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Post by Firehaze on Nov 25, 2018 2:15:32 GMT -5
Β» Brief Summery Β» Tensions are rising within the forest between the three Clans. FogClan and PineClan are at each other's throats over a piece of territory, and MarchClan is sitting by idly. After an unusually long leafbare and an uncharacteristically cold newleaf, everyone is on edge. Battles between FogClan and PineClan are becoming more frequent, more deadly. The last thing anyone needs is a dark and foreboding prophecy hanging over their heads, let alone one that makes no sense. Unable to decipher the message from their ancestors, Lilystar is left wondering how to protect FogClan from an unknown danger, unaware that one cat, one mistake, could tear them apart. Β» Allegiance Β» FogClan Leader: Lilystar β Light gray she-cat with a sleek pelt and an agile body. She has long limbs and a long tail, with a slender shaped face and tall ears. Sheβs a little older, with her pelt littered with a few pink and puckered scars cutting through her pelt. She has dark blue eyes. Father is Hailpatch. Brothers are Boulderfoot and Stoneclaw. Niece is Maplepaw. Nephew is Badgerpaw.Deputy: Boulderfoot β Large, muscular white tom with dark gray, almost black colored patches. His pelt is longer and a little thicker, giving his already large frame an even larger appearance. He has large, gray feet, which he earned his name from. Leafy green eyes. Father is Hailpatch. Brother is Stoneclaw. Sister is Lilystar. Mate is Redfern. Daughter is Maplepaw. Son is Badgerpaw.Medicine Cat: Speckledpeltβ Slightly smaller than average tortoiseshell she-cat with a white chest and muzzle, and soft white paws. She has a sleek pelt that she keeps neatly groomed. Bright orange eyes. Warriors:Dawnchaser β Long-limbed ginger she-cat with a white underbelly and white paws. She has a long scar down her side, but it doesnβt seem to bother her. Bright blue eyes. Mother is Goldendawn. Brother is Duskpelt. Daughter is Skypaw. Son is Spiderpaw.Duskpelt β Solid red/cinnamon colored tome with darker brown β almost black β legs, tail, and face. White toes and chest. Amber colored eyes. Mother is Goldendawn. Sister is Dawnchaser.Streamheart β Sleek pelted light silver colored she-cat with tabby markings. Slightly shorter legs, but still has an agile build. Slightly longer fur on her tail. Blue eyes. Apprentice, SpiderpawStoneclaw β Dark gray tom with broad shoulders and sleek pelt that ripples over his muscles. Gray-blue eyes. Father is Hailpatch. Sister is Lilystar. Niece is Maplepaw. Nephew is Badgerpaw. Apprentice, BadgerpawCloversong - Short and sleek pelted light brown she-cat with thick black tabby markings. White underbelly, chest, and muzzle with one white front paw. Light green eyes. Pebblecloud β Light gray she-cat with a slightly thicker and fluffier pelt than most, yellow eyes. Cedarblaze β Dark chocolate brown tom with thin tabby markings. Heavily scarred, mostly missing his left ear with deep scars on the left side of his face. Flame colored eyes. Mate is Snowfeather.Flintstrike β Solid black tom, slightly smaller in build with a more agile body than a bulky one. Blue-gray eyes. Mate is Asheyes. Daughters are Viperkit and Nightkit. Son is Buzzardkit. Apprentice, SkypawDarkwing β Dark brown tabby tom with slightly thicker fur, but with long legs despite having a slightly bulky build. Heβs a swift runner and powerful climber. Yellow eyes. Mate is Dawnchaser. Daughter is Skypaw. Son is Spiderpaw. Apprentice, MaplepawApprentices:Skypaw β Dark brown tabby she-cat white a white splash on her chest, white front paws, and bright blue eyes. Mother is Dawnchaser. Father is Darkwing. Brother is Spiderpaw.Spiderpaw β Black tom with long legs and a long tail, slightly thicker pelt. He has white front paws and yellow eyes. Mother is Dawnchaser. Father is Darkwing. Sister is Skypaw.Badgerpaw β Large, bulky black and white tom. Heβs mostly black, with just a white underbelly, legs, chest, underside of his neck, and his chin. He has bright, leafy green eyes. Mother is Redfern. Father is Boulderfoot. Sister is Maplepaw. Maplepaw β Light, cream colored tabby she-cat with a soft pink nose, and white chin and chest. Bright green eyes. Mother is Redfern. Father is Boulderfoot. Brother is Badgerpaw. Queens:Redfern β Light colored flame point she-cat with cream colored fur on the majority of her body, but red fur on her face, legs, and tail. She has leaf green eyes. Mate is Boulderfoot. Daughter is Maplepaw. Son is Badgerpaw.Snowflower β Slender build she-cat with slightly longer, feathery fur. She has snowy white fur, with a patch of cream colored fur on her front shoulder and along her left side. She has bright blue eyes. Mate is Cedarblaze.Asheyes - Sleek and agile built white she-cat with a black tail and a few black patches on her back and hindquarters, black ears and a black muzzle. She has bright, kind gray eyes. Mate is Flintstrike. Daughters are Viperkit and Nightkit. Son is Buzzardkit.Kits:Adderkit- Slightly bulkier than normal tortoiseshell she-cat with a white splash on her chest and white toes. She has a narrow muzzle and her white canines stick out starkly against her dark pelt. Vivid green eyes. Nightkit β Black pelted she-cat with white front toes and a small white splash on her chest. She has a stump for a tail. She has bright, emerald green eyes. Buzzardkit β Large, bulky brown tabby tom with a white chest and white paws. He also has a lighter colored underbelly, but itβs not 100% white. Warm honey colored eyes. Elders:Hailpatch - Mostly gray tom with white legs, underbelly, chest, and neck. He has a white muzzle as well and blaze between his green eyes. Mate was Dandiliontuft. Daughter is Lilystar. Sons are Boulderfoot and Stoneclaw. Granddaughter is Maplepaw. Grandson is BadgerpawFrostmoon β Pure white she-cat with a pelt that used to be soft and feathery, but with age has gotten thin and wiry. Silver eyes. Goldendawn β Pretty golden tabby she-cat with white underbelly, legs, and chest with bright yellow eyes. Mate was Blackleaf. Mother of Dawnchaser and Duskpelt. Granddaughter is Skypaw. Grandson is Spiderpaw.Β» PineClan Leader: Wolverinestar β Sleek pelted dark brown tabby tom with striking yellow eyes. His pelt his littered with scars, despite being a young leader. Mother is Spottednose. Mate is Fernheart. Daughters are Heronpw, Willowkit, and Morningkit. Son is Fennelkit. Apprentice, FoxpawDeputy: Troutfur β Gray tom with dazzling blue eyes and a silky pelt. Long legs and tail with a slender face and build. Brother is Drftingwind. Mate is Poppyspots. Son is Smokekit. Apprentice, ColdpawMedicine Cat: Driftingwind β Slender built tom with a silky pure white pelt and bright blue eyes. Brother is Troutfur. Medicine Cat Apprentice: Juniperpaw β Light, cream colored tabby she-cat with a soft pink nose, and white chin and chest. Bright green eyes. Mother is Harefoot. Father is Lynxtail. Sister is Foxpaw.Warriors:Harefoot β Long-limbed light brown she-cat with white paws. Slightly longer toes, and powerful back legs. Bright yellow eyes. Mate is Lynxtail. Daughters are Juniperpaw and Foxpaw. Jaycall β Light gray tabby tom with crystal blue eyes. Sisters are Swanpelt and Fernsong. Apprentice, HeronpawDeerflight β Ginger tabby tom with white toes and green eyes. Yarrowtooth β Dark brown tom with a flat, broad face and yellowed teeth. Is known to always have bad breath. Ember colored eyes. Apprentice, NettlepawSwanpelt - Pure white she-cat with one blue eye and one green eye, and longer fur on her tail. Sister is Fernsong. Brother is Jaycall. Apprenice, BerrypawMouse-ear β Petite light brown tabby she-cat with bright green eyes and small, rounded ears. Bearclaw β Dark cinnamon/brown colored tom with large claws that poke through the sheath, making him look like he has bear claws. Piercing Yellow eyes. Mother is Spottednose. Mate is Violetstorm. Sons are Berrypaw, Coldpaw, and Nettlepaw. Lynxtail β Solid brown tom with faint tabby stripes on his legs only. Green eyes. He lost half his tail as an apprentice. Mate is Harefoot. Daughters are Juniperpaw and Foxpaw.Tawnydust β Dark pelted mottled tortoiseshell she-cat with white paws and a soft pink nose. Amber eyes. Shyfrost β Mostly white she-cat with gray tabby patches. Long legs and a long tail, bright blue eyes. Apprentices:Heronpawβ Dark brown tabby she-cat white a white splash on her chest, white front paws, and bright blue eyes. Mother is Fernheart. Father is Wolverinestar. Sisters are Willowkit and Morningkit. Brother is Fennelkit.Berrypaw β Black tom with long legs and a long tail, slightly thicker pelt. He has white front paws and yellow eyes. Mother is Violetstorm. Father is Bearclaw. Brothers are Coldpaw and Nettlepaw.Coldpaw β Large, bulky black and white tom. Heβs mostly black, with just a white underbelly, legs, chest, underside of his neck, and his chin. He has bright, leafy green eyes. Mother is Violetstorm. Father is Bearclaw. Brothers are Berrypaw and Nettlepaw.Nettlepaw β Bulky, muscular gray tom with slightly thicker and darker fur around his neck and on his chest that is always sticking out in every which way and seems untameable. He has a darker gray stripe going down his spine, and darker tipped ears. He has bright blue eyes. Mother is Violetstorm. Father is Bearclaw. Brothers are Coldpaw and Berrypaw.Foxpaw β Russet colored she-cat she-cat with a soft pink nose, and white chin and chest. Longer fur on her tail and chest, with darker fur on her tail and legs. Bright blue eyes. Mother is Harefoot. Father is Lynxtail. Sister is Juniperpaw.Queens:Fernheart β Sleek furred she-cat with a dark brown tabby pelt with orange and black calico patches. She has a pink nose speckled with black and gray, same with her paw pads. Light green eyes. Sister is Swanpelt. Brother is Jaycall. Mate is Wolverinestar. Daughters are Willowkit and Morningkit. Son is Fennelkit.Poppyspots β Thick pelted gray she-cat with darker gray speckles and calm amber eyes. She has white toes and a white underbelly. Mate is Troutleap. Son is Smokekit.Violetstorm β Thickly built black and white she-cat with sharp ember colored eyes. She has a more masculine build, with thick shoulders and muscles. Mate is Bearclaw.Kits:Willowkit β Sleek pelted light cream she-cat with darker cream tabby markings and bright green eyes. She has white paws, chest, and underbelly. Morningkit β Mostly black she-cat with a few patches of calico orange and light yellow eyes. Long, agile legs and a sleek and slender build. Fennelkit β Bulky built dark brown tam with black tabby markings. Lighter colored underbelly and white front paws. Yellow eyes. Smokekit β Slightly smaller and more agile built white tom with gray patches and light blue eyes. Elders:Spottednose β Dark pelted tortoiseshell she-cat with one side of her face orange and the other side black. She has bright green eyes. Her nose is pink, but speckled with black and gray, same as her paw pads. Mate was Wolfclall. Sons are Wolverinestar and Bearclaw.Larkheart β Smaller than most she-catβs. Dark brown pelt with barely noticeable tabby markings. White feet and splash on her chest with gray-blue eyes. Waspstrike β Pale brown tom with black tabby stripes. He has long legs and a long tail, with long claws that in his prime were sharp and good for fighting. Not they are dull and flakey. Yellow eyes. Β» MarshClan Leader: Minkstar β Lean built light cream-colored tabby tom with large ears and a long muzzle with narrow facial features. He has long legs and a long tail. Blue eyes. Deputy: Quailcry β Thickly build dark brown tabby she-cat with sharp ember colored eyes. Apprentice, FalconpawMedicine Cat: Lightfire β Small, slender built black she-cat with a white front paw and bright flame colored eyes. Warriors:Weedpelt β Dark brown tabby she-cat with long fur that get tangled and gets brambles and other thorn bushes stuck in it. Bright ember eyes. Frogleg β Dark gray, almost black, tom with broad shoulders and thick, powerful hind legs. Green eyes. Apprentice, FeatherpawBeetlepounce β Smaller than most toms, but with long legs and a long, slender muzzle. Lighter brown tabby pelt with yellow eyes. Burningpelt β Long pelted bright orange tom with white paws and bright blue eyes. Mate is Honeypool. Son is Flickerkit. Daughter is Shimmerkit.Lionfang - Large, bulky golden tom with bright blue eyes. White paws and chest. His canines are long and thick. Mate is Dapplenight. Daughters are Featherpaw and Leopardpaw.Aspenwind β Dark brown she-cat with an agile build. Soft white paws and sharp green eyes. Vinetail β Cream colored tabby she-cat with a white chest and underbelly with a longer tail. Her tail has a soft white tip. Blue eyes. Ivyheart β Soft gray she-cat with a white splash on her chest and white paws. She has slightly darker speckled tabby markings. Green eyes. Shadesky β Dark, mottled brown tom with white front paws and bright blue eyes. Apprentice, LeopardpawShadowfur β Thick pelted black tom with vibrant green eyes. Brother is Kinktail. Mate is Rosefrost. Son is Longkit. Daughters are Bluekit and Lizardkit. Kinktail β White tom with a black tail and two black paws. His tail is shorter than most and is kinked awkwardly near the end. Bright green eyes. Brother is Shadowfur. Nephew is Longtail. Nieces are Bluekit and Lizardkit. Apprentice, AntpawApprentices:Featherpaw β Pale fawn tabby she-cat with silky fur and bright golden eyes. Mother is Dapplenight. Father is Lionfang. Sister is Leopardpaw.Leopardpaw β Lithe built golden pelted she-cat with black spots and sharp yellow eyes. Mother is Dapplenight. Father is Lionfang. Sister is Featherpaw.Antpaw β Small, brown tom with white paws and kinked whiskers. Blue eyes. Falconpaw β Bulky golden-brown tabby tom with a white chest and underbelly, with blazing orange eyes. Queens:Dapplenight β White she-cat with black blotches dappling her pelt. She has a slightly thicker, silkier pelt. Mate is Lionfang. Daughters are Featherpaw and Leopardpaw.Honeypool β Small and agile built she-cat with a golden tabby pelt and warm, honey colored eyes. She has soft white paws and a pink nose. Mate is Burningpelt. Son is Flickerkit. Daughter is Shimmerkit.Rosefrost β Ginger tabby she-cat with white underbelly, legs, chest, and chin. She has a white tail-tip and dazzling blue eyes. Mate is Shadowfur. Son is Longkit. Daughers are Bluekit and Lizardkit.Kits:Flickerkit β Lean built ginger tom with a white splash on his chest and white paws. He has warm honey colored eyes like his mother. Shimmerkit β Sleek furred golden-cream colored she-cat with white paws and a white tail tip. She had bright sky-blue eyes. Longkitβ Long furred gray-black tom with a long, agile body and long legs. He has one black diamond on his chest and emerald green eyes. Bluekit β Dark gray she-cat with a slightly bulkier build. She has flame orange colored eyes. Lizardkitβ Sleek pelted white she-cat with patches of ginger tabby. She has light, leaf green eyes with usually very thin iris slits.
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Post by Firehaze on Nov 25, 2018 2:17:22 GMT -5
Β» Prologue Β» The moon was but a small silver claw in the sky, cutting through the stars in a vicious arc. Its pale grey light bathed the clearing below, casting long dark shadows into the night. In the clearing, a dark pelted figure moved quietly through the night, her orange eyes piercing through the shadows as her paws carried her quietly towards a root that arched out of the ground like a fish would arc out of water. A single gray pelted form sat at the peak of the arc, blue eyes looking up at the cloudless starry sky. "Is it done then, Speckledpelt?" Lilystar mewed from her perch, not turning to look at the dark figure who approached her. The dark tortoiseshell she-cat climbed up the moss-covered root to sit beside her leader. She was much smaller than the older she-cat, with her head barely reaching her shoulder as she sat down at her side. "The elders just finished burying them, yes." The young medicine cat mewed softly. "They are all in their nests now, and I left some lavender and mint in their den to chase away the smell of earth and death."Lilystar dipped her gray flecked chin once in a small nod. "This is a big loss for FogClan," she murmured softly, turning her gaze away from the stars to look down at the empty clearing below. Two dark crimson smudges marred the earth in the center of camp where the two bodies of the slain warriors had laid while their kin and Clanmates mourned them. "Swiftriver was my longest serving deputy, and by far one of the best warriors our Clan has ever seen. And Petalskip... She died far too young..." The silver she-cat sighed and shook her head. "I should have never given PineClan the Sun Meadow. I should have told Hawkstar no when he asked for help."Speckledpelt rested her tail tip lightly on her leader's shoulder. "The Clans have always helped each other in great times of need. I am sure Wolverinestar will see that the Sun Meadow was meant as a gift and sign of peace and will come to his senses to adjust the border." Speckledpelt looked at her leader, noticing her gaze was still on the blood smudges on the earth below them. She followed her gaze and sighed softly. "StarClan has a plan for all of us, and it isn't our place to blame ourselves when they decide it's another's time to join them." She said calmly. She tried to put on a brave face, but a dark shadow dulled her eyes. Lilystar noticed that change in the air around her medicine cat and she narrowed her blue eyes. "What have you seen?" She growled, her fur bristling uneasily. Speckledpelt shook her head and she tilted her head back to look to the sky above her. "Earlier, when I was prepping the warriors for their burial," She murmured softly, the light of the stars reflecting in the ember pools of her eyes, lighting them up with a silvery glow. "The wind changed, and a single cloud drifted across the sun and the moment it blocked it's light, I could have sworn I scented a badger, and I received a prophecy."Lilystar stiffened beside the dark pelted she-cat and she narrowed her eyes, her tail flicking nervously. A prophecy? Now? Just after the death of her deputy and one of her youngest warriors? It didn't sit well with the FogClan leader, and she felt uneasy as she listened to her medicine cat speak. "The night the moon rises red as blood, a badger will tear through the heart of the Fog and leave it hollow in its wake." Starlight seemed to fill her eyes, turning them wholly silver as the young medicine cat said the words of the prophecy. When she finished, Lilystar gave a frustrated huff. "A badger?" the older she-cat grumbled. "We haven't seen badgers on our territory for seasons. Why a prophecy about one all of a sudden?"Speckledpelt shrugged her shoulders and gave an exasperated sigh. "I wish I knew, Lilystar," She said quietly, her tone sounding slightly defeated. "Maybe it's to help us prepare? I'll ask for more guidance the next half-moon, and I'll ask the other medicine cats if they have seen or scented any badgers near our borders."Lilystar gave a small grunt of acknowledgement as she flicked her tail thoughtfully. "I'll have Boulderfoot tell his patrols to keep an eye out. The last thing we need is being unprepared and losing more warriors." She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. "FogClan must survive these next few seasons.""We will," Speckledpelt mewed, determined. "We have survived everything so far, we will survive whatever is to come.""I hope you're right," Lilystar mewed as she cut the medicine cat a sideways glance. "I just have a bad feeling about this." Β» Chapter One
Β» "C'mon lazy bones! Wake up!" Maplekit yowled as she leapt onto her sleeping littermate.
Badgerkit grunted as her weight crashed into his side and chased the air out of his lungs in a swift whoosh.
"If he wants to sleep through his own apprentice ceremony I say let him do it," Adderkit grumbled, her tortoiseshell pelt nearly blending into the dimness of the nursery. Badgerkit glared at the slightly younger she-kit and curled his lip in a silent snarl to her.
"It's still early," He grumbled, but still rose to his paws and stretched. His long black and white pelt was rumpled and clumped together awkwardly, but he paid no mind to it as he headed towards the nursery exit.
"Not so fast," a stern voice mewed as a flame colored paw reached out and herded Badgerkit back to his nest. "You aren't going out there looking like some kind of ruffian." Redfern grumbled as she vigorously began grooming her son's pelt. The black and white kit grumbled as his mother roughly groomed out the knots and tangles in his somewhat longer fur.
"Alright, alright!" He cried, trying to wiggle out of reach. "I'm clean!"
An amused purr escaped from a nearby queen who was plump and heavy with her unborn kits. "Let him be Redfern, you know he's going to go out and make a mess of himself again." She mewed as she pushed herself into a sitting position. She turned her warm gaze onto Badgerkit and his sister, Maplekit. "You two should go get something to eat before the ceremony, that way if your mentors take you out into the territory you'll have a full belly and be strong for the trip."
"Good idea Snowflower!" Maplekit quipped up. The pale brown tabby she-kit was practically bouncing on her toes in excitement as she turned her green gaze to her brother. "Let's race!" she squealed, not waiting for the black and white tom to reply before dashing out of the nursery.
"Head starts are cheating!" Badgerkit protested as he bolted after her, wiggling his way through the thorn barrier that encased the spacious nursery and bursting into the sunlit clearing on the other side in a flurry of fur and legs. The clearing was filled with a yellow-gray light as the sun shone through the thing curtain of mist that still hung in the branches of the trees. Other cats milled about, their eyes still clouded with sleep as some gave startled cries and leapt out of the kits' way as they sped past. Badgerkit grit his teeth and stretched out his legs, trying to catch up to his sister. He spotted an opening for himself, and smirked as he leapt, tackling his sister and they went head over tails in a flailing ball of fur. Maplekit gave a startled cry and Badgerkit huffed as he scrambled away from her and stood before the fresh-kill pile.
"Tackling is cheating!" Maplekit cried in protest as she picked herself up. Her green eyes bright and her lips twisting into an angry pout.
"Head starts are cheating!" Badgerkit countered as he panted. "It was an unfair race from the start! You know you're faster than me anyway, if anyone deserves a head start it should be me." He gave his sister a playful cuff over her ears and the pale tabby she-kit ducked with a squeak but returned the gesture with a swat at her littermate's nose.
"Was that you two causing that commotion through the camp?" A gentle, deep voice rumbled in amusement as a white and gray tom approached the two kits.
"It was Badgerkit's fault." Maplekit mewed as she looked up at the massive older tom.
"Was not!" The young black and white kit protested, glaring at his sister as the older tom chuckled.
"Well, if all of FogClan was asleep before, they are definitely awake now," He said in amusement as he glanced at the fresh-kill pile behind them. He carefully reached over them and hooked a plump mouse on one of his long, sharp claws. "Here, the dawn hunting patrol just brought this one back." He pushed it towards them, and the two young kits happily began sharing the meal.
"Look at you two!" Redfern's voice carried through the camp as the cream flame-point she-cat padded towards them. "You're both a mess now!" She turned her piercing blue gaze onto the white and gray tom and he gave her an innocent smile.
"I promise I didn't mess up your kits, Redfern," He mewed affectionately.
"You might be deputy, Boulderfoot, but I wouldn't put it past you to cause mischief with our kits." She glared at the tom and gave a frustrated sigh. "Is it too much to ask for them to stay looking nice for once?"
Boulderfoot gave an amused purr and brushed his cheek against hers. "We'll clean them up before the ceremony starts, I promise." He said gently as he gave her a tender lick between her ears. "Why don't you have something to eat with them? There's a plump young hare Cloversong caught this morning, and I know hares are your favorite."
A warm purr escaped from the grumpy, rumpled she-cat and she brushed her pelt against Boulderfoot's as she padded over towards the fresh-kill pile and snatched the hare. She settled down to eat it beside her mate who stood over her and their kits as they ate, purring happily to himself.
As Badgerkit and his sister were finishing up their meal, a group of cats padded through the thorn tunnel that made the entrance of the camp. Flintsrike, Streamheart with her apprentice Spiderpaw in tow, and Dawnchaser padded into the clearing with darkened and shadowed expressions. Boulderfoot's ears perked up and he mumbled a quick farewell to Redfern before padding over to the warriors, talking to them in hushed tones as they padded further into the camp. Flintstrik, a smaller black tom, followed his deputy as the larger tom padded across the clearing and disappeared unto the Root Arc into Lilysar's den.
"I wonder what that was all about," Badgerkit mewed, his ears pressed forward and his green eyes bright with curiosity.
"It's nothing for you kits to worry about," Dawnchaser, a ginger tabby she-cat with a long scar down her side mewed as she flopped down beside Redfern, stretching out her long legs with a groan. "Just some naughty PineClan cat's forgetting where their borders lie." The older she-cat eyed the remains of Redfern's hare and the queen grumbled as she pushed some of her meal towards her Clanmate who happily began eating the few mouthfuls of prey.
Badgerkit, eager to get more details from the she-cat, opened his mouth to ask her more questions but was cut off as a yowl echoed through the camp.
"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather below the Root Arc for a Clan meeting!" Lilystar stood at the peak of the Root Arc, her silver pelt gleaming in the morning light. Boulderfoot sat at one end of the Arc, and Badgerkit spotted Speckledpelt, the medicine cat, sitting on the other end of the Arc. The rest of FogClan stirred from where they had been eating their morning meals or sharing tongues and began to gather in the center of the clearing below their leader.
"It's time!" Maplekit squealed as she skipped towards the gathering cats, her brother in tow as they weaved their way close to the front of the crowd. Redfern joined them, and she grumbled as she frantically groomed her kits, trying to smooth their pelts back down. Above them, Lilystar began to speak.
"For moons now, we have had a... disagreement of sorts, with PineClan." Lilystar started once the Clan had settled below her. "It was worse this last leafbare, when they came to Sun Meadow for prey. I thought with greenleaf finally settling in, this issue would finally have been resolved."
A few growls rippled through the Clan, pelts bristling and fangs flashing in the sunlight.
"We should go to PineClan's territory and see how they like us hunting there!" A light gray she-cat with yellow eyes called out.
"Pebblecloud is right!" Duskpelt yowled, his cinnamon colored pelt bristling. "We should show them what they get for crossing into FogClan's territory!"
A few cries of agreement rose into the air, but Lilystar silenced them with a wave of her tail. "The full moon rises tonight," She mewed firmly. "Let us not forget that there is a truce tonight, and we should not be leaping into battle. Instead of a show of strength by brute force, let us show it with how we continue to grow stronger, despite PineClan disrespecting our borders." The silver she-cat paused and turned her graying muzzle to Badgerkit and his sister. "We have two young kits who have reached their sixth moon and are ready to become apprentices. Badgerkit, Maplekit, please step forward."
Badgerkit was suddenly afraid his paws wouldn't work as they seemed so heavy as he padded forward with his sister. She practically walked on her toes and was skipping as they pulled away from the crowd of cats and stood before Lilystar.
"Badgerkit, Maplekit, you have reached the age of six moons, and it is time for you to be apprenticed. From this day on, until you receive your warrior names, you will be known as Maplepaw and Badgerpaw. Your mentors will be Darkwing and Stoneclaw. I hope they will pass down all they know on to you." She paused as the two toms stepped forward.
A solid gray form came to stand beside Badgerpaw, his broad shoulders rippling with muscle and Stoneclaw looked down and smiled at his nephew. Next to Maplepaw, a tall, thickly built dark brown tabby tom stepped forward and looked up at their leader.
"Darkwing, you are ready for your first apprentice. You received excellent training from Boulderfoot, and you have proven yourself skilled and determined. I expect you to pass on those skills and all you know onto Maplepaw." Lilystar spoke with a cool confidence, and Badgerpaw noticed his father puff up with pride out of the corner of his eye as Darkwing lightly touched his nose to Maplepaw's and they took a step back.
"Stoneclaw, you're ready for another apprentice. You received outstanding training from Swiftriver and you've trained some of our finest warriors with your patience and dedication. I know you will pass on everything you know to Badgerpaw, and be great mentor to him." Lilystar finished speaking and though she seemed calm and collected, as she gazed down at the black and white tom he could have sworn he saw a dark shadow flicker in her blue eyes. The clearing of a throat snapped Badgerpaw back to reality and he quickly turned and touched his nose to Stoneclaw's, his green eyes wide as his uncle looked at him with warm amusement. With the ceremony drawing to an end, the Clan began to chant their new names.
"We did it!" Maplepaw squealed as she tackled Badgerpaw, who let out a startled grunt. "We'll be the best apprentices in no time!"
Badgerpaw glared at his sister and shoved her off him as he sat up. "All you'll be good at is running into everyone," He grumbled as he shook his pelt out. Soon the Clan surrounded them and congratulated them. Many wished them luck during their apprenticeship, many of them knowing they would do great. Boulderfoot shouldered his way respectfully through the gathered Clan to reach his kits, a proud purr radiating off him.
"Lilystar said you two will be joining the Clan at the Gathering tonight," He said as he touched his nose to each of their ears. He turned to look at Darkwing and Stoneclaw. "That means you two will be coming as well. I know Streamheart and Flintstrike are going with their apprentices and I'm just figuring out the last few cats." The deputy glanced around the clearing, and Badgerpaw watched as he did a mental headcount.
"Shouldn't we take Dawnchaser and Cedarblaze with us too?" Badgerpaw mewed, earning a surprised look from both Stoneclaw and Boulderfoot.
"Oh?" Boulderfoot mused, tilting his head to the side. "And what makes you think they should come with us?"
Badgerpaw shuffled his paws, slightly embarrassed, but cleared his throat. "They are some of our strongest warriors, and if we want to send a message to PineClan, shouldn't we take our best warriors to show off?"
There was a slight pause before Boulderfoot chuckled and shook his head. "You have a good eye Badgerpaw, and a good way of thinking." He flicked an ear and nodded to Stoneclaw who slipped away to go let the two cats know they had been chosen. Maplepaw and Darkwing had already slipped away, the dark pelted tom discussing his plans with Maplepaw for her training. Badgerpaw watched them go before looking back up at Boulderfoot.
"Be careful tonight Badgerpaw," The FogClan deputy mewed softly. "Tensions have been high between the Clans these past few seasons. There may be a truce under the full moon tonight but be careful with who you trust."
Badgerpaw blinked, confused at the sudden seriousness in his father's tone, but the young tom bobbed his head in a small nod. "Of course I'll be careful," His tone sounded more harsh than he had intended it to and he cringed inwardly. "I'm not a kit anymore Boulderfoot, I know to look out for enemies everywhere."
Boulderfoot looked down at his kin for a heartbeat longer before nodding solemnly. "Good," He said simply before he turned and padded away, leaving Badgerpaw feeling bad for snapping and wondering why his father was so concerned.
Β» Chapter Two
Β» Soft paw steps rustled through the undergrowth, barely making any more noise than the soft breeze that wound through the branches above the group of cats. They followed a small ribbon of a stream that was turned silver under the light of the full moon. The group followed the flowing water around a sharp curve and came the edge of a rocky slope that lead down to a wide ravine below. Three different streams, including the stream FogClan was following, tumbled into the ravine and converged into one. A mound of earth rose out of the flowing water and had a pile of boulders on one end. The island was surrounded by soft, whispering reeds and between the stalks, movement could be seen on the dry earth.
βMouse-dung!β Darkwing hissed from where he sat crouched beside Badgerpaw, and the black and white tom look at him with a quizzical gleam to his green eyes. βWeβre the last to arrive,β Stoneclaw mewed from beside his apprentice, an annoyed growl seeping into his voice. βI swear PineClan and MarshClan keep getting here earlier and earlier, soon theyβll just spend the whole day of the full moon at the Gathering Streams.β
βI donβt think itβs that bad,β Maplepaw mewed from the other side of Darkwing. βBeing last isnβt the worst thing.β
βSays the one who always complains when she loses a race,β Badgerpaw grumbled with a roll of his eyes. Maplepaw frowned and looked like she was about to spit out a sharp retort but a quick yellow eyed glare from Darkwing had her holding her tongue.
βServes her right,β Badgerpaw thought with a snort as he stood up a little straighter and his chest puffed out a little. A low growl caught his attention and he noticed Stoneclaw giving him a scolding glare with narrowed gray-blue eyes. The young tomβs chest deflated, and his smirk disappeared as he ducked away, averting his gaze to his paws. βWhy am I getting scolded?β
A heartbeat later a silent signal from Lilystar had the group of FogClan cats picking their way down the slope to the ravine below. They leapt from the boulders and large rocks, one by one, moving as swiftly and silently as the stream that flowed from their territory. When they reached the bottom, the tops of a few rocks peaked out of the water to the small island surrounded by reeds, and FogClan carefully picked their way across.
βBe careful.β Hot breathe on Badgerpawβs ear made his pelt stand on end and he nearly jumped out of his pelt. He turned to look at his mentor who gave an amused smile at his apprentice. βThe rocks can be slippery. It doesnβt matter much now, the stream will barely reach your belly, but in the wetter and colder months the water will rise or be cold enough to pose a threat.β
Badgerpaw frowned and scoffed. βI know that,β he mewed as he turned to face the stones. The moonlight reflected off the water and left it a shimmering and flickering silvery white, but the night prevented him from seeing the streambed below, giving the shallow water a sense of endlessness. It was only two tail-lengths wide, just barely too wide to take in one leap, and the stones were easily a few paw-steps apart. Droplets of water gurgled and splashed up onto the few stepping stones, and Badgerpaw suddenly imagined himself slipping, and being swallowed by that endless abyss below. Unnerved, he gave his pelt a rough shake as he took his first step onto the first stone and began picking his way across.
The young black and white tom found it was easier than he originally though and he gave a small smirk, moving to trot the last few stones. As he took off from the last rock his paw slipped on the slick surface and his hindquarters fell sideways as his legs were swept out from under him. His hind legs splashed into the water and he gave a startled yowl as he bolted forward, tumbling through the reeds into the clearing, bowling into another form.
βHey!β A sharp voice snapped from a russet form that stumbled away from Badgerpaw, bright blue eyes turning around to glare at him. βWatch where youβre going mouse-brain!β She paused a moment and studied him as the black and white tom shook out his pelt, which sent a small shower of droplets from the half of his body that fell into the stream.
βMaybe donβt stand so close to the edge of the clearing,β Badgerpaw growled as he twisted, lapping at his wet fur in irritation.
The russet she-cat blinked in surprise and a small, amused smirk found its way onto her features. βDid you seriously fall into the stream?β She asked, stifling a snicker.
βThe stones are slippery,β Badgerpaw grumbled, glaring at the russet she-cat. Her long legs were a slightly darker color than the rest of her pelt, and she gave the white splash on her chest a quick lick, smoothing the slightly longer fur that had fluffed up. Her blue eyes studied him a moment and she cocked her head to the side.
βDid you hit your head when you slipped or did your mother never teach you itβs rude to stare?β She mewed, her voice smooth and a slight purr of amusement rippled off her and Badgerpaw blinked and growled, shaking his head as he looked away. βMouse-brain! Maybe I did hit my headβ¦ whatβs with me?β Badgerpaw though as he scowled. A soft giggle from the she-cat had him turning his sharp green eyes towards her in a glare.
βIβm Foxpaw,β The she-cat mewed as she padded over to him and gave him a soft nudge, her eyes still alight with amusement, but her tone was no longer teasing and was pleasant. βIβm from PineClan.β Her blue eyes looked at him expectantly, her head tilted slightly to the side as she smiled at him.
βBadgerpaw,β The young tom grumbled. βFrom FogClan.β
Foxpaw gave a small flick of her ears and motioned for Badgerpaw to follow her. βHere, Iβll introduce you to the others. This is my third Gathering, and the newer apprentices usually congregate over here.β She gave his damp flank a light brush of her tail, and as she walked past him her scent drifted past his nose. It was light and sweet, with a lulling undertone that reminded him of the herbs Speckledpelt gave cats to help keep them calm. Before he knew it, his paws were carrying him after her, following her scent in a trance.
βThere you are Foxpaw!β An eager voice called as they neared a small group of younger cats clumped together near the back of the rocky clearing. The she-cat that approached them had long, nimble legs and a golden-brown coat that was speckled with black spots. Her eyes were a sharp yellow as she looked Badgerpaw over with an unimpressed snort. βAnd who did you bring with you tonight?β
βLeopardpaw, be nice,β the russet she-cat mewed affectionately as she flicked Leopardpawβs black nose with her tail. βThis is Badgerpaw of FogClan. Badgerpaw, this is Leopardpaw from MarshClan. And over there is Nettlepaw and Berrypaw from PineClan.β
Two darker pelted toms, one dark gray and the other black, both nodded in greetings to Badgerpaw. They were all slightly older than him, and despite being a large kit when he was younger, the black and white tom suddenly felt dwarfed next to them. He stood up a little straighter and puffed out his chest, trying not to let his nerves show.
Foxpaw watched him out of the corner of her eye and gave an amused purr. βAnyway, Leopardpaw and I had our apprentice ceremonies three moons ago, and Nettlepaw and Berrypaw had theirs the moon before us. Their brother Coldpaw is around here somewhereβ¦β Her voice trailed off and she gave the older toms a quizzical glance.
βHeβs somewhere with Tawnydust,β Nettlepaw mumbled with a roll of his eyes. βI swear he follows her everywhere like a starstruck kit.β
Berrypaw snickered his agreement to his brotherβs statement and Badgerpaw gave a small snort. βThatβs how I feel about my sister, Maplepaw, sometimes,β he mewed as he scanned the gathered cats and pointed with his tail to where he spotted his sister sitting next to her mentor, chatting happily to Spiderpaw who seemed to only be paying half attention to her.
βSpiderpaw?β Leopardpaw mewed with a wrinkle of her nose. βBut heβs so boring.β
βYouβre telling me.β Badgerpaw mewed with a huff. βHis sister isnβt half bad, but for the longest time I thought he only knew three words.β
Foxpaw and Leopardpaw both snickered, and the russet she-cat opened her mouth to say something, but a yowl from the top of the boulder pile at one end had the young cats shushing each other. Lilystar stood atop the largest and tallest boulder, slightly behind a tall, cream colored tabby tom. A large dark brown tom sat beside her, his form ridged, and he kept his gaze facing forward. On the next boulder down, Badgerpaw could see his father sitting beside two strange cats he didnβt recognize. At the base of the boulder pile, the young tom spotted Speckledpelt with a group of other cats he assumed were the other medicine cats.
βMarshClan thrived through new-leaf, and is still thriving going into green-leaf,β the cream-colored tom mewed, his voice echoing up the sides of the ravine and drifted through the gathered cats below. Leopardpaw sat up at little straighter as her leader spoke.
βThatβs Minkstar,β Foxpawβs voice was soft in Badgerpawβs ear, her breathe warm on his cheek. The young tom twitched his whiskers, narrowing his eyes at her slightly, but grateful for her filling him in.
βWeβve had one litter born since green-leaf started, and Rosefrost has her paws full with the three of them.β Minkstarβs voice filled with amusement, and congratulating murmurs rippled through the cats below. βWith the excellent work of Lightfire, MarshClan not only survived the bought of greencough that swept through the forest, but we have come back stronger than before.β
βThatβs MarshClanβs medicine cat,β Foxpaw mewed beside Badgerpaw, inclining her head to a small black she-cat with bright, flame colored eyes that sat up proudly beside Speckledpelt. βSheβs not as young as your medicine cat, but MarchClanβs former medicine cat died this last leaf-bare from greencough. Lightfire became the sole medicine cat for MarshClan, but rumor suggests she had a message from StarClan to stockpile herbs for greencough and thatβs why her Clan did so well, they had enough herbs to treat everyone.β
Badgerpaw blinked in surprise and looked over at Leopardpaw. βIs that true?β he asked, keeping his voice cool and collected so he didnβt betray his curiosity and awe.
The spotted she-cat shrugged. βWho knows?β She mewed. βThat was a little after I was born, and I was too young then to really remember.β She gave her chest a few quick licks. βBut a lot of the older warriors and some of the elders say sheβs one of the most skilled medicine cats theyβve seen in ages.β She puffed up a little with pride and Badgerpaw scoffed.
βWell they havenβt met Speckledpelt,β he grumbled. Between the two, Foxpaw sighed and rolled her eyes.
βAt least you donβt have a medicine cat with feathers for brains,β she mewed. βDriftingwind means well, but heβs definitely a bitβ¦ odd.β
βWill you guys shut it?β Nettlepaw snapped, the gray tom shooting them a glare. βWolverinestar is about to speak.β
The apprenticed settled down, and Badgerpaw looked up as a massive tom padded forward. His sleek dark tabby pelt rippled, and the light of the moon turned the scars littering his pelt white. His striking yellow eyes swept across the gathered cats below before he cleared his throat and began speaking.
βPineClan is prospering this season,β he began, his deep voice rolling off him like a low thunder. It blanketed the clearing below and Badgerpaw suppressed a shudder. There was something about the PineClan leader that made his pelt bristle and his skin craw uncomfortably. βWe have two new warriors we have welcomed to our ranks, Tawnydust and Shyfrost.β
A small cheer for the two young she-cats rippled through the gathered cats, and Badgerpaw caught a glimpse of them surrounded by some of their Clanmates. He even noticed Dawnchaser giving one of them a small nudge on her shoulder and flashed a friendly smile. Badgerpaw felt a swell of emotion in his chest as he watched them. βThat will be me and Maplepaw somedayβ¦β He thought as he caught a glimpse of his sisterβs light tabby pelt and his eyes gleamed.
βFurthermore,β Wolverinestar mewed, raising his voice to be heard above the cheers. As he spoke, the gathered cats began to quiet down and shush each other. βWe have welcomed new life into our Clan with the birth of Troutleapβs son, Smokekit. His mother Poppyspots, and my mate Fernheart, have been joined by Violetstorm in the nursery as she prepares for the birth of Bearclawβs second litter of kits.β The young tom couldnβt hide the purr that seeped into his voice as he looked at the gray tom who sat beside the other deputies, then to a large cinnamon colored tom that had massive paws and claws so long the tips glinted in the moonlight despite them being sheathed.
βNot that itβs a big surprise,β Nettlepaw grumbled with a roll of his eyes. βAs soon as we became apprentices all our mother could talk about was how she missed us being kits.β
Badgerpaw huffed, but he wondered if Redfgern and Boulderfoot wanted more kits, or if they were happy with him and Maplepaw. Though, he kind of liked the idea of younger siblings. Someone he could teach, someone who could look up to him.
βThe final thing I have to say is within the last quarter moon, a few of our patrols have scented fox coming on and off our territory, Iβm not sure if any of the patrols in the other Clans have scented it, but I just wanted to let you guys know to keep a look out. We havenβt encounter it yet, but itβs out there.β The dark tabby tom dipped his chin and took a step back, motioning for Lilystar to step forward. The older she-cat gave a nod of gratitude and padded to the edge of the boulder.
Badgerpaw felt his body swell with a sense of pride as he looked up at his leader, the silver light of the moon making her pelt gleam in the night. Her dark blue eyes swept the clearing below and she flicked her tail.
βI am not going to sugarcoat things like my fellow leaders have,β she mewed, her voice softer than the other two toms but had a low tone to it that made cats sit up at attention when she spoke. βThis past leaf-bare was hard, on all of us. New-leaf came later than usual and wasnβt as warm as usual. We lost many great warriors these past seasons, and weβre just now starting to bounce back.β A few mews of agreement rippled through the gathered FogClan cats. βWe welcomed two new apprentices earlier today, and they have joined us here tonight. Badgerpaw and Maplepaw had their ceremonies this morning.β
A cheer went up through the gathered cats like it had earlier for the warriors in PineClan, only this time they cheered and chanted Badgerpawβs name. Foxpaw nudged him gently on his shoulder as her voice joined those cheering. A warm feeling fluttered in Badgerpawβs chest and he coughed to clear his throat and gave his pelt a small shake as he gave her a thankful nod and then nodded to the other cats cheering around him.
βNow, we havenβt scented any foxes on our territory,β Lilystar continued, casting a small glare over her shoulder at Wolverinestar. βBut we have scented some cats that forget where the borders lie.β
βDonβt forget Lilystar,β the PineClan leader growled. βYou gave us that territory.β
βThat was seasons ago,β Lilystar snapped. βI did it as a favor for Hawkstar when PineClan needed it, and you donβt need the Sun Meadow anymore.β
βAnd who are you to be the judge of that?β Wolverinestar snarled, but Lilystar had already turned away and looked at the cats gathered below.
βThe Sun Meadow belongs to FogClan, as it has since the beginning of the Clans. My warriors will not hesitate to defend it with force.β As she spoke, growled ripped through the FogClan cats as they turned their glares on the cats around them. Badgerpaw blinked, confused as the air became tense and tight with hostility. He glanced at Foxpaw beside him and she rolled her eyes.
βDonβt you worry,β she mewed as she laid the tip of her tail over his. βThe warriors are all talk, I doubt it will resort in any real fighting. No one wants to risk losing any warriors or anyone getting hurt after such a hard leaf-bare.β
Badgerpaw scoffed. βIβm not worried about fighting,β he mewed. βI know how to defend myself. I justβ¦β He just what? He wasnβt sure how to finish that sentence. He had only just met Foxpaw and the others tonight, they were his enemies, right? Yet here he was, sitting with them and talking to them casually as if there were no Clan differences between them. He felt Foxpawβs tail tip move to rest against his flank and her scent filled his nose again, muddling his thoughts. A sudden yowl tore through the clearing and an angry looking Lilystar leapt off the boulders and onto the smooth pebbles below. Boulderfoot joined her at her side, his massive form shadowing his sibling as they padded side by side to the edge of the clearing. Lilystar didnβt pause before she slipped through the reeds, but her deputy looked back at the gathered cats and motioned for them to go. Badgerpaw sighed and rose to his paws.
βMaybe Iβll see you next moon?β Foxpaw mewed beside him before he left. The black and white tom twitched his whiskers and gave a small nod, his chest tightening as he wondered if heβd be selected to attend the next Gathering. The russet she-cat smiled and lightly touched her nose to his cheek. βTry not to slip off the stones on your way out,β she purred, her breathe warm on his cheek and made him shudder.
βOf course I wonβt slip!β Badgerpaw huffed, though his fur was still a little damp from his earlier splash. Foxpaw gave a soft, airy giggle before she pulled away and padded swiftly to a solid brown tom with half his tail. He greeted her warmly, touching his nose to her ear as they began padding out of the clearing side-by-side.
βDo you want to get left behind?β A gruff voice made Badgerpaw jump slightly and he met Stoneclawβs narrowed gray-blue eyes as they flicked between his apprentice and the russet she-cat that disappeared between the reeds. His lip curled back slightly before he sighed and shook his head. βCome on, before the rest of the Clan leaves us behind.β
Badgerpaw grumbled and padded quickly after his mentor. He pushed his way through the reeds and waited his turn to cross the stones across the stream, calculating his leaps so that he didnβt end up in the water again. When he reached the other side, his sister fell into step beside him, happily chatting away about the other cats she met and buzzing about the news that had been shared. βDo you think weβll see the fox on our territory?β She murmured softly and Badgerpaw scoffed, sure that the creature would be on its way soon. As he thought about it, he couldnβt shake the image of a sleek russet form crossing the borders to greet him, green eyes bright and smiling wide.
Badgerpaw stumbled over a root and he growled, shaking the image from his head. What was wrong with him? How could one meeting with one cat affect him so much and send him reeling? With a growl he dug his claws into the earth and marched on towards camp, hoping the brisk pace would chase off his haunting thoughts.
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