarked, and a small girl wearing makeshift clothes made of reeds and seaweed stepped into the open. Zilius cursed and stepped back, recognizing her immediately as a dangerous water spirit of some sort. “How do you feel, knowing this is all your fault? Oop! I guess you don’t know yet, do you?”
He lowered his weapon in the hopes it would dissuade the spirit from attacking, but kept his body tense. “What? What’s my fault?!” he demanded, clenching his jaw tightly shut as soon as he was finished speaking.
The spirit smiled with glee and spread her arms open wide. “Why, all of this is,” she explained in a low, taunting voice. “This blood, this gore, it all belongs to your parents, you know. Say hello.” She knelt down and brushed the grass with her fingers. Her hand was coated in scarlet when she rose, and she giggled.
Zilius choked out a cough of disbelief and his icy blue eyes went round with fear.
“You had a bit of a fit last night and slaughtered them, I presume,” the spirit hummed, flicking the blood off of her fingers. “After all, it is your fifteenth birthday, isn’t it? That was the time I promised!”
ZIlius wasn’t sure how to respond to the nonsense she was filling his head with. He could feel his brain over-working trying to comprehend it all, and his vision was pulsing red in time with the frantic beat of his heart. “P-promised…? W-what - what did you do?!”
She crept closer to him, hands behind her back. “Oh, the question is, what did they do? Those two, I warned them, yet they defiled my sacred lake, and this was my revenge. Those two, they decided to just ignore the advice of my precious children and go about with their contamination of my property.”
Venom was flooding into her words, and its intensity climbed and climbed until Zilius thought it might come spilling out of her mouth in the form of a vile, stinking black liquid. He snapped out of his frightened trance, gripped his blade, and quickly adopted a defensive stance. An unstable spirit was the most deadly, and he could sense that this one was primed to slip out of control at any second.
He didn’t notice until the last second that this creature was more than just a cheeky nymph or a sprite.
Her form flickered and she howled, “They picked the sacred hyacinth! The precious flower that blessed my home with eternal beauty and life, they stole it from right under my nose! Did away with it! Destroyed my perfect, aquatic garden!” Scales broke out all over her body, horns sprouted from the soft tresses of her hair, and rotting wings burst from her back.
No, this was something much more than a spirit.
Her eyes, which were now a bright, glowing sky blue and slit down the middle with a green pupil, settled upon Zilius. Her demeanour had relaxed, and she continued with her vindictive explanation. “So, I watched them. And when I saw that they were planning to conceive a child, I deemed it the perfect time to show them the pain they caused me. You were born with a brilliant curse weaved with my own paws, boy. Why, you’re hardly even human! Hahaha!”
She pointed a mocking finger at him, eyes wide and glowing with hatred as she laughed hysterically. “So inhuman, yes! You even went on a rampage and killed your own parents, you did! Oh, how awful! Hahaha! You’re disgusting! Disgusting, dirty, unsightly beast! Haha!” She keeled over, heaving and shaking with laughter.
Zilius glared down at her. She’d released a spark, and it ignited a fire throughout his veins. His vision flooded with scarlet, obscuring even the blood staining the ground and the fierce pounding in his head. Tears dripped from his eyes, which had gone from their typical icy blue to a fierce, shining red.
“You damned fiend!” he shouted, letting his weapon clatter to the ground as his body began to morph into something that was indeed unsightly, even monstrous. He rose up, and his newly formed tail swished slowly from sighed to side as he advanced on the scaly creature. He opened his bony jaws and let loose an enraged roar. “So this… It’s your fault!”
The girl watched as the black-haired boy transformed into a much difference form. One that was tall, thin, dark, and donned an elk’s skull as its head. A flicker of fear came alive in her eyes and she stepped back, tucking her useless wings against her sides to make her seem smaller.
She didn’t have a chance to run before Zilius, or the creature that he had become, tore into her body, painting the once tranquil grove he called home in a new layer of crimson.
He fled that night. He fled far, far away, frightening many native beasts as he sprinted through the trees. Eventually, though, he collapsed, and his body shrunk down and softened into a form he was much more familiar with.
He was exhausted, but too scared to sleep. At one point through the night, a deer startled him, and he stabbed it through with a tree branch. Realizing what he’d done shortly afterwards, he bit his tongue and knelt down before it.
He was too tired, too scared, too young to understand a lot of what had gone on, but he knew that there was too much blood on his hands for one day, and seeing the dying deer before him was like clamping a molten vice around his heart. He spent the rest of the night fashioning a pitiful but functioning blade from stone, and used it to skin the animal. He took the skin and held it tightly in his arms, and was about to flee the scene, but before he left, he took the animal’s skull with him as a reminder of its life.
Its precious, precious life, which he’d taken without mercy.

For days after that, he starved. He grew up a hunter, and knew nothing about which plants were edible and which weren’t, and he was too afraid to take another life for his own benefit.
One day, he got so far as to capture a rabbit. He held the squirming rodent by the ears and thought about where the ideal place to light a fire would be.
He couldn’t bring himself to snap the little animal’s neck, though, and set it free, ignoring the fierce rumbling of his stomach.
With a mighty, tired sigh, he fell back against a tree and gazed at the polished deer skull he’d been carefully guarding over the past week or so. He grabbed it by one of its grand antlers and pulled it closer, studying its intricate structure. He noticed how wide the base was, and he lifted it up, placing it curiously atop his head.
It fit nicely. He tapped it and shook it, but he could tell it wouldn’t fall off easily. He gazed up at it, thoughtful. Then he leaned back against the tree and dozed off.
He had a dream that night for the first time in months. He was usually a still, deep sleeper, so it was a rare occurrence. He opened his eyes and gazed around at the dreamscape. It was a wide, grassy expanse, dotted with trees. A flock of birds floated through the air overhead, flapping now and then to propel themselves forward.
“Where’s your bow, kid?” a voice asked from behind him. He spun around, but no one was there.
“I don’t know,” he admitted.
A bow appeared before him and clattered onto the earth. “Here ya go, then. A new one, just this once. Go on, then, hit one of those birds right outta the sky. I’ve seen ya do it before.”
Frowning, he picked up the bow. He got a feeling for the weight and the sturdiness of the material, then lifted it and got into position. Aiming for the sky, he pulled back on the string, and let loose an arrow. The arrow whistled through the sky and struck one of the unsuspecting birds, causing the rest to scatter as it fell from the sky.
An invisible hand gave him a praising pat on the back. “See, you’ve still got it! So go on, then. Get out there and bring us back dinner!”
There was a hearty laugh, and then the dreamscape vanished, leaving him in darkness.
When he woke up the next morning, he remembered nothing. He couldn’t remember his parents, his childhood, nor the events leading to him being starved and tired as he was then. Confused, he got to his feet and looked around.
His body seemed to pilot itself that day. It steered itself around the woods, collecting items and tools with which he made a bow and a set of arrows. With his new weapon, he shot down a suitable meal and ate. Then, when the moon rose, he got to work building a small but sturdy shelter. When he was finished, he promptly slept until the following morning.
He knew his name. He was Zilius. He knew he was a hunter - how else could he have fashioned a bow with his less-than-optimal selection of materials? He still knew how to read, write, draw, and he knew that he was good with his hands. He knew that he could use the pelts of animals to shapeshift. He knew how to prepare a meal and which parts of an animal were edible.
He knew that he was Zilius the hunter, but he remembered nothing more.

[Wolfstar]

Tatteredstar's Folly

Allegiances
Leader
Tatteredstar- Ungroomed, scarred large dark brown tabby tom with a greying muzzle and shredded ears, amber eyes

Deputy
Alderpelt- Thick-furred, dark ginger tom with green eyes

Medicine Cats
Amberflower- Brown tabby she-cat with bright amber eyes

Cypresspaw- Brown-and-white tom with dull amber eyes

Warriors
Dawnscar- Broad-shouldered, dark brown tabby tom with a black-tipped tail and blue eyes

Curlpelt- Black-and-white she-cat with curly fur and yellow eyes

Greyglow- Grey tom with a lighter tail, ears, and green eyes

Blacksun- Black she-cat with shining amber eyes
    Apprentice- Emberpaw

Mosspuddle- Tortoiseshell she-cat with brown splotches and blue eyes
    Apprentice- Goosepaw

Jaggedstripe- Pale grey tabby tom with jagged stripes and yellow eyes
    Apprentice- Foxpaw
    Mate- Briarbird

Adderstrike- Dark yellow tabby tom with a long tail and yellow eyes

Furzefang- Spiky furred brown-and-black tom with yellow eyes

Brightfur- Pale grey-and-white she-cat with blue eyes

Sandyblaze- Pale ginger tom with darker legs, tail, and dark green eyes
    Apprentice- Leafpaw

Frostrunner- White she-cat with pale grey splotches and blue eyes

Ratwhisker- Dark grey tom with unusually long, thick whiskers and dark blue eyes

Apprentices
Foxpaw- Russet tom with darker paws and green eyes

Emberpaw- Dark, dappled tortoiseshell she-cat with yellow eyes

Leafpaw- Pale brown tabby she-cat with white paws, ears, and pale green eyes

Goosepaw- Large, mottled pale blue-grey tom with blue eyes

Queens
Briarbird- Brown she-cat with a darker back, tail, and green eyes
    Mate- Jaggedstripe    
    Kits- Eveningkit- Pale grey-and-brown mute tom with bright amber eyes
             Acornkit- Dark brown tabby she-kit with green eyes

             Batkit- Black tom with large ears and wide yellow eyes

Sorreldrop- White she-cat with ginger splotches and blue eyes

Elders
Applestone- Dark cream colored tom with blue eyes

Darkface- Grey she-cat with a darker face, belly, and yellow eyes

Hailheart- Broad-shouldered speckled pale grey tabby she-cat with ice blue eyes

A groan escaped from my mouth when I heard a pop from my limbs. I seemed to grow stiffer every day. It annoyed me to no end. I have lived long, and have two more lives to go through. I’m not going to die easily. What kind of Cedarclan cat would I be if I did? Ah, Cedarclan, my home. So much happiness, but so much sadness. The loss of friends and family, my mate… Examples of the very many hardships I had to endure for my clan. But, there is the joy of having faithful and loyal warriors, and a surviving daughter who is expecting kits of her own.

Thinking of that made my amber eyes brighten, and I stretched my legs more before pushing through the bracken that made the entrance of my den. From the light that leaked through the trees, it was past dawn, but before sun high. Alderpetl, a dark ginger tom, was assigning patrols. It was common to see my clan-mates with thick fur, unnerved by the brambles that surrounded out camp and in our territory. The medicine cats, Amberflower and Cypresspaw, were shuffling towards the nursery.

“Tatteredstar, would you like to lead a patrol?” Alderpelt asked as I walked up. He’s a good deputy, could work on a few things, but I was ready for him to lead the clan after me. Familiar faces turned to me. Dawnscar, a dark brown tabby tom, Mosspuddle, a tortoiseshell she-cat with brown splotches, and many that just fill me with pride. Most of the cats here were ones I’ve known as kits. The only ones that are alive and around are in the elder's den.

“Maybe after I check in with everyone. Can you put a hunting patrol on hold for a few?” I asked, receiving a nod from him. Alderpelt turned back to the warriors in front of him.

“Alright, Dawnscar, Brightfur, and Sandyblaze, you’re on standby. Take Leafpaw too.” Said warriors dispersed, Sandyblaze going to his apprentice who was practicing battle moves with the other apprentices. Foxpaw was struggling under Goosepaw’s weight, his muzzle being battered by his paws. Emberpaw was sharing blows with Leafpaw, the two bared their fangs like they were in a real battle.

Mosspuddle was assigned to a border patrol, taking Goospaw with her, to Foxpaw’s relief. Blacksun was on the second border patrol, taking Emberpaw with her. Seeing that they were the only two left, Leafpaw and Foxpaw turned to each other, starting a mock battle.

I made my way towards the nursery, raising my head when three small furballs ran underneath me. There was a scowl and a chuckle. A brown she-cat, her tail, and back darker than the rest of her fur, came out of the den. Followed by a white she-cat with ginger splotches, her belly starting to swell.

“I’m sorry Tatteredstar, I thought I raised my kits better,” Briarbird said, her green eyes troubled. Her darker tail drooped, and I held up my tail to reassure her.

“You’re alright. Kits will be kits after all. I’ve been there,” I replied, looking back at the other she-cat, smiling when her ears flattened in embarrassment. Looking down, I saw the kits weaving through my paws. “Eveningkit, Acornkit, and Batkit. How are you three today?”

“We’re excited to see Sorreldrop’s kits, but we also want to be apprentices!” Batkit mewed, his yellow eyes large as he gazed up at me.

“Yeah! Playing with Eveningkit and Batkit can be such a bore, I want to see how different it is playing with a she-cat!” Acornkit said, receiving a cuff over her ears from Eveningkit.

The pale grey-and-brown tom couldn’t express how he felt with words, only with actions. It’s really rare to find a cat who can’t talk. I lowered my head, nudged the kit with my head, then doing the same with the other two.

“You’ll become apprentices when you’re at your six moons. Just like the other four. You’ll be able to train with Emberpaw and Leafpaw before they become warriors, Acornkit. They’re at the beginning of their training. Same with Goosepaw and Foxpaw with you, Batkit. And Eveningkit.” He looked up at me curiously. “You won’t be held back because you can’t speak. You’ll be able to train normally like your littermates.” His amber eyes brightened up more than usual.

“Let’s go see if Jaggedstripe is back, he might be able to show you three some hunting moves.” Briarbird followed her kits out as they ran out, joining Jaggedstripe as he returned from a border patrol. Sorreldrop was in front of me, a smile on her muzzle.

“You give hope to Eveningkit, more that I can.” She turned and walked back into the nursery, I followed after her.

“Well, kits look up to strong cats. I guess I’m considered one of those,” I replied. Sorreldrop eased laid herself down in her nest, wrapping her tail around her belly.

“Of course you are! Tatteredstar, you’re one of the oldest cats in the clan, as well as one of the strongest. I’m not surprised there are some kits that look up to you. There’s probably a couple of apprentices and warriors that look up to you too.”

“You sound more like your mother every day, Sorreldrop. She’d be proud of you.” The loss of one I loved so dear, to a yellow cough no less. My son died of it too, and it was a miracle that Sorreldrop lived. My thoughts were interrupted when she coughed, and I stood up. “Are you alright?”

“I am, don’t worry. Must’ve inhaled a bit of moss or something.” I relaxed when she flashed me a reassuring smile. Her gaze shifted to behind me, and I turned my head to see a brown-and-white tom.

“Sorry to interrupt, but I need to check on how Sorreldrop is doing. You’ll need to leave, Tatteredstar.”

“That’s alright, I need to lead a hunting patrol anyway. Thank you Cypresspaw. See you Sorreldrop.” I dipped my head to the two, backing out of the den and collecting the cats that were with me on the patrol. It started well today, and I looked forward to stretching my stiff limbs.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The taste of frog was interesting, a mix of a rabbit and a fish. I tore some flesh from one as I dug into it, keeping it down with a paw like it was trying to leap away from me. Rabbits were tricky to catch in Cedarclan territory, but they were caught from time to time. And certainly welcome, might I add. Fish… Now that takes me back. My memories trailed back when I actually managed to catch a fish when I was a young warrior. Luckily, a Birchclan cat didn’t find me. The taste was slimy and strange, but tasty.

If I said that now, cats would think I’m flea-brained.

My eyes flickered upwards as I gnawed on a frog leg, looking at the camp before seeing a cat push through the bramble entrance in a hurry. It was Goosepaw, his eyes wide until they landed on me.

“Tatteredstar! Mosspuddle, Foxpaw, and Jaggedstripe were training when a Birchclan party attacked us! We need backup!” I sprang to my paws, hurrying over to the apprentice. Sorreldrop was looking at us, and Briarbird was keeping her kits in the nursery.

“Do you know how many there are?”

“I’m not sure, six at least I think.”

“Alright.” I looked around the camp, seeing the remaining warriors who had either returned from a patrol or who had remained in camp and was yet to be assigned to a patrol. “Furzefang, Brightfur, Dawnscar, Blacksun, and Emberpaw. Let’s show these Birchclan cats not to mess with Cedarclan!” They gave me a yowl in agreement, all of us pushing one after through the entrance. We pushed through the thick undergrowth, Goosepaw leading the way. When the undergrowth thinned out, our speed increased and we bounded towards the yowling.

“Cedarclan, attack!” I yowled, leaping towards the nearest cat. How dare these cats attack us! I didn’t see Shellstar anywhere, and I knew the tom was smart enough to provoke an attack on a training session? Perhaps not smart enough.

My claws made contact with fur and flesh, the smell of blood and the sight of crimson. A sight I was used to. There were many skirmishes with Birchclan, but it was countless ones with Oakclan. There was a warrior pinning Foxpaw to the ground, and I ran forward, grabbing the warrior’s scruff, tasting blood and throwing them off. The russet tom nodded thankfully, standing up and running back into the fray with a yowl.

“You should be in the elder's den, you old fool!” I snarl met my ears as a sudden weight came onto my shoulders. There was hot breath on the back of my neck, and I could feel the cat’s claws digging into my back.

“And you should still be with your mother, you unrespectful piece of dung!” I snapped, yowling when another cat ran into me. My side made contact with the ground, and I couldn’t do anything as the two Birchclan warriors hit me with their claws. They were quick, and my claws didn’t make contact with anything. I could feel even more wounds being made, blood spilling out even more. Starclan help me!

“Birchclan, stop!” A yowl range through my ears, someone pushing the two away from me. A familiar pale grey tabby standing above me, his legs and tail a darker grey. It was Shellstar of Birchclan.

He seemed furious, and the sounds of battle died down quickly. My wounds burned, my vision growing hazy as Shellstar spoke, his tone expressing his anger and disappointment. Eventually, my vision turned black, then bright as I saw myself in a starry landscape. There was slightly see-through, starry version of myself. His, my, body becoming a slightly more clearer version.

Another life was gone.

One more left.

The starry version of me dipped his head, before turning and walking away. A black tom walked up his tail and belly brown. He was starry as well, but more faded than the other version of me. I knew very little of him, but I knew him well.

“Cedarstar. You’ve come to see me,” I said, surprised to find myself to be quiet. The faded tom nodded, sitting down in front of me. He hadn’t said anything, but he did interrupt me before I could say anything next.

“You can spend a bit more time here than usual here, Tatteredstar. Shellstar is taking care of everyone at the moment,” Cedarstar said. “Just know that I’m here to warn you. Warn you of two things, actually.”

“Warn me? Of what?” I asked, blinking. Usually I wasn’t warned of anything by a Starclan cat, usually, it’s from Amberflower, or sometimes on some occasions, Cypresspaw. I waited for the ancient cat to tell me, my paws kneading the ground. I needed to get back, I didn’t have all day!

“Once more, a cough will bring you sorrow. While a storm will bring you peace, but havoc for the rest of your clan. Tell no one of this, Tatteredstar. This is for you only. Now.” Cedarstar touched my head with his, and I winced as a bright light made me close my eyes. “Go back, and reassure your clan.”

“Tatteredstar? Ah, you’re coming to.” I blinked open my eyes, groaning at the dulling pain as I tried to sit up. “Careful now.”

“Shellstar, what is the meaning of this? I ought to shred your warrior's ears!” I snapped, my voice dry and rough. Furzefang was letting me lean against him, and I’d thank him if I could. But I wanted answers. No one attacks my clan without answering to me.

“Apparently, my warriors wanted more territory without telling me or my deputy. I’ll be sure to punish them for this, they’ll have to think about things twice after I’m through with them.” Shellstar flashed me an apologetic look, and I growled in return.

“Let me shred their ears to add to their punishment. Maybe a strip of territory would be a good apology,” I snapped. Shellstar thought for a moment.

“I’ll think about it, and give you my answer at the next gathering. Again, I’m sorry about everything. I wish I could do more at the moment, but I can’t. Good day, Tatteredstar.” Shellstar dipped his head, calling his warriors together. The ones who were fighting us had their heads and tails lowered, being grouped together by the warriors who didn’t fight and lead back to camp.

“Let’s get back to camp. Get our wounds treated and some rest. You all did well everyone, and I’ll be making an announcement about this tomorrow.” There were murmurs of agreement and even some cheers about the accomplishment as we started walking back to camp.

Cedarstar’s words were hazy in my head. What’s going to happen now?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“How’s Sorreldrop? Give it to me straight Amberflower.”

My poor daughter, contracting yellow cough just like her mother a few sunrises before she gives birth. The news was given to me when I came back to camp after that battle with Birchclan. She had been kept in the nursery, and Briarbird and her kits moved to the apprentice's den. The kits themselves were ecstatic, but Briarbird was worried about her den-mate. The queen was having trouble breathing, a fever settling in and not feeling hungry. Starclan help her. My love, give her strength.

“Well, Tatteredstar, she might not make it. It’ll be a miracle,” Amberflower replied, trying to form her words carefully. “We’ve given her lungwort, but it hasn’t worked. We can’t give her some herbs that’ll help her either since she’s an expecting queen.”

“Then do better! Sorreldrop will live and you can’t just leave her to die! What kind of medicine cats are you!?” I snapped, angry at the two cats I trusted the most. Amberflower flinched, but Cypresspaw was unnerved.

“We aren’t going to abandon her, but we’re going to try our best to help her. There is a very slim chance, yes, but we will need a miracle.” Cypresspaw took over, shuffling past his mentor and looking up at me. I glared at him, wondering how he could stay so calm. I couldn’t calm down, as much as I wanted to. “Besides, you still need to rest. The effects of losing a life are still heavy on you.”

That was true. I was on my last life, and losing my previous one seemed to linger much longer than others. I got fatigued much easier, sleeping in until past sun high. Alderpelt seemed to be nervous, seeing me late in the afternoon than earlier in the day. I was told to stay in camp, only going on a walk with someone to accompany me. Usually, it was one of the elders who came with me too. As much as I enjoyed my old friend’s company, I had to lead this clan. I couldn’t let them worry about me.

Nonetheless, see me worry.

“I don’t want to, Cypresspaw. I’m the leader of this clan, they should see me as strong.”

“They should also see you as healthy too.” Amberflower put it, standing up and resting her tail on her apprentice’s back. “A healthy and strong leader is what I want. It’s what Sorreldrop would want too. We’ll focus on her every day, checking on her and making sure she’s well and taken care of.” I could hear the doubt and hesitance in her voice, but I ignored it.

“Do everything to help her. I’ll take your advice and rest, but you two better get rid of her yellow cough. I know Sorreldrop can be saved, and don’t prove me wrong.” I growled, stalking out of the medicine den and towards my own. The nursery was heavily restricted, by the medicine cat’s requests, so it wouldn’t spread. I wish I could see my daughter, but I’d be shooed away quickly. “If only I wasn’t old, or leader. Then perhaps I could be more carefree…”

Wake up Tatteredstar! Wake up!

My head shot up, and I blinked as I remembered where I was. My den… Did I doze off earlier? There was barely any sunlight out. Was it dawn? It was odd since I hadn’t woken up early in days. I stood, stretching my limbs and hearing a few familiar pops from my limbs. The bracken separated as I passed through. No one was awake except me, so it must be earlier than dawn. I sighed, I should still be asleep. Yet I was not. Why?

“Go to the top of the end of the border with Ashclan, away from the clans.” Someone said, the voice somewhat familiar. I couldn’t think about who it was. Whoever it was, they wanted to show me something. Or something else entirely.

Either way, I decided to follow as instructed.

The undergrowth grew denser the closer you got to camp, but it didn’t bug me as I pushed through. Brambles, bracken, briar, anything with thorns was common in this territory. The cedar trees clustered close to keep the territory shadowed. It gave way to the ravine, our border with Ashclan. The ravine that took many lives, it’s unbelievable.

“The top, right? It’ll take me out of the territory,” I muttered, trekking up and along the ravine. There shouldn’t be a patrol this early, and I could see the sky better now. There still wasn’t much light, but I could see well enough to continue. The ravine was dark as well, no light spilled into it and making it seem ominous. It eventually thinned, and the scent of Cedarclan and Ashclan didn’t seem as strong anymore. Soon enough, the ravine ended. I looked around, wondering why I was told to go here.

Then the scent of death touched my nose, as well as another familiar scent.

“Who…?” I walked forward, spotting white fur and ginger splotches. “Y-you- Why are you here!?” I grabbed the cat’s scruff, pulling her out from underneath a bush. The scent of blood and sickness was much more noticeable, and there was something else underneath the bush that I had to drag out. Two kits, both dead. “Starclan why.”

“I’m sorry Tatteredstar.”

It was Sorreldrop speaking, and I saw her starry pelt standing there, with two equally starry kits by her. They faded away, and I was left alone, staring at the body of my surviving daughter and my kin. Yesterday, I asked Amberflower and Cypresspaw to do their best to heal her. Now she’s gone.

“Thinking that she could be saved even though you were told the truth. You’re a foolish cat Tatteredstar. An old, foolish furball.”

[Wolfstar]

Selfish Always, Masked Always

Kowara's Story

“Okasan (Mother), is this really necessary?” Kowara asked, placing her mask on the desk beside her. She wasn’t referring to the mask, she was used to wearing it daily. The little kitsune was more concerned as she watched her mother dig through a chest of cloths and ribbon as she sat in a tub. Bubbles sticking to her dark grey fur or spiking her fur up. The white markings she had on her pelt were covered by bubbles.

“It is Musume (daughter). You’ll be seeing the outside world for the first time. You’ll need to look like a sakura blossom,” Her mother replied, her golden fur decorated with purple ribbons and jewelry. Kowara rolled her eyes, closing them and diving underwater to rinse. When she rose, she gasped out for air, taking a comb and getting rid of any knots that were made. Her two tails waving behind her.

“Then just dye me pink like a blossom.”

“I rather not dear. You’re kawaii (cute) already.” This made the young kitsune’s ears flatten in embarrassment. Once she was finished with her bath and dried, she equipped the mask and let her Okasan dress her. She was fortunate that the only things she put on her were a necklace made of gold and two sapphire ribbons that attached to it. With a clean, smooth pelt, and a clean mind, the two kitsunes were off.

“See that village Kowara? That’s where the humans live. Stay away from them for now, but we’ll visit the villages soon,” Mother said, looking down at her cub, her eyes hidden by her own mask. Kowara tilted her head, curious about the new beings. She’s heard of different beings, like oni (ogre) and yasha (demon). Even some things about Tenshi (angel), but nothing about humans.

“Musume? Kikimashita? (Did you listen?)” Kowara looked up at her mother, nodding.

“Kikimashita (I listened.)” She replied. Her mother nodded, turning away and walking back home. Meeting relatives and cousins, one of the very few things the young kitsune wished she enjoyed. Instead, it annoyed her to no end. Maybe she could get out of it. Learning English and writing Japanese was still new to her, considering the world was changing quickly and everything was different everyday. The village, though, she’d like to get out and see it. Being kept inside for over two centuries makes you curious about the outside world. With the chattering and laughter in the next room, Kowara worked in her room alone. Her home was similar to a regular house, save for the expensive trinkets from centuries ago. Silk, velvet, jade, anything expensive and rare was found here.

Kowara kept to her studies for a few more days, until the need to visit the village grew till it was unbearable. Her mother left to visit a friend, leaving the young kitsune alone. It wasn’t like her to disobey rules, but just this once. It wouldn’t hurt, right?

It hurt more than she thought.

“O-ow! How are humans used to two legs!?” Kowara asked, not used to her human form as she stumbled out of her home. Her hair was down to her shoulders, a dark grey like her fur. It was odd for her, but her eyes changed color depending on her mood. Originally, they were a chocolate amber, now they’re a peach. Embarrassment. Her kimono was white with blue and gold lining and design, hiding her tails underneath the cloth with ease. The mask she wore daily rested on her face, and she started to walk confidently as she made her way to the village. “Hmph! I can walk on two legs like a human, nothing can stop me!”

“Stop you from what?” Kowara froze, turning to look at a boy. He was taller than her but looked to be around the same age (the age she looked anyway). Raven hair that was tied up in a short ponytail, and pale blue eyes. He looked curiously at her, and she had to regain her composure. Already met a human, and she was speaking out loud. Kowara bit her lip. She really needed to learn to acknowledge her surroundings.

“N-nothing. What do you want to know?” She asked, crossing her arms behind her back. The boy blinked, saying nothing for a few moments.

“Well, I’m just curious. It’s uncommon to see a bishoujo wearing a kitsune mask.” He shook his head, taking a short bow. “My name’s Shigure, who’re you?” Kowara took a moment, then bowed in return.

“My name’s Kowara. Um, what does bishoujo mean?” She asked, but turned around after a moment. “N-nevermind, I have to go. But I’ll be back, alright?” The kitsune ran back home, not even waiting for an answer. Luckily, her mother greeted her happily as Kowara bounded over to her, back in her kitsune form. The little kitsune kept her word, though, coming back daily to the village and meeting with Shigure. He eventually introduced her to other kids and adults, letting her get used to walking through the village. Soon enough, she was over much longer during the days. The days became weeks, to months, and eventually, it became years.

She liked Shigure, happy to know he wasn’t like the humans her mother talked about. The sunsets she managed to see with him were beautiful. Even so, the mask she wore hid everything. She was glad that Shigure respected privacy.

“Kowara, why do you wear that every day? The mask I mean.” Shigure turned to look at her, his hair grown out but still tied back. Kowara thought for a moment. The question she’s been dreading has been asked, and it doesn’t help that she just received her third tail recently too.

“My mom tells me to keep it on. She doesn’t want me to take it off.”

“Is there a reason for that?”

“Well… No, there isn’t.” There was no clear reason why Kowara had to keep the mask on. Maybe it was time to take it off.

“Well, what is your mother trying to hide? I’d like to see you without it on if that’s alright.”

“I’ll take it off, and keep it off if you tell me what bishoujo means!” That one word had stayed in her mind every since Shigure has said it, and she couldn’t find anything that told her what it meant. He thought for a moment, before smiling and nodding. Seeing as he agreed, Kowara put her hands on her mask, gripping it tightly and lowered it. She’d never seen her human face before, so having another see it first kind of made her jealous. A chuckle interrupted her thoughts, a she looked at Shigure.

“I thought so, you really are a bishoujo.”

“What does that even mean!?” Kowara snapped, causing his smile to widen.

“Bishoujo means beautiful girl.” Shigure laughed, seeing the girl’s face turn crimson.

“Y-you baka! I’m turning redder than a cherry!” She sputtered, jumping when he hugged her. Kowara relaxed, hugging back reluctantly. Her mask slipped into her lap, becoming forgotten. The sun disappeared over the horizon, and Kowara sighed. “I better get home. Mother will be waiting.”

“Alright, oyasumi Kowara.” He bid her goodnight, helping her up before going home. Kowara smiled, putting the mask back on and returning home. But it was empty, no recent scents or anything added to the home. It was cold, and Kowara wondered where her mother gone. But, she waited. Day after day, until a week passed and she realized her mother was gone. A nine-tailed, golden kitsune, gone. Deciding it was time to move on, she moved in with Shigure. The two helped one another in the little home, the kitsune always returning home every day to check on it and clean.

Years passed, and Kowara swallowed nervously. She had grown taller, true, but otherwise, she stayed the same height. Shigure was much taller now, and another question she dreaded came from him.

“Why do you never age, Kowara?” He had asked, wearing a silk robe that Kowara found in her home. It was it a male’s style, and she presumed it was from her father. So, she gave it to her companion.

“I-I’ll tell you, but don’t freak out, alright?” He nodded, and she reluctantly shifted back to her kitsune form. The mask was on her face, the muzzle longer to fit her muzzle. The golden necklace and sapphire lace remained around her neck, a shine still on them. When Kowara looked back up, Shigure had kneeled in front of her.

“A kitsune, that’d explain a few things. Let me take the mask off, alright? We talked about this.” She nodded, blinking as the mask was removed and set on her paws. “Well aren’t you a kawaii little kitsune~”

“S-shut it baka!”

More years went, to the point where Kowara met Shigure’s brother. Then his sister-in-law. Then his nieces and nephews, and then grandchildren. Kowara stayed with him, in a simplified fox form instead of her human form. She’d use that form from time to time but became a fox when there were guests. Eventually, a century passed, one that was filled with awe and sadness.

“Your fourth tail, it’s as soft as the others,” Shigure mumbled, running a hand gently through her fur. Kowara looked at him, knowing full well this shouldn’t be a happy day. He was old, over a century old at that. She came to love the man, the human, yet she couldn’t stop him aging. Cruel fate.

“Shigure, you need to rest. Shall I go make some rice balls? Maybe some sashimi?” She suggested, only for him to dismiss her requests with a wave of his hand.

“No, I’m not hungry. But how about the place where we watch the sunsets? I’d like to see it again, if you don’t mind.” Kowara swallowed but nodded as she helped him up and out of their own. Towards the place where they always watched the sunsets. She helped him sit, then lean against the sakura tree they had planted. He smiled, ignoring his draining health. “Ah, the sun is setting. We haven’t seen many of these, have we?”

“No… No, we haven’t.”

“Kowara, don’t worry about me. Death is something everything has to accept, just as what I have to accept now. Don’t cry. Tengoku (heaven) isn’t a bad place.”

“How do you know that?” She challenged. He cast a glance at her, chuckling at making her stiffen.

“Because there was a tenshi (angel) with me for most of my life. I thank you Kowara, may we met in the Celestial Plane.”

“S-Shigure!” Kowara started, wide-eyed as he relaxed and let out his last breath. Her eyes watered until it spilled and stained her cheeks. She buried her head in his chest, trying to relish the remaining warmth. It seemed to slip by fast and seemed to vanish completely when there was a dry chuckle.

“Have you learned your lesson, musume (daughter)? Or do I have to wait another century to see you break down at another pathetic human’s death?” The being’s words were laced with venom, but familiar enough for Kowara to look up. Her mother, standing there like she was there the entire time. Her aura told that she was angry, and Kowara took a step back, glancing at her companion’s body.

“M-mother? Where did you go for a century?”

“I didn’t go anywhere, I simply watched the fool that is my daughter live with mortals. It was a something you had to learn. Now come along Kowara.”

“You expect me to go with you after you: A. abandoned me, and B. ask me after my best friend and crush dies? Others would think you’re an oni in disguise!” Kowara snarled, growling at her mother. Her mother flinched but retaliated with a growl in return.

“You’re a fool like your father, a mistake waiting to happen! I should’ve left you for the vultures!”

“Then maybe I could’ve gotten a better mother! You have an easier chance meet the head devil himself!”

“Child, you still have things to learn! Look at the soul that belonged to that mortal!” Her mother snapped, and Kowara turned to see a glowing soul in reach. The essence, or spirit that made up a soul. It was Shigure’s, I could feel it. “Watch it rise to the sky and join the ones in the afterlife! You have more to learn child, and I could teach you so much!”

Kowara stared at it, and idea coming to mind and being set into motion. The orb that held her own soul appeared, popping open and swooping the other in. Her mother shrieked at this, and Kowara let it float above her head.

“You selfish furball! Take that soul out!”

“No! I’m keeping him with me, and you can’t change a damn thing! Shigure taught me more about myself than you could do in a thousand years. All I need to do is be by myself, adjusting to mortal life and letting me live among them! I don’t care if you call it sin, I call it friendship. Something you never taught me about!” The white markings on her pelt turned crimson, glowing brightly. Her mother stepped back, but her daughter wasn’t finished. “I’m getting out of here, and you can’t stop me at all!”

Her mother stood there for a few moments, before snarling and lashing out. Kowara dodged them, managing to dodge the attacks and lash out with her own attack before gathering a few things and leaving.

“And stay out! I don’t want an ungrateful, sinful, flea-bag in my home. Don’t even return you ingrate!” The calls from her mother echoed in the kitsune’s ears as she ran. There was nowhere to go, and Kowara was alone all over again. At least she learned to be herself, even if it meant being selfish for her own gains.

[Shadow Sharpfang]

Just a little gift before my next character story to make the wait feel a little shorter~
First, some history of the characters:
Rau - a boy who suffered intense abuse from his parents and eventually fled from home. He has intense nightmares almost every night.
Xaleu - Rau's childhood friend who helped him recover from the abuse.

They were similar in that they had both fled from home, and they lived together on the streets, supporting each other and keeping each other's morale high. Xaleu always knew when Rau was having nightmares and always woke him, saving him from the nightly torture. There even came a point when the nightmares ceased completely when Xaleu was at his side.
Xaleu disappeared one day, not attending school nor returning to their makeshift 'home', but Rau had built up enough strength by that point that he managed on his own.
One day, though, many years later, they met again. They were both 26 at this point, each with lives of their own, but it was still an exciting reunion for both of them. They began to spend time together often, and Rau eventually confessed a childhood crush that had never really died. The feelings were returned and the two began dating.
The thing about Xaleu - he's a player. If he could make money off of sleeping around, he would be rich. Rau happened to pop up while he was pursuing another romantic interest, but as Xaleu didn't have real feelings for the other person he was wooing, he gladly got together with Rau, who he had some type of bond with after the many years they'd know each other.
It was a happy few months for both of them, but Xaleu never stopped chasing his other prey. Rau grew jealous when Xaleu spent less and less time around him, dedicating his time to the other person, and he often executed plots to create distance between Xaleu and his prey.
It all backfired rather harshly when Xaleu decided to cut off their relationship. He didn't want anyone getting in the way of his fun, and Rau had been doing just that. He hadn't intended to hurt his friend's feelings, but to Rau, there was no harsher fate. He ran away, moving back into his own house, and locked himself there for a long while.

This is a particular dream he had one night following the break-up...

---

All around him were silhouettes of people he had met over the years. The figures were distant, but their faces were vivid, each one riddled with disappointment or disdain. One by one they would start to speak to him. His parents were the first.
“Such an awful child,” his mother mumbled, shaking her head. “What did I do to earn such a disgraceful son? He can hardly do anything right. He’d be better off dying before he comes of age with the way he is.”
His father came into focus. Although his body was distorted, the old leather belt with the cold metal buckle he held was not unrecognizable. He joined in the degrading chatter, saying, “That boy was a mistake. I’ve tried so hard to raise him right, but even after a few smacks from the belt and he still can’t get it through his head. Let’s hope he manages to vanish before he stains the family name.”
Those two faces were always the first ones to come to him, but never the last.
Before long, his dull surroundings were alive with the sounds of scathing remarks and condescending berations. They were audible at first, but eventually they devolved into a singular sharp, persistent noise, like someone was sawing through metal with a dull blade next to his ears while someone else hammered nails into his skull. It was hell. He whined and held his face in his hands, crying out for help to the only person he could trust.
“Xaleu! Xaleu, help me!”
Normally, the darkness would part at his call, but this night, it remained. He dropped to his knees.
“Please, I need you. Please.” Tears were soaking his cheeks and his tired body shook under its own weight. “Xaleu, save me.”
Then, silence. He looked up, willing for Xaleu to walk through the shadowy mob. His glowing green eyes always seemed to light the way. It was all he needed.
And indeed, Xaleu did appear. But rather than approaching him with a smile on his face and an extended hand, he stood among the assembly of scornful individuals. He did smile, but it was not a kind smile. It was imbued with contempt.
“I don’t need you anymore. You only got in the way in the end. Besides, whatever you thought there was between us, it never really existed, did it? Haha, I can’t believe you actually thought I loved you. That’s… That’s pathetic!” Xaleu laughed and laughed, and the collection of ghosts from times long gone joined in. A harmony of mocking laughter permeated through the air before suddenly silencing itself.
Xaleu looked down at him, then spun around and began walking away. “Goodbye, Rau. It’ll be a relief to finally get you out of my way.” He flicked his hand and then disappeared from view as the others leaped upon Rau, beating him and flaying him to expel the rage they had harboured towards him since the moment he was born.
As his very being was torn to shreds, he was left wondering, ‘Why?’
And then he couldn’t think any longer.
Rau woke up in a cold sweat late that night and couldn’t even be bothered to feel relieved that his dream wasn’t real. In that moment, it didn’t matter that his life had been spared. After all, Xaleu leaving him hadn’t just been some illusion. He was laying there and for the first time in ages, he felt truly alone. There was no one to wipe his tears, so they flowed freely until his body returned to a state of uneasy rest.

[Wolfstar]

Blood on Stone

Arethusa's Story

Characters
Arethusa- means “the waterer” (Peregrine Falcon)
Isleen (mention)- means “dream/vision” (deceased sister) (Peregrine Falcon)
Molimo- means “bear walking into shade”(brother) (Peregrine Falcon)
Avdimi- means “destruction, loss” (brother) (Peregrine Falcon)
Overseer Talbot- means “messenger of destruction” (African Crowned Eagle)
Behruz- means "fortunate; good day." (Bulbul)


It was the same thing everyday. From the arguments to the shedding of blood onto the stones. Whoever spoke out of turn was cut open in front of everyone to see. It didn’t take long for a newborn to see entrails for the first time. Everything was shut closed or buried underground. Feelings, hopes, dreams, anything that you could express was taken out of you. Love was a rare, rare thing to have and feel. It didn’t take me long until I lost the family I knew.

Mother died slow, speaking out for young birds who still had down on their bodies. Apparently, the young weren’t suppose to learn how to fight and fly days after they hatched. With her argument, it left her falling with a slit throat onto the stones below. It bathed them crimson, and her body was taken somewhere. I managed to find it in the “Fools” category in the branches, hung with sticks and a carving of her name and why she was considered an idiot.

Father was strong, but he could have been considered a cracking stone to many. He was cold, yet still held the feelings that were abandoned by many. His death didn’t change much, considering he visited us only to discuss matters that were either facts or political. He died voicing his opinions during a meeting, none of which were thought about and left him with a torn wing and falling until his neck snapped on the stones.

Then there’s my siblings. There were four in total, five if one of them hadn’t been weak and died of it. The first one I knew was my sister, Isleen. She was a bit smaller than me, but had a huge heart. Her death affected me heavily, an infected wound took her away after getting it at a training session. They tossed her away onto the stones below, where father was. My brothers, they’re a different story.

“Tell me again why I have to patrol with you Avdimi?” I asked, glancing at my brother as he scanned the ground. His gaze didn’t flicker to mine, but he heard me when his head twitched.

“Arethusa, are you saying you don’t want to spend time with your own brother? I’m hurt.” He was teasing me like usual, and I kept my eyes from rolling. His attitude and personality were clear to me like the sunlight itself. He was a playful jokester, the things he said to lighten up the mood were really killer.

“I didn’t say that. Besides, I know next to nothing about you. Being separated when we were meer hatchlings doesn’t help the memory of my own siblings. I only remember Isleen, in all honesty.” Right, separated by gender, then by species. It was luck that Isleen and I managed to nest together. There were times I missed her.

“Isleen deserved her end. She was weak for a falcon, death was fortunate to have stopped by for her.” Avdimi seemed to snicker at that, his eyes widening when he spotted something. “Ooh~! Jackpot sis! Look at all of those tasty morsels!” I looked down, seeing a group of chipmunks eating seeds at the bottom of a tree. They were uncommon to find here, usually it was a mouse or a vole. Even a squirrel if we were lucky. Something new for once was welcome.

“I’ll take left, you take right?” He nodded, grinning madly. “Dive in… Three, two, one.” My wings tucked in, letting me fall until I opened them a bit, claws extended. Avdimi was behind me, and he cheered once he caught a couple of them. My talons managed to score two, and another started to run. Dropping the ones I caught with my talons, I flew after one of the escaping chipmunks. I returned to my catches with one in my beak.

“Praise the dark, you caught a third! Overseer Talbot is sure to praise you! I swear by the empty night skies sis, you’re the fastest flier out of all of us!” He whistled, making me look down at my crimson talons. The chipmunks were only food, and they aren’t that fast when full of seeds. I shook my head, grabbing my other catches as I took flight. My brother did the same, following me back to base. It wasn’t even considered a home.

When we arrived, we spotted my brother hauling in a rabbit. A large one at that.”

“You show off! What the heck are you doing, catching rabbits without us!” Avdimi asked, dropping the chipmunks he caught and bouncing over to him. With I sigh, I grabbed his catches and followed at a much slower pace. We made it to the stores, placing our catches in there.

“Arethusa, Avdimi was telling you caught a third. Was that true?” My other brother asked, tilted his head in curiousity. He was bigger than us, and his feathers were darker too. He was, in my opinion, the definition of intimidating. I was glad to be called his sister though, he was the best fighter out of all of us.

“I did, but it doesn’t really matter. Chipmunks are always slow when filled with food. Don’t think about it too much Molimo.”

“I am though. Maybe it’s time that you learn how to catch a rabbit. Your speed will make it easy,” Molimo gestured to my wings, and I shrugged. Deciding to leave the stores, we walked out to meet the one who was in charge of all of this. There are many reasons why I thank my conscience every night.

“I see your hunts went well. Anything good enough to satisfy my stomach?” The African Crowned Eagle asked, flexing his talons. Molimo stepped forward, dipping his head.

“There’s a rabbit in the stores, an offering to you. Tomorrow, I’ll show Arethusa how to hunt one herself. More offerings for you will come soon, Overseer Talbot.” The Overseer’s gaze drifted to me, and I bowed to keep my gaze away.

“That’d be a wonderful idea. Actually, I have something planned. Molimo, Avdimi, round everyone up to the central tree, will you?” My brothers dipped their heads, taking off without a word. Overseer Talbot gestured me to follow him, and I did. There was really no choice in the matter. “You should be proud, Arethusa. Out of all the young birds out there, you’re the one chosen. Heh, even your brother’s haven’t gone through this.”

“May I ask why, Overseer?” I asked. “I mean, Molimo is the best fighter out of all of us, and Avdimi kills on your word alone. Why pick me?”

“You’re different. Speed and stone, a good combination for this place. And I want to see something new.” He stopped, bringing a wing behind me and pushing me forward. I managed to spot my brothers, everyone else picking a spot to sit. Avdimi looked at me curiously, but Molimo seemed to have a look of horror in his eyes. Two guards walked up, seeming to wait for orders.

“I’m glad everyone could be here today, I’m announcing a new bird among my council. Though she is young, she has the attributes I would like to have.” Everyone stayed quiet, and I had to keep my feathers flat. I’m on the council now? But then I’d have to-

“Bring out Behruz!”

There were cries, and I turned my head to look at a panicking Bulbul. You have got to be kidding me.

“This worthless piece of flesh and feathers has broken our code! He tried to leave with supplies, and we all know how low our supplies are at the moment.” Cries of fury reached my ears, and I winced slightly. Avdimi looked terrified, yet excited. The look of horror on Molimo’s face was gone, but I could tell it was still there. “Arethusa here is going to show what happens when you decide to break a code! Remember well fledglings, or you’ll end up like this sad excuse for a bird! You know what to do.”

I walked up to Behruz, hesitating before shaking my head. A shriek sounded from him, and I opened my eyes to look down. Blood stained my talons, and the Bulbul was lying below me, cut open for his entrails to be seen by everyone. Something churned in my stomach, and I shook my head again, hoping it would clear it. It didn’t. After a moment, I pushed Behruz off the branch, his bones breaking as he hit the stones below. More blood on the stones.

“May I go clean my talons? I rather not have sticky claws.” Overseer Talbot nodded, and I flew away. When I found a secluded place, I landed and let everything out of my stomach. Seeing the insides of another bird terrified me. There’s a reason why I don’t go see mother in the Fools category anymore.

~~~~~~~~~~~
Days passed, and eventually Molimo joined the council as well. Avdimi nearly made it, but was instead promoted to be one of the second-in-commands. My brothers worked with one another, and I worked alone. Seeing them was starting to get rare, as they had their own roles to fulfill. Recently I had to kill another traitor, pushing them down on the stones below. It was more common than anything that I had to do it too. The feeling never changed though. My stomach churned and bile rose in my throat. It was the thick iron stench and the thick crimson liquid that didn’t really matter, it was seeing what was inside that disturbed me. Now I’m just letting my stomach empty itself, letting it burn my throat as the image of the bird I just killed linger in my mind.

“You’ll need to find a better place to empty yourself. There’s too many reports of stomach acid being found, that smell doesn’t go away easily.” Molimo murmured. I glared at him, straightening up slightly. He helped me balance, and I thanked him. “I see your role is never ending. How do like it?”

“I feel like I’ll be the next one that my talons take. It’s disgusting! Avdimi should have taken the role, not me!” I shook my head, going over to the stream and taking a drink. Luckily, it eased the burning in my throat. Then I just looked at my reflexion, spotting Molimo’s appear beside me.

“Then leave.”

“Last time a bird did that, they met my talons, or have you forgotten?”

“I’ll cover for you. There’s a way out.” I stared at him, his gaze still on the stream in front of us. A way out? Why hasn’t he said this before?

“We can get out then, all three of us! Why didn’t you say something about it before?”

“Only you can go, you have a better chance than us. I'm pretty sure Avdimi wouldn't leave either, and he isn't good in his own. Follow me.” Molimo my took off without another word. I followed, suddenly feeling hollow. He landed after a few moments, pushing away a part of a bush to reveal a hole. “Rabbits make good tunnels. Follow it out to freedom. I wish I could give you a path, but I know there's another entrance that can be your exit.”

“I don't want to leave you two. How will you cover for me?” I asked, tilting my head. I was stalling, yes, and he knew I was too. Molimo seemed to appreciate it though.

“Foxes can catch us, so I'll say one for you. Now go Arethusa. May our paths cross again.” I nodded, going towards the hole before turning to look at him.

“May the dark shield you from danger.”

“Don't pay attention to the darkness anymore sister. Look to the moon and stars that'll light your way.” That was the last thing that I heard him say before I entered the tunnels.

When I managed to get out, my feathers were covered in grit and dust. Finding a stream, I cleaned my feathers and caught something to eat. I was tired, the time I spent in the tunnels were unknown, but Molimo was right, there was a way out. I walked towards a push, pushing myself under it and falling asleep. The feeling of a nest was forgotten to me, instead it was rocks and dirt.

There were a lot of squawks and calls when I woke up, getting out from underneath the bush to see birds fighting. A revolution perhaps? It looked like it to me. Should I help?

“Molimo would tell me what to do… But he isn't here.” I stayed on the ground for some time, watching who was winning. All I had to do was live. Dying here would mean that escaping that group was pointless. “Fight for the winning team. Fight for them, and you live. Should be easy, right?” I took off and entered the fray without another thought.

[Wolfstar]

Feathers of the Sun

Vezolth's Story

The sun shined brightly among the village, the few clouds in the sky showed that rain would come soon. It was a warm day, and a Quetzalcoatl found himself enjoying it. Being on a mountain proved that there were many good places to soak in the sunlight. The serpent’s sleek cobalt scales shined in the light, his eyes closed and wings tucked against him. His feathers were a bright yellow and orange, nearly resembling the sun in the art that was created by the humans below. His eyes fluttered open to see a dull green Quetzalcoatl, his feathers crimson and eyes bright yellow.

“Vezolth, it’s time to patrol and interact with the humans. Be sure to tell them about the upcoming weather. Don’t forget to talk with the miners and jewelry makers either. And talk to the kids until the rest of day,” The older, dull green one said. Vezolth nodded, raising his head and his jaws widening as he released a yawn.

“Of course notah (my father). Is there anything I should bring back?” Vezolth asked, stretching his wings as he straightened up beside his father. Being the son of the chief of the Quetzalcoatl's that resided her meant he had a lot to take care of at such a young age. Mostly he had to care and interact with the humans below, ones who cherished their kind and saw them as gods. Vezolth saw the humans were more interesting though, finding it to be an activity instead of work when he had to go to the village below.

“A few loaves of bread perhaps? I’ve heard the wheat harvest went well, so there might be some that can be spared for us.” He father grinned at the thought, and so did Vezolth. Bread wasn’t really on their diet, but when the farmers had a good haul, the bakers were well stocked. The bread that was baked went well with their meals. It had been too long since he and his friends and father tasted warm bread.

With another nod, Vezolth took off, the jewelry he wore around his throat and tail battered against his scales as he glided down. He managed to land in a patch of grass in the middle of the village, and he took his time looking around. There were no kids in sight, instead, there were busy men and women who hadn’t noticed him. He spotted a young man having trouble pushing a cart, and Vezolth slithered over to help.

“Let me help, please. Lead the way.” The man jumped, his eyes going wide as Vezolth lifted the cart up with his jaws. It took the man a moment before he started leading, and Vezolth pulled it after him. They stopped in front of the smithy, and the man scratched his head shyly.

“T-thank you Quetzalcoatl. My name is Atl.” Vezolth smiled, rolling his head to relieve the crick that came to his neck.

“I’m Vezolth. It’s a pleasure to meet you Atl. Do you happen to know where your chieftain is? I’d like to tell him about the upcoming weather.” Atl nodded, leading him away and towards a large home. The serpent thanked him, poking his head through the window. “Chief Coatl? I’m here to report the upcoming weather.” He blinked, sniffing when he was bopped on the nose.

“Don’t you know how to knock?” Coatl spat, and Vezolth looked at his own body.

“No, sir. I don’t have any arms.”

“Oh.”

The two paused, letting silence envelop them before Vezolth broke it.

“So… the weather?”

“Huh? Oh, yes, what’s the weather supposed to be?”

“Well.” The young serpent decided to have some fun. “The weather will be sunny for a day or two, and then it’ll rain for awhile which makes an excellent view. Your crops will be watered and your supply will be filled, there’ll be so much water that you’ll all be absolutely thrilled!” He sang his words, enjoying the expression on the chieftain’s face. Others stopped to listen, some smiling and others chuckling. Some kids actually managed to gather, making a beat with anything they could find. Sticks against baskets or stones, one managed to get their drum while another got their rattles. Then there were a few who used their flutes.

“Vezolth, can’t you say it normally?” Coatl asked, looking at the young serpent questioningly.

“Normal? Now, where’s the fun with that chief? Would that give you relief? Anyway-”

“Vezolth-”

“When the rain is gone and the bees humming, expect a chill to come. To stay warm you’ll have to start cuddling. Your crops will be alright, so do not worry. I will alert you though, that the mice will surely scurry in a hurry, and you might too in a flurry.”

“That’s enough,” Coatl said. “Thank you Vezolth, but I’m sure you have other duties to do.”

“Those can wait for awhile more. I am here the rest of the day.” The chieftain’s face fell, some of the others laughing quietly.

“What will it take you to get along with your duties?”

“Hmm, a few loaves of bread perhaps?” Vezolth asked, and the chief nodded, the young Quetzalcoatl waving goodbye as he went on his way. “Please make it fresh, I’ll pick them up before I leave tonight!”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

He expected a few loaves of bread, not an entire basket full. Vezolth looked at the basket, then back up at the baker.

“Zeltzin, are you sure you can spare this much?” He asked, lowering his head so she could put it around his head. She was careful with his crown of feathers, and he felt her hand brush against them for a moment.

“I am sure, don’t talk back. Just take the loafs, besides, you made the others laugh. You’re the only Quetzalcoatl who can do that, so this is partially a thank you too.” Zeltzin patted his nose. “Goodnight Vezolth. Say hi to your father will you? And tell him I’ll always spare a loaf for him and you.” He bid his farewell, going back home to the basket. His father was there when he landed, helping him take off the basket.

“Did you bug Chief Coatl?”

“I did.”

“Don’t do that again, at least not yet.” His father held a teasing tone and Vezolth smiled. “Come along now, it’s your birthday today and the others will be expecting you.” The others, they were kind to him and he enjoyed their company. Perhaps everyone will have fun tonight.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was raining heavily today, years passing till Vezolth was as long as three people. The day he dreaded most happened and he stared at the mound in front of him. There was a stone, engraved with a name and the years this being lived. He sat here alone for many reasons, seeing as it was the only peace he could get from the others.

“Notah…” The other quetzalcoatl's grew mean, harsh and unforgiving. The facade they wore when his father was alive made him trust them. Now that his father was gone, that facade faded and they lashed at him whenever they had the chance. He was suppose to be the leader next, seeing as he had the brightest feathers out of his father…

But that title was stripped away like his father’s life a two weeks ago. Now he was more like a child in an abusive family or relationship. And that was exactly what it was. His visits to the humans below became heavily restricted, only when his wounds had healed or where covered was he allowed to go down on their behalf. Feathers from his wings fell from it, eventually being picked and burned. Some launched themselves at him with fangs bared at his throat. Vezolth managed to dodge their fangs, knowing that one bite would mean that they’d take him somewhere to die from their venom. But dodging came with a price, and that was more wounds to open and more feathers to fall.

Sleep was hard to achieve too. Vezolth found himself dozing, and had to widen his eyes to have the rain drop into them to wake him up. No jewelry clung to his body, and he started to miss the gems. They were gifts from the children of the jewelry makers, as he used to play with them in any way.

A shrill call made him stiffen, but he didn’t move an inch when someone came near.

“Get inside you wretch! You’ll spread sickness to everyone if you continue this. Do I have to force you?” There was a growl, and Vezolth could hear the excited coos from inside. He shook his head, going over to the serpent that claimed himself as leader.

“No. I’m coming,” Vezolth said. He had mumbled that same phrase once and received a lashing. If he could escape to live with the humans below, he would. But that would result in his death and a few of their own. The humans never fought back against the group, seeing them as gods and praising them every morning and night.

Vezolth went to his nest, which was changed from clothes and wool to sticks and stones. He curled up, listening to the others eat and chortle. It had been days since he had a decent meal, and a few more would pass before he would receive another. Tucking his head under wings, he mumbled a prayer to himself and to whoever was listening. He asked for endurance, to endure the pain he received, and luck, for the day he would escape.

[Wolfstar]

Odd Dawn's Troubles

It was hard, getting used to life alone ever since my family died. Family… Adopted family anyway, my real family mean nothing to me. Hawk, Soul, Sun, Dew, and Storm, they’re all dead. They showed signs of weakness once the battle with Bracken was over.

Hawk started to move slower and found it hard to breathe.

Soul felt pain every time he moved, he moved slow as well.

Sun had a wound that started to fester, but it looked like it was healing when we were halfway home. I was sure my herbs did something, so what went wrong?

Dew grew sick, having taken whitecough despite how warm the weather was. It evolved into greencough once we made it home, it didn’t spread, luckily.

Storm… I don’t know what happened. He showed signs of age, the only one to show signs of age. His joints were stiff, he was fragile, and he couldn’t move as fast as before.

Now I live alone, by the tree I’ve known for a long time. It was beside the Gathering Place, so I always watched from a lavender bush during those nights. Not all, but some. I wondered how my friends were in their clans.

Surely Icepetal was still the kind she-cat that I’ve known, welcoming me first before the others when they saw me. I always wanted to swim, and wondering if she or Storm could teach me.

Burningsky would still be a pain, an amusing one, but I was used to it. I wonder how the Ashclan cats feel about her.

Dawnscar, the stern Cedarclan cat. Oh Starclan, he reminds me of Hawk so much. Maybe I should… No, that would bring too many painful memories. Happy ones, but still painful.

The apprentices from Oakclan and Willowclan, I have to say I miss them the most. They would have to be warriors now, right? I might have missed their warrior names at a Gathering. Even though I’ve seen them about a moon ago.

The moss was soft underneath my paws, lying down and sneezing when a stray feather tickled my nose. Solitude. Hawk would say it was the best thing to have when you wanted to think. In my opinion, I think I’ve had too much time with it. My eyelids dropped, and a suppressed a yawn as they finally dropped. Darkness, for a few mere moments, then… Stars. So many stars to light up the ground, trees, and sky. The place was familiar to me. Starclan, why have you summoned me here again?

“Oddpaw, it’s good to see you again.” The voice made me stiffen, turning my head to see a black tom. His white mask made it too familiar. With a smile, I ran, as fast as my short legs could carry, and nearly tackled him over. Soul was here, he was here! His scent was refreshing, and I cried as I buried my nose into his fur. He purred, and I gave a purr in return when I felt him lick my head. His tail wrapped around me, and so did another. Looking up, I spotted Hawk smiling down at me. The last time I saw the apprentice’s, I had brought them with me to the Place of No Stars to find Hawk. Being trapped in that darkness made him lonely and secluded, and we brought him here to achieve happiness. Now he was with his family and, more importantly in my opinion, Soul.

“I see we’ve been missed,” Hawk said, his tongue grooming the fur behind my ears. I swiped at him, a look of surprise on his face before his smile returned. “Right, you’re a warrior now. I need not care for you anymore.” That word, that rank. Warrior. Was that who I was? A warrior that was clanless? My thoughts were interrupted when Soul stood, Hawk did so as well.

“Come with us sweetheart, we all need you.” Hawk started leading, Soul staying by my side. I took long stride, seeing that Soul didn’t need to do that as his legs were longer. A growl of annoyance escaped my throat before I could stop it, and the black tom purred. “You sure do take after Hawk, don’t you?”

“She takes after you as well, Soul. Oddpaw is sweet and kind, yet isn’t naive. Not as naive as you, but you get the picture.” I laughed, and Soul flattened his ears before chuckling. The three of us didn’t speak for some time, and I eventually caught up to Hawk. Now I was between the two toms, and memories of when they were still alive filled my mind. Soul was moaning in pain while I gave Hawk some honey that I managed to find. Hoping it would soothe his throat, I turned to Soul and passed him some poppy seeds to swallow. It would help him with his sleep, and I would have to wake up early to find herbs to ease his pain. Hawk settled me between the two, coughing before falling asleep. Soul did the same once I started licking his ears. My heart ached, seeing them in pain made me feel useless.

“We’re here Oddpaw. Are you ready?”

“Ready?”

“You’ll see.” I blinked, my sapphire eye and emerald ones scanning the area we were in. It was a pond surrounded by cats. I spotted Dew, Storm, and Sun, the three cats smiling brightly. The others I didn’t know, except for a familiar bright ginger she-cat.

“Scarlet!” I bounded over to her, her fur was soft when I pushed my head into her chest. Last time I saw her, she saved my life from Bracken, who managed to spot me and nearly threw me with his claws. I loved this she-cat, for the stories she told were funny and exciting. I met her emerald gaze, she seemed happy to meet me.

“It’s good to see you again Oddpaw. If you were my own, like Nightfire and Sunshade, I would be so proud of you,” Scarlet purred, nuzzling my head. If I had to chose a mother, it would be her. Sunshade and Nightfire took her death hard as well, seeing as she was the one who adopted them and raised them. Sunshade managed to kill Bracken in his fury, while Nightfire did his best to stop the blood that ran from her throat. She nudged me back towards Hawk and Soul, and I dipped her head to her before going towards them. Looking around the cats again, there were three that were closest to the pond like us three and the other four. My gaze landed on a white tom, and I blinked when I realized who it was.

“Tyso? Is that you? I thought you wouldn't make it to Starclan!” I asked, and he grinned happily. I nearly didn’t recognize him. When I first met him, he was thin and old. Now he looks young like Scarlet. Does that mean that when you die, you look like you’re in your youth? If so, Starclan was a great place to go to once your time was up.

“It is me, and Scarlet was the one who lead me here. I thought I wouldn't make it eiter, for Starclan had no power over the twolegplace. You only had yourself and the stars the guide you,” his voice was strong, and a bit lighter than it was when he was alive. I dipped my head, agreeing with the tom with that. The leaders, or founders, of the five clans had met me, but they had following on their own accord.

My eyes landed on the two other cats. I didn’t recognize them one bit, but the scents were different from one another. Yet, their fur was brushing against one another. Soul nudged me, my head turning to him as Hawk stepped forward.

“I am proud of Oddpaw, from when she first learned to walk to now. She has lived alone for so long, yet follows Starclan’s words. She fights like a warrior, yet heals like a medicine cat. Now, we hold a ceremony for her. One that is different than anything, and we give her a new role with her new name. Oddpaw, please stand in the middle of the pond.” Hawk turned to me, and I rose to my paws. Despite my hesitance, I found myself walked into the pond. It was shallow, yet I could feel its cold touch on me. It reached my belly, and I was glad the only thing that got wet was my legs. Either this pond was really shallow, or my legs were growing. It was probably the first thought.

“Starclan, she has been through so much. From being abandoned,” Soul flashed a look at the two unknown cats. What? Those cats couldn’t be… “To surviving our journey, watching a loved one die, then feeling helpless as she cared for us, then the deaths of the family she knew. Tonight, a new time starts. One with Oddpaw to guide the clans to peace and survival.” The cats around the pond stood, and a familiar black cat stepped forward, his paws in the pond. It was Darkened Sky, the father of the clan founders. I stood as tall as I could, and he smiled. The stars in his pelt were faded, unlike everyone else's. Is it possible that the only thing keeping him from fading completely his the memory among others?

“Oddpaw, do you wish to uphold the warrior code, the existence of the clans, and to guide everyone and everything to prosperity?” The words he spoke were very different than when I received my apprentice name. Nonetheless, I held my head high.

“I do,” I mewed, nodding.

“Then, by Starclan’s guidance, we give you your full name. Oddpaw, forget that name, for you aren’t Oddpaw anymore. You are Odd Dawn. We have all thought long and hard about your name, and we hope to see a new dawn, a new time, with your guidance.” My heart swelled as everyone chanted my name. Odd Dawn, it was beautiful. I smiled brightly, standing as tall as I could as I listened to their chanting.

~~~~~~~~~~~

“We are far from done for tonight, let us continue,” Darkened Sky said once the chants died down. I waited as the nine quieted down, so did the faded tom. He cleared his throat, and I spotted his kits and mate behind him, the five leaders seemed excited. Broken Flower dipped her when my gaze met hers. “Now, we shall gift Odd Dawn nine live-”

“N-nine lives!? I’m not a leader!” I replied, surprising myself at the outburst. He nodded, looking at the others before continuing.

“I know, but you’re going to live a long life. We need you as much as the other clans so, and these lives are your own. You’ll have ten lives total, and you can give them away to a dying cat if needed. You will still have your own life, think of it as these lives as a cocoon and your life as a larvae. These lives will protect your own until it’s the only life left.”

“I understand the last bit, but what do you mean about giving away lives?”

“Say there’s a cat you love dearly or one you don’t want to die. You may give them one of your lives. Who knows, you might be saving a future leader or mate.” I slowly nodded, letting the information sink in. The thought of a mate made my ears flatten in embarrassment. I hadn’t even thought of that, do I even want one?

“Let's get this done. I’m ready to receive nine more lives,” I puffed out my chest, wondering how it felt receiving lives. All leaders had to do it, so this should be easy, right?

“That’s the spirit. Let the ceremony commenced,” Darkened Sky stepped back, sitting down beside his mate as the nine cats that were around the pool crowded beside him. Hawk stepped forward, his ice blue gaze soft, yet strong. I felt so small against him. I’ve always been small…

“With this life, I give you confidence and determination. No matter what happens, either the largest battle or worst leaf-bare, think with a positive mind. Everything will be okay, no matter what.” Hawk touched my head with his nose, a flash of something painful and harsh slammed into me. I thought it was going to sweep me off my paws like the harshest wind, but I stood my ground until it faded. Blinking, I looked up at Hawk, watching him dip his head before turning and going back to the group. Soul stepped forward, who seemed a bit hesitant. I could understand, he didn’t expect pain to come from these lives. Hurting me would be the last thing he wanted to do.

“My little one, I’m glad to have called you my own. With this life, I give you endurance and wisdom. Think before acting, for sometimes doing so will end horribly. Trust me on that.” Soul’s nose touched my head, and something seemed to land on my shoulders. I winced, the sudden, unknown weight nearly made my legs buckle. When it faded, I stood as tall as I could once more. My head was dizzy, yet there was a clear fog. I knew how to get through it. Soul nuzzled my cheek before returning to everyone else, and Sun stepped forward.

“With this life, I give you protection. Protection can mean many things, but know that it can be repaid in the long run. Protect the five clans, protect yourself, but most of all, protect what you love and what’s right.” My body felt like it was on fire, a ferocity that was a battle felt like it was going on inside my body. Gritting my teeth, I let my claws unsheathe and dig into the wet ground. It if wasn’t for the pond, I might have thought I was in an actual battle. It faded, and I blinked up at Sun. There was pride shining in her eyes, and she turned before I could figure out what the other emotion was in her eyes.

I let my head hang. Three lives so far and I felt like I could sleep for a moon. There was still six left to go. Looking up, I saw Dew giving me a gentle smile. If only that could make me feel better. Even in Starclan, while I’m dreaming, I felt sore.

“With this life, I give you respect and energy. Every elder gains the respect for being a warrior or medicine cat for their life, while a kit has yet to earn any. Give kits respect, for they may change their clan for the better.” The sound of mewling echoed in my ears, it was loud enough to where I can feel the blood in my ears pumping. Beyond that, the chatter of elders could be heard. A memory of Scarlet came to me, and I realized how much respect I had for the elder during the time I knew her. It never faded though, it was still there like the respect I had for my adopted family and friends. Storm was before me before I could even blink away the remaining pain.

“I wish I could have taught you how to swim. Perhaps another night, but for now, I give you a life. With this life, I give you truth. Find it when you feel lost or uncertain about a decision, about why someone hates you or for why the clans bicker. The truth may cause other things, but peace is what the clans need.” This time, something heavy enveloped me. I swore that I could hear the sounds of bickering take place. It gave me a headache, and I was happy that it faded away. Scarlet stood before me, and I mustered up a smile. It must have looked horrible, for Scarlet purred and licked my ear. She put her nose to my head before speaking.

“With this life, I give you love. Love for your friends, family, and for yourself and possibly someone special. Don’t waste time, because love can come and go depending on how you use it. I knew love once, and I didn’t know how special it was until it was gone.” Instead of pain, it was a strong sense of love and admiration. When I closed my eyes, there was a figure in front of me. They were fuzzy, but I think I knew who it was when I opened my eyes. Scarlet licked my head, and I nuzzled her in return. The ginger she-cat turned, walking back to the others and sitting down next to Tyso. The black collar with teeth that she wore when she was alive was gone, and I have to say, she looked better without it. She wasn’t restrained, she was free.

“With this life, I give you judgement. Do not judge a cat on how they look, judge on how they act and think. It’ll help you and others greatly. Remember someone who looked pitiful, and remember how they acted.” Tyso said, and a memory of Bracken appeared in my mind. That tom looked worn and tired, one of his eyes gone and covered by a lighter patch of fur because of Scarlet. Yet, he acted like his own hate was in control. He wanted to kill us and the clans because of what happened in his past. Different emotions, ranging from happiness to hate fell onto me. The act made me sway, and I had to dig my claws into the wet ground to keep me stable. When it faded, I took a deep breath and calmed down. Tyso padded back, sitting next to Scarlet.

One of the cats that I didn’t know walked up next. He was a dark grey tabby tom, his eyes shining a bright green. The other walked up beside him, seemingly hesitant as she stood beside him. She was a white she-cat with ginger splotches, her eyes blue. The tabby nuzzled her before turning to me. Who were these cats?

“Odd Dawn, it’s great that we’re finally able to meet you. I wish we could have met differently, but it’s now or never,” He spoke with pride, and I found myself stiffen. Why did he speak like he knew me? At the age that I’m at, I should still be considered an apprentice. “My name is Nighthawk, and this is Sorreldrop.” He flicked his tail towards the she-cat next to him.

“It’s nice to meet you, but I don’t understand,” I said. “All these cats, except you two, are ones that I’ve known. They had an impact on my life, so why are you two here? I kind of expected someone else.” I felt rude saying that, but I couldn’t help it. Sorreldrop blinked, sadness filling her gaze as she lowered her head.

“Moons ago, before you left with those cats for the journey, you were born. A few sunrises before a gathering, not to far from the territories, I had you. I was sick, but managed to escape the confinements of the camp to come here. Nighthawk rushed over, careful of the ravine as he made my way to me. He helped as much as he could, but with sickness and exhaustion, I died.” Sorreldrop sounded terrible as she spoke, like she was keeping herself together as she spoke. Nighthawk laid his tail on her shoulder, deciding to continue.

“With her dead, and two other kits dead moments later, you were left. I didn’t know what to do. You are a mix of Cedarclan and Oakclan blood, the two clans with the largest rivalries. I wanted to keep you safe, so I did my best to feed you. But the food I gave you, all of it soft mouse, you mostly regurgitated. So, on the night of the gathering, I hid you in a briar bush, hoping someone could care for you. If I brought you to Oakclan, I would be questioned. It wasn’t my luck that these five found you. I died sunrises later, killed by a dog that managed to get away from its twoleg.”

I just stared at them, in disbelief and surprise. The only reason I never knew my mother or father was because they were dead. Sorreldrop died because of me, and Nighthawk was just in his territory until a dog got him. The tabby stepped forward, and my eyes widened when his nose touched my head.

“With this life, I give you patience and forgiveness. No matter how long it takes, or how aggravating it can be, just know that someone is always watching over you. I love you Odd Dawn, and I’m so proud of you,” Nighthawk whispered the last part before stepping back. There was a dull throb and a monotonous tapping as the life was brought to me. It was annoyance, but I soon waited for it to stop. When it did, I thanked it quietly and looked up. Sorreldrop stepped forward, a small smile on her muzzle as she touched my head with her nose. Her words were choked as she spoke.

“With this life, I give you friendship and trust. Trust the ones you believe in, for you may gain a friend in return. There are so many good cats out there, you just have to trust them before you befriend them.” She licked my head as a happy, yet sorrowful feeling came to me. I felt like crying, like I witness someone I cherish die in front of me. Then it grew lighter, as I remembered the good times. When the life faded, Nighthawk and Sorreldrop were still in front of me. The she-cat nuzzled me, and I returned the gesture. “My little oddity, I’m so proud of you.”

“We welcome you as our teller and watcher, Odd Dawn. If anyone asks for your name, you are Star Teller. Go to the next Gathering, we’ll be watching. Join your friends and the medicine cats every half moon. We will watch you and guide you well. Sleep well now.” Darkened Sky stepped forward, looking serious and content as he spoke. I nodded, raising my head despite how sore I felt and how exhausted I was.

“I will lead with wisdom and pride, as well to the best of my abilities. Thank you, everyone.” I dipped my head, Nighthawk and Sorreldrop burying their noses in my fur. When I looked up, everyone started to fade. Now all I had to do was show myself at the next gathering.

Easier said than done.
~~~~~~~~~~~

“Now that everyone’s here, the gathering can start!” My claws dug into the dirt as I leaned against the tree, behind it so everyone can’t see me. The leader’s voices dulled down until it was a low murmur to my ears, I was so scared. No one knows about me except the five that travelled with us long ago. Long ago… I was still a kit then, close to a moon old when we left. I’m sure I was apprenticed before six moons, but I didn’t really have to encounter anything life threatening when I was apprenticed. Starclan, I’m panicking before anything even started!

Endurance.

I heard Soul’s voice for a small moment, that one word resurfacing. He said it when he gave his life to me, along with wisdom. Endurance what though? My troubles and my nervousness? Easier said than done. I swallowed, taking a deep breath and relaxing. The rapid pounding of my heart started to slow. Looking up, I stood and turned, raising my body up and letting my paws land on the bark of the tree. I hope Mottlestar, Ashclan’s leader, doesn’t recognize me from moons ago. It might end badly if it did. Letting my claws dig into the bark as I started the ascent.

“If that’s all has been said, I think the gathering is over and done. Shall we agree on that?” My eyes widened and I quickened my pace. How long was I panicking? Long enough for the gathering to be over, apparently!

“W-wait a moment please!” I dug my claws into the lowest branch, nearly flinging myself over the branch as I stood. The mutters of surprise reached my ears, as well as some snarls. I couldn’t blame them, I would have done the same if I was one of them. This unknown cat climbing the tree that the leaders sit on for gatherings, interrupting right before the end? Starclan, I look like such a mouse-brain!

“Who are you?” Looking up, I spotted the Cedarclan leader, Tatteredstar, glaring at me. His pelt was messy and ungroomed, as well as scarred. He was a large brown tabby as well, with shredded ears and with his greying muzzle, he was the oldest leader here. This tom could tear my fur off if he knew who my mother was. I somehow wonder how a kind cat such as my mother was a Cedarclan cat, but Cedarclan wasn’t originally known for being fierce. They were used to enclosed places and bramble thorns.

“My name… My name is Star Teller. I am a watcher of the stars, speaker for Starclan, and guide for the clans,” I found myself saying. A scoff made my head turn, looking at Flamestar, the Oakclan leader. Even he was intimidating, and he didn’t have a single grey hair on his muzzle!

“We have medicine cats for sharing with Starclan, why would we need you?” He asked, and a chastising meow sounded beside me. I glanced over, seeing a reddish brown she-cat glaring at said leader. With the stars in her pelt, I assumed that only I could see her. Her name was Pinestorm, from what she said, and she was ashamed for how her son spoke. Looking back up at Flamestar, my ear twitched.

“Pinestorm thought she taught you better with manners, where did they go?” I asked, backing up when the dark ginger tabby leader was in front of me. He was glaring at me like I broke a code. Then I realized, I had Starclan on my side for this, I wasn’t intimidated anymore.

“Don’t speak like you know Pinestorm,” he spat, his tail lashing. Looking behind him, I spotted Mottlestar looking at me. She was clearly interested in me, she remembered. Ashclan cats don’t really forget, do they?

“Flamestar, there is a truce here tonight, even with this newcomer. Star Teller, right? Why did Starclan give you this task when we have medicine cats?” She asked, calmer than Flamestar and Tatteredstar. Shellstar of Birchclan and Shadowstar of Willowclan have yet to say anything, their gazes on me. I dipped my head, grateful for the she-cat. Everyone had quieted down as I turned to them. The cats I knew, I kept my gazes from them. What would they think of me now?

“Medicine cats share dreams with Starclan, and omens in their own territory. I speak with Starclan almost all the time, from being awake and in dreams. They’re speaking to me now as we speak. For example, Pinestorm wasn’t entirely happy with how Flamestar spoke to me. For those who don’t know, she’s his mother.” I looked to Flamestar, whose hackles were still raised and his claws were digging into the bark. Thinking about it, I bet he’d shred me too if he knew who my father was. Cedarclan and Oakclan hated each other, and they’re not even by one another. “Sometimes, our ancestors are here without even knowing.”

“Why did you say it like they were your ancestors as well?” Shellstar asked, now laying on the branch with a hanging paw. I messed up, oh I messed up. Flamestar prodded me with a paw, my thoughts cutting out and my gaze meeting his. The intimidation was back, and this leader wasn’t happy, but he was curious.

“Yeah, what clan are you from then? I haven’t seen you from my clan, anyone else?”

“With her short legs, I would have recognized, but I don’t.” Shadowstar flicked her tail, her lighter colored ears standing out from her black pelt. Her blue eyes looked light shards of ice.

“No, she stands out enough for one not to remember.” Shellstar’s pale grey, tabby pelt stood out in the tree, his darker legs and tail somewhat blending into the dark. His pale green eyes were bright though, almost as he was amused.

“I doubt it, she wouldn’t survive going through a bramble bush.” Tatteredstar seemed to sneer, his tail wrapping around his paws.

“She’s not a cat I’ve had in my clan, so no.” Mottlestar shot me a kind look before it was hidden with authority. She definitely remembered me, but I was still grateful for her. The Ashclan leader won’t lie, but won’t say that I have been in her territory.

Flamestar took another step forward, and I took another back. The moon was still shining brightly, and no one seemed to interrupt this. There wasn’t even an ancestor that came to help me. I thought I heard some bushes a few fox-lengths away rustle, but paid no mind to it. I had other things to worry about.

“That’s what I thought. Since that’s been settled, how about you leave before-” Someone jumped in front of me, and I recognized the tan and black tom in front of me. It’s been too long since I’ve seen him! Looking down, I spotted a black tom limping up, his yellow eyes held no emotion as he waited below. Once more, there were snarls and murmurs. The deputies below were staying quiet, as well as the medicine cats. I looked back at the tom in front of me, he stood tall, and Flamestar looked extremely annoyed.

Protection.

The word Sun said when she gave me her life echoed in my head, and I knew what to do. No one knew who these two cats were, so I had to do something before anyone was injured. I found myself stepping forward, nudging the tom’s flank in hopes of gaining his attention. I did.

“Sunshade, thank you, but everything is under control,” I said calmly. He turned his head, his green eye and dark amber one held concern. With the way he looked, he seemed like a rogue. His scent faintly smelled like the Twolegplace too, there was even a hint of Scarlet. The two brothers probably still miss their adopted mother. I miss Scarlet too, I wonder if I could get them to see her in their dreams soon.

“Under control? This tom looked like he was about to rip your pelt off, and you call this under control?” He asked, is black tail flicking. Flamestar growled, shaking his head and backing up until he was back to where he stood on the branch.

“Now we have two rogues! What does that say about our Star Teller?” He asked, and I pushed past Sunshade.

“He knows about Starclan, he has their beliefs and knows of these clans. The same with his brother and me. Now, this gathering is over. The three of us will be here, and I will be with the medicine cats every half-moon.” I ignored the few objections. “I will be here, as well as these brothers. I bid you all a goodnight.” I dipped my head before leaping down, Sunshade following me as we left the gathering area. Nightfire, Sunshade’s brother, followed us. When the tree and boulders were visible, I ran to them and hunkered down in my nest.

My heart was beating fast, and I wondering if it was going to bounce out. I was stressed, I felt threatened, I felt like nothing. Those five were leaders, and even though Mottlestar was kind, the looks from Flamestar and Tatteredstar made me shiver. They looked like they wanted to kill, to drive me away from this special night that I was told to attend. I didn’t trust them, and the truth would drive them mad. They held no respect for me, and they already judged me, and probably will do more of when they see me again. Short legs, odd pelt, that’s all I am! Someone pressed their nose into my side, and I looked up to see Sunshade. Nightfire limped up, a leaf bundle in his jaws as he stopped in front of me.

“You were great out there, don’t let those flea-pelts get to you. They don’t know a good cat when they see one.” He licked me behind my ears, and his brother raised his head before sprinting off. I watched him, before turning back to the tom in front of me. The bundle fell open, revealing poppy seeds. He nudged them towards me, and I looked up, confused. I knew what they were for, but why did he want me to ingest them? It was also a bit odd, knowing that this rogue knew how to use herbs. Maybe I could let him come with me next half-moon? “Take these, Oddkit. With the amount of stress that you have, and I do know you have it, you won’t be able to sleep. Take these to help with sleepiness.”
“Thank you Nightfire, and it’s actually Odd Dawn now. I received my name not too long ago, as well as a new title.”

“So I’ve heard, Star Teller. We arrived when we heard you call yourself that. We didn’t want to intervene,” He said, watching me lap up the seeds and swallow them. Sunshade padded back with a wad of moss in his jaws, and he nearly padded past me if I hadn’t stop him.

“C-can you two sleep next to me? I’ve been alone for too long, and I’d like to feel another’s warmth once more. You don’t h-have to of course.” The tom turned, walking over to me and setting the moss down. The brothers spread the moss out, and I helped them a bit, but my movements were starting to grow sluggish. The poppy seeds were starting to take affect.

“Of course, we can see that you’d like that. After all, you are like kin to us.” Sunshade’s words surprised me, but I smiled as I laid down with the two in tow. I laid between the two, their tails wrapping around their own paws. “If you don’t mind, I have something to ask you at sun-up, if that’s alright?”

“No problem, I’d be your guide to clan life from now on. If the two of you are staying… you are staying though, right?”

“Of course we are. Tyso passed not too long after Scarlet, so Garchie is the lead. She’s doing well, despite having to raise those kits from Bracken’s group. We told her we had to leave, and she sent us off with well wishes. We can tell you more about it tomorrow. For now, sleep well.” Nightfire turned his back to use, Sunshade and I saying goodnight and falling asleep soon after.

After countless moons, I’m not alone anymore. I have Starclan, answered questions, and these two cats, maybe my troubles will just fade away. My path has finally showed itself, and I know now where to go. Maybe I can see my friends again too, I hope so.

[Wolfstar]

Odd Dawn's Mistake

“My legs ache! Did we really have to patrol the entire territory, again!?” Sunshade’s complaining made a smile appear on the small calico’s muzzle. It was rare that they’d walk through the entire territory, but it it was a chance exercise and a chance to meet clan warriors and share some news.

“Look who’s talking. Odd Dawn has shorter legs than the two of us, and I walk on three legs! The two of us aren’t even tired!” Nightfire snapped back, a glint of amusement shining in his eyes as he spoke to his brother. The tan and black tom mumbled to himself, his ears flattening against his head.

“Well, you’re used to it. You go to the Startree every half-moon. Now, do we have any prey? I’m starving!” Sunshade bounded ahead, disappeared through a patch of ferns. The two found him look through the prey pile, finding it nice to feel the bramble thorns brush through their pelts. It had been many moons since Odd Dawn has shown herself to the clan cats, and there were some who enjoyed her company when they managed to talk to her. Then there were the others who were still skeptical of her and her friends. Luckily, Sunshade and Nightfire were getting used to clan life and living by the warrior code. The young she-cat taught them what she knew, and Nightfire was her medicine cat apprentice while Sunshade was training under her for his warrior rank.

Needless to say, she enjoyed their company and her busy schedule.

“Slow down Sunshade. If you eat as fast as you’re looking, you’ll get a bellyache,” Odd Dawn mewed, smiling warmly at her friend. She considered the two toms as kin, brothers she didn’t have. It felt like it, and she wouldn’t change it.

“I’ll savor each bite, how about we share this rabbit?” He lifted his head, a large rabbit hung from his jaws. Nightfire rolled his eyes.

“Knowing how hungry you are, I think you’ll eat the entire thing yourself!” He broke out laughing, as did Odd Dawn when his brother’s tail drooped. Sunshade knew they were joking, but liked to pull a hurtful expression on.

“I’ll share with you Sunshade. I won’t each much anyway.” The calico walked up to him, grabbing the rabbit it hauling (and somewhat dragging) the rabbit over to the tree that was closest to their home. The prey was from Ashclan territory, seeing as that clan allowed them to hunt there. Oakclan didn’t allow them, and neither did Cedarclan or Willowclan. Hunting in Birchclan was rare, but the three were curious about the taste of fish. They were fortunate that they were granted permission from Ashclan and Birchclan at all. Otherwise they’d have to hunt outside of the territories or starve.

At least Shellstar and Mottlestar were kind.

“You’re spacing out again Odd Dawn.” She blinked, looking at the rabbit at her paws as Sunshade smiled. He tore some flesh off the prey, licking his lips as to get the blood off his muzzle. Odd Dawn uttered an apology, taking a piece off for herself and chewing it slowly. Nightfire laid beside them, a vole at his paws. The black tom had to unsheathe a claw to get a piece of flesh out from between his teeth.

“What are we going to do tomorrow, may I asked?” Nightfire asked, swallowing some flesh before speaking. She thought for a moment. They did do their patrol, which happens every moon or so, and Nightfire was doing well with his medicine cat training. The two did need some hunting practice though.

“Hm, let’s see if Mottlestar will let us train with her cats for the morning. We’ll go at dawn, and then we can join a hunting patrol or training session. We give most of the prey we caught to them unless told otherwise. Then when the sun is three-fourths of the way through the sky, we come back here and do some herb learning. Does that sound good?” Odd Dawn asked, and the two brothers looked at one another before nodding.

“That’s good. I would like to see Mottlestar again. Oh! And Bluefire too!” Sunshade said, his tail lashing in excitement.

“Well if we’re leaving at dawn, we should hit the nests now. That way we’ll be fully rested for tomorrow.” Nightfire thought out loud. They nodded, finishing their meals and burying the remains. Odd Dawn laid down in her nest first, Nightfire and Sunshade curling around her. She purred and nuzzled them before going to sleep.

Her eyes closed, and she opened them up to see a familiar landscape. There were no stars, just darkness, and mist. She felt the cold air soak into her pelt, and she shook her head. Why was she here? The ground underfoot was damp and sticky, and she lifted her a paw in disgust. The scent of death and rot was something she was used to, as it was somewhat similar to sickness to Odd Dawn. But the squishy ground that seemed to pull her down made the calico start moving. Something snapped beside her, and she glanced at a cat who made their way down a tree. The cat was cursing at herself, but there were noticeable wounds on her body. The one that stood out the most was the one on her chest.

“Misty, or Mistynight seeing as you were reborn once. Funny how you were sent right back here even when you were a given a second chance.” Odd Dawn kept still, glaring at the cat in front of her. Misty was a dark blue-grey cat, her blue eyes shining brightly in this dark forest.

“You really know your history, that’s good. You’ll know what to believe and what to think, unless Starclan controls your every move,” Misty spat, striding over and circling the small she-cat. Odd Dawn closed her eyes, feeling the dead cat’s breath on her body. She used to be afraid of Misty, but not anymore.

“I have my own will. All I do is speak with Starclan and lead the clans to peace.”

“But that’s so boring! Why not have some excitement every now and then?”

“Excitement is not worth it when you suffer loss,” Odd Dawn growled. Misty smirked, pushing the calico into the ground and letting the mud seep into her fur.

“Then maybe I should keep you here for eternity! Starclan won’t be able to save you!” Misty yowled, grinning madly as the cat underneath her struggled for breath. “If Hawk saw you right now, he’d be so disappointed! He gave you everything, he taught you everything, and yet all you do is struggle!”

“Leave him out of this!” Odd Dawn spat, unsheathing her claws and pushing the cat off her. Even with her small size, her strength could rival a senior warrior. Hawk’s strength and Soul’s speed taught her that it was a dangerous combo. A combo she had. She stood and dashed over to Misty, clawing the she-cat’s pelt. Her claws only went through, no wound showing. Misty cackled.

“You’ll have to try harder flea-brain! You won’t leave until you beat me!” Misty rolled away, jumping to her paws and sprinting away. Odd Dawn shook her fur to rid some of the mud, then ran after the dead cat. The Place of No Stars held no light, but the calico could see the dark blue-grey clearly. She pushed harder, jumping over and onto a log that laid across a stream. Misty spun around, crouching down as Odd Dawn tackled her. She felt her claws rake through flesh, and she snarled as she battered the she-cat.

The two rolled, and Odd Dawn managed to pin Misty down, her claws digging into her throat. She could feel blood well at her claws but didn’t see the crimson liquid. The calico paid no mind to it though, for if this cat was gone, everyone would be better.

“Have fun being exiled from Oakclan!” Misty spat, grinning madly. If there was any pain that the dead cat could feel, she ignored it.

“I’ll get rid of you, then I won’t be!” Odd Dawn spat. Something grabbed her scruff, and she spun around and clawed whatever had a hold of her. She blinked, realizing she was in the real world. Two cats stared at her, dumbfounded and scared. Blood dripped from a black cat’s cheek, and I stared in shock. “Nightfire! I- Did I do that?”

“Odd Dawn, what have you done?” Nightfire whispered, ignoring the injury he was given. Sunshade looked scared, and she looked back at her paws. Blood covered them, and a dark ginger tabby tom laid below her, wounds covered his pelt and his breathing shallow.

“I thought I was fighting Misty not Flamestar!” Odd Dawn shrieked, stepping back until she was between the toms. Nightfire walked forward, touching the Oakclan leader’s cheek with his nose.

“He’s losing a life… We have to get him back to camp. Odd Dawn, wash your paws and come back once they’re clean. Hurry!” She did as he said, returning to find the tom whispering to the leader. Flamestar’s breathing was still shallow, but he slowly rose to his paws. The medicine cat apprentice helped him up, letting the leader lean against him. Sunshade stayed by Odd Dawn, licking her ears in hopes of calming her down.

“It’s not your fault. You were tricked,” Sunshade whispered. She shook her head as a reply, closing her eyes. Her heart felt like it was going to fall out of her chest, it was beating too fast. What would happen now? Surely Flamestar wouldn’t forget this or even forgive her. He seemed to be the leader that hated her most.

“You…” Odd Dawn looked up, shrinking back when her gaze met the leader. Flamestar glowered at her, sunlight spilling into the forest as the sun started to rise. “You lot are coming to camp. I have an announcement to make. Take me back to camp, Nightfire.” He spoke much more kindly to the black tom, and Nightfire nodded as they started walking. Odd Dawn followed, ignoring the need to lean against her brother.

Oh Starclan, what have I done?

[Wolfstar]

Vezolth- A Hundred Year Pause

Night 1
"Being kicked out of a home was normal for me, as it had happened before. This time I wasn't injured, so that's a plus. However, my friend is tied to the one who remains in our home. I'm afraid, from what he says what might happen. The two of us may be dead soon enough."

Night 10
"He's grown restless. Nightmares whenever he gets the chance to sleep. He was fine nights ago, and now it feels like he wants it to end. I'm sacrificing my energy and sleep to keeping him well. I hope this ends soon. I don't think I can handle a century."

Night 18
"Day or night, I can't seem to get a wink of sleep. When given the chance, I doze. It's short lived though. There are nights where I have to care for him like a newborn. I'm learning. I'm getting wise. Before all of this, I was mourning the death of my father and getting used to pain. Now I'm mourning for a friend who might pass and my heart is aching. I'm getting sentimental."

Night 42
"I stopped gathering food days ago. Forging and letting other animals eat it instead seems to be better. We haven't seen the hunter at all, and frankly, I rather not. The dreams I've been having though, when given the chance, are dark and odd. It's like someone is there, but I don't know who."

Night 100
"I think I know who's talking to me in my dreams, yet if it is who I think it is, I want to bash my head against a stone. He shouldn't be there, and he was never welcome in the first place. I can't though, for my friend still needs companionship. I'm wondering if he can even enter the home himself, considering the bond he has with the one residing in the old home. Now there are some things I want to test."

Night 365
"It's been a full year. It doesn't feel like it's only been a year."

Night 852
"We saw the old home today, it looks like a mess. Covered in vines and moss, I want to clean it up. I tried, but my wing was burned just trying to touch a single vine. Apparently, the growth is under the protection of the barrier too. The old home will have to stay that way."

Night 1,639
"I caught a cold, and I'm trying my best to not infect my friend. As much as it hurts, I have to stay away from him at night. The most comfort I can give him is my tail wrapped around him."

Night 5,079
"I managed to create a light when my friend was asleep. These countless, sleepless nights have given me time to think. To concentrate. To... Think about that voice. It wasn't my father speaking, it was that little wretch that put us in this position. His idea to take away what she cherished, resulting in losing our home. But... As much as I don't like him in...in me, my mind, he unlocked something."

Night 20,316
"It seems new creatures, or mythical are coming to the forest. I don't know how to feel about that, so I've started harnessing and taking control of what he unlocked. I can use fire, ice, animate the earth below me, and have the wind sing for me. I've grown wise."

Night 29,431
"I seem to have forgotten my age, but today marks another year of living. As well as marking another year of your death. Happy birthday me, and I miss you father. Can you see me? I'm far from home, sure, but surely you can see me? What about mother? Are you disappointed that I haven't gone back? Are you proud that I found someone to care about? How is everyone else doing? The villagers? The other Quetzalcoatl? I wish you would give me a sign, someone else to talk to that isn't in my head or dreaded by nightmares. I feel alone at night, it's starting to take affect after all this time..."

Night 30,936
"̷M̴y̵ ̵m̴i̶n̵d̸ ̷i̷s̷ ̵f̷u̴z̶z̵y̵.̵ ̷H̶e̷'̴s̶ ̷t̶r̷y̸i̵n̴g̷ ̴t̷o̵ ̶t̴a̵l̴k̸ ̴m̷o̷r̸e̸ ̷a̵n̷d̵ ̸I̶ ̵w̴o̸n̶'̷t̶ ̶l̶e̴t̴ ̴h̵i̴m̴.̸ ̸I̴n̵ ̵r̶e̴t̴u̸r̸n̷,̷ ̵h̵e̷ ̵g̵i̶v̷e̸s̵ ̷m̷e̶ ̶s̴i̶c̷k̴n̶e̵s̴s̴ ̸a̶n̸d̴ ̴m̷i̷g̸r̴a̶i̷n̸e̷s̷.̵ ̴M̷y̷ ̷f̴r̸i̶e̷n̵d̶ ̸i̸s̴ ̴s̸t̷a̴r̵t̷i̸n̸g̴ ̵t̴o̵ ̴w̷o̴r̶r̴y̷,̷ ̸y̸e̷t̵ ̴I̴ ̵p̵u̶l̸l̶ ̸a̶ ̶s̵m̵i̴l̸e̴ ̶a̵n̷d̸ ̵t̴e̷l̶l̶ ̸h̸i̷m̷ ̵n̴o̸t̷ ̴t̸o̸ ̶w̵o̴r̸r̷y̶.̷ ̷I̶'̸m̶ ̸s̷o̵r̶r̸y̶ ̷f̵r̴i̷e̷n̵d̵,̶ ̷I̴ ̸w̴i̸s̴h̸ ̴I̵ ̷c̸o̵u̷l̷d̸ ̶t̵e̸l̶l̸ ̸y̴o̵u̷ ̸t̵h̶e̷ ̵t̴r̵u̷t̴h̷.̵ ̸Y̴o̵u̶ ̸h̸a̸v̴e̸ ̸e̵n̸o̶u̴g̶h̷ ̶o̶n̷ ̵y̸o̷u̸r̸ ̸p̵l̶a̸t̷e̶ ̴a̸s̸ ̵i̵s̷.̶"̶

Night 36,500
"Everything still hurts, but he dulls when I say a small incantation. More of my energy is pulled when I murmur it, but it's worth it. Now I take naps when given the chance. I just hope she wakes up soon. I can feel death knocking on my door, and I'm tempted to let them in."

[Wolfstar]

Shellstar's Silence

Leader
Shellstar- Pale grey tabby tom with darker legs and tail, green eyes

Deputy
Whiteriver- Long legged, white she-cat with blue eyes, blind in one eye

Medicine Cats
Stonesplash- Dark grey tom with blue eyes

Lostpaw- Dark tabby she-cat with a missing, right hind leg, and yellow eyes

Warriors
Icepetal- Beautiful, long haired, soft, white she-cat with a grey striped tail and amber eyes

Deernose- Brown she-cat with darker flecks and a bright pink nose, green eyes
    Apprentice- Beetlepaw

Bramblefire- Light brown tabby tom with bright amber eyes

Brightbreeze- Black and grey tom with blue eyes
    Mate- Miststreak

Shadoweye- Dark grey tom with a darker chest and dark amber eyes

Applewish- Cream and brown she-cat with yellow eyes

Stormbrook- Dark blue-grey and grey she-cat with blue eyes

Splashstep- Brown tom with light grey paws and muzzle, blue eyes

Antpatch- Dark ginger tom with small, brown patches and green eyes
    Apprentice- Rubblepaw

Brindledew- Grey tabby she-cat with pale blue eyes

Apprentices
Rubblepaw- Small dark grey she-cat with yellow eyes

Beetlepaw- Sleek black and white tom with amber eyes

Queens
Miststreak- Blue-grey she-cat with a lighter tail and blue eyes
    Mate- Brightbreeze
    Kits- Mousekit- Small, grey tom with yellow eyes
            Featherkit- Silver tabby tom with a fluffy tail and blue eyes
            Driftkit- Dark grey tabby tom with blue eyes
            Palekit- Pale silver tabby she-cat with yellow eyes

Elders
Witheredfern- Shaggy, dark grey tabby tom with green eyes

Maplefoot- Ginger-and-white she-cat with blue eyes



"And with these nine lives, I grant you your new name. Shellsong, from this moment you shall be known as Shellstar. Starclan welcomes you as the new leader of Birchclan."

I raised my head as my ancestors chanted my name. Birchstar was standing in front of me, calling my name out with everyone. The leader I served under and the she-cat I loved called my name as well. Then there was my mentor, my apprentice who died by a fox, the deputy before me, and three past leaders of Birchclan. I came so far to get here, and I never thought I'd become leader of the clan who took me in. Not too long ago, I was still considered a loner called Shell, who looked for a home while I was driven out of my own. I was wounded, ill, and starved, yet they took me in.

"I thank you all, for I'd probably be dead now if it wasn't for Birchclan. I promise to lead with a pure heart and a clear mind. The clan has done nothing but give me a life, and I look forward to repaying with these nine lives!" I called, smiling brightly. Everyone cheered at my promise, and I blinked when all started to fade but one. Even my medicine cat wasn't behind me anymore.

"You're going to experience so much, and you'll be tested by your clan. I only wish for you to be strong in your endeavor." Birchstar's tail swept behind him, reminding me that his long tail helped him balance on the stones in rivers whenever he had to cross them. The first leader was faded, but he remained because of us leaders. Every leader that came to be, the founders gave a life. I only hoped to be as great as them.

"What do you mean by that Birchstar?" I asked, tilting my head curiously. Tested by my clan? Why would my clan test me? I was their leader now. Was it because I don't have a single drop of clan blood in me?

"You will find out soon enough Shellstar. Just don't crack like every shell does on stone." I woke up with a start, feeling the cold dirt underfoot. Blinking, I raised my head and stood, only to sway and feel someone by my side. I turned my head, seeing my medicine cat.

“Easy Shellstar. Receiving lives is a tiring task,” Stonesplash murmured, helping me climb out from underneath the tree. I never understood why the place where the medicine cats go to communicate had to be underneath the tree where we had gatherings. Granted, it was an underground tunnel system, but I tripped over some roots before getting to the pool below. I’m glad there was a hole down there that showed the moonlight.

“I know Stonesplash. Let’s get back, I’m sure Lostpaw if worrying about us.” That poor, yet optimistic apprentice. Being born with only three legs and still doing more than the other apprentices. I heard Stonesplash give a chuckle, then we started walking back to camp. Instead of taking the stones to cross, we used the twoleg structure, seeing as it was easier to cross than the stones. Eventually we made it back to camp, and Stonesplash helped me get to my new den.

“What is this? They didn’t even change the moss!” Stonesplash glared at the old nest that belonged to the previous leader, and I shook my head.

“It’ll do for now. Don’t worry,” I reassured him, though I was curious as well. Without waiting for a reply, I sank down into the nest, ignoring how little comfort it gave me in return. Laying my head on my paws, I yawned and listened to my medicine cat pad towards the entrance of the den.

“I’ll send Lostpaw to you in the morning. Sleep well Shellstar.” His voice sounded tired, yet grim as he pushed through the ferns. I closed my eyes, welcoming the darkness that enveloped me. All I wanted was rest, that was it. Then something appeared, and I blinked as I spotted a cat walking up to me. He smelled of Willowclan, and his pelt was black and pale grey. Who was he?

“I was hoping to meet you earlier, but I guess I didn’t make it to your ceremony,” the tom said, giving me an apologetic smile. His amber eyes were bright, standing out from his faded pelt. It was almost as faded as Birchstar’s. Was he an ancient.

“I’m sorry, but who are you?”

“Ah, right. I was never in Birchclan, yet I know… I should just show you.” The landscaped changed, showing a place I didn’t know could be shown. It looked like the moor in Willowclan’s territory, but there was a large river next to us. Before I could question anything, the ancient cat jumped into the river. I ran over to the edge, looking around before spotting his head surface. He didn’t shake his head or get out of the water. Instead, he started swimming. He was graceful, like he knew how to swim despite being a Willowclan cat. After a few moments, he walked out of the river and stretched. Water streamed from his fur, and I swallowed in confusion and amazement.

“Who are you exactly? I’ve never seen a Willowclan cat swim as good as a Birchclan cat.” I blinked, and he nodded.

“I’m a clan cat, yes, but from a clan far away. The blood I carry gives me the ability to swim, as well as run like the wind. My name is Ripplestar, a cat who came to the clans at the beginning long ago. Blood split to wind and river. As much as I loved water, I stayed with Willowclan.”

I blinked. Another ancient leader was talking to me? First Birchstar, now Ripplestar? I didn’t know what to say, or what to feel! I felt somewhat blessed, but then there was the reason why he was here.

“Sorry if I’m being rude, but why are you here before me? We do share a bit in common, yes, but it isn’t everyday that a cat meets more than one ancient.” Ripplestar blinked, sitting down and wrapping his tail around his paws.

“Shellstar, you’ll be tested on so many things. Loyalty, respect, every life you received. Don’t crack easily like a shell on stones. Or else Birchclan will fall.” I jumped, startled at the leader’s words. Birchstar said something similar, but he didn’t mention that his own clan would fall!

“What should I do then? Please lead me!” I cried as he started to fade. Ripplestar shook his head, looking at me sadly.

“Starclan can’t help you. I’m sorry.”

“Shellstar?” I woke up with a jolt, turning my head to the cat that said my name. A dark tabby she-cat looked at me, her yellow eyes held concern. A large ball of moss laid at her paws, her only hind leg keeping her balanced.

“Oh, Lostpaw. I’m alright, just a bad dream. Let me help you with that.” I rose to my paws, helping the apprentice changing the nest with clean moss. Thoughts clouded my mind until it was like a thick fog. Birchstar and Ripplestar’s words echoed in my head, making my jaw clamp shut. I needed to think this through, or else how am I going to be a leader to the clan that took me in?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The taste of pike enveloped my taste buds, a welcoming thing to have after a day of patrols, even if it did taste a bit odd. It had been over a moon since I became leader, and everything was well. I had stayed quiet during that moon, and I’m still quiet now. All I thought about was what the two ancient leaders said to me. Did some of my clan mates hate me because I wasn’t clan-born? I wasn’t sure. My stomach jerked me back to the real world, pain flashing through me. I ignored it, deciding to look around the camp as I ate.

Whiteriver, my deputy, returned from a border patrol. The white, long legged she-cat was blind in one eye, but she was able to do so much. Even more than some of the warriors here. Behind her were Icepetal, Antpatch, and Rubblepaw. The small apprentice waved her tail before running over to Beetlepaw, her brother. She tackled him, and hearing his call of surprise and alarm made me flick my tail. Brightbreeze entered the nursery after talking to Bramblefire, going to see his mate and kits. Miststreak was fortunate to have black-and-grey tom as her mate, as well as her four kits. Mousekit, Featherkit, Driftkit, and Palekit were a pawful.

Looking at the pike in my paws, I realized I couldn’t eat another bite. Most of it was gone, but my stomach roared in anger. I stood, feeling it flip and I staggered.

“Shellstar? Are you alright?” I looked up to see Whiteriver, knowing she was here to report for the day. She looked at the pike, hooking its fin with a claw and dragging it towards her. I stiffened, slamming a paw on the fish and immediately regretting the action.

“Don’t… It’s not good…” My stomach lurched, and Whiteriver jumped back as I stumbled. I was hurting, it ached too much. A spasm of pain surged through me, and the next moment something reeked below me. Whiteriver sped away, surely getting a medicine cat. The pain continued though, and I found myself staring at what was below me. That came from my stomach, pike and anything else that was there, lied before me on the ground. Looking at the pike, I saw small white things moving and I cursed myself for ignoring the odd taste.

I’ve consumed crowfood. You can die from eating too much, and I think I’m going to lose one of my lives.

“Shellstar, stay with me!” I turned to see Stonesplash at my side, and I felt the ground underneath my head. Oh Starclan this hurts! My body spasmed more, my medicine cat’s words fading as I went limp. The pain was gone, but I still regretted eating that pike. I lost my first life on ignoring something simple! What kind of leader am I?

Starclan’s hunting grounds appeared before me, and a faded, and I mean faded, silhouette appeared before me. It was me, the life I lost was here before me. I stiffened, watching him- me- dip his head before heading to the nearby creek. He slipped in, and all of a sudden I was back in camp. Gasping for air and looking around. Stonesplash stood above me while Lostpaw was cleaning up the reeking bile that came from me. She rolled it up into a ball, then carefully picked the pike up by the tail. She rolled the ball away and with the pike out of the camp, and I wonder where she would discard it.

“Shellstar, are you alright?” Whiteriver asked as I sat up, ignoring the medicine cat’s protest. I nodded, my eyes flicking to each cat that was in camp. A couple were looking at me, a particular face calming my nerves.

What a beautiful she-cat…

I nodded again, getting to my paws and ignoring the cries from my body. I was tired, and experiencing a life that was used ate my energy. However, I had to show my clan mates that I was alright.

“You’re fortunate you managed to throw most of the crowfood up. For now, though, you should rest and get something to drink. Whiteriver, can you get that for him?”

“Of course. I’ll see the two of you in the den.” Stonesplash knew I lost a life, and so did Whiteriver. I was glad to know that they lied, for it was for my wellbeing. Stonesplash lead me to my den, and I shook my head at his offer to let me lean against him. Soon enough I was in my nest, and Stonesplash was grooming my ruffled fur.

“Why didn’t you notice the maggots in the pike? They’re easy to see,” he asked, and I shrugged. I couldn’t tell him what was on my mind, I just couldn’t. I wanted to lead with clan with pride and honor, and right now I wasn’t doing a very good job. Stonesplash left, and I looked at my paws to see the soaked moss ball. I licked the moisture up, my gaze flicking towards the entrance to see Lostpaw. She padded up to me, licking my ears without a word. Her action calmed down my nerves even more. She was reminding me of the little time I spent with my mother.

“The warriors are talking about you.” Though her voice was quiet, it startled me and I looked up. She stopped licking my ears, and she shuffled her paws. “They don’t like that you’re the leader of Birchclan, and they’re talking about your history. Were you really a loner?”

I nodded, deciding to be open with the young cat. Lostpaw nodded, sighing. “They’re saying awful things, and their words are ringing in my ears. They don’t like that you used to be a loner, and some are saying you were a kittypet. I-I thought you should know.” I nuzzled the she-cat comfortingly, happy that she was my friend.

“Thank you Lostpaw, I appreciate that. Clan mates should be open with one another, not saying anything rude behind their backs. Again, I thank you.” My voice sounded hoarse for not being used since the last time, which was the gathering half a moon ago. She nodded, telling me she’ll report anymore if she hears anything else. Lostpaw left with a quiet goodnight, and I settling into my nest.

My clan-mates did hate me, it’s been proven. Starclan, why did you make me a leader?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Another moon passed, I think anyway. Lostpaw came to me with the gossip from the warriors. The only cats who didn’t talk badly about me was her, Stonesplash, Whiteriver, Icepetal, Miststreak and her kits, Brightbreeze, the elders, and the apprentices. So a majority of my clan disliked me. About half of the clan, I think. It pained me to know that half of my clan disliked me, let alone ignore me entirely. I’ve stayed silent, only speaking to Lostpaw, as much as that pains me too. Being kept away from my clan mates, especially the ones that still trust me to be their leader.

Now I laid in the middle of camp, Miststreak chuckling happily as her kits ran over me. I winced as sharp, needle-like teeth met my ear, looking to see Driftkit tugging it.

“You’re hurting him Driftkit! Get off him you dirty furball!” I heard Mousekit say, feeling another tug before my ear was released. The two brothers rolled in the grass, and I couldn’t keep the smile from appearing on my face. Someone tripped over my paws, and I looked down to see Featherkit on his back, Palekit leapt and tackled him. They rolled between my paws, and I stayed still. A black shape darted into my sight, and I looked up to see Beetlepaw. He was panting hard, and he was covered in scratches.

“Shellstar I’m sorry! I-I thought all of us were going to do a big battle practice or something, but we attacked a group of Cedarclan cats instead!” I stood up, Miststreak did as well, deciding to take her kits back to the nursery. Whiteriver looked up, the warriors who trusted me where the only ones in camp.

“They did what!?” Whiteriver ran over.

“Cedarclan is out numbered, we need to help them! I know they’re our enemy, but we’re being unfair!” Beetlepaw whimpered, his ears pinned back in shame. I found myself talking before Whiteriver could.

“Every warrior that’s still here, join me now! When we get to the battle, fight off our clan mates! Beetlepaw, please lead us there, and tell Rubblepaw the plan when you find her.” He nodded, and I raised my head. “Birchclan, let’s go!”

Beetlepaw led the way. Whiteriver, Icepetal, Brightbreeze, and even Miststreak and Stonesplash followed behind me. I was angry, ticked to know that my own warriors went behind my back. When I could hear the yowling, I put on a burst of speed and joined the fray.

“Birchclan, defend!” I yowled. Beetlepaw managed to find Rubblepaw, and the two went after Antpatch. Rubblepaw’s mentor yowled in confusion and started backing down as the apprentices started battering with quick, yet hard blows. I heard more yowls, turning my head to see two cats pummeling someone. The dark tabby fur I recognized made me gasp, and I darted forward. I pushed my two warriors away, recognizing them as Shadoweye and Applewish. When they were away, I stood over the Cedarclan leader and yowled.

“Birchclan, stop!” My voice held my fury and disappointment, everyone stopping, even the Cedarclan cats. I glared at my warriors, watching the ones who started this. “Don’t even think about leaving. My clan mates, the ones who fought with me, surround them and make sure they don’t escape.”

They nodded, doing so with ease. The warriors who started this looked at them in disbelief, and I spoke before any of them could retort or say a word. I wasn’t going to be silent any longer.

“Is this what my warriors are becoming? No better than rogues and looking for a fight whenever? Cedarclan did nothing to us, and yet you start something that could have started a war!” I snapped, watching their expressions change. “You’re no better than the cats that saw me be born. Bloodthirsty, flea-brained, and overall have no honor or morals! Yet you all go against me and everyone who didn’t fight with you! You should all be ashamed!”

My voice turned into a snarl, and I bared my fangs and let my claws dig into the dirt. The Cedarclan leader didn’t move, and I wondered if he was on his last life till now. If so, I was going to tear their ears.

“When we get back to camp, I have a couple of announcements. You who started the fight today are no better than the legends, the stories where cats went to the Dark Forest and went against their clan! In other words, if it wasn’t for Beetlepaw, you’d have either died or won. Rubblepaw only fought with you because she was told to. These cats deserve more today, after what you cats put them through! Keep them surrounded, we’re not done yet.”

I looked at the leader below me, turning myself so I wasn’t standing over him. I nosed his side, and a groan reached my ears.

“Tatteredstar? Ah, you’re coming to.” I said, seeing his eyes open and another groan escaped him as he sat up. “Careful now.”

“Shellstar, what is the meaning of this? I ought to shred your warrior's ears!” Tatteredstar snapped, his voice dry and rough. One of his warriors let the old leader lean against him. He clearly wanted answers, and so did I, so all I could tell him was what I knew.

“Apparently, my warriors wanted more territory without telling me or my deputy. I’ll be sure to punish them for this, they’ll have to think about things twice after I’m through with them.” I flashed him an apologetic look, and he growled in return. I couldn’t blame him.

“Let me shred their ears to add to their punishment. Maybe a strip of territory would be a good apology,” He snapped. I thought for a moment. We were fine with prey, and we usually hunted in the river. It would make a good apology, after all. 

“I’ll think about it, and give you my answer at the next gathering. Again, I’m sorry about everything. I wish I could do more at the moment, but I can’t. Good day, Tatteredstar.” I dipped my head, calling my warriors together. The ones who were fighting Cedarclan had their heads and tails lowered, being grouped together by the warriors who stayed by my side. Once we were back to camp, Stonesplash and Lostpaw helped treat the warrior’s wounds. I saw that they worked on the loyal ones first, then the traitors.

Traitors, that would be accurate. They were still my warriors though.

“Let all cats old enough to swim come together for a clan meeting!” I called, ignoring the wounds in my pelt as I jumped onto my den. It was sturdy enough to hold my weight.

“First off, I don’t know how we’ll trust you all again. You went behind our backs and the warrior code. All of you are restricted, only to go out with a cat who stayed by my side. Maybe in the next moon or so you’ll redeem yourselves. Now…” I straightened up. This would be the first time I’m doing this, and I’m happy to give it today.

“Rubblepaw and Beetlepaw, may you please step forward?” Their eyes widened, but they gave slow nods as they stepped forward. “Do you two promise to uphold the warrior code, clan mates, and stay true to your clan, even at the cost of your life?” I asked.

“I do.” They said in unison. I smiled, leaping down from my den.

“Then I give the two of you your full names. Rubblepaw, you shall now be known as Rubbleflight. Starclan honors your quick thinking and your kindness.” I touched her forehead with my nose, and she licked my shoulder in return. “Beetlepaw, you shall now be known as Beetleheart. Starclan honors your loyalty and bravery.” I did the same thing I did to Rubbleflight, then I backed up and raised my head as high as I could.

“And we welcome you two as full-fledged members of Birchclan!” I said, their new names became an uproar less than a moment later. The littermates smiled at one another, their heads high. Perhaps this is what I needed. Warriors that trusted me with their lives. They'll need me, and I'll need them.

As the moons went by, I saw that the cats who fought behind my back eventually got used to me. Liked me. They even apologized to me. Even if it wasn't much, they accepted me as their leader, as their friend. I'll lead Birchclan till my last breath, and until then though…

I'll be the leader Birchclan, my clan mates, deserved.

[Wolfstar]

Shadowstar's Break

Leader
Shadowstar- Sleek black she-cat with lighter ears and a scar across her shoulders, blue eyes

Deputy
Silverwind- Silver tabby she-cat with blue eyes
   Apprentice- Frostpaw

Medicine Cat
Dawnpoppy- Pale golden tabby she-cat with green eyes

Warriors
Petalshade- Dark cream tabby she-cat with green eyes

Risingstorm- Dark grey tom with blue eyes
   Apprentice- Slatepaw

Rainear- Grey tabby tom with darker ears and blue eyes

Harespeck- Brown tom with lighter splotches and yellow eyes

Spidersong- Long legged, ginger tom with black ringed tail and white ears, blue eyes
    Apprentice- Mintpaw

Applefrost- Pale cream colored tom with amber yellow eyes
    Apprentice- Rosepaw

Pinetail- Dark brownish ginger she-cat with a black tail and amber eyes

Wolfstorm- Large, broad shouldered, dark grey tom with blue eyes
    Apprentice- Ripplepaw

Fawnmist- Light brown she-cat with a darker underbelly and amber eyes

Ivyfang- White-and-grey tabby she-cat with yellow eyes

Apprentices
Mintpaw- Small silver she-cat with faint grey stripes and white paws and tail tip, jade green eyes

Slatepaw- Dark grey tom with large ears and a long tail, blue eyes

Rosepaw- Dark ginger she-cat with a lighter chest and ears, green eyes

Ripplepaw- Black and white tom with amber eyes

Frostpaw- Pale grey tom with yellow eyes

Elders
Brightflight- White she-cat with ginger splotches and blue eyes

Whitewish- Small, white tom with large, pale red eyes

“Frostpaw! Arch your back as you run!” I blinked as I watched the training commence. Giving my deputy Frostpaw proved to be good, as the apprentice was having trouble running. Out of all things, a Willowclan cat was having trouble with running. That was like having an Oakclan apprentice who didn’t know how to climb trees. I snorted at the thought, flexing my claws before sheathing them. It was my idea in the first place to bring the apprentices and their mentors to the moor, where there was more space and there were no willow trees around. I winced as Frostpaw slipped, landing on his shoulder and growling in annoyance.

“Come on Frostpaw, you can do it. Just watch me!” A dark ginger she-cat said, her chest and ears lighter than the rest of her fur. When the apprentice sat up, her green eyes gleamed and she started to run. She ran gracefully, and Frostpaw grumbled to himself. I flicked my tail, knowing that his pride was being tested now. When Rosepaw returned to him, breathing easily, he muttered a quiet thanks and tried again. He was doing better, and he managed to stay up as he did a few laps.

“Ripplepaw, chase after Frostpaw and start a mock battle. It’ll help him be alert and quick,” Wolfstorm, a large dark grey tom said. The black-and-white apprentice nodded, taking off after the pale grey tom. Turning my head, I spotted Mintpaw and Slatepaw doing a mock battle, their mentors watching closely. I smiled softly as I watched Slatepaw, knowing that I put my son with a good mentor. Risingstorm was strict, but he taught him everything with ease and made sure the apprentice understood.

“Come on Mintpaw! I know you can do better! Can’t she Risingstorm?” Spidersong’s words cut through my thoughts, and I blinked to see the dark grey tom nodding to the ginger one. Applefrost padded towards Rosepaw, who looked up at her expectantly.

“Go see how Ripplepaw and Frostpaw are. Join Frostpaw in the mock battle, or stay on your own and confuse the two. Your choice.” He mewed, his pale cream pelt almost matching the moor. Rosepaw nodded, darting away from Applefrost a moment later. With a sigh, I stood and walked over to my deputy.

“He’ll come around Silverwind, it just takes practice,” I said quietly. I could see Frostpaw’s pelt as he ran over the more, Ripplepaw close behind. They nearly collided when Rosepaw tackled the black-and-white tom with a yowl. The two rolled, and Frostpaw turned to join the fray. He was fighting with Rosepaw.

“I know he will. I just don’t want him to lag behind, you know?” She turned her blue gaze towards me, and I nodded. Frostpaw was Ripplepaw’s brother and having one become a warrior before the other wouldn’t help with their confidence. Turning away from her, I padded over to where my son was doing battle practice. How they got to the side of a hill was beyond me, but Mintpaw was growing tired of trying to get to Slatepaw, who continued to back up towards the top of the hill. He was older by only a moon, yet he was tiring the most energetic apprentice we have. Eventually, he hit her shoulder with a paw, making her fall. He jumped, watching her roll, and running so he was below her to stop her from rolling. I was glad he did that, otherwise, she might have emptied her stomach there.

“Sorry Mintpaw, I didn’t think I hit that hard. You were a tough opponent though,” He let her sit up, only to receive a smack on his shoulder from her. The she-cat’s eyes were dull, her paw still hanging in the air. She was as prideful as a tom, and she was upset. That much I could tell. I wondered what was going through her mind.

“Jerk.” I heard her mutter. “You’re not supposed to hit that hard.” Slatepaw winced, and I could tell he felt bad. My poor son, he didn’t like hurting anyone’s feelings. Nearly became Dawnpoppy's apprentice, but the medicine cat refused. She was still young, and she wouldn’t have an apprentice until she’s considered a senior medicine cat, or by Starclan’s words. Spidersong walked up to Mintpaw, approached them, his nervousness as clear as day.

“C’mon, Mintpaw. This is nothin’ but a learning experience, yeah? Tonight, ‘fore ya go to sleep, think about where ya went wrong, alright?” I would agree with him, but I rather listen than butt in. Hearing what the younger cats said could be a learning experience, for me and for others. Mintpaw whipped her head around, and I resisted the urge to stand.

“It wasn’t suppose to go wrong anywhere! He wasn’t playing fair.” I swear, I thought my sound flinched at that. Harsh words from someone he was suppose to sleep by. It doesn’t really help when I know exactly what my son is feeling. Young ones these days, oh Starclan I feel old. The apprentice’s mentor sighed, glancing around.

“Hey, practice is practice. In battle, your enemies ain’t always gonna be smaller than ya, and they definitely aren’t gonna be weaker. Use what’cha don’t have to…” Spidersong trailed off when he realized Mintpaw wasn’t listening. I tilted my head, wrapping my tail around my paws.

“I wanna go back to camp.” Mintpaw’s grumble made me shake my head. This apprentice needed to learn humility, to know that failure is alright. My son’s tail drooped, and his ears flattened against his head.

"I was just using our territory to my advantage, as using the willow trees could be used against us. Oakclan climbs trees, so they could use our home against us. The moor was a better choice for us.” Slatepaw lowered his head, kneading the ground with his paws.

"I told him to use his strength Mintpaw, just imagine how much it would've hurt if he was an actual enemy," Risingstorm butted in, flicking his tail as he looked at her. I heard paw steps and turned my head, spotting Rosepaw and Frostpaw. Ripplepaw was nowhere to be seen. Before I asked, Wolfstorm beat me to it.

“Where’s Ripplepaw?” He asked, looked around the moor in hope of finding his black-and-white apprentice. Rosepaw giggled as though she knew something, not answering the large, broad-shouldered, dark grey tom. Wolfstorm narrowed his blue eyes.

“He got stuck in a rabbit hole. He’ll be fine.” Frostpaw shrugged, and I wondered why he didn’t try helping his brother. Wolfstorm sighed, shaking his head and running off in long strides. I shook my head as well, hoping the apprentice was okay. Apprentices these days, they were no better than kits!

I watched as Mintpaw didn’t utter a word to retort with, but her expression changed. She was conflicted, seeing as she usually wasn’t ganged up on.

“You still shouldn’t have done that,” Mintpaw hissed, her ears flattening against her head. I heard Slatepaw mutter another apology. Then she glanced at Spidersong, then Risingstorm, her head turning downwards after. She breathed something to Slatepaw, and he stiffened before giving a quiet reply.

“Let’s get back to camp. I think there’s been enough training for the day.” I raised my tail, walking starting the walk back to camp as the mentors and apprentices walked away from the moor. Wolfstorm and Ripplepaw joined up a moment later.

As I lead the group back to camp, a thought flashed into my mind, making me stiffen. Am I losing my clan mates? I wasn’t a very good leader, I never was. Silverwind took more work than I did, and she was leader material, not me. I felt myself start to panic, and I stopped myself from taking off when I felt someone brush up against me. Looking down, I spotted Slatepaw looking at me curiously.

“Are you okay Shadowstar?” He asked, tilted his head curiously. His ears were large, almost resembling a rabbit as I forced myself to calm down. With a sigh, I nodded.

“I’m fine Slatepaw, don’t worry about me.” If he started worrying about me, I don’t know what I could do to stop myself from worrying as well.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dreams of darkness and accusing yowls, it made me tear at the invisible ground as I fought back against them. Their words hurt me more than any blow has. The thought of another cat’s claws tearing through my fur and skin made it seem real, and I found myself yowling out in pain and terror. I wasn’t alone till moons ago when the one I called my mate and father to my son died from a dog. I’ve never felt such sorrow until that day and knowing that the only family I had was my son.

My eyes open and I spun, my claws digging into the remains of my nest. I blinked, looking around to find myself in my den. Pale light spilled into my den, telling me that it was dawn. I looked down to see my nest in shreds, telling myself I should see if I could find any moss. The apprentices would be doing hunting or battle training, and I rather have myself out of the den.

Despite how nice it sounded to stay here.

Once I stretched and groomed myself, I walked out of the den with a yawn. The camp was quiet, and I managed to spot a patrol disappear through the hedges. I nodded thankfully, only to stop when I heard a few footsteps.

“You’re up early, that’s unusual, even for Shadowstar.” I turned my head to spot a small white tom, his eyes large and a pale red and his nose a bright pink. He was unusual, but I would rather talk to the odd tom than anyone. This cat was my mentor, and he offered advice that was better than the medicine cat’s. I would never say this out loud though, as I wouldn’t want to hurt Dawnpoppy’s feelings.

“I thought I would do something different Whitewish, nothing wrong-”

“Walk with me.” He cut me off with a flick of his tail, padding out of the camp. I hesitated, before following with a curt nod. Whitewish was waiting for me outside of the camp, a small smile on his muzzle. Once I was beside him, we started walking. His paw steps matched mine, and I felt his tail on my spine. He was being sympathetic, did he know?

“Look, whatever you heard-”

“I didn’t hear a thing that went on your den, I just know something’s up.” I looked at him, his usually pale eyes were bright. He almost looked like he was in his prime. Soon enough I found myself blinking, the rising sun showing itself among the hills. We were on the moor, and I found my paws kneading the ground. I wanted to run for some reason, run far away…

I flinched when Whitewish nudged me, and I turned my blue gaze to him. My mentor looked worried.

“Shadowstar, please tell me what’s wrong. You haven’t been yourself ever since… he died.” I knew what he was talking about, but I couldn’t reply. Looking up, I saw that it was almost sun-high, how long has it been? “I know you’re worried about the clan, about the apprentices, I saw that when you came back after you took them and their mentors out for battle training. Everyone may be oblivious, but I’m not. Shadowstar, I’m here. Dawnpoppy is here. My Starclan- Even Slatepaw is here for you! You’re his mother! I’m sure he knows you’re stressed out!”

I winced, knowing he was right, but at the same time…

I stood, gazing out across the moor. This had to happen, I couldn’t stay here just to see my failures. The gathering was only a few sunrises ago, so there was time. If I go now, I’d have to…

“I’m sorry Whitewish…”

“Sorry? Shadowstar, what are you-”

“Watch over Willowclan for me.” I sped off without hearing his reply, away from home, away from everything. I heard him call out something, but ignored it as I ran. The wind felt nice as I ran, but it eventually changed as I passed the scent markers at the back of the territory. The moor seemed to continue for many tree-lengths. Trees seemed to be rare here, giving little to no shade to the moor. The hills eventually flattened and I ran with ease.

Soon enough, the moon shined above me in the shape of a claw. I was breathing hard, as I took didn’t stop till now. I found a small pond, staggering to it and lapping up the cool liquid. My stomach growled, and I ignored it. I would have to hunt in the morning. I thought for a moment, wondering how long I had ran. I left when it was about sun-high, so I was running for half of the day. Shaking my head, I looked at the tree, seeing that it seemed dead. I thought it was fitting as I leaped up, letting my claws sink into the bark and climbing up.

Making it to the top, I looked at the stars above my head. After a few moments, I narrowed my eyes and shook my head.

“Why did you make me leader of Willowclan, Starclan!? Why!?” I yowled, my lungs starting to burn as I inhaled cool, unfamiliar air. I stared at the sky, waiting for an answer. A sign, an omen, anything to tell me everything will be alright. That I can go back home and be around my clan-mates.

I received nothing.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

No sign, no anything for sunrises. I managed to count six sunrises and moonrises to tell how long I’ve been gone. No doubt Silverwind had everything under control, as well as Whitewish. I put the clan under his care. Being out of the moor has unlocked skills I didn’t realize I had. Testing the ground for any signs of prey underneath. When to know a fox was around from the way they moved or how their scent was carried by the wind. How to tell where prey was by watching a hawk or falcon overhead. How to get a rabbit out of its burrow. I’ve learned so much from being out on my own.

Not that I wasn’t alone, mind you.

“Meatball! Be careful! You could fall into a fox den!” I smiled fondly as a pale ginger tabby she-cat ran after a large, yet stocky tom kit. The kit turned to his mother, his amber eyes wide. I didn’t know what a meatball was, but it sounded large and solid. That’s what this kit was.

“We haven’t seen a fox in days mom! Besides, we have Shadow to take care of us!” I flicked my tail, giving a curt nod. Right, I called myself Shadow instead of Shadowstar. I didn’t want to scare my new friends away, especially one of them. Something pawed my nose and I looked down to see Meatball in front of me.

“Shadow, please give my son some sense!” His mother said, and I thought for a moment.

“If you wish Violet.” I sat up, wrapping my tail around my paws. “Now Meatball, we know you love to explore, but we don’t want to lose you. I’m pretty sure a fox would love to have a snack drop into its den though, you’re plump enough for a full meal. Maybe even two!” He squeaked out in fear, shrinking back until he looked like a ball of fluff.

“A-Are you serious?”

“Most definitely. You can explore with at least two of us, seeing as the moor leaves us open and finding cover is tricky. Understand?”

“Yes, Shadow! I don’t wanna be a fox’s meal!”

“What are you doing to the kit now?” I turned my head to a group of three padding towards us with prey. A black tabby tom, whose chest and tail was grey, set a rabbit on a makeshift pile. His yellow eyes flickered between me, the kit, and Violet. Then he shook his head. A black-and-white she-cat followed, putting a hawk and a vole onto the pile, her green eyes held amusement as she looked at us. The last one was a dark grey tabby tom, his underbelly, chest, and tail tip were white. His blue eyes met mine after he put the prey he caught onto the pile, and my smile broadened.

“What took the three of you so long? I was starting to wonder if I had to go hunting,” I purred. The dark grey tabby walked up to me, nuzzling my head with his own. In the three days I knew him, I fell in love. The troubles I had seemed to melt away when he was with me. I’ve forgotten about clan life in the few days I was away from home. Yet, I was starting to feel homesick. An idea came to my head, and I decided to go with it. There might be a time where I have to leave and tell them the truth about me.

“Marsh, Blackthorn, and Comet, what do you know about clan cats?” I asked, their attention turning to me. The black-and-white she-cat tilted her head in thought.

“Clan cats? We know that it’s a bunch of cats that live together in a clan. There’s usually more than one clan, but they live by a code. That’s what Marsh and I know,” Blackthorn replied, blinking her green eyes at her brother. Marsh mumbled something to himself, clearly in thought as well.

“Blackthorn said everything I knew as well, but they can be pretty ferocious when it comes to territory.” Marsh wrapped his grey tail around his paws, curious as to why I brought this topic up. The dark grey tabby who nuzzled me licked my ear, and I giggled when I heard Meatball give an audible ‘yuck!’

“Clan cats can be good or bad, but from what I’m told, they can take on badgers easily and aren’t afraid of challenges,” Comet murmured. He lifted his head, tilting it as he looked at me with curious blue eyes. “Why do you ask?”

“Well, would you believe me if I told you that I lead a clan?” My question made them stiffen, but Violet broke the silence moments after.

“I would. I mean, you always looked at the stars every night like you were praying for something. But if you’re a clan cat, and a leader, wouldn’t you have a different name?” She asked. Her green eyes told me that she was curious about me, and I was glad that she accepted me. Meatball stared at me with large amber eyes, his lashing tail almost like a dog's. Marsh, Blackthorn, and Comet haven’t said anything yet.

“Correct. My name isn’t all that different though. It’s Shadowstar, and I’m leader of Willowclan.”

“Why did you leave your clan?” I looked up at Comet, who seemed uncomfortable asking me the question. I could understand, and I leaned into him in hopes of easing the tension. It helped slightly.

“I felt like I wasn’t the leader my clan deserved, so I left. The amount of stress of looking after my clan mates just… I don’t know. It’s too much.”

“You have anxiety.” I looked up at Marsh, who was looking at me. “There’s nothing to worry about, Shadow...star. Your clan-mates, if that’s the term, are always there for you. You aren’t alone to take care of the clan. In all honesty, I’d go back.”

“And leave you guys!? I love your company!” I exclaimed, but Blackthorn cut me off before I could say anything.

“We know, and we enjoy yours. But your life is much larger for us. And if there was a way for us to go with you, we would in a heartbeat. Clan life isn’t something we would try just yet though.” Blackthorn smiled, standing up. Meatball was about to say something, only for Violet to pull him close. I swallowed the lump that came to my throat and turned to Comet. He had something to say, right?

“I love you, I really do Shadowstar, but I don’t think our paths are supposed to be the same forever. As Blackthorn said, we don’t want to try clan life right now. Go back home, and maybe one day we can be together again,” Comet said. I could see him shaking, and then I slowly nodded. They were right, I had to go back. There was a chance though, that we would meet again.

“Okay, I’ll go back. But I want to spend one more night, then I’ll leave at dawn. Alright?” They nodded, and we started eating. One more night with my new friends, with Comet. I leaned against him as I chewed a piece of rabbit flesh. Soon enough we were asleep, and I was snuggling against the dark grey tabby. His tail was entwined with mine, and it still was when I woke up. The others were already awake, and I found myself saying goodbye to them with a heavy heart.

“We’re happy to call you our friend, Shadowstar,” Marsh said, a rare smile on his face.

“This won’t be forever, we promise!” Blackthorn said it with her tail raised, trying to be optimistic. She was helping, I’ll give her that.

“I’m going to miss you Shadow! Leader or not, you give the best stories!” Meatball said, immediately yawning afterward.

“You’ll be able to see her again, don’t worry young one,” Violet reassured her son, but sent a smile my way as her tail wrapped around him.

“You won’t see the last of me, I’ll make sure of that!” Comet said with a purr, and I nuzzled him. Then I took a step back and raised my head.

“I’m going to miss you all, but remember this. If you ever wish to join a clan, you’re always welcome to Willowclan. As you said, we will see one another again, and I look forward to it. Goodbye, and see you soon.” They said their goodbyes, then I turned and padded back the direction I came from.

Towards home.

I picked up the pace, and eventually, I was running. I continued to run until it was sun high, where I spotted something coming towards me. When they were coming towards me, I stopped and wondered if I should run or fight. The wind blew in my face though, and a scent was carried with it. Wait a moment, I knew that scent anywhere!

“Mother!” I cried out in surprise as I was wretched from my thoughts, the cat I knew tackling into me and looking at me with wide blue eyes. His long tail was lashing, and his large ears showed his relief.

“Slatepaw?” I asked, standing up when he gave me the chance.

“Where were you!? Everyone was worried ever since Whitewish came back, saying that you told him to watch over the clan! Silverwind panicked too! I went out on my own to find you yesterday, and I’m glad I did!” Slatepaw snuggled up to me like he did when he was a kit. Looking for warmth, for comfort. I sighed, touching his head with my nose. I caused everyone to worry, and I said nothing to them.

“I’m sorry Slatepaw. I should have told everyone. I thought that Willowclan deserved a better leader, and I left. There was so much stress on my shoulders-”

“Don’t leave again! I thought something got you like a dog got to father!” I heard him cry and I felt my heart tore. My tail curled around my kit, and I let out a sigh.

“I’m alright. I won’t leave you ever again. I’m sorry, truly. Let’s go home Slatepaw. I’ll explain everything to the clan.” Well, not everything. I couldn’t tell my clan-mates how I was reluctant to return, to join the life as a rogue. To have fallen in love with Comet…

I shook my head. Maybe another day.

“I-I should warn you though, Mintpaw went missing two sunrises ago. We don’t know where she is, and our clan-mates are wondering if Willowclan is dispersing!” I sighed, licking my son’s head and ears in hopes of comforting them.

“Then it seems I have to set everything right. Let’s go.” I walked beside my son, and soon enough we were sprinting across the moor back to Willowclan. Back home. I had many things to clear up, I had to apologize for my absence. I had to explain to them, and to Starclan, that I needed a break.

A break…

It felt like the vigil I needed to take again. To think about my future and myself. To think about my clan-mates and my son. I wasn’t alone. I was never alone. Marsh was right. And I smiled at the thought.

I would see them again. There was a chance I would see Comet again! My heart flooded at the thought of him, but instead of slowing me down, it boosted me and I heard Slatepaw meow in surprise as I passed him. The sooner I got back home, the sooner the days would pass.

The sooner I would get to see them again.

Cats Outside of the Clans:
Marsh- Black tabby tom with a grey chest and tail, yellow eyes
    (Brother to Blackthorn)

Blackthorn- Black-and-white she-cat with green eyes
   (Sister to Marsh)

Comet- Dark grey tabby tom with a white underbelly, chest, and tail tip, blue eyes

Violet- Pale ginger tabby she-cat with green eyes
    (Mother to Meatball)

Meatball- Large, yet stocky dark ginger tom with amber eyes
    (Mother is Violet)

[Wolfstar]

Mottlestar's Fall

Leader
Mottlestar- Grey she-cat dusted with brown and a long tail, pale green eyes

Deputy
Bluefire- Broad-shouldered, blue-grey tom with amber eyes

Medicine Cat
Rosedust- Cream colored she-cat with blue eyes

Warriors
Burningsky- Long-haired, golden she-cat flecked with brown, one eye is green while the other is blue, though it’s hard to tell since they’re similar shades

Crowthorn- Black tom with yellow eyes
    Apprentice- Rabbitpaw

Brighteye- Dark ginger she-cat with bright green eyes

Feathurfur- White tom with blue eyes

Emberfang- Black-and-brown tom with amber eyes

    Mate- Shadestreak

Ferretwing- Small brown tom with a black muzzle and yellow eyes

Webstorm- Pale grey tom with darker stripes and blue eyes
   Apprentice- Beepaw

Mudberry- Dark brown she-cat with blue eyes
    Apprentice- Sprucepaw

Cherrypelt- Pale ginger she-cat with yellow eyes

Apprentices
Sprucepaw- Dark brown tabby tom with green eyes

Rabbitpaw- Grey tom with a short tail and brown ears, yellow eyes

Beepaw- Pale yellow she-cat with darker stripes, similar to a bee, yellow eyes

Queens
Shadestreak- Dark grey tabby she-cat with blue eyes
    Mate- Emberfang
    Kits- Firekit- Ginger she-cat with darker ears and blue eyes
            Cinderkit- Light grey she-cat with a darker tail and underbelly, blue eyes

Elders
Pipkin- Messy, dark sandy brown tom with green eyes

Onyx- Long-haired, shaggy black tom with a grey muzzle and pale yellow eyes

“Crowthorn, take Rabbitpaw, Feathurfur, and Brighteye on a hunting patrol. Try the burrows, there should be something there. Don’t dig, but make sure you all work together to bring in a good catch. Ferretwing, take Emberfang ,Webstorm, and Beepaw for a border patrol, check the one with Oakclan. I’ll take Cherrypelt, Mudberry, and Sprucepaw to check the Cedarclan border. Once you mentors are done, take them to the Training Branch. Work on what needs to be worked on.”

I listened as my deputy, Bluefire, sorted patrols for the morning. My tail wrapped around my paws as my pale green eyes flickered across the camp. Everything seemed to be fine, but I knew it wasn’t. Oakclan and Cedarclan were at each other’s throats, and they still were. They’ve fought on our territory before, and there have been times where prey was hard to hunt because of it. We never intervened, knowing that we would be torn to shreds. A cat cleared their throat and I looked up, seeing a familiar cream colored she-cat in front of me, her pelt smelling like herbs.

Funny. I might have smelled like that if I followed that path.

“Mottlestar, I wish there were other cats to do this, but can you check the elders for ticks? I need to restore my herb stores and-” I held up my tail to silence her, standing up and stretching my limbs.

“I’ll do it Rosedust, and you’re fine. Besides, talking to Pipkin and Onyx would be a treat. They’ll tell me a story like I’m a kit.” I purred at the thought, remembered how the two rogues joined Ashclan when I was still considered a kit. They never changed their names, but they were loyal warriors. I padded beside her as we walked to the medicine den. As I rolled up a ball of moss, Rosedust went to get the mouse bile.

“What should we do about Burningsky, may I ask? She’s been missing for a few days, and with how high the tension is between Oakclan and Cedarclan, we can’t risk losing warriors.” I froze at her question, letting the thought drift in my mind. The long-haired, golden she-cat that seemed to get on everyone’s nerves. Even with her constant teasing she lit the mood up here, even when no one would admit it. Bluefire would though. And Featherfur would question him to no end!

“For now, we continue on as normal. We wait for her to come back. There must be a reason she left, and I can ask the other leaders if they’ve seen her at the next gathering.”

“Are you sure that’s wise? Telling our rivals that we’re one warrior short?” Rosedust turned her blue gaze to me and I narrowed my eyes.

“Well has Starclan said anything to you about her disappearance?” I challenged, and the medicine cat shook her head. “That’s what I thought. Now don’t go against my word, you know that what I say is law. It’s not like I’m giving a portion of territory to anyone!” She winced, and I let my gaze soften. “Sorry Rosedust, it’s just everything needs to stay peaceful for now. I’m getting to that point where my bones are going to start getting stiff. I’m not the young she-cat I knew anymore.”

She nodded, but only gave me the moss soaked mouse bile and sent me on my way. With a sigh, and a growl of disgust, I picked up the moss and carefully took it to the elders den. What awaited me there brightened my mood.

“Mottlestar! Or should I say Mottlepaw? Since when did ya have ta do apprentice duties?” A messy, dark sandy brown tom asked, his green eyes gleaming in amusement. I rolled my eyes, flicking my tail as I neared a long-haired, shaggy black tom. I set the soaked moss ball down.

“If you’re going to be like that Pipkin, I’ll get rid of Onyx’s ticks first.” At the mention of his name, he rose his head, pale yellow eyes gleaming. His muzzle greyed because of his age.

“Take your time Mottlestar, and I’m guessing you would like to hear a story, eh?” Onyx asked as I got to work, muttering happily as I dabbed some mouse bile on a tick that was on his shoulder. I crushed it with a claw as it fell off.

“I was hoping for one. You two must have some really good stories,” I replied, looking through Onyx’s black fur and wishing he groomed himself. There was a moment of silence, then Pipkin took over.

He told me a story of when he and Onyx were in their prime, long before they joined Ashclan. The tales of a Twolegplace, the amount of dogs and loners that lived there. There was a part that interested me the most though. Pipkin said that the two of them saw a large number of cats come to a lake, eventually splitting up into groups of four and living in different parts around the lake. They never went near the groups, but they got as close as to the borders. Soon enough they left, and made their way towards where the five clans live.

“So we didn’t know about ta clans till back ‘den. So tha’s why we know some thins’ ‘bout clan life,” Pipkin finished. I had finished getting the ticks off of Onyx, now I was almost done with Pipkin. To know that there was a chance that other clans were a thing was insane, but also helped me think about how these five came to be.

We didn’t know what to live under, until a cat from a far away clan came and told us how to live. The cat introduced Starclan to us, and showed us the warrior code. That cat eventually became Ripplestar, the second leader of Willowclan.

Once I was finished, I found a place to put the used moss and gave the elders some prey. The hunting patrol was back, and I left without a word. The ash trees gave me comfort, in an odd sort of way. I closed my eyes and sighed, letting the scents bathe my senses. When I opened them, I found myself by the ravine near the river. I looked down, my ears pinned against my head as I remembered all the lives that were taken.

“I wasn’t born when the tunnels were banned, but I’m glad they were. Now no one will be taken from the tunnels,” I muttered to myself, glaring into the gorge and turning away. Something shifted below my paws, and I found myself yowling out in alarm as the ground gave away. The light faded quickly and I found myself--
.
.
.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I groaned, my wounds sore from… from something. Everything ached, and I felt like I lost a life. Wait, is that what happened? I blinked and rose my head, finding little moonlight spill into the ravine. I fell in… I fell in!? There was a dull pain, but I could tell it was there. It was all odd, everything was. Why did the ground give away? I wasn’t close to the edge, was I? And where were the Starclan cats that usually came to me when I lost a life? I panicked, pulling myself to my paws to only feel someone push me down.

“Rest up Mottlestar, don’t struggle. I have you.” The voice made me stiffen and shook my head.

“I have to get back. My clan is not strong-”

“Don’t be mouse-brained! Bluefire can take care of the clan, and so can Rosedust. They can deal with a missing cat for a few days. Ashclan can, and will, survive.” A fluffy, light brownish ginger tail came to my view. That’s when I noticed the scent. Herbs, a tom cat, he was…

“Leaf-fall?” I croaked, my eyes widening slightly when I saw him. His pelt held stars, small ones, but they were there. My heart swelled at the sight of my own mentor, but green gaze made me stay still.

“Took you long enough to recognize me. I thought I was forgotten. Mottlestar, you’re a strong she-cat, but you look up to me too much. I’m only here to take care of you till you’re well, then you’ll have to make your way back to camp on your own.” Leaf-fall moved my tail so it was around my paws, then made sure the moss underneath me was fresh. A flash of alarm surged through me. He was leaving me? But I didn’t know how to get out of here! My expression must have changed, as Leaf-fall blinked. He waited for me to speak.

“I can’t get out Leaf-fall, I don’t know the tunnels like our ancestors. Like my great grandmother or great grandfather. I wish I stayed as a medicine cat, then I wouldn’t be in this mess!” I cursed myself, and Leaf-fall calmed me down by touching my shoulder with his nose.

“You’re a great leader Mottlestar, don’t put yourself down. Yes, you know how to heal, but your path was to be a warrior. As was Rosedust’s path to become a medicine cat. The only reason you two switched roles was because, for one, she’s your sister. And two, it’s because she has no claws.” He shook his head at the memory.

Right. Rosedust was taken by Twolegs when we went exploring one day, only for her to return with no claws. She said that the Twolegs took her to an odd, white place and put her under something. When she woke up, she had no claws. She was distraught, and I switched roles with her.

“I’ll be a warrior for you! Don’t worry Rosepaw, I’ll always be there for you!” I remember telling her. At that I winced, remembering how I snapped at her earlier. She didn’t deserve to lose her claws. When I looked at Leaf-fall, he put some poppy seeds in front of me, as well as a mouse and a ball of soaked moss.

“Eat this and go to sleep. You’ll feel energized in the morning. Mottlestar, you won’t be alone down here, I promise you. Now rest up, and I wish you luck.” I had eaten the mouse in hungry bites, as well as lick up as much moisture from the moss as I can. When I lapped up the poppy seeds, I looked around to see that Leaf-fall was gone. I sighed, laying my head down and dozing off.

I’m sorry Bluefire, Rosedust, I wish I was there to help you.

“Alright Mottlestar, you can do this! You’re an Ashclan cat, tunnels are in your blood!” I told myself, staring into the depths of a tunnel and hesitating. This was my only way out. I couldn’t climb the side of the ravine, and climbing up the stones that blocked the river would be dangerous. The stones were slippery, and there was no chance in Starclan that I would climb those. I felt humiliated, yet scared at the same time. I wasn’t a rabbit, and how would I be able to travel through the tunnels?

After a moment, I shook my head and dove inside, being swallowed up by the darkness. I refused to turn back, instead, I continued forward blindly. Surprisingly, I could stand up in the tunnels, making my way through confidently as I walked normally. This wasn’t so bad! Yeah, the darkness was unnerving, but there’s nothing else-

“Ow!” I hissed, rubbing my head when I hit a wall. No light shined behind me, and I started to panic. Where could I go now? I’m trapped! With a wail, I hunkered down, waiting for something to happen or for Starclan to help me out. But I was alone. No one could help me.

Or so I thought.

“Um, hello? Oh, there you are. You sure are loud in these tunnels.” I screeched in surprised, jumping up and hitting my head against the roof of the tunnel. A groan escaped me before I could stop it, and I looked up to see an ice blue glow. That must be the speaker’s eyes, and I narrowed my own at them. From his voice, he sounded like a tom.

“What’s the big idea, huh? Sneaking up on me like that! Do you know who I am?” I asked, glaring at the newcomer. He blinked, his head tilting at my question.

“No I don’t, actually.” Now it was my turn to blink. This cat didn’t know me? How long has he been down here?

“I’m Mottlestar of Ashclan. I... “ I sighed, deciding to tell the truth. “The ground gave away underneath me and I fell into the ravine. Ashclan doesn’t use the tunnels anymore, so I don’t know how to get out and back to camp.” He didn’t say anything for a bit, but his eyes disappeared and I started to panic more. I bit my touch when something touched my nose. I figured it was his tail.

“Follow me. I’ll help you get to a place with light. Before you ask, the tunnels twist and turn, and I think you went through enough for one day.” His paw steps told me that he was moving, and I followed after him. I didn’t know this tom at all, yet I trusted him. Something told me too. His scent smelled faintly of Ashclan, but otherwise, he smelled like stone and chill. I followed him quickly, eventually feeling his flank with my chin. He stiffened at this but didn’t say anything as we continued forward.

“How long did it take for Ashclan to make these tunnels?” I asked, curious about the tunnels themselves. There wasn’t a reply for a few moments, and I wondered if the tom was uncomfortable with me being here.

“I’m not sure, but I know they started with rabbit burrows and simply made them larger. I learned how to navigate through them when I was an apprentice.”

“So you’re an Ashclan cat?”

“Not anymore.” I blinked at his answer, wondering why he would say that. Eventually, I spotted light and the faint sound of a river. My eyes adjusted to the light, though there wasn’t much. When I looked, I saw that there were roots that trailed from the ceiling, and beside them were small holes. Ones I couldn’t fit through but gave me light instead. When I turned, I saw that the tom who helped me stayed in the shadows. I smiled softly.

“The light won’t hurt you, ya know. Thank you for helping me.” He nodded, his eyes becoming distant for a moment. Something seemed to shift, and eventually, the spot where the tom stood seemed to brighten up. I narrowed my eyes, then gasped as I saw him.

He was a black tom, slim yet his muscles could be seen under his pelt easily. He looked like he was wearing a mask, as his eyes were surrounded in white. His tail-tip, front left paw, and right hind paw were white as well. The only color he seemed to have was his blue eyes. His appearance didn’t strike me as terrifying or odd at all, no, it was how he was. The tom’s pelt was faded like a Starclan cat, yet there were no stars in his pelt.

“Y-You’re a-” He nodded, raising his tail and silencing me before I could say any more.

“I’ve been dead for countless moons. My name is Soulfeather, a warrior that lived under Tornstar and Ebonystar’s leadership. One of the last cats to know how to use the tunnels.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I’ve been living in the tunnels for about four sunrises now, with Soulfeather there to help me. With his help, I knew how to travel through the tunnels with ease, yet he didn’t show me the way out. Besides navigating through the tunnels, I learned how to hunt and tell if the tunnel itself was stable. With this knowledge, I walked around and hunted with confidence, no longer afraid of the tunnels. I slept in the area that Soulfeather lead me to, but I always slept alone. He would never stay in the same area than me, and there was a night where I was woken up from a nightmare, my eyes wide and my claws unsheathed.

“It’s alright, nothing is going to hurt you Mottlestar. Relax.” He was there soothing me, and I begged for him to stay with me. I didn’t want to be alone, I didn’t want to deal with it alone. But at my request, he shook his head and stepped back. “A living cat shouldn’t get attached to one that’s dead. It’ll only hurt even more.” And then he left.

Soulfeather spoke like he was far away, like he was living a memory over and over again. Now I laid beside the underground stream, lapping up the cool waters. As much as the tunnels were welcoming now, I had to get back home. I was Ashclan’s leader, and they needed me. Even if I only had two lives left, I had to live them to the fullest now.

“You seem to have a lot on your mind.” I gave a screech of surprise, jumping to my paws and spinning around to look at Soulfeather. He was looking at his claws, sharp and silver, similar to how the moon was at times. His ice blue gaze flickered back to me, and I shivered. What he said about living cat’s getting attached to the dead was true, but I couldn’t help it.

“I have to get back home Soulfeather. I’m clan leader, and it’s been long enough since I’ve been gone. Can you lead me back?” I asked, hoping that the pleading tone wasn’t evident in my voice. If he heard it or not, he shook his head and rose, his claws sheathing.

“You can make your own way home, you know that. The tunnels were made by Ashclan, they are a part of Ashclan, and they didn’t deserve to be abandoned. If it wasn’t for my help, you’d be rotting and maggot filled already. I’ve helped you enough.” He turned and stalked out of the cave, and I stopped him with a call. He turned, waiting for me to speak. What could I say to reassure this tom? Soulfeather was right, and most of the things he spoke of were right.

“When I get back to my clan, I’ll start training my warriors and apprentices to use the tunnels. You’re right, Ashclan is known for their tunnels, and that shouldn’t have been changed. We won’t dig tunnels, but we’ll use them to our advantage. Use them against Oakclan or Cedarclan, use them like our Ashclan ancestors!” I gasped for breath, realizing that I hadn’t taken a breath over that whole ordeal. Soulfeather flicked his tail, then spoke.

“Would you keep that promise? The tunnels were banned long ago, and you’ll go against and get rid of that rule altogether?”

“Of course!”

“Why?”

At this my words caught in my throat. I hadn’t expected him to ask that question, and besides, I said my reason didn’t I?

“Who are you doing this for?” He was in front of me, eyes narrowed as he looked down on me. I shrunk back, slightly afraid of the tom who's helped me, taught me, and kept me company.

“Wh-What-”

“Are you doing this for yourself, your ancestors, or me?” Soulfeather asked, his hackles rose. Instead of the usual coldness, I felt when he was here, it was hot. His anger warming the cave up immensely.

“I’m doing this for you and our ancestors! So cats like you aren’t forgotten. You… You tunnelers worked so hard for these tunnels, and that work was thrown away when that ancient leader banned them. Now, these tunnels are stable because the earth grew used to them, to know, to accept cats using them. Starclan accepts them, and now I will!” I turned without another word, running into another tunnel without waiting for a reply. My whiskers told me when the tunnel walls were around me, and I followed through confidently.

My movements were fast, but I didn’t dare run. Follow the fresh air, not the stale. Watch your footing and head, your whiskers will tell you when the tunnels widen or when there’s a turn or split. A familiar scent caught my nose and I pushed forward, the small of sand and bark.

The Training Branch! I knew that scent anywhere!

I picked up the pace, the light outside growing brighter until I jumped out of the tunnel gasping for air. I didn’t know I was holding my breath, but I sighed out relief. The tunnels were behind me, and I was home. The sand was welcoming underneath me as I collapsed, welcoming the scents of home. It wasn’t long until something shielded the sunlight. Opening my eyes, I saw a dark brown tabby tom, his green eyes wide.

“Mottlestar, is it really you?”

“It is Sprucepaw. Be a dear and help me back to camp? I have an announcement I need to make.” I stood up, slightly unbalanced as Sprucepaw stood beside me, helping me stay upright. Together we walked back to camp, but I looked back at the tunnel I came out of.

I’m keeping my promise. I’ll teach my clan mates how to use the tunnels. Ashclan will be the clan it’s meant to be!

An ice blue gleam appeared from the tunnel, and I wondered if he could hear my thoughts. He nodded, disappearing moments later. Soulfeather heard, and Ashclan would be strong in their own way in no time!

You’ll see Soulfeather! You’ll see Starclan! The tunnels will make us strong again!

[Wolfstar]

Characters
Molimo- means “bear walking into shade”(brother) (Peregrine Falcon)
Avdimi- means “destruction, loss” (brother) (Peregrine Falcon)
Overseer Talbot- means “messenger of destruction” (African Crowned Eagle)
Eros- means “love” (American Kestrel)

!Warning!
!This story has suggestive themes and minor language! You’ve been warned!

Molimo- The Cage I Built

The darkness of the tunnel enveloped her into nothing, and it didn’t take long until Molimo couldn’t hear her anymore. Everything had changed, here and now, because of what he decided to do. All for his sister, the only one he had and knew. Now with both gone, all he had to care for was his brother Avdimi. A thought came to his mind and he froze before he had the chance to take off.

Overseer Talbot would be questioning him when he returned without Arethusa, to ask where his beloved peregrine falcon was. The admiration Talbot had for my own sister was sickening, enough to where it was wrong.

Too wrong.

The only reason why he put her on the council was to get closer to her. To…

Stars, Molimo couldn’t finish that thought.

He took off without any more hesitation, gliding back home with a story to tell. A lie to save himself and Arethusa. Hopefully, she would be able to get out quickly. The tunnels aren’t for birds, most of them anyway.

“Molimo, where is Arethusa?” Molimo turned his head to Overseer Talbot, whose eyes were narrowed at me. He could sense the fury and curiosity from the bird he called Overseer. And for a moment, Molimo felt pleasure from sensing the eagle’s disappointment for not seeing the bird he loved.

Loved, that term was disgusting.

“She was taken by a fox, Overseer Talbot. I chased after the blasted creature, but it escaped easily. I’m sorry.”

“That’s… unfortunate.” Talbot looked away, eventually flying up and letting his talons dig into a branch as he landed. “Everyone gather around. There’s news to tell!” Molimo joined on a lower branch, the other council members landing on the same branch. Everyone gathered around, and Molimo was about to spot his brother, Avdimi. The two feathers stayed up like usual, resembling the ears of the rabbit. But even that innocent appearance didn’t hide his lust for blood.

Avdimi met his gaze, tilting his head in confusion, and Molimo lowered his head. It was best for Talbot to speak, not Molimo. The only thing Molimo was in charge of was the squadrons and training. Arethusa was in charge of executions.

Finally, Talbot spoke of the news, telling everyone that Arethusa was taken and is currently a fox’s meal. When Molimo raised his head, he saw the sorrow and surprise in his brother’s gaze. If only he could tell him the truth…

“Now we must give someone her rank, the council cannot have a missing position. And for that, I choose Avdimi to take her place. Arethusa would have wanted her brother to take the position, and I hope she smiles happily at the choice. Avdimi, come up here and join us. Welcome to the council, Executioner Avdimi.” When Talbot finished, the brother flew up as his name was chanted, landing beside Molimo with a sharpened gaze. Molimo glanced at him, and Avdimi looked back at him.

He would tell his bunny eared brother someday, but not now.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Twist your body out of the way! You lot can do better than that!” Molimo snapped, watching his squadron practice their flexibility. Ranging from sparrows to falcons, they fought with everything they had. Most of the warriors here were male, seeing that females that revealed to have decent strength was rare. The female birds were used for other things, either hunting or another attribute that made Molimo swallow the bile that threatened to spill from his throat.

So many of them were broken, needy. It’s no wonder how Talbot got so many concubines. Are those birds even considered that anymore?

A shout made Molimo snap out of his thoughts. A Little Owl cried in pain, and he flew over. A scratch that welled with blood. With a sigh, he sent the young owl to the healers. The owl was still considered a fletching, with how recent it learned how to fly and how it still had some fluff. After another hour of training, Molimo let everyone go for the day. There was no need to hunt, as the stock was full, so he headed to his nest in the hollow tree. The higher your rank or role was, the higher your nest was. Talbot’s was at the very top, his nest resting on the branches instead of inside the tree like the council members.

As Molimo cleaned his nest and checked the schedule for tomorrow, a croon at the entrance. He turned, to see an American Kestrel, her head low to show respect. Usually, no one came to him while he was in his nest, let alone a female bird or have someone croon at him. What was this bird up to?

“You seem tense Colonel Molimo, is everything okay?” The Kestrel asked, tilting her head in an innocent manner. After what Molimo went through after the months of letting Arethsua escape, he was tense and quiet. He narrowed his eyes questioningly, what the hell is going on?

“I don’t know who you are, kestrel. What do you want?” Molimo asked, letting his talons tap against the bark. This was one of the few times he questioned the placing of his nest. Inside a tree with one way out and one way in. And that Kestrel was blocking his escape.

“I’m dreadfully sorry, my name is Eros. I came here to my own accord, wishing to spend time with you.”

“In what way?” Molimo asked, dreading the question the moment he asked. Eros’s gaze seemed to lighten up, and she stepped inside without permission. He froze as the kestrel walked up to him, stopping mere inches away from him. He could feel her breath, and he let his talons dig into the bark. This wasn’t expected, nothing was anymore. Then there was the compartment above his head he could escape to, but he was given strict orders to go there alone. He was trapped by this disgusting creature that called itself a kestrel.

“Any way you’d like Moli~” Eros seemed to purr, and Molimo swallowed back the bile that came to his throat.

No way in hell, in all the stars, would he let a concubine get him.

“No. I’m not looking for a partner, not even a concubine. Go to Overseer Talbot, he welcomes all concubines.” Molimo stepped away, going towards the entrance before he was stopped. Eros had stepped in front of him, blinking her eyes even more innocently. This was making him sick.

It was disgusting. This was disgusting. Eros was disgusting. How low did she have to go to be this needy?


“Oh but I don’t want ol’ Overseer Talbot, I want you Colonel Molimo. Can’t you accept a little cute kestrel like me?” Eros blinked up at him, and Molimo clamped his beak. Someone get him out of this mess!


“I said no, Eros. Now get out of me sight,” Molimo resulted into growling, hoping to get some fear into this disgusting bird. Instead, she hummed and tackled him. He grunted as his head hit the bark, wincing before rolling away from the kestrel. This bird didn’t stop, pouncing onto him once more.

“Just let go Moli~”

“I said no!” Molimo screeched, flailing his talons and feeling something tear. He rolled away once more, panting from the sudden attempt and turned to look at Eros. His eyes widened and he stepped back, shaking his head at his mistake.

Eros laid there, wide-eyed and split open from breast to tail. Blood stained the wood floor, continuing to spill out into his nest. The scent of iron reeked the air, and Molimo turned to see Avdimi. The brother looked at the mess, before hopping over and tossing Eros out and letting her fall to the stones below.

“I heard.” That’s all Avdimi had to say.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Team Alpha and Team Beta, the both of you will lie and wait for Talbot. Team Gamma, once you’re done with the other council members, join in the fray once it’s started. Team Delta, switch with Team Alpha, we’ll need to keep everyone strong for this. Team Epsilon, you do the same as Team Delta, but with Team Beta. Everyone got that?”

The murmurs of approval confirmed his plans, and Molimo raised his head. A little more than a year passed by after that encounter, and death, of Eros, and he planned to take this place to the ground. No more blood on stones, no more unneeded deaths. It was time to end Talbot, and he was the bird to take the eagle down.

“Alright. I’ll call Talbot to the middle once everyone is prepared. Avdimi, are you in?” He looked at his brother, noticing the dull gleam in his eyes. Avdimi was tired, worn from having to hear screams of the ones he had to kill, the screams of the damned. When his name was mentioned, he blinked and looked at Molimo.

“I’m in. But Talbot’s throat is mine,” Avdimi growled, and for a moment Molimo wondered what happened to his brother. Now wasn’t the time to ask. With a small chant, everyone spread out and went to their positions. Avdimi stayed with Molimo, as much as the bigger bird didn’t want. Eventually, everything was quiet, and Molimo didn’t need to call the African Crowned Eagle.

The prey came to him.

“Where are my birds? Everything is quiet, even my concubines are gone. Where is everybody?” Talbot spat, glaring at the two brothers. Molimo glared, knowing that the birds that Talbot called ‘his own’ were dead and under the stones.

“Everyone will come back, but for now, we rise.” He enjoyed the confused gleam in the eagle’s eyes, then the shock, then the rage as Molimo called for the attack. Birds of different species joined one another, knocking Talbot over with a screech. Not too far away there were more screeches, and Molimo knew the other council members were being handled. Avdimi joined the fray, Molimo lead his teams and drove Talbot to where the point was.

A basket like object made of reeds and the bottom was covered in sharpened ones. Sharp enough to pierce flesh. Molimo flew back, Avdimi at his side. The two looked at one another, then dove, knocking into Talbot’s chest with a screech. The eagle fell, managing to stop himself from falling onto the sharpened reeds. Avdimi dived with a cry, pushing Talbot down onto the reeds.

Molimo ordered his team to disperse, watching them land on branches or around the reed basket. Talbot squirmed, flailing as he tried to get out of the reed cage. Molimo landed on a reed above, glaring down at the eagle.

“No more. No more from you or your stupid cult!” He snapped, and Avdimi growled in agreement. Talbot glared back up, then laughed. Molimo flew up, then proceeded to push the eagle further into the cage/basket-like object he built. The laughter died with an unnerving gurgle. With that, Molimo turned back to his team.

“His reign is over, but I require your help once more. All I want is your friendship, even if our home is at peace and broken, we should stay together! I’m glad to call you all my friends, family even. We move in a few days time, for now, we need to search for Arethusa. Who knows? Perhaps we’ll have a better home.” The cheers and agreeing cries reached his ears, and he smiled.

“I thought Arethusa was killed by a fox?”

“I lied that day Avdimi. Now let’s prepare for a new era. Let’s dump this cage somewhere where we don’t have to see this bird’s ugly beak.”

Maybe now he could forgive and destroy the cage he built for himself. That would be nice…

[Wolfstar]

Characters
Avdimi- means “destruction, loss” (brother) (Peregrine Falcon)

Molimo- means “bear walking into shade”(brother) (Peregrine Falcon)

Overseer Talbot- means “messenger of destruction” (African Crowned Eagle)

Eros- means “love” (American Kestrel)

Shoshan- means “lotus (Egyptian)” or “lily (Hebrew)” (Indian Roller)

!Warning!

!This story has abusive and suggestive themes! You’ve been warned!

Avdimi- Blood on Me

Being put onto the council should of made him happy, but it didn’t. Instead it made him shocked and sad. It was too soon for this to happen, as it was Arethusa’s role.

Now it was Avdimi’s.

He turned to Molimo, meeting his brother’s gaze, questions just waiting to be asked. Even when everyone split up to go to their nest to rest. Molimo shook his head and took off, no questions were asked. Nothing answered. Avdimi sighed, looking to his side when he saw an Indian Roller on the branch beside him.

“Executioner Avdimi,” the Roller said, bowing. Avdimi grimaced, lifting the bird’s head with a wing.

“Don’t bow to me, and just Avdimi. Please.” His tone must have surprised the bird, because the Indian Roller smiled brightly.

“Alright, Avdimi it is! My name is Shoshan, one of the top healer’s here. Follow me please.” Shoshan took off, and after a moment, Avdimi followed. His nest was something he was surprised to see. Clean and smelling of mint. When he landed in the hollow of the tree, he turned to Shoshan.

“Urm, thank you…”

“It’s no problem! Now I’ll be on my way-”

“Wait!” Avdimi lurched forward, surprising Shoshan. The falcon stood up, stepping back. “Can you show me to the execution chamber tomorrow? I don’t exactly-”

“Avdimi, there is no chamber, just cells, and that’s another council member’s job. What are you actually requesting?” Shoshan asked, tilting his head. Avdimi swallowed, looking down at his talons. Usually he was confident, but not now.

“Can you visit me often? You’re one of the rare birds that’ll actually talk to me.” Shoshan nodded, telling Avdimi he’d visit at least once a day. With that said and done, they went to their nests and fell asleep.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Get up you wretch! I’ve seen fletchings that are more of a challenge than you!” Talbot spat, his talons gleaming crimson as Avdimi gasped for breath. Blood streamed from cuts on his body, one of his eyes closed as blood onto the eyelid. His breathing was shallow, and his limbs ached. How long could he go? He’s been the executioner for a month and he was already being beaten.

What was there to expect anymore?

“Talbot dear, let me take care of the poor thing~” Avdimi looked up, seeing a Kestrel land beside the Overseer. Talbot glared at her, then grumbled. His talons dug into the dirt, either riding the crimson or thinking too hard. Avdimi hoped his mind would implode.

“Fine, do your own thing Eros. I’m getting bored with him anyway. We’ll resume again someday. I don’t want another executioner dead.” Talbot took off, and Avdimi found himself straightening up.

“Th-thank you! I didn’t know-” He shrieked when he was pushed down, his eyes widening when he saw Eros’s expression. Her eyes were narrowed and an evil grin was plastered on her beak. When he got up again, he was bushed against a bush.

“You’re so pathetic,” Eros spat, letting a talon trail from wound to wound. Avdimi bit his tongue, knowing that something even more painful would come if he whimpered. “Talbot had eyes on your sister, you know. I don’t get you falcons, always thinking you’re the top of the damned food chain. Well you aren’t!”

Avdimi hissed, then choked on his own breath when Eros laid her head on his chest. He wanted to push her off, slit this bird’s throat and decorate his home with her entrails. That thought hissed in the back of his head, and he pushed it away. He wasn’t that cruel, he was better! Now why was he shaking like a leaf in the wind!? Oh darkness don’t tell me he’s having a panic attack…

“However, that all can change if you accept me. I mean, I can get you all the love you want~” Eros’s voice turned into a purr, and Avdimi found himself frozen. Was this bird trying to use him? “I can help you feel accepted, to feel beloved. What do you think hon?”

“N-no… No!” Avdimi shoved her away, ignoring the waves of pain from his wounds. “I will work for my place, I don’t need a… A hussy to help me!” He snapped, ignoring the fresh wave of pain as Eros slashed a clotting wound.

“Fine you freak! Enjoy being the outsider!” Eros flew off, and Avdimi flew back to his nest in relief. Before he could collapse, Shoshan stopped him.

“What happened Avdimi? You’re torn to shreds like a mouse after a starving buzzard managed to get it! Let me help!” Avdimi didn’t object as Shoshan went to work. The smell of herbs reaching his nose, and eventually a sigh as he was helped into his nest.

“I’ll come back tomorrow to check on you. Don’t you dare leave your nest!” Shoshan took off, and Avdimi fell asleep after a few moments. If only the screams of the ones he killed would stop ringing in his ears.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“I’ve been learned a lot mother, you should’ve seen Overseer Talbot’s face when I threw him off!” Avdimi chirped, looking up at the hanging corpse he barely remembered. Remembered when it was alive anyway. At least once a month he would come here and talk with her body. “I’ve even learned to ignore the screams of the executed now! The taste of blood is actually pretty good too! Isn’t that great? I’m learning to be the best executioner! Molimo is the best squad leader too! You should see him now!”

No reply.

It went like this for hours, and it took Avdimi a bit before he realized he needed to meet up with Shoshan.

“Sorry mother, I have to go see a friend. You’d like him, I promise you! See you soon mother!” He glided away, heading towards the nest that his friend resided in. “Shoshan? You there?”

No reply.

Not from the one he wanted anyway.

“You mean this Shoshan?” Avdimi turned, jumping back as a body was tossed in front of him. The familiar feathers that belonged to his friend, his eyes glazed and vacant, and over all his neck twisted in an unnatural way. He looked up at Talbot, stepping back.

“Why would you-”

“Because I never told you to get care from a healer, nonetheless make friends with one!” Talbot snapped. “Are you that pitiful that even a healer has to be your mother? Arethusa would be disappointed!”

“No she wouldn’t! You don’t know my sister, you don’t know my family!” Avdimi snarled, and Talbot raised his head.

“Your brother Molimo… It would be a shame if he somehow had his head removed.”

“You wouldn’t!”

“I would.” Avdimi stiffened as Talbot circled around him, feeling the gaze tear through him. Not another panic attack, not now! “Do as I say, do your job, and your brother will live. After all, who knows what could happen to him. Tell no one of this, Executioner. Well, who would you tell? They all hate your guts.” Talbot seemed to enjoy Avdimi’s wordless expression, without waiting for a moment, he took off.

Not Molimo. He already lot a sister and father, and a mother and a sister he never knew. If only he was born under a different tree. No one deserved to go through this torture. Taking the body of his dear friend in his talons, he flew down and carefully dug a hole beside a patch of lilies. He put Shoshan there, covering the body a moment later and uttering a prayer.

“I’ll kill you with my own talons if it’s the last thing I’ll do Talbot, just you wait.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Avdimi waited outside his brother’s nest, listening to the conversation that happened inside. He recognized the two voices inside, one of which was Molimo’s the other being Eros.

Was this kestrel trying to use his brother? Harass him like she did to Avdimi? Before he could dash in, there was a thump, then a screech. He jumped down from his perch, peering inside to see Molimo gaping at Eros. When his brother turned to look at Avdimi, the falcon looked at the kestrel that harassed him for days.

Her entrails were about to spill, but the blood created a pond of crimson around it. Avdimi didn’t wait as he walked over to her, picking her up with a talon. The way he did so looked like he was picking a mouse with maggots up. He proceeded to toss her out of the nest, watching her fall and hit the branches before hitting the stones with a sickening crunch. The voices that cried in his ears daily shrieked in glee, and he turned to Molimo. His expression must have been twisted, as Molimo flinched.

“I heard.” Finally, the damned bird was dead. Only one more to go, and maybe then the voices would be satisfied. How long until then though?

Whenever it happens, I’ll be there. Everything I do is for Arethusa and Shoshan. I’ll see the two of you one day, but for now, I must continue to let the blood of those soak my feathers and let their cries reach my ears in the afterlife. Forever until my death, I am with the damned. And the damned are with me.

[Wolfstar]

From Start to Finish

You either start as ash, then grow, then die, or start as something you have no idea of knowing what happened previously before your arrival. Then there's the rare one, where they remember everything. It can be taken as a curse or a gift. I chose the latter.

“How short do you want this again?” A voice hummed, the creator of the sound was concentrating, yet focused enough to talk and act. The snap of something metallic was heard, then a sigh.

“Boy’s cut, or your hairstyle. I'm not sure what to start with now.”

“Dear, it's been over fifty years and you still haven't ridden yourself of your problems. Your mother is dead, you feared she would come after you. You took over a ship, you feared the dangers the world held. You opened a shop and feared that you would become greedy in the end. Everything fears you here darling.” The man hummed as he remembers how short the other wanted. Eventually, dark crimson strands fell to his lap, and he swept them away after a moment. He winced when he saw the strands burn. “What about your friends? The winged ferret and the Quetzalcoatl seemed to adore you.”

A scoff cut him off.

“Abrevynen is linked to my soul, so he doesn't have a choice. Vezolth stayed because I helped him heal. That's it and that's all.”

“You helped them. They've helped you. Now, look what happened. You locked yourself away, your friends are suffering! Look at them.” The landscape changed to a forest, the moon high in the sky as the two looked around. The rumbles made one of them turn, and she winced at the sight.

The Quetzalcoatl was laying in a tree, murmuring to a brown shape that laid on his chest. The shape seemed to be twitching, a whimper here and there could be heard. The sight itself could be considered cute if these two were unknown and complete strangers to her.

“What's happening with him? What the hell is happening to him?” She wanted to reach out, to comfort her friend and have the ache in her heart stop. But she couldn't, not as a spirit away from their body. Was she even a spirit now? After all she’s done, she could be considered a demon.

With this thought she choked and stepped back, flinching when someone wrapped their arms around her waist and brought her close. Even a warm chest couldn't help her calm down, but she felt secure when the grip around her waist tightened. She wanted to turn around, but the position she was in, as well as the grip, kept her staring at her friends.

“I did this. Shigure, he’s going to be okay, right?” She leaned back, pressing against him in hopes she'd diminish. The landscape changed, leaving nothing but a familiar home and a shadowed ceiling. The grip disappeared, and she spun around to find herself alone. “H-Hey! Don't leave me! I don't want to be alone!”

She sunk to the ground, everything was odd now. It wasn’t right, none of it was. Memories of the past flooded into her head, and she shrieked when she realized it was the only ones where she felt grief and pain. All at once she felt it again, falling to the ground limply and letting it flood her. Then a hand came into view, then a person.

“You need to let me go, my Sakura. You're hurting yourself far too much. Please, let me go.”

“I'd be alone!” She wailed, letting him help her sit up and put a few short strands of hair behind her ear. At once everything froze, and she er ever changing gaze met pale blue. Two faces popped up and she flinched until she was pulled into a hug. Right, this was Shigure, the one she spent a majority of her time with….

Why did she feel guilty for being with him?

“You're never alone, never think that. You need to let me go, or you'll be stuck in stone for an eternity. Find someone who'll fill the gap that I created.”

“You didn't create anything! Stop talking nonsense!” She spat, gripping a silk cloth that was his shirt. “I don't want you to leave…”

“But you know I have to.” She looked up at him, his expression sorrowful. He was right, he always was. This was her decision though, to either go on or be stuck in limbo for the rest of her life. Continue to be the cause of two of her friend’s pain, or soothe the wounds?

With a whine, she rolled an orb towards her and opened it up, being quick to let the light blue wisp out only. The silver one was pushed back in, and she could feel it wail like a child as she closed it back up. The blue wisp seemed to look around, before going to her and rubbing against her cheek like a thankful cat. At this she winced, watching it go to where Shigure sat.

He said nothing, but she watched the wisp float up into the shadowed ceiling, eventually having it disappear. When she looked back, Shigure was gone.

To her surprise, she didn't sob, but felt lighter than she had for years. With a sigh, she laid down, covering herself with a blanket from somewhere. She’d have to clean her home when she awoke, no doubt to find it in shambles. Then she thought about her own well being.

She'd be weak from lack of us, her skin pale from the lack of sunlight. Her hair would be much shorter of course, and perhaps she'd wear something new to start off the new age. Her soul seemed to have strengthened, and with that, her powers had grown. She had grown more dangerous, and she'd have to be careful with her own body and others. Her eyes will have to get used to seeing every day again, so avoiding her glasses wasn't an option.

Would she look like a man instead of a woman? Perhaps, it was an option she wouldn't mind doing. She'd trick others, she would be completely new. The thought made her shake her head. She was not the pure kitsune she once was, that ended when she took Shigure’s soul and gave a fatal blow to her mother. Even during that time of her fourth birthday, seeing as a century had to pass for that, she didn't realize how powerful she was.

She'd have to thank her unknown father for that.

The one thing she hoped for was her friends to be alright. To hope they survived the century-long pause. Finding their corpses made her ill, and she shook the thought away. Hopefully, luck from above or a holy creature had given the luck they needed to survive. Perhaps she'd get to meet the hunter again, but this time under different circumstances. Her true identity would be hard to unravel now, she learned how to hide it.

“It's time to wake up Kowara. Your century pause is over,” She sighed to herself and rolled over, humming herself to the awakening world. It would take a few days to wake up, but it would be worth it in the end.

From the start, she was alone.
In the end, she chose the option to be alone.
But in reality, was she ever alone to begin with?

[Wolfstar]

Unlocking Attributes and Recording Responses
Weekly Host Check

Check in with host
Host is still fully aware
Host still wants parasite gone
>>Erase the word ‘parasite’
>>Resume
>>Check again
Host is still fully aware
Host still wants _____ gone
>>Check Status
Status: Sleep Deprived, filthy in both ways, hungry, near death, ill
>>Check Emotions
Emotions: Annoyed, sentimental, naive
>>Check Door
Door: Unlocked
>>Enter Door
>>Check locks
Locks: Magic, feelings, control, suicidal thoughts, memories
>>>What would you like to do with the locks?
            Open?      Leave locked?      Check?
>>Check Status on Magic
Large capacity, immense power, little to no restrictions
>>Unlock Magic
>>>Host will suffer illness for months, continue?
>>Yes
Magic is unlocked
>>Check control
Control: Secure
>>Unlock control
>>>Unlocking will cause viruses to gain access easily, continue?
>>Yes
Control is unlocked
>>>New passage has opened
>>Check new passage
Passage leads to the mind, the core, and the central nervous system
>>Take new passageway
>>Check the Core
>>>Open for use, not secured from viruses, control can slip easily
>>Infect
>>>Infecting the core lets you take over some parts of the body, while the host still has control as well. This may cause backlash and revolution with the host. Infecting will also only provide half of the body’s control and it will need time to grow. Continue?
>>Yes
>>>The Core has been infected. Alert the host?
>>No
>>>The host has not been alerted.
New options available.
Head
Voice
Wings
Arms
Legs
Tail
Mind
>>>Is there anything you'd like to do?
>>No
Is there anything you'd like to do now?
>>Wait
>>>Command has been accepted. May the host proceed as usual?
>>Yes.
>>>The Host will proceed as usual.

[Wolfstar]

Different in the Wrong Way

“Keep eating it, child! Canines are part of our main diet!” The voice screeched in my ears as I downed another mouthful of flesh, only for my stomach to heave and choke me as it spilled out onto the ground. The scent of burned flesh and rotten meat hung in the air, and I wheezed as my stomach lurched again. Why my father was so content on feeding me something that I was allergic to? It wasn’t my fault. My mother would be all over him about this, but she was a lioness with her own pride to attend to. My father was a Crocotta, having taken the disguise of a lion and creating me about a year later. Either I was a gift or a curse with an intense dislike to canines.

I’m not sure anymore, I just wanted my stomach to stop.

“Pop, I can’t eat canines, it hurts!” I whined as he shoved another piece in front of me, and I turned my head away to sneeze. My father growled before shoving me up, his claws nearly scratching me. He grabbed the dead canine with his teeth, throwing it on his back before turning.

“Go find your mother then, maybe she can spare you something you aren’t allergic to,” He sneered, turning away and stomping off. I sighed, deciding that was better than being alone and starving. Father probably wouldn’t search for me after today. My balance was gone as I stumbled to where I knew the pride was, letting my form change into a lion. I wasn’t sure what gender I was, so I did my best to look in the middle. The look mother knew. Eventually, I found her sunbathing, and I padded over to her.

“Hello mom,” I mewed, wincing when she put a paw on me and pulled me down. With a sigh, I let her groom my fur and hum a small tune as she did so. A purr escaped my throat as I leaned into her. Why couldn’t father be as kind as her? How did he even meet mom?

“I see my cub is hungry, did your father not let you eat?” She asked, her tongue swiping across the top of my head. Another sigh left me as I told her what happened. How he tried making me eat canine flesh when he clearly knew that I couldn’t eat it, nonetheless smell it. My mother stopped grooming me and stood, stretching her limbs.

“Let’s fix that then. A zebra would soothe your stomach, remember the black-and-white pattern?”

“I do, it’s dreadful to look at!” She smiled at me and hummed, leading me away from the pack after telling everyone she was taking me to hunt. Soon enough we found a herd and hunkered down. Mother stalked forward, keeping an eye on the prey and me. My eyes shined like jewels as I followed, stalking beside my mother. I can finally eat something today! I smiled broadly, my killer instincts kicking in as I spotted one.

We were about to go down after one when a loud snap heard, then a roar. I turned to see my mother bleeding, a hole in her side as I looked at the other side. I shrieked, pushing my mother down into the grass in hopes of shielding us. It didn’t work, and the sound of barking reached my ears. Dogs. I’ve had enough of them for today!

“Run, get out of here before you’re taken,” my mother gasped, and I shook my head. I stayed low to the ground, waiting for something or someone to pop up. A dog neared, and I lashed out, it’s howl reaching my ears and my nose started to burn. It yelped and turned tail quickly, but another shot was heard and I roared in anger. I couldn’t wait for someone or another dog to run up, so I took off towards the sound. My body changed back, and the shriek I heard as I tackled a human made my blood boil.

I had no claws, but my hooves were sharp enough to create large wounds. My jaws opened and I lurched down, fastening my fangs around the human’s throat and biting down until I felt something crunch. A sickening gurgle reached my ears, and another shout made me jump out. I took out the other human next, seeing no more dogs and licking my jaws. My kind did eat humans, and I was more than happy to rid of them. I ran back to my mother, crouching beside her and letting my head lay against her shoulder.

“They’re gone mom, they’re gone. You’ll be alright,” I whispered. There was no reply, and I cried out to find the body cold. I didn’t say goodbye, I never learned from her. And now she was gone. Someone came up beside me, and I expected my ol’ pop to be there to say goodbye. But when I turned, I saw that it was the leader of the pride. He nuzzled me, then touched my mother’s body with his nose before turning to leave. I watched him, surprised to find him here and not scared of me.

I spent the rest of the day burying her, resting next to the grave before I went over to where the dead humans lied. My stomach growled, and I spent the next few moments tearing cold flesh and licking blood like it was my only source of refreshment. Something shiny caught my eye and I looked down, finding jewelry coating their necks, head, and arms. It seemed to be the only pure thing before me, and I took the time to take the shiny objects off before setting them in my mane.

Everything seemed to slow down for me as I put piece after piece of jewelry somewhere. I was alone. Mother was dead. Father clearly wanted me gone, and even if I found him I’d be injured or killed. The pride would surely drive me out as well, it was still odd how the pride leader didn’t claw my pelt. Perhaps he was more focused on someone he knew?

I laid down, shaking my head from the thoughts and letting my tail cover my nose. I’d have to start moving tomorrow, or maybe try something new. A human form should be simple, right? I might not be the most beautiful creature, but I can be someone that gets others in awe.

Maybe being different isn’t so bad.

[Wolfstar]

Onsra

“Ugh, my does my head hurt so much?” Soul growled out, rolling over to avoid the sunlight that shined down on him. He blinked open his eyes, stiffening when he realized he wasn’t in the camp. Where was he? The sunlight shined through something clear that was framed by black cloths on both sides. He remembered that it was called a window, and believed that the black cloths were curtains. Was he in a Twoleg den? The thought made him panic, but he calmed his nerves to think about yesterday’s events.

The events after they arrived at Tyso’s camp, and he remembered everyone getting fixed up by Nightfire. His limbs were stiff and sore, he remembered, and took some poppy seeds to sleep for the night. Oddkit was bundled up between him and Hawk…

Oh Starclan, where were they!?

“I gotta get back, but how do I even find Hawk and Oddkit? I’m sorry sweetheart, I’ll find you!” Soul shook his head, sitting up to find someone touch his back with a paw. A bare paw. He stiffened and turned, finding a Twoleg beside him. This Twoleg was near his size, a bit larger perhaps, but still…

“Go back to sleep, it’s not dawn yet,” the Twoleg grumbled, and Soul screeched before flinging an odd shaped at them.
“Agh! Why can I understand you!?” Soul fell off with a screech, receiving an annoyed growl from the Twoleg. Soul groaned as he hit his head, looking to see if there was anything he could use. Then he looked at himself, to find no black fur or tail. He was bare, completely bare. Soul sat up, standing only to find himself off balance and resort to leaning against the wall. He looked at the Twoleg to see that they were bare too. The only hair they seemed to have was on the top of their head. The Twoleg turned, glaring at them.

“Who the hell are you?” They spat, their ice blue eyes sending shivers down Soul’s spine. What the hell is going on!?

“Who the hell are you!?”

“I asked the question first, now answer it!”

“After you!”

“Are you kidding me? You’re in this weird nest thing with me and I don’t know who you are!” The other snarled, and Soul was reminded of someone.

“Wait. Are you Hawk?”

“In the fur!” He growled. Soul blinked, then pointed at him. Hawk glared at him, before looking down and cursing loudly.

“Where the hell is my fur!?” He yelled, looking around. “Wait, Soul?”

“Who else flea-brain!?” Soul retorted, letting himself get back into the weird nest. It seemed to be made of wood, and it looked like large, soft pelts covered the odd nest. “Great Starclan, why are we Twolegs?”

“How should I know!?” Hawk threw his naked paws in the air, flopping back down into the nest with a growl. “If Starclan caused this, I’m giving them a piece of my mind.” He buried himself in the colored pelt, and Soul went to move the curtains in front of the window before following shortly. It was odd, in any terms, to be in a large nest, as a Twoleg, with another friend who was a Twoleg as well.

“Perhaps it’s a dream?” Soul suggested. “I mean, my limbs don’t hurt, and you’re talking just fine.”

“You mean I’m not gasping for breath every moment?” Hawk asked, turning his gaze to Soul. He responded with a nod and chuckle, then squeaked when Hawk pulled him close. “Eh, we could be. I’ve always wondered what it’d be like to be a Twoleg.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. How they balance without a tail, how they can make even the rawest of foods into something better. I still want to try some of their food, maybe a…”

“You’re going to start drooling before long, please don’t.” Soul pushed against his chest, only for his friend’s grip to tightening.
“And? You aren’t going to get dirty,” Hawk grumbled, sighing when he managed to get comfortable. “You’re warm all of a sudden. You alright?” Soul blinked, realizing his face was flushed. It wasn’t often the two of them would cuddle like this, but to do it as Twolegs seemed wrong. Even more so considering they weren’t wearing anything or had any fur to cover anything.

Soul coughed, pushing his face into Hawk’s chest. “Shut up and go to sleep, maybe we’ll wake up.” Hawk was already asleep, mumbling as his head rested on Soul’s. He smiled, before following suit. The darkness enveloped him, and he opened his eyes to see Oddkit prodding him. Her cute, calico face held a worried expression as she looked at him wide eyed.

“Are you alright? The two of you were struggling a lot,” she asked. Soul looked at his paws, finding his black fur to be back, as well as his two white paws, tail tip, and probably his ‘mask.’ He looked at Hawk, finding his tail intertwined with the sleeping tom. Hawk was wheezing every so often, and Soul sighed as he licked his ear.

“We’re fine Oddkit, don’t worry about us,” Soul replied, wondering if that was the last moment he’d get with the tom. They weren’t alone anymore, and they had to go back home today. Despite the love that flourished, he knew the dream was bittersweet. Nothing ever seemed to last in Soul’s life, but he was glad this lasted longer than any other moment he had with someone.



Onsra – Boro language of India
Loving for the last time; that bittersweet feeling you get when you know a love won’t last.